Summary of Kingsway Financial Services Inc (KFS) 2025 Investor Day Company Overview - **Company**: Kingsway Financial Services Inc (KFS) - **Event**: 2025 Investor Day held on May 19, 2025 - **Location**: New York Stock Exchange Core Industry and Business Model - Kingsway operates as a publicly traded U.S. firm leveraging the search fund model to acquire and build businesses, focusing on quality services companies that generate recurring revenue and have strong margins [6][7][45] - The search fund model, also known as entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA), has historically delivered annual returns in the mid-30% range, with a reported 35% internal rate of return (IRR) [8][9] - The company targets small businesses with EBITDA between $1 million to $3 million, acquiring them at 4.5 to 6.5 times EBITDA [13] Strategic Focus and Growth Opportunities - Kingsway is positioned to capitalize on the "silver tsunami" of retiring business owners, with nearly $4.8 trillion of wealth expected to change hands over the next two decades [14][16] - The company aims to fill the gap left by lower middle market private equity firms that often avoid deals where the owner wants to step away, creating favorable dynamics for search fund entrepreneurs [16] - Kingsway's strategy includes a self-funding growth flywheel: acquiring businesses, investing in growth, and reinvesting cash flow to fund further acquisitions [33][35] Recent Acquisitions and Performance - Recent acquisitions include Image Solutions, Bud's Plumbing, and SPI, with a focus on enhancing operational performance and expanding market reach [50][52][54] - Revenue for KSX was up 23% in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, primarily due to the acquisition of Image Solutions [53] - Adjusted EBITDA also increased by 23%, indicating strong performance across acquired businesses [54] Financial Metrics and Valuation - Kingsway's current run rate adjusted EBITDA is approximately $18 million to $19 million [40] - The company maintains a disciplined approach to acquisitions, typically targeting mid-single-digit EBITDA multiples, ensuring a margin of safety through business quality rather than price paid [42] Kingsway Business System (KBS) - KBS is a framework designed to support newly acquired companies in achieving operational excellence and sustainable growth [63][66] - The system focuses on four pillars: talent acquisition, strategic planning, enterprise excellence, and growth [66][70] - KBS provides tools and resources for CEOs to improve performance, including talent mapping, KPI management, and structured problem-solving methodologies [71][73] Advisory Board and Leadership - Kingsway boasts a world-class advisory board, including seasoned experts like Tom Joyce, former CEO of Danaher Corporation, who provides strategic guidance and mentorship [28][22] - The company emphasizes the importance of attracting top-quality entrepreneurial talent and providing robust support to ensure successful leadership transitions [21][24] Tax Advantages and Financial Structure - Kingsway has accumulated approximately $622 million in net operating loss carryforwards, providing significant tax advantages that enhance cash flow and returns [31][32] - As a public company, Kingsway benefits from permanent equity capital, allowing for long-term investments without the pressure of a fund timetable [23][47] Conclusion - Kingsway Financial Services Inc is uniquely positioned to leverage the search fund model for growth, with a strong track record, disciplined investment criteria, and a comprehensive support system for its operators [46][48] - The company is well-prepared to capitalize on the upcoming wave of business transitions and continues to seek new acquisition opportunities to drive long-term shareholder value [45][39]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue for Q1 2025 was $28.3 million, an increase of 8.4% compared to $26.2 million in Q1 2024 [16] - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA declined by $800,000 year-over-year, reflecting lower profitability in the extended warranty segment and higher holdcoat costs [16] - Trailing twelve month adjusted run rate EBITDA for the businesses, including recent acquisitions, stands at approximately $18 million to $19 million [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Kingsway Search Accelerator (KSX) segment, revenue was $11.7 million, up 23.3% year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA also increasing by 23.3% [18] - Extended warranty segment revenue was flat at $16.7 million compared to Q1 2024, but cash sales increased by 3.7% year-over-year [21] - Adjusted EBITDA for the extended warranty segment was $800,000, down from $1.4 million in the prior year [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cash sales in the extended warranty segment showed a sequential increase of 9.3% from year-end [21] - Trailing twelve month modified cash EBITDA for the extended warranty segment was up 11.7% year-over-year [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to compound long-term shareholder value through a decentralized management model and acquisitions of high-quality service companies [5] - Recent acquisitions, including Bud's Plumbing and Viewpoint, are expected to enhance the KSX platform and provide additional growth levers [10][9] - The company is focused on expanding its deal pipeline, which is currently the most active it has ever been [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the growth trajectory of the KSX segment, indicating that many businesses are nearing an inflection point for accelerated growth [13] - The extended warranty segment is entering a more favorable phase of recovery, with positive signs of cash sales growth [14] - Management highlighted the importance of patience in realizing value creation from investments in growth [40] Other Important Information - The company appointed two new independent directors to strengthen corporate governance [11] - A $6 million private placement was completed to fund the Bud's Plumbing acquisition, increasing total debt to $59.5 million [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide any color on the Viewpoint acquisition and its strategic fit? - The acquisition was sourced by Drew at SPI and strategically fits by providing a cloud-native software solution for smaller resort operators in North America while expanding geographic reach [33] Question: Can you explain the J curve with search acquisitions? - The J curve represents the initial negative impact on profitability due to investments in talent and technology, followed by a period of growth as these investments pay off [37] Question: Can you share more about the robust deal pipeline? - The company has experienced operators building their M&A pipelines and is excited about potential acquisitions in fragmented markets [41] Question: Why is the owner of Bud's staying on for a one-year transition? - This is typical and desirable in search acquisitions to ensure a smooth transition of customer relationships and institutional knowledge [43] Question: Are there other industries targeted for platforms? - The company evaluates industries based on growth potential and operator fit, considering sectors like insurance brokerage and wealth management for future platforms [46]