Kingsway Reports Third Quarter Loss and Provides Update on Progress
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TORONTO, Nov. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - (TSX: KFS, NYSE: KFS) Kingsway Financial Services Inc. ("Kingsway" or the "Company") today announced its financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2009. It also provided shareholders with an update on the Company's progress in executing its business transformation plan. All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless indicated otherwise.
The Company reported a third quarter net loss of $118.1 million or $2.19 per share diluted. This represents a loss of $128.8 million from run-off and discontinued businesses, including a loss of $95.5 million from Lincoln General Insurance Company ("Lincoln General").
Kingsway President and CEO Colin Simpson stated, "It's important to put these results in context since the losses we're reporting for the quarter have come from businesses that are not part of our ongoing operations. I believe we reached an important turning point this quarter and we are now beginning to see the evidence that our transformation plan was the right one."
The following are highlights of what the Company accomplished since the release of its second quarter results, all aligned with the Company's strategy to exit unprofitable businesses, shed non-core assets, and free up liquidity in the group:
- Disposed of Lincoln General in order to protect the longer-term
interests of the Kingsway group of companies' and Lincoln General's
stakeholders.
- Completed the consolidation of Kingsway General Insurance Company and
JEVCO Insurance Company operations in Canada under a single "JEVCO
Insurance Company" marketing brand.
- Launched the consolidated Personal Lines and Commercial Lines
businesses in the U.S. under a single "Kingsway America Inc."
marketing brand.
- Improved Kingsway's working capital position by selling non-core
assets such as HI Holdings Inc. and its subsidiary Zephyr Insurance
Company Inc. ("Zephyr"), Avalon Risk Management Inc., and real estate
assets in Calgary.
- 87% of gross premiums written were generated from core lines of
business (non-standard auto/motorcycle, commercial auto and surety).
- Executed the planned reinsurance repatriation and debt and share buy-
back activities in order to increase capital in the operating
subsidiaries.
- Reduced expenses well ahead of schedule by accelerating the expense
reduction timetable, achieving $11.3 million in cost savings in the
quarter.
- Eliminated an additional 240 staff positions in the quarter for a
total of 850 staff reductions year to date against a target of 1,000
by the end of 2010.
Investment income was $5.8 million in the quarter, a decrease of 82% compared to the same period a year ago, which was largely due to the impact of a stronger Canadian dollar on the Company's unhedged Canadian dollar debt, as well as lower interest income from a smaller fixed-income securities portfolio.
The Company is progressing with its business transformation plan, and is on track to achieve its annualized savings by year-end 2010:
- By accelerating execution of the transformation plan, the Company has
already succeeded in achieving expense reductions of $45 million for
2009 - or almost 130% of the previously disclosed $34.8 million
savings target for 2009. This represents an annual run rate of $70
million.
- Year-to-date, the Company has achieved 85% (850) of the 1,000 total
staff reductions target for completion by the end of 2010.
Approximately 73% of these reductions were in the U.S. operation and
27% in Canada.
- Workforce reduction alone will result in $22.0 million in savings
this year, and an annual run rate of $50.4 million.
- The Company remains on target to incur approximately $22 million in
transition costs. One-time costs of $18.4 million have been incurred
to date.
Mr. Simpson concluded by saying, "We still have a lot of work ahead of us, but I believe we have turned the corner and we are on track to return the group to profitability in 2010. We have spent most of this year looking behind us and addressing the legacy problems that were holding us back. Now we can begin to look forward and start building the Kingsway of the future."
Board of Directors
Kingsway further announced that Gregory P. Hannon was appointed to the Board of Directors, effective September 16, 2009. William Andrus resigned from the Board effective August 2, 2009. Robert Cassels and Walter E. Farnam resigned from the Board effective September 16, 2009. J. Brian Reeve resigned from the Board effective November 3, 2009.
Dividend
The Board of Directors has decided that a quarterly dividend will not be declared for the third quarter of 2009.
Conference Call and Webcast
You are invited to participate in our quarterly results conference call that will take place on November 6, 2009 at 8:30 a.m. EDT. To access please dial 1-800-732-1073 about five minutes before the start of the call. An audio webcast will also be broadcast live and can be accessed:
- Through our website at http://www.kingsway-financial.com, or
- Directly at http://www.newswire.ca/en/webcast/viewEvent.cgi?eventID=2834920.
About the Company
Kingsway Financial Services Inc. ("Kingsway" or the "Company") focuses on non standard automobile insurance in North America. Kingsway's primary businesses are the insuring of automobile risks for drivers who do not meet the criteria for coverage by standard automobile insurers, and commercial automobile insurance. The Company operates through wholly-owned insurance subsidiaries in Canada and the U.S. which it is currently consolidating to reduce overhead and strengthen its competitive position.
The common shares of Kingsway Financial Services Inc. are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange, under the trading symbol "KFS".
This news release contains forward-looking information. This news release also contains certain non-GAAP measures. Please refer to the sections entitled "Forward Looking Statements" and "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in the following Management's Discussion and Analysis.
Financial Summary:
The following information throughout the Financial Summary and Management's Discussion and Analysis presents the financial results as continuing operations unless otherwise specifically stated as discontinued operations:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months Nine months
ended September 30: ended September 30:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in millions of
dollars except
per share values) 2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross premiums
written $ 184.4 $335.0 (45%) $ 658.4 $1,151.9 (43%)
Underwriting loss (126.8) (49.5) (156%) (263.8) (142.5) (85%)
Investment income 5.8 31.9 (82%) 60.7 99.1 (39%)
Net realized gains
(loss) 30.5 (29.1) 205% 10.5 (24.2) 143%
Write-down of
investment in
subsidiary (23.6) - (100%) (23.6) - (100%)
Loss from continuing
operations (117.1) (42.1) (178%) (213.3) (73.2) (191%)
Net loss (118.1) (17.4) (579%) (214.8) (45.5) (372%)
Diluted loss per
share - continuing
operations (2.17) (0.76) (186%) (3.90) (1.32) (195%)
Diluted loss per
share - net loss (2.19) (0.32) 584% (3.93) (0.82) (379%)
Book value per share 5.31 14.02 (62%) 5.31 14.02 (62%)
Combined ratio 153.5% 113.3% 40.2% 133.4% 112.1% 21.3%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segmented
Results
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended September 30, 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands United Sub
of dollars) Canada States Corporate Total Run-off Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss)
from
continuing
operations $10,410 $8,812 $(8,543) $10,679 $(127,823) $(117,144)
Add:
Restructuring
charges 68 80 5,400 5,548 313 5,861
Write-down of
intangible
asset - - - - 1,575 1,575
Write-down of
investment
in
subsidiary - - - - 23,613 23,613
Write-down on
assets held
for sale 1,743 - - 1,743 - 1,743
Accelerated
software
amortization
and write-
offs - - - - 3,800 3,800
Less:
Employees
health
insurance
claims
reserves
for 2008
year - 3,500 - 3,500 - 3,500
Gains on
sale of
securities
related to
commuted
reinsurance
arrangements - 10,689 - 10,689 - 10,689
Gains on
buy-back of
senior notes - 6,607 - 6,607 - 6,607
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Normalized income
(loss) from
continuing
operations $12,221 $(11,904) $(3,143) $(2,826) $(98,522) $(101,348)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nine months ended September 30, 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands United Sub
of dollars) Canada States Corporate Total Run-off Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss)
from
continuing
operations $6,916 $7,137 $(8,447) $ 5,606 $(218,898) $(213,292)
Add:
Restructuring
charges 954 2,431 11,330 14,715 3,695 18,410
Write-down of
intangible
asset - - - - 1,575 1,575
Write-down of
investment
in
subsidiary - - - - 23,613 23,613
Write-down on
assets held
for sale 1,743 - - 1,743 - 1,743
Accelerated
software
amortization
and
write-offs - 3,200 - 3,200 5,800 9,000
Less:
Employees
health
insurance
claims
reserves for
2008 year - 3,500 - 3,500 - 3,500
Gains on
sale of
securities
related to
commuted
reinsurance
arrangements - 10,689 - 10,689 - 10,689
Proceeds on
settlement
of law
suits 3,850 7,150 - 11,000 - 11,000
Gains on
buy-back of
senior notes - 9,254 - 9,254 - 9,254
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Normalized income
(loss) from
continuing
operations $5,763 $(17,825) $ 2,883 $(9,179) $(184,215) $(193,394)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- The tables above present the Company's financial performance, showing
separately the contribution of each reporting segment adjusted for
items the Company considers to be non-recurring. This information is
provided to show what the Company considers to be a more accurate
presentation of its ongoing operations. The figures presented are
from continuing operations which means that they do not include the
results of York Fire Insurance Company, HI Holdings and its
subsidiary Zephyr Insurance Company Inc. ("Zephyr") or Avalon Risk
Management Inc. which have been or were in the process of being sold
at the balance sheet date.
- The loss of $117.1 million from continuing operations for the quarter
($213.3 million year to date) arose primarily from a loss of $127.8
million in the quarter ($207.9 million year to date) in the Run-off
segment. The Canadian and U.S. segments report a profit of $10.4
million and $8.8 million respectively in the quarter ($6.9 million
profit and $3.8 million loss year to date respectively).
- After adjusting for what the Company considers to be non-recurring
items, the normalized loss from continuing operations was $101.3
million for the quarter ($193.4 million year to date). The $15.8
million reduction in the loss ($19.9 million year to date) when
compared to the loss from continuing operations is primarily due to
the one-time nature of the write-down of the Company's investment in
a subsidiary and the restructuring charges incurred in the Company's
transformation program, partially offset by gains on the sale of
securities to facilitate the commutation of internal reinsurance
agreements.
- On October 19, 2009, the Company's indirect wholly owned subsidiary,
Kingsway America Inc. ("KAI") donated all of the stock of its wholly
owned subsidiary Walshire Assurance Company ("Walshire") to charity,
and with this disposition Lincoln General Insurance Company ("Lincoln
General"), a subsidiary of Walshire, ceases being a member of the
Kingsway group of companies. Walshire is included in the Run-off
segment and has been consolidated in the Company's financial
statements as at September 30, 2009. The net loss of Walshire for the
quarter was $95.5 million ($169.8 million year to date). As of the
date of the disposition of Walshire, the Company is of the view that
its control over Walshire and its subsidiaries, including Lincoln
General was lost. Management intends that Walshire and its
subsidiaries will no longer be consolidated beginning October 19,
2009.
- During the quarter, the Company entered into a definitive agreement
to sell HI Holdings Inc. and its subsidiary Zephyr, wholly owned
subsidiaries of KAI. The Company also sold substantially all the
assets of Avalon Risk Management Inc. ("Avalon") subsequent to
quarter-end. Both transactions closed in the fourth quarter of 2009.
Revenue from these discontinued operations were $1.5 million ($2.4
million year to date) for the third quarter 2009 compared to $0.8
million ($1.4 million year to date) for the same quarter last year.
The net loss from these discontinued operations, net of taxes was
$1.0 million ($2.4 million net income year to date) in the third
quarter compared to net income of $1.3 million ($4.0 million year to
date) for the same quarter last year.
- During the quarter, the Company commuted all internal reinsurance
agreements between Kingsway Reinsurance Corporation and its U.S.
operating companies. The Company also took the steps necessary in
preparation for the consolidation of the Canadian operations
effective October 1, 2009 which involved the assumption by JEVCO
Insurance Company of the assets and liabilities of Kingsway General
Insurance Company and the commutation of all reinsurance agreements
between JEVCO Insurance Company, Kingsway General Insurance Company
and Kingsway Reinsurance (Bermuda) Limited.
- To facilitate the above-mentioned commutations, a significant portion
of the Barbados securities portfolio was liquidated during the
quarter which resulted in net realized gains of approximately $10.7
million.
- As was previously announced, management of the Company has decided
that JEVCO Insurance Company will become the marketing brand in
Canada. In the fourth quarter of 2009, capital has been injected into
JEVCO Insurance Company to support the consolidated operations. The
estimate of JEVCO Insurance Company's MCT as at October 1, 2009 on a
pro-forma basis meets the target ratio of 243% agreed with the Office
of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions ("OSFI") prior to the
transaction being approved. Subsequent to the balance sheet date, all
of Kingsway General Insurance Company's insurance licenses have been
surrendered.
- Gross premiums written for the Canadian operating segment decreased
by 20% for the quarter to $73.3 million (23% to $222.5 million year
to date) from $91.5 million in the third quarter last year ($290.6
million prior year to date). The U.S. operating segment reported a
decrease in premiums of 21% for the quarter to $82.2 million (19% to
$299.3 million year to date) from $103.7 million in the third quarter
last year ($371.4 million prior year to date). The Run-off operating
segment reported a decrease in premiums of 79% for the quarter to
$28.9 million (72% to $136.6 million year to date) from $139.8
million in the third quarter last year ($489.9 million prior year to
date). The significant reduction in premium volume across all
segments is a reflection of the Company's strategy of discontinuing
unprofitable lines of business, primarily within its commercial lines
as well as the K-Plus program in Canada.
- As a result of the Company re-focusing its efforts on core,
profitable lines of business, non standard automobile and motorcycle
premiums for the nine months to September 30, 2009 were $454.0
million or 69% of the total gross premiums written compared to $610.7
million or 53% of gross premiums written in the same period last
year.
- The net adverse reserve development recorded in the quarter totaled
$81.6 million, of which $84.1 million related to the Run-off segment
and $4.8 million related to the ongoing U.S. operations. Unfavourable
development in the Run-off and U.S. operating segments were partially
offset by favourable development of $7.3 million in the ongoing
Canadian operations.
- The Company has incurred restructuring costs of $5.9 million in the
quarter ($18.4 million year to date) as a result of implementing the
transformation plan announced in the first quarter of 2009. Of the
total restructuring costs, severance costs associated with the
Company's corporate restructuring plan account for $1.6 million in
the quarter ($9.3 million year to date).
- Investment income, excluding net realized gains was $5.8 million
compared to $31.9 million for the same quarter of 2008, an 82%
decrease. This decline is due primarily to a loss of approximately
$12.7 million from the impact of the strengthening of the Canadian
dollar on the Company's unhedged Canadian dollar debt as well as from
lower interest income from lower yields on a smaller portfolio.
- General and Administrative expenses decreased 17% to $47.7 million in
the third quarter of 2009 from $57.3 million in the same quarter last
year (19% to $135.3 million from $166.5 million for the year to
date). The decrease in the quarter and year to date is primarily due
to the impact of the transformation program which has produced
savings, the largest being approximately $10.7 million ($15.8 million
year to date) related to reduced headcount. Also contributing to the
decrease in General and Administrative expenses in the quarter and
year to date are reduced legal fees following the settlement in the
second quarter of two lawsuits. The year-to-date expenses include the
proceeds of $11.0 million on the settlement of these lawsuits. Also
in the third quarter, the Company recognized the reversal of a
previously recorded $3.5 million reserve for employee health
insurance claims. The savings described above have been partially
offset by the costs associated with the transformation program.
- As at September 30, 2009, the book value per share was $5.31 compared
to $8.24 as at December 31, 2008.
Kingsway Financial Services Inc.'s Management Discussion and Analysis
The following management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") should be read in conjunction with: (i) the Kingsway Financial Services Inc.'s ("Kingsway" or the "Company") unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the third quarter of fiscal 2009, and the notes related thereto; (ii) the annual MD&A for fiscal 2008 set out on pages 9 to 54 in the Company's 2008 Annual Report, including the section on risk factors; and (iii) the audited consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2008 set out on pages 61 to 104 of the Company's 2008 Annual Report, and the notes related thereto.
The Company's financial results are reported in U.S. dollars. Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts are in U.S. dollars and have been derived from financial statements prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The Company uses both GAAP and certain non-GAAP financial measures to assess performance. Securities regulators require that companies caution readers about non-GAAP financial measures that do not have a standardized meaning under GAAP and are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Kingsway, like many insurance companies, analyzes performance based on underwriting ratios such as combined, expense and loss ratios. These terms are defined in the glossary of terms section beginning on page 106 of the 2008 Annual Report. Although there is not a property and casualty industry defined standard that is consistently applied in calculating these ratios, Kingsway has historically included costs such as corporate office expenses and excluded premium finance revenues whereas other public companies have done otherwise in the calculation of their expense and combined ratios. Readers are therefore cautioned when comparing Kingsway's combined ratios to those of other public companies as they may not have been calculated on a comparable basis.
Date of MD&A
Unless otherwise noted, the information contained in this MD&A is based on information available to management as of November 6, 2009.
RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Premiums
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months Nine months
ended September 30: ended September 30:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in millions
of dollars) 2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross premiums
written
Canada $ 73.3 $ 91.5 (20%) $ 222.5 $ 290.6 (23%)
U.S. 82.2 103.7 (21%) 299.3 371.4 (19%)
Run-off 28.9 139.8 (79%) 136.6 489.9 (72%)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 184.4 $335.0 (45%) $ 658.4 $1,151.9 (43%)
Net premiums
written
Canada $ 69.4 $ 99.5 (30%) $ 221.8 $ 319.0 (30%)
U.S. 82.2 106.5 (23%) 326.9 368.4 (11%)
Run-off 18.2 112.4 (84%) 94.9 418.0 (77%)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 169.8 $318.4 (47%) $ 643.6 $1,105.4 (42%)
Net premiums
earned
Canada $ 85.6 $109.4 (22%) $ 242.0 $ 294.9 (18%)
U.S. 100.1 121.3 (17%) 332.4 363.5 (9%)
Run-off 51.2 140.3 (64%) 215.6 521.3 (59%)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 236.9 $371.0 (36%) $ 790.0 $1,179.7 (33%)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross premiums written for the Canadian operating segment decreased by 20% for the quarter to $73.3 million (23% to $222.5 million year to date) from $91.5 million in the third quarter last year ($290.6 million prior year to date). The U.S. operating segment reported a decrease in premiums of 21% for the quarter to $82.2 million (19% to $299.3 million year to date) from $103.7 million in the third quarter last year ($371.4 million prior year to date). The Run-off operating segment reported a decrease in premiums of 79% for the quarter to $28.9 million (72% to $136.6 million year to date) from $139.8 million in the third quarter last year ($489.9 million prior year to date). The significant reduction in premium volume across all segments in a reflection of the Company's strategy of discontinuing unprofitable lines of business, primarily within its commercial lines as well as the K-Plus program in Canada.
The Canadian segment accounted for 40% of gross premiums for the quarter (34% year to date), while the U.S. segment accounted for 45% for the quarter (45% year to date) and Run-Off 15% for the quarter (21% year to date).
The Company reported decreases in certain major lines across the group. Non standard auto including motorcycle, trucking and commercial auto decreased by 26%, 94% and 47% respectively for the year to date compared to the same period last year reflecting the Company's decision to terminate unprofitable business and exit certain commercial lines of business. Non standard auto including motorcycle has emerged as the Company's primary line of business, accounting for 69% of gross premiums written for the year to date compared to 53% last year. The proportion of trucking and commercial auto premiums as a percent of the Company's total gross premiums written have declined to 2% and 13% respectively compared to 18% and 14% respectively last year.
Investment Income
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months Nine months
ended September 30: ended September 30:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in millions
of dollars) 2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income $ 5.8 $31.9 (82%) $60.7 $99.1 (39%)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income in the quarter was $5.8 million, an 82% decrease compared to the same period last year (decreased 39% to $60.7 million year to date). The primary reason for this decrease in the quarter is a loss of approximately $12.7 million from the impact of the strengthening Canadian dollar on the Company's unhedged Canadian dollar denominated debt. Also contributing to the decrease is the reduction in interest income from lower yields as a result of a significant drop in short term interest rates in Canada and in the U.S. and from the duration and risk profile of the portfolio having been reduced. A smaller fixed income securities portfolio in the U.S. as a result of certain lines of business being put into voluntary run-off has also contributed to the lower interest income in the quarter. For a more detailed analysis of investment income see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The cost based yield on the fixed income portfolio decreased to 3.2% compared to 4.4% for the same quarter last year. The cost based yield represents the total interest income before expenses divided by the average amortized cost base of fixed income securities, including cash, held in the portfolio during the period. The lower yield is due to a reduction in duration and risk profile of the portfolio during the quarter and the reinvestment of maturing securities in a lower interest rate environment. The yield has also been adversely impacted by the higher than normal cash balance during the quarter to facilitate related party reinsurance transactions.
Net Realized Gains (Losses)
The table below presents a summary of the net realized gains (losses) for the current quarter with comparative figures:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months Nine months
ended September 30: ended September 30:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in millions
of dollars) 2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fixed income $31.8 $(0.3) 10700% $34.7 4.3 707%
Write-down of assets
held for sale (1.7) - - (1.7) - -
Equities 0.5 (5.9) 108% (17.4) 12.2 (243%)
Impairments (0.1) (22.9) 100% (5.1) (40.7) 87%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $30.5 $(29.1) 205% $10.5 $(24.2) 143%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the three months ended September 30, 2009, sales from the securities portfolio, the write-down of assets held for sale and the write-down of securities that are considered to be other than temporarily impaired resulted in a net realized gain of $30.5 million ($10.5 million year to date) compared to a net realized loss of $29.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 ($24.2 million year to date).
Net realized gains on the sale of fixed income securities amounted to $31.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 ($34.7 million year to date) compared to a net realized loss of $0.3 million for the same period last year (gain of $4.3 million year to date). Net realized gains in the current quarter arose due to a rebalancing of the fixed income portfolio and from the liquidation of securities in Bermuda and Barbados to facilitate the related party reinsurance commutation transactions. During the quarter, longer duration securities and lower credit securities were sold to better match the expected cash flow needs of our lines of business now in run-off and to reduce the risk profile and potential volatility of the portfolio.
The write-down of assets held for sale relates to an adjustment to fair market value of the Company's head office building in Mississauga, Ontario. The amount of the write-down represents the difference between the carrying value and the value per the contract for sale.
As was previously announced, the Company elected to dispose of virtually all of its common share equities during the first quarter of 2009. In addition to the $91.9 million impairment charge on the common share equity portfolio taken in the fourth quarter of 2008, the liquidation resulted in a realized loss of $18.2 million in the first quarter of 2009. This decision to liquidate the equity portfolio as well as the sale by the Company in the second and third quarters of securities considered to be of a higher credit risk than desired, has removed from the securities portfolio substantially all securities believed to be other than temporarily impaired. Consequently, the value of securities considered to be other than temporarily impaired as at September 30, 2009 is $0.1 million.
Underwriting Results (excluding Corporate)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months Nine months
ended September 30: ended September 30:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in millions
of dollars) 2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Underwriting profit
(loss)
Canada $2.9 $(3.2) 190.6% $(16.5) $(34.1) 51.6%
U.S. (13.7) (20.4) 32.8% (31.8) (20.1) (58.2%)
Run-off (114.7) (31.1) (268.8%) (211.2) (103.0) (105.0%)
-------------------------------------------------------
Total $(125.5) $(54.7) (129.4%) $(259.5) $(157.2) (65.1%)
-------------------------------------------------------
Combined ratio
Canada 96.6% 103.0% (6.4%) 106.8% 111.5% (4.7%)
U.S. 113.7% 116.8% (3.1%) 109.6% 105.6% 4.0%
Run-off 324.0% 122.2% 201.8% 197.9% 119.7% 78.2%
-------------------------------------------------------
Total 152.9% 114.8% 38.1% 132.9% 113.4% 19.5%
-------------------------------------------------------
Expense ratio
Canada 39.3% 38.9% 0.4% 35.9% 41.0% (5.1%)
U.S. 28.3% 36.4% (8.1%) 29.9% 34.0% (4.1%)
Run-off 63.3% 34.5% 28.2% 48.0% 32.2% 15.8%
-------------------------------------------------------
Total 39.8% 36.4% 3.4% 36.7% 35.0% 1.7%
-------------------------------------------------------
Loss ratio
Canada 57.3% 64.1% (6.8%) 70.9% 70.5% 0.4%
U.S. 85.4% 80.4% 5.0% 79.7% 71.6% 8.2%
Run-off 260.7% 87.7% 173.0% 149.9% 87.5% 62.4%
-------------------------------------------------------
Total 113.1% 78.4% 34.7% 96.2% 78.4% 17.8%
-------------------------------------------------------
Underwriting profit for the Canadian operating segment was $2.9 million for the quarter compared to an underwriting loss of $3.2 million in the third quarter of 2008 (a loss of $16.5 million for the year to date compared to $34.1 for the same period last year). The underwriting profit for the quarter is primarily a result of favourable reserve development of $7.3 million. The underwriting loss for the U.S. operating segment was $13.7 million for the quarter compared to $20.4 million in the third quarter of 2008 ($31.8 million for the year to date compared to $20.1 for the same period last year). The underwriting loss for the quarter is attributable to unfavourable reserve development of $4.8 million and increases to expected loss ratios on the current accident year based upon revised indications of ultimate expected loss payments. The underwriting loss for the Run-off segment was $114.7 million for the quarter compared to $31.1 million in the third quarter of 2008 ($211.2 million for the year to date compared to $103.0 for the same period last year). The underwriting loss for the quarter is primarily a result of unfavourable reserve development of $84.1 million, primarily at Lincoln General.
Adverse Development on Unpaid Claims
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months Nine months
ended September 30: ended September 30:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in millions of dollars) 2009 2008 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Favourable (unfavourable)
change in estimated unpaid
claims for prior accident
years (note 1):
Canada $7.3 $(1.6) $(0.2) $(6.2)
U.S. (4.8) (3.0) (11.3) 6.1
Run-off (84.1) (9.2) (149.3) (78.7)
---------------------------------------------
Total $(81.6) $(13.8) $(160.8) $(78.8)
---------------------------------------------
As a % of net premiums
earned (note 2):
Canada (8.5%) 1.4% 0.1% 2.1%
U.S. 4.8% 2.5% 3.4% (1.7%)
Run-off 164.3% 6.6% 69.3% 15.1%
---------------------------------------------
Total 34.5% 3.7% 20.4% 6.7%
---------------------------------------------
As a % of unpaid claims
(note 3):
Canada 0.1% 0.9%
U.S. 3.2% (0.5%)
Run-off 13.9% 6.6%
---------------------
Total 5.8% 3.5%
---------------------
Note 1 - (Increase) decrease in estimates for unpaid claims from prior
accident years reflected in current financial year results
Note 2 - Increase (decrease) in current financial year reported combined
ratio
Note 3 - Increase (decrease) compared to estimated unpaid claims at the
end of the preceding fiscal year
The Canadian operations experienced estimated favourable unpaid claims development of $7.3 million for the quarter (unfavourable unpaid claims of $0.2 million year to date) resulting in a decrease of 8.5% to the Canadian operations combined ratio for the quarter (increase of 0.1% year to date) compared to unfavourable unpaid claims development of $1.6 million for the third quarter last year ($6.2 million year to date).
The U.S. operations experienced estimated net unfavourable unpaid claims development of $4.8 million for the quarter ($11.3 million year to date) resulting in an increase of 4.8% to the U.S. operations combined ratio for the quarter (3.4% year to date) compared with estimated net unfavourable unpaid claims development of $3.0 million in the same quarter (favourable unpaid claims development $6.1 million year to date) last year.
The business in run-off experienced estimated net unfavourable unpaid claims development of $84.1 million for the quarter ($149.3 million year to date) resulting in an increase of 164.3% to the Run-off business combined ratio for the quarter (69.3% year to date) compared with estimated net unfavourable unpaid claims development of $9.2 million in the same quarter ($78.7 million year to date) last year.
Expenses
The expense ratio excluding corporate, increased to 39.8% in the quarter (37.2% year to date) compared to 36.4% for the same quarter (35.0% year to date) last year. Costs included in the expense ratio are commissions, premium taxes, general and administration expenses and restructuring costs. Commissions as a percent of net premium earned have decreased for the quarter and year to date compared to the same periods last year due to the significant change in mix of business. The impact of the decline in commissions on the expense ratio is more than offset by the impact of general and administration expenses which have also declined but at a slower pace than the reduction in net premium earned.
General & Administrative expenses decreased 17% to $47.7 million in the third quarter of 2009 from $57.3 million in the same quarter last year (19% to $135.3 million from $166.5 million for the year to date). The decrease in the quarter and year to date is primarily due to the impact of the transformation program which has produced savings, the largest being approximately $10.7 million ($15.8 million year to date) related to reduced headcount. Also contributing to the decrease in General and Administrative expenses in the quarter and year to date are reduced legal fees following the settlement in the second quarter of two lawsuits. The year-to-date expenses include the proceeds of $11.0 million on the settlement of these lawsuits. Also in the quarter, the Company recognized the reversal of a previously recorded $3.5 million reserve for employee health insurance claims. The savings described above have been partially offset by the costs associated with the transformation program which are $5.9 million in the quarter ($18.4 million year to date).
Interest Expense
Interest expense in the third quarter of 2009 decreased to $5.8 million ($18.0 million year to date) compared to $9.3 million for the third quarter of 2008 ($28.1 million year to date) as a result of the repayment of all short term bank debt in 2008 and the debt buy-back in 2009.
Gain on Buy-Back of Senior Notes
During the quarter Kingsway America Inc. and Kingsway 2007 General Partnership purchased and cancelled $16.5 million ($21.1 million year to date) face value of its senior unsecured debentures for $9.9 million ($11.8 million year to date) recording a gain of $6.6 million ($9.3 million year to date).
Income Taxes
Income tax recovery on continuing operations for the third quarter was $3.3 million ($26.4 million year to date) compared with an income tax recovery of $17.4 million for the same quarter last year ($32.3 million year to date). An increase in the valuation allowance of $32.8 million was recorded in the quarter ($40.4 million year to date).
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations and Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Continuing Operations
In the third quarter, the Company reported a loss from continuing operations of $117.1 million ($213.3 million year to date), compared to loss from continuing operations of $42.1 million in the third quarter of last year ($73.2 million year to date). Diluted loss per share was $2.17 for the quarter ($3.90 year to date) compared to diluted loss per share of $0.76 for the third quarter of 2008 (diluted loss per share of $1.32 year to date).
Net Income (Loss) and Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Net Income (Loss)
In the third quarter, the Company reported a net loss of $118.1 million ($214.8 million year to date), compared to net loss of $17.4 million in the third quarter of last year ($45.5 million year to date). Diluted loss per share was $2.19 for the quarter ($3.93 year to date) compared to diluted loss per share of $0.32 for the third quarter of 2008 (diluted loss per share of $0.82 year to date).
Balance Sheet
The table below shows a review of selected categories from the balance sheet reported in the financial statements as at September 30, 2009 compared to December 31, 2008.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in millions of dollars September 30, December 31, Change
except per share values) 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents 509.1 96.3 428.7%
Securities 1,758.3 2,319.4 (24.2%)
Accounts receivable and other
assets 188.2 275.7 (31.7%)
Income taxes recoverable 29.0 20.3 42.9%
Future income taxes 12.1 21.9 (44.7%)
Capital assets 60.7 60.8 (0.2%)
Goodw ill and intangible assets 51.5 63.9 (19.4%)
Assets held for sale 129.9 117.4 10.6%
Liabilities
Provision for loss on investment
in subsidiary 23.6 - 0.0%
Unearned premiums 372.2 500.0 (25.6%)
Unpaid claims 1,888.3 1,879.0 0.5%
Senior unsecured debentures 175.7 185.2 (5.1%)
Liabilities held for sale 57.5 48.4 18.8%
Shareholders ' Equity
Book value per share 5.31 8.24 (36%)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash:
The cash balance increased to $509.1 million as at September 30, 2009 compared to $96.3 million as at December 31, 2008. This increase is primarily due to the liquidation of securities in the Barbados captive reinsurance portfolio to facilitate the related party reinsurance commutations which occurred around the balance sheet date. Substantially all of the cash has been reinvested in the fourth quarter in a combination of government securities and high quality corporate bonds.
Securities:
The fair value of the securities portfolio decreased 24.2% to $1.8 billion, compared to $2.3 billion as at December 31, 2008. This decrease is primarily due to the temporary liquidation around the balance sheet date of a portion of the portfolio to effect the commutation of internal reinsurance arrangements. Also contributing to the decline is lower premium volumes throughout the group, particularly at Lincoln General. Partially offsetting these factors are an appreciation of the market value of the securities in the portfolio and the impact of a stronger Canadian dollar at the balance sheet date on the conversion of the Canadian dollar portfolio to U.S. dollars.
As previously announced, the Company elected to dispose of virtually all of its common share equities during the first quarter of 2009 in order to reduce volatility of the balance sheet and protect the Company's capital. The common share equity portfolio was substantially disposed of during the first quarter and proceeds were reinvested in high quality fixed income securities. As at September 30, 2009, the fair value of the common share equity portfolio was $5.2 million. These common share equity holdings are being monitored in the context of the risk profile of the total portfolio.
As at September 30, 2009, 91.9% of the fixed income portfolio is rated 'A' or better. For a quantitative analysis of the credit exposure of the Company from its investment in fixed income securities and term deposits by rating as assigned by S&P or Moody's Investor Services see Note 8 to the financial statements.
The table below summarizes the fair value by contractual maturity of the fixed income securities portfolio, which includes term deposits and bonds, split between Canadian and U.S. operations:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canadian U.S.
Operations Operations Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Due in less than one year 3.9% 25.9% 15.5%
Due in one through five years 42.9% 45.4% 44.3%
Due in five through ten years 51.9% 12.2% 30.8%
Due after ten years 1.3% 16.5% 9.4%
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Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
There were net unrealized gains of $52.7 million on the total securities portfolio at September 30, 2009 which is included as a component of "accumulated other comprehensive income", as compared to net unrealized gains of $32.4 million outstanding at December 31, 2008.
For a quantitative analysis of the impact to the fair value of the fixed income portfolio of a change in interest rates, see Note 8 to the financial statements.
As at September 30, 2009, the securities portfolio did not include any collateralized debt obligations nor any direct exposure to any asset backed commercial paper. The securities portfolio has a small exposure of approximately $0.5 million to the sub-prime mortgage market in the U.S. through home equity loan asset backed securities. As at September 30, 2009, these securities had an aggregate net unrealized loss of $nil.
Accounts receivable and other assets:
The reduction in accounts receivable is primarily a result of declining premiums written due to termination of lines of business.
Income taxes recoverable:
Income taxes recoverable increased primarily as a result of Canadian operations continuing losses experienced in the quarter.
Future income taxes:
Future income taxes have decreased due to a valuation allowance recorded during the year and due to the enactment of tax legislation relating to investments.
The valuation allowance increased $32.8 million in the current quarter and by $40.4 million for the year to date. This allowance has been established as a result of the continued losses of the U.S. operations. Uncertainty over the Company's ability to utilize these losses over the short term has led to the Company recording the additional allowance.
As a result of the enactment of tax legislation a $6.6 million decrease in the future income tax balance was recorded.
Goodwill and intangible assets:
Goodwill and intangible assets has decreased by $12.4 million or 19.4% since the end of last year mainly as a result of the accelerated amortization of computer software in certain U.S. subsidiaries and amortization of intangible assets.
Assets held for sale:
Assets held for sale consist of all of the assets of Zephyr, the capital assets of Avalon and the Canadian real estate properties.
Provision for loss on investment in subsidiary:
As a result of the disposition of Walshire for $nil proceeds subsequent to the balance sheet date, the Company has recorded a provision against the net assets of Walshire as at September 30, 2009 ($13.6 million) and has recorded a provision for the $10 million cash commitment to Lincoln General. For further details see Note 4 to the interim financial statements.
Unearned premiums:
Unearned premiums decreased 25.6% since December 31, 2008 as a result of lower written premiums.
Liabilities held for sale
Liabilities held for sale consist of all the liabilities of Zephyr.
Unpaid claims:
The following table presents a summary of the provision for unpaid claims by line of business:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in millions of dollars)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
September 30, December 31,
Line of Business 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-Standard Automobile $ 520.5 $ 489.3
Standard Automobile 2.5 1.7
Commercial Automobile 223.0 217.8
Trucking 590.7 657.4
Motorcycle 135.1 118.1
Property & Liability 301.3 317.4
Other 115.2 77.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 1,888.3 $ 1,879.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The provisions for unpaid claims increased by 0.5% to $1.89 billion at the end of the third quarter compared to $1.88 billion at the end of 2008. The increase is a result of reserve strengthening during the year as well as the impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on unpaid claims of the Canadian operations when reported in U.S. dollars. These factors have been partially offset by the run-off of certain lines of business.
The provision for unpaid claims includes case reserves for individual claims of $1.12 billion ($1.05 billion at December 31, 2008) and a provision for Incurred But Not Reported ("IBNR") claims which decreased 6.9% to $770.6 million ($828.1 million at December 31, 2008).
Book value per share:
Book value per share decreased by 39% to $5.31 at September 30, 2009 from $8.24 at December 31, 2008 as a result of the diluted loss per share of $3.93 and the increase of $38.2 million in the "Accumulated other comprehensive income" component of shareholders' equity.
Contractual Obligations
Information concerning contractual maturities of financial instruments as at September 30, 2009 is shown in Note 8 of the financial statements. For further details on the Company's long term debt and interest obligations, refer to Note 20 of the Company's 2008 audited consolidated financial statements and pages 35 to 40 of the 2008 Annual Report which sets out the Company's contractual obligations as at December 31, 2008.
On June 29, 2009, Kingsway and Lincoln General entered into a consulting agreement with an external run-off manager to provide certain consulting services relating to Lincoln General, including advice and assistance in the development of a Run-off Plan. In addition to base compensation of $1.3 million annually, the agreement provides for a minimum of $2.5 million to be paid to the Run-off Manager at the termination of the contract (provided the contract is not terminated for cause), which, at the latest will be March 1, 2014. As Lincoln General was disposed of subsequent to the balance sheet date, the Company has accrued $6.1 million for the base compensation and additional compensation as at September 30, 2009.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, the cash used in operating activities were $59.9 million and $246.4 million, respectively. The Company's insurance subsidiaries fund their obligations primarily through the premium and investment income and maturities in the securities portfolio.
Certain debentures issued by the Company contain negative covenants in their trust indentures, placing limitations and restrictions over certain actions without the prior written consent of the indenture trustees. Included in the negative covenants is the limitation on the incurrence of additional debt in the event that the total debt to total capital ratio or the senior debt to total capital ratio exceed 50% and 35%, respectively. The total debt is calculated on a pro-forma basis taking into account the issuance of additional debt. The debentures also include covenants limiting the issuance and sale of voting stock of restricted subsidiaries, the payment of dividends or any other payment in respect of capital stock of the Company, or the retirement of debt subordinate to the debentures covered by the trust indentures if, after giving effect to such payments as described in the trust indentures, the total debt to total capital ratio exceeds 50%.
As at September 30, 2009 the Company's total debt to capital and senior debt to capital ratios were 55.4% and 41.1% respectively. As a result, the limitations and restrictions described above are currently applicable. The Board of Directors is considering alternatives to reduce these ratios to remove the limitations and restrictions in place.
As a holding company, Kingsway derives cash from its subsidiaries generally in the form of dividends and management fees to meet its obligations, which primarily consist of dividend and interest payments. The Company believes that it has the flexibility to obtain the funds needed to fulfill its cash requirements and also to satisfy regulatory capital requirements over the next twelve months. The operating insurance subsidiaries require regulatory approval for the return of capital and, in certain circumstances, prior to the payment of dividends. In the event that dividends and management fees available to Kingsway are inadequate to service its obligations, the Company would need to raise capital, sell assets or restructure its debt obligations.
On June 26, 2009, KFS Capital LLC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Kingsway, commenced a take-over bid (the "KLROC Offer") to acquire up to 1,000,000 preferred, retractable, redeemable, cumulative units of Kingsway Linked Return of Capital Trust at a price per unit of C$12.00 in cash. The KLROC Offer expired on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 and 694,015 units were tendered. This tender was paid for using available cash.
Kingsway 2007 General Partnership, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Kingsway announced on July 14, 2009 the commencement of a modified "Dutch Auction" tender offer (the "2012 Offer") for a portion of its outstanding Unsecured 6% Debentures due July 11, 2012 (the "2012 Debentures"). The 2012 Offer provided for a cash purchase of 2012 Debentures at a price per C$1,000 principal amount of debentures of not less than C$540 and not greater than C$620, for a maximum aggregate purchase price to the offeror not to exceed C$31 million (excluding accrued and unpaid interest). The 2012 Offer expired Friday, August 14, 2009 with valid tenders (that were not withdrawn) of C$9,174,000 in aggregate principal amount of Debentures. Kingsway 2007 General Partnership accepted for purchase all such tendered Debentures at the highest price specified of C$620 per C$1,000 principal amount. This tender was paid for using available cash.
Subsequent to the balance sheet date the Company repaid in full a $6.9 million mortgage, on a property.
Kingsway announced on July 29, 2009 an amendment to its normal course issuer bid for common shares had been approved by the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX"). The normal course issuer bid was originally announced by Kingsway on November 28, 2008. Purchases under the normal course issuer bid from December 2, 2008 to December 1, 2009 were limited to 2,753,426 common shares (or approximately 5% of the aggregate number of common shares outstanding on November 15, 2008). Purchases under the normal course issuer bid, as amended, are now limited to 5,386,545 common shares, or 10% of the public float on November 28, 2008. Purchases under the normal course issuer bid, as amended, will terminate on December 1, 2009. To date 3,394,800 shares have been repurchased under the current normal course issuer bid at an average price of C$3.76.
The Capital Committee of Kingsway's board of directors has recommended that capital allocated to the Capital Committee for its $40 million capital initiative that was announced in May 2009 that remains unused following the expiry of: (i) the modified "Dutch Auction" tender offer for a portion of its outstanding Unsecured 6% Debentures due July 11, 2012, and (ii) the expiry of the take-over bid for units of the Kingsway Linked Return of Capital Trust, be applied to the repurchase of Kingsway common shares pursuant to the Company's normal course issuer bid.
As at September 30, 2009, of the $40 million authorized by the Board of Directors to repurchase debt and equity of the Company, approximately $31.8 million has been used.
As at September 30, 2009 the Company was adequately capitalized to support the premium volume of the insurance subsidiaries.
In Canada, JEVCO Insurance Company is regulated by the OSFI and Kingsway General Insurance Company is regulated by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario ("FSCO"). OSFI and FSCO expect each institution to maintain ongoing capital at no less than the supervisory target Minimum Capital Test ("MCT") of 150% and may establish, in consultation with an institution, an alternative supervisory target level based upon an individual institution's risk profile. As at September 30, 2009 the MCTs of JEVCO Insurance Company and Kingsway General Insurance Company were 239% and 210% respectively. As at September 30, 2009 the Canadian insurance companies have aggregate capital of approximately $60.2 million in excess of the 150% level.
As was previously announced, management of the Company has decided that JEVCO Insurance Company will become the marketing brand in Canada. Effective October 1, 2009 JEVCO Insurance Company assumed the assets and liabilities of Kingsway General Insurance Company and all intercompany reinsurance agreements between JEVCO Insurance Company, Kingsway General Insurance Company and Kingsway Reinsurance (Bermuda) Limited were commuted. In addition, capital has been injected into JEVCO insurance Company to support the consolidated operations. The estimate of JEVCO Insurance Company's MCT as at October 1, 2009 on a pro-forma basis meets the target ratio of 243% agreed with OSFI prior to the transaction being approved. Subsequent to the balance sheet date, all of Kingsway General Insurance Company's insurance licenses have been surrendered.
In the United States, a risk based capital ("RBC") formula is used by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") to identify property and casualty insurance companies that may not be adequately capitalized. The NAIC requires that capital and surplus not fall below 200% of the authorized control level. As at September 30, 2009, all U.S. subsidiaries, with the exception of Lincoln General, are estimated to be above the required RBC levels, with RBC ratio estimates ranging between 286% and 37,410%, and have estimated aggregate capital (exclu
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