kins_10k.htm


United States Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
þ
ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013

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 No.)

15 Joys Lane, Kingston, New York
12401
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(845) 802-7900
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock
NASDAQ

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

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

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

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 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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer o
   
Non-accelerated 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 June 30, 2013, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $9,773,610 based on the closing sale price as reported on the NASDAQ Capital Market.  As of March 29, 2014, there were 7,266,573 shares of common stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
None
 


 
 
 
 
 
INDEX
 
   
Page No.
Forward-Looking Statements
3
PART I
   
Item 1.
Business.
4
Item 1A.
Risk Factors.
21
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments.
21
Item 2.
Properties.
21
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings.
21
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures.
21
PART II
   
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
22
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data.
23
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
23
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
54
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
54
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
55
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures.
 
56
Item 9B.
Other Information.
57
PART III
   
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
58
Item 11.
Executive Compensation.
63
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
66
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
69
Item 14.
PPrincipal Accountant Fees and Services.
70
PART IV
   
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
71
Signatures
 
74
 
 
 
2

 
PART I
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
This Annual 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 Annual 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 this Annual Report 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.
 
 
3

 
 
ITEM 1.                      BUSINESS.
 
(a)           Business Development
 
General
 
As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Annual Report”), references to the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our” refer to Kingstone Companies, Inc. (“Kingstone”) and its subsidiaries.
 
We offer property and casualty insurance products to small businesses and individuals in New York State through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Kingstone Insurance Company (“KICO”). KICO is a licensed property and casualty insurance company in the State of New York. KICO also has obtained a license to write property and casualty insurance in Pennsylvania; however, KICO has only nominally commenced writing business in Pennsylvania. Payments, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary, is a licensed premium finance company in the State of New York and receives fees for placing contracts with a third party licensed premium finance company.
 
Recent Developments
 
Developments During 2013
 
 Public Offering
 
On December 13, 2013, we completed an underwritten public offering of 3,450,000 shares of our common stock, including 450,000 shares issued pursuant to the underwriter’s 30-day over-allotment option, at a public offering price of $5.95 per share. The aggregate net proceeds to us was approximately $18,804,000, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses.

We used the net proceeds of the offering to contribute capital to our insurance subsidiary, KICO, to support growth, including possible product expansion, and to repay indebtedness. A registration statement relating to these securities was filed with the SEC and became effective on December 9, 2013.
 
 ● KICO Appoints its First Chief Actuary
 
On December 16, 2013, KICO hired Benjamin Walden, FCAS, MAAA as its first in-house actuary. Mr. Walden was appointed KICO's Vice President and Chief Actuary.
 
Developments During 2012
 
 Increased Rate of Dividends Declared
 
In August 2012, we increased our quarterly dividends on our common stock from $.03 per share to $.04 per share. Dividends of $.03 per share were declared on each of February 6, 2012 and May 14, 2012 and were paid on March 15, 2012 and June 15, 2012, respectively. Dividends of $.04 per share were declared on each of August 13, 2012 and November 12, 2012 and were paid on September 18, 2012 and December 14, 2012, respectively. Dividends of $.04 per share continued during each quarterly period of 2013.
 
 
4

 
 
(b)
Business
 
Property and Casualty Insurance
 
Overview
 
Generally, property and casualty insurance companies write insurance policies in exchange for premiums paid by their customers (the “insured”).  An insurance policy is a contract between the insurance company and the insured where the insurance company agrees to pay for losses suffered by the insured that are covered under the contract.  Such contracts often are subject to subsequent legal interpretation by courts, legislative action and arbitration. Property insurance generally covers the financial consequences of accidental losses to the insured’s property, such as a home and the personal property in it, or a business’ building, inventory and equipment. Casualty insurance (often referred to as liability insurance) generally covers the financial consequences of a legal liability of an individual or an organization resulting from negligent acts and omissions causing bodily injury and/or property damage to a third party.  Claims on property coverage generally are reported and settled in a relatively short period of time, whereas those on casualty coverage can take years, even decades, to settle.
 
We generate revenues from earned premiums, ceding commissions from quota share reinsurance, net investment income generated from our investment portfolio, and net realized gains and losses on investment securities. We also receive installment fee income, fees charged to reinstate a policy after it has been cancelled for non-payment, and fees for placing premium finance contracts with a third party licensed premium finance company. 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 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.
 
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, such as commissions paid to producers and premium taxes, and other expenses related to the underwriting process, including their employees’ compensation and benefits.
 
The key measure of relative underwriting performance for an insurance company is the combined ratio. An insurance company’s combined ratio under GAAP is calculated by adding the ratio of incurred loss and LAE to earned premiums (the “loss and LAE ratio”) and the ratio of policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses to earned premiums (the “expense ratio”). A combined ratio under 100% indicates that an insurance company is generating an underwriting profit. However, when considering investment income and investment gains or losses, insurance companies operating at a combined ratio of greater than 100% can be profitable.

            General; Strategy

 We are a property and casualty insurance holding company whose principal operating subsidiary is Kingstone Insurance Company, referred to as KICO, domiciled in the State of New York. We are a multi-line regional property and casualty insurance company writing business exclusively through independent retail and wholesale agents and brokers, referred to collectively as producers. We are licensed to write insurance policies in New York and Pennsylvania.
 
 
5

 
 
We seek to deliver an attractive return on capital and provide consistent earnings growth through underwriting profits and income from our investment portfolio. Our strategy is to be the preferred multi-line property and casualty insurance company for selected producers in the geographic markets in which we operate. We believe producers prefer to place profitable business with us because we provide excellent, consistent service to our producers, policyholders and claimants coupled with competitive rates and commission levels and a consistent market presence. We also offer a wide array of personal and commercial lines policies, which we believe differentiates us from other insurance companies that also distribute through our selected producers.

Our principal objectives are to increase the volume of profitable business that we write while limiting our risk of loss and preserving our capital. We seek to generate underwriting income by writing profitable insurance policies and by managing our other underwriting and operating expenses. We are pursuing profitable growth by expanding the geographic regions in which we operate, increasing the volume of business that we write with existing producers, developing new selected producer relationships, and introducing niche insurance products that are relevant to our producers and policyholders.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2013, our gross written premiums totaled $60.5 million, an increase of 22.8% from the $49.3 million in gross written premium for the year ended December 31, 2012.
 
Product Lines
 
Our product lines include the following:
 
Personal lines - Our largest line of business is personal lines, consisting of homeowners, dwelling fire, 3-4 family dwelling package, condominium, renters, mechanical breakdown, service line and personal umbrella policies. Personal lines policies accounted for 72.2% of our gross written premiums for the year ended December 31, 2013.
 
Commercial liability - We offer business owners policies which consist primarily of small business retail risks without a residential exposure. We also write artisan’s liability policies and special multi-peril property and liability policies. Commercial lines policies accounted for 15.1% of our gross written premiums for the year ended December 31, 2013.
 
Commercial automobile - We provide physical damage and liability coverage for light vehicles owned by small contractors and artisans. Commercial automobile policies accounted for 8.0% of our gross written premiums for the year ended December 31, 2013.
 
Livery physical damage and other - We write for-hire vehicle physical damage only policies for livery and car service vehicles and taxicabs as well as canine legal liability policies. These policies accounted for 4.7% of our gross written premiums for the year ended December 31, 2013.
 
Our Competitive Strengths
 
History of Growing Our Profitable Operations

Our insurance company subsidiary, KICO, has been in operation in the State of New York for over 125 years. We have consistently increased the volume of profitable business that we write by introducing new insurance products, increasing the volume of business that we write with our producers and developing new producer relationships. KICO has earned an underwriting profit in nine of the past ten years, including in 2012 when our financial results were adversely impacted by Superstorm Sandy. The extensive heritage of our insurance company subsidiary and our commitment to the New York market is a competitive advantage with producers and policyholders.
 
 
6

 
 
Strong Producer Relationships

Within our selected producers’ offices, we compete with other property and casualty insurance carriers available to that producer. We carefully select the producers that distribute our insurance policies and continuously monitor and evaluate their performance. We believe our insurance producers value their relationships with us because we provide excellent, consistent personal service coupled with competitive rates and commission levels. We have consistently been rated by insurance producers as above average in the important areas of underwriting, claims handling and service. In the last two performance surveys conducted by the Professional Insurance Agents of New York and New Jersey of its membership (2010 and 2012), KICO was rated as the top performing insurance company in New York.

We also offer our selected producers the ability to write a wide array of personal lines and commercial lines policies, including some which are unique to us. Many of our producers write multiple lines of business with us which provides an advantage over those of our competitors who are focused on a single product. We have had a consistent presence in the New York market for over 100 years and we believe that producers value the longevity of our relationship with them. We believe that the excellent service we provide to our selected producers, our broad product offering and our consistent market presence provides a foundation for profitable growth.

Sophisticated Underwriting and Risk Management Practices

We believe that we have a significant underwriting advantage due to our local market presence and expertise. Our underwriting process evaluates property reports, driving records, the creditworthiness of the insured, and information collected from physical inspections to determine appropriate rates. We utilize certain targeted policy exclusions to reduce our exposure to risks that can create severe losses. We also seek to avoid severe losses by writing policies with lower liability limits when possible.

Our underwriting procedures, premium rates and policy terms support the underwriting profitability of our homeowners policies. We have implemented premium surcharges for certain coastal properties and increased deductibles for hurricane losses to provide an appropriate premium rate for the risk of loss. We also limit the business that we write in certain coastal counties and within close proximity to coastlines to manage our exposure to catastrophic weather events. Through the use of sophisticated catastrophe modeling and other software we assess individual policies to avoid geographic concentration of insured properties, to minimize fire risks associated with adjacent properties and to manage our aggregate exposure to loss.

Our underwriting expertise and risk management practices enable us to profitably write personal and commercial lines business in our markets. We believe that the consistency and the reliable availability of our insurance products is important to our selected producer relationships.

Effective Utilization of Reinsurance

Our reinsurance treaties allow us to limit our exposure to the financial impact of catastrophe losses and to reduce our net liability on individual risks. Our reinsurance program is structured to enable us to significantly grow our premium volume while maintaining regulatory capital and other financial ratios generally within or below the expected ranges used for regulatory oversight purposes.

 
7

 
 
Our reinsurance program also provides income as a result of ceding commissions earned pursuant to the quota share reinsurance contracts. The income we earn from ceding commissions typically exceeds our fixed operating costs, which consist of other underwriting expenses. Quota share reinsurance treaties transfer a portion of the profit (or loss) associated with the subject insurance policies to the reinsurers. We believe that a prudent reduction in our reliance on quota share reinsurance in the future could positively impact our A.M. Best financial strength rating and increase our underwriting profitability.

Experienced Management Team

Our management team has significant expertise in underwriting, agency management, claims management and insurance regulatory matters. Barry Goldstein, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, has extensive experience in the insurance industry and managing public companies. He has served in his current capacity since 2001 and previously served as president of an insurance agency in Pennsylvania. John Reiersen, Executive Vice President of KICO, has over 48 years of industry and regulatory experience and previously served as Chief Examiner in the Property and Casualty Insurance Bureau of the New York State Insurance Department, now known as the New York State Department of Financial Services. Our underwriting and claims managers have extensive experience in the insurance industry with an average of 36 years of experience, including over 15 years with KICO on average.

Scalable, Low-Cost Operations

 We focus on keeping expenses to the minimum level required to properly underwrite our business and to effectively process claims. While the majority of our business is written in downstate New York, our Kingston, New York location provides a significantly lower cost operating environment. We also take an active approach to settling outstanding claims which results in substantially lower loss adjustment expenses.

We have made investments to develop online application raters and inquiry systems for many of our personal lines and commercial products. This has resulted in increased business submissions from our producers due to the greater ease of placing business with us. We plan to expand these online capabilities to our other lines of business. Our ability to control the growth of our operating and other expenses while growing revenue is a key component of our business model and is important to our future financial success.
 
Underwriting and Claims Management Philosophy
 
Our underwriting philosophy is to be conservative in the approach to risks that we write. We monitor results on a regular basis and all of our producers are reviewed by management on a quarterly basis.  In general, we try to avoid severity by writing at lower liability limits when possible.
 
We believe our rates are competitive with other carriers’ rates in our markets.  We believe that consistency and the reliable availability of our insurance products is important to our producers.  We do not seek to grow by competing based solely upon price.  We seek to develop long-term relationships with our select producers who understand and appreciate the conservative, consistent path we have chosen.  We carefully underwrite all of our business utilizing the CLUE database, motor vehicle reports, credit reports, physical inspection of risks and other underwriting software. In the event that a material misrepresentation is discovered in the underwriting process, the policy is voided. If a material misrepresentation is discovered after a claim is presented, we deny the claim. We write homeowners and dwelling fire business in New York City and Long Island and are cognizant of our exposure to hurricanes. We have mitigated this risk by adding mandatory hurricane deductibles to all policies. Our claim and underwriting expertise enables us to profitably write personal lines business in all areas of New York City and Long Island.
 
 
8

 
 
Distribution
 
We generate business through our relationships with over 350 independent producers. We carefully select our producers by evaluating several factors such as their need for our products, premium production potential, loss history with other insurance companies that they represent, product and market knowledge, and the size of the agency. We monitor and evaluate the performance of our producers through periodic reviews of volume and profitability. Our senior executives are actively involved in managing our producer relationships.
 
Each producer is assigned an underwriter and the producer can call that underwriter directly on any matter. We believe that the close relationship with their underwriter is the principal reason producers place their business with us. Requests for quotes are responded to as promptly as possible. Our online application raters and inquiry systems have streamlined the process of placing business with KICO, but we accommodate all other means of producer transmissions.  Our producers have access to a website which contains all of our applications, rating software, policy forms and underwriting guidelines for all lines of business.  We send out frequent electronic "Powergrams" in order to inform our producers of updates at KICO. In addition we have an active Producer Council and have at least one annual meeting with all of our producers.
 
Competition; Market
 
The insurance industry is highly competitive. We constantly assess and project the market conditions and prices for our products, but we cannot fully know our profitability until all claims have been reported and settled.
 
Our policyholders are located primarily in New York State. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, New York is the third largest state in the country with a current estimated population of approximately 19.4 million. Our market primarily consists of New York City, Long Island and Westchester County, which we collectively define as downstate New York. In 2011, we expanded our market to include parts of western New York, primarily Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse. We have also recently become licensed to write insurance and have commenced underwriting policies in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

New York State is the fourth largest property and casualty insurance market in the U.S. with $37.9 billion in direct premiums written and the fourth largest state in the United States with respect to homeowners insurance written with $4.7 billion in direct premiums written, according to 2012 data compiled by SNL Financial LC (most recent available published data).  In 2012, we were the 30th largest writer of homeowners insurance in the State of New York based on this same data. We compete with large national carriers as well as regional and local carriers in the property and casualty marketplace in New York. We believe that many national and regional carriers have chosen to reduce their rate of premium growth or to decrease their presence in the downstate New York property insurance market. Given present market conditions, we believe that we have the opportunity to significantly expand the size of our business in the State of New York.
 
 
9

 
 
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves
 
We are required to establish reserves for incurred losses that are unpaid, including reserves for claims and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”), which represent the expenses of settling and adjusting those claims. These reserves are balance sheet liabilities representing estimates of future amounts required to pay losses and loss expenses for claims that have occurred at or before the balance sheet date, whether already known to us or not yet reported. We establish these reserves after considering all information known to us as of the date they are recorded.
 
Loss reserves fall into two categories: case reserves for reported losses and loss expenses associated with a specific reported insured claim, and reserves for losses incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) and LAE. We establish these two categories of loss reserves as follows:
 
Reserves for reported losses - When a claim is received, we establish a case reserve for the estimated amount of its ultimate settlement and its estimated loss expenses. We establish case reserves based upon the known facts about each claim at the time the claim is reported and may subsequently increase or reduce the case reserves as our claims department deems necessary based upon the development of additional facts about claims.
 
IBNR reserves - We also estimate and establish reserves for loss and LAE amounts incurred but not yet reported. IBNR reserves are calculated as ultimate losses and LAE less reported losses and LAE. Ultimate losses are projected by using generally accepted actuarial techniques.
 
The liability for loss and LAE represents our best estimate of the ultimate cost of all reported and unreported losses that are unpaid as of the balance sheet date. The liability for loss and LAE is estimated on an undiscounted basis, using individual case-basis valuations, statistical analyses and various actuarial procedures. The projection of future claim payment and reporting is based on an analysis of our historical experience, supplemented by analyses of industry loss data. We believe that the reserves for loss and LAE are adequate to cover the ultimate cost of losses and claims to date; however, because of the uncertainty from various sources, including changes in reporting patterns, claims settlement patterns, judicial decisions, legislation, and economic conditions, actual loss experience may not conform to the assumptions used in determining the estimated amounts for such liability at the balance sheet date. As adjustments to these estimates become necessary, such adjustments are reflected in expense for the period in which the estimates are changed. Because of the nature of the business historically written, we believe that we have limited exposure to environmental claim liabilities. We recognize recoveries from salvage and subrogation when received.
 
We engage an independent external actuarial specialist to opine on our recorded statutory reserves. Our actuary estimates a range of ultimate losses, along with the recommended IBNR and reserve amounts.
 
 
10

 
 
Reconciliation of Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
 
The table below shows the reconciliation of loss and LAE on a gross and net basis, reflecting changes in losses incurred and paid losses:
 
   
Years ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
       
 Balance at beginning of period
  $ 30,485,532     $ 18,480,717  
 Less reinsurance recoverables
    (18,419,694 )     (9,960,334 )
 Net balance, beginning of period
    12,065,838       8,520,383  
                 
 Incurred related to:
               
 Current year
    11,765,420       10,460,000  
 Prior years
    1,821,113       774,713  
 Total incurred
    13,586,533       11,234,713  
                 
 Paid related to:
               
 Current year
    3,709,495       4,419,000  
 Prior years
    4,803,622       3,270,258  
 Total paid
    8,513,117       7,689,258  
  
               
 Net balance at end of period
    17,139,254       12,065,838  
 Add reinsurance recoverables
    17,363,975       18,419,694  
 Balance at end of period
  $ 34,503,229     $ 30,485,532  
 
Our claims reserving practices are designed to set reserves that, in the aggregate, are adequate to pay all claims at their ultimate settlement value.
 
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses Development
 
The table below shows the net loss development for business written each year from 2004 through 2013. The table reflects the changes in our loss and loss adjustment expense reserves in subsequent years from the prior loss estimates based on experience as of the end of each succeeding year on a GAAP basis.
 
The next section of the table sets forth the re-estimates in later years of incurred losses, including payments for the years indicated. The next section of the table shows by year, the cumulative amounts of loss and loss adjustment expense payments, net of amounts recoverable from reinsurers, as of the end of each succeeding year. For example, with respect to the net loss reserves of $4,370,000 as of December 31, 2006, by December 31, 2008 (two years later), $3,303,000 had actually been paid in settlement of the claims that relate to liabilities as of December 31, 2006.
 
The “cumulative redundancy (deficiency)” represents, as of December 31, 2013, the difference between the latest re-estimated liability and the amounts as originally estimated. A redundancy means that the original estimate was higher than the current estimate. A deficiency means that the current estimate is higher than the original estimate.
 
 
 
11

 
 
 
       
( in thousands of $)
 
2004
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
   
2013
 
Reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance recoverables
    3,141       3,074       4,370       4,799       5,823       6,001       7,280       8,520       12,065       17,139  
Net reserve estimated as of One year later
    5,122       3,627       4,844       5,430       6,119       6,235       7,483       9,261       13,837          
Two years later
    5,698       4,315       5,591       5,867       6,609       6,393       8,289       11,022                  
Three years later
    6,356       5,101       5,792       6,433       6,729       6,486       9,170                          
Four years later
    6,985       5,094       6,260       6,569       6,711       7,182                                  
Five years later
    7,049       5,540       6,343       6,683       7,261                                          
Six years later
    7,476       5,616       6,429       7,245                                                  
Seven years later
    7,561       5,678       6,886                                                          
Eight years later
    7,637       6,140                                                                  
Nine years later
    8,093                                                                          
Ten years later
                                                                               
Net cumulative deficiency
    (4,952 )     (3,066 )     (2,516 )     (2,446 )     (1,438 )     (1,181 )     (1,890 )     (2,502 )     (1,772 )        

( in thousands of $)
 
2004
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
   
2013
 
Cumulative amount of reserve paid, net of reinsurance recoverable through
                                                           
One year later
    3,347       1,106       2,018       1,855       2,533       2,307       3,201       3,237       4,748        
Two years later
    4,291       2,321       3,303       3,339       3,974       3,992       4,947       5,661                
Three years later
    4,965       3,321       4,036       4,339       5,054       4,659       6,199                        
Four years later
    5,598       3,705       4,471       5,146       5,373       5,238                                
Five years later
    5,840       3,988       5,079       5,424       5,717                                        
Six years later
    6,101       4,484       5,305       5,738                                                
Seven years later
    6,557       4,595       5,594                                                        
Eight years later
    6,654       4,880                                                                
Nine years later
    6,933                                                                        
Ten years later
                                                                             
                                                                               
Net reserve -
                                                                             
December 31,
    3,141       3,074       4,370       4,799       5,823       6,001       7,280       8,520       12,065       17,139  
Reinsurance Recoverable
    7,610       7,283       6,523       6,693       9,766       10,512       10,432       9,960       18,420       17,364  
Gross reserves -
                                                                               
December 31,
    10,751       10,357       10,893       11,492       15,589       16,513       17,712       18,480       30,485       34,503  
                                                                                 
Net re-estimated reserve
    8,093       6,140       6,886       7,245       7,261       7,182       9,170       11,022       13,837          
Re-estimated reinsurance recoverable
    11,466       11,639       11,784       11,695       13,409       13,146       13,389       13,550       25,490          
Gross re-estimated reserve
    19,559       17,779       18,670       18,940       20,670       20,328       22,559       24,572       39,327          
                                                                                 
Gross cumulative deficiency
    (8,808 )     (7,422 )     (7,777 )     (7,448 )     (5,081 )     (3,815 )     (4,847 )     (6,092 )     (8,842 )        
 
See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Factors That May Affect Future Results and Financial Condition” in Item 7 of this Annual Report.
 
 
12

 
 
Reinsurance
 
We purchase reinsurance to reduce our net liability on individual risks, to protect against possible catastrophes, to achieve a target ratio of net premiums written to policyholders’ surplus and to expand our underwriting capacity. Our reinsurance program is structured to reflect our obligations and goals. Reinsurance via quota share allows for a carrier to write business without increasing its underwriting leverage above a management determined ratio. The business written under a reinsurance quota share obligates a reinsurer to assume the risks involved, and gives the reinsurer the profit (or loss) associated with such.  We have determined it to be in the best interests of our shareholders to prudently reduce our reliance on quota share reinsurance.  This will result in higher earned premiums and a reduction in ceding commission revenue in future years. Our participation in reinsurance arrangements does not relieve us from our obligations to policyholders.
 
The reinsurance treaties for our personal lines business, which primarily consists of homeowners’ policies, and our commercial lines business expired on June 30, 2013. Effective July 1, 2013, we entered into new treaties with different terms. The new personal lines quota share treaty has a two year term expiring on June 30, 2015. Personal lines business is reinsured under a 75% quota share treaty. Effective as of July 1, 2014, we have the option to increase the quota share percentage to a maximum of 85% or to decrease the quota share percentage to a minimum of 55%. Excess of loss contracts provide additional coverage for individual personal lines losses. Our maximum net retention under the quota share and excess of loss treaties for any one personal lines policy is $300,000.
 
Effective July 1, 2013, commercial general liability policies written by us, except for commercial auto policies, are reinsured under a 25% quota share treaty. Excess of loss contracts provide additional coverage for individual commercial general liability losses. Our maximum net retention under the quota share and excess of loss treaties for any one commercial general liability policy is $300,000. Commercial auto policies are covered by an excess of loss reinsurance contract that provides coverage for individual losses in excess of $300,000.
 
We earn ceding commission revenue under the quota share reinsurance treaties based on a  provisional commission rate on all premiums ceded to the reinsurers as adjusted by a sliding scale based on the ultimate treaty year loss ratios on the policies reinsured under each agreement. The sliding scale provides minimum and maximum ceding commission rates in relation to specified ultimate loss ratios.
 
The maximum potential ceding commission rate paid under the current personal lines quota share treaty, based on the sliding scale of commission rates, is 57% at an ultimate loss ratio of 25% or less. The minimum provisional ceding commission rate is 40% at an ultimate loss ratio of 48% or greater. The current treaty provides a higher minimum ceding commission rate than the prior year treaty, which began on July 1, 2012 and ended on June 30, 2013. The previous year personal lines quota share treaty provided a minimum provisional commission rate of 31% at an ultimate loss ratio of 57% or greater.
 
In 2013, we purchased catastrophe reinsurance to provide coverage of up to $90 million for losses associated with a single event. Insurance exposure models prepared for us generally indicate that the catastrophe reinsurance treaties provide coverage in excess of our estimated probable maximum loss associated with a single one-in-125 year storm event. Losses on personal lines policies are subject to the 75% quota share treaty, which results in a net retention by us of $1 million of exposure per catastrophe occurrence.  Catastrophe coverage is limited on an annual basis to two times the per occurrence amounts.

 
 
13

 
 
Investments
 
Our investment portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents, and short term investments, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, is summarized in the table below by type of investment.
 
   
December 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
   
Carrying
   
% of
   
Carrying
   
% of
 
 Category
 
Value
   
Portfolio
   
Value
   
Portfolio
 
                         
 Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 19,922,506       34.6 %   $ 2,240,012       6.5 %
                                 
 Held to maturity
                               
 U.S. Treasury securities and
    2,399,482       4.2 %     606,281       1.8 %
 obligations of U.S. government
                               
 corporations and agencies
                               
                                 
 Available for sale
                               
 Political subdivisions of states,
                               
 territories and possessions
    7,068,207       12.3 %     5,474,816       16.0 %
                                 
 Corporate and other bonds
                               
 Industrial and miscellaneous
    21,367,815       37.1 %     20,707,122       60.3 %
                                 
 Preferred stocks
    2,587,728       4.5 %     1,484,347       4.3 %
                                 
 Common stocks
    4,208,945       7.3 %     3,805,895       11.1 %
 Total
  $ 57,554,683       100.0 %   $ 34,318,473       100.0 %

The table below summarizes the credit quality of our fixed-maturity securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 as rated by Standard and Poor’s (or if unavailable from Standard and Poors, then Moody’s or Fitch):
 
     
December 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
           
Percentage of
         
Percentage of
 
     
Fair Market
   
Fair Market
   
Fair Market
   
Fair Market
 
     
Value
   
Value
   
Value
   
Value
 
                           
Rating
                         
U.S. Treasury securities
    $ -       0.0 %   $ -       0.0 %
AAA
      2,075,010       7.3 %     2,226,603       8.5 %
AA
      4,566,384       16.1 %     4,088,304       15.6 %
A         7,680,343       27.0 %     6,963,380       26.6 %
BBB
      14,114,285       49.6 %     12,903,651       49.3 %
Total
    $ 28,436,022       100.0 %   $ 26,181,938       100.0 %
 
Additional financial information regarding our investments is presented under the subheading “Investments” in Item 7 of this Annual Report.
 
 
14

 
 
Ratings
 
We currently have a Demotech rating of A (Excellent) which generally qualifies our policies for banks and finance companies. Many insurance buyers, agents and brokers use the ratings assigned by A.M. Best and other agencies to assist them in assessing the financial strength and overall quality of the companies from which they are considering purchasing insurance.  In 2009, KICO applied for its initial A.M. Best rating, and was assigned a letter rating of “B” (Fair) by A.M. Best in 2010. Our rating was upgraded to B+ (Good) in 2011, and such rating remained in effect in 2012 and 2013. KICO is beginning the process of undergoing its annual review from A.M. Best, which may result in a change to its rating. A.M. Best ratings are derived from an in-depth evaluation of an insurance company’s balance sheet strengths, operating performances and business profiles. A.M. Best evaluates, among other factors, the company’s capitalization, underwriting leverage, financial leverage, asset leverage, capital structure, quality and appropriateness of reinsurance, adequacy of reserves, quality and diversification of assets, liquidity, profitability, spread of risk, revenue composition, market position, management, market risk and event risk. A.M. Best ratings are intended to provide an independent opinion of an insurer’s ability to meet its obligations to policyholders and are not an evaluation directed at investors. An A.M. Best rating could create additional demand from producers requiring a carrier to have an A.M. Best rating.
 
Superstorm Sandy
 
Superstorm Sandy made landfall in the New York City area on October 29, 2012. Our net personal lines loss incurred for the year ended December 31, 2012 as a result of the storm was $750,000, which was our net retention pursuant to the prevailing inforce quota share and catastrophe reinsurance treaties. Additional net losses of $393,000 were incurred in 2012 with respect to our business owners, commercial auto and livery physical damage policies. Excluding the effects of Superstorm Sandy, the net loss ratio would have been 58.6% for the year ended December 31, 2012. We were also required to pay $77,000 of reinstatement premiums in 2012 to catastrophe reinsurers to obtain coverage for future catastrophe events during the reinsurance treaty period, which reduced our net premiums earned.  We incurred additional net losses of $36,000 during the year ended December 31, 2013 with respect to our participation in a state mandated joint underwriting association.   We were also required to pay $496,000 of reinstatement premiums during the year ended December 31, 2013 to catastrophe reinsurers, which reduced our net premiums earned. Excluding the effects of Superstorm Sandy, the net loss ratio would have been 59.6% for the year ended December 31, 2013.
 
The computation to determine contingent ceding commission revenue includes direct catastrophe losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred from Superstorm Sandy. Such losses increased our ceded loss ratio in our 2012 quota share treaties which reduced our contingent ceding commission revenue by $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.  Excluding the effects of Superstorm Sandy, the net underwriting expense ratio would have been 17.5% for the year ended December 31, 2012.
 
As of December 31, 2013, the estimated ultimate loss ratios attributable to the 2012 quota share treaties are greater than the contractual ultimate loss ratios at which the provisional ceding commissions are earned. Accordingly, for the year ended December 31, 2013, we have recorded negative contingent ceding commissions earned with respect to the 2012 treaties.  Our contingent ceding commission revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013 was reduced by $1.8 million as a result of losses incurred from Superstorm Sandy. Excluding the effects of Superstorm Sandy, the net underwriting expense ratio would have been 19.2 % for the year ended December 31, 2013.
 
Premium Financing
 
Customers who purchase insurance policies are often unable to pay the premium in a lump sum or are unable to afford the payment plan offered and, therefore, require extended payment terms.  Premium finance involves making a loan to the customer that is secured by the unearned portion of the insurance premiums being financed and held by the insurance carrier.  Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Payments Inc. (“Payments”), is licensed as a premium finance agency in the state of New York.
 
 
15

 
 
Prior to February 1, 2008, Payments Inc. provided premium financing in connection with the obtaining of insurance policies.  Effective February 1, 2008, Payments Inc. sold its outstanding premium finance loan portfolio.  The purchaser of the portfolio has agreed that, during the five year period ended February 1, 2013 (which period has been extended to February 1, 2015), it will purchase, assume and service all eligible premium finance contracts originated by Payments in the state of New York. In connection with such purchases, Payments will be entitled to receive a fee generally equal to a percentage of the amount financed. Following any expiration or termination of the obligation of the purchaser to purchase premium finance contracts, Payments will be entitled to receive the fees for an additional two years with regard to contracts for policies from our producers. Our premium financing business currently consists of the placement fees that Payments will earn from placing contracts. Placement fees earned from placing contracts constituted approximately 0.7% and 1.2% of our revenues from operations during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
The regulatory framework under which our premium finance procedures are established is generally set forth in the premium finance statutes of the state in which we operate.  Among other restrictions, the interest rate that may be charged to the insured for financing their premiums is limited by these state statutes.  See “Government Regulation” below.
 
Government Regulation

Holding Company Regulation
 
We, as the parent of KICO, are subject to the insurance holding company laws of the state of New York. These laws generally require an insurance company to register with the New York State Department of Financial Services (the “Department”) and to furnish annually financial and other information about the operations of companies within our holding company system. Generally under these laws, all material transactions among companies in the holding company system to which KICO is a party must be fair and reasonable and, if material or of a specified category, require prior notice and approval or non-disapproval by the Department.
 
Change of Control
 
The insurance holding company laws of the state of New York require approval by the Department of any change of control of an insurer. “Control” is generally defined as the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the company, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. Control is generally presumed to exist through the direct or indirect ownership of 10% or more of the voting securities of a domestic insurance company or any entity that controls a domestic insurance company.  Any future transactions that would constitute a change of control of KICO, including a change of control of Kingstone Companies, Inc., would generally require the party acquiring control to obtain the approval of the Department (and in any other state in which KICO may operate).  Obtaining these approvals may result in the material delay of, or deter, any such transaction.  These laws may discourage potential acquisition proposals and may delay, deter or prevent a change of control of Kingstone Companies, Inc., including through transactions, and in particular unsolicited transactions, that some or all of our stockholders might consider to be desirable.

 
16

 
 
State Insurance Regulation
 
Insurance companies are subject to regulation and supervision by the department of insurance in the state in which they are domiciled and, to a lesser extent, other states in which they conduct business. The primary purpose of such regulatory powers is to protect individual policyholders. State insurance authorities have broad regulatory, supervisory and administrative powers, including, among other things, the power to grant and revoke licenses to transact business, set the standards of solvency to be met and maintained, determine the nature of, and limitations on, investments and dividends, approve policy forms and rates in some instances and regulate unfair trade and claims practices.
 
KICO is required to file detailed financial statements and other reports with the insurance departments in the states in which KICO is licensed to transact business. These financial statements are subject to periodic examination by the insurance departments.
 
In addition, many states have laws and regulations that limit an insurer’s ability to withdraw from a particular market. For example, states may limit an insurer’s ability to cancel or not renew policies. Furthermore, certain states prohibit an insurer from withdrawing from one or more lines of business written in the state, except pursuant to a plan that is approved by the state insurance department. The state insurance department may disapprove a plan that may lead to market disruption. Laws and regulations, including those in New York, that limit cancellation and non-renewal and that subject program withdrawals to prior approval requirements may restrict the ability of KICO to exit unprofitable markets.
 
In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, the New York State Department of Financial Services (“DFS”) adopted various emergency regulations that affect insurance companies that operate in the state of New York.  Included among the regulations is mandatory participation in non-binding mediation proceedings funded by the insurer. Further, in February 2013, the state of New York announced that the DFS commenced an investigation into the claims practices of three insurance companies, including KICO, in connection with Superstorm Sandy claims.  The DFS stated that the three insurers had a much larger than average consumer complaint rate with regard to Superstorm Sandy claims and indicated that the three insurers were being investigated for (i) failure to send adjusters in a timely manner; (ii) failure to process claims in a timely manner; and (iii) inability of homeowners to contact insurance company representatives.  KICO received a letter from the DFS seeking information and data with regard to the foregoing.  KICO supplied information and data, and is cooperating with the DFS in connection with its investigation. KICO has not received a response from the DFS and believes that such matter will not have any effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Federal and State Legislative and Regulatory Changes
 
From time to time, various regulatory and legislative changes have been proposed in the insurance industry. Among the proposals that have in the past been or at the present being considered are the possible introduction of Federal regulation in addition to, or in lieu of, the current system of state regulation of insurers, and proposals in various state legislatures (some of which proposals have been enacted) to conform portions of their insurance laws and regulations to various model acts adopted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (the “NAIC”).
 
In December 2010, the NAIC adopted amendments to the Model Insurance Holding Company System Regulation Act and Regulation (the “Amended Model Act and Regulation”) to introduce the concept of "enterprise risk" within an insurance company holding system. Enterprise risk is defined as any activity, circumstance, event or series of events involving one or more affiliates of an insurer that, if not remedied promptly, is likely to have a material adverse effect upon the financial condition or the liquidity of the insurer or its insurance holding company system as a whole. If and when adopted by a particular state, the Amended Model Act and Regulation would impose more extensive informational requirements on us in order to protect the licensed insurance companies from enterprise risk, including requiring us to prepare an annual enterprise risk report that identifies the material risks within the insurance company holding system that could pose enterprise risk to the licensed insurer. In addition, the Amended Model Act and Regulation requires any controlling person of a domestic insurer seeking to divest its controlling interest to file a notice of its proposed divestiture, which may be subject to approval by the insurance commissioner.  The Amended Model Act and Regulation must be adopted by the individual states, and specifically states in which we are licensed, for the new requirements to apply to us. The NAIC has made certain sections of the amendments part of its accreditation standards for state solvency regulation, which may motivate more states to adopt the amendments promptly. Additional requirements are also expected. For example, the NAIC has adopted the Risk Management and Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (“ORSA”) Model Act, which, when adopted by the states, will require insurers to perform a risk and solvency assessment and, upon request of a state, file an ORSA Summary Report with the state. The ORSA Summary Report will be required in 2015, subject to the various dates of adoption by states, and will describe our process for assessing our own solvency.
 
 
17

 
 
In 2013, New York, where KICO is domiciled, adopted its version of the Amended Model Act and Regulation.  The statute requires a holding company that directly or indirectly controls an insurer to adopt a formal enterprise risk management function and file an enterprise risk report with the DFS by April 30 of each year commencing in 2014.  The report must identify the material risks within the holding company system that could pose enterprise risk to the insurer.  In addition, any holding company seeking to divest its controlling interest in a domestic insurer is required to file with the DFS a notice of its proposed divestiture at least thirty days prior to cessation of control.
 
On July 21, 2010, the President signed into law the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) that established a Federal Insurance Office (the “FIO”) within the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The FIO is initially charged with monitoring all aspects of the insurance industry (other than health insurance, certain long-term care insurance and crop insurance), gathering data, and conducting a study on methods to modernize and improve the insurance regulatory system in the United States. On December 12, 2013, the FIO issued a report (as required under the Dodd-Frank Act) entitled “How to Modernize and Improve the System of Insurance Regulation in the United States” (the “Report”), which stated that, given the “uneven” progress the states have made with several near-term state reforms, should the states fail to accomplish the necessary modernization reforms in the near term, “Congress should strongly consider direct federal involvement.” The FIO continues to support the current state-based regulatory regime, but will consider federal regulation should the states fail to take steps to greater uniformity (e.g., federal licensing of insurers).
 
State Insurance Department Examinations
 
As part of their regulatory oversight process, state insurance departments conduct periodic detailed examinations of the financial reporting of insurance companies domiciled in their states, generally once every three to five years. Examinations are generally carried out in cooperation with the insurance departments of other states under guidelines promulgated by the NAIC.
 
 
18

 
 
Risk-Based Capital Regulations
 
State insurance departments impose risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements on insurance enterprises. The RBC Model serves as a benchmark for the regulation of insurance companies by state insurance regulators.  RBC provides for targeted surplus levels based on formulas, which specify various weighting factors that are applied to financial balances or various levels of activity based on the perceived degree of risk, and are set forth in the RBC requirements. Such formulas focus on four general types of risk: (a) the risk with respect to the company’s assets (asset or default risk); (b) the risk of default on amounts due from reinsurers, policyholders, or other creditors (credit risk); (c) the risk of underestimating liabilities from business already written or inadequately pricing business to be written in the coming year (underwriting risk); and (d) the risk associated with items such as excessive premium growth, contingent liabilities, and other items not reflected on the balance sheet (off-balance sheet risk). The amount determined under such formulas is called the authorized control level RBC (“ACLC”).
 
The RBC guidelines define specific capital levels based on a company’s ACLC that are determined by the ratio of the company’s total adjusted capital (“TAC”) to its ACLC. TAC is equal to statutory capital, plus or minus certain other specified adjustments. KICO was in compliance with New York’s RBC requirements as of December 31, 2013.
 
Dividend Limitations
 
Our ability to receive dividends from KICO is restricted by the state laws and insurance regulations of New York. These restrictions are related to surplus and net investment income. Dividends are restricted to the lesser of 10% of surplus or 100% of investment income (on a statutory accounting basis) for the trailing four quarters. As of December 31, 2013, the maximum distribution that KICO could pay without prior regulatory approval was approximately $1,191,000, which is based on investment income for the last four quarters.
 
Insurance Regulatory Information System Ratios
 
The Insurance Regulatory Information System, or IRIS, was developed by the NAIC and is intended primarily to assist state insurance departments in executing their statutory mandates to oversee the financial condition of insurance companies operating in their respective states. IRIS identifies thirteen industry ratios and specifies “usual values” for each ratio. Departure from the usual values on four or more of the ratios can lead to inquiries from individual state insurance commissioners as to certain aspects of an insurer’s business.
 
As of December 31, 2013, as a result of its growth and the $15 million contribution of capital we made to KICO, KICO had three ratios outside the usual range due to reliance on quota share reinsurance, investment yield and gross change in surplus.
 
Accounting Principles
 
Statutory accounting principles (“SAP”) are a basis of accounting developed to assist insurance regulators in monitoring and regulating the solvency of insurance companies. SAP is primarily concerned with measuring an insurer’s surplus to policyholders. Accordingly, statutory accounting focuses on valuing assets and liabilities of insurers at financial reporting dates in accordance with appropriate insurance law and regulatory provisions applicable in each insurer’s domiciliary state.
 
 
19

 
 
Generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) is concerned with a company’s solvency, but is also concerned with other financial measurements, principally income and cash flows. Accordingly, GAAP gives more consideration to appropriate matching of revenue and expenses and accounting for management’s stewardship of assets than does SAP. As a direct result, different assets and liabilities and different amounts of assets and liabilities will be reflected in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP as compared to SAP.
 
Statutory accounting practices established by the NAIC and adopted in part by the New York insurance regulators, determine, among other things, the amount of statutory surplus and statutory net income of KICO and thus determine, in part, the amount of funds that are available to pay dividends to Kingstone Companies, Inc.
 
Premium Financing
 
Our premium finance subsidiary, Payments Inc., is regulated in New York by the Department of Financial Services.  The regulations, which generally are designed to protect the interests of policyholders who elect to finance their insurance premiums, involve the following:
 
  
regulating the interest rates, fees and service charges that may be charged;
 
  
imposing minimum capital requirements for our premium finance subsidiary or requiring surety bonds in addition to or as an alternative to such capital requirements;
 
  
governing the form and content of our financing agreements;
 
  
prescribing minimum notice and cure periods before we may cancel a customer’s policy for non-payment under the terms of the financing agreement;
 
  
prescribing timing and notice procedures for collecting unearned premium from the insurance company, applying the unearned premium to our customer’s premium finance account, and, if applicable, returning any refund due to our customer;
 
  
requiring our premium finance company to qualify for and obtain a license and to renew the license each year;
 
  
conducting periodic financial and market conduct examinations and investigations of our premium finance company and its operations;
 
  
requiring prior notice to the regulating agency of any change of control of our premium finance company.
 
Legal Structure
 
We were incorporated in 1961 and assumed the name DCAP Group, Inc. in 1999. On July 1, 2009, we changed our name to Kingstone Companies, Inc.
 
Offices
 
Our principal executive offices are located at 15 Joys Lane, Kingston, New York 12401, and our telephone number is (845) 802-7900. Our insurance underwriting business is located principally at 15 Joys Lane, Kingston, New York 12401. Our website is www.kingstonecompanies.com. Our internet website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated by reference into this Annual Report.
 
 
20

 

Employees
 
As of December 31, 2013, we had 59 employees all of whom are located in New York. None of our employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We believe that our relationship with our employees is good.
 

ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS.
 
Not applicable.  See, however, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Factors That May Affect Future Results and Financial Condition” in Item 7 of this Annual Report.
 
ITEM 1B.    UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 2.      PROPERTIES.
 
Our principal executive offices are currently located at 15 Joys Lane, Kingston, New York.  Our insurance underwriting business is located principally at 15 Joys Lane, Kingston, New York.
 
We own the building from which our insurance underwriting business principally operates, free of mortgage.
 
ITEM 3.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
 
None.
 
ITEM 4.   MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
 
Not applicable.
 
 
21

 
 
PART II
 
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
 
Market Information
 
Our common stock is quoted on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “KINS.”
 
Set forth below are the high and low sales prices for our common stock for the periods indicated, as reported on The NASDAQ Capital Market.
 
   
High
   
Low
 
2013 Calendar Year
           
First Quarter
  $ 5.76     $ 4.69  
Second Quarter
    5.71       5.11  
Third Quarter
    5.35       5.01  
Fourth Quarter
    7.43       4.59  
                 
   
High
   
Low
 
2012 Calendar Year
               
First Quarter
  $ 3.75     $ 2.98  
Second Quarter
    6.13       3.18  
Third Quarter
    6.95       4.51  
Fourth Quarter
    6.24       4.50  

Holders
 
As of March 10, 2014, there were approximately 370 record holders of our common stock.
 
Dividends
 
            Holders of our common stock are entitled to dividends when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available. During 2013, we paid quarterly dividends of $0.04 per share on March 15, 2013, June 14, 2013, September 13, 2013 and December 13, 2013.  During 2012, we paid quarterly dividends of $0.03 per share on March 15, 2012 and June 15, 2012, and $0.04 per share on September 18, 2012 and December 14, 2012.  Future dividend policy will be subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors and will be contingent upon future earnings, if any, our financial condition, capital requirements, general business conditions, and other factors.  Therefore, we can give no assurance that future dividends of any kind will continue to be paid to holders of our common stock.

Our ability to pay dividends depends, in part, upon on the ability of KICO to pay dividends to us. KICO, as an insurance subsidiary is subject to significant regulatory restrictions limiting its ability to declare and pay dividends. See “Business – Government Regulation” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation – Liquidity” in Items 1 and 7, respectively, of this Annual Report.
 

 
22

 
 
We declared dividends on our common stock as follows:
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
 Common stock dividends declared
  $ 533,763     $ 230,303  
 
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
 
None.
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
 The following table set forth certain information with respect to purchases of common stock made by us or any “affiliated purchaser” during the quarter ended December 31, 2013:
 
Period
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
   
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
 
                         
10/1/13 – 10/31/13
    -       -       -       -  
11/1/13 – 11/30/13
    -       -       -       -  
12/1/13 – 12/31/13
    -       -       -       -  
Total
    -       -       -       -  

ITEM 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
 
Overview
 
We offer property and casualty insurance products to small businesses and individuals in New York State through our subsidiary, Kingstone Insurance Company (“KICO”). KICO’s insureds are located primarily in downstate New York, consisting of New York City, Long Island and Westchester County.
 
We derive 99% of our revenue from KICO, which includes revenues from earned premiums, ceding commissions from quota share reinsurance, net investment income generated from its portfolio, and net realized gains and losses on investment securities.  All of KICO’s insurance policies are for a one year period. Earned premiums represent premiums received from insureds, which are recognized as revenue over the period of time that insurance coverage is provided (i.e., ratably over the one year life of the policy). A significant period of time normally elapses between the receipt of insurance premiums and the payment of insurance claims. During this time, KICO invests the premiums, earns investment income and generates net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses on investments.
 
 
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Our expenses include the insurance underwriting expenses of KICO and other operating expenses. Insurance companies incur a significant amount of their total expenses from losses incurred by policyholders, which are commonly referred to as claims. In settling these claims for losses, various loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) are incurred such as insurance adjusters’ fees and litigation expenses. In addition, insurance companies incur policy acquisition costs. Policy acquisition costs include commissions paid to producers, premium taxes, and other expenses related to the underwriting process, including employees’ compensation and benefits.
 
Other operating expenses include our corporate expenses as a holding company. These expenses include legal and auditing fees, occupancy costs related to our former corporate office, which was closed in May 2013, executive employment costs, and other costs directly associated with being a public company.
 
Principal Revenue and Expense Items
 
Net premiums earned.  Net premiums earned is the earned portion of our written premiums, less that portion of premium that is ceded to third party reinsurers under reinsurance agreements. The amount ceded under these reinsurance agreements is based on a contractual formula contained in the individual reinsurance agreement. Insurance premiums are earned on a pro rata basis over the term of the policy. At the end of each reporting period, premiums written that are not earned are classified as unearned premiums and are earned in subsequent periods over the remaining term of the policy. Our insurance policies have a term of one year. Accordingly, for a one-year policy written on July 1, 2012, we would earn half of the premiums in 2012 and the other half in 2013.
 
Ceding commission revenue.  Commissions on reinsurance premiums ceded are earned in a manner consistent with the recognition of the direct acquisition costs of the underlying insurance policies, generally on a pro-rata basis over the terms of the policies reinsured.
 
Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) on investments.  We invest our statutory surplus funds and the funds supporting our insurance liabilities primarily in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, fixed maturity and equity securities. Our net investment income includes interest and dividends earned on our invested assets, less investment expenses. Net realized gains and losses on our investments are reported separately from our net investment income. Net realized gains occur when our investment securities are sold for more than their costs or amortized costs, as applicable. Net realized losses occur when our investment securities are sold for less than their costs or amortized costs, as applicable, or are written down as a result of other-than-temporary impairment. We classify equity securities as available-for-sale and our fixed maturity securities as either available-for-sale or held-to-maturity. Net unrealized gains (losses) on those securities classified as available-for-sale are reported separately within accumulated other comprehensive income on our balance sheet.
 
Other income.  We recognize installment fee income and fees charged to reinstate a policy after it has been cancelled for non-payment. We also recognize premium finance fee income on loans financed by a third party finance company.
 
Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred.  Loss and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) incurred represent our largest expense item, and for any given reporting period, include estimates of future claim payments, changes in those estimates from prior reporting periods and costs associated with investigating, defending and servicing claims. These expenses fluctuate based on the amount and types of risks we insure. We record loss and LAE related to estimates of future claim payments based on case-by-case valuations, statistical analyses and actuarial procedures. We seek to establish all reserves at the most likely ultimate liability based on our historical claims experience. It is typical for certain claims to take several years to settle and we revise our estimates as we receive additional information from the claimants. Our ability to estimate loss and LAE accurately at the time of pricing our insurance policies is a critical factor in our profitability.
 
 
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Commission expenses and other underwriting expenses.  Other underwriting expenses include acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses. Policy acquisition costs represent the costs of originating new insurance policies that vary with, and are primarily related to, the production of insurance policies (principally commissions, premium taxes and certain underwriting salaries). Policy acquisition costs are deferred and recognized as expense as the related premiums are earned. Other underwriting expenses represent general and administrative expenses of our insurance business and are comprised of other costs associated with our insurance activities such as regulatory fees, telecommunication and technology costs, occupancy costs, employment costs, and legal and auditing fees.
 
Other operating expenses.  Other operating expenses include the corporate expenses of our holding company, Kingstone Companies, Inc. These expenses include executive employment costs, legal and auditing fees, occupancy costs related to our former corporate office, which was closed in May 2013, and other costs directly associated with being a public company.
 
Non-cash equity compensation. Non-cash equity compensation includes the fair value of stock grants issued to our directors, officers and employees, and amortization of stock options issued to the same.
 

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization includes the amortization of intangibles related to the acquisition of KICO, depreciation of the real estate used in KICO’s operations, as well as depreciation of office equipment and furniture.
 
Interest expense.  Interest expense represents amounts we incurred on our former indebtedness at the then-applicable interest rates.
 
Income tax expense.  We incur federal income tax expense on our consolidated operations as well as state income tax expense for our non-insurance underwriting subsidiaries.
 
Product Lines
 
Our product lines include the following:
 
Personal lines. Our largest line of business is personal lines, consisting of homeowners, dwelling fire, 3-4 family dwelling package, condominium, renters, mechanical breakdown, service line and personal umbrella policies.
 
Commercial liability. We offer business owners policies which consist primarily of small business retail risks without a residential exposure. We also write artisan’s liability policies and special multi-peril property and liability policies.
 
Commercial automobile. We provide physical damage and liability coverage for light vehicles owned by small contractors and artisans.
 
Livery physical damage and other. We write for-hire vehicle physical damage only policies for livery and car service vehicles and taxicabs as well as canine legal liability policies.
 
 
25

 
 
Key Measures
 
We utilize the following key measures in analyzing the results of our insurance underwriting business:
 
Net loss ratio. The net loss ratio is a measure of the underwriting profitability of an insurance company’s business.  Expressed as a percentage, this is the ratio of net losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) incurred to net premiums earned.
 
Net underwriting expense ratio.  The net underwriting expense ratio is a measure of an insurance company’s operational efficiency in administering its business. Expressed as a percentage, this is the ratio of the sum of acquisition costs (the most significant being commissions paid to our producers) and other underwriting expenses less ceding commission revenue less other income to net premiums earned.
 
Net combined ratio.  The net combined ratio is a measure of an insurance company’s overall underwriting profit. This is the sum of the net loss and net underwriting expense ratios. If the net combined ratio is at or above 100 percent, an insurance company cannot be profitable without investment income, and may not be profitable if investment income is insufficient.
 
Underwriting income. Underwriting income is net pre-tax income attributable to our insurance underwriting business except for net investment income, net realized gains from investments, and depreciation and amortization (net premiums earned less expenses included in combined ratio). Underwriting income is a measure of an insurance company’s overall operating profitability before items such as investment income, depreciation and amortization, interest expense and income taxes.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
Our 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 (Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements following Item 15 of this Annual Report.
 
 
26

 
 
Consolidated Results of Operations
 
The following table summarizes the changes in the results of our operations (in thousands) for the periods indicated:
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
Change
   
Percent
 
 Revenues
                       
 Direct written premiums
  $ 60,449     $ 49,252     $ 11,197       22.7 %
 Assumed written premiums
    46       22       24       109.1 %
      60,495       49,274       11,221       22.8 %
 Ceded written premiums
                               
 Ceded to quota share treaties
    33,614       27,285       6,329       23.2 %
 Ceded to excess of loss treaties
    540       962       (422 )     (43.9 ) %
 Ceded to catastrophe treaties
    1,006       1,391       (385 )     (27.7 ) %
 Catastrophe reinstatement (1)
    496       77       419       544.2 %
 Total ceded written premiums
    35,656       29,715       5,941       20.0 %
                                 
 Net written premiums
    24,839       19,559       5,280       27.0 %
 Change in net unearned premiums
    (2,614 )     (2,342 )     (272 )     11.6 %
 Net premiums earned
    22,225       17,217       5,008       29.1 %
                                 
 Ceding commission revenue
                               
 Excluding the effect of catastrophes
    13,520       11,609       1,911       16.5 %
 Effect of catastrophes (1)
    (1,847 )     (1,919 )     72       (3.8 ) %
 Total ceding commission revenue
    11,673       9,690       1,983       20.5 %
 Net investment income
    1,170       1,015       155       15.3 %
 Net realized gain on investments
    576       288       288       100.0 %
 Other income
    922       868       54       6.2 %
 Total revenues
    36,566       29,078       7,488       25.8 %
                                 
 Expenses
                               
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses
                               
 Direct and assumed:
                               
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes
    30,529       19,371       11,158       57.6 %
 Losses from catastrophes (1)
    225       13,261       (13,036 )     (98.3 ) %
 Total direct and assumed loss and loss adjustment expenses
    30,754       32,632       (1,878 )     (5.8 ) %
                                 
 Ceded loss and loss adjustment expenses:
                               
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes
    16,978       9,279       7,699       83.0 %
 Losses from catastrophes (1)
    189       12,118       (11,929 )     (98.4 ) %
 Total ceded loss and loss adjustment expenses
    17,167       21,397       (4,230 )     (19.8 ) %
                                 
 Net loss and loss adjustment expenses:
                               
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses excluding the effect of catastrophes
    13,551       10,092       3,459       34.3 %
 Losses from catastrophes (1)
    36       1,143       (1,107 )     (96.9 ) %
 Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
    13,587       11,235       2,352       20.9 %
                                 
 Commission expense
    9,363       7,246       2,117       29.2 %
 Other underwriting expenses
    9,019       7,849       1,170       14.9 %
 Other operating expenses
    1,099       1,000       99       9.9 %
 Depreciation and amortization
    646       596       50       8.4 %
 Interest expense
    76       82       (6 )     (7.3 ) %
 Total expenses
    33,790       28,008       5,782       20.6 %
                                 
 Income from operations before taxes
    2,776       1,070       1,706       159.4 %
 Provision for income tax
    764       303       461       152.1 %
 Net income
  $ 2,012     $ 767     $ 1,245       162.3 %
 
 
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(1) For the year ended December 31, 2013, includes the effects of Superstorm Sandy (which we define as a catastrophe), which occurred on October 29, 2012. For the year ended December 31, 2012, includes the effects of Superstorm Sandy and Tropical Storm Irene (which we define as a catastrophe), which occurred between August 27, 2011 and August 29, 2011. 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.
 
Direct written premiums during the year ended December 31, 2013 (“2013”) were $60,449,000 compared to $49,252,000 during the year ended December 31, 2012 (“2012”). The increase of $11,197,000, or 22.7%, was primarily due to an increase in policies in-force during 2013 as compared to 2012. We wrote more policies as a result of an increase in demand for our products in the markets that we serve. Policies in-force increased by 21.1% as of December 31, 2013 compared to December 31, 2012. In addition to the increase of policies in-force, we are also writing more policies, which have higher premiums. Our increase in policies in-force as of December 31, 2013 compared to December 31, 2012 resulting from the increased demand for our products in the markets that we serve was partially offset by New York State regulations enacted to protect victims of Superstorm Sandy, which prohibited us from cancelling policies or non-renewing existing policies beginning in the fourth quarter of 2012 and extending through various dates during the quarter ended March 31, 2013 (the “Moratorium Period”). These regulations delayed cancellations and increased the amount of direct written premiums during the Moratorium Period in the fourth quarter of 2012. After the expiration of the Moratorium Period in 2013, the additional cancellations and non-renewal of existing policies reduced our growth rate in 2013.
 
Net written premiums increased $5,280,000, or 27.0%, to $24,839,000 in 2013 from $19,559,000 in 2012. Net written premiums include direct and assumed premiums, less the amount of written premiums ceded under our reinsurance treaties (quota share, excess of loss and catastrophe). As we increase our written premiums in personal and commercial lines of business, which are both subject to quota share treaties, our written premiums ceded under quota share treaties will increase, which will result in a corresponding reduction to net written premiums. A reduction to the quota share percentage will reduce our ceded written premiums, which will result in a corresponding increase to our net written premiums. Effective July 1, 2013, we decreased the quota share percentage in our commercial lines (excluding commercial auto) quota share treaty from 40% to 25% and effective July 1, 2012, we decreased the quota share percentage in our commercial lines (excluding commercial auto) quota share treaty from 60% to 40%.
 
Most of the premiums written under our personal lines are also subject to our catastrophe treaty. An increase in our personal lines business gives rise to more property exposure, which increases our exposure to catastrophe risk; therefore our premiums for catastrophe insurance will increase. This results in an increase in premiums ceded under our catastrophe treaty, resulting in a decrease in net written premiums. Effective July 1, 2013, following the expiration of our catastrophe treaty on June 30, 2013, we reconciled the premiums expensed to the actual amounts earned for the treaty year. This resulted in a reduction of $444,000 to premiums ceded to our catastrophe treaty and the recognition of such amount in the third quarter as an addition to net premiums earned. Due to the increase in our property exposure and the resulting increase in premiums for catastrophe insurance discussed above, effective December 31, 2013, we began to record unearned catastrophe premiums. This resulted in a reduction of $618,000 to premiums ceded to our catastrophe treaty and the recognition of such amount as an addition to net premiums earned. In 2013 we incurred reinstatement premiums for catastrophe coverage as a result of Superstorm Sandy.
 
An increase in written premiums will also increase the premiums ceded under our excess of loss treaties, which will result in a corresponding decrease to our net written premiums. Effective July 1, 2013, following the expiration of our excess of loss treaties on June 30, 2013, we reconciled the premiums expensed to the actual amounts earned for the treaty year. This resulted in a reduction of $138,000 to premiums ceded to our excess of loss treaty and the recognition of such amount in the third quarter as an addition to net premiums earned. Due to the increase in written premiums and the resulting increase in premiums ceded under our excess of loss treaties discussed above, effective December 31, 2013, we began to record unearned excess of loss premiums. This resulted in a reduction of $206,000 to premiums ceded to our excess of loss treaty and the recognition of such amount in the fourth quarter as an addition to net premiums earned.
 
 
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Net premiums earned increased $5,008,000, or 29.1%, to $22,225,000 in 2013 from $17,217,000 in 2012. 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 December 31, 2013 compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2012. The increase in net premiums earned was also due to the effects of the catastrophe and excess of loss ceded premium reconciliations along with the change in estimates in the recording of unearned catastrophe and excess of loss premiums as discussed above.
 
The following table summarizes the changes in the components of ceding commission revenue (in thousands) for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years ended December 31,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
Change
   
Percent
 
                         
 Provisional ceding commissions earned
  $ 11,007     $ 8,516     $ 2,491       29.3 %
                                 
 Contingent ceding commissions earned
                               
 Contingent ceding commissions earned excluding
                               
 the effect of catastrophes
    2,513       3,093       (580 )     (18.8 ) %
 Effect of catastrophes on ceding commisions earned
    (1,847 )     (1,919 )     72       (3.8 ) %
 Contingent ceding commissions earned
    666       1,174       (508 )     (43.3 ) %
                                 
 Total ceding commission revenue
  $ 11,673     $ 9,690     $ 1,983       20.5 %
 
Ceding commission revenue was $11,673,000 in 2013 compared to $9,690,000 in 2012. The increase of $1,983,000, or 20.5%, was due to an increase in provisional ceding commissions earned, partially offset by a decrease in contingent ceding commissions earned. We receive a provisional ceding commission based on ceded written premiums and a contingent ceding commission based on a sliding scale in relation to the losses incurred under our quota share treaties. The lower the loss ratio, the more contingent commission we receive. The amount of contingent commissions we are eligible to receive is reduced by the amount of provisional commissions previously received.  Effective July 1, 2013, our provisional ceding commission rate increased, which reduced the amount contingent ceding commissions we can ultimately receive.
 
The $2,491,000 increase in provisional ceding commissions earned is due to: (1) a net increase in the amount of premiums ceded and (2) an increase in our provisional ceding commission rate effective July 1, 2013. The increases in provisional ceding commissions earned were offset by a decrease in our commercial lines quota share percentage effective July 1, 2013. The term of our previous personal lines reinsurance quota share treaty covered the period from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013 (“2012/2013 Treaty”). Our ceded written premiums in 2013 under the 2012/2013 Treaty totaled $13,699,000, and our provisional ceding commission was $4,818,000. The treaty also provided for contingent ceding commissions based on a sliding scale whereby we were entitled to receive between 31% - 52% of the ceded earned premiums; the lower the ceded loss ratio, the higher the percentage we were entitled to receive. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the computation to arrive at contingent ceding commission revenue under the 2012/2013 Treaty includes direct catastrophe losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred from Superstorm Sandy on October 29, 2012. Such losses increased our ceded loss ratio in our 2012/2013 Treaty, which reduced our contingent ceding commission revenue in accordance with the sliding scale discussed above for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 by $1,847,000 and $1,919,000, respectively. The $508,000 decrease in contingent ceding commissions earned is due to: (1) the increase in our provisional ceding commission rate effective July 1, 2013, with the greater provisional ceding commission rate resulting in less contingent commissions that we can ultimately receive, as discussed above, and (2) an increase in losses and LAE incurred under our prior years quota share reinsurance treaties, which resulted in a reduction of contingent commissions previously earned.
 
 
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Net investment income was $1,170,000 in 2013 compared to $1,015,000 in 2012. The increase of $155,000, or 15.3%, was due to an increase in average invested assets in 2013 as compared to 2012 and an increased allocation to preferred shares, which generally carry a higher yield than debt, and receive advantageous tax treatment as compared to debt instruments from the same issuer. The increase in cash and invested assets resulted primarily from increased operating cash flows. The net proceeds of $18,804,000 that we received on December 13, 2013 from our public offering was too late in the year to have a material effect on our investment income. The tax equivalent investment yield, excluding cash, was 5.28% and 5.14% at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses were $13,587,000 in 2013 compared to $11,235,000 in 2012. The net loss ratio was 61.1% in 2013 compared to 65.3% in 2012, a decrease of 4.2 percentage points. The decrease of 4.2 percentage points in our net loss ratio for 2013 as compared to 2012 is driven by catastrophe and excess of loss ceded premium reconciliations that increased our net earned premiums as discussed above, and by a decrease in the current accident year loss ratios for our personal lines of business. The decreases were offset by increases in loss and LAE reserves required for prior accident years. This was driven primarily by increases in required LAE reserves resulting from a shift in mix of claims toward longer-tailed commercial lines business which carries a higher LAE component than short-tailed personal lines business.  In addition, prior year loss reserves were strengthened for commercial auto business as a result of re-estimation of ultimate claim liabilities for that line of business.  The calendar year loss ratio was also impacted by the effect of catastrophe reinstatement premiums related to Superstorm Sandy that reduced 2013 calendar year net earned premiums.
 
Commission expense was $9,363,000 in 2013 or 17.3% of direct earned premiums. Commission expense was $7,246,000 in 2012 or 16.3% of direct earned premiums. The increase of $2,117,000, or 29.2%, is due to the increase in direct written premiums in 2013 as compared to 2012 and an increase in contingent commissions as a result of the decrease in our direct loss ratios.
 
Other underwriting expenses were $9,019,000 in 2013 compared to $7,849,000 in 2012. The increase of $1,170,000, or 14.9%, in other underwriting expenses was primarily due to expenses directly related to the increase in direct written premiums and additional salaries due to: (1) expenses directly related to the increase in direct written premiums, (2) profit sharing compensation due to higher profitability in 2013 compared to 2012, and (3) additional salaries along with related other employment costs due to the hiring of additional staff needed to service our growth in written premiums and rate increases in annual salaries. Other underwriting expenses as a percentage of direct written premiums was 14.9% in 2013 and 15.9% in 2012.
 
Other operating expenses, related to the expenses of our holding company, were $1,099,000 in 2013 compared to $1,000,000 in 2012. The increase in 2013 of $99,000, or 9.9%, was primarily due to higher executive bonuses in 2013.
 
 
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Interest expense was $76,000 in 2013 compared to $82,000 in 2012. The $6,000 decrease in interest expense, or 7.3%, was due to the $747,000 redemption of outstanding notes and $210,000 repayment of the outstanding balance on our credit line from the proceeds of our public offering in December 2013.
 
Depreciation and amortization was $646,000 in 2013 compared to $596,000 in 2012. The increase of $50,000, or 8.4%, in depreciation and amortization was primarily due to depreciation on newly purchased assets used to upgrade our systems infrastructure.
 
Income tax expense in 2013 was $764,000, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 27.5%. Income tax expense in 2012 was $303,000, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 28.3%. Income before taxes was $2,776,000 in 2013 compared to $1,070,000 in 2012. The decrease in the effective tax rate of .8% in 2013 is a result of net changes in permanent differences, tax true-ups and the state net operating loss valuation allowance.
 
Net income was $2,012,000 in 2013 compared to $767,000 in 2012. The increase in net income of $1,245,000, or 162.3% was due to the circumstances described above that caused the increase in our net premiums earned and provisional ceding commissions and decrease in our net loss ratio, offset by decreases in our contingent ceding commission revenues, and increases in other commission expense and underwriting expenses related to premium growth.
 
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Additional Financial Information
 
We operate our business as one segment, property and casualty insurance. Within this segment, we offer a wide array of property and casualty policies to our producers. The following table summarizes gross and net premiums written, net premiums earned, and loss and loss adjustment expenses by major product type, which were determined based primarily on similar economic characteristics and risks of loss.
 
   
Year Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
             
 Gross premiums written:
           
 Personal lines
  $ 43,668,704     $ 33,777,692  
 Commercial lines
    9,128,898       8,002,800  
 Commercial auto
    4,838,894       5,690,828  
 Livery physical damage and other(1)
    2,858,327       1,804,277  
 Total
  $ 60,494,823     $ 49,275,597  
                 
 Net premiums written:
               
 Personal lines
  $ 10,723,294     $ 8,005,156  
 Commercial lines
    6,599,379       4,485,816  
 Commercial auto
    4,752,169       5,368,967  
 Livery physical damage and other(1)
    2,763,921       1,699,687  
 Total
  $ 24,838,763     $ 19,559,626  
                 
 Net premiums earned:
               
 Personal lines
  $ 9,112,104     $ 6,880,422  
 Commercial lines
    5,661,318       3,067,226  
 Commercial auto
    5,203,433       5,646,860  
 Livery physical damage and other(1)
    2,248,312       1,622,103  
 Total
  $ 22,225,167     $ 17,216,611  
                 
 Net loss and loss adjustment expenses:
               
 Personal lines
  $ 4,117,696     $ 3,343,322  
 Commercial lines
    1,586,786       1,232,750  
 Commercial auto
    5,776,363       5,163,171  
 Livery physical damage and other(1)
    1,200,454       816,431  
 Unallocated loss adjustment expenses
    905,234       679,039  
 Total
  $ 13,586,533     $ 11,234,713  
                 
Net loss ratio:
               
Personal lines
    45.2 %     48.6 %
Commercial lines
    28.0 %     40.2 %
Commercial auto
    111.0 %     91.4 %
Livery physical damage and other(1)
    53.4 %     50.3 %
Total
    61.1 %     65.3 %
 
(1)
Livery physical damage and other includes, among other things, premiums and loss and loss adjustment expenses from our participation in a mandatory state joint underwriting association. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we incurred net loss recoveries of $61,000 from Superstorm Sandy with respect to the joint underwriting association. Excluding the effects of Superstorm Sandy with respect to the joint underwriting association, the net loss ratio for livery physical damage and other would have been 56.1% for the year ended December 31, 2013.
 
 
 
32

 
  
We have recently made changes to our commercial automobile line of business to improve underwriting performance. We are reducing the volume of commercial automobile business that we write through certain producers that have generated higher loss ratios. Minimum coverage levels have also been increased and proof of private passenger coverage is now required for all commercial automobile policies. We expect that underwriting profitability will improve as a result of these actions.
 
  Insurance Underwriting Business on a Standalone Basis
 
Our insurance underwriting business reported on a standalone basis for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 follows:
 
   
Year ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
             
 Revenues
           
 Net premiums earned
  $ 22,225,167     $ 17,216,611  
 Ceding commission revenue
    11,673,103       9,690,155  
 Net investment income
    1,170,051       1,015,156  
 Net realized gain on investments
    575,792       288,068  
 Other income
    592,865       476,661  
 Total revenues
    36,236,978       28,686,651  
                 
 Expenses
               
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses
    13,586,533       11,234,713  
 Commission expense
    9,362,793       7,246,245  
 Other underwriting expenses
    9,018,685       7,848,869  
 Depreciation and amortization
    643,096       595,189  
 Total expenses
    32,611,107       26,925,016  
                 
 Income from operations
    3,625,871       1,761,635  
 Income tax expense
    1,075,475       495,278  
 Net income
  $ 2,550,396     $ 1,266,357  
                 
 Key Measures:
               
 Net loss ratio
    61.1 %     65.3 %
 Net underwriting expense ratio
    27.5 %     28.6 %
 Net combined ratio
    88.6 %     93.9 %
                 
Reconciliation of net underwriting expense ratio:
         
 Acquisition costs and other
               
 underwriting expenses
  $ 18,381,478     $ 15,095,114  
 Less: Ceding commission revenue
    (11,673,103 )     (9,690,155 )
 Less: Other income
    (592,865 )     (476,661 )
   
  $ 6,115,510     $ 4,928,298  
                 
 Net earned premium
  $ 22,225,167     $ 17,216,611  
                 
 Net Underwriting Expense Ratio
    27.5 %     28.6 %
 
 
 
33

 
 
An analysis of our direct, assumed and ceded earned premiums, loss and loss adjustment expenses, and loss ratios is shown below:
 
   
Direct
   
Assumed
   
Ceded
   
Net
 
                         
Year ended December 31, 2013
                       
 Written premiums
  $ 60,449,077     $ 45,746     $ (35,656,060 )   $ 24,838,763  
 Unearned premiums
    (6,341,750 )     18,499       3,709,655       (2,613,596 )
 Earned premiums
  $ 54,107,327     $ 64,245     $ (31,946,405 )   $ 22,225,167  
                                 
Loss and loss adjustment expenses exluding
                         
 the effect of catastrophes
  $ 30,471,599     $ 57,017     $ (16,978,316 )   $ 13,550,300  
 Catastrophe loss
    225,324       -       (189,091 )     36,233  
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 30,696,923     $ 57,017     $ (17,167,407 )   $ 13,586,533  
                                 
 Loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes
    56.3 %     88.7 %     53.1 %     61.0 %
 Catastrophe loss
    0.4 %     0.0 %     0.6 %     0.1 %
 Loss ratio
    56.7 %     88.7 %     53.7 %     61.1 %
                                 
Year ended December 31, 2012
                               
 Written premiums
  $ 49,251,630     $ 23,967     $ (29,715,971 )   $ 19,559,626  
 Unearned premiums
    (4,724,193 )     (5,010 )     2,386,188       (2,343,015 )
 Earned premiums
  $ 44,527,437     $ 18,957     $ (27,329,783 )   $ 17,216,611  
                                 
Loss and loss adjustment expenses exluding
                         
 the effect of catastrophes
  $ 19,339,488     $ 31,029     $ (9,278,826 )   $ 10,091,691  
 Catastrophe loss
    13,260,964       -       (12,117,942 )     1,143,022  
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 32,600,452     $ 31,029     $ (21,396,768 )   $ 11,234,713  
                                 
 Loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes
    43.4 %     163.7 %     34.0 %     58.6 %
 Catastrophe loss
    29.8 %     0.0 %     44.3 %     6.7 %
 Loss ratio
    73.2 %     163.7 %     78.3 %     65.3 %
 
 
 
34

 
 
The key measures for our insurance underwriting business for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
 
   
Years ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
             
 Net premiums earned
  $ 22,225,167     $ 17,216,611  
 Ceding commission revenue (1)
    11,673,103       9,690,155  
 Other income
    592,865       476,661  
                 
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses (2)
    13,586,533       11,234,713  
                 
 Acquistion costs and other underwriting expenses:
               
 Commission expense
    9,362,793       7,246,245  
 Other underwriting expenses
    9,018,685       7,848,870  
 Total acquistion costs and other
               
 underwriting expenses
    18,381,478       15,095,115  
                 
 Underwriting income
  $ 2,523,124     $ 1,053,599  
                 
 Key Measures:
               
 Net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes
    61.0 %     58.6 %
 Effect of catastrophe loss on loss ratio (2)
    0.1 %     6.7 %
 Net loss ratio
    61.1 %     65.3 %
                 
 Net underwriting expense ratio excluding the
               
 effect of catastrophes
    19.2 %     17.5 %
 Effect of catastrophe loss on net underwriting
               
 expense ratio (1) (2)
    8.3 %     11.1 %
 Net underwriting expense ratio
    27.5 %     28.6 %
                 
 Net combined ratio excluding the effect
               
 of catastrophes
    80.2 %     76.1 %
 Effect of catastrophe loss on net combined
               
 ratio (1) (2)
    8.4 %     17.8 %
 Net combined ratio
    88.6 %     93.9 %
                 
 Reconciliation of net underwriting expense ratio:
               
 Acquisition costs and other
               
 underwriting expenses
  $ 18,381,478     $ 15,095,115  
 Less: Ceding commission revenue (1)
    (11,673,103 )     (9,690,155 )
 Less: Other income
    (592,865 )     (476,661 )
   
  $ 6,115,510     $ 4,928,299  
 
(1) The effect of Superstorm Sandy, which occurred on October 29, 2012, reduced contingent ceding commission revenue by $1,846,882 and $1,918,871 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
(2) Includes the sum of net catastrophe losses and loss adjustment expenses of $36,233 and $1,143,022 resulting from Superstorm Sandy for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
 
35

 
 
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 December 31, 2013 and 2012:

Available for Sale Securities
 
   
December 31, 2013
 
                                     
  
 
Cost or
   
Gross
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
   
Aggregate
   
% of
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Less than 12
   
More than 12
   
Fair
   
Fair
 
 Category
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Months
   
Months
   
Value
   
Value
 
                                     
 Political subdivisions of States,
                                   
 Territories and Possessions
  $ 7,000,222     $ 162,617     $ (49,491 )   $ (45,140 )   $ 7,068,207       20.1 %
                                                 
 Corporate and other bonds
                                               
 Industrial and miscellaneous
    21,079,680       569,138       (179,810 )     (101,194 )     21,367,815       60.6 %
 Total fixed-maturity securities
    28,079,902       731,755       (229,301 )     (146,334 )     28,436,022       80.7 %
 Equity Securities
    6,690,338       473,109       (290,310 )     (76,464 )     6,796,673       19.3 %
 Total
  $ 34,770,240     $ 1,204,864     $ (519,611 )   $ (222,798 )   $ 35,232,695       100.0 %
                                                 
   
December 31, 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
 
                                                 
 Political subdivisions of States,
                                               
 Territories and Possessions
  $ 5,219,092     $ 257,298     $ (1,574 )   $ -     $ 5,474,816       17.4 %
                                                 
 Corporate and other bonds
                                               
 Industrial and miscellaneous
    19,628,005       1,123,392       (43,553 )     (722 )     20,707,122       65.8 %
 Total fixed-maturity securities
    24,847,097       1,380,690       (45,127 )     (722 )     26,181,938       83.2 %
 Equity Securities
    5,073,977       373,294       (157,029 )     -       5,290,242       16.8 %
 Total
  $ 29,921,074     $ 1,753,984     $ (202,156 )   $ (722 )   $ 31,472,180       100.0 %
 
 
 
36

 
 
Held to Maturity Securities
 
   
December 31, 2013
 
                                     
                                     
  
 
Cost or
   
Gross
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
         
% of
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Less than 12
   
More than 12
   
Fair
   
Fair
 
 Category
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Months
   
Months
   
Value
   
Value
 
       
 U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 606,138     $ 46,915     $ -     $ -     $ 653,053       26.9 %
                                                 
 Political subdivisions of States,
                                               
 Territories and Possessions
    208,697       -       (25,359 )     -       183,338       7.6 %
                                                 
 Corporate and other bonds
                                               
 Industrial and miscellaneous
    1,584,647       4,223       -       -       1,588,870       65.5 %
                                                 
 Total
  $ 2,399,482     $ 51,138     $ (25,359 )   $ -     $ 2,425,261       100.0 %
                                                 
   
December 31, 2012
 
                                                 
  
 
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
  $ 606,281     $ 172,745     $ -     $ -     $ 779,026       100.0 %
                                                 
 
U.S. Treasury securities included in held to maturity securities are held in trust pursuant to the New York State Department of Financial Services’ minimum funds requirement.

A summary of the amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s investments in held-to-maturity securities by contractual maturity as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is shown below:
 
   
December 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
   
Amortized
         
Amortized
       
 Remaining Time to Maturity
 
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                         
 Less than one year
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
 One to five years
    -       -       -       -  
 Five to ten years
    1,793,344       1,772,208       -       -  
 More than 10 years
    606,138       653,053       606,281       779,026  
 Total
  $ 2,399,482     $ 2,425,261     $ 606,281     $ 779,026  
 
 
 
37

 
 
Credit Rating of Fixed-Maturity Securities
 
The table below summarizes the credit quality of our available for sale fixed-maturity securities as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 as rated by Standard and Poor’s (or, if unavailable from Standard and Poor’s, then Moody’s or Fitch):
 
     
December 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
           
Percentage of
         
Percentage of
 
     
Fair Market
   
Fair Market
   
Fair Market
   
Fair Market
 
     
Value
   
Value
   
Value
   
Value
 
                           
Rating
                         
U.S. Treasury securities
    $ -       0.0 %   $ -       0.0 %
AAA
      2,075,010       7.3 %     2,226,603       8.5 %
AA
      4,566,384       16.1 %     4,088,304       15.6 %
A         7,680,343       27.0 %     6,963,380       26.6 %
BBB
      14,114,285       49.6 %     12,903,651       49.3 %
Total
    $ 28,436,022       100.0 %   $ 26,181,938       100.0 %
 
       The table below summarizes the average maturity by type of fixed-maturity security as well as detailing the average yield as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
 
 
    December 31, 2013     December 31, 2012  
 Category  
Average
Yield%
   
Weighted
Average
Maturity in Years
   
Average
Yield %
   
Weighted
Average
Maturity in Years
 
 U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies     3.98 %     26.8       3.33 %     27.8  
 Political subdivisions of States, Territories and Possessions     4.34 %     7.3       4.06 %     6.1  
 Corporate and other bonds Industrial and miscellaneous     4.69 %     6.9       4.74 %     7.3  
 
Fair Value Consideration
 
As disclosed in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, with respect to “Fair Value Measurements,” we define fair value under GAAP guidance as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in a transaction involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities between market participants (an “exit price”). This GAAP guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between inputs based on market data from independent sources (“observable inputs”) and a reporting entity’s internal assumptions based upon the best information available when external market data is limited or unavailable (“unobservable inputs”). The fair value hierarchy in GAAP prioritizes fair value measurements into three levels based on the nature of the inputs. Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets have the highest priority (“Level 1”), followed by observable inputs other than quoted prices including prices for similar but not identical assets or liabilities (“Level 2”), and unobservable inputs, including the reporting entity’s estimates of the assumption that market participants would use, having the lowest priority (“Level 3”). As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, 78% and 54%, respectively, of the investment portfolio recorded at fair value was priced based upon quoted market prices.
 
 
38

 
 
As more fully described in Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, “Investments—Impairment Review,” we completed a detailed review of all our securities in a continuous loss position as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and concluded that the unrealized losses in these asset classes are temporary in nature and the result of a decrease in value due to technical spread widening and broader market sentiment, rather than fundamental collateral deterioration.
 
The table below summarizes the gross unrealized losses of our fixed-maturity securities available-for-sale and equity securities by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
 
   
December 31, 2013
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
   
Total
 
  
             
No. of
               
No. of
   
Aggregate
       
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Positions
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Positions
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
 Category
 
Value
   
Losses
   
Held
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Held
   
Value
   
Losses
 
                                                 
Fixed-Maturity Securities:
                                           
                                                 
Political subdivisions of
                                           
 States, Territories and
                                               
 Possessions
  $ 2,015,437     $ (49,491 )     6     $ 415,866     $ (45,140 )     2     $ 2,431,303     $ (94,631 )
                                                                 
 Corporate and other
                                                               
 bonds industrial and
                                                               
 miscellaneous
    6,447,605       (179,810 )     24       1,430,377       (101,194 )     5       7,877,982       (281,004 )
                                                                 
 Total fixed-maturity
                                                               
 securities
  $ 8,463,042     $ (229,301 )     30     $ 1,846,243     $ (146,334 )     7     $ 10,309,285     $ (375,635 )
                                                                 
 Equity Securities:
                                                               
 Preferred stocks
  $ 1,835,958     $ (251,525 )     8     $ 444,100     $ (62,551 )     2     $ 2,280,058     $ (314,076 )
 Common stocks
    879,525       (38,785 )     4       145,625       (13,913 )     1       1,025,150       (52,698 )
                                                                 
 Total equity securities
  $ 2,715,483     $ (290,310 )     12     $ 589,725     $ (76,464 )     3     $ 3,305,208     $ (366,774 )
                                                                 
 Total
  $ 11,178,525     $ (519,611 )     42     $ 2,435,968     $ (222,798 )     10     $ 13,614,493     $ (742,409 )
 
 
 
39

 
 
   
December 31, 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
 
                                                 
Fixed-Maturity Securities:
                                           
Political subdivisions of
                                           
 States, Territories and
                                               
 Possessions
  $ 202,798     $ (1,574 )     1     $ -     $ -       -     $ 202,798     $ (1,574 )
                                                                 
 Corporate and other
                                                               
 bonds industrial and
                                                               
 miscellaneous
    4,025,551       (43,553 )     19       128,125       (722 )     1       4,153,676       (44,275 )
                                                                 
 Total fixed-maturity
                                                               
 securities
  $ 4,228,349     $ (45,127 )     20     $ 128,125     $ (722 )     1     $ 4,356,474     $ (45,849 )
                                                                 
 Equity Securities:
                                                               
 Preferred stocks
  $ 387,925     $ (11,130 )     3     $ -     $ -       -     $ 387,925     $ (11,130 )
 Common stocks
    1,536,860       (145,899 )     9       -       -       -       1,536,860       (145,899 )
                                                                 
 Total equity securities
  $ 1,924,785     $ (157,029 )     12     $ -     $ -       -     $ 1,924,785     $ (157,029 )
                                                                 
 Total
  $ 6,153,134     $ (202,156 )     32     $ 128,125     $ (722 )     1     $ 6,281,259     $ (202,878 )
 
 
 
40

 
 
There were 52 securities at December 31, 2013 that accounted for the gross unrealized loss, none of which were deemed by us to be other than temporarily impaired. There were 33 securities at December 31, 2012 that accounted for the gross unrealized loss, none of which were deemed by us to be other than temporarily impaired. Significant factors influencing our determination that unrealized losses were temporary included the magnitude of the unrealized losses in relation to each security’s cost, the nature of the investment and management’s intent not to sell these securities and it being not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these investments before anticipated recovery of fair value to our cost basis.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Cash Flows
 
The primary sources of cash flow are from our insurance underwriting subsidiary, KICO, and include direct premiums written, ceding commissions from our quota share reinsurers, loss recovery payments from our reinsurers, investment income and proceeds from the sale or maturity of investments. Funds are used by KICO for ceded premium payments to reinsurers, which are paid on a net basis after subtracting losses paid on reinsured claims and reinsurance commissions. KICO also uses funds for loss payments and loss adjustment expenses on our net business, commissions to producers, salaries and other underwriting expenses as well as to purchase investments and fixed assets.
 
The primary sources of cash flow for our holding company operations are in connection with the fee income we receive from the premium finance loans and collection of principal and interest income from the notes received by us upon the sale of businesses that were included in our former discontinued operations. We also receive cash dividends from KICO, subject to statutory restrictions. For the year ended December 31, 2013, KICO paid dividends of $700,000 to us.
 
On December 13, 2013, we completed an underwritten public offering of 3,450,000 shares of our common stock, including 450,000 shares issued pursuant to the underwriter’s 30-day over-allotment option, at a public offering price of $5.95 per share. The aggregate net proceeds we received was $18,804,000, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses. We used the net proceeds of the offering to contribute capital to our insurance subsidiary, KICO, to support its growth, including possible product expansion, to repay the $747,000 outstanding balance of our notes and to repay the $210,000 outstanding balance on our credit line. A registration statement relating to these securities was filed with the SEC and became effective on December 9, 2013.
 
If the aforementioned is insufficient to cover our holding company cash requirements, we will seek to obtain additional financing.

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

 
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Cash flow and liquidity are categorized into three sources: (1) operating activities; (2) investing activities; and (3) financing activities, which are shown in the following table:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2013
   
2012
 
             
 Cash flows provided by (used in):
           
 Operating activities
  $ 7,383,537     $ 6,375,322  
 Investing activities
    (6,577,871 )     (3,961,384 )
 Financing activities
    16,876,828       (347,052 )
 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    17,682,494       2,066,886  
 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    2,240,012       173,126  
 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 19,922,506     $ 2,240,012  
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was $7,384,000 in 2013 as compared to $6,375,000 provided in 2012. The $1,009,000 increase in cash flows provided by operating activities in 2013 was primarily a result of an increase in net income (adjusted for non-cash items) of $710,000 and the fluctuations in assets and liabilities relating to operating activities of KICO as affected by the growth in its operations which are described above.
 
Net cash used in investing activities was $6,578,000 in 2013 compared to $3,961,000 used in 2012. The $2,617,000 increase in cash flows used in investing activities is a result of the increase in acquisitions of invested assets, offset by an increase in sales of invested assets.
 
Net cash provided by financing activities was $16,877,000 in 2013 compared to $347,000 used in 2012. The $17,224,000 increase in cash flows provided by financing activities is a result of the net proceeds of $18,804,000 from our public offering on December 13, 2013, offset by net repayments of $1,197,000 of debt in 2013 compared to $150,000 of net borrowings in 2012, and increases of $103,000 in the purchase of treasury stock and $79,000 of dividends paid in 2013 compared to 2012.
 
Reinsurance
 
The following table summarizes each reinsurer that accounted for more than 10% of our reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses as of December 31, 2013:
 
         
Amount
       
         
Recoverable
       
   
A.M.
   
as of
       
 ($ in thousands)
 
Best Rating
   
December 31, 2013
   
%
 
 Maiden Reinsurace Company
    A-     $ 7,661       40.0 %
 SCOR Reinsurance Company
    A       3,612       18.9 %
 Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation
    A+       2,977       15.5 %
              14,250       74.4 %
 Others
            4,910       25.6 %
 Total
          $ 19,160       100.00 %
                         
 
Reinsurance recoverable from Maiden Reinsurance Company and Motors Insurance Corporation (included in Others) are secured pursuant to collateralized trust agreements. Assets held in the two trusts are not included in our invested assets and investment income earned on these assets is credited to the two reinsurers respectively.
 
 
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Our reinsurance treaties for both our Personal Lines business, which primarily consists of homeowners’ policies, and Commercial Lines business expired on June 30, 2013. Effective July 1, 2013, we entered into new treaties with different terms. The treaties are annual, except for personal lines described below, and provide for the following material terms as of July 1, 2013:

Personal Lines

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

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

Commercial Lines

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

Commercial Auto

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

Catastrophe Reinsurance

We have catastrophe reinsurance coverage with regard to losses of up to $90,000,000.  The initial $4,000,000 of losses in a catastrophe are subject to a 75% quota share treaty, such that we retain $1,000,000 per catastrophe occurrence With respect to any additional catastrophe losses of up to $86,000,000 per catastrophe, we are 100% reinsured under our catastrophe reinsurance program. Catastrophe coverage is limited on an annual basis to two times the per occurrence amounts.


 
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The single maximum risks to which we are subject under these treaties per occurrence are as follows:
 
Treaty
 
Extent of Loss
   
Risk Retained(1)
 
 Personal Lines
 
Initial $1,200,000
    $ 300,000  
    $ 1,200,000 - $2,900,000    
None
 
   
Over $2,900,000
      100 %
                 
 Personal Umbrella
 
Initial $1,000,000
    $ 100,000  
    $ 1,000,000 -$2,000,000  
None
 
   
Over $2,000,000
      100 %
                 
 Commercial Lines
 
Initial $400,000
    $ 300,000  
    $ 400,000 - $2,900,000    
None
 
   
Over $2,900,000
      100 %
                 
 Commercial Auto
 
Initial $300,000
    $ 300,000  
    $ 300,000 - $2,000,000    
None
 
   
Over $2,000,000
      100 %
                 
 Catastrophe
 
Initial $4,000,000
    $ 1,000,000  
    $  4,000,000 -$90,000,000    
None
 
   
Over $90,000,000
      100 %
________________
 
(1)  
Catastrophe coverage is limited on an annual basis to two times the per occurrence amounts.
 
Inflation
 
Premiums are established before we know the amount of losses and loss adjustment expenses or the extent to which inflation may affect such amounts. We attempt to anticipate the potential impact of inflation in establishing our reserves, especially as it relates to medical and hospital rates where historical inflation rates have exceeded the general level of inflation. Inflation in excess of the levels we have assumed could cause loss and loss adjustment expenses to be higher than we anticipated, which would require us to increase reserves and reduce earnings.
 
 Fluctuations in rates of inflation also influence interest rates, which in turn impact the market value of our investment portfolio and yields on new investments. Operating expenses, including salaries and benefits, generally are impacted by inflation.
 
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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Factors That May Affect Future Results and Financial Condition

Based upon the following factors, as well as other factors affecting our operating results and financial condition, past financial performance should not be considered to be a reliable indicator of future performance, and investors should not use historical trends to anticipate results or trends in future periods.  In addition, such factors, among others, may affect the accuracy of certain forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report.

Risks Related to Our Business

As a property and casualty insurer, we may face significant losses from catastrophes and severe weather events.
 
            Because of the exposure of our property and casualty business to catastrophic events (such as Superstorm Sandy), our operating results and financial condition may vary significantly from one period to the next. Catastrophes can be caused by various natural and man-made disasters, including earthquakes, wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, storms and certain types of terrorism. We have catastrophe reinsurance coverage with regard to losses of up to $90,000,000. The initial $4,000,000 of losses in a catastrophe are subject to a 75% quota share reinsurance treaty, such that we retain $1,000,000 of risk per catastrophe occurrence. With respect to any additional catastrophe losses of up to $86,000,000, we are 100% reinsured under our catastrophe reinsurance program.  Catastrophe coverage is limited on an annual basis to two times the per occurrence amounts.  We may incur catastrophe losses in excess of: (i) those that we project would be incurred, (ii) those that external modeling firms estimate would be incurred, (iii) the average expected level used in pricing or (iv) our current reinsurance coverage limits. Despite our catastrophe management programs, we are exposed to catastrophes that could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition. Our liquidity could be constrained by a catastrophe, or multiple catastrophes, which may result in extraordinary losses or a downgrade of our financial strength ratings. In addition, the reinsurance losses that are incurred in connection with a catastrophe could have an adverse impact on the terms and conditions of future reinsurance treaties.

In addition, we are subject to claims arising from non-catastrophic weather events such as hurricanes, tropical storms, winter storms, rain, hail and high winds. The incidence and severity of weather conditions are largely unpredictable. There is generally an increase in the frequency and severity of claims when severe weather conditions occur.

Unanticipated increases in the severity or frequency of claims may adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

       Changes in the severity or frequency of claims may affect our profitability. Changes in homeowners claim severity are driven by inflation in the construction industry, in building materials and in home furnishings, and by other economic and environmental factors, including increased demand for services and supplies in areas affected by catastrophes. Changes in bodily injury claim severity are driven primarily by inflation in the medical sector of the economy and litigation. Changes in auto physical damage claim severity are driven primarily by inflation in auto repair costs, prices of auto parts and used car prices. However, changes in the level of the severity of claims are not limited to the effects of inflation and demand surge in these various sectors of the economy. Increases in claim severity can arise from unexpected events that are inherently difficult to predict, such as a change in the law or an inability to enforce exclusions and limitations contained in our policies. Although we pursue various loss management initiatives to mitigate future increases in claim severity, there can be no assurances that these initiatives will successfully identify or reduce the effect of future increases in claim severity, and a significant increase in claim frequency could have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.

 
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       The inability to obtain an upgrade to our financial strength rating from A.M. Best, or a downgrade in our rating, may have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, the marketability of our product offerings, and our liquidity, operating results and financial condition.

Financial strength ratings are important factors in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies and generally have an effect on an insurance company's business. Many insurance buyers, agents, brokers and secured lenders use the ratings assigned by A.M. Best and other agencies to assist them in assessing the financial strength and overall quality of the companies from which they are considering purchasing insurance or in determining the financial strength of the company that provides insurance with respect to the collateral they hold. KICO currently has an A.M. Best financial strength rating of B+ (Good). A.M. Best ratings are derived from an in-depth evaluation of an insurance company’s balance sheet strengths, operating performances and business profiles. A.M. Best evaluates, among other factors, the company’s capitalization, underwriting leverage, financial leverage, asset leverage, capital structure, quality and appropriateness of reinsurance, adequacy of reserves, quality and diversification of assets, liquidity, profitability, spread of risk, revenue composition, market position, management, market risk and event risk. On an ongoing basis, rating agencies such as A.M. Best review the financial performance and condition of insurers and can downgrade or change the outlook on an insurer's ratings due to, for example, a change in an insurer's statutory capital, a reduced confidence in management or a host of other considerations that may or may not be under the insurer's control. KICO currently has a Demotech financial stability rating of A (Excellent), which generally permits lenders to accept our policies. All ratings are subject to continuous review; therefore, the retention of these ratings cannot be assured. A downgrade in any of these ratings could have a material adverse effect on our competitiveness, the marketability of our product offerings and our ability to grow in the marketplace.

Adverse capital and credit market conditions may significantly affect our ability to meet liquidity needs or our ability to obtain credit on acceptable terms.

       The capital and credit markets have been experiencing extreme volatility and disruption. In some cases, the markets have exerted downward pressure on the availability of liquidity and credit capacity. In the event that we need access to additional capital to pay our operating expenses, make payments on our indebtedness, pay for capital expenditures or increase the amount of insurance that we seek to underwrite or otherwise grow our business, our ability to obtain such capital may be limited and the cost of any such capital may be significant. Our access to additional financing will depend on a variety of factors, such as market conditions, the general availability of credit, the overall availability of credit to our industry, our credit ratings and credit capacity as well as lenders' perception of our long or short-term financial prospects. Similarly, our access to funds may be impaired if regulatory authorities or rating agencies take negative actions against us. If a combination of these factors occurs, our internal sources of liquidity may prove to be insufficient and, in such case, we may not be able to successfully obtain additional financing on favorable terms.

We are exposed to significant financial and capital markets risk which may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and our net investment income can vary from period to period.

We are exposed to significant financial and capital markets risk, including changes in interest rates, equity prices, market volatility, the performance of the economy in general, the performance of the specific obligors included in our portfolio and other factors outside our control. Our exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to the market price and cash flow variability associated with changes in interest rates. Our investment portfolio contains interest rate sensitive instruments, such as fixed income securities, which may be adversely affected by changes in interest rates from governmental monetary policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions and other factors beyond our control. A rise in interest rates would increase the net unrealized loss position of our investment portfolio, which would be offset by our ability to earn higher rates of return on funds reinvested. Conversely, a decline in interest rates would decrease the net unrealized loss position of our investment portfolio, which would be offset by lower rates of return on funds reinvested.

 
46

 
 
       In addition, market volatility can make it difficult to value certain of our securities if trading becomes less frequent. As such, valuations may include assumptions or estimates that may have significant period to period changes which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition. If significant, continued volatility, changes in interest rates, changes in defaults, a lack of pricing transparency, market liquidity and declines in equity prices, individually or in tandem, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows through realized losses, impairments, and changes in unrealized positions.

Reinsurance may be unavailable at current levels and prices, which may limit our ability to write new business.

Our personal lines catastrophe reinsurance program was designed, utilizing our risk management methodology, to address our exposure to catastrophes. Market conditions beyond our control impact the availability and cost of the reinsurance we purchase. No assurances can be given that reinsurance will remain continuously available to us to the same extent and on the same terms and rates as currently available. For example, our ability to afford reinsurance to reduce our catastrophe risk may be dependent upon our ability to adjust premium rates for its cost, and there are no assurances that the terms and rates for our current reinsurance program will continue to be available in the future. If we are unable to maintain our current level of reinsurance or purchase new reinsurance protection in amounts that we consider sufficient and at prices that we consider acceptable, we will have to either accept an increase in our exposure risk, reduce our insurance writings or develop or seek other alternatives.

We intend to prudently reduce our reliance on quota share reinsurance; this would lead to greater exposure to net insurance losses.

       We have determined it to be in the best interests of our shareholders to prudently reduce our reliance on quota share reinsurance. Any such reduction would result in higher earned premiums and a reduction in ceding commission revenue in future years. Such approach would also lead to increased exposure to net insurance losses.

Reinsurance subjects us to the credit risk of our reinsurers, which may have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.

       The collectability of reinsurance recoverables is subject to uncertainty arising from a number of factors, including changes in market conditions, whether insured losses meet the qualifying conditions of the reinsurance contract and whether reinsurers, or their affiliates, have the financial capacity and willingness to make payments under the terms of a reinsurance treaty or contract. Since we are primarily liable to an insured for the full amount of insurance coverage, our inability to collect a material recovery from a reinsurer could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.
 
 
47

 
      
       Applicable insurance laws regarding the change of control of our company may impede potential acquisitions that our shareholders might consider to be desirable.

       We are subject to statutes and regulations of the state of New York which generally require that any person or entity desiring to acquire direct or indirect control of KICO, our insurance company subsidiary, obtain prior regulatory approval. In addition, a change of control of Kingstone Companies, Inc. would require such approval. These laws may discourage potential acquisition proposals and may delay, deter or prevent a change of control of our company, including through transactions, and in particular unsolicited transactions, that some of our shareholders might consider to be desirable. Similar regulations may apply in other states in which we may operate.

The insurance industry is subject to extensive restrictive regulation that may affect our operating costs and limit the growth of our business, and changes within this regulatory environment may, too, adversely affect our operating costs and limit the growth of our business.

       We are subject to extensive laws and regulations. State insurance regulators are charged with protecting policyholders and have broad regulatory, supervisory and administrative powers over our business practices, including, among other things, the power to grant and revoke licenses to transact business and the power to regulate and approve underwriting practices and rate changes, which may delay the implementation of premium rate changes or prevent us from making changes we believe are necessary to match rate to risk. In addition, many states have laws and regulations that limit an insurer’s ability to cancel or not renew policies and that prohibit an insurer from withdrawing from one or more lines of business written in the state, except pursuant to a plan that is approved by the state insurance department. Laws and regulations that limit cancellation and non-renewal and that subject program withdrawals to prior approval requirements may restrict our ability to exit unprofitable markets.

       Because the laws and regulations under which we operate are administered and enforced by a number of different governmental authorities, including state insurance regulators, state securities administrators and the SEC, each of which exercises a degree of interpretive latitude, we are subject to the risk that compliance with any particular regulator's or enforcement authority's interpretation of a legal issue may not result in compliance with another's interpretation of the same issue, particularly when compliance is judged in hindsight. In addition, there is risk that any particular regulator's or enforcement authority's interpretation of a legal issue may change over time to our detriment, or that changes in the overall legal and regulatory environment may, even absent any particular regulator's or enforcement authority's interpretation of a legal issue changing, cause us to change our views regarding the actions we need to take from a legal risk management perspective, thereby necessitating changes to our practices that may, in some cases, limit our ability to grow and improve the profitability of our business.

While the United States federal government does not directly regulate the insurance industry, federal legislation and administrative policies can affect us. Congress and various federal agencies periodically discuss proposals that would provide for a federal charter for insurance companies. We cannot predict whether any such laws will be enacted or the effect that such laws would have on our business. Moreover, there can be no assurance that changes will not be made to current laws, rules and regulations, or that any other laws, rules or regulations will not be adopted in the future, that could adversely affect our business and financial condition.

 
48

 
 
       We may not be able to maintain the requisite amount of risk-based capital, which may adversely affect our profitability and our ability to compete in the property and casualty insurance markets.

       The New York State Department of Financial Services imposes risk-based capital requirements on insurance companies to ensure that insurance companies maintain appropriate levels of surplus to support their overall business operations and to protect customers against adverse developments, after taking into account default, credit, underwriting and off-balance sheet risks. If the amount of our capital falls below this minimum, we may face restrictions with respect to soliciting new business and/or keeping existing business. Similar regulations will apply in other states in which we may operate.

Changing climate conditions may adversely affect our financial condition, profitability or cash flows.

We recognize the scientific view that the world is getting warmer. Climate change, to the extent it produces rising temperatures and changes in weather patterns, could impact the frequency or severity of weather events and wildfires and the affordability and availability of homeowners insurance.

Our operating results and financial condition may be adversely affected by the cyclical nature of the property and casualty business.

       The property and casualty market is cyclical and has experienced periods characterized by relatively high levels of price competition, less restrictive underwriting standards and relatively low premium rates, followed by periods of relatively lower levels of competition, more selective underwriting standards and relatively high premium rates. A downturn in the profitability cycle of the property and casualty business could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.

Because substantially all of our revenue is currently derived from sources located in New York, our business may be adversely affected by conditions in such state.

Substantially all of our revenue is currently derived from sources located in the state of New York and, accordingly, is affected by the prevailing regulatory, economic, demographic, competitive and other conditions in such state. Changes in any of these conditions could make it more costly or difficult for us to conduct our business. Adverse regulatory developments in New York, which could include fundamental changes to the design or implementation of the insurance regulatory framework, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We are highly dependent on a small number of insurance brokers for a large portion of our revenues.

We market our insurance products primarily through insurance brokers. A large percentage of our gross premiums written are sourced through a limited number of brokers.  These brokers provided a total of 33.5% of our gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2013. The nature of our dependency on these brokers relates to the high volume of business they consistently refer to us. Our relationship with these brokers is based on the quality of the underwriting and claims services we provide to our clients and on our financial strength ratings. Any deterioration in these factors could result in these brokers advising clients to place their risks with other insurers rather than with us. A loss of all or a substantial portion of the business provided by one or more of these brokers could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 
49

 
 
       Recent regulatory action taken by the New York State Department of Financial Services following Superstorm Sandy may affect our operations and business.

In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, the New York State Department of Financial Services (the “DFS”) has adopted various regulations that affect insurance companies that operate in the state of New York. Included among the regulations are accelerated claims investigation and settlement requirements and mandatory participation in non-binding mediation proceedings funded by the insurer. In addition, in February 2013, the state of New York announced that the DFS has commenced an investigation into the claims practices of three insurance companies, including KICO, in connection with Superstorm Sandy claims. The DFS stated that the three insurers had a much larger than average consumer complaint rate with regard to Superstorm Sandy claims and indicated that the three insurers were being investigated for (i) failure to send adjusters in a timely manner; (ii) failure to process claims in a timely manner; and (iii) inability of homeowners to contact insurance company representatives. KICO received a letter from the DFS seeking information and data with regard to the foregoing. KICO provided information and data to the DFS and is cooperating with the DFS in connection with its investigation. KICO has not received a response from the DFS and believes that such matter will not have any effect on our financial position or results of operations. In settling insurance claims, including those related to Superstorm Sandy, if KICO were to pay for losses not covered by the insurance policy, such as those based on water and sewer back up claims, it could face disclaimers of coverage from its reinsurers with regard to the amounts paid.

Actual claims incurred may exceed current reserves established for claims, which may adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

Recorded claim reserves in our business are based on our best estimates of losses after considering known facts and interpretations of circumstances. Internal and external factors are considered. Internal factors include, but are not limited to, actual claims paid, pending levels of unpaid claims, product mix and contractual terms. External factors include, but are not limited to, changes in the law, court decisions, changes in regulatory requirements and economic conditions. Because reserves are estimates of the unpaid portion of losses that have occurred, the establishment of appropriate reserves, including reserves for catastrophes, is an inherently uncertain and complex process. The ultimate cost of losses may vary materially from recorded reserves, and such variance may adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

Regulations requiring us to underwrite business and participate in loss sharing arrangements may adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

       The state of New York has enacted laws that require a property liability insurer conducting business in such state to participate in assigned risk plans, reinsurance facilities and joint underwriting associations or require the insurer to offer coverage to all consumers, often restricting an insurer's ability to charge the price it might otherwise charge. In these markets, we may be compelled to underwrite significant amounts of business at lower than desired rates, possibly leading to an unacceptable return on equity, which may adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

As a holding company, we are dependent on the results of operations of our subsidiaries; there are restrictions on the payment of dividends by KICO.

We are a holding company and a legal entity separate and distinct from our operating subsidiaries, KICO and Payments, Inc. As a holding company with limited operations of our own, the principal sources of our funds are dividends and other payments from KICO and Payments, Inc. Consequently, we must rely on KICO and Payments, Inc. for our ability to repay debts, pay expenses and pay cash dividends to our shareholders.

 
50

 
 
       Our ability to receive dividends from KICO is restricted by the state laws and insurance regulations of New York. These restrictions are related to surplus and net investment income. Dividends are restricted to the lesser of 10% of surplus or 100% of investment income (on a statutory accounting basis) for the trailing four quarters. As of December 31, 2013, the maximum distribution that KICO could pay without prior regulatory approval was approximately $­1,191,000, which is based on investment income for the last four quarters.

Our future results are dependent in part on our ability to successfully operate in an insurance industry that is highly competitive.

       The insurance industry is highly competitive. Many of our competitors have well-established national reputations, substantially more capital and significantly greater marketing and management resources. Because of the competitive nature of the insurance industry, including competition for customers, agents and brokers, there can be no assurance that we will continue to effectively compete with our industry rivals, or that competitive pressures will not have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition.

      If we lose key personnel or are unable to recruit qualified personnel, our ability to implement our business strategies could be delayed or hindered.

Our future success will depend, in part, upon the efforts of Barry Goldstein, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and John Reiersen, who currently serves as Executive Vice President of KICO and, until January 1, 2012, served as President and Chief Executive Officer of KICO. The loss of Messrs. Goldstein and/or Reiersen or other key personnel could prevent us from fully implementing our business strategies and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. As we continue to grow, we will need to recruit and retain additional qualified management personnel, but we may not be able to do so. Our ability to recruit and retain such personnel will depend upon a number of factors, such as our results of operations and prospects and the level of competition then prevailing in the market for qualified personnel. Effective January 1, 2012, Mr. Reiersen became Executive Vice President of KICO and provides, in a part-time capacity, advice and assistance to the President and Chief Executive Officer of KICO, and other management personnel, with regard to the management and operation of KICO. KICO and Mr. Reiersen are parties to an employment agreement that expires on December 31, 2016. Mr. Goldstein assumed the duties and responsibilities of President and Chief Executive Officer of KICO effective January 1, 2012. Mr. Goldstein is a party to an employment agreement with us that expires on December 31, 2014.

Difficult conditions in the economy generally could adversely affect our business and operating results.

Some economists continue to project significant negative macroeconomic trends, including relatively high and sustained unemployment, reduced consumer spending, and substantial increases in delinquencies on consumer debt, including defaults on home mortgages. Moreover, recent disruptions in the financial markets, particularly the reduced availability of credit and tightened lending requirements, have impacted the ability of borrowers to refinance loans at more affordable rates. As with most businesses, we believe that difficult conditions in the economy could have an adverse effect on our business and operating results. General economic conditions also could adversely affect us in the form of consumer behavior, which may include decreased demand for our products. As consumers become more cost conscious, they may choose lower levels of insurance.

 
51

 
 
       Changes in accounting standards issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other standard-setting bodies may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Our financial statements are subject to the application of generally accepted accounting principles, which are periodically revised, interpreted and/or expanded. Accordingly, we are required to adopt new guidance or interpretations, which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition that is either unexpected or has a greater impact than expected.

We rely on our information technology and telecommunication systems, and the failure of these systems could materially and adversely affect our business.

Our business is highly dependent upon the successful and uninterrupted functioning of our information technology and telecommunications systems. We rely on these systems to support our operations. The failure of these systems could interrupt our operations and result in a material adverse effect on our business.

We have incurred, and will continue to incur, increased costs as a result of being an SEC reporting company.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as a variety of related rules implemented by the SEC, have required changes in corporate governance practices and generally increased the disclosure requirements of public companies. As a reporting company, we incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses in connection with our public disclosure and other obligations. Based upon SEC regulations currently in effect, we are required to establish, evaluate and report on our internal control over financial reporting. We believe that compliance with the myriad of rules and regulations applicable to reporting companies and related compliance issues will require a significant amount of time and attention from our management.

The enactment of tort reform could adversely affect our business.

Legislation concerning tort reform is from time to time considered in the United States Congress. Among the provisions considered for inclusion in such legislation are limitations on damage awards, including punitive damages. Enactment of these or similar provisions by Congress or by the states in which we operate could result in a reduction in the demand for liability insurance policies or a decrease in the limits of such policies, thereby reducing our revenues. We cannot predict whether any such legislation will be enacted or, if enacted, the form such legislation will take, nor can we predict the effect, if any, such legislation would have on our business or results of operations.

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

Our stock price may fluctuate significantly and be highly volatile and this may make it difficult for shareholders to resell shares of our common stock at the volume, prices and times they find attractive.

The market price of our common stock could be subject to significant fluctuations and be highly volatile, which may make it difficult for shareholders to resell shares of our common stock at the volume, prices and times they find attractive. There are many factors that will impact our stock price and trading volume, including, but not limited to, the factors listed above under “Risks Related to Our Business.”

 
52

 
 
       Stock markets, in general, have experienced in recent years, and continue to experience, significant price and volume volatility, and the market price of our common stock may continue to be subject to similar market fluctuations that may be unrelated to our operating performance and prospects. Increased market volatility and fluctuations could result in a substantial decline in the market price of our common stock.

The trading volume in our common stock has been limited. As a result, shareholders may not experience liquidity in their investment in our common stock, thereby potentially limiting their ability to resell their shares at the volume, times and prices they find attractive.

Our common stock is currently traded on The NASDAQ Capital Market. Our common stock is currently thinly traded and has substantially less liquidity than the average trading market for many other publicly-traded insurance and other companies. An active trading market for our common stock may not develop or, if developed, may not be sustained. Thinly traded stocks can be more volatile than stock trading in an active public market. Therefore, shareholders have very little liquidity and may not be able to sell their shares at the volume, prices and times that they desire.

There may be future issuances or resales of our common stock which may materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

Subject to any required state insurance regulatory approvals, we are not restricted from issuing additional shares of our common stock in the future, including securities convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, shares of our common stock. Our issuance of additional shares of common stock in the future will dilute the ownership interests of our then existing shareholders.

We have an effective registration on Form S-3 under the Securities Act registering for resale 659,100 shares of our common stock and effective registration statements on Form S-8 under the Securities Act registering an aggregate of 700,000 shares of our common stock issuable under our 2005 Equity Participation Plan. Options to purchase 321,365 shares of our common stock are outstanding under this plan and 201,135 shares are reserved for issuance thereunder. The shares subject to the registration statement on Form S-3 will be freely tradeable in the public market. In addition, the shares issuable pursuant to the registration statements on Form S-8 will be freely tradable in the public market, except for shares held by affiliates.

The sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock or securities convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, shares of our common stock, whether directly by us or by our existing shareholders in the secondary market, the perception that such issuances or resales could occur or the availability for future issuances or resale of shares of our common stock or securities convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, shares of our common stock could materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock and our ability to raise capital through future offerings of equity or equity-related securities on attractive terms or at all.

In addition, our board of directors is authorized to designate and issue preferred stock without further shareholder approval, and we may issue other equity and equity-related securities that are senior to our common stock in the future for a number of reasons, including, without limitation, to support operations and growth, to maintain our capital ratios, and to comply with any future changes in regulatory standards.

 
53

 
 
        Our executive officers and directors own a substantial number of shares of our common stock. This will enable them to significantly influence the vote on all matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders.

As of March 19, 2014, our executive officers and directors beneficially owned 2,244,446 shares of our common stock (including options to purchase 218,865 shares of our common stock, all of which options are currently exercisable), representing 30% of the outstanding shares of our common stock.

Accordingly, our executive officers and directors, through their beneficial ownership of our common stock, will be able to significantly influence the vote on all matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders, including the election of directors, amendments to our restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws, mergers or other business combination transactions and certain sales of assets outside the usual and regular course of business. The interests of our executive officers and directors may not coincide with the interests of our other shareholders, and they could take actions that advance their own interests to the detriment of our other shareholders.

Anti-takeover provisions and the regulations to which we may be subject may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, even if the change in control would be beneficial to our shareholders.

We are a holding company incorporated in Delaware. Anti-takeover provisions in Delaware law and our restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws, as well as regulatory approvals required under state insurance laws, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us and may prevent shareholders from receiving a premium for their shares of common stock. Our certificate of incorporation provides that our board of directors may issue up to 2,500,000 shares of preferred stock, in one or more series, without shareholder approval and with such terms, preferences, rights and privileges as the board of directors may deem appropriate. These provisions, the control of our executive officers and directors over the election of our directors, and other factors may hinder or prevent a change in control, even if the change in control would be beneficial to, or sought by, our shareholders.

 
ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 8.                  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
 
The financial statements required by this Item 8 are included in this Annual Report following Item 15 hereof.  As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide supplementary financial information.
 
 
54

 
 
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012
F-3
Consolidated Statements of  Income and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012
F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012
F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012
F-6 – F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-8

 
 
F-1

 
 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Audit Committee of the
Board of Directors and Shareholders
of Kingstone Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Kingstone Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended.  These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Kingstone Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
 
/s/ Marcum LLP
 
Marcum llp
Melville, NY
March 31, 2014
 
 
 
F-2

 

 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
           
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
             
 Assets
           
 Fixed-maturity securities, held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of
           
 $2,425,261 at December 31, 2013 and $779,026 at December 31, 2012)
  $ 2,399,482     $ 606,281  
 Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost of
               
 $28,079,902 at December 31, 2013 and $24,847,097 at December 31, 2012)
    28,436,022       26,181,938  
 Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost of $6,690,338
               
 at December 31, 2013 and $5,073,977 at December 31, 2012)
    6,796,673       5,290,242  
 Total investments
    37,632,177       32,078,461  
 Cash and cash equivalents
    19,922,506       2,240,012  
 Premiums receivable, net of provision for uncollectible amounts
    7,590,074       7,766,825  
 Receivables - reinsurance contracts
    974,989       -  
 Reinsurance receivables, net of provision for uncollectible amounts
    37,560,825       38,902,782  
 Deferred policy acquisition costs
    6,860,263       5,569,878  
 Intangible assets, net
    2,709,244       3,184,958  
 Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
    2,038,755       1,868,422  
 Other assets
    1,494,989       1,887,060  
 Total assets
  $ 116,783,822     $ 93,498,398  
                 
 Liabilities
               
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 34,503,229     $ 30,485,532  
 Unearned premiums
    32,335,614       26,012,363  
 Advance premiums
    776,099       610,872  
 Reinsurance balances payable
    2,566,729       1,820,527  
 Advance payments from catastrophe reinsurers
    -       7,358,391  
 Deferred ceding commission revenue
    6,984,166       4,877,030  
 Notes payable (includes payable to related parties of $-0- at December 31, 2013
               
 and $378,000 at December 31, 2012)
    -       1,197,000  
 Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
    3,215,487       3,067,586  
 Deferred income taxes
    693,087       1,787,281  
 Total liabilities
    81,074,411       77,216,582  
                 
 Commitments and Contingencies
               
                 
 Stockholders' Equity
               
 Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized 2,500,000 shares at December 31, 2013
               
 and 1,000,000 shares at December 31, 2012; -0- shares issued and outstanding
    -       -  
 Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized 20,000,000 shares at December 31, 2013
               
 and 10,000,000 shares at December 31, 2012; issued 8,186,031 shares at
               
 December 31, 2013 and 4,730,357 shares at December 31, 2012; outstanding
               
 7,266,573 shares at December 31, 2013 and 3,840,899 shares at December 31, 2012
    81,860       47,304  
 Capital in excess of par
    32,692,568       13,851,036  
 Accumulated other comprehensive income
    305,219       1,023,729  
 Retained earnings
    4,187,209       2,787,292  
      37,266,856       17,709,361  
 Treasury stock, at cost, 919,458 shares at December 31, 2013 and 889,458 shares
               
 at December 31, 2012
    (1,557,445 )     (1,427,545 )
 Total stockholders' equity
    35,709,411       16,281,816  
                 
 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 116,783,822     $ 93,498,398  
 
See notes to accompanying consolidated financial statements.
 
 
F-3

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
     
Years ended December 31,
 
2013
   
2012
 
             
 Revenues
           
 Net premiums earned
  $ 22,225,167     $ 17,216,611  
 Ceding commission revenue
    11,673,103       9,690,155  
 Net investment income
    1,170,051       1,015,156  
 Net realized gain on sale of investments
    575,792       288,068  
 Other income
    922,072       867,724  
 Total revenues
    36,566,185       29,077,714  
                 
 Expenses
               
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses
    13,586,533       11,234,713  
 Commission expense
    9,362,793       7,246,245  
 Other underwriting expenses
    9,018,685       7,848,870  
 Other operating expenses
    1,099,370       1,000,308  
 Depreciation and amortization
    646,483       596,347  
 Interest expense
    75,734       81,616  
 Total expenses
    33,789,598       28,008,099  
                 
 Income from operations before taxes
    2,776,587       1,069,615  
 Income tax expense
    764,269       302,909  
 Net income
    2,012,318       766,706  
                 
 Other comprehensive income, net of tax
               
 Gross unrealized investment holding (losses)
               
 gains arising during period
    (1,088,651 )     989,895  
                 
 Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of
               
 other comprehensive income
    370,141       (336,565 )
 Comprehensive income
  $ 1,293,808     $ 1,420,036  
                 
Earnings per common share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.51     $ 0.20  
Diluted
  $ 0.50     $ 0.20  
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
               
Basic
    3,975,115       3,806,697  
Diluted
    4,059,724       3,871,760  
                 
Dividends declared and paid per common share
  $ 0.16     $ 0.14  
 
See notes to accompanying consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
F-4

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                                                             
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity
 
Years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012
 
                                                             
                                 
Accumulated
                         
                                 
Other
                         
                           
Capital
   
Comprehensive
                         
   
Preferred Stock
   
Common Stock
   
in Excess
   
Income
   
Retained
   
Treasury Stock
       
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
of Par
   
(Loss)
   
Earnings
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Total
 
Balance, January 1, 2012
    -     $ -       4,643,122     $ 46,432     $ 13,739,792     $ 370,399     $ 2,554,349       883,222     $ (1,400,417 )   $ 15,310,555  
Stock-based compensation
    -       -       -       -       48,277       -       -       -       -       48,277  
Exercise of stock options
    -       -       112,391       1,125       45,950       -       -       -       -       47,075  
Shares deducted from exercise of stock
                                                                               
options for payment of withholding taxes
    -       -       (25,156 )     (253 )     (142,999 )     -       -       -       -       (143,252 )
Excess tax benefit from exercise
                                                                               
of stock options
    -       -       -       -       160,016       -       -       -       -       160,016  
Acquisition of treasury stock
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       6,236       (27,128 )     (27,128 )
Dividends
    -       -       -       -       -       -       (533,763 )     -       -       (533,763 )
Net income
    -       -       -       -       -       -       766,706       -       -       766,706  
Change in unrealized gains on available for
                                                                               
sale securities, net of tax
    -       -       -       -       -       653,330       -       -       -       653,330  
Balance, December 31, 2012
    -       -       4,730,357       47,304       13,851,036       1,023,729       2,787,292       889,458       (1,427,545 )     16,281,816  
Proceeds from public offering, net of
                                                                               
offering costs of $1,723,121
    -       -       3,450,000       34,500       18,769,879       -       -       -       -       18,804,379  
Stock-based compensation
    -       -       -       -       59,959       -       -       -       -       59,959  
Exercise of stock options
    -       -       5,674       56       11,694       -       -       -       -       11,750  
Acquisition of treasury stock
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       30,000       (129,900 )     (129,900 )
Dividends
    -       -       -       -       -       -       (612,401 )     -       -       (612,401 )
Net income
    -       -       -       -       -       -       2,012,318       -       -       2,012,318  
Change in unrealized gains on available
                                                                               
for sale securities, net of tax
    -       -       -       -       -       (718,510 )     -       -       -       (718,510 )
Balance, December 31, 2013
    -     $ -       8,186,031     $ 81,860     $ 32,692,568     $ 305,219     $ 4,187,209       919,458     $ (1,557,445 )   $ 35,709,411  
 
See notes to accompanying consolidated financial statements.
 
 
F-5

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
           
Years ended December 31,
 
2013
   
2012
 
             
 Cash flows provided by operating activities:
           
 Net income
  $ 2,012,318     $ 766,706  
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
 Net realized gain on sale of investments
    (575,792 )     (288,068 )
 Depreciation and amortization
    646,483       596,347  
 Amortization of bond premium, net
    203,851       128,443  
 Stock-based compensation
    59,959       48,277  
 Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options
    -       (160,016 )
 Deferred income tax expense
    (724,053 )     (338,723 )
 (Increase) decrease in operating assets:
               
 Premiums receivable, net
    176,751       (1,987,740 )
 Receivables - reinsurance contracts
    (974,989 )     1,734,535  
 Reinsurance receivables, net
    1,341,957       (15,021,968 )
 Deferred policy acquisition costs
    (1,290,385 )     (1,034,105 )
 Other assets
    358,414       (742,756 )
 (Decrease) increase in operating liabilities:
               
 Loss and loss adjustment expenses
    4,017,697       12,004,815  
 Unearned premiums
    6,323,251       4,729,203  
 Advance premiums
    165,227       66,081  
 Reinsurance balances payable
    746,202       (941,301 )
 Advance payments from catastrophe reinsurers
    (7,358,391 )     7,358,391  
 Deferred ceding commission revenue
    2,107,136       894,631  
 Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
    147,901       (1,437,430 )
 Net cash flows provided by operating activities
    7,383,537       6,375,322  
                 
 Cash flows used in investing activities:
               
 Purchase - fixed-maturity securities held-to-maturity
    (1,791,702 )     -  
 Purchase - fixed-maturity securities available-for-sale
    (9,124,949 )     (6,902,429 )
 Purchase - equity securities
    (6,073,138 )     (2,835,076 )
 Sale or maturity - fixed-maturity securities available-for-sale
    5,850,770       4,322,120  
 Sale - equity securities
    4,868,193       1,726,345  
 Other investing activities
    (307,045 )     (272,344 )
 Net cash flows used in investing activities
    (6,577,871 )     (3,961,384 )
                 
 Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
               
 Net proceeds from issuance of common stock
    18,804,379       -  
 Proceeds from line of credit
    310,000       640,000  
 Principal payments on line of credit
    (760,000 )     (490,000 )
 Principal payments on notes payable (includes$378,000 to related parties)
    (747,000 )     -  
 Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    11,750       47,075  
 Withholding taxes paid on net exercise of stock options
    -       (143,252 )
 Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options
    -       160,016  
 Purchase of treasury stock
    (129,900 )     (27,128 )
 Dividends paid
    (612,401 )     (533,763 )
 Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
    16,876,828       (347,052 )
 
See notes to accompanying consolidated financial statements.
 
 
F-6

 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
           
Years ended December 31,
 
2013
   
2012
 
             
 Increase in cash and cash equivalents
  $ 17,682,494     $ 2,066,886  
 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    2,240,012       173,126  
 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 19,922,506     $ 2,240,012  
                 
 Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
 Cash paid for income taxes
  $ 2,174,000     $ 1,863,000  
 Cash paid for interest
  $ 108,839     $ 81,716  
                 
 Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
 Shares deducted from exercise of stock options for payment of withholding taxes
  $ -     $ 143,252  
 
See notes to accompanying consolidated financial statements.
 
 
F-7

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012

Note 1 - 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.
 
Note 2 – Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
 
Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements consist of Kingstone and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include: (1) KICO and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, CMIC Properties, Inc. (“Properties”) and 15 Joys Lane, LLC (“15 Joys Lane”), which together own the land and building from which KICO operates, and (2) Payments, Inc. All significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
Net Premiums Earned
 
Insurance policies issued by the Company are short-duration contracts. Accordingly, premium revenue, net of premiums ceded to reinsurers, is recognized as earned in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided, on a pro-rata basis over the terms of the underlying policies. Unearned premiums represent premium applicable to the unexpired portions of in-force insurance contracts at the end of each year.
  
Ceding Commission Revenue
 
Commissions on reinsurance premiums ceded are earned in a manner consistent with the recognition of the costs of the reinsurance, generally on a pro-rata basis over the terms of the policies reinsured. Unearned amounts are recorded as deferred ceding commission revenue. Certain reinsurance agreements contain provisions whereby the ceding commission rates vary based on the loss experience under the agreements. The Company records ceding commission revenue based on its current estimate of subject losses. The Company records adjustments to the ceding commission revenue in the period that changes in the estimated losses are determined.

Premium Finance Placement Fees

Premium finance placement fees are earned in the period when contracts are placed with a third party premium finance company. Premium finance placement fees are included in “Other income” in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

 
F-8

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
Liability for Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses (“LAE”)
 
The liability for loss and LAE represents management’s best estimate of the ultimate cost of all reported and unreported losses that are unpaid as of the balance sheet date. The liability for loss and LAE is estimated on an undiscounted basis, using individual case-basis valuations, statistical analyses and various actuarial procedures. The projection of future claim payment and reporting is based on an analysis of the Company’s historical experience, supplemented by analyses of industry loss data. Management believes that the reserves for loss and LAE are adequate to cover the ultimate cost of losses and claims to date; however, because of the uncertainty from various sources, including changes in reporting patterns, claims settlement patterns, judicial decisions, legislation, and economic conditions, actual loss experience may not conform to the assumptions used in determining the estimated amounts for such liability at the balance sheet date. As adjustments to these estimates become necessary, such adjustments are reflected in expense for the period in which the estimates are changed. Because of the nature of the business historically written, the Company’s management believes that the Company has limited exposure to environmental claim liabilities. The Company recognizes recoveries from salvage and subrogation when received.

Reinsurance
 
In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to reduce the loss that may arise from catastrophes or other events that cause unfavorable underwriting results by reinsuring certain levels of risk in various areas of exposure with other insurance enterprises or reinsurers.
 
Reinsurance receivables represents management’s best estimate of paid and unpaid loss and LAE recoverable from reinsurers, and ceded losses receivable and unearned ceded premiums under reinsurance agreements. Ceded losses receivable are estimated using techniques and assumptions consistent with those used in estimating the liability for loss and LAE. Management believes that reinsurance receivables as recorded represent its best estimate of such amounts; however, as changes in the estimated ultimate liability for loss and LAE are determined, the estimated ultimate amount receivable from the reinsurers will also change. Accordingly, the ultimate receivable could be significantly in excess of or less than the amount indicated in the consolidated financial statements. As adjustments to these estimates become necessary, such adjustments are reflected in current operations. Loss and LAE incurred as presented in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income are net of reinsurance recoveries.

The Company accounts for reinsurance in accordance with GAAP guidance for accounting and reporting for reinsurance of short-duration contracts. Management has evaluated its reinsurance arrangements and determined that significant insurance risk is transferred to the reinsurers. Reinsurance agreements have been determined to be short-duration prospective contracts and, accordingly, the costs of the reinsurance are recognized over the life of the contract in a manner consistent with the earning of premiums on the underlying policies subject to the reinsurance contract.

In preparing financial statements, management estimates uncollectible amounts receivable from reinsurers based on an assessment of factors including the creditworthiness of the reinsurers and the adequacy of collateral obtained, where applicable. There was no allowance for uncollectible reinsurance as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. The Company did not expense any uncollectible reinsurance for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. Significant uncertainties are inherent in the assessment of the creditworthiness of reinsurers and estimates of any uncollectible amounts due from reinsurers. Any change in the ability of the Company’s reinsurers to meet their contractual obligations could have a detrimental impact on the consolidated financial statements and KICO’s ability to meet their regulatory capital and surplus requirements.
 
 
F-9

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Cash and cash equivalents are presented at cost, which approximates fair value. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains its cash balances at several financial institutions. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) secures accounts up to $250,000 at these institutions.
 
Investments
 
The Company accounts for its investments in accordance with GAAP guidance for investments in debt and equity securities, which requires that fixed-maturity and equity securities that have readily determined fair values be segregated into categories based upon the Company’s intention for those securities.

In accordance with this guidance, the Company has classified its fixed-maturity securities as either held to maturity or available-for-sale and its equity securities as available-for-sale. The Company may sell its available-for-sale securities in response to changes in interest rates, risk/reward characteristics, liquidity needs or other factors. Fixed maturity securities that the Company has the specific intent and ability to hold until maturity are classified as such and carried at amortized cost.

Available-for-sale securities are reported at their estimated fair values based on quoted market prices from a recognized pricing service, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax effects, reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses are determined on the specific identification method and recognized in the statement of income and comprehensive income.

Investment income is accrued to the date of the financial statements and includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on fixed maturities. Interest is recognized when earned, while dividends are recognized when declared. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, due and accrued investment income was $414,210 and $343,521, respectively.

Impairment of investment securities results in a charge to operations when a market decline below cost is deemed to be other-than-temporary. The Company regularly reviews its fixed-maturity and equity securities portfolios to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of investments. In evaluating potential impairment, management considers, among other criteria, the following: the current fair value compared to amortized cost or cost, as appropriate; the length of time the security’s fair value has been below amortized cost or cost; management’s intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value to cost or amortized cost; specific credit issues related to the issuer; and current economic conditions. Other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses result in a permanent reduction of the cost basis of the underlying investment. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, none of the Company’s investments were deemed to be OTTI.

 
F-10

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012

Fair Value
 
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 or liabilities 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 assumptions that market participants would use, having the lowest priority (“Level 3”).

For investments in active markets, the Company uses quoted market prices to determine fair value. In circumstances where quoted market prices are unavailable, the Company utilizes fair value estimates based upon other observable inputs including matrix pricing, benchmark interest rates, market comparables and other relevant inputs. The Company’s process to validate the market prices obtained from the outside pricing sources include, but are not limited to, periodic evaluation of model pricing methodologies and analytical reviews of certain prices.

Premiums Receivable
 
Premiums receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of approximately $145,000 and $85,000 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The allowance for uncollectible amounts is based on an analysis of amounts receivable giving consideration to historical loss experience and current economic conditions and reflects an amount that, in management’s judgment, is adequate. Uncollectible premiums receivable balances of approximately $88,000 and $54,000 were written off for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
 
Deffered policy acquisition costs represent the costs of writing business that vary with, and are primarily related to, the successful production of insurance business (principally commissions, premium taxes and certain underwriting salaries). Policy acquisition costs are deferred and recognized as expense as related premiums are earned.

Intangible Assets

The Company has recorded acquired identifiable intangible assets. In accounting for such assets, the Company follows GAAP guidance for intangible assets. The cost of a group of assets acquired in a transaction is allocated to the individual assets including identifiable intangible assets based on their relative fair values. Identifiable intangible assets with a finite useful life are amortized over the period that the asset is expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the future cash flows of the Company. Intangible assets with an indefinite life are not amortized, but are subject to annual impairment testing. All identifiable intangible assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a carrying amount may not be recoverable. Based on the results of our annual impairment testing, no impairment losses from intangible assets were recognized for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
 
 
F-11

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012

Property and Equipment
 
Building and building improvements, furniture, leasehold improvements, computer equipment, and software are reported at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The Company estimates the useful life for computer equipment, computer software, automobile, furniture and other equipment is three years, and building and building improvements is 39 years.

The Company reviews its real estate assets used as its headquarters to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for market changes due to declines in the fair value of the property. In evaluating potential impairment, management considers the current estimated fair value compared to the carrying value of the asset. The fair value of the real estate assets is estimated to be in excess of the carrying value.
 
Income Taxes
 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and for operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company files a consolidated tax return with its subsidiaries. The Company follows the relevant provisions of GAAP concerning uncertainties in income taxes and through December 31, 2013, the Company had no material unrecognized tax benefits and no adjustments to liabilities or operations were required.

Assessments
 
Insurance related assessments are accrued in the period in which they have been incurred. A typical obligating event would be the issuance of an insurance policy or the occurrence of a claim. The Company is subject to a variety of assessments.
 
Concentration and Credit Risk
 
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk are primarily cash and cash equivalents, investments and accounts receivable. Investments are diversified through many industries and geographic regions based upon KICO’s Investment Committee’s guidelines, which employs different investment strategies. The Company believes that no significant concentration of credit risk exists with respect to investments. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had cash deposits in excess of the FDIC secured limit of $250,000 per account at financial institutions of approximately $2,129,000 and $4,162,000, respectively. Cash equivalents are not insured by the FDIC.

 
F-12

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012

As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had deposits of cash equivalents as follows:
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
             
 Collateralized bank repurchase agreement (1)
  $ 17,280,027     $ -  
 Money market fund
    953,504       1,184,109  
 Total
  $ 18,233,531     $ 1,184,109  
 
(1) The Company has a security interest in certain of the bank's holdings of direct obligations of the United States or one or more agencies thereof. The collateral is held in a hold-in-custody arrangement with a third party who maintains physical possession of the collateral on behalf of the bank.
 
At December 31, 2013, the outstanding premiums receivable balance is generally diversified due to the number of insureds comprising the Company’s customer base, which is largely concentrated in the area of New York City and adjacent Long Island. The Company also has receivables from its reinsurers. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company from its obligations to policyholders. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. The Company periodically evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. Management’s policy is to review all outstanding receivables at period end as well as the bad debt write-offs experienced in the past and establish an allowance for doubtful accounts, if deemed necessary.
 
Direct premiums earned from lines of business that subject the Company to concentration risk for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
 
   
Years ended December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
 Personal Lines
    70.0 %     68.4 %
 Commercial Lines
    16.0 %     16.2 %
 Commercial Automobile
    n/a       11.6 %
 Total premiums earned subject to concentration
    86.0 %     96.2 %
 Premiums earned not subject to concentration
    14.0 %     3.8 %
 Total premiums earned
    100.0 %     100.0 %
 
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.
 
 
F-13

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
Earnings per share
 
Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share reflect, in periods in which they have a dilutive effect, the impact of common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options.  The computation of diluted earnings per share excludes those with an exercise price in excess of the average market price of the Company’s common shares during the periods presented.
 
Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are charged to operations when the advertising first takes place. Included in other underwriting expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income are advertising costs approximating $55,000 and $35,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Stock-based Compensation

The Company records compensation expense associated with stock options and other equity-based compensation in accordance with guidance established by GAAP. Stock-based compensation expense in 2013 and 2012 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 less an estimate for anticipated forfeitures.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income refers to revenue, expenses, gains and losses that under GAAP are included in comprehensive income but are excluded from net income as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to stockholders' equity, primarily from changes in  unrealized gains/losses on available-for-sale securities.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting guidance adopted in 2013

In February 2013, Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("ASU 2013-02"). ASU 2013-02 supersedes and replaces the presentation requirements for the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. None of the other requirements of previously issued ASUs related to comprehensive income are affected by ASU 2013-02. The Company adopted ASU 2013-02 on January 1, 2013 and the implementation of the standard did not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) Testing Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment (“ASU 2012-02”). ASU 2012-02 updated guidance regarding the impairment test applicable to indefinite-lived intangible assets that is similar to the impairment guidance applicable to goodwill. Under the updated guidance, an entity may assess qualitative factors (such as changes in management, strategy, technology or customers) that may impact the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and lead to the determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying value. If an entity determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible asset is less than its carrying value, an impairment test must be performed. The impairment test requires an entity to calculate the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. If the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2013 and it did not have any effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

 
F-14

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 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 equity securities as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized as follows:
 
   
December 31, 2013
 
                                 
Net
 
  
 
Cost or
   
Gross
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
         
Unrealized
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Less than 12
   
More than 12
   
Fair
   
Gains/
 
 Category
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Months
   
Months
   
Value
   
(Losses)
 
                                     
 Fixed-Maturity Securities:
                                   
 Political subdivisions of States,
                                   
 Territories and Possessions
  $ 7,000,222     $ 162,616     $ (49,491 )   $ (45,140 )   $ 7,068,207     $ 67,985  
                                                 
 Corporate and other bonds
                                               
 Industrial and miscellaneous
    21,079,680       569,139       (179,810 )     (101,194 )     21,367,815       288,135  
 Total fixed-maturity securities
    28,079,902       731,755       (229,301 )     (146,334 )     28,436,022       356,120  
                                                 
 Equity Securities:
                                               
 Preferred stocks
    2,899,301       2,503       (251,525 )     (62,551 )     2,587,728       (311,573 )
 Common stocks
    3,791,037       470,606       (38,785 )     (13,913 )     4,208,945       417,908  
 Total equity securities
    6,690,338       473,109       (290,310 )     (76,464 )     6,796,673       106,335  
                                                 
 Total
  $ 34,770,240     $ 1,204,864     $ (519,611 )   $ (222,798 )   $ 35,232,695     $ 462,455  
 
 
F-15

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
   
December 31, 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)
 
       
 Fixed-Maturity Securities:
                                   
 Political subdivisions of States,
                                   
 Territories and Possessions
  $ 5,219,092     $ 257,298     $ (1,574 )   $ -     $ 5,474,816     $ 255,724  
                                                 
 Corporate and other bonds
                                               
 Industrial and miscellaneous
    19,628,005       1,123,392       (43,553 )     (722 )     20,707,122       1,079,117  
 Total fixed-maturity securities
    24,847,097       1,380,690       (45,127 )     (722 )     26,181,938       1,334,841  
                                                 
 Equity Securities:
                                               
 Preferred stocks
    1,475,965       19,512       (11,130 )     -       1,484,347       8,382  
 Common stocks
    3,598,012       353,782       (145,899 )     -       3,805,895       207,883  
 Total equity securities
    5,073,977       373,294       (157,029 )     -       5,290,242       216,265  
                                                 
 Total
  $ 29,921,074     $ 1,753,984     $ (202,156 )   $ (722 )   $ 31,472,180     $ 1,551,106  
 
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 December 31, 2013 and 2012 is shown below:
 
   
December 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
   
Amortized
         
Amortized
       
 Remaining Time to Maturity
 
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
             
 Less than one year
  $ 758,281     $ 768,954     $ 546,952     $ 560,162  
 One to five years
    9,025,386       9,466,973       9,031,248       9,569,943  
 Five to ten years
    14,070,003       14,114,271       12,605,798       13,306,033  
 More than 10 years
    4,226,232       4,085,824       2,663,099       2,745,800  
 Total
  $ 28,079,902     $ 28,436,022     $ 24,847,097     $ 26,181,938  
 
The actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties.
 
 
F-16

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
Held-to-Maturity Securities

The amortized cost and fair value of investments in held to maturity fixed-maturity securities as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are summarized as follows:
 
   
December 31, 2013
 
                                 
Net
 
  
 
Cost or
   
Gross
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
         
Unrealized
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Less than 12
   
More than 12
   
Fair
   
Gains/
 
 Category
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Months
   
Months
   
Value
   
(Losses)
 
                                     
                                     
 U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 606,138     $ 46,915     $ -     $ -     $ 653,053     $ 46,915  
                                                 
 Political subdivisions of States,
                                               
 Territories and Possessions
    208,697       -       (25,359 )     -       183,338       (25,359 )
                                                 
 Corporate and other bonds
                                               
 Industrial and miscellaneous
    1,584,647       8,934       -       -       1,588,870       4,223  
                                                 
 Total
  $ 2,399,482     $ 55,849     $ (25,359 )   $ -     $ 2,425,261     $ 25,779  
 
 
December 31, 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)
               
 U.S. Treasury securities
 $    606,281
 $     172,745
 $                  -
 
 $                  -
 $    779,026
 $      172,745
 
U.S. Treasury securities included in held-to-maturity securities are held in trust pursuant to the New York State Department of Financial Services’ minimum funds requirement.

A summary of the amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s investments in held-to-maturity securities by contractual maturity as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 is shown below:
 
   
December 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
   
Amortized
         
Amortized
       
 Remaining Time to Maturity
 
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
             
 Less than one year
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
 One to five years
    -       -       -       -  
 Five to ten years
    1,793,344       1,772,208       -       -  
 More than 10 years
    606,138       653,053       606,281       779,026  
 Total
  $ 2,399,482     $ 2,425,261     $ 606,281     $ 779,026  
 
 
 
F-17

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
 
Investment Income

Major categories of the Company’s net investment income are summarized as follows:
 
   
Years ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
       
 Income:
 
 
   
 
 
 Fixed-maturity securities
  $ 1,018,857     $ 951,895  
 Equity securities
    390,818       268,034  
 Cash and cash equivalents
    41       134  
 Other
    16,507       23,857  
 Total
    1,426,223       1,243,920  
 Expenses:
               
 Investment expenses
    256,172       228,764  
 Net investment income
  $ 1,170,051     $ 1,015,156  
 
Proceeds from the sale and maturity of fixed-maturity securities were $5,850,770 and $4,322,120 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Proceeds from the sale of equity securities were $4,868,193 and $1,726,345 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The Company’s net realized gains and losses on investments are summarized as follows:
 
   
Year ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
             
 Fixed-maturity securities
           
 Gross realized gains
  $ 237,886     $ 233,299  
 Gross realized losses
    (73,910 )     (52,933 )
      163,976       180,366  
                 
 Equity securities
               
 Gross realized gains
    551,912       137,271  
 Gross realized losses
    (140,096 )     (29,569 )
      411,816       107,702  
                 
 Net realized gains
  $ 575,792     $ 288,068  
 
Impairment Review
 
Impairment of investment securities results in a charge to operations when a market decline below cost is deemed to be other-than-temporary. The Company regularly reviews its fixed-maturity securities and equity securities portfolios to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of investments. In evaluating potential impairment, 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. Other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses result in a permanent reduction of the cost basis of the underlying investment.

 
F-18

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012

OTTI losses are recorded in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income as net realized losses on investments and result in a permanent reduction of the cost basis of the underlying investment. The determination of OTTI is a subjective process and different judgments and assumptions could affect the timing of loss realization. At December 31, 2013, there were 52 securities 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 years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. Significant factors influencing the Company’s determination that unrealized losses were temporary included the magnitude of the unrealized losses in relation to each security’s cost, the nature of the investment and management’s intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery of fair value to the Company’s cost basis.
 
 
F-19

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
The Company held securities with unrealized losses representing declines that were considered temporary at December 31, 2013 and 2012 as follows:
 
   
December 31, 2013
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
   
Total
 
  
             
No. of
               
No. of
   
Aggregate
       
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Positions
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Positions
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
 Category
 
Value
   
Losses
   
Held
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Held
   
Value
   
Losses
 
                                                 
Fixed-Maturity Securities:
                                           
U.S. Treasury securities
                                           
and obligations of U.S.
                                               
government corporations
                                           
 and agencies
  $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -  
                                                                 
Political subdivisions of
                                                         
States, Territories and
                                                               
 Possessions
    2,015,437       (49,491 )     6       415,866       (45,140 )     2       2,431,303       (94,631 )
                                                                 
 Corporate and other
                                                               
 bonds industrial and
                                                               
 miscellaneous
    6,447,605       (179,810 )     24       1,430,377       (101,194 )     5       7,877,982       (281,004 )
                                                                 
 Total fixed-maturity
                                                               
 securities
  $ 8,463,042     $ (229,301 )     30     $ 1,846,243     $ (146,334 )     7     $ 10,309,285     $ (375,635 )
                                                                 
 Equity Securities:
                                                               
 Preferred stocks
  $ 1,835,958     $ (251,525 )     8     $ 444,100     $ (62,551 )     2     $ 2,280,058     $ (314,076 )
 Common stocks
    879,525       (38,785 )     4       145,625       (13,913 )     1       1,025,150       (52,698 )
                                                                 
 Total equity securities
  $ 2,715,483     $ (290,310 )     12     $ 589,725     $ (76,464 )     3     $ 3,305,208     $ (366,774 )
                                                                 
 Total
  $ 11,178,525     $ (519,611 )     42     $ 2,435,968     $ (222,798 )     10     $ 13,614,493     $ (742,409 )
 
 
F-20

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
   
December 31, 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
 
                                                 
Fixed-Maturity Securities:
                                           
Political subdivisions of
                                           
 States, Territories and
                                               
 Possessions
  $ 202,798     $ (1,574 )     1     $ -     $ -       -     $ 202,798     $ (1,574 )
                                                                 
 Corporate and other
                                                               
 bonds industrial and
                                                               
 miscellaneous
    4,025,551       (43,553 )     19       128,125       (722 )     1       4,153,676       (44,275 )
                                                                 
 Total fixed-maturity
                                                               
 securities
  $ 4,228,349     $ (45,127 )     20     $ 128,125     $ (722 )     1     $ 4,356,474     $ (45,849 )
                                                                 
 Equity Securities:
                                                               
 Preferred stocks
  $ 387,925     $ (11,130 )     3     $ -     $ -       -     $ 387,925     $ (11,130 )
 Common stocks
    1,536,860       (145,899 )     9       -       -       -       1,536,860       (145,899 )
                                                                 
 Total equity securities
  $ 1,924,785     $ (157,029 )     12     $ -     $ -       -     $ 1,924,785     $ (157,029 )
                                                                 
 Total
  $ 6,153,134     $ (202,156 )     32     $ 128,125     $ (722 )     1     $ 6,281,259     $ (202,878 )

 
F-21

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements

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

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

 
F-22

 

KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012

 
The Company’s investments are allocated among pricing input levels at December 31, 2013 and 2012 as follows:

   
December 31, 2013
 
 ($ in thousands)
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
       
 Fixed-maturity investments available for sale
                       
 Political subdivisions of
                       
 States, Territories and
                       
 Possessions
  $ -     $ 7,068     $ -     $ 7,068  
                                 
 Corporate and other
                               
 bonds industrial and
                               
 miscellaneous
    20,731       637       -       21,368  
 Total fixed maturities
    20,731       7,705       -       28,436  
 Equity investments
    6,797       -       -       6,797  
 Total investments
  $ 27,528     $ 7,705     $ -     $ 35,233  
 
   
December 31, 2012
 
 ($ in thousands)
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
       
 Fixed-maturity investments available for sale
                       
 Political subdivisions of
                       
 States, Territories and
                       
 Possessions
  $ -     $ 5,475     $ -     $ 5,475  
                                 
 Corporate and other
                               
 bonds industrial and
                               
 miscellaneous
    11,600       9,107       -       20,707  
 Total fixed maturities
    11,600       14,582       -       26,182  
 Equity investments
    5,290       -       -       5,290  
 Total investments
  $ 16,890     $ 14,582     $ -     $ 31,472  

Note 5 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments

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

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

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

 
F-23

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
Real Estate: The fair value of the land and building included in property and equipment, which is used in the Company’s operations, approximates the carrying value. The fair value was based on an appraisal prepared using the sales comparison approach, and accordingly the real estate is a Level 3 asset under the fair value hierarchy.

Reinsurance balances payable:  The carrying value reported in the 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 at December 31, 2012 approximates fair value because of the negotiated interest rates, which are based on the terms of the loans, risk and guaranty.

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

   
December 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
   
Carrying Value
   
Fair Value
   
Carrying Value
   
Fair Value
 
                         
 Fixed-maturity investments held to maturity
  $ 2,399,482     $ 2,425,261     $ 606,281     $ 779,026  
 Cash and cash equivalents
    19,922,506       19,922,506       2,240,012       2,240,012  
 Premiums receivable
    7,590,074       7,590,074       7,766,825       7,766,825  
 Receiveables- reinsurance contracts     974,989       974,989       -       -  
 Reinsurance receivables
    38,535,814       38,535,814       38,902,782       38,902,782  
 Real estate, net of accumulated depreciation
    1,777,942       1,816,122       1,696,924       1,720,000  
 Reinsurance balances payable
    2,566,729       2,566,729       1,820,527       1,820,527  
 Advance payments from catastrophe reinsurers
    -       -       7,358,391       7,358,391  
 Notes payable (including related parties)
    -       -       1,197,000       1,197,000  

Note 6 - Intangibles

Intangible assets consist of finite and indefinite life assets. Finite life intangible assets include customer and producer relationships and assembled workforce. Insurance company license is considered indefinite life intangible assets subject to annual impairment testing. The weighted average amortization period of identified intangible assets of finite useful life is approximately 5.0 years as of December 31, 2013.
 
 The components of intangible assets and their useful lives, accumulated amortization, and net carrying value as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are summarized as follows:
 
          December 31, 2013      December 31, 2012   
   
Useful Life
(in yrs)
   
Gross
Carrying
 Value
    Accmulated Amortization    
Net
Carrying
Amount
   
Gross
Carrying
Value
    Accumulated Amortization    
Net
Carrying
Amount
 
 Insurance license     -     $ 500,000     $ -     $ 500,000     $ 500,000     $ -     $ 500,000  
 Customer relationships     10       3,400,000       1,530,000       1,870,000       3,400,000       1,190,000       2,210,000  
 Assembled workforce     7       950,000       610,756       339,244       950,000       475,042       474,958  
 Total           $ 4,850,000     $ 2,140,756     $ 2,709,244     $ 4,850,000     $ 1,665,042     $ 3,184,958  
 
 
 
F-24

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
Intangible asset impairment testing and amortization

The Company performs an analysis annually as of December 31 to identify potential impairment of intangible assets with both definite and indefinite lives and measures the amount of any impairment loss that may need to be recognized. Intangible asset impairment testing requires an evaluation of the estimated fair value of each identified intangible asset to its carrying value. An impairment charge would be recorded if the estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount of the intangible asset. No impairments have been identified in the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.

The Company recorded amortization expense, related to intangibles, of $475,714 for each of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for the remaining life of finite life intangibles is as follows:
 
2014
  $ 475,714  
2015
    475,714  
2016
    407,816  
2017
    340,000  
2018
    340,000  
Thereafter
    170,000  
    $ 2,209,244  
 
Note 7 - Reinsurance

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

       Personal Lines

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

Personal umbrella policies are reinsured under a 90% quota share treaty limiting the Company to a maximum of $100,000 per occurrence for the first $1,000,000 of coverage. The second $1,000,000 of coverage is 100% reinsured. 
 
 
F-25

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
       Commercial Lines

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

Commercial Auto

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

Catastrophe Reinsurance

The Company has catastrophe reinsurance coverage with regard to losses of up to $90,000,000.  The initial $4,000,000 of losses in a catastrophe are subject to a 75% quota share treaty, such that the Company retains $1,000,000 per catastrophe occurrence With respect to any additional catastrophe losses of up to $86,000,000 per catastrophe, the Company is 100% reinsured under its catastrophe reinsurance program. Catastrophe coverage is limited on an annual basis to two times the per occurrence amounts.
 
 
F-26

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
The single maximum risks to which the Company is subject under these treaties per occurrence are as follows:
 
Treaty
 
Extent of Loss
   
Risk Retained
 
 Personal Lines
 
Initial $1,200,000
    $ 300,000  
    $ 1,200,000 -$2,900,000    
None(1)
 
   
Over $2,900,000
      100 %
                 
 Personal Umbrella
 
Initial $1,000,000
    $ 100,000  
    $ 1,000,000 -$2,000,000    
None(1)
 
   
Over $2,000,000
      100 %
                 
 Commercial Lines
 
Initial $400,000
    $ 300,000  
    $ 400,000 - $2,900,000    
None(1)
 
   
Over $2,900,000
      100 %
                 
 Commercial Auto
 
Initial $300,000
    $ 300,000  
    $ 300,000 - $2,000,000    
None(1)
 
   
Over $2,000,000
      100 %
                 
 Catastrophe (2)
 
Initial $4,000,000
    $ 1,000,000  
    $ 4,000,000 - $90,000,000    
None
 
   
Over $90,000,000
      100 %
________________
 
(1)  
Covered by excess of loss treaties.
 
(2)  
Catastrophe coverage is limited on an annual basis to two times the per occurrence amounts.
 
The reinsurance treaties, which expired on June 30, 2013, provided for the following material terms:

       Personal Lines

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

Personal umbrella policies were reinsured under a 90% quota share treaty limiting the Company to a maximum of $100,000 per occurrence for the first $1,000,000 of coverage. The second $1,000,000 of coverage was 100% reinsured. 
 
 
F-27

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
      
       Commercial Lines

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

Commercial Auto

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

Catastrophe Reinsurance

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

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

The Company’s new reinsurance programs on July 1, 2013 and 2012 resulted in adjustments to ceded written premiums, net written premiums and provisional ceding commissions earned.  These adjustments were the result of the annual treaty changes and are not recurring on a quarterly basis:

Personal Lines Quota Share

On July 1, 2013, the Company’s provisional ceding commissions rate increased from 35% to 40%, and, as a result, the reinsurers were obligated to pay to the Company 5% of the ceded unearned premiums as of June 30, 2013. The additional provisional ceding commissions received will increase provisional ceding commission revenue as they are earned.

Commercial Lines Quota Share

On July 1, 2013, the change from a 40% quota share to a 25% quota share resulted in a decrease to ceded written premiums, as the quota share carriers were obligated to return to the Company 37.50% of the previously ceded unearned premiums.  On July 1, 2012, the change from a 60% quota share to a 40% quota share resulted in a decrease to ceded written premiums, as the quota share carriers were obligated to return to the Company 33.33% of the previously ceded unearned premiums.  The returned unearned premiums are then earned over the remaining life of the policies to which they relate.  On July 1, 2013 and 2012, along with the increase to net written premiums and net earned premiums, the Company was obligated to return to the reinsurers 37.50% and 33.33%, respectively,  of the unearned provisional ceding commission previously received, which will reduce future ceding commission revenues as they are earned.

 
F-28

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
The Company received advance payments from catastrophe reinsurers related to Superstorm Sandy. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the balance of advance payments from catastrophe reinsurers which were applied against unpaid losses when paid was $-0- and $7,358,391, respectively, and are included in “Advance payments from catastrophe reinsurers” in the consolidated balance sheets.

Approximate reinsurance recoverables on unpaid and paid losses by reinsurer are as follows:
 
   
Unpaid
   
Paid
                   
 ($ in thousands)
 
Losses
   
Losses
   
Total
   
Security
       
December 31, 2013
                             
 Maiden Reinsurace Company
  $ 6,929     $ 732     $ 7,661     $ 13,868       (1 )
 SCOR Reinsurance Company
    3,318       294       3,612       -          
 Swiss Reinsuarnace America Corporation
    2,523       454       2,977       -          
 Motors Insurance Corporation
    1,536       48       1,584       792       (1 )
 Sirius American Insurance Company
    1,410       44       1,454       -          
 Allied World Assurance Company
    665       39       704       -          
 Others
    983       246       1,229       135       (2 )
 Total
  $ 17,364     $ 1,857     $ 19,221     $ 14,795          
                                         
December 31, 2012
                                       
 Maiden Reinsurace Company
  $ 8,173     $ 2,989     $ 11,162     $ 6,503       (1 )
 SCOR Reinsurance Company
    4,437       1,495       5,932       -          
 Motors Insurance Corporation
    1,550       49       1,599       1,214       (1 )
 Sirius American Insurance Company
    1,406       18       1,424       -          
 Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation
    1,705       756       2,461       -          
 Allied World Assurance Company
    808       372       1,180       -          
 Others
    341       113       454       91       (2 )
 Total
  $ 18,420     $ 5,792     $ 24,212     $ 7,808          
                                         
 (1) Secured pursuant to collateralized trust agreements.
                                       
 (2) Guaranteed by an irrevocable letter of credit.
                                       
 
Assets held in the two trusts referred to in footnote (1) above are not included in the Company’s invested assets and investment income earned on these assets is credited to the two reinsurers respectively. In addition to reinsurance recoverables on unpaid and paid losses, reinsurance receivables as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 include unearned ceded premiums of $18,400,338 and $14,690,683, respectively.
 
Ceding Commission Revenue
 
The Company earns ceding commission revenue under its quota share reinsurance agreements based on: (i) a fixed provisional commission rate at which provisional ceding commissions are earned, and (ii) a sliding scale of commission rates and ultimate treaty year loss ratios on the policies reinsured under each of these agreements based upon which contingent ceding commissions are earned. The sliding scale includes minimum and maximum commission rates in relation to specified ultimate loss ratios.  The commission rate and contingent ceding commissions earned increases when the estimated ultimate loss ratio decreases and, conversely, the commission rate and contingent ceding commissions earned decreases when the estimated ultimate loss ratio increases.
 
 
F-29

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
As of December 31, 2013, the Company’s estimated ultimate loss ratios are attributable to contracts for the July 1, 2012/June 30, 2013 treaty year (“2012/2013 Treaties”) and the July 1, 2013/June 30, 2014 treaty year (“2013/2014 Treaties”). As of December 31, 2012, the Company’s estimated ultimate loss ratios are attributable to contracts for the July 1, 2011/June 30, 2012 treaty year (“2011/2012 Treaties”) and the 2012/2013 Treaties.

Treaties in effect as of December 31, 2013

The Company’s estimated ultimate loss ratios attributable to the 2012/2013 Treaties are greater than the contractual ultimate loss ratios at which the provisional ceding commissions are earned. Accordingly, for the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company has recorded negative contingent ceding commissions earned with respect to the 2012/2013 Treaties.

The Company’s estimated ultimate loss ratios attributable to contracts for the 2013/2014 Treaties are lower than the contractual ultimate loss ratios at which the provisional ceding commissions are earned. Accordingly, for the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company has recorded contingent ceding commissions earned with respect to the 2013/2014 Treaties.

Treaties in effect as of December 31, 2012

The Company’s estimated ultimate loss ratios attributable to contracts for the 2011/2012 Treaties are lower than the contractual ultimate loss ratios at which the provisional ceding commissions are earned. Accordingly, for the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company has recorded contingent ceding commissions earned with respect to the 2011/2012 Treaties.

The Company’s estimated ultimate loss ratios attributable to the 2012/2013 Treaties are greater than the contractual ultimate loss ratios at which the provisional ceding commissions are earned. Accordingly, for the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company has recorded negative contingent ceding commissions earned with respect to the 2012/2013 Treaties.

In addition to the treaties that were in effect as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the estimated ultimate loss ratios from prior years’ treaties are subject to change as loss reserves from those periods increase or decrease, resulting in an increase or decrease in the commission rate and contingent ceding commissions earned.


 
F-30

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012

Ceding commissions earned consists of the following:
 
   
Years ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
       
 Provisional ceding commissions earned
  $ 11,007,342     $ 8,516,240  
 Contingent ceding commissions earned
    665,761       1,173,915  
    $ 11,673,103     $ 9,690,155  
 
Provisional ceding commissions are settled monthly. Balances due from reinsurers for contingent ceding commissions on quota share treaties are settled annually based on the loss ratio of each treaty year that ends on June 30. As discussed above, for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, the Company has recorded negative contingent ceding commissions earned with respect to the 2012/2013 Treaties, which results in ceding commissions payable to reinsurers. Net contingent ceding commissions payable to reinsurers as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $-0- and $807,415, respectively, and is included in “Reinsurance balances payable” in the consolidated balance sheets.
 
Note 8 - Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Ceding Commission Revenue

Policy acquisition costs incurred and policy-related ceding commission revenue are deferred, and amortized to income on property and casualty insurance business as follows:
 
   
Year ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
       
 Net deferred policyacquisition costs net of ceding
           
 commission revenue, beginning of year
  $ 692,848     $ 553,374  
                 
 Cost incurred and deferred:
               
 Commissions and brokerage
    10,500,068       8,087,355  
 Other underwriting and policy acquisition costs
    3,193,910       3,012,611  
 Ceding commission revenue
    (13,114,478 )     (9,410,871 )
 Net deferred policy acquisition costs
    579,500       1,689,095  
 Amortization
    (1,396,251 )     (1,549,621 )
      (816,751 )     139,474  
                 
Net deferred policy acquisition costs net of ceding
               
commission revenue, end of year
  $ (123,902 )   $ 692,848  
                 
                 
 
 
 
F-31

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
Ending balances for deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred ceding commission revenue as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 follows:
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
       
 Deferred policy acquisition costs
  $ 6,860,263     $ 5,569,878  
 Deferred ceding commission revenue
    (6,984,166 )     (4,877,030 )
 Balance at end of period
  $ (123,903 )   $ 692,848  
 
Note 9 - Property and Equipment

The components of property and equipment are summarized as follows:
 
         
Accumulated
       
   
Cost
   
Depreciation
   
Net
 
                   
December 31, 2013
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 Building
  $ 1,760,435     $ (195,363 )   $ 1,565,072  
 Land
    153,097       -       153,097  
 Furniture
    170,505       (79,885 )     90,620  
 Computer equipment and software
    533,966       (307,382 )     226,584  
 Automobile
    81,394       (78,012 )     3,382  
 Total
  $ 2,699,397     $ (660,642 )   $ 2,038,755  
                         
December 31, 2012
                       
 Building
  $ 1,648,838     $ (152,976 )   $ 1,495,862  
 Land
    153,097       -       153,097  
 Furniture
    138,115       (66,570 )     71,545  
 Computer equipment and software
    336,851       (219,447 )     117,404  
 Automobile
    81,394       (50,880 )     30,514  
 Total
  $ 2,358,295     $ (489,873 )   $ 1,868,422  
 
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $170,769 and $120,633, respectively.

Note 10 - Property and Casualty Insurance Activity

Premiums written, ceded and earned are as follows:
 
   
Direct
   
Assumed
   
Ceded
   
Net
 
                         
Year ended December 31, 2013
       
 
   
 
   
 
 
 Premiums written
  $ 60,449,077     $ 45,746     $ (35,656,060 )   $ 24,838,763  
 Change in unearned premiums
    (6,341,750 )     18,499       3,709,655       (2,613,596 )
 Premiums earned
  $ 54,107,327     $ 64,245     $ (31,946,405 )   $ 22,225,167  
                                 
Year ended December 31, 2012
                               
 Premiums written
  $ 49,251,630     $ 23,967     $ (29,715,971 )   $ 19,559,626  
 Change in unearned premiums
    (4,724,193 )     (5,010 )     2,386,188       (2,343,015 )
 Premiums earned
  $ 44,527,437     $ 18,957     $ (27,329,783 )   $ 17,216,611  
 
Premium receipts in advance of the policy effective date are recorded as advance premiums.  The balance of advance premiums as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $776,000 and $611,000, respectively.

 
F-32

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
The components of the liability for loss and LAE expenses and related reinsurance receivables as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
 
   
Gross
   
Reinsurance
 
   
Liability
   
Receivables
 
December 31, 2013
           
 Case-basis reserves
  $ 22,489,240     $ 12,078,399  
 Loss adjustment expenses
    4,200,675       1,226,763  
 IBNR reserves
    7,813,314       4,058,813  
 Recoverable on unpaid losses
            17,363,975  
 Recoverable on paid losses
    -       1,796,512  
 Total loss and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 34,503,229       19,160,487  
 Unearned premiums
            18,400,338  
 Total reinsurance receivables
          $ 37,560,825  
                 
December 31, 2012
               
 Case-basis reserves
  $ 21,190,141     $ 13,284,613  
 Loss adjustment expenses
    2,502,169       1,064,420  
 IBNR reserves
    6,793,222       4,070,661  
 Recoverable on unpaid losses
            18,419,694  
 Recoverable on paid losses
    -       5,792,405  
 Total loss and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 30,485,532       24,212,099  
 Unearned premiums
            14,690,683  
 Total reinsurance receivables
          $ 38,902,782  
 
 
 
F-33

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”):
 
   
Years ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
       
 Balance at beginning of period
  $ 30,485,532     $ 18,480,717  
 Less reinsurance recoverables
    (18,419,694 )     (9,960,334 )
 Net balance, beginning of period
    12,065,838       8,520,383  
                 
 Incurred related to:
               
 Current year
    11,765,420       10,460,000  
 Prior years
    1,821,113       774,713  
 Total incurred
    13,586,533       11,234,713  
                 
 Paid related to:
               
 Current year
    3,709,495       4,419,000  
 Prior years
    4,803,622       3,270,258  
 Total paid
    8,513,117       7,689,258  
  
               
 Net balance at end of period
    17,139,254       12,065,838  
 Add reinsurance recoverables
    17,363,975       18,419,694  
 Balance at end of period
  $ 34,503,229     $ 30,485,532  
 
Incurred losses and LAE are net of reinsurance recoveries under reinsurance contracts of $17,167,407 and $21,396,768 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, 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.  Several actuarial reserving methodologies are used to estimate required loss reserves. The process produces carried reserves set by management based upon the actuaries’ best estimate and is the result of numerous best estimates made by line of business, accident year, and loss and loss adjustment expense. The amount of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for reported claims ("case reserve") is based primarily upon a case-by-case evaluation of coverage, liability, injury severity, and any other information considered pertinent to estimating the exposure presented by the claim. The amounts of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for unreported claims and development on known claims (incurred but not reported reserves) are determined using historical information by line of insurance as adjusted to current conditions. Since this process produces loss reserves set by management based upon the actuaries’ best estimate, there is no explicit or implicit provision for uncertainty in the carried loss reserves.

 
F-34

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
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. Several methods are used, varying by product line and accident year, in order to select the estimated year-end loss reserves.  These methods include the following:

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

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

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

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

The Company is not aware of any claims trends that have emerged or that would cause future adverse development that have not already been considered in existing case reserves and in its current loss development factors.

 
F-35

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
In New York State, lawsuits for negligence are subject to certain limitations and must be commenced within three years from the date of the accident or are otherwise barred. Accordingly, the Company’s exposure to ‘pure’ IBNR for accident years 2010 and prior is limited although there remains the possibility of adverse development on reported claims (‘case development’ IBNR).

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

Note 11 - Long-Term Debt
 
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations consist of:
 
   
December 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
         
Less
               
Less
       
   
Total
   
Current
   
Long-Term
   
Total
   
Current
   
Long-Term
 
   
Debt
   
Maturities
   
Debt
   
Debt
   
Maturities
   
Debt
 
Notes payable
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 747,000     $ -     $ 747,000  
Bank line of credit
    -       -       -       450,000       450,000       -  
    $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 1,197,000     $ 450,000     $ 747,000  
 
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 reduction in the interest rate and the extension of the maturity date did not significantly change the fair value of the 2009/2010 Notes. The remaining 2009/2010 Notes, as extended, were prepaid on December 13, 2013 without premium or penalty. Interest expense on the 2009/2010 Notes for years ended December 31 2013 and 2012 was approximately $69,000 and $71,000, respectively.
 
 
F-36

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
Related party balances as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and principal prepayments as described above for the year ended December 31, 2013 under the 2009/2010 Notes are as follows:
 
         
Less
       
         
Principal
       
   
Balance
   
Prepayments
   
Balance
 
   
December 31,
   
Year Ended
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
December 31, 2013
   
2013
 
                   
 Barry Goldstein IRA (Mr. Goldstein is Chairman of the Board, President
                 
 and Chief Executive Officer, and principal stockholder of the Company)
  $ 90,000     $ 90,000     $ -  
 Jay Haft, a director of the Company
    30,000       30,000       -  
 A member of the family of Michael Feinsod, a director of the Company
    60,000       60,000       -  
 Mr. Yedid and members of his family
    156,000       156,000       -  
 A member of the family of Floyd Tupper, a director of KICO
    42,000       42,000       -  
 Total related party transactions
  $ 378,000     $ 378,000     $ -  

Interest expense on related party borrowings for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $35,000 and $36,000, respectively.
 
Bank Line of Credit
 
On December 27, 2011, Kingstone executed a Promissory Note pursuant to a line of credit (together, the “Trustco Agreement”) with Trustco Bank (“Lender”). Under the Trustco Agreement, Kingstone may receive advances from Lender not to exceed an unpaid principal balance of $500,000 (the “Credit Limit”). On January 25, 2013, the Credit Limit was increased to $600,000.  Advances extended under the Trustco Agreement will bear interest at a floating rate based on the Lender’s prime rate, which was 3.75% at December 31, 2013.
 
Interest only payments are due monthly. The principal balance is payable on demand, and must be reduced to zero for a minimum of thirty consecutive days during each year of the term of the Trustco Agreement. The line of credit is subject to annual renewal at the discretion of the Lender. Lender may set off any depository accounts maintained by Kingstone that are held by Lender. Payment of amounts due pursuant to the Trustco Agreement is secured by all of Kingstone’s cash and deposit accounts, receivables, inventory and  fixed assets, and is guaranteed by Kingstone’s subsidiary, Payments, Inc.
 
The line of credit is being used for general corporate purposes.
 
The weighted average interest rate on the amount outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was 3.75%. There are no other fees in connection with this credit line. Interest expense on the line of credit for years ended December 31 2013 and 2012 was approximately $7,000 and $10,000, respectively.
 
Note 12 – Stockholders’ Equity

Dividend Declared

Dividends declared and paid on Common Stock were $612,401 and $533,763 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company’s Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend on February 20, 2014 of $.04 per share payable in cash on March 14, 2014 to stockholders of record as of March 6, 2014 (See Note 19).

Preferred Stock
 
On August 13, 2013, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company to increase the number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock from 1,000,000 to 2,500,000. The Board of Directors has the authority to issue shares of Preferred Stock from time to time in a series and to fix, before the issuance of each series, the number of shares in each series and the designation, liquidation preferences, conversion privileges, rights and limitations of each series. There was no preferred stock issued as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
 
 
F-37

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
Common Stock
 
On August 13, 2013, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company to increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 10,000,000 to 20,000,000.

On December 13, 2013, the Company closed on an underwritten public offering of 3,450,000 shares of its Common Stock, including 450,000 shares issued pursuant to the underwriter’s 30-day over-allotment option, at a public offering price of $5.95 per share. The aggregate net proceeds to the Company was approximately $18,804,000, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses of $1,723,000.

The Company used the net proceeds of the offering to contribute capital to its insurance subsidiary, KICO, to support growth, including possible product expansion, and to repay indebtedness. A registration statement relating to these securities was filed with the SEC and became effective on December 9, 2013.

Other Equity Compensation

For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, there was no other equity compensation.

Stock Options

Pursuant to the Company’s 2005 Equity Participation Plan (the “2005 Plan”), which provides for the issuance of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options and restricted stock, a maximum of 550,000 shares of Common Stock were permitted to be issued pursuant to options granted and restricted stock issued.  On August 13, 2013, the Company’s stockholders approved an increase in the number of shares authorized to be issued pursuant to the 2005 Plan from 550,000 to 700,000. Incentive stock options granted under the 2005 Plan expire no later than ten years from date of grant (except no later than five years for a grant to a 10% stockholder). The Board of Directors or the Stock Option Committee determines the expiration date with respect to non-statutory options, and the vesting provisions for restricted stock, granted under the 2005 Plan.
 
The results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 include stock-based stock option compensation expense totaling approximately $60,000 and $48,000, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options is net of estimated forfeitures of 21% for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. Such amounts have been included in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income within other operating expenses.

 
F-38

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
Stock-based compensation expense in 2013 and 2012 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. The weighted average estimated fair value of stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $1.43 and $2.47 per share respectively. The fair value of options at the grant date was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing method. The following weighted average assumptions were used for grants during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
 
   
Years ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
 Dividend Yield
    2.42% - 3.14 %     0.00 %
 Volatility
    45.73% - 46.71 %     50.89% - 89.27 %
 Risk-Free Interest Rate
    0.61% - 0.68 %     0.61 %
 Expected Life
 
3.25 years
   
5 years
 

The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options, which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because our stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of our stock options.
 
A summary of option activity under the Company’s 2005 Plan for the year ended December 31, 2013 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, 2013
    235,115     $ 2.58       2.24     $ 539,485  
                                 
Granted
    92,500     $ 5.27       -     $ 184,900  
Exercised
    (6,250 )   $ 2.35       -     $ 18,175  
Forfeited
    -     $ -       -     $ -  
                                 
Outstanding at December 31, 2013
    321,365     $ 3.36       2.26     $ 1,257,936  
                                 
Vested and Exercisable at December 31, 2013
    244,490     $ 2.77       1.49     $ 1,100,811  
 
The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and options exercisable at December 31, 2013 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 $7.27 closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on December 31, 2013. The total intrinsic value of options exercised in year ended December 31, 2013 was $18,175, determined as of the date of exercise. 
 
 
F-39

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
Participants in the 2005 Plan may exercise their outstanding vested options, in whole or in part, by having the Company reduce the number of shares otherwise issuable by a number of shares having a fair market value equal to the exercise price of the option being exercised (“Net Exercise”). The Company received cash proceeds of $11,750 from the exercise of options for the purchase of 5,000 shares of Common Stock in the year ended December 31, 2013. The remaining 1,250 options exercised in 2013 were Net Exercises. The Company received cash proceeds of $47,075 from the exercise of options for the purchase of 22,500 shares of Common Stock in the year ended December 31, 2012. The remaining 146,250 options exercised in 2012 were Net Exercises.
 
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the fair value of unamortized compensation cost related to unvested stock option awards was approximately $71,000 and $26,000, respectively. Unamortized compensation cost as of December 31, 2013 is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average vesting period of 1.47 years.
 
As of December 31, 2013, there were 201,135 shares reserved under the 2005 Plan.
 
Note 13 - Statutory Financial Information and Accounting Policies
 
For regulatory purposes, the Company’s Insurance Subsidiaries prepare their statutory basis financial statements in accordance with practices prescribed or permitted by the state in which they are domiciled (“statutory basis” or “SAP”). The more significant SAP variances from GAAP are as follows: 
 
   
Policy acquisition costs are charged to operations in the year such costs are incurred, rather than being deferred and amortized as premiums are earned over the terms of the policies.
   
Ceding commission revenues are earned when ceded premiums are written except for ceding commission revenues in excess of anticipated acquisition costs, which are deferred and amortized as ceded premiums are earned. GAAP requires that all ceding commission revenues be earned as the underlying ceded premiums are earned over the term of the reinsurance agreements.
   
Certain assets including certain receivables, a portion of the net deferred tax asset, prepaid expenses and furniture and equipment are not admitted.
   
Investments in fixed-maturity securities are valued at National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) value for statutory financial purposes, which is primarily amortized cost. GAAP requires certain investments in fixed-maturity securities classified as available for sale, to be reported at fair value.
   
Certain amounts related to ceded reinsurance are reported on a net basis within the statutory basis financial statements. GAAP requires these amounts to be shown gross.
 
For SAP purposes, changes in deferred income taxes relating to temporary differences between net income for financial reporting purposes and taxable income are recognized as a separate component of gains and losses in surplus rather than included in income tax expense or benefit as required under GAAP.
 
 
 
F-40

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
State insurance laws restrict the ability of KICO to declare dividends. These restrictions are related to surplus and net investment income. Dividends are restricted to the lesser of 10% of surplus or 100% of investment income (on a statutory accounting basis) for the trailing four quarters. State insurance regulators require insurance companies to maintain specified levels of statutory capital and surplus. Generally, dividends may only be paid out of unassigned surplus, and the amount of an insurer’s unassigned surplus following payment of any dividends must be reasonable in relation to the insurer’s outstanding liabilities and adequate to meet its financial needs. KICO paid dividends of $700,000 for each of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. On February 27, 2014, KICO’s board of directors approved a cash dividend of $375,000 to Kingstone, which was paid on February 28, 2014. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, KICO had statutory basis net income of $3,057,740 and $1,142,493, respectively. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, KICO had reported statutory basis surplus as regards policyholders of $31,829,876 and $14,345,729, respectively, as filed with the Department.

Note 14 - Risk Based Capital

State insurance departments impose risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements on insurance enterprises. The RBC Model serves as a benchmark for the regulation of insurance companies by state insurance regulators.  RBC provides for targeted surplus levels based on formulas, which specify various weighting factors that are applied to financial balances or various levels of activity based on the perceived degree of risk, and are set forth in the RBC requirements. Such formulas focus on four general types of risk: (a) the risk with respect to the company’s assets (asset or default risk); (b) the risk of default on amounts due from reinsurers, policyholders, or other creditors (credit risk); (c) the risk of underestimating liabilities from business already written or inadequately pricing business to be written in the coming year (underwriting risk); and, (d) the risk associated with items such as excessive premium growth, contingent liabilities, and other items not reflected on the balance sheet (off-balance sheet risk). The amount determined under such formulas is called the authorized control level RBC (“ACLC”).

The RBC guidelines define specific capital levels based on a company’s ACLC that are determined by the ratio of the company’s total adjusted capital (“TAC”) to its ACLC. TAC is equal to statutory capital, plus or minus certain other specified adjustments. The Company is in compliance with RBC requirements as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Note 15 – 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 provision for income taxes is comprised of the following:
 
Years ended December 31,
 
2013
   
2012
 
             
 Current federal income tax expense
  $ 1,473,370     $ 641,857  
 Current state income tax expense
    14,952       (225 )
 Deferred federal and state income tax expense
    (724,053 )     (338,723 )
 Provision for income taxes
  $ 764,269     $ 302,909  
 
 
F-41

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to our effective tax rate is as follows:

Years ended December 31,
 
2013
   
2012
 
 Computed expected tax expense
  $ 944,040       34.0 %   $ 363,669       34.0 %
 State taxes, net of Federal benefit
    (48,411 )     (1.8 )     (44,687 )     (4.2 )
 State valuation allowance
    85,821       3.1       104,325       9.8  
 Permanent differences
                               
 Dividends received deduction
    (91,163 )     (3.3 )     (64,274 )     (6.0 )
 Non-taxable investment income
    (43,905 )     (1.5 )     (68,667 )     (6.4 )
 Stock-based compensation expense
    -       -       16,414       1.5  
 Other permanent differences
    25,709       0.9       25,956       2.4  
 Prior year tax matters
    (52,145 )     (1.9 )     (46,906 )     (4.4 )
 Other
    (55,677 )     (2.0 )     17,079       1.6  
 Total tax
  $ 764,269       27.5 %   $ 302,909       28.3 %
 
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:
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
             
 Deferred tax asset:
           
 Net operating loss carryovers (1)
  $ 246,476     $ 264,648  
 Claims reserve discount
    445,384       313,544  
 Unearned premium
    1,000,372       811,413  
 Deferred ceding commission revenue
    2,374,616       1,658,190  
 Other
    17,087       10,921  
 Total deferred tax assets
    4,083,935       3,058,716  
                 
 Deferred tax liability:
               
 Investment in KICO (2)
    1,169,000       1,169,000  
 Deferred acquisition costs
    2,332,489       1,893,759  
 Intangibles
    921,143       1,082,886  
 Depreciation and amortization
    197,223       152,576  
 Reinsurance recoverable
    -       20,400  
 Net unrealized appreciation of securities - available for sale
    157,167       527,376  
 Investment income
    -       -  
 Total deferred tax liabilities
    4,777,022       4,845,997  
                 
 Net deferred income tax liability
  $ (693,087 )   $ (1,787,281 )
 
 
 
F-42

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
(1)  
The deferred tax assets from net operating loss carryovers are as follows:
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
   
 Type of NOL
 
2013
   
2012
 
Expiration
 State only (A)
  $ 459,989     $ 380,810  
December 31, 2032
 Valuation allowance
    (240,713 )     (146,762 )  
 State only, net of valuation allowance
    219,276       234,048    
 Amount subject to Annual Limitation, federal only (B)
    27,200       30,600  
December 31, 2019
 Total deferred tax asset from net operating loss carryovers
  $ 246,476     $ 264,648    
 
(A) Kingstone generates operating losses for state purposes and has prior year net operating loss carryovers available. The state net operating loss carryover as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was approximately $5,482,000 and $4,588,000, respectively. KICO, the Company’s insurance underwriting subsidiary, is not subject to state income taxes. KICO’s state tax obligations are paid through a gross premiums tax, which is included in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income within other underwriting expenses. A valuation allowance has been recorded due to the uncertainty of generating enough state taxable income to utilize 100% of the available state net operating loss carryovers over their remaining lives, which expire between 2027 and 2033.
 
(B) The Company has an NOL of $60,000 that is subject to Internal Revenue Code Section 382, which places a limitation on the utilization of the federal net operating loss to approximately $10,000 per year (“Annual Limitation”) as a result of a greater than 50% ownership change of the Company in 1999. The losses subject to the Annual Limitation will be available for future years, expiring through December 31, 2019.
 
(2)  
Deferred tax liability -  investment in KICO

On July 1, 2009, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding common stock of KICO (formerly known as Commercial Mutual Insurance Company (“CMIC”)) pursuant to the conversion of CMIC from an advance premium cooperative to a stock property and casualty insurance company. Pursuant to the plan of conversion, the Company acquired a 100% equity interest in KICO, in consideration for the exchange of $3,750,000 principal amount of surplus notes of CMIC. In addition, the Company forgave all accrued and unpaid interest on the surplus notes as of the date of conversion. As of the date of acquisition, unpaid accrued interest on the surplus notes along with the accretion of the discount on the original purchase of the surplus notes totaled $2,921,319 (together “Untaxed Interest”). As of the date of acquisition, the deferred tax liability on the Untaxed Interest was $1,169,000. Under GAAP guidance for business combinations, a temporary difference with an indefinite life exists when the parent has a lower carrying value of its subsidiary for income tax purposes. The Company is required to maintain its deferred tax liability of $1,169,000 related to this temporary difference until the stock of KICO is sold, or the assets of KICO are sold or KICO and the parent are merged.
 
The table below reconciles the changes in net deferred income tax liability to the deferred income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2013:
 
Change in net deferred income tax liabilities
  $ (1,094,194 )
 Deferred tax expense allocated to other comprehensive income
    (370,141 )
 Deferred income tax provision
  $ (724,053 )
 
In assessing the valuation of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. No valuation allowance against deferred tax assets has been established, except for NOL limitations, as the Company believes it is more likely than not the deferred tax assets will be realized based on the historical taxable income of KICO, or by offset to deferred tax liabilities.
 
 
F-43

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
The Company had no material unrecognized tax benefit and no adjustments to liabilities or operations were required. There were no interest or penalties related to income taxes that have been accrued or recognized as of and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. If any had been recognized these would be reported in income tax expense.

IRS Tax Audit

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

In March 2014, the Company received a notice that its Federal income tax return for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012 has been selected for examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The audit has not yet commenced. The final results of this audit are unknown, although management believes the outcome of this examination will not have a material effect on these financial statements though the actual outcome may differ from this belief.
 
Note 16 - Employee Benefit Plans

The Company’s insurance subsidiary, KICO, maintains a salary reduction plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (“401(k) Plan”) for its qualified employees. KICO matches 100% of each participant’s contribution up to 4% of the participant’s eligible contribution. The Company, at its discretion, may allocate an amount for additional contributions (“Additional Contributions”) to the 401(k) Plan. The Company incurred approximately $270,000 and $139,000 of expense for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to the 401(k) Plan. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, Additional Contributions consisted of approximately $156,000 and $31,000, respectively.

Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies
 
Litigation

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

 
F-44

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
State Insurance Regulation
 
In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, the New York State Department of Financial Services (“DFS”) has adopted various regulations that affect insurance companies that operate in the state of New York.  Included among the regulations are accelerated claims investigation and settlement requirements and mandatory participation in non-binding mediation proceedings funded by the insurer. Further, in February 2013, the state of New York announced that the DFS commenced an investigation into the claims practices of three insurance companies, including KICO, in connection with Superstorm Sandy claims.  The DFS stated that the three insurers had a much larger than average consumer complaint rate with regard to Superstorm Sandy claims and indicated that the three insurers were being investigated for (i) failure to send adjusters in a timely manner; (ii) failure to process claims in a timely manner; and (iii) inability of homeowners to contact insurance company representatives.  KICO received a letter from the DFS seeking information and data with regard to the foregoing.  KICO has supplied information and data, and is cooperating with the DFS in connection with its investigation. KICO has not received a response from the DFS and believes that such matter will not have any effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
 
Employment Agreements

Chief Executive Officer (Kingstone)

The Company’s President, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Barry B. Goldstein, is employed pursuant to an employment agreement, dated October 16, 2007, as amended (the “Goldstein Employment Agreement”), that expires on December 31, 2014. Pursuant to the Goldstein Employment Agreement, effective January 1, 2010, Mr. Goldstein was entitled to receive an annual base salary of $375,000 (“Base Salary”) and annual bonuses based on the Company’s net income (which bonus, commencing for 2010, may not be less than $10,000 per annum).  Effective January 1, 2012, Mr. Goldstein 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. On August 25, 2008, the Company and Mr. Goldstein entered into an amendment (the “2008 Amendment”) to the Goldstein Employment Agreement. The 2008 Amendment entitles Mr. Goldstein to devote certain time to KICO to fulfill his duties and responsibilities as Chairman of the Board, Chief Investment Officer, and effective January 1, 2012, President and Chief Executive Officer of KICO. Such permitted activity is subject to a reduction in Base Salary under the Goldstein Employment Agreement on a dollar-for-dollar basis to the extent of the salary payable by KICO to Mr. Goldstein pursuant to his KICO employment contract, which, effective July 1, 2013 and 2012, is $385,875 and $367,500 per year, respectively.  Pursuant to the Goldstein Employment Agreement, the Company also agreed that, under certain circumstances following a change of control of Kingstone Companies, Inc. and the termination of his employment, Mr. Goldstein would be entitled to a payout equal to one and one-half times his then annual salary and all of Mr. Goldstein’s outstanding options would become exercisable. In the event of termination by the Company, without cause or he resigns with good reason Mr. Goldstein would be entitled to receive his base salary and bonuses from the Company for the remainder of the term, and his outstanding options would become exercisable and would remain exercisable until the first anniversary of the termination date.  In addition, in the event Mr. Goldstein’s employment with KICO is terminated by KICO with or without cause, he would be entitled to receive a lump sum payment from KICO equal to six months base salary.
 
 
F-45

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
Executive Vice President (KICO)

John D. Reiersen, KICO’s Executive Vice President, is employed pursuant to an employment agreement effective as of November 13, 2006 and amended as of January 25, 2008, February 28, 2011 and October 14, 2013 (together, the “Reiersen Agreement”). The Reiersen Agreement expires on December 31, 2016 and may be terminated by KICO at any time with or without cause upon written notice. In the event of termination by KICO, Mr. Reiersen will be entitled to receive severance in an amount equal to the lesser of $50,000 or the remaining salary payable to him through the term of his agreement.  Pursuant to the Reiersen Agreement, Mr. Reiersen’s minimum annual salary effective from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2014 is $100,000.  His minimum annual salary effective January 1, 2015 will be $105,000. His minimum salary in both periods is subject to increase based upon the provision of more than 500 hours of service per year on behalf of KICO.  Mr. Reiersen also receives additional customary benefits and a $2,000 annual fee for his position as a director of KICO.

Approval Required for Transactions with Subsidiary
 
On July 1, 2009, Kingstone 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, Kingstone acquired a 100% equity interest in KICO. In connection with the plan of conversion of CMIC, the Company has agreed with the Department of Financial Services that any intercompany transaction between itself and KICO must be filed with the Department 30 days prior to implementation.

Note 18 - 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 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.
 
The computation of diluted earnings per share excludes outstanding options in periods where the exercise of such options would be anti-dilutive. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the inclusion of 27,094 and 10,000 options in the computation of diluted earnings per share would have been anti-dilutive for the periods and, as a result, the weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per common has not been adjusted for the effect of such options.
 
The reconciliation of the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 follows:
 
   
Year ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
             
 Weighted average number of shares outstanding
    3,975,115       3,806,697  
 Effect of dilutive securities, common share equivalents
    84,609       65,063  
                 
 Weighted average number of shares outstanding,
               
 used for computing diluted earnings per share
    4,059,724       3,871,760  
 
 
 
F-46

 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
Note 19 - Subsequent Events
 
The Company has evaluated events that occurred subsequent to December 31, 2013 through the date these financial statements were issued for matters that required disclosure or adjustment in these financial statements.

Dividends Declared and Paid

On February 20, 2014, the Company’s board of directors approved a dividend of $.04 per share, $290,664, payable in cash on March 14, 2014 to stockholders of record as of March 6, 2014.
 
 
F-47

 
 
 
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
 
None.
 
 
55

 
 
ITEM 9A.             CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
 
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 December 31, 2013.
 
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the SEC that permit us to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report.
 
Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and effected by the board of directors, management, and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with US GAAP including those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets, (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors, and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.  
 
 Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies and procedures may deteriorate.  
 
 Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on the evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2013.
 
 
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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.
 
ITEM 9B.                      OTHER INFORMATION.
 
None.
 
 
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PART III

 
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
 
Executive Officers and Directors
 
The following table sets forth the positions and offices presently held by each of our current directors and executive officers and their ages:
 
Name
Age
Positions and Offices Held
     
Barry B. Goldstein
61
President, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Victor J. Brodsky
56
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
John D. Reiersen
71
Executive Vice President, Kingstone Insurance Company
Michael R. Feinsod
43
Secretary and Director
Jay M. Haft
78
Director
David A. Lyons
64
Director
Jack D. Seibald
53
Director
Benjamin Walden
46
Vice President and Chief Actuary, Kingstone Insurance Company

Barry B. Goldstein
 
Mr. Goldstein has served as our President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board, and a director since March 2001.  He served as our Chief Financial Officer from March 2001 to November 2007 and as our Treasurer from May 2001 to August 2013.  Since January 2006, Mr. Goldstein has served as Chairman of the Board of Kingstone Insurance Company (“KICO”) (formerly known as Commercial Mutual Insurance Company), a New York property and casualty insurer, as well as Chairman of its Executive Committee.  Mr. Goldstein has served as Chief Investment Officer of KICO since August 2008 and as its President and Chief Executive Officer since January 2012.  He was Treasurer of KICO from March 2010 through September 2010.  Effective July 1, 2009, we acquired a 100% equity interest in KICO.  From April 1997 to December 2004, Mr. Goldstein served as President of AIA Acquisition Corp., which operated insurance agencies in Pennsylvania and which sold substantially all of its assets to us in May 2003.  Mr. Goldstein received his B.A. and M.B.A. from State University of New York at Buffalo.  We believe that Mr. Goldstein’s extensive experience in the insurance industry, including his service as Chairman of the Board of KICO since 2006 and as its Chief Investment Officer since 2008, give him the qualifications and skills to serve as one of our directors.
 
Victor J. Brodsky
 
Mr. Brodsky has served as our Chief Financial Officer since August 2009 and as our Treasurer since August 2013.  He served as our Chief Accounting Officer from August 2007 through July 2009, as our Principal Financial Officer for Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) reporting purposes from November 2007 through July 2009 and as our Secretary from December 2008 to August 2013.  In addition, Mr. Brodsky has served as a director of KICO since February 2008, as Chief Financial Officer of KICO since September 2010 and as Senior Vice President of KICO since January 2012.  He also served as Treasurer of KICO from September 2010 through December 2011.  Mr. Brodsky served from May 2008 through March 15, 2010 as Vice President of Financial Reporting and Principal Financial Officer for SEC reporting purposes of Vertical Branding Inc. Mr. Brodsky served as Chief Financial Officer of Vertical Branding from March 1998 through May 2008 and as a director of Vertical Branding from May 2002 through November 2005.  He served as its Secretary from November 2005 through May 2008 and from April 2009 to March 15, 2010.  A receiver was appointed for the business of Vertical Branding in February 2010.  Prior to joining Vertical Branding, Mr. Brodsky spent 16 years at the CPA firm of Michael & Adest in New York.  Mr. Brodsky earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Hofstra University, with a major in accounting, and is a licensed CPA in New York.
 
 
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John D. Reiersen
 
Mr. Reiersen served as President of KICO from 1999 to 2011 and as its Chief Executive Officer from 2001 to 2011.  Since January 2012, Mr. Reiersen has served as Executive Vice President of KICO.  Mr. Reiersen served for 25 years with the New York State Insurance Department ending his tenure there as Chief Examiner in the Property and Casualty Insurance Bureau.  At the Insurance Department, he was instrumental in the enactment of numerous statutes and regulations, including the automobile no-fault program, the photo inspection law, the Insurance Information and Enforcement System program and many other cost-containment measures.  Mr. Reiersen was also instrumental in the enactment of many rules in the New York Automobile Insurance Plan.  He served as President of the Eagle Insurance Group from 1990 to 2000.  Mr. Reiersen served as Chairman of the New York Insurance Association and has served and continues to serve on many insurance industry association boards and committees.  He holds the professional designations of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter, Certified Financial Examiner and Certified Insurance Examiner.  Mr. Reiersen is a graduate of Brooklyn College and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting.
 
Michael R. Feinsod
 
Mr. Feinsod is Managing Member of Infinity Capital, LLC, an investment management company he founded in 1999.  From 2006 through 2013, he served in various executive positions at Ameritrans Capital Corporation, a business development company.  Mr. Feinsod served as a director of Ameritrans Capital from December 2005 until July 2013 and served as a director of its subsidiary, Elk Associates Funding Corporation, from December 2005 until April 25, 2013.  On April 25, 2013, in connection with a settlement agreement, the United States Small Business Administration, was appointed as the receiver of Elk Associates Funding Corporation for the purpose of marshaling and liquidating all of its assets and satisfying the claims of creditors therefrom. Mr. Feinsod served as an investment analyst and portfolio manager at Mark Boyar & Company, Inc., a broker-dealer.  He is admitted to practice law in New York and served as an associate in the Corporate Law Department of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP.  Mr. Feinsod holds a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and a B.A. from George Washington University.  He has served as one of our directors since October 2008 and as our Secretary since August 2013.  We believe that Mr. Feinsod’s corporate finance, legal and executive-level experience, as well as his service on the Board of KICO since July 2009, give him the qualifications and skills to serve as one of our directors.
 
Jay M. Haft
 
Mr. Haft is currently a personal advisor to Victor Vekselberg, a Russian entrepreneur with considerable interests in oil, aluminum, utilities and other industries.  Mr. Haft is also a partner at Columbus Nova, the U.S.-based investment and operating arm of Mr. Vekselberg’s Renova Group of companies.  Mr. Haft is also a strategic and financial consultant for growth stage companies.  He is active in international corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions as well as in the representation of emerging growth companies.  Mr. Haft has extensive experience in the Russian market, in which he has worked on growth strategies for companies looking to internationalize their business assets and enter international capital markets.  He has been a founder, consultant and/or director of numerous public and private corporations, and served as Chairman of the Board of Dusa Pharmaceuticals, Inc.  Mr. Haft serves on the Board of Ballantyne Cashmere, SpA, the United States-Russian Business Counsel and The Link of Times Foundation and is an advisor to Montezemolo & Partners.  He has been instrumental in strategic planning and fundraising for a variety of Internet and high-tech, leading edge medical technology and marketing companies over the years.  Mr. Haft is counsel to Reed Smith, an international law firm, as well as several other law and accounting firms.  Mr. Haft is a past member of the Florida Commission for Government Accountability to the People, a past national trustee and Treasurer of the Miami City Ballet, and a past Board member of the Concert Association of Florida.  He is also a past trustee of Florida International University Foundation and previously served on the advisory board of the Wolfsonian Museum and Florida International University Law School.  Mr. Haft served as our Vice Chairman of the Board from February 1999 until March 2001.  From October 1989 to February 1999, he served as our Chairman of the Board and he has served as one of our directors since 1989.  Mr. Haft received B.A. and LL.B. degrees from Yale University.  We believe that Mr. Haft’s corporate finance, business consultation, legal and executive-level experience, as well as his service on the Board of KICO since July 2009, give him the qualifications and skills to serve as one of our directors.
 
 
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David A. Lyons
 
Mr. Lyons is currently Principal of Den Corporate Advisors, LLC, a consulting firm focused on business and merger and acquisition strategies for public and private companies, and, CEO of NextStep Technology Solutions, LLC, a telecommunications marketing company that is a master distributor for Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC in the sale of its VoIP product portfolio into the telecommunications network carrier market.  From 2004 through 2010 he served as a principal of Den Ventures, LLC, a business management firm.  From 2002 until 2004, Mr. Lyons served as a managing partner of the Nacio Investment Group, and President of Nacio Systems, Inc., a managed hosting company that provides outsourced infrastructure and communication services for mid-size businesses.  Prior to forming the Nacio Investment Group, Mr. Lyons served as Vice President of Acquisitions for Expanets, Inc., a national provider of converged communications solutions.  Previously, he was Chief Executive Officer of Amnex, Inc. and held various executive management positions at Walker Telephone Systems, Inc. and Inter-Tel, Inc.  Mr. Lyons has served as one of our directors since July 2005.  We believe that Mr. Lyons’ executive-level experience, as well as his experience in the areas of business consultation, corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions, and his service on the Board of KICO since July 2009, give him the qualifications and skills to serve as one of our directors.
 
Jack D. Seibald
 
Mr. Seibald is a Founder and Managing Member of Concept Capital Markets, LLC (“Concept Capital”) and serves Concept Capital in a variety of areas, including business and client development and legal and compliance matters.  Mr. Seibald also serves as a Managing Member of Concept Capital Holdings, LLC, the parent of Concept Capital, of Concept Capital Administration, LLC, which provides administrative services to Concept Capital and its affiliates, and as a member of the Board of Managers of ConceptONE, LLC, which provides portfolio and risk analytics and reporting services as well as regulatory reporting to investment managers.  Mr. Seibald has been affiliated with Concept Capital and its predecessors since 1995 and has extensive experience in equity research, investment management and prime brokerage services dating back to 1983.  From 1997 to 2005, Mr. Seibald was also a Managing Member of Whiteford Advisors, LLC, an investment management firm, where as co-founder he co-managed several pools of funds.  He began his career at Oppenheimer & Co. as an equity analyst covering the retailing industry and has also been affiliated with Salomon Brothers and Morgan Stanley & Co in similar positions.  Mr. Seibald also operated The Seibald Report, Inc., an independent research firm specializing in the retailing sector.  He holds an M.B.A. from Hofstra University and a B.A. from George Washington University.  Mr. Seibald has served as one of our directors since 2004.  In January 2008, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) imposed a $100,000 fine and 20-day suspension on Mr. Seibald in connection with the settlement of a FINRA action against Sanders Morris Harris Inc. and Mr. Seibald, among others.  FINRA had found that Mr. Seibald had improperly received compensation from a profit pool derived, in part, from commissions on trading by a hedge fund for which he served as a manager.  We believe that Mr. Seibald’s corporate finance and executive-level experience, as well as his service on the Board of KICO since 2006 (including his service as Chairman of its Investments Committee), give him the qualifications and skills to serve as one of our directors.
 
 
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Benjamin Walden
 
Mr. Walden has served as Vice President and Chief Actuary of KICO since December 2013.  From February 2010 to November 2013, he served as Chief Actuary for Interboro Insurance Company, a personal lines carrier.  From July 2008 to February 2010, Mr. Walden was President of Assigned Risk Consulting, Inc., an independent actuarial consulting firm. From October 2001 to April 2009, he served as Vice President and Chief Actuary of AutoOne Insurance, an assigned risk servicing carrier.  Mr. Walden was also an actuarial consultant at Milliman, Inc., an independent provider of actuarial and consulting services, from January 1998 to October 2001.  Mr. Walden has been a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society since 1999 and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from Villanova University.
 
Family Relationships
 
There are no family relationships among any of our executive officers and directors.
 
Term of Office
 
Each director will hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor is elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation or removal.  Each executive officer will hold office until the initial meeting of the Board of Directors following the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor is elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation or removal.
 
Audit Committee
 
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of our financial statements.  The members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Lyons, Feinsod, Haft and Seibald.
 
Audit Committee Financial Expert
 
Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Lyons is an “audit committee financial expert,” as that is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K  Mr. Lyons is an “independent director” based on the definition of independence in Listing Rule 5605(a)(2) of The Nasdaq Stock Market.
 

 
61

 
 
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
 
Section 16 of the Exchange Act requires that reports of beneficial ownership of common shares and changes in such ownership be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Section 16 “reporting persons,” including directors, certain officers, holders of more than 10% of the outstanding common shares and certain trusts of which reporting persons are trustees.  We are required to disclose in this Annual Report each reporting person whom we know to have failed to file any required reports under Section 16 on a timely basis during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.  To our knowledge, based solely on a review of copies of Forms 3, 4 and 5 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and written representations that no other reports were required, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, our officers, directors and 10% stockholders complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to them, except that Mr. Lyons filed one Form 4 late (reporting one transaction).
 
Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers
 
Our Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Ethics for our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions.  A copy of the Code of Ethics is posted on our website, www.kingstonecompanies.com.  We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05(c) of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or a waiver from, our Code of Ethics by posting such information on our website, www.kingstonecompanies.com.
 

 
 
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ITEM 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
 
Summary Compensation Table
 
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the compensation for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 for certain executive officers, including our Chief Executive Officer:
 
 
Name and Principal
Position
 
 
 
Year
 
 
 
Salary
   
 
 
Bonus
   
 
Option Awards
   
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
   
 
All Other
Compensation
   
 
 
Total
 
Barry B. Goldstein
Chief Executive
 
2013
  $ 450,000     $ 100,000     $ -     $ 120,750 (1)   $ 35,857     $ 706,607  
Officer
 
2012
  $ 450,000       -     $ -     $ 126,985 (2)   $ 33,825     $ 610,810  
                                                     
Victor J. Brodsky
Chief Financial
 
2013
  $ 249,600     $ 28,000 (3)   $ 27,672     $ 18,405 (4)   $ 17,603     $ 341,280  
  Officer
 
2012
  $ 240,000       -     $ -     $ 6,558 (5)   $ 13,792     $ 260,350  
                                                     
John D. Reiersen
Executive Vice
 
2013
  $ 149,200       -     $ 13,836     $ 21,002 (4)   $ 6.000     $ 190,038  
President, Kingstone
Insurance Company
 
2012
  $ 150,200       -     $ -     $ 7,392 (5)   $ 6,064     $ 163,656  
__________
 
(1) Represents bonus compensation of $67,429 accrued pursuant to Mr. Goldstein’s employment agreement and paid in 2014, and $53,321 accrued pursuant to the KICO employee profit sharing plan and paid in 2014.
(2) Represents bonus compensation of $110,540 accrued pursuant to Mr. Goldstein’s employment agreement and paid in 2013, and $16,445 accrued pursuant to the KICO employee profit sharing plan and paid in 2013.
(3) Represents  bonus compensation of $8,000 for 2012 paid in 2013 and $20,000 accrued in 2013 and paid in 2014.
(4) Represents amounts accrued pursuant to the KICO employee profit sharing plan and paid in 2014.
(5) Represents amounts accrued pursuant to the KICO employee profit sharing plan and paid in 2013.

Employment Contracts
 
Mr. Goldstein is employed as our President, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to an employment agreement, dated October 16, 2007, as amended (the “Goldstein Employment Agreement”), that expires on December 31, 2014.  Pursuant to the Goldstein Employment Agreement, effective January 1, 2012, Mr. Goldstein is entitled to receive an annual base salary of $450,000 (“Base Salary”).  Mr. Goldstein’s annual base salary had been $350,000 from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2009 and $375,000 from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2011.  Mr. Goldstein is also entitled to receive annual bonuses based on our net income (which bonus may not be less than $10,000 per annum).  He is also entitled to increases in the Base Salary and other potential additional compensation as may be determined from time to time by the Board in its sole discretion.  A portion of the Base Salary amount payable to Mr. Goldstein is contractually shared with KICO.  Since August 2008, Mr. Goldstein has served as Chief Investment Officer of KICO.  Since January 2012, he has also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of KICO.  See “Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements.”
 
Mr. Reiersen is employed as Executive Vice President of KICO pursuant to an employment agreement, dated September 13, 2006, as amended (the “Reiersen Employment Agreement”).  Pursuant to the Reiersen Employment Agreement, during 2011, Mr. Reiersen was entitled to receive an annual base salary of approximately $269,000 in his then capacity as President and Chief Executive Officer of KICO.  Pursuant to an amendment to the Reiersen Employment Agreement dated February 28, 2011, the term was extended to December 31, 2014 and Mr. Reiersen has served as Executive Vice President of KICO since January 1, 2012.  In such capacity, Mr. Reiersen reports to the President and Chief Executive Officer of KICO and provides advice and assistance to the President and Chief Executive Officer of KICO, as well as other officers and management personnel of KICO, with regard to the management and operation of KICO.  Since January 1, 2012, Mr. Reiersen’s minimum annual salary has been $100,000 (subject to increase based upon the provision of more than 500 hours of service per year on behalf of KICO).  Pursuant to an amendment to the Reiersen Employment Agreement dated October 14, 2013, the term was extended from December 31, 2014 to December 31, 2016 and, effective January 1, 2015, Mr. Reiersen will be entitled to receive an annual base salary of $105,000 (subject to increase based upon the provision of more than 500 hours of service per year on behalf of KICO).  See “Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements.”
 
 
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OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

   
Option Awards
Name
 
Number of Securities Underlying
Unexercised Options
   
Number of Securities Underlying
Unexercised Options
   
Option Exercise
Price
 
Option
Expiration
Date
   
Exercisable
   
Unexercisable
         
                     
Barry B. Goldstein
    188,865       -     $ 2.50  
03/24/15
Victor J. Brodsky
    5,000       15,000 (1)   $ 5.09  
08/29/18
John D. Reiersen     20,000       -       $2.35   07/30/14
      2,500       7,500 (2)     $5.09   08/29/18
______________________________________
 
(1) Such options are exercisable to the extent of 5,000 shares effective as of each of August 29, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
 
(2) Such options are exercisable to the extent of 2,500 shares effective as of each of August 29, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
 
Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements
 
Pursuant to the Goldstein Employment Agreement and as provided for in his prior employment agreement which expired on April 1, 2007, Mr. Goldstein would be entitled, under certain circumstances, to a payment equal to one and one-half times his then annual salary in the event of the termination of his employment following a change of control of Kingstone Companies, Inc.  Under such circumstances, Mr. Goldstein’s outstanding options would become exercisable and would remain exercisable until the first anniversary of the termination date.  In addition, in the event Mr. Goldstein’s employment is terminated by Kingstone Companies, Inc. without cause or he resigns with good reason (each as defined in the Goldstein Employment Agreement), Mr. Goldstein would be entitled to receive his base salary and bonuses from Kingstone Companies, Inc. for the remainder of the term, and his outstanding options would become exercisable and would remain exercisable until the first anniversary of the termination date.  In addition, in the event Mr. Goldstein’s employment with KICO is terminated by KICO with or without cause, he would be entitled to receive a lump sum payment from KICO equal to six months base salary.
 
 
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Pursuant to the Reiersen Employment Agreement, in the event of the termination of Mr. Reiersen’s employment with KICO, he would be entitled to severance in an amount equal to the lesser of $50,000 or the remaining salary payable to him through the term of his agreement.

Compensation of Directors
 
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the compensation of our directors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013:
 
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
 
Name
 
Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
   
Stock Awards
   
Option Awards
   
Total
 
                         
Michael R. Feinsod
  $ 35,600       -       -     $ 35,600  
                                 
Jay M. Haft
  $ 33,950       -       -     $ 33,950  
                                 
David A. Lyons
  $ 34,275       -       -     $ 34,275  
                                 
Jack D. Seibald
  $ 37,525       -       -     $ 37,525  
                                 
 
Our non-employee directors are currently entitled to receive compensation for their services as directors as follows:
 
   
$30,000 per annum (including $5,000 per annum for service as a director of KICO)
   
up to an additional $5,000 per annum for committee chair (and $1,500 per annum for KICO committee chair)
   
$750 per Board meeting attended ($375 if telephonic)
   
$500 per committee meeting attended ($250 if telephonic)

 
 
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ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
 
Security Ownership
 
The following table sets forth certain information as of March 19, 2014 regarding the beneficial ownership of our shares of common stock by (i) each person who we believe to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock, (ii) each present director, (iii) each person listed in the Summary Compensation Table under “Executive Compensation,” and (iv) all of our present executive officers and directors as a group.
 
Name and Address
of Beneficial Owner
Number of Shares
Beneficially Owned
Approximate
Percent of Class
     
Barry B. Goldstein
15 Joys Lane
Kingston, New York
 1,115,526
 (1)(2)
15.0%
     
Michael R. Feinsod
c/o Infinity Capital
200 South Service Road
Roslyn, New York
 504,490
 (1)(3)
6.9%
     
Jack D. Seibald
1336 Boxwood Drive West
Hewlett Harbor, New York
 408,147
 (1)(4)
5.6%
     
Jay M. Haft
69 Beaver Dam Road
Salisbury, Connecticut
 170,275
 (1)(5)
2.3%
     
David A. Lyons
252 Brookdale Road
Stamford, Connecticut
 -0-
 
*
     
John D. Reiersen
15 Joys Lane
Kingston, New York
 27,100
 (6)
*
     
Victor J. Brodsky
15 Joys Lane
Kingston, New York
 16,408
 (7)
*
 
 
 
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Benjamin Walden
11 Mill Pond Lane
Centerport, New York
 2,500
 (8)
*
     
Ronin Capital, LLC
350 N. Orleans Street, Suite 2N
Chicago, Illinois
 584,100
 (9)
8.0%
     
Wedbush Opportunity Capital, LLC
Wedbush Opportunity Partners, LP
1000 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, California
 448,104
 (9)(10)
6.2%
     
Stieven Financial Investors, L.P.
Stieven Financial Offshore Investors, Ltd.
Stieven Capital GP, LLC
Stieven Capital Advisors, L.P.
Stieven Capital Advisors GP, LLC
Joseph A. Stieven
Stephen L. Covington
Daniel M. Ellefson
12412 Powerscourt Drive, Suite 250
St. Louis, Missouri
 400,000
 (9)(11)
5.5%
     
All executive officers
and directors as a group
(8 persons)
 2,244,446
(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)
30.0%
__________
*         Less than 1%.

 
 (1)
Based upon Schedule 13D filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and other information that is publicly available.
 
       
 
(2)
Includes (i) 32,500 shares held in retirement trusts for the benefit of Mr. Goldstein, (ii) 188,865 shares issuable upon the exercise of currently exercisable options and (iii) 144,161 shares owned by Mr. Goldstein’s wife.  The inclusion of the shares owned by Mr. Goldstein’s wife shall not be construed as an admission that Mr. Goldstein is, for purposes of Section 13(d) or 13(g) of the Exchange Act, the beneficial owner of such shares.
 
       
 
(3)
Includes 487,495 shares owned by Infinity Capital Partners, L.P. (“Partners”).  Each of (i) Infinity Capital, LLC (“Capital”), as the general partner of Partners, (ii) Infinity Management, LLC (“Management”), as the Investment Manager of Partners, and (iii) Michael Feinsod, as the Managing Member of Capital and Management, the General Partner and Investment Manager, respectively, of Partners, may be deemed to be the beneficial owners of the shares held by Partners.  Pursuant to Schedule 13D, as amended, filed under the Exchange Act, by Partners, Capital, Management and Mr. Feinsod, each has sole voting and dispositive power over the shares.  Also includes 10,000 shares held in a retirement trust for the benefit of Mr. Feinsod.
 
 
 
 
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(4)
Pursuant to Schedule 13D filed under the Exchange Act, includes (i) 113,000 shares owned jointly by Mr. Seibald and his wife, Stephanie Seibald; (ii) 174,824 shares held in a retirement trust for the benefit of Mr. Seibald; and (iii) 100,000 shares owned by SDS Partners I, Ltd. for which Mr. Seibald serves as a general partner.  Mr. Seibald has sole voting and dispositive power over 195,147 shares and shared voting and dispositive power over 213,000 shares.  The inclusion of shares that Mr. Seibald does not directly own shall not be deemed an admission that Mr. Seibald is, for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, the beneficial owner of such shares.
 
       
 
(5)
Includes 576 shares held in a retirement trust for the benefit of Mr. Haft.
 
       
 
(6)
Includes 22,500 shares issuable upon the exercise of currently exercisable options.
 
       
 
(7)
Includes 5,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of currently exercisable options.
 
       
 
(8)
Represents shares issuable upon the exercise of currently exercisable options.
 
       
 
(9)
Based upon Schedule 13G, as amended, filed under the Exchange Act.
 
       
 
(10)
Pursuant to Schedule 13G: (i) Wedbush Opportunity Partners, L.P. (the “Fund”) and Wedbush Opportunity Capital, LLC (the “General Partner”), as the general partner of the Fund, each have shared voting and dispositive power over 448,104 shares; (ii) 448,104 shares are held directly by Jeremy Zhu and the Fund for the benefit of the Fund’s investors; (iii) the 448,104 shares may be deemed to be indirectly beneficially owned by the General Partner, as the general partner of the Fund, and Jeremy Q. Zhu, as a Managing Director of the General Partner and lead member of the General Partner’s investment team that manages the Fund’s portfolio; and (iv) the General Partner and Jeremy Zhu disclaim beneficial ownership of the shares owned by the Fund, except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein.
 
       
 
(11)
Pursuant to Schedule 13G:  (i) Stieven Financial Investors, L.P. (“SFI”) and Stieven Capital GP, LLC (“SCGP”), the general partner of SFI, each have shared voting and dispositive power over 326,640 shares; (ii) Stieven Financial Offshore Investors, Ltd. (“SFOI”) has shared voting and dispositive power over 73,360 shares; and (iii) Stieven Capital Advisors, L.P. (“SCA”), which serves as the investment manager to SFI and SFOI, Stieven Capital Advisors GP, LLC (“SCAGP”), which serves as the general partner of SCA, Joseph A. Stieven, as managing member of SCAGP and SCGP and Chief Executive Officer of SCA, Stephen L. Covington, as managing director of SCA, and Daniel M. Ellefson, as managing director of SCA, each have shared voting and dispositive power over 400,000 shares.
 
   

 
 
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Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
 
The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2013 with respect to compensation plans (including individual compensation arrangements) under which our common shares are authorized for issuance, aggregated as follows:
 
  
All compensation plans previously approved by security holders; and
  
All compensation plans not previously approved by security holders.

 
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
 
   
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(a)
   
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(b)
   
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
(c)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    321,365     $ 3.36       201,135  
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
    -0-       -       -0-  
Total
    321,365               201,135  

 
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
 
Director Independence
 
Board of Directors
 
Our Board of Directors is currently comprised of Barry B. Goldstein, Michael R. Feinsod, Jay M. Haft, David A. Lyons and Jack D. Seibald.  Each of Messrs. Feinsod, Haft, Lyons and Seibald is currently an “independent director” based on the definition of independence in Listing Rule 5605(a)(2) of The Nasdaq Stock Market.
 
Audit Committee
 
The members of our Board’s Audit Committee currently are Messrs. Lyons, Feinsod, Haft and Seibald, each of whom is an “independent director” based on the definition of independence in Listing Rule 5605(a)(2) of The Nasdaq Stock Market and Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Exchange Act.
 
 
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Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
 
The members of our Board’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee currently are Messrs. Haft, Feinsod, Lyons and Seibald, each of whom is an “independent director” based on the definition of independence in Listing Rule 5605(a)(2) of The Nasdaq Stock Market.
 
Compensation Committee
 
The members of our Board’s Compensation Committee currently are Messrs. Seibald, Feinsod, Haft and Lyons, each of whom is an “independent director” based on the definition of independence in Listing Rule 5605(a)(2) of The Nasdaq Stock Market.
 
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
 
The following is a summary of the fees billed to us by Marcum LLP, our independent auditors, for professional services rendered for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
 
Fee Category
 
Fiscal 2013 Fees
   
Fiscal 2012 Fees
 
Audit Fees(1)
  $ 254,128     $ 132,500  
Audit-Related Fees(2)
  $ 1,660       -  
Tax Fees(3)
  $ 40,359     $ 46,164  
All Other Fees(4)
    -       -  
    $ 296,147     $ 178,664  
__________
 
(1)
Audit Fees consist of fees billed for services rendered for the audit of our consolidated financial statements and review of our condensed consolidated financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, services rendered in connection with the filing of Form S-1 (and the related prospectus), Form S-8, and services provided in connection with other statutory or regulatory filings.
   
(2)
Audit-Related Fees consist of aggregate fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.”
   
(3)
Tax Fees consist of fees billed by our independent auditors for professional services related to preparation of our U.S. federal and state income tax returns, representation for the examination of our 2009 federal tax return, and tax advice.
   
(4)
All Other Fees consist of aggregate fees billed for products and services provided by our independent auditors, other than those disclosed above.

The Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of the independent auditors and approves in advance any services to be performed by the independent auditors, whether audit-related or not.  The Audit Committee reviews each proposed engagement to determine whether the provision of services is compatible with maintaining the independence of the independent auditors.  Substantially all of the fees shown above were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
 
 
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PART IV
 
ITEM 15.                      EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
 
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibit
   
3(a)
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended
   
3(b)
By-laws, as amended (1)
   
10(a)
2005 Equity Participation Plan
   
10(b)
Employment Agreement, dated as of October 16, 2007, between DCAP Group, Inc. and  Barry B. Goldstein (2)
   
10(c)
Amendment No. 1, dated as of August 25, 2008, to Employment Agreement between DCAP Group, Inc. and Barry B. Goldstein (3)
   
10(d)
Amendment No. 2, dated as of March 24, 2010, to Employment Agreement between Kingstone Companies, Inc. (formerly DCAP Group, Inc.) and Barry B. Goldstein (4)
   
10(e)
Amendment No. 3, dated as of May 10, 2011, to Employment Agreement between Kingstone Companies, Inc. (formerly DCAP Group, Inc.) and Barry B. Goldstein (5)
   
10(f)
Amendment No. 4, dated as of April 16, 2012, to Employment Agreement between Kingstone Companies, Inc. (formerly DCAP Group, Inc.) and Barry B. Goldstein (6)
   
10(g)
Employment Contract, effective on July 1, 2008, between Commercial Mutual Insurance Company and Barry B. Goldstein (7)
   
10(h)
Employment Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2011, between Kingstone Insurance Company and Barry B. Goldstein (5)
   
10(i)
Amendment No. 1, dated as of May 14, 2012, to Employment Agreement between  Kingstone Insurance Company and Barry B. Goldstein (8)
   
10(j)
Employment Contract, dated as of September 13, 2006, between Commercial Mutual Insurance Company and Successor Companies and John D. Reiersen (7)
   
10(k)
Amendment No. 1, dated as of January 25, 2008, to Employment Contract between Commercial Mutual Insurance Company and Successor Companies and John D. Reiersen (7)
   
10(l)
Amendment No. 2, dated as of July 18, 2008, to Employment Contract between Commercial Mutual Insurance Company and Successor Companies and John D. Reiersen (7)
 
 
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10(m)
Amendment No. 3, dated as of February 28, 2011, to Employment Contract between Kingstone Insurance Company (as successor in interest to Commercial Mutual Insurance Company) and John D. Reiersen (9)
   
10(n)
Amendment No. 4, dated as of October 14, 2013, to Employment Contract between Kingstone Insurance Company (as successor in interest to Commercial Mutual Insurance Company) and John D. Reiersen (10)
   
10(o)
Stock Option Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2010, between Kingstone Companies, Inc. and Barry B. Goldstein (4)
   
10(p)
Letter agreement, dated February 23, 2012, between Kingstone Companies, Inc. and Barry Goldstein with regard to outstanding options (11)
   
14
Code of Ethics (12)
   
23
Consent of Marcum LLP
   
31(a)
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
31(b)
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
32
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
   
101.SCH
101.SCH  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
   
101.CAL
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
   
101.DEF
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
   
101.LAB
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
   
101.PRE
101.PRE  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
__________

(1)
Denotes document filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K for an event dated November 5, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.
   
(2)
Denotes document filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K for an event dated October 16, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
 
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(3)
Denotes document filed as an exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference.
   
(4)
Denotes document filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K for an event dated March 24, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference.
   
(5)
Denotes document filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K for an event dated May 10, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference.
   
(6)
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.
   
(7)
Denotes document filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.
   
(8)
Denotes document filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.
   
(9)
Denotes document filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K for an event dated February 28, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference.
   
(10)
Denotes document filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K for an event dated October 14, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference.
   
(11)
Denotes document filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference.
   
(12)
Denotes document filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference.


 
 
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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, there­unto duly authorized.
 
 
KINGSTONE COMPANIES, INC.
 
       
Dated:  March 31, 2014
By:
/s/ Barry B. Goldstein  
    Barry B. Goldstein    
    Chief Executive Officer  
       
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
 
Signature
 
Capacity
Date
       
/s/ Barry B. Goldstein
 
President, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer,
 
 
 
Barry B. Goldstein
  Treasurer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
March 31, 2014
 
 
/s/ Victor J. Brodsky
 
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 
 
 
 
Victor J. Brodsky
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
March 31, 2014
 
/s/ Michael R. Feinsod
 
 
Director and Secretary
 
 
March 31, 2014
Michael R. Feinsod
   
 
       
    Director  
Jay M. Haft      
 
/s/ David A. Lyons
 
 
 
Director
 
 
March 31, 2014
David A. Lyons
     
 
/s/ Jack D. Seibald
 
 
 
Director
 
 
March 31, 2014
Jack D. Seibald
     

74