Item 1. Financial Statements
Item 1. Financial Statements
KESTREL GROUP LTD
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
September 30,
2025 December 31,
2024
ASSETS (Unaudited) (Audited)
Investments:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (Amortized cost: 2025 - $ 197,941 )
$ 198,658 $ —
Equity securities, at fair value (Cost: 2025 - $ 11,145 )
11,350 —
Equity method investments 32,518 —
Other investments
171,791 —
Total investments 414,317 —
Cash and cash equivalents 12,890 4,286
Restricted cash and cash equivalents 27,634 —
Accrued investment income 5,076 —
Reinsurance balances receivable, net (includes $ 7,712 from related parties in 2025). Allowance for expected credit losses: 2025 - $ 229 )
9,706 —
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses (Allowance for expected credit losses: 2025 - $ 1,459 )
492,790 —
Net loan receivable from related party 101,689 —
Intangible assets (includes $ 9,169 from related parties in 2025)
10,370 —
Funds withheld receivable (Allowance for expected credit losses: 2025 - $ 9 )
11,941 —
Other assets 24,872 1,224
Assets held for sale 19,155 —
Total assets
$ 1,130,440 $ 5,510
LIABILITIES
Reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses (includes $ 589,815 from related parties in 2025)
$ 677,667 $ —
Unearned premiums (includes $ 19,401 from related parties in 2025)
19,615 —
Liability for securities purchased 11,692 —
Accrued expenses and other liabilities (includes $ 68,508 and $ 0 from related parties in 2025 and 2024, respectively)
102,874 904
Senior notes - principal amount 262,361 —
Less: unamortized fair value adjustment 88,277 —
Senior notes, net 174,084 —
Liabilities held for sale 734 —
Total liabilities
986,666 904
Commitments and Contingencies
EQUITY
Common shares ($ 0.01 par value; 2025: 9,979,477 and 2024 - 2,749,996 shares issued; 2025: 7,741,943 and 2024 - 2,749,996 shares outstanding)
100 27
Additional paid-in capital 177,101 10,107
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
( 916 ) —
Retained Earnings (accumulated deficit) 18,952 ( 5,528 )
Treasury shares, at cost (2025: 2,237,534 shares)
( 51,463 ) —
Total shareholders’ equity
143,774 4,606
Total liabilities and equity
$ 1,130,440 $ 5,510
See accompanying notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
KESTREL GROUP LTD
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share data)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2025 2024 2025 2024
Revenues
Gross premiums written
$ 3,760 $ — $ 4,856 $ —
Net premiums written
$ 3,895 $ — $ 4,990 $ —
Change in unearned premiums
2,941 — 4,268 —
Net premiums earned
6,836 — 9,258 —
Fee revenue
1,621 700 2,972 2,457
Net investment income
3,494 52 5,059 170
Net realized and unrealized investment gains
5,494 — 6,552 —
Total revenues
17,445 752 23,841 2,627
Expenses
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
10,406 — 4,445 —
Commission and other acquisition expenses
1,718 — 2,112 —
General and administrative expenses
10,783 1,181 17,006 3,980
Interest and amortization expenses
4,128 — 5,647 —
Change in fair value of earn out liability ( 2,679 ) — — —
Gain on bargain purchase — — ( 73,590 ) —
Foreign exchange and other (gains) losses
( 2,854 ) — 2,155 —
Total expenses
21,502 1,181 ( 42,225 ) 3,980
Net (loss) income before income taxes
( 4,057 ) ( 429 ) 66,066 ( 1,353 )
Less: income tax expense
7 — 102 —
Interest in loss of equity method investments
( 24 ) — ( 24 ) —
Net (loss) income from continuing operations
( 4,088 ) ( 429 ) 65,940 ( 1,353 )
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax ( 965 ) — ( 1,460 ) —
Net (loss) income
$ ( 5,053 ) $ ( 429 ) $ 64,480 $ ( 1,353 )
Basic and diluted (loss) earnings from continuing operations per share attributable to Kestrel common shareholders
$ ( 0.53 ) $ ( 0.16 ) $ 12.99 $ ( 0.49 )
Basic and diluted loss from discontinued operations per share attributable to Kestrel common shareholders
( 0.12 ) — ( 0.29 ) —
Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to Kestrel common shareholders
$ ( 0.65 ) $ ( 0.16 ) $ 12.70 $ ( 0.49 )
Weighted average number of common shares - basic and diluted 7,741,943 2,749,996 5,053,828 2,749,996
See accompanying notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
KESTREL GROUP LTD
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2025 2024 2025 2024
Net (loss) income $ ( 5,053 ) $ ( 429 ) $ 64,480 $ ( 1,353 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Net unrealized holdings gains on AFS fixed maturities
239 — 717 —
Net unrealized gains on held for sale fixed maturities ( 20 ) — ( 13 ) —
Foreign currency translation adjustment ( 1,694 ) — ( 1,620 ) —
Other comprehensive loss, before tax
( 1,475 ) — ( 916 ) —
Income tax expense related to components of other comprehensive income — — — —
Other comprehensive loss, after tax
( 1,475 ) — ( 916 ) —
Comprehensive (loss) income
$ ( 6,528 ) $ ( 429 ) $ 63,564 $ ( 1,353 )
See accompanying notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
5
KESTREL GROUP LTD
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2025 2024 2025 2024
Common shares
Beginning balance
$ 100 $ 27 $ 27 $ 27
Shares issued on Combination Agreement — — 73 —
Ending balance
100 27 100 27
Additional paid-in capital
Beginning balance
176,885 10,047 10,107 10,047
Share-based compensation expense 216 — 455 —
Shares issued as consideration for Combination — — 166,539 —
Ending balance
177,101 10,047 177,101 10,047
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Beginning balance
559 — — —
Change in net unrealized investment gains
219 — 704 —
Foreign currency translation adjustment
( 1,694 ) — ( 1,620 ) —
Ending balance
( 916 ) — ( 916 ) —
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
Beginning balance
24,005 ( 5,161 ) ( 5,528 ) ( 4,237 )
Net (loss) income ( 5,053 ) ( 429 ) 64,480 ( 1,353 )
Distribution to shareholders — — ( 40,000 ) —
Ending balance
18,952 ( 5,590 ) 18,952 ( 5,590 )
Treasury shares
Beginning balance
( 51,463 ) — — —
Shares issued to Maiden Reinsurance — — ( 51,463 ) —
Ending balance
( 51,463 ) — ( 51,463 ) —
Total shareholders' equity
$ 143,774 $ 4,484 $ 143,774 $ 4,484
See accompanying notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
6
KESTREL GROUP LTD
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 2024
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)
$ 64,480 $ ( 1,353 )
Less: net loss from discontinued operations
1,460 —
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Other non-cash expenses (credit losses, depreciation, amortization, share-based compensation, leases) ( 18 ) 51
Interest in loss of equity method investments
24 —
Net realized and unrealized investment gains
( 6,552 ) —
Gain on bargain purchase ( 73,590 ) —
Foreign exchange and other losses
2,155 —
Changes in assets – (increase) decrease:
Reinsurance balances receivable, net 730 —
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 5,368 —
Accrued investment income ( 945 ) —
Funds withheld receivable ( 1,231 ) —
Other assets ( 646 ) 1,835
Changes in liabilities – increase (decrease):
Reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses ( 47,246 ) —
Unearned premiums ( 4,307 ) —
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 31,815 ( 1,585 )
Net cash used in continuing operations ( 28,503 ) ( 1,052 )
Net cash used in discontinued operations ( 1,933 ) —
Net cash used in operating activities
( 30,436 ) ( 1,052 )
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of fixed maturities ( 139,666 ) —
Purchases of other investments ( 7,458 ) —
Purchases of equity method investments ( 604 ) —
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities 15,190 —
Proceeds from maturities, paydowns and calls of fixed maturities 149,346 —
Proceeds from sale and redemption of other investments 1,065 —
Cash acquired from purchase of business 79,807 —
Net loan receivable from related party 6,750 —
Others, net ( 18 ) —
Net cash provided by investing activities
104,412 —
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid – Kestrel equityholders ( 40,000 ) —
Net cash used in financing activities
( 40,000 ) —
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents 496 —
Net increase (decrease) in cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents
34,472 ( 1,052 )
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 4,286 5,553
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents, end of period 38,758 4,501
Less: change in cash and cash equivalents held for sale ( 1,766 ) —
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents, end of period, excluding held-for-sale $ 40,524 $ 4,501
Reconciliation of cash and restricted cash reported within Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 12,890 $ 4,501
Restricted cash and cash equivalents, end of period 27,634 —
Total cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 40,524 $ 4,501
See accompanying notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
7
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
1. Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Kestrel Group Ltd ("Parent Company" or "Kestrel Group") and its subsidiaries (the "Company" or "Kestrel"). They have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.
These interim unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim period and all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative, if annualized, of those to be expected for the full year. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Kestrel Group Ltd transitioned from Article 5 to Article 7 of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the SEC since its core business fundamentally shifted from a general commercial operation to primarily functioning as an insurance company under its recent business combination as discussed further below. This change in SEC filing status necessitated significant adjustments to how the Company presents its balance sheet, income statement and other financial statements, to align with the specific requirements of Article 7 for insurance companies. As a result, the Company's assets, liabilities, and equity accounts have been reclassified to fit the new presentation requirements under Article 7. Certain prior year comparatives have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. The effect of these reclassifications had no impact on previously reported shareholders' equity or net income, except the 2024 Kestrel equity was recast to conform with the current number of common shares issued to Kestrel equityholders and revised equity structure. Please see section on Accounting Treatment for the Combination for further details on reclassifications.
Introductory Note
On May 27, 2025, Kestrel Group LLC (“Kestrel LLC”) and Maiden Holdings, Ltd. (“Maiden”) completed their previously announced combination agreement ("Combination"), forming a new, publicly listed specialty program company operating under the name Kestrel Group Ltd. The Combination, which had been previously announced on December 30, 2024, effectuated the transaction via the formation of a new Bermuda holding company, Bermuda Ranger Topco Ltd. ("Bermuda NewCo"). Both Kestrel LLC and Maiden completed a series of transactions to become indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Bermuda NewCo, and upon the closing of the transactions, Bermuda NewCo was renamed “Kestrel Group Ltd” and rebranded as Kestrel Group and is the successor company to Maiden.
Maiden shares ceased trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market ("Nasdaq") at close of market on May 27, 2025 and Kestrel Group shares began trading on the Nasdaq on May 28, 2025 under the ticker symbol “KG”. The Combination creates a capital light, fee-based insurance platform with the ability to selectively deploy underwriting capacity to optimize shareholder returns.
As of September 30, 2025, Maiden Reinsurance Ltd. (“Maiden Reinsurance”) owns approximately 22.4 % of the Company's total outstanding common shares, which is eliminated for accounting and financial reporting purposes in our condensed consolidated financial statements. On April 29, 2025, Maiden shareholders approved a proposal to remove the 9.5 % voting limitation at the Company's special general meeting of its shareholders ("Special Meeting"). The ownership of the common shares by Maiden Reinsurance was made in compliance with Maiden Reinsurance's investment policy and approved by the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation ("Vermont DFR"). On April 29, 2025, all proposals related to Maiden’s business combination with Kestrel were approved by Maiden’s shareholders.
Pursuant to the terms of the Combination, at the closing of the transaction on May 27, 2025, each issued and outstanding common share of Maiden, par value $ 0.01 per share, was automatically canceled and converted into the right to receive one-twentieth ( 0.05 ) of a common share in Kestrel Group. Please see Note 6. Shareholders' Equity for details of authorized share capital under the combined company.
The equityholders of Kestrel LLC at the closing date received an aggregate of $ 40.0 million in upfront cash and 2,749,996 common shares of the combined company. In addition, the former equityholders of Kestrel Group LLC remain entitled to receive contingent consideration up to the lesser of (x) $ 45.0 million payable in common shares of Kestrel Group upon the achievement of certain financial milestones, and (y) 2.75 million common shares of Kestrel Group.
Following completion of the Combination, the board of directors of Kestrel Group consists of seven directors, made up of four directors selected by Kestrel Intermediate Ledbetter Holdings LLC, two of whom are independent under applicable securities laws and stock exchange rules, and three directors selected by AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. (“AmTrust”), two of whom are independent under applicable securities laws and stock exchange rules. Please see Note 10. Related Party Transactions for information regarding the Company's relationship with AmTrust.
Legacy Reinsurance Operations
The Combination was completed with both parties in receipt of necessary regulatory approvals, including from the Vermont DFR which included approval for the extraordinary dividend required to complete the transaction. Under the conditions stipulated in the Vermont DFR approval, Maiden Reinsurance is no longer permitted to include the intercompany loan receivable from Maiden Holdings (and related accrued interest) as an admitted asset for statutory capital and reporting purposes.
8
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
1. Basis of Presentation (continued)
As a result, Maiden Reinsurance's ratio of risk-based capital to total adjusted capital was significantly reduced, which remains sufficient to not only support the dividends related to the Combination with Kestrel and recurring annual dividends (and which require prior approval by the Vermont DFR) but the ability to selectively underwrite business in support of the Company's Program Services segment in the future.
Accounting Treatment for the Combination
Maiden was the legal acquirer of Kestrel. However, as a result of the terms of the Combination, for accounting purposes, the transaction is treated as a reverse acquisition and accounted for using the acquisition method in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations . This determination is primarily based on the following factors: 1) the former Kestrel LLC equityholders have the ability to nominate a majority of the members of the board of directors of the combined company and 2) subsequent to consummation of the transaction, when combined with common shares held by Maiden Reinsurance, of which Luke Ledbetter (acting in his capacity as President of Maiden Reinsurance) is authorized and has the discretion to vote on behalf of Maiden Reinsurance, the former Kestrel LLC equityholders have a majority of the voting rights of the combined company. As such, Maiden is treated as the acquired company for accounting purposes.
Accordingly, for financial reporting purposes, the net assets of Kestrel LLC are stated at historical carrying values and its condensed consolidated financial statements are presented as the predecessor to the combined company in the historical financial statements following consummation of the transaction on May 27, 2025. The assets and liabilities of Maiden are recorded at their fair values measured as of the acquisition date. Any excess of the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired over the purchase price is recorded as a gain on bargain purchase. Based on final fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, a bargain purchase gain of $ 73,590 was recognized in this transaction. The operating results of Maiden are only presented within the consolidated results of Kestrel from the date of acquisition going forward. Please refer to Note 15. Business Combination for additional details regarding the accounting treatment for the Combination.
Program Service Operations
Kestrel specializes in providing fronting services to insurance program managers, managing general agents (MGAs), reinsurers, and reinsurance brokers. Kestrel facilitates insurance transactions utilizing its exclusive management contracts with four insurance carriers, all of which are rated A- “Excellent” by A.M. Best. These contracts enable Kestrel LLC to offer both admitted and surplus lines in all U.S. states. Kestrel LLC generally does not assume significant underwriting risk and produces lines of business such as casualty, workers’ compensation, catastrophe-exposed property, and non-catastrophe-exposed property, with diverse risk durations, sizes, and product types.
As noted, Kestrel will continue to write business through its exclusive use of four A.M. Best A- FSC XV insurance carriers, Sierra Specialty Insurance Company, Rochdale Insurance Company, Park National Insurance Company and Republic Fire and Casualty Insurance Company (collectively, “AmTrust Insurance Companies”), all subsidiaries of AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. (“AmTrust”). Pursuant to the terms of the Combination Agreement, Kestrel retains the option to acquire the AmTrust Insurance Companies from AmTrust for a period of up to three years after closing of the Combination. AmTrust is a significant shareholder of Kestrel Group. Please see Note 10. Related Party Transactions for further information regarding the Company's relationship with AmTrust.
Legacy Reinsurance Operations
The Company does not presently underwrite prospective reinsurance risks but may consider selectively deploying underwriting capacity in support of the Company's program services operations to optimize shareholder returns. The Company has various historic reinsurance programs underwritten by Maiden Reinsurance which are in run-off, including liabilities associated with AmTrust reinsurance agreements which were terminated in 2019 as discussed in Note 10. Related Party Transactions . In addition, the Company has a retroactive reinsurance agreement and a commutation agreement that further reduces its exposure and limits the potential volatility related to AmTrust liabilities, as further discussed in Note 8. Reinsurance .
The Company is also running off certain business related to its Genesis Legacy Solutions ("GLS") platform. In November 2020, Maiden formed its indirect wholly owned subsidiary GLS, which specialized in providing a full range of legacy services to small insurance entities, particularly those in run-off or with blocks of reserves that are no longer core to those companies' operations, working with clients to develop and implement finality solutions including acquiring entire companies. Having completed the capital commitment made to GLS in November 2020, Maiden did not commit any additional capital to new opportunities and continues to run-off the existing accounts underwritten by GLS. GLS continues to wind down the remaining open accounts, with one reinsurance agreement remaining open and one entity completing its run-off.
Short-term income protection business was written on a primary basis by our wholly owned subsidiaries Maiden Life Försäkrings AB ("Maiden LF") and Maiden General Försäkrings AB ("Maiden GF") in the Scandinavian and Northern European markets. On November 29, 2024, Maiden entered into an agreement to sell Maiden LF and Maiden GF to a group of international insurance and reinsurance companies headquartered in the United Kingdom. Maiden GF and Maiden LF were the principal operating subsidiaries of the Company’s International Insurance Services (“IIS”) platform. The transaction was subject to customary regulatory approvals. In June 2025, the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (“SFSA”) declined to approve the sale of Maiden GF and Maiden LF. The proposed acquirer whose application was denied by the SFSA and Maiden have now entered into an amended sale agreement for the acquisition of only Maiden GF at the previously agreed valuation, The proposed acquirer believes it will satisfactorily address the deficiencies identified by the SFSA in its June 2025 decision. This amended transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals.
9
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
1. Basis of Presentation (continued)
The sale will continue to be an all-cash transaction and pursuant to the proposed terms of the agreement, certain existing staff of Maiden GF will transition to the proposed acquirer. In the wake of the decision of the SFSA, management continues to evaluate strategic alternatives for that business as well as Maiden LF, including a possible sale to a different third-party or a possible run-off and liquidation of the entity. Maiden LF and Maiden GF are not writing any new business and their non-insurance related assets and liabilities are represented as held-for-sale in our condensed consolidated financial statements. Please refer to "Note 14. Assets Held for Sale" for additional information regarding the effect of the pending transactions on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Except as explicitly described as held for sale or as discontinued operations, and unless otherwise noted, all discussions and amounts presented herein relate to the Company's continuing operations except for net income, and net income attributable to Kestrel common shareholders.
10
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The following contains a description of the Company's significant accounting policies for the nine months ended September 30, 2025:
Basis of Reporting and Consolidation — These Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP") and include the accounts of Kestrel Group and all of its subsidiaries. These Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the period and all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. Certain prior year comparatives have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. The effect of these reclassifications had no impact on previously reported shareholders' equity or net income.
For financial reporting purposes, the net assets of Kestrel Group are stated at historical carrying values and its condensed consolidated financial statements are presented as the predecessor to the combined company in the historical financial statements following consummation of the transaction on May 27, 2025. The assets and liabilities of Maiden are recorded at the fair values measured as of the acquisition date. The operating results of Maiden are only presented within the consolidated results of Kestrel from the date of acquisition going forward. Please refer to Note 15. Business Combination for additional details regarding the accounting treatment for the Combination Agreement.
Estimates — The preparation of U.S. GAAP Consolidated Financial Statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported and disclosed amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. The significant estimates include, but are not limited to, reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses ("loss and LAE"); unearned premium for AmTrust, recoverability of reinsurance balances receivable, reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, and funds withheld receivable; valuation of financial instruments and deferred tax assets; and the determination of an allowance for estimated credit losses on certain types of financial instruments which requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. Other significant estimates are related to the Combination Agreement including the value of business acquired ("VOBA") and the earn out liability, both of which are discussed in Note 15. Business Combination.
Short-term investments - These investments are comprised of securities due to mature within one year of the date of purchase. The Company held no short-term investments as at September 30, 2025 and 2024.
Equity securities - Equity securities currently include privately held common and preferred stocks. Privately held common and preferred stocks are valued using significant inputs that are unobservable where there is little or no market activity. Unadjusted third party pricing sources or management's assumptions and internal valuation models may be used to determine their fair values. For investments without a readily determinable fair value, the measurement alternative can be elected to report the qualifying investment at cost, less impairment if any, plus or minus observable price changes in orderly transactions for an identical or similar investment of the same issuer.
Other investments — The Company accounts for its other investments at fair value in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") ASC 321 , Investments – Equity Securities ("ASC 321"). Other investments are comprised of the following types of investments:
• Privately held equity investments: These are direct equity investments in common and preferred stock of privately held entities. The fair values are estimated using guideline public company data to determine a price-to-book ratio trading multiple which was applied to book values shown on the quarterly financial statements as well as recent private market transactions. These investments are also comprised of investments in insurtech and other insurance focused companies. The fair value of start-up insurance entities are determined using recent private market transactions where applicable. Any changes in fair value are reported in net realized and unrealized gains (losses) and recognized in net earnings.
• Private credit funds: These are privately held equity investments in limited partnerships or common stock of entities that lend money valued using the most recently available or quarterly net asset value ("NAV") statements as provided by the external fund manager or third-party administrator. Any changes in fair value are reported in realized gains (losses) and recognized in net earnings.
• Private equity funds: These are comprised of private equity funds, private equity co-investments with sponsoring entities and investments in real estate limited partnerships and joint ventures . The fair value is estimated based on the most recently available NAV as advised by the external fund manager or third-party administrator. Any changes in fair value are reported in realized gains (losses) and recognized in net earnings.
• Investments in direct lending entities: These investments are carried at their fair market value with any changes in fair value reported in realized gains (losses) during the period.
• Equity method investments: The Company elected the fair value option for certain of its equity method investments, and these investments are reported at their fair values with any changes in fair value reported in realized and unrealized gains (losses) during the period. These are included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy due to unobservable market data used for valuation.
11
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
The valuation of other investments is further described in Note 5 — Fair Value Measurements . Due to a lag in the valuations of certain funds reported by the investment managers, the Company may record changes in valuation with up to a three-month lag. The Company regularly reviews and discusses fund performance with the investment managers or sponsors to corroborate the reasonableness of the reported NAV and to assess whether any events have occurred within the lag period that would affect the valuation of the investments.
Equity Method Investments — Investments in which the Company has significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee are classified as equity method investments and accounted for using the equity method of accounting. In applying the equity method of accounting, investments are initially recorded at cost and are subsequently adjusted based on the Company’s proportionate share of the investee's net income or loss, net of any contributions and distributions received. Adjustments are based on the most recent available financial information from the investee. Changes in the carrying value of equity method investments are recorded in net income (loss) as the interest in income (loss) of equity method investments. The Company records its share of the investee’s other comprehensive income ("OCI") activity based on its proportionate share of the investee's common stock or capital, and books any OCI activity directly to the equity method investments account, with the offset recorded to the Company's accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI").
Fixed Maturity Investments — The Company classifies its fixed maturity investments as available-for-sale ("AFS"). The AFS portfolio is reported at fair value and any unrealized gains or losses are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") in shareholders' equity. The fair value of fixed maturity investments is generally determined from quotations received from third-party nationally recognized pricing services ("Pricing Service"), or when such prices are not available, by reference to broker or underwriter bid indications.
Purchases and sales of investments are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains or losses on investment sales are determined based on the first in first out cost method. Net investment income is recognized when earned and includes accrued interest and dividend income together with amortization of market premiums and discounts using the constant yield method, net of investment management fees.
For U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities ("Agency MBS") and any other holdings for which there is a prepayment risk, prepayment assumptions are evaluated and revised as necessary. Any changes required due to movements in effective yields and maturities are recognized on a prospective basis through yield adjustments.
A security is potentially impaired when its fair value falls below its amortized cost. The Company evaluates AFS securities for impairment when fair value is below amortized cost on a quarterly basis. If the Company intends to sell or will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery, the full amount of the impairment loss is charged to net income (loss) and included in net investment gains (losses). If the Company does not intend to sell or will not be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery, an allowance for expected credit losses is established and the portion of the loss relating to credit factors is recorded in net income (loss). The non-credit impairment amount of the loss (which could be related to interest rates and/or market conditions) is recognized in other comprehensive income.
To estimate the allowance for expected credit losses for most of the AFS securities, the Company analyzes projected cash flows which are primarily driven by assumptions regarding loss severity, probability of default and projected recovery rates. The Company's determination of default and loss severity rates are based on credit rating, credit analysis and macroeconomic forecasts. Unrealized losses on securities issued or backed, either explicitly or implicitly by the U.S. government are not analyzed for credit losses. The Company has concluded that any possibility of a credit loss on these securities is highly unlikely due to the explicit U.S. government guarantee related to certain securities (e.g., Government National Mortgage Association issuances) and the implicit guarantee related to other securities that has been validated by past actions (e.g., U.S. government bailout of Federal National Mortgage Association and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation during the 2008 credit crisis). Although these securities are not analyzed for credit losses, they are evaluated for impairment based on the Company's intention to sell and likely to sell requirement.
As the Company's fixed maturity investment portfolio is a large component of its consolidated assets, any impairment of fixed maturity securities could be material to the Company's financial condition and results particularly during periods of dislocation in the financial markets.
Fair Value Measurements — ASC Topic 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures" ("ASC 820") defines fair value as the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between open market participants at the measurement date. Additionally, ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs:
• Level 1 — Valuations based on unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Because valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment. Examples of assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs include: U.S. Treasury bonds;
• Level 2 — Valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or valuations based on models where the significant inputs are observable (e.g. interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severity, etc.) or can be corroborated by observable market data.
12
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
• Examples of assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs include: U.S. government-sponsored agency securities; non-U.S. government and supranational obligations; commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS"); collateralized loan obligations ("CLO"); corporate and municipal bonds; and
• Level 3 — Valuations based on models where significant inputs are not observable. The unobservable inputs reflect our own assumptions about assumptions that market participants would use, developed on the basis of the best information available in the particular circumstances. Examples of assets and liabilities utilizing Level 3 inputs include: an investment in preference shares of a start-up insurance producer.
The availability of observable inputs can vary and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the applicable transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires significantly more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by management in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in the Level 3 hierarchy. The Company uses prices and inputs that are current as at the measurement date. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition could cause a financial instrument to be reclassified between hierarchy levels.
For investments that have quoted market prices in active markets, the Company uses the quoted market prices as fair value and includes these in the Level 1 hierarchy. The Company receives quoted market prices from a third party nationally recognized Pricing Service. When quoted market prices are unavailable, the Company utilizes the Pricing Service to determine an estimate of fair value. The fair value estimates are included in the Level 2 hierarchy. The Company will challenge any prices for its investments which are considered not to be representative of fair value. If quoted market prices and an estimate from the Pricing Service are unavailable, the Company produces an estimate of fair value based on dealer quotations for recent activity in positions with the same or similar characteristics to that investment being valued.
The Company determines whether the fair value estimate is in the Level 2 or Level 3 hierarchy depending on the level of observable inputs available when estimating the fair value. The Company bases its estimates of fair values for assets on the bid price as it represents what a third party market participant would be willing to pay in an orderly transaction.
ASC 825-10: Financial Instruments provides a measurement basis election for most financial instruments using a choice of either historical cost or fair value, including equity method investments, allowing reporting entities to mitigate potential mismatches that arise under the current mixed measurement attribute model. In connection with the Combination Agreement on May 27, 2025, the assets and liabilities of Maiden were recorded at their fair values measured as of the acquisition date. The Company has elected the fair value option for certain equity method investments and direct lending investments, and these investments are reported at their fair values as of September 30, 2025. Please see Note 4 (b). Investments for further details.
Cash and Cash Equivalents — The Company maintains cash accounts in several banks and brokerage institutions. Cash equivalents consist of investments in money market funds and short-term investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less and are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. Restricted cash and cash equivalents are separately reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company maintains certain cash and investments in trust accounts used primarily as collateral for unearned premiums and loss and LAE reserves owed to insureds. The Company is required to maintain minimum balances in these restricted accounts based on pre-determined formulas. Please see " Note 4. (e) Investments " for further details.
Premiums and Related Expenses — For pro-rata contracts and excess-of-loss contracts where no deposit or minimum premium is specified in the contract, premium written is recognized based on estimates of ultimate premiums provided by the ceding companies. Initial estimates of premium written are recognized in the period in which the underlying risks are incepted. Subsequent adjustments, based on reports of actual premium by the ceding companies, or revisions in estimates, are recorded in the period in which they are determined. Reinsurance premiums assumed are generally earned on a pro-rata basis over the terms of the underlying policies or reinsurance contracts. Contracts and policies written on a "losses occurring" basis cover claims that may occur during the term of the contract or policy, which is typically twelve months. Accordingly, the premium is earned evenly over the term. Contracts which are written on a "risks attaching" basis cover claims which attach to the underlying insurance policies written during the terms of such contracts. Premiums earned on such contracts usually extend beyond the original term of the reinsurance contract, typically resulting in recognition of premiums earned over a 24-month period.
Reinsurance premiums on specialty risk and extended warranty are earned based on the estimated program coverage period. These estimates are based on the expected distribution of coverage periods by contract at inception, because a single contract may contain multiple coverage period options, and these estimates are revised based on the actual coverage period selected by the original insured. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written which is applicable to the unexpired term of the contract or policy in force. These premiums can be subject to estimates based upon information received from ceding companies and any subsequent differences arising on such estimates are recorded in the period in which they are determined.
Assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts that lack a significant transfer of risk are treated as deposits. No deposit contracts are held as at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024.
Acquisition expenses represent the costs of writing business that vary with, and are primarily related to, the production of that business. Policy and contract acquisition expenses, including assumed commissions, are deferred and recognized as expense as the related premiums are earned. The Company considers anticipated investment income in determining the recoverability of these costs and believes they are fully recoverable. A premium deficiency will be recognized if the sum of anticipated loss and LAE, unamortized acquisition expenses less anticipated investment income exceed unearned premiums.
13
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Loss and LAE — Loss and LAE represent the estimated ultimate net costs of all reported and unreported losses incurred through December 31 of the latest fiscal year. The reserve for loss and LAE is estimated using a statistical analysis of actuarial data and is not discounted for the time value of money. Although considerable variability is inherent in the estimates of reserves for loss and LAE, management believes that the reserve for loss and LAE is adequate based on known information to date. In estimating loss reserves, the Company utilizes a variety of standard actuarial methods. These estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as necessary as experience develops or new information becomes available. Such adjustments are included and reported in current operations as favorable or unfavorable prior period development.
Reinsurance — Reinsurance premiums and loss and LAE ceded to other companies are accounted for on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for original policies issued and pursuant to the terms of the reinsurance contracts. The Company records premiums earned and loss and LAE incurred and ceded to other companies as reduction of premium revenue and loss and LAE, respectively. The unexpired portion of reinsurance purchased by the Company (retrocession or reinsurance premiums ceded) is included in other assets and amortized over the contract period in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided. The ultimate amount of premiums, including adjustments, is recognized as premiums ceded and amortized over the applicable contract period to which they apply.
Premiums earned are reported net of reinsurance in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses relate to the portion of reserves and paid losses and LAE that are ceded to other companies. Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses are separately recorded as an asset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company remains contingently liable for all loss payments in the event of failure to collect from reinsurers.
Earn Out Liability — The fair value of the earn out consideration contingent liability was determined through a probability-weighted analysis of the expected future cash flows and other applicable valuation techniques. Any changes in the fair value of the earn out liability are charged to net income (loss) during the period. Please see details for the earn out liability in Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q.
Intangible Assets — The fair value of intangible assets includes two components acquired as a result of the Combination:
• Value of business acquired ("VOBA"): The value of business acquired replaced deferred acquisition costs in the fair value accounting required under ASC 805. The VOBA asset reflects the expected profit or loss embedded in the unearned premium carried at the closing date and will be amortized over the earning pattern of the unearned premium reserve. The fair value of VOBA was determined after taking into consideration certain key assumptions, including the estimated cost of capital, investment yield, loss ratio and related expenses. Please see details for the VOBA in Note 15. Business Combination in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q which is recorded as part of Intangible Assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
• Fair value adjustment to historical loss reserves and LAE and reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses: The adjustment to record the estimated fair value of the reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses and reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses that were acquired under the Combination. This amount reflects a decrease to adjust to the present value of loss and loss adjustment expenses and reinsurance recoverable based on estimated payout patterns, partially offset by an increase in net loss and loss adjustment expenses to the estimated market-based risk margin. The risk margin represents the estimated cost of capital required by a market participant to assume the net loss and loss adjustment expenses. The fair value of the net reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses was determined using certain key assumptions, including the estimated cost of capital and investment yield. This is amortized based on the claims settlement and timing of reinsurance recovery payments. Please see details for the fair value discount on reserves and recoverables in Note 15. Business Combination in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q which is recorded as part of Intangible Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Retroactive Reinsurance - Retroactive reinsurance agreements are those in which a reinsurer agrees to reimburse the ceding company for liabilities incurred as a result of past insurable loss events. The Company does not record any income or expense on recognition of the reinsurance contract's assets and liabilities at inception, except for any gains realized as a result of bargain purchase acquisitions which are recorded as part of foreign exchange and other gains (losses) immediately in income during the period it arises. Any subsequent remeasurement of the value of liabilities is recorded to net loss and LAE in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
For a ceded retroactive agreement, the excess of the amounts ultimately collectible under the agreement over the consideration paid is recognized as a deferred gain liability which is amortized into income over the settlement period of the ceded reserves once the paid losses have exceeded the minimum retention. The amount of the deferral is recalculated each period based on actual loss payments and updated estimates of ultimate losses. If the consideration paid exceeds the ultimate losses collectible under the agreement, the net loss on the retroactive reinsurance agreement is recognized within income immediately.
At the inception of a run-off retroactive reinsurance contract, if the estimated undiscounted ultimate losses payable are in excess of the premiums received, a deferred charge asset is recorded for the excess; whereas, if the premiums received are in excess of the estimated undiscounted ultimate losses payable, a deferred gain liability is recorded for the excess, such that we do not record any gain or loss at the inception of these retroactive reinsurance contracts. The premium consideration that we charge the ceding companies under retroactive reinsurance contracts may be lower than the undiscounted estimated ultimate losses payable due to the time value of money. After receiving the premium consideration in full from cedents at the inception of the contract, the premiums received are invested over an extended period of time, thereby generating investment income.
14
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
The Company expects to generate profits from these retroactive reinsurance contracts when taking into account the premium received and expected investment income, less contractual obligations and expenses.
Deferred charge assets will be recorded in other assets (if and when applicable), and any deferred gain liabilities will be shown separately in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and amortized over the estimated claim payment period of the related contract with the periodic amortization reflected in income as a component of net loss and LAE. The amortization of deferred charge assets and deferred gain liabilities will be adjusted at each reporting period to reflect new estimates of the amount and timing of remaining loss and LAE payments. Changes in the estimated amount and timing of payments of unpaid losses may have an effect on the unamortized deferred charge assets and deferred gain liabilities and the amount of periodic amortization.
Leases — The Company's leases are all classified as operating leases and none of them have non-lease components. For operating leases that have a lease term of more than twelve months, the Company recognized a lease liability (presented as part of accrued expenses and other liabilities) and a right-of-use asset (presented as part of other assets) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at the present value of the remaining lease payments until expiration. As the lease contracts generally do not provide an implicit discount rate, the Company uses a weighted-average discount rate of 7.2 %, representing its estimated secured incremental borrowing rate, in calculating the present value of the lease liability. The Company has made an accounting policy election not to include renewal, termination, or purchase options that are not reasonably certain of exercise when determining the term of the borrowing. The Company recognizes the related leasing expense on a straight-line basis over the effective lease term in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income.
Depreciable Fixed Assets - The Company's depreciable fixed assets consist of furniture and equipment, computer hardware and software, including renewals and betterments, which are capitalized at their original cost, while maintenance and repairs are expensed on a current basis. Depreciation on furniture and equipment, computer hardware and software is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset after provision for salvage value, if any. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the effective lease term or useful life, whichever is shorter, of the related leased assets.
Amortization of computer software and leasehold improvements and depreciation of furniture, equipment and computer hardware are included within general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of income. Upon retirement or other disposal of fixed assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective fixed asset accounts and any gains or losses are included in the consolidated statements of income.
Derivative Instruments — The Company has certain reinsurance contracts that are accounted for as derivatives. These reinsurance contracts provide indemnification to an insured or cedant as a result of a change in a variable as opposed to an identifiable insurable event. The Company considers these contracts to be part of its underwriting operations. The derivatives are initially valued at cost which approximates fair value. In subsequent measurement periods, the fair values of the underwriting-related derivatives are determined using internally developed discounted cash flow models using appropriate discount rates. The selection of an appropriate discount rate is judgmental and is the most significant unobservable input used in the valuation of these derivatives. A significant increase (decrease) in this input in isolation could result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement for the derivative contract. The fair value changes in underwriting-related derivative instruments is included within other insurance (expense) revenue.
The underwriting-related derivative liability is presented as part of accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and adjusted as a non-cash item in net cash flows from operating activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
Income Taxes — The Company accounts for income taxes using ASC Topic 740 " Income Taxes" for subsidiaries operating in taxable jurisdictions. Deferred income taxes reflect the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and amounts used for income tax purposes. A valuation allowance is recorded if it is more likely than not that some or all of a deferred tax asset may not be realized. The Company considers future taxable income and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a valuation allowance.
In the event the Company determines that it will not be able to realize all or part of its deferred income tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred income tax assets would be charged to income in the period in which such determination is made. In addition, if the Company subsequently assesses that the valuation allowance is no longer needed, a benefit would be recorded to income in the period in which such determination is made. U.S. GAAP allows for the recognition of tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is more likely than not to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities.
A liability is established for any tax benefit claimed in a tax return in excess of this threshold. Income tax related interest and penalties would be included as income tax expense. The Company has not recorded or accrued any interest or penalties during the periods ended September 30, 2025 and 2024.
Share-Based Compensation Expense — Pursuant to the 2025 Equity Incentive Plan, the Company is authorized to issue restricted share awards and performance-based restricted shares, share options and other equity-based awards to its employees and directors. The Company recognizes the compensation expense for share options and restricted share grants based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant, over the requisite service vesting period. Forfeitures are accounted for if and when they occur. The estimated fair value of the grant is amortized ratably over its vesting period as a charge to compensation expense (as a component of general and administrative expenses) and an increase to additional paid-in capital in the Condensed Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity.
15
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Earnings Per Share — Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and exclude any dilutive effects of share options, and unvested restricted shares units. Dilutive earnings per share are computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period adjusted for the dilutive impact of share options. The two-class method is used to determine earnings per share based on dividends declared on common shares and participating securities (i.e. distributed earnings) and participation rights of participating securities in any undistributed earnings. Each unvested restricted share granted by the Company to certain employees and directors is considered a participating security and the two-class method is used to calculate net income attributable to common shareholders per common share – basic and diluted. However, any undistributed losses are not allocated to the participating securities.
Treasury Shares — Treasury shares include common shares owned by Maiden Reinsurance which are eliminated for accounting and financial reporting purposes in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2025. Since treasury shares are not considered outstanding for share count purposes, the common shares held by Maiden Reinsurance are excluded from the average number of common shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share.
Foreign Currency Transactions — The functional currency of the Company and many of its subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. For these companies, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at year-end exchange rates, with resulting foreign exchange gains and losses recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Revenues and expenses in foreign currencies are converted at average exchange rates during the year. Monetary assets and liabilities include cash and cash equivalents, reinsurance balances receivable, reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, funds withheld receivable, reserve for loss and LAE and accrued expenses and other liabilities. Accounts that are classified as non-monetary such as unearned premiums are not revalued.
Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries and divisions, whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, are translated at exchange rates at the end of the reporting period. Revenues and expenses of these entities are translated at average exchange rates during the reporting period. The effects of the foreign currency translation adjustment for foreign entities are included in AOCI. The amount of the cumulative translation adjustment at September 30, 2025 was $( 1,620 ).
Revenue Recognition - Fee Revenue
In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Kestrel recognizes revenue for each separately identifiable performance obligation in a contract representing a promise to transfer a distinct good or service to a customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration Kestrel expects to receive in exchange for providing services to customers and is generally governed by a capacity distribution agreement as a specified percentage of the premium.
Capacity distribution fees are collected from program managers or MGAs for the placement of an effective insurance policy on behalf of the Company's customer. These agreements may also include other provisions, such as minimum fee arrangements or cancellation provisions, which may impact revenue recognition.
The establishment and maintenance of an Authorized Program on behalf of our customer, as well as the resulting placement of effective insurance policies, are considered a single performance obligation. The customer obtains control over the services promised by the Company at the effective date of bound insurance coverage. The Company recognizes revenue when control of the promised services is transferred to the customer in the amount that best reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services.
Except for contractual arrangements with minimum annual fees, the effective date of bound insurance coverage is considered the point in time when Kestrel’s performance obligation is met. Control passes to the customer at the effective date of bound insurance coverage, at which point the customer has accepted the services. For contractual arrangements with minimum annual fees, Kestrel amortizes the minimum fee over the contract period.
At September 30, 2025, the amount of contract assets was $ 1,605 which is included in Other Assets on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets (December 31, 2024 - $ 968 ). Please see Note 3. Segment Information for further details.
Discontinued Operations
Under the accounting guidance contained in Accounting Standards Codification Topic 205, a business that, upon acquisition, meets the held-for-sale criteria is not analyzed under the strategic shift test. Instead, it is reported in discontinued operations automatically based on its held-for-sale classification. The strategic shift test does not apply because the acquired businesses were not previously part of Kestrel Group, the acquiring entity, and are currently classified as held-for-sale on the acquisition date. Therefore, the unaudited condensed consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 exclude the non-insurance related operations of Maiden GF and Maiden LF because those businesses are not considered part of Kestrel’s continuing operations. Please refer to Note 14. Assets Held for Sale for further information on the discontinued operations related to Maiden GF and Maiden LF.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
Effective January 1, 2025, the Company adopted Accounting Standard Updates ("ASU") 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805) , Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2021-08”), which requires contract assets and contract liabilities (i.e., deferred revenue) acquired in a business combination to be recognized and measured by the acquirer on the acquisition date. Generally, this guidance will result in the accounting acquirer recognizing contract assets and contract liabilities at the same amounts recorded by the accounting acquiree. With adoption of ASU 2021-08, the Company did not acquire any contract liabilities under Topic 606.
16
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures
In December 2023, FASB issued ASU 2023-09 "Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures" an amendment of Income Taxes (Topic 740). The amendments in this ASU require the Company to provide disclosures on an annual basis that (1) disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and (2) provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. The amendments in this Update also require that the Company disclose on an annual basis the amount of income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by federal (national), state, and foreign taxes, and the amount of income taxes paid disaggregated by individual jurisdictions in which income taxes paid is equal to or greater than five percent of total income taxes paid (net of refunds received). Finally, the amendments in this Update require that all entities disclose the income (or loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense (or benefit) disaggregated between domestic and foreign; and income tax expense (or benefit) from continuing operations disaggregated by federal (national), state, and foreign. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is still evaluating the guidance provided by this Update, however, it is not anticipated to have any material impact on its current annual tax disclosures.
Expense Disaggregation Disclosures
In November 2024, FASB issued ASU 2024-03 "Expense Disaggregation Disclosures" an amendment of Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Subtopic 220-40). The amendments in this Update improve financial reporting by requiring that public business entities disclose additional information about specific expense categories in the notes to financial statements at interim and annual reporting periods which is generally not presented in today's income statements. In particular, all public companies must disclose the amounts of (a) purchases of inventory, (b) employee compensation, (c) depreciation, and (d) intangible asset amortization that is included in each relevant expense caption.
The amendments in this Update are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments in this Update should be applied either (1) prospectively to financial statements issued for reporting periods after the effective date of this Update or (2) retrospectively to any or all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company does not plan to early adopt ASU 2024-03 and will provide the required expense disclosures on a prospective basis. At this time, the Company anticipates that further expense information on employee compensation will be the primary requirement under this ASU.
17
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
3. Segment Information
As a result of the the Company's recently completed Combination, Kestrel has two reportable segments: Program Services segment and the Legacy Reinsurance segment. Our Program Services reportable segment consists of a cohesive suite of fronting services that are integrated and interdependent. This revenue stream is highly concentrated due to capacity distribution agreements with an individual customer. Capacity distribution fees are collected from program managers or MGAs for providing support services and granting contractual access to our insurance carrier network and are considered a single performance obligation. Support services provided for these insurance and reinsurance brokerage arrangements include compliance and regulatory reporting and administrative support which culminate in the placement of bound insurance coverage. Kestrel considers these arrangements a single revenue stream.
Our Legacy Reinsurance reportable segment consists of the AmTrust Reinsurance and Diversified Reinsurance segments previously reported by Maiden prior to the Combination with Kestrel. The AmTrust portion of this reportable segment includes all business ceded to Maiden Reinsurance by AmTrust, primarily the quota share reinsurance agreement (“AmTrust Quota Share”) between Maiden Reinsurance and AmTrust’s wholly owned subsidiary, AmTrust International Insurance, Ltd. (“AII”) and the European hospital liability quota share reinsurance contract ("European Hospital Liability Quota Share") with AmTrust’s wholly owned subsidiaries, AmTrust Europe Limited ("AEL") and AmTrust International Underwriters DAC ("AIU DAC"), which are both in run-off effective January 1, 2019. Please refer to Note 10. Related Party Transactions for additional information regarding these agreements. The Diversified portion of this reportable segment consists of a run-off portfolio of predominantly third-party property and casualty reinsurance business focusing on regional and specialty property and casualty insurance companies located primarily in Europe, as well as business produced by Maiden LF and Maiden GF along with transactions entered into by GLS as described in Note 1. Basis of Presentation under Maiden Legacy Operations.
The Company evaluates segment performance based on segment profit separately from results of our investment portfolio. Underwriting and fee income or loss is calculated as net premiums earned plus other insurance revenue less net loss and LAE, commission and other acquisition expenses. General and administrative expenses are allocated to the segments on an actual basis except salaries and benefits where management’s judgment is applied; however, general corporate expenses are not allocated to the reportable segments. In determining total assets by reportable segment, the Company identifies those assets that are attributable to a particular segment such as reinsurance balances receivable, reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, funds withheld receivable, net loan receivable from related party, intangible assets and restricted cash and investments. All remaining assets are allocated to Corporate.
Kestrel’s chief operating decision maker ("CODM") is the Company's Chief Executive Officer, for both the Program Services segment and the Legacy Reinsurance segment. The significant segment expenses as reported in the computation of underwriting results in the tables below are used by the Company's CODM in assessing segment performance on a quarterly basis and supports their decision on how to allocate resources within the Company.
18
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
3. Segment Information (continued)
The following tables summarize the underwriting results of our reportable segments and the reconciliation of our reportable segments' underwriting results to consolidated net loss from continuing operations for the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2025 Legacy Reinsurance Program Services Total
Gross premiums written
$ 3,760 $ — $ 3,760
Net premiums written
$ 3,895 $ — $ 3,895
Net premiums earned
$ 6,836 $ — $ 6,836
Fee revenue
— 1,621 1,621
Net loss and LAE ( 10,406 ) — ( 10,406 )
Commission and other acquisition expenses
( 1,718 ) — ( 1,718 )
General and administrative expenses
( 3,689 ) ( 664 ) ( 4,353 )
Underwriting (loss) and fee income
$ ( 8,977 ) $ 957 $ ( 8,020 )
Reconciliation to net loss from continuing operations
Net investment income and net realized and unrealized investment gains
8,988
Interest and amortization expenses
( 4,128 )
Change in fair value of earn out liability 2,679
Foreign exchange and other gains, net
2,854
Other general and administrative expenses
( 6,430 )
Income tax expense
( 7 )
Interest in loss of equity method investments
( 24 )
Net loss from continuing operations
$ ( 4,088 )
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 Legacy Reinsurance Program Services Total
Fee revenue
$ — $ 700 $ 700
General and administrative expenses
— ( 590 ) ( 590 )
Fee income
$ — $ 110 $ 110
Reconciliation to net loss from continuing operations
Net investment income 52
Other general and administrative expenses
( 591 )
Net loss from continuing operations
$ ( 429 )
19
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
3. Segment Information (continued)
The following tables summarize the underwriting results of our reportable segments and the reconciliation of our reportable segments' underwriting results to consolidated net income (loss) from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively:
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 Legacy Reinsurance (1)
Program Services Total
Gross premiums written
$ 4,856 $ — $ 4,856
Net premiums written
$ 4,990 $ — $ 4,990
Net premiums earned
$ 9,258 $ — $ 9,258
Fee revenue
— 2,972 2,972
Net loss and LAE
( 4,445 ) — ( 4,445 )
Commission and other acquisition expenses
( 2,112 ) — ( 2,112 )
General and administrative expenses
( 5,432 ) ( 2,003 ) ( 7,435 )
Underwriting (loss) and fee income
$ ( 2,731 ) $ 969 $ ( 1,762 )
Reconciliation to net income
Net investment income and net realized and unrealized investment gains
11,611
Interest and amortization expenses
( 5,647 )
Gain on bargain purchase 73,590
Foreign exchange and other losses, net
( 2,155 )
Other general and administrative expenses
( 9,571 )
Income tax expense
( 102 )
Interest in loss from equity method investments
( 24 )
Net income from continuing operations
$ 65,940
(1) Legacy Reinsurance underwriting results only include the post-combination period of May 28, 2025 to September 30, 2025.
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 Legacy Reinsurance Program Services Total
Fee revenue
$ — $ 2,457 $ 2,457
General and administrative expenses
— ( 1,990 ) ( 1,990 )
Fee income
$ — $ 467 $ 467
Reconciliation to net loss
Net investment income 170
Other general and administrative expenses
( 1,990 )
Net loss from continuing operations
$ ( 1,353 )
20
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
3. Segment Information (continued)
The following tables summarize the financial position of the Company's reportable segments including a reconciliation to the Company's consolidated total assets at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024:
September 30, 2025 Legacy Reinsurance Program Services Total
Reinsurance balances receivable, net
$ 9,706 $ — $ 9,706
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
492,790 — 492,790
Deferred commission and other acquisition expenses
— — —
Loan to related party
101,689 — 101,689
Intangible assets 10,370 — 10,370
Restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments
211,533 2,182 213,715
Funds withheld receivable
11,941 — 11,941
Other assets (1)
104 1,605 1,709
Total assets - reportable segments
838,133 3,787 841,920
Corporate assets
— — 269,365
Assets held for sale
— — 19,155
Total Assets
$ 838,133 $ 3,787 $ 1,130,440
December 31, 2024 Legacy Reinsurance Program Services Total
Restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments
$ — $ 4,286 $ 4,286
Other assets (1)
— 968 968
Total assets - reportable segments
— 5,254 5,254
Corporate assets
— — 256
Total Assets
$ — $ 5,254 $ 5,510
(1) Other assets for the Program Services segment is entirely comprised of Program fee receivables related to written premiums that are still unpaid at the reporting date. Unpaid amount are generally paid with 30 - 60 days after inception of the policy unless the program allows for premiums to be paid on installments. Other assets also includes fees due from Programs for contractual arrangements with minimum annual fees. Kestrel amortizes the minimum fee over the contract period.
The financial information relating to net premiums written by major line of business within the Legacy Reinsurance segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 are detailed below:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2025
Net premiums written
Total
Diversified Legacy Reinsurance $ 3,587
AmTrust Legacy Reinsurance 308
Legacy Reinsurance Segment $ 3,895
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025
Net premiums written Total
Diversified Legacy Reinsurance $ 4,967
AmTrust Legacy Reinsurance 23
Legacy Reinsurance Segment (1)
$ 4,990
(1) Legacy Reinsurance segment results only include the post-combination period of May 28, 2025 to September 30, 2025.
21
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
3. Segment Information (continued)
The financial information for net premiums earned by major line of business within the Legacy Reinsurance segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 are detailed below:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2025
Net premiums earned
Total
Diversified Legacy Reinsurance $ 3,876
AmTrust Legacy Reinsurance 2,960
Legacy Reinsurance Segment $ 6,836
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025
Net premiums earned Total
Diversified Legacy Reinsurance $ 5,266
AmTrust Legacy Reinsurance 3,992
Legacy Reinsurance Segment (1)
$ 9,258
(1) Legacy Reinsurance segment results only include the post-combination period of May 28, 2025 to September 30, 2025.
22
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
4. Investments
The Company holds: (i) available-for-sale ("AFS") portfolios of fixed maturity and equity securities, carried at fair value; (ii) other investments carried at fair value; (iii) equity method investments using equity method accounting; and (iv) funds held - directly managed.
a) Fixed Maturities
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of fixed maturities at September 30, 2025 are as follows:
September 30, 2025 Original or amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value
U.S. treasury bonds
$ 38,729 $ 1 $ — $ 38,730
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
21,430 692 — 22,122
Non-U.S. government bonds 52,680 — ( 57 ) 52,623
Collateralized loan obligations 68,366 80 ( 7 ) 68,439
Corporate bonds
16,736 8 — 16,744
Total fixed maturity investments
$ 197,941 $ 781 $ ( 64 ) $ 198,658
December 31, 2024 Original or amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value
The Company separately presents the accrued interest receivable balance on its AFS fixed maturity investments on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets under accrued investment income. The amount of accrued interest receivable on AFS securities was $ 727 at September 30, 2025. The Company has elected the practical expedient to exclude accrued interest from both the fair value and the amortized cost basis of the AFS fixed maturity securities for the purposes of identifying and measuring any impairments under the allowance for expected credit losses standard. Write-offs of accrued interest receivable balances are recognized in net investment gains and losses in the period in which they are deemed uncollectible. There was no write-off recognized on the accrued interest receivable during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025.
The contractual maturities of our fixed maturities are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
September 30, 2025 Amortized cost Fair value
Due in one year or less
$ 78,307 $ 78,282
Due after one year through five years
29,333 29,306
Due after five years through ten years
505 509
108,145 108,097
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
21,430 22,122
Collateralized loan obligations 68,366 68,439
Total fixed maturity investments
$ 197,941 $ 198,658
The following tables summarize fixed maturities in an unrealized loss position and the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position:
Less than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total
September 30, 2025 Fair
value Unrealized
losses Fair
value Unrealized
losses Fair
value Unrealized
losses
Non-U.S. government bonds $ 52,623 $ ( 57 ) $ — $ — $ 52,623 $ ( 57 )
Collateralized loan obligations 9,374 ( 7 ) — — 9,374 ( 7 )
Total temporarily impaired fixed maturities
$ 61,997 $ ( 64 ) $ — $ — $ 61,997 $ ( 64 )
At September 30, 2025, there were 12 securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months with a fair value of $ 61,997 and unrealized losses of $ 64 .
Allowance for Expected Credit Losses & Non-Credit Related Impairment Costs
The Company evaluates AFS securities for impairment when fair value is below amortized cost on a quarterly basis. If the Company intends to sell or will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery, the full amount of the impairment loss is charged to net income (loss) and included in net investment gains (losses). If the Company does not intend to sell or will not be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery, an allowance for expected credit losses is established and the portion of the loss relating to credit factors is recorded in net income (loss).
23
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
4. Investments (continued)
The non-credit impairment amount of the loss (which could be related to interest rates and/or market conditions) is recognized in other comprehensive income. To estimate the allowance for expected credit losses for most of the AFS securities, the Company analyzes projected cash flows which are primarily driven by assumptions regarding loss severity, probability of default and projected recovery rates. The Company's determination of default and loss severity rates are based on credit rating, credit analysis and macroeconomic forecasts. Unrealized losses on securities issued or backed, either explicitly or implicitly by the U.S. government are not analyzed for credit losses. The Company has concluded that any possibility of a credit loss on these securities is highly unlikely due to the explicit U.S. government guarantee related to certain securities (e.g., Government National Mortgage Association issuances) and the implicit guarantee related to other securities that has been validated by past actions (e.g., U.S. government bailout of Federal National Mortgage Association and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation during the 2008 credit crisis). Although these securities are not analyzed for credit losses, they are evaluated for impairment based on the Company's intention to sell and likely requirement to sell.
Based on the Company's analysis at September 30, 2025, net unrealized gains on the Company’s AFS fixed maturity securities were due to non-credit factors and were expected to be recovered as the related securities approach maturity. At September 30, 2025, the Company did not intend to sell the securities in an unrealized loss position and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities before the anticipated recovery of their amortized costs. Therefore, there was no allowance recorded for expected credit losses on AFS securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025. The following tables summarize the credit ratings of our fixed maturities as at September 30, 2025:
September 30, 2025 Amortized cost Fair value % of Total
fair value
U.S. treasury bonds
$ 38,729 $ 38,730 19.5 %
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
21,430 22,122 11.1 %
AAA
79,908 79,965 40.3 %
AA+, AA, AA-
28,437 28,422 14.3 %
A+, A, A-
23,073 23,050 11.6 %
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
6,364 6,369 3.2 %
Total fixed maturities (1)
$ 197,941 $ 198,658 100.0 %
December 31, 2024 Amortized cost Fair value
(1) Ratings above are based on Standard & Poor’s ("S&P"), or equivalent, ratings .
b) Other Investments, Equity Securities and Equity Method Investments
Certain of the Company's other investments and equity method investments are subject to restrictions on redemptions and sales that are determined by the governing documents, which could limit our ability to liquidate those investments. These restrictions may include lock-ups, redemption gates, restricted share classes, restrictions on the frequency of redemption and notice periods. A gate is the ability to deny or delay a redemption request. Certain other investments and equity method investments may not have any restrictions governing their sale, but there is no active market and no assurance that the Company will be able to execute a sale in a timely manner. In addition, even if certain other investments and equity method investments are not eligible for redemption or sales are restricted, we may still receive income distributions from those investments.
The collateralized investments in direct lending entities of $ 53,616 at September 30, 2025 are carried at fair market value. ASC 825-10: Financial Instruments provides a measurement basis election for most financial instruments using a choice of either historical cost or fair value, including other investments, allowing reporting entities to mitigate potential mismatches that arise under the current mixed measurement attribute model. In connection with the Combination on May 27, 2025, the assets and liabilities of Maiden were recorded at their fair values measured as of the acquisition date. The Company has elected the fair value option for its investments in direct lending entities, and these investments are reported at fair value as of September 30, 2025. Please see Note 5(d). Fair Value Measurements for additional information regarding this investment.
24
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
4. Investments (continued)
Other investments
The table shows the composition of the Company's other investments at fair value as of September 30, 2025:
September 30, 2025
Fair value % of Total
Private equity funds $ 30,982 18.0 %
Privately held equity investments 11,048 6.4 %
Private credit investments 1,534 0.9 %
Equity method investments with fair value option elected 74,611 43.5 %
Investments in direct lending entities 53,616 31.2 %
Total other investments at fair value $ 171,791 100.0 %
Equity Securities
Equity securities include privately held equity investments in common and preferred stocks. The Company's privately held equity investments in common and preferred stocks are direct investments in companies that the Company believes offer attractive risk adjusted returns or offer other strategic advantages. Each investment may have its own unique terms and conditions and there may be restrictions on disposals. There is no active market for these investments.
The following table provides the cost and fair values of the equity securities held at September 30, 2025:
September 30, 2025
Cost Fair Value
Privately held common stocks $ 5,135 $ 5,340
Privately held preferred stocks 6,010 6,010
Total equity securities $ 11,145 $ 11,350
All privately held securities held at September 30, 2025 are subject to contractual sale restrictions. Each of these investments are subject to agreements that restrict the transfer, sale, and indemnification of these privately held investments indefinitely. The Company must hold these shares indefinitely unless the investee's shares are registered with the SEC and qualified by state authorities, or until an exemption from such registration and qualification requirements may become available.
Fair Value Remaining duration of restrictions Nature of contractual sale restrictions Circumstances that could cause a lapse in restrictions
Privately held common stocks $ 5,340 Indefinite The Purchaser must hold the restricted shares indefinitely Registration of securities with the SEC or if exemption is available
Privately held preferred stocks 6,010 Indefinite The Purchaser must hold the restricted shares indefinitely Registration of securities with the SEC or if exemption is available
Total equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions $ 11,350
25
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
4. Investments (continued)
Equity Method Investments
The equity method investments currently include real estate investments accounted for under the equity method and other investments measured at fair value. The table below shows the total value of the Company's equity method investments as of September 30, 2025 including those classified as other investments under the fair value option:
September 30, 2025
Carrying Value % of Total
Real estate investments at equity method $ 32,518 30.4 %
Total equity method investments accounted for under the Equity Method 32,518 30.4 %
Real estate investments at fair value option elected 46,000 42.9 %
Other equity method investments at fair value option elected 28,611 26.7 %
Total equity method investments with fair value option (included in Other Investments) 74,611 69.6 %
Total equity method investments $ 107,129 100.0 %
The equity method investments above include limited partnerships which are variable interests issued by variable interest entities ("VIEs"). The Company is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs as it does not have the power to direct the activities that are most significant to the economic performance of these VIEs. T he Company is deemed to have limited influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee and accordingly, these investments are reported under the equity method of accounting. In applying the equity method of accounting, the investments are initially recorded at cost and are subsequently adjusted based on the Company’s proportionate share of the investee's net income or loss. Generally, the maximum exposure to loss on these interests is limited to the amount of commitment made by the Company as more fully described in "Note 11 - Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees" in these condensed consolidated financial statements.
ASC 825-10: Financial Instruments provides a measurement basis election for most financial instruments using a choice of either historical cost or fair value, including equity method investments, allowing reporting entities to mitigate potential mismatches that arise under the current mixed measurement attribute model. As a result of the Combination on May 27, 2025, the assets and liabilities of Maiden were recorded at their fair values measured as of the acquisition date. The Company has elected the fair value option for certain of its equity method investments, and these investments are reported at their fair values as of September 30, 2025.
The table below shows the carrying/fair values and beneficial ownership percentage of the Company's equity method investments, including those measured using the fair value option and reported in other investments, as of September 30, 2025, the summarized financial data of each equity method investment for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and the Company's realized and unrealized gains (losses) on these investments for the nine months ended September 30, 2025:
September 30, 2025 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025
Carrying Value Beneficial Ownership Investee Revenue (1)
Investee net income (loss) (1)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) (2)(3)
Silverstone Venture 1 $ 3,113 90.0 % $ 3,461 $ 1,246 $ ( 226 )
Silverstone Venture 2 4,504 86.8 % 69 78 196
Silverstone Venture 3 20,994 70.2 % — — 2,193
Extell Hudson Waterfront Holdings 46,000 25.0 % 1,154 467 —
Seiden LP & Seiden MGMT LP (3)
32,518 99.9 % 328 ( 114 ) ( 24 )
Total equity method investments $ 107,129 $ 2,139
1. The Company inclu ded summarized financial data of its equity method investees as reported at June 30, 2025 as this period represents the most recent audited financial statements available at the time of filing the Company's Form 10-Q for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025.
2. Fair value adjustments have been recorded under realized and unrealized gains (losses) for those equity method investments reported at fair value. Investment results for equity method investments only include the post-combination period of May 28, 2025 to September 30, 2025
3. Seiden LP and Seiden MGMT LP are measured using equity method accounting at September 30, 2025. The interest in loss of equity method investments has been recorded on its own line item on the income statement and not within realized and unrealized gains (losses).
26
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
4. Investments (continued)
c) Net Investment Income
Net investment income was derived from the following sources for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2025 2024 2025 2024
Fixed maturities
$ 1,570 $ — $ 2,184 $ —
Income on funds withheld 17 — 37 —
Interest income from net loan receivable from AmTrust 1,604 — 2,263 —
Other investments 231 — 315 —
Cash and cash equivalents 139 52 329 170
3,561 52 5,128 170
Investment expenses
( 67 ) — ( 69 ) —
Net investment income
$ 3,494 $ 52 $ 5,059 $ 170
d) Net Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
Realized gains or losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of the first in first out cost method. The following tables show the net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2025 Gross gains Gross losses Net
Fixed maturities
$ 624 $ — $ 624
Equity securities 159 — 159
Other investments 5,376 ( 665 ) 4,711
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) $ 6,159 $ ( 665 ) $ 5,494
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 Gross gains Gross losses Net
Fixed maturities
$ 1,499 $ ( 111 ) $ 1,388
Equity securities 205 — 205
Other investments
5,888 ( 929 ) 4,959
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) $ 7,592 $ ( 1,040 ) $ 6,552
Realized and unrealized gains and losses from equity securities detailed above include both sales and distributions of equity securities and unrealized gains and losses coming from fair value changes. Net unrealized gains recognized for equity securities still held at the reporting date for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, included:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2025 2025
Net gains recognized for equity securities
$ 159 $ 205
Net gains recognized for equity securities divested
— —
Net unrealized gains recognized for equity securities still held at the reporting date
$ 159 $ 205
Proceeds from sales of AFS fixed maturity investments were $ 7,878 and $ 15,190 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively.
27
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
4. Investments (continued)
Net unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") were as follows at September 30, 2025:
September 30, 2025
Net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments
$ 717
Net unrealized losses on held for sale AFS investments
( 13 )
Total net unrealized losses 704
Deferred income tax
—
Net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax
$ 704
Change, net of deferred income tax
$ 704
e) Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments
The Company is required to provide collateral for its reinsurance liabilities under various reinsurance agreements and utilizes trust accounts to collateralize business with reinsurance counterparties. The assets in trust as collateral are primarily cash and highly rated fixed maturities. The fair values of the Company's restricted assets at September 30, 2025 are:
September 30, 2025
Restricted cash – third party agreements $ 24,097
Restricted cash – related party agreements 3,537
Total restricted cash 27,634
Restricted investments – in trust for third party agreements at fair value (amortized cost 2025: $ 49,330 )
49,690
Restricted investments – in trust for related party agreements at fair value (amortized cost 2025: $ 142,281 )
142,448
Restricted investments – liability for investments purchased for related party agreements ( 8,167 )
Total restricted investments
183,971
Total restricted cash and investments
$ 211,605
28
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
(a) Fair Values of Financial Instruments
Fair Value Measurements — Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures" ("ASC 820") defines fair value as the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between open market participants at the measurement date. Additionally, ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs:
• Level 1 — Valuations based on unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Because valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment. Examples of assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs include: U.S. Treasury bonds; and publicly traded equity securities;
• Level 2 — Valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or valuations based on models where the significant inputs are observable (e.g. interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severity, etc.) or can be corroborated by observable market data. Examples of assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs include: U.S. government-sponsored agency securities; non-U.S. government and supranational obligations; commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS"); collateralized loan obligations ("CLO"); corporate and municipal bonds; and
• Level 3 — Valuations based on models where significant inputs are not observable. The unobservable inputs reflect our own assumptions about assumptions that market participants would use developed on the basis of the best information available in the particular circumstances. Examples of assets and liabilities utilizing Level 3 inputs include: an investment in preference shares of a start-up insurance producer.
The availability of observable inputs can vary and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires significantly more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by management in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in the Level 3 hierarchy.
The Company uses prices and inputs that are current as at the measurement date. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition could cause an instrument to be reclassified between hierarchy levels.
For investments that have quoted market prices in active markets, the Company uses the quoted market prices as fair value and includes these in the Level 1 hierarchy. The Company receives the quoted market prices from a third party nationally recognized provider ("the Pricing Service"). When quoted market prices are unavailable, the Company utilizes the Pricing Service to determine an estimate of fair value. The fair value estimates are included in the Level 2 hierarchy. The Company will challenge any prices for its investments which are considered not to be representative of fair value.
If quoted market prices and an estimate from the Pricing Service are unavailable, the Company produces an estimate of fair value based on dealer quotations for recent activity in positions with the same or similar characteristics to that being valued. The Company determines whether the fair value estimate is in the Level 2 or Level 3 hierarchy depending on the level of observable inputs available when estimating the fair value. The Company bases its estimates of fair values for assets on the bid price as it represents what a third party market participant would be willing to pay in an orderly transaction.
ASC 825, "Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments" , requires all entities to disclose the fair value of their financial instruments for assets and liabilities recognized and not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. The following describes the valuation techniques used by the Company to determine the fair value of financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis held at September 30, 2025.
U.S. government and U.S. agency bonds: Bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury, the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Government National Mortgage Association, Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation. The fair values of U.S. treasury bonds are based on quoted market prices in active markets, and are included in the Level 1 fair value hierarchy. We believe the market for U.S. treasury bonds is an actively traded market given the high level of daily trading volume. The fair values of U.S. agency bonds are determined using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. As the yields for the risk-free yield curve and the spreads for these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of U.S. agency bonds are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.
Non-U.S. government bonds: These securities are generally priced by independent pricing services. The Pricing Service may use current market trades for securities with similar quality, maturity and coupon. If no such trades are available, the Pricing Service typically uses analytical models which may incorporate spreads, interest rate data and market/sector news. As the significant inputs used to price non-U.S. government bonds are observable market inputs, the fair values of non-U.S. government bonds are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.
29
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)
Collateralized loan obligations ("CLO"): These asset backed securities are originated by a variety of financial institutions that on acquisition are rated BBB-/Baa3 or higher. These securities are priced by independent pricing services and brokers. The pricing provider applies dealer quotes and other available trade information, prepayment speeds, yield curves and credit spreads to the valuation. As the significant inputs used to price the CLO are observable market inputs, the fair values are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.
Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS"): These asset backed securities are originated by a variety of financial institutions that on acquisition are rated BBB-/Baa3 or higher. These securities are priced by independent pricing services and brokers. The pricing provider applies dealer quotes and other available trade information, prepayment speeds, yield curves and credit spreads to the valuation. As the significant inputs used to price the CMBS are observable market inputs, the fair values are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.
Corporate and municipal bonds: Bonds issued by corporations, U.S. state and municipality entities or agencies that on acquisition are rated BBB-/Baa3 or higher. These securities are generally priced by independent pricing services. The credit spreads are sourced from broker/dealers, trade prices and new issue market. Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, custodian pricing or non-binding quotes are obtained from broker-dealers to estimate fair values. As significant inputs used to price corporate and municipal bonds are observable market inputs, fair values are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.
Equity securities: Equity securities can include both publicly traded and privately held common and preferred stocks. The fair value of publicly traded common and preferred stocks is primarily priced by pricing services, reflecting the closing price quoted for the final trading day of the period. These investments are carried at fair value using observable market pricing data and is included in the Level 1 fair value hierarchy. Any unrealized gains or losses on the investment is recorded in net income in the reporting period in which it occurs. The privately held common and preferred stocks are valued using significant inputs that are unobservable where there is little or no market activity. Unadjusted third party pricing sources or management's assumptions and internal valuation models may be used to determine the fair values, therefore, these investments are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. For investments without a readily determinable fair value, the measurement alternative can be elected to report the qualifying investment at cost, less impairment if any, plus or minus observable price changes in orderly transactions for an identical or similar investment of the same issuer.
Other investments: Includes unquoted investments comprised of the following types of investments:
• Privately held equity investments: These are direct equity investments in common and preferred stock of privately held entities. The fair values are estimated using quarterly financial statements and/or recent private market transactions and thus are included under Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy due to unobservable market data used for valuation.
• Private credit investments: These are privately held equity investments in common stock of entities that lend money valued using the most recently available or quarterly net asset value ("NAV") statements as provided by the external fund manager or third-party administrator and therefore measured using the NAV as a practical expedient.
• Private equity funds: These are comprised of private equity funds, private equity co-investments with sponsoring entities and investments in real estate limited partnerships and joint ventures . The fair value is estimated based on the most recently available NAV as advised by the external fund manager or third-party administrator. The fair values are therefore measured using the NAV as a practical expedient.
• Investments in direct lending entities: These investments are carried at their fair market value with any changes in fair value reported in realized and unrealized gains (losses) during the period. These investments are included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy due to unobservable market data used for valuation.
• Due to a lag in the valuations of certain funds reported by the investment managers, the Company may record changes in valuation with up to a three-month lag. The Company regularly reviews and discusses fund performance with the investment managers or sponsors to corroborate the reasonableness of the reported NAV and to assess whether any events have occurred within the lag period that would affect the valuation of the investments.
• Equity method investments: The Company elected the fair value option for certain of its equity method investments, and these investments are reported at their fair values with any changes in fair value reported in realized and unrealized gains (losses) during the period. These are included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy due to unobservable market data used for valuation.
Derivative Instruments: The Company entered into a reinsurance contract that is accounted for as a derivative. This reinsurance contract provides indemnification to an insured or cedant as a result of a change in a variable as opposed to an identifiable insurable event. The Company considers this contract to be part of its underwriting operations. This derivative is initially valued at cost which approximates fair value. In subsequent measurement periods, the fair value of this derivative is determined using internally developed discounted cash flow models using appropriate discount rates. The selection of an appropriate discount rate is judgmental and is the most significant unobservable input used in the valuation of this derivative. The fair value changes in underwriting-related derivative instruments is included within other insurance revenue (expense), net.
The derivative liability on retroactive reinsurance is presented as part of accrued expenses and other liabilities. A significant increase (decrease) in this input in isolation may result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement for the derivative contract. As the significant inputs used to price these derivatives are unobservable, the fair values of this contract is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
30
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)
(b) Fair Value Hierarchy
The Company’s estimates of fair value for financial assets and financial liabilities are based on the framework established in ASC 820. The framework is based on the inputs used in valuation and gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and requires that observable inputs be used in the valuation methodology whenever available. In determining the level of the hierarchy in which the estimate is disclosed, the highest priority is given to unadjusted quoted prices in active trading markets and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs that reflect significant market assumptions. At September 30, 2025, the Company classified its financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the following valuation hierarchy:
September 30, 2025 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Fair Value Based on NAV Practical Expedient Total Fair Value
Fixed maturities
U.S. treasury bonds $ 38,730 $ — $ — $ — $ 38,730
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed — 22,122 — — 22,122
Non-U.S. government bonds — 52,623 — — 52,623
Collateralized loan obligations — 68,439 — — 68,439
Corporate bonds — 16,744 — — 16,744
Equity securities — — 11,350 — 11,350
Other investments
— — 132,958 38,833 171,791
Total investments $ 38,730 $ 159,928 $ 144,308 $ 38,833 $ 381,799
As a percentage of total assets 3.4 % 14.1 % 12.8 % 3.4 % 33.7 %
Underwriting-related derivative liability $ — $ — $ 3,984 $ — $ 3,984
December 31, 2024 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Fair Value Based on NAV Practical Expedient Total Fair Value
The Company utilizes the Pricing Service to assist in determining the fair value of its investments; however, management is ultimately responsible for all fair values presented in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. This includes responsibility for monitoring the fair value process, ensuring objective and reliable valuation practices, and pricing of assets and liabilities and use of pricing sources. The Company analyzes and reviews the information and prices received from the Pricing Service to ensure that the prices provided represent a reasonable estimate of fair value.
The Pricing Service was utilized to estimate fair value measurements for 100.0 % of our fixed maturities at September 30, 2025. The Pricing Service utilizes market quotations for fixed maturity securities that have quoted market prices in active markets. Since fixed maturities other than U.S. treasury bonds generally do not trade actively on a daily basis, the Pricing Service prepares estimates of fair value measurements using relevant market data, benchmark curves, sector groupings and matrix pricing and these have been classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. At September 30, 2025, the Company did not adjust any pricing provided to it based on the review performed by its investment managers. There were no transfers to or from Level 3 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively.
(c) Level 3 Financial Instruments
At September 30, 2025, the Company holds Level 3 financial instruments which currently consist of alternative investments of $ 144,308 and an underwriting-related derivative liability of $ 3,984 on a reinsurance contract written by GLS which is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities.
The Level 3 investments include collateralized investments in direct lending entities of $ 53,616 at September 30, 2025 which are carried at fair market value using significant unobservable inputs. These direct loans are illiquid and require long-term capital commitments, and so significant judgment was used in its valuation. Therefore, these investments are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
The fair values for equity securities of $ 11,350 are estimated using quarterly unaudited capital and financial statements provided by the investee or recent private market transactions, where applicable. Any changes to the financial information provided by the investee could result in a significantly higher or lower valuation at the reporting date. Due to significant unobservable inputs in these valuations, the Company classifies the fair values as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy .
The Company has elected the fair value option for certain of its equity method investments at the acquisition date. The fair values for these investments are presented in other investments and are estimated using quarterly unaudited capital and financial statements provided by the investee or recent private market transactions, where applicable. Any changes to the financial information provided by the investee could result in a significantly higher or lower valuation at the reporting date. Due to significant unobservable inputs in valuations, the Company classifies the fair values as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
31
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)
The fair value of underwriting-related derivative instruments of $ 3,984 is determined using a discounted cash flow model in which the Company examines current market conditions, historical results as well as contract specific information that may impact future cash flows in order to assess the reasonableness of inputs used in the valuation model . Due to significant unobservable inputs in these valuations, the Company classifies the fair values as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy .
The following table provides a summary of quantitative information regarding the significant unobservable inputs used in determining the fair value of other investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis under the Level 3 classification at September 30, 2025:
Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Inputs Range
Privately held equity investments - common shares $ 5,340 Quarterly financial statements Price/book ratios of comparable public companies
Privately held equity investments - preferred shares 10,741 Quarterly financial statements Privately calculated enterprise valuations
Other investments - Investments in direct lending entities 53,616 Quarterly financial statements Privately calculated enterprise valuations
Equity method investments measured at fair value option 74,611 Quarterly financial statements Privately calculated enterprise valuations
Total Level 3 investments $ 144,308
Underwriting-related derivative liability $ 3,984 Discounted cash flows Duration matched discount rates 5.0 % to 6.0 %
The following table shows the reconciliation of beginning and ending balances for investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively. The Company includes any related interest and dividend income in net investment income and thus are excluded from the reconciliation in the table below:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2025 2025
Balance - beginning of period $ 138,919 $ —
Acquired Level 3 investments — 137,188
Purchases 2,458 4,181
Sales ( 574 ) ( 737 )
Net realized and unrealized gains during the period
3,505 3,676
Total Level 3 investments - end of period $ 144,308 $ 144,308
(d) Financial Instruments Disclosed, But Not Carried, at Fair Value
The fair value of financial instruments accounting guidance also applies to financial instruments disclosed, but not carried, at fair value, except for certain financial instruments related to insurance contracts .
At September 30, 2025, the carrying values of cash equivalents (including restricted amounts), accrued investment income, reinsurance balances receivable and certain other assets and liabilities approximate fair values due to their inherent short duration. As these financial instruments are not actively traded, the fair values of these financial instruments are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
At September 30, 2025, the carrying value of the net loan receivable from related party approximates fair value. The fair value of the net loan receivable is primarily determined by estimating expected future cash flows and discounting them using current interest rates for similar loans with similar credit risk. As the net loan receivable from related party is not actively traded, its fair value is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
The fair values of the Company's outstanding Senior Notes (as defined in Note 7. Long-Term Debt ) are based on indicative market pricing obtained from a third-party pricing service which uses observable market inputs, and therefore the fair values of these liabilities are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
32
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)
The following table presents the respective principal amount and fair values for the Senior Notes as at September 30, 2025:
September 30, 2025
Principal Amount Fair Value
Senior Notes - MHLA – 6.625 %
$ 110,000 $ 66,440
Senior Notes - MHNC – 7.75 %
152,361 106,836
Total Senior Notes $ 262,361 $ 173,276
33
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
6. Shareholders' Equity
a) Common Shares
As discussed in Note 1. Basis of Presentation , pursuant to the terms of the Combination, at the closing of the transaction on May 27, 2025, each issued and outstanding common share of Maiden, par value $ 0.01 per share, was automatically canceled and converted into the right to receive one-twentieth ( 0.05 ) of a common share in Kestrel Group Ltd. The equityholders of Kestrel at the closing date received 2,749,996 common shares of the Kestrel Group. Fractional shares for both Maiden and Kestrel were paid out in cash at the closing date.
The Company’s authorized share capital after the Combination consists of 42,500,000 common shares. The Company's common shares have a par value of $ 0.01 per share. Kestrel Group common shareholders are entitled to receive dividends. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company's Board of Directors did not declare any dividends to common shareholders. Holders of Kestrel Group common shares have no pre-emptive, redemption, conversion or sinking fund rights. Holders of Kestrel Group common shares are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of holders of Kestrel Group common shares. Most matters to be approved by holders of Kestrel Group common shares require approval by a simple majority vote. Under the Kestrel Group bye-laws, the holders of at least a majority of the Kestrel Group common shares voting in person or by proxy at a meeting must approve any merger, amalgamation, business combination or similar transaction with another company.
At September 30, 2025, the aggregate authorized share capital of the Company is 42,500,000 shares of which 9,979,477 common shares were issued. This includes 7,741,943 common shares outstanding, and 2,237,534 treasury shares as discussed further below. The remaining 32,520,523 shares are undesignated at September 30, 2025. At September 30, 2025, there are 136,197 common shares that will be issued and outstanding upon vesting of restricted shares.
b) Common Shares issuable under Incentive Plans
On June 3, 2025, a Registration Statement on Form S-8 was filed by Kestrel Group for the purpose of registering 1,411,600 common shares, par value $ 0.01 per share, of the Company which include:
• 206,600 common shares are issuable in respect of outstanding awards under the Maiden Holdings, Ltd. 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan (“Legacy Plan”) and any such additional shares granted under the Legacy Plan that were forfeited, cancelled, exchanged or surrendered, including in connection with the termination or expiration of an award, that then become available under the Legacy Plan in accordance with its terms. The Legacy Plan was assigned to and assumed by the Company at the effective time of the mergers. Such aggregate number of common shares issuable under the Legacy Plan reflects the conversion required by the terms of the Combination Agreement; and
• 1,205,000 common shares are issuable under the Kestrel Group Ltd 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (“Kestrel Group Plan”).
c) Treasury Shares
Treasury shares include 2,237,534 common shares owned by Maiden Reinsurance which are not treated as outstanding common shares on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2025.
d) AOCI
The following tables set forth financial information regarding the changes in the balances of each component of AOCI:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2025 Change in net unrealized gains on investment Foreign currency translation Total
Beginning balance $ 485 $ 74 $ 559
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 219 ( 1,694 ) ( 1,475 )
Amounts reclassified from AOCI to net income, net of tax — — —
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
219 ( 1,694 ) ( 1,475 )
Ending balance $ 704 $ ( 1,620 ) $ ( 916 )
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 Change in net unrealized gains on investment Foreign currency translation Total
Beginning balance
$ — $ — $ —
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 704 ( 1,620 ) ( 916 )
Amounts reclassified from AOCI to net income, net of tax
— — —
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
704 ( 1,620 ) ( 916 )
Ending balance
$ 704 $ ( 1,620 ) $ ( 916 )
34
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
7. Long-Term Debt
Senior Notes
At September 30, 2025, Kestrel Group had outstanding publicly-traded senior notes which were issued in 2016 ("2016 Senior Notes") by its now wholly owned subsidiary Maiden and outstanding publicly-traded senior notes which were issued in 2013 ("2013 Senior Notes") by its now wholly owned subsidiary, Maiden Holdings North America, Ltd. ("Maiden NA"). These are collectively referred to as the Company's outstanding senior notes ("Senior Notes"). The Senior Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Company.
On May 27, 2025 in connection with the Combination, (i) Maiden, as issuer, the Company, as guarantor, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, entered into a second supplemental indenture (the “Second Supplemental Indenture”) to that certain indenture dated as of June 14, 2016, providing that the Company will fully and unconditionally guarantee Maiden’s 6.625 % Senior Notes due 2046 and (ii) Maiden NA, as issuer, the Company, as guarantor, and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, entered into a fourth supplemental indenture (together with the Second Supplemental Indenture, the “Supplemental Indentures”) to that certain indenture dated as of June 24, 2011, providing that the Company will fully and unconditionally guarantee MHNA’s 7.75 % Senior Notes due 2043.
The following tables detail the issuances of Senior Notes outstanding at September 30, 2025:
September 30, 2025 2016 Senior Notes 2013 Senior Notes Total
Principal amount $ 110,000 $ 152,361 $ 262,361
Less: unamortized fair value adjustment 43,758 44,519 88,277
Carrying value $ 66,242 $ 107,842 $ 174,084
Original fair value adjustment at acquisition date $ 43,928 $ 44,764
Maturity date June 14, 2046 December 1, 2043
Earliest redeemable date (for cash) June 14, 2021 December 1, 2018
Coupon rate 6.625 % 7.75 %
Effective interest rate 11.77 % 11.63 %
Total interest and amortization expense incurred on the Senior Notes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 was $ 5,077 and $ 6,976 , respectively, of which $ 1,342 was accrued as interest payable at September 30, 2025. Under the Combination, the Senior Notes were acquired at their respective fair market values on May 27, 2025, therefore the difference between the principal amount of the acquired debt and the fair market value of the acquired debt is being amortized over the remaining life of the Senior Notes up to par value. The amortization for the fair value adjustment was $ 301 and $ 415 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025.
Under the terms of the 2013 Senior Notes, the 2013 Senior Notes can be redeemed, in whole or in part, at Maiden NA's option at any time and from time to time, until maturity at a redemption price equal to 100 % of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed plus accrued but unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed to, but not including, the redemption date. Maiden NA is required to give at least thirty days and not more than sixty days notice prior to the redemption date. Please refer to Note 11. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees for recent litigation regarding the 2013 Senior Notes.
Under the terms of the 2016 Senior Notes, the 2016 Senior Notes can be redeemed, in whole or in part, at Maiden Holdings' option at any time and from time to time, until maturity at a redemption price equal to 100 % of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed plus accrued but unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed to, but not including, the redemption date. Maiden Holdings is required to give at least thirty days and not more than sixty days notice prior to the redemption date.
35
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
8. Reinsurance
The Company uses reinsurance and retrocessional agreements ("ceded reinsurance") to mitigate volatility, reduce its exposure to certain risks and provide capital support. Ceded reinsurance provides for the recovery of a portion of loss and LAE under certain circumstances without relieving the Company of its obligations to the policyholders. The Company remains liable to the extent that any of its reinsurers or retrocessionaires fails to meet their obligations. Loss and LAE incurred and premiums earned are reported after deduction for ceded reinsurance. In the event that one or more of our reinsurers or retrocessionaires are unable to meet their obligations under these agreements, the Company would not realize the full value of the reinsurance recoverable balances.
The effect of ceded reinsurance on net premiums written and earned and on net loss and LAE for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 was as follows:
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025
Premiums written
Direct
$ 4,950
Assumed
( 94 )
Ceded
134
Net
$ 4,990
Premiums earned
Direct
$ 5,283
Assumed
3,880
Ceded
95
Net
$ 9,258
Loss and LAE
Gross loss and LAE
$ 1,867
Loss and LAE ceded
2,578
Net
$ 4,445
The Company's reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses balance as at September 30, 2025 was $ 492,790 presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of September 30, 2025, the total allowance for expected credit losses on the Company's reinsurance recoverable balance was $ 1,459 .
The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the allowance for expected credit losses on reinsurance recoverable for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2025 2025
Allowance for expected credit losses on reinsurance recoverable, beginning of period $ 1,655 $ —
Expected credit losses on recoverables where credit losses were not previously recognized — 1,655
Decrease in allowance for expected credit losses on reinsurance recoverable where credit losses were previously recognized
( 196 ) ( 196 )
Allowance for expected credit losses on reinsurance recoverable, end of period $ 1,459 $ 1,459
On December 27, 2018, Cavello Bay Reinsurance Limited ("Cavello") and Maiden Reinsurance entered into a retrocession agreement pursuant to which certain assets and liabilities associated with the U.S. treaty reinsurance business held by Maiden Reinsurance were 100.0 % retroceded to Cavello in exchange for a ceding commission. The reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses due from Cavello under this retrocession agreement was $ 33,220 at September 30, 2025. The recoverable due from Cavello is net of an allowance for expected credit losses of $ 598 as at September 30, 2025.
On July 31, 2019, Maiden Reinsurance and Cavello entered into a Loss Portfolio Transfer and Adverse Development Cover Agreement ("LPT/ADC Agreement") pursuant to which Cavello assumed the loss reserves as of December 31, 2018 associated with the AmTrust Quota Share in excess of a $ 2,178,535 retention up to $ 600,000 , in exchange for a retrocession premium of $ 445,000 . The $ 2,178,535 retention is subject to adjustment for paid losses subsequent to December 31, 2018. The LPT/ADC Agreement provides Maiden Reinsurance with $ 155,000 in adverse development cover over its carried AmTrust Quota Share loss reserves at December 31, 2018. The LPT/ADC Agreement meets the criteria for risk transfer and is thus accounted for as retroactive reinsurance. As of September 30, 2025, the reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses under the LPT/ADC Agreement was $ 458,004 which was net of an allowance for expected credit losses of $ 695 as at September 30, 2025.
36
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
8. Reinsurance (continued)
Cavello provided collateral in the form of a letter of credit in the amount of $ 445,000 to AmTrust under the LPT/ADC Agreement. Cavello is subject to additional collateral funding requirements as explained in Note 10. Related Party Transactions. As of September 30, 2025, the amount of collateral required was $ 390,388 . Under the terms of the LPT/ADC Agreement, the covered losses associated with the Commutation and Release Agreement with AmTrust are eligible to be covered but recoverable only when such losses are paid or settled by AII or its affiliates, provided such losses and other related amounts shall not exceed $ 312,786 . Cavello's parent company, Enstar Group Limited, has credit ratings of BBB+ from both Standard & Poor's and Fitch Ratings at September 30, 2025.
On July 18, 2025, the Company received correspondence from Cavello disputing the dates of loss assigned by Maiden Reinsurance’s cedant in the underlying reinsurance contract to a significant number of claims regarding certain coverage. In that correspondence, Cavello asserts that $ 46,700 in identified claims and approximately $ 25,000 in potential additional claims would fall outside the applicable coverage and reserves all of its rights under the applicable agreements if these matters are not resolved. This correspondence and the asserted amounts resulted from an audit requested by Cavello in December 2024 pursuant to its rights under the LPT/ADC Agreement. The Company is continuing to discuss and exchange information with Cavello on these matters and believes the terms of the LPT/ADC Agreement support both the Company’s position on the dates of loss and the current reinsurance recoverable Maiden Reinsurance has recognized for these claims. At this time, the Company cannot predict the outcome of these issues.
37
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
9. Reserve for Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
The Company uses both historical experience and industry-wide loss development factors to provide a reasonable basis for estimating future losses. In the future, certain events may be beyond the control of management, such as changes in law, judicial interpretations of law, and rates of inflation, which may favorably or unfavorably impact the ultimate settlement of the Company’s loss and LAE reserves.
The anticipated effect of inflation is implicitly considered when estimating liabilities for loss and LAE. While anticipated changes in claim costs due to inflation are considered in estimating the ultimate claim costs, changes in the average severity of claims are caused by a number of factors that vary with the individual type of policy written. Ultimate losses are projected based on historical trends adjusted for implemented changes in underwriting standards, claims handling, policy provisions, and general economic trends. Those anticipated trends are monitored based on actual development and are modified if necessary.
The reserving process begins with the collection and analysis of paid losses and incurred claims data for each of the Company's contracts. While reserves are mostly reviewed on a contract by contract basis, paid loss and incurred claims data is also aggregated into reserving segments. The segmental data is disaggregated by reserving class and further disaggregated by either accident year (i.e. the year in which the loss event occurred) or by underwriting year (i.e. the year in which the contract generating the premium and losses incepted). In cases where the Company uses underwriting year information, reserves are subsequently allocated to the respective accident year. The reserve for loss and LAE consists of:
September 30, 2025
Reserve for reported loss and LAE
$ 333,514
Reserve for losses incurred but not reported ("IBNR")
344,153
Reserve for loss and LAE
$ 677,667
The following table represents a reconciliation of our beginning and ending gross and net loss and LAE reserves:
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025
Gross loss and LAE reserves, January 1
$ —
Less: reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, January 1
—
Net loss and LAE reserves, January 1
—
Net incurred losses related to:
Current year
5,613
Prior years
( 1,168 )
4,445
Net paid losses related to:
Current year
( 2,894 )
Prior years
( 44,241 )
( 47,135 )
Net Maiden Legacy run-off business acquired 221,109
Effect of foreign exchange rate movements
6,458
Net loss and LAE reserves, September 30 184,877
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, September 30 492,790
Gross loss and LAE reserves, September 30 $ 677,667
Actuarial Methods Used to Estimate Loss and LAE Reserves
The Company utilizes a variety of standard actuarial methods in its analysis of loss reserves. The selections from these various methods are based on the loss development characteristics of the specific line of business and significant actuarial judgment. The actuarial methods utilized include:
The Expected Loss Ratio ("ELR") method is a technique that is multiplicative and applies an expected loss ratio to premium earned to yield the estimated ultimate losses. The ELR assumption is generally derived from pricing information and historical experience of the business. This method is frequently used for the purpose of stability in the early valuations of an underwriting year with large and uncertain loss development factors. The ELR technique does not take into account actual loss emergence for the underwriting year being projected. As an underwriting year matures and actual loss experience becomes more credible, other methods may be applied in determining the estimated ultimate losses.
38
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
9. Reserve for Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses (continued)
The Loss Development ("LD") method is a reserving method in which ultimate losses are estimated by applying a loss development factor to actual reported (or paid) loss experience. This method fully utilizes actual experience. Multiplication of underwriting year actual reported (or paid) losses by its respective development factor produces the estimated ultimate losses.
The LD method is based upon the assumption that the relative change in a given underwriting year’s losses from one evaluation point to the next is similar to the relative change in prior underwriting years’ losses at similar evaluation points. In addition, this method is based on the assumption that the reserving and payment patterns as well as the claim handling procedures have not changed substantially over time. In the case where changes to the payment patterns or the claim handling procedures are identified, historical losses are adjusted to the current basis, and development factors are selected based on the relative change of the adjusted losses (the Berquist Sherman method is one example of this approach). When a company has a sufficiently reliable loss development history, a development pattern based on the company’s historical indications may be used to develop losses to ultimate values.
The Bornhuetter-Ferguson ("BF") reserving technique is used for long-tailed or lower frequency, more volatile lines. It is also useful in situations where the reported loss experience is relatively immature and/or lacks sufficient credibility for the application of methods that are more heavily reliant on emerged experience. The BF method is an additive IBNR method that combines the ELR and LD techniques by splitting the expected loss into two pieces - expected reported (or paid) losses and expected unreported (or unpaid) losses. Expected unreported (unpaid) losses, estimated by the use of loss development factors, are added to the current actual reported (or paid) losses to produce an estimate of ultimate losses by underwriting year. The BF method introduces an element of stability that moderates the impact of inconsistent changes in paid and reported losses.
The average frequency and severity ("FS") reserving technique is used for lines where claim count is available, and the estimate of loss development factors is more difficult due to volatility in historical data. The available data for such lines is usually more volatile in the estimation of future losses using the LD and BF reserving methods. The FS method uses historical data to estimate the average number of ultimate claims (frequency) and the average costs of closed claims (severity). The estimate of ultimate losses by underwriting year is the result of the multiplication of the ultimate number of claims and the average cost of a claim.
With the guidance of the methods above, actuarial judgment is applied in the determination of ultimate losses. In general, the Company’s segments have varying levels of seasoning with which the Company has direct experience and as a result, differing methods are utilized to estimate loss and LAE reserves in each segment.
For the Diversified Reinsurance legacy business, the Company utilizes the ELR approach at the onset of reserving an account, the BF method for business with less but maturing loss experience, and as the experience matures the LD method. For proportional or pro-rata business, the Company typically relies heavily on the actual historical contract experience to estimate reserving parameters such as loss development factors, whereas for excess of loss business there will be more usage of industry and/or Company benchmark assumptions.
Maiden Reinsurance underwrote the AmTrust Reinsurance legacy business from July 1, 2007 until January 30, 2019, when Maiden Reinsurance and AII agreed to terminate the remaining business subject to the AmTrust Quota Share on a run-off basis effective as of January 1, 2019, and Maiden Reinsurance, AEL and AIU DAC agreed to terminate the European Hospital Liability Quota Share on a run-off basis effective as of January 1, 2019. A large proportion of the exposure in the underlying book of business has significant seasoning, and allows for a significant amount of credibility in using parameters derived from historical experience to calculate reserve estimates. Some segments of the book are a result of recent acquisitions or newer markets for AmTrust. These segments require a greater level of assumptions and professional judgment in deriving ultimate losses, which inherently implies a wider range of reasonable estimates. As a result, the Company has tended to rely on a weighted approach which primarily employs the LD method for aspects of the segment with ample historical data, while also considering the ELR or the BF method for exposures with more limited or volatile historical data. The FS method is also considered for segments of the AmTrust Legacy Reinsurance book of business for which claim count information is available. Additional data detailing items such as class of business, state, claim counts, frequency and severity is available, further enhancing the reserve analysis.
Prior period loss development ("PPD") arises from changes to loss estimates recognized in the current year that relate to loss reserves established in previous calendar years. The favorable or unfavorable PPD reflects changes in management's best estimate of the ultimate losses under the relevant reinsurance policies after considerable review of changes in actuarial assessments.
39
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
9. Reserve for Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses (continued)
The following table summarizes total PPD for our Legacy Reinsurance segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2025 2025
Prior Year Loss Development (favorable) adverse
Diversified Reinsurance legacy business $ ( 291 ) $ ( 166 )
AmTrust Reinsurance legacy business 6,911 ( 1,002 )
Total PPD for Legacy Reinsurance Segment $ 6,620 $ ( 1,168 )
Legacy Reinsurance Segment: Diversified Business
In the Diversified Reinsurance legacy operations, the favorable PPD was $ 291 and $ 166 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, which was primarily driven by favorable development in run-off business.
Legacy Reinsurance Segment: AmTrust Business
The table below shows PPD for the AmTrust Reinsurance legacy operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2025 2025
Prior Year Loss Development (favorable) adverse
AmTrust Quota Share $ ( 1,400 ) $ ( 5,600 )
LPT/ADC Agreement 3,601 ( 117 )
European Hospital Liability Quota Share 4,710 4,715
Total AmTrust Reinsurance PPD $ 6,911 $ ( 1,002 )
The PPD for AmTrust Reinsurance was primarily driven by adverse development in the European Hospital Liability Quota Share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively. Total PPD was largely due to additional development recognized on European Hospital Liability business due to adjustments for certain death claims and a reduction in recoveries anticipated under the LPT/ADC Agreement which were offset by favorable development on worker's compensation and other lines of business in the AmTrust Quota Share.
40
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
10. Related Party Transactions
Kestrel Intermediate Ledbetter Holdings, LLC ("KILH") was the controlling shareholder of Kestrel. In addition, Terry Ledbetter, the Company's Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors and Luke Ledbetter, the Company's Chief Executive Officer were the founding shareholders of KILH.
The Founding Shareholders of Maiden were Michael Karfunkel, George Karfunkel and Barry Zyskind. Leah Karfunkel (wife of the late Michael Karfunkel) and George Karfunkel are directors of AmTrust, and Barry Zyskind is the chief executive officer and chairman of AmTrust. Leah Karfunkel, George Karfunkel and Barry Zyskind own or control approximately 55.2 % of the ownership interests of Evergreen Parent, L.P., the ultimate parent of AmTrust.
The following describes transactions that have transpired between and among the Company (including Maiden), KILH and AmTrust.
KILH and AmTrust were Kestrel Equityholders, and received Common Shares at closing of the Combination in proportion to its equity interest in Kestrel prior to the closing. Barry Zyskind, George Karfunkel and Leah Karfunkel were individually shareholders of Maiden prior to closing of the Combination, and received common shares at the closing of the Combination in proportion to their respective equity interests in Maiden prior to the closing.
In connection with the Combination, the Kestrel equityholders at the closing date received 2,749,996 common shares of the combined company. The proportionate interest in these shares include 1,811,764 Common Shares issued to KILH for the benefit of Terry Ledbetter and Luke Ledbetter, constituting 18.2 % of the Company's issued Common Shares at September 30, 2025, and 776,470 Common Shares issued to AmTrust, constituting 7.7 % of the Company's issued Common Shares at September 30, 2025.
Barry Zyskind is the beneficial owner of 318,714 Common Shares, constituting 4.1 % of the Common Shares outstanding. George Karfunkel is the beneficial owner of 80,000 Common Shares, constituting 1.0 % of the Common Shares outstanding. Leah Karfunkel is the beneficial owner of 339,630 Common Shares, constituting 4.4 % of the Common Shares outstanding.
By reason of his position as the chairman and chief executive officer of AmTrust and his equity interest in AmTrust, Barry Zyskind may be deemed to beneficially own the Common Shares owned by AmTrust. By reason of their membership on the board of directors of AmTrust and their equity interests in AmTrust, each of George Karfunkel and Leah Karfunkel may be also be deemed to beneficially own the Common Shares owned by AmTrust. Therefore, including the 776,470 Common Shares of owned by AmTrust, Barry Zyskind beneficially owns 1,094,754 Common Shares, constituting 11.0 % of the Common Shares outstanding; George Karfunkel beneficially owns 856,040 Common Shares, constituting 8.6 % of the Common Shares outstanding; and Leah Karfunkel beneficially owns 1,115,670 Common Shares, constituting 11.2 % of the Common Shares outstanding. Each of Barry Zyskind, George Karfunkel and Leah Karfunkel disclaim beneficial ownership of the Common Shares owned by AmTrust to the extent permitted by law.
As discussed above, AmTrust holds approximately 7.7 % of the issued and outstanding Kestrel Group common shares and has the right to nominate (a) one non-independent director to the Kestrel Group Ltd board of directors for so long as AmTrust and its affiliates own at least 25 % of the shares of Kestrel Group issued to them at the closing of the Combination, and (b) two independent directors to the Kestrel Group board of directors for so long as AmTrust and its affiliates own at least 5 % of the shares of Kestrel Group and at least 25 % of the shares of Kestrel Group issued to them at the closing of the Combination. Kestrel Group writes its business on a fronting basis initially through the AmTrust Insurance Companies, and will cede up to 100 % of underwriting risk in exchange for a ceding fee based on gross premiums written. In addition, AmTrust provides additional services in relation to the AmTrust Insurance Companies pursuant to a management agreement with Kestrel Insurance Agency, including compliance, data reporting, data flow and information technology systems. As a result, Kestrel Group relies on its strategic partnership with AmTrust as a related party.
Management Agreement with AmTrust
As part of the July 26, 2022 Unit Purchase Agreement, AmTrust North America Inc. acquired a 30 % minority interest in Kestrel with the option for the Company to purchase certain insurance carriers owned by AmTrust North America Inc. The Company also receives professional and administrative services through an expense reimbursement arrangement under the management agreement referenced below with AmTrust North America Inc. The Company incurred costs related to this agreement of $ 93 and $ 337 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, compared to $ 91 and $ 707 for the same respective periods in 2024. These amounts are presented in general and administrative fees in the condensed consolidated statement of operations and include professional services such as statutory financial reporting, IT processing, legal contracting, and insurance company compliance functions.
The Company also has an exclusive management contract with AmTrust North America Inc. to produce business through its use of A.M. Best A- FSC XV insurance carriers, including Sierra Specialty Insurance Company, Rochdale Insurance Company, Park National Insurance Company, and Republic Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, all subsidiaries of AmTrust. In connection with the Combination Agreement, Kestrel will have the option to acquire these insurers from AmTrust for a period of up to three years after the closing date. All fee revenue earned during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 were based on the net premiums associated with this agreement.
41
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
10. Related Party Transactions (continued)
Board of Directors of the Company
Following completion of the Combination, the board of directors of Kestrel Group consists of seven directors, made up of four directors selected by KILH, two of whom are independent under applicable securities laws and stock exchange rules, and three directors selected by AmTrust, two of whom are independent under applicable securities laws and stock exchange rules. Please also refer to Note. 11. Commitments for details of the related party lease agreement with Terry Ledbetter, who is the Company's Executive Chairman, which is effective until January 31, 2026.
The following describes the legacy reinsurance transactions that have transpired between Maiden and AmTrust:
AmTrust Quota Share
Effective July 1, 2007, Maiden and AmTrust entered into a master agreement, as amended ("Master Agreement"), by which they caused Maiden Reinsurance and AII to enter into the AmTrust Quota Share by which AII retroceded to Maiden Reinsurance an amount equal to 40 % of the premium written by subsidiaries of AmTrust, net of the cost of unaffiliated inuring reinsurance and 40 % of losses. The Master Agreement further provided that AII receive a ceding commission of 31 % of ceded written premiums.
On June 11, 2008, Maiden Reinsurance and AII amended the AmTrust Quota Share to add Retail Commercial Package Business to the Covered Business (as defined in the AmTrust Quota Share). AII receives a ceding commission of 34.375 % on Retail Commercial Package Business. On July 1, 2016, the agreement was renewed through June 30, 2019. Effective July 1, 2018, the amount AEL ceded to Maiden Reinsurance was reduced to 20 %.
Effective July 1, 2013, for the Specialty Program portion of Covered Business only, AII was responsible for ultimate net loss otherwise recoverable from Maiden Reinsurance to the extent that the loss ratio to Maiden Reinsurance, which shall be determined on an inception to date basis from July 1, 2007 through the date of calculation, is between 81.5 % and 95 % ("Loss Corridor"). Above and below the Loss Corridor, Maiden Reinsurance continued to reinsure losses at its proportional 40 % share of the AmTrust Quota Share. Effective July 31, 2019, the Loss Corridor was amended such that the maximum amount covered is $ 40,500 , the amount calculated by Maiden Reinsurance for the Loss Corridor coverage as of March 31, 2019. Any development above this maximum amount will be subject to the coverage of the LPT/ADC Agreement.
Effective January 1, 2019, Maiden Reinsurance and AII entered into a partial termination amendment ("Partial Termination Amendment") which amended the AmTrust Quota Share. The Partial Termination Amendment provided for the cut-off of the ongoing and unearned premium of AmTrust’s Small Commercial Business and U.S. Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty ("Terminated Business") as of December 31, 2018. Under the Partial Termination Amendment, the ceding commission payable by Maiden Reinsurance for its remaining in-force business immediately prior to January 1, 2019 increased by five percentage points with respect to in-force remaining business (excluding Terminated Business) and related unearned premium as of January 1, 2019. Subsequently, on January 30, 2019, Maiden Reinsurance and AII agreed to terminate the remaining business subject to the AmTrust Quota Share on a run-off basis effective as of January 1, 2019.
Effective July 31, 2019, Maiden Reinsurance and AII entered into a Commutation and Release Agreement which provided for AII to assume all reserves ceded by AII to Maiden Reinsurance with respect to its proportional 40 % share of the ultimate net loss under the AmTrust Quota Share related to the commuted business including: (a) all losses incurred in Accident Year 2017 and Accident Year 2018 under California workers' compensation policies and as defined in the AmTrust Quota Share ("Commuted California Business"); and (b) all losses incurred in Accident Year 2018 under New York workers' compensation policies ("Commuted New York Business"), and together with the Commuted California Business ("Commuted Business") in exchange for the release and full discharge of Maiden Reinsurance's obligations to AII with respect to the Commuted Business. The Commuted Business excludes any business classified by AII as Specialty Program or Specialty Risk business.
AII and Maiden Reinsurance also agreed that as of July 31, 2019, the AmTrust Quota Share was deemed amended as applicable so that the Commuted Business is no longer included as part of Covered Business under the AmTrust Quota Share.
On January 30, 2019, in connection with the termination of the reinsurance agreement described above, the Company and AmTrust entered into a second amendment to the Master Agreement between the parties, originally entered into on July 3, 2007, to remove the provisions requiring AmTrust to reinsure business with the Company.
European Hospital Liability Quota Share
Effective April 1, 2011, Maiden Reinsurance entered into the European Hospital Liability Quota Share with AEL and AIU DAC. Pursuant to the terms of the European Hospital Liability Quota Share, Maiden Reinsurance assumed 40 % of the premiums and losses related to policies classified as European Hospital Liability, including associated liability coverages and policies covering physician defense costs, written or renewed on or after April 1, 2011. The European Hospital Liability Quota Share also covers policies written or renewed on or before March 31, 2011, but only with respect to losses that occur, accrue or arise on or after April 1, 2011. The maximum limit of liability attaching shall be € 5,000 (€ 10,000 effective January 1, 2012) or currency equivalent (on a 100 % basis) per original claim for any one original policy. Maiden Reinsurance paid a ceding commission of 5 % on contracts assumed under the European Hospital Liability Quota Share.
Effective July 1, 2016, the European Hospital Liability Quota Share was amended such that Maiden Reinsurance assumes from AEL 32.5 % of the premiums and losses of all policies written or renewed on or after July 1, 2016 until June 30, 2017 and 20 % of all policies written or renewed on or after July 1, 2017. Thereafter, on January 30, 2019, Maiden Reinsurance, AEL and AIU DAC agreed to terminate the European Hospital Liability Quota Share on a run-off basis effective as of January 1, 2019.
42
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
10. Related Party Transactions (continued)
Effective July 1, 2022, Maiden Reinsurance and AIU DAC entered into an agreement ("Commutation Agreement") which provided for AIU DAC to assume all reserves ceded by AIU DAC to Maiden Reinsurance with respect to AIU DAC’s French Medical Malpractice exposures for underwriting years 2012 through 2018 reinsured by Maiden Reinsurance under the European Hospital Liability Quota Share. In accordance with the Commutation Agreement, Maiden Reinsurance paid $ 31,291 (€ 29,401 ) to AIU DAC, which is the sum of net ceded reserves of $ 27,625 (€ 25,956 ) and an agreed exit cost of $ 3,666 (€ 3,444 ). As a result of the Commutation Agreement, Maiden Reinsurance reduced its exposure to AmTrust's Hospital Liability business, but still has exposure to Italian medical malpractice liabilities under the European Hospital Liability Quota Share.
The table below shows the effect of both of these quota share arrangements with AmTrust on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Income Statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2025 2025
Gross and net premiums written $ 308 $ 23
Net premiums earned 2,960 3,992
Net loss and LAE ( 5,303 ) ( 2,222 )
Commission and other acquisition expenses ( 362 ) ( 378 )
Collateral provided to AmTrust
Pursuant to the terms of the LPT/ADC Agreement, Maiden Reinsurance, Cavello and AmTrust and certain of its affiliated companies entered into a Master Collateral Agreement (“MCA”) to define and enable the operation of collateral provided under the AmTrust Quota Share. Under the MCA, Cavello provided letters of credit on behalf of Maiden Reinsurance to AmTrust in an amount representing Cavello’s obligations under the LPT/ADC Agreement. Because these letters of credit replaced other collateral previously provided directly by Maiden Reinsurance to AmTrust, the MCA coordinates the collateral protection that will be provided to AmTrust to ensure that no gaps in collateral funding occur by operation of the LPT/ADC Agreement and related MCA.
As a result of entering into both the LPT/ADC Agreement and the MCA, certain post-termination endorsements (“PTEs”) to the AmTrust Quota Share between AII and Maiden Reinsurance were required. Effective July 31, 2019, the PTEs: i) enable the operation of both the LPT/ADC Agreement and MCA by making provision for certain forms of collateral, including letters of credit provided by Cavello on Maiden Reinsurance’s behalf, and further defines the permitted use and return of collateral; and ii) increase the required funding percentage for Maiden Reinsurance under the collateral arrangements between the parties to 105 % of its obligations, subject to a minimum excess funding requirement of $ 54,000 , as may be mutually amended by the parties from time to time. Under certain defined conditions, Maiden Reinsurance may be required to increase this funding percentage to 110 %.
Effective March 16, 2020, Maiden Reinsurance discontinued as a Bermuda company and completed its re-domestication to the State of Vermont. Bermuda is a Solvency II equivalent jurisdiction and the State of Vermont is not such a jurisdiction; therefore, the collateral provided under the respective agreements with AmTrust subsidiaries was strengthened to reflect the impact of the re-domestication concurrent with the date of Maiden Reinsurance’s re-domestication to Vermont. Maiden Reinsurance and AmTrust agreed to: 1) amend the AmTrust Quota Share pursuant to Post Termination Endorsement No. 2 effective March 16, 2020; and 2) amend the European Hospital Liability Quota Share pursuant to Post Termination Endorsement No. 1 effective March 16, 2020.
Pursuant to the terms of Post Termination Endorsement No. 2 to the AmTrust Quota Share, Maiden Reinsurance strengthened the collateral protection provided by Maiden Reinsurance to AII by increasing the required funding percentage for Maiden Reinsurance under the collateral arrangements between the parties to 110 % of its obligations, subject to a minimum excess funding requirement of $ 54,000 , as may be mutually amended by the parties from time to time. Post Termination Endorsement No. 2 also sets forth conditions by which the funding percentage will be reduced and the sequence of how collateral will be utilized as obligations, as defined under the AmTrust Quota Share, are satisfied. Pursuant to the terms of Post Termination Endorsement No. 2, the funding percentage was reduced to 107.5 % during the first quarter of 2023.
Pursuant to the terms of Post Termination Endorsement No. 3 to the AmTrust Quota Share, AmTrust has agreed to eliminate the minimum excess funding requirement of $ 54,000 in the AmTrust Quota Share between All and Maiden. Collateral on the AmTrust Quota Share will now solely be tied to a contractually agreed percentage and is expected to be reduced from a current level of 107.5 % to 105 % during the third quarter of 2025 when its obligations are expected to decline below the $ 500,000 threshold. The terms of Post Termination Endorsement No. 3 was effective upon the execution and delivery of the AR Loan Agreement and the Premium Repayment Loan Agreement approved by the Vermont DFR on February 7, 2025.
43
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
10. Related Party Transactions (continued)
Pursuant to the terms of Post Termination Endorsement No. 1 to the European Hospital Liability Quota Share, Maiden Reinsurance strengthened the collateral protection provided by Maiden Reinsurance to AEL and AIU DAC by increasing the required funding percentage for Maiden Reinsurance under the collateral arrangements between the parties to the greater of 120 % of the Exposure (as defined therein) and the amount of security required to offset the increase in the Solvency Capital Requirement (“SCR”) that results from the hanges in the SCR which arise out of Maiden Reinsurance's re-domestication as compared to the SCR calculation if Maiden Reinsurance had remained domesticated in a Solvency II equivalent jurisdiction with a solvency ratio above 100 % and provided collateral equivalent to 100 % of the Exposure.
Pursuant to the terms of Post Termination Endorsement No. 2 to the European Hospital Liability Quota Share, AmTrust has also agreed to reduce the collateral funding percentage on the European Hospital Liability Quota Share from 120 % to 105 %, on the effective date of this endorsement, which was approved by the Vermont DFR on February 19, 2025.
On December 31, 2024, Maiden Reinsurance and AmTrust entered into a Loan Agreement (the “Premium Repayment Loan Agreement”) by which Maiden Reinsurance will repay AII the principal amount of $ 24,259 representing settlement of a dispute over cessions of uncollectible ceded premiums written made by AII to Maiden Reinsurance, payable by Maiden Reinsurance in quarterly installments through the maturity date of December 31, 2032. This settlement is netted against the loan receivable from related party on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2025. AmTrust may offset any amount payable against any amount due and unpaid by Maiden Reinsurance, under any agreement between AmTrust or its affiliate and Maiden Reinsurance or its affiliate, including without limitation, the European Hospital Liability Quota Share, dated April 1, 2011, as amended. Interest is payable at a rate equivalent to the Fed Funds rate plus 150 basis points per annum under the terms of the Premium Repayment Loan Agreement.
a) AmTrust Quota Share
To provide AmTrust's U.S. insurance subsidiaries with credit for reinsurance on their statutory financial statements, AII, as the direct reinsurer of AmTrust's insurance subsidiaries, established trust accounts ("Trust Accounts") for their benefit. Maiden Reinsurance has provided appropriate collateral to secure its proportional share under the AmTrust Quota Share of AII's obligations to the AmTrust subsidiaries to whom AII is required to provide collateral which can include: (a) assets loaned by Maiden Reinsurance to AII for deposit into the Trust Accounts, pursuant to a loan agreement between those parties; (b) assets transferred by Maiden Reinsurance for deposit into the Trust Accounts; or (c) a letter of credit obtained by Maiden Reinsurance and delivered to an AmTrust subsidiary on AII's behalf. Maiden Reinsurance may provide any or a combination of these forms of collateral, provided that the aggregate value thereof equals Maiden Reinsurance's proportionate share of its obligations under the AmTrust Quota Share. The collateral requirements under the AmTrust Quota Share with AII are satisfied as follows:
• On January 1, 2025, Maiden Reinsurance and AmTrust amended the terms of the loan agreement provided by Maiden Reinsurance to AII. Under the revised terms, an Amended and Restated Loan Agreement was entered into effective January 1, 2025 (the “AR Loan Agreement”), by which the principal amount of the collateral loan will be repaid (subject to funding of collateral requirements) on or before the revised maturity date of January 1, 2033 pursuant to a repayment schedule set forth in the AR Loan Agreement. The principal amount shall equal (a) $ 152,377 minus (b) the amount of payments and any prepayments made by or on behalf of AmTrust from time to time. Interest is payable at a rate equivalent to the Federal Funds Effective Rate ("Fed Funds") plus 150 basis points per annum under the terms of the AR Loan Agreement.
• AmTrust may offset any amount payable against any amount due and unpaid by Maiden Reinsurance, under any agreement between AmTrust or its affiliate and Maiden Reinsurance or its affiliate, including without limitation, the AmTrust Quota Share and European Hospital Liability Quota Share dated April 1, 2011, as amended, between Maiden Reinsurance and AmTrust, any other reinsurance agreements between AmTrust or its affiliates and Maiden Reinsurance or its affiliates and the Premium Repayment Loan Agreement dated December 31, 2024 with respect to the settlement of certain ceded premium balances of $ 24,259 entered into between AII and Maiden Reinsurance.
• The outstanding balances under the AR Loan Agreement and Premium Repayment Loan Agreement are presented on a net basis. The outstanding net loan receivable was $ 101,689 at September 30, 2025. There was no allowance for expected credit losses recognized on the loan at September 30, 2025. Net interest income on the net loan receivable was $ 1,604 and $ 2,263 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, with an effective yield of 6.1 % and 6.2 %, respectively.
b) European Hospital Liability Quota Share
Collateral has been provided to both AEL and AIU DAC under the European Hospital Liability Quota Share. For AEL, the amount of the collateral held in reinsurance trust accounts at September 30, 2025 was $ 137,806 and the accrued interest was $ 663 .
Asset Management Agreement
Effective July 1, 2007, Maiden entered into an asset management agreement with AII Insurance Management Limited ("AIIM"), a wholly owned subsidiary of AmTrust, pursuant to which AIIM agreed to provide investment management services to the Company. Effective January 1, 2018, AIIM provides investment management services for a quarterly fee of 0.02125 % of the average value of the account. The agreement may be terminated upon 30 days written notice by either party. The Company recorded $ 46 and $ 48 of investment management fees for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, under this agreement.
44
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
10. Related Party Transactions (continued)
On September 9, 2020, Maiden Reinsurance, AmTrust and AIIM entered into a novation agreement, effective July 1, 2020, which provided for the novation of the asset management agreement, dated January 1, 2018 between Maiden Reinsurance and AIIM, and the release by Maiden Reinsurance of AIIM's obligations under the asset management agreement. The novation mandates that AmTrust is to be bound by the terms of the asset management agreement in place of AIIM and AmTrust agrees to perform any and all past, present and future obligations of AIIM under the asset management agreement.
On November 13, 2020, Maiden LF, Maiden GF, AmTrust and AIIM entered into a novation agreement, effective July 1, 2020, which provided for the novation of the asset management agreement, dated January 1, 2018 between Maiden LF, Maiden GF and AIIM, and the release by Maiden LF and Maiden GF of AIIM's obligations under the asset management agreement. The novation mandates that AmTrust is to be bound by the terms of the asset management agreement in place of AIIM and AmTrust agrees to perform any and all past, present and future obligations of AIIM under the asset management agreement.
Renewal Rights Transaction - IIS Business
On May 3, 2024, Maiden LF and Maiden GF entered into a Renewal Rights and Asset Purchase Agreement with AmTrust Nordic AB, a Swedish unit of AmTrust, which is expected to cover certain programs of Maiden LF and Maiden GF's primary business written in Sweden, Norway and other Nordic countries.
On June 20, 2024, Maiden LF and Maiden GF entered into a Renewal Rights and Asset Purchase Agreement with AmTrust Europe Limited ("AEL") and AmTrust International Underwriters DAC ("AIU DAC"), both wholly owned subsidiaries of AmTrust, which is expected to cover certain programs of Maiden LF and Maiden GF's primary business written in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Under these agreements, those AmTrust subsidiaries in collaboration with existing Maiden LF and Maiden GF distribution partners, will offer renewals to select policyholders in exchange for a fee at standard market terms for business successfully renewed. All programs written by Maiden LF and GF, including those covered by the agreements as described above, are in the process of being cancelled in accordance with either their contractual terms or as applicable, the requirements of these agreements. As at September 30, 2025, Maiden LF and Maiden GF had substantially completed all the main contractual obligations as per the AmTrust Renewal Rights Agreements.
45
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
11. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees
The following describes the Company's current commitments, contingencies and concentrations as of September 30, 2025:
a) Concentrations of Credit Risk
At September 30, 2025, the Company’s assets where significant concentrations of credit risk may exist include total investments, cash and cash equivalents, net loan receivable from related party, reinsurance balances receivable, reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses and funds withheld receivable. Please refer to " Note 8. Reinsurance " for additional information regarding the Company's credit risk exposure on its reinsurance counterparties including the impact of the LPT/ADC Agreement effective January 1, 2019. The Company requires its reinsurers to have adequate financial strength.
As discussed in Note 3. Segment Information , the Company's Program Services segment consists of a cohesive suite of fronting services that are integrated and interdependent. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, this revenue stream is highly concentrated due to capacity distribution agreements with an individual customer.
The Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers, program managers and MGAs and monitors its concentration of credit risk on an ongoing basis. Provisions are made for amounts that are considered potentially uncollectible. Reinsurance receivable and recoverable balances, net loan receivable from related party, and the funds withheld receivable are reviewed for expected credit losses on a quarterly basis and are presented net of an allowance for expected credit losses. Letters of credit are provided by its reinsurers for material amounts recoverable as discussed in " Note 8. Reinsurance ".
The Company manages the concentration of credit risk in its investment portfolio through issuer and sector exposure limitations. The Company believes it bears minimal credit risk in its cash on deposit. The Company also monitors the credit risk related to the net loan receivable from related party, reinsurance balances receivable and funds withheld receivable, within which the largest balances are due from AmTrust. AmTrust has a financial strength/credit rating of A- (Excellent) from A.M. Best at September 30, 2025.
To mitigate credit risk, the Company generally has a contractual right of offset thereby allowing claims to be settled net of any premiums or loan receivable. The Company believes these balances as at September 30, 2025 will be fully collectible.
b) Investment Commitments and Related Financial Guarantees
The Company's total unfunded commitments on other investments and equity method investments was $ 33,448 at September 30, 2025. The table below shows the total unfunded commitments by type of investment as at September 30, 2025:
September 30, 2025
Fair Value % of Total
Total unfunded commitments on other investments $ 19,301 57.7 %
Total unfunded commitments on equity method investments 14,147 42.3 %
Total unfunded commitments on alternative investments $ 33,448 100.0 %
Certain of the Company's investments in limited partnerships are related to real estate joint ventures with interests in multi-property projects with varying strategies ranging from the development of properties to the ownership of income-producing properties. In certain of these joint ventures, the Company has provided certain indemnities, guarantees and commitments to certain parties such that it may be required to make payments now or in the future.
Any loss for which the Company could be liable would be contingent on the default of a loan by the real estate joint venture entity for which the Company provided a financial guarantee to a lender. While the Company has committed to aggregate limits as to the amount of guarantees it will provide as part of its limited partnerships, guarantees are only provided on an individual transaction basis and are subject to the terms and conditions of each transaction mutually agreed by the parties involved. The Company is not bound to such guarantees without its express authorization.
As discussed above, at September 30, 2025, guarantees of $ 69,990 were provided to lenders by the Company on behalf of real estate joint ventures, however, the likelihood of the Company incurring any losses pertaining to project level financing guarantees was determined to be remote. Therefore, no liability has been accrued under ASC 450-20.
Other Contingent Commitments
As a result of the Combination Agreement, Kestrel Equityholders are entitled to receive in contingent consideration up to the lesser of (x) an aggregate number of Kestrel Group common shares equal to $ 45.0 million divided by certain volume weighted average prices of such shares, subject to the achievement of certain EBITDA milestones by the businesses that Kestrel conducted immediately prior to closing and any extensions of such businesses or related or ancillary businesses existing thereafter, subject to other terms and conditions as set forth in the combination agreement and (y) 2.75 million common shares of Kestrel Group. On September 30, 2025, the fair value of this contingent consideration was $ 0 . The fair value of the earn out liability decreased by $ 2,679 and $ 0 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, which was recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of net income during the reporting period.
46
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
11. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees (continued)
At September 30, 2025, the Company holds a contingent receivable in the insurance distribution industry. Pursuant to the terms of the investment agreement, the Company will receive a series of distributions. The Company currently estimates that the net present value of these potential distributions is $ 14,347 which has been classified as receivable and reported in Other Assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2025. Under ASC 805, the earn out consideration for this receivable is adjusted to fair value at each reporting period with any changes in fair value reported immediately in net income.
c) Operating Lease Commitments
The Company leases office spaces and equipment under various operating leases expiring in various years through 2034. The Company's leases are currently classified as operating leases and none of them have non-lease components. For operating leases that have a lease term of more than twelve months, and whose operating lease payments are above a certain threshold, the Company recognizes a lease liability and a right-of-use asset in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at the present value of the remaining lease payments until expiration.
Kestrel’s principal executive offices are presently located at 8333 Douglas Avenue, Suite 1360 in Dallas, Texas. The Dallas office is leased through Ledbetter Interests, Ltd., an entity affiliated with Terry Ledbetter, who is the Company's Executive Chairman, pursuant to a Lease Agreement dated October 23, 2019. Kestrel Service Corporation, Kestrel’s wholly owned subsidiary, reimburses Terry Ledbetter via an expense reimbursement provision under his employment agreement for the use of this leased office space. This Lease Agreement expires January 31, 2026 and will not be renewed. This lease does not meet the minimum threshold for lease liability recognition and therefore its rent payments are expensed as incurred.
Kestrel also leases office space for the corporate office in Austin, Texas, through Kestrel Service Corporation, that expires in 2027. The Austin office will be the principal executive office effective February 1, 2026. Lease payments have an escalating fee schedule, which range from a 3 % to 4 % increase each year. Termination of the lease is generally prohibited unless there is a violation under the lease agreement.
Maiden also leases office space in a building in New York City that commenced in April 2024, which created a significant right-of-use asset and lease liability upon completion of leasehold improvements for the ten-year operating lease. This lease comprises most of the lease liabilty and right-of-use asset recognized on the condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2025.
As the lease contracts generally do not provide an implicit discount rate, the Company used the weighted-average discount rate of 7.2 %, representing its secured incremental borrowing rate, in calculating the present value of the lease liability. At September 30, 2025, the Company's future lease obligations of $ 2,108 (December 31, 2024 - $ 244 ) were calculated based on the present value of future annual rental commitments excluding taxes, insurance and other operating costs for non-cancellable operating leases discounted using its secured incremental borrowing rate. This amount has been recognized on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as a lease liability within accrued expenses and other liabilities with the right-of-use asset presented as part of other assets . At September 30, 2025, the Company's right-of-use lease asset was $ 2,085 (December 31, 2024 - $ 223 ).
The Company has made an accounting policy election not to include renewal, termination, or purchase options that are not reasonably certain of exercise when determining the term of the borrowing. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. The Company's weighted-average remaining lease term is approximately 8.4 years at September 30, 2025.
Under Topic 842, Leases , the Company continues to recognize the related leasing expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company's total office lease expense was $ 156 and $ 298 for three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 (2024: $ 48 and $ 142 ) recognized within general and administrative expenses consistent with the prior accounting treatment under Topic 840.
At September 30, 2025, the scheduled maturity of the Company's operating lease liabilities are expected to be as follows:
September 30, 2025
2025 $ 91
2026 363
2027 366
2028 277
2029 282
Thereafter 1,475
Discount for present value ( 746 )
Total discounted operating lease liabilities $ 2,108
47
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
11. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees (continued)
d) Legal Proceedings
Except as noted below, the Company is not a party to any material legal proceedings. From time to time, the Company is subject to routine legal proceedings, including arbitration, arising in the ordinary course of business. These legal proceedings generally relate to claims asserted by or against the Company in the ordinary course of insurance or reinsurance operations. Based on the Company's opinion, the eventual outcome of these legal proceedings is not expected to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
A putative class action complaint was filed against Maiden Holdings, Arturo M. Raschbaum, Karen L. Schmitt, and John M. Marshaleck in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey on February 11, 2019. On February 19, 2020, the Court appointed lead plaintiffs, and on May 1, 2020, lead plaintiffs filed an amended class action complaint (the “Amended Complaint”). The Amended Complaint asserts violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 (and Section 20(a) for control person liability) arising in large part from allegations that Maiden failed to take adequate loss reserves in connection with reinsurance provided to AmTrust. Plaintiffs further claim that certain of Maiden Holdings’ representations concerning its business, underwriting and financial statements were rendered false by the allegedly inadequate loss reserves, that these misrepresentations inflated the price of Maiden Holdings' common stock, and that when the truth about the misrepresentations was revealed, the Company’s stock price fell, causing Plaintiffs to incur losses. On September 11, 2020, a motion to dismiss was filed on behalf of all Defendants. On August 6, 2021, the Court issued an order denying, in part, Defendants’ motion to dismiss, ordering Plaintiffs to file a shorter amended complaint no later than August 20, 2021, and permitting discovery to proceed on a limited basis.
On February 7, 2023, the District Court denied Plaintiffs’ motion for reconsideration of the District Court’s decision denying Plaintiffs’ objection to the Magistrate Judge’s December 2021 ruling on discovery. On May 26, 2023, the Company filed a Renewed Motion to Dismiss the Second Amended Complaint or, in the Alternative, for Summary Judgment. On December 19, 2023, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey granted summary judgment on plaintiffs’ claim for securities fraud under Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act to Maiden Holdings, Ltd. and individual defendants Arturo Raschbaum, Karen Schmitt, and John Marshaleck. The Court held that the factual record failed to support, as a matter of law, plaintiffs’ allegations that the defendants had made false statements regarding the Company’s loss reserves. The Court also dismissed plaintiffs’ claims that the individual defendants were liable as control persons under Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act for any such alleged false statements. Plaintiffs appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
On August 20, 2025, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit vacated the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey’s order granting summary judgment to Maiden and individual defendants Arturo Raschbaum, Karen Schmitt, and John Marshalek . The Third Circuit disagreed with the District Court’s holding that the current case record required judgment for Maiden, as a matter of law, on the issue of whether Maiden’s loss reserves were misleading. The Court explained further that it was not issuing a ruling on the element of scienter. The Third Circuit therefore vacated the opinion of the District Court and remanded the case to the District Court with instructions to permit plaintiffs to pursue discovery with respect to their claims for securities fraud under Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act. The Third Circuit denied defendants’ petition for rehearing on September 16, 2025, but defendants may still seek to appeal the decision. Maiden believes it has procedural and substantive defenses to the asserted claims, and it intends to oppose and defend against these claims.
On December 26, 2024, WUSO Holding Corporation and 683 Capital Partners filed a lawsuit against Maiden Holdings North America, Ltd. and Maiden Holdings in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, captioned WUSO Holding Corporation and 683 Capital Partners, LP v. Maiden Holdings North America, Ltd. and Maiden Holdings, Ltd., Index No. 659861/2024. The complaint alleges that Maiden’s sale of Maiden Reinsurance North America, Inc., which closed approximately six years ago from the date of the complaint, breached a sole provision of Maiden’s indenture governing its 2013 Senior Notes. Plaintiffs allege that principal and interest payable under the 2013 Senior Notes are due currently, rather than upon the stated maturity date of the 2013 Senior Notes. On June 17, 2025, the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, considered and granted Maiden’s motion to dismiss the complaint in its entirety. On August 6, 2025, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal, triggering a six month deadline to perfect their appeal in the First Judicial Department of the New York Appellate Division. To the extent that plaintiffs do perfect and pursue their appeal of this decision, Maiden will oppose any such action.
In addition to filing the notice of appeal, on August 12, 2025, plaintiffs filed a separate complaint against Maiden in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York. In the new complaint, plaintiffs allege that they have standing and authorization to bring suit, contending that they satisfied the no-action clause in the indenture because, on June 10, 2025, they requested, on behalf of holders of at least 25 % of the outstanding 2013 Senior Notes, that the indenture trustee commence a related action, accompanied by an offer to indemnify, and the indenture trustee did not institute such proceedings within 60 days of the request. On October 6, 2025, a motion to dismiss was filed on behalf of Maiden. Plaintiffs’ opposition is due November 17, 2025, and Maiden will file its reply on December 16, 2025. We cannot predict when the Court will issue a decision on the motion. Maiden believes it has substantial procedural and substantive defenses to the asserted claims, and it intends to vigorously defend against these claims.
We believe all of the above claims are without merit and we intend to vigorously defend ourselves. It is possible that additional lawsuits will be filed against the Company, its subsidiaries and its respective officers due to the diminution in value of our securities as a result of our operating results and financial condition. It is currently uncertain as to the effect of such litigation on our business, operating results and financial condition.
48
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
12. Earnings per Common Share
The following shows a summary of the elements used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2025 2024 2025 2024
Numerator:
Net (loss) income from continuing operations
$ ( 4,088 ) $ ( 429 ) $ 65,940 $ ( 1,353 )
Amount allocated to participating common shareholders (1)
— — ( 315 ) —
Net (loss) income available to Kestrel common shareholders before discontinued operations
( 4,088 ) ( 429 ) 65,625 ( 1,353 )
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax ( 965 ) — ( 1,460 ) —
Amount of loss from discontinued operations allocated to participating common shareholders (1)
— — 6 —
Net (loss) income attributable to Kestrel common shareholders $ ( 5,053 ) $ ( 429 ) $ 64,171 $ ( 1,353 )
Denominator:
Weighted average number of common shares – basic and diluted (1)
7,741,943 2,749,996 5,053,828 2,749,996
Basic and diluted (loss) earnings from continuing operations per share attributable to Kestrel shareholders
$ ( 0.53 ) $ ( 0.16 ) $ 12.99 $ ( 0.49 )
Basic and diluted loss from discontinued operations per share attributable to Kestrel shareholders
( 0.12 ) — ( 0.29 ) —
Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to Kestrel shareholders:
$ ( 0.65 ) $ ( 0.16 ) $ 12.70 $ ( 0.49 )
(1) There were no potentially dilutive securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024.
13. Income Taxes
The Company recognized income tax expense of $ 7 and $ 102 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 compared to $ 0 for the same respective periods in 2024 . The effective tax rate on the Company's net loss differs from the statutory rate of zero percent under Bermuda law due to tax on foreign operations, primarily the U.S.
A valuation allowance has been established against the net U.S. and International deferred tax assets which is primarily attributable to net operating losses in the respective regions. At this time, the Company believes it is necessary to establish a valuation allowance against the U.S. and International net deferred tax assets as more evidence is needed regarding the utilization of these losses.
At September 30, 2025, the Company has available net operating loss carry-forwards of $ 446,633 (December 31, 2024: $ 358 ) for income tax purposes. Approximately $ 365,302 (December 31, 2024: $ 0 ) of net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards expire in various years beginning in 2029. As of September 30, 2025, approximately $ 81,331 or 18.2 % of the Company's NOL carryforwards have no expiry date under the relevant U.S. tax law (December 31, 2024 - $ 358 or 100.0 %).
49
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
14. Assets Held for Sale
Sale of Swedish Subsidiaries and Related IIS Operations
As discussed in "Note 1. Basis of Presentation" , on November 29, 2024, Maiden entered into an agreement to sell its Swedish subsidiaries, Maiden LF and Maiden GF to a group of international insurance and reinsurance companies headquartered in the United Kingdom. Maiden GF and Maiden LF were the principal operating subsidiaries of the Company’s International Insurance Services (“IIS”) platform. The transaction was subject to customary regulatory approvals. In June 2025, the SFSA declined to approve the sale of Maiden GF and Maiden LF. The proposed acquirer whose application was denied by the SFSA and Maiden have now entered into an amended sale agreement for the acquisition of only Maiden GF at the previously agreed valuation, The proposed acquirer believes it will satisfactorily address the deficiencies identified by the SFSA in its June 2025 decision. This amended transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approval.
The sale will continue to be an all-cash transaction and pursuant to the proposed terms of the agreement, certain existing staff of Maiden GF will transition to the proposed acquirer. In the wake of the decision of the SFSA, management continues to evaluate strategic alternatives for that business, including a possible sale to a different third-party or a possible run-off and liquidation of the entity. Maiden LF and Maiden GF are not writing any new business and their non-insurance related assets and liabilities are represented as held-for-sale in our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Pursuant to the terms of the Proposed Swedish Subsidiaries Sale agreement, it is presently intended that any remaining historic business upon closing will be fully retroceded to Maiden Reinsurance thus there will be continuing involvement regarding the historical insurance operations. Pursuant to the terms of the Proposed Swedish Subsidiaries Sale, this transaction met the relevant held for sale criteria at September 30, 2025 and accordingly, any non-insurance related assets and liabilities related to the sale consideration are classified as held-for-sale in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as at September 30, 2025. The held-for-sale assets and liabilities and discontinued operations in the tables further below do not include any insurance related balances.
Under the accounting guidance in ASC Topic 205, a business that, upon acquisition, meets the held-for-sale criteria is not analyzed under the strategic shift test. Instead, it is reported in discontinued operations automatically based on its held-for-sale classification. The strategic shift test does not apply because the acquired businesses were not previously part of Kestrel Group who represents the acquiring entity and therefore would be classified as held-for-sale on the acquisition date. As the condensed consolidated statement of operations of Maiden included operations of Maiden GF and Maiden LF for the periods presented, adjustments to exclude the discontinued non-insurance activities of Maiden GF and Maiden LF were made for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025. All insurance related balances are excluded from the held-for-sale assets and liabilities which amounted to net insurance liabilities of $ 4,692 as at September 30, 2025.
The Company estimated the fair value of the net assets held-for-sale to be based on the estimated selling price less costs to sell and these assets are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy as of September 30, 2025. The assets and liabilities classified as held for sale on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as at September 30, 2025 include the following:
September 30,
2025
ASSETS
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value $ 6,479
Cash and cash equivalents 11,942
Accrued investment income 50
Other assets 684
Total assets held for sale $ 19,155
LIABILITIES
Accrued expenses and other liabilities $ 734
Total liabilities held for sale $ 734
The following table summarizes the major classes of items constituting the results from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 presented in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2025 2025
Net investment income $ 93 $ 104
General and administrative expenses ( 1,006 ) ( 1,419 )
Foreign exchange and other losses ( 52 ) ( 145 )
Net loss from discontinued operations
$ ( 965 ) $ ( 1,460 )
50
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
15. Business Combination
On May 27, 2025, Kestrel LLC completed the business combination with Maiden, pursuant to the terms of the Combination Agreement. The equityholders of Kestrel LLC at the closing date received an aggregate of $ 40.0 million in upfront cash and 2,749,996 common shares of the combined company. In addition, the former equityholders of Kestrel LLC remain entitled to receive contingent consideration up to the lesser of (x) $ 45.0 million payable in common shares of Kestrel Group upon the achievement of certain financial milestones, and (y) 2.75 million common shares of Kestrel Group. After the closing of the Combination Agreement, the group was rebranded as Kestrel Group and is the successor company to Maiden. The Company’s authorized share capital consists of 42,500,000 shares.
The Combination was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC 805, which requires assets acquired and liabilities assumed to be measured at their acquisition date fair value. The Company also adopted ASU 2021-08, effective as of January 1, 2025, to record contract liabilities at their carrying value as of the acquisition date. Although Maiden was the legal acquirer, Kestrel LLC was determined to be the accounting acquirer and the legal acquiree. As a result, Kestrel LLC and its subsidiaries’ net assets were carried at historical value, acquired net assets of Maiden and its subsidiaries were measured at fair value except contract liabilities being recorded at carrying value at the acquisition date, and results of operations of Maiden and its subsidiaries were included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements from May 27, 2025.
Purchase Price and Purchase Price Allocation
Management performed an estimation of fair values of Maiden and its subsidiaries' assets and liabilities as of May 27, 2025. The estimated fair values of the assets and liabilities are based on discussions with Maiden’s management, valuation studies, the transaction due diligence, and information presented in Maiden’s SEC filings. The final purchase price and estimated purchase price allocation herein may be different than the information previously filed with the SEC, and such differences could be material.
The Company is continuing its review of these matters during the measurement period, and if new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date identifies adjustments to the liabilities initially recognized, as well as any additional liabilities that existed at the acquisition date, the acquisition accounting will be revised to reflect the resulting adjustments to the provisional amounts initially recognized. The Company will finalize the purchase price allocation during the twelve-month period following the acquisition date.
Purchase Price
The final purchase price was based on the fair value of the issued and outstanding common shares at the closing of the Combination on May 27, 2025. The following table summarizes the final purchase price as of May 27, 2025:
Kestrel Group Ltd shares issued at Closing 7,221,621
Kestrel Group Ltd share price $ 23.00
Gross equity portion of consideration transferred at Closing $ 166,097
Kestrel Group Ltd shares retained as treasury shares by Maiden Reinsurance at Closing ( 2,237,534 )
Kestrel Group Ltd share price $ 23.00
Equity portion of consideration transferred to Maiden Reinsurance $ ( 51,463 )
Net equity portion of consideration transferred at Closing $ 114,634
Cash consideration paid to shareholders at Closing for fractional shares 1
Portion of the Maiden awards attributable to pre-combination service 514
Intercompany settlement 388
Total consideration effectively transferred $ 115,537
51
KESTREL GROUP LTD
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
15. Business Combination (continued)
Estimated Purchase Price Allocation
The following table summarizes allocation of the estimate of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of May 27, 2025:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value $ 208,855
Equity securities, at fair value 11,144
Equity method investments 32,326
Other investments
160,439
Cash and cash equivalents 68,358
Restricted cash and cash equivalents 11,449
Accrued investment income 4,108
Reinsurance balances receivable, net
10,133
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
517,028
Net loan receivable from related party 107,110
Intangible assets 11,864
Funds withheld receivable
11,048
Other assets 19,876
Assets held for sale 20,698
Reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses ( 738,137 )
Unearned premiums ( 23,903 )
Accrued expenses and other liabilities ( 68,453 )
Senior notes - at fair value ( 173,669 )
Liabilities held for sale ( 1,147 )
Net assets 189,127
Bargain purchase gain ( 73,590 )
Total consideration effectively transferred $ 115,537
At the closing date on May 27, 2025, the fair value of Maiden's net assets acquired were $ 189,127 which exceeded the consideration effectively transferred of $ 115,537 , resulting in a bargain purchase gain of $ 73,590 as shown in the table above. This gain was recognized immediately in the condensed consolidated statement of income of Kestrel for the nine months ended September 30, 2025.
As discussed in Note 11. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees , Kestrel Equityholders are entitled to receive in contingent consideration up to the lesser of (x) an aggregate number of Kestrel Group Ltd common shares equal to $ 45.0 million divided by certain volume weighted average prices of such shares, subject to the achievement of certain EBITDA milestones by the businesses that Kestrel conducted immediately prior to closing and any extensions of such businesses or related or ancillary businesses existing thereafter, subject to other terms and conditions as set forth in the combination agreement and (y) 2.75 million common shares of Kestrel Group. On September 30, 2025, the fair value of this contingent consideration was reduced to $ 0 as the business subject to the earnout computatiom continues to be re-evaluated. The fair value of the earn out liability decreased by $ 2,679 and $ 0 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, and recognized in the condensed consolidated statement of income on its own line item.
In connection with the Combination on May 27, 2025, the assets and liabilities of Maiden were recorded at fair value measured as of the acquisition date. Therefore, the net reserves for losses and LAE were remeasured at fair value, and based on discounted cash flow valuation techniques, a discount to net loss reserves was required which was recorded in intangible assets. At the closing date of May 27, 2025, the intangible assets acquired also consist of VOBA, as defined in Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies . The following table presents the components of intangible assets acquired at May 27, 2025 and September 30, 2025:
May 27, 2025 September 30, 2025
Value of Business Acquired $ 2,207 $ 1,832
Fair value discount on acquired net reserves for losses and LAE 9,657 8,538
Total Intangible Assets at acquisition $ 11,864 $ 10,370
52
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.