kins_10q.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark one)
 
þ
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014
OR
 
o
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from _________to _________

Commission File Number 0-1665

KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
36-2476480
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
 
15 Joys Lane
Kingston, NY 12401
(Address of principal executive offices)

(845) 802-7900
 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
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 þ 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 (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes þ No o
 
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 the definitions of  “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer o
 
Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
 
As of May 15, 2014, there were 7,282,444 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.
 


 
 
 
 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC.
 
INDEX
 
      Page
       
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
       
 
Item 1 —
Financial Statements
  2
         
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2014 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2013   2
         
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (Unaudited) and 2013 (Unaudited)   3
         
    Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)   4
         
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (Unaudited) and 2013 (Unaudited)   5
         
    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  (Unaudited)   6
         
 
Item 2 —
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   29
         
 
Item 3 —
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   49
         
 
Item 4 —
Controls and Procedures   49
         
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
   
         
 
Item 1 —
Legal Proceedings
  50
         
 
Item 1A —
Risk Factors
  50
         
 
Item 2 —
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
  50
         
 
Item 3 —
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
  50
         
 
Item 4 —
Mine Safety Disclosures
  50
         
 
Item 5 —
Other Information
  50
         
 
Item 6 —
Exhibits
  50
         
Signatures
   
         
EXHIBIT 3(a)
   
EXHIBIT 3(b)    
EXHIBIT 31(a)    
EXHIBIT 31(b)
   
EXHIBIT 32    
EXHIBIT 101.INS XBRL Instance Document    
EXHIBIT 101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema    
EXHIBIT 101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase    
EXHIBIT 101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase    
EXHIBIT 101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase    
EXHIBIT 101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase    
 
 
 

 
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the federal securities laws.  The events described in forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report may not occur.  Generally, these statements relate to business plans or strategies, projected or anticipated benefits or other consequences of our plans or strategies, projected or anticipated benefits from acquisitions to be made by us, or projections involving anticipated revenues, earnings or other aspects of our operating results.  The words "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "project," "plan," "intend," "estimate," and "continue," and their opposites and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and are subject to a number of uncertainties, risks and other influences, many of which are beyond our control that may influence the accuracy of the statements and the projections upon which the statements are based.  Factors which may affect our results include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties discussed in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 under “Factors That May Affect Future Results and Financial Condition”.
 
Any one or more of these uncertainties, risks and other influences could materially affect our results of operations and whether forward-looking statements made by us ultimately prove to be accurate.  Our actual results, performance and achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements.  We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether from new information, future events or otherwise.
 
 
1

 
 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.    Financial Statements.
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
           
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
(unaudited)
       
Assets
           
 Fixed-maturity securities, held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of
           
 $4,102,096 at March 31, 2014 and $2,425,261 at December 31, 2013)
  $ 3,969,335     $ 2,399,482  
 Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost of
               
 $36,267,872 at March 31, 2014 and $28,079,902 at December 31, 2013)
    37,087,852       28,436,022  
 Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost of $8,190,655
               
 at March 31, 2014 and $6,690,338 at December 31, 2013)
    8,513,526       6,796,673  
 Total investments
    49,570,713       37,632,177  
 Cash and cash equivalents
    8,563,066       19,922,506  
 Premiums receivable, net of provision for uncollectible amounts
    8,102,612       7,590,074  
 Receivables - reinsurance contracts
    858,567       974,989  
 Reinsurance receivables, net of provision for uncollectible amounts
    43,531,328       37,560,825  
 Deferred policy acquisition costs
    7,193,301       6,860,263  
 Intangible assets, net
    2,590,315       2,709,244  
 Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
    2,295,861       2,038,755  
 Other assets
    1,447,522       1,494,989  
Total assets
  $ 124,153,285     $ 116,783,822  
                 
Liabilities
               
 Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves
  $ 40,043,254     $ 34,503,229  
 Unearned premiums
    33,466,488       32,335,614  
 Advance premiums
    1,165,871       776,099  
 Reinsurance balances payable
    2,982,222       2,566,729  
 Deferred ceding commission revenue
    7,117,642       6,984,166  
 Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
    2,301,195       3,215,487  
 Deferred income taxes
    868,281       693,087  
Total liabilities
    87,944,953       81,074,411  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies
               
                 
Stockholders' Equity
               
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized 2,500,000 shares
    -       -  
Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized 20,000,000 shares; issued 8,186,031 shares;
         
outstanding 7,266,573 shares
    81,860       81,860  
Capital in excess of par
    32,705,959       32,692,568  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    754,280       305,219  
Retained earnings
    4,223,678       4,187,209  
      37,765,777       37,266,856  
Treasury stock, at cost, 919,458 shares
    (1,557,445 )     (1,557,445 )
Total stockholders' equity
    36,208,332       35,709,411  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 124,153,285     $ 116,783,822  
________________________________________________________________________________________
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
2

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
       
             
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2014
   
2013
 
             
 Revenues
           
 Net premiums earned
  $ 5,926,311     $ 4,623,215  
 Ceding commission revenue
    3,381,283       2,293,711  
 Net investment income
    378,788       283,287  
 Net realized gains on sales of investments
    188,348       105,125  
 Other income
    227,557       213,990  
 Total revenues
    10,102,287       7,519,328  
                 
 Expenses
               
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses
    4,324,954       2,469,641  
 Commission expense
    2,582,508       2,115,820  
 Other underwriting expenses
    2,281,749       2,213,345  
 Other operating expenses
    250,035       243,310  
 Depreciation and amortization
    183,120       152,986  
 Interest expense
    -       21,215  
 Total expenses
    9,622,366       7,216,317  
                 
 Income from operations before taxes
    479,921       303,011  
 Income tax expense
    152,788       112,003  
 Net income
    327,133       191,008  
                 
 Other comprehensive income, net of tax
               
 Gross change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale-securities
    680,396       445,743  
                 
 Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income
    (231,335 )     (151,553 )
 Comprehensive income
  $ 776,194     $ 485,198  
                 
Earnings per common share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.05     $ 0.05  
Diluted
  $ 0.04     $ 0.05  
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
               
Basic
    7,266,573       3,840,899  
Diluted
    7,372,149       3,914,406  
                 
Dividends declared and paid per common share
  $ 0.04     $ 0.04  
_______________________________________________________________________________________
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3

 
 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity
Three months ended March 31, 2014 (unaudited)
 
                                                           
                                 
Accumulated
                         
                           
Capital
   
Other
 
 
                   
   
Preferred Stock
   
Common Stock
   
in Excess
    Comprehensive    
Retained
   
Treasury Stock
       
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
of Par
   
Income
   
Earnings
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Total
 
Balance, January 1, 2014
    -     $ -       8,186,031     $ 81,860     $ 32,692,568     $ 305,219     $ 4,187,209       919,458     $ (1,557,445 )   $ 35,709,411  
Stock-based compensation
    -       -       -       -       13,391       -       -       -       -       13,391  
Dividends
    -       -       -       -       -       -       (290,664 )     -       -       (290,664 )
Net income
    -       -       -       -       -       -       327,133       -       -       327,133  
Change in unrealized gains on available-
                                                                         
for-sale securities, net of tax
    -       -       -       -       -       449,061       -       -       -       449,061  
Balance, March 31, 2014
    -     $ -       8,186,031     $ 81,860     $ 32,705,959     $ 754,280     $ 4,223,678       919,458     $ (1,557,445 )   $ 36,208,332  
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
4

 
 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2014
   
2013
 
             
 Cash flows provided by operating activities:
           
 Net income
  $ 327,133     $ 191,008  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
         
 Net realized gains on sales of investments
    (188,348 )     (105,125 )
 Depreciation and amortization
    183,120       152,986  
 Amortization of bond premium, net
    82,997       45,074  
 Stock-based compensation
    13,391       8,748  
 Deferred income tax expense
    (56,141 )     (124,532 )
 (Increase) decrease in operating assets:
               
 Premiums receivable, net
    (512,538 )     370,668  
 Receivables - reinsurance contracts
    116,422       -  
 Reinsurance receivables, net
    (5,970,503 )     5,281,411  
 Deferred policy acquisition costs
    (333,038 )     17,101  
 Other assets
    46,785       1,011,071  
 (Decrease) increase in operating liabilities:
               
 Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves
    5,540,025       (2,175,646 )
 Unearned premiums
    1,130,874       551,525  
 Advance premiums
    389,772       156,610  
 Reinsurance balances payable
    415,493       4,421,673  
 Advance payments from catastrophe reinsurers
    -       (7,358,391 )
 Deferred ceding commission revenue
    133,476       45,226  
 Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
    (914,292 )     (244,362 )
 Net cash flows provided by operating activities
    404,628       2,245,045  
                 
 Cash flows used in investing activities:
               
 Purchase - fixed-maturity securities held-to-maturity
    (1,566,354 )     -  
 Purchase - fixed-maturity securities available-for-sale
    (10,396,843 )     (1,146,075 )
 Purchase - equity securities
    (2,662,152 )     (2,298,727 )
 Sale or maturity - fixed-maturity securities available-for-sale
    2,176,834       1,522,781  
 Sale - equity securities
    1,287,326       945,053  
 Other investing activities
    (312,215 )     (75,898 )
 Net cash flows used in investing activities
    (11,473,404 )     (1,052,866 )
                 
 Cash flows used in financing activities:
               
 Proceeds from line of credit
    -       100,000  
 Principal payments on line of credit
    -       (550,000 )
 Dividends paid
    (290,664 )     (153,637 )
 Net cash flows used in financing activities
    (290,664 )     (603,637 )
                 
 (Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (11,359,440 )   $ 588,542  
 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    19,922,506       2,240,012  
 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 8,563,066     $ 2,828,554  
                 
 Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
 Cash paid for income taxes
  $ 400     $ -  
 Cash paid for interest
  $ -     $ 39,087  
___________________________________________________________________________________
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
5

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Note 1 - Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation
 
Kingstone Companies, Inc. (referred to herein as "Kingstone" or the “Company”), through its wholly owned subsidiary Kingstone Insurance Company (“KICO”), underwrites property and casualty insurance to small businesses and individuals exclusively through independent agents and brokers. KICO is a licensed insurance company in the State of New York. KICO has also obtained a license to write insurance in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; however, KICO has only nominally commenced writing business in Pennsylvania. Kingstone, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Payments, Inc., a licensed premium finance company in the State of New York, receives fees for placing contracts with a third party licensed premium finance company.
 
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Form 10-Q and Article 8-03 of SEC Regulation S-X. The principles for condensed interim financial information do not require the inclusion of all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2014. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have not been audited by an independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) but, in the opinion of management, such financial statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s financial position and results of operations. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 may not be indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.
 
Note 2 – Accounting Policies
 
Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Such estimates and assumptions, which include the reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses, are subject to considerable estimation error due to the inherent uncertainty in projecting ultimate claim amounts that will be reported and settled over a period of several years. In addition, estimates and assumptions associated with receivables under reinsurance contracts related to contingent ceding commission revenue require considerable judgment by management. On an on-going basis, management reevaluates its assumptions and the methods of calculating its estimates. Actual results may differ significantly from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements consist of Kingstone and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include: (1) KICO and its wholly owned subsidiaries, CMIC Properties, Inc. (“Properties”) and 15 Joys Lane, LLC (“15 Joys Lane”), which together own the land and building from which KICO operates, and (2) Payments Inc. All significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
 
6

 
 
Accounting Pronouncements
 
There have been no recent accounting pronouncements or changes in recent accounting pronouncements during the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to those described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, that are of significance, or potential significance, to the Company.

Note 3 - Investments 

Available-for-Sale Securities

The amortized cost and fair value of investments in available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities and equity securities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows:
 
   
March 31, 2014
 
                                   Net  
     Cost or      Gross      Gross Unrealized Losses           Unrealized  
     Amortized      Unrealized      Less than 12      More than 12      Fair      Gains/  
   
Cost
 
Gains
   
Months
   
Months
    Value    
(Losses)
 
 Category
                                   
                                     
Fixed-Maturity Securities:
                               
Political subdivisions of States,
                         
 Territories and Possessions
  $ 11,199,284     $ 257,295     $ (25,457 )   $ (35,326 )   $ 11,395,796     $ 196,512  
                                                 
 Corporate and other bonds
                                               
 Industrial and miscellaneous
    25,068,588       724,043       (62,730 )     (37,845 )     25,692,056       623,468  
 Total fixed-maturity securities
    36,267,872       981,338       (88,187 )     (73,171 )     37,087,852       819,980  
                                                 
 Equity Securities:
                                               
 Preferred stocks
    3,159,917       6,756       (68,114 )     (58,228 )     3,040,331       (119,586 )
 Common stocks
    5,030,738       463,402       (20,945 )     -       5,473,195       442,457  
 Total equity securities
    8,190,655       470,158       (89,059 )     (58,228 )     8,513,526       322,871  
                                                 
 Total
  $ 44,458,527     $ 1,451,496     $ (177,246 )   $ (131,399 )   $ 45,601,378     $ 1,142,851  
 
 
 
7

 
 
   
December 31, 2013
                                 
Net
 
  
 
Cost or
   
Gross
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
   
Unrealized
 
   
Amortized
 
Unrealized
   
Less than 12
   
More than 12
   
Fair
   
Gains/
 
Category
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Months
   
Months
   
Value
   
(Losses)
 
                                     
Fixed-Maturity Securities:
                               
Political subdivisions of States,
                         
Territories and Possessions
  $ 7,000,222     $ 162,616     $ (49,491 )   $ (45,140 )   $ 7,068,207     $ 67,985  
                                                 
Corporate and other bonds
                                               
Industrial and miscellaneous
    21,079,680       569,139       (179,810 )     (101,194 )     21,367,815       288,135  
Total fixed-maturity securities
    28,079,902       731,755       (229,301 )     (146,334 )     28,436,022       356,120  
                                                 
Equity Securities:
                                               
Preferred stocks
    2,899,301       2,503       (251,525 )     (62,551 )     2,587,728       (311,573 )
Common stocks
    3,791,037       470,606       (38,785 )     (13,913 )     4,208,945       417,908  
Total equity securities
    6,690,338       473,109       (290,310 )     (76,464 )     6,796,673       106,335  
                                                 
Total
  $ 34,770,240     $ 1,204,864     $ (519,611 )   $ (222,798 )   $ 35,232,695     $ 462,455  
 
A summary of the amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s investments in available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities by contractual maturity as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is shown below:
 
   
March 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
   
Amortized
         
Amortized
       
 Remaining Time to Maturity
 
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                         
 Less than one year
  $ 745,401     $ 760,948     $ 758,281     $ 768,954  
 One to five years
    8,424,752       8,843,711       9,025,386       9,466,973  
 Five to ten years
    20,629,510       20,997,899       14,070,003       14,114,271  
 More than 10 years
    6,468,209       6,485,294       4,226,232       4,085,824  
 Total
  $ 36,267,872     $ 37,087,852     $ 28,079,902     $ 28,436,022  
 
The actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties.
 
 
8

 
 
Held-to-Maturity Securities

The amortized cost and fair value of investments in held-to-maturity fixed-maturity securities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows:
 
   
March 31, 2014
                                 
Net
 
  
 
Cost or
 
Gross
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
   
Unrealized
 
   
Amortized
 
Unrealized
   
Less than 12
   
More than 12
   
Fair
   
Gains/
 
Category
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Months
   
Months
   
Value
   
(Losses)
 
                                     
                                     
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 606,327     $ 84,612     $ -     $ -     $ 690,939     $ 84,612  
                                                 
Political subdivisions of States,
                                       
Territories and Possessions
    1,410,299       -       (3,437 )     -       1,406,862       (3,437 )
                                                 
Corporate and other bonds
                                         
Industrial and miscellaneous
    1,952,709       51,586       -       -       2,004,295       51,586  
                                                 
Total
  $ 3,969,335     $ 136,198     $ (3,437 )   $ -     $ 4,102,096     $ 132,761  
 
   
December 31, 2013
                                 
Net
 
  
 
Cost or
 
Gross
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
   
Unrealized
 
   
Amortized
 
Unrealized
   
Less than 12
   
More than 12
   
Fair
   
Gains/
 
Category
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Months
   
Months
   
Value
   
(Losses)
 
                                     
                                     
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 606,138     $ 46,915     $ -     $ -     $ 653,053     $ 46,915  
                                                 
Political subdivisions of States,
                                       
Territories and Possessions
    208,697       -       (25,359 )     -       183,338       (25,359 )
                                                 
Corporate and other bonds
                                         
Industrial and miscellaneous
    1,584,647       4,223       -       -       1,588,870       4,223  
                                                 
Total
  $ 2,399,482     $ 51,138     $ (25,359 )   $ -     $ 2,425,261     $ 25,779  

U.S. Treasury securities included in held-to-maturity securities are held in trust pursuant to the New York State Department of Financial Services’ minimum funds requirement.

A summary of the amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s investments in held-to-maturity securities by contractual maturity as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is shown below:
 
 
9

 
 
   
March 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
   
Amortized
         
Amortized
       
 Remaining Time to Maturity
 
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                         
 Less than one year
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
 One to five years
    -       -       -       -  
 Five to ten years
    2,162,433       2,206,448       1,793,344       1,772,208  
 More than 10 years
    1,806,902       1,895,648       606,138       653,053  
 Total
  $ 3,969,335     $ 4,102,096     $ 2,399,482     $ 2,425,261  

Investment Income

Major categories of the Company’s net investment income are summarized as follows:
 
   
Three months ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
             
 Income:
           
 Fixed-maturity securities
  $ 342,918     $ 260,035  
 Equity securities
    114,513       86,455  
 Cash and cash equivalents
    20,619       29  
 Total
    478,050       346,519  
 Expenses:
               
 Investment expenses
    99,262       63,232  
 Net investment income
  $ 378,788     $ 283,287  

Proceeds from the sale and maturity of fixed-maturity securities were $2,176,834 and $1,522,781 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Proceeds from the sale of equity securities were $1,287,326 and $945,053 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The Company’s net realized gains and losses on investments are summarized as follows:
 
   
Three months ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
             
Fixed-maturity securities:
       
Gross realized gains
  $ 89,256     $ 76,976  
Gross realized losses
    (26,399 )     -  
      62,857       76,976  
                 
Equity securities:
               
Gross realized gains
    136,059       71,785  
Gross realized losses
    (10,568 )     (43,636 )
      125,491       28,149  
                 
                 
Net realized gains
  $ 188,348     $ 105,125  
 
 
10

 
 
Impairment Review
 
Impairment of investment securities results in a charge to operations when a market decline below cost is deemed to be other-than-temporary. The Company regularly reviews its fixed-maturity securities and equity securities portfolios to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of investments. In evaluating potential impairment, in accordance with GAAP, management considers weather (i) the Company does not have the intent to sell a debt security prior to recovery and (ii) it is more likely than not that it will not have to sell the debt security prior to recovery, the security would not be considered other-than-temporarily impaired unless there is a credit loss.  When the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis, it will recognize the credit component of an Other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) of a debt security in earnings and the remaining portion in other comprehensive income.  The credit loss component recognized in earnings is identified as the amount of principal cash flows not expected to be received over the remaining term of the security as projected based on cash flow projections.  For held-to-maturity debt securities, the amount of OTTI recorded in other comprehensive income for the noncredit portion of a previous OTTI is amortized prospectively over the remaining life of the security on the basis of timing of future estimated cash flows of the security.

OTTI losses are recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income as net realized losses on investments and result in a permanent reduction of the cost basis of the underlying investment. The determination of OTTI is a subjective process and different judgments and assumptions could affect the timing of loss realization. At March 31, 2014, there were 39 securities that accounted for the gross unrealized loss. The Company determined that none of the unrealized losses were deemed to be OTTI for its portfolio of fixed maturity investments and equity securities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. Significant factors influencing the Company’s determination that unrealized losses were temporary included the magnitude of the unrealized losses in relation to each security’s cost, the nature of the investment and management’s intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery of fair value to the Company’s cost basis.
 
 
11

 
 
The Company held securities with unrealized losses representing declines that were considered temporary at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 as follows:
 
   
March 31, 2014
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
   
Total
 
  
             
No. of
               
No. of
   
Aggregate
       
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Positions
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Positions
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
Category
 
Value
   
Losses
   
Held
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Held
   
Value
   
Losses
 
                                                 
Fixed-Maturity Securities:
                                           
Political subdivisions of
                                           
States, Territories and
                                           
Possessions
  $ 2,669,178     $ (25,457 )     9     $ 772,206     $ (35,326 )     2     $ 3,441,384     $ (60,783 )
                                                                 
Corporate and other
                                                         
bonds industrial and
                                                         
miscellaneous
    4,378,126       (62,730 )     13       1,036,070       (37,845 )     4       5,414,196       (100,575 )
                                                                 
Total fixed-maturity
                                                         
securities
  $ 7,047,304     $ (88,187 )     22     $ 1,808,276     $ (73,171 )     6     $ 8,855,580     $ (161,358 )
                                                                 
Equity Securities:
                                                               
Preferred stocks
  $ 1,443,956     $ (68,114 )     6     $ 646,300     $ (58,228 )     3     $ 2,090,256     $ (126,342 )
Common stocks
    418,425       (20,945 )     2       -       -       -       418,425       (20,945 )
                                                                 
Total equity securities
  $ 1,862,381     $ (89,059 )     8     $ 646,300     $ (58,228 )     3     $ 2,508,681     $ (147,287 )
                                                                 
Total
  $ 8,909,685     $ (177,246 )     30     $ 2,454,576     $ (131,399 )     9     $ 11,364,261     $ (308,645 )
 
 
12

 
 
   
December 31, 2013
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
   
Total
 
  
             
No. of
               
No. of
   
Aggregate
       
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Positions
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Positions
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
Category
 
Value
   
Losses
   
Held
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Held
   
Value
   
Losses
 
                                                 
Fixed-Maturity Securities:
                                           
Political subdivisions of
                                           
States, Territories and
                                           
Possessions
  $ 2,015,437     $ (49,491 )     6     $ 415,866     $ (45,140 )     2     $ 2,431,303     $ (94,631 )
                                                                 
Corporate and other
                                                         
bonds industrial and
                                                         
miscellaneous
    6,447,605       (179,810 )     24       1,430,377       (101,194 )     5       7,877,982       (281,004 )
                                                                 
Total fixed-maturity
                                                         
securities
  $ 8,463,042     $ (229,301 )     30     $ 1,846,243     $ (146,334 )     7     $ 10,309,285     $ (375,635 )
                                                                 
Equity Securities:
                                                               
Preferred stocks
  $ 1,835,958     $ (251,525 )     8     $ 444,100     $ (62,551 )     2     $ 2,280,058     $ (314,076 )
Common stocks
    879,525       (38,785 )     4       145,625       (13,913 )     1       1,025,150       (52,698 )
                                                                 
Total equity securities
  $ 2,715,483     $ (290,310 )     12     $ 589,725     $ (76,464 )     3     $ 3,305,208     $ (366,774 )
                                                                 
Total
  $ 11,178,525     $ (519,611 )     42     $ 2,435,968     $ (222,798 )     10     $ 13,614,493     $ (742,409 )
 
 
13

 
 
Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements

The Company follows GAAP guidance regarding fair value measurements. The valuation technique used to fair value the financial instruments is the market approach which uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets.
 
This guidance establishes a three-level hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure the assets or liabilities fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability. Classification of assets and liabilities within the hierarchy considers the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded, including during period of market disruption, and the reliability and transparency of the assumptions used to determine fair value. The hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. The levels of the hierarchy and those investments included in each are as follows:
 
Level 1—Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities traded in active markets. Included are those investments traded on an active exchange, such as the NASDAQ Global Select Market, U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies, together with corporate debt securities that are generally investment grade.
 
Level 2—Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and market-corroborated inputs.  Municipal and corporate bonds that are traded in less active markets are classified as Level 2.  These securities are valued using market price quotations for recently executed transactions.

Level 3—Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable for the asset or liability and are significant to the fair value measurement. Material assumptions and factors considered in pricing investment securities and other assets may include appraisals, projected cash flows, market clearing activity or liquidity circumstances in the security or similar securities that may have occurred since the prior pricing period.
 
The availability of observable inputs varies and is affected by a wide variety of factors. When the valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires significantly more judgment. The degree of judgment exercised by management in determining fair value is greatest for investments categorized as Level 3. For investments in this category, the Company considers prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date. In periods of market dislocation, as characterized by current market conditions, the ability to observe prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition could cause a security to be reclassified between levels.
 
 
14

 

The Company’s investments are allocated among pricing input levels at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 as follows:
 
   
March 31, 2014
 
($ in thousands)
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
                         
Fixed-maturity securities
                       
U.S. Treasury securities
                       
and obligations of U.S.
                       
government corporations
                       
and agencies
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
                                 
Political subdivisions of
                               
States, Territories and
                               
Possessions
    -       11,396       -       11,396  
                                 
Corporate and other
                               
bonds industrial and
                               
miscellaneous
    17,553       8,138       -       25,691  
Total fixed maturities
    17,553       19,534       -       37,087  
Equity securities
    8,514       -       -       8,514  
Total investments
  $ 26,067     $ 19,534     $ -     $ 45,601  

 
   
December 31, 2013
($ in thousands)
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
                         
Fixed-maturity investments available for sale
                   
Political subdivisions of
                       
States, Territories and
                       
Possessions
  $ -     $ 7,068     $ -     $ 7,068  
                                 
Corporate and other
                               
bonds industrial and
                               
miscellaneous
    20,731       637       -       21,368  
Total fixed maturities
    20,731       7,705       -       28,436  
Equity investments
    6,797       -       -       6,797  
Total investments
  $ 27,528     $ 7,705     $ -     $ 35,233  
 
Note 5 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments

GAAP requires all entities to disclose the fair value of financial instruments, both assets and liabilities recognized and not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. The Company uses the following methods and assumptions in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:
 
Equity securities and fixed income securities available-for-sale:  Fair value disclosures for these investments are included in “Note 3 - Investments.”

Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments.

Premiums receivable, reinsurance receivables:  The carrying values reported in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets for these financial instruments approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of the assets.
 
 
15

 

Real estate: The fair value of the land and building included in property and equipment, which is used in the Company’s operations, approximates the carrying value. The fair value was based on an appraisal prepared using the sales comparison approach, and accordingly the real estate is a Level 3 asset under the fair value hierarchy.

Reinsurance balances payable:  The carrying value reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheets for these financial instruments approximates fair value.

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:
 
   
March 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
   
Carrying Value
   
Fair Value
   
Carrying Value
   
Fair Value
 
                         
Fixed-maturity investments held to maturity
  $ 3,969,335     $ 4,102,096     $ 2,399,482     $ 2,425,261  
Cash and cash equivalents
    8,563,066       8,563,066       19,922,506       19,922,506  
Premiums receivable
    8,102,612       8,102,612       7,590,074       7,590,074  
Receivables - reinsurance contracts
    858,567       858,567       974,989       974,989  
Reinsurance receivables
    43,531,328       43,531,328       37,560,825       37,560,825  
Real estate, net of accumulated depreciation
    1,766,149       1,816,122       1,777,942       1,816,122  
Reinsurance balances payable
    2,982,222       2,982,222       2,566,729       2,566,729  

 
Note 6 – Property and Casualty Insurance Activity
 
Premiums Earned

Premiums written, ceded and earned are as follows:
 
   
Direct
   
Assumed
   
Ceded
   
Net
 
                         
Three months ended March 31, 2014
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Premiums written
  $ 16,347,445     $ 7,647     $ (9,769,829 )   $ 6,585,263  
Change in unearned premiums
    (1,133,528 )     2,654       471,922       (658,952 )
Premiums earned
  $ 15,213,917     $ 10,301     $ (9,297,907 )   $ 5,926,311  
                                 
                                 
Three months ended March 31, 2013
                         
Premiums written
  $ 12,844,836     $ 9,815     $ (7,883,665 )   $ 4,970,986  
Change in unearned premiums
    (578,967 )     27,441       203,755       (347,771 )
Premiums earned
  $ 12,265,869     $ 37,256     $ (7,679,910 )   $ 4,623,215  
 
Premium receipts in advance of the policy effective date are recorded as advance premiums.  The balance of advance premiums as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was approximately $1,166,000 and $776,000, respectively.
 
 
16

 
 
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) reserves:
 
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
             
 Balance at beginning of period
  $ 34,503,229     $ 30,485,532  
 Less reinsurance recoverables
    (17,363,975 )     (18,419,694 )
 Net balance, beginning of period
    17,139,254       12,065,838  
                 
 Incurred related to:
               
 Current year
    4,121,732       2,469,783  
 Prior years
    203,222       (142 )
 Total incurred
    4,324,954       2,469,641  
                 
 Paid related to:
               
 Current year
    1,082,950       588,655  
 Prior years
    1,455,086       1,365,361  
 Total paid
    2,538,036       1,954,016  
  
               
 Net balance at end of period
    18,926,172       12,581,463  
 Add reinsurance recoverables
    21,117,082       15,728,423  
 Balance at end of period
  $ 40,043,254     $ 28,309,886  
                 

Incurred losses and LAE are net of reinsurance recoveries under reinsurance contracts of $6,718,463 and $5,055,495 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Prior year incurred loss and LAE development is based upon estimates by line of business and accident year. The Company’s management continually monitors claims activity to assess the appropriateness of carried case and incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) reserves, giving consideration to Company and industry trends.

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

The reserving process for loss adjustment expense reserves provides for the Company’s best estimate at a particular point in time of the ultimate unpaid cost of all losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred, including settlement and administration of losses, and is based on facts and circumstances then known and including losses that have been incurred but not yet been reported. The process includes using actuarial methodologies to assist in establishing these estimates, judgments relative to estimates of future claims severity and frequency, the length of time before losses will develop to their ultimate level and the possible changes in the law and other external factors that are often beyond the Company’s control.  Several actuarial reserving methodologies are used to estimate required loss reserves. The process produces carried reserves set by management based upon the actuaries’ best estimate and is the result of numerous best estimates made by line of business, accident year, and loss and loss adjustment expense. The amount of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for reported claims (“case reserve”) is based primarily upon a case-by-case evaluation of coverage, liability, injury severity, and any other information considered pertinent to estimating the exposure presented by the claim. The amounts of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for unreported claims and development on known claims (incurred but not reported reserves) are determined using historical information by line of insurance as adjusted to current conditions. Since this process produces loss reserves set by management based upon the actuaries’ best estimate, there is no explicit or implicit provision for uncertainty in the carried loss reserves.
 
 
17

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty associated with the reserving process, the ultimate liability may differ, perhaps substantially, from the original estimate. Such estimates are regularly reviewed and updated and any resulting adjustments are included in the current year’s results. Reserves are closely monitored and are recomputed periodically using the most recent information on reported claims and a variety of statistical techniques. On at least a quarterly basis, the Company reviews by line of business existing reserves, new claims, changes to existing case reserves and paid losses with respect to the current and prior years. Several methods are used, varying by product line and accident year, in order to select the estimated year-end loss reserves.  These methods include the following:

Paid Loss Development – historical patterns of paid loss development are used to project future paid loss emergence in order to estimate required reserves.

Incurred Loss Development – historical patterns of incurred loss development, reflecting both paid losses and changes in case reserves, are used to project future incurred loss emergence in order to estimate required reserves.

Paid Bornhuetter-Ferguson (“BF”) – an estimated loss ratio for a particular accident year is determined, and is weighted against the portion of the accident year claims that have been paid, based on historical paid loss development patterns.  The estimate of required reserves assumes that the remaining unpaid portion of a particular accident year will pay out at a rate consistent with the estimated loss ratio for that year.  This method can be useful for situations where an unusually high or low amount of paid losses exists at the early stages of the claims development process.
 
Incurred Bornhuetter-Ferguson (“BF”) - an estimated loss ratio for a particular accident year is determined, and is weighted against the portion of the accident year claims that have been reported, based on historical incurred loss development patterns.  The estimate of required reserves assumes that the remaining unreported portion of a particular accident year will pay out at a rate consistent with the estimated loss ratio for that year.  This method can be useful for situations where an unusually high or low amount of reported losses exists at the early stages of the claims development process.

Management’s best estimate of required reserves is generally based on an average of the methods above, with appropriate weighting of the various methods based on the line of business and accident year being projected. In some cases, additional methods or historical data from industry sources are employed to supplement the projections derived from the methods listed above.
 
 
Two key assumptions that materially affect the estimate of loss reserves are the loss ratio estimate for the current accident year used in the BF methods described above, and the loss development factor selections used in the loss development methods described above. The loss ratio estimates used in the BF methods are selected after reviewing historical accident year loss ratios adjusted for rate changes, trend, and mix of business.

The Company is not aware of any claims trends that have emerged or that would cause future adverse development that have not already been considered in existing case reserves and in its current loss development factors.
 
 
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In New York State, lawsuits for negligence are subject to certain limitations and must be commenced within three years from the date of the accident or are otherwise barred. Accordingly, the Company’s exposure to ‘pure’ IBNR for accident years 2010 and prior is limited although there remains the possibility of adverse development on reported claims (‘case development’ IBNR).

The Company was previously a one-third participant in a pool arrangement. Effective November 1, 1997, the Company withdrew from its participation in the pool arrangement. Accordingly, the Company will only be participating in losses and allocated loss adjustment expenses that occurred prior to that date.

Reinsurance
 
The Company’s reinsurance treaties for both its Personal Lines business, which primarily consists of homeowners’ policies, and Commercial Lines business expired on June 30, 2013. Effective July 1, 2013, the Company entered into new treaties with different terms. The treaties are annual, except for personal lines described below, and provide for the following material terms as of July 1, 2013:

Personal Lines

The personal lines treaty was renewed with a two year term expiring on June 30, 2015. Personal lines business, which includes homeowners, dwelling fire and canine legal liability insurance, is reinsured under a 75% quota share treaty, which provides coverage with respect to losses of up to $1,200,000 per occurrence. An excess of loss contract provides 100% of coverage for the next $1,700,000 of losses for a total reinsurance coverage of $2,600,000 with respect to losses of up to $2,900,000 per occurrence. Effective as of July 1, 2014, the Company has the option to increase the quota share percentage to a maximum of 85% or decrease the quota share percentage to a minimum of 55% by giving no less than 30 days advance notice. On May 12, 2014, the Company notified the personal lines reinsurers of its election to reduce the ceding percentage in the personal lines quota share treaty from 75% to 55% effective July 1, 2014. See “Catastrophe Reinsurance” below for a discussion of the Company’s reinsurance coverage with respect to its Personal Lines business in the event of a catastrophe.

Personal umbrella policies are reinsured under a 90% quota share treaty limiting the Company to a maximum of $100,000 per occurrence for the first $1,000,000 of coverage. The second $1,000,000 of coverage is 100% reinsured. 

Commercial Lines

General liability commercial policies written by the Company, except for commercial auto policies, are reinsured under a 25% quota share treaty, which provides coverage with respect to losses of up to $400,000 per occurrence. Excess of loss contracts provide 100% of coverage for the next $2,500,000 of losses for a total reinsurance coverage of $2,600,000 with respect to losses of up to $2,900,000 per occurrence.

Commercial Auto

Commercial auto policies are covered by an excess of loss reinsurance contract, which provides $1,700,000 of coverage in excess of $300,000.

Catastrophe Reinsurance

The Company has catastrophe reinsurance coverage with regard to losses of up to $90,000,000.  The initial $4,000,000 of losses in a catastrophe are subject to a 75% quota share treaty, such that the Company retains $1,000,000 per catastrophe occurrence. With respect to any additional catastrophe losses of up to $86,000,000 per catastrophe, the Company is 100% reinsured under its catastrophe reinsurance program. Catastrophe coverage is limited on an annual basis to two times the per occurrence amounts.
 
 
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The single maximum risks to which the Company is subject under these treaties per occurrence are as follows:
 
Treaty
 
 Extent of Loss
 
 Risk Retained
 Personal Lines
 
 Initial $1,200,000
 
$300,000
   
 $1,200,000 - $2,900,000
 
 None(1)
   
 Over $2,900,000
 
100%
         
 Personal Umbrella
 
 Initial $1,000,000
 
$100,000
   
 $1,000,000 - $2,000,000
 
 None(1)
   
 Over $2,000,000
 
100%
         
 Commercial Lines
 
 Initial $400,000
 
$300,000
   
 $400,000 - $2,900,000
 
None(1)
   
 Over $2,900,000
 
100%
         
 Commercial Auto
 
 Initial $300,000
 
$300,000
   
 $300,000 - $2,000,000
 
 None(1)
   
 Over $2,000,000
 
100%
         
 Catastrophe (2)
 
 Initial $4,000,000
 
$1,000,000
   
 $4,000,000 - $90,000,000
 
 None
   
 Over $90,000,000
 
100%
________________
(1)  
Covered by excess of loss treaties.
 
(2)  
Catastrophe coverage is limited on an annual basis to two times the per occurrence amounts.
 
The previous reinsurance treaties, which expired on June 30, 2013, provided for the following material terms:

Personal Lines

Personal Lines business, which includes homeowners, dwelling fire and canine legal liability insurance, was reinsured under a 75% quota share treaty which provided coverage with respect to losses of up to $1,000,000 per occurrence. An excess of loss contract provided 100% of coverage for the next $1,900,000 of losses for a total reinsurance coverage of $2,650,000 with respect to losses of up to $2,900,000 per occurrence. See “Catastrophe Reinsurance” below for a discussion of the Company’s reinsurance coverage with respect to its Personal Lines business in the event of a catastrophe.

Personal umbrella policies were reinsured under a 90% quota share treaty limiting the Company to a maximum of $100,000 per occurrence for the first $1,000,000 of coverage. The second $1,000,000 of coverage was 100% reinsured. 
 
 
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Commercial Lines

General liability commercial policies written by the Company, except for commercial auto policies, were reinsured under a 40% quota share treaty, which provided coverage with respect to losses of up to $500,000 per occurrence.   Excess of loss contracts provided 100% of coverage for the next $2,400,000 of losses for a total reinsurance coverage of $2,600,000 with respect to losses of up to $2,900,000 per occurrence.

Commercial Auto

Commercial auto policies were covered by an excess of loss reinsurance contract, which provided $1,750,000 of coverage in excess of $250,000.

Catastrophe Reinsurance

The Company had catastrophe reinsurance coverage with regard to losses of up to $73,000,000.  The initial $3,000,000 of losses in a catastrophe were subject to a 75% quota share treaty, such that the Company retained $750,000 per catastrophe occurrence With respect to any additional catastrophe losses of up to $70,000,000, the Company was 100% reinsured under its catastrophe reinsurance program.

The Company’s reinsurance program is structured to enable the Company to significantly grow its premium volume while maintaining regulatory capital and other financial ratios generally within or below the expected ranges used for regulatory oversight purposes. The reinsurance program also provides income as a result of ceding commissions earned pursuant to the quota share reinsurance contracts. The Company’s participation in reinsurance arrangements does not relieve the Company from its obligations to policyholders.

Ceding Commission Revenue
 
The Company earns ceding commission revenue under its quota share reinsurance agreements based on: (i) a fixed provisional commission rate at which provisional ceding commissions are earned, and (ii) a sliding scale of commission rates and ultimate treaty year loss ratios on the policies reinsured under each of these agreements based upon which contingent ceding commissions are earned. The sliding scale includes minimum and maximum commission rates in relation to specified ultimate loss ratios.  The commission rate and contingent ceding commissions earned increases when the estimated ultimate loss ratio decreases and, conversely, the commission rate and contingent ceding commissions earned decreases when the estimated ultimate loss ratio increases.

As of March 31, 2014, the Company’s estimated ultimate loss ratios are attributable to contracts for the July 1, 2013/June 30, 2014 treaty year (“2013/2014 Treaties”). As of March 31, 2013, the Company’s estimated ultimate loss ratios are attributable to contracts for the July 1, 2012/June 30, 2013 treaty year (“2012/2013 Treaties”).
 
 
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Treaties in effect as of March 31, 2014

The Company’s estimated ultimate loss ratios (“Loss Ratios”) for the period July 1, 2013 through March 31, 2014, which are attributable to contracts for the 2013/2014 Treaties remain lower than the contractual Loss Ratios at which the provisional ceding commissions are earned.  As a result of severe winter weather during the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Loss Ratios attributable to these treaties as of March 31, 2014 were greater than the Loss Ratios as of December 31, 2013. Accordingly, for the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company’s contingent ceding commission earned was reduced as a result of the increase in estimated Loss Ratios for the 2013/2014 Treaties.

Treaties in effect as of March 31, 2013

The Company’s estimated Loss Ratios attributable to the 2012/2013 Treaties were greater than the contractual Loss Ratios at which the provisional ceding commissions are earned. Accordingly, for the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company recorded negative contingent ceding commissions earned with respect to the 2012/2013 Treaties.

In addition to the treaties that were in effect as of March 31, 2014 and 2013, the estimated ultimate loss ratios from prior years’ treaties are subject to change as loss reserves from those periods increase or decrease, resulting in an increase or decrease in the commission rate and contingent ceding commissions earned.

Ceding commissions earned consists of the following:
 
   
Three months ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
             
Provisional ceding commissions earned
  $ 3,376,876     $ 2,392,864  
Contingent ceding commissions earned
    4,407       (99,153 )
    $ 3,381,283     $ 2,293,711  

Provisional ceding commissions are settled monthly. Balances due from reinsurers for contingent ceding commissions on quota share treaties are settled annually based on the loss ratio of each treaty year that ends on June 30. As discussed above, for the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company has recorded negative contingent ceding commissions earned with respect to the 2012/2013 Treaties, which results in ceding commissions payable to reinsurers. There was no net contingent ceding commissions payable to reinsurers as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

Note 7 – Bank Line of Credit
 
On December 27, 2011, Kingstone executed a Promissory Note pursuant to a line of credit (together, the “Trustco Agreement”) with Trustco Bank (“Lender”). Under the Trustco Agreement, Kingstone may receive advances from Lender not to exceed an unpaid principal balance of $500,000 (the “Credit Limit”). On January 25, 2013, the Credit Limit was increased to $600,000.  Advances extended under the Trustco Agreement will bear interest at a floating rate based on the Lender’s prime rate, which was 3.75% at March 31, 2014.
 
 
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Interest only payments are due monthly. The principal balance is payable on demand, and must be reduced to zero for a minimum of thirty consecutive days during each year of the term of the Trustco Agreement. The line of credit is subject annual renewal at the discretion of the Lender. Lender may set off any depository accounts maintained by Kingstone that are held by Lender. Payment of amounts due pursuant to the Trustco Agreement is secured by all of Kingstone’s cash and deposit accounts, receivables, inventory and  fixed assets, and is guaranteed by Kingstone’s subsidiary, Payments, Inc.
 
The line of credit will be used for general corporate purposes.
 
There were no outstanding balances under the bank line of credit as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The weighted average interest rate on the amount outstanding during the three months ended March, 2014 and 2013 was 0% and 3.75%, respectively. There are no other fees in connection with this credit line. Interest expense on the line of credit for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $-0- and $3,000, respectively.
 
Note 8 – Stockholders’ Equity
 
Dividend Declared

Dividends declared and paid on Common Stock were $290,664 and $153,637 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company’s Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend on May 13, 2014 of $.04 per share payable in cash on June 13, 2014 to stockholders of record as of May 30, 2014 (see Note 12).

Stock Options

Pursuant to the Company’s 2005 Equity Participation Plan (the “2005 Plan”), which provides for the issuance of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options and restricted stock, a maximum of 700,000 shares of Common Stock are permitted to be issued pursuant to options granted and restricted stock issued.  Incentive stock options granted under the 2005 Plan expire no later than ten years from date of grant (except no later than five years for a grant to a 10% stockholder). The Board of Directors or the Stock Option Committee determines the expiration date with respect to non-statutory options, and the vesting provisions for restricted stock, granted under the 2005 Plan.
 
The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 include stock-based compensation expense totaling approximately $13,000 and $9,000, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options is net of estimated forfeitures of 20% and 21% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Such amounts have been included in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income within other operating expenses.

Stock-based compensation expense in 2014 and 2013 is the grant date estimated fair value of options amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire portion of the award. No stock options were granted during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
 
 
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A summary of option activity under the Company’s 2005 Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is as follows:
 
Stock Options
 
Number of Shares
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share
   
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
 
                         
Outstanding at January 1, 2014
    321,365     $ 3.36       2.26     $ 1,257,936  
                                 
Granted
    -     $ -       -     $ -  
Exercised
    -     $ -       -     $ -  
Forfeited
    -     $ -       -     $ -  
                                 
Outstanding at March 31, 2014
    321,365     $ 3.36       2.01     $ 1,161,527  
                                 
Vested and Exercisable at March 31, 2014
    244,490     $ 2.77       1.25     $ 1,027,464  
 
The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and options exercisable at March 31, 2014 is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying options and the market price of the Company’s Common Stock for the options that had exercise prices that were lower than the $6.97 closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on March 31, 2014.
 
Participants in the 2005 Plan may exercise their outstanding vested options, in whole or in part, by having the Company reduce the number of shares otherwise issuable by a number of shares having a fair market value equal to the exercise price of the option being exercised (“Net Exercise”). No options were exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the fair value of unamortized compensation cost related to unvested stock option awards was approximately $58,000 and $71,000, respectively. Unamortized compensation cost as of March 31, 2014 is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average vesting period of 1.38 years.

Note 9 – Income Taxes

Income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were computed using the effective tax rate estimated to be applicable for the full year, which is subject to ongoing review and evaluation by management. The Company files a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return that includes all wholly owned subsidiaries. State tax returns are filed on a consolidated or separate basis depending on applicable laws. The Company records adjustments related to prior years’ taxes during the period when they are identified, generally when the tax returns are filed.   The effect of these adjustments on the current and prior periods (during which the differences originated) is evaluated based upon quantitative and qualitative factors and are considered in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole for the respective periods. The Company has evaluated this year’s amounts in relation to the current and prior reporting periods and determined that a restatement of those prior reporting periods is not appropriate. The Company’s effective tax rate from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was 31.8% and 37.0%, respectively.
 
 
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Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined using the enacted tax rates applicable to the period the temporary differences are expected to be recovered. Accordingly, the current period income tax provision can be affected by the enactment of new tax rates. The net deferred income taxes on the balance sheet reflect temporary differences between the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and income tax purposes, tax effected at a various rates depending on whether the temporary differences are subject to federal taxes, state taxes, or both. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
             
 Deferred tax asset:
           
 Net operating loss carryovers (1)
  $ 241,684     $ 246,476  
 Claims reserve discount
    491,819       445,384  
 Unearned premium
    1,071,725       1,000,372  
 Deferred ceding commission revenue
    2,419,998       2,374,616  
 Other
    -       17,087  
 Total deferred tax assets
    4,225,226       4,083,935  
                 
 Deferred tax liability:
               
 Investment in KICO (2)
    1,169,000       1,169,000  
 Deferred acquisition costs
    2,445,721       2,332,489  
 Intangibles
    880,707       921,143  
 Depreciation and amortization
    181,858       197,223  
 Net unrealized appreciation of securities - available for sale
    386,930       157,167  
 Other
    29,291       -  
 Total deferred tax liabilities
    5,093,507       4,777,022  
                 
 Net deferred income tax liability
  $ (868,281 )   $ (693,087 )
 
(1)  
The deferred tax assets from net operating loss carryovers are as follows:

   
March 31,
   
December 31,
   
 Type of NOL
 
2014
   
2013
 
Expiration
 State only (A)
  $ 470,734     $ 459,989  
December 31, 2034
 Valuation allowance
    (242,650 )     (240,713 )  
 State only, net of valuation allowance
    228,084       219,276    
 Amount subject to Annual Limitation, federal only (B)
    13,600       27,200  
December 31, 2019
 Total deferred tax asset from net operating loss carryovers
  $ 241,684     $ 246,476    
 
(A) Kingstone generates operating losses for state purposes and has prior year net operating loss carryovers available. The state net operating loss carryover as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was approximately $5,598,000 and $5,482,000, respectively. KICO, the Company’s insurance underwriting subsidiary, is not subject to state income taxes. KICO’s state tax obligations are paid through a gross premiums tax, which is included in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income within other underwriting expenses. A valuation allowance has been recorded due to the uncertainty of generating enough state taxable income to utilize 100% of the available state net operating loss carryovers over their remaining lives, which expire between 2027 and 2034.
 
(B) The Company has an NOL of $50,000 that is subject to Internal Revenue Code Section 382, which places a limitation on the utilization of the federal net operating loss to approximately $10,000 per year (“Annual Limitation”) as a result of a greater than 50% ownership change of the Company in 1999. The losses subject to the Annual Limitation will be available for future years, expiring through December 31, 2019.
 
 
 
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(2)  
Deferred tax liability -  investment in KICO
 
On July 1, 2009, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding common stock of KICO (formerly known as Commercial Mutual Insurance Company (“CMIC”)) pursuant to the conversion of CMIC from an advance premium cooperative to a stock property and casualty insurance company. Pursuant to the plan of conversion, the Company acquired a 100% equity interest in KICO, in consideration for the exchange of $3,750,000 principal amount of surplus notes of CMIC. In addition, the Company forgave all accrued and unpaid interest on the surplus notes as of the date of conversion. As of the date of acquisition, unpaid accrued interest on the surplus notes along with the accretion of the discount on the original purchase of the surplus notes totaled $2,921,319 (together “Untaxed Interest”). As of the date of acquisition, the deferred tax liability on the Untaxed Interest was $1,169,000. Under GAAP guidance for business combinations, a temporary difference with an indefinite life exists when the parent has a lower carrying value of its subsidiary for income tax purposes. The Company is required to maintain its deferred tax liability of $1,169,000 related to this temporary difference until the stock of KICO is sold, or the assets of KICO are sold or KICO and the parent are merged.
 
In assessing the valuation of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. No valuation allowance against deferred tax assets has been established, except for NOL limitations, as the Company believes it is more likely than not the deferred tax assets will be realized based on the historical taxable income of KICO, or by offset to deferred tax liabilities.

The Company had no material unrecognized tax benefit and no adjustments to liabilities or operations were required. There were no interest or penalties related to income taxes that have been accrued or recognized as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. If any had been recognized these would be reported in income tax expense.

IRS Tax Audit

The Company’s federal income tax return for the year ended December 31, 2009 was examined by the Internal Revenue Service and was accepted as filed. The tax returns for years ended December 31, 2010 through 2012 are subject to examination, generally for three years after filing.

In March 2014, the Company received a notice that its federal income tax returns for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012 were selected for examination by the Internal Revenue Service. On March 31, 2014, the Company was notified that the examination was cancelled.
 
 
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Note 10 - Net Income Per Common Share
 
Basic net earnings per common share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share reflect, in periods in which they have a dilutive effect, the impact of common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options.  The computation of diluted earnings per common share excludes those options with an exercise price in excess of the average market price of the Company’s common shares during the periods presented.
 
The computation of diluted earnings per common share excludes outstanding options in periods where the exercise of such options would be anti-dilutive. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the inclusion of 7,500 and 10,000 options in the computation of diluted earnings per common share would have been anti-dilutive for the periods and, as a result, the weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per common share has not been adjusted for the effect of such options.
 
The reconciliation of the weighted average number of  common shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share follows:
 
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
             
 Weighted average number of shares outstanding
    7,266,573       3,840,899  
 Effect of dilutive securities, common share equivalents
    105,576       73,507  
                 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding,
         
 used for computing diluted earnings per common share
    7,372,149       3,914,406  
 
Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

From time to time, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. For example, to the extent a claim asserted by a third party in a law suit against one of the Company’s insureds covered by a particular policy, the Company may have a duty to defend the insured party against the claim. These claims may relate to bodily injury, property damage or other compensable injuries as set forth in the policy. Such proceedings are considered in estimating the liability for loss and LAE expenses. The Company is not subject to any other pending legal proceedings that management believes are likely to have a material adverse effect on the financial statements.

State Insurance Regulation

In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, the New York State Department of Financial Services (“DFS”) has adopted various regulations that affect insurance companies that operate in the state of New York.  Included among the regulations are accelerated claims investigation and settlement requirements and mandatory participation in non-binding mediation proceedings funded by the insurer. Further, in February 2013, the state of New York announced that the DFS commenced an investigation into the claims practices of three insurance companies, including KICO, in connection with Superstorm Sandy claims.  The DFS stated that the three insurers had a much larger than average consumer complaint rate with regard to Superstorm Sandy claims and indicated that the three insurers were being investigated for (i) failure to send adjusters in a timely manner; (ii) failure to process claims in a timely manner; and (iii) inability of homeowners to contact insurance company representatives.  KICO received a letter from the DFS seeking information and data with regard to the foregoing.  KICO has supplied information and data, and is cooperating with the DFS in connection with its investigation. KICO has not received a response from the DFS and believes that such matter will not have any effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
 
 
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Note 12 – Subsequent Event
 
The Company has evaluated events that occurred subsequent to March 31, 2014 through the date these financial statements were issued for matters that required disclosure or adjustment in these condensed consolidated financial statements.

Dividends Declared and Paid

On May 13, 2014, the Company’s board of directors approved a dividend of $.04 per share payable in cash on June 13, 2014 to stockholders of record as of May 30, 2014.
 
Election to Reduce Personal Lines Quota Share
 
On May 12, 2014 the Company notified the personal lines reinsurers of its election to reduce the ceding percentage in the personal lines quota share treaty from 75% to 55% effective July 1, 2014.
 
 
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ITEM 2.                      MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
 
Overview
 
We offer property and casualty insurance products to small businesses and individuals in New York State through our subsidiary, Kingstone Insurance Company (“KICO”). KICO’s insureds are located primarily in downstate New York, consisting of New York City, Long Island and Westchester County.
 
We derive 99% of our revenue from KICO, which includes revenues from earned premiums, ceding commissions from quota share reinsurance, net investment income generated from its portfolio, and net realized gains and losses on investment securities.  All of KICO’s insurance policies are for a one year period. Earned premiums represent premiums received from insureds, which are recognized as revenue over the period of time that insurance coverage is provided (i.e., ratably over the one year life of the policy). A significant period of time normally elapses between the receipt of insurance premiums and the payment of insurance claims. During this time, KICO invests the premiums, earns investment income and generates net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses on investments.
 
Our expenses include the insurance underwriting expenses of KICO and other operating expenses. Insurance companies incur a significant amount of their total expenses from losses incurred by policyholders, which are commonly referred to as claims. In settling these claims for losses, various loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) are incurred such as insurance adjusters’ fees and litigation expenses. In addition, insurance companies incur policy acquisition costs. Policy acquisition costs include commissions paid to producers, premium taxes, and other expenses related to the underwriting process, including employees’ compensation and benefits.
 
Other operating expenses include our corporate expenses as a holding company. These expenses include legal and auditing fees, occupancy costs related to our former corporate office, which was closed in May 2013, executive employment costs, and other costs directly associated with being a public company.
 
Product Lines
 
Our product lines include the following:
 
Personal lines. Our largest line of business is personal lines, consisting of homeowners, dwelling fire, 3-4 family dwelling package, condominium, renters, mechanical breakdown, service line and personal umbrella policies.
 
Commercial liability. We offer business owners policies, which consist primarily of small business retail risks without a residential exposure. We also write artisan’s liability policies and special multi-peril property and liability policies.
 
Commercial automobile. We provide physical damage and liability coverage for light vehicles owned by small contractors and artisans.
 
Livery physical damage and other. We write for-hire vehicle physical damage only policies for livery and car service vehicles and taxicabs as well as canine legal liability policies.
 
 
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Key Measures
 
We utilize the following key measures in analyzing the results of our insurance underwriting business:
 
Net loss ratio. The net loss ratio is a measure of the underwriting profitability of an insurance company’s business.  Expressed as a percentage, this is the ratio of net losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) incurred to net premiums earned.
 
Net underwriting expense ratio.  The net underwriting expense ratio is a measure of an insurance company’s operational efficiency in administering its business. Expressed as a percentage, this is the ratio of the sum of acquisition costs (the most significant being commissions paid to our producers) and other underwriting expenses less ceding commission revenue less other income to net premiums earned.
 
Net combined ratio.  The net combined ratio is a measure of an insurance company’s overall underwriting profit. This is the sum of the net loss and net underwriting expense ratios. If the net combined ratio is at or above 100 percent, an insurance company cannot be profitable without investment income, and may not be profitable if investment income is insufficient.
 
Underwriting income. Underwriting income is net pre-tax income attributable to our insurance underwriting business except for net investment income, net realized gains from investments, and depreciation and amortization (net premiums earned less expenses included in combined ratio). Underwriting income is a measure of an insurance company’s overall operating profitability before items such as investment income, depreciation and amortization, interest expense and income taxes.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
Our condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Kingstone Companies, Inc. and all majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires our management to make estimates and assumptions in certain circumstances that affect amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and related notes. In preparing these financial statements, our management has utilized information available including our past history, industry standards and the current economic environment, among other factors, in forming its estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the consolidated financial statements, giving due consideration to materiality. It is possible that the ultimate outcome as anticipated by our management in formulating its estimates inherent in these financial statements might not materialize. However, application of the critical accounting policies involves the exercise of judgment and use of assumptions as to future uncertainties and, as a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. In addition, other companies may utilize different estimates, which may affect the comparability of our results of operations to those of companies in similar businesses.
 
We believe that the most critical accounting policies relate to the reporting of reserves for loss and LAE, including losses that have occurred but have not been reported prior to the reporting date, amounts recoverable from third party reinsurers, deferred ceding commission revenue, deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred income taxes, the impairment of investment securities, intangible assets and the valuation of stock-based compensation. See Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements - “Accounting Policies” for information related to updated accounting policies.
 
 
30

 
 
Consolidated Results of Operations
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
The following table summarizes the changes in the results of our operations (in thousands) for the periods indicated:
 
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2014
   
2013
   
Change
   
Percent
 
 Revenues
                       
 Direct written premiums
  $ 16,347     $ 12,845     $ 3,502       27.3 %
 Assumed written premiums
    8       10       (2 )     (20.0 )%
      16,355       12,855       3,500       27.2 %
 Ceded written premiums
                               
 Ceded to quota share treaties
    9,024       7,043       1,981       28.1 %
 Ceded to excess of loss treaties
    200       262       (62 )     (23.7 )%
 Ceded to catastrophe treaties
    546       579       (33 )     (5.7 )%
 Total ceded written premiums
    9,770       7,884       1,886       23.9 %
                                 
 Net written premiums
    6,585       4,971       1,614       32.5 %
 Change in net unearned premiums
    (659 )     (348 )     (311 )     89.4 %
 Net premiums earned
    5,926       4,623       1,303       28.2 %
                                 
 Ceding commission revenue
                               
 Excluding the effect of catastrophes
    3,898       3,210       688       21.4 %
 Effect of catastrophes (1)
    (517 )     (916 )     399       (43.6 )%
 Total ceding commission revenue
    3,381       2,294       1,087       47.4 %
 Net investment income
    379       283       96       33.9 %
 Net realized gain on investments
    188       105       83       79.0 %
 Other income
    228       214       14       6.5 %
 Total revenues
    10,102       7,519       2,583       34.4 %
                                 
 Expenses
                               
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses
                               
 Direct and assumed:
                               
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes
    7,279       7,525       (246 )     (3.3 )%
 Losses from catastrophes (1)
    3,764       -       3,764     na %
 Total direct and assumed loss and loss adjustment expenses
    11,043       7,525       3,518       46.8 %
                                 
 Ceded loss and loss adjustment expenses:
                               
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes
    3,895       5,055       (1,160 )     (22.9 )%
 Losses from catastrophes (1)
    2,823       -       2,823     na %
 Total ceded loss and loss adjustment expenses
    6,718       5,055       1,663       32.9 %
                                 
 Net loss and loss adjustment expenses:
                               
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes
    3,384       2,470       914       37.0 %
 Losses from catastrophes (1)
    941       -       941     na %
 Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
    4,325       2,470       1,855       75.1 %
                                 
 Commission expense
    2,583       2,116       467       22.1 %
 Other underwriting expenses
    2,281       2,213       68       3.1 %
 Other operating expenses
    250       243       7       2.9 %
 Depreciation and amortization
    183       153       30       19.6 %
 Interest expense
    -       21       (21 )     (100.0 )%
 Total expenses
    9,622       7,216       2,406       33.3 %
                                 
 Income from operations before taxes
    480       303       177       58.4 %
 Provision for income tax
    153       112       41       36.6 %
 Net income
  $ 327     $ 191     $ 136       71.2 %
 
(1) For the three months ended March 31, 2014, includes the effects of severe winter weather (which we define as a catastrophe), which occurred in January and February 2014. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, includes the effects of Superstorm Sandy (which we define as a catastrophe), which occurred on October 29, 2012. We define a “catastrophe” as an event or series of related events that involve multiple first party policyholders, or an event or series of events that produce a number of claims in excess of a preset, per-event threshold of average claims in a specific area, occurring within a certain amount of time constituting the event or series of events.  Catastrophes are caused by various natural events including high winds, excessive rain, winter storms, severe winter weather, tornadoes, hailstorms, wildfires, tropical storms, and hurricanes.
 
 
31

 
 
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
Change
   
Percent
 
 Key ratios:
                       
 Net loss ratio
    73.0 %     53.4 %     19.6 %     36.7 %
 Net underwriting expense ratio
    22.5 %     41.5 %     (19.0 )%     (45.8 )%
 Net combined ratio
    95.5 %     94.9 %     0.6 %     0.6 %
 
Direct written premiums during the three months ended March 31, 2014 (“2014”) were $16,347,000 compared to $12,845,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2013 (“2013”). The increase of $3,502,000, or 27.3%, was primarily due to an increase in policies in-force during 2014 as compared to 2013. We wrote more new policies as a result of continued demand for our products in the markets that we serve. Policies in-force increased by 23.5% as of March 31, 2014 compared to March 31, 2013. In addition to the increase of policies in-force, the average premium per policy is increasing. Our increase in direct written premiums in 2014 was also affected by New York State regulations enacted to protect victims of Superstorm Sandy, which prohibited us from cancelling policies or non-renewing existing policies beginning in the fourth quarter of 2012 and extending through various dates during the quarter ended March 31, 2013 (the “Moratorium Period”). After the expiration of the Moratorium Period in 2013, the additional cancellations and non-renewal of existing policies reduced our direct written premiums in 2013.
 
Net written premiums increased $1,614,000, or 32.5%, to $6,585,000 in 2014 from $4,971,000 in 2013. Net written premiums include direct and assumed premiums, less the amount of written premiums ceded under our reinsurance treaties (quota share, excess of loss and catastrophe). In 2014, our ceded catastrophe premiums include an additional $54,000 of reinstatement premiums for catastrophe coverage as a result of Superstorm Sandy. As we increase our written premiums in personal and commercial lines of business, which are both subject to quota share treaties, our written premiums ceded under quota share treaties will increase, which will result in a corresponding reduction to net written premiums. A reduction to the quota share percentage will reduce our ceded written premiums, which will result in a corresponding increase to our net written premiums. Effective July 1, 2013, we decreased the quota share percentage in our commercial lines (excluding commercial auto) quota share treaty from 40% to 25%.
 
Most of the premiums written under our personal lines are also subject to our catastrophe treaty. An increase in our personal lines business gives rise to more property exposure, which increases our exposure to catastrophe risk; therefore, our premiums for catastrophe insurance will increase. This results in an increase in premiums ceded under our catastrophe treaty, resulting in a decrease in net written premiums. An increase in written premiums will also increase the premiums ceded under our excess of loss treaties, which will result in a corresponding decrease to our net written premiums.
 
Net premiums earned increased $1,303,000, or 28.2%, to $5,926,000 in 2014 from $4,623,000 in 2013. As premiums written earn ratably over a twelve month period, the increase was a result of higher net written premiums for the twelve months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the twelve months ended March 31, 2013. The increase in net premiums earned was offset by an additional $54,000 of reinstatement premiums paid in 2014 for catastrophe coverage as a result of Superstorm Sandy.
 
 
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The following table summarizes the changes in the components of ceding commission revenue (in thousands) for the periods indicated:
 
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2014
   
2013
   
Change
   
Percent
 
                         
 Provisional ceding commissions earned
  $ 3,377     $ 2,393       984       41.1 %
                                 
Contingent ceding commissions earned excluding the effect of
                 
catastrophes and development of prior year's losses incurred
                 
 Personal lines quota share treaty 40% ceding commission rate
    848       -                  
 Personal lines quota share treaty 35% ceding commission rate
    -       742                  
 Total personal lines quota share treaty
    848       742       106       14.3 %
                                 
 Commercial lines 25% quota share rate
    145       -                  
 Commercial lines 40% quota share rate
    -       187                  
 Total commercial lines quota share treaty
    145       187       (42 )     (22.5 )%
                                 
 Other quota share treaties
    59       14       45       321.4 %
                                 
Total contingent ceding commissions earned excluding the effect of
                 
 catastrophes and development of prior year's losses incurred
    1,052       943       109       11.6 %
 Effect of catastrophes on ceding commisions earned
    (517 )     (916 )     399       (43.6 )%
Effect of development of losses incurred under current treaties from
         
 claims incurred in the prior year
    (144 )     -       (144 )  
na
 
 Effect of development of losses incurred under prior year's treaties
    (387 )     (126 )     (261 )     207.1 %
 Contingent ceding commissions earned
  $ 4     $ (99 )   $ 103       na  
 
Ceding commission revenue was $3,381,000 in 2014 compared to $2,294,000 in 2013. The increase of $1,087,000, or 47.4%, was due to an increase in both provisional ceding commissions earned and contingent ceding commissions earned. We receive a provisional ceding commission based on ceded written premiums and a contingent ceding commission based on a sliding scale in relation to the losses incurred under our quota share treaties. The lower the loss ratio, the more contingent commission we receive. The amount of contingent commissions we are eligible to receive is reduced by the amount of provisional commissions previously received.  Effective July 1, 2013, our provisional ceding commission rate on our personal lines treaty increased to 40% from 35%, which reduced the amount of contingent ceding commissions we can ultimately receive. The amount of contingent commissions we are eligible to receive under our current treaties is subject to change based on losses incurred from claims in the prior year. The amount of contingent commissions we are eligible to receive under our prior years’ treaties is subject to change based on losses incurred in prior years under those treaties.
 
The $984,000 increase in provisional ceding commissions earned is due to: (1) a net increase in the amount of premiums ceded and (2) an increase in our personal lines provisional ceding commission rate to 40% from 35% effective July 1, 2013. The increases in provisional ceding commissions earned were offset by a decrease in our commercial lines quota share percentage from 40% to 25% effective July 1, 2013.
 
The term of our personal lines reinsurance quota share treaty covers the period from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2015 (“2013/2015 Treaty”). The treaty provides for contingent ceding commissions based on a sliding scale whereby we were entitled to receive between 40% - 57% of the ceded earned premiums; the lower the ceded loss ratio, the higher the percentage we were entitled to receive. In 2014, the computation to arrive at contingent ceding commission revenue under the 2013/2015 Treaty includes catastrophe losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred from severe winter weather during January and February 2014 (see net loss and loss adjustment expenses below). Such losses increased our ceded loss ratio in our 2013/2015 Treaty, which reduced our contingent ceding commission revenue in accordance with the sliding scale discussed above in 2014 by $517,000.
 
 
33

 
 
The term of our previous personal lines reinsurance quota share treaty covered the period from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013 (“2012/2013 Treaty”). The treaty provided for contingent ceding commissions based on a sliding scale whereby we were entitled to receive between 31% - 52% of the ceded earned premiums; the lower the ceded loss ratio, the higher the percentage we were entitled to receive. In 2013, the computation to arrive at contingent ceding commission revenue under the 2012/2013 Treaty includes direct catastrophe losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred from Superstorm Sandy on October 29, 2012. Such losses increased our ceded loss ratio in our 2012/2013 Treaty, which reduced our contingent ceding commission revenue in accordance with the sliding scale discussed above in 2013 by $916,000.
 
 The $103,000 increase in contingent ceding commissions earned is due to a decrease in catastrophe losses and LAE incurred under our quota share reinsurance treaties in 2014 as compared to 2013 and their effect on contingent ceding commissions as described above and an increase in ceded premiums earned under our personal lines quota share treaty due to growth in direct written premiums subject to that treaty. The increases in contingent ceding commissions earned were offset by: (1) the increase in our personal lines provisional ceding commission rate to 40% from 35% effective July 1, 2013, with the greater provisional ceding commission rate resulting in less contingent commissions that we can ultimately receive, (2) the decrease in our commercial lines quota share percentage to 25% from 40% effective July 1, 2013, with lower quota share percentage resulting in less contingent commissions that we can ultimately receive, (3) an increase in losses incurred under our current commercial lines treaty from claims in the prior year, which increased our ceded loss ratio, resulting in a reduction to contingent ceding commissions previously earned, and (4) development of losses incurred under prior years’ treaties.
 
Net investment income was $379,000 in 2014 compared to $283,000 in 2013. The increase of $96,000, or 33.9%, was due to an increase in average invested assets in 2014. The increase in cash and invested assets resulted primarily from the net proceeds of $18,804,000 that we received on December 13, 2013 from our public offering and increased operating cash flows. The tax equivalent investment yield, excluding cash, was 5.02% and 5.16% at March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses were $4,325,000 in 2014 compared to $2,470,000 in 2013. The net loss ratio was 73.0% in 2014 compared to 53.4% in 2013, an increase of 19.6 percentage points. The increase of 19.6 percentage points in our net loss ratio for 2014 as compared to 2013 is driven by $941,000 of net catastrophe losses incurred related to severe winter weather, which occurred in January and February 2014. Such losses, which increased our net loss ratio by 15.9 percentage points, were determined by the number of claims in excess of our threshold of average claims from severe winter weather. These claims were primarily from losses due to frozen pipes, weight of snow and ice, and other water related structural damage as a result of excess snow and below normal temperatures for an extended period of time. Our net loss ratio in 2014 increased by 0.7% due to the additional $54,000 of reinstatement premiums paid in 2014 for catastrophe coverage as a result of Superstorm Sandy.
 
Commission expense was $2,583,000 in 2014 or 17.0% of direct earned premiums. Commission expense was $2,116,000 in 2013 or 17.3% of direct earned premiums. The increase of $467,000 is due to the increase in direct written premiums in 2014 as compared to 2013.
 
 Other underwriting expenses were $2,281,000 in 2014 compared to $2,213,000 in 2013. The increase of $68,000, or 3.1%, in other underwriting expenses was primarily due to expenses directly related to the increase in direct written premiums and additional salaries due to: (1) expenses directly related to the increase in direct written premiums, (2) additional salaries along with related other employment costs due to the hiring of additional staff needed to service our growth in written premiums and rate increases in annual salaries, offset by a decrease in reserve for bad debts. The reserve for bad debts was higher in 2013 due to delayed collections from victims of Superstorm Sandy. Other underwriting expenses as a percentage of direct written premiums were 14.0% in 2014 and 17.2% in 2013. Other underwriting expenses as a percentage of net premiums earned were 38.5% in 2014 and 47.9% in 2013.
 
 
34

 
 
 Our net underwriting expense ratio in 2014 was 22.5% compared with 41.5% in 2013. The decrease of 19.0 percentage points, or 45.8%, is due to the increase in ceding commission revenue and the decrease in other underwriting expenses as a percentage of net premiums earned.
 
Other operating expenses, related to the expenses of our holding company, were $250,000 in 2014 compared to $243,000 in 2013. The increase in 2014 of $7,000, or 2.9%, was primarily due to higher executive bonuses based on contractual formula in 2014 compared to the same formula in 2013, offset by a decrease in professional fees and occupancy costs due the relocation of our corporate office from a standalone location to our existing Kingston, New York office.
 
Interest expense was $-0- in 2014 compared to $21,000 in 2013. The $21,000 decrease in interest expense, or 100.0%, was due to the $747,000 redemption of outstanding notes and $210,000 repayment of the outstanding balance on our credit line from the proceeds of our public offering in December 2013.
 
Depreciation and amortization was $183,000 in 2014 compared to $153,000 in 2013. The increase of $30,000, or 19.6%, in depreciation and amortization was primarily due to depreciation on newly purchased assets used to upgrade our systems infrastructure.
 
Income tax expense in 2014 was $153,000, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 31.8%. Income tax expense in 2013 was $112,000, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 37.0%. Income before taxes was $480,000 in 2014 compared to $303,000 in 2013. The decrease in the effective tax rate by 5.2% in 2014 is a result of the effect that net insignificant differences in the various components of income tax expense had on low taxable income.
 
Net income was $327,000 in 2014 compared to $191,000 in 2013. The increase in net income of $136,000, or 71.2%, was due to the circumstances described above that caused the increase in our net premiums earned, provisional ceding commissions and investment income, offset by an increase in our net loss ratio and other commission expense related to premium growth.
 
 
35

 
 
Additional Financial Information
 
We operate our business as one segment, property and casualty insurance. Within this segment, we offer a wide array of property and casualty policies to our producers. The following table summarizes gross and net premiums written, net premiums earned, and loss and loss adjustment expenses by major product type, which were determined based primarily on similar economic characteristics and risks of loss.
 
   
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
             
 Gross premiums written:
           
 Personal lines
  $ 11,591,297     $ 8,726,157  
 Commercial lines
    2,795,997       2,021,324  
 Commercial auto
    992,176       1,438,867  
 Livery physical damage and other(1)
    975,622       668,303  
 Total
  $ 16,355,092     $ 12,854,651  
                 
 Net premiums written:
               
 Personal lines
  $ 2,724,449     $ 1,855,785  
 Commercial lines
    1,946,824       1,087,796  
 Commercial auto
    957,400       1,380,521  
 Livery physical damage and other(1)
    956,590       646,884  
 Total
  $ 6,585,263     $ 4,970,986  
                 
 Net premiums earned:
               
 Personal lines
  $ 2,572,215     $ 1,775,083  
 Commercial lines
    1,580,823       1,071,530  
 Commercial auto
    1,106,683       1,320,629  
 Livery physical damage and other(1)
    666,590       455,973  
 Total
  $ 5,926,311     $ 4,623,215  
                 
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses:
         
 Personal lines
  $ 1,849,380     $ 521,404  
 Commercial lines
    973,738       251,671  
 Commercial auto
    1,032,271       892,509  
 Livery physical damage and other(1)
    234,496       616,923  
 Unallocated loss adjustment expenses
    235,069       187,134  
 Total
  $ 4,324,954     $ 2,469,641  
                 
Net loss ratio:
               
Personal lines
    71.9 %     29.4 %
Commercial lines
    61.6 %     23.5 %
Commercial auto
    93.3 %     67.6 %
Livery physical damage and other(1)
    35.2 %     135.3 %
Total
    73.0 %     53.4 %
                 
 
(1)
Livery physical damage and other includes, among other things, premiums and loss and loss adjustment expenses from our participation in a mandatory state joint underwriting association.
 
 
36

 
 
Insurance Underwriting Business on a Standalone Basis
 
Our insurance underwriting business reported on a standalone basis for the periods indicated is as follows:
 
    Three Months Ended  
   
March 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
             
 Revenues
           
 Net premiums earned
  $ 5,926,311     $ 4,623,215  
 Ceding commission revenue
    3,381,283       2,293,711  
 Net investment income
    378,788       283,287  
 Net realized gain on investments
    188,348       105,125  
 Other income
    148,795       116,681  
 Total revenues
    10,023,525       7,422,019  
                 
 Expenses
               
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses
    4,324,954       2,469,641  
 Commission expense
    2,582,508       2,115,820  
 Other underwriting expenses
    2,281,749       2,213,345  
 Depreciation and amortization
    182,273       152,139  
 Total expenses
    9,371,484       6,950,945  
                 
 Income from operations
    652,041       471,074  
 Income tax expense
    192,788       156,003  
 Net income
  $ 459,253     $ 315,071  
                 
                 
 Key Measures:
               
 Net loss ratio
    73.0 %     53.4 %
 Net underwriting expense ratio
    22.5 %     41.5 %
 Net combined ratio
    95.5 %     94.9 %
                 
Reconciliation of net underwriting expense ratio:
         
 Acquisition costs and other
               
 underwriting expenses
  $ 4,864,257     $ 4,329,165  
 Less: Ceding commission revenue
    (3,381,283 )     (2,293,711 )
 Less: Other income
    (148,795 )     (116,681 )
   
  $ 1,334,179     $ 1,918,773  
                 
 Net earned premium
  $ 5,926,311     $ 4,623,215  
                 
 Net Underwriting Expense Ratio
    22.5 %     41.5 %
 
 
37

 
 
An analysis of our direct, assumed and ceded earned premiums, loss and loss adjustment expenses, and loss ratios is shown below:
 
   
Direct
   
Assumed
   
Ceded
   
Net
 
                         
 Three months ended March 31, 2014
                       
 Written premiums
  $ 16,347,445     $ 7,647     $ (9,769,829 )   $ 6,585,263  
 Unearned premiums
    (1,133,528 )     2,654       471,922       (658,952 )
 Earned premiums
  $ 15,213,917     $ 10,301     $ (9,297,907 )   $ 5,926,311  
                                 
Loss and loss adjustment expenses exluding
                         
 the effect of catastrophes
  $ 7,266,648     $ 12,661     $ (3,895,382 )   $ 3,383,927  
 Catastrophe loss
    3,764,108       -       (2,823,081 )     941,027  
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 11,030,756     $ 12,661     $ (6,718,463 )   $ 4,324,954  
                                 
 Loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes
    47.8 %     122.9 %     41.9 %     57.1 %
 Catastrophe loss
    24.7 %     0.0 %     30.4 %     15.9 %
 Loss ratio
    72.5 %     122.9 %     72.3 %     73.0 %
                                 
 Three months ended March 31, 2013
                               
 Written premiums
  $ 12,844,836     $ 9,815     $ (7,883,665 )   $ 4,970,986  
 Unearned premiums
    (578,967 )     27,441       203,755       (347,771 )
 Earned premiums
  $ 12,265,869     $ 37,256     $ (7,679,910 )   $ 4,623,215  
                                 
Loss and loss adjustment expenses exluding
                         
 the effect of catastrophes
  $ 7,506,709     $ 18,427     $ (5,055,495 )   $ 2,469,641  
 Catastrophe loss
    -       -       -       -  
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 7,506,709     $ 18,427     $ (5,055,495 )   $ 2,469,641  
                                 
 Loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes
    61.2 %     49.5 %     65.8 %     53.4 %
 Catastrophe loss
    0.0 %     0.0 %     0.0 %     0.0 %
 Loss ratio
    61.2 %     49.5 %     65.8 %     53.4 %
 
 
38

 
 
The key measures for our insurance underwriting business for the periods indicated are as follows:
 
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
             
 Net premiums earned
  $ 5,926,311     $ 4,623,215  
 Ceding commission revenue (1)
    3,381,283       2,293,711  
 Other income
    148,795       116,681  
                 
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses (2)
    4,324,954       2,469,641  
                 
Acquistion costs and other underwriting expenses:
         
 Commission expense
    2,582,508       2,115,820  
 Other underwriting expenses
    2,281,749       2,213,345  
 Total acquistion costs and other
               
 underwriting expenses
    4,864,257       4,329,165  
                 
 Underwriting income
  $ 267,178     $ 234,801  
                 
 Key Measures:
               
 Net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes
    57.1 %     53.4 %
 Effect of catastrophe loss on net loss ratio (2) (3)
    15.9 %     0.0 %
 Net loss ratio
    73.0 %     53.4 %
                 
Net underwriting expense ratio excluding the
         
 effect of catastrophes
    13.8 %     21.7 %
Effect of catastrophe loss on net underwriting
         
 expense ratio (1) (2) (3)
    8.7 %     19.8 %
 Net underwriting expense ratio
    22.5 %     41.5 %
                 
Net combined ratio excluding the effect
         
 of catastrophes
    70.9 %     75.1 %
Effect of catastrophe loss on net combined
         
 ratio (1) (2) (3)
    24.6 %     19.8 %
 Net combined ratio
    95.5 %     94.9 %
                 
Reconciliation of net underwriting expense ratio:
         
 Acquisition costs and other
               
 underwriting expenses
  $ 4,864,257     $ 4,329,165  
 Less: Ceding commission revenue (1)
    (3,381,283 )     (2,293,711 )
 Less: Other income
    (148,795 )     (116,681 )
   
  $ 1,334,179     $ 1,918,773  
 
(1) The effect of severe winter weather, defined as a catastrophe, which occurred in January and February 2014, reduced contingent ceding commission revenue by $517,269 The effect of Superstorm Sandy, which occurred on October 29, 2012, reduced contingent ceding commission revenue by $916,112.
 
(2) Includes the sum of net catastrophe losses and loss adjustment expenses of $941,027 resulting from severe winter weather, which occurred in January and February 2014.
 
(3)  For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the effect of catastrophe loss from severe winter weather on our net combined ratio only includes the direct effects of loss and loss adjustment expenses and ceding commission revenue and does not include the indirect effects of a $167,673 decrease in other underwriting expenses. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the effect of catastrophe loss from Superstorm Sandy on our net loss ratio and net combined ratio, only includes the direct effects of loss and loss adjustment expenses and ceding commission revenue and does not include $139,440 of reinstatement premiums for catastrophe coverage and the indirect effects of a $158,333 decrease in other underwriting expenses.
 
 
39

 
 
Investments
 
Portfolio Summary
 
The following table presents a breakdown of the amortized cost, aggregate fair value and unrealized gains and losses by investment type as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

Available for Sale Securities
 
   
March 31, 2014
 
                                     
  
 
Cost or
   
Gross
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
   
Aggregate
   
% of
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Less than 12
 
More than 12
 
Fair
   
Fair
 
 Category
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Months
   
Months
   
Value
   
Value
 
                                     
Political subdivisions of States,
                               
 Territories and Possessions
  $ 11,199,284     $ 257,295     $ (25,457 )   $ (35,326 )   $ 11,395,796       25.0 %
                                                 
 Corporate and other bonds
                                               
 Industrial and miscellaneous
    25,068,588       724,043       (62,730 )     (37,845 )     25,692,056       56.3 %
 Total fixed-maturity securities
    36,267,872       981,338       (88,187 )     (73,171 )     37,087,852       81.3 %
 Equity Securities
    8,190,655       470,158       (89,059 )     (58,228 )     8,513,526       18.7 %
 Total
  $ 44,458,527     $ 1,451,496     $ (177,246 )   $ (131,399 )   $ 45,601,378       100.0 %
 
   
December 31, 2013
                                                 
  
 
Cost or
   
Gross
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
   
Aggregate
   
% of
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Less than 12
 
More than 12
 
Fair
   
Fair
 
 Category
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Months
   
Months
   
Value
   
Value
 
                                                 
Political subdivisions of States,
                                         
 Territories and Possessions
  $ 7,000,222     $ 162,616     $ (49,491 )   $ (45,140 )   $ 7,068,207       20.1 %
                                                 
 Corporate and other bonds
                                               
 Industrial and miscellaneous
    21,079,680       569,139       (179,810 )     (101,194 )     21,367,815       60.6 %
 Total fixed-maturity securities
    28,079,902       731,755       (229,301 )     (146,334 )     28,436,022       80.7 %
 Equity Securities
    6,690,338       473,109       (290,310 )     (76,464 )     6,796,673       19.3 %
 Total
  $ 34,770,240     $ 1,204,864     $ (519,611 )   $ (222,798 )   $ 35,232,695       100.0 %
                                                 
 
 
40

 
 
Held to Maturity Securities
 
   
March 31, 2014
 
                                     
                                     
  
 
Cost or
   
Gross
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
         
% of
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Less than 12
 
More than 12
 
Fair
   
Fair
 
 Category
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Months
   
Months
   
Value
   
Value
 
                                     
 U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 606,327     $ 84,612     $ -     $ -     $ 690,939       16.8 %
                                                 
Political subdivisions of States,
                                         
 Territories and Possessions
    1,410,299       -       (3,437 )     -       1,406,862       34.3 %
                                                 
 Corporate and other bonds
                                               
 Industrial and miscellaneous
    1,952,709       51,586       -       -       2,004,295       48.9 %
                                                 
 Total
  $ 3,969,335     $ 136,198     $ (3,437 )   $ -     $ 4,102,096       100.0 %
 
   
December 31, 2013
 
                                                 
  
 
Cost or
   
Gross
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
           
% of
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Less than 12
 
More than 12
 
Fair
   
Fair
 
 Category
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Months
   
Months
   
Value
   
Value
 
                                                 
 U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 606,138     $ 46,915     $ -     $ -     $ 653,053       26.9 %
                                                 
Political subdivisions of States,
                                         
 Territories and Possessions
    208,697       -       (25,359 )     -       183,338       7.6 %
                                                 
 Corporate and other bonds
                                               
 Industrial and miscellaneous
    1,584,647       4,223       -       -       1,588,870       65.5 %
                                                 
 Total
  $ 2,399,482     $ 51,138     $ (25,359 )   $ -     $ 2,425,261       100.0 %

U.S. Treasury securities included in held to maturity securities are held in trust pursuant to the New York State Department of Financial Services’ minimum funds requirement.

A summary of the amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s investments in held-to-maturity securities by contractual maturity as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is shown below:
 
   
March 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
   
Amortized
         
Amortized
       
 Remaining Time to Maturity
 
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                         
 Less than one year
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
 One to five years
    -       -       -       -  
 Five to ten years
    2,162,433       2,206,448       1,793,344       1,772,208  
 More than 10 years
    1,806,902       1,895,648       606,138       653,053  
 Total
  $ 3,969,335     $ 4,102,096     $ 2,399,482     $ 2,425,261  
 
 
41

 

Credit Rating of Fixed-Maturity Securities
 
The table below summarizes the credit quality of our available for sale fixed-maturity securities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 as rated by Standard and Poor’s (or, if unavailable from Standard and Poor’s, then Moody’s or Fitch):
 
     
March 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
           
Percentage of
         
Percentage of
 
     
Fair Market
   
Fair Market
   
Fair Market
   
Fair Market
 
     
Value
   
Value
   
Value
   
Value
 
                           
Rating
                         
U.S. Treasury securities
    $ -       0.0 %   $ -       0.0 %
AAA
      2,372,088       6.4 %     2,075,010       7.3 %
AA
      7,402,806       20.0 %     4,566,384       16.1 %
A       10,245,876       27.6 %     7,680,343       27.0 %
BBB
      17,067,082       46.0 %     14,114,285       49.6 %
Total
    $ 37,087,852       100.0 %   $ 28,436,022       100.0 %
 
The table below summarizes the average yield by type of fixed-maturity security as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
 
 Category
 
March 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
U.S. Treasury securities and
       
obligations of U.S. government
       
 corporations and agencies
    3.76 %     3.98 %
                 
Political subdivisions of States,
         
 Territories and Possessions
    4.01 %     4.34 %
                 
 Corporate and other bonds
               
 Industrial and miscellaneous
    4.42 %     4.69 %
                 
 Total
    4.28 %     4.59 %
 
The table below lists the weighted average maturity and effective duration in years on our fixed-maturity securities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
 
   
March 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
 Weighted average effective maturity
    7.0       6.8  
                 
 Weighted average final maturity
    7.7       7.4  
                 
Effective duration
    6.2       5.8  
 
Fair Value Consideration
 
As disclosed in Note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, with respect to “Fair Value Measurements,” we define fair value under GAAP guidance as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in a transaction involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities between market participants (an “exit price”). This GAAP guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between inputs based on market data from independent sources (“observable inputs”) and a reporting entity’s internal assumptions based upon the best information available when external market data is limited or unavailable (“unobservable inputs”). The fair value hierarchy in GAAP prioritizes fair value measurements into three levels based on the nature of the inputs. Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets have the highest priority (“Level 1”), followed by observable inputs other than quoted prices including prices for similar but not identical assets or liabilities (“Level 2”), and unobservable inputs, including the reporting entity’s estimates of the assumption that market participants would use, having the lowest priority (“Level 3”). As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 57% and 78%, respectively, of the investment portfolio recorded at fair value was priced based upon quoted market prices.
 
 
42

 
 
As more fully described in Note 3 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Investments—Impairment Review,” we completed a detailed review of all our securities in a continuous loss position as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and concluded that the unrealized losses in these asset classes are temporary in nature and the result of a decrease in value due to technical spread widening and broader market sentiment, rather than fundamental collateral deterioration.
 
The table below summarizes the gross unrealized losses of our fixed-maturity securities available-for-sale and equity securities by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
 
   
March 31, 2014
 
   
Less than 12 months
         
12 months or more
         
Total
 
  
             
No. of
               
No. of
   
Aggregate
       
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Positions
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Positions
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
 Category
 
Value
   
Losses
   
Held
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Held
   
Value
   
Losses
 
                                                 
Political subdivisions of
                                           
States, Territories and
                                           
Possessions
  $ 2,669,178     $ (25,457 )     9     $ 772,206     $ (35,326 )     2     $ 3,441,384     $ (60,783 )
                                                                 
Corporate and other
                                                         
bonds industrial and
                                                         
miscellaneous
    4,378,126       (62,730 )     13       1,036,070       (37,845 )     4       5,414,196       (100,575 )
                                                                 
Total fixed-maturity
                                                         
securities
  $ 7,047,304     $ (88,187 )     22     $ 1,808,276     $ (73,171 )     6     $ 8,855,580     $ (161,358 )
                                                                 
Equity Securities:
                                                               
Preferred stocks
  $ 1,443,956     $ (68,114 )     6     $ 646,300     $ (58,228 )     3     $ 2,090,256     $ (126,342 )
Common stocks
    418,425       (20,945 )     2       -       -       -       418,425       (20,945 )
                                                                 
Total equity securities
  $ 1,862,381     $ (89,059 )     8     $ 646,300     $ (58,228 )     3     $ 2,508,681     $ (147,287 )
                                                                 
Total
  $ 8,909,685     $ (177,246 )     30     $ 2,454,576     $ (131,399 )     9     $ 11,364,261     $ (308,645 )
                                                                 
 
 
43

 
 
   
December 31, 2013
 
   
Less than 12 months
         
12 months or more
         
Total
  
             
No. of
               
No. of
   
Aggregate
       
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Positions
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Positions
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
Category
 
Value
   
Losses
   
Held
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Held
   
Value
   
Losses
 
                                                 
Fixed-Maturity Securities:
                                           
Political subdivisions of
                                           
States, Territories and
                                           
Possessions
  $ 2,015,437     $ (49,491 )     6     $ 415,866     $ (45,140 )     2     $ 2,431,303     $ (94,631 )
                                                                 
Corporate and other
                                                         
bonds industrial and
                                                         
miscellaneous
    6,447,605       (179,810 )     24       1,430,377       (101,194 )     5       7,877,982       (281,004 )
                                                                 
Total fixed-maturity
                                                         
securities
  $ 8,463,042     $ (229,301 )     30     $ 1,846,243     $ (146,334 )     7     $ 10,309,285     $ (375,635 )
                                                                 
Equity Securities:
                                                               
Preferred stocks
  $ 1,835,958     $ (251,525 )     8     $ 444,100     $ (62,551 )     2     $ 2,280,058     $ (314,076 )
Common stocks
    879,525       (38,785 )     4       145,625       (13,913 )     1       1,025,150       (52,698 )
                                                                 
Total equity securities
  $ 2,715,483     $ (290,310 )     12     $ 589,725     $ (76,464 )     3     $ 3,305,208     $ (366,774 )
                                                                 
Total
  $ 11,178,525     $ (519,611 )     42     $ 2,435,968     $ (222,798 )     10     $ 13,614,493     $ (742,409 )
 
 
44

 
 
There were 39 securities at March 31, 2014 that accounted for the gross unrealized loss, none of which were deemed by us to be other than temporarily impaired. There were 52 securities at December 31, 2013 that accounted for the gross unrealized loss, none of which were deemed by us to be other than temporarily impaired. Significant factors influencing our determination that unrealized losses were temporary included the magnitude of the unrealized losses in relation to each security’s cost, the nature of the investment and management’s intent not to sell these securities and it being not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these investments before anticipated recovery of fair value to our cost basis.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Cash Flows
 
The primary sources of cash flow are from our insurance underwriting subsidiary, KICO, and include direct premiums written, ceding commissions from our quota share reinsurers, loss recovery payments from our reinsurers, investment income and proceeds from the sale or maturity of investments. Funds are used by KICO for ceded premium payments to reinsurers, which are paid on a net basis after subtracting losses paid on reinsured claims and reinsurance commissions. KICO also uses funds for loss payments and loss adjustment expenses on our net business, commissions to producers, salaries and other underwriting expenses as well as to purchase investments and fixed assets.
 
The primary sources of cash flow for our holding company operations are in connection with the fee income we receive from the premium finance loans and collection of principal and interest income from the notes received by us upon the sale of businesses that were included in our former discontinued operations. We also receive cash dividends from KICO, subject to statutory restrictions. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, KICO paid dividends of $350,000 to us.
 
On December 13, 2013, we completed an underwritten public offering of 3,450,000 shares of our common stock, including 450,000 shares issued pursuant to the underwriter’s 30-day over-allotment option, at a public offering price of $5.95 per share. The aggregate net proceeds we received were $18,804,000, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses. We used the net proceeds of the offering to contribute $15,000,000 of capital to our insurance subsidiary, KICO, to support its growth, including possible product expansion, to repay the $747,000 outstanding balance of our notes and to repay the $210,000 outstanding balance on our credit line. A registration statement relating to these securities was filed with the SEC and became effective on December 9, 2013.
 
We have an agreement with a bank for a $600,000 line of credit to be used for general corporate needs. The principal balance is payable on demand, and must be reduced to zero for a minimum of 30 consecutive days during each year of the term of the credit line. There were no borrowings on the credit line during the three months ended March 31, 2014, and the outstanding principal balance was $-0- as of March 31, 2014.
 
 If the aforementioned is insufficient to cover our holding company cash requirements, we will seek to obtain additional financing.

Our reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operations is generally influenced by the collection of premiums in advance of paid losses, the timing of reinsurance, issuing company settlements and loss payments.
 
 
45

 
 
Cash flow and liquidity are categorized into three sources: (1) operating activities; (2) investing activities; and (3) financing activities, which are shown in the following table:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2014
   
2013
 
             
 Cash flows provided by (used in):
           
 Operating activities
  $ 404,628     $ 2,245,045  
 Investing activities
    (11,473,404 )     (1,052,866 )
 Financing activities
    (290,664 )     (603,637 )
 Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (11,359,440 )     588,542  
 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    19,922,506       2,240,012  
 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 8,563,066     $ 2,828,554  
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was $405,000 in 2014 as compared to $2,245,000 provided in 2013. The $1,840,000 decrease in cash flows provided by operating activities in 2014 was primarily a result of: (1) an increase of $670,000 in the payment of accrued liabilities in 2014, which were recorded as of December 31, 2013, compared to the accrued liabilities paid in 2013, which were recorded as of December 31, 2012, (2) the receipt of a $850,000 overpayment of taxes in 2013, compared to none in 2014, and (3) the net fluctuations in assets and liabilities of $400,000 relating to operating activities of KICO as affected by the growth in its operations which are described above, offset by an increase in net income (adjusted for non-cash items) of $194,000.
 
Net cash used in investing activities was $11,473,000 in 2014 compared to $1,053,000 used in 2013. The $10,420,000 increase in cash flows used in investing activities is the result of a $10,817,000 increase in acquisitions of invested assets, offset by a $996,000 increase in sales of invested assets.
 
Net cash used in financing activities was $291,000 in 2014 compared to $604,000 used in 2013. The $313,000 decrease in cash used in financing activities is a result of no debt activity in 2014, compared to $450,000 of net debt repayments in 2013, offset by an increase of $137,000 in dividends paid in 2014 compared to 2013.
 
Reinsurance
 
Our reinsurance treaties for both our Personal Lines business, which primarily consists of homeowners’ policies, and Commercial Lines business expired on June 30, 2013. Effective July 1, 2013, we entered into new treaties with different terms. The treaties are annual, except for personal lines described below, and provide for the following material terms as of July 1, 2013:

Personal Lines

Our personal lines treaty has a two year term expiring on June 30, 2015. Personal lines business, which includes homeowners, dwelling fire and canine legal liability insurance, is reinsured under a 75% quota share treaty, which provides coverage with respect to losses of up to $1,200,000 per occurrence. An excess of loss contract provides 100% of coverage for the next $1,700,000 of losses for a total reinsurance coverage of $2,600,000 with respect to losses of up to $2,900,000 per occurrence. Effective as of July 1, 2014, we have the option to increase the quota share percentage to a maximum of 85% or decrease the quota share percentage to a minimum of 55% by giving no less than 30 days advance notice. On May 12, 2014, we notified our personal lines reinsurers of our election to reduce the ceding percentage in the personal lines quota share treaty from 75% to 55% effective July 1, 2014. See “Catastrophe Reinsurance” below for a discussion of our reinsurance coverage with respect to our Personal Lines business in the event of a catastrophe.

Personal umbrella policies are reinsured under a 90% quota share treaty limiting us to a maximum of $100,000 per occurrence for the first $1,000,000 of coverage. The second $1,000,000 of coverage is 100% reinsured. 
 
 
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Commercial Lines

General liability commercial policies written by us, except for commercial auto policies, are reinsured under a 25% quota share treaty, which provides coverage with respect to losses of up to $400,000 per occurrence. Excess of loss contracts provide 100% of coverage for the next $2,500,000 of losses for a total reinsurance coverage of $2,600,000 with respect to losses of up to $2,900,000 per occurrence.

Commercial Auto

Commercial auto policies are covered by an excess of loss reinsurance contract, which provides $1,700,000 of coverage in excess of $300,000.

Catastrophe Reinsurance

We have catastrophe reinsurance coverage with regard to losses of up to $90,000,000.  The initial $4,000,000 of losses in a catastrophe are subject to a 75% quota share treaty, such that we retain $1,000,000 per catastrophe occurrence With respect to any additional catastrophe losses of up to $86,000,000 per catastrophe, we are 100% reinsured under our catastrophe reinsurance program. Catastrophe coverage is limited on an annual basis to two times the per occurrence amounts.
 
 
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The single maximum risks to which we are subject under these treaties per occurrence are as follows:
 
Treaty
 
 Extent of Loss
 
 Risk Retained(1)
 Personal Lines
 
 Initial $1,200,000
 
$300,000
   
 $1,200,000 - $2,900,000
 
 None
   
 Over $2,900,000
 
100%
         
 Personal Umbrella
 
 Initial $1,000,000
 
$100,000
   
 $1,000,000 - $2,000,000
 
 None
   
 Over $2,000,000
 
100%
         
 Commercial Lines
 
 Initial $400,000
 
$300,000
   
 $400,000 - $2,900,000
 
None
   
 Over $2,900,000
 
100%
         
 Commercial Auto
 
 Initial $300,000
 
$300,000
   
 $300,000 - $2,000,000
 
 None
   
 Over $2,000,000
 
100%
         
 Catastrophe
 
 Initial $4,000,000
 
$1,000,000
   
 $4,000,000 - $90,000,000
 
 None
   
 Over $90,000,000
 
100%
________________
(1)  
Catastrophe coverage is limited on an annual basis to two times the per occurrence amounts.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
 
Factors That May Affect Future Results and Financial Condition
 
Based upon the factors set forth under “Factors That May Affect Future Results and Financial Condition” in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, as well as other factors affecting our operating results and financial condition, past financial performance should not be considered to be a reliable indicator of future performance, and investors should not use historical trends to anticipate results or trends in future periods.  In addition, such factors, among others, may affect the accuracy of certain forward-looking statements contained in our periodic reports, including this Quarterly Report.
 
 
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Item  3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Not applicable

Item  4. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) that are designed to assure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
 
As required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b), as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2014.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
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PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

None

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Not applicable
 
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
 
(a) None

(b) Not applicable
 
(c) There were no purchases of common stock made by us or any “affiliated purchaser” during the quarter ended March 31, 2014.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable

Item 5. Other Information.

None

Item 6. Exhibits.
 
Exhibit No.   Description
     
3(a)
 
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended
     
3(b)
 
By-laws, as amended1
 
 
 
31(a)
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
31(b)
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
32
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
101.SCH  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
101.PRE  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
 
1 Denotes document filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K for an event dated November 5, 2009 and  incorporated  herein by reference.
 
 
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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC.
 
       
Date:  May 15, 2014
By:
/s/ Barry B. Goldstein  
    Barry B. Goldstein  
   
President
 
       
 
 
       
Date:  May 15, 2014
By:
/s/ Victor Brodsky  
   
Victor Brodsky
 
   
Chief Financial Officer
 
       
 
 
 
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