Kingsway Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
Rhea-AI Summary
Kingsway (KFS) reported Q1 2026 results: consolidated revenue rose 37.4% to $39.0M. KSX revenue increased 80.7% to $21.1M; Extended Warranty revenue grew 7.2% to $17.9M. Consolidated net loss was $2.2M; adjusted EBITDA was $2.4M. Total net debt was $63.9M as of March 31, 2026. The company reiterated a target of three to five acquisitions in 2026 and continued guidance for double-digit organic growth for both KSX and Extended Warranty. Management will host a conference call on May 7, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Positive
- Consolidated revenue +37.4% to $39.0M
- KSX revenue +80.7% to $21.1M
- Consolidated adjusted EBITDA $2.4M (improved from $1.4M)
Negative
- Consolidated net loss of $2.2M
- Extended Warranty adjusted EBITDA declined to $0.4M
- Total net debt $63.9M as of March 31, 2026
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
KFS was up 0.66% while momentum-flagged peers ACVA and CWH were down 2.45% and 1.91%, respectively, pointing to a stock-specific response to the earnings release.
Previous Earnings Reports
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 12 | Q4/FY 2025 earnings | Positive | -5.3% | Strong 2025 revenue and KSX growth, with Extended Warranty margin compression. |
| Nov 06 | Q3 2025 earnings | Positive | -10.8% | Q3 revenue up 37% YoY, KSX more than doubling, continued net loss. |
| Aug 07 | Q2 2025 earnings | Neutral | -2.7% | Mid-teens revenue growth, ongoing net loss, debt reduction and new acquisitions. |
| May 08 | Q1 2025 earnings | Neutral | +1.2% | Single-digit revenue growth, KSX strength, weaker EBITDA and wider net loss. |
| Mar 17 | FY 2024 earnings | Neutral | -0.3% | Modest revenue growth, swing to net loss, improved adjusted EBITDA and acquisitions. |
Earnings releases have often been followed by weak or negative price reactions, with an average move of about -3.57%, even when revenue growth was strong.
Recent history shows Kingsway emphasizing growth through KSX and acquisitions, with recurring net losses but improving adjusted EBITDA. Prior earnings reports highlighted rising consolidated revenue, strong KSX expansion, and generally modest Extended Warranty growth. Despite this, shares have frequently traded down after earnings. Today’s Q1 2026 results continue the theme of strong KSX-driven growth, portfolio EBITDA around $22–23M, and an acquisition-focused strategy.
Historical Comparison
Across the last 5 earnings-related releases, KFS averaged a -3.57% move despite consistent revenue growth and expanding KSX, suggesting investors often faded results.
Earnings updates show steady revenue expansion, especially at KSX, rising portfolio EBITDA around $20–23M, but recurring net losses. The Q1 2026 report extends this pattern with faster growth, continued leverage, and an acquisition-led strategy.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights strong Q1 2026 top-line growth, led by KSX, and an improved but still negative net income profile. Adjusted EBITDA increased, while Extended Warranty margins softened and net debt reached $63.9M. Historically, earnings have delivered consistent revenue gains alongside recurring losses. Investors may watch segment profitability trends, leverage levels, and progress toward the planned three to five acquisitions in 2026.
Key Terms
adjusted ebitda financial
net debt financial
ltm EBITDA financial
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
-- Q1 2026 Ahead of Budget for both KSX and Extended Warranty --
-- Revenue Growth of
-- KSX Revenue Growth of
-- Extended Warranty Revenue Growth of
-- Reiterates Target of Three to Five Acquisitions in 2026 --
-- Reiterates Double-Digit Organic Growth Budget for both KSX and Extended Warranty in 2026 --
Management to Host Conference Call Today, May 7, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET
CHICAGO, IL / ACCESS Newswire / May 7, 2026 / Kingsway Financial Services Inc. ("Kingsway" or the "Company"), the only publicly-traded US company employing the Search Fund model to acquire and build great businesses, today announced its operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2026.
First Quarter 2026 Financial Highlights Compared To First Quarter 2025
Consolidated revenue increased
37.4% to$39.0 million , compared to$28.3 million .Kingsway Search Xcelerator ("KSX") revenue increased
80.7% to$21.1 million , compared to$11.7 million .Extended Warranty revenue increased
7.2% to$17.9 million , compared to$16.7 million ; Extended Warranty cash sales increased11.8% .
Consolidated net loss was
$2.2 million , compared to a net loss of$3.1 million .Consolidated adjusted EBITDA was
$2.4 million , compared to$1.4 million .KSX adjusted EBITDA increased by
82% to$3.5 million , compared to$1.9 million .Extended Warranty adjusted EBITDA was
$0.4 million , compared to$0.9 million .
The Company had total net debt of
$63.9 million as of March 31, 2026, compared with$62.4 million as of December 31, 2025.
Business Highlights
Portfolio LTM EBITDA for the operating companies was
$22.0 million to$23.0 million as of March 31, 2026; see "Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures" below for further explanation of this metric.On March 16, 2026, the Company announced that its Board of Directors (the "Board") had elected Adam J. Patinkin as Chairman of the Board and Terence M. Kavanagh as Vice-Chairman of the Board.
On March 31, 2026, the Company announced the Board had approved a proposed corporate name change to Kingsway Corporation and a proposed stock ticker change to KWY, which are intended to better reflect the Company's business evolution and long-term strategy. The proposed name change is subject to shareholder approval at the Company's upcoming Annual general Meeting of shareholders scheduled for May 18, 2026.
Management Commentary
"Kingsway delivered a strong first quarter of 2026, with profits at both KSX and Extended Warranty coming in ahead of budget," said JT Fitzgerald, Kingsway's President and CEO. "March stood out as a particularly good month, and we see clear business momentum across our portfolio entering the seasonally stronger summer months.
"For the full year, we continue to expect double-digit organic growth in revenue and profit at both KSX and Extended Warranty. Our acquisition pipeline is robust, and we anticipate completing three to five acquisitions in 2026, in line with our target.
"The combination of healthy organic growth and continued acquisition activity position Kingsway for a year of meaningful financial and strategic progress."
Conference Call and Webcast
Management will host a conference call at 5 p.m. Eastern Time today to discuss the results and host a live Q&A session. Additionally, investors may also submit questions via email to: James@HaydenIR.com.
Conference Call Information
Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 5 p.m. Eastern Time
Toll Free: 877-545-0523
International: +1 973-528-0016
Participant Code: 456847
Live Webcast Link: https://www.webcaster5.com/Webcast/Page/2928/53983
Conference Call Replay Information
Toll Free: 877-481-4010
International: +1 919-882-2331
Replay Passcode: 53983
Replay Webcast Link: https://www.webcaster5.com/Webcast/Page/2928/53983
About the Company
Kingsway Financial Services Inc. ("Kingsway") (NYSE:KFS) is the only publicly-traded US company employing the Search Fund model to acquire and build great businesses.
Kingsway owns and operates a collection of high-quality B2B and B2C services companies that are asset-light, growing, profitable, and that have recurring revenues. Kingsway seeks to compound long-term shareholder value on a per share basis via its decentralized management model, its talented team of operators, and its tax-advantaged corporate structure.
Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures
Management believes that non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio LTM EBITDA, when presented in conjunction with comparable GAAP measures, provide useful information about the Company's operating results and enhance the overall ability to assess the Company's financial performance.
Management uses non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA, together with other measures of performance under GAAP, to compare the relative performance of operations in planning, budgeting, and reviewing the performance of its business. Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA allows investors to make a more meaningful comparison between the Company's core business operating results over different periods of time. Management believes that non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA, when viewed with the Company's results under GAAP and the accompanying reconciliations, provides useful information about the Company's business without regard to potential distortions. By eliminating potential differences in results of operations between periods caused by the factors listed in the attached schedules, Management believes that non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA can provide useful additional basis for comparing the current performance of the underlying operations being evaluated.
Portfolio LTM EBITDA represents management's estimate of the trailing twelve-month adjusted EBITDA generated by the Company's portfolio of operating businesses, including the KSX segment and the Extended Warranty segment. For the KSX segment, Portfolio LTM EBITDA includes the trailing twelve months of adjusted EBITDA for the operating businesses within the segment, including businesses acquired during the period and businesses acquired after the end of the reporting period but prior to the date of this release, as if they had been owned for the full twelve-month period. For the Extended Warranty segment, Portfolio LTM EBITDA is based on Modified Cash adjusted EBITDA, which reflects timing differences between GAAP revenue recognition and GAAP commission expense to the timing of cash receipts and cash commission expense associated with warranty contracts, as well as an adjustment to investment income for the difference between actual book yield and current market yield; no other adjustments are made. For clarity, Modified Cash adjusted EBITDA defers only the portion of contract premium needed to pay claims over the life of the underlying contract and does not defer any commission expense. Modified Cash adjusted EBITDA is used by management to evaluate the operating performance of the Extended Warranty segment and is also the basis for financial covenant calculations under the Company's credit agreements.
Investors should consider these non-GAAP measures in addition to, not as a substitute for or as superior to, financial reporting measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Investors are encouraged to review the Company's financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP to understand the Company's performance, taking into account all relevant factors.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are not historical facts and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected and projected. Words such as "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "seeks," and variations and similar words and expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements; however, the absence of any such words does not mean that a statement is a not a forward-looking statement. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance, but reflect Kingsway management's current beliefs, based on information currently available. A number of factors could cause actual events, performance, or results to differ materially from the events, performance, and results discussed in the forward-looking statements. For information identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as expressly required by applicable securities law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Additional Information
Additional information about Kingsway, including a copy of its Annual Reports can be accessed on the EDGAR section of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov, on the Canadian Securities Administrators' website at www.sedar.com, or through the Company's website at www.kingsway-financial.com.
For Investor Inquiries:
Hayden IR
James Carbonara
(646) 755-7412
james@haydenir.com
For Company Inquiries:
Kingsway Financial Services Inc.
Kent Hansen, CFO
(312) 766-2163
khansen@kingsway-financial.com
Kingsway Financial Services Inc.
Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income (Loss) to Non-GAAP Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA
(in thousands)
(UNAUDITED)
Twelve Months Ended | For the Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
3/31/2026 | 3/31/2026 | 12/31/2025 | 9/30/2025 | 6/30/2025 | ||||||||||||||||
GAAP Net Income (Loss) | $ | (9,428 | ) | $ | (2,268 | ) | $ | (1,584 | ) | $ | (2,411 | ) | $ | (3,165 | ) | |||||
Non-GAAP Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Changes in fair value; realized gains/losses (1) | 110 | 86 | 12 | 48 | (36 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Employee related expenses (2) | 2,291 | 451 | 383 | 726 | 731 | |||||||||||||||
Other items (3) | 3,175 | 165 | 711 | 1,317 | 982 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation, amortization, tax and interest expense | 12,697 | 3,968 | 3,209 | 2,379 | 3,141 | |||||||||||||||
Total Non-GAAP Adjustments | 18,273 | 4,670 | 4,315 | 4,470 | 4,818 | |||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA | $ | 8,845 | $ | 2,402 | $ | 2,731 | $ | 2,059 | $ | 1,653 | ||||||||||
Twelve Months Ended | For the Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
3/31/2025 | 3/31/2025 | 12/31/2024 | 9/30/2024 | 6/30/2024 | ||||||||||||||||
GAAP Net Income (Loss) | $ | (9,059 | ) | $ | (3,092 | ) | $ | (1,470 | ) | $ | (2,311 | ) | $ | (2,186 | ) | |||||
Non-GAAP Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Discontinued operations | (31 | ) | - | 1 | 135 | (167 | ) | |||||||||||||
Changes in fair value; realized gains/losses (1) | 175 | (22 | ) | 133 | (81 | ) | 145 | |||||||||||||
Employee related expenses (2) | 2,287 | 495 | 390 | 990 | 412 | |||||||||||||||
Other items (3) | 2,866 | 1,095 | 225 | 956 | 590 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation, amortization, tax and interest expense | 13,995 | 2,876 | 4,117 | 3,343 | 3,659 | |||||||||||||||
Total Non-GAAP Adjustments | 19,292 | 4,444 | 4,866 | 5,343 | 4,639 | |||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA | $ | 10,233 | $ | 1,352 | $ | 3,396 | $ | 3,032 | $ | 2,453 | ||||||||||
(1) | Includes realized and unrealized gains and losses on non-core investments; change in the fair value of subordinated debt (net of the portion of the change attributable to instrument-specific credit risk); unrealized gains and losses; and change in the fair value of any earn-outs (changes in fair value recorded as other income or expense). |
(2) | Employee related expenses includes non-cash expense arising from the grant and modification of stock-based awards to employees; and costs associated with employees assisting during a transition period and are not expected to be replaced once transition period has ended (approximately one year from acquisition date). |
(3) | Other items include: legal expenses associated with the Company's defense against significant litigation matters; acquisition and disposition-related expenses; and other non-recurring items. |
Kingsway Financial Services Inc.
Reconciliation of KSX Segment Operating Income to Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA
(in thousands)
(UNAUDITED)
Twelve Months Ended | For the Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
3/31/2026 | 3/31/2026 | 12/31/2025 | 9/30/2025 | 6/30/2025 | ||||||||||||||||
GAAP Operating Income for KSX segment | $ | 9,004 | $ | 2,960 | $ | 1,810 | $ | 2,185 | $ | 2,049 | ||||||||||
Non-GAAP Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition and employee costs (1) | 905 | 244 | 279 | 178 | 204 | |||||||||||||||
Investment income (2) | 116 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 29 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation | 1,012 | 265 | 367 | 267 | 113 | |||||||||||||||
Total Non-GAAP Adjustments | 2,033 | 537 | 675 | 475 | 346 | |||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA for KSX segment | $ | 11,037 | $ | 3,497 | $ | 2,485 | $ | 2,660 | $ | 2,395 | ||||||||||
Twelve Months Ended | For the Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
3/31/2025 | 3/31/2025 | 12/31/2024 | 9/30/2024 | 6/30/2024 | ||||||||||||||||
GAAP Operating Income for KSX segment | $ | 6,062 | $ | 1,743 | $ | 1,734 | $ | 1,144 | $ | 1,441 | ||||||||||
Non-GAAP Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition and employee costs (1) | 376 | 52 | 65 | 120 | 139 | |||||||||||||||
Investment income (2) | 153 | 25 | 33 | 27 | 68 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation (3) | 488 | 97 | 101 | 110 | 180 | |||||||||||||||
Total Non-GAAP Adjustments | 1,017 | 174 | 199 | 257 | 387 | |||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA for KSX segment | $ | 7,079 | $ | 1,917 | $ | 1,933 | $ | 1,401 | $ | 1,828 | ||||||||||
(1) | Costs associated with acquisitions and employees assisting during a transition period and are not expected to be replaced once transition period has ended (approximately one year from acquisition date). |
(2) | Investment income from interest on client deposits (Ravix, CSuite), as well as imputed interest on long-term software contracts (SPI) |
(3) | The June 30, 2024 quarter includes a one-time catch-up for depreciation associated with the finalization of the DDI purchase accounting |
Kingsway Financial Services Inc.
Reconciliation of Extended Warranty Segment Operating Income to
Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA and Pro Forma Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA
(in thousands)
(UNAUDITED)
Twelve Months Ended | For the Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
3/31/2026 | 3/31/2026 | 12/31/2025 | 9/30/2025 | 6/30/2025 | ||||||||||||||||
GAAP Operating Income for Extended Warranty segment | $ | 900 | $ | 261 | $ | 301 | $ | 401 | $ | (63 | ) | |||||||||
Non-GAAP Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment income (1) | 1,347 | 340 | 342 | 324 | 341 | |||||||||||||||
Employee costs | 302 | - | - | - | 302 | |||||||||||||||
Other costs | 158 | - | 158 | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation | 170 | 47 | 47 | 37 | 39 | |||||||||||||||
Total Non-GAAP Adjustments | 1,977 | 387 | 547 | 361 | 682 | |||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA for Extended Warranty segment | $ | 2,877 | $ | 648 | $ | 848 | $ | 762 | $ | 619 | ||||||||||
Twelve Months Ended | For the Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
3/31/2025 | 3/31/2025 | 12/31/2024 | 9/30/2024 | 6/30/2024 | ||||||||||||||||
GAAP Operating Income for Extended Warranty segment | $ | 5,381 | $ | 515 | $ | 1,918 | $ | 1,704 | $ | 1,244 | ||||||||||
Non-GAAP Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment income (1) | 1,289 | 247 | 394 | 327 | 321 | |||||||||||||||
Employee costs | 50 | 50 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation | 174 | 38 | 39 | 41 | 56 | |||||||||||||||
Total Non-GAAP Adjustments | 1,513 | 335 | 433 | 368 | 377 | |||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA for Extended Warranty segment | $ | 6,894 | $ | 850 | $ | 2,351 | $ | 2,072 | $ | 1,621 | ||||||||||
(1) | Investment income arising as part of Extended Warranty segment's minimum holding requirements, as well as realized gains and losses resulting from investments either held in trust as part of Extended Warranty segment's minimum holding requirements or from the deployment of excess cash. |
(2) | Other costs include one-time items not expected to be incurred going forward. |
SOURCE: Kingsway Financial Services, Inc.
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire