KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. (KINS)
SIC breadcrumb: Finance, Insurance, And Real Estate > Insurance Carriers > SIC 6331 Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=33992. Latest filing source: 0000033992-26-000013.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Business
Read KINS's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.
Risk Factors
Read KINS's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 214,867,301 | USD | 2025 | 2026-03-16 |
| Net income | 40,767,128 | USD | 2025 | 2026-03-16 |
| Assets | 453,425,151 | USD | 2025 | 2026-03-16 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-03-16. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000033992.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 77,436,664 | 92,769,310 | 113,771,898 | 145,119,966 | 131,369,751 | 161,231,241 | 130,159,290 | 144,190,714 | 155,142,103 | 214,867,301 |
| Net income | 8,899,766 | 9,986,485 | 3,093,246 | -5,966,353 | 972,390 | -7,378,301 | -22,524,794 | -6,168,346 | 18,358,436 | 40,767,128 |
| Diluted EPS | 1.14 | 0.94 | 0.29 | -0.55 | 0.09 | -0.70 | -2.12 | -0.57 | 1.48 | 2.88 |
| Operating cash flow | 15,201,025 | 28,046,140 | 22,295,366 | 29,859,049 | -10,234,626 | 24,346,237 | -915,521 | -11,326,850 | 57,947,771 | 75,859,517 |
| Capital expenditures | 576,212 | 2,824,132 | 2,731,502 | 3,939,653 | 3,327,070 | 4,498,919 | 4,550,783 | 1,827,202 | 2,337,205 | 2,807,551 |
| Dividends paid | 0.00 | 1,414,397 | ||||||||
| Assets | 169,446,462 | 254,548,063 | 266,752,078 | 321,202,812 | 317,582,267 | 331,312,275 | 320,332,531 | 317,633,210 | 374,915,843 | 453,425,151 |
| Liabilities | 112,765,909 | 159,970,317 | 178,086,436 | 232,981,231 | 224,781,865 | 255,640,081 | 284,163,099 | 283,129,071 | 308,207,392 | 330,693,902 |
| Stockholders' equity | 56,680,553 | 94,577,746 | 88,665,642 | 88,221,581 | 92,800,402 | 75,672,194 | 36,169,432 | 34,504,139 | 66,708,451 | 122,731,249 |
| Free cash flow | 14,624,813 | 25,222,008 | 19,563,864 | 25,919,396 | -13,561,696 | 19,847,318 | -5,466,304 | -13,154,052 | 55,610,566 | 73,051,966 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net margin | 11.49% | 10.76% | 2.72% | -4.11% | 0.74% | -4.58% | -17.31% | -4.28% | 11.83% | 18.97% |
| Return on equity | 15.70% | 10.56% | 3.49% | -6.76% | 1.05% | -9.75% | -62.28% | -17.88% | 27.52% | 33.22% |
| Return on assets | 5.25% | 3.92% | 1.16% | -1.86% | 0.31% | -2.23% | -7.03% | -1.94% | 4.90% | 8.99% |
| Liabilities / equity | 1.99 | 1.69 | 2.01 | 2.64 | 2.42 | 3.38 | 7.86 | 8.21 | 4.62 | 2.69 |
Industry Peer Context
Net margin peer context
ROE peer context
ROA peer context
Financial Bridges
Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2025. Operating cash flow: accession 0000033992-26-000013; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | Capital expenditures: accession 0000033992-26-000013; concept PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment | Free cash flow: accession 0000033992-26-000013; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Financial Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000033992-26-000013; filed 2026-03-16. Concept: Revenues. Source concepts: us-gaap:Revenues.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000033992-26-000013; filed 2026-03-16. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000033992-26-000013; filed 2026-03-16. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000033992-26-000013; filed 2026-03-16. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000033992-26-000013; filed 2026-03-16. Concept: PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000033992-26-000013; filed 2026-03-16. Concept: PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000033992-26-000013; filed 2026-03-16. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000033992-26-000013; filed 2026-03-16. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000033992-26-000013; filed 2026-03-16. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000033992-26-000013; filed 2026-03-16. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-05-08. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000033992.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-Q2 | 2022-06-30 | -0.51 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2022-Q3 | 2022-09-30 | -0.38 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q1 | 2023-03-31 | -0.47 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-06-30 | 36,719,988 | -522,017 | -0.05 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-09-30 | 34,236,671 | -3,537,571 | -0.33 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q4 | 2023-12-31 | 36,606,292 | 2,945,952 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2024-Q1 | 2024-03-31 | 35,765,177 | 1,426,679 | 0.12 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-06-30 | 36,502,115 | 4,514,937 | 0.37 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-09-30 | 40,771,728 | 6,978,145 | 0.55 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q4 | 2024-12-31 | 42,103,083 | 5,438,675 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2025-Q1 | 2025-03-31 | 50,498,775 | 3,882,660 | 0.27 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-06-30 | 52,294,779 | 11,252,332 | 0.78 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-09-30 | 55,652,490 | 10,872,475 | 0.74 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q4 | 2025-12-31 | 56,421,257 | 14,759,661 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2026-Q1 | 2026-03-31 | 59,775,736 | -5,808,250 | -0.40 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0000033992-26-000020; filed 2026-05-08. Concept: Revenues. Source concepts: us-gaap:Revenues.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0000033992-26-000020; filed 2026-05-08. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0000033992-26-000020; filed 2026-05-08. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
- GDPC1 - Real Gross Domestic Product
- A191RL1Q225SBEA - Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period
- INDPRO - Industrial Production: Total Index
- TCU - Capacity Utilization: Total Index
- HOUST - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
- PERMIT - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units
- RSAFS - Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
- PCE - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- DSPIC96 - Real Disposable Personal Income
- PSAVERT - Personal Saving Rate
- M2SL - M2
- BOPGSTB - U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance
- MSPUS - Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States
- HSN1F - New One Family Houses Sold: United States
- RHORUSQ156N - Homeownership Rate in the United States
- TTLCONS - Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States
- RRVRUSQ156N - Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States
- TOTALSL - Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- REVOLSL - Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- DRCCLACBS - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks
- GDP - Gross Domestic Product
- GPDI - Gross Private Domestic Investment
- GCE - Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment
- PCEC - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- NETEXP - Net Exports of Goods and Services
- GFDEBTN - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
- GFDEGDQ188S - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
- FYFSD - Federal Surplus or Deficit
- FGRECPT - Federal Government Current Receipts
- FGEXPND - Federal Government: Current Expenditures
- MANEMP - All Employees, Manufacturing
- USCONS - All Employees, Construction
- USTRADE - All Employees, Retail Trade
- USFIRE - All Employees, Financial Activities
- USGOVT - All Employees, Government
- AWHAETP - Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private
- DGORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods
- NEWORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft
- BUSINV - Total Business Inventories
- EXPGS - Exports of Goods and Services
- IMPGS - Imports of Goods and Services
- IR - Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities
- PPIFIS - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand
Latest quarter (10-Q)
Latest 10-Q source: 0000033992-26-000020.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
We offer property and casualty insurance products through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Kingstone Insurance Company (“KICO”). KICO is a New York domiciled carrier writing business through retail and wholesale agents and brokers. KICO is actively writing personal lines and commercial auto insurance in New York, and in 2025 was the 11th largest writer of homeowners insurance in New York. KICO is also licensed in the states of New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and Maine. Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Kingstone America Insurance Company ("KAIC"), was licensed to write property and casualty insurance by the state of Connecticut on May 1, 2026. We expect KAIC to begin writing policies in the latter part of 2026. For the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively, 98.7% and 98.3% of KICO’s direct premiums written came from the New York policies.
In addition, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Cosi Agency, Inc. (“Cosi”), a multi-state licensed general agency, receives commission revenue from KICO for the policies it places with others and pays commissions to these agencies. In April 2026, Cosi became licensed in California, and we expect to expand our underwriting operations to California during 2026 through the policies Cosi writes. Cosi retains the profit between the commission revenue received and the commission expense paid (“Net Cosi Revenue”). Commission expense is reduced by Net Cosi Revenue. Cosi-related operating expenses are minimal and are included in other operating expenses.
We derive substantially all of our revenue from KICO, which includes revenues from earned premiums, ceding commissions from quota share reinsurance, net investment income generated from its portfolio, and net realized gains and losses on investment securities. All of KICO’s insurance policies are written for a one year term. Earned premiums represent premiums received from insureds, which are recognized as revenue over the period of time that insurance coverage is provided (i.e., ratably over the one year life of the policy). A significant period of time can elapse from the receipt of insurance premiums to the payment of insurance claims. During this time, KICO invests the premiums, earns investment income and generates net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses on investments. Our holding company earns investment income from its cash holdings.
Our expenses include the insurance underwriting expenses of KICO and other operating expenses. Insurance companies incur a significant amount of their total expenses from losses incurred by policyholders, which are referred to as claims. In settling these claims, various loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) are incurred such as insurance adjusters’ fees and legal expenses. In addition, insurance companies incur policy acquisition costs. Policy acquisition costs include commissions paid to producers, premium taxes, and other expenses related to the underwriting process, including employees’ compensation and benefits.
Other operating expenses include our corporate expenses as a holding company. These corporate expenses include legal and auditing fees, executive employment costs and equity compensation, directors' fees, and other costs directly associated with being a public company.
Product Lines
Our product lines include the following:
Personal lines: Our largest line of business is personal lines, consisting of homeowners, dwelling fire, cooperative/condominium, renters, and personal umbrella policies.
Livery physical damage: We write for-hire vehicle physical damage only policies for livery and car service vehicles and taxicabs. These policies insure only the physical damage portion of insurance for such vehicles, with no liability coverage included.
Commercial liability: Through July 2019, we offered businessowners policies, which consist primarily of small business retail, service, and office risks, with limited property exposures. We also wrote artisan’s liability policies for small independent contractors with smaller sized workforces. In addition, we wrote special multi-peril policies for larger and more specialized businessowners risks, including those with limited residential exposures. Further, we offered commercial umbrella policies written above our supporting commercial lines policies.
In May 2019, due to the poor performance of these lines, we placed a moratorium on new commercial lines and new commercial umbrella submissions while we further reviewed this business. In July 2019, due to the continuing poor performance of these lines, we made the decision to no longer underwrite commercial lines or commercial umbrella risks. In-force policies as of July 31, 2019 for these lines were non-renewed at the end of their annual terms. As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, there were no commercial liability policies in-force. As of March 31, 2026, these expired policies represented approximately 9.9% of loss and LAE reserves net of reinsurance recoverables. See discussion below under “Additional Financial Information”.
Other: We write canine legal liability policies and have a small participation in mandatory state joint underwriting associations.
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Key GAAP and Non-GAAP Measures
We utilize the following key GAAP accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and non-GAAP measures in analyzing the results of our insurance underwriting business. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a reconciliation of the below non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure:
Direct premiums written, net premiums written: Direct premiums written is a non-GAAP measure, which represent the total premiums charged on policies issued by an insurance company during the respective fiscal period. Net premiums written is a non-GAAP measure, which are direct premiums written less premiums ceded to reinsurers. Net premiums earned, the GAAP measure most comparable to direct premiums written and net premiums written, are net premiums written that are pro-rata earned during the fiscal period presented. All of our policies are written for a twelve-month period. Management uses direct premiums written and net premiums written, along with other measures, to gauge our performance and evaluate results. Direct premiums written and net premiums written are provided as supplemental information, not as a substitute for net premiums earned, and do not reflect the Company’s net premiums earned.
Net loss ratio: The net loss ratio is a GAAP measure of the underwriting profitability of an insurance company’s business. Expressed as a percentage, this is the ratio of net losses and LAE incurred to net premiums earned.
Underlying loss ratio: The underlying loss ratio is a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed as the GAAP net loss ratio excluding the effect of prior year loss reserve development and catastrophes losses. Management believes that this ratio is useful to investors, and it is used by management to reveal the trends in our business that may be obscured by prior year loss reserve development and catastrophe losses. Catastrophe losses cause our loss ratios to vary significantly between periods as a result of their incidence of occurrence and magnitude and can have a significant impact on the net loss ratio. Management believes that this measure is useful for investors to evaluate this component separately when reviewing our underwriting performance. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is the net loss ratio. The underlying loss ratio should not be considered a substitute for the net loss ratio and does not reflect our net loss ratio.
Net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes: The net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes is a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed as the difference between the GAAP net loss ratio and the effect of catastrophes on the net loss ratio. Management believes that this ratio is useful to investors, and it is used by management to reveal the trends in our business that may be obscured by catastrophe losses. Catastrophe losses cause our net loss ratios to vary significantly between periods as a result of their incidence of occurrence and magnitude and can have a significant impact on the net loss ratio. Management believes that this measure is useful for investors to evaluate this component separately when reviewing our underwriting performance. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is the net loss ratio. The net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes should not be considered a substitute for the net loss ratio and does not reflect our net loss ratio.
Net loss ratio excluding commercial lines business: The net loss ratio excluding commercial lines business is a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed as the difference between the GAAP net loss ratio and the effect of commercial lines on the net loss ratio. Management believes that this ratio is useful to investors, and it is used by management to reveal the trends in our business that may be obscured by losses from commercial lines business. Our commercial lines business has been in run-off effective July 2019. Commercial lines losses cause our net loss ratios to vary between periods as a result of changes to their loss reserves during the run-off period and have an impact on the net loss ratio. Management believes that this measure is useful for investors to evaluate this component separately when reviewing our underwriting performance. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is the net loss ratio. The net loss ratio excluding commercial lines business should not be considered a substitute for the net loss ratio and does not reflect our net loss ratio.
Net underwriting expense ratio: The net underwriting expense ratio is a GAAP measure of an insurance company’s operational efficiency in administering its business. Expressed as a percentage, this is the ratio of the sum of acquisition costs (the most significant being commissions paid to our producers) and other underwriting expenses less ceding commission revenue less other income to net premiums earned.
Net underwriting expense ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes: The net underwriting expense ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes is a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed as the difference between the GAAP net underwriting expense ratio and the effect of catastrophes on the net underwriting expense ratio. Management believes that this ratio is useful to investors, and it is used by management to reveal the trends in our business that may be obscured by catastrophe losses. Catastrophe losses cause our net underwriting expense ratios to vary significantly between periods as a result of their incidence of occurrence and magnitude and can have a significant impact on the net underwriting expense ratio. Management believes that this measure is useful for investors to evaluate this component separately when reviewing our underwriting performance. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is the net underwriting expense ratio. The net underwriting expense ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes should not be considered a substitute for the net underwriting expense ratio and does not reflect our net underwriting expense ratio.
Net combined ratio: The net combined ratio is a GAAP measure of an insurance company’s overall underwriting profit. This is the sum of the net loss and net underwriting expense ratios. If the net combined ratio is at or above 100 percent, an insurance company cannot be profitable without investment income, and may not be profitable if investment income is insufficient.
Net combined ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes: The net combined ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes is a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed as the difference between the GAAP combined ratio and th
[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]
Latest 10-K MD&A
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Overview
We offer property and casualty insurance products through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Kingstone Insurance Company (“KICO”). KICO is a New York domiciled carrier writing business through retail and wholesale agents and brokers. KICO is actively writing personal lines and commercial auto insurance in New York, and in 2024 was the 12th largest writer of homeowners insurance in New York. KICO is also licensed in the states of New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and Maine. For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, 98.0% and 96.0% of KICO’s direct written premiums came from the New York policies.
In addition, our subsidiary, Cosi Agency, Inc. (“Cosi”), a multi-state licensed general agency, receives commission revenue from KICO for the policies it places with others and pays commissions to these agencies. Cosi retains the profit between the commission revenue received and the commission expense paid (“Net Cosi Revenue”). Commission expense is reduced by Net Cosi Revenue. Cosi-related operating expenses are minimal and are included in other operating expenses.
We derive substantially all of our revenue from KICO, which includes revenues from earned premiums, ceding commissions from quota share reinsurance, net investment income generated from its portfolio, and net realized gains and losses on investment securities. All of KICO’s insurance policies are written for a one year term. Earned premiums represent premiums received from insureds, which are recognized as revenue over the period of time that insurance coverage is provided (i.e., ratably over the one year life of the policy). A significant period of time can elapse from the receipt of insurance premiums to the payment of insurance claims. During this time, KICO invests the premiums, earns investment income and generates net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses on investments. The Holding Company earns investment income from its cash holdings.
Our expenses include the insurance underwriting expenses of KICO and other operating expenses. Insurance companies incur a significant amount of their total expenses from losses incurred by policyholders, which are referred to as claims. In settling these claims, various loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) are incurred such as insurance adjusters’ fees and legal expenses. In addition, insurance companies incur policy acquisition costs. Policy acquisition costs include commissions paid to producers, premium taxes, and other expenses related to the underwriting process, including employees’ compensation and benefits.
Other operating expenses include our corporate expenses as a holding company. These corporate expenses include legal and auditing fees, executive employment costs and equity compensation, directors' fees, and other costs directly associated with being a public company.
Principal Revenue and Expense Items
Net premiums earned: Net premiums earned is the earned portion of our written premiums, less that portion of premium that is ceded to third party reinsurers under reinsurance agreements. The amount ceded under these reinsurance agreements is based on a contractual formula contained in the individual reinsurance agreement. Insurance premiums are earned on a pro rata basis over the term of the policy. At the end of each reporting period, premiums written that are not earned are classified as unearned premiums and are earned in subsequent periods over the remaining term of the policy. Our insurance policies have a term of one year. Accordingly, for a one-year policy written on July 1, 2025, we would earn half of the premiums in 2025 and the other half in 2026.
Ceding commission revenue: Commissions on reinsurance premiums ceded to quota share treaties are earned in a manner consistent with the recognition of the direct acquisition costs of the underlying insurance policies, generally on a pro-rata basis over the terms of the policies reinsured.
Net investment income and net gains (losses) on investments: We invest in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, fixed-maturity and equity securities, and other investments. Our net investment income includes interest and dividends earned on our invested assets, less investment expenses. Net realized gains and losses on our investments are reported separately from our net investment income. Net realized gains occur when our investment securities are sold for more than their costs or amortized costs, as applicable. Net realized losses occur when our investment securities are sold for less than their costs or amortized costs, as applicable, or are written down as a result of other-than-temporary impairment. We classify our fixed-maturity securities as either available-for-sale or held-to-maturity. Net unrealized gains
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(losses) on those securities classified as available-for-sale are reported separately within accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income on our balance sheet while our equity securities and other investments report changes in fair value through earnings. See Note 2 in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for a further discussion of our accounting policies following Item 16 of this Annual Report.
Other income: We recognize installment fee income and fees charged to reinstate a policy after it has been cancelled for non-payment.
Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred: Loss and LAE incurred represent our largest expense item, and for any given reporting period include estimates of future claim payments, changes in those estimates from prior reporting periods and costs associated with investigating, defending and servicing claims. These expenses fluctuate based on the amount and types of risks we insure. We record loss and LAE related to estimates of future claim payments based on case-by-case valuations, statistical analyses and actuarial procedures. We seek to establish all reserves at the most likely ultimate liability based on our historical claims experience. It is typical for certain claims to take several years to settle and we revise our estimates as we receive additional information on such claims. Our ability to estimate loss and LAE accurately at the time of pricing our insurance policies is a critical factor affecting our profitability.
Commission expenses and other underwriting expenses: Other underwriting expenses include policy acquisition costs and other expenses related to the underwriting of policies. Policy acquisition costs represent the costs of originating new insurance policies that vary with, and are primarily related to, the production of insurance policies (principally commissions, premium taxes and certain underwriting salaries). Policy acquisition costs are deferred and recognized as expense as the related premiums are earned. Other underwriting expenses represent general and administrative expenses of our insurance business and are comprised of other costs associated with our insurance activities such as regulatory fees, telecommunication and technology costs, occupancy costs, employment costs, and legal and auditing fees.
Other operating expenses: Other operating expenses include the corporate expenses of our holding company, Kingstone Companies, Inc. These expenses include executive employment costs, legal and auditing fees, and other costs directly associated with being a public company.
Stock-based compensation: Non-cash equity compensation includes the fair value of stock grants issued to our directors, officers and employees, and amortization of stock options issued to the same.
Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization includes the amortization of intangibles related to the acquisition of KICO, depreciation of the real estate used in KICO’s operations, as well as depreciation of capital expenditures for information technology projects, office equipment and furniture.
Interest expense: Interest expense represents amounts we incur on our outstanding indebtedness at the applicable interest rates. Interest expense also includes amortization of debt discount and issuance costs.
Income tax expense: We incur federal income tax expense on our consolidated statement of operations as well as state income tax expense for our non-insurance underwriting subsidiaries.
Product Lines
Our product lines include the following:
Personal lines: Our largest line of business is personal lines, consisting of homeowners, dwelling fire, cooperative/condominium, renters, and personal umbrella policies.
Commercial liability: Through July 2019, we offered businessowners policies, which consist primarily of small business retail, service, and office risks, with limited property exposures. We also wrote artisan’s liability policies for small independent contractors with smaller sized workforces. In addition, we wrote special multi-peril policies for larger and more specialized businessowners risks, including those with limited residential exposures. Further, we offered commercial umbrella policies written above our supporting commercial lines policies.
In May 2019, due to the poor performance of this line we placed a moratorium on new commercial lines and new commercial umbrella submissions while we further reviewed this business. In July 2019, due to the continuing poor performance of these lines, we made the decision to no longer underwrite commercial lines or commercial umbrella risks. In-force policies as of July 31, 2019 for these lines were non-renewed at the end of their annual terms. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, there were no commercial liability policies in-force. As of December 31, 2025, these expired policies
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represent approximately 12.5% of loss and LAE reserves net of reinsurance recoverables. See discussion below under “Additional Financial Information”.
Livery physical damage: We write for-hire vehicle physical damage only policies for livery and car service vehicles and taxicabs. These policies insure only the physical damage portion of insurance for such vehicles, with no liability coverage included.
Other: We write canine legal liability policies and have a small participation in mandatory state joint underwriting associations.
Key GAAP and Non-GAAP Measures
We utilize the following key GAAP and non-GAAP measures in analyzing the results of our insurance underwriting business. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a reconciliation of the below non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure:
Direct written premiums; net written premiums: Direct written premiums is a non-GAAP measure, which represent the total premiums charged on policies issued by an insurance company during the respective fiscal period. Net written premiums is a non-GAAP measure, which are direct written premiums less premiums ceded to reinsurers. Net premiums earned, the GAAP measure most comparable to direct written premiums and net written premiums, are net written premiums that are pro-rata earned during the fiscal period presented. All of our policies are written for a twelve-month period. Management uses direct written premiums and net written premiums, along with other measures, to gauge our performance and evaluate results. Direct written premiums and net written premiums are provided as supplemental information, not as a substitute for net premiums earned, and do not reflect the Company’s net premiums earned.
Net loss ratio: The net loss ratio is a measure of the underwriting profitability of an insurance company’s business. Expressed as a percentage, this is the ratio of net losses and LAE incurred to net premiums earned.
Underlying loss ratio: The underlying loss ratio is a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed as the GAAP net loss ratio excluding the effect of prior year loss reserve development and catastrophes losses. Management believes that this ratio is useful to investors, and it is used by management to reveal the trends in our business that may be obscured by prior year loss reserve development and catastrophe losses. Catastrophe losses cause our loss ratios to vary significantly between periods as a result of their incidence of occurrence and magnitude and can have a significant impact on the net loss ratio. Management believes that this measure is useful for investors to evaluate this component separately when reviewing our underwriting performance. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is the net loss ratio. The underlying loss ratio should not be considered a substitute for the net loss ratio and does not reflect our net loss ratio.
Net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes: The net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes is a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed as the difference between the GAAP net loss ratio and the effect of catastrophes on the net loss ratio. Management believes that this ratio is useful to investors, and it is used by management to reveal the trends in our business that may be obscured by catastrophe losses. Catastrophe losses cause our net loss ratios to vary significantly between periods as a result of their incidence of occurrence and magnitude and can have a significant impact on the net loss ratio. Management believes that this measure is useful for investors to evaluate this component separately when reviewing our underwriting performance. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is the net loss ratio. The net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes should not be considered a substitute for the net loss ratio and does not reflect our net loss ratio.
Net loss ratio excluding commercial lines business: The net loss ratio excluding commercial lines business is a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed as the difference between the GAAP net loss ratio and the effect of commercial lines on the net loss ratio. Management believes that this ratio is useful to investors, and it is used by management to reveal the trends in our business that may be obscured by losses from commercial lines business. Our commercial lines business has been in run-off effective July 2019. Commercial lines losses cause our net loss ratios to vary between periods as a result of changes to their loss reserves during the run-off period and have an impact on the net loss ratio. Management believes that this measure is useful for investors to evaluate this component separately when reviewing our underwriting performance. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is the net loss ratio. The net loss ratio excluding commercial lines business should not be considered a substitute for the net loss ratio and does not reflect our net loss ratio.
Net underwriting expense ratio: The net underwriting expense ratio is a measure of an insurance company’s operational efficiency in administering its business. Expressed as a percentage, this is the ratio of the sum of acquisition costs (the most significant being commissions paid to our producers) and other underwriting expenses less ceding commission revenue less other income to net premiums earned.
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Net underwriting expense ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes: The net underwriting expense ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes is a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed as the difference between the GAAP net underwriting expense ratio and the effect of catastrophes on the net underwriting expense ratio. Management believes that this ratio is useful to investors, and it is used by management to reveal the trends in our business that may be obscured by catastrophe losses. Catastrophe losses cause our net underwriting expense ratios to vary significantly between periods as a result of their incidence of occurrence and magnitude and can have a significant impact on the underwriting expense ratio. Management believes that this measure is useful for investors to evaluate this component separately when reviewing our underwriting performance. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is the net underwriting expense ratio. The net underwriting expense ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes should not be considered a substitute for the net underwriting expense ratio and does not reflect our net underwriting expense ratio.
Net combined ratio: The net combined ratio is a measure of an insurance company’s overall underwriting profit. This is the sum of the net loss and net underwriting expense ratios. If the net combined ratio is at or above 100 percent, an insurance company cannot be profitable without investment income, and may not be profitable if investment income is insufficient.
Net combined ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes: The net combined ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes is a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed as the difference between the GAAP combined ratio and the effect of catastrophes on the net combined ratio. Management believes that this ratio is useful to investors, and it is used by management to reveal the trends in our business that may be obscured by catastrophe losses. Catastrophe losses cause our net combined ratios to vary significantly between periods as a result of their incidence of occurrence and magnitude and can have a significant impact on the net combined ratio. Management believes that this measure is useful for investors to evaluate this component separately when reviewing our underwriting performance. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is the net combined ratio. The net combined ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes should not be considered a substitute for the net combined ratio and does not reflect our net combined ratio.
Underwriting income: Underwriting income is net pre-tax income attributable to our insurance underwriting business before investment activity. It excludes net investment income, net realized gains from investments, and depreciation and amortization (net premiums earned less expenses included in combined ratio). Underwriting income is a measure of an insurance company’s overall operating profitability before items such as investment income, depreciation and amortization, interest expense and income taxes.
Net income from insurance underwriting business on a standalone basis: Net income from insurance underwriting business on a standalone basis is a non-GAAP measure, which is computed as GAAP net income without the effect of holding company operations on GAAP net income. Management believes that this measure is useful to investors, and it is used by management to reveal the trends in our insurance underwriting business that may be obscured by holding company operations. Holding company operations cause our GAAP net income to vary significantly between periods as a result of their magnitude and can have a significant impact on GAAP net income. Management believes that this measure is useful for investors to evaluate this component separately when reviewing our underwriting performance. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is GAAP net income. Net income from insurance underwriting business on a standalone basis should not be considered a substitute for GAAP net income and does not reflect our GAAP net income.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Kingstone Companies, Inc. and all majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires our management to make estimates and assumptions in certain circumstances that affect amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and related notes. In preparing these consolidated financial statements, our management has utilized information including our past history, industry standards, and the current economic environment, and other factors, in forming its estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the consolidated financial statements, giving due consideration to materiality. It is possible that the ultimate outcome as anticipated by our management in formulating its estimates in these financial statements may not materialize.
Application of the critical accounting policies involves the exercise of judgment and use of assumptions as to future uncertainties and, as a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. In addition, other companies may utilize different estimates, which may impact comparability of our results of operations to those of similar companies.
See below a description of these critical accounting estimates. Also, see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements following Item 16 of this Annual Report.
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Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves
Property and casualty loss and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) reserves are established to provide for the estimated cost of settling both reported (“case”) and incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) claims and claims adjusting expenses. The liability for these reserves is estimated on an undiscounted basis, using individual case-basis valuations and paid claims, pending claims, statistical analyses and various actuarial reserving methodologies. Due to the inherent uncertainty of the reserve process, actual loss costs could vary significantly compared to estimated loss costs. The below table provides detail of our reserves as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| As of December 31, 2025 | As of December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Gross | Ceded | Net | Gross | Ceded | Net | |||||||||||||||||
| Case loss | $ | 75,385 | $ | 20,749 | $ | 54,636 | $ | 64,087 | $ | 17,721 | $ | 46,366 | |||||||||||
| Case LAE | 7,459 | 1,812 | 5,646 | 6,563 | 1,426 | 5,137 | |||||||||||||||||
| IBNR loss | 38,794 | 8,277 | 30,517 | 38,681 | 10,661 | 28,020 | |||||||||||||||||
| IBNR LAE | 18,901 | 2,394 | 16,507 | 16,879 | 2,514 | 14,365 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 140,539 | $ | 33,232 | $ | 107,306 | $ | 126,210 | $ | 32,322 | $ | 93,888 |
(Components may not sum due to rounding)
Case Reserves – Reserves for reported losses are based on an estimate of ultimate loss costs of an individual claim derived from individual case-basis valuations, actual claims paid, pending claims, statistical analyses and various actuarial reserving methodologies.
IBNR Reserves – IBNR reserves are estimates of claims that have occurred but as to which we have not yet been notified to establish the case reserve. IBNR is determined using historical information aggregated by line of insurance and adjusted to current conditions.
Reinsurance
We purchase reinsurance to manage our underwriting risk on certain policies. Reinsurance receivables represent management’s best estimate of loss and LAE recoverable from reinsurers. Reinsurance receivables are estimated using the same methodologies as loss and LAE reserves. Changes in the methods and assumptions used could result in significant variances between actual and estimated losses.
Deferred Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate is based on GAAP income at statutory tax rates, adjusted for non-taxable and non-deductible items, and tax credits. Changes in estimates used in preparing the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) could result in significant changes to our deferred tax asset or liability.
Deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognized for estimated future tax consequences which result in differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. These assets and liabilities are carried at the enacted tax rates expected to apply when the asset or liability is expected to be recovered or settled. Changes in estimates and assumptions in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), or changes in the enacted tax rate, could result in significant variances between our carried deferred tax and tax recognized on the recovery or settlement of the asset or liability.
Investments
Bonds are classified as held-to-maturity (“HTM”) or available-for-sale (“AFS”), and stocks are generally classified as AFS. Investments classified as HTM are carried at amortized cost, which requires very little judgement. Investments classified as AFS are generally carried at fair value with an unrealized gain/loss recorded in income. Actual results could vary significantly from the fair values recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
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Policies in Force and Direct Written Premiums
See the tables below for our policies in force as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 and direct written premiums for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2025, our direct written premiums1 increased by 14.8% compared to the same period in 2024, while policies in force increased by 3.6% as of December 31, 2025 as compared to December 31, 2024.
| As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Change | Percent | |||||||||
| Policies In Force | 80,432 | 77,656 | 2,776 | 3.6 | % |
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (000’s except percentages) | 2025 | 2024 | Change | Percent | |||||||||||
| Direct written premiums1 | $ | 277,801 | $ | 241,980 | $ | 35,821 | 14.8 | % |
1 Direct written premiums is a non-GAAP measure defined above under "Key GAAP and Non-GAAP Measures". See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for the reconciliation of direct written premiums to the GAAP measure of net premiums earned.
Change in Market Dynamics (underway), and 5-Year Growth Plan (underway)
•Change in Market Dynamics
On August 2, 2024, two large competitors announced a plan to wind down their personal lines operations in New York State and to non-renew or mid-term cancel their entire book of business before year end 2024. The policyholders of such competitors needed to find alternative coverage. Beginning in the quarter ended September 30, 2024, we began seeing a sizable increase in our policies in force and direct written premiums from these non-renewed and cancelled policies. We refer to this new business as a Change in Market Dynamics.
On April 14, 2025, KICO entered into an agreement to offer a quote for a replacement policy to selected homeowners policyholders in Downstate New York as one of our competitors pivoted focus away from admitted personal lines business (the "Withdrawal Plan"). The Withdrawal Plan, which includes this transaction, has been approved by the DFS. This competitor wrote approximately $70 million in written premium. The Withdrawal Plan has enabled KICO to work with new distribution partners to further increase its footprint in Downstate New York by offering an alternative policy to selected homeowners policyholders with effective dates that started in late third quarter of 2025. This transaction is being handled in a similar manner to the Change in Market Dynamics, except that we are streamlining the process by providing a quote for eligible policyholders to our producers.
•5-Year Growth Plan
We recently announced our 5-year goal of $500 million in direct written premium (the "5-Year Growth Plan"), effectively doubling the size of our company relative to today. We are diligently working on a strategic plan that outlines how we will achieve this goal through a combination of organic initiatives and strategic inorganic opportunities in our core state of New York along with measured geographic expansion into new states. We intend to maintain our focus on our core expertise of insuring catastrophe-exposed properties.
Relative to geographic expansion, we have conducted a thorough study of selected geographies and states with the help of industry-leading third-party advisors and overlaid important lessons learned from our past challenges to ensure that we do not face such challenges again. We plan to pursue prudent growth at a measured pace in our chosen new states, testing and validating rate adequacy commensurate with risk factors in the new geographies. Our current plan is to go live in California and Connecticut in 2026, and two additional states in 2027.
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Consolidated Results of Operations
The following table summarizes the changes in the results of our operations for the periods indicated:
| Years ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | Change | Percent | |||||||||||
| Revenues | |||||||||||||||
| Direct written premiums (1) | $ | 277,801 | $ | 241,980 | $ | 35,821 | 14.8 | % | |||||||
| Ceded written premiums | |||||||||||||||
| Ceded to quota share treaties (2) | 23,828 | 50,539 | (26,711) | (52.9 | %) | ||||||||||
| Ceded to excess of loss treaties | 6,391 | 6,417 | (26) | (0.4 | %) | ||||||||||
| Ceded to catastrophe treaties | 33,863 | 30,794 | 3,069 | 10.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Total ceded written premiums | 64,082 | 87,750 | (23,668) | (27.0 | %) | ||||||||||
| Net written premiums (1) | 213,719 | 154,230 | 59,489 | 38.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Change in unearned premiums | |||||||||||||||
| Direct and assumed | (19,326) | (29,080) | 9,754 | 33.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Ceded to quota share treaties (2) | (7,266) | 3,348 | (10,614) | NM | |||||||||||
| Change in net unearned premiums | (26,592) | (25,732) | (860) | (3.3 | %) | ||||||||||
| Premiums earned | |||||||||||||||
| Direct and assumed | 258,474 | 212,900 | 45,574 | 21.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Ceded to reinsurance treaties | (71,348) | (84,402) | 13,054 | 15.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Net premiums earned | 187,127 | 128,498 | 58,629 | 45.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Ceding commission revenue (2) | 15,675 | 18,838 | (3,163) | (16.8 | %) | ||||||||||
| Net investment income | 9,799 | 6,824 | 2,975 | 43.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Net (losses) gains on investments | (310) | 415 | (725) | 174.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Gain on sale of real estate | 1,966 | — | 1,966 | NM | |||||||||||
| Other income | 611 | 568 | 43 | 7.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Total revenues | 214,867 | 155,142 | 59,725 | 38.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Expenses | |||||||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses | |||||||||||||||
| Direct and assumed: | |||||||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes | 100,708 | 79,472 | 21,236 | 26.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Losses from catastrophes (3) | 2,578 | 3,389 | (811) | (23.9) | % | ||||||||||
| Total direct and assumed loss and loss adjustment expenses | 103,286 | 82,861 | 20,425 | 24.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Ceded loss and loss adjustment expenses: | |||||||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes | 18,615 | 19,292 | (677) | (3.5 | %) | ||||||||||
| Losses from catastrophes (3) | 405 | 935 | (530) | (56.7) | % | ||||||||||
| Total ceded loss and loss adjustment expenses | 19,020 | 20,226 | (1,206) | (6.0 | %) | ||||||||||
| Net loss and loss adjustment expenses: | |||||||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes | 82,093 | 60,181 | 21,912 | 36.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Losses from catastrophes (3) | 2,173 | 2,454 | (281) | (11.5 | %) | ||||||||||
| Net loss and loss adjustment expenses | 84,266 | 62,635 | 21,631 | 34.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Commission expense | 40,727 | 33,929 | 6,798 | 20.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 31,719 | 25,693 | 6,026 | 23.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | 4,105 | 3,635 | 470 | 12.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 2,560 | 2,449 | 111 | 4.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Interest expense | 445 | 3,514 | (3,069) | (87.3 | %) | ||||||||||
| Total expenses | 163,822 | 131,854 | 31,968 | 24.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Income before taxes | 51,046 | 23,288 | 27,758 | 119.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 10,279 | 4,930 | 5,349 | 108.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 40,767 | $ | 18,358 | $ | 22,409 | 122.1 | % |
(Columns in the table above may not sum to totals due to rounding)
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(1)Direct written premiums and net premiums written are non-GAAP measures, defined above under "Key GAAP and Non-GAAP Measures", and reconciled in the table herein to the GAAP measure of net premiums earned.
(2)For the year ended December 31, 2024, our personal lines business was subject to a 27% quota share treaty, expiring on January 1, 2025, which included a runoff of a 3.0% portion of the prior quota share reinsurance treaty through the remainder of 2024. Effective January 1, 2025, we entered into a 16% personal lines quota share treaty, under a cutoff basis.
(3)For the year ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 include catastrophe losses, which are defined as losses from an event for which a catastrophe bulletin and related serial number has been issued by the Property Claims Services (PCS) unit of the Insurance Services Office (ISO). PCS catastrophe bulletins are issued for events that cause more than $25 million in total insured losses and affect a significant number of policyholders and insurers.
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Percentage Point Difference | Percent Change | ||||||||
| Key ratios: | |||||||||||
| Net loss ratio | 45.0 | % | 48.7 | % | (3.7) | (7.6) | % | ||||
| Net underwriting expense ratio | 30.0 | % | 31.3 | % | (1.3) | (4.2) | % | ||||
| Net combined ratio | 75.0 | % | 80.0 | % | (5.0) | (6.3) | % |
Direct Written Premiums(1)
Direct written premiums during the year ended December 31, 2025 (“Year Ended 2025”) were $277,801,000 compared to $241,980,000 during the year ended December 31, 2024 (“Year Ended 2024”). The increase of $35,821,000, or 14.8%, was primarily due to an increase in premiums from our personal lines business. Direct written premiums from our personal lines business for Year Ended 2025 were $263,188,000, an increase of $35,545,000, or 15.6%, from $227,643,000 in Year Ended 2024. The 15.6% increase in premiums from our personal lines business was primarily due to the organic growth from the Change in Market Dynamics in the New York market and to a lesser extent an increase in rates primarily from an increase in replacement costs.
Direct written premiums from our livery physical damage business for Year Ended 2025 were $14,550,000, an increase of $302,000, or 2.1%, from $14,248,000 in Year Ended 2024. The growth in direct written premiums for livery physical damage reflects increased vehicle valuations and an increase from the removal of underwriting restrictions on electric vehicles until after receiving adequate rate approval in July 2024.
___________________
(1) Direct written premiums is a non-GAAP measure defined above under "Key GAAP and Non-GAAP Measures", and reconciled in the table above to the GAAP measure of net premiums earned.
Net Written Premiums and Net Premiums Earned
Net Written Premiums(1) and Net Premiums Earned
Net written premiums increased $59,489,000, or 38.6%, to $213,719,000 in Year Ended 2025 from $154,230,000 in Year Ended 2024. Net written premiums include direct premiums, less the amount of written premiums ceded under our reinsurance treaties (quota share, excess of loss, and catastrophe). The increase in Year Ended 2025 was primarily due to the additional premiums due to the organic growth from the Change in Market Dynamics in the New York market and to a lesser extent an increase in rates primarily from an increase in replacement costs, and changes to our personal lines quota share reinsurance treaty. See "Quota share reinsurance treaties" discussion below.
___________________
(1) Net written premiums is a non-GAAP measure, defined above under "Key GAAP and Non-GAAP Measures", and reconciled in the table above to the GAAP measure of net premiums earned.
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Quota share reinsurance treaties
Effective January 1, 2024, we entered into a 27% quota share reinsurance treaty for our personal lines business, covering the period from January 1, 2024 through January 1, 2025 (“2024/2025 Treaty”). Upon expiration of the 2024/2025 Treaty on January 1, 2025, we entered into a new 16% quota share reinsurance treaty for our personal lines business, covering the period from January 1, 2025 through January 1, 2026 (“2025/2026 Treaty”). Our personal lines business was subject to the 2025/2026 Treaty in Year Ended 2025, and the 2024/2025 Treaty in Year Ended 2024. In Year Ended 2025, our premiums ceded under quota share treaties decreased by $26,711,000 in comparison to premiums ceded under quota share treaties in Year Ended 2024 (see table above). The decrease in Year Ended 2025 was attributable to the decrease in the quota share ceding percentage rate, offset by an increase in direct written premiums subject to the 2025/2026 Treaty compared to direct written premiums subject to the 2024/2025 Treaty. The inception of the 2025/2026 Treaty was recorded as a cutoff, resulting in the return of $11,471,000 from reinsurers to us of previously ceded written premiums that were unearned as of January 1, 2025.
Excess of loss reinsurance treaties
In Year Ended 2025, our ceded excess of loss reinsurance premiums decreased $26,000 compared to the ceded excess of loss premiums for Year Ended 2024. Effective January 1, 2024, we entered into an underlying excess of loss reinsurance treaty (the “Underlying XOL Treaty”) covering the period from January 1, 2024 through January 1, 2025. The Underlying XOL Treaty provided 50% reinsurance coverage for losses of $400,000 in excess of $600,000. Losses from named storms were excluded from the Underlying XOL Treaty. Effective January 1, 2025, the Underlying XOL Treaty was renewed covering the period from January 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. The Underlying XOL Treaty, combined with the excess of loss treaty, provided 50% reinsurance coverage for losses of $250,000 in excess of $750,000, and reinsurance coverage for losses in excess of $1,000,000 up to $9,000,000, together with facultative coverage. Retention was increased to $715,000 from $640,000 under the 2025/2026 Treaty. Under the 2026/2027 Treaty, retention was increased to $825,000 from $715,000.
Catastrophe reinsurance treaties
Most of the premiums written under our personal lines policies are also subject to our catastrophe reinsurance treaties. An increase in our personal lines business historically gave rise to more property exposure, which increased our exposure to catastrophe risk; therefore, our premiums ceded under catastrophe treaties would increase. An increase in our personal lines business historically resulted in an increase in premiums ceded under our catastrophe treaties if reinsurance rates were stable or were increasing. With regard to treaties entered into on July 1, 2025 ("2025/2026 Catastrophe Treaty") and 2024 ("2024/2025 Catastrophe Treaty"), we recorded our catastrophe premiums written for the entire treaty period covering July 1 through June 30, resulting in the entire annual premium written being recorded in the third quarter of 2025 and 2024. The 2025/2026 Catastrophe Treaty covers 80% of losses on the first layer of $5,000,000 in excess of $5,000,000 (Catastrophe coverage of $4,000,000), and losses of $435,000,000 in excess of $5,000,000 (Catastrophe coverage of $430,000,000), for a total catastrophe coverage of $434,000,000. The 2024/2025 Catastrophe Treaty covered 80% of losses on the first layer of $5,000,000 in excess of $5,000,000 (Catastrophe coverage of $4,000,000), and losses of $275,000,000 in excess of $10,000,000 (Catastrophe coverage of $265,000,000), for a total catastrophe coverage of $269,000,000. Catastrophe coverage under the 2025/2026 Catastrophe Treaty increased by $165,000,000 compared to the 2024/2025 Catastrophe Treaty. In Year Ended 2025, our premiums ceded under our catastrophe treaties increased by $3,069,000 in comparison to premiums ceded under catastrophe treaties in Year Ended 2024 (see table above). The increase in Year Ended 2025 was primarily attributable to the $169,000,000 increase in catastrophe coverage discussed above.
Net premiums earned
Net premiums earned increased $58,629,000 or 45.6% to $187,127,000 in Year Ended 2025 compared to $128,498,000 in Year Ended 2024. The increase was due to the 11 percentage point reduction in quota share rates discussed above, and the increase in premiums from the Change in Market Dynamics which began in the third quarter of 2024, partially offset by an increase in catastrophe premiums due to the increase in catastrophe coverage reflected in ceded catastrophe premiums earned, which increased the amount of growth in net premiums earned.
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Ceding Commission Revenue
The following table summarizes the changes in the components of ceding commission revenue (in thousands) for the periods indicated:
| Years ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | Change | Percent | |||||||||||
| Provisional ceding commissions earned | $ | 13,927 | $ | 18,829 | $ | (4,902) | (26.0 | %) | |||||||
| Contingent ceding commissions earned | 1,748 | 9 | 1,739 | NM | |||||||||||
| Total ceding commission revenue | $ | 15,675 | $ | 18,838 | $ | (3,163) | (16.8 | %) |
NM = Not Meaningful
(Columns in the table above may not sum to totals due to rounding)
Ceding commission revenue was $15,675,000 in Year Ended 2025 compared to $18,838,000 in Year Ended 2024. The decrease of $3,163,000 is explained below in the discussion of provisional ceding commissions earned and contingent ceding commissions earned.
Provisional Ceding Commissions Earned
In the Year Ended 2025, we earned provisional ceding commissions of $13,927,000 from personal lines earned premiums ceded under the 2025/2026 Treaty, and in the Year Ended 2024, we earned provisional ceding commissions of $18,829,000 from personal lines earned premiums ceded under the 2024/2025 Treaty. The decrease of $4,902,000 in provisional ceding commissions earned was due to the decrease in premiums ceded under these treaties during the Year Ended 2025 compared to the Year Ended 2024, offset by an increase in ceding commission rates under the 2025/2026 Treaty. The decrease in the premiums ceded was due to a decrease in the quota share percentage from 27% in the Year Ended 2024 to 16% in the Year Ended 2025.
Contingent Ceding Commissions Earned
Under our 2025/2026 Treaty and prior years’ quota share treaties before July 1, 2017, we received a contingent ceding commission based on a sliding scale of commission rates and ultimate treaty year loss ratio on the policies reinsured under this agreement based upon which contingent ceding commissions are earned. The sliding scale includes minimum and maximum commission rates in relation to specified ultimate loss ratio. The commission rate and contingent ceding commissions earned increase when the estimated ultimate loss ratio decreases and, conversely, the commission rate and contingent ceding commissions earned decrease when the estimated ultimate loss ratio increases. The lower the ceded loss ratio, the more contingent commission we received. The structure of the 2024/2025 Treaty called for a fixed provisional ceding commission with no opportunity to earn additional contingent ceding commissions. We earned $1,748,000 of contingent ceding commissions due to both a decrease in the attritional and catastrophe loss ratios in the Year Ended 2025 as compared to $9,000 earned in the Year Ended 2024.
Net Investment Income
Net investment income was $9,799,000 in the Year Ended 2025 compared to $6,824,000 in the Year Ended 2024, an increase of $2,975,000, or 43.6%. The average yield on non-cash invested assets was 4.3% as of December 31, 2025 compared to 3.8% as of December 31, 2024
Cash and invested assets were $321,867,000 as of December 31, 2025 compared to $237,287,000 as of December 31, 2024, an increase of $84,580,000.
Net Gains on Investments
Net (losses) on investments were $(310,000) in the Year Ended 2025 compared to net gains of $415,000 in the Year Ended 2024. Unrealized (losses) on our equity securities and other investments in the Year Ended 2025 were
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$(87,000), compared to unrealized gains of $477,000 in the Year Ended 2024. Net realized (losses) on sales of investments were $(223,000) in the Year Ended 2025 compared to net realized (losses) of $(62,000) in the Year Ended 2024.
Gain on Sale of Real Estate
Gain on sale of real estate was $1,966,000 in the Year Ended 2025 compared to $0 in the Year Ended 2024. On March 19, 2025 one of our subsidiaries closed on the sale of our headquarters building in Kingston, New York, along with an adjacent mixed-use property (collectively, the “Property”). The purchase price for the Property was $3,600,000. We are now renting a smaller facility in Kingston, New York.
Other Income
Other income was $611,000 in the Year Ended 2025 compared to $568,000 in the Year Ended 2024, an increase of $43,000, or 7.6%.
Net Loss and LAE
Net loss and LAE was $84,266,000 for the Year Ended 2025 compared to $62,635,000 for the Year Ended 2024. The net loss ratio was 45.0% in the Year Ended 2025 compared to 48.7% in the Year Ended 2024, a decrease of 3.7 percentage points. The improvement in the net loss ratio was primarily driven by a decrease in the frequency of non-catastrophe losses and a decrease in catastrophe losses, both partially offset by less favorable prior accident year reserve development and an increase in severity from large losses. The total net catastrophe impact for the Year Ended 2025 was $2,173,000, which contributed 1.2 points to the loss ratio. By comparison, the catastrophe impact for the Year Ended 2024 was 1.9 points. Favorable prior accident year development decreased the net loss ratio by 0.6 points during the Year Ended 2025 as compared to decreasing the net loss ratio by 1.4 points during the Year Ended 2024. In 2025, property claims overall developed better than expected, driven primarily by reserve takedowns on several large fire and water damage claims from accident years 2023 and 2024, resulting in favorable development. This favorable development was partially offset by increased reserves associated with liability claims, which reflect the inherent variability associated with liability claim settlement patterns. In 2024, the favorable development was primarily attributable to reserve takedowns on several large property losses from accident years 2022 and 2023, reflecting recoverable depreciation. This favorable impact was partially offset by strengthening of reserves for liability claims, particularly related to loss adjustment expenses.
The underlying loss ratio(1) (loss ratio excluding the impact of catastrophes and prior year development) was 44.4% for the Year Ended 2025, a decrease of 3.8 points from the 48.2% underlying loss ratio recorded for the Year Ended 2024. The improvement in the underlying loss ratio for the Year Ended 2025 as compared to the Year Ended 2024 was primarily due to an improvement in the frequency of losses which is the result of better performance of our Select product as well as our active efforts to manage less profitable lines of business. The favorable frequency for the Year Ended 2025 was partially offset by higher overall personal lines non-catastrophe severity, primarily driven by a greater impact from large losses.
________________
(1) Underlying loss ratio is a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed as the GAAP net loss ratio excluding the effect of prior year loss reserve development and catastrophe losses. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for the reconciliation of underlying loss ratio to the GAAP measure of net loss ratio.
See table below under “Additional Financial Information” summarizing net loss ratios by line of business.
Commission Expense
Commission expense was $40,727,000 in the Year Ended 2025 or 15.8% of direct earned premiums. Commission expense was $33,929,000 in the Year Ended 2024 or 15.9% of direct earned premiums. The increase of $6,798,000 in the Year Ended 2025 compared to the Year Ended 2024 was primarily due to an increase in direct earned premiums of $45,574,000 and an increase of $313,000 contingent commission based on the profitability of the business.
Other Underwriting Expenses
Other underwriting expenses were $31,719,000 in the Year Ended 2025 compared to $25,693,000 in the Year Ended 2024. The increase of $6,026,000, or 23.5%, was primarily due to increases in salaries and employment costs as described below; an increase in underwriting fees and premium taxes due to the growth in direct earned premiums; an increase in DFS regulatory fees; and an increase in professional fees. In addition, we realized a $365,000 gain on the
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commutations of prior years’ quota share reinsurance treaties from a group of reinsurers, in the Year Ended 2024, with no such gain in the Year Ended 2025.
Our largest single component of other underwriting expenses is salaries and employment costs, with costs of $15,681,000 in the Year Ended 2025 compared to $13,143,000 in the Year Ended 2024. Salaries and employment costs were 8.4 points of the net underwriting expense ratio in the Year Ended 2025, a reduction of 1.8 points from 10.2 points in the Year Ended 2024 primarily due to the economies of scale with the increase in net premiums earned. The dollar increase in salaries and employment costs was due to annual salary increases, increase in profit sharing due to improvement in Company performance and strengthening of our professional team by investing in hiring talent with insurance industry experience due to the growth in premiums written and anticipated new business in accordance with our 5-Year Growth Plan.
Our net underwriting expense ratio in the Year Ended 2025 was 30.0% compared to 31.3% in the Year Ended 2024. The following table shows the individual components of our net underwriting expense ratio for the periods indicated:
| Years ended December 31, | Percentage Point Change | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | |||||||
| Employment costs | 8.4 | % | 10.2 | % | (1.8) | ||
| Underwriting fees (inspections/surveys) | 1.3 | 1.4 | (0.1) | ||||
| IT expenses | 1.5 | 2.2 | (0.7) | ||||
| Professional fees | 0.7 | 0.8 | (0.1) | ||||
| Other expenses | 5.0 | 5.4 | (0.4) | ||||
| Total other underwriting expenses | 16.9 | 20.0 | (3.1) | ||||
| Commission expense | 21.8 | 26.4 | (4.6) | ||||
| Ceding commission revenue | |||||||
| Provisional | (7.4) | (14.7) | 7.3 | ||||
| Contingent | (0.9) | — | (0.9) | ||||
| Total ceding commission revenue | (8.3) | (14.7) | 6.4 | ||||
| Other income | (0.3) | (0.4) | 0.1 | ||||
| Net underwriting expense ratio | 30.0 | % | 31.3 | % | (1.3) |
(Components may not sum to totals due to rounding)
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Other operating expenses were $4,105,000 for the Year Ended 2025 compared to $3,635,000 for the Year Ended 2024. The following table shows a breakdown of the significant components of other operating expenses for the periods indicated:
| Years ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | Change | Percent | |||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | |||||||||||||||
| Employment costs | $ | 232 | $ | 325 | $ | (93) | (28.6) | % | |||||||
| Executive bonus | 69 | 50 | 19 | 38.0 | |||||||||||
| Equity compensation | 1,482 | 1,383 | 99 | 7.2 | |||||||||||
| Professional | 673 | 381 | 292 | 76.6 | |||||||||||
| Directors fees | 486 | 376 | 110 | 29.3 | |||||||||||
| Insurance | 153 | 196 | (43) | (21.9) | |||||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | 175 | 297 | (122) | (41.1) | |||||||||||
| Other expenses | 835 | 627 | 208 | 33.2 | |||||||||||
| Total other operating expenses | $ | 4,105 | $ | 3,635 | $ | 470 | 12.9 | % |
(Components may not sum to totals due to rounding)
The increase in the Year Ended 2025 of $470,000, or 12.9%, as compared to the Year Ended 2024 was primarily due to an increase in professional fees, other expenses and equity compensation, partially offset by a decrease in employment costs and loss on extinguishment of debt. The increase in equity compensation is due to additional restricted stock awards granted to our senior leadership team as of December 31, 2025 pursuant to our employee bonus plan. The increase in professional fees is due to incurring additional expenses related to our upcoming requirement for the audit of our internal controls over financial reporting. The increase in other expenses in the Year Ended 2025 of $208,000 represents $219,000 of warrant costs following the exercise of the warrants in December 2025, compared to $0 in the Year Ended 2024. The loss on extinguishment of debt is due to the balance of unamortized debt issue costs upon the prepayment of the 2024 Notes in the Year Ended 2025 and Year Ended 2024 as disclosed in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements. The decrease in employment costs was due to fluctuations in deferred compensation liability in the Year Ended 2024 related to changes in the underlying invested portfolio. The deferred compensation plan was terminated in the Year Ended 2024.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization was $2,560,000 in the Year Ended 2025 compared to $2,449,000 in the Year Ended 2024. The increase of $111,000, or 4.5%, in depreciation and amortization was primarily due to the difference between additional depreciation on software acquired compared to software being fully depreciated.
Interest Expense
Interest expense in the Year Ended 2025 was $445,000 compared to $3,514,000 in the Year Ended 2024, a decrease of $3,069,000 or 87.3%. In the Year Ended 2025 and the Year Ended 2024, as disclosed in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements, we incurred interest expense in connection with the 2024 Notes and the 12.00% Senior Notes due 2024 (the "2022 Notes"), respectively. The 2022 Notes provided for interest at the rate of 12% per annum. In September 2024, in accordance with the 2024 Exchange Agreement, we paid $5,000,000 of principal on the 2022 Notes, reducing the principal balance to $14,950,000 from $19,950,000. Under the 2024 Exchange Agreement, the balance of the 2022 Notes were exchanged for the 2024 Notes, which provided for interest at the rate of 13.75% per annum. Beginning in the third quarter of 2024 through February 2025, we paid optional principal amounts, reducing the balance of the 2024 Notes, and completely satisfying the obligation on February 24, 2025. In addition, we also incurred interest expense on the 2022 equipment financing.
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Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense in the Year Ended 2025 was $10,279,000, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 20.1%. Income tax expense in the Year Ended 2024 was $4,930,000, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 21.2%. The difference in effective tax rate is due to the effect of permanent differences in the Year Ended 2025 compared to the Year Ended 2024. In the Year Ended 2025, the vesting of restricted stock awards resulted in an income tax benefit, due to the increase in the stock price on the vesting date as compared to the grant date, which had the effect of reducing the effective tax rate. In the Year Ended 2024, the vesting of restricted stock awards resulted in additional income tax, due to the decrease in the stock price on the vesting date as compared to the grant date, which had the effect of increasing the effective tax rate.
Net income was $40,767,000 in the Year Ended 2025 compared to net income of $18,358,000 in the Year Ended 2024. The increase in net income of $22,409,000 was due to the items described above.
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Additional Financial Information
We operate our business as one segment, property and casualty insurance. Within this segment, we offer an array of property and casualty policies to our producers. The following table summarizes gross and net premiums written, net premiums earned, and loss and loss adjustment expenses by major product type, which were determined based primarily on similar economic characteristics and risks of loss.
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| Direct written premiums(1): | ||||||
| Personal lines | $ | 263,187,529 | $ | 227,642,802 | ||
| Livery physical damage | 14,549,889 | 14,248,462 | ||||
| Other(1) | 63,212 | 88,673 | ||||
| Total direct written premiums(1) | $ | 277,800,630 | $ | 241,979,937 | ||
| Net premiums written(1): | ||||||
| Personal lines | $ | 199,111,560 | $ | 139,914,970 | ||
| Livery physical damage | 14,549,889 | 14,248,462 | ||||
| Other(2) | 57,617 | 66,433 | ||||
| Total net premiums written | $ | 213,719,066 | $ | 154,229,865 | ||
| Net premiums earned: | ||||||
| Personal lines | $ | 172,418,801 | $ | 113,876,043 | ||
| Livery physical damage | 14,643,437 | 14,550,160 | ||||
| Other(2) | 64,484 | 71,717 | ||||
| Total net premiums earned | $ | 187,126,722 | $ | 128,497,920 | ||
| Net loss and loss adjustment expenses(4): | ||||||
| Personal lines | $ | 70,481,180 | $ | 49,268,714 | ||
| Livery physical damage | 5,617,684 | 6,158,197 | ||||
| Other(2) | (128) | (34,237) | ||||
| Unallocated loss adjustment expenses | 5,986,975 | 4,926,243 | ||||
| Total without commercial lines | 82,085,711 | 60,318,917 | ||||
| Commercial lines (in run-off effective July 2019)(2) | 2,180,011 | 2,315,799 | ||||
| Total net loss and loss adjustment expenses | $ | 84,265,722 | $ | 62,634,716 | ||
| Net loss ratio(4): | ||||||
| Personal lines | 40.9 | % | 43.3 | % | ||
| Livery physical damage | 38.4 | % | 42.3 | % | ||
| Other(1) | (0.2 | %) | (47.7 | %) | ||
| Total without commercial lines | 43.9 | % | 46.9 | % | ||
| Commercial lines (in run-off effective July 2019)(2) | na | na | ||||
| Total | 45.0 | % | 48.7 | % |
(1)Direct written premiums and net written premiums are non-GAAP measures, defined above under "Key GAAP and Non-GAAP Measures". See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for the reconciliation of direct written premiums, and net written premiums to the GAAP measure of net premiums earned.
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(2)“Other” includes, among other things, premiums and loss and loss adjustment expenses from our participation in a mandatory state joint underwriting association and loss and loss adjustment expenses from commercial auto.
(3)In July 2019, we stopped underwriting Commercial Liability risks. See discussions above regarding the discontinuation of this line of business.
(4)See discussions above with regard to “Net Loss and LAE”, as to catastrophe losses in the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.
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Insurance Underwriting Business on a Standalone Basis(1)
Our insurance underwriting business reported on a standalone basis(1) for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 follows:
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| Revenues | ||||||
| Net premiums earned | $ | 187,126,722 | $ | 128,497,920 | ||
| Ceding commission revenue | 15,674,971 | 18,837,946 | ||||
| Net investment income | 9,798,764 | 6,823,590 | ||||
| Net (losses) gains on investments | (309,994) | 359,490 | ||||
| Gain on sale of real estate | 1,965,989 | — | ||||
| Other income | 610,212 | 549,967 | ||||
| Total revenues | 214,866,664 | 155,068,913 | ||||
| Expenses | ||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses | 84,265,722 | 62,634,716 | ||||
| Commission expense | 40,726,801 | 33,929,333 | ||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 31,718,770 | 25,692,727 | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 2,559,835 | 2,448,932 | ||||
| Interest expense | 299,235 | 368,664 | ||||
| Total expenses | 159,570,363 | 125,074,372 | ||||
| Income from operations | 55,296,301 | 29,994,541 | ||||
| Income tax expense | 11,460,903 | 6,412,686 | ||||
| Net income from insurance underwriting business on a standalone basis(1) | $ | 43,835,398 | $ | 23,581,855 | ||
| Key Measures: | ||||||
| Net loss ratio | 45.0 | % | 48.7 | % | ||
| Net underwriting expense ratio | 30.0 | % | 31.3 | % | ||
| Net combined ratio | 75.0 | % | 80.0 | % | ||
| Reconciliation of net underwriting expense ratio: | ||||||
| Acquisition costs and other | ||||||
| underwriting expenses | $ | 72,445,571 | $ | 59,622,060 | ||
| Less: Ceding commission revenue | (15,674,971) | (18,837,946) | ||||
| Less: Other income | (610,212) | (549,967) | ||||
| Net underwriting expenses | $ | 56,160,388 | $ | 40,234,147 | ||
| Net premiums earned | $ | 187,126,722 | $ | 128,497,920 | ||
| Net Underwriting Expense Ratio | 30.0 | % | 31.3 | % |
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(1) Net income from insurance underwriting business on a standalone basis is a non-GAAP measure, which is computed as GAAP net income without the effect of holding company operations on GAAP net income. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for the reconciliation of net income from insurance underwriting business on a standalone basis to the GAAP measure of net income.
An analysis of our direct, assumed and ceded earned premiums, loss and loss adjustment expenses, and loss ratios is shown below:
| Direct | Assumed | Ceded | Net | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year ended December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||
| Written premiums | $ | 277,800,630 | $ | - | $ | (64,081,564) | $ | 213,719,066 | ||||||
| Change in unearned premiums | (19,326,339) | - | (7,266,005) | (26,592,344) | ||||||||||
| Earned premiums | $ | 258,474,291 | $ | - | $ | (71,347,569) | $ | 187,126,722 | ||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding | ||||||||||||||
| the effect of catastrophes | $ | 100,707,653 | $ | - | $ | (18,614,871) | $ | 82,092,782 | ||||||
| Catastrophe loss | 2,577,920 | - | (404,980) | 2,172,940 | ||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses | $ | 103,285,573 | $ | - | $ | (19,019,851) | $ | 84,265,722 | ||||||
| Loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes(2) | 39.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 26.1 | % | 43.9 | % | ||||||
| Catastrophe loss | 1.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.6 | % | 1.2 | % | ||||||
| Loss ratio | 40.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 26.7 | % | 45.0 | % | ||||||
| Year ended December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||
| Written premiums | $ | 241,979,937 | $ | - | $ | (87,750,072) | $ | 154,229,865 | ||||||
| Change in unearned premiums | (29,080,195) | - | 3,348,250 | (25,731,945) | ||||||||||
| Earned premiums | $ | 212,899,742 | $ | - | $ | (84,401,822) | $ | 128,497,920 | ||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding | ||||||||||||||
| the effect of catastrophes | $ | 79,477,309 | $ | - | $ | (19,296,752) | $ | 60,180,557 | ||||||
| Catastrophe loss | 3,388,937 | - | (934,778) | 2,454,159 | ||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses | $ | 82,866,246 | $ | - | $ | (20,231,530) | $ | 62,634,716 | ||||||
| Loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes(2) | 37.3 | % | 0.0 | % | 22.9 | % | 46.8 | % | ||||||
| Catastrophe loss | 1.6 | % | 0.0 | % | 1.1 | % | 1.9 | % | ||||||
| Loss ratio | 38.9 | % | 0.0 | % | 24.0 | % | 48.7 | % |
(Percentage components may not sum to totals due to rounding)
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The key measures for our insurance underwriting business for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 are as follows:
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| Net premiums earned | $ | 187,126,722 | $ | 128,497,920 | ||
| Ceding commission revenue | 15,674,971 | 18,837,946 | ||||
| Other income | 610,212 | 549,967 | ||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses (1) | 84,265,722 | 62,634,716 | ||||
| Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses: | ||||||
| Commission expense | 40,726,801 | 33,929,333 | ||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 31,718,770 | 25,692,727 | ||||
| Total acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses | 72,445,571 | 59,622,060 | ||||
| Underwriting income | $ | 46,700,612 | $ | 25,629,057 | ||
| Key Measures: | ||||||
| Net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes(2) | 43.8 | % | 46.8 | % | ||
| Effect of catastrophe loss on net loss ratio (1)(2) | 1.2 | % | 1.9 | % | ||
| Net loss ratio | 45.0 | % | 48.7 | % | ||
| Net underwriting expense ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes(2) | 30.0 | % | 31.3 | % | ||
| Effect of catastrophe loss on net underwriting expense ratio(2) | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | ||
| Net underwriting expense ratio | 30.0 | % | 31.3 | % | ||
| Net combined ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes(2) | 73.8 | % | 78.1 | % | ||
| Effect of catastrophe loss on net combined ratio (1)(2) | 1.2 | % | 1.9 | % | ||
| Net combined ratio | 75.0 | % | 80.0 | % | ||
| Reconciliation of net underwriting expense ratio: | ||||||
| Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses | $ | 72,445,571 | $ | 59,622,060 | ||
| Less: Ceding commission revenue | (15,674,971) | (18,837,946) | ||||
| Less: Other income | (610,212) | (549,967) | ||||
| $ | 56,160,388 | $ | 40,234,147 | |||
| Net earned premium | $ | 187,126,722 | $ | 128,497,920 | ||
| Net Underwriting Expense Ratio | 30.0 | % | 31.3 | % |
(1)For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, includes the sum of net catastrophe losses and loss adjustment expenses of $2,172,940 and $2,454,159, respectively.
(2)Net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes is a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed as the difference between the GAAP net loss ratio and the effect of catastrophes on the net loss ratio. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for the reconciliation of net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes to the GAAP measure of net loss ratio. Net underwriting expense ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes is also a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed as the difference between the GAAP net underwriting expense ratio and the effect of catastrophes on the net underwriting expense ratio. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for the reconciliation of net underwriting expense ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes to the GAAP measure of net underwriting expense ratio. Net combined ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes is also a non-GAAP
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ratio, which is computed as the difference between the GAAP net combined ratio and the effect of catastrophes on the net combined ratio. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for the reconciliation of net combined ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes to the GAAP measure of net combined ratio.
Investments
Portfolio Summary
The following table presents a breakdown of the amortized cost, estimated fair value, and unrealized gains and losses of our investments in fixed-maturity securities classified as available-for-sale as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
Available-for-Sale Securities
| December 31, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | % of Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Less than 12 Months | More than 12 Months | |||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies (1) | $ | 997,124 | $ | 10,066 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,007,190 | 0.3 | % | |||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, Territories and Possessions | 24,125,578 | 182,580 | — | (2,534,725) | 21,773,433 | 7.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds Industrial and miscellaneous | 131,958,643 | 567,410 | (118,901) | (2,540,470) | 129,866,682 | 44.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage and other asset backed securities (1) (2) | 139,656,710 | 1,273,816 | (62,968) | (4,477,673) | 136,389,885 | 47.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed-maturity securities | $ | 296,738,055 | $ | 2,033,872 | $ | (181,869) | $ | (9,552,868) | $ | 289,037,190 | 100.0 | % |
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| December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | % of Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Less than 12 Months | More than 12 Months | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, Territories and Possessions | $ | 24,271,177 | $ | — | $ | (73,589) | $ | (3,324,491) | $ | 20,873,097 | 11.2 | % | |||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds Industrial and miscellaneous | 112,507,436 | — | (1,024,461) | (4,690,597) | 106,792,378 | 57.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage and other asset backed securities (1) (2) | 65,529,545 | 119,647 | (209,890) | (6,211,339) | 59,227,963 | 31.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed-maturity securities | $ | 202,308,158 | $ | 119,647 | $ | (1,307,940) | $ | (14,226,427) | $ | 186,893,438 | 100.0 | % |
(1)In October 2022, KICO placed certain U.S. Treasury securities to fulfill the required collateral for a sale leaseback transaction in a designated custodian account (see Note 7 – Debt - “Equipment Financing”). As of December 31, 2024. KICO had sold its U.S. Treasury securities and replaced a portion of its other fixed-maturity securities in the designated custodian account. As of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the amount of required collateral was approximately $3,616,000 and $5,308,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the estimated fair value of the eligible collateral was approximately $3,616,000 and $5,308,000 respectively.
(2)KICO has placed certain residential mortgage backed securities as eligible collateral in a designated custodian account related to its membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLBNY") (see Note 9 – Debt – “Federal Home Loan Bank”). The eligible collateral would be pledged to FHLBNY if KICO draws an advance from the FHLBNY credit line. As of December 31, 2025, the estimated fair value of the eligible investments was approximately $9,598,000. KICO will retain all rights regarding all securities if pledged as collateral. As of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 there was no outstanding balance on the FHLBNY credit line.
Equity Securities
The following table presents a breakdown of the cost and estimated fair value of, and gross gains and losses on, investments in equity securities as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| December 31, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Cost | Gross Gains | Gross Losses | Estimated Fair Value | % of Estimated Fair Value | ||||||||||||||
| Equity Securities: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stocks | $ | 9,750,322 | $ | — | $ | (2,765,627) | $ | 6,984,695 | 69.5 | % | |||||||||
| Fixed income exchange traded funds | 3,711,232 | — | (724,432) | 2,986,800 | 29.7 | % | |||||||||||||
| FHLBNY common stock | 85,100 | — | — | 85,100 | 0.8 | % | |||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 13,546,654 | $ | — | $ | (3,490,059) | $ | 10,056,595 | 100.0 | % |
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| December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Cost | Gross Gains | Gross Losses | Estimated Fair Value | % of Estimated Fair Value | ||||||||||||||
| Equity Securities: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stocks | $ | 9,750,322 | $ | — | $ | (2,422,617) | $ | 7,327,705 | 71.2 | % | |||||||||
| Fixed income exchange traded funds | 3,711,232 | — | (808,432) | 2,902,800 | 28.2 | % | |||||||||||||
| FHLBNY common stock | 66,000 | — | — | 66,000 | 0.6 | % | |||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 13,527,554 | $ | — | $ | (3,231,049) | $ | 10,296,505 | 100.0 | % |
Other Investments
The following table presents a breakdown of the cost and estimated fair value of, and gross gains on, our other investments as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Cost | Gross Gains | Estimated Fair Value | Cost | Gross Gains | Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||
| Other Investments: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hedge fund | $ | 1,987,040 | $ | 2,565,338 | $ | 4,552,378 | $ | 1,987,040 | $ | 2,393,616 | $ | 4,380,656 |
Held-to-Maturity Securities
The following table presents a breakdown of the amortized cost and estimated fair value of, and gross unrealized gains and losses on, investments in held-to-maturity securities as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| December 31, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | % of Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Less than 12 Months | More than 12 Months | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Held-to-Maturity Securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 1,229,490 | $ | — | $ | (3,070) | $ | (22,083) | $ | 1,204,337 | 23.4 | % | |||||||||||
| Exchange traded debt | 304,111 | — | — | (62,111) | 242,000 | 4.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Industrial and miscellaneous | 4,508,747 | — | — | (817,817) | 3,690,930 | 71.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 6,042,348 | $ | — | $ | (3,070) | $ | (902,011) | $ | 5,137,267 | 100.0 | % |
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| December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | % of Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Less than 12 Months | More than 12 Months | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Held-to-Maturity Securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 1,229,170 | $ | — | $ | (39,630) | $ | (15,990) | $ | 1,173,550 | 19.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Territories and Possessions | 499,719 | — | (654) | — | 499,065 | 8.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Exchange traded debt | 304,111 | — | — | (55,611) | 248,500 | 4.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Industrial and miscellaneous | 5,014,342 | — | — | (976,192) | 4,038,150 | 67.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 7,047,342 | $ | — | $ | (40,284) | $ | (1,047,793) | $ | 5,959,265 | 100.0 | % |
Held-to-maturity U.S. Treasury securities are held in trust pursuant to various states’ minimum fund requirements.
A summary of the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our investments in held-to-maturity securities by contractual maturity as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 is shown below:
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remaining Time to Maturity | Amortized Cost | Estimated Fair Value | Amortized Cost | Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||
| Less than one year | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 499,719 | $ | 499,065 | |||||||
| One to five years | 2,063,366 | 2,029,462 | 622,375 | 600,288 | |||||||||||
| Five to ten years | — | — | 1,427,579 | 1,323,600 | |||||||||||
| More than 10 years | 3,978,982 | 3,107,805 | 4,497,669 | 3,536,312 | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | 6,042,348 | $ | 5,137,267 | $ | 7,047,342 | $ | 5,959,265 |
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Credit Rating of Fixed-Maturity Securities
The table below summarizes the credit quality of our available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 as rated by Standard and Poor’s (or, if unavailable from Standard and Poor’s, then Moody’s, Fitch, or Kroll):
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated Fair Value | Percentage of Estimated Fair Value | Estimated Fair Value | Percentage of Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||
| Rating | ||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 1,007,198 | 0.3 | % | $ | — | 0.0 | % | ||||||
| Corporate and municipal bonds | ||||||||||||||
| AAA | 3,388,595 | 1.2 | % | 3,232,352 | 1.7 | % | ||||||||
| AA | 18,728,005 | 6.5 | % | 22,844,557 | 12.2 | % | ||||||||
| A | 72,631,685 | 25.1 | % | 61,528,377 | 32.9 | % | ||||||||
| BBB+ | 29,128,976 | 10.1 | % | 20,827,660 | 11.1 | % | ||||||||
| BBB | 24,203,080 | 8.4 | % | 13,933,733 | 7.5 | % | ||||||||
| BBB- | 1,958,225 | 0.7 | % | 1,953,596 | 1.0 | % | ||||||||
| BB | — | — | % | 991,550 | 0.5 | % | ||||||||
| Total corporate and municipal bonds | 150,038,566 | 52.0 | % | 125,311,825 | 66.9 | % | ||||||||
| Residential mortgage backed, asset backed, and other collateralized obligations | ||||||||||||||
| AAA | 50,779,398 | 17.6 | % | 15,961,257 | 8.5 | % | ||||||||
| AA | 64,073,127 | 22.2 | % | 34,893,057 | 18.7 | % | ||||||||
| A | 22,403,831 | 7.8 | % | 9,927,371 | 5.3 | % | ||||||||
| CCC | 422,903 | 0.1 | % | 372,787 | 0.2 | % | ||||||||
| CC | — | 0.0 | % | 82,696 | 0.0 | % | ||||||||
| Non rated | 312,167 | 0.1 | % | 344,445 | 0.2 | % | ||||||||
| Total residential mortgage backed, asset backed, | ||||||||||||||
| and other collateralized obligations | 137,991,426 | 47.8 | % | 61,581,613 | 32.9 | % | ||||||||
| Total | $ | 289,037,190 | 100.0 | % | $ | 186,893,438 | 100.0 | % |
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The table below details the average yield by type of fixed-maturity security as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| Category | December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies | 3.84 | % | 3.62 | % | ||
| Political subdivisions of States, Territories and Possessions | 3.69 | % | 3.85 | % | ||
| Corporate and other bonds Industrial and miscellaneous | 4.19 | % | 3.86 | % | ||
| Residential mortgage backed securities | 4.44 | % | 3.31 | % | ||
| Total | 4.27 | % | 3.68 | % |
The table below lists the weighted average maturity and effective duration in years on our fixed-maturity securities as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weighted average effective maturity | 11.2 | 7.6 | ||
| Weighted average final maturity | 15.0 | 11.0 | ||
| Effective duration | 4.4 | 3.9 |
Fair Value Consideration
As disclosed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, with respect to “Fair Value Measurements,” we define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in a transaction involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities between market participants (an “exit price”). The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between inputs based on market data from independent sources (“observable inputs”) and a reporting entity’s internal assumptions based upon the best information available when external market data is limited or unavailable (“unobservable inputs”). The fair value hierarchy prioritizes fair value measurements into three levels based on the nature of the inputs. Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets have the highest priority (“Level 1”), followed by observable inputs other than quoted prices including prices for similar but not identical assets or liabilities (“Level 2”), and unobservable inputs, including the reporting entity’s estimates of the assumption that market participants would use, having the lowest priority (“Level 3”). As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, 47% and 59%, respectively, of the investment portfolio recorded at fair value was priced based upon quoted market prices.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows
The primary sources of cash flow are from our insurance underwriting subsidiary, KICO, and include direct premiums written, ceding commissions from our quota share reinsurers, loss recovery payments from our reinsurers, investment income and proceeds from the sale or maturity of investments. Funds are used by KICO for ceded premium payments to reinsurers, which are paid on a net basis after subtracting losses paid on reinsured claims and reinsurance commissions. KICO also uses funds for loss payments and loss adjustment expenses on our net business, commissions to producers, salaries and other underwriting expenses as well as to purchase investments and fixed assets.
The primary source of cash flow for the Holding Company are dividends and distributions received from KICO, which are subject to statutory restrictions. For the Year Ended 2025, KICO paid dividends of $7,950,000 to the Holding Company. As of December 31, 2025, the maximum dividends that KICO can pay to us is restricted to the lesser of 10% of statutory surplus as shown by its last statement on file with DFS, or 100% of net investment income of the preceding 36
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months reduced by dividends paid during such period. As of December 31, 2025, the maximum allowable dividend that KICO may pay to KINS was $1,969,796 without DFS approval.
KICO is a member of the FHLBNY, which provides additional access to liquidity. Members have access to a variety of flexible, low-cost funding through FHLBNY’s credit products, enabling members to customize advances. Advances are to be fully collateralized; eligible collateral to pledge to FHLBNY includes residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, along with U.S. Treasury and agency securities. See Note 3 – Investments to our consolidated financial statements for eligible collateral held in a designated custodian account available for future advances. Advances are limited to 5% of KICO’s net admitted assets as of the end of the previous quarter, which is September 30, 2025. On July 6, 2023, A.M. Best withdrew KICO’s ratings as KICO requested to no longer participate in A.M. Best’s interactive rating process. As a result of the withdrawal of A.M. Best ratings, prior to April 15, 2025, KICO was only able to borrow on an overnight basis. Effective April 15, 2025, based on KICO's credit rating from FHLBNY, KICO can now borrow for a term of up to five years. The maximum allowable advance as of December 31, 2025, based on the net admitted assets as of September 30, 2025, was approximately $16,873,000. Available collateral as of December 31, 2025 was approximately $9,598,000. Effective April 15, 2025, advances are limited to 91% of the amount of available collateral. Prior to April 15, 2025, advances were limited to 85% of the amount of available collateral. There were no borrowings under this facility during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.
On April 5, 2024, we filed a shelf registration (the “Shelf Registration”) statement on Form S-3 with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with regard to the registration of $50,000,000 of our equity and debt securities (the “Shelf Registration Statement”). The Shelf Registration Statement was declared effective by the SEC on April 22, 2024. Any offering made pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement may only be made by means of a prospectus, including a prospectus supplement, forming a part of the effective Shelf Registration Statement, relating to the offering.
In May 2024, we entered into a Sales Agreement with Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (the “Sales Agent”) under which we initially had the ability to issue and sell shares of our Common Stock, from time to time, through the Sales Agent, pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, up to an aggregate offering price of approximately $16,400,000 in what is commonly referred to as an “at-the-market” (“ATM”) program. On January 7, 2025, we filed a prospectus supplement providing for a going forward aggregate offering price for the ATM program of $25,000,000. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we sold 612,999 shares of our Common Stock at a weighted average price of $16.00 per share and raised $9,464,323 in net proceeds under the ATM program. As of December 31, 2025, we had remaining capacity to sell up to an additional $15,945,937 of our Common Stock under the ATM program.
On September 12, 2024, we issued the 2024 Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $14,950,000 pursuant to the 2024 Exchange Agreement. Beginning in the third quarter of 2024 through the first quarter of 2025, we paid optional principal amounts, reducing the balance of the 2024 Notes, and completely satisfying the obligation on February 24, 2025.
If the aforementioned sources of cash flow currently available are insufficient to cover our Holding Company cash requirements, we will seek to obtain additional financing.
Cash flow and liquidity are categorized into three sources: (1) operating activities; (2) investing activities; and (3) financing activities, which are shown in the following table:
| Years ended December 31, | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flows provided by (used in): | |||||||
| Operating activities | $ | 75,859,517 | $ | 57,947,771 | |||
| Investing activities | (92,856,302) | (35,261,441) | |||||
| Financing activities | 506,074 | (2,993,887) | |||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (16,490,711) | 19,692,443 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 28,669,441 | 28,669,441 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 12,178,730 | $ | 28,669,441 |
Net cash provided by operating activities was $75,860,000 in the Year Ended 2025 as compared to $57,948,000 provided by operating activities in the Year Ended 2024. The $17,912,000 increase in cash flows provided by operating
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activities in the Year Ended 2025 as compared to the Year Ended 2024 was primarily the result of an increase in net income (adjusted for non-cash items) of $16,190,000 and cash provided from net fluctuations in operating assets and liabilities. The net fluctuations in assets and liabilities are related to operating activities of KICO as affected by growth or declines in its operations, payments on claims and other changes, which are described above.
Net cash used in investing activities was $92,856,000 in the Year Ended 2025 compared to $35,261,000 used in investing activities in the Year Ended 2024 resulting in a $57,595,000 increase in net cash used in investing activities. In the Year Ended 2025 we had net cash used by our investment portfolio of $93,649,000, compared to $32,924,000 used in the Year Ended 2024. In the Year Ended 2025 one of our subsidiaries received gross proceeds of $3,600,000 from the sale of real estate that was used as our headquarters building.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $506,000 in the Year Ended 2025 compared to $2,994,000 used in the Year Ended 2024. In the Year Ended 2025, we received net proceeds of $9,470,000 from our ATM offering. This amount was offset primarily by principal payments of $5,950,000 on our 2024 Notes, $1,223,000 on our equipment financing debt in connection with KICO’s sale-leaseback transaction, $562,000 for withholding taxes paid on vested restricted stock awards and the exercise of stock options, and shareholder dividend payments of $1,414,000. The principal payments on the 2024 Notes were made by using a portion of the net proceeds from our ATM offering. Net cash used in financing activities in the Year Ended 2024 were primarily principal payments of $5,000,000 on our 2022 Notes, $9,000,000 on our 2024 Notes, and $1,154,000 principal payments on our equipment financing debt. The principal payments in the Year Ended 2024 on the 2024 Notes were made by using a portion of the $13,611,000 net proceeds from our ATM offering.
Reinsurance
The following table provides summary information with respect to each reinsurer that accounted for more than 10% of our reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses as of December 31, 2025:
| ($ in thousands) | A.M. Best Rating | Amount Recoverable as of December 31, 2025 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation | A+ | $ | 9,658,000 | 26.8 | % | ||||
| Hanover Rueck SE | A+ | 12,373,000 | 34.3 | % | |||||
| Lancashire Insurance Company Limited | A | 7,040,000 | 19.5 | % | |||||
| 29,071,000 | 80.6 | % | |||||||
| Others (1) | 6,989,000 | 19.4 | % | ||||||
| Total | $ | 36,060,000 | 100.0 | % |
(1)Of $6,989,000 reinsurance recoverables included in Others at December 31, 2025, $384,000 was guaranteed by irrevocable letters of credit.
Effective January 1, 2024, we entered into a 27% quota share reinsurance treaty for our personal lines business, which primarily consisted of homeowners’ and dwelling fire policies, covering the period from January 1, 2024 through January 1, 2025 (“2024/2025 Treaty”). Upon the expiration of the 2024/2025 Treaty on January 1, 2025, we entered into a new 16% quota share reinsurance treaty for our personal lines business, covering the period from January 1, 2025 through January 1, 2026 (“2025/2026 Treaty”). Upon the expiration of the 2025/2026 Treaty on January 1, 2026, we entered into a new 5% quota share reinsurance treaty for our personal lines business (written in all states except California for which we entered into a new 30% quota share reinsurance treaty) covering the period from January 1, 2026 through January 1, 2027 (“2026/2027 Treaty”).
Our excess of loss and catastrophe reinsurance treaties expired on June 30, 2025 and we entered into new excess of loss and catastrophe reinsurance treaties effective July 1, 2025 (as discussed below).The new catastrophe reinsurance treaties includes the issuance of a $125,000,000 catastrophe bond ("Series 2025-1 Notes"). The Series 2025-1 Notes were priced at 4.5% and issued through a Bermuda-registered special purpose insurer, 1886 Re Ltd., providing us with $125,000,000 of collateralized reinsurance protection. The Series 2025-1 Notes offer multi-year protection against named storm events across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island on an indemnity trigger and per-
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occurrence basis. The Series 2025-1 Notes, which were structured and placed by Aon Securities LLC, will cover four annual risk periods from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
Effective January 1, 2024, we renewed an underlying excess of loss treaty ("Underlying XOL Treaty") covering the period from January 1, 2024 through January 1, 2025. The treaty provided 50% reinsurance coverage for losses of $400,000 in excess of $600,000. Losses from named storms were excluded from the treaty. Effective January 1, 2025, the Underlying XOL Treaty was renewed covering the period from January 1, 2025 through June 30, 2025. Effective July 1, 2025, the Underlying XOL Treaty was renewed along with our excess of loss reinsurance treaty covering the period from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Combined, the renewed treaties provide 50% reinsurance coverage for losses of $250,000 in excess of $750,000, and 100% reinsurance coverage for losses in excess of $1,000,000 up to $9,000,000 together with facultative coverage. For the period October 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025, we purchased catastrophe reinsurance which provides coverage for winter storm losses to the extent of 71% of $4,500,000 in excess of $5,500,000. For the period October 15, 2025 through April 30, 2026, we purchased catastrophe reinsurance which provides coverage for winter storm losses to the extent of 90% of $5,000,000 in excess of $5,000,000. Effective July 1, 2025, we purchased $435,000,000 of catastrophe reinsurance in excess of $5,000,000, compared to $275,000,000 of catastrophe reinsurance in excess of $5,000,000 in the expiring treaty. Material terms for our reinsurance treaties in effect for the treaty years shown below are as follows:
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| Treaty Period | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026/2027 Treaty | 2025/2026 Treaty | 2024/2025 Treaty | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Line of Business | July 1, 2026 to January 1, 2027 | January 2, 2026 to June 30, 2026 | July 1, 2025 to January 1, 2026 | January 2, 2025 to June 30, 2025 | July 1, 2024 to January 1, 2025 | January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
| Personal Lines: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Homeowners, dwelling fire and canine legal liability | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quota share treaty: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percent ceded (6) | 5 | % | 5 | % | 16 | % | 16 | % | 27 | % | 27 | % | |||||||||||
| Risk retained on initial | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $1,000,000 of losses (4) (5) (6) | $ | 950,000 | $ | 950,000 | $ | 840,000 | $ | 840,000 | $ | 730,000 | $ | 730,000 | |||||||||||
| Losses per occurrence | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| subject to quota share | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| reinsurance coverage | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | |||||||||||
| Expiration date | January 1, 2027 | January 1, 2027 | January 1, 2026 | January 1, 2026 | January 1, 2025 | January 1, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||
| Excess of loss coverage and | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| facultative facility | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| coverage (1) (4) (5) | $ | (5) | $ | 8,250,000 | $ | 8,250,000 | $ | 8,400,000 | $ | 8,400,000 | $ | 8,400,000 | |||||||||||
| in excess of | in excess of | in excess of | in excess of | in excess of | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 750,000 | $ | 750,000 | $ | 600,000 | $ | 600,000 | $ | 600,000 | ||||||||||||||
| Total reinsurance coverage | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| per occurrence (4) (5) | $ | 50,000 | $ | 8,175,000 | $ | 8,285,000 | $ | 8,360,000 | $ | 8,470,000 | $ | 8,470,000 | |||||||||||
| Losses per occurrence | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| subject to reinsurance | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| coverage (5) | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 9,000,000 | $ | 9,000,000 | $ | 9,000,000 | $ | 9,000,000 | $ | 9,000,000 | |||||||||||
| Expiration date | (5) | June 30, 2026 | June 30, 2026 | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
| Catastrophe Reinsurance: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Initial loss subject to personal | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| lines quota share treaty (5) | $ | 10,000,000 | $ | 10,000,000 | $ | 10,000,000 | $ | 10,000,000 | $ | 10,000,000 | $ | 10,000,000 | |||||||||||
| Risk retained per catastrophe | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| occurrence (5) (6) (7) (8) | (5) | $ | 5,500,000 | $ | 5,000,000 | $ | 4,250,000 | $ | 4,750,000 | $ | 9,500,000 | ||||||||||||
| Catastrophe loss coverage | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| in excess of quota share | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| coverage (2) (5) (8) | (5) | $ | 434,500,000 | $ | 435,000,000 | $ | 275,000,000 | $ | 275,000,000 | $ | 315,000,000 | ||||||||||||
| Reinstatement premium | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| protection (3) | (5) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
(1)For personal lines, includes the addition of an automatic facultative facility allowing KICO to obtain homeowners single risk coverage up to $9,000,000 in total insured value, which covers direct losses from $3,500,000 to $9,000,000 through June 30, 2026.
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(2)Catastrophe coverage is limited on an annual basis to two times the per occurrence amounts, except for one occurrence on 80% of the first layer of $5,000,000 in excess of $5,000,000, and one occurrence on 52% of the top layer of $240,000,000 in excess of $200,000,000, which is covered under the catastrophe bond. Duration of 168 consecutive hours for a catastrophe occurrence from windstorm, hail, tornado, hurricane and cyclone, except for winter storm coverage, which is covered under a specific declared catastrophe event.
(3)For the period July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 (expiration date of the catastrophe reinsurance treaty), reinstatement premium protection for $50,000,000 of catastrophe coverage in excess of $10,000,000. For the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 (expiration date of the catastrophe reinsurance treaty), reinstatement premium protection for $50,000,000 of catastrophe coverage in excess of $10,000,000.
(4)For the period January 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, the Underlying XOL Treaty provides 50% reinsurance coverage for losses of $400,000 in excess of $600,000. Excludes losses from named storms. Reduces retention to $530,000 from $730,000 under the 2024/2025 Treaty. Retention increases to $640,000 from $530,000 under the 2025/2026 Treaty. For the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, the Underlying XOL Treaty combined with the excess of loss treaty provide 50% reinsurance coverage for losses of $250,000 in excess of $750,000, and 100% reinsurance coverage for losses in excess of $1,000,000 up to $9,000,000 together with facultative coverage. Increased retention to $715,000 from $640,000 under the 2025/2026 Treaty, and increased retention to $825,000 under the 2026/2027 Treaty. (see note 5 below).
(5)Excess of loss coverage and facultative facility and catastrophe reinsurance treaties will expire on June 30,2026, with none of these coverages to be in effect during the period from July 1 2026 through January 1, 2027. If and when these treaties are renewed on July 1, 2026 the excess of loss and facultative facility, underlying excess of loss treaty, and the catastrophe reinsurance treaty, will be as provided for therein. Reinsurance coverage in effect from July 1, 2026 through January 1, 2027 is currently only covered under the 2026/2027 Treaty. The 2026/2027 Treaty will expire on January 1, 2027.
(6)For the 2024/2025 Treaty, 22% of the 27% total of losses ceded under this treaty are excluded from a named catastrophe event. For the 2025/2026 Treaty, 6% of the 16% total of losses ceded under this treaty are excluded from a named catastrophe event. For the 2026/2027 Treaty, there is no exclusion for catastrophe events.
(7)Plus losses in excess of catastrophe coverage.
(8)Effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, catastrophe coverage is 80% of the first layer of $5,000,000 in excess of $5,000,000. The remaining coverage is at 100% of $430,000,000 in excess of $10,000,000. For the period October 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025, additional catastrophe reinsurance treaty provided coverage for winter storm losses to the extent of 71% of $4,500,000 in excess of $5,500,000. For the period October 15, 2025 through April 30, 2026, additional catastrophe reinsurance treaty will provide coverage for winter storm losses to the extent of 90% of $5,000,000 in excess of $5,000,000. Retention for winter storms is $4,800,000 under the 2024/2025 Treaty, $5,200,000 under the 2025/2026 Treaty from January 1, 2025 through April 30, 2025, $3,900,000 from October 15, 2025 through January 1, 2026, the expiration date of the 2025/2026 Treaty, and $5,000,000 under the 2026/2027 Treaty through April 30, 2026,
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| Treaty Year | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Line of Business | July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 | July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 | July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 | ||||||||
| Personal Lines: | |||||||||||
| Personal Umbrella | |||||||||||
| Quota share treaty: | |||||||||||
| Percent ceded - first $1,000,000 of coverage | 90 | % | 90 | % | 90 | % | |||||
| Percent ceded - excess of $1,000,000 dollars of coverage | 95 | % | 95 | % | 95 | % | |||||
| Risk retained | $ | 300,000 | $ | 300,000 | $ | 300,000 | |||||
| Total reinsurance coverage per occurrence | $ | 4,700,000 | $ | 4,700,000 | $ | 4,700,000 | |||||
| Losses per occurrence subject to quota share reinsurance coverage | $ | 5,000,000 | $ | 5,000,000 | $ | 5,000,000 | |||||
| Expiration date | June 30, 2026 | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2024 |
Commercial Lines (1)
(1)Coverage on all commercial lines policies expired in September 2020; reinsurance coverage is based on treaties in effect on the date of loss.
Inflation
Premiums are established before we know the amount of losses and loss adjustment expenses or the extent to which inflation may affect such amounts. We attempt to anticipate the potential impact of inflation in establishing our reserves, especially as it relates to medical and hospital rates where historical inflation rates have exceeded the general level of inflation. Inflation in excess of the levels we have assumed could cause loss and loss adjustment expenses to be higher than we anticipated, which would require us to increase reserves and reduce earnings.
Fluctuations in rates of inflation also influence interest rates, which in turn impact the market value of our investment portfolio and yields on new investments. Operating expenses, including salaries and benefits, generally are impacted by inflation.
The Year Ended 2025 economic inflation tempered compared to 2024 and 2023, which resulted in a sustained increase in interest rates, a widening of credit spreads, lower public equity valuations, and significant financial market volatility. The higher interest rates and widening of credit spreads reduced the value of our fixed income securities.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP.
The following table reconciles GAAP net premiums earned to net written premiums and direct written premiums for the periods presented:
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| GAAP net premiums earned | $ | 187,126,722 | $ | 128,497,920 | ||
| Change in unearned premiums | 26,592,344 | 25,731,945 | ||||
| Net written premiums | 213,719,066 | 154,229,865 | ||||
| Ceded written premiums | 64,081,564 | 87,750,072 | ||||
| Direct written premiums | $ | 277,800,630 | $ | 241,979,937 |
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The following table reconciles the GAAP net loss ratio to the net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes and to the underlying loss ratio for the periods presented:
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| GAAP net loss ratio | 45.0 | % | 48.7 | % | ||
| Effect of catastrophes | 1.2 | % | 1.9 | % | ||
| Net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes | 43.8 | % | 46.8 | % | ||
| Effect of prior year reserve development | (0.6 | %) | (1.4 | %) | ||
| Underlying loss ratio | 44.4 | % | 48.2 | % |
The following table reconciles the GAAP net loss ratio to the net loss ratio excluding commercial lines business for the periods presented:
| Years ended December 31, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| GAAP net loss ratio | 45.0 | % | 48.7 | % | |
| Effect of commercial lines business | 1.1 | % | 1.8 | % | |
| Net loss ratio excluding the effect of commercial lines business | 43.9 | % | 46.9 | % |
The following table reconciles GAAP net income to net income from insurance underwriting business on a standalone basis for the periods presented:
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| GAAP net income | $ | 40,767,128 | $ | 18,358,436 | ||
| Holding company operations | (3,068,270) | (5,223,419) | ||||
| Net income from insurance underwriting business on a standalone basis | $ | 43,835,398 | $ | 23,581,855 |
The following table reconciles the GAAP net loss ratio, GAAP net underwriting expense ratio, and GAAP net combined ratio to the net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes, net underwriting expense ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes, and net combined ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes for the periods presented:
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| Years ended December 31, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| GAAP net loss ratio | 45.0 | % | 48.7 | % | |
| Effect of catastrophes | 1.2 | % | 1.9 | % | |
| Net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes | 43.8 | % | 46.8 | % | |
| GAAP net underwriting expense ratio | 30.0 | % | 31.3 | % | |
| Effect of catastrophes | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | |
| Net underwriting expense ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes | 30.0 | % | 31.3 | % | |
| GAAP net combined ratio | 75.0 | % | 80.0 | % | |
| Effect of catastrophes | 1.2 | % | 1.9 | % | |
| Net combined ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes | 73.8 | % | 78.1 | % |
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
Outlook
Our net premiums earned may be impacted by a number of factors. Net premiums earned are a function of net written premium volume. Net written premiums comprise both renewal business and new business and are recognized as earned premium over the term of the underlying policies. Net written premiums from both renewal and new business are impacted by competitive market conditions as well as general economic conditions. We have made underwriting changes to emphasize profitability over growth and have culled out the type of risks that do not generate an acceptable level of return.
On April 14, 2025, KICO entered into an agreement to offer a quote for a replacement policy to selected Homeowners policyholders in Downstate New York as one of our competitors pivoted focus away from admitted personal lines business (the "Withdrawal Plan"). The Withdrawal Plan, which includes this transaction, was approved by the New York Department of Financial Services. The Withdrawal Plan enabled KICO to work with new distribution partners to further increase its footprint in Downstate New York by offering an alternative policy to selected Homeowners policyholders with effective dates that started in the third quarter of 2025. In March 2026, we announced that we intend to expand into new markets, starting with California in the second quarter of 2026. See “Forward-Looking Statements” before Part I, Item 1.
During the first quarter of 2026, winter weather in the Northeast United States has been more severe than recent winters with losses incurred from seven catastrophe events during the months of January and February 2026. The 2026 guidance disclosed in our Form 8-K filing on March 5, 2026, assumes higher-than-average catastrophe losses in the first quarter and full year of 2026.
MD&A history
Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.
FY 2024 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0000033992-25-000007.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Overview
We offer property and casualty insurance products through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Kingstone Insurance Company (“KICO”). KICO is a New York domiciled carrier writing business through retail and wholesale agents and brokers. KICO is actively writing personal lines and commercial auto insurance in New York, and in 2024 was the 12th
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largest writer of homeowners insurance in New York. KICO is also licensed in the states of New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and Maine. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, 96.0% and 88.3% of KICO’s direct written premiums came from the New York policies. We refer to our New York business as our “Core” business and the business outside of New York as our “non-Core” business.
In addition, our subsidiary, Cosi Agency, Inc. (“Cosi”), a multi-state licensed general agency, receives commission revenue from KICO for the policies it places with others and pays commissions to these agencies. Cosi retains the profit between the commission revenue received and the commission expense paid (“Net Cosi Revenue”). Commission expense is reduced by Net Cosi Revenue. Cosi-related operating expenses are minimal and are included in other operating expenses.
We derive substantially all of our revenue from KICO, which includes revenues from earned premiums, ceding commissions from quota share reinsurance, net investment income generated from its portfolio, and net realized gains and losses on investment securities. All of KICO’s insurance policies are written for a one year term. Earned premiums represent premiums received from insureds, which are recognized as revenue over the period of time that insurance coverage is provided (i.e., ratably over the one year life of the policy). A significant period of time can elapse from the receipt of insurance premiums to the payment of insurance claims. During this time, KICO invests the premiums, earns investment income and generates net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses on investments. Our holding company earns investment income from its cash holdings.
Our expenses include the insurance underwriting expenses of KICO and other operating expenses. Insurance companies incur a significant amount of their total expenses from losses incurred by policyholders, which are referred to as claims. In settling these claims, various loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) are incurred such as insurance adjusters’ fees and legal expenses. In addition, insurance companies incur policy acquisition costs. Policy acquisition costs include commissions paid to producers, premium taxes, and other expenses related to the underwriting process, including employees’ compensation and benefits.
Other operating expenses include our corporate expenses as a holding company. These corporate expenses include legal and auditing fees, executive employment costs, and other costs directly associated with being a public company.
Principal Revenue and Expense Items
Net premiums earned: Net premiums earned is the earned portion of our written premiums, less that portion of premium that is ceded to third party reinsurers under reinsurance agreements. The amount ceded under these reinsurance agreements is based on a contractual formula contained in the individual reinsurance agreement. Insurance premiums are earned on a pro rata basis over the term of the policy. At the end of each reporting period, premiums written that are not earned are classified as unearned premiums and are earned in subsequent periods over the remaining term of the policy. Our insurance policies have a term of one year. Accordingly, for a one-year policy written on July 1, 2023, we would earn half of the premiums in 2023 and the other half in 2024.
Ceding commission revenue: Commissions on reinsurance premiums ceded to quota share treaties are earned in a manner consistent with the recognition of the direct acquisition costs of the underlying insurance policies, generally on a pro-rata basis over the terms of the policies reinsured.
Net investment income and net gains (losses) on investments: We invest in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, fixed-maturity and equity securities, and other investments. Our net investment income includes interest and dividends earned on our invested assets, less investment expenses. Net realized gains and losses on our investments are reported separately from our net investment income. Net realized gains occur when our investment securities are sold for more than their costs or amortized costs, as applicable. Net realized losses occur when our investment securities are sold for less than their costs or amortized costs, as applicable, or are written down as a result of other-than-temporary impairment. We classify our fixed-maturity securities as either available-for-sale or held-to-maturity. Net unrealized gains (losses) on those securities classified as available-for-sale are reported separately within accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income on our balance sheet while our equity securities and other investments report changes in fair value through earnings. See Note 2 in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for a further discussion of our accounting policies following Item 16 of this Annual Report.
Other income: We recognize installment fee income and fees charged to reinstate a policy after it has been cancelled for non-payment.
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Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred: Loss and LAE incurred represent our largest expense item, and for any given reporting period include estimates of future claim payments, changes in those estimates from prior reporting periods and costs associated with investigating, defending and servicing claims. These expenses fluctuate based on the amount and types of risks we insure. We record loss and LAE related to estimates of future claim payments based on case-by-case valuations, statistical analyses and actuarial procedures. We seek to establish all reserves at the most likely ultimate liability based on our historical claims experience. It is typical for certain claims to take several years to settle and we revise our estimates as we receive additional information on such claims. Our ability to estimate loss and LAE accurately at the time of pricing our insurance policies is a critical factor affecting our profitability.
Commission expenses and other underwriting expenses: Other underwriting expenses include policy acquisition costs and other expenses related to the underwriting of policies. Policy acquisition costs represent the costs of originating new insurance policies that vary with, and are primarily related to, the production of insurance policies (principally commissions, premium taxes and certain underwriting salaries). Policy acquisition costs are deferred and recognized as expense as the related premiums are earned. Other underwriting expenses represent general and administrative expenses of our insurance business and are comprised of other costs associated with our insurance activities such as regulatory fees, telecommunication and technology costs, occupancy costs, employment costs, and legal and auditing fees.
Other operating expenses: Other operating expenses include the corporate expenses of our holding company, Kingstone Companies, Inc. These expenses include executive employment costs, legal and auditing fees, and other costs directly associated with being a public company.
Stock-based compensation: Non-cash equity compensation includes the fair value of stock grants issued to our directors, officers and employees, and amortization of stock options issued to the same.
Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization includes the amortization of intangibles related to the acquisition of KICO, depreciation of the real estate used in KICO’s operations, as well as depreciation of capital expenditures for information technology projects, office equipment and furniture.
Interest expense: Interest expense represents amounts we incur on our outstanding indebtedness at the applicable interest rates. Interest expense also includes amortization of debt discount and issuance costs.
Income tax expense: We incur federal income tax expense on our consolidated statement of operations as well as state income tax expense for our non-insurance underwriting subsidiaries.
Product Lines
Our product lines include the following:
Personal lines: Our largest line of business is personal lines, consisting of homeowners, dwelling fire, cooperative/condominium, renters, and personal umbrella policies.
Commercial liability: Through July 2019, we offered businessowners policies, which consist primarily of small business retail, service, and office risks, with limited property exposures. We also wrote artisan’s liability policies for small independent contractors with smaller sized workforces. In addition, we wrote special multi-peril policies for larger and more specialized businessowners risks, including those with limited residential exposures. Further, we offered commercial umbrella policies written above our supporting commercial lines policies.
In May 2019, due to the poor performance of this line we placed a moratorium on new commercial lines and new commercial umbrella submissions while we further reviewed this business. In July 2019, due to the continuing poor performance of these lines, we made the decision to no longer underwrite commercial lines or commercial umbrella risks. In-force policies as of July 31, 2019 for these lines were non-renewed at the end of their annual terms. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no commercial liability policies in-force. As of December 31, 2024, these expired policies represent approximately 14.4% of loss and LAE reserves net of reinsurance recoverables. See discussion below under “Additional Financial Information”.
Livery physical damage: We write for-hire vehicle physical damage only policies for livery and car service vehicles and taxicabs. These policies insure only the physical damage portion of insurance for such vehicles, with no liability coverage included.
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Other: We write canine legal liability policies and have a small participation in mandatory state joint underwriting associations.
Key GAAP and Non-GAAP Measures
We utilize the following key GAAP and non-GAAP measures in analyzing the results of our insurance underwriting business. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a reconciliation of the below non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure:
Net loss ratio: The net loss ratio is a measure of the underwriting profitability of an insurance company’s business. Expressed as a percentage, this is the ratio of net losses and LAE incurred to net premiums earned.
Underlying loss ratio: The underlying loss ratio is a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed as the GAAP net loss ratio excluding the effect of prior year loss reserve development and catastrophes losses. Management believes that this ratio is useful to investors, and it is used by management to reveal the trends in our business that may be obscured by prior year loss reserve development and catastrophe losses. Catastrophe losses cause our loss ratios to vary significantly between periods as a result of their incidence of occurrence and magnitude and can have a significant impact on the net loss ratio. Management believes that this measure is useful for investors to evaluate this component separately when reviewing our underwriting performance. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is the net loss ratio. The underlying loss ratio should not be considered a substitute for the net loss ratio and does not reflect our net loss ratio.
Net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes: The net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes is a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed as the difference between the GAAP net loss ratio and the effect of catastrophes on the net loss ratio. Management believes that this ratio is useful to investors, and it is used by management to reveal the trends in our business that may be obscured by catastrophe losses. Catastrophe losses cause our net loss ratios to vary significantly between periods as a result of their incidence of occurrence and magnitude and can have a significant impact on the net loss ratio. Management believes that this measure is useful for investors to evaluate this component separately when reviewing our underwriting performance. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is the net loss ratio. The net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes should not be considered a substitute for the net loss ratio and does not reflect our net loss ratio.
Net loss ratio excluding commercial lines business: The net loss ratio excluding commercial lines business is a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed as the difference between the GAAP net loss ratio and the effect of commercial lines on the net loss ratio. Management believes that this ratio is useful to investors, and it is used by management to reveal the trends in our business that may be obscured by losses from commercial lines business. Our commercial lines business has been in run-off effective July 2019. Commercial lines losses cause our net loss ratios to vary between periods as a result of changes to their loss reserves during the run-off period and have an impact on the net loss ratio. Management believes that this measure is useful for investors to evaluate this component separately when reviewing our underwriting performance. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is the net loss ratio. The net loss ratio excluding commercial lines business should not be considered a substitute for the net loss ratio and does not reflect our net loss ratio.
Net underwriting expense ratio: The net underwriting expense ratio is a measure of an insurance company’s operational efficiency in administering its business. Expressed as a percentage, this is the ratio of the sum of acquisition costs (the most significant being commissions paid to our producers) and other underwriting expenses less ceding commission revenue less other income to net premiums earned.
Net underwriting expense ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes: The net underwriting expense ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes is a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed as the difference between the GAAP net underwriting expense ratio and the effect of catastrophes on the net underwriting expense ratio. Management believes that this ratio is useful to investors, and it is used by management to reveal the trends in our business that may be obscured by catastrophe losses. Catastrophe losses cause our net underwriting expense ratios to vary significantly between periods as a result of their incidence of occurrence and magnitude and can have a significant impact on the underwriting expense ratio. Management believes that this measure is useful for investors to evaluate this component separately when reviewing our underwriting performance. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is the net underwriting expense ratio. The net underwriting expense ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes should not be considered a substitute for the net underwriting expense ratio and does not reflect our net underwriting expense ratio.
Net combined ratio: The net combined ratio is a measure of an insurance company’s overall underwriting profit. This is the sum of the net loss and net underwriting expense ratios. If the net combined ratio is at or above 100 percent, an
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insurance company cannot be profitable without investment income, and may not be profitable if investment income is insufficient.
Net combined ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes: The net combined ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes is a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed as the difference between the GAAP combined ratio and the effect of catastrophes on the net combined ratio. Management believes that this ratio is useful to investors, and it is used by management to reveal the trends in our business that may be obscured by catastrophe losses. Catastrophe losses cause our net combined ratios to vary significantly between periods as a result of their incidence of occurrence and magnitude and can have a significant impact on the net combined ratio. Management believes that this measure is useful for investors to evaluate this component separately when reviewing our underwriting performance. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is the net combined ratio. The net combined ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes should not be considered a substitute for the net combined ratio and does not reflect our net combined ratio.
Underwriting income: Underwriting income is net pre-tax income attributable to our insurance underwriting business before investment activity. It excludes net investment income, net realized gains from investments, and depreciation and amortization (net premiums earned less expenses included in combined ratio). Underwriting income is a measure of an insurance company’s overall operating profitability before items such as investment income, depreciation and amortization, interest expense and income taxes.
Net income (loss) from insurance underwriting business on a standalone basis: Net income (loss) from insurance underwriting business on a standalone basis is a non-GAAP measure, which is computed as GAAP net income (loss) without the effect of holding company operations on GAAP net income (loss). Management believes that this measure is useful to investors, and it is used by management to reveal the trends in our insurance underwriting business that may be obscured by holding company operations. Holding company operations cause our GAAP net income (loss) to vary significantly between periods as a result of their magnitude and can have a significant impact on GAAP net income (loss). Management believes that this measure is useful for investors to evaluate this component separately when reviewing our underwriting performance. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is GAAP net income (loss). Net income (loss) from insurance underwriting business on a standalone basis should not be considered a substitute for GAAP net income (loss) and does not reflect our GAAP net income (loss).
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Kingstone Companies, Inc. and all majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires our management to make estimates and assumptions in certain circumstances that affect amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and related notes. In preparing these consolidated financial statements, our management has utilized information including our past history, industry standards, and the current economic environment, and other factors, in forming its estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the consolidated financial statements, giving due consideration to materiality. It is possible that the ultimate outcome as anticipated by our management in formulating its estimates in these financial statements may not materialize.
Application of the critical accounting policies involves the exercise of judgment and use of assumptions as to future uncertainties and, as a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. In addition, other companies may utilize different estimates, which may impact comparability of our results of operations to those of similar companies.
See below a description of these critical accounting estimates. Also, see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements following Item 16 of this Annual Report.
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Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves
Property and casualty loss and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) reserves are established to provide for the estimated cost of settling both reported (“case”) and incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) claims and claims adjusting expenses. The liability for these reserves is estimated on an undiscounted basis, using individual case-basis valuations and paid claims, pending claims, statistical analyses and various actuarial reserving methodologies. Due to the inherent uncertainty of the reserve process, actual loss costs could vary significantly compared to estimated loss costs. The below table provides detail of our reserves as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| As of December 31, 2024 | As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Gross | Ceded | Net | Gross | Ceded | Net | |||||||||||||||||
| Case loss | $ | 64,087 | $ | 17,721 | $ | 46,366 | $ | 67,108 | $ | 19,538 | $ | 47,570 | |||||||||||
| Case LAE | 6,563 | 1,426 | 5,137 | 5,726 | 1,121 | 4,605 | |||||||||||||||||
| IBNR loss | 38,681 | 10,661 | 28,020 | 37,262 | 10,665 | 26,597 | |||||||||||||||||
| IBNR LAE | 16,879 | 2,514 | 14,365 | 11,722 | 1,965 | 9,757 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 126,210 | $ | 32,322 | $ | 93,888 | $ | 121,818 | $ | 33,289 | $ | 88,529 |
(Components may not sum due to rounding)
Case Reserves – Reserves for reported losses are based on an estimate of ultimate loss costs of an individual claim derived from individual case-basis valuations, actual claims paid, pending claims, statistical analyses and various actuarial reserving methodologies.
IBNR Reserves – IBNR reserves are estimates of claims that have occurred but as to which we have not yet been notified to establish the case reserve. IBNR is determined using historical information aggregated by line of insurance and adjusted to current conditions.
Reinsurance
We purchase reinsurance to manage our underwriting risk on certain policies. Reinsurance receivables represent management’s best estimate of loss and LAE recoverable from reinsurers. Reinsurance receivables are estimated using the same methodologies as loss and LAE reserves. Changes in the methods and assumptions used could result in significant variances between actual and estimated losses.
Deferred Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate is based on GAAP income at statutory tax rates, adjusted for non-taxable and non-deductible items, and tax credits. Changes in estimates used in preparing the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) could result in significant changes to our deferred tax asset or liability.
Deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognized for estimated future tax consequences which result in differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. These assets and liabilities are carried at the enacted tax rates expected to apply when the asset or liability is expected to be recovered or settled. Changes in estimates and assumptions in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), or changes in the enacted tax rate, could result in significant variances between our carried deferred tax and tax recognized on the recovery or settlement of the asset or liability.
Investments
Bonds are classified as held-to-maturity (“HTM”) or available-for-sale (“AFS”), and stocks are generally classified as AFS. Investments classified as HTM are carried at amortized cost, which requires very little judgement. Investments classified as AFS are generally carried at fair value with an unrealized gain/loss recorded in income. Actual results could vary significantly from the fair values recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
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Kingstone 2.0 (completed), Kingstone 3.0 (underway), and Change in Market Dynamics (underway)
Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2019, a series of strategic initiatives, coined “Kingstone 2.0”, were commenced to modernize our company. The pillars of the new strategy were as follows:
1.Strengthen the management team by adding highly qualified professionals with deep domain experience and diverse backgrounds;
2.Reduce expenses and increase efficiency by embracing technology, including converting to a new policy management system, retiring multiple legacy systems and starting up a new claims system, among other technology initiatives;
3.Develop and implement a new, more highly segmented product suite (Kingstone Select) which better matches rate to risk using advanced analytics and an abundance of data; and
4.Better manage our catastrophe exposure in order to reduce the growth rate of our probable maximum loss (“PML”) in order to mitigate the impact of the then emerging “hard market” in catastrophe reinsurance.
We announced the substantive completion of Kingstone 2.0 in late 2022 and embarked on a new strategy to optimize our in-force business, which we coined as “Kingstone 3.0”. The four pillars of this new strategy entail:
1.Aggressively reduced the non-Core book of business, which has had a disproportionately negative impact on underwriting results, by stopping new business, culling the agent base, reducing commissions, or other means, subject to regulatory constraints, and have aggressively reduced policy count. Our request to withdraw from the state of New Jersey was acknowledged in October 2023 and all remaining policies were non-renewed over a two year period starting January 1, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, our non-Core policy count was down by 65% compared to December 31, 2023;
2.Adjusted pricing to stay ahead of loss trends, including inflation, by filing the maximum annual rate change that can be supported in each state and product and ensured all policyholders were insured to value. Inflation has been a dominant headwind that is showing signs of stabilizing. We have been cognizant that inflation’s impact on loss costs places added pressure on premiums and, as such, we have been more frequent and aggressive with our rate change requests. Similarly, home replacement values reflect that same inflationary pressure. In September 2023, we completed our first cycle of valuation adjustments, making sure that all homes were insured to value. As a result, we have seen a rise in premiums attributable to the heightened replacement costs. All policies are renewed at the most current replacement cost. Overall average written premium for our Core renewal policies for the last 12 months, reflecting both rate and replacement cost changes, increased by 17.4%;
3.Tightly managed reinsurance requirements and costs, using risk selection and other underwriting capabilities to manage the growth rate of our PML. We needed to contain our exposure to spiking reinsurance pricing. We did so and were able to reduce the required limit to be purchased while maintaining our same risk tolerance. We used all the tools available to us to limit new business that was deemed to be too expensive and at the same time re-underwrote the book to cull those risks which presented the greatest risk; and
4.Continuing expense reduction focus with a goal of reducing the net expense ratio to 33% by year-end 2024. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we achieved our goal of 33%, with a net underwriting expense ratio of 32.9%. For the year ended December 31, 2024, we achieved our goal, with a net underwriting expense ratio of 31.3%, a reduction of 1.6 points compared to the year ended December 31, 2023.
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We believe that the above actions taken resulted in our return to profitability for the year ended December 31, 2024, will continue to have the intended effect and will continue through the year ended December 31, 2025 and beyond.
On August 2, 2024, two large competitors announced a plan to wind down their personal lines operations in New York State and to non-renew or mid-term cancel their entire book of business before year end 2024. The policyholders of such competitors will need to find alternative coverage. Beginning in the quarter ended September 30, 2024, we began seeing a sizable increase in our policies in force and direct written premiums from these non-renewed and cancelled policies. We refer to this new business as a Change in Market Dynamics.
See the tables below for our Core and non-Core business for policies in force as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 and direct written premiums for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2024, our Core direct written premiums increased by 31.4% compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, while Core policies in force increased by 9.3% as of December 31, 2024 as compared to December 31, 2023. For the same periods, our non-Core policies in force decreased by 64.9% and non-Core direct written premiums decreased by 58.5%.
| As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Change | Percent | |||||||||
| Policies In Force, as of end of Period | ||||||||||||
| Core | 73,857 | 67,575 | 6,282 | 9.3 | % | |||||||
| Non-Core | 3,799 | 10,823 | (7,024) | (64.9) | % | |||||||
| Total policies in force | 77,656 | 78,398 | (742) | (0.9) | % |
| Years ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (000’s except percentages) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | Percent | |||||||||||
| Direct written premiums | |||||||||||||||
| Core | $ | 232,227 | $ | 176,692 | $ | 55,535 | 31.4 | % | |||||||
| Non-Core | 9,754 | 23,482 | (13,728) | (58.5) | % | ||||||||||
| Total direct written premiums | $ | 241,980 | $ | 200,175 | $ | 41,805 | 20.9 | % |
(Columns in the table above may not sum to totals due to rounding)
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Consolidated Results of Operations
The following table summarizes the changes in the results of our operations for the periods indicated:
| Years ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | Percent | |||||||||||
| Revenues | |||||||||||||||
| Direct written premiums | $ | 241,980 | $ | 200,175 | $ | 41,805 | 20.9 | % | |||||||
| Assumed written premiums | - | - | - | na | |||||||||||
| 241,980 | 200,175 | 41,805 | 20.9 | % | |||||||||||
| Ceded written premiums | |||||||||||||||
| Ceded to quota share treaties (1) | 50,539 | 51,125 | (586) | (1.1 | %) | ||||||||||
| Ceded to excess of loss treaties | 6,417 | 7,122 | (705) | (9.9 | %) | ||||||||||
| Ceded to catastrophe treaties | 30,794 | 33,271 | (2,477) | (7.4 | %) | ||||||||||
| Total ceded written premiums | 87,750 | 91,518 | (3,768) | (4.1 | %) | ||||||||||
| Net written premiums | 154,230 | 108,657 | 45,573 | 41.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Change in unearned premiums | |||||||||||||||
| Direct and assumed | (29,080) | 1,871 | (30,951) | na | |||||||||||
| Ceded to quota share treaties (1) | 3,348 | 3,856 | (508) | (13.2 | %) | ||||||||||
| Change in net unearned premiums | (25,732) | 5,727 | (31,459) | (549.3 | %) | ||||||||||
| Premiums earned | |||||||||||||||
| Direct and assumed | 212,900 | 202,046 | 10,854 | 5.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Ceded to reinsurance treaties | (84,402) | (87,661) | 3,259 | (13.6) | % | ||||||||||
| Net premiums earned | 128,498 | 114,384 | 14,114 | 12.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Ceding commission revenue (1) | 18,838 | 21,053 | (2,215) | (10.5 | %) | ||||||||||
| Net investment income | 6,824 | 6,009 | 815 | 13.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Net gains on investments | 415 | 2,135 | (1,720) | (80.6) | % | ||||||||||
| Other income | 568 | 610 | (42) | (6.9) | % | ||||||||||
| Total revenues | 155,142 | 144,191 | 10,951 | 7.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Expenses | |||||||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses | |||||||||||||||
| Direct and assumed: | |||||||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes | 79,472 | 111,997 | (32,525) | (29.0) | % | ||||||||||
| Losses from catastrophes (2) | 3,389 | 11,944 | (8,555) | (71.6) | % | ||||||||||
| Total direct and assumed loss and loss adjustment expenses | 82,861 | 123,940 | (41,079) | (33.1) | % | ||||||||||
| Ceded loss and loss adjustment expenses: | |||||||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes | 19,292 | 37,302 | (18,010) | (48.3 | %) | ||||||||||
| Losses from catastrophes (2) | 935 | 3,789 | (2,854) | (75.3) | % | ||||||||||
| Total ceded loss and loss adjustment expenses | 20,226 | 41,091 | (20,865) | (50.8 | %) | ||||||||||
| Net loss and loss adjustment expenses: | |||||||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes | 60,181 | 74,694 | (14,513) | (19.4) | % | ||||||||||
| Losses from catastrophes (2) | 2,454 | 8,155 | (5,701) | (69.9 | %) | ||||||||||
| Net loss and loss adjustment expenses | 62,635 | 82,849 | (20,214) | (24.4) | % | ||||||||||
| Commission expense | 33,929 | 33,365 | 564 | 1.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 25,693 | 25,910 | (217) | (0.8) | % | ||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | 3,635 | 2,456 | 1,179 | 48.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 2,449 | 2,973 | (524) | (17.6) | % | ||||||||||
| Interest expense | 3,514 | 4,003 | (489) | (12.2 | %) | ||||||||||
| Total expenses | 131,854 | 151,556 | (19,702) | (13.0) | % | ||||||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes | 23,288 | (7,365) | 30,653 | na | |||||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 4,930 | (1,197) | 6,127 | na | |||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 18,358 | $ | (6,168) | $ | 24,526 | na |
(Columns in the table above may not sum to totals due to rounding)
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(1)For the year ended December 31, 2023 , our personal lines business was subject to a 30% quota share treaty, expiring on January 1, 2024, which included a runoff of an 5.5% portion through the remainder of 2023. Effective January 1, 2024, we entered into a 27% personal lines quota share treaty, which includes a runoff of a 3.0% portion through the end of 2024.
(2)For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 include catastrophe losses, which are defined as losses from an event for which a catastrophe bulletin and related serial number has been issued by the Property Claims Services (PCS) unit of the Insurance Services Office (ISO). PCS catastrophe bulletins are issued for events that cause more than $25 million in total insured losses and affect a significant number of policyholders and insurers
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Percentage Point Difference | Percent Change | ||||||||
| Key ratios: | |||||||||||
| Net loss ratio | 48.7 | % | 72.4 | % | (23.7) | (32.7) | % | ||||
| Net underwriting expense ratio | 31.3 | % | 32.9 | % | (1.6) | (4.9) | % | ||||
| Net combined ratio | 80.0 | % | 105.3 | % | (25.3) | (24.0) | % |
Direct Written Premiums
Direct written premiums during the year ended December 31, 2024 (“Year Ended 2024”) were $241,980,000 compared to $200,175,000 during the year ended December 31, 2023 (“Year Ended 2023”). The increase of $41,805,000, or 20.9%, was primarily due to an increase in premiums from our personal lines business.
Direct written premiums from our personal lines business for Year Ended 2024 were $227,643,000, an increase of $42,217,000 or 22.8%, from $185,426,000 in Year Ended 2023. The 22.8% increase in premiums from our personal lines business was primarily due to the increase in premiums associated with our Core business of 31.4% offsetting a 58.5% decrease in our non-Core business. The increase in our Core business premiums and the decrease in our non-Core business premiums is in accordance with both our Kingstone 2.0 and Kingstone 3.0 strategic plans. Beginning in the third quarter, 2024, the Change in Market Dynamics became a major factor to the increase in direct written premiums from our personal line business.
Direct written premiums from our livery physical damage business for Year Ended 2024 were $14,248,000, a decrease of $400,000, or 2.7%, from $14,648,000 in Year Ended 2023. The decrease in livery physical damage direct written premiums was due to an underwriting restriction in place to exclude certain electric vehicles until the approval of adequate rate for the risk was received, which happened in July 2024. The decrease was offset by an increase in the values of the autos insured.
Direct written premiums from our Core business were $232,227,000 in Year Ended 2024 compared to $176,692,000 in Year Ended 2023, an increase of $55,535,000, or 31.4%. The increase in direct written premiums from our Core business was due to rate increases and an increase in policies in force. Policies in force from our Core business increased by 9.3% in Year Ended 2024 compared to Year Ended 2023. Direct written premiums from our non-Core business were $9,753,000 in Year Ended 2024, as compared to $23,482,000 in Year Ended 2023, a decrease of $13,729,000, or 58.5%. The decrease in direct written premiums from our non-Core business is a result of our decision to aggressively reduce the book of business in these states. Policies in force from our non-Core business decreased by 64.9% in Year Ended 2024 compared to Year Ended 2023. The increase in our Core business and the decrease in our non-Core business is consistent with a key pillar of our Kingstone 3.0 strategy to reduce our non-Core business due to profitability concerns.
Net Written Premiums and Net Premiums Earned
Net written premiums increased $45,573,000, or 41.9%, to $154,230,000 in Year Ended 2024 from $108,657,000 in Year Ended 2023. Net written premiums include direct premiums, less the amount of written premiums ceded under our reinsurance treaties (quota share, excess of loss, and catastrophe). The increase in Year Ended 2024 is primarily due to an increase in direct written premiums and a decrease in catastrophe premium rates.
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Quota share reinsurance treaties
Effective January 1, 2023, we entered into a 30% quota share reinsurance treaty for our personal lines business, covering the period from January 1, 2023 through January 1, 2024 (“2023/2024 Treaty”). Upon expiration of the 2023/2024 Treaty on January 1, 2024 we entered into a new 27% quota share reinsurance treaty for our personal lines business, covering the period from January 1, 2024 through January 1, 2025 ("2024/2025 Treaty"). Our personal lines business was subject to the 2024/2025 Treaty in the Year Ended 2024 and the 2023/2024 Treaty in the Year Ended 2023. Our premiums ceded under the quota share treaties decreased by $586,000 in comparison to premiums attributable to the increase in direct written premiums subject to the 2024/2025 Treaty compared to direct written premiums subject to the 2023/2024 Treaty. The decrease in ceded premiums related to the increase in direct written premiums was offset by the decrease in quota share ceding percentage rates.
Excess of loss reinsurance treaties
In Year Ended 2024, our ceded excess of loss reinsurance premiums decreased $705,000 compared to the ceded excess of loss premiums for Year Ended 2023. Effective January 1, 2023, we entered into an underlying excess of loss reinsurance treaty (the “Underlying XOL Treaty”) covering the period from January 1, 2023 through January 1, 2024. The Underlying XOL Treaty provided 50% reinsurance coverage for losses of $400,000 in excess of $600,000. Losses from named storms were excluded from the Underlying XOL Treaty. Effective January 1, 2024, the Underlying XOL Treaty was renewed covering the period from January 1, 2024 through January 1, 2025.
Catastrophe reinsurance treaties
Most of the premiums written under our personal lines policies are also subject to our catastrophe reinsurance treaties. An increase in our personal lines business historically gave rise to more property exposure, which increased our exposure to catastrophe risk; therefore, our premiums ceded under catastrophe treaties would increase if reinsurance rates are stable or are increasing. Under Kingstone 2.0 and 3.0 we had a decrease in policies in force, and better catastrophe management, resulting in a decrease in catastrophe exposure, and a decrease in catastrophe premiums. On July 1, 2024 and 2023, we recorded our catastrophe premiums written for the entire treaty period covering July 1 through June 30, resulting in the entire annual premium written being recorded in the third quarter. Our catastrophe premiums were $30,794,000 in Year Ended 2024, compared to $33,271,000 in Year Ended 2023, a decrease of $2,477,000, or 7.4%.
Net premiums earned
Net premiums earned increased $14,114,000 or 12.3% to $128,498,000 in Year Ended 2024 compared to $114,384,000 in Year Ended 2023. The increase was due to the three percentage point reduction in quota share rates discussed above, the run-off of a portion of the 2023/2024 Treaty, which increased the premiums ceded and reduced the net premiums earned in Year Ended 2023, the increase in premiums from the Change in Market Dynamics in Year Ended 2024, and a decrease in catastrophe premium rates, reflected in ceded catastrophe premiums earned, which increased the amount of growth in net premiums earned.
Ceding Commission Revenue
The following table summarizes the changes in the components of ceding commission revenue (in thousands) for the periods indicated:
| Years ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | Percent | |||||||||||
| Provisional ceding commissions earned | $ | 18,829 | $ | 20,397 | $ | (1,568) | (7.7 | %) | |||||||
| Contingent ceding commissions earned | 9 | 656 | (647) | (98.6 | %) | ||||||||||
| Total ceding commission revenue | $ | 18,838 | $ | 21,053 | $ | (2,215) | (10.5 | %) |
(Columns in the table above may not sum to totals due to rounding)
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Ceding commission revenue was $18,838,000 in Year Ended 2024 compared to $21,053,000 in Year Ended 2023. The decrease of $2,215,000 is explained below in the discussion of provisional ceding commissions earned and contingent ceding commissions earned.
Provisional Ceding Commissions Earned
In Year Ended 2024, we earned provisional ceding commissions of $18,829,000 from personal lines earned premiums ceded under the 2024/2025 Treaty, and in Year Ended 2023, we earned provisional ceding commissions of $20,397,000 from personal lines earned premiums ceded under the 2023/2024 Treaty. The decrease of $1,568,000 in provisional ceding commissions earned was due to the decrease in premiums ceded under these treaties during Year Ended 2024 compared to Year Ended 2023, offset by an increase in ceding commission rates under the 2024/2025 Treaty.
Contingent Ceding Commissions Earned
The structure of the 2024/2025 Treaty and the 2023/2024 Treaty calls for a fixed provisional ceding commission with no opportunity to earn additional contingent ceding commissions. Under our prior years’ quota share treaties, we received a contingent ceding commission based on a sliding scale in relation to the losses incurred under our quota share treaties. The lower the ceded loss ratio, the more contingent commission we received.
Net Investment Income
Net investment income was $6,824,000 in Year Ended 2024 compared to $6,009,000 in Year Ended 2023, an increase of $815,000, or 13.6%. The average yield on non-cash invested assets was 3.80% as of December 31, 2024 compared to 3.75% as of December 31, 2023
Cash and invested assets were $221,847,000 as of December 31, 2024 compared to $172,095,000 as of December 31, 2023, an increase of $49,752,000.
Net Gains on Investments
Net gains on investments were $415,000 in Year Ended 2024 compared to net gains of $2,135,000 in Year Ended 2023. Unrealized gains on our equity securities and other investments in Year Ended 2024 were $477,000, compared to unrealized gains of $2,153,000 in Year Ended 2023. Net realized losses on sales of investments were $62,000 in Year Ended 2024 compared to net realized losses of $19,000 in Year Ended 2023.
Other Income
Other income was $568,000 in Year Ended 2024 compared to $610,000 in Year Ended 2023, a decrease of $47,000, or 6.9%.
Net Loss and LAE
Net loss and LAE was $62,635,000 for Year Ended 2024 compared to $82,849,000 for Year Ended 2023. The net loss ratio was 48.7% in Year Ended 2024 compared to 72.4% in Year Ended 2023, a decrease of 23.7 percentage points.
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The following graph summarizes the changes in the components of net loss ratio for the periods indicated, along with the comparable components excluding commercial lines business(1):
(Percent components may not sum to totals due to rounding)
The net loss ratio for Year Ended 2024 improved significantly compared to Year Ended 2023. For Year Ended 2024, the catastrophe impact, prior year development, and underlying loss ratio(1) (loss ratio excluding the impact of catastrophes and prior year development) were all lower than Year Ended 2023.
There were sixteen newly designated catastrophe events for Year Ended 2024, none of which was a major event for the Company’s covered areas. The estimated total net catastrophe impact for Year Ended 2024 was $2,454,000, which contributed 1.9 points to the loss ratio. By comparison, the catastrophe impact for Year Ended 2023 was 7.1 points. Losses from winter-related catastrophe claims were minimal for Year Ended 2024, whereas the previous year was impacted by a major winter event in February 2023.
The underlying loss ratio(1) was 48.2% for Year Ended 2024, a decrease of 17.1 points from the 65.3% underlying loss ratio recorded for Year Ended 2023. Overall personal lines non-catastrophe frequency for Year Ended 2024 was lower than Year Ended 2023, which is believed to be the result of better risk selection in the Company’s Select product rollout as well as the Company’s active efforts to manage less profitable segments. Overall personal lines non-catastrophe severity for Year Ended 2024 was also improved compared to Year Ended 2023, primarily driven by water claims and a reduced impact from large losses.
There was favorable prior year development of $1,780,000 for Year Ended 2024, which translates to a 1.4-point decrease to the net loss ratio. By comparison, the impact of favorable prior year development for Year Ended 2023 was a decrease of less than 0.1 points.
(1) Underlying loss ratio is a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed the GAAP net loss ratio excluding the effect of prior year loss reserve development and catastrophe losses.Net loss ratio excluding commercial lines business is a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed as the difference between the GAAP net loss ratio and the effect of commercial lines business. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for the reconciliation of underlying loss ratio and net loss ratio excluding commercial lines business to the GAAP measure of net loss ratio.
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See table below under “Additional Financial Information” summarizing net loss ratios by line of business.
Commission Expense
Commission expense was $33,929,000 in Year Ended 2024 or 15.9% of direct earned premiums. Commission expense was $33,365,000 in Year Ended 2023 or 16.5% of direct earned premiums. The increase of $564,000 was primarily due to $2,788,000 of contingent commission in Year Ended 2024 based on the profitability of the business, and an increase in direct earned premiums of $10,854,000. The increase was offset by a reduction in commission rates on our legacy policies in accordance with our Kingstone 3.0 strategy as well as the lower commission rate paid on Select products as compared to legacy products.
Other Underwriting Expenses
Other underwriting expenses were $25,693,000, or 12.1% of direct earned premiums, in Year Ended 2024 compared to $25,910,000, or 12.8% of direct earned premiums, in Year Ended 2023. The decrease of $217,000, or 0.8%, was primarily due to a $365,000 gain on the commutations of prior years’ quota share reinsurance treaties from a group of reinsurers, decreases in base salaries and employment costs as described below, and a decrease in policy management system fees. The decreases were partially offset by the impact of high inflation.
Our largest single component of other underwriting expenses is salaries and employment costs, with costs of $13,143,000 in Year Ended 2024 compared to $11,335,000 in Year Ended 2023. The increase of $1,808,000, or 34.2%, is compared unfavorably to the 20.9% increase in direct written premiums. The increase in salaries and employment costs was due to $1,614,000 accrued under our employee bonus plans due to the profitable underwriting insurance operations in Year Ended 2024 compared to a loss in Year Ended 2023, and $446,000 accrued under our executive bonus plan pursuant to the employment agreement of our Chief Executive Officer. The increases related to bonuses were offset by a reduction in our staff in June and July of 2023 as we have been reducing our non-Core business. The decrease from the reduction in staff was partially offset in the periods following Year Ended 2023, as we began to strengthen our professional team by investing in the hiring of higher-level and higher compensated managers and staff needed to manage the business consistent with our Kingstone 2.0 and Kingstone 3.0 strategies. In addition, we are now hiring additional staff to handle the new business from the Change in Market Dynamics.
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Our net underwriting expense ratio in Year Ended 2024 was 31.3% compared to 32.9% in Year Ended 2023. The following table shows the individual components of our net underwriting expense ratio for the periods indicated:
| Years ended December 31, | Percentage Point Change | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | |||||||
| Employment costs | 10.2 | % | 9.9 | % | 0.3 | ||
| Underwriting fees (inspections/surveys) | 1.4 | 1.6 | (0.2) | ||||
| IT expenses | 2.2 | 2.9 | (0.7) | ||||
| Professional fees | 0.8 | 1.1 | (0.3) | ||||
| Other expenses | 5.4 | 7.1 | (1.7) | ||||
| Total other underwriting expenses | 20.0 | 22.6 | (2.6) | ||||
| Commission expense | 26.4 | 29.2 | (2.8) | ||||
| Ceding commission revenue | |||||||
| Provisional | (14.7) | (17.8) | 3.1 | ||||
| Contingent | — | (0.6) | 0.6 | ||||
| Total ceding commission revenue | (14.7) | (18.4) | 3.7 | ||||
| Other income | (0.4) | (0.5) | 0.1 | ||||
| Net underwriting expense ratio | 31.3 | % | 32.9 | % | (1.6) |
(Components may not sum to totals due to rounding)
Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses, related to the expenses of our holding company and Cosi, were $3,635,000 for Year Ended 2024 compared to $2,456,000 for Year Ended 2023. The following table shows a breakdown of the significant components of other operating expenses for the periods indicated:
| Years ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | Percent | |||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | |||||||||||||||
| Employment costs | $ | 325 | $ | 376 | $ | (51) | (13.6) | % | |||||||
| Executive bonus | 50 | — | 50 | na | |||||||||||
| Equity compensation | 1,383 | 833 | 550 | 66.0 | |||||||||||
| Professional | 381 | 276 | 105 | 38.0 | |||||||||||
| Directors fees | 376 | 275 | 101 | 36.7 | |||||||||||
| Insurance | 196 | 194 | 2 | 1.0 | |||||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | 297 | — | 297 | na | |||||||||||
| Other expenses | 627 | 502 | 125 | 24.9 | |||||||||||
| Total other operating expenses | $ | 3,635 | $ | 2,456 | $ | 1,179 | 48.0 | % |
(Components may not sum to totals due to rounding)
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The increase in Year Ended 2024 of $1,179,000, or 48.0%, as compared to Year Ended 2023 was primarily due to an increase in equity compensation and loss on extinguishment of debt. The increase in equity compensation is due to accelerated vesting in September 2024 as a result of the retirement of our executive chairman, and an equity compensation accrual for our senior leadership team pursuant to our employee bonus plan. The executive bonus of $50,000 allocated to other operating expenses in Year Ended 2024 is accrued pursuant to the employment agreement of our Chief Executive Officer and is a result of the profitable operations before taxes in Year Ended 2024 compared to a loss in Year Ended 2023. The $297,000 loss on extinguishment of debt loss is due to writing off the balance of unamortized debt issue costs from the 2022 Notes at the time of the 2024 Exchange Agreement as disclosed in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization was $2,449,000 in Year Ended 2024 compared to $2,973,000 in Year Ended 2023. The decrease of $524,000, or 17.6%, in depreciation and amortization was primarily due to the completion and deployment of our customized policy management software as planned for in Kingstone 2.0, which allowed us to consolidate multiple legacy systems into one efficient system and retire those older more costly and less reliable systems. Depreciation on older assets that were retired, which had a shorter useful life, is greater than the depreciation on newly acquired assets which have a longer useful life.
Interest Expense
Interest expense in Year Ended 2024 was $3,514,000 compared to $4,003,000 in Year Ended 2023, a decrease of $489,000 or 12.2%. In Year Ended 2024 and Year Ended 2023, as disclosed in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements, we incurred interest expense in connection with the 2022 Notes and 2024 Notes. The 2022 Notes provided for interest at the rate of 12% per annum. In September 2024, in accordance with the 2024 Exchange Agreement, we paid $5,000,000 of principal on the 2022 Notes, reducing the principal balance to $14,950,000 from $19,950,000. Under the 2024 Exchange Agreement, the principal balances of the 2022 Notes were exchanged for the 2024 Notes, which provided for interest at the rate of 13.75% per annum. We made optional prepayments of $3,000,000 on September 30, 2024, $2,000,000 on November 13, 2024, $4,000,000 on December 30, 2024, $3,500,000 on January 28, 2025, and $2,450,000 on February 24, 2025 (see Note 20 - Subsequent Events, Debt), and, accordingly, we have fully satisfied the entire principal balance under the 2024 Notes. In addition to interest on 2022 Notes and 2024 Notes, we also incur interest expense on the 2022 equipment financing.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense in Year Ended 2024 was $4,930,000, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 21.2%. Income tax (benefit) in Year Ended 2023 was $(1,197,000), which resulted in an effective tax rate of (16.3)%. Income before taxes was $23,288,000 in Year Ended 2024 compared to a loss before taxes of $(7,365,000) in Year Ended 2023. The difference in effective tax rate is due to the effect of permanent differences in Year Ended 2024 compared to Year Ended 2023.
Net Income (Loss)
Net income was $18,358,000 in Year Ended 2024 compared to net loss of $(6,168,000) in Year Ended 2023. The change from net loss to net income of $24,526,000 was due to the circumstances described above.
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Additional Financial Information
We operate our business as one segment, property and casualty insurance. Within this segment, we offer an array of property and casualty policies to our producers. The following table summarizes gross and net premiums written, net premiums earned, and loss and loss adjustment expenses by major product type, which were determined based primarily on similar economic characteristics and risks of loss.
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Gross premiums written: | ||||||
| Personal lines | $ | 227,642,802 | $ | 185,425,960 | ||
| Livery physical damage | 14,248,462 | 14,648,333 | ||||
| Other(1) | 88,673 | 100,209 | ||||
| Total gross premiums written | $ | 241,979,937 | $ | 200,174,502 | ||
| Net premiums written: | ||||||
| Personal lines | $ | 139,914,970 | $ | 93,941,418 | ||
| Livery physical damage | 14,248,462 | 14,648,333 | ||||
| Other(1) | 66,433 | 67,058 | ||||
| Total net premiums written | $ | 154,229,865 | $ | 108,656,809 | ||
| Net premiums earned: | ||||||
| Personal lines | $ | 113,876,043 | $ | 100,391,726 | ||
| Livery physical damage | 14,550,160 | 13,905,368 | ||||
| Other(1) | 71,717 | 87,169 | ||||
| Total net premiums earned | $ | 128,497,920 | $ | 114,384,263 | ||
| Net loss and loss adjustment expenses(3): | ||||||
| Personal lines | $ | 49,268,714 | $ | 72,580,057 | ||
| Livery physical damage | 6,158,197 | 5,388,954 | ||||
| Other(1) | (34,237) | 146,286 | ||||
| Unallocated loss adjustment expenses | 4,926,243 | 3,008,419 | ||||
| Total without commercial lines | 60,318,917 | 81,123,716 | ||||
| Commercial lines (in run-off effective July 2019)(2) | 2,315,799 | 1,725,494 | ||||
| Total net loss and loss adjustment expenses | $ | 62,634,716 | $ | 82,849,210 | ||
| Net loss ratio(3): | ||||||
| Personal lines | 43.3 | % | 72.3 | % | ||
| Livery physical damage | 42.3 | % | 38.8 | % | ||
| Other(1) | (47.7 | %) | 167.8 | % | ||
| Total without commercial lines | 46.9 | % | 70.9 | % | ||
| Commercial lines (in run-off effective July 2019)(2) | na | na | ||||
| Total | 48.7 | % | 72.4 | % |
(1)“Other” includes, among other things, premiums and loss and loss adjustment expenses from our participation in a mandatory state joint underwriting association and loss and loss adjustment expenses from commercial auto.
(2)In July 2019, we decided that we will no longer underwrite Commercial Liability risks. See discussions above regarding the discontinuation of this line of business.
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(3)See discussions above with regard to “Net Loss and LAE”, as to catastrophe losses in the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Insurance Underwriting Business on a Standalone Basis(1)
Our insurance underwriting business reported on a standalone basis(1) for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 follows:
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Revenues | ||||||
| Net premiums earned | $ | 128,497,920 | $ | 114,384,263 | ||
| Ceding commission revenue | 18,837,946 | 21,053,494 | ||||
| Net investment income | 6,823,590 | 6,008,682 | ||||
| Net gains on investments | 359,490 | 1,978,373 | ||||
| Other income | 549,967 | 600,993 | ||||
| Total revenues | 155,068,913 | 144,025,805 | ||||
| Expenses | ||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses | 62,634,716 | 82,849,210 | ||||
| Commission expense | 33,929,333 | 33,364,629 | ||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 25,692,727 | 25,909,962 | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 2,448,932 | 2,973,440 | ||||
| Interest expense | 368,664 | 434,155 | ||||
| Total expenses | 125,074,372 | 145,531,396 | ||||
| Income (loss) from operations | 29,994,541 | (1,505,591) | ||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 6,412,686 | (17,681) | ||||
| Net income (loss) from insurance underwriting business on a standalone basis(1) | $ | 23,581,855 | $ | (1,487,910) | ||
| Key Measures: | ||||||
| Net loss ratio | 48.7 | % | 72.4 | % | ||
| Net underwriting expense ratio | 31.3 | % | 32.9 | % | ||
| Net combined ratio | 80.0 | % | 105.3 | % | ||
| Reconciliation of net underwriting expense ratio: | ||||||
| Acquisition costs and other | ||||||
| underwriting expenses | $ | 59,622,060 | $ | 59,274,591 | ||
| Less: Ceding commission revenue | (18,837,946) | (21,053,494) | ||||
| Less: Other income | (549,967) | (600,993) | ||||
| Net underwriting expenses | $ | 40,234,147 | $ | 37,620,104 | ||
| Net premiums earned | $ | 128,497,920 | $ | 114,384,263 | ||
| Net Underwriting Expense Ratio | 31.3 | % | 32.9 | % |
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(1) Net income (loss) from insurance underwriting business on a standalone basis is a non-GAAP measure, which is computed as GAAP net income (loss) without the effect of holding company operations on GAAP net income (loss). See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for the reconciliation of net income (loss) from insurance underwriting business on a standalone basis to the GAAP measure of net income (loss).
An analysis of our direct, assumed and ceded earned premiums, loss and loss adjustment expenses, and loss ratios is shown below:
| Direct | Assumed | Ceded | Net | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year ended December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||
| Written premiums | $ | 241,979,937 | $ | - | $ | (87,750,072) | $ | 154,229,865 | ||||||
| Change in unearned premiums | (29,080,195) | - | 3,348,250 | (25,731,945) | ||||||||||
| Earned premiums | $ | 212,899,742 | $ | - | $ | (84,401,822) | $ | 128,497,920 | ||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding | ||||||||||||||
| the effect of catastrophes | $ | 79,477,309 | $ | - | $ | (19,296,752) | $ | 60,180,557 | ||||||
| Catastrophe loss | 3,388,937 | - | (934,778) | 2,454,159 | ||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses | $ | 82,866,246 | $ | - | $ | (20,231,530) | $ | 62,634,716 | ||||||
| Loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes(2) | 37.3 | % | 0.0 | % | 22.9 | % | 46.8 | % | ||||||
| Catastrophe loss | 1.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 1.1 | % | 1.9 | % | ||||||
| Loss ratio | 38.3 | % | 0.0 | % | 24.0 | % | 48.7 | % | ||||||
| Year ended December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| Written premiums | $ | 200,174,502 | $ | - | $ | (91,517,693) | $ | 108,656,809 | ||||||
| Change in unearned premiums | 1,871,239 | - | 3,856,215 | 5,727,454 | ||||||||||
| Earned premiums | $ | 202,045,741 | $ | - | $ | (87,661,478) | $ | 114,384,263 | ||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding | ||||||||||||||
| the effect of catastrophes | $ | 111,996,791 | $ | - | $ | (37,302,450) | $ | 74,694,341 | ||||||
| Catastrophe loss | 11,943,624 | - | (3,788,755) | 8,154,869 | ||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses | $ | 123,940,415 | $ | - | $ | (41,091,205) | $ | 82,849,210 | ||||||
| Loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes(2) | 55.4 | % | 0.0 | % | 42.6 | % | 65.3 | % | ||||||
| Catastrophe loss | 5.9 | % | 0.0 | % | 4.3 | % | 7.1 | % | ||||||
| Loss ratio | 66.9 | % | 0.0 | % | 47.0 | % | 72.4 | % |
(Percentage components may not sum to totals due to rounding)
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The key measures for our insurance underwriting business for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Net premiums earned | $ | 128,497,920 | $ | 114,384,263 | ||
| Ceding commission revenue | 18,837,946 | 21,053,494 | ||||
| Other income | 549,967 | 600,993 | ||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses (1) | 62,634,716 | 82,849,210 | ||||
| Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses: | ||||||
| Commission expense | 33,929,333 | 33,364,629 | ||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 25,692,727 | 25,909,962 | ||||
| Total acquisition costs and other | ||||||
| underwriting expenses | 59,622,060 | 59,274,591 | ||||
| Underwriting loss | $ | 25,629,057 | $ | (6,085,051) | ||
| Key Measures: | ||||||
| Net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes(2) | 46.8 | % | 65.3 | % | ||
| Effect of catastrophe loss on net loss ratio (1)(2) | 1.9 | % | 7.1 | % | ||
| Net loss ratio | 48.7 | % | 72.4 | % | ||
| Net underwriting expense ratio excluding the | ||||||
| effect of catastrophes(2) | 31.3 | % | 32.9 | % | ||
| Effect of catastrophe loss on net underwriting | ||||||
| expense ratio(2) | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | ||
| Net underwriting expense ratio | 31.3 | % | 32.9 | % | ||
| Net combined ratio excluding the effect | ||||||
| of catastrophes(2) | 78.1 | % | 98.2 | % | ||
| Effect of catastrophe loss on net combined | ||||||
| ratio (1)(2) | 1.9 | % | 7.1 | % | ||
| Net combined ratio | 80.0 | % | 105.3 | % | ||
| Reconciliation of net underwriting expense ratio: | ||||||
| Acquisition costs and other | ||||||
| underwriting expenses | $ | 59,622,060 | $ | 59,274,591 | ||
| Less: Ceding commission revenue | (18,837,946) | (21,053,494) | ||||
| Less: Other income | (549,967) | (600,993) | ||||
| $ | 40,234,147 | $ | 37,620,104 | |||
| Net earned premium | $ | 128,497,920 | $ | 114,384,263 | ||
| Net Underwriting Expense Ratio | 31.3 | % | 32.9 | % |
(1)For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, includes the sum of net catastrophe losses and loss adjustment expenses of $2,454,159 and $8,154,869, respectively.
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(2)Net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes is a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed as the difference between the GAAP net loss ratio and the effect of catastrophes on the net loss ratio. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for the reconciliation of net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes to the GAAP measure of net loss ratio. Net underwriting expense ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes is also a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed as the difference between the GAAP net underwriting expense ratio and the effect of catastrophes on the net underwriting expense ratio. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for the reconciliation of net underwriting expense ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes to the GAAP measure of net underwriting expense ratio. Net combined ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes is also a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed as the difference between the GAAP net combined ratio and the effect of catastrophes on the net combined ratio. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for the reconciliation of net combined ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes to the GAAP measure of net combined ratio.
Investments
Portfolio Summary
The following table presents a breakdown of the amortized cost, estimated fair value, and unrealized gains and losses of our investments in fixed-maturity securities classified as available-for-sale as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Available-for-Sale Securities
| December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | % of Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Less than 12 Months | More than 12 Months | |||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies (1) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | - | $ | — | — | % | |||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, Territories and Possessions | 24,271,177 | - | (73,589) | (3,324,491) | 20,873,097 | 11.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds Industrial and miscellaneous | 112,507,436 | - | (1,024,461) | (4,690,597) | 106,792,378 | 57.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage and other asset backed securities (2) | 65,529,545 | 119,647 | (209,890) | (6,211,339) | 59,227,963 | 31.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed-maturity securities | $ | 202,308,158 | $ | 119,647 | $ | (1,307,940) | $ | (14,226,427) | $ | 186,893,438 | 100.0 | % |
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| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | % of Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Less than 12 Months | More than 12 Months | |||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies (1) | $ | 20,954,764 | $ | 1,799 | $ | (17,373) | $ | - | $ | 20,939,190 | 14.1 | % | |||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, Territories and Possessions | 16,607,713 | - | — | (3,209,161) | 13,398,552 | 9.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds Industrial and miscellaneous | 75,993,042 | - | — | (5,885,296) | 70,107,746 | 47.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage and other asset backed securities (2) | 50,905,423 | 113,761 | (2,144) | (6,541,731) | 44,475,309 | 29.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed-maturity securities | $ | 164,460,942 | $ | 115,560 | $ | (19,517) | $ | (15,636,188) | $ | 148,920,797 | 100.0 | % |
(1)In October 2022, KICO placed certain U.S. Treasury securities to fulfill the required collateral for a sale leaseback transaction in a designated custodian account (see Note 9 – Debt - “Equipment Financing”). As of December 31, 2024 KICO had sold its U.S. Treasury securities and replaced a portion of its other fixed-maturity securities in the designated custodian account, As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the amount of required collateral was approximately $5,308,000 and $6,999,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the estimated fair value of the eligible collateral was approximately $5,308,000 and $6,999,000, respectively.
(2)KICO has placed certain residential mortgage backed securities as eligible collateral in a designated custodian account related to its membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLBNY") (see Note 9 – Debt – “Federal Home Loan Bank”). The eligible collateral would be pledged to FHLBNY if KICO draws an advance from the FHLBNY credit line. As of December 31, 2024, the estimated fair value of the eligible investments was approximately $10,130,000. KICO will retain all rights regarding all securities if pledged as collateral. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023 there was no outstanding balance on the FHLBNY credit line.
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Equity Securities
The following table presents a breakdown of the cost and estimated fair value of, and gross gains and losses on, investments in equity securities as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Cost | Gross Gains | Gross Losses | Estimated Fair Value | % of Estimated Fair Value | ||||||||||||||
| Equity Securities: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stocks | $ | 9,750,322 | $ | - | $ | (2,422,617) | $ | 7,327,705 | 71.2 | % | |||||||||
| Fixed income exchange traded funds | 3,711,232 | (808,432) | 2,902,800 | 28.2 | % | ||||||||||||||
| FHLBNY common stock | 66,000 | - | - | 66,000 | 0.6 | % | |||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 13,527,554 | $ | — | $ | (3,231,049) | $ | 10,296,505 | 100.0 | % |
| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Cost | Gross Gains | Gross Losses | Estimated Fair Value | % of Estimated Fair Value | ||||||||||||||
| Equity Securities: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stocks | $ | 13,583,942 | $ | - | $ | (2,870,027) | $ | 10,713,915 | 72.6 | % | |||||||||
| Fixed income exchange traded funds | 3,711,232 | (669,232) | 3,042,000 | 20.6 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Mutual funds | 622,209 | 314,816 | - | 937,025 | 6.3 | % | |||||||||||||
| FHLBNY common stock | 69,400 | - | - | 69,400 | 0.5 | % | |||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 17,986,783 | $ | 314,816 | $ | (3,539,259) | $ | 14,762,340 | 100.0 | % |
Other Investments
The following table presents a breakdown of the cost and estimated fair value of, and gross gains on, our other investments as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Cost | Gross Gains | Estimated Fair Value | Cost | Gross Gains | Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||
| Other Investments: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hedge fund | $ | 1,987,040 | $ | 2,393,616 | $ | 4,380,656 | $ | 1,987,040 | $ | 1,910,110 | $ | 3,897,150 |
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Held-to-Maturity Securities
The following table presents a breakdown of the amortized cost and estimated fair value of, and gross unrealized gains and losses on, investments in held-to-maturity securities as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | % of Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Less than 12 Months | More than 12 Months | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Held-to-Maturity Securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 1,229,170 | $ | — | $ | (39,630) | $ | (15,990) | $ | 1,173,550 | 19.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Territories and Possessions | 499,719 | — | (654) | - | 499,065 | 8.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Exchange traded debt | 304,111 | - | - | (55,611) | 248,500 | 4.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Industrial and miscellaneous | 5,014,342 | - | - | (976,192) | 4,038,150 | 67.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 7,047,342 | $ | — | $ | (40,284) | $ | (1,047,793) | $ | 5,959,265 | 100.0 | % |
| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | % of Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Less than 12 Months | More than 12 Months | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Held-to-Maturity Securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 1,228,860 | $ | 15,045 | $ | (6,914) | $ | (18,163) | $ | 1,218,828 | 20.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Territories and Possessions | 499,170 | 890 | - | - | 500,060 | 8.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Exchange traded debt | 304,111 | - | — | (70,111) | 234,000 | 3.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Industrial and miscellaneous | 5,020,400 | — | — | (867,140) | 4,153,260 | 68.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 7,052,541 | $ | 15,935 | $ | (6,914) | $ | (955,414) | $ | 6,106,148 | 100.0 | % |
Held-to-maturity U.S. Treasury securities are held in trust pursuant to various states’ minimum fund requirements.
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A summary of the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our investments in held-to-maturity securities by contractual maturity as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 is shown below:
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remaining Time to Maturity | Amortized Cost | Estimated Fair Value | Amortized Cost | Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||
| Less than one year | $ | 499,719 | $ | 499,065 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||
| One to five years | 622,375 | 600,288 | 1,121,288 | 1,097,101 | |||||||||||
| Five to ten years | 1,427,579 | 1,323,600 | 1,414,911 | 1,270,770 | |||||||||||
| More than 10 years | 4,497,669 | 3,536,312 | 4,516,342 | 3,738,277 | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | 7,047,342 | $ | 5,959,265 | $ | 7,052,541 | $ | 6,106,148 |
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Credit Rating of Fixed-Maturity Securities
The table below summarizes the credit quality of our available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 as rated by Standard and Poor’s (or, if unavailable from Standard and Poor’s, then Moody’s, Fitch, or Kroll):
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated Fair Value | Percentage of Estimated Fair Value | Estimated Fair Value | Percentage of Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||
| Rating | ||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | — | 0.0 | % | $ | 20,939,190 | 14.1 | % | ||||||
| Corporate and municipal bonds | ||||||||||||||
| AAA | 3,232,352 | 1.7 | % | 1,836,736 | 1.2 | % | ||||||||
| AA | 22,844,557 | 12.2 | % | 9,872,346 | 6.6 | % | ||||||||
| A | 61,528,377 | 32.9 | % | 33,228,327 | 22.3 | % | ||||||||
| BBB+ | 20,827,660 | 11.1 | % | 15,042,200 | 10.1 | % | ||||||||
| BBB | 13,933,733 | 7.5 | % | 21,826,125 | 14.7 | % | ||||||||
| BBB- | 1,953,596 | 1.0 | % | — | 0.0 | % | ||||||||
| BB | 991,550 | 0.5 | % | — | — | % | ||||||||
| Total corporate and municipal bonds | 125,311,825 | 66.9 | % | 81,805,734 | 54.9 | % | ||||||||
| Residential mortgage backed, asset backed, and other collateralized obligations | ||||||||||||||
| AAA | 15,961,257 | 8.5 | % | 12,766,471 | 8.6 | % | ||||||||
| AA | 34,893,057 | 18.7 | % | 22,102,169 | 14.8 | % | ||||||||
| A | 9,927,371 | 5.3 | % | 6,390,752 | 4.3 | % | ||||||||
| BBB+ | — | 0.0 | % | 15,168 | 0.0 | % | ||||||||
| CCC | 372,787 | 0.2 | % | 413,601 | 0.3 | % | ||||||||
| CC | 82,696 | 0.0 | % | 91,390 | 0.1 | % | ||||||||
| Non rated | 344,445 | 0.2 | % | 4,396,322 | 3.0 | % | ||||||||
| Total residential mortgage backed, asset backed, | ||||||||||||||
| and other collateralized obligations | 61,581,613 | 32.9 | % | 46,175,873 | 31.1 | % | ||||||||
| Total | $ | 186,893,438 | 100.0 | % | $ | 148,920,797 | 100.0 | % |
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The table below details the average yield by type of fixed-maturity security as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Category | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies | 3.62 | % | 4.95 | % | ||
| Political subdivisions of States, Territories and Possessions | 3.85 | % | 3.35 | % | ||
| Corporate and other bonds Industrial and miscellaneous | 3.86 | % | 3.62 | % | ||
| Residential mortgage backed securities | 3.31 | % | 2.90 | % | ||
| Total | 3.68 | % | 3.58 | % |
The table below lists the weighted average maturity and effective duration in years on our fixed-maturity securities as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weighted average effective maturity | 7.6 | 7.8 | ||
| Weighted average final maturity | 11.0 | 11.9 | ||
| Effective duration | 3.9 | 4.1 |
Fair Value Consideration
As disclosed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, with respect to “Fair Value Measurements,” we define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in a transaction involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities between market participants (an “exit price”). The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between inputs based on market data from independent sources (“observable inputs”) and a reporting entity’s internal assumptions based upon the best information available when external market data is limited or unavailable (“unobservable inputs”). The fair value hierarchy prioritizes fair value measurements into three levels based on the nature of the inputs. Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets have the highest priority (“Level 1”), followed by observable inputs other than quoted prices including prices for similar but not identical assets or liabilities (“Level 2”), and unobservable inputs, including the reporting entity’s estimates of the assumption that market participants would use, having the lowest priority (“Level 3”). As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, 59% and 65%, respectively, of the investment portfolio recorded at fair value was priced based upon quoted market prices.
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The table below summarizes the gross unrealized losses of our fixed-maturity securities available-for-sale and equity securities by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 12 months | 12 months or more | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Estimated Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | No. of Positions Held | Estimated Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | No. of Positions Held | Estimated Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | |||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed-Maturity Securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies | $ | — | $ | — | — | $ | - | $ | - | - | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, Territories and Possessions | 7,705,370.00 | (73,589.00) | 6 | 13,167,726 | (3,324,491) | 12 | 20,873,096 | (3,398,080) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds industrial and miscellaneous | 51,411,296.00 | (1,024,461.00) | 60 | 55,381,083 | (4,690,597) | 68 | 106,792,379 | (5,715,058) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage and other asset backed securities | 19,315,521 | (209,890) | 22 | 35,206,442 | (6,211,339) | 36 | 54,521,963 | (6,421,229) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed-maturity securities | $ | 78,432,187 | $ | (1,307,940) | 88 | $ | 103,755,251 | $ | (14,226,427) | 116 | $ | 182,187,438 | $ | (15,534,367) |
| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 12 months | 12 months or more | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Estimated Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | No. of Positions Held | Estimated Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | No. of Positions Held | Estimated Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | |||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed-Maturity Securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies | $ | 5,974,440 | $ | (17,373) | 1 | $ | - | $ | - | - | $ | 5,974,440 | $ | (17,373) | |||||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, Territories and Possessions | — | — | — | 13,398,552 | (3,209,161) | 13 | 13,398,552 | (3,209,161) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds industrial and miscellaneous | — | — | — | 70,107,746 | (5,885,296) | 85 | 70,107,746 | (5,885,296) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage and other asset backed securities | 88,988 | (2,144) | 4 | 38,675,604 | (6,541,731) | 37 | 38,764,592 | (6,543,875) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed-maturity securities | $ | 6,063,428 | $ | (19,517) | 5 | $ | 122,181,902 | $ | (15,636,188) | 135 | $ | 128,245,330 | $ | (15,655,705) |
There were 204 securities at December 31, 2024 that accounted for the gross unrealized loss of our fixed-maturity securities available-for-sale, none of which were deemed to be credit losses by us. There were 140 securities at December 31, 2023 that accounted for the gross unrealized loss of our fixed-maturity securities available-for-sale, none of which were deemed to be credit losses by us. Significant factors influencing our determination that unrealized losses were temporary included credit quality considerations, the magnitude of the unrealized losses in relation to each security’s cost, the nature of the investment and interest rate environment factors, management’s intent not to sell these securities and it being not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these investments before anticipated recovery of fair value to our cost basis.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows
The primary sources of cash flow are from our insurance underwriting subsidiary, KICO, and include direct premiums written, ceding commissions from our quota share reinsurers, loss recovery payments from our reinsurers, investment income and proceeds from the sale or maturity of investments. Funds are used by KICO for ceded premium payments to reinsurers, which are paid on a net basis after subtracting losses paid on reinsured claims and reinsurance commissions. KICO also uses funds for loss payments and loss adjustment expenses on our net business, commissions to producers, salaries and other underwriting expenses as well as to purchase investments and fixed assets.
The primary source of cash flow for our holding company are dividends and distributions received from KICO, which are subject to statutory restrictions. For the year ended December 31, 2024, KICO did not pay any dividends to us. Through June 30, 2024, KICO had a negative adjusted unassigned surplus. Based on that, KICO was not be able to pay any distributions to us without prior regulatory approval. In December 2023, KICO received regulatory approval to pay us a $2,300,000 distribution from paid in capital. KICO paid us the $2,300,000 distribution in the second quarter of 2024. In August 2024, KICO received regulatory approval to pay us a $5,000,000 distribution from paid in capital. KICO paid us the $5,000,000 distribution in the third quarter of 2024. As of December 31, 2024, KICO has eligible unassigned surplus of $12,017,831 and is able to pay dividends; however, KICO has an agreement with DFS pursuant to which KICO may only pay dividends to us for purposes of paying operating expenses and debt obligations.
KICO is a member of the FHLBNY, which provides additional access to liquidity. Members have access to a variety of flexible, low-cost funding through FHLBNY’s credit products, enabling members to customize advances. Advances are to be fully collateralized; eligible collateral to pledge to FHLBNY includes residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, along with U.S. Treasury and agency securities. See Note 9 – Investments to our consolidated financial statements for eligible collateral held in a designated custodian account available for future advances. Advances are limited to 5% of KICO’s net admitted assets as of the end of the previous quarter, which is September 30, 2024. On July 6, 2023, A.M. Best withdrew KICO’s ratings as KICO requested to no longer participate in A.M. Best’s interactive rating process. As a result of the withdrawal of A.M. Best ratings, KICO is currently only able to borrow on an overnight basis. The maximum allowable advance as of December 31, 2024, based on the net admitted assets as of September 30, 2024, was approximately $13,637,000. Available collateral as of December 31, 2024 was approximately $10,130,000. Advances are limited to 85% of the amount of available collateral. There were no borrowings under this facility during Year Ended 2024.
On April 5, 2024, we filed a shelf registration (the “Shelf Registration”) statement on Form S-3 with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with regard to the registration of $50,000,000 of our equity and debt securities (the “Shelf Registration Statement”). The Shelf Registration Statement was declared effective by the SEC on April 22, 2024. Any offering made pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement may only be made by means of a prospectus, including a prospectus supplement, forming a part of the effective Shelf Registration Statement, relating to the offering.
In May 2024, we entered into a Sales Agreement with Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (the “Sales Agent”) under which we initially had the ability to issue and sell shares of our Common Stock, from time to time, through the Sales Agent, pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, up to an aggregate offering price of approximately $16,400,000 in what is commonly referred to as an “at-the-market” (“ATM”) program. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we sold 1,437,287 shares of our Common Stock at a weighted average price of $9.79 per share and raised $13,610,807 in net proceeds under the ATM program. As of December 31, 2024, we had remaining capacity to sell up to an additional $2,325,087 of our Common Stock under the ATM program. On January 7, 2025, we filed a prospectus supplement with the SEC increasing the aggregate offering price under the ATM program to $25,000,000 from approximately $16,400,000.
On September 12, 2024, we issued the 2024 Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $14,950,000 pursuant to the 2024 Exchange Agreement. Interest was payable semi-annually in arrears on June 30 and December 30 of each year at the rate of 13.75% per annum. The maturity date of the 2024 Notes was June 30, 2026. As of December 31, 2024, the
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balance of the 2024 Notes was $5,950,000. On February 24, 2025, we paid the balance of the 2024 Notes in full reducing the outstanding balance to $0.
If the aforementioned sources of cash flow currently available are insufficient to cover our holding company debt service and other cash requirements, we will seek to obtain additional financing.
Our reconciliation of net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) by operations is generally influenced by the collection of premiums in advance of paid losses, the timing of reinsurance, issuing company settlements and loss payments.
Cash flow and liquidity are categorized into three sources: (1) operating activities; (2) investing activities; and (3) financing activities, which are shown in the following table:
| Years ended December 31, | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flows provided by (used in): | |||||||
| Operating activities | $ | 57,947,771 | $ | (11,326,850) | |||
| Investing activities | (35,261,441) | 9,461,700 | |||||
| Financing activities | (2,993,887) | (1,116,080) | |||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 19,692,443 | (2,981,230) | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 8,976,998 | 11,958,228 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 28,669,441 | $ | 8,976,998 |
Net cash provided by operating activities was $57,948,000 in the Year Ended 2024 as compared to $11,327,000 used in operating activities in Year Ended 2023. The $69,275,000 increase in cash flows provided by operating activities in Year Ended 2024 as compared to Year Ended 2023 was primarily the result of the change to net income from net loss (adjusted for non-cash items) of $69,275,000 and cash provided arising from net fluctuations in operating assets and liabilities. The net fluctuations in assets and liabilities are related to operating activities of KICO as affected by growth or declines in its operations, payments on claims and other changes, which are described above.
Net cash used in investing activities was $35,261,000 in Year Ended 2024 compared to $9,462,000 provided by investing activities in Year Ended 2023 resulting in a $44,723,000 increase in net cash used in investing activities. In Year Ended 2024, we had net cash used by our investment portfolio of $32,924,000, compared to $11,289,000 provided in Year Ended 2023.
Net cash used in financing activities was $2,994,000 in Year Ended 2024 compared to $1,116,000 used in Year Ended 2023. Net cash used in financing activities were primarily principal payments of $5,000,000 on our 2022 Notes, $9,000,000 on our 2024 Notes, and $1,154,000 on our equipment financing debt in connection with KICO’s sale-leaseback transaction. In addition, we paid $1,311,000 for withholding taxes on vested restricted stock awards. The principal payments on the 2024 Notes were made by using a portion of the $13,611,000 net proceeds from our ATM offering.
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Reinsurance
The following table provides summary information with respect to each reinsurer that accounted for more than 10% of our reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses as of December 31, 2024:
| ($ in thousands) | A.M. Best Rating | Amount Recoverable as of December 31, 2024 | % | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation | A+ | $ | 14,911,000 | 39.7 | % | ||||
| Hanover Rueck SE | A+ | 7,754,000 | 20.6 | % | |||||
| 22,665,000 | 60.3 | % | |||||||
| Others (1) | 14,912,000 | 39.7 | % | ||||||
| Total | $ | 37,577,000 | 100.0 | % |
(1)Of $8,731,000 reinsurance recoverables included in Others at December 31, 2024, $393,000 was guaranteed by irrevocable letters of credit.
Effective December 31, 2021, we entered into a quota share reinsurance treaty for our personal lines business, which primarily consisted of homeowners’ and dwelling fire policies, covering the period from December 31, 2021 through January 1, 2023 (“2021/2023 Treaty”). Upon the expiration of the 2021/2023 Treaty on January 1, 2023, we entered into a new 30% quota share reinsurance treaty for our personal lines business, covering the period from January 1, 2023 through January 1, 2024 (“2023/2024 Treaty”). Upon the expiration of the 2023/2024 Treaty on January 1, 2024, we entered into a new 27% quota share reinsurance treaty for our personal lines business, covering the period from January 1, 2024 through January 1, 2025 (“2024/2025 Treaty”). Upon the expiration of the 2024/2025 Treaty on January 1, 2025, we entered into a new 16% quota share reinsurance treaty for our personal lines business, covering the period from January 1, 2025 through January 1, 2026 (“2025/2026 Treaty”).
Our excess of loss and catastrophe reinsurance treaties expired on June 30, 2024 and we entered into new excess of loss and catastrophe reinsurance treaties effective July 1, 2024 (as discussed below). Effective January 1, 2022, we entered into an underlying excess of loss reinsurance treaty (“Underlying XOL Treaty”) covering the period from January 1, 2022 through January 1, 2023. The Underlying XOL Treaty provided 50% reinsurance coverage for losses of $400,000 in excess of $600,000. Losses from named storms are excluded from the Underlying XOL Treaty. Effective January 1, 2023, the Underlying XOL Treaty was renewed covering the period from January 1, 2023 through January 1, 2024. Effective January 1, 2024, the Underlying XOL Treaty was renewed covering the period from January 1, 2024 through January 1, 2025. Effective July 1, 2024, we purchased $275,000,000 of catastrophe reinsurance in excess of $5,000,000, compared to $315,000,000 of catastrophe reinsurance in excess of $10,000,000 in the expiring treaty. Our ability to reduce the top limit of our catastrophe reinsurance was due to our tightened underwriting as discussed above and curtailing new business growth through June 30, 2024, which reduced our probable maximum loss. For the period October 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025, we purchased catastrophe reinsurance which will provide coverage for winter storm losses to the extent of 71% of $4,500,000 in excess of $5,500,000. Effective January 1, 2025, the Underlying XOL Treaty was renewed covering the period from January 1, 2025 through June 30, 2025. Material terms for our reinsurance treaties in effect for the treaty years shown below are as follows:
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| Treaty Period | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/2026 Treaty | 2024/2025 Treaty | 2023/2024 Treaty | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Line of Business | July 1, 2025 to January 1, 2026 | January 2, 2025 to June 30, 2025 | July 1, 2024 to January 1, 2025 | January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024 | July 1, 2023 to January 1, 2024 | January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||
| Personal Lines: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Homeowners, dwelling fire and canine legal liability | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quota share treaty: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percent ceded (7) | 16 | % | 16 | % | 27 | % | 27 | % | 30 | % | 30 | % | |||||||||||
| Risk retained on initial | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $1,000,000 of losses (5) (6) (7) | $ | 840,000 | $ | 840,000 | $ | 730,000 | $ | 730,000 | $ | 700,000 | $ | 700,000 | |||||||||||
| Losses per occurrence | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| subject to quota share | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| reinsurance coverage | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | |||||||||||
| Expiration date | January 1, 2026 | January 1, 2026 | January 1, 2025 | January 1, 2025 | January 1, 2024 | January 1, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
| Excess of loss coverage and | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| facultative facility | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| coverage (1) (5) (6) | $ | 400,000 | $ | 8,400,000 | $ | 8,400,000 | $ | 8,400,000 | $ | 8,400,000 | $ | 8,400,000 | |||||||||||
| in excess of | in excess of | in excess of | in excess of | in excess of | in excess of | ||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 600,000 | $ | 600,000 | $ | 600,000 | $ | 600,000 | $ | 600,000 | $ | 600,000 | ||||||||||||
| Total reinsurance coverage | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| per occurrence (5) (6) | $ | 360,000 | $ | 8,360,000 | $ | 8,470,000 | $ | 8,470,000 | $ | 8,500,000 | $ | 8,500,000 | |||||||||||
| Losses per occurrence | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| subject to reinsurance | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| coverage (6) | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 9,000,000 | $ | 9,000,000 | $ | 9,000,000 | $ | 9,000,000 | $ | 9,000,000 | |||||||||||
| Expiration date | (6) | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2024 | June 30, 2024 | June 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||
| Catastrophe Reinsurance: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Initial loss subject to personal | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| lines quota share treaty (6) | $ | 10,000,000 | $ | 10,000,000 | $ | 10,000,000 | $ | 10,000,000 | $ | 10,000,000 | $ | 10,000,000 | |||||||||||
| Risk retained per catastrophe | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| occurrence (6) (7) (8) (9) | (6) | $ | 4,250,000 | $ | 4,750,000 | $ | 9,500,000 | $ | 8,750,000 | $ | 8,750,000 | ||||||||||||
| Catastrophe loss coverage | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| in excess of quota share | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| coverage (2) (6) | (6) | $ | 275,000,000 | $ | 275,000,000 | $ | 315,000,000 | $ | 315,000,000 | $ | 335,000,000 | ||||||||||||
| Reinstatement premium | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| protection (3) (4) | (6) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
(1)For personal lines, includes the addition of an automatic facultative facility allowing KICO to obtain homeowners single risk coverage up to $9,000,000 in total insured value, which covers direct losses from $3,500,000 to $9,000,000 through June 30, 2025.
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(2)Catastrophe coverage is limited on an annual basis to two times the per occurrence amounts. Duration of 168 consecutive hours for a catastrophe occurrence from windstorm, hail, tornado, hurricane and cyclone.
(3)For the period July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, reinstatement premium protection for $12,500,000 of catastrophe coverage in excess of $10,0000,000. For the period July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, reinstatement premium protection for $50,000,000 of catastrophe coverage in excess of $10,000,000.
(4)For the period July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 (expiration date of the catastrophe reinsurance treaty), reinstatement premium protection for $50,000,000 of catastrophe coverage in excess of 10,000,000.
(5)For the period January 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025, underlying excess of loss treaty provides 50% reinsurance coverage for losses of 400,000 in excess of 600,000. Excludes losses from named storms. Reduces retention to $500,000 from $700,000 under the 2023/2024 Treaty. Reduces retention to $530,000 from $730,000 under the 2024/2025 Treaty. Retention increases to $640,000 from $530,000 under the 2025/2026 Treaty.
(6)Excess of loss coverage and facultative facility and catastrophe reinsurance treaties will expire on June 30,2025, with none of these coverages to be in effect during the period from July 1 2025 through January 1, 2026. If and when these treaties are renewed on July 1, 2025, the excess of loss and facultative facility, and the catastrophe reinsurance treaty, will be as provided for therein. Reinsurance coverage in effect from July 1, 2025 through January 1, 2026 is currently only covered under the 2025/2026 Treaty and (underlying excess of loss reinsurance treaty through June 30, 2025). The 2025/2026 Treaty will expire on January 1, 2026.
(7)For the 2023/2024 Treaty, 17.5% of the 30% total of losses ceded under this treaty are excluded from a named catastrophe event. For the 2024/2025 Treaty, 22% of the 27% total of losses ceded under this treaty are excluded from a named catastrophe event.For the 2025/2026 Treaty, 6% of the 16% total of losses ceded under this treaty are excluded from a catastrophe event.
(8)Plus losses in excess of catastrophe coverage.
(9)For the period October 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025, additional catastrophe reinsurance treaty will provide coverage for winter storm losses to the extent of 71% of $4,500,000 in excess of $5,500,000. Retention for winter storms under this treaty is $4,800,000 under the 2024/2025 Treaty and $5,200,000 under the 2025/2026 Treaty.
| Treaty Year | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Line of Business | July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 | July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 | July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 | ||||||||
| Personal Lines: | |||||||||||
| Personal Umbrella | |||||||||||
| Quota share treaty: | |||||||||||
| Percent ceded - first $1,000,000 of coverage | 90 | % | 90 | % | 90 | % | |||||
| Percent ceded - excess of $1,000,000 dollars of coverage | 95 | % | 95 | % | 95 | % | |||||
| Risk retained | $ | 300,000 | $ | 300,000 | $ | 300,000 | |||||
| Total reinsurance coverage per occurrence | $ | 4,700,000 | $ | 4,700,000 | $ | 4,700,000 | |||||
| Losses per occurrence subject to quota share reinsurance coverage | $ | 5,000,000 | $ | 5,000,000 | $ | 5,000,000 | |||||
| Expiration date | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2024 | June 30, 2023 |
Commercial Lines (1)
(1)Coverage on all commercial lines policies expired in September 2020; reinsurance coverage is based on treaties in effect on the date of loss.
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Inflation
Premiums are established before we know the amount of losses and loss adjustment expenses or the extent to which inflation may affect such amounts. We attempt to anticipate the potential impact of inflation in establishing our reserves, especially as it relates to medical and hospital rates where historical inflation rates have exceeded the general level of inflation. Inflation in excess of the levels we have assumed could cause loss and loss adjustment expenses to be higher than we anticipated, which would require us to increase reserves and reduce earnings.
Fluctuations in rates of inflation also influence interest rates, which in turn impact the market value of our investment portfolio and yields on new investments. Operating expenses, including salaries and benefits, generally are impacted by inflation.
The Year Ended 2024 included continuing economic inflation, albeit tempered compared to 2023, which resulted in a sustained increase in interest rates, a widening of credit spreads, lower public equity valuations, and significant financial market volatility. The higher interest rates and widening of credit spreads reduced the value of our fixed income securities. For Year Ended 2024, the continuing economic inflation impacted our loss and loss adjustment expenses as well; should these trends continue in the near-term, it would in all likelihood negatively impact our results of operations.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP.
The following table reconciles the underlying loss ratio and the net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes to the net loss ratio for the periods presented:
| Years ended December 31, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| Underlying Loss Ratio | 48.2 | % | 65.3 | % | |
| Effect of prior year reserve development | (1.4 | %) | 0.0 | % | |
| Net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes | 46.8 | % | 65.3 | % | |
| Effect of catastrophes | 1.9 | % | 7.1 | % | |
| GAAP net loss ratio | 48.7 | % | 72.4 | % |
The following table reconciles the net loss ratio excluding commercial lines business to the net loss ratio for the periods presented:
| Years ended December 31, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| Net loss ratio excluding the effect of commercial lines business | 46.9 | % | 70.9 | % | |
| Effect of commercial lines business | 1.8 | % | 1.5 | % | |
| GAAP net loss ratio | 48.7 | % | 72.4 | % |
The following table reconciles net income (loss) from insurance underwriting business on a standalone basis to GAAP net income (loss) for the periods presented:
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| Years ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Net income (loss) from insurance underwriting business on a standalone basis | $ | 23,581,855 | $ | (1,487,910) | ||
| Holding company operations | (5,223,419) | (4,680,436) | ||||
| GAAP net income (loss) | $ | 18,358,436 | $ | (6,168,346) |
The following table reconciles the net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes, net underwriting expense ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes, and net combined ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes to GAAP net loss ratio, GAAP net underwriting expense ratio, and GAAP net combined ratio, respectively, for the periods presented:
| Years ended December 31, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| Net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes | 46.8 | % | 65.3 | % | |
| Effect of catastrophes | 1.9 | % | 7.1 | % | |
| GAAP net loss ratio | 48.7 | % | 72.4 | % | |
| Net underwriting expense ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes | 31.3 | % | 32.9 | % | |
| Effect of catastrophes | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | |
| GAAP net underwriting expense ratio | 31.3 | % | 32.9 | % | |
| Net combined ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes | 78.1 | % | 98.2 | % | |
| Effect of catastrophes | 1.9 | % | 7.1 | % | |
| GAAP net combined ratio | 80.0 | % | 105.3 | % |
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
Outlook
Our net premiums earned may be impacted by a number of factors. Net premiums earned are a function of net written premium volume. Net written premiums comprise both renewal business and new business and are recognized as earned premium over the term of the underlying policies. Net written premiums from both renewal and new business are impacted by competitive market conditions as well as general economic conditions. We have made underwriting changes to emphasize profitability over growth and have culled out the type of risks that do not generate an acceptable level of return.
On August 2, 2024, two large competitors announced a plan to wind down their personal lines operations in New York State and to non-renew or mid-term cancel their entire book of business by December 31, 2024. Our producers placed a sizable number of these policies with KICO. As such, we anticipate the sizeable increase in our direct earned premium to continue into 2025. See “Forward-Looking Statements” before Part I, Item 1.
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FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001654954-24-004054.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Overview
We offer property and casualty insurance products through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Kingstone Insurance Company (“KICO”). KICO is a New York domiciled carrier writing business through retail and wholesale agents and brokers. KICO is actively writing personal lines and commercial auto insurance in New York, and in 2023 was the 15th largest writer of homeowners insurance in New York. KICO is also licensed in the states of New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and Maine. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, 88.3% and 80.6% of KICO’s direct written premiums came from the New York policies. We refer to our New York business as our “Core” business and the business outside of New York as our “non-Core” business.
In addition, our subsidiary, Cosi Agency, Inc. (“Cosi”), a multi-state licensed general agency, receives commission revenue from KICO for the policies it places with others and pays commissions to these agencies. Cosi retains the profit between the commission revenue received and the commission expense paid (“Net Cosi Revenue”). Commission expense is reduced by Net Cosi Revenue. Cosi-related operating expenses are minimal and are included in other operating expenses. Cosi-related operating expenses are not included in our stand-alone insurance underwriting business and, accordingly, Cosi’s expenses are not included in the calculation of our combined ratio as described below.
We derive substantially all of our revenue from KICO, which includes revenues from earned premiums, ceding commissions from quota share reinsurance, net investment income generated from its portfolio, and net realized gains and losses on investment securities. All of KICO’s insurance policies are written for a one-year term. Earned premiums represent premiums received from insureds, which are recognized as revenue over the period of time that insurance coverage is provided (i.e., ratably over the one-year life of the policy). A significant period of time can elapse from the receipt of insurance premiums to the payment of insurance claims. During this time, KICO invests the premiums, earns investment income and generates net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses on investments. Our holding company earns investment income from its cash holdings.
Our expenses include the insurance underwriting expenses of KICO and other operating expenses. Insurance companies incur a significant amount of their total expenses from losses incurred by policyholders, which are referred to as claims. In settling these claims, various loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) are incurred such as insurance adjusters’ fees and legal expenses. In addition, insurance companies incur policy acquisition costs. Policy acquisition costs include commissions paid to producers, premium taxes, and other expenses related to the underwriting process, including employees’ compensation and benefits.
Other operating expenses include our corporate expenses as a holding company. These corporate expenses include legal and auditing fees, executive employment costs, and other costs directly associated with being a public company.
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Principal Revenue and Expense Items
Net premiums earned: Net premiums earned is the earned portion of our written premiums, less that portion of premium that is ceded to third party reinsurers under reinsurance agreements. The amount ceded under these reinsurance agreements is based on a contractual formula contained in the individual reinsurance agreement. Insurance premiums are earned on a pro rata basis over the term of the policy. At the end of each reporting period, premiums written that are not earned are classified as unearned premiums and are earned in subsequent periods over the remaining term of the policy. Our insurance policies have a term of one year. Accordingly, for a one-year policy written on July 1, 2022, we would earn half of the premiums in 2022 and the other half in 2023.
Ceding commission revenue: Commissions on reinsurance premiums ceded to quota share treaties are earned in a manner consistent with the recognition of the direct acquisition costs of the underlying insurance policies, generally on a pro-rata basis over the terms of the policies reinsured.
Net investment income and net gains (losses) on investments: We invest in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, fixed-maturity and equity securities, and other investments. Our net investment income includes interest and dividends earned on our invested assets, less investment expenses. Net realized gains and losses on our investments are reported separately from our net investment income. Net realized gains occur when our investment securities are sold for more than their costs or amortized costs, as applicable. Net realized losses occur when our investment securities are sold for less than their costs or amortized costs, as applicable, or are written down as a result of other-than-temporary impairment. We classify our fixed-maturity securities as either available-for-sale or held-to-maturity. Net unrealized gains (losses) on those securities classified as available-for-sale are reported separately within accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income on our balance sheet while our equity securities and other investments report changes in fair value through earnings. See Note 2 in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for a further discussion of our accounting policies following Item 16 of this Annual Report.
Other income: We recognize installment fee income and fees charged to reinstate a policy after it has been cancelled for non-payment.
Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred: Loss and LAE incurred represent our largest expense item, and for any given reporting period include estimates of future claim payments, changes in those estimates from prior reporting periods and costs associated with investigating, defending and servicing claims. These expenses fluctuate based on the amount and types of risks we insure. We record loss and LAE related to estimates of future claim payments based on case-by-case valuations, statistical analyses and actuarial procedures. We seek to establish all reserves at the most likely ultimate liability based on our historical claims experience. It is typical for certain claims to take several years to settle and we revise our estimates as we receive additional information on such claims. Our ability to estimate loss and LAE accurately at the time of pricing our insurance policies is a critical factor affecting our profitability.
Commission expenses and other underwriting expenses: Other underwriting expenses include policy acquisition costs and other expenses related to the underwriting of policies. Policy acquisition costs represent the costs of originating new insurance policies that vary with, and are primarily related to, the production of insurance policies (principally commissions, premium taxes and certain underwriting salaries). Policy acquisition costs are deferred and recognized as expense as the related premiums are earned. Other underwriting expenses represent general and administrative expenses of our insurance business and are comprised of other costs associated with our insurance activities such as regulatory fees, telecommunication and technology costs, occupancy costs, employment costs, and legal and auditing fees.
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Other operating expenses: Other operating expenses include the corporate expenses of our holding company, Kingstone Companies, Inc., and operating expenses of Cosi. These expenses include executive employment costs, legal and auditing fees, and other costs directly associated with being a public company. Cosi operating expenses primarily include employment costs, occupancy costs and consulting costs.
Stock-based compensation: Non-cash equity compensation includes the fair value of stock grants issued to our directors, officers and employees, and amortization of stock options issued to the same.
Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization includes the amortization of intangibles related to the acquisition of KICO, depreciation of the real estate used in KICO’s operations, as well as depreciation of capital expenditures for information technology projects, office equipment and furniture.
Interest expense: Interest expense represents amounts we incur on our outstanding indebtedness at the applicable interest rates. Interest expense also includes amortization of debt discount and issuance costs.
Income tax expense: We incur federal income tax expense on our consolidated statement of operations as well as state income tax expense for our non-insurance underwriting subsidiaries.
Product Lines
Our product lines include the following:
Personal lines: Our largest line of business is personal lines, consisting of homeowners, dwelling fire, cooperative/condominium, renters, and personal umbrella policies.
Commercial liability: Through July 2019, we offered businessowners policies, which consist primarily of small business retail, service, and office risks, with limited property exposures. We also wrote artisan’s liability policies for small independent contractors with smaller sized workforces. In addition, we wrote special multi-peril policies for larger and more specialized businessowners risks, including those with limited residential exposures. Further, we offered commercial umbrella policies written above our supporting commercial lines policies.
In May 2019, due to the poor performance of this line we placed a moratorium on new commercial lines and new commercial umbrella submissions while we further reviewed this business. In July 2019, due to the continuing poor performance of these lines, we made the decision to no longer underwrite commercial lines or commercial umbrella risks. In-force policies as of July 31, 2019 for these lines were non-renewed at the end of their annual terms. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no commercial liability policies in-force. As of December 31, 2023, these expired policies represent approximately 15.8% of loss and LAE reserves net of reinsurance recoverables. See discussion below under “Additional Financial Information”.
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Livery physical damage: We write for-hire vehicle physical damage only policies for livery and car service vehicles and taxicabs. These policies insure only the physical damage portion of insurance for such vehicles, with no liability coverage included.
Other: We write canine legal liability policies and have a small participation in mandatory state joint underwriting associations.
Key Measures
We utilize the following key measures in analyzing the results of our insurance underwriting business:
Net loss ratio: The net loss ratio is a measure of the underwriting profitability of an insurance company’s business. Expressed as a percentage, this is the ratio of net losses and LAE incurred to net premiums earned.
Net underwriting expense ratio: The net underwriting expense ratio is a measure of an insurance company’s operational efficiency in administering its business. Expressed as a percentage, this is the ratio of the sum of acquisition costs (the most significant being commissions paid to our producers) and other underwriting expenses less ceding commission revenue less other income to net premiums earned.
Net combined ratio: The net combined ratio is a measure of an insurance company’s overall underwriting profit. This is the sum of the net loss and net underwriting expense ratios. If the net combined ratio is at or above 100 percent, an insurance company cannot be profitable without investment income, and may not be profitable if investment income is insufficient.
Underwriting income: Underwriting income is net pre-tax income attributable to our insurance underwriting business before investment activity. It excludes net investment income, net realized gains from investments, and depreciation and amortization (net premiums earned less expenses included in combined ratio). Underwriting income is a measure of an insurance company’s overall operating profitability before items such as investment income, depreciation and amortization, interest expense and income taxes.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Kingstone Companies, Inc. and all majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires our management to make estimates and assumptions in certain circumstances that affect amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and related notes. In preparing these consolidated financial statements, our management has utilized information including our past history, industry standards, and the current economic environment, and other factors, in forming its estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the consolidated financial statements, giving due consideration to materiality. It is possible that the ultimate outcome as anticipated by our management in formulating its estimates in these financial statements may not materialize.
Application of the critical accounting policies involves the exercise of judgment and use of assumptions as to future uncertainties and, as a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. In addition, other companies may utilize different estimates, which may impact comparability of our results of operations to those of similar companies.
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See below a description of these critical accounting estimates. Also, see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements following Item 16 of this Annual Report.
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves
Property and Casualty loss and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) reserves are established to provide for the estimated cost of settling both reported (“case”) and incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) claims and claims adjusting expenses. The liability for these reserves is estimated on an undiscounted basis, using individual case-basis valuations and paid claims, pending claims, statistical analyses and various actuarial reserving methodologies. Due to the inherent uncertainty of the reserve process, actual loss costs could vary significantly compared to estimated loss costs. The below table provides detail of our reserves as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| As of | As of | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Gross | Ceded | Net | Gross | Ceded | Net | |||||||||||||||||
| Case loss | $ | 67,108 | $ | 19,538 | $ | 47,570 | $ | 62,745 | $ | 16,619 | $ | 46,126 | |||||||||||
| Case LAE | 5,726 | 1,121 | 4,605 | 5,543 | 898 | 4,645 | |||||||||||||||||
| IBNR loss | 37,262 | 10,665 | 26,597 | 42,687 | 10,023 | 32,664 | |||||||||||||||||
| IBNR LAE | 11,722 | 1,965 | 9,757 | 7,364 | 120 | 7,244 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 121,818 | $ | 33,289 | $ | 88,529 | $ | 118,340 | $ | 27,660 | $ | 90,679 |
(Components may not sum due to rounding)
Case Reserves – Reserves for reported losses are based on an estimate of ultimate loss costs of an individual claim derived from individual case-basis valuations, actual claims paid, pending claims, statistical analyses and various actuarial reserving methodologies.
IBNR Reserves – IBNR reserves are estimates of claims that have occurred but as to which we have not yet been notified to establish the case reserve. IBNR is determined using historical information aggregated by line of insurance and adjusted to current conditions.
Reinsurance
We purchase reinsurance to manage our underwriting risk on certain policies. Reinsurance receivables represent management’s best estimate of loss and LAE recoverable from reinsurers. Reinsurance receivables are estimated using the same methodologies as loss and LAE reserves. Changes in the methods and assumptions used could result in significant variances between actual and estimated losses.
Deferred Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate is based on GAAP income at statutory tax rates, adjusted for non-taxable and non-deductible items, and tax credits. Changes in estimates used in preparing the income statement could result in significant changes to our deferred tax asset or liability.
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Deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognized for estimated future tax consequences which result in differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. These assets and liabilities are carried at the enacted tax rates expected to apply when the asset or liability is expected to be recovered or settled. Changes in estimates and assumptions in the income statement, or changes in the enacted tax rate, could result in significant variances between our carried deferred tax and tax recognized on the recovery or settlement of the asset or liability.
Investments
Bonds are classified as held-to-maturity (“HTM”) or available-for-sale (“AFS”), and stocks are generally classified as AFS. Investments classified as HTM are carried at amortized cost, which requires very little judgement. Investments classified as AFS are generally carried at fair value with an unrealized gain/loss recorded in income. Actual results could vary significantly to the fair values recognized in the income statement.
Kingstone 2.0 (completed) and Kingstone 3.0 (underway)
Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2019, a series of strategic initiatives, coined “Kingstone 2.0”, were commenced to modernize our company. The pillars of the new strategy were as follows:
| 1. | Strengthen the management team by adding highly qualified professionals with deep domain experience and diverse backgrounds; | |
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| 2. | Reduce expenses and increase efficiency by embracing technology, including converting to a new policy management system, retiring multiple legacy systems and starting up a new claims system, among other technology initiatives; | |
| 3. | Develop and implement a new, more highly segmented product suite (Kingstone Select) which better matches rate to risk using advanced analytics and an abundance of data; and | |
| 4. | Better manage our catastrophe exposure in order to reduce loss cost and the growth rate of our probable maximum loss (“PML”) in order to mitigate the impact of the emerging “hard market” in catastrophe reinsurance. |
We announced the substantive completion of Kingstone 2.0 in late 2022 and embarked on a new strategy to optimize our in-force business, which we coined as “Kingstone 3.0”. The four pillars of this new strategy entail:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Aggressively reducing the non-Core book of business, which has had a disproportionately negative impact on underwriting results, by slowing new business, re-underwriting the book, culling the agent base, reducing commissions, or other means, subject to regulatory constraints. We stopped writing all new non-Core business and have been aggressively reducing policy count. As of December 31, 2023, our non-Core policy count was down by 48% compared to December 31, 2022; |
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| 2. | Adjusting pricing to stay ahead of loss trends, including inflation, by filing the maximum annual rate change that can be supported in each state and product and ensuring all policyholders are insured to value. Inflation has been a dominant headwind that is showing signs of stabilizing. We have been cognizant that inflation’s impact on loss costs places added pressure on premiums and, as such, we have been more frequent and aggressive with our rate change requests. Similarly, home replacement values reflect that same inflationary pressure. In September 2023, we completed our first cycle of valuation adjustments, making sure that all homes were insured to value. As a result, we have seen a rise in premiums attributable to the heightened replacement costs. Overall average written premium for our legacy Core homeowners policies for the last 12 months, reflecting both rate and replacement cost changes, increased by 24.4%; | |
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| 3. | Tightly managing reinsurance requirements and costs, using risk selection and other underwriting capabilities to manage the growth rate of our PML. We needed to contain our exposure to spiking reinsurance pricing. We did so and were able to reduce the required limit to be purchased while maintaining our same risk tolerance. We used all the tools available to us to limit new business that was deemed to be too expensive and at the same time re-underwrote the book to cull those risks which presented the greatest risk. The combination of stricter new business underwriting and increased non-renewals gave rise to the 5.8% decline in policy count for our Core business. We have now reverted most of our new business underwriting standards back to what they were previously so Core new business growth should increase going forward; and | |
| 4. | Continuing expense reduction focus with a goal of reducing the net expense ratio to 33% by year-end 2024. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we achieved our goal, with a net underwriting expense ratio of 32.9%, a reduction of 3.1 points compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. |
See the tables below comparing the quarterly trends and changes from our Core and non-Core business for policies in force and direct written premiums from September 30, 2022 through December 31, 2023. For the three months ended December 31, 2023, our Core direct written premiums increased by 7.0% compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022, while Core policies in force decreased by 5.8% as of December 31, 2023. For the same periods, our non-Core policies in force decreased by 50.8% and non-Core direct written premiums decreased by 44.5%. We believe that the above actions taken will continue to have the intended effect and will result in a return to annual profitability.
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| For the Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 30,2022 | December 31,2022 | March 31,2023 | June 30,2023 | September 30,2023 | December 31,2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (000’s except percentages and Policies in Force) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Policies In Force, as of end of Three Month Period | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Core | 71,705 | 71,359 | 72,081 | 70,132 | 68,498 | 67,575 | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-Core | 22,007 | 20,695 | 18,945 | 16,224 | 13,457 | 10,823 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total policies in force | 93,712 | 92,054 | 91,026 | 86,356 | 81,955 | 78,398 | |||||||||||||||||
| Direct written premiums | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Core | $ | 43,949 | $ | 43,923 | $ | 41,427 | $ | 42,211 | $ | 46,025 | $ | 47,027 | |||||||||||
| Non-Core | 10,642 | 9,978 | 6,170 | 5,435 | 5,966 | 5,911 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total direct written premiums | $ | 54,592 | $ | 53,901 | $ | 47,597 | $ | 47,647 | $ | 51,992 | $ | 52,938 | |||||||||||
| Change from September 30, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Core | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Policies In Force | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ change | na | $ | (346 | ) | $ | 376 | $ | (1,573 | ) | $ | (3,207 | ) | $ | (4,130 | ) | ||||||||
| % change | na | -0.5 | % | 0.5 | % | -2.2 | % | -4.5 | % | -5.8 | % | ||||||||||||
| Direct written premiums | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ change | na | $ | (26 | ) | $ | (2,522 | ) | $ | (1,738 | ) | $ | 2,076 | $ | 3,078 | |||||||||
| % change | na | -0.1 | % | -5.7 | % | -4.0 | % | 4.7 | % | 7.0 | % | ||||||||||||
| Non- Core | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Policies In Force | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ change | na | $ | (1,312 | ) | $ | (3,062 | ) | $ | (5,783 | ) | $ | (8,550 | ) | $ | (11,184 | ) | |||||||
| % change | na | -6.0 | % | -13.9 | % | -26.3 | % | -38.9 | % | -50.8 | % | ||||||||||||
| Direct written premiums | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ change | na | $ | (664 | ) | $ | (4,472 | ) | $ | (5,207 | ) | $ | (4,676 | ) | $ | (4,731 | ) | |||||||
| % change | na | -6.2 | % | -42.0 | % | -48.9 | % | -43.9 | % | -44.5 | % | ||||||||||||
| (Components may not sum due to rounding) |
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Consolidated Results of Operations
The following table summarizes the changes in the results of our operations for the periods indicated:
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | Percent | ||||||||||||
| Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Direct written premiums | $ | 200,175 | $ | 201,255 | $ | (1,080 | ) | (0.5 | ) % | |||||||
| Assumed written premiums | - | - | - | na | % | |||||||||||
| 200,175 | 201,255 | (1,080 | ) | (0.5 | )% | |||||||||||
| Ceded written premiums | ||||||||||||||||
| Ceded to quota share treaties (1) | 51,125 | 47,409 | 3,716 | 7.8 | % | |||||||||||
| Ceded to excess of loss treaties | 7,122 | 3,880 | 3,242 | 83.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Ceded to catastrophe treaties | 48,317 | 42,952 | 5,365 | 12.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Total ceded written premiums | 106,564 | 94,241 | 12,323 | 13.1 | % | |||||||||||
| Net written premiums | 93,611 | 107,014 | (13,403 | ) | (12.5 | )% | ||||||||||
| Change in unearned premiums | ||||||||||||||||
| Direct and assumed | 1,871 | (9,733 | ) | 11,604 | na | % | ||||||||||
| Ceded to quota share treaties (1) | 18,903 | 17,104 | 1,799 | 10.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Change in net unearned premiums | 20,774 | 7,371 | 13,403 | 181.8 | % | |||||||||||
| Premiums earned | ||||||||||||||||
| Direct and assumed | 202,046 | 191,522 | 10,524 | 5.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Ceded to reinsurance treaties | (87,661 | ) | (77,137 | ) | (10,524 | ) | (13.6 | )% | ||||||||
| Net premiums earned | 114,384 | 114,385 | (1 | ) | - | % | ||||||||||
| Ceding commission revenue (1) | 21,053 | 19,319 | 1,734 | 9.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Net investment income | 6,009 | 4,937 | 1,072 | 21.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Net gains (losses) on investments | 2,135 | (9,392 | ) | 11,527 | na | % | ||||||||||
| Other income | 610 | 910 | (300 | ) | (33.0 | )% | ||||||||||
| Total revenues | 144,191 | 130,159 | 14,032 | 10.8 | % | |||||||||||
| Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Direct and assumed: | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes | 111,997 | 114,943 | (2,946 | ) | (2.6 | )% | ||||||||||
| Losses from catastrophes (2) | 11,944 | 13,106 | (1,162 | ) | (8.9 | )% | ||||||||||
| Total direct and assumed loss and loss adjustment expenses | 123,940 | 128,048 | (4,108 | ) | (3.2 | )% | ||||||||||
| Ceded loss and loss adjustment expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes | 37,302 | 34,185 | 3,117 | 9.1 | % | |||||||||||
| Losses from catastrophes (2) | 3,789 | 5,474 | (1,685 | ) | (30.8 | )% | ||||||||||
| Total ceded loss and loss adjustment expenses | 41,091 | 39,658 | 1,432 | 3.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Net loss and loss adjustment expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes | 74,694 | 80,758 | (6,064 | ) | (7.5 | )% | ||||||||||
| Losses from catastrophes (2) | 8,155 | 7,632 | 523 | 6.9 | % | |||||||||||
| Net loss and loss adjustment expenses | 82,849 | 88,390 | (5,541 | ) | (6.3 | )% | ||||||||||
| Commission expense | 33,365 | 34,582 | (1,217 | ) | (3.5 | )% | ||||||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 25,910 | 26,697 | (787 | ) | (2.9 | )% | ||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | 2,456 | 3,113 | (657 | ) | (21.1 | )% | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 2,973 | 3,300 | (327 | ) | (9.9 | )% | ||||||||||
| Interest expense | 4,003 | 2,019 | 1,984 | 98.3 | % | |||||||||||
| Total expenses | 151,556 | 158,102 | (6,545 | ) | (4.1 | )% | ||||||||||
| Loss before taxes | (7,365 | ) | (27,942 | ) | 20,577 | 73.6 | % | |||||||||
| Income tax benefit | (1,197 | ) | (5,418 | ) | 4,221 | 77.9 | % | |||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (6,168 | ) | $ | (22,525 | ) | $ | 16,356 | 72.6 | % | ||||||
| (Columns in the table above may not sum to totals due to rounding) |
| (1) | Effective December 31, 2021, we entered into a 30% personal lines quota share treaty. | |
|---|---|---|
| (2) | The years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 include catastrophe losses, which are defined as losses from an event for which a catastrophe bulletin and related serial number has been issued by the Property Claims Services (PCS) unit of the Insurance Services Office (ISO). PCS catastrophe bulletins are issued for events that cause more than $25 million in total insured losses and affect a significant number of policyholders and insurers. |
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| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Percentage Point Difference | Percent Change | |||||||||||||
| Key ratios: | ||||||||||||||||
| Net loss ratio | 72.4 | % | 77.3 | % | (4.9 | ) | (6.3 | )% | ||||||||
| Net underwriting expense ratio | 32.9 | % | 36.0 | % | (3.1 | ) | (8.6 | )% | ||||||||
| Net combined ratio | 105.3 | % | 113.3 | % | (8.0 | ) | (7.1 | )% |
Direct Written Premiums
Direct written premiums during the year ended December 31, 2023 (“Year Ended 2023”) were $200,175,000 compared to $201,255,000 during the year ended December 31, 2022 (“Year Ended 2022”). The decrease of $1,080,000, or 0.5%, was primarily due to a decrease in premiums from our personal lines business.
Direct written premiums from our personal lines business for Year Ended 2023 were $185,426,000, a decrease of $2,679,000, or 1.4%, from $188,105,000 in Year Ended 2022. The 1.4% decrease in premiums from our personal lines business was primarily due to the decrease in premiums associated with our non-Core business of 39.8% offsetting a 8.6% increase in our Core business. The decrease in our non-Core business premiums and the increase in our Core business premiums is in accordance with both our Kingstone 2.0 and Kingstone 3.0 strategic plans.
Direct written premiums from our livery physical damage business for Year Ended 2023 were $14,648,000, an increase of $1,655,000, or 12.7%, from $12,993,000 in Year Ended 2022. The increase in livery physical damage direct written premiums was due to an increasing number of policies and an increase in the values of the autos insured.
Direct written premiums from our Core business were $176,692,000 in Year Ended 2023 compared to $162,255,000 in Year Ended 2022, an increase of $14,437,000, or 8.9%. Policies in force from our Core business decreased by 5.3% in Year Ended 2023 compared to Year Ended 2022. Beginning in 2017, we commenced our non-Core business and started writing personal lines policies in New Jersey. Through 2019 we expanded our non-Core business to Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Direct written premiums from our non-Core business were $23,482,000 in Year Ended 2023 down from $39,000,000 in Year Ended 2022, a decrease of $15,518,000, or 39.8%. The decrease in direct written premiums from our non-Core business is a result of our decision to aggressively reduce the book of business in these states. Policies in force from our non-Core business decreased by 47.7% in Year Ended 2023 compared to Year Ended 2022. The increase in our Core business and the decrease in our non-Core business is consistent with a key pillar of our Kingstone 3.0 strategy to reduce our non-Core business due to profitability concerns.
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Net Written Premiums and Net Premiums Earned
Net written premiums decreased $13,403,000, or 12.5%, to $93,611,000 in Year Ended 2023 from $107,014,000 in Year Ended 2022. Net written premiums include direct premiums, less the amount of written premiums ceded under our reinsurance treaties (quota share, excess of loss, and catastrophe). The decrease in Year Ended 2023 is primarily due to a decrease in direct written premiums and an increase in catastrophe premiums rates.
Quota share reinsurance treaties
Effective December 31, 2021, we entered into a quota share reinsurance treaty for our personal lines business covering the period from December 31, 2021 through January 1, 2023 (“2021/2023 Treaty”). Upon the expiration of the 2021/2023 Treaty on January 1, 2023, we entered into a new 30% quota share reinsurance treaty for our personal lines business, covering the period from January 1, 2023 through January 1, 2024 (“2023/2024 Treaty”). In Year Ended 2023, our premiums ceded under quota share treaties increased by $3,716,000 in comparison to ceded premiums in Year Ended 2022 (see table above). The increase in Year Ended 2023 was attributable to the runoff of an 8.5% portion of the 30% 2021/2023 Treaty. The remainder of the 2021/2023 Treaty was on a cutoff basis and the new 2023/2024 Treaty was placed for 30% on January 1, 2023. Our personal lines business was subject to the 2023/2024 Treaty in Year Ended 2023, and the 2021-2023 Treaty in Year Ended 2022.
Excess of loss reinsurance treaties
An increase in written premiums will increase the premiums ceded under our excess of loss treaties. In Year Ended 2023, our ceded excess of loss (“XOL”) reinsurance premiums increased by $3,242,000 over the comparable ceded premiums for Year Ended 2022. The increase was due to an increase in subject premiums and the heightened cost of coverage obtained. Effective January 1, 2022, we entered into an underlying XOL reinsurance treaty covering the period from January 1, 2022 through January 1, 2023. The treaty provides 50% reinsurance coverage for losses of $400,000 in excess of $600,000. Losses from named storms are excluded from the treaty. Effective January 1, 2023, the underlying XOL treaty was renewed covering the period from January 1, 2023 through January 1, 2024.
Catastrophe reinsurance treaties
Most of the premiums written under our personal lines policies are also subject to our catastrophe treaties. An increase in our personal lines business gives rise to more property exposure, which increases our exposure to catastrophe risk; therefore, our premiums ceded under catastrophe treaties will increase. An increase in our personal lines business results in an increase in premiums ceded under our catastrophe treaties if reinsurance rates are stable or are increasing. Catastrophe premiums increased $5,365,000, or 12.5%, to $48,317,000 in Year Ended 2023 from $42,952,000 in Year Ended 2022. The increase was primarily due to an increase in catastrophe reinsurance rates. In accordance with our Kingstone 2.0 and Kingstone 3.0 goals, we have reduced our PML in Year Ended 2023, which partially offset the increase in premiums effective July 1, 2023.
Net premiums earned
Net premiums earned remained flat at $114,384,000 in Year Ended 2023 compared to $114,385,000 in Year Ended 2022.
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Ceding Commission Revenue
The following table summarizes the changes in the components of ceding commission revenue (in thousands) for the periods indicated:
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | Percent | ||||||||||||
| Provisional ceding commissions earned | $ | 20,397 | $ | 19,106 | $ | 1,291 | 6.8 | % | ||||||||
| Contingent ceding commissions earned | 656 | 214 | 442 | 206.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Total ceding commission revenue | $ | 21,053 | $ | 19,319 | $ | 1,734 | 9.0 | % | ||||||||
| (Columns in the table above may not sum to totals due to rounding) |
Ceding commission revenue was $21,053,000 in Year Ended 2023 compared to $19,319,000 in Year Ended 2022. The increase of $1,734,000 was due to an increase in both provisional ceding commissions earned and contingent ceding commissions earned. See below for a discussion of provisional ceding commissions earned and contingent ceding commissions earned.
Provisional Ceding Commissions Earned
In Year Ended 2023, we earned provisional ceding commissions of $20,397,000 from personal lines earned premiums ceded under the 2023/2024 Treaty, and in Year Ended 2022, we earned provisional ceding commissions of $19,106,000 from personal lines earned premiums ceded under the 2021/2023 Treaty. The increase of $1,291,000 in provisional ceding commissions earned was due to the increase in premiums ceded under these treaties during Year Ended 2023 compared to Year Ended 2022.
Contingent Ceding Commissions Earned
The structure of the 2023/2024 Treaty and the 2021/2023 Treaty calls for a fixed provisional ceding commission with no opportunity to earn additional contingent ceding commissions. Under our prior years’ quota share treaties, we received a contingent ceding commission based on a sliding scale in relation to the losses incurred under our quota share treaties. The lower the ceded loss ratio, the more contingent commission we received. The increase in Year Ended 2023 was primarily attributable to a one time true up from a prior year treaty.
Net Investment Income
Net investment income was $6,009,000 in Year Ended 2023 compared to $4,937,000 in Year Ended 2022, an increase of $1,072,000, or 21.7%. The increase in investment income was attributable to a $766,000 reversal in Year Ended 2022 of prior years’ estimated accrued interest income stemming from an error in third party investment reporting. The increase was also due to higher interest rates earned on cash balances. The average yield on non-cash invested assets was 3.75% as of December 31, 2023 compared to 3.42% as of December 31, 2022.
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Cash and invested assets were $183,610,000 as of December 31, 2023 compared to $191,046,000 as of December 31, 2022. The $7,436,000 decrease in cash and invested assets was primarily attributable to the cash used to fund disbursements of claims resulting from higher severity losses and inflation’s impact on losses, along with catastrophe losses incurred in Year Ended 2023 and prior periods. The increase in disbursement of losses was partially offset by an increase in unrealized gains on our investment portfolio.
Net Gains (Losses) on Investments
Net gains on investments were $2,135,000 in Year Ended 2023 compared to net (losses) of $(9,392,000) in Year Ended 2022. Unrealized gains on our equity securities and other investments in Year Ended 2023 were $2,153,000, compared to unrealized (losses) of $(9,252,000) in Year Ended 2022. Net realized (losses) on sales of investments were $(19,000) in Year Ended 2023 compared to net realized (losses) of $(140,000) in Year Ended 2022.
Other Income
Other income was $610,000 in Year Ended 2023 compared to $910,000 in Year Ended 2022, a decrease of $300,000, or 33.0%.
Net Loss and LAE
Net loss and LAE was $82,849,000 for Year Ended 2023 compared to $88,390,000 for Year Ended 2022. The net loss ratio was 72.4% in Year Ended 2023 compared to 77.3% in Year Ended 2022, a decrease of 4.9 percentage points.
The following graph summarizes the changes in the components of net loss ratio for the periods indicated, along with the comparable components excluding commercial lines business:
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(Percent components may not sum to totals due to rounding)
For Year Ended 2023, the 4.9 point reduction in the loss ratio compared to Year Ended 2022 was mainly due to a lower underlying loss ratio (loss ratio excluding the impact of catastrophe and prior year development) and reduced impact from prior year development.
The estimated net catastrophe losses were $8,155,000 for Year Ended 2023, which contributed 7.1 points to the loss ratio. There were two winter storm events including a major freezing event at the beginning of February, ten wind and thunderstorm events, and one tropical storm classified as catastrophe for Year Ended 2023. By comparison, catastrophe events had a loss ratio impact of 6.7 points for Year Ended 2022.
The underlying loss ratio was 65.3% for Year Ended 2023, a decrease of 2.9 points from the 68.2% underlying loss ratio recorded for Year Ended 2022. The loss experience in Year Ended 2023 was improved due to lower frequency but was offset by increasing severity resulting from inflation and an elevated number of large losses.
Prior year development was stable for Year Ended 2023. There was an overall favorable development of $7,000, which had minimal impact on the loss ratio.
See table below under “Additional Financial Information” summarizing net loss ratios by line of business.
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Commission Expense
Commission expense was $33,365,000 in Year Ended 2023 or 16.5% of direct earned premiums. Commission expense was $34,582,000 in Year Ended 2022 or 18.1% of direct earned premiums. The decrease of $1,217,000 was primarily due to a reduction of commission rates on our legacy policies in accordance with our Kingstone 3.0 strategy as well as the lower commission rate paid on Select products as compared to legacy products, but offset in part by an increase in direct earned premiums of $10,524,000 to $202,046,000.
Other Underwriting Expenses
Other underwriting expenses were $25,910,000, or 12.8% of direct earned premiums, in Year Ended 2023 compared to $26,697,000, or 13.9% of direct earned premiums, in Year Ended 2022. The decrease of $787,000, or 2.9%, was primarily due to decreases in professional fees, credit card fees and policy management system fees as result of the completion of our policy management system conversion, allowing us to eliminate multiple legacy systems. The decreases were partially offset by a net increase in salaries and employment costs as described below, an increase in insurance department fees, and the impact from high inflation.
Our largest single component of other underwriting expenses is salaries and employment costs, with costs of $11,335,000 in Year Ended 2023 compared to $10,799,000 in Year Ended 2022. The increase of $536,000, or 5.0%, is compared unfavorably to the 0.5% decrease in direct written premiums. In the periods following Year Ended 2022, we continued to strengthen our professional team by investing in the hiring of higher-level and higher compensated managers and staff needed to manage the business consistent with our Kingstone 2.0 and Kingstone 3.0 strategies. The increase in salaries was partially offset by a reduction in our staff in June and July 2023 as we have been reducing our non-Core business.
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Our net underwriting expense ratio in Year Ended 2023 was 32.9% compared to 36.0% in Year Ended 2022. The following table shows the individual components of our net underwriting expense ratio for the periods indicated:
| Years ended December 31, | Percentage | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Point Change | ||||||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | ||||||||||||
| Employment costs | 9.9 | % | 9.4 | % | 0.5 | |||||||
| Underwriting fees (inspections/surveys) | 1.6 | 1.7 | (0.1 | ) | ||||||||
| IT expenses | 2.9 | 3.9 | (1.0 | ) | ||||||||
| Professional fees | 1.1 | 1.3 | (0.2 | ) | ||||||||
| Other expenses | 7.1 | 7.0 | 0.1 | |||||||||
| Total other underwriting expenses | 22.6 | 23.3 | (0.7 | ) | ||||||||
| Commission expense | 29.2 | 30.2 | (1.0 | ) | ||||||||
| Ceding commission revenue | ||||||||||||
| Provisional | (17.8 | ) | (16.7 | ) | (1.1 | ) | ||||||
| Contingent | (0.6 | ) | (0.2 | ) | (0.4 | ) | ||||||
| Total ceding commission revenue | (18.4 | ) | (16.9 | ) | (1.5 | ) | ||||||
| Other income | (0.5 | ) | (0.7 | ) | 0.2 | |||||||
| Net underwriting expense ratio | 32.9 | % | 36.0 | % | (3.1 | ) |
(Components may not sum to totals due to rounding)
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Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses, related to the expenses of our holding company and Cosi, were $2,456,000 for Year Ended 2023 compared to $3,113,000 for Year Ended 2022. The following table shows a breakdown of the significant components of other operating expenses for the periods indicated:
| Years ended | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | Percent | ||||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Employement costs | $ | 376 | $ | (24 | ) | $ | 400 | na | % | |||||||
| Equity compensation | 833 | 1,393 | (560 | ) | (40.2 | ) | ||||||||||
| Professional | 276 | 765 | (489 | ) | (63.9 | ) | ||||||||||
| Directors fees | 275 | 327 | (52 | ) | (15.9 | ) | ||||||||||
| Insurance | 194 | 154 | 40 | 26.0 | ||||||||||||
| Other expenses | 502 | 498 | 4 | 0.8 | ||||||||||||
| Total other operating expenses | $ | 2,456 | $ | 3,113 | $ | (657 | ) | (21.1 | )% |
(Components may not sum to totals due to rounding)
The decrease in Year Ended 2023 of $657,000, or 21.1%, as compared to Year Ended 2022 was primarily due to a decrease in equity compensation and professional fees, partially offset by an increase in employment costs. The increase in employment costs was due to the hiring of our new Chief Financial Officer in Year Ended 2023 and fluctuations in deferred compensation liability related to changes in the underlying invested portfolio. The decrease in professional fees is due to $354,000 incurred in Year Ended 2022 related to a then contemplated transaction that would have resulted in a third party acquiring all of the outstanding equity of our company.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization was $2,973,000 in Year Ended 2023 compared to $3,300,000 in Year Ended 2022. The decrease of $327,000, or 9.9%, in depreciation and amortization was primarily due to the completion and deployment of our customized policy management software as planned for in Kingstone 2.0, now allowing us to consolidate multiple legacy systems into one efficient system and retire those older more costly and less reliable systems. Depreciation on older assets that were retired, which had a shorter useful life, is greater than the depreciation on newly acquired assets which have a longer useful life.
Interest Expense
Interest expense in Year Ended 2023 was $4,003,000 compared to $2,019,000 in Year Ended 2022, an increase of $1,984,000 or 98.3%. In Year Ended 2023, as disclosed in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements, we incurred increased interest expense in connection with the 2022 Notes, which provide for interest at the rate of 12% per annum, and the 2022 equipment financing. In Year 2022, we incurred interest expense in connection with the 2017 Notes, our $30.0 million issuance of long-term debt in December 2017, which provided for interest at the rate of 5.5% per annum, and the equipment financing incurred in the fourth quarter of 2022.
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Income Tax Benefit
Income tax benefit in Year Ended 2023 was $1,197,000, which resulted in an effective tax benefit rate of 16.3%. Income tax benefit in Year Ended 2022 was $5,418,000, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 19.4%. Loss before taxes was $7,365,000 in Year Ended 2023 compared to $27,942,000 in Year Ended 2022. The difference in effective tax rate is due to the effect of permanent differences in Year Ended 2023 compared to Year Ended 2022.
Net Loss
Net loss was $6,168,000 in Year Ended 2023 compared to $22,525,000 in Year Ended 2022. The significant decrease in net loss of $16,356,000, or 72.6%, was primarily attributable to net gains on investments of $2,135,000 in Year Ended 2023 versus net losses on investments of $9,392,000 in Year Ended 2022 and a decrease in loss and loss adjustment expenses of $5,541,000.
Additional Financial Information
We operate our business as one segment, property and casualty insurance. Within this segment, we offer an array of property and casualty policies to our producers. The following table summarizes gross and net premiums written, net premiums earned, and loss and loss adjustment expenses by major product type, which were determined based primarily on similar economic characteristics and risks of loss.
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| Years Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Gross premiums written: | ||||||||
| Personal lines | $ | 185,425,960 | $ | 188,104,883 | ||||
| Livery physical damage | 14,648,333 | 12,992,905 | ||||||
| Other(1) | 100,209 | 157,049 | ||||||
| Total gross premiums written | $ | 200,174,502 | $ | 201,254,837 | ||||
| Net premiums written: | ||||||||
| Personal lines | $ | 78,895,126 | $ | 93,907,121 | ||||
| Livery physical damage | 14,648,333 | 12,992,905 | ||||||
| Other(1) | 67,058 | 113,503 | ||||||
| Total net premiums written | $ | 93,610,517 | $ | 107,013,529 | ||||
| Net premiums earned: | ||||||||
| Personal lines | $ | 100,391,726 | $ | 103,019,573 | ||||
| Livery physical damage | 13,905,368 | 11,226,975 | ||||||
| Other(1) | 87,169 | 137,983 | ||||||
| Total net premiums earned | $ | 114,384,263 | $ | 114,384,531 | ||||
| Net loss and loss adjustment expenses(3): | ||||||||
| Personal lines | $ | 72,580,057 | $ | 76,906,768 | ||||
| Livery physical damage | 5,388,954 | 5,056,461 | ||||||
| Other(1) | 146,286 | 18,083 | ||||||
| Unallocated loss adjustment expenses | 3,128,614 | 3,701,131 | ||||||
| Total without commercial lines | 81,243,911 | 85,682,443 | ||||||
| Commercial lines (in run-off effective July 2019)(2) | 1,605,299 | 2,707,599 | ||||||
| Total net loss and loss adjustment expenses | $ | 82,849,210 | $ | 88,390,042 | ||||
| Net loss ratio(3): | ||||||||
| Personal lines | 72.3 | % | 74.7 | % | ||||
| Livery physical damage | 38.8 | % | 45.0 | % | ||||
| Other(1) | 167.8 | % | 13.1 | % | ||||
| Total without commercial lines | 71.0 | % | 74.9 | % | ||||
| Commercial lines (in run-off effective July 2019)(2) | na | na | ||||||
| Total | 72.4 | % | 77.3 | % |
| (1) | “Other” includes, among other things, premiums and loss and loss adjustment expenses from our participation in a mandatory state joint underwriting association and loss and loss adjustment expenses from commercial auto. |
|---|---|
| (2) | In July 2019, we decided that we will no longer underwrite Commercial Liability risks. See discussions above regarding the discontinuation of this line of business. |
| (3) | See discussions above with regard to “Net Loss and LAE”, as to catastrophe losses in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. |
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Insurance Underwriting Business on a Standalone Basis
Our insurance underwriting business reported on a standalone basis for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 follows:
| Years ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Revenues | ||||||||
| Net premiums earned | $ | 114,384,263 | $ | 114,384,531 | ||||
| Ceding commission revenue | 21,053,494 | 19,319,391 | ||||||
| Net investment income | 6,008,682 | 4,936,778 | ||||||
| Net gains (losses) on investments | 1,978,373 | (9,231,170 | ) | |||||
| Other income | 600,993 | 815,952 | ||||||
| Total revenues | 144,025,805 | 130,225,482 | ||||||
| Expenses | ||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses | 82,849,210 | 88,390,042 | ||||||
| Commission expense | 33,364,629 | 34,581,617 | ||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 25,909,962 | 26,697,006 | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 2,973,440 | 3,252,134 | ||||||
| Interest expense | 434,155 | 83,732 | ||||||
| Total expenses | 145,531,396 | 153,004,531 | ||||||
| Loss from operations | (1,505,591 | ) | (22,779,049 | ) | ||||
| Income tax benefit | (17,681 | ) | (4,588,283 | ) | ||||
| Net loss | $ | (1,487,910 | ) | $ | (18,190,766 | ) | ||
| Key Measures: | ||||||||
| Net loss ratio | 72.4 | % | 77.3 | % | ||||
| Net underwriting expense ratio | 32.9 | % | 36.0 | % | ||||
| Net combined ratio | 105.3 | % | 113.3 | % | ||||
| Reconciliation of net underwriting expense ratio: | ||||||||
| Acquisition costs and other | ||||||||
| underwriting expenses | $ | 59,274,591 | $ | 61,278,623 | ||||
| Less: Ceding commission revenue | (21,053,494 | ) | (19,319,391 | ) | ||||
| Less: Other income | (600,993 | ) | (815,952 | ) | ||||
| Net underwriting expenses | $ | 37,620,104 | $ | 41,143,280 | ||||
| Net premiums earned | $ | 114,384,263 | $ | 114,384,531 | ||||
| Net Underwriting Expense Ratio | 32.9 | % | 36.0 | % |
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An analysis of our direct, assumed and ceded earned premiums, loss and loss adjustment expenses, and loss ratios is shown below:
| Direct | Assumed | Ceded | Net | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year ended ended December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Written premiums | $ | 200,174,502 | $ | - | $ | (106,563,985 | ) | $ | 93,610,517 | |||||||
| Change in unearned premiums | 1,871,239 | - | 18,902,507 | 20,773,746 | ||||||||||||
| Earned premiums | $ | 202,045,741 | $ | - | $ | (87,661,478 | ) | $ | 114,384,263 | |||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding | ||||||||||||||||
| the effect of catastrophes | $ | 111,996,791 | $ | - | $ | (37,302,450 | ) | $ | 74,694,341 | |||||||
| Catastrophe loss | 11,943,624 | - | (3,788,755 | ) | 8,154,869 | |||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses | $ | 123,940,415 | $ | - | $ | (41,091,205 | ) | $ | 82,849,210 | |||||||
| Loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes | 55.4 | % | 0.0 | % | 42.6 | % | 65.3 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophe loss | 5.9 | % | 0.0 | % | 4.3 | % | 7.1 | % | ||||||||
| Loss ratio | 61.3 | % | 0.0 | % | 47.0 | % | 72.4 | % | ||||||||
| Year ended ended December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
| Written premiums | $ | 201,254,837 | $ | - | $ | (79,195,016 | ) | $ | 122,059,821 | |||||||
| Change in unearned premiums | (9,733,170 | ) | - | 2,057,880 | (7,675,290 | ) | ||||||||||
| Earned premiums | $ | 191,521,667 | $ | - | $ | (77,137,136 | ) | $ | 114,384,531 | |||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding | ||||||||||||||||
| the effect of catastrophes | $ | 114,942,807 | $ | - | $ | (34,184,616 | ) | $ | 80,758,191 | |||||||
| Catastrophe loss | 13,105,600 | - | (5,473,749 | ) | 7,631,851 | |||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses | $ | 128,048,407 | $ | - | $ | (39,658,365 | ) | $ | 88,390,042 | |||||||
| Loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes | 60.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 44.3 | % | 70.6 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophe loss | 6.8 | % | 0.0 | % | 7.1 | % | 6.7 | % | ||||||||
| Loss ratio | 66.9 | % | 0.0 | % | 51.4 | % | 77.3 | % |
(Percentage components may not sum to totals due to rounding)
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The key measures for our insurance underwriting business for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
| Years ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Net premiums earned | $ | 114,384,263 | $ | 114,384,531 | ||||
| Ceding commission revenue | 21,053,494 | 19,319,391 | ||||||
| Other income | 600,993 | 815,952 | ||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses (1) | 82,849,210 | 88,390,042 | ||||||
| Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses: | ||||||||
| Commission expense | 33,364,629 | 34,581,617 | ||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 25,909,962 | 26,697,006 | ||||||
| Total acquisition costs and other | ||||||||
| underwriting expenses | 59,274,591 | 61,278,623 | ||||||
| Underwriting loss | $ | (6,085,051 | ) | $ | (15,148,791 | ) | ||
| Key Measures: | ||||||||
| Net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes | 65.3 | % | 70.6 | % | ||||
| Effect of catastrophe loss on net loss ratio (1) | 7.1 | % | 6.7 | % | ||||
| Net loss ratio | 72.4 | % | 77.3 | % | ||||
| Net underwriting expense ratio excluding the | ||||||||
| effect of catastrophes | 32.9 | % | 36.0 | % | ||||
| Effect of catastrophe loss on net underwriting | ||||||||
| expense ratio | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | ||||
| Net underwriting expense ratio | 32.9 | % | 36.0 | % | ||||
| Net combined ratio excluding the effect | ||||||||
| of catastrophes | 98.2 | % | 106.6 | % | ||||
| Effect of catastrophe loss on net combined | ||||||||
| ratio (1) | 7.1 | % | 6.8 | % | ||||
| Net combined ratio | 105.3 | % | 113.3 | % | ||||
| Reconciliation of net underwriting expense ratio: | ||||||||
| Acquisition costs and other | ||||||||
| underwriting expenses | $ | 59,274,591 | $ | 61,278,623 | ||||
| Less: Ceding commission revenue | (21,053,494 | ) | (19,319,391 | ) | ||||
| Less: Other income | (600,993 | ) | (815,952 | ) | ||||
| $ | 37,620,104 | $ | 41,143,280 | |||||
| Net earned premium | $ | 114,384,263 | $ | 114,384,531 | ||||
| Net Underwriting Expense Ratio | 32.9 | % | 36.0 | % |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| (1) | For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, includes the sum of net catastrophe losses and loss adjustment expenses of $8,154,869 and $7,631,851, respectively. |
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Investments
Portfolio Summary
The following table presents a breakdown of the amortized cost, estimated fair value, and unrealized gains and losses of our investments in fixed-maturity securities classified as available-for-sale as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Available-for-Sale Securities
| December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or | Gross | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated | % of | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized | Unrealized | Less than | More than | Fair | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Cost | Gains | 12 Months | 12 Months | Value | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities and | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| obligations of U.S. government | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| corporations and agencies (1) | $ | 20,954,764 | $ | 1,799 | $ | (17,373 | ) | $ | - | $ | 20,939,190 | 14.1 | % | |||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Territories and Possessions | 16,607,713 | - | - | (3,209,161 | ) | 13,398,552 | 9.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Industrial and miscellaneous | 75,993,042 | - | - | (5,885,296 | ) | 70,107,746 | 47.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage and other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| asset backed securities (2) | 50,905,423 | 113,761 | (2,144 | ) | (6,541,731 | ) | 44,475,309 | 29.9 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Total fixed-maturity securities | $ | 164,460,942 | $ | 115,560 | $ | (19,517 | ) | $ | (15,636,188 | ) | $ | 148,920,797 | 100.0 | % |
| December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or | Gross | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated | % of | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized | Unrealized | Less than | More than | Fair | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Cost | Gains | 12 Months | 12 Months | Value | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities and | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| obligations of U.S. government | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| corporations and agencies (1) | $ | 23,874,545 | $ | 1,479 | $ | (6,928 | ) | $ | - | $ | 23,869,096 | 15.4 | % | |||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Territories and Possessions | 17,108,154 | - | (2,195,273 | ) | (1,771,494 | ) | 13,141,387 | 8.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Industrial and miscellaneous | 80,338,464 | - | (5,796,994 | ) | (2,458,985 | ) | 72,082,485 | 46.6 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage and other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| asset backed securities (2) | 53,597,264 | 58,398 | (882,664 | ) | (7,150,803 | ) | 45,622,195 | 29.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Total fixed-maturity securities | $ | 174,918,427 | $ | 59,877 | $ | (8,881,859 | ) | $ | (11,381,282 | ) | $ | 154,715,163 | 100.0 | % |
| (1) | In October 2022, KICO placed certain U.S. Treasury Bills as required collateral for a sale leaseback transaction in a designated custodian account (see Note 9 - Debt - “Equipment Financing”). As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the estimated fair value of the eligible collateral was approximately $6,999,000 and $8,691,000, respectively. | |
|---|---|---|
| (2) | KICO has placed certain residential mortgage-backed securities as eligible collateral in a designated custodian account related to its membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLBNY") (see Note 9 – Debt - “Federal Home Loan Bank”). The eligible collateral would be pledged to FHLBNY if KICO draws an advance from the FHLBNY credit line. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the estimated fair value of the eligible investments was approximately $11,412,000 and $12,228,000, respectively. KICO will retain all rights regarding all securities if pledged as collateral. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022 there was no outstanding balance on the FHLBNY credit line. |
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Equity Securities
The following table presents a breakdown of the cost and estimated fair value of, and gross gains and losses on, investments in equity securities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross | Gross | Estimated | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||
| Category | Cost | Gains | Losses | Fair Value | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||
| Equity Securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stocks | $ | 13,583,942 | $ | - | $ | (2,870,027 | ) | $ | 10,713,915 | 72.6 | % | |||||||||
| Fixed income exchange traded funds | 3,711,232 | (669,232 | ) | 3,042,000 | 20.6 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Mutual funds | 622,209 | 314,816 | - | 937,025 | 6.3 | % | ||||||||||||||
| FHLBNY common stock | 69,400 | - | - | 69,400 | 0.5 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 17,986,783 | $ | 314,816 | $ | (3,539,259 | ) | $ | 14,762,340 | 100.0 | % |
| December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross | Gross | Estimated | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||
| Category | Cost | Gains | Losses | Fair Value | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||
| Equity Securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stocks | $ | 13,583,942 | $ | - | $ | (3,589,313 | ) | $ | 9,994,629 | 72.2 | % | |||||||||
| Fixed income exchange traded funds | 3,711,232 | (821,632 | ) | 2,889,600 | 20.9 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Mutual funds | 716,626 | 158,635 | - | 875,261 | 6.3 | % | ||||||||||||||
| FHLBNY common stock | 74,900 | - | - | 74,900 | 0.5 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 18,086,700 | $ | 158,635 | $ | (4,410,945 | ) | $ | 13,834,390 | 100.0 | % |
Other Investments
The following table presents a breakdown of the cost and estimated fair value of, and gross gains on, our other investments as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross | Estimated | Gross | Estimated | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Cost | Gains | Fair Value | Cost | Gains | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||
| Other Investments: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hedge fund | $ | 1,987,040 | $ | 1,910,110 | $ | 3,897,150 | $ | 1,987,040 | $ | 784,612 | $ | 2,771,652 |
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Held-to-Maturity Securities
The following table presents a breakdown of the amortized cost and estimated fair value of, and gross unrealized gains and losses on, investments in held-to-maturity securities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or | Gross | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated | % of | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized | Unrealized | Less than | More than | Fair | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Cost | Gains | 12 Months | 12 Months | Value | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||
| Held-to-Maturity Securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 1,228,860 | $ | 15,045 | $ | (6,914 | ) | $ | (18,163 | ) | $ | 1,218,828 | 20.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Territories and Possessions | 499,170 | 890 | - | - | 500,060 | 8.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Exchange traded debt | 304,111 | - | - | (70,111 | ) | 234,000 | 3.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Industrial and miscellaneous | 5,020,400 | - | - | (867,140 | ) | 4,153,260 | 68.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 7,052,541 | $ | 15,935 | $ | (6,914 | ) | $ | (955,414 | ) | $ | 6,106,148 | 100.0 | % |
| December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or | Gross | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated | % of | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized | Unrealized | Less than | More than | Fair | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Cost | Gains | 12 Months | 12 Months | Value | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||
| Held-to-Maturity Securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 1,228,560 | $ | 28,400 | $ | (34,077 | ) | $ | - | $ | 1,222,883 | 18.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Territories and Possessions | 498,638 | 2,092 | - | - | 500,730 | 7.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Exchange traded debt | 304,111 | - | (29,111 | ) | - | 275,000 | 4.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Industrial and miscellaneous | 5,734,831 | 36,968 | (809,746 | ) | (360,278 | ) | 4,601,775 | 69.7 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 7,766,140 | $ | 67,460 | $ | (872,934 | ) | $ | (360,278 | ) | $ | 6,600,388 | 100.0 | % |
Held-to-maturity U.S. Treasury securities are held in trust pursuant to various states’ minimum fund requirements.
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A summary of the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our investments in held-to-maturity securities by contractual maturity as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 is shown below:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amortized | Estimated | Amortized | Estimated | ||||||||||||
| Remaining Time to Maturity | Cost | Fair Value | Cost | Fair Value | |||||||||||
| Less than one year | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 708,535 | $ | 743,575 | |||||||
| One to five years | 1,121,288 | 1,097,101 | 1,120,507 | 1,088,522 | |||||||||||
| Five to ten years | 1,414,911 | 1,270,770 | 1,402,704 | 1,200,720 | |||||||||||
| More than 10 years | 4,516,342 | 3,738,277 | 4,534,394 | 3,567,571 | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | 7,052,541 | $ | 6,106,148 | $ | 7,766,140 | $ | 6,600,388 |
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Credit Rating of Fixed-Maturity Securities
The table below summarizes the credit quality of our available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 as rated by Standard and Poor’s (or, if unavailable from Standard and Poor’s, then Moody’s, Fitch, or Kroll):
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated | Percentage of | Estimated | Percentage of | |||||||||||||
| Fair | Estimated | Fair | Estimated | |||||||||||||
| Value | Fair Value | Value | Fair Value | |||||||||||||
| Rating | ||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 20,939,190 | 14.1 | % | $ | 23,869,096 | 15.4 | % | ||||||||
| Corporate and municipal bonds | ||||||||||||||||
| AAA | 1,836,736 | 1.2 | % | 1,824,478 | 1.2 | % | ||||||||||
| AA | 9,872,346 | 6.6 | % | 9,785,908 | 6.3 | % | ||||||||||
| A | 33,228,327 | 22.4 | % | 31,099,075 | 20.2 | % | ||||||||||
| BBB+ | 15,042,200 | 10.1 | % | 16,682,159 | 10.8 | % | ||||||||||
| BBB | 21,826,125 | 14.7 | % | 19,664,051 | 12.7 | % | ||||||||||
| BBB- | - | 0.0 | % | 4,516,713 | 2.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Total corporate and municipal bonds | 81,805,734 | 54.9 | % | 83,572,384 | 54.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Residential mortgage backed, asset backed, and other collateralized obligations | ||||||||||||||||
| AAA | 12,766,471 | 8.6 | % | 16,497,621 | 10.7 | % | ||||||||||
| AA | 22,102,169 | 14.8 | % | 23,062,233 | 14.9 | % | ||||||||||
| A | 6,390,752 | 4.3 | % | 6,722,902 | 4.3 | % | ||||||||||
| BBB+ | 15,168 | 0.0 | % | - | 0.0 | % | ||||||||||
| BBB | - | 0.0 | % | 20,067 | 0.0 | % | ||||||||||
| CCC | 413,601 | 0.3 | % | 457,683 | 0.3 | % | ||||||||||
| CC | 91,390 | 0.1 | % | 99,600 | 0.1 | % | ||||||||||
| D | - | 0.0 | % | 40,474 | 0.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Non rated | 4,396,322 | 3.0 | % | 373,103 | 0.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage backed, asset backed, | ||||||||||||||||
| and other collateralized obligations | 46,175,873 | 31.0 | % | 47,273,683 | 30.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | 148,920,797 | 100.0 | % | $ | 154,715,163 | 100.0 | % |
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The table below details the average yield by type of fixed-maturity security as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Category | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Treasury securities and | ||||||||
| obligations of U.S. government | ||||||||
| corporations and agencies | 4.95 | % | 2.58 | % | ||||
| Political subdivisions of States, | ||||||||
| Territories and Possessions | 3.35 | % | 3.58 | % | ||||
| Corporate and other bonds | ||||||||
| Industrial and miscellaneous | 3.62 | % | 3.68 | % | ||||
| Residential mortgage backed securities | 2.90 | % | 2.70 | % | ||||
| Total | 3.58 | % | 3.20 | % |
The table below lists the weighted average maturity and effective duration in years on our fixed-maturity securities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weighted average effective maturity (1) | 7.8 | 5.8 | |||||
| Weighted average final maturity | 11.9 | 13.5 | |||||
| Effective duration | 4.1 | 4.5 |
(1) In 2023, we changed the methodology for calculating weighted average effective maturity for prepaying and non-prepaying securities. The previous method used in 2022 was weighted average life (“WAL”) converted to effective maturity. The new method used in 2023 is final cash flow date prior to maturity. The new methodology aims to more accurately reflect the effective maturity of prepaying securities by considering the final cash flow date instead of relying solely on the WAL conversion
Fair Value Consideration
As disclosed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, with respect to “Fair Value Measurements,” we define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in a transaction involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities between market participants (an “exit price”). The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between inputs based on market data from independent sources (“observable inputs”) and a reporting entity’s internal assumptions based upon the best information available when external market data is limited or unavailable (“unobservable inputs”). The fair value hierarchy prioritizes fair value measurements into three levels based on the nature of the inputs. Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets have the highest priority (“Level 1”), followed by observable inputs other than quoted prices including prices for similar but not identical assets or liabilities (“Level 2”), and unobservable inputs, including the reporting entity’s estimates of the assumption that market participants would use, having the lowest priority (“Level 3”). As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, 65% of the investment portfolio recorded at fair value was priced based upon quoted market prices.
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The table below summarizes the gross unrealized losses of our fixed-maturity securities available-for-sale and equity securities by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 12 months | 12 months or more | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated | No. of | Estimated | No. of | Estimated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair | Unrealized | Positions | Fair | Unrealized | Positions | Fair | Unrealized | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Value | Losses | Held | Value | Losses | Held | Value | Losses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed-Maturity Securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| and obligations of U.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| government corporations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| and agencies | $ | 5,974,440 | $ | (17,373 | ) | 1 | $ | - | $ | - | - | $ | 5,974,440 | $ | (17,373 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| States, Territories and | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Possessions | - | - | - | 13,398,552 | (3,209,161 | ) | 13 | 13,398,552 | (3,209,161 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| bonds industrial and | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| miscellaneous | - | - | - | 70,107,746 | (5,885,296 | ) | 85 | 70,107,746 | (5,885,296 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage and | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| other asset backed securities | 88,988 | (2,144 | ) | 4 | 38,675,604 | (6,541,731 | ) | 37 | 38,764,592 | (6,543,875 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed-maturity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| securities | $ | 6,063,428 | $ | (19,517 | ) | 5 | $ | 122,181,902 | $ | (15,636,188 | ) | 135 | $ | 128,245,330 | $ | (15,655,705 | ) |
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| December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 12 months | 12 months or more | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated | No. of | Estimated | No. of | Estimated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair | Unrealized | Positions | Fair | Unrealized | Positions | Fair | Unrealized | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Value | Losses | Held | Value | Losses | Held | Value | Losses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed-Maturity Securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| and obligations of U.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| government corporations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| and agencies | $ | 18,918,196 | $ | (6,928 | ) | 3 | $ | - | $ | - | - | $ | 18,918,196 | $ | (6,928 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| States, Territories and | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Possessions | 7,970,633 | (2,195,273 | ) | 9 | 5,170,753 | (1,771,494 | ) | 5 | 13,141,386 | (3,966,767 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| bonds industrial and | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| miscellaneous | 56,910,104 | (5,796,994 | ) | 75 | 15,172,381 | (2,458,985 | ) | 15 | 72,082,485 | (8,255,979 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage and | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| other asset backed securities | 10,145,880 | (882,664 | ) | 22 | 34,753,178 | (7,150,803 | ) | 26 | 44,899,058 | (8,033,467 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed-maturity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| securities | $ | 93,944,813 | $ | (8,881,859 | ) | 109 | $ | 55,096,312 | $ | (11,381,282 | ) | 46 | $ | 149,041,125 | $ | (20,263,141 | ) |
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There were 140 securities at December 31, 2023 that accounted for the gross unrealized loss of our fixed-maturity securities available-for-sale, none of which were deemed to be credit losses by us. There were 155 securities at December 31, 2022 that accounted for the gross unrealized loss of our fixed-maturity securities available-for-sale, none of which were deemed to be credit losses by us. Significant factors influencing our determination that unrealized losses were temporary included credit quality considerations, the magnitude of the unrealized losses in relation to each security’s cost, the nature of the investment and interest rate environment factors, management’s intent not to sell these securities and it being not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these investments before anticipated recovery of fair value to our cost basis.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows
The primary sources of cash flow are from our insurance underwriting subsidiary, KICO, and include direct premiums written, ceding commissions from our quota share reinsurers, loss recovery payments from our reinsurers, investment income and proceeds from the sale or maturity of investments. Funds are used by KICO for ceded premium payments to reinsurers, which are paid on a net basis after subtracting losses paid on reinsured claims and reinsurance commissions. KICO also uses funds for loss payments and loss adjustment expenses on our net business, commissions to producers, salaries and other underwriting expenses as well as to purchase investments and fixed assets.
The primary source of cash flow for our holding company are dividends and distributions received from KICO, which are subject to statutory restrictions. For the year ended December 31, 2023, KICO paid a dividend of $1,250,000 to us. As of December 31, 2023, KICO had a negative unassigned surplus and currently will not be able to pay any distributions to us without prior regulatory approval. In September 2023, KICO received regulatory approval and paid us a $2,700,000 distribution from paid in capital. In December 2023, KICO received regulatory approval to pay us an additional $2,300,000 distribution from paid in capital. KICO intends to pay us the $2,300,000 distribution in 2024.
KICO is a member of the FHLBNY, which provides additional access to liquidity. Members have access to a variety of flexible, low cost funding through FHLBNY’s credit products, enabling members to customize advances. Advances are to be fully collateralized; eligible collateral to pledge to FHLBNY includes residential and commercial mortgage backed securities, along with U.S. Treasury and agency securities. See Note 3 – Investments to our consolidated financial statements for eligible collateral held in a designated custodian account available for future advances. Advances are limited to 5% of KICO’s net admitted assets as of the end of the previous quarter, which is September 30, 2023. On July 6, 2023, A.M. Best withdrew KICO’s ratings as KICO requested to no longer participate in A.M. Best’s interactive rating process. As a result of the withdrawal of A.M. Best ratings, KICO is currently only able to borrow on an overnight basis. The maximum allowable advance as of December 31, 2023, based on the net admitted assets as of September 30, 2023, was approximately $12,813,000. Available collateral as of December 31, 2023 was approximately $11,412,000. As a result of the withdrawal of A.M. Best ratings, KICO is currently only able to borrow on an overnight basis. Advances are limited to 85% of the amount of available collateral. There were no borrowings under this facility during Year Ended 2023.
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On December 15, 2022, we issued $19,950,000 of our 2022 Notes pursuant to the Exchange Agreement. The Exchange Agreement provided for a mandatory redemption payment with regard to the 2022 Notes on December 30, 2023 in an amount discussed in Note 9 – Debt of the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report. The mandatory redemption payment was based on the maximum Ordinary Dividend Paying Capacity of KICO as discussed in Note 9, which was a negative amount and, accordingly, the Company was not required to make a mandatory redemption of the 2022 Notes on December 30, 2023.We are also required to make semi-annual interest payments in arrears on June 30 and December 30 of each year. The maturity date of the 2022 Notes is December 30, 2024.
If the aforementioned sources of cash flow currently available are insufficient to cover our holding company debt service and other cash requirements, we will seek to obtain additional financing. See Notes 2 and 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for a discussion of our plans in this regard.
Our reconciliation of net loss to net cash used by operations is generally influenced by the collection of premiums in advance of paid losses, the timing of reinsurance, issuing company settlements and loss payments.
Cash flow and liquidity are categorized into three sources: (1) operating activities; (2) investing activities; and (3) financing activities, which are shown in the following table:
| Years ended December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flows (used in) provided by: | ||||||||
| Operating activities | $ | (11,326,850 | ) | $ | (915,521 | ) | ||
| Investing activities | 9,461,700 | (5,905,779 | ) | |||||
| Financing activities | (1,116,080 | ) | (5,511,070 | ) | ||||
| Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (2,981,230 | ) | (12,332,370 | ) | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 11,958,228 | 24,290,598 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 8,976,998 | $ | 11,958,228 |
Net cash used in operating activities was $11,327,000 in Year Ended 2023 as compared to $916,000 used in operating activities in Year Ended 2022. The $10,411,000 increase in cash flows used in operating activities in Year Ended 2023 as compared to Year Ended 2022 was primarily the result of an increase in cash used arising from net fluctuations in operating assets and liabilities, partially offset by a decrease in net loss (adjusted for non-cash items) of $5,029,000. The increase in cash used in operating activities is also partially offset by the payment of $13,245,000 to reinsurers in Year Ended 2022 pursuant to the inception of our quota share reinsurance treaty, effective December 31, 2021. The net fluctuations in assets and liabilities are related to operating activities of KICO as affected by growth or declines in its operations, payments on claims and other changes, which are described above.
Net cash provided by investing activities was $9,462,000 in Year Ended 2023 compared to $5,906,000 used in investing activities in Year Ended 2022 resulting in a $15,368,000 increase in net cash provided by investing activities. In Year Ended 2023, we had net cash provided by our investment portfolio of $11,289,000, compared to $1,355,000 used in Year Ended 2022. In addition, we decreased our acquisition of fixed assets by $2,724,000 in Year Ended 2023 compared to Year Ended 2022.
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Net cash used in financing activities was $1,116,000 in Year Ended 2023 compared to $5,511,000 used in Year Ended 2022. The $4,395,000 decrease in net cash used in financing activities was attributable to a $10,050,000 principal payment on the 2017 Notes in 2022 and $1,758,000 of bond issue costs, both paid in connection with the Exchange Agreement with no similar payments in 2023. In addition, no dividends were paid to shareholders in Year Ended 2023 compared to $1,277,000 being paid in Year Ended 2022 and a $378,000 decrease in withholding taxes paid on the vesting of restricted stock awards. The decreases in cash used in financing activities were partially offset by $8,097,000 of proceeds in Year Ended 2022 from equipment financing in connection with KICO’s sale-leaseback transaction and the related $897,000 increase in debt repayments in Year Ended 2023.
Reinsurance
The following table provides summary information with respect to each reinsurer that accounted for more than 10% of our reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses as of December 31, 2023:
| Amount | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recoverable | ||||||||||
| A.M. | as of | |||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Best Rating | December 31, 2023 | % | |||||||
| Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation | A+ | $ | 17,587 | 36.1 | % | |||||
| Hanover Rueck SE | A+ | 8,661 | 17.8 | % | ||||||
| Allied World Insurance Company (1) | A | 6,914 | 14.2 | % | ||||||
| Ace Property and Casualty Insurance Company | A++ | 5,045 | 10.4 | % | ||||||
| 38,207 | 78.5 | % | ||||||||
| Others (2) | 10,459 | 21.5 | % | |||||||
| Total | $ | 48,666 | 100.0 | % |
| (1) | Represents $4,000 guaranteed by irrevocable letters of credit. | |
|---|---|---|
| (2) | Of the $5,673,000 reinsurance recoverables included in Others at December 31, 2023, $2,236,000 was secured pursuant to a collateralized trust agreement and $426,000 guaranteed by irrevocable letters of credit. Assets held in the trust are not included in our invested assets, and investment income earned on this asset is credited to the reinsurer. |
Effective December 31, 2021, we entered into a quota share reinsurance treaty for our personal lines business, which primarily consisted of homeowners’ and dwelling fire policies, covering the period from December 31, 2021 through January 1, 2023 (“2021/2023 Treaty”). Upon the expiration of the 2021/2023 Treaty on January 1, 2023, we entered into a new quota share reinsurance treaty for our personal lines business, covering the period from January 1, 2023 through January 1, 2024 (“2023/2024 Treaty”). Upon the expiration of the 2023/2024 Treaty on January 1, 2024, we entered into a new 27% quota share reinsurance treaty for our personal lines business, covering the period from January 1, 2024 through January 1, 2025 (“2024/2025 Treaty”).
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We entered into new excess of loss and catastrophe reinsurance treaties effective July 1, 2023. Effective January 1, 2022, we entered into an underlying excess of loss reinsurance treaty (“Underlying XOL Treaty”) covering the period from January 1, 2022 through January 1, 2023. The Underlying XOL Treaty provides 50% reinsurance coverage for losses of $400,000 in excess of $600,000. Losses from named storms are excluded from the Underlying XOL Treaty. Effective January 1, 2023, the Underlying XOL Treaty was renewed covering the period from January 1, 2023 through January 1, 2024. Effective January 1, 2024, the Underlying XOL Treaty was renewed covering the period from January 1, 2024 through January 1, 2025. Material terms for our reinsurance treaties in effect for the treaty years shown below are as follows:
| Treaty Period | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/2025 Treaty | 2023/2024 Treaty | 2021/2023 Treaty | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| July 1, | January 1, | July 1, | January 1, | July 1, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||
| to | to | to | to | to | to | |||||||||||||||||||
| January 1, | June 30, | January 1, | June 30, | January 1, | June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||
| Line of Business | 2025 | 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Personal Lines: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Homeowners, dwelling fire and canine legal liability | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quota share treaty: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percent ceded (7) | 27 | % | 27 | % | 30 | % | 30 | % | 30 | % | 30 | % | ||||||||||||
| Risk retained on intial | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $1,000,000 of losses (5) (6) (7) | $ | 730,000 | $ | 730,000 | $ | 700,000 | $ | 700,000 | $ | 700,000 | $ | 700,000 | ||||||||||||
| Losses per occurrence | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| subject to quota share | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| reinsurance coverage | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | ||||||||||||
| Expiration date | January 1, 2025 | January 1, 2025 | January 1, 2024 | January 1, 2024 | January 1, 2023 | January 1, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Excess of loss coverage and | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| facultative facility | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| coverage (1) (5) (6) | $ | 400,000 | $ | 8,400,000 | $ | 8,400,000 | $ | 8,400,000 | $ | 8,400,000 | $ | 8,400,000 | ||||||||||||
| in excess of | in excess of | in excess of | in excess of | in excess of | in excess of | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 600,000 | $ | 600,000 | $ | 600,000 | $ | 600,000 | $ | 600,000 | $ | 600,000 | |||||||||||||
| Total reinsurance coverage | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| per occurrence (5) (6) | $ | 470,000 | $ | 8,470,000 | $ | 8,500,000 | $ | 8,500,000 | $ | 8,500,000 | $ | 8,500,000 | ||||||||||||
| Losses per occurrence | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| subject to reinsurance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| coverage (6) | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 8,000,000 | $ | 8,000,000 | $ | 8,000,000 | $ | 9,000,000 | $ | 9,000,000 | ||||||||||||
| Expiration date | (6) | June 30, 2024 | June 30, 2024 | June 30, 2023 | June 30, 2023 | June 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Catastrophe Reinsurance: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Initial loss subject to personal | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| lines quota share treaty (6) | $ | 10,000,000 | $ | 10,000,000 | $ | 10,000,000 | $ | 10,000,000 | $ | 10,000,000 | $ | 10,000,000 | ||||||||||||
| Risk retained per catastrophe | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| occurrence (7) (8) | (6) | $ | 9,500,000 | $ | 8,750,000 | $ | 8,750,000 | $ | 7,400,000 | $ | 7,400,000 | |||||||||||||
| Catastrophe loss coverage | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| in excess of quota share | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| coverage (2) | (6) | $ | 315,000,000 | $ | 315,000,000 | $ | 335,000,000 | $ | 335,000,000 | $ | 490,000,000 | |||||||||||||
| Reinstatement premium | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| protection (3) (4) | (6) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| (1) | For personal lines, includes the addition of an automatic facultative facility allowing KICO to obtain homeowners single risk coverage up to $9,000,000 in total insured value, which covers direct losses from $3,500,000 to $9,000,000 through June 30, 2024. | |
|---|---|---|
| (2) | Catastrophe coverage is limited on an annual basis to two times the per occurrence amounts. Duration of 168 consecutive hours for a catastrophe occurrence from windstorm, hail, tornado, hurricane and cyclone. | |
| (3) | For the period December 31, 2021 through June 30, 2022, reinstatement premium protection for $70,000,000 of catastrophe coverage in excess of $10,000,000. |
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| (4) | For the period July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, reinstatement premium protection for $9,800,000 of catastrophe coverage in excess of $10,000,000. For the period July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 (expiration date of the catastrophe reinsurance treaty), reinstatement premium protection for $12,500,000 of catastrophe coverage in excess of $10,000,000. | |
|---|---|---|
| (5) | For the period January 1, 2022 through January 1, 2025, underlying excess of loss treaty provides 50% reinsurance coverage for losses of $400,000 in excess of $600,000. Excludes losses from named storms. Reduces retention to $500,000 from $700,000 under the 2021/2023 Treaty and 2023/2024 Treaty. Reduces retention to $530,000 from $730,000 under the 2024/2025 Treaty. | |
| (6) | Excess of loss coverage and facultative facility and catastrophe reinsurance treaties will expire on June 30,2024, with none of these coverages to be in effect during the period from July 1 2024 through January 1, 2025. If and when these treaties are renewed on July 1, 2024, the excess of loss and facultative facility, and the catastrophe reinsurance treaty, will be as provided for therein. Reinsurance coverage in effect from July 1, 2024 through January 1, 2025 is currently only covered under the 2024/2025 Treaty and underlying excess of loss reinsurance treaty. The 2024/2025 Treaty and underlying excess of loss reinsurance treaty will expire on January 1, 2025. | |
| (7) | For the 2021/2023 Treaty, 4% of the 30% total of losses ceded under this treaty are excluded from a named catastrophe event. For the 2023/2024 Treaty, 17.5% of the 30% total of losses ceded under this treaty are excluded from a named catastrophe event. For the 2024/2025 Treaty, 22% of the 27% total of losses ceded under this treaty are excluded from a named catastrophe event. | |
| (8) | Plus losses in excess of catastrophe coverage |
| Treaty Year | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2023 | July 1, 2022 | July 1, 2021 | ||||||||||
| to | to | to | ||||||||||
| Line of Business | June 30, 2024 | June 30, 2023 | June 30, 2022 | |||||||||
| Personal Lines: | ||||||||||||
| Personal Umbrella | ||||||||||||
| Quota share treaty: | ||||||||||||
| Percent ceded - first $1,000,000 of coverage | 90 | % | 90 | % | 90 | % | ||||||
| Percent ceded - excess of $1,000,000 dollars of coverage | 95 | % | 95 | % | 95 | % | ||||||
| Risk retained | $ | 300,000 | $ | 300,000 | $ | 300,000 | ||||||
| Total reinsurance coverage per occurrence | $ | 4,700,000 | $ | 4,700,000 | $ | 4,700,000 | ||||||
| Losses per occurrence subject to quota share reinsurance coverage | $ | 5,000,000 | $ | 5,000,000 | $ | 5,000,000 | ||||||
| Expiration date | June 30, 2024 | June 30, 2023 | June 30, 2022 |
Commercial Lines (1)
(1) Coverage on all commercial lines policies expired in September 2020; reinsurance coverage is based on treaties in effect on the date of loss.
Inflation
Premiums are established before we know the amount of losses and loss adjustment expenses or the extent to which inflation may affect such amounts. We attempt to anticipate the potential impact of inflation in establishing our reserves, especially as it relates to medical and hospital rates where historical inflation rates have exceeded the general level of inflation. Inflation in excess of the levels we have assumed could cause loss and loss adjustment expenses to be higher than we anticipated, which would require us to increase reserves and reduce earnings.
Fluctuations in rates of inflation also influence interest rates, which in turn impact the market value of our investment portfolio and yields on new investments. Operating expenses, including salaries and benefits, generally are impacted by inflation.
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Year Ended 2023 included continuing economic inflation, which resulted in a sustained increase in interest rates, a widening of credit spreads, lower public equity valuations, and significant financial market volatility. The higher interest rates and widening of credit spreads previously reduced the value of our fixed income securities, saw a reversal which had previously lowered our stockholders’ equity materially in prior quarters. For Year Ended 2023, the continuing economic inflation impacted our loss and loss adjustment expenses as well; should these trends continue in the near-term, it would in all likelihood negatively impact our results of operations.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
Outlook
Our net premiums earned may be impacted by a number of factors. Net premiums earned are a function of net written premium volume. Net written premiums comprise both renewal business and new business and are recognized as earned premium over the term of the underlying policies. Net written premiums from both renewal and new business are impacted by competitive market conditions as well as general economic conditions. We have made underwriting changes to emphasize profitability over growth and have culled out the type of risks that do not generate an acceptable level of return. This action has led, and may continue to lead, to a slowdown in premium growth, particularly in new business.
FY 2022 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001654954-23-004080.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Overview
We offer property and casualty insurance products to individuals through our wholly owned subsidiary, Kingstone Insurance Company (“KICO”). KICO’s insureds are located primarily in downstate New York, consisting of New York City, Long Island and Westchester County, although we are actively writing business in New Jersey, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. We are licensed in the States of New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maine, and New Hampshire. For the year ended December 31, 2022, 80.6% of KICO’s direct written premiums came from the New York policies.
In addition, our subsidiary, Cosi Agency, Inc. (“Cosi”), a multi-state licensed general agency, receives commission revenue from KICO for the policies it places with others and pays commissions to these agencies. Cosi retains the profit between the commission revenue received and the commission expense paid (“Net Cosi Revenue”). Commission expense is reduced by Net Cosi Revenue and Cosi-related operating expenses are included in other operating expenses. Cosi-related operating expenses are not included in our stand-alone insurance underwriting business and, accordingly, Cosi’s expenses are not included in the calculation of our combined ratio as described below.
We derive substantially all of our revenue from KICO, which includes revenues from earned premiums, ceding commissions from quota share reinsurance, net investment income generated from its portfolio, and net realized gains and losses on investment securities. All of KICO’s insurance policies are written for a one-year term. Earned premiums represent premiums received from insureds, which are recognized as revenue over the period of time that insurance coverage is provided (i.e., ratably over the one-year life of the policy). A significant period of time can elapse from the receipt of insurance premiums to the payment of insurance claims. During this time, KICO invests the premiums, earns investment income and generates net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses on investments. Our holding company earns investment income from its cash holdings and may also generate net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses on future investments.
Our expenses include the insurance underwriting expenses of KICO and other operating expenses. Insurance companies incur a significant amount of their total expenses from losses incurred by policyholders, which are referred to as claims. In settling these claims, various loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) are incurred such as insurance adjusters’ fees and legal expenses. In addition, insurance companies incur policy acquisition costs. Policy acquisition costs include commissions paid to producers, premium taxes, and other expenses related to the underwriting process, including employees’ compensation and benefits.
Other operating expenses include our corporate expenses as a holding company and operating expenses of Cosi. These corporate expenses include legal and auditing fees, executive employment costs, and other costs directly associated with being a public company. Cosi operating expenses primarily include employment, occupancy and consulting costs.
Principal Revenue and Expense Items
Net premiums earned: Net premiums earned is the earned portion of our written premiums, less that portion of premium that is ceded to third party reinsurers under reinsurance agreements. The amount ceded under these reinsurance agreements is based on a contractual formula contained in the individual reinsurance agreement. Insurance premiums are earned on a pro rata basis over the term of the policy. At the end of each reporting period, premiums written that are not earned are classified as unearned premiums and are earned in subsequent periods over the remaining term of the policy. Our insurance policies have a term of one year. Accordingly, for a one-year policy written on July 1, 2022, we would earn half of the premiums in 2022 and the other half in 2023.
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Ceding commission revenue: Commissions on reinsurance premiums ceded to quota share treaties are earned in a manner consistent with the recognition of the direct acquisition costs of the underlying insurance policies, generally on a pro-rata basis over the terms of the policies reinsured.
Net investment income and net gains (losses) on investments: We invest in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, fixed-maturity and equity securities, and other investments. Our net investment income includes interest and dividends earned on our invested assets, less investment expenses. Net realized gains and losses on our investments are reported separately from our net investment income. Net realized gains occur when our investment securities are sold for more than their costs or amortized costs, as applicable. Net realized losses occur when our investment securities are sold for less than their costs or amortized costs, as applicable, or are written down as a result of other-than-temporary impairment. We classify our fixed-maturity securities as either available-for-sale or held-to-maturity. Net unrealized gains (losses) on those securities classified as available-for-sale are reported separately within accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income on our balance sheet while our equity securities and other investments report changes in fair value through earnings. See Note 2 in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for a further discussion of our accounting policies following Item 16 of this Annual Report.
Other income: We recognize installment fee income and fees charged to reinstate a policy after it has been cancelled for non-payment.
Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred: Loss and LAE incurred represent our largest expense item, and for any given reporting period include estimates of future claim payments, changes in those estimates from prior reporting periods and costs associated with investigating, defending and servicing claims. These expenses fluctuate based on the amount and types of risks we insure. We record loss and LAE related to estimates of future claim payments based on case-by-case valuations, statistical analyses and actuarial procedures. We seek to establish all reserves at the most likely ultimate liability based on our historical claims experience. It is typical for certain claims to take several years to settle and we revise our estimates as we receive additional information on such claims. Our ability to estimate loss and LAE accurately at the time of pricing our insurance policies is a critical factor affecting our profitability.
Commission expenses and other underwriting expenses: Other underwriting expenses include policy acquisition costs and other expenses related to the underwriting of policies. Policy acquisition costs represent the costs of originating new insurance policies that vary with, and are primarily related to, the production of insurance policies (principally commissions, premium taxes and certain underwriting salaries). Policy acquisition costs are deferred and recognized as expense as the related premiums are earned. Other underwriting expenses represent general and administrative expenses of our insurance business and are comprised of other costs associated with our insurance activities such as regulatory fees, telecommunication and technology costs, occupancy costs, employment costs, and legal and auditing fees.
Other operating expenses: Other operating expenses include the corporate expenses of our holding company, Kingstone Companies, Inc., and operating expenses of Cosi. These expenses include executive employment costs, legal and auditing fees, and other costs directly associated with being a public company. Cosi operating expenses primarily include employment costs, occupancy costs and consulting costs.
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Stock-based compensation: Non-cash equity compensation includes the fair value of stock grants issued to our directors, officers and employees, and amortization of stock options issued to the same.
Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization includes the amortization of intangibles related to the acquisition of KICO, depreciation of the real estate used in KICO’s operations, as well as depreciation of capital expenditures for information technology projects, office equipment and furniture.
Interest expense: Interest expense represents amounts we incur on our outstanding indebtedness at the applicable interest rates. Interest expense also includes amortization of debt discount and issuance costs.
Income tax expense: We incur federal income tax expense on our consolidated statement of operations as well as state income tax expense for our non-insurance underwriting subsidiaries.
Product Lines
Our product lines include the following:
Personal lines: Our largest line of business is personal lines, consisting of homeowners, dwelling fire, cooperative/condominium, renters, and personal umbrella policies.
Commercial liability: Through July 2019, we offered businessowners policies, which consist primarily of small business retail, service, and office risks, with limited property exposures. We also wrote artisan’s liability policies for small independent contractors with smaller sized workforces. In addition, we wrote special multi-peril policies for larger and more specialized businessowners risks, including those with limited residential exposures. Further, we offered commercial umbrella policies written above our supporting commercial lines policies.
In May 2019, due to the poor performance of this line we placed a moratorium on new commercial lines and new commercial umbrella submissions while we further reviewed this business. In July 2019, due to the continuing poor performance of these lines, we made the decision to no longer underwrite commercial lines or commercial umbrella risks. In-force policies as of July 31, 2019 for these lines were non-renewed at the end of their annual terms. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, there were no commercial liability policies in-force. As of December 31, 2022, these expired policies represent approximately 17.9% of loss and LAE reserves net of reinsurance recoverables. See discussion below under “Additional Financial Information”.
Livery physical damage: We write for-hire vehicle physical damage only policies for livery and car service vehicles and taxicabs. These policies insure only the physical damage portion of insurance for such vehicles, with no liability coverage included.
Other: We write canine legal liability policies and have a small participation in mandatory state joint underwriting associations.
Key Measures
We utilize the following key measures in analyzing the results of our insurance underwriting business:
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Net loss ratio: The net loss ratio is a measure of the underwriting profitability of an insurance company’s business. Expressed as a percentage, this is the ratio of net losses and LAE incurred to net premiums earned.
Net underwriting expense ratio: The net underwriting expense ratio is a measure of an insurance company’s operational efficiency in administering its business. Expressed as a percentage, this is the ratio of the sum of acquisition costs (the most significant being commissions paid to our producers) and other underwriting expenses less ceding commission revenue less other income to net premiums earned.
Net combined ratio: The net combined ratio is a measure of an insurance company’s overall underwriting profit. This is the sum of the net loss and net underwriting expense ratios. If the net combined ratio is at or above 100 percent, an insurance company cannot be profitable without investment income, and may not be profitable if investment income is insufficient.
Underwriting income: Underwriting income is net pre-tax income attributable to our insurance underwriting business before investment activity. It excludes net investment income, net realized gains from investments, and depreciation and amortization (net premiums earned less expenses included in combined ratio). Underwriting income is a measure of an insurance company’s overall operating profitability before items such as investment income, depreciation and amortization, interest expense and income taxes.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Kingstone Companies, Inc. and all majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires our management to make estimates and assumptions in certain circumstances that affect amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and related notes. In preparing these consolidated financial statements, our management has utilized information including our past history, industry standards, and the current economic environment, and other factors, in forming its estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the consolidated financial statements, giving due consideration to materiality. It is possible that the ultimate outcome as anticipated by our management in formulating its estimates in these financial statements may not materialize. Application of the critical accounting policies involves the exercise of judgment and use of assumptions as to future uncertainties and, as a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. In addition, other companies may utilize different estimates, which may impact comparability of our results of operations to those of similar companies.
We believe that the most critical accounting policies relate to the reporting of reserves for loss and LAE, including losses that have occurred but have not been reported prior to the reporting date, amounts recoverable from third party reinsurers, deferred income taxes, the impairment of investment securities, and the valuation of warrants. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements following Item 16 of this Annual Report.
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Consolidated Results of Operations
The following table summarizes the changes in the results of our operations for the periods indicated:
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | Change | Percent | ||||||||||||
| Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Direct written premiums | $ | 201,255 | $ | 181,665 | $ | 19,590 | 10.8 | % | ||||||||
| Assumed written premiums | - | - | - | na | % | |||||||||||
| 201,255 | 181,665 | 19,590 | 10.8 | % | ||||||||||||
| Ceded written premiums | ||||||||||||||||
| Ceded to quota share treaties (1) | 47,409 | 23,510 | 23,899 | 101.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Ceded to excess of loss treaties | 3,880 | 2,613 | 1,267 | 48.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Ceded to catastrophe treaties | 27,906 | 26,787 | 1,119 | 4.2 | % | |||||||||||
| Total ceded written premiums | 79,195 | 52,910 | 26,285 | 49.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Net written premiums | 122,060 | 128,755 | (6,695 | ) | (5.2 | )% | ||||||||||
| Change in unearned premiums | ||||||||||||||||
| Direct and assumed | (9,733 | ) | (7,750 | ) | (1,983 | ) | (25.6 | )% | ||||||||
| Ceded to quota share treaties (1) | 2,058 | 22,877 | (20,819 | ) | (91.0 | )% | ||||||||||
| Change in net unearned premiums | (7,675 | ) | 15,127 | (22,802 | ) | 150.7 | % | |||||||||
| Premiums earned | ||||||||||||||||
| Direct and assumed | 191,522 | 173,915 | 17,607 | 10.1 | % | |||||||||||
| Ceded to reinsurance treaties | (77,137 | ) | (30,033 | ) | (47,104 | ) | (156.8 | )% | ||||||||
| Net premiums earned | 114,385 | 143,882 | (29,497 | ) | (20.5 | )% | ||||||||||
| Ceding commission revenue (1) | 19,319 | 90 | 19,229 | 21,365.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Net investment income | 4,937 | 6,621 | (1,684 | ) | (25.4 | )% | ||||||||||
| Net (losses) gains on investments | (9,392 | ) | 9,787 | (19,179 | ) | na | % | |||||||||
| Other income | 910 | 851 | 59 | 6.9 | % | |||||||||||
| Total revenues | 130,159 | 161,231 | (31,072 | ) | (19.3 | )% | ||||||||||
| Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Direct and assumed: | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes | 114,943 | 87,308 | 27,635 | 31.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Losses from catastrophes (2) | 13,106 | 15,632 | (2,526 | ) | (16.2 | )% | ||||||||||
| Total direct and assumed loss and loss adjustment expenses | 128,048 | 102,940 | 25,109 | 24.4 | % | |||||||||||
| Ceded loss and loss adjustment expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes | 34,185 | 155 | 34,030 | 21,954.8 | % | |||||||||||
| Losses from catastrophes (2) | 5,474 | 813 | 4,661 | 573.3 | % | |||||||||||
| Total ceded loss and loss adjustment expenses | 39,658 | 968 | 38,691 | 3,996.9 | % | |||||||||||
| Net loss and loss adjustment expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes | 80,758 | 87,153 | (6,395 | ) | (7.3 | )% | ||||||||||
| Losses from catastrophes (2) | 7,632 | 14,819 | (7,187 | ) | (48.5 | )% | ||||||||||
| Net loss and loss adjustment expenses | 88,390 | 101,973 | (13,582 | ) | (13.3 | )% | ||||||||||
| Commission expense | 34,582 | 33,114 | 1,468 | 4.4 | % | |||||||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 26,697 | 26,254 | 443 | 1.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | 3,113 | 4,183 | (1,070 | ) | (25.6 | )% | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 3,300 | 3,290 | 10 | 0.3 | % | |||||||||||
| Interest expense | 2,019 | 1,826 | 193 | 10.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Total expenses | 158,102 | 170,640 | (12,538 | ) | (7.3 | )% | ||||||||||
| Loss before taxes | (27,942 | ) | (9,409 | ) | (18,533 | ) | (197.0 | )% | ||||||||
| Income tax benefit | (5,418 | ) | (2,031 | ) | (3,387 | ) | (166.8 | )% | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (22,525 | ) | $ | (7,378 | ) | $ | (15,147 | ) | (205.3 | )% | |||||
| (Columns in the table above may not sum to totals due to rounding) |
| (1) | Effective December 31, 2021, we entered into a 30% personal lines quota share treaty. | |
|---|---|---|
| (2) | The years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 include catastrophe losses, which are defined as losses from an event for which a catastrophe bulletin and related serial number has been issued by the Property Claims Services (PCS) unit of the Insurance Services Office (ISO). PCS catastrophe bulletins are issued for events that cause more than $25 million in total insured losses and affect a significant number of policyholders and insurers. |
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| Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Percentage Point Change | Percent Change | |||||||||||||
| Key ratios: | ||||||||||||||||
| Net loss ratio | 77.3 | % | 70.9 | % | 6.4 | 9.0 | % | |||||||||
| Net underwriting expense ratio | 36.0 | % | 40.6 | % | (4.6 | ) | (11.3 | )% | ||||||||
| Net combined ratio | 113.3 | % | 111.5 | % | 1.8 | 1.6 | % |
Direct Written Premiums
Direct written premiums during the year ended December 31, 2022 (“Year Ended 2022”) were $201,255,000 compared to $181,665,000 during the year ended December 31, 2021 (“Year Ended 2021”). The increase of $19,590,000, or 10.8%, was primarily due an increase in premiums from our personal lines business. Direct written premiums from our personal lines business for Year Ended 2022 were $188,105,000, an increase of $16,385,000, or 9.5%, from $171,720,000 in Year Ended 2021. The increase in premiums from our personal lines business was primarily due to rate increases, offset by a modest decrease in policies in force as of December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021. Direct written premiums from our livery physical damage business for Year Ended 2022 were $12,993,000, an increase of $3,276,000, or 33.7%, from $9,717,000 in Year Ended 2021. The increase in livery physical damage direct written premiums was due to the declining effect of the COVID-19 pandemic in our geographic area.
Beginning in 2017 we started writing homeowners policies in New Jersey. Through 2019 we expanded to Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. We refer to our New York business as our “Core” business and the business outside of New York as our “Expansion” business. Direct written premiums from our Core business were $162,255,000 in Year Ended 2022 compared to $144,449,000 in Year Ended 2021. Direct written premiums from our Expansion business were $39,000,000 in Year Ended 2022 compared to $37,216,000 in Year Ended 2021.
Net Written Premiums and Net Premiums Earned
Effective December 31, 2021, we entered into a quota share reinsurance treaty for our personal lines business covering the period from December 31, 2021 through January 1, 2023 (“2021/2023 Treaty”). There was no quota share reinsurance treaty in effect in Year Ended 2021. Net written premiums decreased $6,695,000, or 5.2%, to $122,060,000 in Year Ended 2022 from $128,755,000 in Year Ended 2021. Net written premiums include direct and assumed premiums, less the amount of written premiums ceded under our reinsurance treaties (quota share, excess of loss, and catastrophe). In Year Ended 2022, our premiums ceded under quota share treaties increased by $23,899,000 in comparison to ceded premiums in Year Ended 2021 (see table above). Our personal lines business was subject to the 2021/2023 Treaty in Year Ended 2022, compared to no personal lines quota share treaty in Year Ended 2021.
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Excess of loss reinsurance treaties
An increase in written premiums will increase the premiums ceded under our excess of loss treaties. In Year Ended 2022, our ceded excess of loss reinsurance premiums increased by $1,267,000 over the comparable ceded premiums for Year Ended 2021. The increase was due to an increase in subject premiums and additional coverage obtained. Effective January 1, 2022, we entered into an underlying excess of loss reinsurance treaty covering the period from January 1, 2022 through January 1, 2023. The treaty provides 50% reinsurance coverage for losses of $400,000 in excess of $600,000. Losses from named storms are excluded from the treaty.
Catastrophe reinsurance treaties
Most of the premiums written under our personal lines policies are also subject to our catastrophe treaties. An increase in our personal lines business gives rise to more property exposure, which increases our exposure to catastrophe risk; therefore, our premiums ceded under catastrophe treaties will increase. This results in an increase in premiums ceded under our catastrophe treaties provided that reinsurance rates are stable or are increasing. In Year Ended 2022, our premiums ceded under catastrophe treaties increased by $1,119,000 over the comparable ceded premiums in Year Ended 2021. Effective July 1, 2020, and continuing through June 30, 2021, our ceded catastrophe premiums were paid based on the total insured value of our risks calculated as of August 31, 2020. Effective July 1, 2021, and continuing through June 30, 2022, our ceded catastrophe premiums were paid based on the total insured value of our risks as of August 31, 2021. Effective July 1, 2022, and continuing through June 30, 2023, our ceded catastrophe premiums will be paid based on the total insured value of our risks as of August 31, 2022.
Net premiums earned
Net premiums earned decreased $29,497,000, or 20.5%, to $114,385,000 in Year Ended 2022 from $143,882,000 in Year Ended 2021. The decrease was due to the inception of the 2021/2023 Treaty on December 31, 2021. The decrease resulting from the 2021/2023 Treaty in Year Ended 2022 was partially offset by an increase in direct written premiums.
Ceding Commission Revenue
The following table summarizes the changes in the components of ceding commission revenue (in thousands) for the periods indicated:
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | Change | Percent | ||||||||||||
| Provisional ceding commissions earned | $ | 19,106 | $ | 234 | $ | 18,872 | 8,065.0 | % | ||||||||
| Contingent ceding commissions earned | 214 | (144 | ) | 358 | n/a | % | ||||||||||
| Total ceding commission revenue | $ | 19,319 | $ | 90 | $ | 19,229 | 21,365.6 | % | ||||||||
| (Columns in the table above may not sum to totals due to rounding) |
Ceding commission revenue was $19,319,000 in Year Ended 2022 compared to $90,000 in Year Ended 2021. The increase of $19,229,000 was due to an increase in both provisional ceding commissions earned and contingent ceding commissions earned. See below for a discussion of provisional ceding commissions earned and contingent ceding commissions earned.
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Provisional Ceding Commissions Earned
In Year Ended 2022 we earned provisional ceding commissions from personal lines earned premiums ceded under the 2021/2023 Treaty which was effective as of December 31, 2021. There was no personal lines quota share in effect in Year Ended 2021.
Contingent Ceding Commissions Earned
The structure of the 2021/2023 Treaty calls for a fixed provisional ceding commission with no opportunity to earn additional contingent ceding commissions. Under our prior years’ quota share treaties, we received a contingent ceding commission based on a sliding scale in relation to the losses incurred under our quota share treaties. The lower the ceded loss ratio, the more contingent commission we received.
Net Investment Income
Net investment income was $4,937,000 in Year Ended 2022 compared to $6,621,000 in Year Ended 2021, a decrease of $1,684,000, or 25.4%. The decrease in investment income is partially attributable to a $766,000 reversal of prior years’ estimated accrued interest income stemming from an error in third party investment reporting. The decline of investment income is also attributable to the disposal of income bearing equity securities. The average yield on invested assets was 3.42% as of December 31, 2022 compared to 3.25% as of December 31, 2021.
Cash and invested assets were $191,046,000 as of December 31, 2022 compared to $237,885,000 as of December 31, 2021. The $46,839,000 decrease in cash and invested assets was primarily attributable to cash paid to reinsurers at the inception of the 2021/2023 Treaty, losses paid in connection with catastrophe losses incurred in 2021 and 2022 and unrealized losses on our investment portfolio.
Net (Losses) Gains on Investments
Net losses on investments were $(9,392,000) in Year Ended 2022 compared to net gains of $9,787,000 in Year Ended 2021. Unrealized losses on our equity securities and other investments in Year Ended 2022 were $(9,252,000), compared to net unrealized gains of $2,469,000 in Year Ended 2021. Realized losses on sales of investments were $(140,000) in Year Ended 2022 compared to realized gains of $7,318,000 in Year Ended 2021.
Other Income
Other income was $910,000 in Year Ended 2022 compared to $851,000 in Year Ended 2021, an increase of $59,000, or 6.9%.
Net Loss and LAE
Net loss and LAE was $88,390,000 for Year Ended 2022 compared to $101,973,000 for Year Ended 2021. The net loss ratio was 77.3% in Year Ended 2022 compared to 70.9% in Year Ended 2021, an increase of 6.4 percentage points.
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The following graph summarizes the changes in the components of net loss ratio for the periods indicated, along with the comparable components excluding commercial lines business:
(Percent components may not sum to totals due to rounding)
The loss ratio for Year Ended 2022 was higher than Year Ended 2021 due to two factors. The predominant reason was the impact from climbing inflation leading to higher severity of claim settlements. A slightly elevated frequency of water damage claims was also observed, partially driven by winter-related claims resulting from freezing temperatures.
The estimated net catastrophe losses were $7,632,000 for Year Ended 2022, which contributed 6.7 points to the loss ratio. This was mostly driven by two winter events in the first quarter and one winter event (Winter Storm Elliott) in the fourth quarter. There were also another seven minor wind catastrophe events for Year Ended 2022, but the impact was not significant. As a comparison, catastrophe events had a loss ratio impact of 10.3 points for Year Ended 2021 due to a more active hurricane season including the named storm, Ida.
Prior years in total have unfavorable development of $2,700,000 for Year Ended 2022, driven mostly by large fire losses which occurred in 2021 and the volatility of liability claim settlements from the discontinued commercial multi-peril line. This contributed 2.4 points to the loss ratio.
See table below under “Additional Financial Information” summarizing net loss ratios by line of business.
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Commission Expense
Commission expense was $34,582,000 in Year Ended 2022 or 18.1% of direct earned premiums. Commission expense was $33,114,000 in Year Ended 2021 or 19.0% of direct earned premiums. The increase of $1,468,000 was primarily due to an increase in direct earned premiums of $17,607,000 to $191,522,000 offset in part by a reduction of commission rate on our Select products and the reduction to contingent commissions, which the producers now earn only if KICO has an operating profit.
Other Underwriting Expenses
Other underwriting expenses were $26,697,000, or 13.9% of direct earned premiums, in Year Ended 2022 compared to $26,254,000, or 15.1% of direct earned premiums, in Year Ended 2021. The increase of $443,000, or 1.7%, was primarily due to increases in expenses related to our growth in direct earned premiums, salaries, and our continuing initiative to reduce expenses with the use of technology, partially offset by decreases in professional fees, state insurance department fees, and policy management system fees as result of the completion of customized efficient policy management software which allowed us to eliminate multiple legacy systems.
Our largest single component of other underwriting expenses is salaries and employment costs, with costs of $10,799,000 in Year Ended 2022 compared to $10,189,000 in Year Ended 2021. The increase of $610,000, or 6.0%, compares favorably with the 10.8% increase in direct written premiums. In the periods following Year Ended 2021, we invested in the hiring of higher-level managers and staff to implement our goals of modernization and efficiency, which we refer to as Kingstone 2.0.
Our net underwriting expense ratio in Year Ended 2022 was 36.0% compared to 40.6% in Year Ended 2021. The following table shows the individual components of our net underwriting expense ratio for the periods indicated:
| Years ended December 31, | Percentage | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Point Change | ||||||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | ||||||||||||
| Employment costs | 9.4 | % | 7.1 | % | 2.3 | |||||||
| Underwriting fees (inspections/surveys) | 1.7 | 1.3 | 0.4 | |||||||||
| IT expenses | 3.9 | 3.2 | 0.7 | |||||||||
| Professional fees | 1.3 | 1.2 | 0.1 | |||||||||
| Other expenses | 7.0 | 5.5 | 1.5 | |||||||||
| Total other underwriting expenses | 23.3 | 18.3 | 5.0 | |||||||||
| Commission expense | 30.2 | 23.0 | 7.2 | |||||||||
| Ceding commission revenue | ||||||||||||
| Provisional | (16.7 | ) | (0.2 | ) | (16.5 | ) | ||||||
| Contingent | (0.2 | ) | 0.1 | (0.3 | ) | |||||||
| Total ceding commission revenue | (16.9 | ) | (0.1 | ) | (16.8 | ) | ||||||
| Other income | (0.7 | ) | (0.6 | ) | (0.1 | ) | ||||||
| Net underwriting expense ratio | 36.0 | % | 40.6 | % | (4.6 | ) | ||||||
| (Components may not sum to totals due to rounding) |
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The overall 16.8 percentage point increase in the benefit from ceding commissions in Year Ended 2022 was driven by the increase in provisional ceding commission revenue due to the inception of the 2021/2023 Treaty on December 31, 2021. The components of our net underwriting expense ratio related to other underwriting expenses and commissions increased due to a higher percentage of our direct earned premiums in Year Ended 2022 being ceded due to the inception of the 2021/2023 Treaty.
Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses, related to the expenses of our holding company and Cosi, were $3,113,000 for Year Ended 2022 compared to $4,183,000 for Year Ended 2021. The following table shows a breakdown of the significant components of other operating expenses for the periods indicated:
| Years ended | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | Change | Percent | ||||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Employment costs | $ | (24 | ) | $ | 795 | $ | (819 | ) | na | % | ||||||
| Bonuses | - | - | - | na | ||||||||||||
| Equity compensation | 1,393 | 1,905 | (512 | ) | (26.9 | ) | ||||||||||
| Professional | 411 | 348 | 63 | 18.1 | ||||||||||||
| Professional fees related to a previously contemplated acquisition of all of the outstanding equity of Kingstone | 354 | - | 354 | na | ||||||||||||
| Directors fees | 327 | 327 | - | - | ||||||||||||
| Insurance | 154 | 212 | (58 | ) | (27.4 | ) | ||||||||||
| Other expenses | 499 | 597 | (98 | ) | (16.4 | ) | ||||||||||
| Total other operating expenses | $ | 3,114 | $ | 4,183 | $ | (1,069 | ) | (25.6 | )% |
(Components may not sum to totals due to rounding)
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The decrease in Year Ended 2022 of $1,069,000, or 25.6%, as compared to Year Ended 2021 was primarily due to a decrease in employment costs. The decrease in employment costs was due to staff reductions and fluctuations in deferred compensation liability related to changes in the underlying invested portfolio. The decrease in employment costs was partially offset by an increase in professional fees attributable to a non-binding indication of interest from a third party related to a then contemplated acquisition of all of the outstanding equity of our company.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization was $3,300,000 in Year Ended 2022 compared to $3,290,000 in Year Ended 2021. The increase of $10,000, or 0.3%, in depreciation and amortization was primarily due to assets previously put into service that are currently being utilized and being fully depreciated. The increase was partially offset by the completion of customized policy management software, now allowing us to consolidate multiple legacy systems into one efficient system. In the last quarter of 2021, due to the extended useful life of assets related to our system platforms, Management determined that such systems, currently put into service, should be depreciated over five years reflecting their expected useful lives as compared to the previous three years.
Interest Expense
Interest expense in Year Ended 2022 was $2,019,000 compared to $1,826,000 in Year Ended 2021, an increase of $193,000 or 10.6%. In Years Ended 2022 and 2021 we incurred interest expense in connection with the 2017 Notes, our $30.0 million issuance of long-term debt in December 2017. In Year Ended 2022, as disclosed in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements, we also incurred debt in the fourth quarter of 2022 with respect to the 2022 Notes and an equipment financing.
Income Tax Benefit
Income tax benefit in Year Ended 2022 was $5,418,000, which resulted in an effective tax benefit rate of 19.4%. Income tax benefit in Year Ended 2021 was $2,031,000, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 21.6%. Loss before taxes was $27,942,000 in Year Ended 2022 compared to $9,409,000 in Year Ended 2021. The difference in effective tax rate is due to the effect of permanent differences in Year Ended 2022 compared to Year Ended 2021.
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Net Loss
Net loss was $22,525,000 in Year Ended 2022 compared to $7,378,000 in Year Ended 2021. The increase in net loss of $15,147,000 was due to the circumstances described above.
Additional Financial Information
We operate our business as one segment, property and casualty insurance. Within this segment, we offer an array of property and casualty policies to our producers. The following table summarizes gross and net premiums written, net premiums earned, and loss and loss adjustment expenses by major product type, which were determined based primarily on similar economic characteristics and risks of loss.
| Years Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Gross premiums written: | ||||||||
| Personal lines(3) | $ | 188,104,883 | $ | 171,719,993 | ||||
| Livery physical damage | 12,992,905 | 9,716,658 | ||||||
| Other(1) | 157,049 | 229,383 | ||||||
| Total without commercial lines | 201,254,837 | 181,666,034 | ||||||
| Commercial lines (in run-off effective July 2019)(2) | - | (856 | ) | |||||
| Total gross premiums written | $ | 201,254,837 | $ | 181,665,178 | ||||
| Net premiums written: | ||||||||
| Personal lines(3) | $ | 108,953,413 | $ | 118,842,870 | ||||
| Livery physical damage | 12,992,905 | 9,716,658 | ||||||
| Other(1) | 113,503 | 196,812 | ||||||
| Total without commercial lines | 122,059,821 | 128,756,340 | ||||||
| Commercial lines (in run-off effective July 2019)(2) | - | (856 | ) | |||||
| Total net premiums written | $ | 122,059,821 | $ | 128,755,484 | ||||
| Net premiums earned: | ||||||||
| Personal lines(3) | $ | 103,019,573 | $ | 135,738,484 | ||||
| Livery physical damage | 11,226,975 | 7,909,791 | ||||||
| Other(1) | 137,983 | 234,300 | ||||||
| Total without commercial lines | 114,384,531 | 143,882,575 | ||||||
| Commercial lines (in run-off effective July 2019)(2) | - | (856 | ) | |||||
| Total net premiums earned | $ | 114,384,531 | $ | 143,881,719 | ||||
| Net loss and loss adjustment expenses(4): | ||||||||
| Personal lines | $ | 76,906,768 | $ | 93,849,714 | ||||
| Livery physical damage | 5,056,461 | 4,235,255 | ||||||
| Other(1) | 18,083 | (5,521 | ) | |||||
| Unallocated loss adjustment expenses | 3,701,131 | 3,696,380 | ||||||
| Total without commercial lines | 85,682,443 | 101,775,828 | ||||||
| Commercial lines (in run-off effective July 2019)(2) | 2,707,599 | 196,768 | ||||||
| Total net loss and loss adjustment expenses | $ | 88,390,042 | $ | 101,972,596 | ||||
| Net loss ratio(4): | ||||||||
| Personal lines | 74.7 | % | 69.1 | % | ||||
| Livery physical damage | 45.0 | % | 53.5 | % | ||||
| Other(1) | 13.1 | % | -2.4 | % | ||||
| Total without commercial lines | 74.9 | % | 70.7 | % | ||||
| Commercial lines (in run-off effective July 2019)(2) | na | na | ||||||
| Total | 77.3 | % | 70.9 | % |
| (1) | “Other” includes, among other things, premiums and loss and loss adjustment expenses from our participation in a mandatory state joint underwriting association and loss and loss adjustment expenses from commercial auto. | |
|---|---|---|
| (2) | In July 2019, we decided that we will no longer underwrite Commercial Liability risks. See discussions above regarding the discontinuation of this line of business. | |
| (3) | See discussions above with regard to “Net Written Premiums and Net Premiums Earned”, as to change in quota share ceding rate effective December 31, 2021. | |
| (4) | See discussions above with regard to “Net Loss and LAE”, as to catastrophe losses in the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. |
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Insurance Underwriting Business on a Standalone Basis
Our insurance underwriting business reported on a standalone basis for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 follows:
| Years ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Revenues | ||||||||
| Net premiums earned | $ | 114,384,531 | $ | 143,881,719 | ||||
| Ceding commission revenue | 19,319,391 | 89,681 | ||||||
| Net investment income | 4,936,778 | 6,621,392 | ||||||
| Net (losses) gains on investments | (9,231,170 | ) | 9,627,948 | |||||
| Other income | 815,952 | 849,155 | ||||||
| Total revenues | 130,225,482 | 161,069,895 | ||||||
| Expenses | ||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses | 88,390,042 | 101,972,596 | ||||||
| Commission expense | 34,581,617 | 33,114,103 | ||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 26,697,006 | 26,254,143 | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 3,252,134 | 3,150,489 | ||||||
| Total expenses | 152,920,799 | 164,491,331 | ||||||
| Loss from operations | (22,695,317 | ) | (3,421,436 | ) | ||||
| Income tax benefit | (4,588,283 | ) | (877,002 | ) | ||||
| Net loss | $ | (18,107,034 | ) | $ | (2,544,434 | ) | ||
| Key Measures: | ||||||||
| Net loss ratio | 77.3 | % | 70.9 | % | ||||
| Net underwriting expense ratio | 36.0 | % | 40.6 | % | ||||
| Net combined ratio | 113.3 | % | 111.5 | % | ||||
| Reconciliation of net underwriting expense ratio: | ||||||||
| Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses | $ | 61,278,623 | $ | 59,368,246 | ||||
| Less: Ceding commission revenue | (19,319,391 | ) | (89,681 | ) | ||||
| Less: Other income | (815,952 | ) | (849,155 | ) | ||||
| Net underwriting expenses | $ | 41,143,280 | $ | 58,429,410 | ||||
| Net premiums earned | $ | 114,384,531 | $ | 143,881,719 | ||||
| Net Underwriting Expense Ratio | 36.0 | % | 40.6 | % |
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An analysis of our direct, assumed and ceded earned premiums, loss and loss adjustment expenses, and loss ratios is shown below:
| Direct | Assumed | Ceded | Net | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year ended ended December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
| Written premiums | $ | 201,254,837 | $ | - | $ | (79,195,016 | ) | $ | 122,059,821 | |||||||
| Change in unearned premiums | (9,733,170 | ) | - | 2,057,880 | (7,675,290 | ) | ||||||||||
| Earned premiums | $ | 191,521,667 | $ | - | $ | (77,137,136 | ) | $ | 114,384,531 | |||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes | $ | 114,942,807 | $ | - | $ | (34,184,616 | ) | $ | 80,758,191 | |||||||
| Catastrophe loss | 13,105,600 | - | (5,473,749 | ) | 7,631,851 | |||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses | $ | 128,048,407 | $ | - | $ | (39,658,365 | ) | $ | 88,390,042 | |||||||
| Loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes | 60.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 44.3 | % | 70.6 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophe loss | 6.8 | % | 0.0 | % | 7.1 | % | 6.7 | % | ||||||||
| Loss ratio | 66.9 | % | 0.0 | % | 51.4 | % | 77.3 | % | ||||||||
| Year ended ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
| Written premiums | $ | 181,665,178 | $ | - | $ | (52,909,694 | ) | $ | 128,755,484 | |||||||
| Change in unearned premiums | (7,750,334 | ) | - | 22,876,569 | 15,126,235 | |||||||||||
| Earned premiums | $ | 173,914,844 | $ | - | $ | (30,033,125 | ) | $ | 143,881,719 | |||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes | $ | 87,308,372 | $ | - | $ | (155,322 | ) | $ | 87,153,050 | |||||||
| Catastrophe loss | 15,632,444 | - | (812,898 | ) | 14,819,546 | |||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses | $ | 102,940,816 | $ | - | $ | (968,220 | ) | $ | 101,972,596 | |||||||
| Loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes | 50.2 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.5 | % | 60.6 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophe loss | 9.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 2.7 | % | 10.3 | % | ||||||||
| Loss ratio | 59.2 | % | 0.0 | % | 3.2 | % | 70.9 | % |
(Percentage components may not sum to totals due to rounding)
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The key measures for our insurance underwriting business for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:
| Years ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Net premiums earned | $ | 114,384,531 | $ | 143,881,719 | ||||
| Ceding commission revenue | 19,319,391 | 89,681 | ||||||
| Other income | 815,952 | 849,155 | ||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses (1) | 88,390,042 | 101,972,596 | ||||||
| Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses: | ||||||||
| Commission expense | 34,581,617 | 33,114,103 | ||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 26,697,006 | 26,254,143 | ||||||
| Total acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses | 61,278,623 | 59,368,246 | ||||||
| Underwriting loss | $ | (15,148,791 | ) | $ | (16,520,287 | ) | ||
| Key Measures: | ||||||||
| Net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes | 70.6 | % | 60.6 | % | ||||
| Effect of catastrophe loss on net loss ratio (1) | 6.7 | % | 10.3 | % | ||||
| Net loss ratio | 77.3 | % | 70.9 | % | ||||
| Net underwriting expense ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes | 36.0 | % | 40.6 | % | ||||
| Effect of catastrophe loss on net underwriting expense ratio | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | ||||
| Net underwriting expense ratio | 36.0 | % | 40.6 | % | ||||
| Net combined ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes | 106.6 | % | 101.2 | % | ||||
| Effect of catastrophe loss on net combined ratio (1) | 6.7 | % | 10.3 | % | ||||
| Net combined ratio | 113.3 | % | 111.5 | % | ||||
| Reconciliation of net underwriting expense ratio: | ||||||||
| Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses | $ | 61,278,623 | $ | 59,368,246 | ||||
| Less: Ceding commission revenue | (19,319,391 | ) | (89,681 | ) | ||||
| Less: Other income | (815,952 | ) | (849,155 | ) | ||||
| $ | 41,143,280 | $ | 58,429,410 | |||||
| Net earned premium | $ | 114,384,531 | $ | 143,881,719 | ||||
| Net Underwriting Expense Ratio | 36.0 | % | 40.6 | % |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| (1) | For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, includes the sum of net catastrophe losses and loss adjustment expenses of $7,631,851 and $14,819,546, respectively. |
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Investments
Portfolio Summary
The following table presents a breakdown of the amortized cost, estimated fair value, and unrealized gains and losses of our investments in fixed-maturity securities classified as available-for-sale as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
Available-for-Sale Securities
| December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or | Gross | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated | % of | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized | Unrealized | Less than 12 | More than 12 | Fair | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Cost | Gains | Months | Months | Value | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies (1) | $ | 23,874,545 | $ | 1,479 | $ | (6,928 | ) | $ | - | $ | 23,869,096 | 15.4 | % | |||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, Territories and Possessions | 17,108,154 | - | (2,195,273 | ) | (1,771,494 | ) | 13,141,387 | 8.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds Industrial and miscellaneous | 80,338,464 | - | (5,796,994 | ) | (2,458,985 | ) | 72,082,485 | 46.6 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage and other asset backed securities (2) | 53,597,264 | 58,398 | (882,664 | ) | (7,150,803 | ) | 45,622,195 | 29.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Total fixed-maturity securities | $ | 174,918,427 | $ | 59,877 | $ | (8,881,859 | ) | $ | (11,381,282 | ) | $ | 154,715,163 | 100.0 | % |
| December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or | Gross | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated | % of | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized | Unrealized | Less than 12 | More than 12 | Fair | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Cost | Gains | Months | Months | Value | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, Territories and Possessions | $ | 17,236,750 | $ | 246,748 | $ | (197,984 | ) | $ | - | $ | 17,285,514 | 10.9 | % | |||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds Industrial and miscellaneous | 80,534,769 | 2,603,411 | (126,926 | ) | - | 83,011,254 | 52.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage and other asset backed securities (2) | 58,036,959 | 355,985 | (489,258 | ) | (120,344 | ) | 57,783,342 | 36.6 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Total fixed-maturity securities | $ | 155,808,478 | $ | 3,206,144 | $ | (814,168 | ) | $ | (120,344 | ) | $ | 158,080,110 | 100.0 | % |
| (1) | In October 2022, KICO placed certain U.S. Treasury Bills as required collateral for a sale leaseback transaction in a designated custodian account (see Note 9 - Debt - “Equipment Financing”). As of December 31, 2022, the estimated fair value of the eligible collateral was approximately $8,691,000. | |
|---|---|---|
| (2) | KICO has placed certain residential mortgage-backed securities as eligible collateral in a designated custodian account related to its membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLBNY”) (see Note 9 – Debt - “Federal Home Loan Bank”). The eligible collateral would be pledged to FHLBNY if KICO draws an advance from the FHLBNY credit line. As of December 31, 2022, the estimated fair value of the eligible investments was approximately $12,228,000. KICO will retain all rights regarding all securities if pledged as collateral. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021 there was no outstanding balance on the FHLBNY credit line. |
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Equity Securities
The following table presents a breakdown of the cost and estimated fair value of, and gross gains and losses on, investments in equity securities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross | Gross | Estimated | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||
| Category | Cost | Gains | Losses | Fair Value | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||
| Equity Securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stocks | $ | 13,583,942 | $ | - | $ | (3,589,313 | ) | $ | 9,994,629 | 72.2 | % | |||||||||
| Common stocks and exchange traded funds | 4,502,758 | 158,635 | (821,632 | ) | 3,839,761 | 27.8 | % | |||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 18,086,700 | $ | 158,635 | $ | (4,410,945 | ) | $ | 13,834,390 | 100.0 | % |
| December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross | Gross | Estimated | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||
| Category | Cost | Gains | Losses | Fair Value | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||
| Equity Securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stocks | $ | 22,019,509 | $ | 1,007,009 | $ | (184,617 | ) | $ | 22,841,901 | 57.6 | % | |||||||||
| Common stocks and exchange traded funds | 15,451,160 | 1,573,653 | (179,712 | ) | 16,845,101 | 42.4 | % | |||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 37,470,669 | $ | 2,580,662 | $ | (364,329 | ) | $ | 39,687,002 | 100.0 | % |
Other Investments
The following table presents a breakdown of the cost and estimated fair value of, and gross gains on, our other investments as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross | Estimated | Gross | Estimated | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Cost | Gains | Fair Value | Cost | Gains | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||
| Other Investments: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hedge fund | $ | 1,987,040 | $ | 784,612 | $ | 2,771,652 | $ | 3,999,381 | $ | 3,562,034 | $ | 7,561,415 |
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Held-to-Maturity Securities
The following table presents a breakdown of the amortized cost and estimated fair value of, and gross unrealized gains and losses on, investments in held-to-maturity securities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or | Gross | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated | % of | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized | Unrealized | Less than 12 | More than 12 | Fair | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Cost | Gains | Months | Months | Value | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||
| Held-to-Maturity Securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 1,228,560 | $ | 28,400 | $ | (34,077 | ) | $ | - | $ | 1,222,883 | 18.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, Territories and Possessions | 498,638 | 2,092 | - | - | 500,730 | 7.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Exchange traded debt | 304,111 | - | (29,111 | ) | - | 275,000 | 4.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds Industrial and miscellaneous | 5,734,831 | 36,968 | (809,746 | ) | (360,278 | ) | 4,601,775 | 69.7 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 7,766,140 | $ | 67,460 | $ | (872,934 | ) | $ | (360,278 | ) | $ | 6,600,388 | 100.0 | % |
| December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or | Gross | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated | % of | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized | Unrealized | Less than 12 | More than 12 | Fair | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Cost | Gains | Months | Months | Value | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||
| Held-to-Maturity Securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 729,642 | $ | 209,633 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 939,275 | 10.7 | % | ||||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, Territories and Possessions | 998,239 | 22,856 | - | - | 1,021,095 | 11.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Exchange traded debt | 304,111 | 85 | (13,921 | ) | 290,275 | 3.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds Industrial and miscellaneous | 6,234,342 | 280,951 | (12,779 | ) | - | 6,502,514 | 74.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 8,266,334 | $ | 513,525 | $ | (26,700 | ) | $ | - | $ | 8,753,159 | 100.0 | % |
Held-to-maturity U.S. Treasury securities are held in trust pursuant to various states’ minimum fund requirements.
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A summary of the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our investments in held-to-maturity securities by contractual maturity as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 is shown below:
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amortized | Estimated | Amortized | Estimated | ||||||||||||
| Remaining Time to Maturity | Cost | Fair Value | Cost | Fair Value | |||||||||||
| Less than one year | $ | 708,535 | $ | 743,575 | $ | 994,712 | $ | 1,008,180 | |||||||
| One to five years | 1,120,507 | 1,088,522 | 1,205,829 | 1,290,465 | |||||||||||
| Five to ten years | 1,402,704 | 1,200,720 | 1,513,942 | 1,648,808 | |||||||||||
| More than 10 years | 4,534,394 | 3,567,571 | 4,551,851 | 4,805,706 | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | 7,766,140 | $ | 6,600,388 | $ | 8,266,334 | $ | 8,753,159 |
Credit Rating of Fixed-Maturity Securities
The table below summarizes the credit quality of our available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 as rated by Standard and Poor’s (or, if unavailable from Standard and Poor’s, then Moody’s, Fitch, or Kroll):
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated | Percentage of | Estimated | Percentage of | |||||||||||||
| Fair | Estimated | Fair | Estimated | |||||||||||||
| Value | Fair Value | Value | Fair Value | |||||||||||||
| Rating | ||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 23,869,096 | 15.4 | % | $ | - | 0.0 | % | ||||||||
| Corporate and municipal bonds | ||||||||||||||||
| AAA | 1,824,478 | 1.2 | % | 1,321,809 | 0.8 | % | ||||||||||
| AA | 9,785,908 | 6.3 | % | 11,532,572 | 7.3 | % | ||||||||||
| A | 31,099,075 | 20.2 | % | 38,272,571 | 24.2 | % | ||||||||||
| BBB+ | 16,682,159 | 10.8 | % | 17,936,359 | 11.3 | % | ||||||||||
| BBB | 19,664,051 | 12.7 | % | 25,161,776 | 15.9 | % | ||||||||||
| BBB- | 4,516,713 | 2.9 | % | 4,193,401 | 2.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Total corporate and municipal bonds | 83,572,384 | 54.1 | % | 98,418,488 | 62.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Residential mortgage backed, asset backed, and other collateralized obligations | ||||||||||||||||
| AAA | 16,497,621 | 10.7 | % | 17,350,192 | 11.0 | % | ||||||||||
| AA | 23,062,233 | 14.9 | % | 34,241,907 | 21.7 | % | ||||||||||
| A | 6,722,902 | 4.3 | % | 6,306,161 | 4.0 | % | ||||||||||
| BBB | 20,067 | 0.0 | % | 24,254 | 0.0 | % | ||||||||||
| CCC | 457,683 | 0.3 | % | 664,628 | 0.4 | % | ||||||||||
| CC | 99,600 | 0.1 | % | 125,412 | 0.1 | % | ||||||||||
| D | 40,474 | 0.0 | % | 55,306 | 0.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Non rated | 373,103 | 0.2 | % | 893,762 | 0.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage backed, asset backed, and other collateralized obligations | 47,273,683 | 30.5 | % | 59,661,622 | 37.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | 154,715,163 | 100.0 | % | $ | 158,080,110 | 100.0 | % |
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The table below details the average yield by type of fixed-maturity security as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| Category | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies | 2.58 | % | 3.06 | % | ||||
| Political subdivisions of States, Territories and Possessions | 3.58 | % | 2.77 | % | ||||
| Corporate and other bonds Industrial and miscellaneous | 3.68 | % | 3.23 | % | ||||
| Residential mortgage backed securities | 2.70 | % | 2.77 | % | ||||
| Total | 3.20 | % | 2.92 | % |
The table below lists the weighted average maturity and effective duration in years on our fixed-maturity securities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weighted average effective maturity | 5.8 | 8.0 | |||||
| Weighted average final maturity | 13.5 | 13.8 | |||||
| Effective duration | 4.5 | 5.1 |
Fair Value Consideration
As disclosed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, with respect to “Fair Value Measurements,” we define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in a transaction involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities between market participants (an “exit price”). The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between inputs based on market data from independent sources (“observable inputs”) and a reporting entity’s internal assumptions based upon the best information available when external market data is limited or unavailable (“unobservable inputs”). The fair value hierarchy prioritizes fair value measurements into three levels based on the nature of the inputs. Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets have the highest priority (“Level 1”), followed by observable inputs other than quoted prices including prices for similar but not identical assets or liabilities (“Level 2”), and unobservable inputs, including the reporting entity’s estimates of the assumption that market participants would use, having the lowest priority (“Level 3”). As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, 65% and 62%, respectively, of the investment portfolio recorded at fair value was priced based upon quoted market prices.
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The table below summarizes the gross unrealized losses of our fixed-maturity securities available-for-sale and equity securities by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 12 months | 12 months or more | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated | No. of | Estimated | No. of | Estimated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair | Unrealized | Positions | Fair | Unrealized | Positions | Fair | Unrealized | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Value | Losses | Held | Value | Losses | Held | Value | Losses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed-Maturity Securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies | $ | 18,918,196 | $ | (6,928 | ) | 3 | $ | - | - | - | $ | 18,918,196 | $ | (6,928 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, Territories and Possessions | 7,970,633 | (2,195,273 | ) | 9 | 5,170,753 | (1,771,494 | ) | 5 | 13,141,386 | (3,966,767 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds industrial and miscellaneous | 56,910,104 | (5,796,994 | ) | 75 | 15,172,381 | (2,458,985 | ) | 15 | 72,082,485 | (8,255,979 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage and other asset backed securities | 10,145,880 | (882,664 | ) | 22 | 34,753,178 | (7,150,803 | ) | 26 | 44,899,058 | (8,033,467 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed-maturity securities | $ | 93,944,813 | $ | (8,881,859 | ) | 109 | $ | 55,096,312 | $ | (11,381,282 | ) | 46 | $ | 149,041,125 | $ | (20,263,141 | ) |
| December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 12 months | 12 months or more | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated | No. of | Estimated | No. of | Estimated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair | Unrealized | Positions | Fair | Unrealized | Positions | Fair | Unrealized | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Value | Losses | Held | Value | Losses | Held | Value | Losses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed-Maturity Securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies | $ | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | - | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, Territories and Possessions | 6,768,123 | (197,984 | ) | 5 | - | - | - | 6,768,123 | (197,984 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds industrial and miscellaneous | 17,593,707 | (126,926 | ) | 15 | - | - | - | 17,593,707 | (126,926 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage and other asset backed securities | 45,399,451 | (489,258 | ) | 26 | 2,923,182 | (120,344 | ) | 2 | 48,322,633 | (609,602 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed-maturity securities | $ | 69,761,281 | $ | (814,168 | ) | 46 | $ | 2,923,182 | $ | (120,344 | ) | 2 | $ | 72,684,463 | $ | (934,512 | ) |
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There were 155 securities at December 31, 2022 that accounted for the gross unrealized loss of our fixed-maturity securities available-for-sale, none of which were deemed by us to be other than temporarily impaired. There were 48 securities at December 31, 2021 that accounted for the gross unrealized loss of our fixed-maturity securities available-for-sale, none of which were deemed by us to be other than temporarily impaired. Significant factors influencing our determination that unrealized losses were temporary included credit quality considerations, the magnitude of the unrealized losses in relation to each security’s cost, the nature of the investment and interest rate environment factors, management’s intent not to sell these securities and it being not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these investments before anticipated recovery of fair value to our cost basis.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows
The primary sources of cash flow are from our insurance underwriting subsidiary, KICO, and include direct premiums written, ceding commissions from our quota share reinsurers, loss recovery payments from our reinsurers, investment income and proceeds from the sale or maturity of investments. Funds are used by KICO for ceded premium payments to reinsurers, which are paid on a net basis after subtracting losses paid on reinsured claims and reinsurance commissions. KICO also uses funds for loss payments and loss adjustment expenses on our net business, commissions to producers, salaries and other underwriting expenses as well as to purchase investments and fixed assets.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, the primary source of cash flow for our holding company was the dividends received from KICO, subject to statutory restrictions. For the year ended December 31, 2022, KICO paid dividends of $5,250,000 to us. On October 27, 2022, KICO entered a sale-leaseback transaction whereby KICO sold substantially all its information technology assets for approximately $8,100,000. Subsequent to the closing of the sale-leaseback transaction, KICO paid a dividend of $3,000,000 to us. In addition, on October 17, 2022 we entered into a seven year loan agreement with KICO with regard to a loan from KICO to us in the amount of $6,450,000. As of December 31, 2022, KICO had a negative unassigned surplus of $5,069,000 and will not be able to pay any distributions to us without prior regulatory approval.
KICO is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLBNY”), which provides additional access to liquidity. Members have access to a variety of flexible, low cost funding through FHLBNY’s credit products, enabling members to customize advances. Advances are to be fully collateralized; eligible collateral to pledge to FHLBNY includes residential and commercial mortgage backed securities, along with U.S. Treasury and agency securities. See Note 3 – Investments to our consolidated financial statements for eligible collateral held in a designated custodian account available for future advances. Advances are limited to 5% of KICO’s net admitted assets as of the end of the previous quarter, which is September 30, 2022, and are due and payable within 90 days of borrowing. The maximum allowable advance as of December 31, 2022, based on the net admitted assets as of September 30, 2022, was approximately $13,192,000. Available collateral as of December 31, 2022 was approximately $12,228,000. Advances are limited to 85% of the amount of available collateral. There were no borrowings under this facility during the year ended December 31, 2022.
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On December 15, 2022, we issued $19,950,000 of our 2022 Notes pursuant to the Exchange Agreement. We are required to make a mandatory redemption of 2022 Notes on December 30, 2023 as discussed in Note 9 – Debt of the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
Our reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operations is generally influenced by the collection of premiums in advance of paid losses, the timing of reinsurance, issuing company settlements and loss payments.
Cash flow and liquidity are categorized into three sources: (1) operating activities; (2) investing activities; and (3) financing activities, which are shown in the following table:
| Years ended December 31, | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flows (used in) provided by: | ||||||||
| Operating activities | $ | (915,521 | ) | $ | 24,346,237 | |||
| Investing activities | (5,905,779 | ) | (15,947,862 | ) | ||||
| Financing activities | (5,511,070 | ) | (3,571,519 | ) | ||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (12,332,370 | ) | 4,826,856 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 24,290,598 | 19,463,742 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 11,958,228 | $ | 24,290,598 |
Net cash used in operating activities was $916,000 in Year Ended 2022 as compared to $24,346,000 provided by operating activities in Year Ended 2021. The $25,262,000 decrease in cash flows provided by operating activities in Year Ended 2022 as compared to Year Ended 2021 was primarily the result of a decrease in cash arising from net fluctuations in operating assets and liabilities, partially offset by net loss (adjusted for non-cash items) of $4,073,000. The increase in cash used in operating activities is also attributable to the payment of $13,245,000 to reinsurers in Year Ended 2022 pursuant to the inception of our quota share reinsurance treaty, effective December 31, 2021. In addition, the increase of reinsurance recoverables by $26,173,000 also contributed to the increase in cash used during Year Ended 2022. The net fluctuations in assets and liabilities are related to operating activities of KICO as affected by growth or declines in its operations, payments on claims and other changes, which are described above.
Net cash used investing activities was $5,906,000 in Year Ended 2022 compared to $15,948,000 used in investing activities in Year Ended 2021. In Year Ended 2022, we had net investing activity used in our investment portfolio of $1,355,000, compared to $11,449,000 used in Year Ended 2021 resulting in a $10,094,000 decrease in net cash used investing activities.
Net cash used in financing activities was $5,511,000 in Year Ended 2022 compared to $3,572,000 used in Year Ended 2021. The $1,939,000 increase in net cash used in financing activities was attributable to a $10,050,000 principal payment on the 2017 Notes and $1,758,000 of bond issue costs, both paid in connection with the Exchange Agreement. In addition, we paid $192,000 of principal payments on our equipment financing in connection with KICO’s sale-leaseback transaction and there was a $186,000 increase in the amount of withholding taxes paid on the vesting of restricted stock awards. The increases in cash used in financing activities were partially offset by $8,097,000 of proceeds from equipment financing in connection with KICO’s sale-leaseback transaction and a decrease of $1,672,000 in the purchase of treasury stock.
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Reinsurance
The following table provides summary information with respect to each reinsurer that accounted for more than 10% of our reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses as of December 31, 2022:
| Amount | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recoverable | ||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | A.M. Best Rating | as of December 31, 2022 | % | |||||||
| Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation | A+ | $ | 14,292 | 34.6 | % | |||||
| Hannover Rueck SE | A+ | 11,379 | 27.6 | % | ||||||
| 25,671 | 62.2 | % | ||||||||
| Others (1) | 15,577 | 37.8 | % | |||||||
| Total | $ | 41,248 | 100.0 | % |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| (1) | Of the $15,577,000 reinsurance recoverables included in Others at December 31, 2022, $1,918,000 was secured pursuant to a collateralized trust agreement and $481,000 guaranteed by irrevocable letters of credit. Assets held in the trust are not included in our invested assets, and investment income earned on this asset is credited to the reinsurer. |
Effective December 31, 2021, we entered into a quota share reinsurance treaty for our personal lines business, which primarily consisted of homeowners’ and dwelling fire policies, covering the period from December 31, 2021 through January 1, 2023 (“2021/2023 Treaty”). Upon the expiration of the 2021/2023 Treaty on January 1, 2023, we entered into a new quota share reinsurance treaty for our personal lines business, covering the period from January 1, 2023 through January 1, 2024 (“2023/2024 Treaty”).
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We entered into new excess of loss and catastrophe reinsurance treaties effective July 1, 2022. Effective October 18, 2021, we entered into a stub catastrophe reinsurance treaty covering the period from October 18, 2021 through December 31, 2021. The treaty provided reinsurance coverage for catastrophe losses of $5,000,000 in excess of $5,000,000. Effective January 1, 2022, we entered into an underlying excess of loss reinsurance treaty (“Underlying XOL Treaty”) covering the period from January 1, 2022 through January 1, 2023. The Underlying XOL Treaty provides 50% reinsurance coverage for losses of $400,000 in excess of $600,000. Losses from named storms are excluded from the Underlying XOL Treaty. Effective January 1, 2023, the Underlying XOL Treaty was renewed covering the period from January 1, 2023 through January 1, 2024. Material terms for our reinsurance treaties in effect for the treaty years shown below are as follows:
| Treaty Period | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023/2024 Treaty | 2021/2023 Treaty | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| July 1, | January 1, | July 1, | December 31, | July 1, | December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||
| to | to | to | to | to | to | ||||||||||||||||||
| January 1, | June 30, | January 1, | June 30, | December 30, | June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||
| Line of Business | 2024 | 2023 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
| Personal Lines: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Homeowners, dwelling fire and and canine legal liability | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quota share treaty: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percent ceded (9) | 30 | % | 30 | % | 30 | % | 30 | % | None (5) | None (5) | |||||||||||||
| Risk retained on intial $1,000,000 of losses (5) (7) (8) (9) | $ | 700,000 | $ | 700,000 | $ | 700,000 | $ | 700,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | |||||||||||
| Losses per occurrence subject to quota share reinsurance coverage | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | None (5) | None (5) | |||||||||||||
| Expiration date | January 1, 2024 | January 1, 2024 | January 1, 2023 | January 1, 2023 | NA (5) | NA (5) | |||||||||||||||||
| Excess of loss coverage and facultative facility coverage (1) (7) | (8 | ) | $ | 8,400,000 | $ | 8,400,000 | $ | 8,400,000 | $ | 8,000,000 | $ | 8,000,000 | |||||||||||
| in excess of | in excess of | in excess of | in excess of | in excess of | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 600,000 | $ | 600,000 | $ | 600,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | ||||||||||||||
| Total reinsurance coverage per occurrence (5) (7) (8) | $ | 500,000 | $ | 8,500,000 | $ | 8,500,000 | $ | 8,500,000 | $ | 8,000,000 | $ | 8,000,000 | |||||||||||
| Losses per occurrence subject to reinsurance coverage (5) | (8 | ) | $ | 8,000,000 | $ | 9,000,000 | $ | 9,000,000 | $ | 9,000,000 | $ | 9,000,000 | |||||||||||
| Expiration date | (8 | ) | June 30, 2023 | June 30, 2023 | June 30, 2022 | June 30, 2022 | June 30, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
| Catastrophe Reinsurance: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Initial loss subject to personal lines quota share treaty (8) | $ | 10,000,000 | $ | 10,000,000 | $ | 10,000,000 | $ | 10,000,000 | None (5) | None (5) | |||||||||||||
| Risk retained per catastrophe occurrence (5) (9) (10) | (8 | ) | $ | 8,750,000 | $ | 7,400,000 | $ | 7,400,000 | $ | 10,000,000 | $ | 10,000,000 | |||||||||||
| Catastrophe loss coverage in excess of quota share coverage (2) (5) | (8 | ) | $ | 335,000,000 | $ | 335,000,000 | $ | 490,000,000 | $ | 490,000,000 | $ | 475,000,000 | |||||||||||
| Catastrophe stub coverage for the period from October 18, 2021 through December 31, 2021 (6) | NA | NA | NA | NA | $ | 5,000,000 | NA | ||||||||||||||||
| in excess of | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 5,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reinstatement premium protection (3) (4) | (8 | ) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| (1) | For personal lines, includes the addition of an automatic facultative facility allowing KICO to obtain homeowners single risk coverage up to $9,000,000 in total insured value, which covers direct losses from $3,500,000 to $9,000,000 through June 30, 2023. | |
|---|---|---|
| (2) | Catastrophe coverage is limited on an annual basis to two times the per occurrence amounts. Duration of 168 consecutive hours for a catastrophe occurrence from windstorm, hail, tornado, hurricane and cyclone. | |
| (3) | For the period July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, reinstatement premium protection for $70,000,000 of catastrophe coverage in excess of $10,000,000. For the period July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, reinstatement premium protection for $70,000,000 of catastrophe coverage in excess of $10,000,000. | |
| (4) | For the period July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, reinstatement premium protection for $9,800,000 of catastrophe coverage in excess of $10,000,000. |
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| (5) | The personal lines quota share (homeowners, dwelling fire and canine legal liability) expired on December 30, 2020; reinsurance coverage from December 31, 2020 through December 30, 2021 is only for excess of loss and catastrophe reinsurance. | |
|---|---|---|
| (6) | Excludes freeze and freeze related claims. | |
| (7) | For the period January 1, 2022 through January 1, 2024, underlying excess of loss treaty provides 50% reinsurance coverage for losses of $400,000 in excess of $600,000. Reduces retention to $500,000 from $700,000 under the 2021/2023 Treaty and 2022/2023 Treaty. Excludes losses from named storms. | |
| (8) | Excess of loss and facultative facility, and catastrophe treaties will expire on June 30, 2023; reinsurance coverage in effect from July 1, 2023 through January 1, 2024 is only for Personal lines quota share (homeowners, dwelling fire and canine liability) and underlying excess of loss reinsurance. | |
| (9) | For the 2021/2023 Treaty, 4% of the 30% total of losses ceded under this treaty are excluded from a named catastrophe event. For the 2023/2024 Treaty, 17.5% of the 30% total of losses ceded under this treaty are excluded from a named catastrophe event. | |
| (10) | Plus losses in excess of catastrophe coverage |
| Treaty Year | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2022 | July 1, 2021 | July 1, 2020 | ||||||||||
| to | to | to | ||||||||||
| Line of Business | June 30, 2023 | June 30, 2022 | June 30, 2021 | |||||||||
| Personal Lines: | ||||||||||||
| Personal Umbrella | ||||||||||||
| Quota share treaty: | ||||||||||||
| Percent ceded - first $1,000,000 of coverage | 90 | % | 90 | % | 90 | % | ||||||
| Percent ceded - excess of $1,000,000 dollars of coverage | 95 | % | 95 | % | 95 | % | ||||||
| Risk retained | $ | 300,000 | $ | 300,000 | $ | 300,000 | ||||||
| Total reinsurance coverage per occurrence | $ | 4,700,000 | $ | 4,700,000 | $ | 4,700,000 | ||||||
| Losses per occurrence subject to quota share reinsurance coverage | $ | 5,000,000 | $ | 5,000,000 | $ | 5,000,000 | ||||||
| Expiration date | June 30, 2023 | June 30, 2022 | June 30, 2021 | |||||||||
| Commercial Lines (1): | ||||||||||||
| General liability commercial policies | ||||||||||||
| Quota share treaty | None | |||||||||||
| Risk retained | $ | 750,000 | ||||||||||
| Excess of loss coverage above risk retained | $ | 3,750,000 | ||||||||||
| in excess of | ||||||||||||
| $ | 750,000 | |||||||||||
| Total reinsurance coverage per occurrence | $ | 3,750,000 | ||||||||||
| Losses per occurrence subject to reinsurance coverage | $ | 4,500,000 | ||||||||||
| Commercial Umbrella | ||||||||||||
| Quota share treaty | None |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| (1) | Coverage on all commercial lines policies expired in September 2020; reinsurance coverage is based on treaties in effect on the date of loss. |
Inflation
Premiums are established before we know the amount of losses and loss adjustment expenses or the extent to which inflation may affect such amounts. We attempt to anticipate the potential impact of inflation in establishing our reserves, especially as it relates to medical and hospital rates where historical inflation rates have exceeded the general level of inflation. Inflation in excess of the levels we have assumed could cause loss and loss adjustment expenses to be higher than we anticipated, which would require us to increase reserves and reduce earnings.
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Fluctuations in rates of inflation also influence interest rates, which in turn impact the market value of our investment portfolio and yields on new investments. Operating expenses, including salaries and benefits, generally are impacted by inflation.
Year Ended 2022 included elevated economic inflation, which resulted in a significant increase in interest rates, a widening of credit spreads, lower public equity valuations, and significant financial market volatility. The higher interest rates and widening of credit spreads reduced the value of our fixed income securities, which lowered our stockholders’ equity materially for Year Ended 2022. The higher economic inflation impacted our loss and loss adjustment expenses as well; should these trends continue in the near-term, it would in all likelihood negatively impact our profitability.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, or liquidity that are material to investors.
Outlook
The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant financial market volatility, economic uncertainty, and interruptions to normal business activities. As of the date of this Annual Report, we expect the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on claims currently under our coverages to be manageable, based on the information presently available. However, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the emergence of variant strains, continue to evolve and we cannot predict the extent to which our business, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and capital position, the value of investments we hold in our investment portfolio, the premiums we charge, the demand for our products, our ability to collect premiums or any requirement to return premiums to our policyholders will ultimately be impacted. The impact of COVID-19 on our results for the year ended December 31, 2022 may not be indicative of its impact on our future results. For additional information on the risks posed by COVID-19, see “The impact of pandemics and other public health issues (like COVID-19) and related risks could materially affect our results of operations, financial position and/or liquidity” included in Part I, Item 1A— “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report.
Our net premiums earned may be impacted by a number of factors. Net premiums earned are a function of net written premium volume. Net written premiums comprise both renewal business and new business and are recognized as earned premium over the term of the underlying policies. Net written premiums from both renewal and new business are impacted by competitive market conditions as well as general economic conditions. As a result of COVID-19, economic conditions in the United States rapidly deteriorated. The decreased levels of economic activity negatively impacted premium volumes generated by new business. We began to experience this impact in March 2020 and it became more significant in the second and third quarters of 2020. While we are now seeing a reversal of this impact, it may resume in the future, but the degree of any new impact will depend on the extent and duration of any economic contraction and could be material. We have also made underwriting changes to emphasize profitability over growth and have culled out the type of risks that do not generate an acceptable level of return. This action has led, and may continue to lead, to a slowdown in premium growth, particularly in new business.
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FY 2021 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001654954-22-004509.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Overview
We offer property and casualty insurance products to individuals through our wholly owned subsidiary, Kingstone Insurance Company (“KICO”). KICO’s insureds are located primarily in downstate New York, consisting of New York City, Long Island and Westchester County, although we are actively writing business in New Jersey, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. We are licensed in the States of New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maine, and New Hampshire. For the year ended December 31, 2021, 79.5% of KICO’s direct written premiums came from the New York policies.
In addition, through our subsidiary, Cosi Agency, Inc. (“Cosi”), a multi-state licensed general agency, we access alternative distribution channels. Cosi receives commission revenue from KICO for the policies it places with others and pays commissions to these agencies. Cosi retains the profit between the commission revenue received and the commission expense paid (“Net Cosi Revenue”). Commission expense is reduced by Net Cosi Revenue and Cosi-related operating expenses are included in other operating expenses. Cosi-related operating expenses are not included in our stand-alone insurance underwriting business and, accordingly, Cosi’s expenses are not included in the calculation of our combined ratio as described below.
We derive substantially all of our revenue from KICO, which includes revenues from earned premiums, ceding commissions from quota share reinsurance, net investment income generated from its portfolio, and net realized gains and losses on investment securities. All of KICO’s insurance policies are written for a one-year term. Earned premiums represent premiums received from insureds, which are recognized as revenue over the period of time that insurance coverage is provided (i.e., ratably over the one-year life of the policy). A significant period of time can elapse from the receipt of insurance premiums to the payment of insurance claims. During this time, KICO invests the premiums, earns investment income and generates net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses on investments. Our holding company earns investment income from its cash holdings and may also generate net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses on future investments.
Our expenses include the insurance underwriting expenses of KICO and other operating expenses. Insurance companies incur a significant amount of their total expenses from losses incurred by policyholders, which are referred to as claims. In settling these claims, various loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) are incurred such as insurance adjusters’ fees and legal expenses. In addition, insurance companies incur policy acquisition costs. Policy acquisition costs include commissions paid to producers, premium taxes, and other expenses related to the underwriting process, including employees’ compensation and benefits.
Other operating expenses include our corporate expenses as a holding company and operating expenses of Cosi. These corporate expenses include legal and auditing fees, executive employment costs, and other costs directly associated with being a public company. Cosi operating expenses primarily include employment, occupancy and consulting costs.
Principal Revenue and Expense Items
Net premiums earned: Net premiums earned is the earned portion of our written premiums, less that portion of premium that is ceded to third party reinsurers under reinsurance agreements. The amount ceded under these reinsurance agreements is based on a contractual formula contained in the individual reinsurance agreement. Insurance premiums are earned on a pro rata basis over the term of the policy. At the end of each reporting period, premiums written that are not earned are classified as unearned premiums and are earned in subsequent periods over the remaining term of the policy. Our insurance policies have a term of one year. Accordingly, for a one-year policy written on July 1, 2021, we would earn half of the premiums in 2021 and the other half in 2022.
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Ceding commission revenue: Commissions on reinsurance premiums ceded to quota share treaties are earned in a manner consistent with the recognition of the direct acquisition costs of the underlying insurance policies, generally on a pro-rata basis over the terms of the policies reinsured.
Net investment income and net gains (losses) on investments: We invest in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, fixed-maturity and equity securities, and other investments. Our net investment income includes interest and dividends earned on our invested assets, less investment expenses. Net realized gains and losses on our investments are reported separately from our net investment income. Net realized gains occur when our investment securities are sold for more than their costs or amortized costs, as applicable. Net realized losses occur when our investment securities are sold for less than their costs or amortized costs, as applicable, or are written down as a result of other-than-temporary impairment. We classify our fixed-maturity securities as either available-for-sale or held-to-maturity. Net unrealized gains (losses) on those securities classified as available-for-sale are reported separately within accumulated other comprehensive income on our balance sheet while our equity securities and other investments report changes in fair value through earnings. See Note 2 in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further discussion over our accounting policies following Item 16 of this Annual Report.
Other income: We recognize installment fee income and fees charged to reinstate a policy after it has been cancelled for non-payment.
Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred: Loss and LAE incurred represent our largest expense item, and for any given reporting period include estimates of future claim payments, changes in those estimates from prior reporting periods and costs associated with investigating, defending and servicing claims. These expenses fluctuate based on the amount and types of risks we insure. We record loss and LAE related to estimates of future claim payments based on case-by-case valuations, statistical analyses and actuarial procedures. We seek to establish all reserves at the most likely ultimate liability based on our historical claims experience. It is typical for certain claims to take several years to settle and we revise our estimates as we receive additional information on such claims. Our ability to estimate loss and LAE accurately at the time of pricing our insurance policies is a critical factor affecting our profitability.
Commission expenses and other underwriting expenses: Other underwriting expenses include policy acquisition costs and other expenses related to the underwriting of policies. Policy acquisition costs represent the costs of originating new insurance policies that vary with, and are primarily related to, the production of insurance policies (principally commissions, premium taxes and certain underwriting salaries). Policy acquisition costs are deferred and recognized as expense as the related premiums are earned. Other underwriting expenses represent general and administrative expenses of our insurance business and are comprised of other costs associated with our insurance activities such as regulatory fees, telecommunication and technology costs, occupancy costs, employment costs, and legal and auditing fees.
Other operating expenses: Other operating expenses include the corporate expenses of our holding company, Kingstone Companies, Inc., and operating expenses of Cosi. These expenses include executive employment costs, legal and auditing fees, and other costs directly associated with being a public company. Cosi operating expenses primarily include employment costs, occupancy costs and consulting costs.
Stock-based compensation: Non-cash equity compensation includes the fair value of stock grants issued to our directors, officers and employees, and amortization of stock options issued to the same.
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Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization includes the amortization of intangibles related to the acquisition of KICO, depreciation of the real estate used in KICO’s operations, as well as depreciation of capital expenditures for information technology projects, office equipment and furniture.
Interest expense: Interest expense represents amounts we incur on our outstanding indebtedness at the applicable interest rates. Interest expense also includes amortization of debt discount and issuance costs.
Income tax expense: We incur federal income tax expense on our consolidated statement of operations as well as state income tax expense for our non-insurance underwriting subsidiaries.
Product Lines
Our product lines include the following:
Personal lines: Our largest line of business is personal lines, consisting of homeowners, dwelling fire, cooperative/condominium, renters, and personal umbrella policies.
Commercial liability: Through July 2019, we offered businessowners policies, which consist primarily of small business retail, service, and office risks, with limited property exposures. We also wrote artisan’s liability policies for small independent contractors with smaller sized workforces. In addition, we wrote special multi-peril policies for larger and more specialized businessowners risks, including those with limited residential exposures. Further, we offered commercial umbrella policies written above our supporting commercial lines policies.
In May 2019, due to the poor performance of this line we placed a moratorium on new commercial lines and new commercial umbrella submissions while we further reviewed this business. In July 2019, due to the continuing poor performance of these lines, we made the decision to no longer underwrite commercial lines or commercial umbrella risks. In-force policies as of July 31, 2019 for these lines were non-renewed at the end of their annual terms. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no commercial liability policies in-force. As of December 31, 2021, these expired policies represent approximately 20.2% of loss and LAE reserves net of reinsurance recoverables. See discussion below under “Additional Financial Information”.
Livery physical damage: We write for-hire vehicle physical damage only policies for livery and car service vehicles and taxicabs. These policies insure only the physical damage portion of insurance for such vehicles, with no liability coverage included.
Other: We write canine legal liability policies and have a small participation in mandatory state joint underwriting associations.
Key Measures
We utilize the following key measures in analyzing the results of our insurance underwriting business:
Net loss ratio: The net loss ratio is a measure of the underwriting profitability of an insurance company’s business. Expressed as a percentage, this is the ratio of net losses and LAE incurred to net premiums earned.
Net underwriting expense ratio: The net underwriting expense ratio is a measure of an insurance company’s operational efficiency in administering its business. Expressed as a percentage, this is the ratio of the sum of acquisition costs (the most significant being commissions paid to our producers) and other underwriting expenses less ceding commission revenue less other income to net premiums earned.
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Net combined ratio: The net combined ratio is a measure of an insurance company’s overall underwriting profit. This is the sum of the net loss and net underwriting expense ratios. If the net combined ratio is at or above 100 percent, an insurance company cannot be profitable without investment income, and may not be profitable if investment income is insufficient.
Underwriting income: Underwriting income is net pre-tax income attributable to our insurance underwriting business before investment activity. It excludes net investment income, net realized gains from investments, and depreciation and amortization (net premiums earned less expenses included in combined ratio). Underwriting income is a measure of an insurance company’s overall operating profitability before items such as investment income, depreciation and amortization, interest expense and income taxes.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Kingstone Companies, Inc. and all majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires our management to make estimates and assumptions in certain circumstances that affect amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and related notes. In preparing these consolidated financial statements, our management has utilized information including our past history, industry standards, and the current economic environment, and other factors, in forming its estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the consolidated financial statements, giving due consideration to materiality. It is possible that the ultimate outcome as anticipated by our management in formulating its estimates in these financial statements may not materialize. Application of the critical accounting policies involves the exercise of judgment and use of assumptions as to future uncertainties and, as a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. In addition, other companies may utilize different estimates, which may impact comparability of our results of operations to those of similar companies.
We believe that the most critical accounting policies relate to the reporting of reserves for loss and LAE, including losses that have occurred but have not been reported prior to the reporting date, amounts recoverable from third party reinsurers, deferred income taxes, the impairment of investment securities, and the valuation of stock-based compensation. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements following Item 16 of this Annual Report.
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Consolidated Results of Operations
The following table summarizes the changes in the results of our operations for the periods indicated:
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | Percent | ||||||||||||
| Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Direct written premiums | $ | 181,665 | $ | 169,318 | $ | 12,347 | 7.3 | % | ||||||||
| Assumed written premiums | - | - | - | na | % | |||||||||||
| 181,665 | 169,318 | 12,347 | 7.3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Ceded written premiums | ||||||||||||||||
| Ceded to quota share treaties in force during the period | 578 | 33,250 | (32,672 | ) | (98.3 | )% | ||||||||||
| Unearned premiums ceded to new quota share treaty (1) | 22,932 | - | 22,932 | na | % | |||||||||||
| Return of premiums previously ceded to prior quota share treaties (1) | - | (17,440 | ) | 17,440 | na | % | ||||||||||
| Ceded to quota share treaties | 23,510 | 15,810 | 7,700 | 48.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Ceded to excess of loss treaties | 2,613 | 2,007 | 606 | 30.2 | % | |||||||||||
| Ceded to catastrophe treaties | 26,787 | 24,438 | 2,349 | 9.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Total ceded written premiums | 52,910 | 42,255 | 10,655 | 25.2 | % | |||||||||||
| Net written premiums | 128,755 | 127,063 | 1,692 | 1.3 | % | |||||||||||
| Change in unearned premiums | ||||||||||||||||
| Direct and assumed | (7,750 | ) | 374 | (8,124 | ) | na | % | |||||||||
| Ceded to quota share treaties | 22,877 | (19,356 | ) | 42,233 | na | % | ||||||||||
| Change in net unearned premiums | 15,127 | (18,982 | ) | 34,109 | na | % | ||||||||||
| Premiums earned | ||||||||||||||||
| Direct and assumed | 173,915 | 169,692 | 4,223 | 2.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Ceded to reinsurance treaties | (30,033 | ) | (61,611 | ) | 31,578 | 51.3 | % | |||||||||
| Net premiums earned | 143,882 | 108,081 | 35,801 | 33.1 | % | |||||||||||
| Ceding commission revenue | 90 | 14,202 | (14,112 | ) | (99.4 | )% | ||||||||||
| Net investment income | 6,621 | 6,506 | 115 | 1.8 | % | |||||||||||
| Net gains on investments | 9,787 | 1,591 | 8,196 | 515.1 | % | |||||||||||
| Other income | 851 | 990 | (139 | ) | (14.0 | )% | ||||||||||
| Total revenues | 161,231 | 131,370 | 29,861 | 22.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Direct and assumed: | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes | 87,308 | 72,842 | 14,466 | 19.9 | % | |||||||||||
| Losses from catastrophes (2) | 15,632 | 4,683 | 10,949 | 233.8 | % | |||||||||||
| Total direct and assumed loss and loss adjustment expenses | 102,940 | 77,525 | 25,415 | 32.8 | % | |||||||||||
| Ceded loss and loss adjustment expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes | 155 | 18,013 | (17,858 | ) | (99.1 | )% | ||||||||||
| Losses from catastrophes (2) | 813 | 1,206 | (393 | ) | (32.6 | )% | ||||||||||
| Total ceded loss and loss adjustment expenses | 968 | 19,219 | (18,251 | ) | (95.0 | )% | ||||||||||
| Net loss and loss adjustment expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes | 87,153 | 54,829 | 32,324 | 59.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Losses from catastrophes (2) | 14,819 | 3,477 | 11,342 | 326.2 | % | |||||||||||
| Net loss and loss adjustment expenses | 101,973 | 58,306 | 43,666 | 74.9 | % | |||||||||||
| Commission expense | 33,114 | 31,828 | 1,286 | 4.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 26,254 | 25,425 | 829 | 3.3 | % | |||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | 4,183 | 4,283 | (100 | ) | (2.3 | )% | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 3,290 | 2,865 | 425 | 14.8 | % | |||||||||||
| Interest expense | 1,826 | 1,826 | - | - | % | |||||||||||
| Total expenses | 170,640 | 124,533 | 46,106 | 37.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Loss before taxes | (9,409 | ) | 6,837 | (16,246 | ) | 237.6 | % | |||||||||
| Income tax benefit | (2,031 | ) | (2,260 | ) | 229 | 10.1 | % | |||||||||
| Net (loss) income | $ | (7,378 | ) | $ | 9,097 | $ | (16,475 | ) | na | % |
(Columns in the table above may not sum to totals due to rounding)
| (1) | Effective December 31, 2020, our personal lines 25% quota share treaty expired on a cut-off basis. Effective December 31, 2021, we entered into a 30% quota share treaty. |
|---|---|
| (2) | The years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 include catastrophe losses, which are defined as losses from an event for which a catastrophe bulletin and related serial number has been issued by the Property Claims Services (PCS) unit of the Insurance Services Office (ISO). PCS catastrophe bulletins are issued for events that cause more than $25 million in total insured losses and affect a significant number of policyholders and insurers. |
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| Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Percentage Point Change | Percent Change | |||||||||||||
| Key ratios: | ||||||||||||||||
| Net loss ratio | 70.9 | % | 61.5 | % | 9.4 | 15.3 | % | |||||||||
| Net underwriting expense ratio | 40.6 | % | 38.9 | % | 1.7 | 4.4 | % | |||||||||
| Net combined ratio | 111.5 | % | 100.4 | % | 11.1 | 11.1 | % |
Direct Written Premiums
Direct written premiums during the year ended December 31, 2021 (“Year Ended 2021”) were $181,665,000 compared to $169,318,000 during the year ended December 31, 2020 (“Year Ended 2020”). The increase of $12,347,000, or 7.3%, was primarily due an increase in premiums from our personal lines business. Direct written premiums from our personal lines business for Year Ended 2021 were $171,720,000, an increase of $9,536,000, or 5.9%, from $162,184,000 in Year Ended 2020. Direct written premiums from our livery physical damage business for Year Ended 2021 were $9,717,000, an increase of $2,661,000, or 37.7%, from $7,056,000 in Year Ended 2020. The increase in livery physical damage direct written premiums was due to the declining effect of the COVID-19 pandemic in our geographic area.
Beginning in 2017 we started writing homeowners policies in New Jersey. Through 2019 we expanded to Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. We refer to our New York business as our “Core” business and the business outside of New York as our “Expansion” business. Direct written premiums from our Expansion business were $37,276,000 in Year Ended 2021 compared to $33,914,000 in Year Ended 2020. Direct written premiums from our Core business were $144,385,000 in Year Ended 2021 compared to $135,455,000 in Year Ended 2020.
Net Written Premiums and Net Premiums Earned
Effective December 31, 2021, we entered into a quota share reinsurance treaty for our personal lines business covering the period from December 31, 2021 through January 1, 2023 (“2021/2023 Treaty”).Effective December 15, 2019, we entered into a quota share reinsurance treaty for our personal lines business covering the period from December 15, 2019 through December 30, 2020 (“2019/2020 Treaty”). Effective December 31, 2020, the 2019/2020 Treaty expired on a cut off basis; this treaty was not renewed. In addition to the 2019/2020 Treaty, our personal lines quota share reinsurance treaty in effect for Year Ended 2020 also included the run-off of the personal lines quota share treaty (“2018/2019 Treaty”) that expired on June 30, 2019. The run-off covered the period from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020 (“2019/2020 Run-Off”). The following table describes the quota share reinsurance ceding rates in effect during Year Ended 2021 and Year Ended 2020. This table should be referred to in conjunction with the discussions for net written premiums, net premiums earned, ceding commission revenue and net loss and loss adjustment expenses that follow.
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| Years ended December 31, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
| Quota share reinsurance rates | |||||||
| Personal lines | |||||||
| 2021/2023 Treaty | 30% (1 | ) | n/a | ||||
| 2019/2020 Treaty | n/a | 25% (2 | ) | ||||
| 2018/2019 Treaty | n/a | 10% (3 | ) |
| (1) | The 2021/2023 Treaty is effective December 31, 2021 with a quota share reinsurance rate of 30%. | |
|---|---|---|
| (2) | The 2019/2020 Treaty was effective from December 15, 2019 through December 30, 2020 with a quota share reinsurance rate of 25%. | |
| (3) | The 2018/2019 Treaty expired on a run-off basis from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020. |
Net written premiums increased $1,692,000, or 1.3%, to $128,755,000 in Year Ended 2021 from $127,063,000 in Year Ended 2020. Net written premiums include direct and assumed premiums, less the amount of written premiums ceded under our reinsurance treaties (quota share, excess of loss, and catastrophe). In Year Ended 2021, our premiums ceded under quota share treaties decreased by $32,672,000 in comparison to ceded premiums in Year Ended 2020 (see table above). Our personal lines business was subject to the 2019/2020 Treaty from December 15, 2019 through December 30, 2020. Our personal lines business was subject to the 2018/2019 Treaty through June 30, 2019. Following June 30, 2019, any earned premium and associated claims for policies still in force continued to be ceded under the 10% quota share rate until such policies expired (run-off) over the next year. The 2019/2020 run-off period was from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020 and there was no return of unearned premiums under this arrangement.
Excess of loss reinsurance treaties
An increase in written premiums will increase the premiums ceded under our excess of loss treaties. In Year Ended 2021, our ceded excess of loss reinsurance premiums increased by $606,000 over the comparable ceded premiums for Year Ended 2020. The increase was due to an increase in subject premiums and increase in rate.
Catastrophe reinsurance treaty
Most of the premiums written under our personal lines policies are also subject to our catastrophe treaties. An increase in our personal lines business gives rise to more property exposure, which increases our exposure to catastrophe risk; therefore, our premiums ceded under catastrophe treaties will increase. This results in an increase in premiums ceded under our catastrophe treaties provided that reinsurance rates are stable or are increasing. In Year Ended 2021, our premiums ceded under catastrophe treaties increased by $2,349,000 over the comparable ceded premiums in Year Ended 2020. The change was due to an increase in reinsurance rates effective July 1, 2020, partially offset by a decrease in our limit effective July 1, 2020. Through June 30, 2020, our ceded catastrophe premiums were paid based on the total direct written premiums subject to the catastrophe reinsurance treaty. Effective July 1, 2020, and continuing through June 30, 2021, our ceded catastrophe premiums were paid based on the total insured value of our risks calculated as of August 31, 2020. Effective July 1, 2021, and continuing through June 30, 2022, our ceded catastrophe premiums will be paid based on the total insured value of our risks as of August 31, 2021.
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Net premiums earned
Net premiums earned increased $35,801,000, or 33.1%, to $143,882,000 in Year Ended 2021 from $108,081,000 in Year Ended 2020. The increase was due to the expiration of both the 2019/2020 Treaty on December 30, 2020 on a cut-off basis and the 2019/2020 Run-Off as of June 30, 2020.
Ceding Commission Revenue
The following table summarizes the changes in the components of ceding commission revenue (in thousands) for the periods indicated:
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | Percent | ||||||||||||
| Provisional ceding commissions earned | $ | 234 | $ | 14,119 | $ | (13,885 | ) | (98.3 | )% | |||||||
| Contingent ceding commissions earned | (144 | ) | 83 | (227 | ) | n/a | % | |||||||||
| Total ceding commission revenue | $ | 90 | $ | 14,202 | $ | (14,112 | ) | (99.4 | )% |
Ceding commission revenue was $90,000 in Year Ended 2021 compared to $14,202,000 in Year Ended 2020. The decrease of $14,112,000 was due to a decrease in both provisional ceding commissions earned and contingent ceding commissions earned. See below for a discussion of provisional ceding commissions earned and contingent ceding commissions earned.
Provisional Ceding Commissions Earned
Through December 30, 2020, we received a provisional ceding commission based on ceded written premiums. The $13,885,000 decrease in provisional ceding commissions earned was due to the expiration of both the 2019/2020 Treaty on December 30, 2020 on a cut-off basis and the 2019/2020 Run-Off as of June 30, 2020.
Contingent Ceding Commissions Earned
The structure of the 2019/2020 Treaty and 2019/2020 Run-Off called for a fixed provisional ceding commission and there was not an opportunity to earn additional contingent ceding commissions under those treaties. The amount of contingent ceding commissions we are eligible to receive under our prior years’ quota share treaties is subject to change based on losses incurred related to claims with accident dates before July 1, 2017. Under our prior years’ quota share treaties, we received a contingent ceding commission based on a sliding scale in relation to the losses incurred under our quota share treaties. The lower the ceded loss ratio, the more contingent commission we receive.
Net Investment Income
Net investment income was $6,621,000 in Year Ended 2021compared to $6,506,000 in Year Ended 2020, an increase of $115,000, or 1.8%. The average yield on invested assets was 3.25% as of December 31, 2021 compared to 3.39% as of December 31, 2020.
Cash and invested assets were $237,885,000 as of December 31, 2021 compared to $222,314,000 as of December 31, 2020. The $15,571,000 increase in cash and invested assets was primarily attributable to an increase in operating cash flows for the Year Ended 2021.
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Net Gains on Investments
Net gains on investments were $9,787,000 in Year Ended 2021 compared to $1,591,000 in Year Ended 2020. Unrealized gains on our equity securities and other investments in Year Ended 2021 were $2,469,000, compared to $758,000 in Year Ended 2020. Realized gains on sales of investments were $7,317,000 in Year Ended 2021 compared to $832,000 in Year Ended 2020.
Other Income
Other income was $851,000 in Year Ended 2021 compared to $990,000 in Year Ended 2020. The decrease of $139,000, or 14.0%, was primarily due to not having any active commercial lines policies in 2021 to generate fees.
Net Loss and LAE
Net loss and LAE was $101,973,000 in Year Ended 2021 compared to $66,431,000 in Year Ended 2020. The net loss ratio was 70.9% in Year Ended 2021 compared to 61.5% in Year Ended 2020, an increase of 9.4 percentage points.
The following graph summarizes the changes in the components of net loss ratio for the periods indicated, along with the comparable components excluding commercial lines business:
(Percent components may not sum to totals due to rounding)
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The loss ratio during Year Ended 2021 was higher than Year Ended 2020 due to an elevated frequency of liability claims, as well as a higher impact from large fire losses and water damage claims. The elevated reported liability claim frequency began in early 2021 for both Homeowners and Dwelling Fire lines. Liability frequency has improved since June 2021 for Homeowners, our largest line of business. Dwelling Fire Liability frequency was still higher than the historical average in the fourth quarter but has improved compared to the first three quarters of the year. The high liability frequency is suspected to be related to the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to return to a more typical level as people return to work. The impact of water damage claims during Year Ended 2021 was higher than the prior year, driven by a few large losses that emerged in the fourth quarter.
The impact of catastrophe losses was high for Year Ended 2021. The winter was mild, but there were seven catastrophe events during the second half of 2021, including three named storms, Elsa, Henri and Ida. Ida was one of the largest catastrophe events in the company’s history, resulting in over 1,500 reported claims. The estimated net impact of Ida is $10,300,000, or a 7.1-point impact on the Year Ended 2021 loss ratio. The total impact of all catastrophe events on the loss ratio was 10.3 points for Year Ended 2021. This compares to a 10.7-point impact from catastrophe events for Year Ended 2020, which also had a mild winter but was heavily impacted by Tropical Storm Isaias in the third quarter.
Prior year development was stable during Year Ended 2021. There was an overall favorable development of $15,000, which had a marginal impact on the loss ratio.
See table below under “Additional Financial Information” summarizing net loss ratios by line of business.
Commission Expense
Commission expense was $33,114,000 in Year Ended 2021 or 19.0% of direct earned premiums. Commission expense was $31,828,000 in Year Ended 2020 or 18.8% of direct earned premiums. The increase of $1,286,000 was primarily due to increases in both the annual contingent commissions and direct earned premiums in Year Ended 2021 as compared to Year Ended 2020.
Other Underwriting Expenses
Other underwriting expenses were $26,254,000 in Year Ended 2021 compared to $25,425,000 in Year Ended 2020. The modest increase of $829,000, or 3.3%, was primarily due to an initiative to reduce expenses with the use of technology.
Our largest single component of other underwriting expenses is salaries and employment costs, with costs of $10,189,000 in Year Ended 2021 compared to $10,830,000 in Year Ended 2020. The decrease of $641,000, or 5.9%, compares favorably with the 7.3% increase in direct written premiums. The decrease in employment costs was attributable to staff reductions.
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Our net underwriting expense ratio in Year Ended 2021 was 40.6% compared to 38.9% in Year Ended 2020. The following table shows the individual components of our net underwriting expense ratio for the periods indicated:
| Years ended | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | Percentage | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | Point Change | ||||||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | ||||||||||||
| Employment costs | 7.1 | % | 10.0 | % | (2.9 | ) | ||||||
| Underwriting fees (inspections/surveys) | 1.3 | 2.6 | (1.3 | ) | ||||||||
| IT expenses | 3.2 | 2.6 | 0.6 | |||||||||
| Profesional fees | 1.2 | 1.0 | 0.2 | |||||||||
| Other expenses | 5.5 | 7.4 | (1.9 | ) | ||||||||
| Total other underwriting expenses | 18.3 | 23.6 | (5.3 | ) | ||||||||
| Commission expense | 23.0 | 29.4 | (6.4 | ) | ||||||||
| Ceding commission revenue | ||||||||||||
| Provisional | (0.2 | ) | (13.1 | ) | 12.9 | |||||||
| Contingent | 0.1 | (0.1 | ) | 0.2 | ||||||||
| Total ceding commission revenue | (0.1 | ) | (13.2 | ) | 13.1 | |||||||
| Other income | (0.6 | ) | (0.9 | ) | 0.3 | |||||||
| Net underwriting expense ratio | 40.6 | % | 38.9 | % | 1.7 |
The overall 13.1 percentage point decrease in the benefit from ceding commissions in Year Ended 2021 was driven by the reduction in provisional ceding commission revenue due to the expiration of the 2019/2020 Treaty on December 30, 2020. The components of our net underwriting expense ratio related to other underwriting expenses and commissions decreased in all categories except for IT expenses and professional fees. The components that decreased, did so due to more retention, given the reduction of ceded premiums after the expiration of the 2019/2020 Treaty on December 30, 2020. IT expenses and professional fees increased in Year Ended 2021 due to our Kingstone 2.0 effort to modernize systems and create a more sophisticated suite of products for our customers.
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Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses, related to the expenses of our holding company and Cosi, were $4,183,000 for Year Ended 2021 compared to $4,283,000 for Year Ended 2020. The following table shows a breakdown of the significant components of other operating expenses for the periods indicated:
| Years ended | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | Percent | ||||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Employement costs | $ | 795 | $ | 757 | $ | 38 | 5.0 | % | ||||||||
| Bonuses | - | 15 | (15 | ) | (100.0 | ) | ||||||||||
| Equity compensation | 1,905 | 1,770 | 135 | 7.6 | ||||||||||||
| Professional | 348 | 629 | (281 | ) | (44.7 | ) | ||||||||||
| Directors fees | 327 | 365 | (38 | ) | (10.4 | ) | ||||||||||
| Insurance | 212 | 240 | (28 | ) | (11.7 | ) | ||||||||||
| Other expenses | 597 | 507 | 89 | 17.6 | ||||||||||||
| Total other operating expenses | $ | 4,183 | $ | 4,283 | $ | (100 | ) | (2.3 | )% |
(Columns in the table above may not sum to totals due to rounding)
The decrease in Year Ended 2021 of $100,000, or 2.3%, as compared to Year Ended 2020 was primarily due to a decrease in professional fees. This aforementioned decrease was partially offset by an increase in employment costs due to an increase in equity compensation, and compensation paid pursuant to a relinquishment agreement with Dale A. Thatcher, our former Chef Executive Officer (see Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements).
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization was $3,290,000 in Year Ended 2021 compared to $2,865,000 in Year Ended 2020. The increase of $425,000, or 14.8%, in depreciation and amortization was primarily due to depreciation of new system platforms for policy and claims management and newly purchased assets used to upgrade our other systems.
Interest Expense
Interest expense in Year Ended 2021 and Year Ended 2020 was $1,826,000. We incurred interest expense in connection with our $30.0 million issuance of long-term debt in December 2017.
Income Tax Benefit
Income tax benefit in Year Ended 2021 was $2,031,000, which resulted in an effective tax expense rate of 21.6%. Income tax benefit in Year Ended 2020 was $2,260,000, which resulted in an effective tax expense rate of 175.5%. Loss before taxes was $9,409,000 in Year Ended 2021 compared to loss before taxes of $1,288,000 in Year Ended 2020. On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law, allowing for a five year carryback of 2020 and 2019 NOLs. We elected on our 2020 and 2019 federal income tax returns to carry back the entire annual 2020 NOL of $5,715,000 to tax year 2015 and to carry back the 2019 NOL of $9,737,000 to tax years 2014 and 2015. The corporate tax rate in 2014 and 2015 was 34%, compared to the corporate tax rate of 21% in 2019 and 2020. The $2,029,000 tax benefit of carrying back these NOLs to 2014 and 2015 was recognized in Year Ended 2020.
Net (Loss) Income
Net loss was $7,378,000 in Year Ended 2021 compared to net income of $972,000 in Year Ended 2020. The decrease in net income of $8,350,000 was due to the circumstances described above.
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Additional Financial Information
We operate our business as one segment, property and casualty insurance. Within this segment, we offer a wide array of property and casualty policies to our producers. The following table summarizes gross and net premiums written, net premiums earned, and loss and loss adjustment expenses by major product type, which were determined based primarily on similar economic characteristics and risks of loss.
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Gross premiums written: | ||||||||
| Personal lines | $ | 171,719,993 | $ | 162,184,437 | ||||
| Livery physical damage | 9,716,658 | 7,055,668 | ||||||
| Other(1) | 229,383 | 245,842 | ||||||
| Total without commercial lines | 181,666,034 | 169,485,947 | ||||||
| Commercial lines (in run-off effective July 2019)(2) | (856 | ) | (168,043 | ) | ||||
| Total gross premiums written | $ | 181,665,178 | $ | 169,317,904 | ||||
| Net premiums written: | ||||||||
| Personal lines(3) | $ | 118,842,870 | $ | 120,362,688 | ||||
| Livery physical damage | 9,716,658 | 7,055,668 | ||||||
| Other(1) | 196,812 | 218,853 | ||||||
| Total without commercial lines | 128,756,340 | 127,637,209 | ||||||
| Commercial lines (in run-off effective July 2019)(2) | (856 | ) | (574,688 | ) | ||||
| Total net premiums written | $ | 128,755,484 | $ | 127,062,521 | ||||
| Net premiums earned: | ||||||||
| Personal lines(3) | $ | 135,738,484 | $ | 96,463,184 | ||||
| Livery physical damage | 7,909,791 | 8,706,984 | ||||||
| Other(1) | 234,300 | 198,853 | ||||||
| Total without commercial lines | 143,882,575 | 105,369,021 | ||||||
| Commercial lines (in run-off effective July 2019)(2) | (856 | ) | 2,711,608 | |||||
| Total net premiums earned | $ | 143,881,719 | $ | 108,080,629 | ||||
| Net loss and loss adjustment expenses(4): | ||||||||
| Personal lines | $ | 92,475,850 | $ | 56,312,702 | ||||
| Livery physical damage | 4,235,255 | 2,641,801 | ||||||
| Other(1) | 1,368,343 | 27,425 | ||||||
| Unallocated loss adjustment expenses | 3,696,380 | 4,304,095 | ||||||
| Total without commercial lines | 101,775,828 | 63,286,023 | ||||||
| Commercial lines (in run-off effective July 2019)(2) | 196,768 | 3,145,049 | ||||||
| Total net loss and loss adjustment expenses | $ | 101,972,596 | $ | 66,431,072 | ||||
| Net loss ratio(4): | ||||||||
| Personal lines | 68.1 | % | 58.4 | % | ||||
| Livery physical damage | 53.5 | % | 30.3 | % | ||||
| Other(1) | 584.0 | % | 13.8 | % | ||||
| Total without commercial lines | 70.7 | % | 60.1 | % | ||||
| Commercial lines (in run-off effective July 2019)(2) | -22986.9 | % | 116.0 | % | ||||
| Total | 70.9 | % | 61.5 | % |
| (1) | “Other” includes, among other things, premiums and loss and loss adjustment expenses from our participation in a mandatory state joint underwriting association and loss and loss adjustment expenses from commercial auto. |
|---|---|
| (2) | In July 2019, we decided that we will no longer underwrite Commercial Liability risks. See discussions above regarding the discontinuation of this line of business. |
| (3) | See discussions above with regard to “Net Written Premiums and Net Premiums Earned”, as to changes in quota share ceding rates effective December 31, 2021 and 2020, December 15, 2019 and July 1, 2019. |
| (4) | See discussions above with regard to “Net Loss and LAE”, as to catastrophe losses in the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. |
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Insurance Underwriting Business on a Standalone Basis
Our insurance underwriting business reported on a standalone basis for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 follows:
| Years ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Revenues | ||||||||
| Net premiums earned | $ | 143,881,719 | $ | 108,080,629 | ||||
| Ceding commission revenue | 89,681 | 14,202,353 | ||||||
| Net investment income | 6,621,392 | 6,504,983 | ||||||
| Net gains on investments | 9,627,948 | 1,549,099 | ||||||
| Other income | 849,155 | 970,595 | ||||||
| Total revenues | 161,069,895 | 131,307,659 | ||||||
| Expenses | ||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses | 101,972,596 | 66,431,072 | ||||||
| Commission expense | 33,114,103 | 31,828,174 | ||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 26,254,143 | 25,424,779 | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 3,150,489 | 2,732,128 | ||||||
| Total expenses | 164,491,331 | 126,416,153 | ||||||
| Loss (income) from operations | (3,421,436 | ) | 4,891,506 | |||||
| Income tax (benefit) expense | (877,002 | ) | 200,339 | |||||
| Net (loss) income | $ | (2,544,434 | ) | $ | 4,691,167 | |||
| Key Measures: | ||||||||
| Net loss ratio | 70.9 | % | 61.5 | % | ||||
| Net underwriting expense ratio | 40.6 | % | 38.9 | % | ||||
| Net combined ratio | 111.5 | % | 100.4 | % | ||||
| Reconciliation of net underwriting expense ratio: | ||||||||
| Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses | $ | 59,368,246 | $ | 57,252,953 | ||||
| Less: Ceding commission revenue | (89,681 | ) | (14,202,353 | ) | ||||
| Less: Other income | (849,155 | ) | (970,595 | ) | ||||
| Net underwriting expenses | $ | 58,429,410 | $ | 42,080,005 | ||||
| Net premiums earned | $ | 143,881,719 | $ | 108,080,629 | ||||
| Net Underwriting Expense Ratio | 40.6 | % | 38.9 | % |
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An analysis of our direct, assumed and ceded earned premiums, loss and loss adjustment expenses, and loss ratios is shown below:
| Direct | Assumed | Ceded | Net | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
| Written premiums | $ | 181,665,178 | $ | - | $ | (52,909,694 | ) | $ | 128,755,484 | |||||||
| Change in unearned premiums | (7,750,334 | ) | - | 22,876,569 | 15,126,235 | |||||||||||
| Earned premiums | $ | 173,914,844 | $ | - | $ | (30,033,125 | ) | $ | 143,881,719 | |||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes | $ | 87,308,372 | $ | - | $ | (155,322 | ) | $ | 87,153,050 | |||||||
| Catastrophe loss | 15,632,444 | - | (812,898 | ) | 14,819,546 | |||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses | $ | 102,940,816 | $ | - | $ | (968,220 | ) | $ | 101,972,596 | |||||||
| Loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes | 50.2 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.5 | % | 60.6 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophe loss | 9.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 2.7 | % | 10.3 | % | ||||||||
| Loss ratio | 59.2 | % | 0.0 | % | 3.2 | % | 70.9 | % | ||||||||
| Year ended December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||
| Written premiums | $ | 169,317,904 | $ | - | $ | (42,255,383 | ) | $ | 127,062,521 | |||||||
| Change in unearned premiums | 373,966 | - | (19,355,858 | ) | (18,981,892 | ) | ||||||||||
| Earned premiums | $ | 169,691,870 | $ | - | $ | (61,611,241 | ) | $ | 108,080,629 | |||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes | $ | 72,841,957 | $ | - | $ | (18,012,645 | ) | $ | 54,829,312 | |||||||
| Catastrophe loss | 21,540,120 | - | (9,938,360 | ) | 11,601,760 | |||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses | $ | 94,382,077 | $ | - | $ | (27,951,005 | ) | $ | 66,431,072 | |||||||
| Loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes | 42.9 | % | 0.0 | % | 29.2 | % | 50.8 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophe loss | 12.7 | % | 0.0 | % | 16.2 | % | 10.7 | % | ||||||||
| Loss ratio | 55.6 | % | 0.0 | % | 45.4 | % | 61.5 | % |
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The key measures for our insurance underwriting business for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:
| Years ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Net premiums earned | $ | 143,881,719 | $ | 108,080,629 | ||||
| Ceding commission revenue | 89,681 | 14,202,353 | ||||||
| Other income | 849,155 | 970,595 | ||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses (1) | 101,972,596 | 66,431,072 | ||||||
| Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses: | ||||||||
| Commission expense | 33,114,103 | 31,828,174 | ||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 26,254,143 | 25,424,779 | ||||||
| Total acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses | 59,368,246 | 57,252,953 | ||||||
| Underwriting loss | $ | (16,520,287 | ) | $ | (430,448 | ) | ||
| Key Measures: | ||||||||
| Net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes | 60.6 | % | 50.8 | % | ||||
| Effect of catastrophe loss on net loss ratio (1) | 10.3 | % | 10.7 | % | ||||
| Net loss ratio | 70.9 | % | 61.5 | % | ||||
| Net underwriting expense ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes | 40.6 | % | 38.9 | % | ||||
| Effect of catastrophe loss on net underwriting expense ratio | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | ||||
| Net underwriting expense ratio | 40.6 | % | 38.9 | % | ||||
| Net combined ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes | 101.2 | % | 89.7 | % | ||||
| Effect of catastrophe loss on net combined ratio (1) | 10.3 | % | 10.7 | % | ||||
| Net combined ratio | 111.5 | % | 100.4 | % | ||||
| Reconciliation of net underwriting expense ratio: | ||||||||
| Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses | $ | 59,368,246 | $ | 57,252,953 | ||||
| Less: Ceding commission revenue | (89,681 | ) | (14,202,353 | ) | ||||
| Less: Other income | (849,155 | ) | (970,595 | ) | ||||
| $ | 58,429,410 | $ | 42,080,005 | |||||
| Net earned premium | $ | 143,881,719 | $ | 108,080,629 | ||||
| Net Underwriting Expense Ratio | 40.6 | % | 38.9 | % |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| (1) | For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, includes the sum of net catastrophe losses and loss adjustment expenses of $14,819,546 and $11,601,760, respectively. |
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Investments
Portfolio Summary
The following table presents a breakdown of the amortized cost, aggregate estimated fair value and unrealized gains and losses by investment type as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
Available-for-Sale Securities
| December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or | Gross | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated | % of | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized | Unrealized | Less than 12 | More than 12 | Fair | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Cost | Gains | Months | Months | Value | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, Territories and Possessions | $ | 17,236,750 | $ | 246,748 | $ | (197,984 | ) | $ | - | $ | 17,285,514 | 10.9 | % | |||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds Industrial and miscellaneous | 80,534,769 | 2,603,411 | (126,926 | ) | - | 83,011,254 | 52.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage and other asset backed securities (1) | 58,036,959 | 355,985 | (489,258 | ) | (120,344 | ) | 57,783,342 | 36.6 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Total fixed-maturity securities | $ | 155,808,478 | $ | 3,206,144 | $ | (814,168 | ) | $ | (120,344 | ) | $ | 158,080,110 | 100.0 | % |
| December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or | Gross | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated | % of | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized | Unrealized | Less than 12 | More than 12 | Fair | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Cost | Gains | Months | Months | Value | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies | $ | 3,020,710 | $ | 29,190 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 3,049,900 | 1.9 | % | ||||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, Territories and Possessions | 5,287,561 | 355,541 | - | - | 5,643,102 | 3.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds Industrial and miscellaneous | 108,573,422 | 11,634,123 | (13,216 | ) | - | 120,194,329 | 76.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage and other asset backed securities (1) | 28,163,891 | 617,368 | (7,371 | ) | (111,947 | ) | 28,661,941 | 18.2 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Total fixed-maturity securities | $ | 145,045,584 | $ | 12,636,222 | $ | (20,587 | ) | $ | (111,947 | ) | $ | 157,549,272 | 100.0 | % |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| (1) | As of December 31, 2020, KICO placed certain residential mortgage backed securities as eligible collateral in a designated custodian account related to its membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLBNY”) see Note 9, in the accompanying consolidated financial statements following Item 16 of this Annual Report). As of December 31, 2021 KICO did not have any securities pledged to FHLBNY. The eligible collateral would be pledged to FHLBNY if KICO drew an advance from the FHLBNY credit line. As of December 31, 2020, the estimated fair value of the eligible investments was approximately $11,391,000. KICO will retain all rights regarding all securities if pledged as collateral. As of December 31, 2020, there was no outstanding balance on the FHLBNY credit line. |
Equity Securities
The following table presents a breakdown of the cost, estimated fair value, and gross gains and losses of investments in equity securities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated | % of | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross | Gross | Fair | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||
| Category | Cost | Gains | Losses | Value | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||
| Equity Securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stocks | $ | 22,019,509 | $ | 1,007,009 | $ | (184,617 | ) | $ | 22,841,901 | 57.6 | % | |||||||||
| Common stocks and exchange traded mutual funds | 15,451,160 | 1,573,653 | (179,712 | ) | 16,845,101 | 42.4 | % | |||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 37,470,669 | $ | 2,580,662 | $ | (364,329 | ) | $ | 39,687,002 | 100.0 | % |
| December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated | % of | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross | Gross | Fair | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||
| Category | Cost | Gains | Losses | Value | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||
| Equity Securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stocks | $ | 18,097,942 | $ | 853,277 | $ | (426,942 | ) | $ | 18,524,277 | 53.8 | % | |||||||||
| Common stocks and exchange traded mutual funds | 14,473,224 | 1,820,512 | (404,700 | ) | 15,889,036 | 46.2 | % | |||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 32,571,166 | $ | 2,673,789 | $ | (831,642 | ) | $ | 34,413,313 | 100.0 | % |
Other Investments
Pursuant to the definition of “Fair Value Measurement,” set forth in the Accounting Standards Codification 820 “Fair Value Measurement” (“ASC 820”), an entity is permitted, as a practical expedient, to estimate the fair value of an investment within the scope of ASC 820 using the net asset value (“NAV”) per share (or its equivalent) of the investment. The following table presents a breakdown of the cost, estimated fair value, and gross gain of our other investments as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross | Estimated | Gross | Estimated | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Cost | Gains | Fair Value | Cost | Gains | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||
| Other Investments: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hedge fund | $ | 3,999,381 | $ | 3,562,034 | $ | 7,561,415 | $ | 1,999,381 | $ | 1,369,245 | $ | 3,368,626 | |||||||||||
| Real estate limited partnership | - | - | - | 150,000 | - | 150,000 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 3,999,381 | $ | 3,562,034 | $ | 7,561,415 | $ | 2,149,381 | $ | 1,369,245 | $ | 3,518,626 |
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Held-to-Maturity Securities
The following table presents a breakdown of the amortized cost, aggregate estimated fair value and unrealized gains and losses by investment type as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or | Gross | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated | % of | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized | Unrealized | Less than 12 | More than 12 | Fair | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Cost | Gains | Months | Months | Value | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||
| Held-to-Maturity Securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 729,642 | $ | 209,633 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 939,275 | 10.7 | % | ||||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, Territories and Possessions | 998,239 | 22,856 | - | - | 1,021,095 | 11.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Exchange traded debt | 304,111 | 85 | (13,921 | ) | 290,275 | 3.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds Industrial and miscellaneous | 6,234,342 | 280,951 | (12,779 | ) | - | 6,502,514 | 74.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 8,266,334 | $ | 513,525 | $ | (26,700 | ) | $ | - | $ | 8,753,159 | 100.0 | % |
| December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or | Gross | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated | % of | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized | Unrealized | Less than 12 | More than 12 | Fair | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Cost | Gains | Months | Months | Value | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 729,595 | $ | 319,714 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 1,049,309 | 12.8 | % | ||||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, Territories and Possessions | 998,428 | 50,917 | - | - | 1,049,345 | 12.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds Industrial and miscellaneous | 5,640,792 | 455,378 | - | - | 6,096,170 | 74.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 7,368,815 | $ | 826,009 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 8,194,824 | 100.0 | % |
Held-to-maturity U.S. Treasury securities are held in trust pursuant to various states’ minimum fund requirements.
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A summary of the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our investments in held-to-maturity securities by contractual maturity as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 is shown below:
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amortized | Estimated | Amortized | Estimated | ||||||||||||
| Remaining Time to Maturity | Cost | Fair Value | Cost | Fair Value | |||||||||||
| Less than one year | $ | 994,712 | $ | 1,008,180 | $ | - | $ | - | |||||||
| One to five years | 1,205,829 | 1,290,465 | 2,598,193 | 2,777,936 | |||||||||||
| Five to ten years | 1,513,942 | 1,648,808 | 1,502,603 | 1,727,316 | |||||||||||
| More than 10 years | 4,551,851 | 4,805,706 | 3,268,019 | 3,689,572 | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | 8,266,334 | $ | 8,753,159 | $ | 7,368,815 | $ | 8,194,824 |
Credit Rating of Fixed-Maturity Securities
The table below summarizes the credit quality of our available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 as rated by Standard and Poor’s (or, if unavailable from Standard and Poor’s, then Moody’s or Fitch):
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated | Percentage of | Estimated | Percentage of | |||||||||||||
| Fair | Estimated | Fair | Estimated | |||||||||||||
| Value | Fair Value | Value | Fair Value | |||||||||||||
| Rating | ||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | - | 0.0 | % | $ | 3,049,900 | 1.9 | % | ||||||||
| Corporate and municipal bonds | ||||||||||||||||
| AAA | 1,321,809 | 0.8 | % | 1,453,924 | 0.9 | % | ||||||||||
| AA | 11,532,572 | 7.3 | % | 3,572,164 | 2.3 | % | ||||||||||
| A | 36,693,911 | 23.2 | % | 23,989,619 | 15.2 | % | ||||||||||
| BBB | 47,844,195 | 30.3 | % | 95,814,824 | 60.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Non rated | 1,026,001 | 0.6 | % | 1,006,901 | 0.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Total corporate and municipal bonds | 98,418,488 | 62.2 | % | 125,837,432 | 79.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Residential mortgage backed securities | ||||||||||||||||
| AAA | 17,350,192 | 11.0 | % | 5,467,075 | 3.5 | % | ||||||||||
| AA | 34,241,907 | 21.7 | % | 18,865,749 | 12.0 | % | ||||||||||
| A | 4,053,981 | 2.6 | % | 2,451,635 | 1.6 | % | ||||||||||
| BBB | 24,254 | 0.0 | % | 50,276 | 0.0 | % | ||||||||||
| CCC | 664,628 | 0.4 | % | 960,042 | 0.6 | % | ||||||||||
| CC | 125,412 | 0.1 | % | 62,029 | 0.0 | % | ||||||||||
| C | - | 0.0 | % | 15,161 | 0.0 | % | ||||||||||
| D | 55,306 | 0.0 | % | 119,144 | 0.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Non rated | 3,145,942 | 2.0 | % | 670,829 | 0.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage backed securities | 59,661,622 | 37.8 | % | 28,661,940 | 18.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | 158,080,110 | 100.0 | % | $ | 157,549,272 | 100.0 | % |
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The table below details the average yield by type of fixed-maturity security as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Category | December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies | 3.06 | % | 2.59 | % | ||||
| Political subdivisions of States, Territories and Possessions | 2.77 | % | 3.05 | % | ||||
| Corporate and other bonds Industrial and miscellaneous | 3.23 | % | 3.52 | % | ||||
| Residential mortgage backed securities | 2.77 | % | 1.18 | % | ||||
| Total | 2.92 | % | 3.07 | % |
The table below lists the weighted average maturity and effective duration in years on our fixed-maturity securities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weighted average effective maturity | 5.7 | 5.2 | |||||
| Weighted average final maturity | 10.2 | 6.6 | |||||
| Effective duration | 4.8 | 4.7 |
Fair Value Consideration
As disclosed in Note 4 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, with respect to “Fair Value Measurements,” we define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in a transaction involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities between market participants (an “exit price”). The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between inputs based on market data from independent sources (“observable inputs”) and a reporting entity’s internal assumptions based upon the best information available when external market data is limited or unavailable (“unobservable inputs”). The fair value hierarchy prioritizes fair value measurements into three levels based on the nature of the inputs. Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets have the highest priority (“Level 1”), followed by observable inputs other than quoted prices including prices for similar but not identical assets or liabilities (“Level 2”), and unobservable inputs, including the reporting entity’s estimates of the assumption that market participants would use, having the lowest priority (“Level 3”). As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 62% and 81%, respectively, of the investment portfolio recorded at fair value was priced based upon quoted market prices.
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The table below summarizes the gross unrealized losses of our fixed-maturity securities available-for-sale by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 12 months | 12 months or more | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated | No. of | Estimated | No. of | Estimated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair | Unrealized | Positions | Fair | Unrealized | Positions | Fair | Unrealized | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Value | Losses | Held | Value | Losses | Held | Value | Losses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed-Maturity Securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies | $ | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, Territories and Possessions | 6,768,123 | (197,984 | ) | 5 | - | - | - | 6,768,123 | (197,984 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds industrial and miscellaneous | 17,593,707 | (126,926 | ) | 15 | - | - | - | 17,593,707 | (126,926 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage and other asset backed securities | 45,399,451 | (489,258 | ) | 26 | 2,923,182 | (120,344 | ) | 2 | 48,322,633 | (609,602 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed-maturity securities | $ | 69,761,281 | $ | (814,168 | ) | 46 | $ | 2,923,182 | $ | (120,344 | ) | 2 | $ | 72,684,463 | $ | (934,512 | ) |
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| December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 12 months | 12 months or more | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated | No. of | Estimated | No. of | Estimated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair | Unrealized | Positions | Fair | Unrealized | Positions | Fair | Unrealized | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Value | Losses | Held | Value | Losses | Held | Value | Losses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed-Maturity Securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies | $ | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Political subdivisions of States, Territories and Possessions | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other bonds industrial and miscellaneous | 1,006,901 | (13,216 | ) | 1 | - | - | - | 1,006,901 | (13,216 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage and other asset backed securities | 6,137,522 | (7,371 | ) | 5 | 3,735,732 | (111,947 | ) | 10 | 9,873,254 | (119,318 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed-maturity securities | $ | 7,144,423 | $ | (20,587 | ) | 6 | $ | 3,735,732 | $ | (111,947 | ) | 10 | $ | 10,880,155 | $ | (132,534 | ) |
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There were 48 securities at December 31, 2021 that accounted for the gross unrealized loss, none of which were deemed by us to be other than temporarily impaired. There were 16 securities at December 31, 2020 that accounted for the gross unrealized loss, none of which were deemed by us to be other than temporarily impaired. Significant factors influencing our determination that unrealized losses were temporary included the magnitude of the unrealized losses in relation to each security’s cost, the nature of the investment and management’s intent not to sell these securities and it being not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these investments before anticipated recovery of fair value to our cost basis.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows
The primary sources of cash flow are from our insurance underwriting subsidiary, KICO, and include direct premiums written, ceding commissions from our quota share reinsurers, loss recovery payments from our reinsurers, investment income and proceeds from the sale or maturity of investments. Funds are used by KICO for ceded premium payments to reinsurers, which are paid on a net basis after subtracting losses paid on reinsured claims and reinsurance commissions. KICO also uses funds for loss payments and loss adjustment expenses on our net business, commissions to producers, salaries and other underwriting expenses as well as to purchase investments and fixed assets.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, the primary source of cash flow for our holding company was the dividends received from KICO, subject to statutory restrictions. For the year ended December 31, 2021, KICO paid dividends of $3,500,000 to us.
KICO is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLBNY”), which provides additional access to liquidity. Members have access to a variety of flexible, low cost funding through FHLBNY’s credit products, enabling members to customize advances. Advances are to be fully collateralized; eligible collateral to pledge to FHLBNY includes residential and commercial mortgage backed securities, along with U.S. Treasury and agency securities. KICO currently does not have any securities pledged to FHLBNY; as such, there were no borrowings under this facility during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
On December 19, 2017, we issued $30 million of our 5.50% Senior Unsecured Notes due December 30, 2022. As of December 31, 2021, invested assets and cash in our holding company was approximately $1,108,000. If the aforementioned sources of cash flow currently available are insufficient to cover our holding company debt service and other cash requirements, we will seek to obtain additional financing.See Notes 2 and 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report for a discussion of our plans in this regard.
Our reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operations is generally influenced by the collection of premiums in advance of paid losses, the timing of reinsurance, issuing company settlements and loss payments.
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Cash flow and liquidity are categorized into three sources: (1) operating activities; (2) investing activities; and (3) financing activities, which are shown in the following table:
| Years ended December 31, | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flows provided by (used in): | ||||||||
| Operating activities | $ | 24,346,237 | $ | (10,234,626 | ) | |||
| Investing activities | (15,947,862 | ) | 581,293 | |||||
| Financing activities | (3,571,519 | ) | (3,274,410 | ) | ||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 4,826,856 | (12,927,743 | ) | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 19,463,742 | 32,391,485 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 24,290,598 | $ | 19,463,742 |
Net cash provided by operating activities was $24,346,000 in Year Ended 2021 as compared to $10,235,000 used in operating activities in Year Ended 2020. The $34,581,000 increase in cash flows provided by operating activities in Year Ended 2021 was primarily the result of an increase in cash arising from net fluctuations in assets and liabilities, partially offset by our net loss (adjusted for non-cash items) of $21,618,000. The net fluctuations in assets and liabilities are related to operating activities of KICO as affected by growth or declines in its operations, changes to its personal lines quota share, payments on claims, and other changes, which are described above.
Net cash used in investing activities was $15,948,000 in Year Ended 2021 compared to $581,000 provided by investing activities in Year Ended 2020. The $16,529,000 increase in net cash used in investing activities was the result of a $72,048,000 increase in the acquisition of invested assets, partially offset by a $56,691,000 increase in disposals of invested assets in Year Ended 2021.
Net cash used in financing activities was $3,572,000 in Year Ended 2021 compared to $3,274,000 used in Year Ended 2020. The $298,000 increase in net cash used in financing activities was attributable to a $488,000 increase in purchases of treasury stock offset by a $263,000 reduction in dividends paid in Year Ended 2021 compared to Year Ended 2020.
Reinsurance
The following table provides summary information with respect to each reinsurer that accounted for more than 10% of our reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses as of December 31, 2021:
| Amount | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recoverable | ||||||||||
| A.M. | as of | |||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Best Rating | December 31, 2021 | % | |||||||
| Cavello Bay Reinsurance Ltd | A- | $ | 5,379 | 31.4 | % | |||||
| Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation | A+ | 4,700 | 27.4 | % | ||||||
| Hannover Rueck SE | A+ | 3,650 | 21.3 | % | ||||||
| 13,729 | 80.1 | % | ||||||||
| Others | 3,405 | 19.9 | % | |||||||
| Total | $ | 17,134 | 100.0 | % |
Reinsurance recoverable from Cavello Bay Reinsurance Limited is secured pursuant to a collateralized trust agreement. Assets held in the trust are not included in our invested assets and investment income earned on this asset is credited to the reinsurer.
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Effective December 31, 2021, we entered into a quota share reinsurance treaty for our personal lines business, which primarily consisted of homeowners’ and dwelling fire policies, covering the period from December 31, 2021 through January 1, 2023 (“2021/2023 Treaty”). Effective December 15, 2019, we entered into a quota share reinsurance treaty for our personal lines business covering the period from December 15, 2019 through December 30, 2020 (“2019/2020 Treaty”). Effective December 31, 2020, the 2019/2020 Treaty expired on a cut off basis; this treaty was not renewed. In addition to the 2019/2020 Treaty, our personal lines quota share reinsurance treaty in effect for Year Ended 2020 also included the run-off of the personal lines quota share treaty (“2018/2019 Treaty”) that expired on June 30, 2019. The run-off covered the period from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020 (“2019/2020 Run-off”).
We entered into new excess of loss and catastrophe reinsurance treaties effective July 1, 2021. Effective October 18, 2021, we entered into a stub catastrophe reinsurance treaty covering the period from October 18, 2021 through December 31, 2021. The treaty provides reinsurance coverage for catastrophe losses of $5,000,000 in excess of $5,000,000. Effective January 1, 2022, we entered into an underlying excess of loss reinsurance treaty covering the period from January 1, 2022 through January 1, 2023. The treaty provides 50% reinsurance coverage for losses of $400,000 in excess of $600,000. Losses from named storms are excluded from the treaty. Material terms for our reinsurance treaties in effect for the treaty years shown below are as follows:
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| Treaty Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (2021/2023 Treaty) | (2019/2020 Treaty) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| July 1, | December 31, | July 1, | December 31, | July 1, | December 15, | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||
| to | to | to | to | to | to | |||||||||||||||||||
| January 1, | June 30, | December 30, | June 30, | December 30, | June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||
| Line of Business | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Personal Lines: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Homeowners, dwelling fire and and canine legal liability | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quota share treaty: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percent ceded | 30 | % | 30 | % | None | (7) | None | (7) | 25 | % | 25 | % | ||||||||||||
| Risk retained on intial $1,000,000 of losses (7) (9) | $ | 700,000 | $ | 700,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 750,000 | $ | 750,000 | ||||||||||||
| Losses per occurrence subject to quota share reinsurance coverage | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | None | (7) | None | (7) | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | ||||||||||||
| Expiration date | January 1, 2023 | January 1, 2023 | NA | (7) | NA | (7) | December 30, 2020 | December 30, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||
| Excess of loss coverage and facultative facility coverage (1) (9) (10) | $ | 400,000 | $ | 8,400,000 | $ | 8,000,000 | $ | 8,000,000 | $ | 8,000,000 | $ | 9,000,000 | ||||||||||||
| in excess of | in excess of | in excess of | in excess of | in excess of | in excess of | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 600,000 | $ | 600,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | |||||||||||||
| Total reinsurance coverage per occurrence (7) (9) (10) | $ | 500,000 | $ | 8,500,000 | $ | 8,000,000 | $ | 8,000,000 | $ | 8,250,000 | $ | 9,250,000 | ||||||||||||
| Losses per occurrence subject to reinsurance coverage (7) (10) | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 9,000,000 | $ | 9,000,000 | $ | 9,000,000 | $ | 9,000,000 | $ | 10,000,000 | ||||||||||||
| Expiration date | (10) | June 30, 2022 | June 30, 2022 | June 30, 2021 | June 30, 2021 | June 30, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Catastrophe Reinsurance: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Initial loss subject to personal lines quota share treaty | 10,000,000 | 10,000,000 | None | (7) | None | (7) | 7,500,000 | 7,500,000 | ||||||||||||||||
| Risk retained per catastrophe occurrence (2) (7) (11) | None | (10) | $ | 7,400,000 | $ | 10,000,000 | $ | 10,000,000 | $ | 8,125,000 | $ | 5,625,000 | ||||||||||||
| Catastrophe loss coverage in excess of quota share coverage (3) (7) | None | (10) | $ | 490,000,000 | $ | 490,000,000 | $ | 475,000,000 | $ | 475,000,000 | $ | 602,500,000 | ||||||||||||
| Catastrophe stub coverage for the period from October 18, 2021 through December 31, 2021 (8) | NA | NA | $ | 5,000,000 | NA | NA | NA | |||||||||||||||||
| in excess of | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 5,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reinstatement premium protection (4) (5) (6) (10) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| (1) | For personal lines, includes the addition of an automatic facultative facility (“Facultative Facility”) allowing KICO to obtain homeowners single risk coverage up to $10,000,000 in total insured value, which covers direct losses from $3,500,000 to $10,000,000 through June 30, 2020. For the period July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022, the Facultative Facility covers direct losses from $3,500,000 to $9,000,000. | |
|---|---|---|
| (2) | Plus losses in excess of catastrophe coverage. For the period July 1, 2020 through December 30, 2020, there was no reinsurance coverage for the $2,500,000 gap between quota share limit of $7,500,000 and first $10,000,000 layer of catastrophe coverage (see note (7) below). | |
| (3) | Catastrophe coverage is limited on an annual basis to two times the per occurrence amounts. Duration of 168 consecutive hours for a catastrophe occurrence from windstorm, hail, tornado, hurricane and cyclone. | |
| (4) | For the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020, reinstatement premium protection for $292,500,000 of catastrophe coverage in excess of $7,500,000. |
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| (5) | For the period July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, reinstatement premium protection for $70,000,000 of catastrophe coverage in excess of $10,000,000. | |
|---|---|---|
| (6) | For the period July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, reinstatement premium protection for $70,000,000 of catastrophe coverage in excess of $10,000,000. | |
| (7) | The personal lines quota share (homeowners, dwelling fire and canine legal liability) expired on December 30, 2020; reinsurance coverage from December 31, 2020 through December 30, 2021 is only for excess of loss and catastrophe reinsurance. | |
| (8) | Excludes freeze and freeze related claims. | |
| (9) | For the period January 1, 2022 through January 1, 2023, underlying excess of loss treaty provides 50% reinsurance coverage for losses of $400,000 in excess of $600,000. Reduces retention to $500,000 from $700,000 under the 2021/2023 Treaty. Excludes losses from named storms. | |
| (10) | Excess of loss and catastrophe reinsurance treaties will expire on June 30, 2022; reinsurance coverage in effect from July 1, 2022 through January 1, 2023 is only for personal lines quota share (homeowners, dwelling fire and canine legal liability) and underlying excess of loss reinsurance. | |
| (11) | For the 2021/2023 Treaty, 4% of the 30% total of losses ceded under this treaty are excluded from a named catastrophe event. |
| Treaty Year | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2021 | July 1, 2020 | July 1, 2019 | ||||||||||
| to | to | to | ||||||||||
| Line of Business | June 30, 2022 | June 30, 2021 | June 30, 2020 | |||||||||
| Personal Lines: | ||||||||||||
| Personal Umbrella | ||||||||||||
| Quota share treaty: | ||||||||||||
| Percent ceded - first $1,000,000 of coverage | 90 | % | 90 | % | 90 | % | ||||||
| Percent ceded - excess of $1,000,000 dollars of coverage | 95 | % | 95 | % | 100 | % | ||||||
| Risk retained | $ | 300,000 | $ | 300,000 | $ | 100,000 | ||||||
| Total reinsurance coverage per occurrence | $ | 4,700,000 | $ | 4,700,000 | $ | 4,900,000 | ||||||
| Losses per occurrence subject to quota share reinsurance coverage | $ | 5,000,000 | $ | 5,000,000 | $ | 5,000,000 | ||||||
| Expiration date | June 30, 2022 | June 30, 2021 | June 30, 2020 | |||||||||
| Commercial Lines (1): | ||||||||||||
| General liability commercial policies | ||||||||||||
| Quota share treaty | None | None | ||||||||||
| Risk retained | $ | 750,000 | $ | 750,000 | ||||||||
| Excess of loss coverage above risk retained | $ | 3,750,000 | $ | 3,750,000 | ||||||||
| in excess of | in excess of | |||||||||||
| $ | 750,000 | $ | 750,000 | |||||||||
| Total reinsurance coverage per occurrence | $ | 3,750,000 | $ | 3,750,000 | ||||||||
| Losses per occurrence subject to reinsurance coverage | $ | 4,500,000 | $ | 4,500,000 | ||||||||
| Commercial Umbrella | ||||||||||||
| Quota share treaty | None | None |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| (1) | Coverage on all commercial lines policies expired in September 2020; reinsurance coverage is based on treaties in effect on the date of loss. |
Inflation
Premiums are established before we know the amount of losses and loss adjustment expenses or the extent to which inflation may affect such amounts. We attempt to anticipate the potential impact of inflation in establishing our reserves, especially as it relates to medical and hospital rates where historical inflation rates have exceeded the general level of inflation. Inflation in excess of the levels we have assumed could cause loss and loss adjustment expenses to be higher than we anticipated, which would require us to increase reserves and reduce earnings.
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Fluctuations in rates of inflation also influence interest rates, which in turn impact the market value of our investment portfolio and yields on new investments. Operating expenses, including salaries and benefits, generally are impacted by inflation.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, or liquidity that are material to investors.
Outlook
The impacts of COVID-19 and related economic conditions on our results are highly uncertain and outside our control. The scope, duration and magnitude of the direct and indirect effects of COVID-19 are evolving rapidly and in ways that are difficult or impossible to anticipate. The impact of COVID-19 on our results for the year ended December 31, 2021 may not be indicative of its impact on our future results. For additional information on the risks posed by COVID-19, see “The impact of COVID-19 and related risks could materially affect our results of operations, financial position and/or liquidity” included in Part I, Item 1A— “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report.
Our net premiums earned may be impacted by a number of factors. Net premiums earned are a function of net written premium volume. Net written premiums comprise both renewal business and new business and are recognized as earned premium over the term of the underlying policies. Net written premiums from both renewal and new business are impacted by competitive market conditions as well as general economic conditions. As a result of COVID-19, economic conditions in the United States rapidly deteriorated. The decreased levels of economic activity have negatively impacted, and may continue to negatively impact, premium volumes generated by new business. We began to experience this impact in March 2020 and it became more significant in the second and third quarters of 2020. While we are now seeing a reversal of this impact, it may resume in the future, but the degree of any new impact will depend on the extent and duration of any economic contraction and could be material. We have also made underwriting changes to emphasize profitability over growth and have culled out the type of risks that do not generate an acceptable level of return. This action has led, and may continue to lead, to a slowdown in premium growth, particularly in new business.