Edgar Filing: KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC

Document

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Transition Period from _____ to _____

Commission File Number 001-15204

Kingsway Financial Services Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



	Ontario, Canada		Not Applicable
	(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)



	45 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 400 Toronto, Ontario		M4V 1K9
	(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

1-416-848-1171

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:



Title of Each Class	Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, no par value	New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," and "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.



Large accelerated filer o	Accelerated filer x	Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller Reporting Company o	Emerging Growth Company o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x

As of June 30, 2017, the aggregate market value of the registrant's voting common stock held by non-affiliates of registrant was $85,076,504 based upon the closing sale price of the common stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange. Solely for purposes of this calculation, all executive officers and directors of the registrant are considered affiliates.

The number of shares of the Registrant's Common Stock outstanding as of March 16, 2018 was 23,660,855.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Part III of this Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to certain sections of the Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.



Table Of Contents
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements		3
PART I		4
Item 1. Business		4
Item 1A. Risk Factors		16
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments		27
Item 2. Properties		27
Item 3. Legal Proceedings		27
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures		27
PART II		28
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities		28
Item 6. Selected Financial Data		30
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		31
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		54
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data		56
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure		109
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures		109
Item 9B. Other Information		113
PART III		113
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance		113
Item 11. Executive Compensation		113
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters		113
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence		113
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services		113
PART IV		114
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules		114
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary		123
SIGNATURES		124
EXHIBIT INDEX		125



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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K (the "2017 Annual Report"), including the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Kingsway Financial Services Inc. ("Kingsway") and its subsidiaries (individually and collectively referred to herein as the "Company") and the notes thereto appearing in Item 8 herein (the "Consolidated Financial Statements"), Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations appearing in Item 7 herein (the "MD&A"), and the other Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules filed as a part hereof or incorporated by reference herein may contain or incorporate by reference information that includes or is based on forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect Kingsway management's current beliefs, based on information currently available. The words "anticipate," "expect," "believe," "may," "should," "estimate," "project," "outlook," "forecast" and variations or similar words and expressions are used to identify such forward looking information, but these words are not the exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements. Specifically, statements about (i) the Company's ability to preserve and use its net operating losses; (ii) the Company's expected liquidity; and (iii) the potential impact of volatile investment markets and other economic conditions on the Company's investment portfolio and underwriting results, among others, are forward-looking, and the Company may also make forward-looking statements about, among other things:


•	its results of operations and financial condition (including, among other things, premium volume, premium rates, net and operating income, investment income and performance, return on equity, and expected current returns and combined ratios);


•	changes in facts and circumstances affecting assumptions used in determining the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses;


•	the number and severity of insurance claims (including those associated with catastrophe losses) and their impact on the adequacy of the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses;


•	the impact of emerging claims issues as well as other insurance and non-insurance litigation;


•	orders, interpretations or other actions by regulators that impact the reporting, adjustment and payment of claims;


•	changes in industry trends and significant industry developments;


•	uncertainties related to regulatory approval of insurance rates, policy forms, license applications and similar matters;


•	the impact of certain guarantees made by the Company;


•	the ability to complete current or future acquisitions successfully;


•	the ability to successfully implement our restructuring activities; and


•	strategic initiatives.

For a discussion of some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ, see Item 1A,"Risk Factors," and Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions," in this 2017 Annual Report.

Except as expressly required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, that might arise subsequent to the date of this 2017 Annual Report.



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Part I

Item 1. BUSINESS

Kingsway Financial Services Inc. was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on September 19, 1989. In this report, the terms "Kingsway," the "Company," "we," "us" or "our" mean Kingsway Financial Services Inc. and all entities included in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company's registered office is located at 45 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 400, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4V 1K9. The common shares of Kingsway are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "KFS."

Kingsway is a Canadian holding company with operating subsidiaries located in the United States. The Company operates as a merchant bank with a focus on long-term value-creation. The Company owns or controls subsidiaries primarily in the insurance, extended warranty, asset management and real estate industries and pursues non-control investments and other opportunities acting as an advisor, an investor and a financier. Kingsway conducts its business through the following three reportable segments: Insurance Underwriting, Extended Warranty (formerly Insurance Services) and Leased Real Estate. Insurance Underwriting, Extended Warranty and Leased Real Estate conduct their business and distribute their products in the United States. Certain of the business descriptions below, particularly "Investments," "Reinsurance" and "Regulatory Environment," are principally or exclusively related to Insurance Underwriting.

Financial information about Kingsway's reportable business segments for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is contained in the following sections of this 2017 Annual Report: (i) Note 24, "Segmented Information," to the Consolidated Financial Statements; and (ii) "Results of Continuing Operations" section of MD&A.

REPORTING CURRENCY

The Consolidated Financial Statements have been presented in U.S. dollars because the Company's principal investments and cash flows are denominated in U.S. dollars. The Company's functional currency is the U.S. dollar since the substantial majority of its operations is conducted in the United States. Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries with non-U.S. dollar functional currencies are translated to U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates, while revenue and expenses are translated at average monthly rates and shareholders' equity is translated at the rates in effect at dates of capital transactions. Foreign currency translation adjustments are included in shareholders' equity under the caption accumulated other comprehensive loss. Foreign currency gains and losses resulting from transactions which are denominated in currencies other than the entity's functional currency are reflected in foreign exchange losses, net in the consolidated statements of operations.

All of the dollar amounts in this 2017 Annual Report are expressed in U.S. dollars, except where otherwise indicated. References to "dollars" or "$" are to U.S. dollars, and any references to "C$" are to Canadian dollars.

GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS

Acquisition of Professional Warranty Service Corporation:

On October 12, 2017, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Professional Warranty Service Corporation ("PWSC") for estimated cash consideration of approximately $9.9 million. The final purchase price is subject to a true-up that will be finalized in 2018. PWSC is included in the Extended Warranty segment. PWSC is a leading provider of new home warranty products and administration services to the largest tier of domestic residential construction firms in the United States. Further information is contained in Note 4, "Acquisitions," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

INSURANCE UNDERWRITING SEGMENT

The Company's property and casualty insurance business operations are conducted primarily through the following subsidiaries: Mendota Insurance Company ("Mendota"), Mendakota Insurance Company ("Mendakota"), Mendakota Casualty Company ("MCC"), Kingsway Amigo Insurance Company ("Amigo") and Kingsway Reinsurance Corporation (collectively, "Insurance Underwriting").

The insurance subsidiaries in Insurance Underwriting issue insurance policies and retain the risk of operating profit or loss related to the ultimate loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred on the underlying policies. Insurance Underwriting provides non-standard automobile insurance to individuals who do not meet the criteria for coverage by standard automobile insurers. Insurance Underwriting has policyholders in 12 states; however, new business is accepted in only eight states. In 2017, production in the



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following states represented 90.1% of Insurance Underwriting's gross premiums written: Florida (28.0%), Texas (16.8%), California (13.3%), Nevada (12.1%), Illinois (10.5%) and Colorado (9.4%).

The Company previously placed Amigo and MCC into voluntary run-off in 2012 and 2011, respectively. Each of Amigo and MCC entered into a comprehensive run-off plan that was approved by its respective state of domicile. Kingsway continues to manage Amigo and MCC in a manner consistent with the run-off plans. During the first quarter of 2015, MCC sent a letter of intent to the Illinois Department of Insurance to resume writing private passenger automobile policies in the state of Illinois. MCC began writing these policies on April 1, 2015.

Insurance Underwriting Products

Insurance Underwriting primarily markets automobile insurance products which provide coverage in three major areas: liability, accident benefits and physical damage. Liability insurance provides coverage for claims against the Company's insureds legally responsible for automobile accidents which have injured third-parties or caused property damage to third-parties. Accident benefit policies or personal injury protection policies provide coverage for loss of income, medical and rehabilitation expenses for insured persons who are injured in an automobile accident, regardless of fault. Physical damage policies cover damages to an insured automobile arising from a collision with another object or from other risks such as fire or theft.

Table 1 and Table 2 summarize Insurance Underwriting's gross premiums written by line of business and by state, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

TABLE 1 Gross premiums written by line of business

For the years ended December 31 (in thousands of dollars, except for percentages)



	2017	% of Total		2016	% of Total		2015	% of Total
Private passenger auto liability	87,222	68.7	%	90,114	67.9	%	78,811	67.7	%
Auto physical damage	39,737	31.3	%	42,575	32.1	%	37,592	32.3	%
Total gross premiums written	126,959	100.0	%	132,689	100.0	%	116,403	100.0	%

TABLE 2 Gross premiums written by state

For the years ended December 31 (in thousands of dollars, except for percentages)



	2017	% of Total		2016	% of Total		2015	% of Total
Florida	35,534	28.0	%	36,378	27.4	%	27,935	24.0	%
Texas	21,314	16.8	%	23,525	17.7	%	18,989	16.3	%
California	16,923	13.3	%	14,429	10.9	%	12,046	10.3	%
Nevada	15,406	12.1	%	15,015	11.3	%	11,572	9.9	%
Illinois	13,301	10.5	%	17,644	13.3	%	18,265	15.7	%
Colorado	11,982	9.4	%	11,122	8.4	%	10,027	8.6	%
Other	12,499	9.9	%	14,576	11.0	%	17,569	15.2	%
Total gross premiums written	126,959	100.0	%	132,689	100.0	%	116,403	100.0	%

Non-standard automobile insurance is principally provided to individuals who do not qualify for standard automobile insurance coverage because of their payment history, driving record, place of residence, age, vehicle type or other factors. Such drivers typically represent higher than normal risks and pay higher insurance rates for comparable coverage.

Non-standard automobile insurance loss experience is generally driven by higher frequency and lower severity than the standard automobile market. The higher frequency, however, is mitigated to some extent by higher premium rates; the tendency of high-risk individuals to own low-value automobiles; and generally lower limits of insurance coverage as insureds tend to purchase coverage at the minimum prescribed limits. In the United States, non-standard automobile insurance policies generally have lower limits of insurance commensurate with the minimum coverage requirements under the statute of the states in which we write the business. These limits of liability are typically not greater than $50,000 per occurrence.

The insuring of non-standard automobile drivers is often transitory. When their driving records improve, insureds may qualify to obtain insurance in the standard market at lower premium rates. We often cancel policies for non-payment of premium and,



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following a period of lapse in coverage, insureds frequently return to purchase a new policy at a later date. As a result, our non-standard automobile insurance policies experience a retention rate that is lower than that experienced for standard market risks. This creates an on-going requirement to replace non-renewing policyholders with new policyholders and to react promptly to issue cancellation notices for non-payment of premiums to mitigate potential bad debt write-offs. Most of our insureds pay their premiums on a monthly installment basis, and we typically limit our risk related to non-payment of premiums by requiring a deposit for future insurance premiums and the prepayment of subsequent installments.

In the United States, automobile insurers are generally required to participate in various involuntary residual market pools and assigned risk plans that provide automobile insurance coverage to individuals or other entities that are unable to purchase such coverage in the voluntary market. Participation in these pools in most jurisdictions is in proportion to voluntary writings of selected lines of business in those jurisdictions.

Non-standard automobile insurance accounted for 100.0% of Insurance Underwriting's gross premiums written in 2017, 2016 and 2015. For the year ended December 31, 2017, gross premiums written for non-standard automobile insurance decreased 4.3% to $127.0 million as compared to $132.7 million in 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2016, gross premium written for non-standard automobile insurance increased 14.0% to $132.7 million as compared to $116.4 million in 2015. The decrease in gross premiums written during 2017 compared to 2016 reflects the Company’s actions throughout 2017 to increase rates, revise payment terms and invoke certain market restrictions, all with the intention of improving the profitability of the Company’s business. The increase in gross premiums written during 2016 compared to 2015 reflected a change in the mix of business by state resulting from Insurance Underwriting’s strategic shift to emphasize certain states and de-emphasize others while also reflecting the competitive market dynamics of each state. Of particular note, the Company recorded increased premiums written in Florida, Texas and Nevada while reducing premiums written in Virginia, a state in which Insurance Underwriting ceased writing new business beginning in the third quarter of 2015.

Marketing and Distribution

Our strategy focuses on developing and maintaining strong relationships with our independent agents. Insurance Underwriting's products and services are marketed through approximately 2,800 independent agencies. We maintain an "open market" approach which enables these agents to place business with us without the obligation of minimum production commitments, providing us with a broad, flexible and scalable distribution network. We continually strive to provide excellent service in the markets in which we operate, communicating through a variety of channels as we look for opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce operating costs with our agents. Our independent agents have the ability to bind insurance policies on our behalf, subject to our underwriting guidelines. Our proprietary point-of-sale systems, however, prevent any agent from binding an unacceptable risk. We do not, though, delegate authority to settle or adjust claims, establish underwriting guidelines, develop rates or enter into other transactions or commitments through our independent agents.

Florida and Texas business are originated through affiliated managing general agents, and the Texas business is written through an unaffiliated Texas county mutual insurance company. This Texas business is then 100% assumed through a quota-share arrangement by one of our insurance subsidiaries. This represents a common way of originating non-standard automobile business in the state of Texas due to the greater rating and underwriting flexibility accorded Texas county mutual insurance companies under Texas statutes.

No customer or group of affiliated customers accounts for 10% or more of Insurance Underwriting's revenues, and no loss of a customer or group of affiliated customers would have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Competition

Insurance Underwriting operates in a highly competitive environment. Our core non-standard automobile offerings are policies at the minimum prescribed limits in each state produced entirely through our independent agents. We compete with large national insurance companies and smaller regional insurance companies which produce through independent agents. We also compete with insurance companies which sell policies directly to their customers.

Large national insurance companies and direct underwriters typically operate in standard lines of personal automobile and property insurance in addition to non-standard lines and generally bring with them increased name recognition obtained through extensive media advertising, loyalty of the customer base to the insurer rather than to an independent agency and, potentially, reduced policy acquisition costs and increased customer retention.

From time to time, the non-standard automobile market attracts competition from new entrants. In many cases, these entrants are looking for growth and, as a result, price their insurance below the rates that we believe provide an acceptable return for the related risk. We firmly believe that it is not in our best interest to compete solely on price; consequently, we are willing to experience a loss of market share during periods of intense price competition or soft market conditions. During the last few years, the Company



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carried out a detailed review of its premium adequacy in the territories in which it operates and implemented steps to terminate business where premium adequacy was unlikely to be achieved within an acceptable period of time.

In order to stay competitive while striving to generate an economic rate of return, we compete on a number of factors such as distribution strength and breadth, premium adequacy, agency relationships, ease of doing business and market reputation. Ultimately, we believe that our ability to compete successfully in our industry is based, among other things, on our ability to:


•	identify markets that are most likely to produce an underwriting profit;


•	operate with a disciplined underwriting approach;


•	practice prudent claims management;


•	establish an appropriate provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses;


•	strive for cost containment and the economics of shared support functions where deemed appropriate; and


•	provide our independent agents and brokers with competitive commissions, an ease of doing business and additional value-added products and services for them and their customers.

Insurance Underwriting generally does not compete on the basis of ratings assigned by insurance rating agencies. Previously, the Company's insurance subsidiaries were assigned ratings by A.M. Best. In October, 2011 the Company had the A.M. Best ratings for all of its insurance subsidiaries withdrawn. As a result, the Company's insurance subsidiaries are currently unrated.

Underwriting

Our underwriting philosophy stresses receiving an adequate premium and spread of risks for the business we accept. We regularly monitor premium adequacy by territory, line of business and agency and take actions as necessary. Actions include, but are not limited to, tightening underwriting requirements, filing for rate increases, terminating underperforming programs and agents, non-renewing policies (where permitted) and other administrative changes. Typically, we do not reduce our premiums when competitors underwrite at premium rates that we believe are below acceptable levels. Instead, we focus on maintaining our premium per risk rather than writing a large number of risks at premiums that we believe would be inadequate and thus unprofitable. As a result, our premium volumes may be negatively impacted during a soft market.

Claims Management

Claims management is the process by which Insurance Underwriting determines the validity and amount of a claim. We believe that claims management is fundamental to our operating results. With respect to Insurance Underwriting, proper and efficient claims management has a direct effect on the operating profit or loss which has been retained related to the ultimate loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred on the underlying policies.

Insurance Underwriting primarily employs its own claims adjusters who are responsible for investigating and settling claims. Our goal is to settle claims fairly for the benefit of our insureds in a manner that is consistent with the insurance policy language and our regulatory and legal obligations.

In addition to claims adjusters, our operating subsidiaries also employ appraisers, special investigators and salvage, subrogation and other personnel who are responsible for helping us reduce the net cost of claim-handling, particularly with respect to identifying instances of fraud. We also outsource certain of these activities when we believe outsourcing represents a more efficient approach to performing these activities. We aggressively combat fraud and have processes in place to investigate suspicious claim activity. We may also engage independent appraisers, private investigators, various experts and legal counsel to assist us in adjusting claims. When necessary, we defend litigation against our insureds generally by retaining outside legal counsel.

EXTENDED WARRANTY SEGMENT

Extended Warranty includes the following subsidiaries of the Company: IWS Acquisition Corporation ("IWS"), Trinity Warranty Solutions LLC ("Trinity") and PWSC, (collectively, "Extended Warranty").

IWS is a licensed motor vehicle service agreement company and is a provider of after-market vehicle protection services distributed by credit unions in 23 states and the District of Columbia to their members.



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products through original equipment manufacturers, HVAC distributors and commercial and residential contractors. Trinity distributes its maintenance support direct through corporate owners of retail spaces throughout the United States.

PWSC sells new home warranty products and provides administration services to home builders and homeowners across the United States. PWSC distributes its products and services through an in-house sales team and through insurance brokers and insurance carriers throughout all states except Alaska and Louisiana.

Effective April 1, 2015, the Company closed on the sale of its wholly owned subsidiary, Assigned Risk Solutions Ltd. ("ARS"). As a result, ARS has been classified as discontinued operations and the results of their operations are reported separately for all periods presented. Prior to the transaction, ARS was included in the Extended Warranty (formerly Insurance Services) segment. As a result of classifying ARS as a discontinued operation, all segmented information has been restated to exclude ARS from the Extended Warranty segment. Further information is contained in Note 5, "Deconsolidations, Discontinued Operations and Liquidation," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Extended Warranty Products

IWS markets and administers vehicle service agreements and related products for new and used automobiles throughout the United States. A vehicle service agreement is an agreement between IWS and the vehicle purchaser under which IWS agrees to replace or repair, for a specific term, designated vehicle parts in the event of a mechanical breakdown. IWS serves as the administrator on all contracts it originates. Vehicle service agreements supplement, or are in lieu of, manufacturers' warranties and provide a variety of extended coverage options. Vehicle service agreements typically range from three months to seven years and/or 3,000 miles to 100,000 miles. The cost of the vehicle service agreement is a function of the contract term, coverage limits and type of vehicle.

In addition to marketing vehicle service agreements, IWS also brokers a guaranteed asset protection product ("GAP") through its distribution channel. GAP generally covers a consumer's out-of-pocket amount, related to an automobile loan or lease, if the vehicle is stolen or damaged beyond repair. IWS earns a commission when a consumer purchases a GAP certificate but does not take on any insurance risk.

Trinity sells HVAC, standby generator, commercial LED lighting and refrigeration warranty products and provides equipment breakdown and maintenance support services to companies across the United States. As a seller of warranty products, Trinity markets and administers product warranty contracts for certain new and used products in the HVAC, standby generator, commercial LED lighting and refrigeration industries throughout the United States. A warranty contract is an agreement between Trinity and the purchaser of such HVAC, standby generator, commercial LED lighting and refrigeration equipment to replace or repair, for a specific term, designated parts in the event of a mechanical breakdown. As a provider of equipment breakdown and maintenance support services, Trinity acts as a single point of contact to its clients for both certain equipment breakdowns and scheduled maintenance of equipment. Trinity will provide such repair and breakdown services by contracting with certain HVAC providers.

PWSC administers insured warranty programs of liability coverage for home builders issued to buyers of their new homes. The liability coverage is provided to builder entities nationwide by a single, A+ rated insurance carrier. The warranty document is an agreement between the home builder and the purchaser of the home and includes specific tolerances related to covered defects and precise definitions of damages. Each damage category includes materials defect coverage for the first year, major systems coverage for the second year, and workmanship and structural coverage for years three through ten. The warranty enables certain damages to be resolved by the home builder without admitting fault or negligence, and offers an efficient method to resolve complaints by buyers through mediation and mandatory binding arbitration, when allowed, to avoid costly litigation and resolve issues amicably.

PWSC also administers uninsured home builder backed warranty programs for home builders issued to buyers of their new homes. The warranty document, an agreement between the home builder and the purchaser of the home, includes performance standards established by the home builder and warrants conditions in the home that in the builder’s opinion may constitute a construction defect throughout the warranty period. Claims are covered for the statute of repose in a specific state or per agreement with the general liability insurance carrier. Constituents' interests are aligned to handle their claims relative to construction defects promptly and without attorney intervention. The warranty enables construction defects to be resolved by the home builder without admitting fault or negligence, and offers an efficient method to resolve complaints by buyers through mediation and mandatory binding arbitration to avoid costly litigation and resolve issues amicably.

Marketing and Distribution

IWS markets its products primarily through credit unions. IWS enters into an exclusive agreement with each credit union whereby the credit union receives a stipulated access fee for each vehicle service agreement issued to its members. The credit unions are



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served by IWS employee representatives located throughout the United States in close geographical proximity to the credit unions they serve. IWS distributes and markets its products in 23 states and the District of Columbia.

Trinity directly markets and distributes its warranty products to manufacturers, distributors and installers of HVAC, standby generator, commercial LED lighting and refrigeration equipment. As a provider of equipment breakdown and maintenance support, Trinity directly markets and distributes its product through its clients, which are primarily companies that directly own and operate numerous locations across the United States.

PWSC markets its insured warranty products through a sales force directly to the home builder and its uninsured builder backed warranty products through a network of construction general liability insurance carriers and domestic insurance brokers. Home builder prospects are developed through membership in local homebuilder associations, attendance at homebuilder conventions, distribution of promotional products and direct mail efforts. For its uninsured home builder backed product, PWSC dedicates senior personnel to working with the construction general liability insurers and domestic insurance brokers to identify and assist in developing new opportunities and devotes marketing resources to sell its product.

No customer or group of affiliated customers accounts for 10% or more of Extended Warranty's revenues, and no loss of a customer or group of affiliated customers would have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Competition

IWS focuses exclusively on the automotive finance market with its core vehicle service agreement and related product offerings, while much of its competition in the credit union channel has a less targeted product approach. IWS' typical competitor takes a generalist approach to market by providing credit unions with a variety of different product offerings. They are thus unable to deliver specialty expertise on par with IWS and do not give vehicle service agreement products the attention they require for healthy profitability and strong risk management.

Trinity operates in an environment with few market competitors. Trinity competes on two important facets: its belief that it provides superior customer service relative to its competitors and its ability, through the support of its insurance company partners, to provide warranty solutions to a wider range of HVAC, standby generator, commercial LED lighting and refrigeration equipment than that of its competitors.

For its insured warranty product, PWSC operates in an environment with several competitors. PWSC differentiates itself through its relationship with and backing by an A+ rated global insurance carrier; its over 20 years' experience in the field of new home warranty administration; its dispute resolution services; and best in class customer service. For its uninsured builder backed product, PWSC operates in an environment with very few competitors. The most significant features differentiating the builder backed product from its competition are an express warranty for all construction defects, the only warranty that is fully integrated with the general liability policy in its definition and coverage of construction defects, and mutual agreement between the home builder and the home buyer that all claims be resolved through mediation or, if necessary, binding arbitration.

Claims Management

Claims management is the process by which Extended Warranty determines the validity and amount of a claim. We believe that claims management is fundamental to our operating results. The individual operating subsidiaries in Extended Warranty primarily employ their own claims adjusters who are responsible for investigating and settling claims. Our goal is to settle claims fairly for the benefit of our insureds and the insureds of our insurance company partners in a manner that is consistent with the insurance policy language and our regulatory and legal obligations.

IWS effectively and efficiently manages claims by utilizing in-house expertise and information systems. IWS employs an experienced claims staff comprised of Automotive Service Excellence certified mechanics, knowledgeable in all aspects of vehicle repairs and potential claims. Additionally, IWS owns its own proprietary database of historical claims data dating back over twenty years. Management analyzes this database to drive real-time pricing adjustments and strategic decision-making.

Trinity claims on warranty products are managed by the insurance companies with which Trinity partners. Trinity may, at times, act as a third-party administrator of such claims; however, at no time does Trinity bear the loss of claims on warranty products.

Under PWSC’s warranty products, disputes typically arise when there is a difference between what the homeowner expects of the builder and what the builder believes are its legitimate warranty service responsibilities. PWSC employs an experienced claims staff who responds to all inquiries from homeowners and from requests by builders. Any inquiries or complaints received are submitted or communicated to the builder. PWSC will not make any determination as to the validity or resolution of any complaint; however, PWSC can and will discuss alternatives or resolutions to disputes with all parties and can mediate or negotiate a fair solution to a dispute. This process ensures that home builders can effectively manage new home construction risk and reduce the



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potential for substantial legal costs associated with litigation. PWSC may, at times, act as a third-party administrator for claims under the insured warranty product; however, at no time does PWSC bear the loss of claims on warranty products.

LEASED REAL ESTATE SEGMENT

Leased Real Estate includes the Company's subsidiary, CMC Industries, Inc. ("CMC"). CMC owns, through an indirect wholly owned subsidiary (the "Property Owner"), a parcel of real property consisting of approximately 192 acres located in the State of Texas (the "Real Property"), which is subject to a long-term triple net lease agreement. The Real Property is also subject to a mortgage, which is recorded as note payable in the consolidated balance sheets (the "Mortgage").

PRICING AND PRODUCT MANAGEMENT

Responsibility for pricing and product management rests with the Company's individual operating subsidiaries in each of Insurance Underwriting and Extended Warranty. Typically, teams comprised of pricing actuaries, product managers and business development managers work together by territory to develop policy forms and language, rating structures, regulatory filings and new product ideas. Data solutions and claims groups track loss performance on a monthly basis so as to alert the operating subsidiaries to the potential need to adjust forms or rates.

UNPAID LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES

Kingsway records a provision for its unpaid losses that have occurred as of a given evaluation date as well as for its estimated liability for loss adjustment expenses. The provision for unpaid losses includes a provision, commonly referred to as case reserves, for losses related to reported claims as well as a provision for losses related to claims incurred but not reported ("IBNR"). The provision for loss adjustment expenses represents the cost to investigate and settle claims.

The provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses does not represent an exact calculation of the liability but instead represents management's best estimate at a given accounting date, utilizing actuarial and statistical procedures, of the undiscounted estimates of the ultimate net cost of all unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses. Management continually reviews its estimates and adjusts its provision as new information becomes available. In establishing the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses, the Company also takes into account estimated recoveries, reinsurance, salvage and subrogation.

Any adjustments to the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations in the periods in which they become known, and the adjustments are accounted for as changes in estimates. Even after such adjustments, ultimate liability or recovery may exceed or be less than the revised provisions. An adjustment that increases the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses is known as an unfavorable development or a deficiency and will reduce net income while an adjustment that decreases the provision is known as a favorable development or a redundancy and will increase net income.

Process for Establishing the Provision for Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses

The process for establishing the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses reflects the uncertainties and significant judgmental factors inherent in predicting future results of both reported and IBNR claims. As such, the process is inherently complex and imprecise and estimates are constantly refined. The process of establishing the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses relies on the judgment and opinions of a large number of individuals, including the opinions of the Company's actuaries.

Factors affecting the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses include the continually evolving and changing regulatory and legal environment, actuarial studies, professional experience and expertise of the Company's claims departments' personnel and independent adjusters retained to handle individual claims, the quality of the data used for projection purposes, existing claims management practices including claims handling and settlement practices, the effect of inflationary trends on future loss settlement costs, court decisions, economic conditions and public attitudes.

The process for establishing the provision for loss and loss adjustment expenses begins with the collection and analysis of claim data. Data on individual reported claims, both current and historical, including paid amounts and individual claim adjuster estimates, are grouped by common characteristics and evaluated by actuaries in their analyses of ultimate claim liabilities by product line. Such data is occasionally supplemented with external data as available and when appropriate. The process of analyzing the provision is undertaken on a regular basis, generally quarterly, in light of continually updated information.

Multiple estimation methods are available for the analysis of the provision for loss and loss adjustment expenses. Each estimation method has its own set of assumption variables and its own advantages and disadvantages, with no single estimation method being better than the others in all situations and no one set of assumption variables being meaningful for all product line components.



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The relative strengths and weaknesses of the particular estimation methods when applied to a particular group of claims can also change over time; therefore, the actual choice of estimation method can change with each evaluation. The estimation methods chosen are those that are believed to produce the most reliable indication at that particular evaluation date.

In most cases, multiple estimation methods will be valid for the evaluation of the provision for loss and loss adjustment expenses. This will result in a range of reasonable estimates for the provision. Reported values found to be closer to the endpoints of a range of reasonable estimates are subject to further detailed reviews. These reviews may substantiate the validity of management's recorded provision or lead to a change in the reported provision.

The exact boundary points of these ranges are more qualitative than quantitative in nature, as no clear line of demarcation exists to determine when the set of underlying assumptions for an estimation method switches from being reasonable to unreasonable. As a result, the Company does not believe that the endpoints of these ranges are or would be comparable across companies. In addition, potential interactions among the different estimation assumptions for different product lines make the aggregation of individual ranges a highly judgmental and inexact process.

A basic premise in most actuarial analyses is that past patterns demonstrated in the data will repeat themselves in the future, absent a material change in the associated risk factors discussed below. To the extent a material change affecting the ultimate provision for loss and loss adjustment expenses is known, such change is quantified to the extent possible through an analysis of internal company data and, if available and when appropriate, external data. Such a measurement is specific to the facts and circumstances of the particular claim portfolio and the known change being evaluated. Significant structural changes to the available data, product mix or organization can materially impact the provision for loss and loss adjustment expenses.

Informed judgment is applied throughout the process. This includes the application of various individual experiences and expertise to multiple sets of data and analyses. In addition to actuaries, experts involved with the reserving process also include underwriting and claims personnel and lawyers, as well as other company management. As a result, management may have to consider varying individual viewpoints when establishing the provision for loss and loss adjustment expenses.

Variables Influencing the Provision for Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses

The variables discussed above have different impacts on estimation uncertainty for a given product line, depending on the length of the claim tail, the reporting lag, the impact of individual claims and the complexity of the claim process for a given product line.

Property and casualty insurance policies are either written on a claims-made or occurrence basis. Claims-made policies generally cover, subject to requirements in individual policies, claims reported during the policy period. Policies that are written on an occurrence basis require that the insured demonstrate that a loss occurred in the policy period, even if the insured reports the loss in a later policy period.

Product lines are generally classifiable as either long-tail or short-tail, based on the average length of time between the event triggering claims under a policy and the final resolution of those claims. Short-tail claims are reported and settled quickly, resulting in less estimation variability. The longer the time before final claim resolution, the greater the exposure to estimation risks and hence the greater the estimation uncertainty.

A major component of the claim tail is the reporting lag. The reporting lag, which is the time between the event triggering a claim and the reporting of the claim to the insurer, makes estimating IBNR inherently more uncertain. In addition, the greater the reporting lag, the greater the proportion of IBNR to the total provision for the product line. Writing new products with material reporting lags can result in adding several years' worth of IBNR claim exposure before the reporting lag exposure becomes clearly observable, thereby increasing the risk associated with pricing and reserving such products.

For some lines, the impact of large individual claims or loss events, such as catastrophes, can be material to the analysis. These lines are generally referred to as being "low frequency/high severity," while lines without this "large claim" sensitivity are referred to as "high frequency/low severity." The provision for low frequency/high severity lines can be sensitive to the impact of a small number of potentially large claims or a small number of significant loss events, such as catastrophes. As a result, the role of judgment is much greater for these provisions. In contrast, for high frequency/low severity lines, the impact of individual claims is relatively minor and the range of reasonable provision estimates is narrower and more stable.

Claim complexity can also greatly affect the estimation process by impacting the number of assumptions needed to produce the estimate, the potential stability of the underlying data and claim process, and the ability to gain an understanding of the data. Product lines with greater claim complexity have inherently greater estimation uncertainty.



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Actuaries have to exercise a considerable degree of judgment in the evaluation of all these factors in their analysis of the provision for loss and loss adjustment expenses. The human element in the application of actuarial judgment is unavoidable when faced with material uncertainty. Different actuaries may choose different assumptions when faced with such uncertainty, based on their individual backgrounds, professional experiences and areas of focus. Hence, the estimates selected by the various actuaries may differ materially from each other.

Lastly, significant structural changes to the available data, product mix or organization can also materially impact the process for establishing the provision for loss and loss adjustment expenses.

Property and Casualty Insurance

The Company's insurance policies are generally written on an occurrence basis. Non-standard automobile includes both short and long-tail coverages. The payments that are made quickly typically pertain to auto physical damage and property damage claims. The payments that take longer to finalize and are more difficult to estimate relate to bodily injury claims. Reporting lags are relatively short, and the claim settlement process for personal automobile liability generally is the least complex of the liability products. Given that our core non-standard automobile offerings are policies at the minimum prescribed limits in each state, our non-standard automobile business is generally viewed as a high frequency, low severity business.

Examples of common risk factors that could change and, thus, affect the provision for loss and loss adjustment expenses for the non-standard automobile product line include, but are not limited to:


•	trends in jury awards;


•	changes in the underlying court system and its philosophy;


•	changes in case law;


•	litigation trends;


•	frequency of claims with payment capped by policy limits;


•	change in average severity of accidents, or proportion of severe accidents;


•	subrogation opportunities;


•	degree of patient responsiveness to treatment;


•	changes in claim handling philosophies;


•	effectiveness of no-fault laws;


•	frequency of visits to health providers;


•	number of medical procedures given during visits to health providers;


•	types of health providers used;


•	types of medical treatments received;


•	changes in cost of medical treatments;


•	changes in policy provisions (e.g., deductibles, policy limits, endorsements, etc.);


•	changes in underwriting standards; and


•	changes in the use of credit data for rating and underwriting.

Rollforward of Property and Casualty Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Table 3 shows a rollforward of the provision for property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of amounts recoverable from reinsurers. The effect on the Company's net (loss) income during the past three years due to changes in estimates of prior year property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses is shown as the "prior years" contribution to incurred losses. The consolidated financial statements are presented on a calendar year basis for all data. Calendar year results reflect payments and re-estimation of the provision that have been recorded in the consolidated financial statements during the applicable



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reporting period without regard to the periods in which the original losses were incurred. Calendar year results do not change after the end of the applicable reporting period, even as new information develops.

TABLE 3 Rollforward of property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses

As of December 31 (in thousands of dollars)



	2017		2016		2015
Balance at beginning of period, gross	53,795		55,471		63,895
Less reinsurance recoverable related to property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses	681		1,207		3,203
Balance at beginning of period, net	53,114		54,264		60,692
Incurred related to:
Current year	100,097		96,289		86,439
Prior years	20,694		8,095		616
Paid related to:
Current year	(57,983	)	(62,978	)	(54,415	)
Prior years	(52,444	)	(42,556	)	(39,068	)
Balance at end of period, net	63,478		53,114		54,264
Plus reinsurance recoverable related to property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses	174		681		1,207
Balance at end of period, gross	63,652		53,795		55,471

INVESTMENTS

We manage our investments to support the liabilities of our insurance operations, preserve capital, maintain adequate liquidity and maximize after-tax investment returns within acceptable risks. The fixed maturities portfolios are managed by a third party firm and are comprised predominantly of high-quality fixed maturities with relatively short durations. Equity, limited liability and other investments are managed by a team of employees and advisors dedicated to the identification of investment opportunities that offer asymmetric risk/reward potential with a margin of safety supported by private market values. The Investment Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for monitoring the performance of our investments and compliance with the Company's investment policies and guidelines, which it reviews annually. We are also subject to the applicable state regulations that prescribe the type, quality and concentration of investments that individual insurance companies can make.

For further descriptions of the Company's investments, see our disclosures under the headings "Net Investment Income," "Net Realized Gains," "Investments," "Liquidity and Capital Resources" and "Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions" in the MD&A and Note 6, "Investments," and Note 25, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

REINSURANCE

For most of the non-standard automobile business that we write, our exposure is generally limited to the minimum statutory liability limits, which are typically not greater than $50,000 per occurrence, depending on the state. We have from time to time, though, entered into different types of reinsurance arrangements as part of the management of our non-standard automobile business. For 2016 and 2015, we entered into an excess of loss reinsurance arrangement to reduce our exposure to losses related to certain catastrophic events which may occur in any of the states in which we write non-standard automobile business. Upon the expiration in January, 2017 of this excess of loss reinsurance arrangement, we concluded not to renew it.

Reinsurance ceded does not relieve us of our ultimate liability to our insureds in the event that any reinsurer is unable to meet its obligations under its reinsurance contracts. We therefore enter into reinsurance contracts with only those reinsurers which we believe have sufficient financial resources to meet their obligations to us. Reinsurance treaties generally have terms of one year and, as a result, are subject to renegotiation annually.

Because our reinsurance recoverable is generally unsecured, we regularly evaluate the financial condition of our reinsurers and monitor the concentrations of credit risk to minimize our exposure to significant losses as a result of the insolvency of a reinsurer. We believe that the amounts we have recorded as reinsurance recoverable are appropriately established. Estimating our reinsurance recoverable, however, is subject to various uncertainties and the amounts ultimately recoverable may vary from amounts currently recorded. Estimating amounts of reinsurance recoverable is also impacted by the uncertainties involved in the establishment of



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provisions for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses. As our underlying provision develops, the amounts ultimately recoverable may vary from amounts currently recorded.

As of December 31, 2017, we had $0.2 million recoverable from third-party reinsurers. As shown in Table 4 below, at December 31, 2017, 100.0% of the amounts recoverable from third-party reinsurers were due from reinsurers that were rated "A-" or higher by the A.M. Best rating service. We regularly evaluate our reinsurers and their respective amounts recoverable, and an allowance for uncollectible reinsurance is provided, if needed.

TABLE 4 Composition of amounts due from reinsurers by A.M. Best rating

As of December 31, 2017



A+	52.7	%
A-	47.3	%
Total	100.0	%

REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT

Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to extensive regulation in the states in which they do business. Such regulation pertains to a variety of matters, including, but not limited to, policy forms, premium rate plans, licensing of agents, licenses to transact business, trade practices, claims practices, investments, payment of dividends, transactions with affiliates and solvency. The majority of our insurance is written in states requiring prior approval by regulators before proposed rates for property and casualty policies may be implemented.

Our U.S. insurance subsidiaries are subject to the insurance holding company laws in the jurisdictions in which they conduct business. These regulations require that each U.S insurance company in the holding company system register with the insurance department of its state of domicile and furnish information concerning the operations of companies in the holding company system which may materially affect the operations, management or financial condition of the insurers in the holding company domiciled in that state. We have U.S. insurance subsidiaries that are organized and domiciled under the insurance statutes of Illinois, Minnesota and Florida. The insurance laws in each of these states similarly provide that all transactions among members of a holding company system be done at arm’s length and be shown to be fair and reasonable to the regulated insurer. Transactions between insurance company subsidiaries and their parents and affiliates typically must be disclosed to the state regulators, and any material or extraordinary transaction requires prior approval of the applicable state insurance regulator. A change of control of a domestic insurer or of any controlling person requires the prior approval of the state insurance regulator. In general, any person who acquires 10% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the insurer or its parent company is presumed to have acquired control of the domestic insurer. To the best of our knowledge, we are in compliance with the regulations discussed above.

Insurance companies are required to report their financial condition and results of operation in accordance with statutory accounting principles prescribed or permitted by state insurance regulators in conjunction with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC"). State insurance regulators also prescribe the form and content of statutory financial statements, perform periodic financial examinations of insurers, set minimum reserve and loss ratio requirements, establish standards for the types and amounts of investments and require minimum capital and surplus levels. Such statutory capital and surplus requirements reflect risk-based capital ("RBC") standards promulgated by the NAIC. These RBC standards are intended to assess the level of risk inherent in an insurance company's business and consider items such as asset risk, credit risk, underwriting risk and other business risks relevant to its operations. In accordance with RBC formulas, an insurance company's RBC requirements are calculated and compared to its total adjusted capital, as defined by the NAIC, to determine whether regulatory intervention is warranted. In general, insurers reporting surplus as regards policyholders below 200% of the authorized control level, as defined by the NAIC, at December 31 are subject to varying levels of regulatory action, including discontinuation of operations. As of December 31, 2017, surplus as regards policyholders reported by each of our insurance subsidiaries, with the exception of Mendota, exceeded the 200% threshold. Refer to Note 28, "Regulatory Capital Requirements and Ratios," to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

Our insurance subsidiaries are required under the guaranty fund laws of most states in which they transact business to pay assessments up to prescribed limits to fund policyholder losses or liabilities of insolvent insurance companies. Our insurance subsidiaries also are required to participate in various involuntary pools or assigned risk pools. In most states, the involuntary pool participation of our insurance subsidiaries is in proportion to their voluntary writings of related lines of business in such states.

We operate under licenses issued by various state insurance authorities. These licenses govern, among other things, the types of insurance coverage and agency and claim services that we may offer consumers in these states. Such licenses typically are issued only after we file an appropriate application and satisfy prescribed criteria. We must apply for and obtain the appropriate new



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licenses before we can implement any plan to expand into a new state or offer a new line of insurance or other new product that requires separate licensing.

The insurance laws of most states in which our insurance subsidiaries operate require insurance companies to file insurance rate schedules and insurance policy forms for review and approval. State insurance regulators have broad discretion in judging whether our rates are adequate, not excessive and not unfairly discriminatory and whether our policy forms comply with law. The speed at which we can change our rates depends, in part, on the method by which the applicable state's rating laws are administered. Generally, state insurance regulators have the authority to disapprove our rates or request changes in our rates. In addition, certain states in which we operate have laws and regulations that limit an automobile insurance company's ability to cancel or not renew policies.

We are subject to state laws and regulations that require diversification of our investment portfolios and that limit the amount of investments in certain categories. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations would cause non-conforming investments to be treated as non-admitted assets for purposes of measuring statutory surplus and, in some instances, would require divestiture.

The state insurance departments that have jurisdiction over our insurance company subsidiaries may conduct on-site visits and examinations of the insurance companies' affairs, especially as to their financial condition, ability to fulfill their obligations to policyholders, market conduct, claims practices and compliance with other laws and applicable regulations. Typically, these examinations are conducted every three to five years. In addition, if circumstances dictate, regulators are authorized to conduct special or target examinations of insurance companies to address particular concerns or issues. The results of these examinations can give rise to regulatory orders requiring remedial, injunctive or other corrective action on the part of the company that is the subject of the examination or the assessment of fines or other penalties against that company.

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act protects consumers from the unauthorized dissemination of certain personal information. The majority of states have implemented additional regulations to address privacy issues. These laws and regulations apply to all financial institutions, including insurance companies, and require us to maintain appropriate procedures for managing and protecting certain personal information of our customers and to fully disclose our privacy practices to our customers. We may also be exposed to future privacy laws and regulations, which could impose additional costs and impact our results of operations or financial condition.

In July 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "DFA") was enacted into law. Among other things, the DFA forms within the Treasury Department a Federal Insurance Office ("FIO") that is charged with monitoring all aspects of the insurance industry, gathering data, and conducting a study on methods to modernize and improve the insurance regulatory system in the United States. FIO's report, which was delivered to Congress in 2013, concluded that a hybrid approach to regulation, involving a combination of state and federal government action, could improve the U.S. insurance system by attaining uniformity, efficiency and consistency, particularly with respect to solvency and market conduct regulation. A hybrid approach was also recommended to address the perceived need for uniform supervision of insurance companies with national and global activities. FIO established the Federal Advisory Committee on Insurance ("FACI") whose mission is to provide recommendations to FIO on issues it monitors for Congress. While the NAIC continues to promote the strengths of the U.S. state-based insurance regulatory system, both FIO/FACI and international standard setting authorities such as the International Association of Insurance Supervisors are actively seeking a role in shaping the future of the U.S. insurance regulatory framework.

Title V of the DFA instructs the FIO Director to submit an update to the report that FIO submitted to Congress in 2013 describing the impact of Part II of the DFA's Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act of 2010 ("NRRA") on the ability of state regulators to access reinsurance information for regulated entities in their jurisdictions. The update, submitted by FIO in May 2015, concludes that Part II of NRRA has not had an adverse impact on the ability of state regulators to access reinsurance information from regulated companies. It is not yet known whether or how these organizations' recommendations might result in changes to the current state-based system of insurance industry regulation or ultimately impact Kingsway’s operations.

Vehicle service agreements are regulated in all states in the United States, and IWS is subject to these regulations. Most states utilize the approach of the Uniform Service Contract Act which was adopted by the NAIC in the early 1990's. Under that scheme, states regulate vehicle service contract companies by requiring them annually to file documentation, together with a copy of the contract of insurance covering their liability under the service contracts, which complies with the particular state's regulatory requirements. IWS is in compliance with the regulations of each state in which it sells vehicle service agreements.

Certain, but not all, states regulate the sale of HVAC and equipment warranty contracts. Trinity is licensed as a service contract provider in those states where it is required.

The insurance carrier providing the contractual liability coverage for the insured warranty product offered by PWSC is designated as a surplus lines carrier in all states. The offering of surplus lines insurance is regulated in all states. The insurance carrier has designated an agent within PWSC who is a licensed property and casualty broker and a surplus lines broker in all states where



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such a license is required. PWSC is in compliance with the regulations of each state in which it offers its insured warranty products. In addition, New Jersey, Maryland and the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development ("HUD") require PWSC to file its warranty plan documents and other company information for periodic review and approval to demonstrate compliance with new home warranty plan regulations promulgated by those jurisdictions. HUD and New Jersey require such a filing every two years. Maryland requires a filing every year. PWSC is in compliance with the filing requirements of each state and HUD.

EMPLOYEES

At December 31, 2017, we employed 316 personnel supporting our continuing operations, of which 309 were full-time employees.

ACCESS TO REPORTS

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are made available free of charge through our website at www.kingsway-financial.com as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Most issuers, including Kingsway, are exposed to numerous risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from recent results or anticipated future results. The risks and uncertainties described below are those specific to the Company that we currently believe have the potential to be material, but they may not be the only ones we face. If any of the following risks, or any other risks and uncertainties that we have not yet identified or that we currently consider not to be material, actually occur or become material risks, our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. Investors are advised to consider these factors along with the other information included in this 2017 Annual Report and to consult any further disclosures Kingsway makes on related subjects in its filings with the SEC.

FINANCIAL RISK

Kingsway is a holding company, and its operating insurance subsidiaries are subject to dividend restrictions and are required to maintain minimum capital and surplus levels, which could limit our operations and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

Kingsway is a holding company with assets consisting primarily of the capital stock of its subsidiaries. Our operations are and will continue to be limited by the earnings of our subsidiaries and their ability to pay dividends to us. The payment of dividends by our operating insurance subsidiaries is subject to various statutory and regulatory restrictions imposed by the insurance laws of the domiciliary jurisdiction, including Barbados, of each such subsidiary. As a result of operating losses recorded in recent years, at this time none of our U.S. insurance subsidiaries is able to declare and pay a dividend to the holding company without prior regulatory approval. The Company expects these restrictions to continue. In the case of other subsidiaries not currently subject to these restrictions, these subsidiaries may be limited in their ability to make dividend payments or advance funds to Kingsway in the future because of the need to support their own capital levels. The inability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends to us could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

See the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section of MD&A for a detailed description of the liquidity requirements of the holding company and the regulatory capital requirements of the operating insurance subsidiaries. No assurances can be given that the operating insurance subsidiaries will be able to maintain compliance with these regulatory capital requirements.

We have substantial outstanding recourse debt, which could adversely affect our ability to obtain financing in the future, react to changes in our business and satisfy our obligations.

As of December 31, 2017, we had $90.5 million principal value of outstanding recourse subordinated debt, in the form of trust preferred debt instruments, with redemption dates beginning in December, 2032. Because of our substantial outstanding recourse debt:


•	our ability to engage in acquisitions without raising additional equity or obtaining additional debt financing could be limited;


•	our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements or general corporate purposes and our ability to satisfy our obligations with respect to our debt may be impaired in the future;


•	a large portion of our cash flow must be dedicated to the payment of interest on our debt, thereby reducing the funds available to us for other purposes;



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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.


•	we are exposed to the risk of increased interest rates because our outstanding subordinated debt, representing $90.5 million of principal value, bears interest directly related to the London interbank offered interest rate for three-month U.S. dollar deposits ("LIBOR");


•	it may be more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations to our creditors, resulting in possible defaults on, and acceleration of, such debt;


•	we may be more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions;


•	we may be at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors with proportionately less debt or with comparable debt on more favorable terms and, as a result, they may be better positioned to withstand economic downturns;


•	our ability to refinance debt may be limited or the associated costs may increase;


•	our flexibility to adjust to changing market conditions and ability to withstand competitive pressures could be limited; and


•	we may be prevented from carrying out capital spending that is, among other things, necessary or important to our growth strategy and efforts to improve the operating results of our businesses.

Increases in interest rates would increase the cost of servicing our subordinated debt and could adversely affect our results of operation.

Our outstanding recourse debt of $90.5 million principal value bears interest directly related to LIBOR. As a result, increases in LIBOR would increase the cost of servicing our debt and could adversely affect our results of operations. As of December 31, 2017, each one hundred basis point increase in LIBOR would result in an approximately $0.9 million increase in our annual interest expense.

Our operations are restricted by the terms of our debt indentures, which could limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions or meet our capital needs.

Our debt indentures contain numerous covenants that may limit our ability, among other things, to make particular types of restricted payments and pay dividends or redeem capital stock. The covenants under our debt agreements could limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions or to meet our capital needs. No assurances can be given that we will be able to maintain compliance with these covenants.

If we are not able to comply with the covenants and other requirements contained in the debt indentures, an event of default under the relevant debt instrument could occur. If an event of default does occur, it could trigger a default under our other debt instruments, and the holders of the defaulted debt instrument could declare amounts outstanding with respect to such debt to become immediately due and payable. Upon such an event, our assets and cash flow may not be sufficient to fully repay borrowings under our outstanding debt instruments. In addition, such a repayment under an event of default could adversely affect our liquidity and force us to sell assets to repay borrowings.

The Investment Committee of the Board of Directors closely monitors the debt and capital position and, from time to time, recommends capital initiatives based upon the circumstances of the Company.

The Real Property is leased pursuant to a long-term triple net lease and the failure of the tenant to satisfy its obligations under the lease may adversely affect the condition of the Real Property or the results of the Leased Real Estate segment.

Because the Real Property is leased pursuant to a long-term triple net lease, we depend on the tenant to pay all insurance, taxes, utilities, common area maintenance charges, maintenance and repair expenses and to indemnify, defend and hold us harmless from and against various claims, litigation and liabilities arising in connection with its business, including any environmental liabilities. There can be no assurance that the tenant will have sufficient assets, income and access to financing to enable it to satisfy its payment obligations to us under the lease. The inability or unwillingness of the tenant to meet its rent obligations to CMC or to satisfy its other obligations, including indemnification obligations, could materially adversely affect the business, financial position or results of operations of our Leased Real Estate segment. Furthermore, the inability or unwillingness of the tenant to satisfy its other obligations under the lease, such as the payment of insurance, taxes and utilities, could materially and adversely affect the condition of the Real Property.

Our triple net lease agreement requires that the tenant maintain comprehensive liability and hazard insurance. However, there are certain types of losses (including losses arising from environmental conditions or of a catastrophic nature, such as earthquakes, hurricanes and floods) that may be uninsurable or not economically insurable. Insurance coverage may not be sufficient to pay the full current market value or current replacement cost of a loss. Inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances, environmental considerations, and other factors also might make it infeasible to use insurance proceeds to replace the property after such property has been damaged or destroyed. In addition, if we experience a loss that is uninsured or that exceeds policy coverage limits, we could lose the capital invested in the property as well as the anticipated future cash flows from the property.



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We may not be able to realize our investment objectives, which could significantly reduce our earnings and liquidity.

We depend on our investments, particularly our fixed maturities, for a substantial portion of our liquidity. As of December 31, 2017, our investments included $53.2 million of fixed maturities, at fair value. General economic conditions can adversely affect the markets for interest rate-sensitive instruments, including the extent and timing of investor participation in such markets, the level and volatility of interest rates and, consequently, the fair value of fixed maturities. In addition, changing economic conditions can result in increased defaults by the issuers of investments that we own. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including monetary policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions and other factors beyond our control. Given the low interest rate environment that exists for fixed maturities, a significant increase in investment yields or an impairment of investments that we own could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition by reducing the fair value of the investments we own, particularly if we were forced to liquidate investments at a loss. The low interest rate environment for fixed maturities that has existed for years also exposes us to reinvestment risk as these investments mature because the funds may be reinvested at rates lower than those of the maturing investments.

As of December 31, 2017, our investments also included $25.2 million of limited liability investments and a $10.3 million limited liability investment, at fair value. These investments are less liquid than fixed maturities. We generally make these investments with long-term time horizons in mind. General economic conditions, stock market conditions and many other factors can adversely affect the fair value of the investments we own. If circumstances necessitated us disposing of our limited liability investments prematurely in order to generate liquidity for operating purposes, we would be exposed to realizing less than their carrying value.

Our ability to achieve our investment objectives is affected by general economic conditions that are beyond our control and our own liquidity needs for operating purposes. We may not be able to realize our investment objectives, which could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and available cash resources.

A difficult economy generally may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

An adverse change in market conditions leading to instability in the global credit markets presents additional risks and uncertainties for our business. In particular, deterioration in the public debt markets could lead to investment losses and an erosion of capital in our insurance company subsidiaries as a result of a reduction in the fair value of investments.

Depending on market conditions going forward, we could incur substantial realized and unrealized losses in future periods, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition. We could also experience a reduction in capital in our insurance subsidiaries below levels required by the regulators in the jurisdictions in which they operate. Certain trust accounts and letters of credit for the benefit of related companies and third-parties have been established with collateral on deposit under the terms and conditions of the relevant trust and/or letter of credit agreements. The value of collateral could fall below the levels required under these agreements putting the subsidiary or subsidiaries in breach of the agreements.

Market volatility may also make it more difficult to value certain of our investments if trading becomes less frequent. Disruptions, uncertainty and volatility in the global credit markets may also impact our ability to obtain financing for future acquisitions. If financing is available, it may only be available at an unattractive cost of capital, which would decrease our profitability. There can be no assurance that market conditions will not deteriorate in the near future.

Financial disruption or a prolonged economic downturn may materially and adversely affect our business.

Worldwide financial markets have recently experienced periods of extraordinary disruption and volatility, resulting in heightened credit risk, reduced valuation of investments and decreased economic activity. Moreover, many companies have experienced reduced liquidity and uncertainty as to their ability to raise capital during such periods of market disruption and volatility. In the event that these conditions recur or result in a prolonged economic downturn, our results of operations, financial position and/or liquidity could be materially and adversely affected. These market conditions may affect the Company's ability to access debt and equity capital markets. In addition, as a result of recent financial events, we may face increased regulation. Many of the other risk factors discussed in this Risk Factors section identify risks that result from, or are exacerbated by, financial economic downturn. These include risks related to our investments portfolio, the competitive environment, adequacy of unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses and regulatory developments.

We provided indemnity and hold harmless agreements to a third party, which could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We provided indemnity and hold harmless agreements to a third-party for certain customs bonds reinsured by Lincoln General Insurance Company ("Lincoln General") during a period of the time Lincoln General was a subsidiary of ours. These agreements may require us to compensate the third-party if Lincoln General is unable to fulfill its obligations relating to the customs bonds. Our potential exposure under these agreements is not determinable, and no assurances can be given that we will not be required



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to perform under these agreements in a manner that has a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We have generated net operating loss carryforwards for U.S. income tax purposes, but our ability to use these net operating losses may be limited by our inability to generate future taxable income.

Our U.S. businesses have generated consolidated net operating loss carryforwards ("U.S. NOLs") for U.S. federal income tax purposes of approximately $882.4 million as of December 31, 2017. These U.S. NOLs can be available to reduce income taxes that might otherwise be incurred on future U.S. taxable income. The utilization of these U.S. NOLs would have a positive effect on our cash flow. Our operations, however, remain challenged, and there can be no assurance that we will generate the taxable income in the future necessary to utilize these U.S. NOLs and realize the positive cash flow benefit. Also, our U.S. NOLs have expiration dates. There can be no assurance that, if and when we generate taxable income in the future from operations or the sale of assets or businesses, we will generate such taxable income before our U.S. NOLs expire.

We have generated U.S. NOLs, but our ability to preserve and use these U.S. NOLs may be limited or impaired by future ownership changes.

Our ability to utilize the U.S. NOLs after an "ownership change" is subject to the rules of Section 382 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Section 382"). An ownership change occurs if, among other things, the shareholders (or specified groups of shareholders) who own or have owned, directly or indirectly, five (5%) percent or more of the value of our shares or are otherwise treated as five (5%) percent shareholders under Section 382 and the regulations promulgated thereunder increase their aggregate percentage ownership of the value of our shares by more than 50 percentage points over the lowest percentage of the value of the shares owned by these shareholders over a three-year rolling period. An ownership change could also be triggered by other activities, including the sale of our shares that are owned by our five (5%) shareholders. In the event of an ownership change, Section 382 would impose an annual limitation on the amount of taxable income we may offset with U.S. NOLs. This annual limitation is generally equal to the product of the value of our shares on the date of the ownership change multiplied by the long-term tax-exempt rate in effect on the date of the ownership change. The long-term tax-exempt rate is published monthly by the Internal Revenue Service. Any unused Section 382 annual limitation may be carried over to later years until the applicable expiration date for the respective U.S. NOLs. In the event an ownership change as defined under Section 382 were to occur, our ability to utilize our U.S. NOLs would become substantially limited. The consequence of this limitation would be the potential loss of a significant future cash flow benefit because we would no longer be able to substantially offset future taxable income with U.S. NOLs. There can be no assurance that such ownership change will not occur in the future.

Expiration of our tax benefit preservation plan may increase the probability that we will experience an ownership change as defined under Section 382.

In order to reduce the likelihood that we would experience an ownership change without the approval of our Board of Directors, our shareholders ratified and approved the tax benefit preservation plan agreement (the "Plan"), dated as of September 28, 2010, between the Company and Computershare Investor Services Inc., as rights agent, for the sole purpose of protecting the U.S. NOLs. The Plan expired on September 28, 2013. There can be no assurance that our Board of Directors will recommend to our shareholders that a similar tax benefit preservation plan be approved to replace the expired Plan; furthermore, there can be no assurance that our shareholders would approve any new tax benefit preservation plan were our Board of Directors to present one for shareholder approval. The expiration of the Plan, without a new tax benefit preservation plan, exposes us to certain changes in share ownership that we would not be able to prevent as we would have been able to prevent under the Plan. Such changes in share ownership could trigger an ownership change as defined under Section 382 resulting in restrictions on the use of NOLs in future periods, as discussed above.

We will only be able to utilize our U.S. NOLs against the future taxable income generated by companies we acquire if we are able to include the acquired companies in our U.S. consolidated tax return group.

We have in the past acquired companies and expect to do so in the future. Our ability to include acquired companies in our U.S. consolidated tax return group is subject to the rules of Section 1504 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. If it were ever determined that an acquired company did not qualify to be included in our U.S. consolidated tax return group, such acquired company would be required to file a U.S. tax return separate and apart from our U.S. consolidated tax return group. In that instance, the acquired company would be required to pay U.S. income tax on its taxable income despite the existence of our U.S. NOLs, which would be a use of cash at the acquired company; furthermore, were the income tax obligation of the acquired company in such instance to be greater than its available cash, we could be obligated to contribute cash to our subsidiary to meet its income tax obligation. There can be no assurance that an acquired company will generate taxable income and, if an acquired company does generate taxable income, there can be no assurance that the acquired company will be allowed to be included in our U.S. consolidated tax return group.



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Our being registered as a Canadian domestic company subjects us to being taxed in Canada on foreign accrual property income that cannot be offset by our U.S. NOLs.

Canadian domestic companies are subject to taxation on certain non-Canadian sourced income called foreign accrual property income ("FAPI"). FAPI is traditionally comprised of passive income (i.e. interest, dividends, rents, capital gains and income generated from triple net leases). As a result, our investment portfolio, triple net lease and merchant banking activities are generally deemed to be sources of FAPI. Active trades or businesses are generally not considered sources of FAPI; however, pursuant to current Canadian tax law, our U.S. property-casualty insurance companies may be considered sources of FAPI. Our FAPI is subject to taxation in Canada regardless of whether we separately utilize our U.S. NOLs to offset that same income for U.S. income tax purposes. As a result, we could be required to pay Canadian income tax on FAPI despite the existence of our U.S. NOLs. We are currently in a position to offset some amount of FAPI using available Canadian NOLs and foreign accrual property losses ("FAPLs") that have been generated based upon our prior year loss activity. In the event that we do not have sufficient Canadian NOLs and FAPLs to offset future FAPI, however, we would be required to pay Canadian income tax, which would have a negative effect on our cash flow. There can be no assurance that our available Canadian NOLs and FAPLs will offset our future FAPI. In order for us to avoid paying Canadian income tax on future FAPI, we would have to redomesticate to a non-Canadian jurisdiction.

COMPLIANCE RISK

If we fail to comply with applicable insurance and securities laws or regulatory requirements, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

As a publicly traded holding company listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges and that owns several property and casualty insurance subsidiaries, we are subject to numerous laws and regulations. These laws and regulations delegate regulatory, supervisory and administrative powers to federal, provincial or state regulators.

Insurance regulations are generally designed to protect policyholders rather than shareholders and are related to matters including:


•	rate-setting;


•	risk-based capital and solvency standards;


•	restrictions on the amount, type, nature, quality and quantity of investments;


•	the maintenance of adequate provisions for unearned premiums and unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses;


•	restrictions on the types of terms that can be included in insurance policies;


•	standards for accounting;


•	marketing practices;


•	claims-settlement practices;


•	the examination of insurance companies by regulatory authorities, including periodic financial and market conduct examinations;


•	the licensing of insurers and their agents;


•	limitations on dividends and transactions with affiliates;


•	approval of certain reinsurance transactions; and


•	insolvency proceedings.

In light of losses incurred in recent years, Kingsway and its regulated subsidiaries have been subject to intense review and supervision by insurance regulators. Our regulated insurance businesses are also subject to periodic financial, market conduct and other types of examinations initiated by the insurance regulators in the states in which our insurance subsidiaries are domiciled or in which we conduct our insurance business. These insurance regulators have broad discretion during the course of these examinations to assert their authority and take significant steps intended, in their sole discretion, to protect the policyholders of the insurance companies we own. These steps have included:


•	requesting additional capital contributions from Kingsway to its insurance subsidiaries;


•	requiring certain actions be taken with respect to the investment portfolios of the insurance companies;


•	requiring certain analyses be undertaken and plans be developed for submission to the insurance regulators;


•	prohibiting certain actions of the insurance companies without the approval of the insurance regulators; and


•	requiring more frequent reporting, including with respect to capital and liquidity positions.

These and other actions have made it challenging for the Company to continue to maintain focus on the operation and development of its businesses. The Company does not expect these conditions to change in the foreseeable future.

In light of financial performance and a number of material transactions executed over the years, the Company has been asked to respond to questions from and provide information to regulatory bodies overseeing insurance and/or securities laws in Canada



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and the United States. The Company has cooperated in all respects with these reviews and has responded to information requests on a timely basis.

Any failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations or the mandates of our insurance regulators could result in the imposition of fines or significant restrictions on our ability to do business, which could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition. In addition, any changes in laws or regulations, including the adoption of consumer initiatives regarding rates charged for automobile or other insurance coverage or claims-handling procedures, could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. It is not possible to predict the future impact of changing federal, state and provincial regulation on our operations, and there can be no assurance that laws and regulations enacted in the future will not be more restrictive than existing laws and regulations.

Our business is subject to risks related to litigation and regulatory actions.

We are a defendant in a number of legal actions relating to our insurance and other business operations. We may from time to time be subject to a variety of legal and regulatory actions relating to our current and past business operations, including, but not limited to:


•	disputes over coverage or claims adjudication;


•	disputes regarding sales practices, disclosure, premium refunds, licensing, regulatory compliance and compensation arrangements;


•	disputes with agents, producers or network providers over compensation and termination of contracts and related claims;


•	disputes with taxing authorities regarding our tax liabilities; and


•	disputes relating to certain businesses acquired or disposed of by us.

In addition, plaintiffs continue to bring new types of legal actions against insurance and related companies. Current and future court decisions and legislative activity may increase our exposure to these types of claims. Multiparty or class action claims may present additional exposure to substantial economic, non-economic or punitive damage awards. The loss of even one of these claims, if it resulted in a significant award or a judicial ruling that was otherwise detrimental, could create a precedent in our industry that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. This risk of potential liability may make reasonable settlements of claims more difficult to obtain. We cannot determine with any certainty what new theories of recovery may evolve or what their impact may be on our business.

We may be subject to governmental or administrative investigations and proceedings in the context of our highly regulated businesses. We cannot predict the outcome of these investigations, proceedings and reviews, and cannot assure that such investigations, proceedings or reviews or related litigation or changes in operating policies and practices would not materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, if we were to experience difficulties with our relationship with a regulatory body in a given jurisdiction, it could have a material adverse effect on our ability to do business in that jurisdiction.

Material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting could result in material misstatements in our consolidated financial statements.

We are required, pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, to furnish a report by management on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. In addition, our independent registered public accounting firm must report on its evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting. As disclosed in Item 9A of our 2016 Annual Report, we previously identified a material weakness as of December 31, 2016 in our internal control over financial reporting related to income tax accounting for non-routine transactions.

Although we successfully remediated this material weakness during 2017, we can provide no assurance that additional material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting will not be identified in the future and that such material weaknesses, if identified, will not result in material misstatements in our consolidated financial statements.

STRATEGIC RISK

The achievement of our strategic objectives is highly dependent on effective change management.

We have restructured our operating insurance subsidiaries, including exiting states and lines of business, placing subsidiaries into voluntary run-off, terminating managing general agent relationships and hiring a new management team, with the objective of focusing on core lines of business, creating a more effective and efficient operating structure and focusing on profitability. These actions resulted in changes to our structure and business processes. While these changes are expected to bring us benefits in the form of a more agile and focused business, success is dependent on management effectively realizing the intended benefits. Change management may result in disruptions to the operations of the business or may cause employees to act in a manner that is inconsistent



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with our objectives. Any of these events could negatively impact our performance. We may not always achieve the expected cost savings and other benefits of our initiatives.

We may experience difficulty continuing to reduce our holding company expenses while at the same time retaining staff given the significant reduction in size and scale of our businesses.

We have divested a number of subsidiaries and significantly reduced our written premium in the insurance subsidiaries we continue to own. At the same time, we have been downsizing our holding company expense base in an attempt to compensate for the reduction in scale. There can be no assurance that our remaining businesses will produce enough cash flow to adequately compensate and retain staff and to service our other holding company obligations, particularly the interest expense burden of our remaining outstanding debt.

The insurance industry and related businesses in which we operate may be subject to periodic negative publicity, which may negatively impact our financial results.

Our products and services are ultimately distributed to individual consumers. From time to time, consumer advocacy groups or the media may focus attention on insurance products and services, thereby subjecting our industry to periodic negative publicity. We also may be negatively impacted if participants in one or more of our markets engage in practices resulting in increased public attention to our businesses. Negative publicity may also result in increased regulation and legislative scrutiny of practices in the property and casualty insurance industry as well as increased litigation. These factors may further increase our costs of doing business and adversely affect our profitability by impeding our ability to market our products and services, requiring us to change our products or services, or by increasing the regulatory burdens under which we operate.

The highly competitive environment in which we operate could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The property and casualty markets in which we operate are highly competitive. We compete with major North American and other insurers, many of which have more financial, marketing and management resources than we do. There may also be other companies of which we are not aware that may be planning to enter the property and casualty insurance industry. Insurers in our markets generally compete on the basis of price, consumer recognition, coverages offered, claims handling, financial stability, customer service and geographic coverage. Although our pricing is influenced to some degree by that of our competitors, we generally believe that it is not in our best interest to compete solely on price. As a result, we are willing to experience from time to time a loss of market share during periods of intense price competition. Our business could be adversely impacted by the loss of business to competitors offering competitive insurance products at lower prices. This competition could affect our ability to attract and retain profitable business.

In our non-standard automobile business, we compete with both large national underwriters and smaller regional companies. Our competitors include other companies that, like us, serve the independent agency market, as well as companies that sell insurance directly to customers. Direct underwriters may have certain competitive advantages over agency underwriters, including increased name recognition, loyalty of the customer base to the insurer rather than to an independent agency and reduced costs to acquire policies.

Additionally, in certain states, government-operated risk plans may provide non-standard automobile insurance products at lower prices than we provide.

From time to time, our markets may also attract competition from new entrants. In some cases, such entrants may, because of inexperience, the desire for new business or for other reasons, price their insurance below the rates that we believe offer acceptable premiums for the related risk. Further, a number of our competitors, including new entrants to our markets, are developing e-business capabilities that may impact the level of business transacted through our more traditional distribution channels or that may affect pricing in the market as a whole.

The vehicle service agreement market in which we compete is comprised of a few large companies, which market service agreements to credit unions on a national basis and have significantly more financial, marketing and management resources than we do, as well as several other companies that are somewhat similar in size to IWS that market service agreements to credit unions either on a regional basis or a less robust national basis. There may also be other companies of which we are not aware that may be planning to enter the vehicle service agreement industry. Competitors in our market generally compete on coverages offered, claims handling, customer service, financial stability and, to a lesser extent, price. Larger competitors of ours benefit from added advantages such as industry endorsements and preferred vendor status. We do not believe that it is in our best interest to compete solely on price. Instead, we focus our marketing on the total value experience to the credit union and its member, with an emphasis on customer service. While we historically have been able to adjust our product offering to remain competitive when competitors



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have focused on price, our business could be adversely impacted by the loss of business to competitors offering vehicle service agreements at lower prices.

Engaging in acquisitions involves risks, and, if we are unable to effectively manage these risks, our business may be materially harmed.

From time to time we engage in discussions concerning acquisition opportunities and, as a result of such discussions, may enter into acquisition transactions.

Acquisitions entail numerous risks, including the following:


•	difficulties in the integration of the acquired business;


•	assumption of unknown material liabilities, including deficient provisions for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses;


•	diversion of management's attention from other business concerns;


•	failure to achieve financial or operating objectives; and


•	potential loss of policyholders or key employees of acquired companies.

We may not be able to integrate or operate successfully any business, operations, personnel, services or products that we may acquire in the future.

Engaging in new business start-ups involves risks, and, if we are unable to effectively manage these risks, our business may be materially harmed.

From time to time we engage in discussions concerning the formation of a new business venture and, as a result of such discussions, may form and capitalize a new business.

New business start-ups entail numerous risks, including the following:


•	identification of appropriate management to run the new business;


•	understanding the strategic, competitive and marketplace dynamics of the new business and, perhaps, industry;


•	establishment of proper financial and operational controls;


•	diversion of management's attention from other business concerns; and


•	failure to achieve financial or operating objectives.

We may not be able to operate successfully any business, operations, personnel, services or products that we may organize as a new business start-up in the future.

Our company has executive officers who also serve as directors and executive officers for 1347 Property Insurance Holdings, Inc., Atlas Financial Holdings, Inc., Limbach Holdings, Inc., Itasca Capital Ltd. and 1347 Energy Holdings LLC, entities in which we hold investments, which may lead to conflicting interests.

As a result of our having previously spun off 1347 Property Insurance Holdings, Inc. ("PIH") and Atlas Financial Holdings, Inc. ("Atlas"); formed 1347 Capital Corp., which later entered into a business combination with Limbach Holdings, Inc. ("Limbach"); and invested in Itasca Capital Ltd. ("ICL") and 1347 Energy Holdings LLC ("1347 Energy"), entities in which we hold investments, we have executive officers who also serve as directors for PIH, Atlas, Limbach, ICL and 1347 Energy and who serve as executive officers, pursuant to a management services agreement, for ICL. Our executive officers and members of our Company's board of directors have fiduciary duties to our stockholders; likewise, persons who serve in similar capacities at PIH, Atlas, Limbach, ICL and 1347 Energy have fiduciary duties to those companies’ stockholders. We may find, though, the potential for a conflict of interest if our Company and one or more of these other companies pursue acquisitions, investments and other business opportunities that may be suitable for each of us. Our executive officers who find themselves in these multiple roles may, as a result, have conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest with respect to matters involving or affecting more than one of the companies to which they owe fiduciary duties. Furthermore, our executive officers who find themselves in these multiple roles own stock options, shares of common stock and other securities in some of these entities. These ownership interests could create, or appear to create, potential conflicts of interest when the applicable individuals are faced with decisions that could have different implications for our Company and these other entities. Our Audit Committee reviews potential conflicts that may arise on a case-by-case basis, keeping in mind the applicable fiduciary duties owed by the executive officers and directors of each entity. From time to time, we may enter into transactions with or participate jointly in investments with PIH, Atlas, Limbach, ICL or 1347 Energy. There can be no assurance that we will not create new situations where our directors or executive officers serve as directors or executive officers in future investment holdings of our Company.



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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

OPERATIONAL RISK

Our provisions for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses may be inadequate, which would result in a reduction in our net income and might adversely affect our financial condition.

Our provisions for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses do not represent an exact calculation of our actual liability but are estimates involving actuarial and statistical projections at a given point in time of what we expect to be the cost of the ultimate settlement and administration of reported and IBNR claims. The process for establishing the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses reflects the uncertainties and significant judgmental factors inherent in estimating future results of both reported and IBNR claims and, as such, the process is inherently complex and imprecise. These estimates are based upon various factors, including:


•	actuarial projections of the cost of settlement and administration of claims reflecting facts and circumstances then known;


•	estimates of future trends in claims severity and frequency;


•	legal theories of liability;


•	variability in claims-handling procedures;


•	economic factors such as inflation;


•	judicial and legislative trends, actions such as class action lawsuits, and judicial interpretation of coverages or policy exclusions; and


•	the level of insurance fraud.

Most or all of these factors are not directly quantifiable, particularly on a prospective basis, and the effects of these and unforeseen factors could negatively impact our ability to accurately assess the risks of the policies that we write. In addition, there may be significant reporting lags between the occurrence of insured events and the time they are actually reported to us and additional lags between the time of reporting and final settlement of claims.

As time passes and more information about the claims becomes known, the estimates are appropriately adjusted upward or downward to reflect this additional information. Because of the elements of uncertainty encompassed in this estimation process, and the extended time it can take to settle many of the more substantial claims, several years of experience may be required before a meaningful comparison can be made between actual losses and the original provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses.

We cannot assure that we will not have unfavorable development in the future. In addition, we have in the past, and may in the future, acquire other insurance companies. We cannot assure that the provisions for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses of the companies that we acquire are or will be adequate.

In addition, government regulators for our insurance subsidiaries could require that we increase our provisions for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses if they determine that our provisions are understated. Such an increase to the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses for one of our insurance subsidiaries could cause a reduction in its surplus as regards policyholders, which could adversely affect our ability to sell insurance policies.

Our Extended Warranty subsidiaries' deferred service fees may be inadequate, which would result in a reduction in our net income and might adversely affect our financial condition.

Our Extended Warranty subsidiaries' deferred service fees do not represent an exact calculation but are estimates involving actuarial and statistical projections at a given point in time of what we expect to be the remaining future revenue to be recognized in relation to our remaining future obligations to provide policy administration and claim-handling services. The process for establishing deferred service fees reflects the uncertainties and significant judgmental factors inherent in estimating the length of time and the amount of work related to our future service obligations. If we amortize the deferred service fees too quickly, we could overstate current revenues, which may adversely affect future reported operating results.

As time passes and more information about the remaining service obligations becomes known, the estimates are appropriately adjusted upward or downward to reflect this additional information. We cannot assure that we will not have unfavorable re-estimations in the future of our deferred service fees. In addition, we have in the past, and may in the future, acquire companies that record deferred service fees. We cannot assure that the deferred service fees of the companies that we acquire are or will be adequate.

Our reliance on independent agents can impact our ability to maintain business, and it exposes us to credit risk.

We market and distribute our automobile insurance products through a network of independent agents in the United States. As a result, we rely heavily on these agents to attract new business. They typically represent more than one insurance company, which may expose us to competition within the agencies and, therefore, we cannot rely on their commitment to our insurance products.



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Loss of all or a substantial portion of the business provided by these intermediaries could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

In accordance with industry practice, our customers sometimes pay the premiums for their policies to agents for remittance to us. These premiums are considered paid when received by the agents and thereafter the customer is no longer liable to us for those amounts, whether or not we have actually received the premiums from the agents. Consequently, we assume a degree of risk associated with our reliance on independent agents in connection with the settlement of insurance balances.

Our reliance on credit unions and automobile sales can impact our ability to maintain business.

We market and distribute our vehicle service agreements through a network of credit unions in the United States. As a result, we rely heavily on these credit unions to attract new business. While these distribution arrangements tend to be exclusive between us and each credit union, we have competitors that offer similar products exclusively through credit unions. Loss of all or a substantial portion of our existing credit union relationships; a significant decline in membership in our existing credit union relationships; or a significant decline in new and used automobile sales could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our reliance on homebuilders and new home sales can impact our ability to maintain business.

We market and distribute our core home warranty products through home builders throughout the United States. As a result, we rely heavily on these home builders to generate new business. Loss of all or a substantial portion of our existing home builder relationships or a significant decline in new home sales could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our reliance on a limited number of warranty and maintenance support clients and customers can impact our ability to maintain business.

We market and distribute our warranty products and equipment breakdown and maintenance support services through a limited number of customers and clients across the United States. Loss of all or a substantial portion of our existing customers and clients could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our gross premiums written are derived from the non-standard automobile markets. If the demand for insurance in this market declines, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, 100.0% of the gross premiums written from our Insurance Underwriting segment were attributable to non-standard automobile insurance. The size of the non-standard automobile insurance market can be affected significantly by many factors outside of our control, such as the underwriting capacity and underwriting criteria of standard automobile insurance carriers, and we may be specifically affected by these factors. Additionally, the non-standard automobile insurance market tends to contract during periods of high unemployment. To the extent that the non-standard automobile insurance markets are affected adversely for any reason, our gross premiums written will be disproportionately affected due to our substantial reliance on these insurance markets.

We derive the majority of our non-standard automobile insurance gross premiums written from a few geographic areas, which may cause our business to be affected by catastrophic losses or business conditions in these areas.

Certain jurisdictions, specifically Florida, Texas, Illinois, California, Colorado and Nevada, generated 90.1% of our non-standard automobile insurance gross premiums written during 2017.

Our results of operations may, therefore, be adversely affected by any catastrophic losses in these areas. Catastrophic losses can be caused by a wide variety of events, including earthquakes, hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes, wind, ice storms, hail, fires, terrorism, riots and explosions, and their incidence and severity are inherently unpredictable. Catastrophic losses are characterized by low frequency but high severity due to aggregation of losses and could result in adverse effects on our results of operations or financial condition. Our results of operations may also be adversely affected by general economic conditions, competition, regulatory actions or other business conditions that affect losses or business conditions in the specific areas in which we conduct most of our business.

If reinsurance rates rise significantly or reinsurance becomes unavailable or reinsurers are unable to pay amounts due to us, we may be adversely affected.

In the past, we have purchased reinsurance from third-parties in order to reduce our liability on individual risks. Reinsurance does not relieve us of our primary liability to our insureds. A third-party reinsurer's insolvency, inability or unwillingness to make payments under the terms of a reinsurance treaty could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of



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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

operations. As of December 31, 2017, we had $0.4 million recoverable from third-party reinsurers, including reinsurance recoverable related to property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses.

The amount and cost of reinsurance available to our insurance companies are subject, in large part, to prevailing market conditions beyond our control. Our ability to provide insurance at competitive premium rates and coverage limits on a continuing basis may depend in part upon the extent to which we can obtain adequate reinsurance in amounts and at rates that will not adversely affect our competitive position. If we determine in the future that access to reinsurance facilities is desirable or necessary in order for us to conduct business, we cannot assure that we will be able to obtain reinsurance in adequate amounts and at favorable rates. If this were to occur, we may need to modify our underwriting practices or reduce our underwriting commitments.

Disruptions or security failures in our information technology systems could create liability for us and/or limit our ability to effectively monitor, operate and control our operations and adversely impact our reputation, business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows.

Our information technology systems facilitate our ability to monitor, operate and control our operations. Changes or modifications to our information technology systems could cause disruption to our operations or cause challenges with respect to our compliance with laws, regulations or other applicable standards. For example, delays, higher than expected costs or unsuccessful implementation of new information technology systems could adversely impact our operations. In addition, any disruption in or failure of our information technology systems to operate as expected could, depending on the magnitude of the problem, adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows, including by limiting our capacity to monitor, operate and control our operations effectively. Failures of our information technology systems could also lead to violations of privacy laws, regulations, trade guidelines or practices related to our customers and employees. If our disaster recovery plans do not work as anticipated, or if the third-party vendors to which we have outsourced certain information technology or other services fail to fulfill their obligations to us, our operations may be adversely impacted. Any of these circumstances could adversely impact our reputation, business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows.

Our success depends on our ability to price accurately the risks we underwrite.

Our results of operation and financial condition depend on our ability to underwrite and set premium rates accurately for a wide variety of risks. Adequate rates are necessary to generate premiums sufficient to pay loss and loss adjustment expenses and other expenses and to earn a profit. To price our products accurately, we must collect and properly analyze a substantial amount of data; develop, test and apply appropriate pricing techniques; closely monitor and timely recognize changes in trends; and project both severity and frequency of losses with reasonable accuracy. Our ability to undertake these efforts successfully, and as a result price our products accurately, is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are outside our control, including:


•	the availability of reliable data and our ability to properly analyze available data;


•	the uncertainties that inherently characterize estimates and assumptions;


•	our selection and application of appropriate pricing techniques; and


•	changes in applicable legal liability standards and in the civil litigation system generally.

Consequently, we could underprice risks, which would adversely affect our underwriting results, or we could overprice risks, which would reduce our sales volume and competitiveness. In either case, our results of operation could be materially and adversely affected.

Our results of operation may fluctuate as a result of cyclical changes in the property and casualty insurance industry.

Our results of operation are primarily attributable to the property and casualty insurance industry, which as an industry is cyclical in nature and has historically been characterized by soft markets followed by hard markets. A soft market is a period of relatively high levels of price competition, less restrictive underwriting standards and generally low premium rates. A hard market is a period of capital shortages resulting in lack of insurance availability, relatively low levels of competition, more selective underwriting of risks and relatively high premium rates. If we find it necessary to reduce premiums or limit premium increases due to competitive pressures on pricing in a softening market, we may experience a reduction in our premiums written and, therefore, in our earned premium revenues, which could adversely affect our results of operation.

Our results of operation and financial condition could be adversely affected by the results of our voluntary run-off of two of our insurance subsidiaries.

The Company currently has two of its insurance subsidiaries, MCC and Amigo, operating in voluntary run-off. Our success at managing these run-offs is highly dependent upon proper claim-handling and the availability of the necessary liquidity to pay claims when due. As a result, we are dependent in part on our ability to retain the services of appropriately trained and supervised claim-handling personnel. The loss of the services of any of our key claim-handling personnel working in our run-offs, or the



	26



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

inability to identify, hire and retain other highly qualified claim-handling personnel in the future, could adversely affect our results of operations. We are also dependent on the continuing availability of the necessary liquidity, from the sale of investments, collection of reinsurance recoverables and, potentially, capital contributions, to properly settle claims. Our inability to sell investments when needed or to collect outstanding reinsurance recoverables when due could have an adverse effect on our results of operation or financial condition. See the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section of MD&A for additional detail regarding the voluntary run-offs of MCC and Amigo.

HUMAN RESOURCES RISK

Our business depends upon key employees, and if we are unable to retain the services of these key employees or to attract and retain additional qualified personnel, our business may be adversely affected.

Our success at improving our performance will be dependent in part on our ability to retain the services of our existing key employees and to attract and retain additional qualified personnel in the future. The loss of the services of any of our key employees, or the inability to identify, hire and retain other highly qualified personnel in the future, could adversely affect our results of operations.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

Leased Properties

Insurance Underwriting leases facilities with an aggregate square footage of approximately 40,298 at five locations in five states. The latest expiration date of the existing leases is in February 2023.

Extended Warranty leases facilities with an aggregate square footage of approximately 26,534 at three locations in three states. The latest expiration date of the existing leases is in October 2024.

The Company leases facilities for its corporate offices with an aggregate square footage of approximately 8,086 at two locations in one state. The latest expiration date of the existing leases is in November 2020.

The properties described above are in good condition. We consider our office facilities suitable and adequate for our current levels of operations.

Owned Properties

Leased Real Estate owns the Real Property, which is subject to a long-term triple net lease agreement. The Real Property includes rail car tracks which provide rail car storage spaces and has 72 miles of double-ended rail track. The Real Property also contains a 5,760 square foot office building with an attached observation tower comprised of 1,150 square feet.

The Company also owns two buildings located in Illinois consisting of approximately 4,636 square feet. The buildings are used for rental purposes and corporate offices.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

In connection with its operations in the ordinary course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are named as defendants in various actions for damages and costs allegedly sustained by the plaintiffs. While it is not possible to estimate the loss, or range of loss, if any, that would be incurred in connection with any of the various proceedings at this time, it is possible an individual action would result in a loss having a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.



	27



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Part II

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market Information

Our common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") and the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the trading symbol "KFS."

The following table sets forth, for the calendar quarters indicated, the high and low sales price for our common shares as reported on the TSX and NYSE.



	TSX				NYSE
	High - C$		Low - C$		High - US$		Low - US$
2017
Quarter 4	C$	7.57	C$	6.25	$	6.05	$	4.95
Quarter 3	7.95		6.66		6.20		5.45
Quarter 2	8.56		7.29		6.30		5.35
Quarter 1	8.56		7.38		6.50		5.40
2016
Quarter 4	8.36		7.42		6.25		5.45
Quarter 3	7.63		6.65		5.79		5.23
Quarter 2	6.90		5.59		5.37		4.48
Quarter 1	6.34		5.33		4.79		3.72

Shareholders of Record

As of March 15, 2018, the closing sales price of our common shares as reported by the TSX was C$5.57 per share and as reported by the NYSE was $4.30 per share.

As of March 16, 2018, we had 21,708,190 common shares issued and outstanding, held by approximately 3,400 shareholders of record.

Dividends

The Company has not declared a dividend since the first quarter of 2009. The declaration and payment of dividends is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors after taking into account many factors, including financial condition, results of operations, anticipated cash needs and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors. For a discussion of our cash resources and needs, see the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section of MD&A.

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

The information required related to securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement for our 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

During the year ended December 31, 2017, we did not have any unregistered sales of our equity securities.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

During the year ended December 31, 2017, we did not have any repurchases of our equity securities.



	28



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Performance Graph

The following stock performance graph shows a comparison of cumulative total shareholder return on the Company's common stock for the period beginning on December 31, 2012 and ending on December 31, 2017 with cumulative total return of the Russell MicroCap Index and the SNL MicroCap U.S. Financial Services Index. Kingsway is not a constituent of either of these two indices. The graph shows the change in value of an initial one hundred dollar investment over the period indicated, assuming all dividends have been reinvested.



	Years ended December 31,
Company/Index	2012		2013		2014		2015		2016		2017
Kingsway	$	100	$	102	$	146	$	120	$	164	$	133
Russell MicroCap	$	100	$	146	$	151	$	143	$	172	$	195
SNL Micro Cap U.S. Financial Services	$	100	$	121	$	120	$	88	$	87	$	118



	29



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The following table has selected financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and MD&A included in this 2017 Annual Report. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of future results.

For the years ended December 31 (in thousands of dollars, except per share data)



	2017		2016		2015		2014		2013

Consolidated Statements of Operations Data ⁽¹⁾:
Net premiums earned	130,443		127,608		117,433		117,593		109,608
Service fee and commission income	31,909		24,232		22,966		24,659		49,543
Rental income	13,384		5,436		—		—		—
Net investment income	2,669		8,244		2,955		1,616		2,186
Net realized gains	3,771		360		1,197		5,041		3,505
Loss from continuing operations	(11,655	)	(733	)	(11,415	)	(14,666	)	(43,311	)
Basic loss per share - continuing operations	(0.76	)	(0.05	)	(0.61	)	(0.95	)	(3.12	)
Diluted loss per share - continuing operations	(0.76	)	(0.05	)	(0.61	)	(0.95	)	(3.12	)

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and invested assets	145,853		164,912		160,830		159,210		168,677
Total Assets	484,600		501,021		241,022		301,722		324,639
Note payable	186,469		190,074		—		—		—
Bank loan	4,917		—		—		—		—
LROC preferred units, at fair value	—		—		—		13,618		14,854
Senior unsecured debentures, at fair value	—		—		—		—		14,356
Subordinated debt, at fair value	52,105		43,619		39,898		40,659		28,471
Total Liabilities	435,290		437,759		190,925		253,526		287,719
Total Shareholders' Equity	43,849		56,835		43,703		41,866		36,920

⁽¹⁾The Company disposed of its subsidiary, ARS, on April 1, 2015. The financial results of ARS are presented as discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. Refer to Note 5, "Deconsolidations, Discontinued Operations and Liquidation," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion.

The Company disposed of its majority interest in its subsidiary, PIH, effective March 31, 2014. The earnings of PIH are included in the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and for the year ended December 31, 2013.

The Company acquired its subsidiary, PWSC, effective October 12, 2017. The consolidated statements of operations include the earnings of PWSC from the date of acquisition. Refer to Note 4, "Acquisitions," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion.

The Company acquired its subsidiary, Trinity, effective May 22, 2013. The consolidated statements of operations include the earnings of Trinity from the date of acquisition.



	30



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Management's Discussion and Analysis

Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

Insurance Underwriting includes the following subsidiaries of the Company: Mendota Insurance Company ("Mendota"), Mendakota Insurance Company ("Mendakota"), Mendakota Casualty Company ("MCC"), Kingsway Amigo Insurance Company ("Amigo") and Kingsway Reinsurance Corporation. Throughout this 2017 Annual Report, the term "Insurance Underwriting" is used to refer to this segment.

Insurance Underwriting provides non-standard automobile insurance to individuals who do not meet the criteria for coverage by standard automobile insurers. Insurance Underwriting has policyholders in 12 states; however new business is accepted in only eight states. In 2017, production in the following states represented 90.1% of Insurance Underwriting's gross premiums written: Florida (28.0%), Texas (16.8%), California (13.3%), Nevada (12.1%), Illinois (10.5%) and Colorado (9.4%). For the year ended December 31, 2017, non-standard automobile insurance accounted for 100.0% of Insurance Underwriting's gross premiums written.

The Company previously placed Amigo and MCC into voluntary run-off in 2012 and 2011, respectively. Each of Amigo and MCC entered into a comprehensive run-off plan which was approved by its respective state of domicile. Kingsway continues to manage Amigo and MCC in a manner consistent with the run-off plans. During the first quarter of 2015, MCC sent a letter of intent to the Illinois Department of Insurance to resume writing private passenger automobile policies in the state of Illinois. MCC began writing these policies on April 1, 2015.

Extended Warranty includes the following subsidiaries of the Company: IWS Acquisition Corporation ("IWS"), Trinity Warranty Solutions LLC ("Trinity") and Professional Warranty Service Corporation ("PWSC"). Throughout this 2017 Annual Report, the term "Extended Warranty" is used to refer to this segment. Prior to the second quarter of 2017, Extended Warranty was referred to as Insurance Services.

Trinity sells warranty products and provides maintenance support to consumers and businesses in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning ("HVAC"), standby generator, commercial LED lighting and refrigeration industries. Trinity distributes its warranty products through original equipment manufacturers, HVAC distributors and commercial and residential contractors. Trinity distributes its maintenance support direct through corporate owners of retail spaces throughout the United States.

PWSC sells new home warranty products and provides administration services to home builders and homeowners across the United States. PWSC distributes its products and services through an in house sales team and through insurance brokers and insurance carriers throughout all states except Alaska and Louisiana.

Effective April 1, 2015, the Company closed on the sale of its wholly owned subsidiary, Assigned Risk Solutions Ltd. ("ARS"). As a result, ARS has been classified as discontinued operations and the results of their operations are reported separately for all periods presented. Prior to the transaction, ARS was included in the Extended Warranty segment. As a result of classifying ARS as a discontinued operation, all segmented information has been restated to exclude ARS from the Extended Warranty segment.



	31



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Management's Discussion and Analysis

NON U.S.-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

Throughout this 2017 Annual Report, we present our operations in the way we believe will be most meaningful, useful and transparent to anyone using this financial information to evaluate our performance. In addition to the U.S. GAAP presentation of net (loss) income, we show certain statutory reporting information and other non-U.S. GAAP financial measures that we believe are relevant in managing our business and drawing comparisons to our peers. These measures are segment operating (loss) income, gross premiums written, net premiums written and underwriting ratios.

Following is a list of non-U.S. GAAP measures found throughout this report with their definitions, relationships to U.S. GAAP measures and explanations of their importance to our operations.

Segment Operating (Loss) Income

Segment operating (loss) income represents one measure of the pretax profitability of our segments and is derived by subtracting direct segment expenses from direct segment revenues. Revenues and expenses are presented in the consolidated statements of operations, but are not subtotaled by segment; however, this information is available in total and by segment in Note 24, "Segmented Information," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, regarding reportable segment information. The nearest comparable U.S. GAAP measure is loss from continuing operations before income tax (benefit) expense which, in addition to segment operating (loss) income, includes net investment income, net realized gains, other-than-temporary impairment loss, amortization of intangible assets, contingent consideration benefit, impairment of intangible assets, interest expense not allocated to segments, other income and expenses not allocated to segments, net, foreign exchange losses, net, (loss) gain on change in fair value of debt, gain (loss) on deconsolidation of subsidiaries and equity in net income (loss) of investees. A reconciliation of segment operating (loss) income to loss from continuing operations before income tax (benefit) expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is presented in Tables 1 and 2 of the "Results of Continuing Operations" section of MD&A.

Gross Premiums Written

While net premiums earned is the related U.S. GAAP measure used in the consolidated statements of operations, gross premiums written is the component of net premiums earned that measures insurance business produced before the effect of ceding reinsurance premiums, but without respect to when those premiums will be recognized as actual revenue. We use this measure as an overall gauge of gross business volume in Insurance Underwriting.

Net Premiums Written

While net premiums earned is the related U.S. GAAP measure used in the consolidated statements of operations, net premiums written is the component of net premiums earned that measures the difference between gross premiums written and the effect of ceding reinsurance premiums, but without respect to when those premiums will be recognized as actual revenue. We use this measure as an indication of retained or net business volume in Insurance Underwriting.

Underwriting Ratios

Kingsway, like many insurance companies, analyzes performance based on underwriting ratios such as loss and loss adjustment expense ratio, expense ratio and combined ratio. The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio is derived by dividing the amount of net loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred by net premiums earned. The expense ratio is derived by dividing the sum of commissions and premium taxes; general and administrative expenses and policy fee income by net premiums earned. The combined ratio is the sum of the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio and the expense ratio. A combined ratio below 100% demonstrates underwriting profit whereas a combined ratio over 100% demonstrates an underwriting loss.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and classification of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Estimates and their underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Changes in estimates are recorded in the accounting period in which they are determined. The critical accounting estimates and assumptions in the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses; valuation of fixed maturities and equity investments; impairment assessment of investments; valuation of limited liability investment, at fair value; valuation of deferred income taxes; valuation and impairment assessment of intangible assets; goodwill recoverability; deferred acquisition costs; fair value assumptions for performance shares; and fair value assumptions for subordinated debt obligations.



	32



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Management's Discussion and Analysis

Provision for Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses

A significant degree of judgment is required to determine amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements for the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses. The process for establishing the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses reflects the uncertainties and significant judgmental factors inherent in predicting future results of both known and unknown loss events. As such, the process is inherently complex and imprecise and estimates are constantly refined. The process of establishing the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses relies on the judgment and opinions of a large number of individuals, including the opinions of the Company's actuaries. Further information regarding estimates used in determining our provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses is discussed in the “Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses” section of Part I, Item 1 of this 2017 Annual Report and Note 13, "Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company utilizes external actuaries to evaluate the adequacy of our provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses under the terms of our insurance policies and vehicle service agreements. The provision is evaluated by the Company's actuaries with the results then shared with management, which is responsible for establishing the provision recorded in the consolidated balance sheets.

In the year-end actuarial review process, an analysis of the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses is completed for each insurance subsidiary and IWS. Unpaid deferred cost containment expenses and unpaid adjusting and other expenses, which are components of the provision for loss adjustment expenses, and unpaid losses are each separately analyzed by line of business and by accident year utilizing a wide range of actuarial methods. These unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are further analyzed by looking separately at case reserves, which are specific reserves established for specific claims, and reserves for losses incurred but not reported ("IBNR").

Because the establishment of the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses is an inherently uncertain process involving estimates, current provisions may need to be updated. Adjustments to the provision, both favorable and unfavorable, are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations for the periods in which such estimates are updated. The Company's actuaries develop a range of reasonable estimates and a point estimate of unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses. The actuarial point estimate is intended to represent the actuaries' best estimate and will not necessarily be at the mid-point of the high and low estimates of the range.

Valuation of Fixed Maturities and Equity Investments

Our equity investments, including warrants, are recorded at fair value using quoted market values based on latest bid prices, where active markets exist, or models based on significant market observable inputs, where no active markets exist. For fixed maturities, we use observable inputs such as quoted prices in inactive markets, quoted prices in active markets for similar instruments, benchmark interest rates, broker quotes and other relevant inputs. We do not have any fixed maturities and equity investments in our portfolio which require us to use unobservable inputs.

Gains and losses realized on the disposition of investments are determined on the first-in first-out basis and credited or charged to the consolidated statements of operations. Premium and discount on investments are amortized and accredited using the interest method and charged or credited to net investment income.

Impairment Assessment of Investments

The establishment of an other-than-temporary impairment on an investment requires a number of judgments and estimates. We perform a quarterly analysis of the individual investments to determine if declines in market value are other-than-temporary. The analysis includes some or all of the following procedures, as applicable:


•	identifying all unrealized loss positions that have existed for at least six months;


•	identifying other circumstances management believes may impact the recoverability of the unrealized loss positions;


•	obtaining a valuation analysis from third-party investment managers regarding the intrinsic value of these investments based on their knowledge and experience together with market-based valuation techniques;


•	reviewing the trading range of certain investments over the preceding calendar period;


•	assessing if declines in market value are other-than-temporary for debt instruments based on the investment grade credit ratings from third-party rating agencies;


•	assessing if declines in market value are other-than-temporary for any debt instrument with a non-investment grade credit rating based on the continuity of its debt service record;


•	determining the necessary provision for declines in market value that are considered other-than-temporary based on the analyses performed; and



	33



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Management's Discussion and Analysis


•	assessing the Company's ability and intent to hold these investments at least until the investment impairment is recovered.

The risks and uncertainties inherent in the assessment methodology used to determine declines in market value that are other-than-temporary include, but may not be limited to, the following:


•	the opinions of professional investment managers could be incorrect;


•	the past trading patterns of individual investments may not reflect future valuation trends;


•	the credit ratings assigned by independent credit rating agencies may be incorrect due to unforeseen or unknown facts related to a company's financial situation; and


•	the debt service pattern of non-investment grade instruments may not reflect future debt service capabilities and may not reflect a company's unknown underlying financial problems.

As a result of the analysis performed by the Company to determine declines in market value that are other-than-temporary, the Company recorded write downs of $0.3 million for other-than-temporary impairment related to equity investments for the year ended December 31, 2017, $0.1 million and $0.1 million for other-than-temporary impairment related to equity investments and limited liability investments, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2016 and $0.0 million for other-than-temporary impairment related to fixed maturities for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Valuation of Limited Liability Investment, at Fair Value

In connection with the deconsolidation of 1347 Investors LLC ("1347 Investors") during the third quarter of 2016, the Company retained a minority investment in 1347 Investors. The Company has made an irrevocable election to account for this investment at fair value with changes in fair value reported in the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of this investment is calculated based on a model that distributes the net equity of 1347 Investors to all classes of membership interests. The model uses quoted market prices and significant market observable inputs.

Valuation of Deferred Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is calculated based on the expected tax treatment of transactions recorded in our consolidated financial statements. In determining our provision for income taxes, we interpret tax legislation in a variety of jurisdictions and make assumptions about the expected timing of the reversal of deferred income tax assets and liabilities and the valuation of deferred income taxes.

The ultimate realization of the deferred income tax asset balance is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which the Company's temporary differences reverse and become deductible. A valuation allowance is established when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred income tax asset balance will not be realized. In determining whether a valuation allowance is needed, management considers all available positive and negative evidence affecting specific deferred income tax asset balances, including the Company's past and anticipated future performance, the reversal of deferred income tax liabilities, and the availability of tax planning strategies.

Objective positive evidence is necessary to support a conclusion that a valuation allowance is not needed for all or a portion of a company's deferred income tax asset balances when significant negative evidence exists. Cumulative losses are the most compelling form of negative evidence considered by management in this determination. To the extent a valuation allowance is established in a period, an expense must be recorded within the income tax provision in the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2017, the Company maintains a valuation allowance of $181.2 million, $174.8 million of which relates to its U.S. deferred income taxes. The largest component of the U.S. deferred income tax asset balance relates to tax loss carryforwards that have arisen as a result of losses generated from the Company's U.S. operations. Uncertainty over the Company's ability to utilize these losses over the short-term has led the Company to record a valuation allowance.

Future events may result in the valuation allowance being adjusted, which could materially impact our financial position and results of operations. If sufficient positive evidence were to arise in the future indicating that all or a portion of the deferred income tax assets would meet the more likely than not standard, all or a portion of the valuation allowance would be reversed in the period that such a conclusion was reached.

Valuation and Impairment Assessment of Intangible Assets

Intangible assets are recorded at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Intangible assets with definite useful lives consist of vehicle service agreements in-force ("VSA in-force"), database, customer relationships, contract-based revenues and in-place lease. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. If circumstances require that a definite-lived



	34



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Management's Discussion and Analysis

intangible asset be tested for possible impairment, we first compare the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by that definite-lived intangible asset to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the definite-lived intangible asset is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds its fair value.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of a tenant relationship, insurance licenses and trade name. Intangible assets with an indefinite life are assessed for impairment annually as of December 31, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If facts and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the intangible asset is impaired, a fair value-based impairment test would be required. Management must make estimates and assumptions in determining the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets that may affect any resulting impairment write-down. This includes assumptions regarding future cash flows and future revenues from the related intangible assets or their reporting units. Management then compares the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets to their respective carrying amounts. If the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds the fair value of that intangible asset, an impairment is recorded. During 2017, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $0.3 million related to its insurance licenses indefinite lived intangible asset. The impairment recorded was the result of Mendota and Mendakota surrendering their insurance licenses in the state of New Mexico during the first quarter of 2017. No impairment charges were taken on intangible assets in 2016 or 2015. Additional information regarding our intangible assets is included in Note 11, "Intangible Assets," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Goodwill Recoverability

Goodwill is assessed for impairment annually as of December 31, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If facts and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the goodwill is impaired, a fair value-based impairment test would be required. The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process that requires management to make judgments in determining what assumptions to use in the calculation. The first step of the process consists of estimating the fair value of each reporting unit based on valuation techniques, including a discounted cash flow model using revenue and profit forecasts, and comparing those estimated fair values with the carrying values of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, which includes the allocated goodwill. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value, a second step is performed to compute the amount of the impairment, if any, by determining an implied fair value of goodwill. The determination of the implied fair value of goodwill of a reporting unit requires management to allocate the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. Any unallocated fair value represents the implied fair value of goodwill, which is compared to its corresponding carrying value. For reporting units with a negative book value, qualitative factors are evaluated to determine whether it is necessary to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test. Additional information regarding our goodwill is included in Note 10, "Goodwill," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Deferred Acquisition Costs

Deferred acquisition costs represent the deferral of expenses that we incur related to successful efforts to acquire new business or renew existing business. Acquisition costs, primarily commissions, premium taxes and underwriting and agency expenses related to issuing insurance policies and vehicle service agreements, are deferred and charged against income ratably over the terms of the related insurance policies and vehicle service agreements. Management regularly reviews the categories of acquisition costs that are deferred and assesses the recoverability of this asset. For Insurance Underwriting, a premium deficiency and a corresponding charge to income is recognized if the sum of the expected losses and loss adjustment expenses, unamortized acquisition costs and maintenance costs exceeds related unearned premiums and anticipated net investment income.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative financial instruments include investments in warrants and performance shares issued to the Company under various performance share grant agreements. Refer to Note 6, "Investments," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further details regarding the performance shares. Warrants are classified as equity investments in the consolidated balance sheets.

We measure derivative financial instruments at fair value. Warrants are recorded at fair value using quoted market values based on latest bid prices, where active markets exist, or models based on significant market observable inputs, where no active markets exist. The performance shares, for which no active market exists, are required to be valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Company. Such determination of fair value would require us to develop a model based upon relevant observable market inputs as well as significant unobservable inputs, including developing a sufficiently reliable estimate for an appropriate discount to reflect the illiquidity and unique structure of the security. The Company determined that its model for the performance shares was not sufficiently reliable. As a result, we have assigned a fair value of zero to the performance shares.



	35



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Management's Discussion and Analysis

Fair Value Assumptions for Subordinated Debt Obligations

Our subordinated debt is measured and reported at fair value. The fair value of the subordinated debt is calculated using a model based on significant market observable inputs and inputs developed by a third party. These inputs include credit spread assumptions developed by a third party and market observable swap rates.



	36



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Management's Discussion and Analysis

RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:

A reconciliation of total segment operating loss to net (loss) income for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 is presented in Table 1 below:

Table 1 Segment Operating (Loss) Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

For the years ended December 31 (in thousands of dollars)



	2017		2016		Change
Segment operating (loss) income
Insurance Underwriting	(20,606	)	(8,202	)	(12,404	)
Extended Warranty	3,957		506		3,451
Leased Real Estate	3,099		627		2,472
Total segment operating loss	(13,550	)	(7,069	)	(6,481	)
Net investment income	2,669		8,244		(5,575	)
Net realized gains	3,771		360		3,411
Other-than-temporary impairment loss	(316	)	(157	)	(159	)
Amortization of intangible assets	(1,152	)	(1,242	)	90
Contingent consideration benefit	212		657		(445	)
Impairment of intangible assets	(250	)	—		(250	)
Interest expense not allocated to segments	(4,977	)	(4,496	)	(481	)
Other income and expenses not allocated to segments, net	(9,436	)	(7,640	)	(1,796	)
Foreign exchange losses, net	(15	)	(15	)	—
Loss on change in fair value of debt	(8,487	)	(3,721	)	(4,766	)
Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary	—		5,643		(5,643	)
Equity in net income (loss) of investees	2,115		(1,017	)	3,132
Loss from continuing operations before income tax benefit	(29,416	)	(10,453	)	(18,963	)
Income tax benefit	(17,761	)	(9,720	)	(8,041	)
Loss from continuing operations	(11,655	)	(733	)	(10,922	)
Loss on liquidation of subsidiary, net of taxes	(494	)	—		(494	)
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes	1,017		1,255		(238	)
Net (loss) income	(11,132	)	522		(11,654	)

Loss from Continuing Operations, Net (Loss) Income and Diluted (Loss) Earnings per Share

For the year ended December 31, 2017, we incurred a loss from continuing operations of $11.7 million ($0.76 per diluted share) compared to $0.7 million ($0.05 per diluted share) for the year ended December 31, 2016. The loss from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 is primarily attributable to operating loss in Insurance Underwriting, interest expense not allocated to segments, other income and expenses not allocated to segments, net and loss on change in fair value of debt, partially offset by operating income in Extended Warranty and Leased Real Estate, net investment income, net realized gains, equity in net income of investees and income tax benefit. The loss from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 is primarily attributable to operating loss in Insurance Underwriting, interest expense not allocated to segments, other income and expenses not allocated to segments, net and loss on change in fair value of debt, partially offset by net investment income, gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary and income tax benefit.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, we reported net loss of 11.1 million ($0.73 per diluted share) compared to net income of $0.5 million ($0.01 per diluted share) for the year ended December 31, 2016.



	37



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Management's Discussion and Analysis

Insurance Underwriting

For the year ended December 31, 2017, Insurance Underwriting gross premiums written were $126.9 million compared to $132.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, representing a 4.4% decrease. Net premiums written decreased 4.2% to $126.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared with $132.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Net premiums earned increased 2.2% to $130.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared with $127.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in net premiums earned generally reflects the natural lag between when premiums are written and when they are earned. The more recent trend of net premiums written decreasing year over year will eventually lead to a year over year decrease in net premiums earned. Of particular note, the Company had approximately 12% fewer policies in force at December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016. The decrease in policies in force reflects the Company’s actions throughout 2017 to increase rates, revise payment terms and invoke certain market restrictions, all with the intention of improving the profitability of the Company’s business.

The Insurance Underwriting operating loss increased to $20.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $8.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in operating loss is primarily explained by the difference between the $20.7 million of unfavorable development in the provision for property and casualty loss and loss adjustment expenses recorded in 2017 for accident years 2016 and prior compared to the $8.1 million of unfavorable development recorded in 2016 for accident years 2015 and prior.

The Insurance Underwriting loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for 2017 was 92.6% compared to 81.8% in 2016. The increase in the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio is primarily attributable to the increased unfavorable development recorded in 2017 as compared to the unfavorable development recorded in 2016.

The Insurance Underwriting expense ratio was 23.5% in 2017 compared with 25.0% in 2016. The decrease in the expense ratio is primarily due to increased net premiums earned as well as lower salary and benefits expense at Mendota and MCC and lower bad debt expense at Mendota for 2017 as compared to 2016, despite the 2016 expense ratio reflecting a one-time benefit of $0.5 million related to the settlement of outstanding litigation.

The Insurance Underwriting combined ratio was 116.1% in 2017 compared with 106.8% in 2016, reflecting the dynamics which affected the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio and expense ratio.

Extended Warranty

The Extended Warranty service fee and commission income increased 31.8% to $31.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared with $24.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase was primarily due to increased service fee and commission income at both IWS and Trinity. IWS experienced increased sales of vehicle service agreements due to higher automobile sales and improved penetration of its credit union distribution channel. Trinity experienced increased sales to existing customers of both its maintenance support and warranty products. The increase in service fee and commission income is also reflective of the inclusion of PWSC in 2017 following its acquisition effective October 12, 2017. PWSC service fee and commission income was $2.4 million from the date of acquisition through December 31, 2017.

The Extended Warranty operating income was $4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared with $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in operating income is due to the inclusion of PWSC in 2017, as noted above, as well as improved revenues, partially offset by related increases in cost of services sold at Trinity and commission expense at IWS, for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. PWSC operating income was $0.9 million from the date of acquisition through December 31, 2017.



	38



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Management's Discussion and Analysis

Leased Real Estate

Leased Real Estate rental income was $13.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $5.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The rental income is derived from CMC's long-term triple net lease. The Company acquired 81% of CMC on July 14, 2016. The 2017 rental income is reflective of a lease amendment that was executed effective beginning in the first quarter of 2017 whereby the tenant will pay an aggregate $25.0 million of additional rental income through May 2034, the remaining term of the lease (the "Lease Amendment"). The Leased Real Estate operating income was $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Leased Real Estate operating income includes interest expense of $6.3 million and $2.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. See "Investments" section below for further discussion.

Net Investment Income

Net investment income decreased to $2.7 million in 2017 compared to $8.2 million in 2016. The decrease in 2017 is primarily explained by the difference between the $0.4 million net investment loss recorded during 2017 related to the Company’s limited liability investment, at fair value compared to the $4.7 million net investment income recorded during 2016 related to the Company’s limited liability investment, at fair value.

Net Realized Gains

The Company incurred net realized gains of $3.8 million in 2017 compared to $0.4 million in 2016. The net realized gains in 2017 and 2016 resulted primarily from the liquidation of equity investments in Insurance Underwriting.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Loss

As a result of the analysis performed by the Company to determine declines in market value that are other-than-temporary, the Company recorded write downs of $0.3 million for other-than-temporary impairment related to equity investments for the year ended December 31, 2017 and $0.1 million and $0.1 million for other-than-temporary impairment related to equity investments and limited liability investments, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Amortization of Intangible Assets

The Company's intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Amortization of intangible assets was $1.2 million in 2017 compared to $1.2 million in 2016.

Contingent Consideration Benefit

Contingent consideration benefit was $0.2 million in 2017 compared to $0.7 million in 2016. The asset purchase agreements executed by the Company in 2012 and 2013 related to the acquisitions of IWS and Trinity, respectively, provided for additional payments to the former owners of IWS and Trinity contingent upon the achievement of certain targets over future reporting periods. Contingent consideration liabilities resulting from the acquisitions of IWS and Trinity were estimated at their respective acquisition dates using valuation models designed to estimate the probability of such contingent payments based on various assumptions. The valuation models assume certain achievement of targets, discount rates related to riskiness of the projections used and the time value of money to calculate the net present value of future consideration payments.

The benefit recorded for the year ended December 31, 2017 is attributable to the Company having executed an agreement with the former owner of Trinity. The parties to the Trinity agreement agreed to a fixed payment in exchange for extinguishing the rights to future contingent payments. The benefit recorded for the year ended December 31, 2016 is attributable to the Company having executed an agreement with the former owners of IWS. The parties to the IWS agreement agreed to a fixed payment and other consideration in exchange for extinguishing the rights to future contingent payments. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company has total contingent liabilities of $0.0 million and $0.3 million, respectively, which is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 25, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further details.

Impairment of Intangible Assets

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $0.3 million related to its insurance licenses indefinite lived intangible asset. The impairment recorded was the result of Mendota and Mendakota surrendering their insurance licenses in the state of New Mexico during the first quarter of 2017. No impairment charges were taken on intangible assets during the year ended December 31, 2016.



	39



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Management's Discussion and Analysis

Interest Expense not Allocated to Segments

Interest expense not allocated to segments for 2017 was $5.0 million compared to $4.5 million in 2016. The increase in 2017 is attributable to generally higher London interbank offered interest rates for three-month U.S. dollar deposits ("LIBOR") during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. The Company's subordinated debt bears interest at the rate of LIBOR, plus spreads ranging from 3.85% to 4.20%.

Other Income and Expenses not Allocated to Segments, Net

Other income and expenses not allocated to segments was a net expense of $9.4 million in 2017 compared to $7.6 million in 2016. The increase in net expense is primarily the result of more general and administrative expense for compensation, employee benefits and professional fees in 2017 as compared to 2016, partially offset by a $0.7 million gain recorded during the third quarter of 2017 related to the termination of a financing lease, as further discussed in Note 15, "Finance Lease Obligation Liability," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Foreign Exchange Losses, Net

During 2017, the Company incurred foreign exchange losses, net of $0.0 million compared to $0.0 million in 2016.

Loss on Change in Fair Value of Debt

The loss on change in fair value of debt amounted to $8.5 million in 2017 compared to $3.7 million in 2016. The loss for 2017 and 2016 is due to an increase in the fair value of the subordinated debt. See "Debt" section below for further information.

Gain on Deconsolidation of Subsidiary

Prior to the third quarter of 2016, the Company owned 61.0% of the outstanding units of 1347 Investors. Because the Company owned more than 50% of the outstanding units, the Company had been consolidating the financial statements of 1347 Investors. During the third quarter of 2016, the Company's ownership percentage in 1347 Investors was reduced to 26.7%. As a result of this change in ownership, the Company recorded a non-cash gain on deconsolidation of 1347 Investors of $5.6 million during the third quarter of 2016. This gain results from removing the carrying value of the noncontrolling interest in 1347 Investors and the carrying value of the consolidated net assets of 1347 Investors, which the Company reported prior to the closing of the transaction, and recording the fair value of the Company's 26.7% retained noncontrolling investment in 1347 Investors as of the transaction date. Refer to the "Investments" section below and Note 5, "Deconsolidations, Discontinued Operations and Liquidation," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion.

Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Investees

Equity in net income of investees was $2.1 million in 2017 compared to equity in net loss of investees of $1.0 million in 2016. Equity in net income (loss) of investees represents the Company's investments in Itasca Capital Ltd. and 1347 Capital Corp. See Note 7, "Investment in Investee," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion.

Income Tax Benefit

Income tax benefit for 2017 was $17.8 million compared to $9.7 million in 2016. The 2017 income tax benefit is primarily related to a release of deferred income tax liabilities and an adjustment to the deferred income tax valuation allowance resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) enacted on December 22, 2017. The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to, a permanent reduction in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate to 21%.

The Company is subject to the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification 740-10, Income Taxes, which requires that the effect on deferred tax income assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates be recognized in the period the tax rate change was enacted. In December of 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 ("SAB 118"), which provides that companies that have not completed their accounting for the effects of the Tax Act but can determine a reasonable estimate of those effects should include a provisional amount based on their reasonable estimate in their financial statements.

Pursuant to SAB 118, the Company recorded provisional amounts for the estimated income tax effects of the Tax Act on deferred income taxes. The Company recorded a $19.0 million decrease to income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017, $18.9 million of which related to a decrease in the Company’s net deferred income tax liability as of December 31, 2017 because of the reduction in the corporate income tax rate.



	40



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Management's Discussion and Analysis

Although the $19.0 million tax benefit represents what the Company believes is a reasonable estimate of the impact of the income tax effects of the Tax Act on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2017, it should be considered provisional. Any adjustments to the Company's provisional amounts will be reported as a component of the consolidated statements of operations during the reporting period in which any such adjustments are determined, all of which will be reported no later than the fourth quarter of 2018.

The 2016 income tax benefit is related to the partial release of the Company’s valuation allowance carried against its deferred income tax assets as a result of its acquisition of CMC.

See Note 17, "Income Taxes," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for additional detail of the income tax benefit recorded for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:

A reconciliation of total segment operating loss to net income for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is presented in Table 2 below:

Table 2 Segment Operating (Loss) Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

For the years ended December 31 (in thousands of dollars)



	2016		2015		Change
Segment operating (loss) income
Insurance Underwriting	(8,202	)	(1,147	)	(7,055	)
Extended Warranty	506		(628	)	1,134
Leased Real Estate	627		—		627
Total segment operating loss	(7,069	)	(1,775	)	(5,294	)
Net investment income	8,244		2,955		5,289
Net realized gains	360		1,197		(837	)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss	(157	)	(10	)	(147	)
Amortization of intangible assets	(1,242	)	(1,244	)	2
Contingent consideration benefit	657		1,139		(482	)
Interest expense not allocated to segments	(4,496	)	(5,278	)	782
Other income and expenses not allocated to segments, net	(7,640	)	(3,790	)	(3,850	)
Foreign exchange losses, net	(15	)	(1,215	)	1,200
(Loss) gain on change in fair value of debt	(3,721	)	1,458		(5,179	)
Gain (loss) on deconsolidation of subsidiaries	5,643		(4,420	)	10,063
Equity in net loss of investees	(1,017	)	(339	)	(678	)
Loss from continuing operations before income tax (benefit) expense	(10,453	)	(11,322	)	869
Income tax (benefit) expense	(9,720	)	93		(9,813	)
Loss from continuing operations	(733	)	(11,415	)	10,682
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	—		1,417		(1,417	)
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes	1,255		11,267		(10,012	)
Net income	522		1,269		(747	)

Loss from Continuing Operations, Net Income and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share

For the year ended December 31, 2016, we incurred a loss from continuing operations of $0.7 million ($0.05 per diluted share) compared to $11.4 million ($0.61 per diluted share) for the year ended December 31, 2015. The loss from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 is primarily attributable to operating loss in Insurance Underwriting, interest expense not allocated to segments, other income and expenses not allocated to segments, net and loss on change in fair value of debt, partially offset by net investment income, gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary and income tax benefit. The loss from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 is primarily attributable to operating losses in Insurance Underwriting and Extended Warranty,



	41



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Management's Discussion and Analysis

interest expense not allocated to segments, other income and expenses not allocated to segments, net and loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary, partially offset by net investment income and gain on change in fair value of debt.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, we reported net income of $0.5 million ($0.01 per diluted share) compared to $1.3 million ($0.04 per diluted share) for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Insurance Underwriting

For the year ended December 31, 2016, Insurance Underwriting gross premiums written were $132.7 million compared to $116.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, representing a 14.0% increase. Net premiums written increased 14.0% to $132.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared with $116.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Net premiums earned increased 8.7% to $127.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared with $117.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in gross premiums written, net premiums written and net premiums earned reflect a change in the mix of business by state resulting from Insurance Underwriting’s strategic shift to emphasize certain states and de-emphasize others while also reflecting the competitive market dynamics of each state. Of particular note, the Company had recorded increased premiums written in Florida, Texas and Nevada while reducing premiums written in Virginia, a state in which Insurance Underwriting ceased writing new business beginning in the third quarter of 2015.

The Insurance Underwriting operating loss increased to $8.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in operating loss is primarily attributed to an increase in loss and loss adjustment expenses, partially offset by an increase in net premiums earned in 2016 as compared to 2015. During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company recorded unfavorable development of approximately $9.1 million related to accident years 2015 and prior in the Company’s continuing operations, while approximately $1.5 million of favorable development was recorded during the fourth quarter related to the continuing run-offs at Amigo and MCC. In response to industry trends of increasing frequency and severity, Mendota and MCC have been aggressively increasing premium rates throughout the second half of 2016 and into 2017. During this same period, the Company hired several new members to the Insurance Underwriting management team, including a new President and two new Vice Presidents to supervise the Claim Department. The new management team launched a number of initiatives related to increasing policy fee income, reducing bad debt expense, outsourcing the first notice of loss function, outsourcing much of the salvage and subrogation function and entering into an agreement with an outside vendor to migrate to a new policy administration and claim-handling operating platform sometime in 2017.

The Insurance Underwriting loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for 2016 was 81.8% compared to 74.1% in 2015. The increase in the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio is primarily attributable to the increased loss and loss adjustment expenses recorded in the fourth quarter of 2016 related to accident years 2015 and prior as described above.

The Insurance Underwriting expense ratio was 25.0% in 2016 compared with 27.4% in 2015. The decrease in the expense ratio is primarily due to the increase in net premiums earned and policy fee income for 2016 as compared to 2015. The Insurance Underwriting expense ratio includes policy fee income of $9.8 million and $8.3 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

The Insurance Underwriting combined ratio was 106.8% in 2016 compared with 101.5% in 2015, reflecting the dynamics which affected the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio and expense ratio.

Extended Warranty

The Extended Warranty service fee and commission income increased 5.2% to $24.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared with $23.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This increase was due to increased service fee and commission income at both IWS and Trinity. The Extended Warranty operating income was $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared with operating loss of $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in operating income is primarily related to lower staff-related expenses at Trinity along with increased service fee and commission income at both IWS and Trinity for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.



	42



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Management's Discussion and Analysis

Leased Real Estate

Leased Real Estate rental income was $5.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to zero for the year ended December 31, 2015. The rental income is derived from CMC's long-term triple net lease. The Company acquired 81% of CMC on July 14, 2016. The Leased Real Estate operating income was $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to zero for the year ended December 31, 2015. Leased Real Estate operating income includes interest expense of $2.9 million and zero for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. See "Investments" section below for further discussion.

Net Investment Income

Net investment income increased to $8.2 million in 2016 compared to $3.0 million in 2015. The increase in 2016 is is primarily due to income from the Company's investment in 1347 Investors. During 2016, the Company recorded net investment income related to this investment of $4.7 million.

Net Realized Gains

The Company incurred net realized gains of $0.4 million in 2016 compared to $1.2 million in 2015. The net realized gains in 2016 resulted primarily from the liquidation of equity investments in Insurance Underwriting. The net realized gains in 2015 resulted primarily from the liquidation of limited liability investments in Insurance Underwriting.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Loss

As a result of the analysis performed by the Company to determine declines in market value that are other-than-temporary, the Company recorded write downs of $0.1 million and $0.1 million for other-than-temporary impairment related to equity investments and limited liability investments, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2016 and and $0.0 million for other-than-temporary impairment related to fixed maturities for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Amortization of Intangible Assets

The Company's intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Amortization of intangible assets was $1.2 million in 2016 compared to $1.2 million in 2015.

Contingent Consideration Benefit

Contingent consideration benefit was $0.7 million in 2016 compared to $1.1 million in 2015. The benefit recorded for the year ended December 31, 2016 is attributable to the Company having executed an agreement with the former owners of IWS. The asset purchase agreement executed by the Company in 2012 related to the acquisition of IWS provided that additional payments were due to the former owners of IWS contingent upon the achievement of certain targets over future reporting periods. The parties to the agreement agreed to a fixed payment and other consideration in exchange for extinguishing the rights to future contingent payments. The benefit recorded for the year ended December 31, 2015 is the result of the Company's evaluation of its contingent consideration liabilities. See Note 25, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further details.

Interest Expense not Allocated to Segments

Interest expense not allocated to segments for 2016 was $4.5 million compared to $5.3 million in 2015. The decrease is attributable to the repayment during June 2015 of the outstanding principal balance on the LROC preferred units due June 30, 2015.

Other Income and Expenses not Allocated to Segments, Net

Other income and expenses not allocated to segments was a net expense of $7.6 million in 2016 compared to $3.8 million in 2015. The increase in net expense is primarily the result of a $6.0 million gain recorded during the first quarter of 2015 related to the termination of the Company's management services agreement with PIH, as further discussed in Note 26, "Related Party Transactions," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, partially offset by less general expense for salaries in 2016 as compared to 2015.

Foreign Exchange Losses, Net

During 2016, the Company incurred foreign exchange losses, net of $0.0 million compared to $1.2 million in 2015. Foreign exchange losses, net for the year ended December 31, 2015 were incurred primarily related to conversion of the net Canadian dollar assets of Kingsway Linked Return of Capital Trust ("KLROC Trust"). The Company deconsolidated KLROC Trust in June



	43



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Management's Discussion and Analysis

2015. See Note 5, "Deconsolidations, Discontinued Operations and Liquidation," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further details.

(Loss) Gain on Change in Fair Value of Debt

The loss on change in fair value of debt amounted to $3.7 million in 2016 compared to a gain of $1.5 million in 2015. The 2016 loss is due to an increase in the fair value of the subordinated debt, whereas the 2015 gain is due to a decrease in the fair values of the subordinated debt and LROC preferred units. See "Debt" section below for further information.

Gain (Loss) on Deconsolidation of Subsidiaries

During the third quarter of 2016, the Company recorded a non-cash gain on deconsolidation of 1347 Investors of $5.6 million. Refer to the "Investments" section below and Note 5, "Deconsolidations, Discontinued Operations and Liquidation," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion.

Prior to the second quarter of 2015, the Company beneficially owned and controlled 74.8% of KLROC Trust. As a result, the Company had been consolidating the financial statements of KLROC Trust. During the second quarter of 2015, the Company’s controlling interest in KLROC Trust was reduced to zero upon the Company's repayment of its C$15.8 million outstanding on its LROC preferred units due June 30, 2015. As a result, the Company recorded a non-cash loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary of $4.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2015. This reported loss results from removing the net assets and accumulated other comprehensive loss of KLROC Trust from the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 5, "Deconsolidations, Discontinued Operations and Liquidation," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion.

Equity in Net Loss of Investees

Equity in net loss of investees of $1.0 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, represents the loss related to the Company's investments in Itasca Capital Ltd. and 1347 Capital Corp. See Note 7, "Investment in Investee," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion.

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense

Income tax benefit for 2016 was $9.7 million compared to income tax expense of $0.1 million in 2015. The 2016 income tax benefit is related to the partial release of the Company’s valuation allowance carried against its deferred income tax assets as a result of its acquisition of CMC. See Note 17, "Income Taxes," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for additional detail of the income tax (benefit) expense recorded for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.



	44



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Management's Discussion and Analysis

INVESTMENTS

Portfolio Composition

All of our investments in fixed maturities and equity investments are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value. At December 31, 2017, we held cash and cash equivalents and investments with a carrying value of $145.9 million. Investments held by our insurance subsidiaries must comply with applicable domiciliary state regulations that prescribe the type, quality and concentration of investments. Our U.S. operations typically invest in U.S. dollar-denominated instruments to mitigate their exposure to currency rate fluctuations.

Table 3 below summarizes the carrying value of investments, including cash and cash equivalents, at the dates indicated.

TABLE 3 Carrying value of investments, including cash and cash equivalents

As of December 31 (in thousands of dollars, except for percentages)



Type of investment	2017	% of Total		2016	% of Total
Fixed maturities:
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities	25,244	17.3	%	28,148	17.1	%
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	3,783	2.6	%	3,088	1.9	%
Mortgage-backed	7,663	5.3	%	8,506	5.2	%
Asset-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations	2,269	1.5	%	3,467	2.1	%
Corporate	14,255	9.8	%	18,555	11.3	%
Total fixed maturities	53,214	36.5	%	61,764	37.6	%
Equity investments:
Common stock	7,419	5.0	%	21,426	13.0	%
Warrants	1,575	1.1	%	1,804	1.1	%
Total equity investments	8,994	6.1	%	23,230	14.1	%
Limited liability investments	25,173	17.3	%	22,974	13.9	%
Limited liability investment, at fair value	10,314	7.0	%	10,700	6.5	%
Other investments	3,721	2.6	%	9,368	5.7	%
Short-term investments	151	0.1	%	401	0.2	%
Total investments	101,567	69.6	%	128,437	78.0	%
Cash and cash equivalents	44,286	30.4	%	36,475	22.0	%
Total	145,853	100.0	%	164,912	100.0	%

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment

The Company performs a quarterly analysis of its investment portfolio to determine if declines in market value are other-than-temporary. Further information regarding our detailed analysis and factors considered in establishing an other-than-temporary impairment on an investment is discussed within the "Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions" section of MD&A.

The length of time a fixed maturity investment may be held in an unrealized loss position may vary based on the opinion of the investment manager and their respective analyses related to valuation and to the various credit risks that may prevent us from recapturing the principal investment. In the case of a fixed maturity investment where the investment manager determines that



	45



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Management's Discussion and Analysis

there is little or no risk of default prior to the maturity of a holding, we would elect to hold the investment in an unrealized loss position until the price recovers or the investment matures. In situations where facts emerge that might increase the risk associated with recapture of principal, the Company may elect to sell a fixed maturity investment at a loss.

Due to the inherent volatility of equity markets, we believe an equity investment may trade from time to time below its intrinsic value based on historical valuation measures. In these situations, an equity investment may be maintained in an unrealized loss position for different periods of time based on the underlying economic assumptions driving the investment manager’s valuation of the holding.

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the gross unrealized losses for fixed maturities and equity investments amounted to $1.4 million and $1.0 million, respectively, and there were no unrealized losses attributable to non-investment grade fixed maturities. At each of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, all unrealized losses on individual investments were considered temporary.

Limited Liability Investments

The Company owns investments in various limited liability companies ("LLCs") and limited partnerships ("LPs") that primarily invest in income-producing real estate or real estate related investments. The Company's investments in these LLCs and LPs are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and reported as limited liability investments in the consolidated balance sheets. The most recently available financial statements of the LLCs and LPs are used in applying the equity method. The difference between the end of the reporting period of the LLCs and LPs and that of the Company is no more than three months. Most of the real estate investments are held on a triple net lease basis whereby the lessee agrees to pay all real estate taxes, building insurance and maintenance. Table 4 below presents additional information pertaining to the limited liability investments at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

TABLE 4 Limited liability investments

As of December 31 (in thousands of dollars)



	Carrying Value
	2017	2016
Triple net lease limited liability investments	13,010	12,190
Other real estate related limited liability investments	4,167	3,904
Non-real estate limited liability investments	7,996	6,880
Total	25,173	22,974

Triple Net Lease Investments

Table 5 below presents total income from triple net lease investments included in the Company’s loss from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

TABLE 5 Income from triple net lease investments included in loss from continuing operations

For the years ended December 31 (in thousands of dollars)



	2017	2016	2015
Income from triple net lease limited liability investments	1,852	1,381	1,701
Income from CMC operations	2,517	519	—
Non-recurring income tax benefit related to CMC	17,302	9,915	—
Total income included in loss from continuing operations as a result of triple net lease investments and CMC acquisition	21,671	11,815	1,701

The Company has been increasing its exposure to triple net lease investments. These can take the form of limited liability investments as well as the Company’s investment in CMC. See Note 4, "Acquisitions," to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding CMC.



	46



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Management's Discussion and Analysis

Income from triple net lease limited liability investments in the table above is recognized based on the Company's share of the earnings of the limited liability entities and is included in net investment income in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

Income from CMC operations in the table above for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, is comprised of Leased Real Estate segment operating income of $3.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively, amortization of intangible assets of $0.1 million and $0.0 million, respectively and income tax expense of $0.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

Non-recurring income tax benefit related to CMC in the table above for the year ended December 31, 2017 relates to the decrease in CMC's net deferred income tax liabilities as a result of the reduction in the corporate income tax rate due to the Tax Act. See Note 17, "Income Taxes," to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding the Tax Act. Non-recurring income tax benefit related to CMC in the table above for the year ended December 31, 2016 is related to the partial release of the Company's valuation allowance carried against its deferred income tax assets as a result of the acquisition of CMC.

With respect to CMC, the Company expects to record income each year based upon the rental income recognized under its existing triple net lease agreement on the Real Property less operating expenses, which are comprised principally of interest on the Mortgage and depreciation and amortization of certain of the assets acquired. Over the next three years, the Company generally expects to recognize in its consolidated statements of operations income of approximately $2.8 to $3.1 million per year related to its ownership of CMC. Because of the Lease Amendment, CMC may be in a position to distribute to the Company some of the cash received from the additional rental income. Any material cash flow to the Company, however, remains likely to occur only upon the occurrence of one of the three events that would trigger payment of service fees. There can be no assurance as to the timing of the occurrence, or the resulting outcome, from one of these events. Refer to the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section below for further discussion.

Limited Liability Investment, at Fair Value

The Company's investment in 1347 Investors is accounted for at fair value and reported as limited liability investment, at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the carrying value of the Company's limited liability investment, at fair value was $10.3 million and 10.7 million, respectively.

Originally, the Company owned 61.0% of the outstanding units of 1347 Investors. Because the Company owned more than 50% of the outstanding units, 1347 Investors had been included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. 1347 Investors had an investment in the common stock and private units of 1347 Capital Corp. which was reflected in investment in investee in the consolidated balance sheets. 1347 Capital Corp. was formed for the purpose of entering into a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities.

On July 21, 2016, Limbach Holdings LLC announced the closing of its previously announced merger with 1347 Capital Corp. and was renamed Limbach Holdings, Inc. ("Limbach"). As a result of this transaction, the Company's ownership percentage in 1347 Investors was reduced from 61.0% to 26.7%, leading the Company to record a $5.6 million gain during the third quarter of 2016 related to the deconsolidation of 1347 Investors. This gain resulted from removing the carrying value of the noncontrolling interest in 1347 Investors and the carrying value of the consolidated net assets of 1347 Investors, and recording the fair value at the time of the transaction of the Company's 26.7% retained investment in 1347 Investors. At the time of the transaction, the noncontrolling interest representing 39.0% of 1347 Investors had been carried by the Company at $1.5 million.

As a result of recording a gain of $5.6 million in the consolidated statements of operations and a reduction to shareholders’ equity of $1.5 million from the removal of the noncontrolling interest in 1347 Investors, the Company reported a net increase in its shareholders' equity of $4.1 million during the third quarter of 2016 related to the closing of the Limbach merger and the related deconsolidation of 1347 Investors. Following the transaction, the principal asset of 1347 Investors is its holdings of Limbach common shares.

During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company made an irrevocable election to account for its remaining 26.7% investment in 1347 Investors at fair value, with any changes in fair value to be reported in net investment income in the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of this investment is calculated based on a model that distributes the net equity of 1347 Investors to all classes of membership interests. The model uses quoted market prices and significant market observable inputs. The Company recorded net investment loss of $0.4 million and net investment income of $4.7 million related to this investment for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.



	47



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Management's Discussion and Analysis

PROPERTY AND CASUALTY UNPAID LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES

Property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses represent the estimated liabilities for reported loss events, IBNR loss events and the related estimated loss adjustment expenses.

Tables 6 and 7 present distributions, by line of business, of the provision for property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses gross and net of external reinsurance, respectively.

TABLE 6 Provision for property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses - gross

As of December 31 (in thousands of dollars)



Line of Business	2017	2016
Non-standard automobile	62,219	52,115
Commercial automobile	580	918
Other	853	762
Total	63,652	53,795

TABLE 7 Provision for property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses - net of reinsurance recoverable

As of December 31 (in thousands of dollars)



Line of Business	2017	2016
Non-standard automobile	62,053	51,497
Commercial automobile	572	855
Other	853	762
Total	63,478	53,114

Non-Standard Automobile

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the gross provisions for property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses for our non-standard automobile business were $62.2 million and $52.1 million, respectively. The increase is primarily due to an increase in unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses at Mendota.

Commercial Automobile

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the gross provisions for property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses for our commercial automobile business were $0.6 million and $0.9 million, respectively. This decrease is primarily due to the continuing voluntary run-off of Amigo.

Information with respect to development of our provision for prior years' property and casualty loss and loss adjustment expenses is presented in Table 8.

TABLE 8 Increase (decrease) in prior years' provision for property and casualty loss and loss adjustment expenses by line of business and accident year

For the year ended December 31, 2017 (in thousands of dollars)



Accident Year	Non-standard Automobile	Commercial Automobile		Other	Total
2012 & prior	227	285		182	694
2013	149	40		—	189
2014	862	—		—	862
2015	3,383	(13	)	—	3,370
2016	15,579	—		—	15,579
Total	20,200	312		182	20,694



	48



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Management's Discussion and Analysis

For the year ended December 31, 2016 (in thousands of dollars)



Accident Year	Non-standard Automobile		Commercial Automobile		Other	Total
2011 & prior	(193	)	201		17	25
2012	338		325		—	663
2013	205		(224	)	—	(19	)
2014	1,524		—		—	1,524
2015	5,902		—		—	5,902
Total	7,776		302		17	8,095

For the year ended December 31, 2015 (in thousands of dollars)



Accident Year	Non-standard Automobile		Commercial Automobile		Other	Total
2010 & prior	(457	)	(406	)	120	(743	)
2011	(451	)	(7	)	—	(458	)
2012	1,018		(432	)	—	586
2013	(935	)	(134	)	—	(1,069	)
2014	2,300		—		—	2,300
Total	1,475		(979	)	120	616

The net movements in prior years' provisions for property and casualty loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance, was an increase of $20.7 million, $8.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. Table 8 identifies the relative contribution of the increases (decreases) in the provisions for property and casualty loss and loss adjustment expenses attributable to the respective lines of business and accident years.

The unfavorable development in 2017 was primarily related to the increase in property and casualty loss and loss adjustment expenses at Mendota. The Company experienced an accelerated recognition and payment of claim exposures during 2017 related to accident years 2016 and prior as a result of two primary factors. First, the non-standard automobile industry experienced an increase in claim severities related to material damage and third-party injury claims. Second, the Company experienced significant disruptions within its claim staff during 2016, resulting in a build-up of its claim inventory. Mendota installed a new claim management team during the fourth quarter of 2016. This new claim management team overhauled the claim department staff and claim processes throughout 2017 and began the task of reducing the pending inventory of open claims; however, the age of the outstanding claims combined with the deteriorating industry trends led to a significant increase in claim payments beyond what had been previously reserved for accident years 2016 and prior. The unfavorable development in 2016 was primarily related to the increase in property and casualty loss and loss adjustment expenses at Mendota and MCC, offset by a decrease in property and casualty loss and loss adjustment expenses due to the continuing voluntary run-off of Amigo. Refer to the "Results of Continuing Operations, Insurance Underwriting" section above for further discussion. The unfavorable development in 2015 was primarily related to the increase in property and casualty loss and loss adjustment expenses at Mendota, offset by a decrease in property and casualty loss and loss adjustment expenses due to the continuing voluntary run-offs of Amigo and MCC. Original estimates are increased or decreased as additional information becomes known regarding individual claims.

DEBT

Note Payable

As part of the acquisition of CMC, the Company assumed the Mortgage and recorded the Mortgage at its estimated fair value of $191.7 million, which included the unpaid principal amount of $180.0 million as of the date of acquisition plus a premium of $11.7 million. The Mortgage matures on May 15, 2034 and has a fixed interest rate of 4.07%. The Mortgage is carried in the consolidated balance sheets at its amortized cost, which reflects the monthly pay-down of principal as well as the amortization of the premium using the effective interest rate method.



	49



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Management's Discussion and Analysis

Bank Loan

On October 12, 2017, the Company borrowed a principal amount of $5.0 million from a bank to partially finance its acquisition of PWSC. The bank loan matures on October 12, 2022 and has a fixed interest rate of 5.0%. The bank loan is carried in the consolidated balance sheets at its unpaid principal balance.

Subordinated Debt

Between December 4, 2002 and December 16, 2003, six subsidiary trusts of the Company issued $90.5 million of 30-year capital securities to third-parties in separate private transactions. In each instance, a corresponding floating rate junior subordinated deferrable interest debenture was then issued by Kingsway America Inc. to the trust in exchange for the proceeds from the private sale. The floating rate debentures bear interest at the rate of LIBOR, plus spreads ranging from 3.85% to 4.20%. The Company has the right to call each of these securities at par value any time after five years from their issuance until their maturity. During the first quarter of 2011, the Company gave notice to its Trust Preferred trustees of its intention to exercise its voluntary right to defer interest payments for up to 20 quarters, pursuant to the contractual terms of its outstanding indentures, which permit interest deferral. This action does not constitute a default under the Company's Trust Preferred indentures or any of its other debt indentures. On November 6, 2015, the Company paid $22.1 million to its Trust Preferred trustees to be used by the trustees to pay the interest which the Company had been deferring since the first quarter of 2011.

The Company's subordinated debt is measured and reported at fair value. At December 31, 2017, the carrying value of the subordinated debt is $52.1 million. The fair value of the subordinated debt is calculated using a model based on significant market observable inputs and inputs developed by a third party. For a description of the market observable inputs and inputs developed by a third party used in determining fair value of debt, see Note 25, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the market observable swap rates changed, and the Company experienced a decrease in the credit spread assumption developed by the third party. Changes in the market observable swap rates affect the fair value model in different ways. An increase in the LIBOR swap rates has the effect of increasing the fair value of the Company's subordinated debt while an increase in the risk-free swap rates has the effect of decreasing the fair value. The decrease in the credit spread assumption has the effect of increasing the fair value of the Company's subordinated debt while an increase in the credit spread assumption has the effect of decreasing the fair value. The other primary variable affecting the fair value of debt calculation is the passage of time, which will always have the effect of increasing the fair value of debt. The changes to the credit spread and swap rate variables during 2017, along with the passage of time, contributed to the $8.5 million increase in fair value of the Company’s subordinated debt between December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017. This increase in fair value is reported as loss on change in fair value of debt in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

Though the changes in the model assumptions will continue to introduce volatility each quarter to the Company’s reported gain or loss on change in fair value of debt, the fair value of the Company’s subordinated debt will eventually equal the principal value of the subordinated debt by the time of the stated redemption date of each trust, beginning with the trust maturing on December 4, 2032 and continuing through January 8, 2034, the redemption date of the last of the Company’s outstanding trusts. As a result, it should be expected that, on average, the Company will continue to report quarterly and annual losses on change in fair value of debt and that from time to time these quarterly and annual losses may be material to the Company’s results of operations.

For a description of each of the Company's six subsidiary trusts, see Note 14, "Debt," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The purpose of liquidity management is to ensure there is sufficient cash to meet all financial commitments and obligations as they fall due. The liquidity requirements of the Company and its subsidiaries have been met primarily by funds generated from operations, capital raising, disposal of discontinued operations, investment maturities and income and other returns received on investments or from the sale of investments. Cash provided from these sources is used primarily for making investments and for loss and loss adjustment expense payments, debt servicing and other operating expenses. The timing and amount of payments for loss and loss adjustment expenses may differ materially from our provisions for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses, which may create increased liquidity requirements.



	50



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Management's Discussion and Analysis

Cash Flows

During 2017, the net cash used in operating activities as reported on the consolidated statements of cash flows was $19.0 million. The reconciliation between the Company's reported net loss of $11.1 million and the net cash used in operating activities of $19.0 million can be explained primarily by the deferred income tax benefit of 18.4 million, the increase in other receivables of $3.8 million, the increase in other net assets of $3.8 million, net realized gains of $3.8 million and the decrease in unearned premiums of $3.5 million, partially offset by the increase in liability for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses of $9.7 million, the loss on change in fair value of debt of $8.5 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $5.6 million and the decrease in premiums and service fee receivable of $2.2 million.

During 2017, the net cash provided by investing activities as reported on the consolidated statements of cash flows was $24.6 million. This source of cash was driven primarily by proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturities, equity investments, other investments and short-term investments in excess of purchases of fixed maturities, equity investments and limited liability investments and net cash used for acquisition of business.

During 2017, the net cash provided by financing activities as reported on the consolidated statements of cash flows was $2.2 million. This source of cash is attributed to proceeds from the bank loan net of principal repayments of $4.9 million, partially offset by principal repayments of $2.6 million on the Company's note payable.

In summary, as reported on the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company's net increase in cash and cash equivalents during 2017 was $7.8 million.

The Company's Insurance Underwriting subsidiaries fund their obligations primarily through premium and investment income and maturities in the investments portfolios. The Company's Extended Warranty subsidiaries fund their obligations primarily through service fee and commission income. The Company's Leased Real Estate subsidiary funds its obligations through rental income.

The liquidity of the holding company is managed separately from its subsidiaries. Actions available to the holding company to raise liquidity in order to meet its obligations include the sale of passive investments; sale of subsidiaries; issuance of debt or equity securities; certain excess cash flow from the Company’s Extended Warranty subsidiaries and giving notice to its Trust Preferred trustees of its intention to exercise its voluntary right to defer interest payments for up to 20 quarters, which right the Company previously exercised during the period from the first quarter of 2011 through the fourth quarter of 2015.

Receipt of dividends from the Insurance Underwriting subsidiaries is not generally considered a source of liquidity for the holding company. The insurance subsidiaries require regulatory approval for the return of capital and, in certain circumstances, prior to the payment of dividends. At December 31, 2017, the U.S. insurance subsidiaries of the Company were restricted from making any dividend payments to the holding company without regulatory approval pursuant to the domiciliary state insurance regulations.

Receipt of dividends from the Extended Warranty subsidiaries is limited for the holding company at this time even though excess cash generated by Trinity’s operating results is freely available for distribution to the holding company. IWS is somewhat constrained from paying dividends, given the existence of a 10% minority owner of its common equity, and PWSC is constrained from paying dividends while the bank loan incurred to partially finance the acquisition of PWSC remains outstanding.

Receipt of dividends from the Leased Real Estate segment is not generally considered a source of liquidity for the holding company. Because of the Lease Amendment, CMC may be in a position to distribute to the Company some of the cash received from the additional rental income. Any material cash flow to the Company, however, to help the Company meet its holding company obligations remains likely to occur only upon the occurrence of one of the three events described in the next paragraph that would trigger payment of service fees. There can be no assurance as to the timing of the occurrence, or the resulting outcome, from one of these events.

Pursuant to the terms of the management services agreement entered into at the closing of the acquisition of CMC, an affiliate of the seller (the "Service Provider") will provide certain services to CMC and its subsidiaries in exchange for service fees. Such services (collectively, the "Services") will include (i) causing an affiliate of the Service Provider to guaranty certain obligations of the Property Owner (pursuant to an Indemnity and Guaranty Agreement between such affiliate and the holder of the Mortgage (the "Mortgagor")), (ii) providing certain individuals to serve as members of the board of directors and/or certain executive officers of CMC and/or its subsidiaries and (iii) providing asset management services with respect to the Real Property. In exchange for the Services, the Property Owner will pay certain fees to the Service Provider. The payment of such service fees may be triggered by (i) a sale of the Real Property, (ii) a restructuring of the lease to which the Real Property is subject or (iii) a refinancing or restructuring of the Mortgage. The amount of the service fees will range from 40%-80% of the net proceeds generated by the



	51



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Management's Discussion and Analysis

event triggering the payment of the service fees (depending on the nature and timing of the triggering event). The Lease Amendment has not triggered the payment of service fees to the Service Provider.

The holding company’s liquidity, defined as the amount of cash in the bank accounts of Kingsway Financial Services Inc. and Kingsway America Inc., was $0.6 million and $14.9 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. These amounts are reflected in the cash and cash equivalents of $44.3 million and $36.5 million reported at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The cash and cash equivalents other than the holding company’s liquidity represent restricted and unrestricted cash held by the Company’s Insurance Underwriting, Extended Warranty and Leased Real Estate subsidiaries and are not considered to be available to meet holding company obligations, which primarily consist of interest payments on subordinated debt; holding company operating expenses; transaction-driven expenses of the Company’s merchant banking activities; investments; and any other extraordinary demands on the holding company.

The holding company’s liquidity of $0.6 million at December 31, 2017 represented approximately one month of interest payments on subordinated debt and regularly recurring operating expenses before any transaction-driven expenses of the Company’s merchant banking activities, any new holding company investments or any other extraordinary demands on the holding company. Subsequent to December 31, 2017, holding company liquidity increased, primarily as a result of the sale of holding company investments. As of the filing date of the Company’s 2017 Annual Report, the holding company’s liquidity of $6.1 million represented approximately 7 months of interest payments on subordinated debt and regularly recurring operating expenses before any transaction-driven expenses of the Company’s merchant banking activities, any new holding company investments or any other extraordinary demands on the holding company.

While the Company believes it has sources of liquidity available to allow it to continue to meet its holding company obligations, there can be no assurance that such sources of liquidity will be available when needed.

Regulatory Capital

In the United States, a risk-based capital ("RBC") formula is used by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") to identify property and casualty insurance companies that may not be adequately capitalized. In general, insurers reporting surplus as regards policyholders below 200% of the authorized control level, as defined by the NAIC, at December 31 are subject to varying levels of regulatory action, including discontinuation of operations. As of December 31, 2017, surplus as regards policyholders reported by each of our insurance subsidiaries, with the exception of Mendota, exceeded the 200% threshold.

As of December 31, 2017, Mendota's RBC was 196%, which is at the company action level, as defined by the NAIC. Mendota has prepared a comprehensive RBC plan, which it filed with the Minnesota Department of Commerce ("MNDOC") on March 15, 2018. The comprehensive plan is intended to outline Mendota's future plans, including the current and projected RBC level, and is subject to approval by the MNDOC. Achievement of the comprehensive plan depends on future events and circumstances, the outcome of which cannot be assured. As part of the Company’s response to improve Mendota’s RBC and to reduce the risk profile of its business, Mendota entered into a 50% quota share reinsurance agreement with a highly rated reinsurer, effective February 1, 2018, for all premiums written with the exception of premium written in California. The reinsurance arrangement will reduce Mendota’s net premiums written during 2018, which will reduce the risk-based capital charge assigned to the business and should, as a result, improve Mendota’s RBC. MCC also entered into a 50% quota share reinsurance agreement with the same reinsurer, effective February 1, 2018.

During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company began taking steps to place all of Amigo into voluntary run-off. As of December 31, 2012, Amigo’s RBC was 157%. In April 2013, Kingsway filed a comprehensive run-off plan with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, which outlines plans for Amigo's run-off. Amigo remains in compliance with that plan. As of December 31, 2017, Amigo's RBC was 5,206%.

Kingsway previously placed MCC into voluntary run-off in early 2011. At the time it was placed into voluntary run-off, MCC's RBC was 160%. MCC entered into a comprehensive run-off plan approved by the Illinois Department of Insurance in June 2011. MCC remains in compliance with that plan. As of December 31, 2017, MCC's RBC was 1,008%.

Our reinsurance subsidiary, which is domiciled in Barbados, is required by the regulator in Barbados to maintain minimum capital levels. As of December 31, 2017, the capital maintained by Kingsway Reinsurance Corporation was in excess of the regulatory capital requirements in Barbados.

The Illinois Department of Insurance completed in 2016 a financial examination of MCC for the five-year period ending December 31, 2015. No financial statement adjustments were required. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation ("FOIR") completed in



	52



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. Management's Discussion and Analysis

2016 a financial examination of Amigo for the three-year period ending December 31, 2014 and completed in the first quarter of 2018 a financial examination of Amigo for the two-year period ending December 31, 2016. No financial statement adjustments were required as a result of either examination. In 2017, the MNDOC began a financial examination of Mendota and Mendakota for the five-year period ending December 31, 2016. This examination is expected to be completed by June 30, 2018. Despite the results of the recently completed financial examinations of MCC and Amigo, there can be no assurance that the domiciliary regulators in general, or the MNDOC in particular with respect to the continuing financial examination of Mendota and Mendakota, will not propose financial adjustments or take other actions that would be material to the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

Table 9 summarizes cash disbursements related to the Company's contractual obligations projected by period, including debt maturities, interest payments on outstanding debt, the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses and future minimum payments under operating leases. Interest payments in Table 9 related to the subordinated debt assume LIBOR remains constant throughout the projection period.

Our provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses does not have contractual payment dates. In Table 9 below, we have included a projection of when we expect our unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses to be paid, based on historical payment patterns. The exact timing of the payment of unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses cannot be predicted with certainty. We maintain an investments portfolio with varying maturities and a substantial amount in short-term investments to provide adequate cash flows for the projected payments in Table 9. The unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses in Table 9 have not been reduced by amounts recoverable from reinsurers.

TABLE 9 Cash payments related to contractual obligations projected by period

As of December 31, 2017 (in thousands of dollars)



	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	Thereafter	Total
Note payable	2,981	3,337	3,712	4,108	4,526	157,472	176,136
Bank loan	1,000	1,000	1,000	1,000	917	—	4,917
Subordinated debt	—	—	—	—	—	90,500	90,500
Interest payments on outstanding debt	12,760	12,581	12,388	12,180	11,955	110,956	172,820
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses	44,662	13,307	5,244	2,022	690	506	66,431
Future minimum lease payments	1,496	1,215	525	422	424	234	4,316
Total	62,899	31,440	22,869	19,732	18,512	359,668	515,120

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

The Company has an off-balance sheet arrangement related to a guarantee, which is further described in Note 27, "Commitments and Contingent Liabilities," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



	53



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market Risk

Market risk is the risk that we will incur losses due to adverse changes in interest or currency exchange rates and equity prices. We have exposure to market risk through our investment activities and our financing activities.

Given our U.S. operations typically invest in U.S. dollar denominated fixed maturity instruments, our primary market risk exposures in the investments portfolio are to changes in interest rates. Periodic changes in interest rate levels generally affect our financial results to the extent that the investments are recorded at market value and reinvestment yields are different than the original yields on maturing instruments. During periods of rising interest rates, the market values of the existing fixed maturities will generally decrease. The reverse is true during periods of declining interest rates.

We manage our exposure to risks associated with interest rate fluctuations through active review of our investment portfolio by our management and Board, consultation with third-party financial advisors and by managing the maturity profile of our fixed maturity portfolio. Our goal is to maximize the total after-tax return on all of our investments. An important strategy we employ to achieve this goal is to try to hold enough in cash and short-term investments in order to avoid liquidating longer-term investments to pay loss and loss adjustment expenses.

Table 10 below summarizes the fair value by contractual maturities of the fixed maturities portfolio, excluding cash and cash equivalents, at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

TABLE 10 Fair value of fixed maturities by contractual maturity date

As of December 31 (in thousands of dollars, except for percentages)