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 June 30, 2012
 
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   36-2476480
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 
1154 Broadway
Hewlett, NY 11557
(Address of principal executive offices)

(516) 374-7600
(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 definition 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 filero
 
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 August 14, 2012, there were 3,830,441 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.
 


 
 

 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC.
 
INDEX
 
     
PAGE
 
         
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    2  
         
Item 1 —
Financial Statements
    2  
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2012 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2011
    2  
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 (Unaudited) and 2011 (Unaudited)
    3  
 
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the six months ended June 30, 2012 (Unaudited)
    4  
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2012 (Unaudited) and 2011 (Unaudited)
    5  
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  (Unaudited)
    6  
Item 2 —
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
    26  
Item 3 —
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
    41  
Item 4—
Controls and Procedures
    41  
           
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
    42  
         
Item 1 —
Legal Proceedings
    42  
Item 1A —
Risk Factors
    42  
Item 2 —
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
    42  
Item 3 —
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
    42  
Item 4 —
Mine Safety Disclosures
    42  
Item 5 —
Other Information
    42  
Item 6 —
Exhibits
    43  
Signatures
    44  
         
EXHIBIT 3(a)
       
EXHIBIT 3(b)
       
EXHIBIT 10
       
EXHIBIT 31(a)
       
EXHIBIT 31(b)        
EXHIBIT 32
       
 
 
 

 
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
This Quarterly Report 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, 2011 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
           
             
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(unaudited)
       
Assets
           
 Fixed-maturity securities, held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $797,992 at
           
 June 30, 2012 and $777,953 at December 31, 2011)
  $ 606,265     $ 606,234  
 Fixed-maturity securities, available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $21,323,148
               
 at June 30, 2012 and $22,215,191 at December 31, 2011)
    22,164,430       22,568,932  
 Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost of $4,155,363
               
 at June 30, 2012 and $3,857,741 at December 31, 2011)
    4,617,047       4,065,210  
 Total investments
    27,387,742       27,240,376  
 Cash and cash equivalents
    1,025,724       173,126  
 Premiums receivable, net of provision for uncollectible amounts
    6,951,282       5,779,085  
 Receivables - reinsurance contracts
    3,423,759       1,734,535  
 Reinsurance receivables, net of provision for uncollectible amounts
    26,166,406       23,880,814  
 Notes receivable-sale of business
    339,102       393,511  
 Deferred acquisition costs
    5,092,435       4,535,773  
 Intangible assets, net
    3,422,815       3,660,672  
 Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
    1,652,262       1,646,341  
 Other assets
    952,463       660,672  
Total assets
  $ 76,413,990     $ 69,704,905  
                 
Liabilities
               
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 20,798,094     $ 18,480,717  
 Unearned premiums
    23,932,647       21,283,160  
 Advance premiums
    550,100       544,791  
 Reinsurance balances payable
    3,556,919       2,761,828  
 Deferred ceding commission revenue
    4,467,514       3,982,399  
 Notes payable (includes payable to related parties of $378,000
               
 at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011)
    997,000       1,047,000  
 Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
    3,249,815       4,419,623  
 Income taxes payable
    -       85,393  
 Deferred income taxes
    1,886,541       1,789,439  
Total liabilities
    59,438,630       54,394,350  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies
               
                 
Stockholders' Equity
               
 Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued 4,696,593
               
 shares at June 30, 2012 and 4,643,122 shares at December 31, 2011;
               
 outstanding 3,811,155 shares at June 30, 2012 and 3,759,900 shares
               
 at December 31, 2011
    46,966       46,432  
 Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized 1,000,000 shares;
               
 -0- shares issued and outstanding
    -       -  
 Capital in excess of par
    13,823,800       13,739,792  
 Accumulated other comprehensive income
    859,957       370,399  
 Retained earnings
    3,653,254       2,554,349  
      18,383,977       16,710,972  
 Treasury stock, at cost, 885,438 shares at June 30, 2012 and 883,222 shares at December 31, 2011
    (1,408,617 )     (1,400,417 )
                 
Total stockholders' equity
    16,975,360       15,310,555  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 76,413,990     $ 69,704,905  
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
2

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
       
         
   
For the Three Months Ended
   
For the Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Revenues
                       
 Net premiums earned
  $ 4,164,572     $ 3,517,249     $ 8,137,107     $ 6,884,948  
 Ceding commission revenue
    2,910,858       2,727,867       5,814,514       5,040,442  
 Net investment income
    229,879       160,464       497,396       338,134  
 Net realized gain on investments
    6,160       89,961       45,560       160,432  
 Other income
    222,691       217,101       461,746       464,573  
 Total revenues
    7,534,160       6,712,642       14,956,323       12,888,529  
                                 
Expenses
                               
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses
    2,408,505       1,823,630       4,687,019       4,374,394  
 Commission expense
    1,805,810       1,504,894       3,477,417       2,876,643  
 Other underwriting expenses
    1,994,576       1,734,095       3,852,322       3,310,914  
 Other operating expenses
    287,442       299,002       574,329       602,965  
 Depreciation and amortization
    150,472       154,682       297,021       313,142  
 Interest expense
    20,111       38,907       40,896       84,672  
 Total expenses
    6,666,916       5,555,210       12,929,004       11,562,730  
                                 
 Income from operations before taxes
    867,244       1,157,432       2,027,319       1,325,799  
 Income tax expense
    306,928       383,501       701,585       425,244  
Net income
    560,316       773,931       1,325,734       900,555  
                                 
 Gross unrealized investment holding gains arising during period
    294,590       301,456       741,755       333,306  
                                 
 Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income
    (100,161 )     (102,495 )     (252,197 )     (113,324 )
                                 
Comprehensive income
  $ 754,745     $ 972,892     $ 1,815,292     $ 1,120,537  
                                 
Earnings per common share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.15     $ 0.20     $ 0.35     $ 0.23  
Diluted
  $ 0.15     $ 0.20     $ 0.35     $ 0.23  
                                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
                               
Basic
    3,789,592       3,838,386       3,780,351       3,838,386  
Diluted
    3,883,779       3,918,763       3,780,351       3,921,289  
                                 
Dividends declared and paid per common share
  $ 0.03     $ -     $ 0.06     $ -  
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity
 
Six months ended June 30, 2012 (unaudited)
 
                                                             
                                 
Accumulated
                         
                           
Capital
   
Other
                         
   
Common Stock
   
Preferred Stock
   
in Excess
   
Comprehensive
   
Retained
   
Treasury Stock
       
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
of Par
   
Income
   
Earnings
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Total
 
                                                                                 
Balance, December 31, 2011
    4,643,122       46,432       -       -       13,739,792       370,399       2,554,349       883,222       (1,400,417 )     15,310,555  
Stock-based compensation
    -       -       -       -       30,111       -       -       -       -       30,111  
Exercise of stock options
    64,361       643       -       -       46,430       -       -       -       -       47,073  
Shares deducted from exercise of stock
                                                                               
options for payment of withholding taxes
    (10,890 )     (109 )     -       -       (56,521 )     -       -       -       -       (56,630 )
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options
    -       -       -       -       63,988       -       -       -       -       63,988  
Acquisition of treasury stock
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       2,216       (8,200 )     (8,200 )
Dividends
    -       -       -       -       -       -       (226,829 )     -       -       (226,829 )
Net income
    -       -       -       -       -       -       1,325,734       -       -       1,325,734  
Change in unrealized gains on available
  for sale securities, net of tax
    -       -       -       -       -       489,558       -       -       -       489,558  
Balance, June 30, 2012
    4,696,593     $ 46,966       -     $ -     $ 13,823,800     $ 859,957     $ 3,653,254       885,438     $ (1,408,617 )   $ 16,975,360  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
4

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
           
Six months ended June 30,            
             
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Cash flows provided by operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 1,325,734     $ 900,555  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
               
 Gain on sale of investments
    (45,560 )     (160,432 )
 Depreciation and amortization
    297,021       313,142  
 Amortization of bond premium, net
    66,998       123,001  
 Stock-based compensation
    30,111       64,148  
 Deferred income tax expense
    (155,095 )     (176,236 )
(Increase) decrease in assets:
               
 Premiums receivable, net
    (1,172,197 )     (1,237,243 )
 Receivables - reinsurance contracts
    (1,689,224 )     (1,728,174 )
 Reinsurance receivables, net
    (2,285,592 )     (2,323,212 )
 Deferred acquisition costs
    (556,662 )     (586,660 )
 Other assets
    (348,303 )     858,805  
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
               
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses
    2,317,377       793,460  
 Unearned premiums
    2,649,487       2,912,817  
 Advance premiums
    5,309       195,004  
 Reinsurance balances payable
    795,091       1,897,771  
 Deferred ceding commission revenue
    485,115       452,878  
 Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
    (1,255,201 )     (272,411 )
Net cash flows provided by operating activities
    464,409       2,027,213  
                 
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
               
Purchase - fixed-maturity securities available for sale
    (915,228 )     (4,065,722 )
Purchase - equity securities
    (853,000 )     (1,056,775 )
Sale or maturity - fixed-maturity securities available for sale
    1,837,698       2,079,869  
Sale - equity securities
    559,993       1,215,296  
Collections of notes receivable and accrued interest - Sale of businesses
    54,409       297,678  
Other investing activities
    (65,085 )     (22,998 )
Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
    618,787       (1,552,652 )
                 
Cash flows used in financing activities:
               
Proceeds from line of credit
    50,000       -  
Principal payments on line of credit
    (100,000 )     -  
Principal payments on long-term debt
    -       (713,997 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    47,073       -  
Withholding taxes paid on cashless exercise of stock options
    (56,630 )     -  
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options
    63,988       -  
Purchase of treasury stock
    (8,200 )     -  
Dividends paid
    (226,829 )     -  
Net cash flows used in financing activities
    (230,598 )     (713,997 )
                 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
  $ 852,598     $ (239,436 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    173,126       326,620  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 1,025,724     $ 87,184  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid for income taxes
  $ 1,505,000     $ 329,762  
Cash paid for interest
  $ 41,202     $ 125,994  
  
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
5

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

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Nature of Business
 
Kingstone Companies, Inc. (referred to herein as "Kingstone" or the “Company”), through its 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. In February 2011, KICO’s application for an insurance license to write insurance in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was approved; however, KICO has only nominally commenced writing business in Pennsylvania. Kingstone, through its 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, 2011 and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 30, 2012. 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 six months ended June 30, 2012 may not be indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2012.
 
Note 2 – Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation
 
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.
 
 
6

 

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements consist of Kingstone and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include KICO and its subsidiaries, CMIC Properties, Inc. (“Properties”) and 15 Joys Lane, LLC (“15 Joys Lane”), which together own the land and building from which KICO operates. All significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Accounting Pronouncements
 
In June 2011 (and as amended in December 2011), the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2011-05”). ASU 2011-05 provides amendments to ASC No. 220 “Comprehensive Income”, which require an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments in this update are effective retrospectively for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2012.

The Company has determined that all other recently issued accounting pronouncements will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows, or do not apply to its operations.

Note 3 - Investments 

Available for Sale Securities

The amortized cost and fair value of investments in available for sale fixed-maturity securities and equities as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are summarized as follows:
 
   
June 30, 2012
 
                                 
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)
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Fixed-Maturity Securities:
                                   
U.S. Treasury securities and
                                   
   obligations of U.S. government
                                   
   corporations and agencies
  $ 99,930     $ 5,672     $ -     $ -     $ 105,602     $ 5,672  
                                                 
Political subdivisions of States,
                                               
   Territories and Possessions
    5,572,075       279,663       -       (29,967 )     5,821,771       249,696  
                                                 
 Corporate and other bonds
                                               
 Industrial and miscellaneous
    15,651,143       644,650       (9,850 )     (48,886 )     16,237,057       585,914  
 Total fixed-maturity securities
    21,323,148       929,985       (9,850 )     (78,853 )     22,164,430       841,282  
                                                 
Equity Securities:
                                               
Preferred stocks
    1,339,013       58,812       -       (12,775 )     1,385,050       46,037  
Common stocks
    2,816,350       442,031       (26,384 )     -       3,231,997       415,647  
Total equity securities
    4,155,363       500,843       (26,384 )     (12,775 )     4,617,047       461,684  
                                                 
                                                 
Total
  $ 25,478,511     $ 1,430,828     $ (36,234 )   $ (91,628 )   $ 26,781,477     $ 1,302,966  
 
 
7

 
 
   
December 31, 2011
 
                                 
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:
                                   
U.S. Treasury securities and
                                   
   obligations of U.S. government
                                   
   corporations and agencies
  $ 499,832     $ 50,356     $ -     $ -     $ 550,188     $ 50,356  
                                                 
Political subdivisions of States,
                                               
   Territories and Possessions
    5,868,743       301,559       -       -       6,170,302       301,559  
                                                 
Corporate and other bonds
                                               
Industrial and miscellaneous
    15,846,616       338,284       (228,792 )     (107,666 )     15,848,442       1,826  
Total fixed-maturity securities
    22,215,191       690,199       (228,792 )     (107,666 )     22,568,932       353,741  
                                                 
Equity Securities:
                                               
Preferred stocks
    1,428,435       36,762       (76,969 )     (4,893 )     1,383,335       (45,100 )
Common stocks
    2,429,306       274,538       (21,969 )     -       2,681,875       252,569  
Total equity securities
    3,857,741       311,300       (98,938 )     (4,893 )     4,065,210       207,469  
                                                 
Total
  $ 26,072,932     $ 1,001,499     $ (327,730 )   $ (112,559 )   $ 26,634,142     $ 561,210  
  
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 June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is shown below:

   
June 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
Amortized
         
Amortized
       
Remaining Time to Maturity
 
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Less than one year
  $ 1,082,670     $ 1,066,409     $ 1,063,493     $ 1,079,924  
One to five years
    7,118,991       7,382,219       6,899,892       7,045,774  
Five to ten years
    11,768,002       12,303,035       12,547,046       12,680,441  
More than 10 years
    1,353,485       1,412,767       1,704,760       1,762,793  
Total
  $ 21,323,148     $ 22,164,430     $ 22,215,191     $ 22,568,932  
 
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 June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are summarized as follows:

    June 30, 2012  
  
 
Cost or
   
Gross
   
 
 Gross Unrealized Losses
         
Net
Unrealized
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Less than 12
   
More than 12
   
Fair
   
Gains/
 
Category
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Months
   
Months
   
Value
   
(Losses)
 
   
(unaudited)
 
                                     
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 606,265     $ 191,727     $ -     $ -     $ 797,992     $ 191,727  
 
   
December 31, 2011
 
                                 
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
  $ 606,234     $ 171,719     $ -     $ -     $ 777,953     $ 171,719  
 
All held to maturity securities are held in trust pursuant to the New York State Department of Financial Services’ minimum funds requirement.

Contractual maturities of all held to maturity securities are greater than ten years.

Investment Income

Major categories of the Company’s net investment income are summarized as follows:
 
   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(unaudited)
 
Income:
             
 
   
 
 
Fixed-maturity securities
  $ 226,777     $ 174,363     $ 461,270     $ 356,500  
Equity securities
    62,310       33,474       148,239       70,298  
Cash and cash equivalents
    (1,347 )     236       59       2,223  
Other
    2       (3,325 )     4       (3,315 )
Total
    287,742       204,748       609,572       425,706  
Expenses:
                               
Investment expenses
    57,863       44,284       112,176       87,572  
Net investment income
  $ 229,879     $ 160,464     $ 497,396     $ 338,134  
 
 
9

 
 
Proceeds from the sale and maturity of fixed-maturity securities were $1,837,698 and $2,079,869 for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Proceeds from the sale of equity securities were $559,993 and $1,215,296 for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The Company’s net realized gains and losses on investments are summarized as follows:

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(unaudited)
 
Fixed-maturity securities
                       
Gross realized gains
  $ 55,004     $ 87,302     $ 95,150     $ 87,302  
Gross realized losses
    (54,404 )     (1,983 )     (54,404 )     (1,983 )
      600       85,319       40,746       85,319  
Equity securities
                               
Gross realized gains
    25,215       18,484       32,284       135,817  
Gross realized losses
    (19,655 )     (13,842 )     (27,470 )     (60,704 )
      5,560       4,642       4,814       75,113  
                                 
Net realized gains
  $ 6,160     $ 89,961     $ 45,560     $ 160,432  
 
Impairment Review
 
The Company regularly reviews its fixed-maturity securities and equity securities portfolios to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary investment (“OTTI”) declines in the fair value of investments. In evaluating potential impairment, management considers, among other criteria: (i) the current fair value compared to amortized cost or cost, as appropriate; (ii) the length of time the security’s fair value has been below amortized cost or cost; (iii) specific credit issues related to the issuer such as changes in credit rating, reduction or elimination of dividends or non-payment of scheduled interest payments; (iv) management’s intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in value to cost; and (v) current economic conditions.

OTTI losses are recorded in the condensed consolidated statement of operations 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. There are 18 securities at June 30, 2012 that account 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 six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011. 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 anticipated recovery of fair value to the Company’s cost basis.
 
 
10

 

The Company held securities with unrealized losses representing declines that were considered temporary at June 30, 2012 as follows:
 
   
June 30, 2012
 
   
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
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Fixed-Maturity Securities:
                                           
U.S. Treasury securities
                                           
  and obligations of U.S.
                                               
  government corporations
                                           
  and agencies
  $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -  
                                                                 
Political subdivisions of
                                                         
  States, Territories and
                                                               
  Possessions
    -       -       -       773,253       (29,967 )     2       773,253       (29,967 )
                                                                 
Corporate and other
                                                               
  bonds industrial and
                                                               
  miscellaneous
    1,022,335       (9,850 )     5       1,821,008       (48,886 )     8       2,843,343       (58,736 )
                                                                 
Total fixed-maturity  securities
  $ 1,022,335     $ (9,850 )     5     $ 2,594,261     $ (78,853 )     10     $ 3,616,596     $ (88,703 )
                                                                 
Equity Securities:
                                                               
Preferred stocks
  $ -     $ -       -     $ 114,750     $ (12,775 )     1     $ 114,750     $ (12,775 )
Common stocks
    238,502       (26,384 )     2       -       -       -       238,502       (26,384 )
                                                                 
Total equity securities
  $ 238,502     $ (26,384 )     2     $ 114,750     $ (12,775 )     1     $ 353,252     $ (39,159 )
                                                                 
Total
  $ 1,260,837     $ (36,234 )     7     $ 2,709,011     $ (91,628 )     11     $ 3,969,848     $ (127,862 )
 
 
11

 
 
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.
 
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 observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition could cause a security to be reclassified between levels.
  
The Company’s investments are allocated among pricing input levels at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 as follows:
 
   
June 30, 2012
 
($ in thousands)
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Fixed-maturity investments available for sale
                       
U.S. Treasury securities
                       
and obligations of U.S.
                       
government corporations
                       
and agencies
  $ 106     $ -     $ -     $ 106  
                                 
Political subdivisions of
                               
States, Territories and
                               
Possessions
    -       5,821       -       5,821  
                                 
Corporate and other
                               
 bonds industrial and
                               
 miscellaneous
    7,776       8,461       -       16,237  
                                 
Total fixed maturities
    7,882       14,282       -       22,164  
Equity investments
    4,617       -       -       4,617  
Total investments
  $ 12,499     $ 14,282     $ -     $ 26,781  
 
 
12

 
 
   
December 31, 2011
 
($ in thousands)
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
       
Fixed-maturity investments available for sale
                       
U.S. Treasury securities
                       
   and obligations of U.S.
                       
   government corporations
                       
   and agencies
  $ 550     $ -     $ -     $ 550  
                                 
Political subdivisions of
                               
   States, Territories and
                               
   Possessions
    -       6,171       -       6,171  
                                 
Corporate and other
                               
   bonds industrial and
                               
   miscellaneous
    8,465       7,383       -       15,848  
                                 
Total fixed maturities
    9,015       13,554       -       22,569  
Equity investments
    4,065       -       -       4,065  
Total investments
  $ 13,080     $ 13,554     $ -     $ 26,634  
 
 
 
13

 
 
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 and fixed income investments:  Fair value disclosures for 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 maturity of these instruments.

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

Notes receivable: The carrying amount of notes receivable related to the sale of businesses approximates fair value because of the recently negotiated interest rates based on term of the loan, risk and guaranty.

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.

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

Notes payable (including related parties): The Company estimates that the carrying amount of notes payable approximates fair value because of the recently negotiated interest rates based on term of the loan, risk and guaranty.

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:

   
June 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
Carrying Value
   
Fair Value
   
Carrying Value
   
Fair Value
 
   
(unaudited)
 
                                 
Fixed-maturity investments held to maturity
  $ 606,265     $ 797,992     $ 606,234     $ 777,953  
Cash and cash equivalents
    1,025,724       1,025,724       173,126       173,126  
Premiums receivable
    6,951,282       6,951,282       5,779,085       5,779,085  
Receivables - reinsurance contracts
    3,423,759       3,423,759       1,734,535       1,734,535  
Reinsurance receivables
    26,166,406       26,166,406       23,880,814       23,880,814  
Notes receivable-sale of business
    339,102       339,102       393,511       393,511  
Real estate, net of accumulated depreciation
    1,455,255       1,510,000       1,477,639       1,510,000  
Reinsurance balances payable
    3,556,919       3,556,919       2,761,828       2,761,828  
Notes payable (including related parties)
    997,000       997,000       1,047,000       1,047,000  
 
 
14

 
 
Note 6 - Notes Receivable-Sale of Businesses
 
Pennsylvania Stores
 
Effective June 30, 2009, the Company sold all of the outstanding stock of the subsidiary that operated the three remaining Pennsylvania stores included in the former network of retail brokerage outlets (the “Pennsylvania Stock”).  The purchase price for the Pennsylvania Stock was approximately $397,000 which was paid by delivery of two promissory notes (the “Pennsylvania Notes”), one in the approximate principal amount of $238,000 and payable with interest at the rate of 9.375% per annum in 120 equal monthly installments, and the other in the approximate principal amount of $159,000 and payable with interest at the rate of 6% per annum in 60 monthly installments commencing August 10, 2011 (with interest only being payable prior to such date). Effective August 10, 2011, the Pennsylvania Notes were restructured into one note with a principal balance of $361,625. The restructured note provides for interest at the rate of 8.63% per annum and is payable in 102 equal monthly installments of $5,015. There was no gain or loss recorded on the restructuring of the Pennsylvania Notes.
 
Franchise Business
 
Effective May 1, 2009, the Company sold all of the outstanding stock of the subsidiaries that operated the DCAP franchise business (collectively, the “Franchise Stock”).  The purchase price for the Franchise Stock was $200,000 which was paid by delivery of a promissory note in such principal amount (the “Franchise Note”).  As of May 1, 2011, the terms of the Franchise Note called for installments of $50,000 on May 15, 2009, $50,000 on May 1, 2010, both of which were paid, and $100,000 plus accrued interest on May 1, 2011 and provided for interest at the rate of 5.25% per annum. On May 1, 2011, the Franchise Note was amended. Under the amended Franchise Note, the payment due on May 1, 2011 was reduced to a principal payment only of $75,000. The remaining balance of $25,000 plus accrued interest of $12,797 was due on May 1, 2012, which was paid.
 
Notes receivable arising from the sale of businesses as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 consists of:
 
   
June 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
Total
   
Current
         
Total
   
Current
       
   
Note
   
Maturities
   
Long-Term
   
Note
   
Maturities
   
Long-Term
 
   
(unaudited)
                   
Sale of Pennsylvania stores
  $ 336,681     $ 32,391     $ 304,290     $ 351,861     $ 31,028     $ 320,833  
Sale of Franchise business
    -       -       -       37,797       37,797       -  
      336,681       32,391       304,290       389,658       68,825       320,833  
Accrued interest
    2,421       2,421       -       3,853       3,853       -  
Total
  $ 339,102     $ 34,812     $ 304,290     $ 393,511     $ 72,678     $ 320,833  
 
 
15

 
 
Note 7 – Property and Casualty Insurance Activity
 
Earned Premiums

Premiums written, ceded and earned are as follows:
 
   
Direct
   
Assumed
   
Ceded
   
Net
 
                         
Six months ended June 30, 2012 (unaudited)
       
 
   
 
   
 
 
Premiums written
  $ 23,674,526     $ 3,199     $ (14,480,602 )   $ 9,197,123  
Change in unearned premiums
    (2,653,399 )     3,912       1,589,471       (1,060,016 )
Premiums earned
  $ 21,021,127     $ 7,111     $ (12,891,131 )   $ 8,137,107  
                                 
Six months ended June 30, 2011 (unaudited)
                               
Premiums written
  $ 20,120,159     $ 2,880     $ (11,979,870 )   $ 8,143,169  
Change in unearned premiums
    (2,914,468 )     1,652       1,654,595       (1,258,221 )
Premiums earned
  $ 17,205,691     $ 4,532     $ (10,325,275 )   $ 6,884,948  
                                 
Three months ended June 30, 2012 (unaudited)
                               
Premiums written
  $ 12,438,801     $ 1,799     $ (7,623,640 )   $ 4,816,960  
Change in unearned premiums
    (1,681,258 )     2,333       1,026,537       (652,388 )
Premiums earned
  $ 10,757,543     $ 4,132     $ (6,597,103 )   $ 4,164,572  
                                 
Three months ended June 30, 2011 (unaudited)
                               
Premiums written
  $ 10,587,013     $ 2,646     $ (6,483,505 )   $ 4,106,154  
Change in unearned premiums
    (1,677,592 )     (486 )     1,089,173       (588,905 )
Premiums earned
  $ 8,909,421     $ 2,160     $ (5,394,332 )   $ 3,517,249  
 
Premium receipts in advance of the policy effective date are recorded as advance premiums. The balance of advance premiums was approximately $550,000 and $545,000 as of June 30, 2012 (unaudited) and December 31, 2011, respectively.
 
 
16

 

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”):

   
Six months ended
 
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 18,480,717     $ 17,711,907  
Less reinsurance recoverables
    (10,001,060 )     (10,431,415 )
Net balance, beginning of period
    8,479,657       7,280,492  
                 
Incurred related to:
               
Current year
    4,359,416       4,141,042  
Prior years
    327,603       233,352  
Total incurred
    4,687,019       4,374,394  
                 
Paid related to:
               
Current year
    933,939       1,322,676  
Prior years
    2,586,898       1,921,555  
Total paid
    3,520,837       3,244,231  
  
               
Net balance at end of period
    9,645,839       8,410,655  
Add reinsurance recoverables
    11,152,255       10,094,712  
Balance at end of period
  $ 20,798,094     $ 18,505,367  
 
Incurred losses and LAE are net of reinsurance recoveries under reinsurance contracts of $4,626,575 and $3,413,640 for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Prior year incurred loss and LAE development is based upon numerous estimates by line of business and accident year. The Company’s management continually monitors claims activity to assess the appropriateness of carried case and 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. The loss ratio projection method is used to estimate 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 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 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. Specifically, 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.
 
Reinsurance
 
The Company’s reinsurance treaties for both its Personal Lines business, which primarily consists of homeowners’ policies, and Commercial Lines business, other than commercial auto, were renewed as of July 1, 2012. The treaties, which are renewed annually, provide for the following material terms as of July 1, 2012:

Personal Lines

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 $1,000,000 per occurrence. An excess of loss contract provides $1,900,000 of coverage in excess of the $1,000,000 included under the 75% quota share treaty for a total coverage with respect to losses of up to $2,900,000 per occurrence. 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 40% quota share treaty, which provides coverage with respect to losses of up to $500,000 per occurrence.   Excess of loss contracts provide $2,400,000 of coverage in excess of the $500,000 included under the 40% quota share treaty for a total coverage 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 $1,750,000 of coverage in excess of $250,000.

Catastrophe Reinsurance

A total of $73,000,000 of catastrophe reinsurance coverage has been obtained, whereby the Company retains $750,000 per catastrophe occurrence.

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.
 
 
18

 

Ceding Commission Revenue
 
The Company earns ceding commissions under its quota share reinsurance agreements based on a sliding scale of commission rates and ultimate treaty year loss ratios on the policies reinsured under each of these agreements. The sliding scale includes minimum and maximum commission rates in relation to specified ultimate loss ratios.  The commission rate and ceding commissions earned increases when the estimated ultimate loss ratio decreases and, conversely, the commission rate and ceding commissions earned decreases when the estimated ultimate loss ratio increases.
 
As of June 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company’s estimated ultimate loss ratios attributable to these contracts are lower than the contractual ultimate loss ratios at which the minimum amount of ceding commissions can be earned. Accordingly, the Company has recorded ceding commissions earned that are greater than the minimum provisional commissions.
 
Ceding commission revenue consists of the following:
 
   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(unaudited)
 
Provisional ceding commissions earned
  $ 2,074,732     $ 1,696,373     $ 4,059,715     $ 3,284,679  
Contingent ceding commissions earned
    836,126       1,031,494       1,754,799       1,755,763  
    $ 2,910,858     $ 2,727,867     $ 5,814,514     $ 5,040,442  
 
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. Ceding commissions due from reinsurers, which is comprised of contingent ceding commissions receivable, as of June 30, 2012 (unaudited) and December 31, 2011 were $3,423,759 and $1,734,535, respectively, and are in included in “Receivables – reinsurance contracts” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
Note 8 – Long-Term Debt
 
Long-term debt consists of:
 
   
June 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
         
Less
               
Less
       
   
Total
   
Current
   
Long-Term
   
Total
   
Current
   
Long-Term
 
   
Debt
   
Maturities
   
Debt
   
Debt
   
Maturities
   
Debt
 
   
(unaudited)
                   
                                     
Notes payable
  $ 747,000     $ -     $ 747,000     $ 747,000     $ -     $ 747,000  
Line of credit
    250,000       250,000       -       300,000       300,000       -  
    $ 997,000     $ 250,000     $ 747,000     $ 1,047,000     $ 300,000     $ 747,000  
 
 
19

 
 
Notes Payable
 
From June 2009 through March 2010, the Company borrowed $1,450,000 (including $785,000 from related parties as disclosed below) and issued promissory notes in such aggregate principal amount (the “2009/2010 Notes”).  The 2009/2010 Notes provided for interest at the rate of 12.625% per annum through the maturity date of July 10, 2011. During the quarter the ended June 30, 2011, the Company prepaid $703,000 (including $407,000 to related parties) of the principal amount of the 2009/2010 Notes. In June 2011, the remaining note holders agreed to extend the maturity date for a period of three years from July 10, 2011 to July 10, 2014, and effective July 11, 2011, reduce the interest rate from 12.625% to 9.5% per annum. The remaining 2009/2010 Notes, as extended, can be prepaid without premium or penalty. The reduction in the interest rate and the extension of the maturity date did not significantly change the fair value of the 2009/2010 Notes.
 
Interest expense on the 2009/2010 Notes for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $35,000 and $85,000, respectively. Interest expense includes related party borrowings for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 of approximately $18,000 and $45,000, respectively. Interest expense on the 2009/2010 Notes for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $18,000 and $39,000, respectively. Interest expense includes related party borrowings for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 of approximately $9,000 and $21,000, respectively.
 
Related party balances as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 under the 2009/2010 Notes are as follows:
 
Barry Goldstein IRA (Mr. Goldstein is Chairman of the Board, President and
     
Chief Executive Officer, and principal stockholder of the Company)
  $ 90,000  
Jay Haft, a director of the Company
    30,000  
A member of the family of Michael Feinsod, a director of the Company
    60,000  
Mr. Yedid, a director of KICO, and members of his family
    156,000  
A member of the family of Floyd Tupper, a director of KICO
    42,000  
Total related party balances
  $ 378,000  
 
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. Advances extended under the Trustco Agreement will bear interest at a floating rate based on the Lender’s prime rate.
 
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. 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.
 
There were no closing costs or fees paid in connection with the Trustco Agreement. Kingstone received an initial advance of $300,000 on December 27, 2011. The line of credit is being used for general corporate purposes.
 
The interest rate on the amount outstanding as of June 30, 2012 was 3.75%. There are no other fees in connection with this credit line.
 
 
20

 
 
Note 9 – Stockholders’ Equity
 
Dividend Declared

Dividends declared and paid on Common Stock was $226,829 and $-0- for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Dividends declared and paid on Common Stock was $113,432 and $-0- for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company’s Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend on August 13, 2012 of $.04 per share payable in cash on September 18, 2012 to stockholders of record as of August 31, 2012.

Stock Options

In December 2005, the Company’s shareholders ratified the adoption of the 2005 Equity Participation Plan (the “2005 Plan”), which provides for the issuance of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options and restricted stock. Under the 2005 Plan, a maximum of 300,000 shares of Common Stock were permitted to be issued pursuant to options granted and restricted stock issued.  In March 2010, the Board of Directors of the Company increased the number of shares of Common Stock authorized to be issued pursuant to the 2005 Plan to 550,000, subject to stockholder approval.  In June 2010, the stockholders approved the increase to 550,000 shares.  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 will determine 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 six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 include share-based stock option compensation expense totaling $30,111 and $64,148, respectively. The results of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 include share-based stock option compensation expense totaling $10,000 and $24,000, respectively. Share-based compensation expense related to stock options is net of estimated forfeitures of 21% for the six months and three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Such amounts have been included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income within other operating expenses.
 
Stock option compensation expense in 2012 and 2011 is the estimated fair value of options granted 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 six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

A summary of option activity under the Company’s 1998 Stock Option Plan (terminated in November, 2008) and the 2005 Plan as of June 30, 2012, and changes during the six months then ended, 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, 2012
    393,865     $ 2.32       2.28     $ 498,913  
                                 
Granted
    -     $ -       -     $ -  
Exercised
    (95,000 )   $ 2.12       -     $ 243,075  
Forfeited
    -     $ -       -     $ -  
                                 
Outstanding at June 30, 2012
    298,865     $ 2.39       2.13     $ 852,540  
                                 
Vested and Exercisable at June 30, 2012
    221,648     $ 2.37       2.01     $ 636,616  
 
 
21

 
 
The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and options exercisable at June 30, 2012 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 $5.24 closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on June 30, 2012. The total intrinsic value of options exercised in the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $243,075, determined as of the date of exercise. The Company received cash proceeds of $47,073 from 20,000 options exercised in the six months end June 30, 2012. The remaining 75,000 options exercised in 2012 were cashless exercises. No stock options were exercised in the six months ended June 30, 2011.
 
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 (“Cashless Exercise”). The Company received cash proceeds of $47,073 from 22,500 options exercised in the six months end June 30, 2012. The remaining 72,500 options exercised in 2012 were Cashless Exercises. No stock options were exercised in the six months ended June 30, 2011.

As of June 30, 2012, the fair value of unamortized compensation cost related to unvested stock option awards was approximately $25,000. Unamortized compensation cost as of June 20, 2012 is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average vesting period of .79 years.
 
Note 10 – Income Taxes

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 continuing operations for the six months and three months ended June 30, 2012 was 34.6% and 35.4%, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate from continuing operations for the six months and three months ended June 30, 2011 was 32.1% and 33.1%, respectively. A reconciliation of the Federal statutory rate to our effective rate from continuing operations is as follows:

   
For the Three Months Ended
   
For the Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
                                                 
Computed expected tax expense
  $ 294,863       34.0 %   $ 393,527       34.0 %   $ 689,289       34.0 %   $ 450,772       34.0 %
State taxes, net of Federal benefit
    17,301       2.0       (13,713 )     (1.2 )     45,798       2.3       (14,751 )     (1.1 )
Permanent differences
                                                               
 Dividends received deduction
    (16,126 )     (1.9 )     -       -       (36,577 )     (1.8 )     (7,129 )     (0.5 )
 Non-taxable investment income
    (16,772 )     (1.9 )     (24,399 )     (2.1 )     (33,810 )     (1.7 )     (46,544 )     (3.5 )
 Stock-based compensation expense
    3,607       0.4       8,042       0.7       10,237       0.5       21,810       1.6  
 Other permanent differences
    5,831       0.7       4,531       0.4       12,281       0.6       14,545       1.1  
Other
    18,224       2.1       15,513       1.3       14,367       0.7       6,541       0.5  
Total tax
  $ 306,928       35.4 %   $ 383,501       33.1 %   $ 701,585       34.6 %   $ 425,244       32.1 %
 
 
22

 
 
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:
 
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(unaudited)
       
Deferred tax asset:
       
 
 
Net operating loss carryovers (1)
  $ 264,293     $ 276,312  
Claims reserve discount
    250,659       220,354  
Unearned premium
    720,037       647,596  
Deferred ceding commission revenue
    1,518,955       1,354,016  
Other
    7,919       4,583  
Total deferred tax assets
    2,761,863       2,502,861  
                 
Deferred tax liability:
               
Investment in KICO (2)
    1,169,000       1,169,000  
Deferred acquisition costs
    1,731,428       1,542,163  
Intangibles
    1,163,757       1,244,628  
Depreciation and amortization
    143,586       133,411  
Reinsurance recoverable
    20,400       20,400  
Net unrealized appreciation of securities - available for sale
    420,233       172,155  
Investment income
    -       10,543  
Total deferred tax liabilities
    4,648,404       4,292,300  
                 
Net deferred income tax liability
  $ (1,886,541 )   $ (1,789,439 )
 
(1) The deferred tax assets from net operating loss carryovers are as follows
 
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
   
 Type of NOL
 
2012
   
2011
 
Expiration
 State only (A)
  $ 338,594     $ 352,749  
December 31, 2027
 Valuation allowance
    104,819       42,437    
 State only, net of valuation allowance
    233,775       310,312    
 Amount subject to Annual Limitation, Federal only (B)
    30,600       34,000  
December 31, 2019
 Total deferred tax asset from net operating loss carryovers
  $ 264,375     $ 344,312    
 
(A) The Company’s parent generates operating losses for state purposes and has prior year net operating loss carryovers available. 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 Operations 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 2022 and 2027.
 
(B) NOL 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.
 
 
 
23

 
 
(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 either the stock of KICO is sold, the assets of KICO are sold or KICO and the parent are merged.
 
Under GAAP guidance for the “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”, the Company had no material unrecognized tax benefit and no adjustments to liabilities or operations were required. Additionally, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, provides guidance on the recognition of interest and penalties related to income taxes. There were no interest or penalties related to income taxes that have been accrued or recognized as of and for six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011. 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 has been examined by the Internal Revenue Service and was accepted as filed.

Note 11 - 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 share reflect, in periods in which they have a dilutive effect, the impact of common shares issuable upon exercise of vested stock options.  The computation of diluted earnings per 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.
 
For the six months and three months ended June 30, 2012 there were 221,648 vested options with an exercise price below the average market price of the Company’s Common Stock during the period. For the six months ended June 30, 2012 the inclusion of net common shares assumed to be issued upon the exercise of such options in the computation of diluted earnings per share would have been anti-dilutive for the period, and as a result, the weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share is the same, and has not been adjusted for the effects of such options.
 
For the six months and three months ended June 30, 2011 there were 251,932 vested options with an exercise price below the average market price of the Company’s Common Stock during the period.
 
The reconciliation of the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock and net income used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share follows:
 
   
Three months ended
June 30,
   
Six months ended
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(unaudited)
 
Net income used in the calculation of basic earnings per share   $ 560,316     $ 773,931     $ 1,325,734     $ 900,555  
Effect of dilutive securities, common share equivalents     12,168       -       -       16,839  
                                 
 Net income used for computing diluted earnings per share
  $ 572,484     $ 773,931     $ 1,325,734     $ 917,394  
                                 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
    3,789,592       3,838,386       3,780,351       3,838,386  
Effect of dilutive securities, common share equivalents
    94,187       80,377       -       82,903  
                                 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding,
                               
used for computing diluted earnings per share
    3,883,779       3,918,763       3,780,351       3,921,289  
 
 
24

 
 
Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

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.

Employment Agreement
 
Effective January 1, 2012, Barry Goldstein, the Company’s President, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, assumed the positions of President and Chief Executive Officer of KICO. Effective April 16, 2012, the Company entered into an amendment to its employment agreement with Mr. Goldstein, pursuant to which, effective January 1, 2012 and continuing through the term of the agreement, Mr. Goldstein’s annual base salary was increased to $450,000 from $375,000 in consideration for his additional responsibilities to KICO.
 
Note 13 – Subsequent Event
 
Dividends Declared and Paid
 
On August 13, 2012, the Company’s board of directors approved a dividend of $.04 per share payable in cash on September 18, 2012 to stockholders of record as of August 31, 2012.
 
On August 12, 2012, KICO’s board of directors approved a cash dividend of $350,000 to the Company, to be paid on August 13, 2012. Payment of the cash dividend will have no effect on the Company’s consolidated net earnings, total stockholders’ equity or cash flows.
 
 
25

 
 
ITEM 2MANAGEMENT’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”).
 
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 our portfolio, and net realized gains and losses on investment securities.  All of our 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 policyholder losses, which are commonly referred to as claims. In settling policyholder losses, various loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) are incurred such as insurance adjusters’ fees and litigation expenses. In addition, insurance companies incur policy acquisition expenses. 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 the corporate expenses of our holding company, Kingstone Companies, Inc. These expenses include legal and auditing fees, occupancy costs related to our corporate office, executive employment costs, and other costs directly associated with being a public company.
 
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
 
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 impact 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 Consolidated Financial Statements - “Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation” for information related to updated accounting policies.
 
 
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Consolidated Results of Operations
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
The following table summarizes the changes in the results of our operations (in thousands) for the periods indicated:
 
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
   
Percent
 
Revenues
                       
 Direct written premiums
  $ 23,675     $ 20,120     $ 3,555       17.7 %
 Net written premiums
    9,197       8,143       1,054       12.9 %
 Change in net unearned premiums
    (1,060 )     (1,258 )     198       (15.7 )  %
 Net premiums earned
    8,137       6,885       1,252       18.2 %
 Ceding commission revenue
    5,815       5,040       775       15.4 %
 Net investment income
    497       338       159       47.0 %
 Net realized gain on investments
    46       160       (114 )     (71.3 )  %
 Other income
    461       465       (4 )     (0.9 )  %
 Total revenues
    14,956       12,888       2,068       16.0 %
                                 
Expenses
                               
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses (1)
                               
 Direct loss and loss adjustment expenses
    9,314       7,788       1,526       19.6 %
 Less: ceded loss and loss adjustment expenses
    (4,627 )     (3,414 )     (1,213 )     35.5 %
 Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
    4,687       4,374       313       7.2 %
 Commission expense
    3,477       2,877       600       20.9 %
 Other underwriting expenses
    3,852       3,311       541       16.3 %
 Other operating expenses
    574       603       (29 )     (4.8 )  %
 Depreciation and amortization
    297       313       (16 )     (5.1 )  %
 Interest expense
    41       85       (44 )     (51.8 )  %
 Total expenses
    12,928       11,563       1,365       11.8 %
                                 
 Income from operations before taxes
    2,028       1,325       703       53.1 %
 Provision for income tax
    702       425       277       65.2 %
Net income
  $ 1,326     $ 900     $ 426       47.3 %
                                 
Percent of total revenues:
                               
 Net premiums earned
    54.4 %     53.4 %                
 Ceding commission revenue
    38.9 %     39.1 %                
 Net investment income
    3.3 %     2.6 %                
 Net realized gains on investments
    0.3 %     1.2 %                
 Other income
    3.1 %     3.6 %                
      100.0 %     100.0 %                
 
(1) For the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, we did not incur any catastrophe losses and loss adjustment expenses. We define a “catastrophe” as an event that involves multiple first party policyholders, or an event that produces 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.  Catastrophes are caused by various natural events including high winds, excessive rain, winter storms, tornadoes, hailstorms, wildfires, tropical storms, and hurricanes. 
 
 
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Direct written premiums during the six months ended June 30, 2012 (“2012”) were $23,675,000 compared to $20,120,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2011 (“2011”). The increase of $3,555,000, or 17.7%, was primarily due to an increase in policies in-force during 2012 as compared to 2011. We wrote more policies as a result of an increase in demand for the products in the markets that we serve. Policies in-force increased by 18.3% as of June 30, 2012 compared to June 30, 2011. In addition to the increase of policies in-force, we are also writing more policies which have higher premiums.
 
Net written premiums increased $1,054,000, or 12.9%, to $9,197,000 in 2012 from $8,143,000 in 2011. The increase in net written premiums resulted from an increase in direct written premiums in 2012 compared to direct written premiums in 2011. Net written premiums grew at a lower rate than direct written premiums (12.9% compared to 17.7%) due to increases in policies written in lines of business that are subject to quota share reinsurance treaties, primarily personal lines and commercial lines, in excess of the decrease in policies written in lines of business without quota share reinsurance treaties, primarily commercial auto lines.
 
Net premiums earned increased $1,252,000, or 18.2%, to $8,137,000 in 2012 from $6,885,000 in 2011. 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 June 30, 2012 compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 2011.
 
Ceding commission revenue was $5,815,000 in 2012 compared to $5,040,000 in 2011. The increase of $775,000, or 15.4%, was due to the increase in the amount of premiums ceded. Our previous quota share reinsurance treaty, which expired June 30, 2011, contained a provision which limited the maximum contingent ceding commission that could be paid to us, with the unused benefit carried forward to the current treaty which began July 1, 2011. The current treaty allows for a greater maximum amount of contingent ceding commission that can be paid to us, allowing us to utilize the full benefit from the carryover amount in our current treaty. The carryover amount was included in our computation of contingent ceding commission effective July 1, 2011; however, the amount of the carryover from the previous quota share treaty decreased in 2012 as a result of an increase to the ceded loss ratio, which reduced the effect of the increase in ceding commission revenues from ceded earned premiums.
 
Net investment income was $497,000 in 2012 compared to $338,000 in 2011. The increase of $159,000, or 47.1%, was due to an increase in average invested assets in 2012 as compared to 2011. The increase in cash and invested assets resulted primarily from increased operating cash flows throughout 2011. The tax equivalent investment yield, excluding cash, was 5.27% and 5.46% at June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses were $4,687,000 in 2012 compared to $4,374,000 in 2011. The net loss ratio was 57.6% in 2012 compared to 63.5% in 2011. The decrease of 5.9 percentage points in our net loss ratio for 2012 as compared to 2011 is primarily due to a decrease in losses in our commercial auto line of business, which is not subject to a quota share treaty.
 
Commission expense was $3,477,000 in 2012 or 14.7 % of direct written premiums. Commission expense was $2,877,000 in 2011 or 14.3% of direct written premiums. The increase of $600,000 is due to the increase in direct written premiums in 2012 as compared to 2011.
 
Other underwriting expenses were $3,852,000 in 2012 compared to $3,311,000 in 2011. The $541,000, or 16.3%, increase in other underwriting expenses was primarily due to expenses directly related to the increase in direct written premiums, increase in occupancy costs and additional employment costs due to both the hiring of additional staff needed to service our growth in written premiums and increases in annual salaries. Underwriting expenses as a percentage of direct written premiums was 16.3% in 2012 and 16.5% in 2011. Our other underwriting expenses increased at a lower rate than the growth in our direct written premiums.
 
Other operating expenses, related to the corporate expenses of our holding company, were $574,000 in 2012 compared to $603,000 in 2011. The $29,000 decrease in 2012 was primarily due to a decrease in amortization of stock options as a result of more stock options being fully vested prior to June 30, 2012.
 
Interest expense was $41,000 in 2012 compared to $85,000 in 2011. The $44,000 decrease in interest expense was due to the partial redemption of $703,000 to our 2009/2010 Notes during the quarter ended June 30, 2011, and effective July 11, 2011, a reduction in the interest rate to 9.5% per annum from the previous 12.625% per annum.
 
Income tax expense in 2012 was $702,000, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 34.6%. Income tax expense in 2011 was $425,000, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 32.1%. Income before taxes was $2,027,000 in 2012 compared to $1,326,000 in 2011. The increase in the effective tax rate by 2.5% in 2012 is a result of us recording a valuation allowance in 2012 against our state net operating loss carryovers compared to no such allowance in 2011. Our parent generates operating losses for state purposes and has prior year net operating loss carryovers available. KICO, our insurance underwriting subsidiary, is not subject to state income taxes. A valuation allowance of $42,000 was recorded by us in December 2011 and an additional valuation allowance of $62,000 was recorded in 2012. The valuation allowance was established due to the uncertainty of generating enough state taxable income to utilize 100% of our available state net operating loss carryovers over their remaining lives which expire between 2022 and 2027.
 
Net income was $1,326,000 in 2012 compared to $901,000 in 2011. The increase in net income of $425,000 was due to the circumstances described above that caused the increases in our net premiums earned and ceding commission revenue, and a decrease in our net loss ratio, offset by increases in our other underwriting expenses related to premium growth.
 
 
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Net income was $1,326,000 in 2012 compared to $901,000 in 2011. The increase in net income of $425,000 was due to the circumstances described above that caused the increases in our net premiums earned and ceding commission revenue, and a decrease in our net loss ratio, offset by increases in our other underwriting expenses.
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2012 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
The following table summarizes the changes in the results of our operations (in thousands) for the periods indicated:
 
   
Three months ended June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
   
Percent
 
Revenues
                       
 Direct written premiums
  $ 12,439     $ 10,587     $ 1,852       17.5 %
 Net written premiums
    4,817       4,106       711       17.3 %
 Change in net unearned premiums
    (652 )     (589 )     (63 )     10.7 %
 Net premiums earned
    4,165       3,517       648       18.4 %
 Ceding commission revenue
    2,911       2,728       183       6.7 %
 Net investment income
    230       160       70       43.8 %
 Net realized gain on investments
    6       90       (84 )     (93.3 )  %
 Other income
    222       217       5       2.3 %
 Total revenues
    7,534       6,712       822       12.2 %
                                 
Expenses
                               
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses (1)
                               
 Direct loss and loss adjustment expenses
    4,347       3,550       797       22.5 %
 Less: ceded loss and loss adjustment expenses
    (1,938 )     (1,726 )     (212 )     12.3 %
 Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
    2,409       1,824       585       32.1 %
 Commission expense
    1,806       1,505       301       20.0 %
 Other underwriting expenses
    1,995       1,734       261       15.1 %
 Other operating expenses
    287       299       (12 )     (4.0 )  %
 Depreciation and amortization
    150       154       (4 )     (2.6 )  %
 Interest expense
    20       39       (19 )     (48.7 )  %
 Total expenses
    6,667       5,555       1,112       20.0 %
                                 
 Income from operations before taxes
    867       1,157       (290 )     (25.1 )  %
 Provision for income tax
    307       383       (76 )     (19.8 )  %
Net income
  $ 560     $ 774     $ (214 )     (27.6 )  %
                                 
Percent of total revenues:
                               
 Net premiums earned
    55.3 %     52.4 %                
 Ceding commission revenue
    38.6 %     40.6 %                
 Net investment income
    3.1 %     2.4 %                
 Net realized gains on investments
    0.1 %     1.3 %                
 Other income
    2.9 %     3.2 %                
      100.0 %     100.0 %                
 
(1) For the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, we did not incur any catastrophe losses and loss adjustment expenses. We define a “catastrophe” as an event that involves multiple first party policyholders, or an event that produces 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.  Catastrophes are caused by various natural events including high winds, excessive rain, winter storms, tornadoes, hailstorms, wildfires, tropical storms, and hurricanes. 
 
 
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Direct written premiums during the three months ended June 30, 2012 (“Q2 2012”) were $12,439,000 compared to $10,587,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2011 (“Q2 2011”). The increase of $1,852,000, or 17.5%, was primarily due to an increase in policies in-force during Q2 2012 as compared to Q2 2011. We wrote more policies as a result of an increase in demand for the products in the markets that we serve. Policies in-force increased by 18.3% as of June 30, 2012 compared to June 30, 2011. In addition to the increase of policies in-force, we are also writing more policies which have higher premiums.
 
Net written premiums increased $711,000, or 17.3%, to $4,817,000 in Q2 2012 from $4,106,000 in Q2 2011. The increase in net written premiums was due to increases in policies written in lines of business that are subject to quota share reinsurance treaties, primarily personal lines and commercial lines, in excess of the decrease in policies written in lines of business without quota share reinsurance treaties, primarily commercial auto lines.
 
Net premiums earned increased $648,000, or 18.4%, to $4,165,000 in Q2 2012 from $3,517,000 in Q2 2011. 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 June 30, 2012 compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 2011.
 
The following table summarizes the changes in the components of ceding commission revenue (in thousands) for the periods indicated:
 
   
Three months ended June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
   
Percent
 
 Provisional ceding commissions earned
  $ 2,075     $ 1,696     $ 379       22.3 %
 Contingent ceding commissions earned
    836       1,032       (196 )     (19.0 )%
 Total ceding commission revenue
    2,911       2,728       183       6.7 %
 
Ceding commission revenue was $2,911,000 in Q2 2012 compared to $2,728,000 in Q2 2011. The increase of $183,000, or 6.7%, was due a $379,000 increase in provisional ceding commissions earned offset by a $196,000 decrease in contingent ceding commissions earned. The increase in ceding commissions earned is due to the increase in the amount of premiums ceded. The decrease in contingent ceding commissions is due to an increase in our ceded loss ratio as a result of an increase in losses incurred under our personal lines quota share reinsurance treaty from prior year claims and from an increase in losses incurred from fires in the current treaty year. Our previous quota share reinsurance treaty, which expired June 30, 2011, contained a provision which limited the maximum contingent ceding commission that could be paid to us, with the unused benefit carried forward to the current treaty which began July 1, 2011. The current treaty allows for a greater maximum amount of contingent ceding commission that can be paid to us, allowing us to utilize the full benefit from the carryover amount in our current treaty. The carryover amount was included in our computation of contingent ceding commission effective July 1, 2011; however, the amount of the carryover from the previous quota share treaty decreased in Q2 2012 as a result of an increase to the ceded loss ratio in the current treaty, which reduced contingent ceding commissions earned.
 
Net investment income was $230,000 in Q2 2012 compared to $160,000 in Q2 2011. The increase of $70,000, or 43.6%, was due to an increase in average invested assets in Q2 2012 as compared to Q2 2011. The increase in cash and invested assets resulted primarily from increased operating cash flows throughout 2011. The tax equivalent investment yield, excluding cash, was 5.27% and 5.46% at June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses were $2,409,000 in Q2 2012 compared to $1,824,000 in Q2 2011. The net loss ratio was 57.8% in Q2 2012 compared to 51.8% in Q2 2011. The increase of 6.0 percentage points in our net loss ratio is primarily due to an increase in Q2 2012 losses incurred from fires as compared to Q2 2011.
 
Commission expense was $1,806,000 in Q2 2012 or 14.7 % of direct written premiums. Commission expense was $1,505,000 in Q2 2011 or 14.2% of direct written premiums. The increase of $301,000 is due to the increase in direct written premiums in Q2 2012 as compared to Q2 2011.
 
Other underwriting expenses were $1,995,000 in Q2 2012 compared to $1,734,000 in Q2 2011. The $261,000, or 15.1%, increase in other underwriting expenses was primarily due to expenses directly related to the increase in direct written premiums and an increase in occupancy costs. Underwriting expenses as a percentage of direct written premiums was 16.0% in Q2 2012 and 16.4% in Q2 2011. Our other underwriting expenses increased at a lower rate than the growth in our direct written premiums.
 
Other operating expenses, related to the corporate expenses of our holding company, were $287,000 in Q2 2012 compared to $299,000 in Q2 2011. The $12,000 decrease in Q2 2012 was due nominal net decreases in various overhead expenses.
 
Interest expense was $20,000 in Q2 2012 compared to $39,000 in Q2 2011. The $19,000 decrease in interest expense was due to the partial redemption of $703,000 to our 2009/2010 Notes during the quarter ended June 30, 2011, and effective July 11, 2011, a reduction in the interest rate to 9.5% per annum from the previous 12.625% per annum.
 
 
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Income tax expense in Q2 2012 was $307,000, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 35.4%. Income tax expense in Q2 2011 was $383,000, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 33.1%. Income before taxes was $867,000 in Q2 2012 compared to $1,157,000 in Q2 2011. The increase in the effective tax rate by 2.3% in Q2 2012 is a result of us recording a valuation allowance in Q2 2012 against our state net operating loss carryovers compared to no such allowance in Q2 2011. Our parent generates operating losses for state purposes and has prior year net operating loss carryovers available. KICO, our insurance underwriting subsidiary, is not subject to state income taxes. Valuation allowances totaling of $77,000 were recorded by us in December 2011and March 2012. An additional valuation allowance of $28,000 was recorded in 2012. The valuation allowance was established due to the uncertainty of generating enough state taxable income to utilize 100% of our available state net operating loss carryovers over their remaining lives which expire between 2022 and 2027.
 
 Net income was $560,000 in Q2 2012 compared to $774,000 in Q2 2011. The decrease in net income of $214,000 was due to the circumstances described above that caused the 6.0% increase to our net loss ratio, which had the effect of decreasing our contingent ceding revenue, and increase to other underwriting expenses related to premium growth, offset by increases in our net premiums earned.
 
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
   
Six months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
                         
Revenues
                       
 Net premiums earned
  $ 4,164,572     $ 3,517,249     $ 8,137,107     $ 6,884,948  
 Ceding commission revenue
    2,910,858       2,727,867       5,814,514       5,040,442  
 Net investment income
    229,879       160,464       497,396       338,134  
 Net realized gain on investments
    6,160       89,961       45,560       160,432  
 Other income
    124,247       100,129       239,297       198,059  
 Total revenues
    7,435,716       6,595,670       14,733,874       12,622,015  
                                 
Expenses
                               
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses
    2,408,505       1,823,630       4,687,019       4,374,394  
 Commission expense
    1,805,810       1,504,894       3,477,417       2,876,643  
 Other underwriting expenses
    1,994,576       1,734,095       3,852,321       3,310,914  
 Depreciation and amortization
    150,183       152,466       296,442       308,381  
 Total expenses
    6,359,074       5,215,085       12,313,199       10,870,332  
                                 
 Income from operations
    1,076,642       1,380,585       2,420,675       1,751,683  
 Income tax expense
    353,760       452,265       770,597       571,644  
Net income
  $ 722,882     $ 928,320     $ 1,650,078     $ 1,180,039  

 
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An analysis of our direct, assumed and ceded earned premiums, loss and loss adjustment expenses, and loss ratios is shown below:
 
   
Direct
   
Assumed
   
Ceded
   
Net
 
                         
Six months ended June 30, 2012
                       
 Written premiums
  $ 23,674,526     $ 3,199     $ (14,480,602 )   $ 9,197,123  
 Unearned premiums
    (2,653,399 )     3,912       1,589,471       (1,060,016 )
 Earned premiums
  $ 21,021,127     $ 7,111     $ (12,891,131 )   $ 8,137,107  
                                 
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 9,298,687     $ 14,907     $ (4,626,575 )   $ 4,687,019  
                                 
 Loss ratio
    44.2 %     209.6 %     35.9 %     57.6 %
                                 
Six months ended June 30, 2011
                               
 Written premiums
  $ 20,120,159     $ 2,880     $ (11,979,870 )   $ 8,143,169  
 Unearned premiums
    (2,914,468 )     1,652       1,654,595       (1,258,221 )
 Earned premiums
  $ 17,205,691     $ 4,532     $ (10,325,275 )   $ 6,884,948  
                                 
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 7,781,979     $ 6,055     $ (3,413,640 )   $ 4,374,394  
                                 
 Loss ratio
    45.2 %     133.6 %     33.1 %     63.5 %
                                 
Three months ended June 30, 2012
                               
 Written premiums
  $ 12,438,801     $ 1,799     $ (7,623,640 )   $ 4,816,960  
 Unearned premiums
    (1,681,258 )     2,333       1,026,537       (652,388 )
 Earned premiums
  $ 10,757,543     $ 4,132     $ (6,597,103 )   $ 4,164,572  
                                 
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 4,342,618     $ 3,810     $ (1,937,923 )   $ 2,408,505  
                                 
 Loss ratio
    40.4 %     92.2 %     29.4 %     57.8 %
                                 
Three months ended June 30, 2011
                               
 Written premiums
  $ 10,587,013     $ 2,646     $ (6,483,505 )   $ 4,106,154  
 Unearned premiums
    (1,677,592 )     (486 )     1,089,173       (588,905 )
 Earned premiums
  $ 8,909,421     $ 2,160     $ (5,394,332 )   $ 3,517,249  
                                 
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 3,544,590     $ 4,429     $ (1,725,389 )   $ 1,823,630  
                                 
 Loss ratio
    39.8 %     205.0 %     32.0 %     51.8 %

 
32

 
 
Key Measures
 
The key measures for our insurance underwriting business for the periods indicated are as follows:
 
   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
                         
Net premiums earned
  $ 4,164,572     $ 3,517,249     $ 8,137,107     $ 6,884,948  
Ceding commission revenue
    2,910,858       2,727,867       5,814,514       5,040,442  
Other income
    124,247       100,129       239,297       198,059  
                                 
Loss and loss adjustment expenses
    2,408,505       1,823,630       4,687,019       4,374,394  
                                 
Acquistion costs and other underwriting expenses:
                               
 Commission expense
    1,805,810       1,504,894       3,477,417       2,876,643  
 Other underwriting expenses
    1,994,576       1,734,095       3,852,322       3,310,914  
Total acquistion costs and other underwriting expenses     3,800,386       3,238,989       7,329,739       6,187,557  
                                 
Underwriting income
  $ 990,786     $ 1,282,626     $ 2,174,160     $ 1,561,498  
                                 
Key Measures:
                               
 Net loss ratio
    57.8 %     51.9 %     57.6 %     63.5 %
 Net underwriting expense ratio
    18.4 %     11.7 %     15.7 %     13.8 %
 Net combined ratio
    76.2 %     63.5 %     73.3 %     77.3 %
                                 
 Reconciliation of net underwriting expense ratio:
                               
 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses   $ 3,800,386     $ 3,238,989     $ 7,329,739     $ 6,187,557  
 Less: Ceding commission revenue
    (2,910,858 )     (2,727,867 )     (5,814,514 )     (5,040,442 )
 Less: Other income
    (124,247 )     (100,129 )     (239,297 )     (198,059 )
   
  $ 765,281     $ 410,993     $ 1,275,928     $ 949,056  
                                 
 Net earned premium
  $ 4,164,572     $ 3,517,249     $ 8,137,107     $ 6,884,948  

 
33

 
 
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 June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
 
Available for Sale Securities

   
June 30, 2012
 
                                     
  
 
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
 
   
(unaudited)
 
                                     
 U.S. Treasury securities and
                                   
   obligations of U.S. government
                                   
   corporations and agencies
  $ 99,930     $ 5,672     $ -     $ -     $ 105,602       0.4 %
                                                 
 Political subdivisions of States,
                                               
   Territories and Possessions
    5,572,075       279,663       -       (29,967 )     5,821,771       21.7 %
                                                 
 Corporate and other bonds
                                               
   Industrial and miscellaneous
    15,651,143       644,650       (9,850 )     (48,886 )     16,237,057       60.6 %
 Total fixed-maturity securities
    21,323,148       929,985       (9,850 )     (78,853 )     22,164,430       82.8 %
                                                 
 Equity Securities
    4,155,363       500,843       (26,384 )     (12,775 )     4,617,047       17.2 %
 Total
  $ 25,478,511     $ 1,430,828     $ (36,234 )   $ (91,628 )   $ 26,781,477       100.0 %
 
   
December 31, 2011
 
                                     
  
 
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
 
                                     
U.S. Treasury securities and
                                   
   obligations of U.S. government
                                   
   corporations and agencies
  $ 499,832     $ 50,356     $ -     $ -     $ 550,188       2.1 %
                                                 
Political subdivisions of States,
                                               
   Territories and Possessions
    5,868,743       301,559       -       -       6,170,302       23.2 %
                                                 
Corporate and other bonds
                                               
   Industrial and miscellaneous
    15,846,616       338,284       (228,792 )     (107,666 )     15,848,442       59.5 %
 Total fixed-maturity securities
    22,215,191       690,199       (228,792 )     (107,666 )     22,568,932       84.7 %
                                                 
Equity Securities
    3,857,741       311,300       (98,938 )     (4,893 )     4,065,210       15.3 %
 Total
  $ 26,072,932     $ 1,001,499     $ (327,730 )   $ (112,559 )   $ 26,634,142       100.0 %
 
 
34

 
 
Held to Maturity Securities
 
   
June 30, 2012
 
   
(unaudited)
 
                                     
  
 
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
  $ 606,265     $ 191,727     $ -     $ -     $ 797,992       100.0 %
                                                 
                                                 
   
December 31, 2011
 
                                                 
  
 
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
  $ 606,234     $ 171,719     $ -     $ -     $ 779,953       100.0 %
 
Credit Rating of Fixed-Maturity Securities
 
The table below summarizes the credit quality of our fixed-maturity securities available for sale as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 as rated by Standard and Poor’s.
 
   
June 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
         
Percentage of
         
Percentage of
 
   
Fair Market
   
Fair Market
   
Fair Market
   
Fair Market
 
   
Value
   
Value
   
Value
   
Value
 
   
(unaudited)
             
Rating
                       
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 105,602       0.5 %   $ 550,188       2.4 %
AAA
    3,014,089       13.6 %     3,041,576       13.5 %
AA
    4,036,508       18.2 %     4,502,733       20.0 %
A
    6,496,040       29.3 %     6,977,222       30.9 %
BBB
    8,512,191       38.4 %     7,497,213       33.2 %
 Total
  $ 22,164,430       100.00 %   $ 22,568,932       100.0 %
 
 
35

 
 
The table below summarizes the average duration by type of fixed-maturity security available for sale as well as detailing the average yield as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
 
   
June 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
         
Weighted
         
Weighted
 
         
Average
         
Average
 
   
Average
   
Duration in
   
Average
   
Duration in
 
Category
 
Yield %
   
Years
   
Yield %
   
Years
 
                         
U.S. Treasury securities and
                       
   obligations of U.S. government
                       
   corporations and agencies
    3.17 %     25.6       2.75 %     17.8  
                                 
Political subdivisions of States,
                               
   Territories and Possessions
    4.11 %     4.9       3.86 %     5.2  
                                 
Corporate and other bonds
                               
   Industrial and miscellaneous
    4.85 %     6.7       4.98 %     7.1  
 
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 an orderly transaction 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 June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, 47% and 49%, respectively, of the investment portfolio recorded at fair value was priced based upon quoted market prices.
 
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 June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and concluded that the unrealized losses in these asset classes are the result of a decrease in value due to technical spread widening and broader market sentiment, rather than fundamental collateral deterioration, and are temporary in nature.
 
 
36

 
 
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 June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
 
   
June 30, 2012
 
   
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
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Fixed-Maturity Securities:
                                           
U.S. Treasury securities
                                           
  and obligations of U.S.
                                               
  government corporations
                                           
  and agencies
  $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -  
                                                                 
Political subdivisions of
                                                         
  States, Territories and
                                                               
  Possessions
    -       -       -       773,253       (29,967 )     2       773,253       (29,967 )
                                                                 
Corporate and other
                                                               
   bonds industrial and
                                                               
   miscellaneous
    1,022,335       (9,850 )     5       1,821,008       (48,886 )     8       2,843,343       (58,736 )
                                                                 
Total fixed-maturity
                                                               
   securities
  $ 1,022,335     $ (9,850 )     5     $ 2,594,261     $ (78,853 )     10     $ 3,616,596     $ (88,703 )
                                                                 
Equity Securities:
                                                               
Preferred stocks
  $ -     $ -       -     $ 114,750     $ (12,775 )     1     $ 114,750     $ (12,775 )
Common stocks
    238,502       (26,384 )     2       -       -       -       238,502       (26,384 )
                                                                 
Total equity securities
  $ 238,502     $ (26,384 )     2     $ 114,750     $ (12,775 )     1     $ 353,252     $ (39,159 )
                                                                 
Total
  $ 1,260,837     $ (36,234 )     7     $ 2,709,011     $ (91,628 )     11     $ 3,969,848     $ (127,862 )
 
 
37

 
 
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
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:
                                           
U.S. Treasury securities
                                           
  and obligations of U.S.
                                               
  government corporations
                                           
  and agencies
  $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -  
                                                                 
Political subdivisions of
                                                         
  States, Territories and
                                                               
  Possessions
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
                                                                 
Corporate and other
                                                               
   bonds industrial and
                                                               
   miscellaneous
    4,849,378       (228,792 )     26       1,483,425       (107,666 )     7       6,332,803       (336,458 )
                                                                 
Total fixed-maturity securities
  $ 4,849,378     $ (228,792 )     26     $ 1,483,425     $ (107,666 )     7     $ 6,332,803     $ (336,458 )
                                                                 
Equity Securities:
                                                               
Preferred stocks
  $ 368,350     $ (76,969 )     12     $ 189,364     $ (4,893 )     5     $ 557,714     $ (81,862 )
Common stocks
    397,268       (21,969 )     14       -       -       -       397,268       (21,969 )
Total equity securities
  $ 765,618     $ (98,938 )     26     $ 189,364     $ (4,893 )     5     $ 954,982     $ (103,831 )
                                                                 
Total
  $ 5,614,996     $ (327,730 )     52     $ 1,672,789     $ (112,559 )     12     $ 7,287,785     $ (440,289 )
 
There were 18 securities at June 30, 2012 that accounted for the gross unrealized loss, none of which were deemed by us to be other than temporarily impaired. There were 64 securities at December 31, 2011 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.
 
 
38

 
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Cash Flows
 
The primary sources of cash flow are from our insurance underwriting subsidiary, KICO, which includes 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.
 
On July 1, 2009, we 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, we acquired a 100% equity interest in KICO. In connection with the plan of conversion of CMIC, we agreed with the Department of Financial Services (formerly known as the Insurance Department) (the “Department”) that, for a period of two years following the effective date of conversion of July 1, 2009, no dividend could be paid by KICO to us without the approval of the Department (“Dividend Restriction Period”). No such request was made by us to the Department within the dividend restriction period. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, KICO paid dividends of $350,000 to us. On August 12, 2012, KICO’s board of directors approved a cash dividend of $350,000 that was paid on August 13, 2012. We also agreed with the Department that certain intercompany transactions between KICO and us must be filed with the Department 30 days prior to implementation and not disapproved by the Department.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2012 we declared and paid $226,829 of dividends on our Common Stock. Our Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend on August 13, 2012 at the rate of $.04 per share payable in cash on September 18, 2012 to stockholders of record as of August 31, 2012, an increase of $.01 per share over our last quarterly dividend that was paid.
 
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. Effective July 1, 2011, as discussed above, we may also receive cash dividends from KICO, subject to statutory restrictions.
 
In December 2011, we entered into an agreement with a bank for a $500,000 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. The outstanding balance was $250,000 as of June 30, 2012. If the aforementioned is insufficient to cover our holding company cash requirements, we will seek to obtain additional financing.
 
 
39

 
 
We prepaid $703,000 of our notes payable during the year ended December 31, 2011. As of June 30, 2012, the outstanding principal balance of our notes payable was $747,000; such notes bear interest at the rate of 9.5% per annum and mature on July 10, 2014. We believe that our present cash flows as described above will be sufficient on a short-term basis and over the next 12 months to fund our company-wide working capital requirements.
 
Our reconciliation of net income to cash (used in) provided by operations is generally influenced by the collection of premiums in advance of paid losses, the timing of reinsurance, issuing company settlements and loss payments.
 
Cash flow and liquidity are categorized into three sources: (1) operating activities; (2) investing activities; and (3) financing activities, which are shown in the following table:
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2012
   
2011
 
             
 Cash flows provided by (used in):
           
 Operating activities
  $ 464,409     $ 2,027,213  
 Investing activities
    618,787       (1,552,652 )
 Financing activities
    (230,598 )     (713,997 )
 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    852,598       (239,436 )
 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    173,126       326,620  
                 
 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 1,025,724     $ 87,184  
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was $464,000 in 2012 as compared to $2,027,000 provided in 2011. The $1,563,000 decrease in cash flows provided by operating activities in 2012 was primarily a result of the fluctuations in assets and liabilities 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 $455,000.
 
 Net cash provided by investing activities was $619,000 in 2012 compared to $1,553,000 used in 2011. The $2,172,000 increase in cash flows provided by investing activities is a result of the decrease in acquisitions, offset by a decrease in sales of invested assets.
 
Net cash used in financing activities was $231,000 in 2012 compared to $714,000 used in 2011. The $483,000 decrease in cash flows used in financing activities is a result of principal payments on long term debt of $714,000 in 2011 compared to no such payments in 2012, and dividend payments of $227,000 in 2012 compared to no such payments in 2011.
 
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.
 
 
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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 June 30, 2012.
 
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)          The following table sets forth certain information with respect to purchases of common stock made by us or any “affiliated purchaser” during the quarter ended June 30, 2012:

Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased(1)
   
 
Average Price
Paid per Share
   
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
   
Maximum Number of Shares that May Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 
                         
4/1/12 - 4/30/12
    4,851     $ 3.42       -       -  
5/1/12 – 5/31/12
    1,000     $ 4.33       -       -  
6/1/12 - 6/30/12
    1,398     $ 5.12       -       -  
Total
    7,249     $ 3.88       -       -  
 
ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

None

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not applicable

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION.

None
______________________________
 
 
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ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS.

3(a)
 
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended2
     
3(b)
 
By-laws, as amended3
     
10
 
Amendment No. 4, dated as of April 16, 2012, to Employment Agreement between Kingstone Companies, Inc. and Barry B. Goldstein4
     
 
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
     
 
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
     
 
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
______________________________
1 Denotes document filed as an exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.
2 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.
3 Denotes document filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K for an event dated April 16, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
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SIGNATURES
 
In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC.
 
       
Dated:  August 14, 2012
By:
/s/ Barry B. Goldstein  
    Barry B. Goldstein    
    President  
       
  By: /s/ Victor Brodsky  
    Victor Brodsky  
   
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
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