UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_________________________
FORM 10-Q
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(Mark One) | |
x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2021 |
or |
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Transition Period from _____ to _____
Commission File Number: 001-15204
Kingsway Financial Services Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
_________________________
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Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | 85-1792291 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| | |
150 E. Pierce Road, Itasca, IL 60143 |
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code) |
1-847-871-6408 |
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code) |
_________________________
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Large accelerated filer o | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer o
| Smaller Reporting Company x | Emerging Growth Company o |
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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No x
The number of shares, including restricted common shares, outstanding of the registrant's common stock as of May 13, 2021 was 23,705,631.
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. |
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Table Of Contents |
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION | | |
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2021 (unaudited) and December 31, 2020 | | |
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (unaudited) | | |
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (unaudited) | | |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (unaudited) | | |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) | | |
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS | | |
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK | | |
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES | | |
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION | | |
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS | | |
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS | | |
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS | | |
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES | | |
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES | | |
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION | | |
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS | | |
SIGNATURES | | |
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. |
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share data) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | March 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 |
| | (unaudited) | | |
Assets | | | | |
Investments: | | | | |
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost of $19,699 and $20,488, respectively) | | $ | 19,864 | | | $ | 20,716 | |
Equity investments, at fair value (cost of $1,147 and $1,157, respectively) | | 270 | | | 444 | |
Limited liability investments | | 3,683 | | | 3,692 | |
Limited liability investments, at fair value | | 19,654 | | | 32,811 | |
Investments in private companies, at adjusted cost | | 790 | | | 790 | |
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 | | 299 | | | 294 | |
Short-term investments, at cost which approximates fair value | | 157 | | | 157 | |
Total investments | | 55,379 | | | 69,566 | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | 15,489 | | | 14,374 | |
Restricted cash | | 29,542 | | | 30,571 | |
| | | | |
Accrued investment income | | 800 | | | 757 | |
| | | | |
Service fee receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $289 and $478, respectively | | 4,963 | | | 3,928 | |
Other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $201 and $201, respectively | | 18,187 | | | 16,323 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Deferred acquisition costs, net | | 8,843 | | | 8,835 | |
| | | | |
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $25,492 and $24,441, respectively | | 94,192 | | | 95,015 | |
Right-of-use asset | | 2,760 | | | 2,960 | |
Goodwill | | 121,286 | | | 121,130 | |
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $15,930 and $15,433, respectively | | 83,636 | | | 84,133 | |
Other assets | | 4,744 | | | 4,882 | |
| | | | |
Total Assets | | $ | 439,821 | | | $ | 452,474 | |
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity | | | | |
Liabilities: | | | | |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | | $ | 42,716 | | | $ | 42,502 | |
Income taxes payable | | 3,143 | | | 2,859 | |
Deferred service fees | | 86,871 | | | 87,945 | |
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses | | 1,414 | | | 1,449 | |
| | | | |
Bank loan | | 24,089 | | | 25,303 | |
Notes payable | | 179,271 | | | 192,057 | |
Subordinated debt, at fair value | | 53,668 | | | 50,928 | |
Lease liability | | 3,008 | | | 3,213 | |
Net deferred income tax liabilities | | 27,037 | | | 27,555 | |
| | | | |
Total Liabilities | | 421,217 | | | 433,811 | |
| | | | |
Redeemable Class A preferred stock, no par value; 1,000,000 and 1,000,000 authorized at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively; 182,876 and 182,876 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively; redemption amount of $6,742 and $6,658 at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively | | 6,742 | | | 6,504 | |
| | | | |
Shareholders' Equity: | | | | |
Common stock, no par value; 50,000,000 and 50,000,000 authorized at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively; 22,365,631 and 22,211,069 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | 355,999 | | | 355,242 | |
Treasury stock, at cost; 247,450 and 247,450 outstanding at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively | | (492) | | | (492) | |
Accumulated deficit | | (394,167) | | | (394,807) | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | 36,279 | | | 38,059 | |
Shareholders' equity attributable to common shareholders | | (2,381) | | | (1,998) | |
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries | | 14,243 | | | 14,157 | |
Total Shareholders' Equity | | 11,862 | | | 12,159 | |
Total Liabilities, Class A preferred stock and Shareholders' Equity | | $ | 439,821 | | | $ | 452,474 | |
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. |
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three months ended March 31, | | |
| | 2021 | | 2020 | | | | |
Revenues: | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Service fee and commission revenue | | $ | 18,574 | | | $ | 11,186 | | | | | |
Rental revenue | | 3,341 | | | 3,341 | | | | | |
Other revenue | | 105 | | | 142 | | | | | |
Total revenues | | 22,020 | | | 14,669 | | | | | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | | |
Claims authorized on vehicle service agreements | | 4,667 | | | 2,380 | | | | | |
Loss and loss adjustment expenses | | 8 | | | 13 | | | | | |
Commissions | | 1,504 | | | 1,303 | | | | | |
Cost of services sold | | 980 | | | 403 | | | | | |
General and administrative expenses | | 12,466 | | | 10,693 | | | | | |
Leased real estate segment interest expense | | 1,468 | | | 1,499 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total operating expenses | | 21,093 | | | 16,291 | | | | | |
Operating income (loss) | | 927 | | | (1,622) | | | | | |
Other revenues (expenses), net: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | 421 | | | 719 | | | | | |
Net realized gains | | 51 | | | 208 | | | | | |
Loss on change in fair value of equity investments | | (151) | | | (597) | | | | | |
(Loss) gain on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value | | (202) | | | 1,899 | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized loss on private company investments | | 0 | | | (670) | | | | | |
Other-than-temporary impairment loss | | 0 | | | (117) | | | | | |
Non-operating other revenue | | 2 | | | 39 | | | | | |
Interest expense not allocated to segments | | (1,552) | | | (2,153) | | | | | |
Amortization of intangible assets | | (497) | | | (574) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
(Loss) gain on change in fair value of debt | | (1,019) | | | 2,645 | | | | | |
Gain on extinguishment of debt | | 2,494 | | | 0 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total other (expenses) revenues, net | | (453) | | | 1,399 | | | | | |
Income (loss) before income tax (benefit) expense | | 474 | | | (223) | | | | | |
Income tax (benefit) expense | | (425) | | | 170 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | 899 | | | (393) | | | | | |
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries | | 259 | | | 721 | | | | | |
Less: dividends on preferred stock | | 238 | | | 377 | | | | | |
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders | | $ | 402 | | | $ | (1,491) | | | | | |
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| | | | | | | | |
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Earnings (loss) per share – net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders: | | | | | | | | |
Basic: | | $ | 0.02 | | | $ | (0.07) | | | | | |
Diluted: | | $ | 0.02 | | | $ | (0.07) | | | | | |
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in ‘000s): | | | | | | | | |
Basic: | | 22,218 | | | 22,069 | | | | | |
Diluted: | | 22,219 | | | 22,069 | | | | | |
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. |
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Three months ended March 31, |
| | | | | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | | | | | $ | 899 | | | $ | (393) | |
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes(1): | | | | | | | | |
Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale investments: | | | | | | | | |
Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period | | | | | | (75) | | | 55 | |
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income (loss) | | | | | | 12 | | | 61 | |
Change in fair value of debt attributable to instrument-specific credit risk | | | | | | (1,721) | | | 11,623 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive (loss) income | | | | | | (1,784) | | | 11,739 | |
Comprehensive (loss) income | | | | | | (885) | | | 11,346 | |
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries | | | | | | 256 | | | 729 | |
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to common shareholders | | | | | | $ | (1,141) | | | $ | 10,617 | |
(1) Net of income tax (benefit) expense of $0 and $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, respectively. |
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. |
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
(in thousands, except share data)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 |
| | Common Stock | | Additional Paid-in Capital | | Treasury Stock | | Accumulated Deficit | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | | Shareholders' Equity Attributable to Common Shareholders | | Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Subsidiaries | | Total Shareholders' Equity |
| | Shares | | Amount | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2020 | | 22,211,069 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 355,242 | | | $ | (492) | | | $ | (394,807) | | | $ | 38,059 | | | $ | (1,998) | | | $ | 14,157 | | | $ | 12,159 | |
Vesting of restricted stock awards, net of share settlements for tax withholdings | | 154,562 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 640 | | | 0 | | | 640 | | | 259 | | | 899 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Preferred stock dividends | | — | | | — | | | (238) | | | — | | | — | | | 0 | | | (238) | | | — | | | (238) | |
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (169) | | | (169) | |
Other comprehensive loss | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (1,780) | | | (1,780) | | | (4) | | | (1,784) | |
Stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures | | — | | | — | | | 995 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 995 | | | — | | | 995 | |
Balance, March 31, 2021 | | 22,365,631 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 355,999 | | | $ | (492) | | | $ | (394,167) | | | $ | 36,279 | | | $ | (2,381) | | | $ | 14,243 | | | $ | 11,862 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 |
| | 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, 2019 | | 21,866,959 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 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 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (1,114) | | | — | | | (1,114) | | | 721 | | | (393) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Preferred stock dividends | | — | | | — | | | (377) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (377) | | | — | | | (377) | |
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (43) | | | (43) | |
Other comprehensive income | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 11,731 | | | 11,731 | | | 8 | | | 11,739 | |
Stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures | | — | | | — | | | (38) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (38) | | | — | | | (38) | |
Balance, March 31, 2020 | | 22,211,069 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 355,067 | | | $ | (492) | | | $ | (389,196) | | | $ | 47,078 | | | $ | 12,457 | | | $ | 13,766 | | | $ | 26,223 | |
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(Unaudited) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three months ended March 31, |
| | 2021 | | 2020 |
Cash provided by (used in): | | | | |
Operating activities: | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | $ | 899 | | | $ | (393) | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Equity in net loss (income) of limited liability investments | | 9 | | | (23) | |
| | | | |
Depreciation and amortization expense | | 1,548 | | | 1,667 | |
| | | | |
Stock-based compensation expense (benefit), net of forfeitures | | 1,699 | | | (38) | |
Net realized gains | | (51) | | | (208) | |
Loss on change in fair value of equity investments | | 151 | | | 597 | |
Loss (gain) on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value | | 202 | | | (1,899) | |
Net change in unrealized loss on private company investments | | 0 | | | 670 | |
Loss (gain) on change in fair value of debt | | 1,019 | | | (2,645) | |
Deferred income taxes | | (518) | | | 131 | |
| | | | |
Other-than-temporary impairment loss | | 0 | | | 117 | |
Amortization of fixed maturities premiums and discounts | | 44 | | | 31 | |
| | | | |
Amortization of note payable premium | | (218) | | | (225) | |
Gain on extinguishment of debt | | (2,494) | | | 0 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | |
Service fee receivable, net | | (1,035) | | | 138 | |
Other receivables, net, | | (1,864) | | | 2,274 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Deferred acquisition costs, net | | (8) | | | (140) | |
| | | | |
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Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses | | (35) | | | (83) | |
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| | | | |
Deferred service fees | | (1,074) | | | (33) | |
Other, net | | (143) | | | 675 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | | (1,869) | | | 613 | |
Investing activities: | | | | |
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturities | | 1,970 | | | 8,646 | |
Proceeds from sales of equity investments | | 23 | | | 0 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Purchases of fixed maturities | | (1,214) | | | (1,549) | |
| | | | |
Net proceeds from limited liability investments | | 0 | | | 87 | |
Net proceeds from limited liability investments, at fair value | | 12,977 | | | 77 | |
Net proceeds from investments in private companies | | 17 | | | 60 | |
Net (purchases of) proceeds from other investments | | (5) | | | 52 | |
Net purchases of from short-term investments | | 0 | | | (1) | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired | | (50) | | | 0 | |
Net purchases of property and equipment | | (228) | | | (40) | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Net cash provided by investing activities | | 13,490 | | | 7,332 | |
Financing activities: | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders | | (169) | | | (43) | |
Taxes paid related to net share settlements of restricted stock awards | | (38) | | | (83) | |
| | | | |
Principal payments on bank loan | | (1,235) | | | (562) | |
| | | | |
Principal payments on notes payable | | (10,093) | | | (991) | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Net cash used in financing activities | | (11,535) | | | (1,679) | |
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash | | 86 | | | 6,266 | |
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | | 44,945 | | | 25,661 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | | $ | 45,031 | | | $ | 31,927 | |
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
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 BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements of the Company. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation have been included and are of a normal recurring nature. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year.
The accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements and footnotes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes included within our Annual Report on Form 10-K ("2020 Annual Report") for the year ended December 31, 2020.
The unaudited consolidated interim financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, as well as certain variable interest entities as further described in Note 6, "Variable Interest Entities," to the consolidated financial statements in the 2020 Annual Report. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
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 classifications 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 unaudited consolidated interim financial statements include 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.
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.
NOTE 3 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Except as set forth below there have been no material changes to our significant accounting policies as reported in our 2020 Annual Report.
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
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.
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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. 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.
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 income. 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; certain debt and associated interest; 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 6 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 are 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 20, "Commitments and Contingencies," the holding company is now permitted 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).
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 $3.8 million (approximately eight months of operating cash outflows) and $1.1 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The amount as of March 31, 2021 excludes 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 $15.5 million and $14.4 million reported at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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 and the Company’s Extended Warranty and Leased Real Estate segments.
As of March 31, 2021, there are 182,876 shares of the Company’s Class A Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Shares"), issued and outstanding. The outstanding Preferred Shares are required to be redeemed by the Company on April 1, 2021 ("Redemption Date") at a redemption value of $6.7 million, 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")
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
and, because of the deferral which totaled $15.2 million at March 31, 2021, 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 the Company was required to pay either the Preferred Shares redemption value or 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 which totaled $15.2 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.
NOTE 4 RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
(a) Adoption of New Accounting Standards:
Effective January 1, 2021, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. ASU 2019-12 is intended to simplify accounting for income taxes by eliminating certain exceptions to the guidance in ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period, and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. ASU 2019-12 also simplifies aspects of the accounting for franchise taxes and enacted changes in tax laws or rates and clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. Further, ASU 2019-12 clarifies that single-member limited liability companies and similar disregarded entities that are not subject to income tax are not required to recognize an allocation of consolidated income tax expense in their separate financial statements, but they could elect to do so. The adoption of ASU 2019-12 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Effective January 1, 2021, the Company adopted 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). The adoption of ASU 2020-01 did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
(b) Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted:
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("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 income (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
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
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 5 ACQUISITION
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 was subject to a working capital true-up that was finalized during the first quarter of 2021 of $0.1 million. 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 17, "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. Other adjustments may be necessary as a result of finalizing the purchase price allocation. 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.
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 | | 39,182 | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Other assets | | 1,321 | |
Total assets | | $ | 66,867 | |
| | |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | | $ | 8,162 | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Lease liability | | 255 | |
Deferred service fees | | 34,026 | |
Total liabilities | | $ | 42,443 | |
| | |
Purchase price | | $ | 24,424 | |
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
NOTE 6 INVESTMENTS
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair value of the Company's available-for-sale investments at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are summarized in the tables shown below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | March 31, 2021 |
| | Amortized Cost | | Gross Unrealized Gains | | Gross Unrealized Losses | | Estimated Fair Value |
Fixed maturities: | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities | | $ | 10,547 | | | $ | 84 | | | $ | 7 | | | $ | 10,624 | |
States, municipalities and political subdivisions | | 1,296 | | | 6 | | | 0 | | | 1,302 | |
Mortgage-backed | | 4,709 | | | 50 | | | 6 | | | 4,753 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Corporate | | 3,147 | | | 38 | | | 0 | | | 3,185 | |
Total fixed maturities | | $ | 19,699 | | | $ | 178 | | | $ | 13 | | | $ | 19,864 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(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 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 10,104 | |
| | | | | | | | |
States, municipalities and political subdivisions | | 1,447 | | | 7 | | | 0 | | | 1,454 | |
Mortgage-backed | | 5,334 | | | 66 | | | 6 | | | 5,394 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Corporate | | 3,708 | | | 56 | | | 0 | | | 3,764 | |
Total fixed maturities | | $ | 20,488 | | | $ | 234 | | | $ | 6 | | | $ | 20,716 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
The table below summarizes the Company's fixed maturities at March 31, 2021 by contractual maturity periods. Actual results may differ as issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations, with or without penalties, prior to the contractual maturity of these obligations.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | March 31, 2021 |
| | Amortized Cost | | Estimated Fair Value |
Due in one year or less | | $ | 4,260 | | | $ | 4,287 | |
Due after one year through five years | | 14,022 | | | 14,153 | |
Due after five years through ten years | | 319 | | | 328 | |
Due after ten years | | 1,098 | | | 1,096 | |
Total | | $ | 19,699 | | | $ | 19,864 | |
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
The following tables highlight the aggregate unrealized loss position, by security type, of available-for-sale investments in unrealized loss positions as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The tables segregate the holdings based on the period of time the investments have been continuously held in unrealized loss positions.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | | | | | | | | March 31, 2021 |
| 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 | $ | 4,542 | | | $ | 7 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 4,542 | | | $ | 7 | |
States, municipalities and political subdivisions | 200 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 200 | | | 0 | |
Mortgage-backed | 809 | | | 6 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 809 | | | 6 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Corporate | 208 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 208 | | | 0 | |
Total fixed maturities | $ | 5,759 | | | $ | 13 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 5,759 | | | $ | 13 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(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 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 511 | | | $ | 0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Mortgage-backed | 834 | | | 6 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 834 | | | 6 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Total fixed maturities | $ | 1,345 | | | $ | 6 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 1,345 | | | $ | 6 | |
There are approximately 16 and 5 individual available-for-sale investments that were in unrealized loss positions as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
The establishment of an other-than-temporary impairment on an investment requires a number of judgments and estimates. The Company performs a quarterly analysis of the individual investments to determine if declines in market value are other-than-temporary. See the "Significant Accounting Policies and Critical Estimates" section of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition included in the 2020 Annual Report for further information regarding the Company's detailed analysis and factors considered in establishing an other-than-temporary impairment on an investment.
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 and $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, 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.
Limited liability investments include investments in limited liability companies and limited partnerships. The Company's interests in these investments 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. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the carrying value of limited liability investments totaled $3.7 million. 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 in the consolidated statements of operations. At March 31, 2021, the Company has 0 unfunded commitments related to limited liability investments.
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
Limited liability investments, at fair value represents 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"). As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the carrying value of the Company's limited liability investments, at fair value was $19.7 million and $32.8 million, respectively. The Company recorded impairments related to limited liability investments, at fair value of less than $0.1 million and 0 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, respectively, which are included in (loss) gain on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value in the consolidated statements of operations. At March 31, 2021, the Company has 0 unfunded commitments to fund limited liability investments, at fair value.
The Company consolidates the financial statements of Net Lease on a three-month lag. Net Lease owns investments in limited liability companies that hold investment properties. During the fourth quarter of 2020, one of Net Lease's limited liability companies sold their investment property. A portion of the proceeds from the sale were distributed to Net Lease who used them primarily to repay their $9.0 million mezzanine loan. As a result of the distribution, Net Lease recorded a gain of $1.2 million related to its investment in the limited liability company, with an offsetting change in unrealized gain of $1.2 million, which collectively are included in net investment income in the consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
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. The Company's investments in private companies do not have readily determinable fair values. The Company has elected to record investments in private companies at cost, adjusted for observable price changes and impairments. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the carrying value of the Company's investments in private companies totaled $0.8 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, the Company did not record any adjustments to the fair value of its investments in private companies for observable price changes.
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 and $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, respectively, which are included in net change in unrealized loss on private company investments in the consolidated statements of operations. The impairment recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2020 is a result of the impact of COVID-19 on the investment's 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 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. During the three months ended March 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 March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
Net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 is comprised as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | | | Three months ended March 31, |
| | | | | | 2021 | | 2020 |
Investment income: | | | | | | | | |
Interest from fixed maturities | | | | | | $ | 51 | | | $ | 102 | |
Dividends | | | | | | 32 | | | 45 | |
(Loss) income from limited liability investments | | | | | | (9) | | | 23 | |
Income from limited liability investments, at fair value | | | | | | 81 | | | 234 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income from real estate investments | | | | | | 200 | | | 200 | |
Other | | | | | | 90 | | | 127 | |
Gross investment income | | | | | | 445 | | | 731 | |
Investment expenses | | | | | | (24) | | | (12) | |
Net investment income | | | | | | $ | 421 | | | $ | 719 | |
Gross realized gains and losses on available-for-sale investments, limited liability investments, at fair value and investments in private companies for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 are comprised as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | | | Three months ended March 31, |
| | | | | | 2021 | | 2020 |
Gross realized gains | | | | | | $ | 51 | | | $ | 208 | |
Gross realized losses | | | | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Net realized gains | | | | | | $ | 51 | | | $ | 208 | |
Loss on change in fair value of equity investments for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 is comprised as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | | | Three months ended March 31, |
| | | | | | 2021 | | 2020 |
Net gains recognized on equity investments sold during the period | | | | | | $ | 13 | | | $ | 0 | |
Change in unrealized losses on equity investments held at end of the period | | | | | | (164) | | | (597) | |
Loss on change in fair value of equity investments | | | | | | $ | (151) | | | $ | (597) | |
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 7 DEFERRED ACQUISITION COSTS
Deferred acquisition costs consist primarily of commissions and agency expenses incurred directly related to the acquisition of 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 three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 are comprised as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | | | Three months ended March 31, |
| | | | | | 2021 | | 2020 |
Beginning balance, net | | | | | | $ | 8,835 | | | $ | 8,604 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Additions | | | | | | 1,351 | | | 1,096 | |
Amortization | | | | | | (1,343) | | | (956) | |
Balance at March 31, net | | | | | | $ | 8,843 | | | $ | 8,744 | |
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
NOTE 8 INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are comprised as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | | March 31, 2021 |
| | Gross Carrying Value | | Accumulated Amortization | | Net Carrying Value |
Intangible assets subject to amortization: | | | | | | |
Database | | $ | 4,918 | | | $ | 4,120 | | | $ | 798 | |
Vehicle service agreements in-force | | 3,680 | | | 3,680 | | | 0 | |
Customer relationships | | 12,646 | | | 7,650 | | | 4,996 | |
In-place lease | | 1,125 | | | 297 | | | 828 | |
| | | | | | |
Non-compete | | 266 | | | 183 | | | 83 | |
Intangible assets not subject to amortization: | | | | | | |
Tenant relationship | | 73,667 | | | — | | | 73,667 | |
| | | | | | |
Trade names | | 3,264 | | | — | | | 3,264 | |
Total | | $ | 99,566 | | | $ | 15,930 | | | $ | 83,636 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(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 | | | 0 | |
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 | |
The Company's intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized either based on the patterns in which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are expected to be consumed or using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from 5 to 18 years. Amortization of intangible assets was $0.5 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, respectively.
The tenant relationship and trade names intangible assets have indefinite useful lives and are not amortized. NaN impairment charges were recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020.
As further discussed in Note 5, "Acquisition," 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.
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
NOTE 9 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are comprised as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | | | | March 31, 2021 |
| | | | |
| | Cost | | Accumulated Depreciation | | Carrying Value | | | | | | |
Land | | $ | 21,120 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 21,120 | | | | | | | |
Site improvements | | 91,308 | | | 19,461 | | | 71,847 | | | | | | | |
Buildings | | 580 | | | 68 | | | 512 | | | | | | | |
Leasehold improvements | | 296 | | | 138 | | | 158 | | | | | | | |
Furniture and equipment | | 1,149 | | | 1,003 | | | 146 | | | | | | | |
Computer hardware | | 5,231 | | | 4,822 | | | 409 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 119,684 | | | $ | 25,492 | | | $ | 94,192 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | | December 31, 2020 |
| | | | |
| | Cost | | Accumulated Depreciation | | Carrying Value | | | | | | |
Land | | $ | 21,120 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 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 | | | | | | | |
NOTE 10 DEBT
Debt consists of the following instruments at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | March 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 |
| | Principal | | Carrying Value | | Fair Value | | Principal | | Carrying Value | | Fair Value |
Bank loan: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
2020 KWH Loan | | $ | 24,465 | | | $ | 24,089 | | | $ | 24,707 | | | $ | 25,700 | | | $ | 25,303 | | | $ | 25,893 | |
Total bank loan | | 24,465 | | | 24,089 | | | 24,707 | | | 25,700 | | | 25,303 | | | 25,893 | |
Notes payable: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mortgage | | 165,130 | | | 172,502 | | | 180,767 | | | 166,106 | | | 173,696 | | | 194,158 | |
Flower Note | | 6,769 | | | 6,769 | | | 7,368 | | | 6,885 | | | 6,885 | | | 7,863 | |
Net Lease Note | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 9,000 | | | 9,000 | | | 9,054 | |
PPP | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 2,476 | | | 2,476 | | | 2,476 | |
Total notes payable | | 171,899 | | | 179,271 | | | 188,135 | | | 184,467 | | | 192,057 | | | 213,551 | |
Subordinated debt | | 90,500 | | | 53,668 | | | 53,668 | | | 90,500 | | | 50,928 | | | 50,928 | |
Total | | $ | 286,864 | | | $ | 257,028 | | | $ | 266,510 | | | $ | 300,667 | | | $ | 268,288 | | | $ | 290,372 | |
| | | | | | | | |
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
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 loan:
In 2019, the Company formed Kingsway Warranty Holdings LLC ("KWH"), whose subsidiaries include IWS Acquisition Corporation ("IWS"), Geminus Holdings Company, Inc. ("Geminus") and Trinity Warranty Solutions LLC ("Trinity"). As part of the acquisition of PWI on December 1, 2020, PWI became a wholly owned subsidiary of KWH, which borrowed a principal amount of $25.7 million from a bank, consisting of a $24.7 million term loan and a $1.0 million revolving credit facility (the "2020 KWH Loan"). The proceeds from the 2020 KWH Loan were used to partially fund the acquisition of PWI and to fully repay the prior outstanding loan at KWH, which occurred on December 1, 2020. The 2020 KWH Loan 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 March 31, 2021, 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 sheets at its amortized cost, which reflects the quarterly pay-down of principal as well as the amortization of the debt discount and issuance costs using the effective interest rate method. The fair value of the 2020 KWH Loan disclosed in the table above is derived from quoted market prices of 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.
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.
(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 Portfolio 001, LLC ("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 March 31, 2021 of $6.8 million represents its unpaid principal balance. The fair value of the Flower Note disclosed in the table
| | | | | | | | |
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
above is derived from quoted market prices of A and BBB plus rated industrial bonds with similar maturities and is categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
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 required monthly payments of interest and was 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 and the existing financing was repaid. 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, which included principal and interest of $0.4 million. In January 2021 and March 2021, the SBA provided the Company with notices of forgiveness of the full amount of the remaining four loans. The forgiveness in the first quarter of 2021 included total principal and interest of $2.5 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, 6 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 18, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments," for further discussion of the subordinated debt. The portion of the change in fair value of subordinated debt related to the instrument-specific credit risk is recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income. Of the $2.7 million increase in fair value of the Company’s subordinated debt between December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, $1.7 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) income and $1.0 million reported as loss 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 March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, deferred interest payable of $15.2 million and $14.1 million, respectively, is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
| | | | | | | | |
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
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.
Pursuant to indentures governing the Company’s subordinated debt, the Company is obligated to deliver audited financial statements for certain of its subsidiaries as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020. The Company has been unable to meet this obligation, the failure of which could be declared an event of default under the respective indentures. As of the date of the filing of this report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2021, none of the trustees responsible for administering any of our outstanding debt has declared an event of default, if required by the applicable indenture, notified us of an intent to accelerate any portion of the outstanding debt or charge default interest thereon, or pursued any other remedies available to it. Were any of these trustees to declare an event of default, the Company would have a period of time to cure the default. The Company expects to be in a position to deliver to the trustees the requisite audited financial statements for certain of its subsidiaries as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020, shortly after the filing of the Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
NOTE 11 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 general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $0.3 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively.
The annual maturities of lease liabilities as of March 31, 2021 were as follows: | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | Lease Commitments |
2021 | | $ | 737 | |
2022 | | 899 | |
2023 | | 624 | |
2024 | | 550 | |
2025 | | 381 | |
2026 and thereafter | | 165 | |
Total undiscounted lease payments | | 3,356 | |
Imputed interest | | 348 | |
Total lease liabilities | | $ | 3,008 | |
The weighted-average remaining lease term for our operating leases was 4.33 years as of March 31, 2021. The weighted average discount rate of our operating leases was 5.28% as of March 31, 2021. Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities was $0.2 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, respectively.
(b) Lessor leases:
The Company owns the Real Property 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 a de minimus amount of amortization of below market lease liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020. 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 9, "Property and Equipment".
Lease revenue related to operating leases was $3.3 million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020.
| | | | | | | | |
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
The following table provides the net book value of operating lease property included in property and equipment in the consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | March 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 |
| | | | |
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 | | (19,529) | | | (18,493) | |
Net property and equipment leased | | $ | 93,479 | | | $ | 94,515 | |
As of March 31, 2021, 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 | | $ | 9,113 | |
2022 | | 12,371 | |
2023 | | 12,649 | |
2024 | | 12,934 | |
2025 | | 13,225 | |
Thereafter | | 123,738 | |
NOTE 12 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) | | | | Three months ended March 31, |
| | | | | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| | | | | | | | |
Vehicle service agreement fees and GAP commissions - IWS, Geminus and PWI | | | | | | $ | 14,674 | | | $ | 7,976 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Maintenance support service fees - Trinity | | | | | | 1,050 | | | 554 | |
Warranty product commissions - Trinity | | | | | | 929 | | | 861 | |
Homebuilder warranty service fees - PWSC | | | | | | 1,725 | | | 1,437 | |
Homebuilder warranty commissions - PWSC | | | | | | 196 | | | 358 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Service fee and commission revenue | | | | | | $ | 18,574 | | | $ | 11,186 | |
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.
| | | | | | | | |
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
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 6% 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, and is earned at the time the home is enrolled and the warranty product is delivered. Other warranty services include answering builder or homeowner questions regarding the home warranty and dispute resolution services, and is earned as services are performed over the warranty coverage period.
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.
The Company's revenue recognition policies are further described in Note 2(p), "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Revenue recognition," to the consolidated financial statements in the 2020 Annual Report.
Receivables from contracts with customers are reported as service fee receivable, net in the consolidated balance sheets and at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were $5.0 million and $3.9 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 $86.9 million and $87.9 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The decrease in deferred service fees between December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021 is primarily due to the recognition of deferred service fees in excess of additions to deferred service fees during the three months ended March 31, 2021.
The Company expects to recognize within one year as service fee and commission revenue approximately 49.7% of the deferred service fees as of March 31, 2021. Approximately $12.2 million and $5.5 million of service fee and commission revenue recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 was included in deferred service fees as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
| | | | | | | | |
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
NOTE 13 INCOME TAXES
Income tax (benefit) expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 varies from the amount that would result by applying the applicable U.S. federal corporate income tax rate of 21% to income (loss) before income tax (benefit) expense. The following table summarizes the differences:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | | | Three months ended March 31, |
| | | | | | 2021 | | 2020 |
Income tax (benefit) expense at United States statutory income tax rate | | | | | | $ | 100 | | | $ | (47) | |
Valuation allowance | | | | | | (299) | | | 241 | |
Non-deductible compensation | | | | | | 138 | | | (43) | |
Non-taxable income | | | | | | (524) | | | 0 | |
Investment income | | | | | | 17 | | | (128) | |
State income tax | | | | | | 53 | | | 38 | |
Change in unrecognized tax benefits(1) | | | | | | 38 | | | 68 | |
Indefinite life intangibles | | | | | | 54 | | | 54 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Other | | | | | | (2) | | | (13) | |
Income tax (benefit) expense | | | | | | $ | (425) | | | $ | 170 | |
(1) Includes interest and penalty expense related to unrecognized tax benefits. |
The Company maintains a valuation allowance for its gross deferred tax assets at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The Company's operations 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 March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 net deferred tax asset, excluding the deferred income tax asset and liability amounts set forth in the paragraph below. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, the Company released into income $0.6 million and 0, respectively, of its valuation allowance associated with business interest expense carryforwards with an indefinite life.
The Company carries net deferred income tax liabilities of $27.0 million and $27.6 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, that consists of:
•$7.6 million and $7.6 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 $21.9 million of deferred income tax liabilities related to land and indefinite lived intangible assets;
•$1.9 million and $1.3 million of deferred income tax assets associated with business interest expense carryforwards with an indefinite life; and
•$0.6 million and $0.6 million of deferred state income tax assets.
As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company carried a liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $1.4 million which 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. The Company recorded income tax expense of less than $0.1 million and $0.1 million related to interest and penalty accruals for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, respectively. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company carried an accrual for the payment of interest and penalties of $1.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively, included in income taxes payable in the consolidated balance sheets.
| | | | | | | | |
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
NOTE 14 EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the reconciliation of numerators and denominators for the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share computation for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands, except per share data) | | | | Three months ended March 31, |
| | | | | | 2021 | | 2020 |
Numerator: | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | | | | | $ | 899 | | | $ | (393) | |
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | | | | | | (259) | | | (721) | |
Less: dividends on preferred stock | | | | | | (238) | | | (377) | |
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders used in calculating basic earnings (loss) per share | | | | | | $ | 402 | | | $ | (1,491) | |
Adjustment for proportionate interest in PWSC's earnings attributable to common stock | | | | | | (30) | | | — | |
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders used in calculating diluted earnings (loss) per share | | | | | | $ | 372 | | | $ | (1,491) | |
| | | | | | | | |
Denominator: | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average basic shares | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average common shares outstanding | | | | | | 22,218 | | | 22,069 | |
Weighted average diluted shares | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average common shares outstanding | | | | | | 22,218 | | | 22,069 | |
Effect of potentially dilutive securities (a) | | | | | | — | | | — | |
Stock options | | | | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Unvested restricted stock awards | | | | | | 1 | | | 0 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Warrants | | | | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Convertible preferred stock | | | | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Total weighted average diluted shares | | | | | | 22,219 | | | 22,069 | |
Basic earnings (loss) per share | | | | | | $ | 0.02 | | | $ | (0.07) | |
Diluted earnings (loss) per share | | | | | | $ | 0.02 | | | $ | (0.07) | |
(a)Potentially dilutive securities consist of stock options, unvested restricted stock awards, warrants and convertible preferred stock. Because the Company is reporting a net loss attributable to common shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2020, all potentially dilutive securities outstanding were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share since their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated using weighted-average common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated using weighted-average diluted shares. Weighted-average diluted shares is calculated by adding the effect of potentially dilutive securities to weighted-average common shares outstanding.
The following weighted-average potentially dilutive securities are not included in the diluted earnings (loss) per share calculations above because they would have had an antidilutive effect on the earnings (loss) per share:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Three months ended March 31, |
| | | | | | 2021 | | 2020 |
Stock options | | | | | | 0 | | | 40,000 | |
Unvested restricted stock awards | | | | | | 1,338,425 | | | 500,000 | |
Warrants | | | | | | 4,923,765 | | | 4,923,765 | |
Convertible preferred stock | | | | | | 1,142,975 | | | 1,142,975 | |
Total | | | | | | $ | 7,405,165 | | | $ | 6,606,740 | |
| | | | | | | | |
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
NOTE 15 STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
(a) Restricted Stock Awards
Under the 2013 Equity Incentive 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"). There are no 2014 Restricted Stock Awards outstanding at March 31, 2021. 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 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 March 31, 2021 was $1.1 million.
Under the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan, the Company granted 1,060,000 restricted common stock awards to certain officers of the Company during the first quarter of 2021 (the "2021 Restricted Stock Awards"). The 2021 Restricted Stock Awards vest according to a graded vesting schedule and shall become fully vested subject to the officers' continued employment through the applicable vesting dates. The 2021 Restricted Stock Awards are amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods. The grant-date fair values of the 2021 Restricted Stock Awards were determined using the closing price of Kingsway common stock on the date of grant. Total unamortized compensation expense related to unvested 2021 Restricted Stock Awards at March 31, 2021 was $3.9 million.
The following table summarizes the activity related to unvested 2021 Restricted Stock Awards and 2018 Restricted Stock Award (collectively "Restricted Stock Awards") for the three months ended March 31, 2021:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | Number of Restricted Stock Awards | | Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (per Share) |
Unvested at December 31, 2020 | | 500,000 | | | $ | 5.73 | |
Granted | | 1,060,000 | | | 4.64 | |
Vested | | (154,562) | | | 4.64 | |
Cancelled for Tax Withholding | | (65,438) | | | 4.64 | |
| | | | |
Unvested at March 31, 2021 | | 1,340,000 | | | $ | 5.05 | |
The unvested balance at March 31, 2021 in the table above is comprised of 840,000 shares of the 2021 Restricted Stock Awards and 500,000 shares of the 2018 Restricted Stock Award.
(b) Restricted Stock Awards of PWSC
The Company's subsidiary, Professional Warranty Service Corporation ("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 (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
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 18, "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 is re-evaluated each reporting period.
At March 31, 2021, both the service condition and performance condition of the Modified PWSC RSA were probable of vesting. At March 31, 2021, there were 437.5 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 March 31, 2021 was $0.1 million.
At March 31, 2021, both the service condition and performance condition of the 2020 PWSC RSA were probable of vesting. At March 31, 2021, there were 109.38 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 March 31, 2021 was zero.
Total stock-based compensation, inclusive of Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Awards of PWSC described above, net of forfeitures, was an expense of $1.7 million and a benefit of less than $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, respectively.
NOTE 16 ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The tables below detail the change in the balance of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 as relates to shareholders' equity attributable to common shareholders on the consolidated balance sheets.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | Three months ended March 31, 2021 |
| | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Investments | | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments | | Change in Fair Value of Debt Attributable to Instrument-Specific Credit Risk | | | | Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at January 1, 2021 | | $ | 216 | | | $ | (3,286) | | | $ | 41,129 | | | | | $ | 38,059 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive loss arising during the period | | (71) | | | 0 | | | (1,721) | | | | | (1,792) | |
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income | | 12 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | | | 12 | |
Net current-period other comprehensive loss | | (59) | | | 0 | | | (1,721) | | | | | (1,780) | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at March 31, 2021 | | $ | 157 | | | $ | (3,286) | | | $ | 39,408 | | | | | $ | 36,279 | |
| | | | | | | | |
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | Three months ended March 31, 2020 |
| | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Investments | | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments | | Change in Fair Value of Debt Attributable to Instrument-Specific Credit Risk | | | | Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at January 1, 2020 | | $ | 59 | | | $ | (3,286) | | | $ | 38,574 | | | | | $ | 35,347 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive income arising during the period | | 47 | | | 0 | | | 11,623 | | | | | 11,670 | |
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income | | 61 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | | | 61 | |
Net current-period other comprehensive income | | 108 | | | 0 | | | 11,623 | | | | | 11,731 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at March 31, 2020 | | $ | 167 | | | $ | (3,286) | | | $ | 50,197 | | | | | $ | 47,078 | |
It should be noted that the unaudited consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income present the components of other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax, only for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 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 unaudited consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | | | Three months ended March 31, |
| | | | | | 2021 | | 2020 |
Reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive income from unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments to: | | | | | | | | |
Net realized gains | | | | | | $ | (12) | | | $ | (61) | |
Other-than-temporary impairment loss | | | | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Income (loss) before income tax (benefit) expense | | | | | | (12) | | | (61) | |
Income tax (benefit) expense | | | | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | | | | | $ | (12) | | | $ | (61) | |
NOTE 17 SEGMENTED INFORMATION
The Company conducts its business through the following 2 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.
| | | | | | | | |
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
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 home builders 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 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. 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 unaudited consolidated interim financial statements. The following tables provide financial data used by management. Segment assets are not allocated for management use and, therefore, are not included in the segment disclosures below.
Revenues by reportable segment reconciled to consolidated revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 were:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | | | Three months ended March 31, |
| | | | | | 2021 | | 2020 |
Revenues: | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Extended Warranty: | | | | | | | | |
Service fee and commission revenue | | | | | | $ | 18,574 | | | $ | 11,186 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Other revenue | | | | | | 67 | | | 74 | |
Total Extended Warranty | | | | | | 18,641 | | | 11,260 | |
Leased Real Estate: | | | | | | | | |
Rental revenue | | | | | | 3,341 | | | 3,341 | |
Other revenue | | | | | | 38 | | | 68 | |
Total Leased Real Estate | | | | | | 3,379 | | | 3,409 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total revenues | | | | | | $ | 22,020 | | | $ | 14,669 | |
| | | | | | | | |
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
The operating income by reportable segment in the following table is before income taxes and includes revenues and direct segment costs. Total segment operating income reconciled to the consolidated net income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 were:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | | | Three months ended March 31, |
| | | | | | 2021 | | 2020 |
Segment operating income: | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Extended Warranty (a) | | | | | | $ | 5,310 | | | $ | 850 | |
Leased Real Estate | | | | | | 1,293 | | | 597 | |
Total segment operating income | | | | | | 6,603 | | | 1,447 | |
Net investment income | | | | | | 421 | | | 719 | |
Net realized gains | | | | | | 51 | | | 208 | |
Loss on change in fair value of equity investments | | | | | | (151) | | | (597) | |
(Loss) gain on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value | | | | | | (202) | | | 1,899 | |
Net change in unrealized loss on private company investments | | | | | | 0 | | | (670) | |
Other-than-temporary impairment loss | | | | | | 0 | | | (117) | |
| | | | | | | | |
Interest expense not allocated to segments | | | | | | (1,552) | | | (2,153) | |
Other revenue and expenses not allocated to segments, net | | | | | | (3,491) | | | (3,030) | |
Amortization of intangible assets | | | | | | (497) | | | (574) | |
| | | | | | | | |
(Loss) gain on change in fair value of debt | | | | | | (1,019) | | | 2,645 | |
Gain on extinguishment of debt not allocated to segments | | | | | | 311 | | | 0 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) before income tax (benefit) expense | | | | | | 474 | | | (223) | |
Income tax (benefit) expense | | | | | | (425) | | | 170 | |
Net income (loss) | | | | | | $ | 899 | | | $ | (393) | |
(a) For the three months ended March 31, 2021, Extended Warranty segment operating income includes gain on extinguishment of debt of $2.2 million, related to PPP loan forgiveness directly associated with the respective warranty businesses. Extended Warranty segment operating income before the gain on extinguishment of debt totaled $3.1 million. See Note 10, "Debt," for further discussion.
NOTE 18 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.
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
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.
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
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 - The Company issued the KWH Warrants on March 1, 2019. On December 1, 2020, the Company repurchased the KWH Warrants. The KWH Warrants were measured and reported at fair value. 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 was 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 15, "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.
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
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 March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 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) | | | | | | March 31, 2021 |
| | 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 | | $ | 10,624 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 10,624 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
States, municipalities and political subdivisions | | 1,302 | | | 0 | | | 1,302 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Mortgage-backed | | 4,753 | | | 0 | | | 4,753 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Corporate | | 3,185 | | | 0 | | | 3,185 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Total fixed maturities | | 19,864 | | | 0 | | | 19,864 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Equity investments: | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Common stock | | 186 | | | 186 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Warrants | | 84 | | | 0 | | | 84 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Total equity investments | | 270 | | | 186 | | | 84 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Limited liability investments, at fair value | | 19,654 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 3,374 | | | 16,280 | |
Real estate investments | | 10,662 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 10,662 | | | 0 | |
Other investments | | 299 | | | 0 | | | 299 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Short-term investments | | 157 | | | 0 | | | 157 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Total assets | | $ | 50,906 | | | $ | 186 | | | $ | 20,404 | | | $ | 14,036 | | | $ | 16,280 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | |
Subordinated debt | | $ | 53,668 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 53,668 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Stock-based compensation liabilities | | 844 | | | — | | | — | | | 844 | | 0 | — | |
Total liabilities | | $ | 54,512 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 53,668 | | | $ | 844 | | | $ | 0 | |
| | | | | | | | |
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(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 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 10,104 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
States municipalities and political subdivisions | | 1,454 | | | 0 | | | 1,454 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Mortgage-backed | | 5,394 | | | 0 | | | 5,394 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Corporate | | 3,764 | | | 0 | | | 3,764 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Total fixed maturities | | 20,716 | | | 0 | | | 20,716 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Equity investments: | | | | | | | | | | |
Common stock | | 155 | | | 155 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Warrants | | 289 | | | 17 | | | 272 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Total equity investments | | 444 | | | 172 | | | 272 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Limited liability investments, at fair value | | 32,811 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 3,263 | | | 29,548 | |
Real estate investments | | 10,662 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 10,662 | | | 0 | |
Other investments | | 294 | | | 0 | | | 294 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Short-term investments | | 157 | | | 0 | | | 157 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Total assets | | $ | 65,084 | | | $ | 172 | | | $ | 21,439 | | | $ | 13,925 | | | $ | 29,548 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | |
Subordinated debt | | $ | 50,928 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 50,928 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Stock-based compensation liabilities | | 443 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 443 | | | 0 | |
Total liabilities | | $ | 51,371 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 50,928 | | | $ | 443 | | | $ | 0 | |
| | | | | | | | |
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
The following table provides a reconciliation of the fair value of recurring Level 3 fair value measurements for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | | | Three months ended March 31, |
| | | | | | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | |
Limited liability investments, at fair value: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning balance | | | | | | $ | 3,263 | | | $ | 4,392 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Distributions received | | | | | | (22) | | | (77) | |
Realized gains included in net income (loss) | | | | | | 22 | | | 86 | |
Change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value included in net income (loss) | | | | | | 111 | | | 12 | |
Ending balance | | | | | | $ | 3,374 | | | $ | 4,413 | |
Unrealized gains on limited liability investments, at fair value held at end of period: | | | | | | | | |
Included in net income (loss) | | | | | | $ | 111 | | | $ | 12 | |
Included in other comprehensive (loss) income | | | | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | |
Real estate investments: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning balance | | | | | | $ | 10,662 | | | $ | 10,662 | |
Change in fair value of real estate investments included in net income (loss) | | | | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Ending balance | | | | | | $ | 10,662 | | | $ | 10,662 | |
Unrealized gains recognized on real estate investments held at end of period: | | | | | | | | |
Included in net income (loss) | | | | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Included in other comprehensive (loss) income | | | | | | — | | | — | |
Ending balance - assets | | | | | | $ | 14,036 | | | $ | 15,075 | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Warrant liability: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning balance | | | | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 249 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Change in fair value of warrant liability included in net income (loss) | | | | | | 0 | | | (33) | |
Ending balance | | | | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 216 | |
Unrealized gains recognized on warrant liability held at end of period: | | | | | | | | |
Included in net income (loss) | | | | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | (33) | |
Included in other comprehensive (loss) income | | | | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | |
Stock-based compensation liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning balance | | | | | | $ | 443 | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Change in fair value of stock-based compensation liabilities included in net income (loss) | | | | | | 401 | | | — | |
Ending balance | | | | | | $ | 844 | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Ending balance - liabilities | | | | | | $ | 844 | | | $ | 216 | |
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 March 31, 2021:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Categories | | Fair Value | | Valuation Techniques | | Unobservable Inputs | | Input Value(s) |
Limited liability investments, at fair value | | $ | 3,374 | | | 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 | | $ | 844 | | | Market approach | | Valuation multiple | | 6.0x |
| | | | | | | | |
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
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 |
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 March 31, 2021:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Category | | Fair Value (in thousands) | | Unfunded Commitments | | Redemption Frequency | | Redemption Notice Period |
Limited liability investments, at fair value | | $ | 16,280 | | | 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, 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 |
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 three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, the Company did not record any adjustments to the fair value of its investments in private companies for observable price changes. The Company recorded impairments related to investments in private companies of 0 and $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, respectively, which are included in net change in unrealized loss on private company investments in the consolidated statements of operations. The impairment recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2021 is a result of the impact of COVID-19 on the investment's 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.
NOTE 19 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 unaudited consolidated interim financial statements, the following is a summary of related party relationships and transactions.
Argo Management Group, LLC
The Company acquired Argo Management Group, LLC ("Argo Management") in April 2016. Argo Management's primary business is to act as Managing Member of Argo Holdings. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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
| | | | | | | | |
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
for funds being referred to as a "Capital Call"). Argo Holdings made no Capital Calls during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020.
NOTE 20 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
(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 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 May 2016, Aegis Security Insurance Company ("Aegis") filed a complaint for breach of contract and declaratory relief against the Company in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania alleging, among other things, that the Company breached a contractual obligation to indemnify Aegis for certain customs bond losses incurred by Aegis under the indemnity and hold harmless agreements provided by the Company to Aegis for certain customs bonds reinsured by Lincoln General Insurance Company ("Lincoln General") during the period of time that Lincoln General was a subsidiary of the Company. Lincoln General was placed into liquidation in November 2015 and Aegis subsequently invoked its rights to indemnity under the indemnity and hold harmless agreements. Effective January 20, 2020, Aegis and the Company entered into a Settlement Agreement with respect to such litigation pursuant to which the Company agreed to pay Aegis a one-time settlement amount of $0.9 million, which the Company reported in its consolidated statement of operations during the first quarter of 2020, and to reimburse Aegis for 60% of future losses that Aegis may sustain in connection with such customs bonds, up to a maximum reimbursement amount of $4.8 million. 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. No payments were made under the Settlement Agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2021. The Company’s potential exposure under these agreements was not reasonably determinable at March 31, 2021, and no liability has been recorded in the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements at March 31, 2021.
(b) Guarantee:
As part of the October 18, 2018 transaction to sell Mendota Insurance Company, Mendakota Insurance Company and Mendakota Casualty Company (collectively "Mendota"), the Company will indemnify the buyer for any loss and loss adjustment expenses with respect to open claims in excess of Mendota's carried unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses at June 30, 2018 related to the open claims. The maximum obligation to the Company with respect to the open claims is $2.5 million. A security interest on the Company’s equity interest in its consolidated subsidiary, Net Lease Investment Grade Portfolio LLC ("Net Lease"), as well as any distributions to the Company from Net Lease, is collateral for the Company’s
| | | | | | | | |
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2021 |
payment of obligations with respect to the open claims. There were no payments made related to the open claims during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020. The Company's potential exposure under these agreements was not reasonably determinable at March 31, 2021, and no liability has been recorded in the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements at March 31, 2021.
(c) Collateral pledged and restricted cash:
Short-term investments with an estimated fair value of $0.2 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, were on deposit with state regulatory authorities.
The Company also has restricted cash of $29.5 million and $30.6 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Included in restricted cash are:
•$26.9 million and $27.7 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, held as deposits by IWS Acquisition Corporation ("IWS"), Professional Warranty Service Corporation ("PWSC"), Geminus Holding Company, Inc. ("Geminus") and PWI;
•$1.9 million at both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, on deposit with state regulatory authorities; and
•$0.7 million and $1.0 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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. |
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Management's Discussion and Analysis includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are not historical facts, and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected and projected. Words such as “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “seeks” and variations and similar words and expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance, but reflect Kingsway management’s current beliefs, based on information currently available. A number of factors could cause actual events, performance or results to differ materially from the events, performance and results discussed in the forward-looking statements. For information identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, see Kingsway’s securities filings, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 ("2020 Annual Report"). The Company's securities filings can be accessed on the EDGAR section of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, on the Canadian Securities Administrators’ website at www.sedar.com or through the Company’s website at www.kingsway-financial.com. Except as expressly required by applicable securities law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements because of new information, future events or otherwise.
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 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 Management's Discussion and Analysis, 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 Management's Discussion and Analysis, the term "Leased Real Estate" is used to refer to this segment.
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. |
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.
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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. 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 quarterly report, we present our operations in the way we believe will be most meaningful, useful and transparent to anyone using this financial information to evaluate our performance. Our unaudited consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information. In addition to the U.S. GAAP presentation of net income (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
Segment operating income represents one measure of the pretax profitability of our segments and is derived by subtracting direct segment expenses from direct segment revenues. Revenues and expenses are presented in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations, but are not subtotaled by segment; however, this information is available in total and by segment in Note 17, "Segmented Information," to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements, regarding reportable segment information. The nearest comparable U.S. GAAP measure to total segment operating income is income (loss) before income tax (benefit) expense that, in addition to segment operating income, includes net investment income, net realized gains, loss on change in fair value of equity investments, (loss) 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 income and expenses not allocated to segments, net, amortization of intangible assets, (loss) gain on change in fair value of debt and gain on extinguishment of debt not allocated to segments. A reconciliation of total segment operating income to income (loss) before income tax (benefit) expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 is presented in Table 1 of the "Results of Continuing Operations" section of Management's Discussion and Analysis.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND CRITICAL ESTIMATES
The preparation of unaudited consolidated interim financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and classifications 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.
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. |
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 critical accounting policies and judgments in the accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements include the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses; valuation of fixed maturities and equity investments; 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. 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.
The Company’s significant accounting policies and critical estimates are described in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in the 2020 Annual Report. There has been no material change subsequent to December 31, 2020 to the information previously disclosed in the 2020 Annual Report with respect to these significant accounting policies and critical estimates.
RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS
A reconciliation of total segment operating income to net income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 is presented in Table 1 below:
Table 1 Segment Operating Income
(in thousands of dollars)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the three months ended March 31, |
| | | | 2021 | 2020 | Change |
Segment operating income: | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Extended Warranty | | | | $ | 5,310 | | $ | 850 | | $ | 4,460 | |
Leased Real Estate | | | | 1,293 | | 597 | | 696 | |
Total segment operating income | | | | 6,603 | | 1,447 | | 5,156 | |
Net investment income | | | | 421 | | 719 | | (298) | |
Net realized gains | | | | 51 | | 208 | | (157) | |
Loss on change in fair value of equity investments | | | | (151) | | (597) | | 446 | |
(Loss) gain on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value | | | | (202) | | 1,899 | | (2,101) | |
Net change in unrealized loss on private company investments | | | | — | | (670) | | 670 | |
Other-than-temporary impairment loss | | | | — | | (117) | | 117 | |
Interest expense not allocated to segments | | | | (1,552) | | (2,153) | | 601 | |
Other revenue and expenses not allocated to segments, net | | | | (3,491) | | (3,030) | | (461) | |
Amortization of intangible assets | | | | (497) | | (574) | | 77 | |
| | | | | | |
(Loss) gain on change in fair value of debt | | | | (1,019) | | 2,645 | | (3,664) | |
Gain on extinguishment of debt not allocated to segments | | | | 311 | | — | | 311 | |
| | | | | | |
Income (loss) before income tax (benefit) expense | | | | 474 | | (223) | | 697 | |
Income tax (benefit) expense | | | | (425) | | 170 | | (595) | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | | | $ | 899 | | $ | (393) | | $ | 1,292 | |
Net Income (Loss)
In the first quarter of 2021, we reported net income of $0.9 million compared to net loss of $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2020. The net income for the three months ended March 31, 2021 is primarily due to operating income in Extended Warranty and Leased Real Estate, partially offset by interest expense not allocated to segments, other income and expenses not allocated to segments, net and loss on change in fair value of debt. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, Extended Warranty segment operating income includes gain on extinguishment of debt of $2.2 million, related to PPP loan forgiveness. See Note 10, "Debt," to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements, for further discussion.
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. |
The net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2020 is primarily due to interest expense not allocated to segments and other income and expenses not allocated to segments, net, partially offset by gain on change in fair value of debt and gain on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value.
Extended Warranty
The Extended Warranty service fee and commission revenue increased 66.1% (or $7.4 million) to $18.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared with $11.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The increase in service fee and commission revenue is primarily due to the inclusion of PWI for the first quarter of 2021 following its acquisition effective December 1, 2020. PWI service fee and commission revenue was $7.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
The Extended Warranty operating income was $5.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared with $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The increase in operating income is primarily due to the following:
•Inclusion of Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") loan forgiveness related to Extended Warranty companies of $2.2 million;
•$1.1 million due to the inclusion of PWI in 2021 following its acquisition effective December 1, 2020;
•A $1.2 million increase at IWS to $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, due to a decrease in claims authorized on vehicle service agreements and lower general and administrative expenses that was partially offset by a slight decrease in revenue;
•A $0.3 million increase at Trinity to $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, driven by increased revenues in its equipment breakdown and maintenance support services and increased margin on the extended warranty services product, partially offset by a related increase in cost of services sold compared to the same period in 2020;
•A $1.0 million increase at Geminus to $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, due to lower general and administrative expenses that was partially offset by a slight decrease in revenue compared with the three months ended March 31, 2020; and
•A $0.8 million increase at PWSC to $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, due to a slight increase in revenue and lower general and administrative expenses.
Leased Real Estate
Leased Real Estate rental income was $3.3 million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020. The rental income is derived from CMC's long-term triple net lease.
Leased Real Estate operating income was $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared with $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily due to a $0.6 million benefit recorded in 2021 related to the finalization of management fees and legal expenses associated with the settlement of CMC litigation (see Note 20, "Commitments and Contingencies," to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements, for further information on the settlement). Leased Real Estate operating income includes interest expense of $1.5 million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020.
Net Investment Income
Net investment income was $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to $0.7 million in the first quarter of 2020. The decrease in net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2021 relates primarily to less investment income recorded from the Company's limited liability investments, at fair value and fixed maturities as a result of general changes in market conditions.
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Net Realized Gains
Net realized gains were $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2020. The net realized gains for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 primarily relate to realized gains recognized by Argo Holdings Fund I, LLC ("Argo Holdings"), realized gains from sales of fixed maturities and distributions received from one of the Company’s investments in which its carrying value previously had been written down to zero as a result of prior distributions.
Loss on Change in Fair Value of Equity Investments
Loss on change in fair value of equity investments was $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to $0.6 million in the first quarter of 2020. Significant drivers include:
•Unrealized losses of $0.2 million and $0.6 million on equity investments held during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, respectively; and
•Net realized gains of less than $0.1 million on equity investments sold during the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to zero during the three months ended March 31, 2020.
(Loss) Gain on Change in Fair Value of Limited Liability Investments, at Fair Value
Loss on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value was $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to a gain of $1.9 million in the first quarter of 2020. The loss for the three months ended March 31, 2021 represents a decrease in fair value of $0.3 million related to Net Lease Investment Grade Portfolio LLC ("Net Lease"), partially offset by an increase in fair value of $0.1 million related to Argo Holdings. The gain for the three months ended March 31, 2020 includes increases in fair value of $1.9 million related to Net Lease and less than $0.1 million related to Argo Holdings.
Net Change in Unrealized Loss on Private Company Investments
Net change in unrealized loss on private company investments was zero in the first quarter of 2021 compared to $0.7 million in the first quarter of 2020. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, the Company did not record any adjustments to the fair value of its investments in private companies for observable price changes. Also, as part of the Company’s quarterly impairment analysis of its investments in private companies, the Company determined it should write down one of its investments for other-than-temporary impairment of $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 as a result of the impact of COVID-19 on the investment's underlying business.
Interest Expense not Allocated to Segments
Interest expense not allocated to segments for the first quarter of 2021 was $1.6 million compared to $2.2 million in the first quarter of 2020. The decrease for the three months ended March 31, 2021 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 the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020, as well as less interest expense at Net Lease as a result of repaying their existing financing during the first quarter of 2021. 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, net was a net expense of $3.5 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to $3.0 million in the first quarter of 2020.
The increase in net expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021 is primarily attributable higher salary expense related to restricted stock awards, partially offset by a $0.9 million decrease in expense recorded pursuant to outstanding litigation between the Company and Aegis Security Insurance Company ("Aegis") recorded during the first quarter of 2020 and a decrease in audit professional services fees incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020.
See Note 20, "Commitments and Contingencies," to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements, for further discussion related to Aegis.
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(Loss) Gain on Change in Fair Value of Debt
Loss on change in fair value of debt was $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to a gain of $2.6 million in the first quarter of 2020. The loss for the three months ended March 31, 2021 reflects an increase 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 was primarily the result of a decrease in the risk-free rate and lower overall LIBOR rates. The gain for the three months ended March 31, 2020 reflects 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.
Gain on Extinguishment of Debt not Allocated to Segments
For the three months ended March 31, 2021, gain on extinguishment of debt not allocated to segments consists of a $0.3 million gain on forgiveness of the balance of the holding company's loan obtained through the PPP. See Note 10, "Debt," to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements, for further discussion.
Income Tax (Benefit) Expense
Income tax benefit for the first quarter of 2021 was $0.4 million compared to income tax expense of $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2020. See Note 13, "Income Taxes," to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements, for additional detail of the income tax (benefit) expense recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020.
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.
At March 31, 2021, we held cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments with a carrying value of $100.4 million.
Investments held by our insurance subsidiary, Kingsway Amigo Insurance Company ("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.
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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
(in thousands of dollars, except for percentages) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Type of investment | | March 31, 2021 | | % of Total | | December 31, 2020 | | % of Total |
Fixed maturities: | | | | | | | | |
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities | | 10,624 | | | 10.6 | % | | 10,104 | | | 8.8 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
States, municipalities and political subdivisions | | 1,302 | | | 1.3 | % | | 1,454 | | | 1.3 | % |
Mortgage-backed | | 4,753 | | | 4.7 | % | | 5,394 | | | 4.7 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Corporate | | 3,185 | | | 3.2 | % | | 3,764 | | | 3.3 | % |
Total fixed maturities | | 19,864 | | | 19.8 | % | | 20,716 | | | 18.1 | % |
Equity investments: | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Common stock | | 186 | | | 0.2 | % | | 155 | | | 0.1 | % |
Warrants | | 84 | | | — | % | | 289 | | | 0.3 | % |
Total equity investments | | 270 | | | 0.2 | % | | 444 | | | 0.4 | % |
Limited liability investments | | 3,683 | | | 3.7 | % | | 3,692 | | | 3.2 | % |
Limited liability investments, at fair value | | 19,654 | | | 19.6 | % | | 32,811 | | | 28.7 | % |
Investments in private companies | | 790 | | | 0.8 | % | | 790 | | | 0.7 | % |
Real estate investments | | 10,662 | | | 10.6 | % | | 10,662 | | | 9.3 | % |
Other investments | | 299 | | | 0.3 | % | | 294 | | | 0.2 | % |
Short-term investments | | 157 | | | 0.2 | % | | 157 | | | 0.1 | % |
Total investments | | 55,379 | | | 55.2 | % | | 69,566 | | | 60.7 | % |
Cash and cash equivalents | | 15,489 | | | 15.4 | % | | 14,374 | | | 12.6 | % |
Restricted cash | | 29,542 | | | 29.4 | % | | 30,571 | | | 26.7 | % |
Total | | 100,410 | | | 100.0 | % | | 114,511 | | | 100.0 | % |
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment
The Company performs a quarterly analysis of its investments classified as available-for-sale 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 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition included in the 2020 Annual Report.
As a result of the analysis performed, the Company recorded the following write downs for other-than-temporary impairment:
•Other investments: zero and $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, respectively.
•Limited liability investments, at fair value: less than $0.1 million and zero for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, respectively, which are included in (loss) gain on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value in the consolidated statements of operations.
•Investments in private companies: zero and $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, 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 or limited liability investments for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020.
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
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. |
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 March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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 March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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.
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 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 had an annual interest rate equal to LIBOR, having a floor of 2.00%, plus 9.25%. The 2019 KWH Loan was scheduled to mature on March 1, 2024; however, the principal was fully repaid on December 1, 2020.
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 sheets at its amortized cost, which reflects the quarterly pay-down of principal as well as the amortization of the debt discount and issuance costs using the effective interest rate method. The 2020 KWH Loan matures on December 1, 2025. See Note 10, "Debt," to the unaudited consolidated interim 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.
On October 15, 2015, Net Lease 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 sheet at December 31, 2020 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 and the existing financing was repaid. 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.
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. |
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, which included principal and interest of $0.4 million. In January 2021 and March 2021, the SBA provided the Company with notices of forgiveness of the full amount of the remaining four loans. The forgiveness in the first quarter of 2021 included total principal and interest of $2.5 million. The carrying value of the PPP at December 31, 2020 represents 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 March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, deferred interest payable of $15.2 million and $14.1 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 March 31, 2021, the carrying value of the subordinated debt is $53.7 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 18, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments," to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the market observable swap rates changed, and the Company experienced a decrease 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 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 the three months ended March 31, 2021, along with the passage of time, contributed to the $2.7 million increase in fair value of the Company’s subordinated debt between December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021.
Of the $2.7 million increase in fair value of the Company’s subordinated debt between December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, $1.7 million is reported as increase in fair value of debt attributable to instrument-specific credit risk in the Company's unaudited consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income and $1.0 million is reported as loss on change in fair value of debt in the Company’s unaudited consolidated statements of operations.
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. |
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 10, "Debt," to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements.
Pursuant to indentures governing the Company’s subordinated debt, the Company is obligated to deliver audited financial statements for certain of its subsidiaries as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020. The Company has been unable to meet this obligation, the failure of which could be declared an event of default under the respective indentures. As of the date of the filing of this report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2021, none of the trustees responsible for administering any of our outstanding debt has declared an event of default, if required by the applicable indenture, notified us of an intent to accelerate any portion of the outstanding debt or charge default interest thereon, or pursued any other remedies available to it. Were any of these trustees to declare an event of default, the Company would have a period of time to cure the default. The Company expects to be in a position to deliver to the trustees the requisite audited financial statements for certain of its subsidiaries as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020, shortly after the filing of the Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
See Note 4, "Recently Issued Accounting Standards," to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements, for discussion of certain accounting standards that may be applicable to the Company's current and future consolidated financial statements.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The purpose of liquidity management is to ensure 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 the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company reported $1.9 million of net cash used in operating activities. The reconciliation between the Company's reported net income of $0.9 million and the $1.9 million of net cash used in operating activities can be explained primarily by the $2.5 million gain on extinguishment of debt.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the net cash provided by investing activities was $13.5 million. This source of cash was primarily attributed to a distribution received by Net Lease from one of its limited liability investment companies of $12.9 million, as well as proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturities in excess of purchases of fixed maturities.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the net cash used in financing activities was $11.5 million. This use of cash was primarily attributed to principal repayment on bank loan of $1.2 million and principal repayments of $10.1 million on the notes payable, of which $9.0 million relates to the repayment of Net Lease's $9.0 million mezzanine loan and $1.1 million of which relates principal paydowns on the Mortgage and the Flower Note.
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 March 31, 2021, Amigo was restricted from making any dividend payments to the holding company without regulatory approval pursuant to domiciliary 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.
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. |
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 20, "Commitments and Contingencies," to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements, the holding company is now permitted 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).
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 $3.8 million (approximately eight months of operating cash outflows) and $1.1 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The amount as of March 31, 2021 excludes 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 $15.5 million and $14.4 million reported at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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 Reinsurance Corporation ("Kingsway Re") and the Company’s Extended Warranty and Leased Real Estate segments.
As of the filing date of this report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2021, the holding company’s liquidity of $2.2 million represented approximately five 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.
The holding company’s liquidity at March 31, 2021 and as of the filing date of this report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2021 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 report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2021, they do represent future sources of liquidity.
As of March 31, 2021, there are 182,876 shares of the Company’s Class A Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Shares"), issued and outstanding. The outstanding Preferred Shares are required to be redeemed by the Company on April 1, 2021 ("Redemption Date") at a redemption value of $6.7 million, if the Company has sufficient legally available funds to do so. Additionally, the
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. |
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 $15.2 million at March 31, 2021, 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 the Company was required to pay either the Preferred Shares redemption value or 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 which totaled $15.2 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. 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.
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.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company has off-balance sheet arrangements related to guarantees, which are further described in Note 20, "Commitments and Contingent Liabilities," to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements.
Item 3. 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.
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. |
Item 4. 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 March 31, 2021. 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 the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of March 31, 2021, 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.
Material Weaknesses in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A material weakness is defined as a deficiency or combination of deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
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
•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.
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. |
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 unaudited consolidated financial statements contained in this Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 fairly present, in all material respects, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods 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 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
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 January 1, 2021, and ending March 31, 2021, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. |
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Information concerning pending legal proceedings is incorporated herein by reference to Note 20, "Commitments and Contingencies," to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements in Part I of this Form 10-Q.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes with respect to those risk factors previously disclosed in our 2020 Annual Report.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
None
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. |
Item 6. Exhibits
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| Employment Separation Agreement and Release, by and between Kingsway America, Inc. and Paul R. Hogan, dated as of March 31, 2021. (included as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K, filed April 2, 2021, and incorporated herein by reference). |
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| Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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| Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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| Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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| Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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101.INS | XBRL Instance Document |
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101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema |
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101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase |
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101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase |
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101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase |
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101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase |
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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
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| | | KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. |
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Date: | May 13, 2021 | By: | /s/ John T. Fitzgerald |
| | | John T. Fitzgerald, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
| | | (principal executive officer) |
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Date: | May 13, 2021 | By: | /s/ Kent A. Hansen |
| | | Kent A. Hansen, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President |
| | | (principal financial officer) |
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