Kingsway Form 40-F

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U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON D.C. 20549

FORM 40-F

[Check one]
[    ]    Registration Statement Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
                                                                          or
[X]    Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2003            Commission File Number: 1-15212

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Ontario 6331 Not Applicable
(Province or Other Jurisdiction of (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer Identification
Incorporation or Organization) Classification Code Number) Number, if applicable)

5310 Explorer Drive, Suite 200, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4W 5H8
(905) 629-7888

(Address and telephone number of Registrant’s principal executive offices)

Brian Williamson
Kingsway America Inc.
150 Northwest Point Blvd., 6th Floor, Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007
(847) 871-6400

(Name, address (including zip code) and telephone number (including area code)
of agent for service in the United States)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares, no par value New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.    N/A

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.    N/A

For annual reports, indicate by check mark the information filed with this Form:

[X]   Annual information form          [X]   Audited annual financial statements

        Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

55,829,794 Common Shares outstanding as of December 31, 2003.

        Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant by filing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). If “Yes” is marked, indicate the filing number assigned to the Registrant in connection with such Rule.

Yes  ______          82-  ______          No  ___X___

        Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  ___X___          No  ______

Exhibit Index appears on Page 119


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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

DOCUMENTS FILED UNDER COVER OF THIS FORM

ItemDescriptionSequential
Page
Number
 
1.Annual Information Form dated May 3, 2004 for the year ended December 31, 2003.3
 
 
2.Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Registrant for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, including a reconciliation of U.S. and Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. 10
 
 
 
 
3.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 64
 

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Document No. 1
 
 
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
 
 
 
 

2003 ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM
 
 
 
 

May 3, 2004


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1.   INCORPORATION

        Kingsway Financial Services Inc. (“KFSI”) was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on September 19, 1989. On November 10, 1995, KFSI filed articles of amendment deleting its private company share restrictions, subdividing KFSI’s outstanding common shares on a three for one basis, and deleting the Class A Special Shares and the Class B Special Shares that were previously authorized. On October 11, 1996, KFSI filed articles of amendment to sub-divide the common shares on a two for one basis. On April 27, 1998, KFSI filed articles of amendment to subdivide the common shares on a two for one basis. The principal and registered office of KFSI is located at 5310 Explorer Drive, Suite 200, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 5H8.

2.   INTER-CORPORATE RELATIONSHIPS

        KFSI’s material subsidiaries and their intercorporate relationship with KFSI as of the most recent financial year end are listed and described in Note 1(a) to the Consolidated Financial Statements of KFSI contained in KFSI’s 2003 Annual Report (the “Annual Report”) which is incorporated herein by reference. All subsidiaries are 100% owned, directly or indirectly, (except for qualifying shares of York Fire & Casualty Insurance Company and Kingsway General Insurance Company held by directors in order to satisfy applicable statutory requirements).

3.   GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS

        KFSI is a holding company which operates through its wholly owned subsidiaries in the property and casualty insurance business. Since its inception in 1986, Kingsway General Insurance Company (“KGIC”) has provided property and casualty insurance in specialized lines in Canada, primarily in the automobile insurance market. In 1989, KGIC became a wholly owned subsidiary of KFSI. Since KFSI’s initial public offering in 1995, KFSI has made selective acquisitions in Canada and the United States, including its insurance subsidiaries, American Service Insurance Company, Inc., U.S. Security Insurance Company, Jevco Insurance Company, Southern United Fire Insurance Company, Universal Casualty Company, Lincoln General Insurance Company, York Fire & Casualty Insurance Company and American Country Insurance Company.

        Significant events that have influenced the general development of the business over the last three years include:

  (a)   the completion of a public offering of 5,000,000 common shares in July, 2001 for net proceeds of $59,375,000 and the sale of an additional 750,000 common shares granted to KFSI’s underwriters as an over allotment option for net proceeds of $8,906,250;

  (b)   the completion of a public offering of 7,500,000 common shares in December, 2001 for net proceeds of $118,943,000 and the sale of an additional 1,125,000 shares issued to KFSI’s underwriters pursuant to the exercise of an over allotment option for net proceeds of $17,820,000;


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  (c)   the acquisition of American Country Holdings Inc. (“ACHI”) and its subsidiaries in April, 2002 for an acquisition price of approximately U.S.$21.7 million. ACHI is a Chicago based insurer which specializes in taxicab insurance. The transaction was completed as a result of the tendering of 95.2% of the issued common shares of ACHI pursuant to an arm’s length tender offer to ACHI’s shareholders;

  (d)   the completion of a syndicated, unsecured credit facility of up to $66.5 million in May, 2002;

  (e)   the completion in December 2002 of an inaugural public debt offering of $78 million of 8.25% unsecured debentures due December, 2007;

  (f)   the completion in December, 2002 of a private placement of U.S.$15 million in 30 year floating rate trust preferred securities;

  (g)   the completion in May 2003 of a private placement of US$17.5 million in 30-year floating rate trust preferred securities;

  (h)   the completion in May 2003 of a private placement of US$15 million in 30-year floating rate trust preferred securities;

  (i)   the completion in July 2003 of a public offering only in Canada of 6,710,000 common shares at a price of $16.70 per share resulting in total gross proceeds of $112,100,000;

  (j)   the completion in September 2003 of a private placement of US$10 million in 30 year floating rate trust preferred securities;

  (k)   the completion in October 2003 of a private placement of US$20 million in 30 year floating rate trust preferred securities;

  (l)   the completion in December 2003 of a private placement of US$13 million in 30 year floating rate trust preferred securities; and

  (m)   the completion in January 2004 of a private placement of US$100 million in 10 year 7.5% senior notes and the completion in March 2004 of the sale of an additional US$25 million of the 10-year 7.5% senior notes; and

  (n)   the replacement of the Cdn$66.5 million syndicated unsecured facility and the KFSI 1999 term credit facility with a Cdn$150 million syndicated unsecured revolving credit facility.

4.   NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS

        In  2003, non-standard automobile business accounted for 37% of KFSI’s $2,636.8 million of gross premiums written (“GPW”) (the total premiums on insurance underwritten before deduction of reinsurance premiums ceded). Non-standard automobile insurance is the insuring of automobile risks for drivers with worse than average driving records primarily as a result of accidents or traffic violations. The commercial trucking line comprised 31% of KFSI’s GPW in 2003.


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        KFSI’s premium distribution by line and geographic areas is set out in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the Annual Report which is incorporated herein by reference.

        In addition to revenue derived from premiums earned, KFSI also derives revenue from premium financing and investment income. This revenue amounted to $133.4 million in 2003 as compared to $81.1 million in 2002.

        KFSI has remained a disciplined underwriter. KFSI has earned a profit from its underwriting activities for 11 of the last 14 fiscal years, and as well, KFSI’s combined ratio in six of the last nine years has been less than 100%. The selected Supplemental Financial Information set out on page 74 of the Annual Report which is incorporated herein by reference provides details of the gross premiums written, underwriting profits, and key ratios from KFSI’s insurance operations compared to industry results for the eight year period ending December 31, 2003 and are incorporated herein by reference.

Employees

        As at December 31, 2003, KFSI employed an aggregate of approximately 2,027 personnel, none of whom are unionized.

Liquidity

        Capital required for KFSI’s business has been obtained from KFSI’s public offerings of common shares, its syndicated term and operating lending facilities, the issuance of trust preferred securities and has been internally generated from underwriting and investment profits. KFSI’s operations create liquidity by collecting and investing premiums, as more fully discussed on pages 43 to 45 of the Annual Report which are incorporated by reference herein.

Investment Portfolio

        The total size of the investment portfolio increased from $1,834 million at the end of 2002 to $2,512 million at December 31, 2003. Returns on a pre-tax basis were 5.3% for the year compared with 4.5% for 2002. The investment portfolio as at December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 is comprised of assets from a number of different classes as reflected in Note 2 to the 2003 Consolidated Financial Statements set out on pages 62 and 63 of the Annual Report which are incorporated herein by reference.

Competitive Position

        The insurance industry is price competitive in all markets in which KFSI insurance subsidiaries operate. KFSI’s subsidiaries employ disciplined underwriting practices with the objective of rejecting underpriced risks. The combined ratio of claims plus underwriting expenses compared to net premiums earned is the traditional measure of underwriting results of property and casualty companies. In any year when the ratio exceeds 100%, it generally indicates that unprofitable business has been underwritten. Through careful underwriting, pricing, risk selection, stringent claims management, and non-renewal of unprofitable policies, KFSI has produced an underwriting profit in 11 of the last 14 years.

        KFSI believes that it is better to write less business with higher profits than to compete with other insurers at low premiums to increase volume at the expense of higher combined ratios. In 2003, Kingsway’s combined ratio from Canadian and U.S. Operations was 111.8% and 98.3% respectively, compared with the industry averages of 98.7% and 101.1% respectively. In 2003, Canadian operations were particularly impacted as a result of adverse claims development for prior years.


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5.   SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Annual Information

        The revenue, net income, net income per share, and total assets of KFSI for each of the last eight years are contained in the Supplemental Financial Information table set out on page 74 of the 2003 Annual Report which is incorporated herein by reference and included as Exhibit 99.5 to this report. Quarterly financial information for the last eight quarters ending December 31, 2003 is contained in the Supplemental Financial Information table on page 75 of the 2003 Annual Report which is incorporated herein by reference and included as Exhibit 99.6 to this report. The total long term financial liabilities of KFSI as at December 31, 2003 was U.S.$90.5 million and Cdn$78 million in comparison to U.S.$100 million and Cdn$78 million at December 31, 2002 and U.S.$90 million at December 31, 2001.

Dividend Policy

        The ability of KFSI to pay dividends is largely dependent upon its ability to receive dividends from its subsidiaries. The insurance subsidiaries are regulated and are required to maintain statutory capital in order to write insurance policies. Regulatory authorities may impose, from time to time, additional restrictions which may affect the actual amounts available to KFSI for the payment of dividends.

        During the past five years, KFSI has not paid any dividends. KFSI has no intention to declare regular dividends on its common shares in the foreseeable future. Any decision to pay dividends on KFSI’s common shares in the future will be dependent upon the financial requirements of KFSI to finance future growth, the financial condition of KFSI and other factors which the Board of Directors of KFSI may consider appropriate in the circumstances.

6.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

        Management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations which appear on pages 17 to 54 of the Annual Report are incorporated herein by reference.

7.   MARKET FOR SECURITIES

        The common shares of KFSI are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange (Symbol KFS).

8.   DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

        The following table and the notes thereto state the names of all executive officers of the Corporation, all other positions or offices with the Corporation and its subsidiaries now held by them, their principal occupations or employment and the number of Common Shares and Options of the Corporation beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by each of them, or over which they exert control or direction as of March 25, 2004. The same information relating to the directors of the Corporation is contained in the Election of Directors section of the Management Information Circular of KFSI dated March 25, 2004 filed on Form 6-K on May 17, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.


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Name and
Municipality of
Residence and
Present Principal
Occupation
  Position with
the Corporation
  Common Shares of the
Corporation beneficially
owned, directly or
indirectly, or controlled
or directed
  Number of
Options Held

William G. Star   Chairman, President and  426,813   400,000  
Mississauga, ON  Chief Executive Officer, KFSI 

W. Shaun Jackson  Executive Vice-President  57,589   230,000  
Oakville, ON  and Chief Financial Officer, KFSI 

Frank Amodeo  Vice-President, KFSI  4,822   15,000  
Toronto, ON 

Simon Argent  Vice-President,   6,402   6,500  
Toronto, ON  Risk Management, KFSI  

Dennis Fielding  Vice-President, KFSI  3,621   21,000  

Shelly Gobin  Vice-President   35,202   30,167  
Mississauga, ON  and Treasurer, KFSI 

        Frank Amodeo joined KFSI in July, 2001. Prior thereto, Mr. Amodeo was Vice-President and General Manager of Winterthur International (The Citadel General Assurance Company).

        Simon Argent joined KFSI in March, 2002 as an Assistant Vice-President. Between April 2001 to March 2002, Mr. Argent was a self-employed investor. Prior thereto, Mr. Argent was Second Vice-President – Account Executive at General Reinsurance.

        Except as noted above, for the past five years each executive officer has been engaged in his current occupation or in other capacities within the same or a related entity.

        As a group, the directors and officers of KFSI own, directly or indirectly or exercise control or direction over 712,400 (1.3% of the total outstanding) common shares of KFSI. The information as to shares owned indirectly or over which control or direction is exercised by the directors and officers, but which are not registered in their names, not being within the knowledge of KFSI, has been furnished by such officers of KFSI.

        The Corporation does not have an Executive Committee. Mr. Walsh serves as KFSI’s lead director. The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee comprised solely of outside Directors, namely Messrs. Atkins, Di Giacomo and Walsh. In addition, the Corporation has an Investment Committee comprised of Messrs. Di Giacomo, Star, and Walsh, a Nominating Committee comprised of Messrs. Atkins, Walsh and Reeve, and a Compensation and Management Resources Committee comprised of Messrs. Di Giacomo, Gluckstein and Beamish.


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9.   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

        KFSI shall provide to any person, upon request to the Secretary of KFSI:

  (a)   when the securities of KFSI are in the course of a distribution pursuant to a short form prospectus or a preliminary short form prospectus has been filed in respect of a distribution of its securities,

    (i)   one copy of the Annual Information Form of KFSI, together with one copy of any documents, or the pertinent pages of any document, incorporated by reference in the Annual Information Form;

    (ii)   one copy of the comparative financial statements of KFSI for its most recently completed financial year together with the accompanying report of KFSI’s auditor and one copy of any interim financial statements of KFSI subsequent to the financial statements for KFSI’s most recently completed financial year;

    (iii)   one copy of the information circular of KFSI in respect of its most recent annual meeting of shareholders that involved the election of directors or one copy of any annual filing prepared in lieu of that information circular, as appropriate, and

  (b)   at any other time, one copy of any other documents referred to in (a) (i), (ii) and (iii) above, provided KFSI may require the payment of a reasonable charge if the request is made by a person who is not a security holder of KFSI.

        Additional information, including directors’ and officers’ remuneration and indebtedness, the principal holders of KFSI securities, options to purchase securities, and interests of insiders in material transactions, where applicable, is contained in KFSI’s Information Circular for its most recent annual meeting of shareholders, which involves the election of directors. Additional financial information is provided in KFSI’s comparative financial statements for its most recently completed financial year. Copies of such documents may be obtained upon request from the Secretary of KFSI.

For copies of documents, please contact Mr. Michael Slan, Secretary, Suite 4400, Royal Trust Tower, Toronto-Dominion Centre, Toronto, Ontario, M5K 1G8, Telephone (416) 941-8857, Facsimile (416) 941-8852, E-mail address: mss@foglerubinoff.com.


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Document No. 2


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Consolidated Financial Statements of

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002


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MANAGEMENT STATEMENT ON RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Management is responsible for presentation and preparation of the annual consolidated financial statements, Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MDA) and all other information in the Company’s Annual Report. The consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles and also include a reconciliation to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. Financial information appearing elsewhere in the Company’s Annual Report is consistent with the consolidated financial statements.

The MDA has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Canadian securities regulators as well as the requirements of Regulation S-K of the Securities Exchange Act of the United States, and their related published requirements.

The consolidated financial statements and information in the MDA necessarily include amounts based on informed judgements and estimates of the expected effects of current events and transactions with appropriate consideration to materiality. In addition, in preparing the financial information management must make determinations as to the relevancy of information to be included, and make estimates and assumptions that affect reported information. The MDA also includes information regarding the estimated impact of current transactions and events, sources of liquidity and capital resources, operating trends, risks and uncertainties. Actual results in the future may differ materially from management’s present assessment of this information because future events and circumstances may not occur as expected.

In meeting its responsibility for the reliability of the consolidated financial statements and for the accounting systems from which they are derived, management maintains the necessary system of internal controls. These controls are designed to provide management with reasonable assurance that the financial records are reliable for preparing financial statements and other financial information, assets are safeguarded against unauthorized use or disposition and liabilities are recognized.

We, as Kingsway Financial’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, will be certifying Kingsway Financial’s annual disclosure document filed with the SEC (Form 40-F) as required by the United States Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

The Board of Directors oversees management’s responsibilities for financial reporting through an Audit Committee, which is composed entirely of directors who are neither officers nor employees of the Company. The Audit Committee reviews the consolidated financial statements and recommends them to the board for approval. The Audit Committee also reviews and monitors weaknesses in the Company’s system of internal controls as reported by management or the external auditors.


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Role of the Actuary

With respect to the preparation of these financial statements, management prepares a valuation, including the selection of appropriate assumptions, of the Company’s obligations at the balance sheet date under insurance policies issued by its subsidiaries. With respect to the preparation of these financial statements, KPMG LLP carries out a review of management’s valuation of the unpaid claim liabilities and provides an opinion to the Board of Directors regarding the appropriateness of the unpaid claim liabilities recorded by management to meet all policyholder claim obligations of the Company at the balance sheet date. The work to form that opinion includes an examination of the sufficiency and reliability of data, and review of the valuation process used by management. The independent actuary is responsible for assessing whether the assumptions and methods used for the valuation of policy liabilities are in accordance with accepted actuarial practice, applicable legislation, and associated regulations and directives. In performing the review of these liabilities determined by management, which are by their very nature inherently variable, the actuary makes assumptions as to future loss ratios, trends, reinsurance recoveries, expenses and other contingencies, taking into consideration the circumstances of the Company and the nature of the insurance policies.

The valuation is based on projections of future claims and claim adjustment expenses on claims incurred at the balance sheet date. It is certain that actual future claims and claim adjustment expenses will not develop exactly as projected and may, in fact, vary significantly from the projections. Further, the projections make no provision for new classes or claim categories not sufficiently recognized in the claims database.

Management is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the underlying data used in the valuation. The actuary’s report outlines the scope of the review and the opinion.

Role of the Auditor

The external auditors, KPMG LLP , have been appointed by the shareholders. Their responsibility is to conduct an independent and objective audit of the financial statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and to report thereon to the shareholders. In carrying out their audit, the auditors make use of the work of the independent actuary and their report on the claim liabilities of the Company. The shareholders’ auditors have full and unrestricted access to the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee to discuss audit, financial reporting and related findings. The auditors’ report outlines the scope of their audit and their opinion.

/s/ William G. Star /s/ W. Shaun Jackson
William G. Star W. Shaun Jackson
President & Chief Executive Officer Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

February 10, 2004


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AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS

We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Kingsway Financial Services Inc. as at December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 and the consolidated statements of operations, retained earnings and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.

In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003 in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.

KPMG LLP

Chartered Accountants

Toronto, Canada
February 10, 2004


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APPOINTED ACTUARY’S REPORT

KPMG LLP has reviewed management’s valuation, including the selection of appropriate assumptions and methods, of the unpaid claims liabilities of the insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries of Kingsway Financial Services Inc. for its consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2003 and 2002 and their changes in the statement of operations for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2003 in accordance with accepted actuarial practice.

In our opinion, the unpaid claims liabilities are appropriate and the consolidated financial statements fairly present its results.

KPMG LLP

Claudette Cantin, F.C.I.A.
February 10, 2004


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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

As at December 31
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)


    2003   2002  

Assets
Cash   $    140,883   $   244,921  
Investments (notes 2 and 12(c))  2,512,052   1,833,744  
Accrued investment income  21,189   16,223  
Accounts receivable and other assets  387,052   334,603  
Due from reinsurers and other insurers (note 6)  176,295   164,742  
Deferred policy acquisition costs  167,960   178,574  
Income taxes recoverable  --   3,851  
Future income taxes (note 7)  72,184   59,505  
Capital assets (note 3)  66,981   43,981  
Goodwill and intangible assets (note 1(e))  85,840   104,290  

   $ 3,630,436   $2,984,434  

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity  
Liabilities: 
     Bank indebtedness (note 11(a))  $    153,895   $   170,390  
     Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  128,797   122,606  
     Income taxes payable  2,589   --  
     Unearned premiums (note 6)  776,481   776,323  
     Unpaid claims (notes 6 and 8)  1,669,734   1,200,554  
     Senior unsecured debentures (note 11(b))  78,000   78,000  
     Subordinated indebtedness (note 11(c))  115,981   23,636  

   2,925,477   2,371,509  
Shareholders' equity: 
     Share capital (note 4)  468,668   357,192  
     Contributed surplus (note 5)  678   --  
     Currency translation adjustment  (94,313 ) 11,090  
     Retained earnings (note 12(b))  329,926   244,643  

   704,959   612,925  
Contingent liabilities (note 12) 

   $ 3,630,436   $2,984,434  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

On behalf of the Board:

/s/ David H. Atkins        Director

/s/ F. Michael Walsh      Director


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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Years ended December 31
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)


    2003   2002   2001  

Gross premiums written  $ 2,636,822   $2,124,691   $1,065,262  

Net premiums written  $ 2,518,711   $2,009,963   $1,014,960  

Revenue:        
     Net premiums earned (note 6)  $ 2,381,984   $ 1,737,754   $  872,830  
     Net Investment income (note 2)  78,369   64,855   52,553  
     Net realized gains (note 2)  55,032   16,259   12,079  

   2,515,385   1,818,868   937,462  
Expenses: 
     Claims incurred (notes 6 and 8)  1,770,137   1,240,329   616,079  
     Commissions and premium taxes (note 6)  503,158   372,051   167,176  
     General and administrative expenses  142,611   122,762   81,938  
     Interest expense  20,983   12,274   11,399  
     Amortization of intangible assets  854   716   --  

   2,437,743   1,748,132   876,592  

Income before income taxes  77,642   70,736   60,870  
Income taxes(recovery) (note 7): 
     Current  11,482   4,410   6,665  
     Future  (19,123 ) (13,206 ) 3,418  

   (7,641 ) (8,796 ) 10,083  

Net income before goodwill  85,283   79,532   50,787  
Amortization of goodwill, net of applicable income tax  --   --   5,856  

Net income  $      85,283   $      79,532   $   44,931  

Earnings per share (note 4): 
     Basic  $          1.63   $         1.63   $       1.21  
     Diluted  $          1.62   $         1.61   $       1.19  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings

Years ended December 31
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)


    2003   2002   2001  

Retained earnings, beginning of year  $244,643   $165,111   $  120,180  
Net income  85,283   79,532   44,931  

Retained earnings, end of year  $329,926   $244,643   $165,111  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


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KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years ended December 31
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)


    2003   2002   2001  

Cash provided by (used in): 
Operating activities: 
     Net income  $      85,283   $      79,532   $      44,931  
     Items not affecting cash: 
         Amortization of goodwill and intangibles  854   716   6,674  
         Amortization of capital assets and deferred 
           charges  9,208   9,358   5,137  
         Future income taxes  (25,526 ) (11,157 ) (873 )
         Net realized gains  (55,032 ) (16,259 ) (12,079 )
         Amortization of bond premiums and discounts  14,828   3,746   (4,856 )

   29,615   65,936   38,934  
     Change in non-cash balances: 
         Deferred policy acquisition costs  (44,847 ) (79,898 ) (36,370 )
         Due from reinsurers and other insurers  (125,954 ) 1,863   5,377  
         Unearned premiums  135,505   303,012   131,028  
         Unpaid claims  749,024   370,193   132,279  
         Increase in contributed surplus  678   --   --  
         Net change in other non-cash balances  (126,097 ) (60,722 ) (63,920 )

   617,924   600,384   207,328  
Financing activities: 
     Increase of share capital, net  111,476   960   207,751  
     Increase (decrease) in bank indebtedness  16,077   26,952   (7,035 )
     Increase in senior unsecured debentures  --   78,000   --  
     Increase in subordinated indebtedness  101,886   23,636   --  

   229,439   129,548   200,716  
Investing activities: 
     Purchase of investments  (6,615,029 ) (4,396,825 ) (2,277,643 )
     Proceeds from sale of investments  5,700,353   3,857,050   1,958,678  
     Financed premiums receivable, net  110   7,768   (7,546 )
     Purchase of subsidiaries, net of 
        cash acquired (note 9)  --   (36,908 ) (2,336 )
     Additions to capital assets  (36,835 ) (12,296 ) (12,837 )

   (951,401 ) (581,211 ) (341,684 )

Increase in cash during the year  (104,038 ) 148,721   66,360  
Cash, beginning of year  244,921   96,200   29,840  

Cash, end of year  $    140,883   $    244,921   $      96,200  

Supplementary disclosure of cash information: 
     Cash paid for: 
       Interest  $      20,357   $      12,186   $      11,701  
       Income taxes  8,727   3,034   9,909  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


Page 20 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


1.        Summary of significant accounting policies:

  Kingsway Financial Services Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on September 19, 1989. The Company is a financial services holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance.

  (a)   Principles of consolidation:

  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries all of which are wholly-owned. Acquisitions are accounted for by the purchase method, whereby the results of acquired companies are included only from the date of acquisition, and divestitures are included up to the date of disposal. Assets and liabilities of the acquired companies are included in the financial statements at their fair values at the date of acquisition.

  The following is a list of our material subsidiaries, all of which are 100% owned, directly or indirectly, (except for qualifying shares of York Fire & Casualty Insurance Company and Kingsway General Insurance Company held by directors in order to satisfy applicable statutory requirements), with the jurisdiction of incorporation indicated in brackets: American Country Holdings Inc. (Illinois); American Country Insurance Company (Illinois); American Country Financial Services Corp. (Illinois); American Country Underwriting Agency Inc. (Illinois); American Country Professional Services Corp. (Illinois); American Service Investment Corporation (Illinois); American Service Insurance Company, Inc. (Illinois); ARK Insurance Agency Inc. (Illinois); Avalon Risk Management, Inc. (Illinois); Appco Finance Corporation (Florida); AOA Payment Plan Inc. (Illinois); Hamilton Risk Management Company (Florida); Insurance Management Services Inc. (Florida); U.S. Security Insurance Company (Florida); Auto Body Tech Inc. (Florida); Corporate Claim Services Inc. (Florida); Jevco Insurance Company (Canada); Kingsway America Inc. (Delaware); Kingsway Nova Scotia Finance, ULC (Nova Scotia); Kingsway General Insurance Company (Ontario); Kingsway Reinsurance (Bermuda) Ltd. (Bermuda); Kingsway Reinsurance Corporation (Barbados); Kingsway U.S. Finance Partnership (Delaware); Kingsway U.S. Funding Inc. (Delaware); Kingsway U.S. Tier II Finance Partnership (Delaware); Southern United Holding, Inc. (Alabama); Consolidated Insurance Management Corp. (Alabama); Funding Plus of America (Alabama); Southern United Fire Insurance Company (Alabama); Southern United General Agency of Texas, Inc. (Texas); UCC Corporation (Nevada); Universal Casualty Company (Illinois); Walshire Assurance Company (Pennsylvania); Lincoln General Insurance Company (Pennsylvania); Yorktowne Premium Finance Company (Pennsylvania); and York Fire & Casualty Insurance Company (Ontario).


Page 21 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


1.        Summary of significant accounting policies (continued):

  (b)   Use of estimates:

  The preparation of financial statements 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the year. Actual results could differ from these estimates and changes in estimates are recorded in the accounting period in which they are determined.

  (c)   Investments:

  Fixed term investments are carried at amortized cost providing for the amortization of the discount or premium on a constant yield basis to maturity. Investments in common and preferred shares are carried at cost. Where a decline in value of an investment is considered to be other than temporary a writedown of the investment is recorded.

  (d)   Investment income:

  Investment income is recorded as it accrues. Dividend income on common and preferred shares is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Gains and losses on disposal of investments are determined and recorded as at the settlement date, and are calculated on the basis of average cost.

  (e)   Goodwill and other intangible assets:

  When the Company acquires a subsidiary or other business where we exert significant influence, we determine the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired and compare them to the amount paid for the subsidiary or business acquired. Any excess of the amount paid over the fair value of those net assets is considered to be goodwill.

  Goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment to ensure that its fair value is greater than or equal to the carrying value. Any excess of carrying value over fair value is charged to income in the period in which the impairment is determined. At December 31, 2003 and 2002 goodwill was $81,284,000 and $97,725,000, respectively.


Page 22 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


1.        Summary of significant accounting policies (continued):

  (e)   Goodwill and other intangible assets (continued):

  When the Company acquires a subsidiary or other business where we exert significant influence, we may acquire intangible assets, which are recorded at their fair value at the time of the acquisition. Intangible assets with a definite useful life are amortized to income on a straight-line basis over the defined useful life. The Company writes down the value of an intangible asset with a definite useful life when the undiscounted cash flows are not expected to allow for full recovery of the carrying value. At December 31, 2003 and 2002 intangible assets with a definite useful life, net of accumulated amortization, were $1,689,000 and $3,037,000, respectively.

  Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortization and are tested at least annually for impairment to ensure that its fair value is greater than or equal to its carrying value. Any excess of carrying value over fair value is charged to income in the period in which the impairment is determined. At December 31, 2003 and 2002 the Company had intangible assets with an indefinite life of $2,867,000 and $3,528,000, respectively.

  Amortization of intangible assets reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $854,000, $716,000 and $nil, respectively. There were no write-downs of goodwill or intangible assets due to impairment during the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001.

  Prior to January 1, 2002 the Company amortized goodwill arising from acquisitions made before July 1, 2001 over the estimated useful life of the asset acquired. Amortization of goodwill was recorded net of applicable income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Goodwill amortization of $5,856,000, net of applicable taxes of $818,000, was included in income for the year ended December 31, 2001.

  (f)   Deferred policy acquisition costs:

  The Company defers brokers’ commissions, premium taxes and other underwriting and marketing costs relating to the acquisition of premiums written to the extent they are considered recoverable. These costs are then expensed as the related premiums are earned. The method followed in determining the deferred policy acquisition costs limits the deferral to its realizable value by giving consideration to estimated future claims and expenses to be incurred as premiums are earned. Changes in estimates, if any, are recorded in the accounting period in which they are determined. Anticipated investment income is included in determining the realizable value of the deferred policy acquisition costs.


Page 23 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


1.        Summary of significant accounting policies (continued):

  (f)   Deferred policy acquisition costs (continued):

  Effective October 1, 2002, on a prospective basis, the Company began deferring other underwriting and marketing costs relating to the acquisition of premiums. The impact of this change was an increase to income before income taxes of $11,348,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003 (2002 – $6,589,000). Had these costs been taken into account in the deferral of policy acquisition costs in prior years, the impact on the financial statements would not have been significant.

  (g)   Premium revenue and unearned premiums:

  The Company earns premium revenue over the period covered by each individual insurance contract in proportion to the insurance protection provided. For motorcycle premiums, a higher percentage of the premiums is earned during the summer months, which is the motorcycle riding season in Canada. For all other lines of business, the premiums are earned evenly over the contract period. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written related to the unexpired risk portion of the policy at the year- end.

  The reinsurers’ share of unearned premiums is recognized as amounts recoverable using principles consistent with the Company’s method for determining the unearned premium liability.

  (h)   Unpaid claims:

  The provision for unpaid claims includes adjustment expenses and represents an estimate for the full amount of all expected costs, including investigation, and the projected final settlements of claims incurred on or before the balance sheet date. The provision does not take into consideration the time value of money or make an explicit provision for adverse deviation.

  These estimates of future loss activity are necessarily subject to uncertainty and are selected from a wide range of possible outcomes. All provisions are periodically reviewed and evaluated in the light of emerging claim experience and changing circumstances. The resulting changes in estimates of the ultimate liability are recorded as incurred claims in the accounting period in which they are determined.


Page 24 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


1.        Summary of significant accounting policies (continued):

  (i)   Reinsurance:

  Net premiums earned and claims incurred are recorded net of amounts ceded to, and recoverable from, reinsurers. Estimates of amounts recoverable from reinsurers on unpaid claims are recorded separately from estimated amounts payable to policyholders. Unearned premiums and deferred policy acquisition costs are also reported before reduction for business ceded to reinsurers and the reinsurers’ portion is classified with amounts due from reinsurers.

  Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated and recognized in a manner consistent with the Company’s method for determining the related policy liability associated with the reinsured policy.

  (j)   Translation of foreign currencies:

  Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into Canadian dollars at year-end exchange rates and non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at exchange rates prevailing at the transaction date. Translation gains and losses are included in the current income. Income and expenses are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the date incurred. Realized gains and losses on foreign exchange are recognized in the statement of operations.

  The Company reports its results in Canadian dollars. The operations of the Company’s subsidiaries in the United States and Barbados are self-sustaining. These subsidiaries hold all of their assets and liabilities and report their results in U.S. dollars. As a result, the assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the year-end rates of exchange. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average rate of exchange for each year. The unrealized gains and losses, which result from translation are deferred and included in shareholders’ equity under the caption “currency translation adjustment”. The currency translation account will change with fluctuations in the U.S. to Canadian dollar exchange rate.

  (k)   Income taxes:

  The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes, whereby future tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Future tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted or substantively 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 future tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the date of enactment or substantive enactment.


Page 25 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


1.        Summary of significant accounting policies (continued):

  (l)   Stock-based compensation plan:

  The Company has a stock-based compensation plan which is described in Note 4. Effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted on a prospective basis the fair-value method of accounting for stock-based compensation awards granted to employees and non-employee directors for options granted on or after that date. Under the new policy, the Company determines the fair value of the stock options on their grant date and records the fair value as a compensation expense over the period that the stock options vest, with a corresponding increase to contributed surplus. When these stock options are exercised, the amount of proceeds, together with the amount recorded in contributed surplus, are recorded in share capital. Employee compensation expense increased and net income decreased by $678,000 during 2003 as a result of this change in accounting policy.

  No compensation expense is recognized for stock options granted prior to January 1, 2003. The consideration paid by employees and non-employee directors on exercise of stock options is credited to share capital.

  (m)   Capital assets

  Capital assets are reported in the financial statements at depreciated cost. Depreciation of property and equipment has been provided by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of such assets. The useful lives range from 15-40 years for building and leasehold improvements, 5-7 years for furniture and equipment and 3-5 years for computers and software development.


Page 26 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


2.        Investments:

  The carrying amounts and fair values of investments are summarized below:

                                

            December 31, 2003  

    Carrying amount   Gross Unrealized Gains   Gross Unrealized Losses   Fair value  

       Term deposits  $   285,715   $       22   $     237   $   285,500  
       Bonds:                 
          Canadian - Government  221,572   4,608   111   226,069  
                              - Corporate  139,416   5,018   429   144,005  
            U.S.          - Government  393,211   3,214   2,477   393,948  
                              - Corporate  737,184   7,581   6,171   738,594  
         Other           - Government  169,074   153   1,692   167,535  
                              - Corporate  230,915   290   1,418   229,787  

       Sub-total  $2,177,087   $20,886   $12,535   $2,185,438  
       Preferred shares - Canadian  500   12   --   512  
       Common shares - Canadian  116,620   24,065   690   139,995  
                                        - U.S.  136,931   21,947   1,148   157,730  
       Financed premiums  80,914   --   --   80,914  

         $2,512,052   $66,910   $14,373   $2,564,589  

The maturity profile of the bonds and term deposits investments at their carrying amounts and fair values as at December 31, 2003 is as follows:

    Carrying Amount   Fair Value  

       Due in one year or less   $   605,157   $   605,487  
       Due after one year through five years  1,153,498   1,155,027  
       Due after five years through ten years  314,696   319,880  
       Due after ten years  103,736   105,044  

         $2,177,087   $2,185,438  


Page 27 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


2.        Investments (continued):

                                

            December 31, 2002  

    Carrying amount   Gross Unrealized Gains   Gross Unrealized Losses   Fair value  

       Term deposits  $   506,575   $         1   $       65   $   506,511  
       Bonds:         
          Canadian - Government  130,736   3,993   --   134,729  
                          - Corporate  82,650   3,288   837   85,101  
           U.S.        - Government  152,644   6,768   19   159,393  
                          - Corporate  248,729   10,118   918   257,929  
         Other       - Government  158,294   2,068   2   160,360  
                          - Corporate  282,353   5,275   --   287,628  

       Sub-total  $1,561,981   $31,511   $  1,841   $1,591,651  
       Preferred shares - Canadian  2,045   2   22   2,025  
       Common shares - Canadian  125,563   9,207   6,137   128,633  
                                        - U.S.  57,341   3,156   3,314   57,183  
       Financed premiums  86,814   --   --   86,814  

         $1,833,744   $43,876   $11,314   $1,866,306  

The maturity profile of the bonds and term deposits investments at their carrying amounts and fair values as at December 31, 2002 is as follows:

    Carrying Amount   Fair Value  

       Due in one year or less  $   636,726   $   638,163  
       Due after one year through five years  699,514   717,493  
       Due after five years through ten years  179,809   188,190  
       Due after ten years  45,932   47,805  

   $1,561,981   $1,591,651  

The following tables highlight the aggregate unrealized loss position, by security type, of holdings in an unrealized loss position as at December 31, 2003 and 2002. The tables segregate the holdings based on the period of time the securities have been continuously held in an unrealized loss position.


Page 28 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


2.        Investments (continued):


             December 31, 2003  

         0-6 months   6-12 months   over 12 months   Total  

      Common Shares           
         Number of Positions  22   2   18   42  
         Fair Value  $   26,708   $     5,926   $ 7,318   $      39,952  
         Carrying Value  28,070   5,992   7,728   41,790  
         Unrealized Loss  (1,362 ) (66 ) (410 ) (1,838 )
       Preferred Shares         
         Number of Positions  --   --   --   --  
         Fair Value  $          --   $          --   $      --   $             --  
         Carrying Value  --   --   --   --  
         Unrealized Loss  --   --   --   --  
       Term Deposits and Bonds         
         Number of Positions  163   40   5   208  
         Fair Value  $ 849,612   $ 288,624   $    907   $ 1,139,143  
         Carrying Value  855,812   294,538   1,328   1,151,678  
         Unrealized Loss  (6,200 ) (5,914 ) (421 ) (12,535 )

       Total         
         Number of Positions  185   42   23   250  
         Fair Value  $ 876,320   $ 294,550   $ 8,225   $ 1,179,095  
         Carrying Value  883,882   300,530   9,056   1,193,468  
         Unrealized Loss  (7,562 ) (5,980 ) (831 ) (14,373 )


             December 31, 2002  

         0-6 months   6-12 months   over 12 months   Total  

       Common Shares         
         Number of Positions  119   1   --   120  
         Fair Value  $   82,037   $     2,351   $      --   $      84,388  
         Carrying Value  91,163   2,676   --   93,839  
         Unrealized Loss  (9,126 ) (325 ) --   (9,451 )
       Preferred Shares         
         Number of Positions  1   --   --   1  
         Fair Value  $        887   $          --   $      --   $           887  
         Carrying Value  909   --   --   909  
         Unrealized Loss  (22 ) --   --   (22 )
       Term Deposits and Bonds         
         Number of Positions  30   --   1   31  
         Fair Value  435,124   $          --   $    345   $    435,469  
         Carrying Value  436,579   --   731   437,310  
         Unrealized Loss  (1,455 ) --   (386 ) (1,841 )

       Total         
         Number of Positions  150   1   1   152  
         Fair Value  $ 518,048   $     2,351   $    345   $    520,744  
         Carrying Value  528,651   2,676   731   532,058  
         Unrealized Loss  (10,603 ) (325 ) (386 ) (11,314 )


Page 29 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


2.        Investments (continued):

  The carrying amounts are shown by contractual maturity. Actual maturity may differ from contractual maturity because certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay certain obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

  Fair values of term deposits, bonds and common and preferred shares are measured using approximate quoted market values based on the latest bid prices. Financed premiums represent the portion of our insureds monthly premium payments that are not yet due. Certain of our insureds have the option to pay a portion of the premium when the policy is placed in force and the balance in monthly installments. The insured pays an additional premium for this option, reflecting handling costs and the investment income that would have been earned on such premium, had the total amount been collected at the beginning of the policy period. The additional premium is essentially an interest payment on the balance of the unpaid premium and is recognized as income over the period of the policy. The fair value of financed premiums, which are realized over the term of the related policies of up to one year, approximates their carrying amount.

  Management has reviewed currently available information regarding those investments whose estimated fair value is less than their carrying amount and ascertained that the carrying amounts are expected to be recovered. Debt securities whose carrying amount exceeds market value can be held until maturity when management expects to receive the principal amount.

  All of the Company’s fixed term investments have fixed interest rates. The coupon rates for the Company’s fixed term investments range from 1.66% to 13.00% at December 31, 2003 and 0.94% to 13.00% at December 31, 2002. As the fair value, carrying amounts and face amounts are not materially different, the effective rates of interest based on fair values would not be materially different from the coupon rates.

  The Company limits its investment concentration in any one investee or related group of investees to less than 5% of the Company’s investments.


Page 30 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


2.        Investments (continued):

  Net investment income for the years ended December 31 is comprised as follows:


    2003   2002   2001  

       Investment income: 
         Interest on short-term investments  $  7,731   $  4,431   $  6,457  
         Interest on bonds  53,633   50,317   29,654  
         Dividends  5,145   3,951   2,652  
         Premium finance  12,269   8,539   9,861  
         Other  3,461   565   5,550  

       Gross investment income  82,239   67,803   54,174  
       Investment expenses  3,870   2,948   1,621  

       Net investment income  $78,369   $64,855   $52,553  

Net realized gains for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001 were $55,032,000, $16,259,000, and $12,079,000, respectively. Included in net realized gains were adjustments to the carrying value of investments for declines in market value considered other than temporary of $3,496,000, $6,592,000 and $1,200,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

As at December 31, 2003, bonds and term deposits with an estimated fair value of $29,772,000 (2002 – $28,621,000) were on deposit with regulatory authorities.


Page 31 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


3.       Capital assets


          Cost   Accumulated Amortization   2003 Carrying Value  

       Land  $  5,607   $       --   $  5,607  
       Building and leasehold   
         improvements  47,513   3,901   43,612  
       Furniture and equipment  9,971   5,679   4,292  
       Computers and software   
         development  29,019   16,184   12,835  
       Automobiles  1,435   800   635  

       Total  $93,545   $26,564   $66,981  


          Cost   Accumulated Amortization   2002 Carrying Value  

       Land  $  5,650   $       --   $  5,650  
       Building and leasehold   
         improvements  21,628   4,299   17,329  
       Furniture and equipment  9,328   6,125   3,203  
       Computers and software   
         development  29,460   12,541   16,919  
       Automobiles  1,759   879   880  

       Total  $67,825   $23,844   $43,981  


Page 32 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


4.        Share capital:

  Authorized:
Unlimited number of common shares

  Share transactions consist of the following:

    Shares Issued Stock Options   Weighted- Average Exercise Price Amount

Balance as at December 31, 2000   34,056,597   1,371,338   $     8 .00 $148,481  
Issued July 12, 2001   5,750,000   68,315
Issued December 19, 2001   8,625,000   138,073
Stock options: 
 Granted in year     367,500   $     7 .80
 Exercised in year  225,609   (225,609 ) 6 .04 1,363  
 Forfeited in year    (59,668 ) 6 .96

Balance as at December 31, 2001  48,657,206   1,453,561   $     8 .30 $356,232  
Stock options: 
 Granted in year    425,500   $   19 .66
 Exercised in year  137,006   (137,006 ) 7 .00 960  
 Forfeited in year    (29,835 ) 11 .39

Balance as at December 31, 2002  48,794,212   1,712,220   $   11 .17 $357,192  
Issued July 3, 2003  6,100,000     99,137  
Issued July 11, 2003  610,000     9,929  
Stock options: 
 Granted in year    525,000   13 .53
 Exercised in year  325,582   (325,582 ) 7 .40 2,410  
 Forfeited in year    (19,503 ) 11 .88
 Expired in year    (206,000 ) 14 .75

Balance as at December 31, 2003  55,829,794   1,686,135   $   12 .19 $468,668  


Page 33 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


4.        Share capital (continued):

  Share issue expenses of $2,991,000, net of applicable income taxes of $1,695,000 were deducted from the amount of share capital issued on July 3, 2003 and July 11, 2003. Share issue expenses of $7,948,000, net of applicable income taxes of $4,049,000, were deducted from the amount of share capital issued on July 12, 2001 and December 19, 2001.

  (a)   During the year ended December 31, 2003, options to acquire 325,582 shares (2002 – 137,006; 2001 – 225,609 shares) were exercised at prices from $4.30 to $11.50 per share (2002 – $4.30 to $14.50 per share; 2001 – $4.00 to $14.50 per share).

  (b)   The weighted average number of shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 were 52,306,647, 48,742,622 and 37,202,057, respectively. On a diluted basis, the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 were 52,770,878, 49,427,348 and 37,856,100, respectively.

5.       Stock-based compensation:

  (a)   The Company has established a stock option incentive plan for directors, officers and key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. For December 31, 2003, the maximum number of common shares that may be issued under the plan is 4,800,000 (2002 – 3,400,000) common shares. The maximum number of common shares available for issuance to any one person under the stock option plan is 5% of the common shares outstanding at the time of the grant. The exercise price is based on the market value of the shares at the time the option is granted. In general, the options vest evenly over a three-year period and are exercisable for periods not exceeding 10 years.

  The following tables summarize information about stock options outstanding as at December 31, 2003, December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001:

December 31, 2003


Exercise Price Date of Grant     Expiry Date   Remaining Contractual Life (Years) Number
Outstanding
  Number Exercisable  

$     13.53 10-Feb-03     10-Feb-03   9 .2 521,500   --  

$     19.66 21-Feb-02     21-Feb-12   8 .2 416,500   138,833  

$       7.80 22-Feb-01    22-Feb-11  7 .2 235,177   140,177  

$       4.30 24-Feb-00    24-Feb-10  6 .2 337,256   337,256  

$     11.50 25-Feb-99    25-Feb-04  0 .2 175,702   175,702  

Total       7 .1 1,686,135   791,968  


Page 34 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


5.       Stock-based compensation (continued):

December 31, 2002


Exercise Price Date of Grant     Expiry Date   Remaining Contractual Life (Years) Number
Outstanding
  Number Exercisable  

$     19.66 21-Feb-02     21-Feb-12   9 .2 421,500   --  

$       7.80 22-Feb-01     22-Feb-11   8 .2 293,340   84,667  

$       4.30 24-Feb-00    24-Feb-10  7 .2 497,845   302,336  

$     11.50 25-Feb-99    25-Feb-04  1 .2 293,535   293,535  

$     18.78 23-Apr-98    23-Apr-03  0 .3 12,000   12,000  

$     14.50 19-Feb-98    19-Feb-03  0 .2 194,000   194,000  

Total       6 .0 1,712,220   886,538  

December 31, 2001


Exercise Price Date of Grant     Expiry Date   Remaining Contractual Life (Years) Number
Outstanding
  Number Exercisable  

$       7.80 22-Feb-01     22-Feb-11   9 .2 346,500   --  

$       4.30 24-Feb-00     24-Feb-10   8 .2 565,190   147,516  

$     11.50 25-Feb-99    25-Feb-04  2 .2 322,203   211,034  

$     18.78 23-Apr-98    23-Apr-03  1 .3 16,000   16,000  

$     14.50 19-Feb-98    19-Feb-03  1 .2 199,000   199,000  

$       8.40 24-Apr-97    24-Apr-02  0 .3 4,000   4,000  

$       8.75 20-Feb-97    20-Feb-02  0 .2 668   668  

Total       6 .0 1,453,561   578,218  

At December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 the number of options exercisable is 791,968, 886,538 and 578,218, respectively, with weighted average prices of $9.21, $10.58 and $10.87, respectively.

The Company determines the fair value of options granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The per share weighted average fair value of options granted during 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $6.11, $8.39 and $5.14. The Company will not record any compensation expense for stock options granted in prior years. When these stock options are exercised, the Company will include the amount of proceeds in share capital. The impact on net income and earnings per share if the Company had measured the compensation element of stock options granted based on the fair value on the date of grant on all outstanding stock options on their grant date is disclosed as follows:


Page 35 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


5.       Stock-based compensation (continued):


    2003   2002   2001  

           Stock option expense included in  
              employee compensation expense   $     678   $       --   $       --  

           Net income, as reported   $85,283   $79,532   $44,931  
           Additional expense that would have been recorded    
             if all outstanding stock options granted before  
            January 1, 2003 had been expensed   1,656   1,890   1,057  

           Pro forma net income   $83,627   $77,642   $43,874  
           Earnings per share  
           Basic earnings per share  
             As reported   $1.63   $1.63   $1.21  
             Pro forma   1.60   1.59   1.18  
           Diluted earnings per share  
             As reported   $1.62   $1.61   $1.19  
             Pro forma   1.58   1.57   1.16  

The fair value of the options granted was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:


    2003   2002   2001  

           Risk-free interest rate   5.54 % 5.54 % 5.65 %
           Dividend yield   0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 %
           Volatility of the expected market price of the  
                 Company's Common shares   56.0 % 59.1 % 62.2 %
           Expected option life (in years)   5.5   5.4   5.5  

The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. As the Company’s employee 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 above pro forma adjustments are not necessarily a reliable single measure of the fair value of the Company’s employee stock options.


Page 36 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


5.        Stock-based compensation (continued):

  (b)   The Company has an employee share purchase plan where qualifying employees can choose each year to have up to 5% of their annual base earnings withheld to purchase the Company’s common shares. The Company matches one half of the employee contribution amount, and its contributions vest immediately. All contributions are used by the plan administrator to purchase common shares in the open market. The Company’s contribution is expensed as paid and for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 totalled $392,000, $367,000 and $252,000, respectively.

6.        Underwriting policy and reinsurance ceded:

  In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to reduce the loss that may arise from catastrophe or other events that cause unfavourable underwriting results by reinsuring certain levels of risk, in various areas of exposure, with other insurers. The Company is not relieved of its primary obligation to the policyholder as a result of the reinsurance transaction.

  Failure of reinsurers to honour their obligations could result in losses to the Company, consequently, the Company continually evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentrations of credit risk to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvency.

  The Company follows the policy of underwriting and reinsuring contracts of insurance, which limits the company’s net exposure to the following maximum amounts:


  Years ended December 31  
  2003   2002   2001  

      Property claims 
      - Canadian operations  $500   $500   $500  
      - U.S. operations  U.S.$500   U.S.$500   U.S.$500  
      Canadian - private passenger automobile liability claims  $2,500   $1,000   $1,000  
      Other liability claims  U.S.$1,000   U.S.$1,000   U.S.$1,000  


Page 37 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


6.        Underwriting policy and reinsurance ceded (continued):

  In addition, the company has obtained catastrophe reinsurance protection which provides coverage in the event of a series of events. This reinsurance limits its net retained exposure and provides coverage up to certain maximum per occurrence amounts in excess of the retained loss as follows:


  Years ended December 31  
  2003   2002   2001  

      Canada 
      - Retained loss  $5,000   $1,500   $1,500  
      - Maximum coverage  $45,000   $38,500   $23,500  
      United States 
      - Retained loss  U.S.$5,000   U.S.$5,000   U.S.$1,000  
      - Maximum coverage  U.S.$45,000   U.S.$80,000   U.S.$14,000  

During the year ended December 31, 2001, maximum coverage was maintained for homeowners risks in Florida of U.S.$40,000,000.

The amounts deducted for reinsurance ceded from net premiums earned, claims incurred and commissions and premium taxes for the years December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 were as follows:


    2003   2002   2001  

Net premiums earned   $129,899   $91,698   $51,099  
Claims incurred  96,652   33,256   35,705  
Commissions and premium taxes  24,690   14,600   12,745  

The amount of assumed premiums written was $329,702,000, $198,086,000 and $149,777,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The amount of assumed premiums earned was $291,149,000, $191,970,000 and $142,715,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.


Page 38 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


7.        Income taxes:

  (a)   The Company’s provision for income taxes, compared to statutory rates is summarized as follows:


    2003   2002   2001  

      Provision for taxes at Canadian statutory 
         marginal income tax rate  $ 28,433   $ 27,304   $ 22,621  
      Non-taxable investment income  (838 ) (832 ) (282 )
      Foreign operations subject to different tax rates  (32,722 ) (36,455 ) (9,106 )
      Non-deductible goodwill amortization  --   --   2,786  
      Change in tax rates and other  (2,514 ) 1,187   (5,936 )

      Provision for (recovery of) income taxes  $   (7,641 ) $   (8,796 ) $ 10,083  


  (b)   The components of future income tax balances are as follows:


  2003   2002  

       Future income tax assets: 
           Losses carried forward  $ 30,569   $ 34,089  
           Unpaid claims and unearned premiums  36,382   32,663  
           Investments  5,926   1,713  
           Share issue expenses  3,920   2,985  
           Contingent commission accruals  4,436   --  
           Other  4,385   4,639  

       Future income tax assets  85,618   76,089  
       Future income tax liabilities: 
           Deferred policy acquisition costs  (9,399 ) (12,248 )
           Investments  (1,157 ) (786 )
           Goodwill and intangible assets  (2,878 ) (2,843 )
           Other  --   (707 )

       Future income tax liabilities  (13,434 ) (16,584 )

       Net future income tax assets  $ 72,184   $ 59,505  


Page 39 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


7.        Income taxes (continued):

  (c)   Amounts and expiration dates of the operating loss carryforward are as follows:


Year of net operating loss   Expiration date   Net operating loss

Canadian operations:      
2002   2009   $17,741  
2003   2010   37,323  
U.S. operations:      
1995  2010  961  
1997  2012  2,701  
1998  2018  1,153  
2000  2020  402  
2001  2021  21,883  
2002  2022  5,737  


  (d)   If the Company believes that all of its future income tax assets will not result in future tax benefits, it must establish a valuation allowance for the portion of these assets that it thinks will not be realized. Based predominantly upon a review of the Company’s anticipated future earnings, but also including all other available evidence, both positive and negative, the Company has concluded it is “more likely than not” that its net future income tax assets will be realized.


Page 40 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)



8.   Unpaid claims:

  (a)   Nature of unpaid claims:

  The establishment of the provision for unpaid claims is based on known facts and interpretation of circumstances and is therefore a complex and dynamic process influenced by a large variety of factors. These factors include the Company’s experience with similar cases and historical trends involving claim payment patterns, loss payments, pending levels of unpaid claims, product mix or concentration, claims severity and claim frequency patterns.

  Other factors include the continually evolving and changing regulatory and legal environment, actuarial studies, professional experience and expertise of the Company’s claim departments’ personnel and independent adjusters retained to handle individual claims, the quality of the data used for projection purposes, existing claims management practices including claims handling and settlement practices, the effect of inflationary trends on future claims settlement costs, court decisions, economic conditions and public attitudes. In addition, time can be a critical part of the provision determination, since the longer the span between the incidence of a loss and the payment or settlement of the claims, the more variable the ultimate settlement amount can be. Accordingly, short-tail claims such as property claims, tend to be more reasonably predictable than long-tailed claims, such as general liability and automobile accident benefit claims which are less predictable.

  Consequently, the process of establishing the provision for unpaid claims is complex and imprecise as it relies on the judgement and opinions of a large number of individuals, on historical precedent and trends, on prevailing legal, economic, social and regulatory trends and on expectations as to future developments. The process of determining the provision necessarily involves risks that the actual results will deviate, perhaps substantially, from the best estimates made.


Page 41 of 101

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)



8.   Unpaid claims: (continued)

  (b)   Provision for unpaid claims:

  The Company completes an annual evaluation of the adequacy of unpaid claims at the end of each financial year. This evaluation includes a re-estimation of the liability for unpaid claims relating to each preceding financial year compared to the liability that was originally established. The results of this comparison and the changes in the provision for unpaid claims for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 were as follows:


  2003   2002   2001  

            Unpaid claims - beginning of year - net   $ 1,066,356   $   487,229   $ 342,776  

            Net unpaid claims of subsidiaries acquired  --   207,840   --  

            Provision for claims occurring: 
                In the current year  1,599,196   1,152,507   588,942  
                In prior years  196,783   101,079   33,874  
            Claims paid during the year relating to: 
                The current year  (644,801 ) (491,352 ) (303,783 )
                The prior years  (505,170 ) (382,051 ) (189,801 )
            Currency translation adjustment  (198,075 ) (8,896 ) 15,221  

            Unpaid claims - end of year - net  1,514,289   1,066,356   487,229  
            Reinsurers' and other insurers'
                share of unpaid claims
  155,445   134,198   102,734  

            Unpaid claims end of year  $ 1,669,734   $ 1,200,554   $ 589,963  


  The results for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 were adversely affected by the evaluation of unpaid claims related to prior years. In 2002 and 2001 adverse development of Ontario automobile claims (including standard and non-standard automobile, motorcycle, commercial auto and long haul trucking) was the primary reason for the unpaid claims deficiency as well as development in non-standard automobile claims in southeastern United States. In 2003, adverse development on unpaid claims came from Ontario and Alberta automobile claims and non-standard automobile claims in southeastern United States.


Page 42 of 101

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)



8.   Unpaid claims: (continued)

  Ontario Automobile

  Ontario private passenger automobile contributed $32.8 million in 2003 and $26.4 million in 2002 of prior year claims development. The increase in fraudulent claims, the erosion of the tort threshold and accelerating health cost inflation contributed to the required increase in claims liabilities related to prior years. Evolving case law and the erosion of the tort threshold in Ontario has led to an extension of the reporting period during which a plaintiff may bring suit. Also, beginning in 2000, we identified significantly increased frequency and severity trends in health care cost in Ontario where we are required to offer unlimited coverage and much higher liability limits than our other markets. The estimated provisions related to automobile accident benefit claims were also increased as the assumed inflation rate and severity factors previously utilized were found to be inadequate based on actual development experienced in 2003.

  Alberta Automobile

  Alberta non-standard automobile business contributed $34.5 million of the prior years’ claims development in 2003, compared to $16.3 million in 2002. An increase in average reserves due to the continued escalation in bodily injury claim settlements was the reason for the adverse claims development in 2002 and 2003 in Alberta, where we increased existing case reserves based on actual settlement patterns.

  Southeastern United States Non-Standard Automobile

  Adverse development of unpaid losses incurred accounted for approximately $24.1 million and $25.3 million in 2003 and 2002 reported incurred losses, respectively. Similar to Ontario, Florida has experienced a significant acceleration in fraudulent claims activity over the last several years. Continued cost escalation of loss adjusting expenses and an increase in the number of files litigated required upward adjustments to open claims reserves for both the current and prior years as the unfavourable legal environment has resulted in the inflation of claims payments beyond our original estimates.

  Canadian and U.S. Operations Trucking

  Trucking business contributed $32.4 million to the 2003 prior years’ claims development, compared to $20.6 million in the same period in 2002. Increases in reserves were due to larger than anticipated settlements, particularly in the U.S., which required upward adjustments to open claim files. Average claim file reserves were increased to reflect this pattern of settlement. Case reserves were increased to reflect the increased cost on injury claims similar to the development experienced on the Ontario automobile business.


Page 43 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)



8.   Unpaid claims: (continued)

  (c)   The fair value of unpaid claims and adjustment expenses, gross and recoverable from reinsurers, has been omitted because it is not practicable to determine fair value with sufficient reliability.

9.   Acquisitions:

  In 1999 the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Hamilton Investments, Inc. (“Hamilton”). All consideration was payable in cash, part of which was paid at closing, with the remaining payments based on the earnings of Hamilton for the fiscal years 1999 to 2003. The present value of the guaranteed future payments was accrued at the date of acquisition. The additional consideration payable for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $2,163,000, $2,369,000 and $2,336,000, respectively. At December 31, 2003 no contingent consideration based on earnings was payable.

  On April 5, 2002, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common and preferred shares of American Country Holdings, Inc. for a purchase price of $37.8 million. The results of American Country’s operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since March 31, 2002. American Country owns all the outstanding shares of American Country Insurance Company, an insurer of taxicabs based in Chicago, Illinois.

  The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:


            Cash and investments   $216,885  
            Accounts receivable  102,986  
            Other tangible assets  35,708  
            Intangible assets 
                  Contracts  3,782  
                  Insurance licenses  3,553  
            Goodwill  20,110  

            Total assets  383,024  
            Bank indebtedness  15,794  
            Insurance liabilities  304,200  
            Accounts payable  22,454  
            Other liabilities  570  

           Total liabilities  343,018  

            Purchase price  $  40,006  

 

Page 44 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)



10.   Segmented information:

  The Company provides property and casualty insurance and other insurance related services in three reportable segments: Canada, the United States and corporate and other insurance related services. The Company’s Canadian and United States segments include transactions with the Company’s reinsurance subsidiaries. At the present time, other insurance related services are not significant. Results for the Company’s operating segments are based on the Company’s internal financial reporting systems and are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. The segmented information for December 31, 2003 is summarized as follows:


  Canada   United States   Corporate and Other   Total  

       Gross premiums written   $    654,877   $ 1,981,945   $        --   $ 2,636,822  
       Net premiums earned  554,334   1,827,650   --   2,381,984  
       Investment income (loss)  33,631   45,528   (790 ) 78,369  
       Net realized gains (losses)  12,495   42,563   (26 ) 55,032  
       Interest expense  --   13,077   7,906   20,983  
       Amortization of capital assets  767   5,378   1,333   7,478  
       Amortization of intangible assets  --   854   --   854  
       Net income tax expense (recovery)  (7,652 ) 9,685   (9,674 ) (7,641 )
       Net income (loss)  (16,670 ) 95,936   6,017   85,283  

       Total assets  $ 1,154,646   $2,415,966   $ 59,823   $ 3,630,436  

       Underwriting profit (loss)  (65,383 ) 31,461   --   (33,922 )
       Claims ratio  83.7 % 71.5 % -- 74.3 %
       Expense ratio  28.1 % 26.8 % -- 27.1 %
       Combined ratio  111.8 % 98.3 % -- 101.4 %


Page 45 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)



10.   Segmented information (continued):

  The segmented information for December 31, 2002 is summarized below:


  Canada   United States   Corporate and Other   Total  

       Gross premiums written   $    490,754   $ 1,633,937   $        --   $ 2,124,691  
       Net premiums earned  415,227   1,322,527   --   1,737,754  
       Investment income (loss)  24,059   41,583   (787 ) 64,855  
       Net realized gains (losses)  (2,574 ) 17,084   1,749   16,259  
       Interest expense  --   10,508   1,766   12,274  
       Amortization of capital assets  748   7,529   1,081   9,358  
       Net income tax expense (recovery)  (6,005 ) (3,751 ) 960   (8,796 )
       Amortization of intangible assets  --   716   --   716  
       Net income (loss)  (13,042 ) 88,708   3,866   79,532  

       Total assets  $ 1,299,918   $ 1,670,807   $ 13,709   $ 2,984,434  

       Additions to goodwill  --   20,110   --   20,110  
       Additions to intangible assets  --   7,335   --   7,335  

       Underwriting profit (loss)  (34,902 ) 37,514   --   2,612  
       Claims ratio  78.3 % 69.2 % --   71.4 %
       Expense ratio  30.1 % 28.0 % --   28.4 %
       Combined ratio  108.4 % 97.2 % --   99.8 %


Page 46 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)



10.   Segmented information (continued):

  The segmented information for December 31, 2001 is summarized below:


  Canada   United States   Corporate and Other   Total  

       Gross premiums written   $  356,049   $  709,213   $        --   $1,065,262  
       Net premiums earned  321,926   550,904   --   872,830  
       Investment income  25,035   27,289   229   52,553  
       Net realized gains  7,579   4,426   74   12,079  
       Interest expense  --   10,262   1,137   11,399  
       Amortization of capital assets  644   3,132   1,361   5,137  
       Net income tax expense  2,941   6,730   412   10,083  
       Goodwill amortization  701   5,105   50   5,856  
       Net income  14,925   27,080   2,926   44,931  

       Total assets  $ 633,545   $1,075,538   $69,661   $1,778,744  

       Underwriting profit (loss)  (9,826 ) 17,463   --   7,636  
       Claims ratio   73.5 % 68.9 % --   70.6 %
       Expense ratio   29.6 % 27.9 % --   28.5 %
       Combined ratio  103.1 % 96.8 % --   99.1 %


  The Company’s gross premiums written are derived from the following business lines and geographical areas:


    2003   2002   2001  

       Business Line  
           Personal Lines:  
           Non-Standard Auto  37 % 39 % 51 %
           Standard Auto  4 % 2 % 3 %
           Motorcycle  2 % 2 % 4 %
           Property (including Liability)  1 % 2 % 3 %
           Warranty  1 % 1 % 2 %
           Other Specialty Lines  1 % 1 % 1 %

           Total Personal Lines  46 % 47 % 64 %
           Commercial Lines:  
           Trucking  31 % 32 % 24 %
           Commercial Auto  11 % 8 % 5 %
           Property (including Liability)  10 % 11 % 5 %
           Other Specialty Lines  2 % 2 % 2 %

           Total Commercial Lines  54 % 53 % 36 %

           Total Gross Premiums Written  100 % 100 % 100 %


Page 47 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)



10.   Segmented information (continued):


  2003 2002 2001

       Geographical Area        
           United States:  
           California  13 % 11 % 4 %
           Florida  12 % 12 % 13 %
           Illinois  10 % 11 % 15 %
           Texas  7 % 7 % 6 %
           South Carolina  3 % 4 % 5 %
           Alabama  2 % 3 % 4 %
           Pennsylvania  2 % 3 % 3 %
           Other  26 % 26 % 17 %

           Total United States  75 % 77 % 67 %
 
           Canada:  
           Ontario  12 % 10 % 16 %
           Alberta  6 % 6 % 7 %
           Quebec  5 % 5 % 8 %
           Other  2 % 2 % 2 %

           Total Canada  25 % 23 % 33 %

           Total Gross Premiums Written  100 % 100 % 100 %


11.   Indebtedness and subsequent events:

  (a) Bank indebtedness:

    On February 23, 1999, the Company entered into a U.S.$100 million unsecured credit facility with a syndicate of banks. Under this facility the Company has the option to borrow at a floating rate equivalent to the banks prime rate or for a fixed term at a fixed rate of LIBOR plus a spread based on the Company’s credit rating or upon the ratio of funded debt to total capitalization, whichever is higher. The facility is for a fixed term of five years and one day and was fully drawn on March 5, 1999 for general corporate purposes. During each of the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 the Company repaid U.S.$5 million. The facility matures on March 5, 2004 and the Company anticipates refinancing the facility prior to its maturity.

    In March, 1999, the Company entered into interest rate swap contracts whereby the Company fixed its rate on this U.S.$100 million debt at 5.91% plus a spread based on the Company’s credit rating or upon the ratio of funded debt to total capitalization, whichever is higher, for the period of the facility. The fair values of the liabilities under the swap contracts at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 were $1,506,000, $8,632,000 and $7,479,000, respectively.


Page 48 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)



11.    Indebtedness and subsequent events (continued):

  (a)   Bank indebtedness (continued):

  In May, 2002, the Company entered into a $66.5 million revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks which was renewed in May, 2003. The facility is a 364 day revolving credit facility at a floating interest rate determined based on the type of loan and the Company’s senior unsecured debt rating. As at December 31, 2003, $50,275,000 (2002 – $33,076,000) was outstanding under this facility with an effective interest rate of approximately 3% (2002 – 3%).

  (b)   Senior unsecured debentures:

  On December 6, 2002, the Company issued $78 million of 8.25% unsecured senior debentures with a maturity date of December 31, 2007. The debentures are redeemable prior to the maturity date, at the Company’s option, providing at least 30 days notice to debenture holders. Interest on the debentures is payable semi-annually in arrears. The net proceeds to the Company were $77,087,420.

  (c)   Subordinated indebtedness:

  Between December 4, 2002 and December 16, 2003, six subsidiary trusts of the Company issued U.S.$90.5 million of 30 year capital securities to third parties in separate private transactions. In each instance, a corresponding floating rate junior subordinated deferrable interest debenture was then issued by Kingsway America Inc. to the trust in exchange for the proceeds from the private sale. The floating rate debentures bear interest at the rate of the London interbank offered interest rate for three-month U.S. dollar deposits, plus spreads ranging from 3.85% to 4.20%, but until dates ranging from December 4, 2007 to January 8, 2009, the interest rates will not exceed 12.45% to 12.75%. The Company has the right to call each of these securities at par anytime after five years from their issuance until their maturity. The net proceeds to the Company were $95,613,000 in 2003 and $22,198,000 in 2002 after deducting expenses of $6,273,000 and $1,438,000, respectively.

  (d)   Subsequent events:

  On January 29, 2004, a subsidiary of the Company, Kingsway America Inc. completed the sale of U.S.$100 million 7.50% senior notes due 2014 in a private offering. The notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company. The notes will be redeemable at Kingsway America’s option on or after February 1, 2009. On February 4, 2004, Kingsway America repaid U.S.$34.5 million outstanding under the $66.5 million revolving credit facility described in (a) above.


Page 49 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)



12.   Contingent liabilities:

  (a)   Legal Proceedings:

  In connection with its operations, the Company and its subsidiaries are, from time to time, named as defendants in actions for damages and costs allegedly sustained by the plaintiffs. While it is not possible to estimate the outcome of the various proceedings at this time, such actions have generally been resolved with minimal damages or expense in excess of amounts provided and the Company does not believe that it will incur any significant additional loss or expense in connection with such actions.

  (b)   Statutory Requirements:

  Statutory policyholders’ capital and surplus of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries was $816.2 million and $654.3 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

  The Company’s subsidiaries are subject to certain requirements and restrictions under their respective statutory insurance legislations including minimum asset requirements and dividend restrictions. For the year 2003, under the various insurance regulatory restrictions, based on the Company’s December 31, 2003 financial statements, the Company’s insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries would have aggregate dividend capacity of $212.9 million (2002 – $180.3 million).

  (c)   Letters of Credit:

  On October 4, 2002 the Company entered into a syndicated U.S.$350 million letter of credit facility. The letter of credit facility is principally used to collateralize inter-company reinsurance balances for statutory capital management purposes. The Company pledges securities to collateralize the utilized portion of the letter of credit facility. At December 31, 2003 and 2002 the letter of credit facility utilization was U.S.$306.3 million and U.S.$304.6 million, respectively.

  Also from time to time, the Company pledges securities to third parties to collateralize liabilities incurred under its policies of insurance. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the amount of pledged securities was U.S.$33.9 million and U.S.$49.2 million, respectively.

13.   Fair value disclosure:

  The fair value of financial assets and liabilities, other than investments (note 2), unpaid claims (note 8) and interest rate swaps (note 11) approximate their carrying amounts.


Page 50 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


14.     Reconciliation of Canadian and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles:

  The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in Canada. The significant differences between Canadian GAAP and U.S. GAAP, which affect the Company’s consolidated financial statements, are described below:

  The following table reconciles the consolidated net income as reported under Canadian GAAP with net income and other comprehensive income in accordance with U.S. GAAP:


   2003 2002 2001

Net income based on Canadian GAAP   $   85,283   $ 79,532   $ 44,931  
Impact on net income of U.S. GAAP adjustments, net of tax: 
  Deferred start-up costs (a)  938   1,052   1,037  
  Goodwill amortization (b)  --   --   116  
  Equity accounting (c)  983   1,237   281  
  Gain on sale of USA Insurance Group (c)  (1,451 ) --   --  

Net income based on U.S. GAAP *  $   85,753   $ 81,821   $ 46,365  
Other comprehensive income adjustments: 
  Change in unrealized gain on investments classified as  19,976   20,973   11,996  
   available for sale (d) 
  Change in fair value of interest rate swaps (e)  7,126   (1,152 ) (7,479 )
  Less: related future income taxes  6,170   4,949   2,512  

  Other comprehensive income adjustments  20,932   14,872   2,005  
  Currency translation adjustments in the period (f)  (105,403 ) (4,409 ) 11,447  

Other comprehensive income (loss)  (84,471 ) 10,463   13,452  

Total comprehensive income  $     1,282   $ 92,284   $ 59,817  

*Basic earnings per share based on U.S. GAAP net income  $1.64   $1.68   $1.25  
*Diluted earnings per share based on U.S. GAAP net income  $1.63   $1.66   $1.22  

Page 51 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


14.     Reconciliation of Canadian and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (continued):

  The following table reconciles shareholders’ equity as reported under Canadian GAAP with shareholders’ equity in accordance with U.S. GAAP:


   2003 2002

    Shareholders' equity based on Canadian GAAP  $ 704,959   $ 612,925  
    Other comprehensive income  37,490   16,558  
    Cumulative net income impact: 
    Deferred start-up costs (a)  (1,043 ) (1,981 )
    Goodwill amortization (b)  (1,213 ) (1,213 )
    Equity accounting (c)  1,618   635  
    Gain on sale of USA Insurance Group (c)  (1,451 ) --  

    Shareholders' equity based on U.S. GAAP  $ 740,360   $ 626,924  


  Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 130 “Reporting Comprehensive Income” requires the Company to disclose items of other comprehensive income in a financial statement and to disclose accumulated balances of other comprehensive income or loss in the equity section of the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Comprehensive income, which incorporates net income, includes all changes in equity during a period, except those resulting from investments by, and distributions to, owners. There is no requirement to disclose comprehensive income under Canadian GAAP. Total cumulative other comprehensive income (loss) amounted to $(56,823,000) and $27,648,000 as at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

  (a)   Deferred start-up costs:

  Under Canadian GAAP, start-up costs of Avalon Risk Management, Inc. are deferred and amortized over a five year period commencing from the date the start-up period ended. Under U.S. GAAP, such costs are expensed in the periods in which the expenditures are incurred.


Page 52 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


14.     Reconciliation of Canadian and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (continued):

  (b)   Goodwill amortization:

  As per Note 1(e), effective January 1, 2002, all existing goodwill which is currently included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets ceased to be amortized to income over time for both Canadian and U.S. GAAP, and is subject to a periodic impairment review to ensure that the fair value remains greater than, or equal to, book value. Any excess of book value over fair value will be charged to income in the period in which the impairment is determined. The Company adopted this new standard prospectively. As a result of the adoption of this new standard, no goodwill amortization was recorded in the twelve months ended December 31, 2002 and 2003.

  Under Canadian GAAP, guarantee fund assessment liabilities were estimated and accrued at the date of acquisition, which resulted in an increase in the amount of goodwill recorded. Under U.S. GAAP, such costs are expenses in the periods in which the liabilities are estimated.

  Prior to January 1, 2002, under Canadian GAAP, the amortization of goodwill was shown as the final item in the Statement of Operations, net of applicable taxes, whereas under U.S. GAAP this presentation was not permitted and the applicable taxes would be included in the income tax expense on the Statement of Operations. As a result, under U.S. GAAP, the applicable taxes of $818,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2001 would be reclassified to increase the goodwill amortization and decrease the income tax expenses. Goodwill amortization would be classified with expenses under U.S. GAAP.

  (c)   Equity accounting:

  Under Canadian GAAP, the Company’s 25% equity investment in USA Group was carried at cost as the Company did not have significant influence over the investee. Under U.S. GAAP the Company is deemed to have significant influence because the Company’s equity investment exceeds 20%, and the equity method of accounting is used. This method recognizes the Company’s share of net income or loss of the investee. Also, under U.S. GAAP goodwill is recognized, and prior to December 31, 2001 was being amortized over a period of 10 years.

  The Company disposed of its equity investment in USA Group in November, 2003 and had to reverse a portion of the gain under U.S. GAAP due to the difference in the cost base of the investment under Canadian and U.S. GAAP.


Page 53 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


14.     Reconciliation of Canadian and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (continued):

  (d)   Portfolio investments:

  Under Canadian GAAP, portfolio investments are carried at cost or amortized cost, and where a decline in value of an investment is considered to be other than temporary, a write-down of the investment to its estimated recoverable amount is recorded. Under U.S. GAAP, such investments would be classified as available for sale and are marked to market after write-downs for other than temporary declines in values, and the unrealized gain or loss, net of any future income taxes, is recorded as other comprehensive income, a component of shareholders’ equity.

  (e)   Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities:

  In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 133”), as amended by Statements No. 137 and 138, which established accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and for hedging activities. Under FAS 133, all derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, are recognized as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at their fair values, and changes in such fair values must be recognized immediately in earnings unless specific hedging criteria are met. The Company adopted this statement effective January 1, 2001 for purposes of its U.S. GAAP reconciliation. The Company has purchased interest rate swap contracts that are designated as cash flow hedges against the amounts borrowed under the unsecured credit facility. The terms of the swaps match those of the unsecured credit facility, and were entered into to minimize the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. The change in the fair value of interest rate swap contracts is reflected in other comprehensive income.

  (f)   Currency translation adjustments:

  The Company reports its results in Canadian dollars. The operations of the Company’s subsidiaries in the United States and Barbados are self-sustaining. These subsidiaries hold all of their assets and liabilities and report their results in U.S. dollars. As a result, the assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the year-end rates of exchange. The unrealized gains and losses, which result from translation are deferred and included in shareholders’ equity under the caption “currency translation adjustment”. The currency translation account will change with fluctuations in the U.S. to Canadian dollar exchange rate.


Page 54 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


14.     Reconciliation of Canadian and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (continued):

  (g)   Future accounting pronouncements:

  The Company does not expect the adoption of any known proposed accounting pronouncements to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

15.   Comparative figures:

  Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform with the financial statement presentation adopted in the current year.

16.   Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information:

  Kingsway America Inc. (KAI) issued senior notes which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company. The following is condensed consolidating financial information for the Company as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and for the three years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, with a separate column for each of KAI as Issuer, the Company (“KFSI”) as Guarantor and the other businesses of the Company combined (the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”). For the purposes of the condensed consolidating financial information, the Company carries its investments under the equity method.


Page 55 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the year ended December 31, 2003

   KFSI
(the “Guarantor”)
KAI
(the “Issuer”)
Other subsidiaries
(the “Non-Guarantor subsidiaries”)
Consolidation adjustments Total

Revenues  
Net premiums earned   $          --   $          --   $2,381,984   $           --   $2,381,984  
Investment related income  (816 ) 24,255   109,962   --   133,401  
Management fees  46,040   2,849   --   (48,889 ) --  

   45,224   27,104   2,491,946   (48,889 ) 2,515,385  
Expenses  
Claims incurred  --   --   1,784,091   (13,954 ) 1,770,137  
Commissions and premium taxes  --   --   503,158   --   503,158  
Other expenses  40,975   11,475   125,950   (34,935 ) 143,465  
Interest expense  7,906   --   13,077   --   20,983  

   48,881   11,475   2,426,276   (48,889 ) 2,437,743  
Income before income taxes  (3,657 ) 15,629   65,670   --   77,642  
Income taxes  (9,674 ) 5,272   (3,239 ) --   (7,641 )
Equity in undistributed 
  net income of subsidiaries  79,266   13,475   --   (92,741 ) --  
Net income  $85,283   $23,832   $      68,909   $(92,741 ) $    85,283  


Page 56 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the year ended December 31, 2002

   KFSI
(the “Guarantor”)
KAI
(the “Issuer”)
Other subsidiaries
(the “Non-Guarantor subsidiaries”)
Consolidation adjustments Total

Revenues            
Net premiums earned  $         --   $            --   $1,813,208   $ (75,454 ) $1,737,754  
Investment related income  960   2,381   77,773   --   81,114  
Management fees  38,001   2,153   --   (40,154 ) --  

   38,961   4,534   1,890,981   (115,608 ) 1,818,868  
Expenses  
Claims incurred  --   --   1,323,780   (83,451 ) 1,240,329  
Commissions and premium taxes  --   --   379,123   (7,072 ) 372,051  
Other expenses  32,369   7,334   122,451   (38,676 ) 123,478  
Interest expense  1,766   --   10,508   --   12,274  

   34,135   7,334   1,835,862   (129,199 ) 1,748,132  
Income before income taxes  4,826   (2,800 ) 55,119   13,591   70,736  
Income taxes  960   (976 ) (8,780 ) --   (8,796 )
Equity in undistributed 
  net income of subsidiaries  75,666   (3,608 ) --   (72,058 ) --  

Net income  $79,532   $(5,432 ) $    63,899   $ (58,467 ) $     79,532  


Page 57 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the year ended December 31, 2001

   KFSI
(the “Guarantor”)
KAI
(the “Issuer”)
Other subsidiaries
(the “Non-Guarantor subsidiaries”)
Consolidation adjustments Total

Revenues            
Net premiums earned  $       --   $         --   $872,830   $          --   $872,830  
Investment related income  304   2,208   62,120   --   64,632  
Management fees  29,516   1,762   --   (31,278 ) --  

   29,820   3,970   934,950   (31,278 ) 937,462  
Expenses  
Claims incurred  --   --   623,163   (7,084 ) 616,079  
Commissions and premium taxes  --   --   167,176   --   167,176  
Other expenses  25,297   2,168   93,836   (39,363 ) 81,938  
Interest expense  1,136   --   10,263   --   11,399  

   26,433   2,168   894,438   (46,447 ) 876,592  
Income before income taxes  3,387   1,802   40,512   15,169   60,870  
Income taxes  412   612   9,059   --   10,083  
Amortization of goodwill, net of applicable income tax  --   --   5,856   --   5,856  
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries  41,956   12,724   --   (54,680 ) --  

Net income  $44,931   $13,914   $   25,597   $(39,511 ) $  44,931  


Page 58 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidating Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As at December 31, 2003

   KFSI
(the “Guarantor”)
KAI
(the “Issuer”)
Other subsidiaries
(the “Non-Guarantor subsidiaries”)
Consolidation adjustments Total

Assets            
Investments in subsidiaries  $739,653   $461,943   $  802,724   $(2,004,320 ) $             --  
Cash  23,302   2,473   115,108   --   140,883  
Investments  2,523   --   2,509,529   --   2,512,052  
Goodwill and other intangible assets  --   --   75,800   10,040   85,840  
Other assets  35,428   33,800   2,362,164   (1,539,731 ) 891,661  

   $800,906   $498,216   $5,865,325   $(3,534,011 ) $3,630,436  
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity  
Liabilities: 
Bank indebtedness  $   16,514   $             --   $    137,381   $             --   $    153,895  
Other liabilities  1,433   17,850   112,205   (102 ) 131,386  
Unearned premiums  --   --   1,294,246   (517,765 ) 776,481  
Unpaid claims  --   --   2,638,518   (968,784 ) 1,669,734  
Senior unsecured debentures  78,000   --   --   --   78,000  
Subordinated indebtedness  --   115,981   --   --   115,981  

   95,947   133,831   4,182,350   (1,486,651 ) 2,925,477  
Shareholders' equity: 
Share capital  468,668   423,911   1,519,315   (1,943,226 ) 468,668  
Contributed surplus  678   --   --   --   678  
Currency translation adjustment   (94,313 ) (64,991 ) (25,348 ) 90,339   (94,313 )
Retained earnings  329,926   (5,465 ) 189,008   (194,473 ) 329,926  

   704,959   364,385   1,682,975   (2,047,360 ) 704,959  

   $800,906   $498,216   $5,865,325   $(3,534,011 ) $3,630,436  


Page 59 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As at December 31, 2002

   KFSI
(the “Guarantor”)
KAI
(the “Issuer”)
Other subsidiaries
(the “Non-Guarantor subsidiaries”)
Consolidation adjustments Total

Assets            
Investments in subsidiaries  $619,192   $347,253   $761,943   $(1,728,388 ) $               --  
Cash  1,402   464   243,055   --   244,921  
Investments  5,139   506   1,828,099   --   1,833,744  
Goodwill and other intangible assets  --   --   94,250   10,040   104,290  
Other assets  87,756   (41,924 ) 1,856,742   (1,101,095 ) 801,479  

   $713,489   $306,299   $4,784,089   $(2,819,443 ) $2,984,434  
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity  
Liabilities: 
Bank indebtedness  $  20,532   $             --   $    149,858   $             --   $   170,390  
Other liabilities  2,032   1,389   120,008   (823 ) 122,606  
Unearned premiums  --   --   1,282,603   (506,280 ) 776,323  
Unpaid claims  --   --   1,809,608   (609,054 ) 1,200,554  
Senior unsecured debentures  78,000   --   --   --   78,000  
Subordinated indebtedness  --   23,636   --   --   23,636  

   100,564   25,025   3,362,077   (1,116,157 ) 2,371,509  
Shareholders' equity: 
Share capital  357,192   335,757   1,295,744   (1,631,501 ) 357,192  
Currency translation adjustment  11,090   (49,051 ) 17,481   31,570   11,090  
Retained earnings  244,643   (5,432 ) 108,787   (103,355 ) 244,643  

   612,925   281,274   1,422,012   (1,703,286 ) 612,925  

   $713,489   $306,299   $4,784,089   $(2,819,443 ) $2,984,434  


Page 60 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended December 31, 2003

   KFSI
(the “Guarantor”)
KAI
(the “Issuer”)
Other subsidiaries
(the “Non-Guarantor subsidiaries”)
Consolidation adjustments Total

Cash provided by (used in):            
Operating activities: 
Net income  $   85,283   $   23,832   $      68,909   $  (92,741 ) $      85,283  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
    used by operating activities:
 
Equity in undistributed earnings in subsidiaries  (79,266 ) (13,475 ) --   92,741   --  
Other  56,973   (84,724 ) 564,745   (4,353 ) 532,641  

   62,990   (74,367 ) 633,654   (4,353 ) 617,924  
Financing activities: 
Increase in share capital, net  111,476   88,154   204,906   (293,060 ) 111,476  
Increase/(decrease) in bank indebtedness  (4,018 ) --   20,095   --   16,077  
Increase in mortgage loan  --   17,760   (4,016 ) (13,744 ) --  
Increase in subordinated indebtedness  --   101,886   --   --   101,886  

   107,458   207,800   220,985   (306,804 ) 229,439  
Investing activities: 
Purchase of investments  (29,692 ) (7,228 ) (6,598,124 ) 20,015   (6,615,029 )
Proceeds from sale of investments  32,408   25,732   5,642,213   --   5,700,353  
Other  (151,264 ) (149,928 ) (26,675 ) 291,142   (36,725 )

   (148,548 ) (131,424 ) (982,586 ) 311,157   (951,401 )
Increase (decrease) in cash during the year  21,900   2,009   (127,947 ) --   (104,038 )
Cash, beginning of year  1,402   464   243,055   --   244,921  

Cash, end of year  $   23,302   $     2,473   $    115,108   $          --   $    140,883  


Page 61 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended December 31, 2002

   KFSI
(the “Guarantor”)
KAI
(the “Issuer”)
Other subsidiaries
(the “Non-Guarantor subsidiaries”)
Consolidation adjustments Total

Cash provided by (used in):            
Operating activities: 
Net income  $   79,532   $  (5,432 ) $      63,899   $(58,467 ) $      79,532  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
    used by operating activities:
 
Equity in undistributed earnings in subsidiaries  (75,666 ) 3,608   --   72,058   --  
Other  (73,617 ) 79,919   475,094   39,456   520,852  

   (69,751 ) 78,095   538,993   53,047   600,384  
Financing activities: 

Increase in share capital, net  960   82,744   11,002   (93,746 ) 960  
Increase/(decrease) in bank indebtedness  6,186   --   20,766   --   26,952  
Increase in subordinated indebtedness  --   23,636   --   --   23,636  
Increase in senior unsecured debentures  78,000   --   --   --   78,000  

   85,146   106,380   31,768   (93,746 ) 129,548  
Investing activities: 
Purchase of investments  (145,341 ) (177 ) (4,251,307 ) --   (4,396,825 )
Proceeds from sale of investments  185,651   --   3,671,399   --   3,857,050  
Other  (56,402 ) (184,688 ) 158,955   40,699   (41,436 )

   (16,092 ) (184,865 ) (420,953 ) 40,699   (581,211 )
Increase (decrease) in cash during the year  (697 ) (390 ) 149,808   --   148,721  
Cash, beginning of year  2,099   854   93,247   --   96,200  

Cash, end of year  $     1,402   $        464   $    243,055   $          --   $    244,921  


Page 62 of 129

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended December 31, 2001

   KFSI
(the “Guarantor”)
KAI
(the “Issuer”)
Other subsidiaries
(the “Non-Guarantor subsidiaries”)
Consolidation adjustments Total

Cash provided by (used in):            
Operating activities: 
Net income  $   44,931   $ 13,914   $      25,597   $(39,511 ) $      44,931  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used by
    operating activities:
 
Equity in undistributed earnings in subsidiaries  (41,956 ) (12,724 ) --   54,680   --  
Other  (10,432 ) (8,079 ) 180,908   --   162,397  

   (7,457 ) (6,889 ) 206,505   15,169   207,328  
Financing activities: 
Increase in share capital, net  207,751   70,610   93,664   (164,274 ) 207,751  
Increase/(decrease) in bank indebtedness  139   --   (7,174 ) --   (7,035 )

   207,890   70,610   86,490   (164,274 ) 200,716  
Investing activities: 
Purchase of investments  (129,274 ) (9,682 ) (2,138,687 ) --   (2,277,643 )
Proceeds from sale of investments  97,258   9,898   1,851,522   --   1,958,678  
Other  (167,772 ) (72,313 ) 68,261   149,105   (22,719 )

   (199,788 ) (72,097 ) (218,904 ) 149,105   (341,684 )
 
Increase (decrease) in cash during the year  645   (8,376 ) 74,091   --   66,360  
Cash, beginning of year  1,454   9,230   19,156   --   29,840  

Cash, end of year  $     2,099   $      854   $      93,247   $          --   $      96,200  


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Document No. 3


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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

        The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this annual report. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ substantially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of several factors, including those set forth under the section entitled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this annual report.

        From time to time, we make written and oral forward-looking statements, including in this annual report, in other filings with Canadian regulators or the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and in other communications. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding the Company’s objectives and strategies to achieve them. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “believe”, “expect”, “may” and “could”. By their very nature, these statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, general and specific, which may cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that could cause such differences are discussed under the section entitled “Risk Factors” of this annual report and in other regulatory filings made in Canada and with the SEC. The discussion of factors under the section entitled “Risk Factors” is not exhaustive of all possible factors. Other factors could also adversely affect the Company’s results.

        All such factors should be considered carefully when making decisions with respect to the Company, and undue reliance should not be placed on the Company’s forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, written or oral, that may be made from time to time by or on its behalf.

        All of the dollar amounts in this annual report are expressed in Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated. References to “Canadian dollars,” “dollars,” “C$,” or “$” are to Canadian dollars and any references to “U.S. dollars” or “US$” are to U.S. dollars. As presented in this annual report, our Canadian and U.S. segment information includes the results of our Bermuda and Barbados reinsurance subsidiaries, respectively.

Overview

        Kingsway Financial serves as the holding company for all of our subsidiaries, Kingsway America is the holding company for all of our U.S. operating subsidiaries. Our insurance subsidiaries include Kingsway General Insurance Company, York Fire & Casualty Insurance Company, and Jevco Insurance Company in Canada and Universal Casualty Company, Southern United Fire Insurance Company, American Service Insurance Company, Inc., Lincoln General Insurance Company, U.S. Security Insurance Company and American Country Insurance Company in the United States. We also have wholly owned reinsurance subsidiaries domiciled in Bermuda and Barbados. In the year ended December 31, 2003, we generated 75% of our gross premiums written from the United States and 25% from Canada.

        Kingsway is a specialty provider of personal and commercial lines of property and casualty insurance in the United States and Canada. Our principal lines of business are non-standard automobile and trucking insurance. Non-standard automobile insurance covers drivers who do not qualify for standard automobile insurance coverage because of their payment history, driving record, place of residence, age, vehicle type or other factors. Such drivers typically represent higher than normal risks and pay higher insurance rates for comparable coverage. We also provide standard automobile insurance as well as insurance for commercial and public vehicles, including taxis.


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        In addition to automobile insurance, we provide motorcycle insurance, specialized commercial and personal property coverage, warranty insurance and other specialty coverages, such as customs and surety bonds. In the year ended December 31, 2003, we derived 37% of our gross premiums written from non-standard automobile insurance, 31% from trucking, 12% from commercial and personal property coverages, 11% from commercial automobile, 4% from standard automobile, 2% from motorcycle and 3% from other specialty lines.

        We are a leading provider of non-standard automobile and motorcycle insurance in Canada and have a prominent position in several U.S. markets in which we currently operate, such as Florida, Illinois, and South Carolina, based on direct premiums written. We are the third largest writer of non-standard automobile insurance in Illinois and the fourth largest in South Carolina according to A.M. Best.

        Since 1996, we have experienced significant growth through acquisitions. In Canada, we acquired York Fire in February 1996 and Jevco in March 1997. In the United States, we acquired Universal Casualty and Southern United in January 1998, American Service in March 1998, Lincoln General in December 1998, U.S. Security in January 1999, and American Country in April 2002 (using an effective date of March 31, 2002).

        We accounted for these acquisitions using the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, we included the assets and liabilities of the acquired entities in our consolidated financial statements at their fair value at the date of acquisition and the results of their operations from that date.

        In 2003, our gross premiums written increased 24% to $2.64 billion, compared to $2.12 billion in 2002. Our return on equity averaged 11.2% for the fiscal years 1999 to 2003. For the year ended December 31, 2003, our return on equity was 12.9% on an annualized basis compared to 13.8% in 2002. As of December 31, 2003, we had total assets of $3.6 billion and shareholders’ equity of $705.0 million. During the year ended December 31, 2003, shareholders’ equity was negatively impacted by the unrealized currency translation adjustment of our U.S. dollar denominated assets into Canadian dollars amounting to $105.4 million, or $1.88 per share outstanding at December 31, 2003.

        The insurance industry is highly competitive. However, we generally seek to identify and operate in specialty markets which present opportunities for us to compete effectively due to the narrow scope or limited size of the market or the specialty nature of the coverage or risk. These specialty markets may be defined by geographic area, type of insurance or other factors. We focus on specialty lines of automobile, property and casualty insurance where we believe competition is more limited. We emphasize underwriting profit and will not knowingly underwrite risks at rates which we believe are unprofitable in order to increase our premium volume. We believe that by executing this strategy we have been able to deliver returns that have exceeded the average in our industry in both the United States and Canada.

        We use the claims ratio, the expense ratio and the combined ratio as important measures of our performance. The claims ratio is derived by dividing the amount of net claims incurred by net premiums earned. The expense ratio is derived by dividing the sum of commissions and premium taxes and general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned. The combined ratio is the sum of the claims ratio and the expense ratio. A combined ratio below 100% demonstrates underwriting profit whereas a combined ratio over 100% demonstrates an underwriting loss. We believe that underwriting profit is the true measure of performance of the core business of a property and casualty insurance company. We, therefore, emphasize underwriting profit and will not underwrite risks at rates which we believe are unprofitable in order to increase our premium volume. Management’s incentive compensation is directly linked to our combined ratio and our return on equity objectives.


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        In recent years, the North American property and casualty insurance market, including the non-standard automobile market, has been less price competitive than in the late 1990’s. Many insurers significantly reduced premium rates from 1998 to 2000 due to higher investment returns and an over-capitalization of the industry which subsequently led to poor underwriting results, together with investment impairments, caused an erosion of capital by December 31, 2002. As a result, premium rates began to rise and continued to do so throughout 2001, 2002 and 2003. Generally, we expect the rate increase trend to continue into 2004. The industry posted better underwriting results for 2002 and 2003 due to the increase in premium rates. However, the continued trend of adverse development of prior years’ claims continued to minimize improvement in reported underwriting results as many companies announced material year-end increases to prior years’ claims reserves, including Kingsway.

        At the same time, in both 2002 and 2003, the insurance industry has been adversely affected by lower interest rates and a significant drop in equity indices. Poor pricing, adverse prior years’ claims development and historically low investment returns have also triggered an unprecedented rise in reinsurance rates and a significant decline in available reinsurance capacity. Although there has been a series of new reinsurance companies started since late 2001, these new companies have not materially replaced the capital and corresponding reinsurance capacity lost since that time. As a result of all of the above factors taken together, we believe the insurance industry’s current improved pricing environment and significant limitations due to capital constraints will continue in the U.S. and Canadian insurance markets through 2004.

Corporate Strategy

        Our strategy is to build long-term shareholder value by targeting three financial measurements over a five year period: (i) a 15% average after-tax return on shareholders’ equity, (ii) an average combined ratio, a measurement of profitability, of 96% or lower, and (iii) average increases in net premiums earned of 15% per annum. Our strategy is characterized by the following principles:

    Adhere to a strict underwriting discipline. We manage our business with a strict focus on underwriting profit rather than on premium growth or market share and have demonstrated our willingness to increase pricing or reduce or increase premium volumes based on market conditions. Over the five year period ended December 31, 2003, our combined ratio averaged 100.8%, including 106.0% for our Canadian operations and 98.8% for our U.S. operations. For the year ended December 31, 2003, our combined ratio was 101.4%, including 111.8% for our Canadian operations and 98.3% for our U.S. operations. Management’s incentive compensation is directly linked to our combined ratio and return on equity objectives.

    Apply a specialty focus to regional markets. We seek to identify market segments where we believe competition is more limited, presenting the potential for above average returns. We believe that the non-standard automobile insurance business, our primary business, is presently one such specialty market. Other specialty markets in which we operate include trucking, taxi, motorcycle and warranty insurance. We operate through a network of regionally based operating subsidiaries. This decentralized operating structure allows us to target specialized markets and products based on our underwriting expertise and knowledge of local market conditions.

    Rigorously manage claims at the local level. We seek to protect our business through diligent claims management. Our claims are managed by our experienced personnel located in our regional operating subsidiaries and by some of our MGAs. We maintain a culture of rigorously investigating claims, preventing fraud and litigating our claims as necessary before final settlement.


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    Expand in the United States and Canada. We rely on our detailed understanding of our regional markets to take advantage of any favorable conditions or trends. We look for opportunities to expand our specialty focus into selected regional markets and increase the distribution of our core products in our existing territories. We may also look for opportunities to acquire books of business or other companies which are in line with our specialty focus. Since late 2001, we have also entered into new programs with several Managing General Agents (MGAs) in the United States to expand the distribution network for our core business lines. In 2003, gross premiums written from these programs were $1,290.0 million or 49% of our business, compared to $961.4 million or 45% of our business in 2002.

    Maintain a strong relationship with our agents, MGAs and brokers. We are committed to our distribution network of independent agents, MGAs and brokers. We continually strive to provide the highest level of service to our agents, MGAs and brokers and build relationships at the local level in the markets in which we operate. We communicate with our network through a variety of channels and we look for opportunities to increase efficiency and further reduce our operating costs, including through the use of technology and automation. We also look for opportunities to expand our distribution relationships and enhance our product mix.

Corporate Structure

        We conduct our operations through our wholly owned subsidiaries in Canada and the United States. We are licensed to write a broad range of property and casualty insurance in all Canadian provinces and territories and in all states and the District of Columbia in the United States. We distribute all of our products through independent agents, MGAs, and brokers.

        We conduct our operations through these subsidiaries to, among other things:

    maintain discrete brand identities; and

    develop expertise and organizational cultures that best serve the individual markets in which we operate.

        We believe that the markets for our insurance products differ greatly by community because regulations, legal decisions, traffic, law enforcement, cultural attitudes, insurance agents, medical services and auto repair services vary greatly by jurisdiction and by community. Our corporate structure helps to meet varied local conditions under a cohesive set of policies and procedures designed to provide underwriting discipline, consistency and control.

Critical Accounting Policies

        Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the audited financial statements included in pages 60 to 61 of this annual report. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements. As more information becomes known, these estimates and assumptions could change and thus impact amounts reported in the future. Management believes that the establishment of the provision for unpaid claims is the area where the degree of judgment required to determine amounts recorded in the financial statements makes the accounting policy critical. Management believes that the establishment of an other-than-temporary impairment of an investment security requires a number of judgements and estimates which makes the accounting policy critical.


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Revenues

        Revenues reflected in our consolidated financial statements are derived from insurance premiums earned, investment income and net realized investment gains. Our total revenues increased 38% to $2.5 billion in 2003 compared to $1.8 billion in 2002 and $0.9 billion in 2001.

Premium Income

        The insurance industry is highly competitive. We compete on the basis of numerous factors such as distribution strength, pricing, agency and broker relationships, service, reputation and financial strength. In Canada, our main competitor for non-standard auto is Pembridge Insurance Company, a subsidiary of The Allstate Corporation. In the United States, we face competition in our non-standard automobile lines from Allstate, Progressive and State Farm and in our trucking lines from Associates Insurance Group, Old Republic General Group, Canal Insurance Company and Harco National Insurance Company. We also compete in both Canada and the United States with numerous smaller insurance companies. Many of our larger competitors have greater financial and other resources than we do, have more favorable A.M. Best ratings and offer more diversified insurance coverages. Many of our competitors in the non-standard automobile markets in the United States are small companies with limited capital resources who generally have less favorable A.M. Best ratings and who have traditionally relied upon the support of reinsurers to supplement their capital by way of proportional reinsurance treaties. Current reinsurance market conditions have led to a contraction of the availability of these proportional coverages.

        Our competitors include other companies that, like us, serve the independent agency market, as well as companies that sell insurance directly to customers. Direct underwriters may have certain competitive advantages over agency underwriters, including increased name recognition, loyalty of the customer base to the insurer rather than an independent agency and, potentially, reduced acquisition costs.

        Additionally, our markets may attract competition from time to time from new or temporary entrants in our niche markets. In some cases, these entrants may, because of inexperience, desire for new business or other reasons, price their insurance below the rates that we believe provide an acceptable premium for the related risk. We believe that it is generally not in our best interest to compete solely on price, and may from time to time experience a loss of market share during periods of intense price competition or “soft” market conditions.

        We attribute the growth over the last five years to our various acquisitions and to internal growth, as we have executed our strategy to diversify both by line of business and by geographic location. We believe that our ability to compete successfully in our industry will be based on:

    our ability to identify specialty markets which are more likely to produce an underwriting profit;

    our disciplined underwriting approach;

    our prudent claims management; and

    the service and competitive commissions we provide to our agents, MGAs and brokers.

        Any new, proposed or potential legislative or industry developments could further increase competition in our markets. New competition from these developments could cause the prices for insurance to fall, which would adversely affect our underwriting profitability.


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        We employ stringent underwriting standards to develop a broad spread of risk and to receive an appropriate premium for each risk. We seek to achieve an underwriting profit, targeting a combined ratio of 96% or less. Our underwriting philosophy stresses receiving an adequate premium and spread of risks for the business we accept. Rather than attempt to select individual risks, we seek to set premium rates at levels that should generate profitable underwriting. Once we have set premium rates that we believe are adequate, we are generally willing to accept as much business within our underwriting guidelines as is available to us. We regularly monitor premium adequacy by territory and class of business and make adjustments as required. We do not reduce our pricing when competitors offer to underwrite certain classes of business at premium rates which are below what we believe is an acceptable level. Instead, we elect to maintain our premium per risk rather than write a large number of risks at premiums which we consider to be inadequate. In such instances, our premium volumes have decreased, in some cases significantly. Underwriting profitability is dependent in large part on the amount of claims incurred on the policies sold in relation to net premiums earned. At the time premium levels are established, the amount of claims to be incurred on the policies sold is unknown. The process for estimating claims is inherently uncertain and imprecise.

        We regularly consider and implement various initiatives to address adverse profitability trends in our business. These initiatives vary by jurisdiction, but include tightening of underwriting requirements, price increases, reduction in agent commissions, policy non-renewals (where permitted) and other administrative changes. All companies writing insurance in Canada and in most U.S. jurisdictions must have their premium rates approved by the applicable regulatory authority. Once these rates are approved, an insurance company is prohibited from altering them without approval for new rates.

        We market and distribute our automobile insurance products through a network of over 2,900 independent agents and approximately 20 MGAs in the United States and over 3,000 independent brokers across Canada. In 2003, approximately 49% of our gross written premiums was sourced through MGAs and approximately 51% was sourced through independent agents. We maintain an “open market” approach which allows these agents and brokers to place business with us with no minimum commitments and provides us with a broad, flexible and easily scalable distribution network. We believe that this approach is different from that generally used by automobile insurance companies.

        We focus on developing and maintaining strong relationships with our independent agents, MGAs and brokers. We continually strive to provide excellent service to our agents, MGAs and brokers and build relationships in the local markets in which we operate. We communicate with our agents, MGAs and brokers through a variety of channels and we look for opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce operating costs.

        We believe that the commissions we pay to our agents, MGAs and brokers are fair and competitive.

        Our independent agents, MGAs and brokers generally have the authority to enter into binding policies on our behalf with respect to specified insurance coverages within prescribed underwriting guidelines, subject to compliance with our mandated procedures. These guidelines prescribe the kinds and amounts of coverage that may be written and the premium rates that may be charged for specified categories of risk. In most cases, our independent agents, MGAs and brokers do not have authority on our behalf to settle or adjust claims, establish underwriting guidelines, develop rates or enter into other transactions or commitments. Certain MGAs have greater authority than our independent agents and brokers. However, we work diligently with them to ensure that they adhere to our underwriting standards and claims handling procedures.

        We write automobile insurance primarily for the non-standard automobile and trucking markets. We also write insurance in selected other lines of business for both individuals and commercial customers. Other coverages for individuals that we provide include motorcycle, homeowners and selected specialty lines. Our commercial coverages include automobile, trucking, property and selected specialty lines such as customs bonds. Our personal lines business accounted for 46.3% of our gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2003 and 53.7% was generated from our commercial lines.


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        Our automobile insurance products provide coverage in three major areas: liability, accident benefits and physical damage. Liability insurance provides coverage, where our insured is responsible for an automobile accident, for the payment for injuries and for property damage to third parties. Accident benefits provide coverage for loss of income, medical and rehabilitation expenses for insured persons who are injured in an automobile accident, regardless of fault. Physical damage coverages provide for the payment of damages to an insured automobile arising from a collision with another object or from other risks such as fire or theft. Automobile physical damage and liability coverages generally provide more predictable results than automobile personal injury insurance.

        Our gross premiums written increased 24% in 2003 to $2.64 billion, compared to $2.12 billion in 2002. In 2003, we experienced an increase of 33% in gross premiums written for our Canadian operations and 21% for our U.S. operations.

        The following table sets forth our gross premiums written by line of business for the periods indicated:

For the year ended December 31,
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except for percentages)


   2003 2002

 Non-Standard Automobile   $       966 .1 36 .6% $       828 .1 39 .0%
 Standard Automobile  95 .2 3 .6 36 .5 1 .7
 Motorcycle  57 .4 2 .2 52 .3 2 .5
 Property (including liability)  43 .3 1 .6 49 .2 2 .3
 Warranty  24 .8 0 .9 25 .8 1 .2
 Other Specialty Lines  34 .6 1 .4 15 .9 0 .7

 Total Personal  $   1,221 .4 46 .3% $   1,007 .8 47 .4%
 Trucking  808 .4 30 .7 685 .5 32 .3
 Commercial Automobile  296 .1 11 .2 158 .9 7 .5
 Property (including liability)  260 .2 9 .9 237 .5 11 .2
 Other Specialty Lines  50 .7 1 .9 35 .0 1 .6
 Total Commercial  $   1,415 .4 53 .7% $   1,116 .9 52 .6%

 Total Gross Premiums Written  $   2,636 .8 100 .0% $   2,124 .7 100 .0%

        We conduct our business in the United States and Canada. The following table sets forth our gross premiums written by state and province for the periods indicated:


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For the year ended December 31,
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except for percentages)


   2003 2002

California   $  350 .4 13 .3% $  230 .1 10 .8%
Florida  318 .2 12 .1 257 .4 12 .1
Illinois  270 .7 10 .3 224 .8 10 .6
Texas  192 .6 7 .3 149 .7 7 .0
South Carolina  81 .4 3 .1 93 .1 4 .4
Alabama  61 .3 2 .3 60 .0 2 .9
Pennsylvania  52 .0 2 .0 54 .8 2 .6
Other  655 .3 24 .8 564 .0 26 .5

Total United States  $1,981 .9 75 .2% $1,633 .9 76 .9%

Ontario  $  304 .7 11 .5% $  220 .0 10 .4
Alberta  146 .5 5 .5 122 .8 5 .8
Québec  128 .1 4 .9 109 .0 5 .1
Other  75 .6 2 .9 39 .0 1 .8

Total Canada  $  654 .9 24 .8 $  490 .8 23 .1%

Total Gross Premiums Written  $2,636 .8 100 .0% $2,124 .7 100 .0%

Non-Standard Automobile

        Non-standard automobile insurance accounted for 37% and 39% of our gross premiums written for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Non-standard automobile insurance is principally provided to individuals who do not qualify for standard automobile insurance coverage because of their payment history, driving record, place of residence, age, vehicle type or other factors. Such drivers typically represent higher than normal risks and pay higher insurance rates for comparable coverage. As underwriting standards for providing standard coverages have become more restrictive and many jurisdictions now require insurance regardless of driving record, high risk individuals have been forced to seek non-standard coverage and have contributed to the increase in the size of the non-standard automobile insurance market.

        Non-standard automobile insurance is generally accompanied by increased loss exposure, higher claims experience and a higher incidence of consumer fraud. However, these factors are mitigated to some extent by higher premium rates, the tendency of high-risk individuals to own low value automobiles, and generally lower limits of insurance coverage. In addition, policy renewal rates tend to be low for non-standard automobile policies as policyholders often allow their policies to lapse because of non-payment of premiums and then reapply for insurance as new policyholders. This creates an ongoing requirement to replace non-renewing policyholders with new policyholders and to react promptly to issue cancellation notices for non-payment of premiums.

        The insuring of non-standard drivers is often transitory. We expect that if and when their driving records improve, these drivers will qualify for and obtain insurance in the standard market at lower premium rates. As a result, our automobile insurance policies experience a retention rate that is lower than that experienced for standard market risks. Most of our insureds pay their premiums on a monthly installment basis. We limit our risk of non-payment of premiums by requiring a deposit for two months of insurance premiums.

        In the United States and Canada, automobile insurers are generally required to participate in various involuntary residual market pools that provide automobile insurance coverages to individuals or other entities that are unable to purchase such coverage in the voluntary market. For example, in Ontario, every insurer is required to be a member of the Facility Association, an entity that was created to ensure the availability of automobile insurance to every motorist in Ontario. The Facility Association selects designated carriers to provide coverage and claims handling services to drivers who are unable to purchase insurance through private carriers, in return for an administration fee. Assessments from the Facility Association in Ontario increased our underwriting loss by $6.3 million in 2003 and reduced our underwriting profit by $1.4 million in 2002. Participation in these pools in most jurisdictions is in proportion to voluntary writings of selected lines of business in that jurisdiction.


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        In Canada, we are the largest writer of non-standard automobile insurance and operate primarily in Ontario, Alberta and Québec, with Alberta being our largest market. The non-standard automobile insurance market in Canada is primarily focused on providing drivers with minimum levels of liability coverage with accident benefit insurance. We obtained approval for premium rate increases effective in early 2002 in Ontario of 5.7% and Alberta of 10.0%. In July 2002, we obtained approval for a further rate increase commencing September 2002 and to eliminate certain rating classes in Ontario, the effect of which was an average 22.3% increase in premiums, although many of our insureds faced increases in excess of 40%. Further rate increases of 16.4% and 2.4% were effective in January and May 2003, respectively in Alberta, and effective February 2003, we obtained approval for an additional average 7% increase in Ontario. Rate freezes on automobile insurance premiums in Ontario and Alberta were effected in October and November of 2003, respectively. In December 2003 the Ontario legislature passed the Automobile Insurance Rate Stabilization Act of 2003 (the “Rate Stabilization Act”) and the rate freeze was removed in January 2004. The Alberta government has indicated that its rate freezes are in anticipation of a rate reform program that will reward safe drivers while allowing rate increases to be imposed on drivers with at-fault claims and poor driving records. At this time there is no certainty as to what the final Alberta legislative provisions will be or how such legislation will impact our Ontario and Alberta automobile business. We continue to assess opportunities for additional rate increases.

        In the United States, we write non-standard automobile insurance in Illinois, South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Missouri, Indiana, Texas, Georgia, California, Louisiana, Ohio and Virginia. Our business in Illinois is presently concentrated in the Chicago metropolitan area, although we are expanding into other areas of Illinois. In the United States, non-standard automobile insurance policies generally have lower limits of insurance commensurate with the minimum coverage requirement under the statute of the state in which we write the business. These limits of liability are typically not greater than US$40,000 per occurrence. Consequently, we are able to retain most of our gross written premiums for our own account while minimizing our claims exposure, and only purchase reinsurance to limit our exposure to the larger and catastrophic type losses.

Standard Automobile

        Standard automobile insurance provides coverage for drivers of standard-risk private passenger automobiles. Premiums for these types of policies are usually lower than premiums charged in the non-standard market. However, the frequency and severity of accidents and other loss events are also typically lower. Our standard automobile business is written in Ontario and Alberta.

Motorcycle

        Motorcycle insurance primarily consists of liability, physical damage and personal injury insurance coverages. In Canada, we are the leading writer of motorcycle insurance, writing over 30% of the total market. We write motorcycle insurance in the provinces of Ontario, Alberta and Québec. We obtained approval for a 17.7% rate increase effective March 1, 2003 and a 7.1% rate increase effective March 1, 2004 in Ontario, our largest market. We also write motorcycle insurance in the United States.


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Property (including liability)

        We write property (including liability) insurance for businesses and individuals in Canada and the United States. This business focuses on insuring against damage to property and accidents that may occur on such property. Our commercial property and liability business consists of risks that are difficult to place due to class, age, location or occupancy of the risk. These risks are characterized by high premiums and deductibles and limited coverage. We generally limit our exposure to no more than $500,000 in Canada and US$500,000 in the United States on any one risk.

        Our specialty property business includes insurance for restaurants, rental properties and garages. We also write non-hydrant protected homeowners insurance and habitational risks which do not qualify for coverage by writers of standard insurance. We provide coverage on a very itemized named perils basis with relatively high rates and high deductibles for risks that are considered substandard by other companies. We believe these risks provide us with the opportunity to achieve attractive returns.

        Our strategy is to operate as a niche underwriter of classes of property business that are more difficult to underwrite and offer the potential to achieve higher levels of underwriting profitability. We underwrite this business using our carefully developed underwriting methodology based on a stringent set of criteria. This business is seldom subject to a high degree of competition and we have often been able to write these policies at relatively high rates with fairly restricted coverage.

Warranty

        In our warranty insurance business, we assume the liability for performance under the terms of service contracts and limited warranties issued by retailers of automobiles, home appliances, furniture and electronics and by residential home builders. This coverage indemnifies the consumer against loss resulting from service contract claims that occur during a specified period after expiration of the manufacturer’s or builder’s warranty. We discontinued writing any new warranty business in Canada during 2003.

Trucking

        We provide coverage for liability, accident benefits, physical damage, cargo and comprehensive general liability under a package program throughout both Canada and the United States. Since late 2000, several companies have exited this business as a result of poor performances due to severe underpricing. These market conditions have allowed us to increase our prices, expand our relationships and have led to a significant increase in our gross premiums written for trucking insurance.

        In the year ended December 31, 2003, gross premiums written from trucking increased by 17.9% to $808.4 million compared to $685.5 million in 2002. Trucking insurance accounted for 31%, 32% and 24% of our gross premiums written for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Commercial Automobile

        Commercial automobile policies provide coverage for taxis, rental car fleets and garage risks. Through American Service and American Country we are the largest writer of taxi risks in the Chicago area. In the year ended December 31, 2003, gross premiums written from commercial automobile increased by 86% to $296.1 million compared to $158.9 million in 2002, primarily as a result of the acquisition of American Country in April 2002.

Other Specialty Lines

        Our other specialty lines include customs and surety bonds written in both the United States and Canada. Custom bonds involve insuring the timely payment of customs duties on goods imported into the United States and Canada, as well as any penalties incurred due to late payment of the duties or administrative non-compliance. Such duties generally represent less than 5% of the face value of the imported goods. We also write contract payment and performance and other miscellaneous surety bonds.


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Investments and Investment Income

        Our business philosophy stresses the importance of both underwriting profits and investment returns to build shareholder value. We manage our investment portfolio primarily to support the liabilities of our insurance operations and generate investment returns. We invest predominantly in high quality corporate, government and municipal bonds with relatively short durations. We also invest in preferred and common equity securities and consider our finance premium receivables to be a part of our investment portfolio. Our overall investment strategy is aimed at maximizing returns without compromising liquidity and risk control.

        Our investment guidelines stress the preservation of capital, market liquidity to support payment obligations of our insurance liabilities and the diversification of risk. As part of this strategy, we attempt to maintain an appropriate relationship between the average duration of the investment portfolio and the approximate duration of our policy claims liabilities. With respect to fixed maturity securities, we generally purchase securities with the expectation of holding them to their maturity. Insurance laws and regulations in each domiciliary state or province also place limitations on the permitted investments of property and casualty insurers.

        All of our investments are managed by professional, third-party investment management firms and we monitor their performance. We have engaged Conning Asset Management to oversee the majority of the fixed income investments of our U.S., Canadian and Bermuda subsidiaries. In addition, Burgundy Asset Management, Deans Knight Capital Management Limited, Marquest Investment Counsel, SFE Investment Counsel, Kingwest and Company, J. Zechner Associates Inc. and Royal Bank of Canada (Caribbean) have each been engaged to manage portions of our subsidiaries’equity and fixed income investments.

        At December 31, 2003, we held cash, investments and accrued interest with a fair value of $2.73 billion and a carrying value of $2.67 billion, resulting in a net unrealized gain of $52.5 million. Because most of our investment portfolio is comprised of fixed-income securities which are usually held to maturity, periodic changes in interest rate levels generally impact our financial results to the extent that reinvestment yields are different than the original yields on maturing securities. Our investment portfolio includes investments which are subject to changes in market values with changes in interest rates. We do not hedge any foreign currency exposure that may exist in the portfolio. Our U.S. operations generally hold investments in U.S. dollar denominated investments, and our Canadian operations in Canadian dollar investments.

        With the exception of U.S. and Canadian government bonds, it is our policy to limit our investment concentration at each of our subsidiary companies in any one issuer or related groups of issuers to less than 5% of the subsidiary company’s investment portfolio.

        The following table summarizes the fair value of our investments, including cash and cash equivalents, at the dates indicated:

For the year ended December 31,
(in millions of Canadian dollars)


   2003 2002

Type of investment      
Term deposits  $   285 .5 $   506 .5
Government Bonds  $   787 .5 $   454 .5
Corporate debt securities  $1,112 .4 $   630 .7

Subtotal  $2,185 .4 $1,591 .7
Preferred shares  $       0 .5 $       2 .0
Common shares  $   297 .7 $   185 .8
Finance premiums  $     80 .9 $     86 .8
Cash and cash equivalents  $   140 .9 $   244 .9

Total  $2,705 .4 $2,111 .2


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        Investment results before the effect of income taxes were as follows:

For the year ended December 31,
(in millions of Canadian dollars)


   2003 2002

Average investments at cost   $2,384 .5 $1,665 .1
Investment income after expenses  $     78 .4 $     64 .9
Percent earned on average investments (annualized)  3 .3% 3 .9%
Net realized gains  $     55 .0 $     16 .3
Total realized yield  5 .6% 4 .9%
Change in unrealized investment gains  $     20 .0 $     21 .0
Total return yield  6 .4% 6 .1%

        The percentages earned on average investments shown above compare with the Lehman Brothers Global Bond Index of 12.5% and 28.7% for the S&P 500 Index for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003.

        The following table summarizes the fair value by contractual maturities of our fixed maturity investment portfolio, excluding cash and cash equivalents, at the dates indicated.

For the year ended December 31,
(in millions of Canadian dollars)


   2003 2002

Due in less than one year   $   605 .5 $   638 .2
Due after one through five years  1,155 .0 717 .5
Due after five through ten years  319 .9 188 .2
Due after ten years  105 .0 47 .8

Total  $2,185 .4 $1,591 .7


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        Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain issuers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

        Currently, we maintain a liquid portfolio to ensure there is sufficient cash available for the payment of claims on a timely basis. We believe that our high quality, liquid investment portfolio and our success in underwriting provide us with sufficient liquidity to meet our obligations to our policyholders.

        The following table summarizes the composition of the fair value of our fixed maturity investment portfolio, excluding cash and cash equivalents, at the dates indicated, by rating as assigned by S&P or Moody’s Investors Service, using the higher of these ratings for any security where there is a split rating.

As at December 31,


   2003 2002

 Rating      
 AAA/Aaa  60 .5% 61 .5%
 AA/Aa2  17 .6% 23 .1%
 A/A2  17 .2% 10 .1%

 Percentage rated A/A2 or better  95 .3% 94 .7%
 BBB/Baa2  2 .1% 1 .8%
 BB/Ba2  0 .3% 0 .4%
 B/B2  0 .5% 0 .5%
 CCC/Caa or lower, or not rated  1 .8% 2 .6%

 Total  100 .0% 100 .0%

        The fair value of our investment portfolio, including cash and premium finance receivables, amounted to $2.7 billion at December 31, 2003 and $2.1 billion at December 31, 2002. At December 31, 2003, our portfolio, other than cash and premium finance receivables, was comprised primarily of short-term securities including treasury bills, bankers’ acceptances, government bonds and corporate bonds. The fair value of equity investments represented 11% of our investment portfolio at December 31, 2003 and 9% of our investment portfolio at December 31, 2002. The following chart shows how the carrying value of our investment portfolio, including accrued investment income, has grown over the last seven years.


   Investment
Portfolio
Investment
Portfolio
Per Share
Outstanding
Cash Flow
Generated
from
Operations
   (in $millions) (in $’s) (in $millions)

1996   $   188   $  7 .08 $  45  
1997  $   354   $  9 .87 $  48  
1998  $   634   $17 .65 $  63  
1999  $   693   $20 .38 $  34  
2000  $   787   $23 .12 $  93  
2001  $1,235   $25 .39 $207  
2002  $2,095   $42 .93 $600  
2003  $2,674   $47 .90 $617  


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        We historically complied with SFAS 115 related to Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities and recognized losses on securities whose decline in market value was deemed to be other than temporary. Subsequent to the issuance of SAB 59 in 2001, however, we reviewed our policy for determining declines considered other than temporary against the guidance provided by the SEC and identified certain securities for which a write-down may have been appropriate, based on the more specific requirements. We disposed of those securities that fell into this category and recognized the loss. None of the capital losses realized in 2003, 2002 and 2001 were considered individually material as we limit the exposure to any one security through our investment policy.

        We recognized charges of $3.5 million, $6.6 million and $1.2 million for investment value impairment that was considered other than temporary for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. We perform periodic analyses of our investment holdings to determine if declines in market value are other than temporary. These periodic analyses include some or all of the following procedures:

    identifying all security holdings in an unrealized loss position that has existed for at least six months;

    obtaining a valuation analysis from third party investment managers regarding the intrinsic value of these holdings based on their knowledge, experience and other market based valuation techniques;

    reviewing the trading range of certain securities over the preceding calendar period;

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

    assessing if declines in market value are other than temporary for any debt security holding with non-investment grade credit rating based on the continuity of their debt service record; and

    determining the necessary provision for declines in market value that are considered other than temporary based on the analyses performed.

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

    the opinion of professional investment managers could be incorrect;

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

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

    the debt service pattern of non-investment grade securities may not reflect future debt service capabilities and may not reflect the company’s unknown underlying financial problems.

        The length of time securities may be held in an unrealized loss position may vary based on the opinion of our appointed investment managers and their respective analyses related to valuation and the various credit risks that may prevent us from recapturing our principal investment. In cases where our appointed investment manager determines there is little or no risk of default prior to the maturity of a holding, we would elect to hold the security in an unrealized loss position until the price recovers or the security matures.

        In situations where facts emerge that might increase the risk associated with recapture of principal, securities would be traded and losses realized. Due to the current volatility of the equity markets, we believe there are a number of securities currently trading at values below their respective intrinsic values based on historical valuation measures. In these situations, holdings may be maintained in an unrealized loss position for different periods of time based on the underlying economic assumptions driving the investment manager’s valuation of the holding. In cases where the economic realities divert from the underlying assumptions driving the investment manager’s valuation, securities would be traded and losses realized. In cases where the economic assumptions coincide with valuation assumptions, the holding would be maintained until the market value of the security recovers in the public markets.


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        At December 31, 2003, and December 31, 2002, the gross unrealized losses amounted to $14.4 million and $11.3 million, respectively. The unrealized loss attributable to non-investment grade fixed income securities at December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 was $0.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively. The unrealized losses at December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 were considered temporary declines in market value based on the review of individual holdings as indicated above.

        At December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, unrealized losses related to government bonds and term deposits were considered temporary as there was no evidence of default risk. Corporate bonds, even those below investment grade, in a material unrealized loss position, continued to pay interest and were not subject to material changes in their respective debt ratings. We concluded that a default risk did not exist at the time and, therefore, the decline in value was considered temporary. As we have the capacity to hold these securities to maturity, no investment impairment provision was considered necessary. Common stock positions in an unrealized loss position for more than six months may not be considered impaired based on the underlying fundamentals of the respective holdings. In making our investment impairment decisions, we utilized the professional expertise of our investment advisors, analyzed independent economic indicators (such as the price of oil when evaluating an oil and gas sector holding) and reviewed stock market trends.

        The following table segregates the gross unrealized losses at December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 by security type or industry sector:

(in thousands of Canadian Dollars)   December 31,
2003
December 31,
2002

Mortgage backed   $    (497 ) $        --  
Government  (4,729 ) (84 )
Provincial, State, Municipal  (193 ) --  
Financial Services  (3,206 ) (1,609 )
Energy  (647 ) (414 )
Telecommunications  (412 ) (493 )
Information Technology  (199 ) (646 )
Consumer Products  (1,628 ) (1,372 )
Metals & Mining  (37 ) (225 )
Industrials  (1,471 ) (2,972 )
Utilities  (313 ) (9 )
Media  (20 ) (1,227 )
Medical  (122 ) (6 )
Pharmaceuticals  (615 ) (701 )
Retail  (266 ) (1,323 )
Real Estate  (18 ) (233 )

Total  $(14,373 ) $(11,314 )


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        We may hold other non-traded securities from time to time subject to the review and approval of our Investment Committee. As at December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, the carrying value of non-traded securities was $nil and $22.7 million respectively and the fair value approximated the carrying value. The fair value of non-traded securities is estimated based on a multiple of earnings per share that is consistent with earnings multiples of other public entities in the same industry. The fair value of non-traded securities is reviewed at least annually to determine if any decline should be considered other than temporary.

        Movements in short-term and long-term interest rates, as well as fluctuations in the value of equity securities, affect the level and timing of recognition of gains and losses on securities we hold, causing changes in realized and unrealized gains and losses. Generally, our investment income will be reduced during sustained periods of lower interest rates as higher yielding fixed income securities are called, mature, or are sold and the proceeds are reinvested at lower rates. During periods of rising interest rates, the market value of our existing fixed-income securities will generally decrease and our realized gains on fixed-income securities will likely be reduced.

        We currently maintain and intend to maintain an investment portfolio comprising primarily fixed income securities. Generally, declining interest rates result in unrealized gains in the value of fixed income securities we continue to hold, as well as realized gains to the extent the relevant securities are sold. General economic conditions, stock market conditions and many other factors can also adversely affect the securities markets and, consequently, the value of the equity securities we own.

        Premiums for property and casualty insurance are typically payable at the time a policy is placed in force or renewed. To assist our insureds in making their payments to us, in some instances we offer premium financing either directly or through a separate premium finance company, whereby the insured can pay a portion of the premium in monthly installments. We provide the option of monthly payments on personal automobile policies, whereby the insured is only required to pay a portion of the premium when the policy is placed in force and the balance in monthly installments. The insured pays us an additional premium for this option, reflecting handling costs and the income we would have earned on such premium, had we received the total amount at the beginning of the policy period. We typically collect sufficient premiums in advance of the period of risk which ensures that in the event of payment defaults by insured, we do not have uncollectible balances. The option of monthly premium payments is available only where permitted under the laws or regulations of the specific territory. Some jurisdictions require the option of monthly premium payments at a specific annual interest rate or monthly charge. We consider our income from our premium finance activities to be a part of investment income, because this additional premium is essentially an interest payment on the balance of unpaid premium. At December 31, 2003, the balance of our financed premiums was $80.9 million compared to $86.8 million at December 31, 2002. The fair value of financed premiums approximates their carrying amount.

        Our investment income, including net realized gains, increased 64% in 2003 to $133.4 million, compared to $81.1 million in 2002. Our insurance subsidiaries’ investments must comply with applicable regulations which prescribe the type, quality and concentration of investments. These regulations, in the various jurisdictions in which our insurance subsidiaries are domiciled, permit investments in government, state, provincial, municipal and corporate bonds, and preferred and common equities, within specified limits and subject to certain qualifications. The majority of our investments are held by our insurance subsidiaries. Because most of our investment portfolio is comprised of fixed-income securities, which are usually held to maturity, periodic changes in interest rate levels generally impact our financial results to the extent that reinvestment yields are different than the original yields on maturing securities.

        Our investment portfolio includes investments that are subject to changes in market values with changes in interest rates. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain issuers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties.


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We maintain a liquid portfolio to ensure there is sufficient cash available for the payment of claims on a timely basis. We believe that funds generated by operations and our liquid investment portfolio provide us with sufficient liquidity to meet our obligations to our policyholders.

Provisions for Unpaid Claims

        Claims management is the procedure by which an insurance company determines the validity and amount of a claim. We focus on rigorous claims management, which we believe is one of our areas of expertise. We believe that effective claims management is fundamental to our operations. We investigate the actual circumstances of the incident that gave rise to the claim and the actual loss suffered. An important part of claims management is verifying the accuracy of the information provided to the insurance company at the time the policy is underwritten.

        The nature of non-standard automobile insurance typically requires more thorough claims management and, in particular, more thorough investigative procedures than other types of insurance. Insurance claims on our policies are investigated and settled by our local claims adjusters. If necessary, we also employ independent adjusters, private investigators, various experts and legal counsel to adjust claims. Claims are scrutinized by an appraiser, an adjuster and, as appropriate, senior management, before claims payments are made.

        We establish provisions for unpaid claims to reflect the estimated ultimate cost of both reported but unsettled claims and incurred but not reported (IBNR) claims. Our provisions for unpaid claims are based on individual reported claims, for which we establish case reserves; estimated provisions for claims that have not yet been reported but we expect will be reported in the future and expected future development on existing reported claims; and internal or unallocated claims adjustment expenses. The provisions for claims not yet reported and future development on existing reported claims are sometimes referred to as provisions for IBNR. The establishment of provisions for unpaid claims is based on known facts and interpretation of circumstances and is, therefore, a complex and dynamic process influenced by a large variety of factors. These factors include our experience with similar cases and historical trends involving claim payment patterns, loss payments, pending levels of unpaid claims, product mix or concentration, claims severity, claim frequency patterns and inflation rates. Our provisions for unpaid claims are not discounted to reflect expected future payouts of claims nor do they reflect any future investment income.

        The process for establishing the provisions for unpaid claims reflects the uncertainties and significant judgmental factors inherent in predicting future results of both known and unknown claims and as such, the process is inherently complex and imprecise. Factors affecting provisions for unpaid claims include the continually evolving and changing regulatory and legal environment, actuarial studies, professional experience and expertise of our claims personnel and independent adjustors retained to handle individual claims, the quality of the data used for projection purposes, existing claims management practices, including claims handling and settlement practices, the effect of inflationary trends on future claims settlement costs, court decisions, economic conditions and public attitudes. In addition, time can be a critical part of the provisions’ determination, because the longer the span between the incidence of a loss and the payment or settlement of the claims, the more variable the ultimate settlement amount can be. Accordingly, short-tailed claims, such as property claims, tend to be more reasonably predictable than long-tailed claims, such as general liability and automobile accident benefit claims, which are less predictable. We do not have exposure to asbestos, environmental or other products liability exposure.


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        The process of establishing provisions for unpaid claims relies on the judgment and opinions of a large number of individuals, on historical precedent and trends, on prevailing legal, economic, social and regulatory trends and on expectations as to future developments. The process of determining the provision necessarily involves risks that the actual results will deviate, perhaps substantially, from the best estimates made. This evaluation includes a re-estimation of the liability for unpaid claims relating to each preceding financial year compared to the liability that we originally established. In addition, we conduct a detailed review of all open claims each quarter and consider all factors into the provisions’ calculation. Accordingly, as experience develops and new information becomes known, we adjust our reserves as necessary following these evaluations. Any adjustments are reflected in our consolidated statement of income in the period in which they become known and are accounted for as changes in estimates. Even after such adjustments, ultimate liability or recovery may exceed or be less than the revised estimates.

        Each operating company separately establishes, maintains and evaluates its respective provisions for unpaid claims for statutory reporting purposes. The process undertaken by each operating company includes evaluating all of its respective policy coverages and paid and open claim level data to ascertain claim frequency and severity trends, as well as the effects, if any, of inflation and the impact that any premium rate action or changes in operating structure or process may have on future loss settlements. The management of each operating company works with reporting segment management to ensure IBNR reserve methodologies are appropriate, based on lines of business and geographic region. Management incorporates all of the above information to record its best estimate of liabilities for unpaid claims.

        Once an amount for liabilities for unpaid claims is established by management, our independent appointed actuary reviews management’s methodologies, data and work papers to ascertain whether the provision for unpaid claims as established by management is reasonably stated and within the appointed independent actuary’s range of reserve estimates. The provisions for unpaid claims established by each operating company are then consolidated for public reporting purposes. In accordance with actuarial standards, in the United States the independent actuary develops a range of reserve estimates and a recommended point estimate of reserves, and in Canada develops a point estimate.

        As of December 31, 2003, the range of reserve estimates for unpaid claims for our U.S. subsidiaries established by our independent appointed actuary and the actual provision for unpaid claims on a gross basis for each of our operating companies were as follows:

   Low High Actual

   (in millions of Canadian dollars)
United States        
Lincoln General Insurance Company  $       653 .8 $       832 .6 $       726 .3
American Country Insurance Company  146 .8 187 .9 164 .2
American Service Insurance Company  63 .2 79 .6 75 .1
U.S. Security Insurance Company  76 .7 87 .4 81 .3
Universal Casualty Insurance Company  38 .9 55 .5 46 .1
Southern United Fire Insurance Company  34 .6 41 .8 37 .1
Kingsway Reinsurance Corporation (Barbados)  6 .7 6 .7 6 .7

   $   1,020 .7 $   1,291 .5 $   1,136 .8
Canada  
Kingsway General Insurance Company      $       420 .5
Jevco Insurance Company  48 .9
York Fire & Casualty Insurance Company  63 .5

Total Consolidated Provision for Unpaid Claims  $   1,669 .7


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        Our policy as of December 31, 2003 is, and in the future will be, that to the extent that management’s estimates of reserve levels at our individual insurance subsidiaries are less than the point estimates recommended by our independent actuary, those reserve levels will be adjusted to levels that are no less than the recommended point estimate. Under Canadian actuarial practice the appointed actuary does not provide a range of reserve estimates, but provides a point estimate for estimated claims liabilities. Each of our Canadian subsidiaries recorded at least 100% of the point estimate recommended by the appointed actuary.

        During 2003 we significantly strengthened both reserves on individual claim files (case reserves) and our IBNR reserves. At December 31, 2003 our U.S. operations increased case reserves by 42%, IBNR by 85% and total reserves by 61% compared to December 31, 2002 and our Canadian operations also increased case reserves by 63%, IBNR by 58% and total reserves by 61%.

        The following table summarizes the provisions for unpaid claims, net of recoveries from reinsurers, established as at the end of the years 1993 through 2002 for our Canadian operations and at the end of years 1998 to 2002 for our U.S. operations. The table compares the re-estimation of those liabilities as at December 31,2003.

as at December 31, 2003.

                         
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)   2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993

Unpaid claims - originally established 
  - end of year, gross  1,669,734   1,200,554   589,963   435,322   444,689   446,245   198,186   --   --   --   --  
Less: Reinsurance recoverable on 
 unpaid losses  155,445   134,198   102,734   92,546   119,817   135,270   73,242   --   --   --   --  
Unpaid claims - originally established 
  - end of year, net  1,514,289   1,066,356   487,229   342,776   324,872   310,975   124,944   65,142   24,322   16,987   10,945  

Cumulative paid as of: 
  One year later      504,772   382,051   189,801   149,708   141,093   46,083   31,309   13,665   12,384   5,984  
  Two years later          438,175   301,411   239,178   217,108   74,479   42,108   19,404   18,633   8,032  
  Three years later              383,015   309,888   261,809   91,127   55,214   25,273   22,066   10,347  
  Four years later                  352,025   306,748   108,391   60,230   31,738   25,456   11,739  
  Five years later                      332,990   121,076   66,029   32,679   29,300   12,576  
  Six years later                          125,577   68,543   35,884   29,051   14,259  
  Seven years later                              71,209   37,419   31,068   14,147  
  Eight years later                                  35,870   32,515   14,160  
  Nine years later                                      30,393   16,834  
  Ten years later                                          14,573  

Re-estimated liability as of: 
  One year later      1,263,139   588,308   377,592   329,069   306,377   112,075   62,022   27,705   22,776   11,395  
  Two years later          677,729   423,371   346,548   309,629   114,922   65,122   27,467   25,628   12,187  
  Three years later              478,184   367,951   318,226   117,759   66,368   31,707   25,580   12,256  
  Four years later                  399,910   333,109   122,578   66,508   32,254   27,589   12,164  
  Five years later                      345,749   129,697   68,570   32,745   28,243   13,004  
  Six years later                          135,544   71,720   34,050   28,225   13,310  
  Seven years later                              74,315   36,520   28,892   13,219  
  Eight years later                                  36,000   32,248   13,652  
  Nine years later                                      30,239   16,387  
  Ten years later                                          14,253  
As at December 31, 
    2003: Cumulative 
    (redundancy) deficiency      196,783   190,500   135,408   75,038   34,774   10,600   9,173   11,678   13,252   3,308  

Cumulative (redundancy) 
    deficiency as a % of reserves 
    originally established      18.45 % 39.10 % 39.50 % 23.10 % 11.18 % 8.48 % 14.08 % 48.01 % 78.01 % 30.22 %
Re-estimated liability - gross      1,408,616   764,617   547,277   460,181   434,803   203,758   --   --   --   --
Less: Re-estimated 
    reinsurance recoverable      145,476   86,888   69,093   60,271   89,054   68,214   --   --   --   --
Re-estimated liability - net      1,263,140   677,729   478,184   399,910   345,749   135,544   --   --   --   --
Cumulative (redundancy) 
    deficiency-gross      208,062   174,654   111,955   15,492   (11,442 ) 5,572   --   --   --   --
% of reserves originally 
    established      17.33 % 29.60 % 25.72 % 3.48 % (2.56 %) 2.81 % --   --   --   --


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        The foregoing table presents the development of unpaid claims liabilities for 1993 through 2002. The top line of the table presents the estimated liability for unpaid claims recorded at the balance sheet date for each of the indicated years. This liability represents the estimated amount of losses and adjustment expenses for claims unpaid at the balance sheet date, including losses that had been incurred and not reported. The table also presents the re-estimated liabilities for unpaid claims on a gross basis, with separate disclosure of the re-estimated reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims for years 1997 through 2002. Information related to gross unpaid claims development is not available for years 1996 and prior.

        The development of the provisions for unpaid claims is shown by the difference between estimates of claims as of the initial year-end and the re-estimated liability at each subsequent year-end. This is based on actual payments in full or partial settlement of claims, plus re-estimates of the claims required for claims still open or claims still unreported. Favorable development (reserve redundancy) means that the original claim estimates were higher than subsequently determined. Unfavorable development (reserve deficiency) means that the original claim estimates were lower than subsequently determined.

        The table presents the cumulative amount paid with respect to the previously recorded liability as of the end of each succeeding year and the re-estimated amount of the previously recorded liability based on experience as of the end of the succeeding year. The estimate is increased or decreased as more information about the claims becomes known for individual years. For example, as of December 31, 2003, we had paid $71.2 million of the currently estimated $74.3 million of claims that had been incurred through the end of 1996; thus an estimated $3.1 million of losses incurred through 1996 remain unpaid as of the current financial statement date.

        The cumulative development represents the aggregate change in the estimates over all prior years. For example, unpaid claims at December 31, 1993 have developed adversely by $3.3 million over the ten subsequent years and unpaid claims at December 31, 1995 have developed adversely by $11.7 million over the eight subsequent years. The effects on income during the past three years due to changes in estimates of unpaid claims is shown in note 8(b) to the Consolidated Financial Statements as the “prior years” contribution to incurred losses.


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        Each cumulative development amount includes the effects of all changes in amounts during the current year for prior periods and the impact of currency translation. For example, the amount of the development related to losses settled in 2003, but incurred in 1998, will be included in the cumulative development amounts for years 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002. In addition, the deficiency identified during the year 2003 of $196.8 million was attributable to unpaid claims as at December 31, 2002 for unpaid claims for the year 2002 and all prior years. Of this deficiency, $107.4 million related to claims occurring in accident year 2002, $34.6 million to claims occurring in 2001, $22.9 million to claims in 2000, $19.3 million to claims occurring in 1999 and $6.8 million to claims occurring in 1997 and prior years.

        The following table is derived from the unpaid claims re-estimates table above and summarizes the effect of re-estimates, net of reinsurance, on calendar year operations for the nine-year period ended December 31, 2003. The total of each column details the amount of reserve re-estimates made in the indicated calendar year and shows the accident years to which the re-estimates are applicable. The amounts in the total accident year column represent the cumulative reserve re-estimates for the indicated accident year.

(in millions of Canadian dollars)

By Accident Year   2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 &
Prior

By Calendar Year                      
     2003  (196,783 ) 107,362   34,608   22,854   19,318   6,794   3,252   3,115   1,489   (2,009 )
     2002      (101,079 ) 55,301   24,374   6,521   7,765   3,969   680   (886 ) 3,355  
     2001          (33,874 ) 13,695   8,483   7,173   2,783   757   638   345  
     2000              3,386   (6,651 ) 423   2,697   (351 ) 509   (13 )
     1999                  6,377   (9,224 ) 1,601   699   (107 ) 654  
     1998                      12,869   (15,969 ) (1,140 ) 2,231   2,009  
     1997                          3,120   (3,358 ) 190   48  
     1996                              (3,383 ) 531   2,852  
     1995                                  (5,789 ) 5,789  

 Total  (196,783 ) 6,283   56,035   64,309   34,048   25,800   1,453   (2,981 ) (1,194 ) 13,030  

Combined Ratio 
As reported  101.4 % 99.8 % 99.1 % 101.0 % 102.6 % 93.9 % 95.8 % 95.6 % 96.6 %    
Net reserve re-estimates  (8.3 )% 0.4 % 6.4 % 11.9 % 7.6 % 8.2 % 0.8 % (2.8 )% (2.6 )%    
Accident year combined ratio  93.1 % 100.2 % 105.5 % 112.9 % 110.2 % 102.1 % 96.6 % 92.8 % 94.04 %    


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Information with respect to our liability for unpaid claims and the subsequent development of those claims is presented in the following tables.

Liability for Unpaid Claims
December 31,

Line of Business   2003   2002  

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)
Non-Standard Auto  $   518,423   $401,976  
 Standard Auto   55,856   26,967  
 Commercial Auto   187,363   197,705  
 Trucking   567,326   320,708  
 Motorcycle   56,521   54,191  
 Property & Liability   223,775   192,023  
 Other   60,470   6,984  

 Total   $1,669,734   $1,200,554  


Liability for Unpaid Claims–
Net of Reinsurance Recoverables
December 31,

Line of Business   2003   2002  

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)
Non-Standard Auto   $509,606   $380,193  
 Standard Auto   50,801   25,024  
 Commercial Auto   178,389   175,097  
 Trucking   518,242   291,739  
 Motorcycle   44,434   45,583  
 Property & Liability   165,876   143,786  
 Other   46,941   4,934  

 Total   $1,514,289   $1,066,356  

These increases (decreases) in prior year incurred claims, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 were $196.8 million, $101.1 million and $33.9 million, respectively. The following tables identify the relative contribution of the increases (decreases) in incurred claims attributable to the respective products and incurred loss years.


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Year Ended December 31, 2003
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

Motorcycle Trucking Standard Auto Non-
Standard
Auto
Property &
Liability
Other Total

1998 and prior  $    152   $  3,531   $  1,224   $    6,045   $  1,958   $    (269 ) $  12,641  
1999  278   821   1,623   13,614   2,102   880   19,318  
2000  1,929   1,732   4,875   11,719   2,253   346   22,854  
2001  394   14,547   2,648   18,642   1,908   (3,531 ) 34,608  
2002  (766 ) 11,813   3,327   60,346   7,817   24,825   107,362  

Total  $ 1,987   $32,444   $13,697   $110,366   $16,038   $ 22,251   $196,783  

Year Ended December 31, 2002
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

Motorcycle Trucking Standard Auto Non-
Standard
Auto
Property &
Liability
Other Total

1997 and prior  $ 3,210   $    (487 ) $    (108 ) $  4,402   $   104   $      (3 ) $    7,118  
1998  (71 ) 3,346   2,675   1,068   614   133   7,765  
1999  396   1,177   1,692   2,212   1,036   8   6,521  
2000  1,864   3,107   6,096   13,654   173   (520 ) 24,374  
2001  336   4,575   6,051   42,981   1,385   (27 ) 55,301  

Total  $ 5,735   $ 11,718   $ 16,406   $64,317   $3,312   $(409 ) $101,079  

               
Year Ended December 31, 2001
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

Motorcycle Trucking Standard Auto Non-
Standard
Auto
Property &
Liability
Other Total

1996 and prior  $     35   $     (9 ) $  (120 ) $  1,256   $   540   $   38   $  1,740  
1997  66   385   303   1,868   171   (10 ) 2,783  
1998  1,480   255   470   4,881   76   11   7,173  
1999  1,447   1,919   (161 ) 4,942   295   41   8,483  
2000  553   1,923   1,991   9,119   399   (290 ) 13,695  

Total  $3,581   $ 4,473   $ 2,483   $22,066   $1,481   $(210 ) $33,874  

        The results for the year ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 were adversely affected by the evaluation of unpaid claims related to prior years that identified a net deficiency of $196.8 million and $101.1 million, respectively related to claims incurred during prior years.


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        The following table shows the sources of the prior years’ development in the U.S. and Canada by line of business.


Increase (decrease) in claims incurred for unpaid  claims arising from prior periods 
     
 Net of External Reinsurance  
 (in millions of Canadian dollars)   2003   2002  

 United States Operations 
 MGA program non-standard automobile  $ 21.1  $ 1.3 
 Florida non-standard automobile  19.2  9.5 
 Trucking  18.4  14.2 
 Commercial automobile  15.3  1.7 
 Southern United non-standard automobile  4.9  16.3 
 Other  13.9  (7.7)

 Subtotal U.S. operations  92.8  35.3 

 Canadian Operations 
 Alberta non-standard automobile  34.5  16.3 
 Ontario private passenger automobile  32.8  26.4 
 Trucking  14.0  6.4 
 Commercial automobile  18.6  8.7 
 Other  4.1  8.0 

 Subtotal Canadian operations  104.0  65.8 

 Total increases in claims incurred for unpaid claims 
 occurring prior to December 31, 2002  $196.8  $101.1 


Page 88 of 129

United States Operations

MGA Programs Non-Standard Automobile

        Lincoln General Insurance Company experienced adverse development on its MGA non-standard automobile programs of $21.1 million in 2003 and $1.3 million in 2002. The adverse development was related to the accident year 2002 and primarily related to the trend of liability settlements in the California market.

Florida Non-Standard Automobile

        In 2002 and 2003, the increase in personal injury protection litigation in Florida gave rise to increased estimates for allocated loss adjustment expenses. The increase in litigation was caused in part by plaintiffs’ attorneys bringing separate actions for each clinic or claimant, rather than consolidating cases, and by delays in claims handling due to difficulty in hiring enough qualified claims adjusters. Staffing issues have been alleviated resulting in a 33% decline in monthly suit counts since September 2002. At December 31, 2003, the provision for unpaid claims for non-standard automobile in Florida was $81.3 million, which was in excess of the point estimate recommended by the independent actuary. The range of reserve estimates for unpaid claims established by our independent appointed actuary was from $76.7 million to $87.4 million. Adverse development related to Florida non-standard auto business was $19.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $9.5 million for 2002. Average unpaid claims reserves were increased by 28% in 2003, whereas average settlements increased by only 17%.

Florida Non-Standard Automobile
(in U.S. dollars)
Number of Claims Average Dollars

Total
Pending
as of
12/31
Total
Reported
In
Total
Settled
In
Unpaid
Claim
Reserve
Settled
Claim

2003   12,569   32,792   32,558   $2,846   $2,302  
2002  12,335   32,098   29,695   $2,217   $1,969  
2001  9,932   21,031   11,099   $1,979   $1,657  

Long-Haul Trucking

        At December 31, 2003 and 2002 the provision for unpaid claims for our U.S. long-haul trucking business was $453.5 million, and $267.4 million, respectively. Adverse development related to long-haul trucking business in the U.S. was $18.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $14.2 million in 2002. Development was experienced at Lincoln General Insurance Company on the trucking liability line of business for accident years 2001 and 2002. This development was the result of reserve strengthening in the current year for prior years due to the availability of more recent trends in loss settlement patterns that was not available at year end 2002.


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Commercial Automobile

        At December 31, 2003 and 2002 the provision for unpaid claims for our U.S. commercial automobile business was $143.0 million, and $168.4 million, respectively. Adverse development related to commercial automobile in the U.S. was $15.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $1.7 million in 2002. During 2003 we carried out a more extensive analysis of both internal and external data to determine appropriate levels of indemnity and allocated loss adjustment expenses for our taxi business at American Country. American Country now incorporates a more extensive analysis of both internal and external data as well as redefining the internal costs to be allocated to loss adjustment expenses. Additional development was experienced at Lincoln General Insurance Company on the commercial automobile liability line of business for accident years 2001 and 2002, similar to the long-haul trucking line of business. This development was the result of reserve strengthening in the current year for prior years due to the availability of more recent trends in loss settlement patterns that was not available at year end 2002.

Southern United Non-Standard Automobile

        Although average settlements have remained consistent from 2001 to 2003, average reserves have increased 85% over the same period. The justification for this case reserve increase is that claims activities in newer territories such as South Carolina are developing with greater than expected frequency and severity requiring additions to the reserves. At December 31, 2003, the provision for unpaid claims for non-standard automobile at Southern United was $37.1 million, which was in excess of the point estimated recommended by the independent actuary. The range of reserve estimates for unpaid claims established by our independent appointed actuary was from $34.6 million to $41.8 million. Adverse development related to Southern United non-standard auto business improved to $4.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $6.3 million for 2002.

        At Southern United we have put new management in place and have increased the quality and number of our claims staff to ensure that claims are investigated and adjudicated promptly and to avoid delays in establishing reserves for the ultimate cost of personal injury claims.

Southern United Non-Standard Automobile
(in U.S. dollars)
Number of Claims Average Dollars

Total
Pending
as of
12/31
Total
Reported
In
Total
Settled
In
Unpaid
Claim
Reserve
Settled
Claim

2003   5,399   27,844   30,199   $5,801   $1,790  
2002  7,754   36,632   38,239   $4,383   $1,707  
2001  9,361   35,720   32,125   $3,129   $1,792  

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Canadian Operations

Alberta Non-Standard Automobile

        Alberta non-standard automobile business contributed $34.5 million of the prior years’ claims development in 2003, compared to $16.3 million in 2002. An increase in average reserves due to the continued escalation in bodily injury claim settlements as well as the standardization of our reserving methodology was the reason for the adverse claims development in 2002 and 2003 in Alberta, where we increased existing case reserves based on actual settlement patterns.

Ontario Private Passenger Automobile

        Adverse development of our Ontario automobile business claims liabilities was driven by several factors. The following chart identifies the number of reported claims and the increase in reserves and settled claims from 2001 through 2003. The increase in fraudulent claims, the erosion of the tort threshold and accelerating health cost inflation contributed to the required increase in claims liabilities related to prior years. During that period we continued to revise our reserve methodology to react to the changing claims settlement environment. Although our average claims reserves at December 31, 2003 exceeded our average settlements in 2003, we expect claim settlements to approximate our current reserving position in the future.

Ontario Private Passenger Automobile
Number of Claims Average Dollars

Total
Pending
as of
12/31
Total
Reported
In
Total
Settled
In
Unpaid
Claim
Reserve
Settled
Claim

2003   4,859   9,376   9,609   $30,865   $9,792  
2002  5,092   11,711   11,700   $19,774   $8,619  
2001  5,081   12,529   12,473   $14,366   $6,866  

        Evolving case law and the erosion of the tort threshold in Ontario has led to an extension of the reporting period during which a plaintiff may bring suit. The adverse development experienced by us was part of an industry wide adverse development situation that began to materialize in 2000 and continued through 2003. The escalation in health cost inflation and the higher incidence of fraud in Ontario significantly exceeded industry expectations.

        Also, beginning in 2000, we identified significantly increased frequency and severity trends in health care costs in Ontario where we are required to offer unlimited coverages and much higher liability limits than our other markets. As changes to Ontario automobile policies have occurred, the changes have been reflected in our assessment of unpaid claims for current and prior years as well as our assessment of claims that occur in future periods. As a result, we increased our estimate for unpaid claims relating to automobile third party liability claims incurred prior to 2003. The estimated provisions related to automobile accident benefit claims were also increased as the assumed inflation rate and severity factors previously utilized were found to be inadequate based on the actual development experienced in 2003. We increased our reserves related to tort liability and revised our expected loss estimates for automobile accident benefit claims in our 2003 unpaid claims liabilities to account for the upward changes in both health care cost inflation and severity. Actuarial assumptions were also changed in 2003 to account for the shift in loss development trends. The numerous changes to Ontario automobile legislation and court decisions throughout the 1990’s has inhibited the Canadian insurance industry’s ability to accurately predict the ultimate claims liabilities associated with Ontario automobile policies, which includes automobile, trucking and motorcycle risks. Bill 198 was enacted in late 2002 and in addition favourable regulations were implemented during 2003. We have also been able to obtain significant rate increases in 2002 and 2003 for our Ontario automobile products. In addition to the enactment of more favorable automobile insurance legislation in Ontario to combat fraud and control the tort claims in the no-fault system, we believe we have taken the necessary steps to reflect the ultimate cost of claims from these years.


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Trucking and Commercial Automobile

        At December 31, 2003 and 2002 the provision for unpaid claims for our Canadian trucking and commercial automobile business was $158.2 million and $81.8 million, respectively. Increases in reserves were due to larger than anticipated settlements, particularly in the U.S., which required upward adjustments to open claim files. Average claim file reserves were increased to reflect this pattern of settlement. Case reserves were increased to reflect the increased cost on injury claims similar to the development experienced on the Ontario automobile business.

Reinsurance

        We purchase reinsurance from third parties in order to reduce our liability on individual risks and our exposure to catastrophic events. Reinsurance is insurance purchased by one insurance company from another for part of the risk originally underwritten by the purchasing insurance company. The practice of ceding insurance to reinsurers allows an insurance company to reduce its exposure to loss by size, geographic area, type of risk or on a particular policy. An effect of ceding insurance is to permit an insurance company to write additional insurance for risks in greater number or in larger amounts than it would otherwise insure independently, having regard to its statutory capital, risk tolerance and other factors.

        We generally purchase reinsurance to limit our net exposure to a maximum amount on any one loss of $500,000 in Canada and US$500,000 in the United States with respect to property claims and $1.0 million in Canada and US$1.0 million in the United States with respect to liability claims. In addition, we purchase catastrophe reinsurance which provides coverage in the event of a series of claims arising out of a single occurrence, which limits this exposure in Canada to $5.0 million per occurrence to a maximum coverage of $50.0 million, and in the United States to US$5.0 million per occurrence to a maximum coverage of US$50.0 million. On January 1, 2003, our net exposure for Ontario automobile business claims was increased to $2.5 million. For most of the non-standard automobile business that we write in the United States, the liability is limited to the minimum statutory liability limits, which are typically not greater than US$40,000 per occurrence, depending on the state. The cost of our external reinsurance represented 4.7% of gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2001, 5.4% for the year ended December 31, 2002, and 4.5% for the year ended December 31, 2003.

        Reinsurance ceded does not relieve us of our ultimate liability to our insureds in the event that any reinsurer is unable to meet its obligations under its reinsurance contracts. We therefore enter into reinsurance contracts with only those reinsurers who we believe have sufficient financial resources to provide the requested coverage. Reinsurance treaties are generally subject to cancellation by our reinsurers or us on the anniversary date and are subject to renegotiation annually. We regularly evaluate the financial condition of our reinsurers and monitor the concentrations of credit risk to minimize our exposure to significant losses as a result of insolvency of a reinsurer. We believe that the amounts we have recorded as reinsurance recoverables are appropriately established. However, estimating amounts of reinsurance recoverables is subject to various uncertainties and the amounts ultimately recoverable may vary from amounts currently recorded. As of December 31, 2003, we had $176.3 million recoverable from third party reinsurers and other insurers, which are generally unsecured. At December 31, 2003, 93% of the receivables were due from reinsurers that were rated “A-” or higher.


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        Estimating amounts of reinsurance recoverables is also impacted by the uncertainties involved in the establishment of provisions for unpaid claims. As our underlying reserves continue to develop, the amount ultimately recoverable may vary from amounts currently recorded. Our reinsurance recoverables are generally unsecured. We regularly evaluate our reinsurers, and the respective amounts recoverable, and a provision for uncollectable reinsurance is recorded, if needed. The following table summarizes the composition of the amounts due from reinsurers at December 31, 2003, by the rating as assigned by A.M. Best to the applicable reinsurers.

A.M. Best Rating   December 31, 2003  

A++  17.9%  
A+  23.9%  
A  42.6%  
A-  8.6%  
B++/B+/B/B-  5.4%  
C++u/C  0.1%  
Not Rated  1.5%

Total  100.%  

Results of Operations

For the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002

Gross Premiums Written

        During the year ended December 31, 2003, premiums written increased by 24% to $2.6 billion compared to $2.1 billion in 2002. For the year ended December 31, 2003, gross premiums written for our U.S. operations were $2.0 billion, an increase of 21% over 2002, and for our Canadian operations were $654.9 million, an increase of 33% over 2002. The effect of currency translation reduced reported levels of gross premiums written for the U.S. operations by $234.8 million or 11% for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to 2002.

        For the year ended December 31, 2003, gross premiums written from trucking and commercial automobile increased 31% to $1.1 billion compared to $844.4 million in 2002. Gross premiums written from non-standard automobile increased 17% to $966.1 million in 2003 compared to 2002. Increased premium rates and firming market conditions continue to be prevalent in all of our geographic locations. We continue to experience both volume growth and rate increases for both trucking lines and non-standard automobile in most of our markets, with the exception of Ontario and metropolitan Chicago where rate increases have led to a reduction in volume.


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Net Premiums Written

        Net premiums written increased 25% to $2.5 billion compared with $2.0 billion for the year ended December 31, 2002 as a result of higher levels of gross premiums written and a reduction in the percentage ceded to reinsurers. Net premiums written from our U.S. operations increased 23% to $1.9 billion compared with $1.5 billion in the year ended December 31, 2002. Net premiums written from our Canadian operations increased 33% to $616 million compared with $463 million for the year ended December 31, 2002.

Net Premiums Earned

        Net premiums earned increased 37% to a record $2.4 billion for the year ended December 31, 2003, compared with $1.7 billion for 2002. For our U.S. operations, net premiums earned increased 38% to $1.8 billion in the year ended December 31, 2003 compared with $1.3 billion in 2002, and for our Canadian operations increased by 33% to $554 million compared with $415 million in 2002. Net premiums earned have increased due to the growth in written premiums in 2002 and 2003 and the strategy of shortening the policy duration of most of our non-standard automobile business to six month policy terms. In a rising rate environment, shorter policy terms lead to an acceleration of the benefit of rate increases.

Investment Income

        Investment income increased to $78.4 million compared with $64.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. The investment portfolio has grown by 28% since the beginning of 2003 due to positive cash flow from operations and capital raised. This growth has been accomplished in a declining interest rate environment with new funds being invested primarily in short-term fixed income products. Our annualized investment yield for December 31, 2003 declined to 3.3% compared to 3.9% in 2002 reflecting the trend in short-term interest rates.

Net Realized Gains

        Net realized gains amounted to $55.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2003 compared with net realized gains of $16.3 million in 2002. The majority of these gains were realized from the disposal of equity investments, including the disposal of an investment in USA Insurance Group which amounted to $18.8 million. As a result of our increased investment in common shares during 2003 and improved market performance, unrealized gains increased to $52.5 million at December 31, 2003 compared to $32.6 million at December 31, 2002. In deciding whether to reduce the carrying value of common shares, we take into account a number of factors, including whether the decline in market value is more than 20% and has persisted for a period exceeding six months. In the case of fixed income securities, we also take into account whether the issuer is in financial distress (unable to pay interest or some other situation that would question the issuer’s ability to satisfy their debt obligations).

Claims Incurred

        Our claims ratio for 2003 was 74.3%, compared to 71.4% for 2002. The claims ratio for our U.S. operation was 71.5%, compared with 69.2% for 2002. The claims ratio for our Canadian operation was 83.7% compared to 78.3% for 2002. The results for 2003 and 2002 reflect increases in provisions for unpaid claims occurring prior to December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001, respectively. These increases amounted to approximately $196.8 million, which increased the claims ratio by 8.3% for 2003, compared to $101.1 million and 5.8%, respectively, for 2002.


Page 94 of 129

        For our U.S. operations, prior years’ claims development increased the claims incurred by $92.8 million, a 5.1% increase to the claims ratio, in 2003 compared to $35.3 million, a 2.7% increase to the claims ratio in 2002. In 2003, the source of the prior years’ development in the U.S. operation was primarily split between long haul trucking ($18.4 million), and non-standard auto ($45.2 million). Our MGA non-standard automobile business represented $21.1 million of the total U.S. operations prior years’ claims development in 2003 compared to $1.3 million in 2002. We adjusted our initial loss development factors on a number of our MGA programs to reflect actual loss trends experienced in 2003 and these new loss development factors will be used in the prospective reserving process. Florida non-standard auto contributed $19.2 million of the adverse development in 2003, compared to $9.5 million in 2002. Continued cost escalation of loss adjusting expenses and an increase in the number of files litigated in Florida non-standard auto required upward adjustments to open claims reserves for both the current and prior years.

        For our Canadian operations, prior years’ claims development increased the claims incurred by $104.0 million, a 18.8% increase to the claims ratio, in 2003 compared to $65.8 million, a 15.9% increase to the claims ratio, in 2002. Kingsway General’s Alberta non-standard automobile business contributed $34.5 million of the prior years’ claims development in 2003, compared to $16.3 million in 2002. An increase in average reserves due to the continued escalation in bodily injury claim settlements was the reason for the adverse claims development in 2003 for Alberta non-standard automobile, where we increased existing case reserves based on actual settlement patterns. Our Ontario private passenger automobile business contributed $32.8 million of the prior years’ claims development in 2003, compared to $26.4 million in 2002. Continued health care cost inflation and bodily injury award increases beyond expected levels required reserve levels to be increased on open files for Ontario non-standard automobile on average by approximately 56% in 2003. Our Canadian trucking business contributed $14.0 million to the 2003 prior years’ claims development, compared to $6.4 million in 2002. Increases in reserves were due to larger than anticipated settlements, particularly in the U.S., which required upward adjustments to open claim files. Average claim file reserves were increased in 2003 to reflect this pattern of settlement. Our commercial automobile business in Canada contributed $18.6 million of the prior years’ claims development in 2003 compared to $8.7 million in 2002. Case reserves were increased to reflect the increased cost on injury claims similar to the development experienced on the Ontario automobile business. We conducted a detailed claim file review of our Canadian operations during 2003 to determine the adequacy of case reserving. As a result, revised guidelines have been established for setting reserves for new bodily injury and accident benefit claims in all provinces and for all lines of business. In addition, new Ontario automobile regulations curtailing health care costs and increasing tort award deductibles should reduce the cost escalation trends experienced over the last several years.

Underwriting Expenses

        Our expense ratio for 2003 improved to 27.1% compared to 28.4% in 2002. The expense ratio for our Canadian operations for 2003 was 28.1%, compared to 30.1% in 2002 and the expense ratio for our U.S. operations was 26.8% and 28.0%, respectively, in 2003 and 2002. In order to be more consistent with industry practice and the treatment of expenses on MGA business, effective October 1, 2002, we initiated the deferral of underwriting and marketing costs relating to the acquisition of premiums on all of our business, where previously such deferral was applied only to our MGA business. The impact of this change was an increase in net income of $7.4 million for 2003 compared to $4.2 million in 2002.


Page 95 of 129

Combined Ratio

        The combined ratio deteriorated to 101.4% compared with 99.8% in 2002, which produced an underwriting loss of $33.9 million compared with an underwriting profit of $2.6 million in 2002. For 2003, our U.S. operations combined ratio was 98.3% (97.2% in 2002) and for our Canadian operations combined ratio increased to 111.8% (108.4% in 2002). The combined ratio increased by 8.3% and 5.8% for the year ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, due to prior year claims development. For our U.S. operations prior year claims development increased the combined ratio by 5.1% in 2003 and 2.7% in 2002, and for the Canadian operations by 18.8% in 2003 and 15.9% in 2002. Assessments from the residual market (Facility Association) in Ontario were $6.3 million in 2003 and $1.4 million in 2002 which also increased the Canadian operations combined ratio by 1.1% in 2003 and 0.3% in 2002.

Interest Expense

        Interest expense for 2003 was $21.0 million, compared to $12.3 million in 2002, reflecting the issuance of $78 million in senior unsecured debentures in December 2002 and several private placements of 30-year floating rate subordinated debentures in the U.S. totaling $116.0 million.

Net Income and Earnings Per Share

        Income before income taxes for 2003 increased by 10% to $77.6 million, compared to $70.7 million in 2002. Income taxes were affected by income generated in lower tax jurisdictions coupled with losses from our Canadian operations in both 2002 and 2003. Net income for 2003 was $85.3 million, a 7% increase over the $79.5 million reported for 2002. Diluted earnings per share were $1.62 for 2003, compared to $1.61 for 2002.

Currency Translation

        We report our results in Canadian dollars whereas we have a significant part of our operations denominated in U.S. dollars. During 2003 the Canadian dollar appreciated significantly against the U.S. dollar which impacted our reported results in 2003 compared to 2002. Currency translation reduced gross premiums written by $234.8 million, net premiums earned by $226.1 million, investment income by $10.8 million, net income by $10.5 million and earnings per share by $0.20 compared to the same translation rates prevailing in 2002.

Book Value Per Share and Return on Equity

        For 2003, shareholders’ equity was reduced by $105.4 million and book value per share by $1.88 or 18% as a result of the unrealized currency translation adjustment on the conversion of the investment in the U.S. operations into Canadian dollars. Despite this adjustment, book value per share increased to $12.63 from $12.56 at December 31, 2002.

        Our annualized return on equity was 12.9% for 2003 compared to 13.8% in 2002.

Balance Sheet

        Total assets as at December 31, 2003 grew to $3.6 billion, compared to $3.0 billion as at December 31, 2002. The investment portfolio, including cash and accrued investment income, increased to $2,674.1 million (market value $2,726.7 million), compared to $2,094.9 million (market value $2,127.5 million) as at December 31, 2002. Investment portfolio per share increased 12% to $47.90 compared to $42.93 as at December 31, 2002. Unrealized gains on the investment portfolio were $52.5 million (94 cents per share outstanding) at December 31, 2003 compared to $32.6 million (67 cents per share) at December 31, 2002.


Page 96 of 129

Results of Operations

For the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001

Gross Premiums Written

        Our gross premiums written in 2002 increased 99% to $2.1 billion, compared with $1.1 billion in 2001. Gross premiums written for our U.S. operations in 2002 increased 130% to $1.6 billion, compared with $709.2 million in 2001. For 2002, U.S. operations represented 77% of gross premiums written compared with 67% in 2001. Gross premiums written from Canadian operations in 2002 increased 38% to $490.8 million compared with $356.0 million in 2001.

        Gross premiums written from non-standard automobile increased 52% to $828.1 million over 2001. Non-standard automobile insurance covers drivers who do not qualify for standard automobile insurance coverage because of their payment history, driving record, place of residence, age, vehicle type or other factors. In 2002, we continued to experience both volume growth and rate increases in most of our non-standard automobile markets. In Canada, we implemented rate increases in early 2002 and again in the third quarter of 2002 to improve the profitability of our Ontario automobile business. During the third quarter, we obtained approval for a rate increase as well as permission to eliminate certain classes of risk in Ontario. The impact of these initiatives was to increase rates by an average of 22.3% and for many of our policyholders in the metropolitan Toronto area by over 40%. We currently do not offer policy terms of longer than six months duration for non-standard automobile in Ontario. Our Canadian operations experienced a 41% increase in non-standard automobile premiums and our U.S. operations experienced a 55% increase from existing markets compared to 2001. In 2002, gross premiums written from trucking and commercial automobile increased 175% to $844.4 million compared to $307.2 million in 2001. As a result of the market conditions, we experienced growth through additional new business as well as through the ability to charge higher premiums for the business. Trucking and commercial automobile represented 40% of gross premiums written in 2002 compared with 29% in 2001.

        The programs that we started to implement with MGAs in the United States during the last half of 2001 for non-standard automobile, trucking and commercial automobile expanded in 2002. In 2002 these programs generated $961.4 million or 45% of our gross premiums written compared with $206.0 million or 19% in 2001. We were able to grow this aspect of our business due to limited competition, and as a result, we were able to implement more favorable pricing than the companies we replaced. In each of these arrangements, the MGAs’ compensation is dependent on the underwriting profit they generate.

        American Country was acquired on April 5, 2002 and its results have been consolidated with our U.S. operations since March 31, 2002. American Country contributed $36.0 million or 3% of the increase in our gross premiums written during 2002.

Net Premiums Written

        Net premiums written in 2002 increased 98% to $2.0 billion compared with $1.0 billion for 2001. Net premiums written from our U.S. operations in 2002 increased 128% to $1.5 billion compared with $679.1 million for 2001. Net premiums written from our Canadian operations increased 38% to $463.0 million from $335.9 million for 2001. The increase in net premiums written is attributable to the aforementioned increases in gross premiums written. In 2002, reinsurance premiums ceded represented 5.4% of gross premiums written compared to 4.7% in 2001 as a result of the increased cost of reinsurance coverages.

Net Premiums Earned

        Net premiums earned for 2002 increased 99% to $1.7 billion, compared with $872.8 million for 2001. For U.S. operations, net premiums earned for 2002 increased 140% to $1,322.5 million compared with $550.9 million in 2001. Net premiums earned from our Canadian operations for 2002 increased by 29% to $415.2 million compared with $321.9 million for 2001. Earned premiums grew due to the increase in written premiums.


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Investment Income

        Investment income for 2002 increased to $64.9 million compared with $52.6 million for 2001. The growth in our premiums written generated positive cash flow from operations which increased the investment portfolio by $600.4 million during 2002, which was offset by the impact of lower interest rates.

Net Realized Gains

        Net realized gains amounted to $16.3 million in 2002 compared with $12.1 million in 2001. Included in net realized gains were adjustments to the carrying value of investments for declines in market value considered other than temporary of $6.6 million in 2002 compared to $1.2 million in 2001.

Claims Incurred

        Our claims ratio for 2002 was 71.4%, compared to 70.6% for 2001. The claims ratio for the U.S. operations for 2002 was 69.2% compared with 68.9% for 2001. The slight deterioration in the U.S. operations claims ratio was a reflection of adverse claims development amounting to $35.2 million. The claims ratio for our Canadian operations in 2002 was 78.3% compared to 73.5% for 2001. The claims ratio for our Canadian operations was adversely influenced by results from our Ontario automobile business, which experienced $63.9 million of adverse prior year claims development. The claims ratio for the Canadian operation for 2002 was 64.6% excluding our Ontario automobile business. For 2002, net premiums earned from our Ontario automobile business amounted to $137.0 million, which produced claims incurred of $145.3 million.

Underwriting Expenses

        Our expense ratio for 2002 was 28.4%, compared to 28.5% for 2001. The expense ratio for Canada for 2002 was 30.1%, compared to 29.6% for 2001, and the expense ratio for the U.S. for 2002 was 28.0%, compared to 27.9% for 2001. In order to be more consistent with industry practice and the treatment of expenses on our MGA business, effective October 1, 2002 we initiated the deferral of underwriting and marketing costs relating to the acquisition of premiums on all of our business, where previously such deferral was applied only to our MGA business. The impact of this change was to defer an additional $6.6 million of underwriting expenses, which reduced the expense ratio by 0.3% for the year.

Combined Ratio

        The combined ratio of 99.8% for 2002 produced an underwriting profit of $2.6 million, compared with $7.6 million profit reported in 2001. For 2002, the U.S. operations combined ratio was 97.2% (96.8% in 2001) and for the Canadian operations the combined ratio was 108.4% (103.1% in 2001). The results of our Canadian operations were adversely affected by results from our Ontario automobile business due to increases in accident benefit loss costs. In 2002, the U.S. operations produced an underwriting profit of $37.5 million compared to an underwriting profit of $17.5 million in 2001. The Canadian operations produced an underwriting loss of $34.9 million compared to a underwriting loss of $9.8 million for 2001. For 2002, our Ontario automobile business generated $137.0 million, or 8%, of net premiums earned at a combined ratio of 131.4%, and produced an underwriting loss of $43.1 million. The combined ratio for 2002 and 2001 was influenced by adverse development on prior year claims. In 2002, adverse development of prior year claims amounted to $101.1 million, which increased the combined ratio by 5.8% for the year. Adverse development for prior year claims during the year ended December 31, 2001 amounted to $33.9 million, which increased the combined ratio by 3.9% in 2001.


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Interest Expense

        Interest expense in 2002 was $12.3 million, compared to $11.4 million for 2001. The increase was primarily the result of an increase in our bank debt during the year.

Net Income and Earnings Per Share

        Our net income for 2002 increased 77% to $79.5 million, compared to $44.9 million in 2001. As a result of a higher proportion of income before tax being generated in lower tax jurisdictions, and net losses incurred in higher tax jurisdictions, in 2002, we reported a consolidated income tax credit of $8.8 million compared to an income tax expense of $10.1 million in 2001. Prior to January 1, 2002, we amortized goodwill arising from acquisitions over the applicable useful life of the asset acquired, which in 2001 resulted in expense of $5.8 million after tax. Diluted earnings per share for 2002 were $1.61, compared to $1.19 in 2001 on 31% more shares outstanding in 2002.

Book Value Per Share and Return on Equity

Book value per share was $12.56 at December 31, 2002 compared to $11.03 at December 31, 2001. Our return on equity was 13.8% in 2002 compared to 13.3% for 2001. Our investment portfolio increased to $2,094.9 million (market value $2,127.5 million) as at December 31, 2002, compared to $1,235.4 million (market value $1,247.0 million) as at December 31, 2001.

Financial Condition

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        The purpose of liquidity management is to ensure that there is sufficient cash to meet all financial commitments and obligations as they fall due. We believe that we have the flexibility to obtain, from internal sources, the funds needed to fulfill our cash requirements during the current financial year and also to satisfy regulatory capital requirements. However, such funds may not provide sufficient capital to enable us to pursue additional market opportunities.

        Our insurance operations create liquidity by collecting and investing premiums from new and renewal business in advance of earning those premiums and paying claims. This creates a liquid float of money that we hold on behalf of our policyholders. We earn investment income on this float until we pay the claim. As long as we continue to grow and remain profitable, the float grows and continues to be available for investment. Net cash provided from the growth in operations in 2001 was $207.3 million, in 2002 was $600.4 million, and in 2003 was $617.2 million which significantly increased our investment portfolio. Net cash provided by financing activities in 2001 was $200.7 million, in 2002 was $129.5 million, and in 2003 was $229.4 million. The following is a description of our various financing arrangements.

Bank Indebtedness

        In February 1999, we entered into a US$100 million five-year fixed term unsecured credit facility at a fixed rate of LIBOR plus a spread which varied with our credit rating. We drew down the facility in full and entered into an interest rate swap transaction whereby we fixed our rate at 5.91% plus a spread based on our credit rating or the ratio of funded debt to total capitalization, whichever is higher, for the term of the facility. As of December 31, 2003, we were in compliance with all of the covenants of this credit facility and we had a principal balance of $101.9 million (US$80 million). A principal repayment of US$2.5 million was paid before December 31, 2003. This facility matured in March 2004.


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        In May 2002, we entered into a $66.5 million 364 day revolving credit facility at a floating interest rate determined based on the type of loan and our senior unsecured debt rating. The facility was renewed in May 2003. As of December 31, 2003, the effective interest rate was approximately 3%, we were in compliance with all of the covenants of this credit facility and we had approximately $53.0 million outstanding.

        In March 2004 we entered into a $150 million revolving credit facility with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, LaSalle Bank National Association and The Bank of Nova Scotia which replaced the US$100 million and $66.5 million facilities. The debt is guaranteed by Kingsway America and has a maturity date of March 4, 2005. The credit facility contains numerous covenants that limit our ability, among other things, to borrow money, make particular types of investments or other restricted payments, sell assets, merge or consolidate, pay dividends or redeem capital stock, and incur liens to secure indebtedness. The facility also requires us to maintain specified financial ratios.

Canadian Senior Debenture Offering

        On December 6, 2002, Kingsway Financial sold $78 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25% senior unsecured debentures due December 31, 2007. The net proceeds of the offering amounted to approximately $77.1 million, after the application of the underwriters’ discount and commission. The yield on the debentures to maturity is 8.298%. The debentures are unconditionally guaranteed by Kingsway America. Kingsway Financial’s obligations under, and Kingsway America’s guarantee of, the debentures will rank equally with the senior notes described below. We used a portion of the net proceeds of the senior unsecured debentures to provide approximately $50 million to Kingsway America to support the growth of our U.S. operations, approximately $16.4 million to pay a portion of the amount outstanding under our $66.5 million unsecured revolving credit facility and the balance for general corporate purposes.

U.S. Senior Note Offering

        In January 2004 Kingsway America Inc. issued US$100 million 7.50% senior notes due 2014 in a private offering. The notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Kingsway Financial. The notes will be redeemable at Kingsway America’s option on or after February 1, 2009. Approximately US$60 million was used to repay existing bank indebtedness and the remainder will be used for general corporate purposes. In March 2004 the senior notes offering was reopened and an additional US$25 million of these senior note were issued. The proceeds from this reopening were used to repay existing bank indebtedness.

Subordinated Debt

        Since December 2002, Kingsway America issued US$90.5 million in 30-year subordinated deferrable interest debentures in six private placement transactions. This subordinated debt is described in more detail in the Contractual Obligations table and note thereto set forth below.

Contractual Obligations

             

  Payments Due by Period
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)   2004   2005   2006   2007   Thereafter   Total  

Contractual Obligations
    Bank indebtedness  $153,895   $     --   $     --   $         --   $           --   $153,895  
    Senior unsecured debentures (1)  --   --   --   78,000   --   78,000  
    Subordinated indebtedness  --   --   --   --   115,981   115,981  
    Other liabilities  2,695   --   --   --   --   2,695  

Total  $156,590   $     --   $     --   $78,000   $115,981   $350,571  

1.   Between December 4, 2002 and December 16, 2003, six subsidiary trusts of the Company issued U.S.$90.5 million of 30 year capital securities to third parties in separate private transactions. In each instance, a corresponding floating rate junior subordinated deferrable interest debenture was then issued by Kingsway America Inc. to the trust in exchange for the proceeds from the private sale. The floating rate debentures bear interest at the rate of the London interbank offered interest rate for three-month U.S. dollar deposits, plus spreads ranging from 3.85% to 4.20%, but until dates ranging from December 4, 2007 to January 8, 2009, the interest rates will not exceed 12.45% to 12.75%. The Company has the right to call each of these securities at par anytime after five years from their issuance until their maturity. These debentures are unconditionally guaranteed by Kingsway Financial. The floating rate debenture issued by Kingsway America and Kingsway Financial’s guarantee of all debentures will rank junior to the senior notes issued by Kingsway America and the guarantee thereof by Kingsway Financial. The net proceeds to the Company were $95,613,000 in 2003 and $22,198,000 in 2002 after deducting expenses of $6,273,000 and $1,438,000, respectively. The proceeds were used to increase the capital of our U.S. insurance subsidiaries.


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        As a result of our capital raising activities, our debt service requirements are significantly higher than in prior years. As of December 31, 2003, on a pro forma basis, giving effect to Kingsway America’s issuance of US$125 million 7.50% senior notes due 2014, we would have had approximately $398.8 million of total indebtedness. The total amount of our debt service obligations in 2004 is expected to be approximately $26 million. For the year 2003, under the various insurance regulatory restrictions, based on our December 2003 financial statements, our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries would have aggregate dividend capacity of $212.9 million. Kingsway America’s payments under its debt obligations are funded through dividends from its U.S. subsidiaries and capital infusions by Kingsway Financial.

Off-Balance Sheet Financing

        We do not engage in any off-balance sheet financing arrangements.

Common Share Offering

        In July 2003, Kingsway Financial sold 6.71 million common shares. The shares were sold only in Canada at a price of $16.70 per share resulting in total gross proceeds of $112.1 million. Approximately $102.4 million of the proceeds of the offering were used to increase the capital of certain of our insurance subsidiaries, and the remainder used for general corporate purposes.

Standard & Poor’s Rating of Kingsway Financial’s Counterparty Credit and Senior Unsecured Debt

        On September 30, 2003, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services placed the counterparty credit and senior unsecured debt ratings of Kingsway Financial on CreditWatch with negative implications. The credit watch placement followed the announcement by Kingsway that it had identified a shortfall in its prior years’ claims reserving for Kingsway General.

        On October 31, 2003, Standard & Poor’s announced that it had removed Kingsway Financial from CreditWatch and lowered its counterparty and senior unsecured debt credit ratings on Kingsway Financial to “BBB-” from “BBB” with a stable outlook. According to Standard & Poor’s, a BBB- rating (fourth out of nine rating levels) indicates that the obligor has adequate capacity to meet its financial obligations; however, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitments. A plus or minus designation within a ratings category indicates relative standing within the category.


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        On January 29, 2004, Standard & Poor’s issued its rating of “BBB-” on the US$100 million of our senior notes due 2014 issued in the private offering completed in January 2004. On March 8, 2004, Standard & Poor’s issued its rating of “BBB-” on an additional US$25 million of our senior notes due 2014 issued in the private offering completed in March 2004. According to Standard & Poor’s, a BBB- rating (fourth out of nine rating levels) indicates that the obligation has adequate protection parameters; however, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitments under the obligation. A plus or minus designation within a ratings category indicates relative standing within the category.

DBRS’s Rating of our Senior Debentures and Senior Notes

        On October 3, 2003, Dominion Bond Rating Service Limited (“DBRS”) confirmed its previous rating of “BBB” with a stable outlook on the Senior Debentures. According to DBRS, a “BBB” rating (fourth out of nine rating levels) indicates that protection of interest and principal is considered adequate, but that the entity is more susceptible to adverse changes in financial and economic conditions, or there may be other adversities present which reduce the strength of the entity and its rated securities. DBRS also assigned a rating trend of “stable” to our Senior Debentures. According to DBRS, a rating trend gives an indication of what direction the rating in question is headed should the given conditions and tendencies continue.

        On February 3, 2004, DBRS issued its rating of “BBB” with a stable outlook on US$100 million of our senior notes issued in the private offering completed in January 2004. On March 9, 2004, DBRS issued its rating of “BBB” with a stable outlook on an additional US$25 million of our senior notes issued in the private offering completed in March 2004.

Impact of Ratings Changes

        We would expect that a downgrade in our rating by either Standard & Poor’s or DBRS would have a negative impact on our business, such as causing an increase in the interest rate on our bank credit facility.

Shareholders’ Equity

        As a result of the common share offering and our profitability, shareholders’ equity increased to $705.0 million at December 31, 2003 compared to $612.9 million at December 31, 2002. During 2003, shareholders’ equity was negatively impacted by the unrealized currency translation adjustment of our U.S. dollar denominated net assets into Canadian dollars amounting to $105.4 million. Book value per share outstanding was $12.63 per share at December 31, 2003, an increase compared to $12.56 per share at December 31, 2002. Book value per share at December 31, 2003 was reduced by $1.88 or 13% due to the unrealized currency translation adjustment of our U.S. dollar denominated net assets into Canadian dollars. Book value per share outstanding increased 17% in 1998, 2% in 1999, 13% in 2000, 38% in 2001 and 14% in 2002.

Legal Proceedings

        In the ordinary course of business, we are, from time to time, involved in various claims and legal proceedings, including class actions. While it is not possible to estimate the final outcome of these various proceedings at this time, we do not believe the outcome of such proceedings will have a material impact on our results.


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        On July 25, 2003, Kingsway commenced an action against PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, Miller, Herbers, Lehman & Associates, Inc. and the former Directors of American Country relating to the understatement of the reserves of American Country’s insurance subsidiary for the years 1998 through 2001 and associated costs and damages thereon. These reserve deficiencies occurred prior to our acquisition of American Country in April 2002. As a result of the deficiencies, we restated American Country’s financial results for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 and the three months ended March 31, 2002.

Systems and Technology

        We believe that efficient information systems are important to processing policies and claims and retrieving information quickly to interface with our agents, MGAs and brokers and insureds. Although we believe our current information systems are sufficient to support the expected growth in our business, we are reviewing our systems with the intent of significantly upgrading and improving their capabilities. We are also in the process of implementing and expanding an electronic imaging system in our insurance subsidiaries to provide immediate access to all data and files and reduce the cost of storage and filing. We also have a point-of-sale system to make our products readily available through our agents, MGAs and brokers network, providing our agents, MGAs and brokers with a direct interface and allowing them to quote and issue policies electronically. We expect the enhancements and additions to our systems to increase our operating efficiencies and reduce our operating costs, and to help us strengthen our important relationships with our independent agents, MGAs and brokers.

Employees

        As of December 31, 2003, we employed approximately 2,027 personnel, of whom approximately 709 are located in Canada and approximately 1,318 are located in the United States. None of our employees are represented by a labor union and we have never experienced a work stoppage. We believe our relationship with our employees is good.

Risk Factors

Our insurance subsidiaries’ provision for unpaid claims may be inadequate, which would result in a reduction in our net income.

        Our insurance subsidiaries’ provisions for unpaid claims do not represent an exact calculation of our actual liability, but are estimates involving actuarial and statistical projections at a given point in time of what we expect to be the cost of the ultimate settlement and administration of known and unknown claims. The process for establishing the provision for unpaid claims reflects the uncertainties and significant judgmental factors inherent in predicting future results of both known and unknown claims and as such, the process is inherently complex and imprecise. Actual losses from claims may deviate, perhaps substantially, from the provisions for unpaid claims reflected in our financial statements. As of December 31, 2003, our provisions for unpaid claims were $1,669.7 million, which we believe are adequate.

        We base our provisions for unpaid claims on facts and circumstances then known, estimates of future trends in claims severity and other variable factors such as inflation. Furthermore, factors such as inflation, claims settlement patterns, legislative activity and litigation trends, all of which are difficult to predict, may have a substantial impact on our actual claims experience. As time passes and more information about the claims becomes known, the estimates are appropriately adjusted upward or downward to reflect this additional information. Because of the elements of uncertainty encompassed in this estimation process, and the extended time it can take to settle many of the more substantial claims, several years of experience are usually required before a meaningful comparison can be made between actual losses and the original provisions for unpaid claims.


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        The development of the provisions for unpaid claims is shown by the difference between estimates of claims as of the initial year-end and the re-estimated liability at each subsequent year end. Favorable development (reserve redundancy) means that the original claims estimates were higher than subsequently determined. Unfavorable development (reserve deficiency) means that the original claims estimates were lower than subsequently determined. During 2003, we experienced reserve deficiencies of $196.8 million on prior periods. Of this deficiency, 17% was related to non-standard automobile, standard automobile and motorcycle business in Ontario, 9% was related to our commercial automobile business in Canada, 10% was related to our non-standard automobile business in Florida, 18% was related to our non-standard automobile business in Alberta, 11% to our MGA non-standard automobile programs in the United States, 9% was related to trucking in the United States, and 7% was related to our trucking business in Canada. Although we have made adjustments in our reserving practices to reflect this claims experience, we cannot assure you that these unfavorable trends will not require additional reserves in the future. In addition, we have in the past, and may in the future, acquire other insurance companies. We cannot assure you that the provisions for unpaid claims of the companies that we acquire are or will be adequate.

        To the extent our insurance subsidiaries’ actual claims experience is less favorable than our current claims estimates reflected in our provisions for unpaid claims, we will be required to increase our provisions for unpaid claims which will reduce our profitability in future periods. Moreover, insufficiencies in our insurance subsidiaries’provisions for unpaid claims could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We may experience difficulty in managing our growth, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

        We have grown rapidly over the last several years. As a result, our gross premiums increased 66% in 2001, 99% in 2002 and 24% in 2003. This growth may place a strain on our management systems and operational and financial resources. Rapid growth in gross premiums may also place a strain on the surplus of our subsidiaries. We plan to continue to expand our specialty focus into selected regional markets in the United States and Canada and to increase the distribution of our core products in our existing markets. Our future growth and the successful integration and management of new Managing General Agent (MGA) relationships, acquired businesses and other new business involves numerous risks that could adversely affect our growth and profitability, and are contingent on various factors, including:

    expanding our financial, operational and management information systems;

    managing our relationships with independent agents, MGAs and brokers, including maintaining adequate controls;

    expanding our executive management and the infrastructure required to effectively control our growth;

    maintaining ratings for certain of our insurance subsidiaries;

    increasing the statutory capital of our insurance subsidiaries to support additional underwriting;

    accurately setting provisions for claims for new business where we lack historical underwriting experience;

    obtaining regulatory approval for appropriate premium rates; and

    obtaining the required regulatory approvals to offer additional insurance products or expand into additional states and provinces.


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        We cannot assure you that we will be able to manage our growth effectively or that we will be successful in expanding our business, that our existing infrastructure will be able to support additional expansion or that any new business will be profitable. If we are unable to manage our growth, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.

We rely on independent agents, MGAs and brokers and are exposed to risks.

        We market and distribute our automobile insurance products through a network of over 2,900 independent agents and approximately 20 MGAs in the United States and over 3,000 independent brokers across Canada. In 2003, approximately 56% of our gross written premiums in the United States were sourced through MGAs and approximately 44% were sourced through independent agents. Our insurance products are marketed through a large number of independent agents, MGAs and brokers and we rely heavily on their ability to attract new business. These independent agencies and MGAs typically represent more than one insurance company, which may expose us to competition within the agencies and, therefore, we cannot rely on their commitment to our insurance products. In some markets, we operate pursuant to “open market” arrangements in which we have no formal relationships with the brokers who place our risk in these markets. Loss of all or a substantial portion of the business provided by these intermediaries could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

        Our independent agents, MGAs and brokers generally have the ability to bind insurance policies and a few MGAs may settle claims on our behalf, and we have only limited ability to exercise control over them. In the event that an independent agent, MGA or broker exceeds its authority by binding us on a risk that does not comply with our underwriting guidelines, we may be at risk for that policy until we effect a cancellation. Although to date we have not experienced a material loss from improper use of binding authority by our agents, MGAs or brokers, any improper use of such authority may result in losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

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

In addition, MGAs are subject to regulation as insurance producers, including licensing requirements, and, to the extent that the MGA has the ability to bind insurance policies and to settle claims, the MGA is subject to regulation of these functions. Noncompliance by any of our MGAs with applicable regulatory requirements could have adverse regulatory implications on us.

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

        From time to time we engage in discussions concerning acquisition opportunities, although we cannot assure you that any such discussions will result in a transaction. As a result of such discussions, we may enter into acquisition transactions. Acquisitions entail numerous risks, including the following:

    difficulties in the integration of the acquired business;

    assumption of unknown material liabilities, including deficient provisions for unpaid claims;

    diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns;

    failure to achieve financial or operating objectives; and

    potential loss of policyholders or key employees of acquired companies.

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


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

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

        In our non-standard automobile business, we compete with both large national underwriters and smaller regional companies. Our competitors include other companies that, like us, serve the independent agency market, as well as companies that sell insurance directly to customers. Direct underwriters may have certain competitive advantages over agency underwriters, including increased name recognition, loyalty of the customer base to the insurer rather than to an independent agency and reduced costs to acquire policies. Any new, proposed or potential legislative or industry developments could further increase competition in our markets. New competition from these developments could cause the demand for our products to decrease, which would adversely affect our profitability. In addition, in certain provinces or states, government-operated risk plans may provide non-standard automobile insurance products at a lower price than those we provide.

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

Our operating results may fluctuate as a result of many factors, including cyclical patterns in the property and casualty insurance industry and in the automobile insurance market.

        The results of companies in the property and casualty insurance industry have been subject to significant fluctuations and uncertainties. The industry’s profitability can be affected significantly by many factors, including:

    rising costs that are not known by companies at the time they price their products, such as unforeseen case law developments;

    and unpredictable developments, including weather-related and other natural catastrophes;

    changes in insurance and tax laws and regulation, as well as new legislative initiatives; and

    general economic conditions, such as fluctuations in interest rates, inflationary pressures and other changes in the investment environment, which affect returns on invested capital and may impact the ultimate payout of loss amounts.


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        In addition, the profitability of automobile insurers can be affected significantly by many factors, including:

    regulatory regimes which limit their ability to detect and defend against fraudulent claims and fraud rings;

    developing trends in tort and class action litigation which may encourage frivolous litigation or expose automobile insurers to allegations of bad faith;

    changes in consumer protection laws which could limit the use of used or like kind and quality after-market parts or to compel compensation for alleged diminution in value notwithstanding repair of the vehicle; and

    changes in laws or regulations, including the adoption of consumer initiatives regarding rates charged for automobile or other insurance coverage or claims handling procedures.

        The financial performance of the property and casualty insurance industry has historically tended to fluctuate in cyclical patterns of “soft” markets characterized generally by increased competition resulting in lower premium rates followed by “hard” markets characterized generally by lessening competition and increasing premiums rates. Although an individual insurance company’s financial performance depends on its own specific business characteristics, the profitability of most property and casualty insurance companies tends to follow this cyclical market pattern with profitability generally increasing in hard markets and decreasing in soft markets.

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

        Our credit agreements and debt indentures contain numerous covenants that limit our ability, among other things, to borrow money, make particular types of investments or other restricted payments, sell assets, merge or consolidate, pay dividends or redeem capital stock, and incur liens to secure indebtedness. These agreements also require us to maintain specified financial ratios, including a requirement that we maintain on a consolidated basis a specified ratio of net premiums written to statutory capital and surplus, or capital surplus ratio. The covenants under our debt agreements could limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions or to meet our capital needs. Our ability to comply with the capital surplus ratios and other financial covenants in these agreements may be affected by events beyond our control and we may have to curtail some of our operations and growth plans to maintain compliance.

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

If we are unable to maintain our current claims-paying ratings, our ability to write insurance and compete with other insurance companies may be adversely impacted.

        Third party rating agencies assess and rate the claims-paying ability of insurers and reinsurers based upon criteria established by the rating agencies. Periodically these rating agencies evaluate us to confirm that we continue to meet the criteria of the ratings previously assigned to us. Financial strength ratings are an important factor in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies and may be expected to have an effect on an insurance company’s premiums.


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        Our insurance subsidiaries are rated by A.M. Best, which issues independent opinions of an insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet policyholder obligations. Our Canadian subsidiaries, Kingsway General Insurance Company and York Fire & Casualty Insurance Company possess a B++ (very good) rating from A.M. Best (5th highest of 15 rating levels) and Jevco Insurance Company, possesses an “A-” (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best (fourth highest of 15 rating levels).

        Of our U.S. subsidiaries, Lincoln General Insurance Company and Universal Casualty Company have an “A-” (Excellent) rating (fourth highest of 15 rating levels), American Service Insurance Company, Inc. has a “B++” (Very Good) rating (fifth highest of 15 rating levels), American Country Insurance Company and Southern United Fire Insurance Company have a “B+” (Very Good) rating (sixth highest of 15 rating levels), and U.S. Security Insurance Company has a “B” (Fair) rating (seventh highest of 15 rating levels). According to A.M. Best, companies rated as A and A- (Excellent) are deemed “secure” and are assigned to insurers which have, on balance, excellent balance sheet strength and operating performance and business profile when compared to the standards established by A.M. Best and, in A.M. Best’s opinion, have a strong ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders. According to A.M. Best, companies rated as B++ and B+ (Very Good) are deemed “secure” and are assigned to insurers which have, on balance, very good balance sheet strength and operating performance and business profile when compared to the standards established by A.M. Best and, in A.M. Best’s opinion, have a good ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders. According to A.M. Best, companies rated as B (Fair) are deemed “vulnerable” and are assigned to insurers which have, on balance, fair balance sheet strength and operating performance and business profile when compared to the standards established by A.M. Best and, in A.M. Best’s opinion, have an ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders.

        On March 5, 2004, A.M. Best lowered the financial strength rating of Kingsway General and York Fire to B++ (Very Good) from A- (Excellent) and assigned a negative outlook. A.M. Best stated that the lowered ratings of Kingsway General and York Fire were based on their operating and underwriting performance and weak capitalization, partially offset by significant rate increases in 2002 and 2003, the strengthening of loss reserves, the progress made to reduce claim costs, as well as the explicit financial support of Kingsway Financial. In addition, A.M. Best has concerns regarding the impact of regulatory changes to automobile insurance products occurring in Ontario and Alberta on the profitability of Kingsway General and York Fire. A.M. Best also stated that the financial strength ratings of all of our insurance subsidiaries in both the United States and Canada will remain under pressure pending our ability to lower underwriting leverage by raising capital, meeting our 2004 profit targets, controlling premium growth and eliminating adverse loss reserve development.

        We cannot assure you that A.M. Best will not downgrade our ratings or place them under review with negative implications, in the future. If we are unable to maintain our current ratings, our ability to write insurance business and compete with other insurance companies may be adversely affected. Rating agencies evaluate insurance companies based on financial strength and the ability to pay claims, factors which are more relevant to policyholders than investors. Financial strength ratings by rating agencies are not ratings of securities or recommendations to buy, hold or sell any security.


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The majority of our gross premiums written are derived from the non-standard automobile and trucking insurance markets. If the demand for insurance in these markets declines, our results of operations could significantly decline.

        For the year ended December 31, 2003, approximately 36.6% of our gross premiums written were attributable to non-standard automobile and 30.7% were attributable to trucking insurance. The size of both the non-standard automobile and trucking insurance markets can be affected significantly by many factors outside of our control, such as the underwriting capacity and underwriting criteria of standard automobile insurance carriers and trucking insurers, and we may specifically be affected by these factors. Additionally, an economic downturn in one or more of our principal markets could result in fewer automobile sales and a lower volume of goods shipped by truck resulting in less demand for these insurance products. To the extent that these insurance markets are affected adversely for any reason, our gross premiums written will be disproportionately affected due to our substantial reliance on these insurance markets.

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

        As an insurance company, we are subject to numerous laws and regulations. These laws and regulations delegate regulatory, supervisory and administrative powers to federal, provincial or state insurance commissioners and agencies. Such regulation generally is designed to protect policyholders rather than shareholders, and is related to matters including:

    rate setting;

    risk-based capital and solvency standards;

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

    the maintenance of adequate reserves for unearned premiums and unpaid claims;

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

    standards for accounting;

    marketing practices;

    claims settlement practices;

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

    the licensing of insurers and their agents;

    limitations on dividends and transactions with affiliates;

    approval of certain reinsurance transactions; and

    insolvency proceedings.

        In addition, these statutes typically require us periodically to file financial statements and annual reports, prepared on a statutory accounting basis, and other information with insurance regulatory authorities, including information concerning our capital structure, ownership, financial condition and general business operations. We allocate considerable time and resources to comply with these requirements.

        Any failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations could result in the imposition of fines or significant restrictions on our ability to do business, which could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition. In addition, any changes in laws or regulations, including the adoption of consumer initiatives regarding rates charged for automobile or other insurance coverage or claims handling procedures, could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.


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        In the past, various state insurance departments have levied fines on some of our subsidiaries in connection with regulatory examinations. During the most recently completed insurance regulatory examinations of certain of our U.S. insurance subsidiaries, the insurance departments conducting the examinations raised certain regulatory compliance issues, and we expect that some amount of fines will be imposed in connection with one or more of these examinations. The subsidiaries involved are working with the regulators to resolve these issues, and we do not expect that any of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our business.

        In order to enhance the regulation of insurer solvency, a risk based capital, or RBC, formula was adopted by the U.S. National Association of Insurance Commissioners, or NAIC, for U.S. insurance companies. State insurance regulators monitor the financial status of an insurer by reviewing the insurer’s compliance with RBC requirements. The provinces in Canada in which we operate have similar solvency requirements. If our insurance subsidiaries do not comply with these minimum capital requirements, they may be restricted or prohibited from operating. If our insurance subsidiaries are required to increase their reserves in the future, as a result of unexpectedly poor claims experience or otherwise, they may violate these minimum capital requirements unless we are able to take actions to improve the solvency of those subsidiaries. As a result, our business, results of operations, and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.

        It is not possible to predict the future impact of changing federal, state and provincial regulation on our operations, and there can be no assurance that laws and regulations enacted in the future will not be more restrictive than existing laws.

Our business could be adversely affected as a result of changing political, regulatory, economic or other influences.

        The insurance industry is subject to changing political, economic and regulatory influences. These factors affect the practices and operation of insurance and reinsurance organizations. Legislatures in Canada, the United States, Barbados, Bermuda and local jurisdictions in which we operate have periodically considered programs to reform or amend their respective insurance and reinsurance systems. Recently, the insurance and reinsurance regulatory framework has been subject to increased scrutiny in many jurisdictions. For example, in the United States, current and proposed federal measures that may affect our business include proposals regarding insurance coverage for terrorism, natural disaster protection and tort reform. In Canada, we experienced an extension of the reporting period during which a plaintiff may bring suit against us under the tort provisions of the current Ontario automobile legislation which negatively impacted our results of operations in 2002 and 2003.

        Changes in current insurance regulation may include increased governmental involvement in the insurance industry, initiatives aimed at premium controls, or may otherwise change the business and economic environment in which insurance industry participants operate. In some states, the automobile insurance industry has been under pressure in past years from regulators, legislators or special interest groups to reduce, freeze or set rates at levels that are not necessarily related to underlying costs or risks, including initiatives to roll back automobile and other personal line rates. These changes, if adopted, may limit our ability to price automobile insurance adequately and could require us to discontinue unprofitable product lines, make unplanned modifications of our products and services, or may result in delays or cancellations of sales of our products and services. We cannot predict the future impact of changing laws or regulations on our operations and any changes could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.


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        Rate freezes on automobile insurance premiums in Ontario and Alberta were effected in October and November of 2003, respectively. The government of Ontario has indicated that the rate freeze is in anticipation of an insurance reform program that would produce sufficient cost reductions to allow insurance companies to reduce premium rates by 10 percent on average. In December 2003 the Ontario legislature passed the Automobile Insurance Rate Stabilization Act of 2003 (the “Rate Stabilization Act”), which requires insurers to submit their risk classification system and rates for automobile insurance to the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) for review and approval. Under this act, FSCO is authorized to require insurers to vary their rate classification system and reduce their rates according to specified criteria. The Alberta government has indicated that its rate freezes are in anticipation of a rate reform program that will reward safe drivers while allowing rate increases to be imposed on drivers with at-fault claims and poor driving records. There is no certainty as to how any legislation adopted in connection with these reforms will impact our Ontario and Alberta automobile business.

Our business may be materially adversely affected if the tax laws of the United States or Canada change or relevant tax authorities successfully challenge our interpretations of these laws.

        We operate wholly owned subsidiary reinsurance companies in Barbados and Bermuda for the sole purpose of reinsuring risks from our own subsidiaries. Legislation was proposed in 2002 which would have disallowed a deduction for U.S. income tax purposes for premiums paid to certain specified related reinsurers. If this or similar legislation were to be enacted, this could have the effect of increasing the taxes payable by us or certain of our subsidiaries. We cannot assure you that any such legislation or similar legislation will not be enacted.

        Due to our corporate structure and to differences in the tax laws of the United States and Canada, we deduct interest paid on certain of our debt in the United States as well as in Canada. Such deductions are based on our interpretation of applicable tax laws. There is no guarantee that the Internal Revenue Service or any other tax authority will not challenge our interpretation, and if such a challenge were made and were successful, the taxes payable by us or certain of our subsidiaries could be increased. In addition, amendments or changes in applicable income tax laws or regulations, including those arising from judicial decisions or administrative pronouncements, could deny a deduction for interest to taxpayers with a structure similar to ours.

We may not be able to realize our investment objectives, which could significantly reduce our net income.

        We depend on income from our investment portfolio for a substantial portion of our earnings. In 2001, 2002, and 2003, net investment income and net realized capital gains accounted for approximately 6.9%, 4.5% and 5.3%, respectively, of our consolidated revenue. A significant decline in investment yields in our investment portfolio or an impairment of securities that we own could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We currently maintain and intend to continue to maintain an investment portfolio comprising primarily fixed income securities. As of December 31, 2003, the fair value of our investment portfolio included $2.2 billion of fixed income securities. For 2001, 2002 and 2003, the change in net unrealized gains in our portfolio reflected an increases of $12.0 million, an increase of $21.0 million, and an increase of $20.0 million, respectively. Due to fluctuations in the yields on fixed income securities, we face reinvestment risk as these securities mature because the funds may be reinvested at rates lower than the maturing security.

        Our ability to achieve our investment objectives is affected by general economic conditions that are beyond our control. General economic conditions can adversely affect the markets for interest-rate-sensitive securities, including the extent and timing of investor participation in such markets, the level and volatility of interest rates and, consequently, the value of fixed income securities. In addition, changing economic conditions can result in increased defaults by the issuers of securities that we own. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including monetary policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions and other factors beyond our control.

        General economic conditions, stock market conditions and many other factors can also adversely affect the securities markets and, consequently, the value of the securities we own. We may not be able to realize our investment objectives, which could reduce our net income significantly.


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

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

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

        We purchase reinsurance from third parties in order to reduce our liability on individual risks. Reinsurance does not relieve us of our primary liability to our insureds. A third party reinsurer’s insolvency or inability or unwillingness to make payments under the terms of a reinsurance treaty could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. As of December 31, 2003, we had $176.3 million recoverable from third party reinsurers and other insurers. The majority of these recoverables are unsecured. The losses reported by the reinsurance industry since 2001 have adversely affect the financial resources of some reinsurers and their ability to pay claims. Also, the material decline in the worldwide equity markets and the defaults and credit downgrades on bonds of many companies have contributed to a significant decline in the net equity of some reinsurers.

        The amount and cost of reinsurance available to our insurance companies are subject, in large part, to prevailing market conditions beyond our control. Our ability to provide insurance at competitive premium rates and coverage limits on a continuing basis depends in part upon the extent to which we can obtain adequate reinsurance in amounts and at rates that will not adversely affect our competitive position. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain our current reinsurance facilities, which generally are subject to annual renewal. If we are unable to renew any of these facilities upon their expiration or obtain other reinsurance facilities in adequate amounts and at favorable rates, we may need to modify our underwriting practices or reduce our underwriting commitments.

Kingsway Financial is a holding company and its operating subsidiaries are subject to dividend restrictions.

        Kingsway Financial is an insurance holding company with assets consisting primarily of the capital stock of its subsidiaries. Our operations are and will continue to be limited by the earnings of our subsidiaries and the distribution or other payment of such earnings to us in the form of dividends, loans, advances or the reimbursement of expenses. The payment of dividends, the making of loans and advances or the reimbursement of expenses to us by our subsidiaries is contingent upon the earning of those subsidiaries and is subject to various business considerations. In addition, payments of dividends to us by our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries are subject to various statutory and regulatory restrictions imposed by the insurance laws of the domiciliary jurisdiction of such subsidiaries, including Barbados and Bermuda. For the year 2004, under these insurance regulatory restrictions, based on our December 31, 2003 financial statements, our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries would have aggregate dividend capacity of $212.9 million. The inability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends to us could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.


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

        We are substantially dependent on a number of key employees. Our success has been, and will continue to be, dependent on our ability to retain the services of our existing key employees and to attract and retain additional qualified personnel in the future. The loss of the services of any of our key employees, or the inability to identify, hire and retain other highly qualified personnel in the future, could adversely affect the quality and profitability of our business operations. There are no employment contracts in place for any of our executives.

Various factors may inhibit potential acquisition bids that could be beneficial to our shareholder.

        Regulatory provisions may delay, defer or prevent a takeover attempt that shareholders may consider in their best interest. For example, under the terms of applicable U.S. state statutes, any person or entity desiring to purchase more than a specified percentage (commonly 10%) of our outstanding voting securities is required to obtain regulatory approval prior to its purchase of our shares. These requirements would generally require a potential bidder to obtain the prior approval by the insurance departments of the states in which our U.S. subsidiaries are domiciled and may require pre-acquisition notification in applicable states that have adopted pre-acquisition notification provisions. Obtaining these approvals could result in material delays or deter any such transaction.

        Regulatory requirements could make a potential acquisition of our Company more difficult and may prevent shareholders from receiving the benefit from any premium over the market price of our common shares offered by a bidder in a takeover context. Even in the absence of a takeover attempt, the existence of these provisions may adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common shares if they are viewed as discouraging takeover attempts in the future.

        In addition, the Shareholder Rights Plan adopted by our board of directors may also have anti-takeover effects. Our Shareholders Rights Plan is designed to protect our shareholders in the event of unsolicited offers to acquire us, and other coercive takeover tactics which, in the opinion of our board of directors, could impair its ability to represent shareholder interests. The provisions of our Shareholder Rights Plan may render an unsolicited takeover more difficult or less likely to occur or might prevent such a takeover, even though such takeover may offer our shareholders the opportunity to sell their shares at a price above the prevailing market price.

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates could negatively affect our results.

        We publish our consolidated financial statements in Canadian dollars. In 2003, 75% of our premiums were from our U.S. operations and are currently denominated in U.S. dollars. Therefore, fluctuations in the U.S.-Canadian dollar exchange rate will impact our results of operations and financial condition from period to period. Our Canadian insurance operations generally write policies denominated in Canadian dollars and invest in Canadian dollars. Our U.S. operations generally write policies denominated in U.S. dollars and invest in U.S. dollars. Although investing in local currencies limits the effect of currency exchange rate fluctuations on local operating results, fluctuations in such rates could affect our operations or results, and do affect the translation of these results into Canadian dollars in our consolidated financial statements. During 2003, shareholders’ equity was reduced by $105.4 million as a result of the currency translation adjustment of our U.S. dollar denominated assets into Canadian dollars.


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DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

A.   Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

                Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as of the end of the period covered by this annual report have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) pursuant to Rule 13a-15 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective and designed to ensure that all material information required to be filed in this annual report has been made known to them in a timely fashion.

B.   Changes in Internal Controls

                There have been no significant changes in internal controls, or in factors that could significantly affect internal controls, subsequent to the date our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer completed their evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.


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AUDIT COMMITTEE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

        The Registrant’s Audit Committee is composed of the following directors: Mr. David H. Atkins (Chair), Mr. Thomas A. Di Giacomo and Mr. F. Michael Walsh. The Registrant’s board of directors has determined that Mr. David H. Atkins is an audit committee financial expert and independent, as that term is defined by the New York Stock Exchange’s listing standards applicable to the Registrant. The Commission has indicated that the designation of Mr. Atkins as the audit committee financial expert does not deem him an “expert” for any purpose, impose any duties, obligations or liability on Mr. Atkins that are greater than those imposed on members of the audit committee and board of directors who do not carry this designation or identification, or affect the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of the audit committee or board of directors.


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CODE OF ETHICS

        The Registrant has adopted a code of ethics and business conduct for all employees and officers. The Registrant has also adopted a code of ethics that applies to Kingsway's principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and other senior financial personnel. These codes of ethics are available at the Registrant’s website, www.kingsway-financial.com/investor.htm.


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PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

        KPMG LLP has served as the Registrant’s auditors since 1989. In 2003 and 2002, fees for audit, audit-related, tax and other services provided to the Registrant by KPMG LLP were as follows:


Year Ended December 31, 2003   2002

Audit fees   $2,775,000   $2,002,000  

Audit-related fees  $   586,000   $   460,000  

Tax fees  $   124,000   $     50,000  

Other fees  $     58,000   $   122,000  

Total  $3,543,000   $2,634,000  

        Pursuant to the terms of its charter, the Audit Committee establishes the auditors’ fees. Such fees are based upon the complexity of the matters in question and the time incurred by the auditors. The Audit Committee reviews and considers whether the provision of services other than audit services is compatible with maintaining the auditors’ independence. In 2003, the Audit Committee considered and pre-approved expenditure limits for the Registrant’s auditors and established a system to review and pre-approve the provision of non-audit services by the Registrant’s auditors to ensure they are consistent with maintaining the auditors’ independence. The Audit Committee pre-approved 100% of the services performed by the Registrant’s auditors for audit-related and non-audit related services for the year ended December 31, 2003.

        A discussion of the nature of the services provided under each category is provided below.

Audit Fees

        These are services rendered for the audit of the financial statements or services that are provided for statutory and regulatory filings or engagements and include reporting in connection with the various securities offerings of the Registrant.

Audit-Related Fees

        These are fees for assurance and related services that are reasonable related to the performance of the audit or review of financial statements and are not reported in the “Audit Fee” category. This work included appointed actuary services.

Tax Fees

        These services included analyses of various tax matters affecting the Registrant and its subsidiaries.

All Other Fees

        These services were mainly actuarial services relating to specific actuarial analyses required by the Registrant.


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OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

        See page 100 of Item 3 of this report.


Page 118 of 129

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

        See page 99 of Item 3 of this report.


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UNDERTAKING AND CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS

A.   Undertaking

        Registrant undertakes to make available, in person or by telephone, representatives to respond to inquiries made by the Commission staff, and to furnish promptly, when requested to do so by the Commission staff, information relating to: the securities registered pursuant to Form 40-F; the securities in relation to which the obligation to file an annual report on Form 40-F; or transactions in said securities.

B.   Consent to Service of Process

        Registrant has previously filed with the Commission a Form F-X in connection with the registration of Common Shares.

EXHIBITS

        The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:

Exhibit Number Title
1. Consent of KPMG LLP
99.1 Certification of William G. Star, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act
99.2 Certification of W. Shaun Jackson, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act
99.3 Certification of William G. Star, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350)
99.4 Certification of W. Shaun Jackson, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350)
99.5 Page 74 of the 2003 Annual Report of Kingsway Financial Services Inc.
99.6 Page 75 of the 2003 Annual Report of Kingsway Financial Services Inc.

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 40-F and has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
 
 
 
 
May 11, 2004 By: /s/ W. Shaun Jackson
     ________________________________
      W. Shaun Jackson
      Executive Vice President and
      Chief Financial Officer

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Number Document Sequential
Page Number
 
1. Consent of KPMG LLP 122
 
99.1 Certification of William G. Star, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act 124
 
99.2 Certification of W. Shaun Jackson, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act 125
 
99.3 Certification of William G. Star, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350) 126
 
99.4 Certification of W. Shaun Jackson, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350) 127
 
99.5 Page 74 of the 2003 Annual Report of Kingsway Financial Services Inc. 128
 
99.6 Page 75 of the 2003 Annual Report of Kingsway Financial Services Inc. 129