UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended June 30, 20172018

Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from _______ to _______
Commission File Number: 001-37848
   
 
KINSALE CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
   
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 
98-0664337
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
 
2221 Edward Holland Drive, Suite 600
Richmond, VA 23230

 
 (Address of principal executive offices) 
 (804) 289-1300 
 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☒   No  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ☒    No  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act .☒Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).


Yes  
     No  ☒
Number of shares of the registrant's common shares outstanding at August 1, 2017: 20,968,707July 31, 2018: 21,181,127

KINSALE CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
   Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
    
Item 1. 
  
  
  
  
  
Item 2. 
Item 3. 
Item 4. 
    
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION  
    
Item 1. 
Item IA.1A. 
Item 2. 
Item 6. 
 
 





PART 1.I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
KINSALE CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
 June 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 (in thousands, except share and per share data) (in thousands, except share and per share data)
Assets        
Investments:        
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: $389,484 in 2017; $413,526 in 2016) $390,678
 $411,223
Equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: $20,651 in 2017; $14,350 in 2016) 26,173
 18,374
Short-term investments 14,481
 
Fixed-maturity securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: $472,418 in 2018; $422,255 in 2017) $467,922
 $425,191
Equity securities, at fair value (cost: $51,190 in 2018; $45,916 in 2017) 58,219
 54,132
Total investments 431,332
 429,597
 526,141
 479,323
Cash and cash equivalents 93,430
 50,752
 79,670
 81,747
Investment income due and accrued 2,522
 2,293
 3,343
 3,077
Premiums receivable, net 19,043
 16,984
 24,023
 19,787
Receivable from reinsurers 
 8,567
Reinsurance recoverables 39,742
 70,317
 54,436
 49,593
Ceded unearned premiums 13,911
 13,512
 14,463
 13,858
Deferred policy acquisition costs, net of ceding commissions 11,578
 10,150
 14,123
 11,775
Intangible assets 3,538
 3,538
 3,538
 3,538
Deferred income tax asset, net 6,210
 6,605
 5,073
 2,492
Other assets 1,660
 2,074
 4,093
 2,659
Total assets $622,966
 $614,389
 $728,903
 $667,849
        
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity        
Liabilities:        
Reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses $284,428
 $264,801
 $344,565
 $315,717
Unearned premiums 100,193
 89,344
 120,742
 103,110
Payable to reinsurers 3,246
 4,090
 3,711
 3,226
Funds held for reinsurers 
 36,497
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 4,986
 8,752
 4,230
 6,519
Other liabilities 4,068
 691
 7,710
 1,088
Total liabilities 396,921
 404,175
 480,958
 429,660
Stockholders’ equity:        
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 400,000,000 shares authorized, 20,968,707 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016

 210
 210
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 400,000,000 shares authorized, 21,169,384 and 21,036,087 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively 211
 210
Additional paid-in capital 153,677
 153,353
 156,264
 155,082
Retained earnings 65,900
 53,640
 93,129
 73,502
Accumulated other comprehensive income 6,258
 3,011
Stockholders’ equity 226,045
 210,214
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (1,659) 9,395
Total stockholders’ equity 247,945
 238,189
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $622,966
 $614,389
 $728,903
 $667,849

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

KINSALE CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (in thousands, except per share data) (in thousands, except per share data)
Revenues:                
Gross written premiums $57,753
 $50,107
 $110,615
 $93,189
 $69,981
 $57,753
 $133,828
 $110,615
Ceded written premiums (7,980) (14,446) (16,680) (9,733) (9,090) (7,980) (17,846) (16,680)
Net written premiums 49,773
 35,661
 93,935
 83,456
 60,891
 49,773
 115,982
 93,935
Change in unearned premiums (6,721) (3,878) (10,450) (21,076) (9,998) (6,721) (17,028) (10,450)
Net earned premiums 43,052
 31,783
 83,485
 62,380
 50,893
 43,052
 98,954
 83,485
Net investment income 2,432
 1,819
 4,718
 3,495
 3,782
 2,432
 7,011
 4,718
Net realized investment gains (losses) 24
 (4) (8) 383
Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities 94
 
 (1,185) 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments 174
 24
 286
 (8)
Other income 
 78
 
 136
 4
 
 7
 
Total revenues 45,508
 33,676
 88,195
 66,394
 54,947
 45,508
 105,073
 88,195
                
Expenses:                
Losses and loss adjustment expenses 21,859
 17,456
 43,966
 35,577
 29,967
 21,859
 58,866
 43,966
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses 10,492
 6,481
 21,786
 12,729
 12,519
 10,492
 24,917
 21,786
Other expenses 402
 486
 402
 946
 
 402
 14
 402
Total expenses 32,753
 24,423
 66,154
 49,252
 42,486
 32,753
 83,797
 66,154
Income before income taxes 12,755
 9,253
 22,041
 17,142
 12,461
 12,755
 21,276
 22,041
Total income tax expense 4,260
 3,196
 7,265
 5,828
 2,349
 4,260
 3,877
 7,265
Net income 8,495
 6,057
 14,776
 11,314
 10,112
 8,495
 17,399
 14,776
Other comprehensive income:        
Change in unrealized gains, net of taxes of $1,171 and $1,748 in 2017 and $1,557 and $2,702 in 2016 2,174
 2,890
 3,247
 5,016
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Change in unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale investments, net of taxes of ($270) and ($1,561) in 2018 and $1,171 and $1,748 in 2017 (1,016) 2,174
 (5,872) 3,247
Total comprehensive income $10,669
 $8,947
 $18,023
 $16,330
 $9,096
 $10,669
 $11,527
 $18,023
Earnings per share - basic:        
Common stock $0.41
 $
 $0.70
 $
Common stock - Class A $
 $0.42
 $
 $0.79
Common stock - Class B $
 $0.19
 $
 $0.26
         
Earnings per share - diluted:        
Common stock $0.40
 $
 $0.69
 $
Common stock - Class A $
 $0.42
 $
 $0.79
Common stock - Class B $
 $0.18
 $
 $0.25
         
Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic:        
Common stock 20,969
 
 20,969
 
Common stock - Class A 
 13,803
 
 13,803
Common stock - Class B 
 1,583
 
 1,557
         
Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted:        
Common stock 21,457
 
 21,425
 
Common stock - Class A 
 13,803
 
 13,803
Common stock - Class B 
 1,666
 
 1,650

Earnings per share:        
Basic $0.48
 $0.41
 $0.83
 $0.70
Diluted $0.47
 $0.40
 $0.80
 $0.69
         
Weighted-average shares outstanding:        
Basic 21,070
 20,969
 21,058
 20,969
Diluted 21,666
 21,457
 21,648
 21,425
         
Cash dividends declared per share $0.07
 $0.06
 $0.14
 $0.12
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

KINSALE CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)
 Shares of Class A Common Stock Shares of Class B Common Stock Shares of Common Stock Class A Common Stock Class B Common Stock Common Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Retained Earnings 
Accumu-
lated
 Other
Compre-
hensive
Income
 
Total
Stock-
holders' Equity
 Shares of Common Stock Common Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Retained Earnings 
Accumu-
lated
 Other
Compre-
hensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total
Stock-
holders' Equity
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Balance at
December 31, 2015
 13,803
 1,514
 
 $1
 $
 $
 $80,229
 $29,570
 $3,651
 $113,451
Stock-based compensation 
 162
 
 
 
 
 44
 
 
 44
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5,016
 5,016
Net income 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 11,314
 
 11,314
Balance at
June 30, 2016
 13,803
 1,676
 
 $1
 $
 $
 $80,273
 $40,884
 $8,667
 $129,825
                    
Balance at
December 31, 2016
 
 
 20,969
 $
 $
 $210
 $153,353
 $53,640
 $3,011
 $210,214
 20,969
 $210
 $153,353
 $53,640
 $3,011
 $210,214
Stock-based compensation 
 
 
 
 
 
 324
 
 
 324
 
 
 324
 
 
 324
Dividends 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (2,516) 
 (2,516)
Dividends declared 
 
 
 (2,516) 
 (2,516)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 3,247
 3,247
 
 
 
 
 3,247
 3,247
Net income 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 14,776
 
 14,776
 
 
 
 14,776
 
 14,776
Balance at
June 30, 2017
 
 
 20,969
 $
 $
 $210
 $153,677
 $65,900
 $6,258
 $226,045
 20,969
 $210
 $153,677
 $65,900
 $6,258
 $226,045
            
Balance at December 31, 2017 21,036
 $210
 $155,082
 $73,502
 $9,395
 $238,189
Cumulative effect adjustment - net unrealized gains on equity securities, net of tax 
 
 
 6,490
 (6,490) 
Balance at January 1, 2018, as adjusted 21,036
 210
 155,082
 79,992
 2,905
 238,189
Reclassification of tax effects resulting from the TCJA 
 
 
 (1,308) 1,308
 
Issuance of common stock under stock-based compensation plan 133
 1
 623
 
 
 624
Stock-based compensation 
 
 559
 
 
 559
Dividends declared 
 
 
 (2,954) 
 (2,954)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax 
 
 
 
 (5,872) (5,872)
Net income 
 
 
 17,399
 
 17,399
Balance at June 30, 2018 21,169
 $211
 $156,264
 $93,129
 $(1,659) $247,945


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


KINSALE CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
 Six Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2018 2017
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Operating activities:        
Net cash provided by operating activities $40,782
 $36,480
 $50,423
 $40,782
        
Investing activities:        
Purchase of property and equipment (62) (236) (458) (62)
Change in short-term investments, net (14,481) (4,354) 
 (14,481)
Securities available-for-sale:    
Purchases – fixed maturity securities (21,161) (64,207)
Purchases – fixed-maturity securities (110,023) (21,161)
Purchases – equity securities (6,301) (2,202) (7,199) (6,301)
Sales – fixed maturity securities 719
 13,055
Maturities and calls – fixed maturity securities 45,707
 19,223
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 4,421
 (38,721)
Sales – fixed-maturity securities 3,913
 719
Sales – equity securities 1,910
 
Maturities and calls – fixed-maturity securities 61,681
 45,707
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (50,176) 4,421
        
Financing activities:        
Proceeds from stock options exercised 624
 
Dividends paid (2,516) 
 (2,948) (2,516)
Payments on capital lease (9) (67) 
 (9)
Net cash used in financing activities (2,525) (67) (2,324) (2,525)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 42,678
 (2,308) (2,077) 42,678
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 50,752
 24,544
 81,747
 50,752
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $93,430
 $22,236
 $79,670
 $93,430


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


KINSALE CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
1.    Summary of significant accounting policies
Basis of presentation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and notes have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and do not contain all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. For a more complete description of the Company’s business and accounting policies, these condensed consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the "Company") included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2017. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial statements have been included. Such adjustments consist only of normal recurring items. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for the full year.
Use of estimates
The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Management periodically reviews its estimates and assumptions.
ProspectiveRecently adopted accounting pronouncements
ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
In January 2016, the FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2016-01, "Financial Instruments – Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,"Liabilities" ("ASU 2016-01"), which requireseliminated the available-for-sale classification for equity investments, required changes in unrealized gains and losses in fair value of equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, requiresrequired public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, requiresrequired separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset, and eliminateseliminated the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method(s)methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that iswas required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost. The amendments inEffective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted this ASU areand recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment, which reclassified unrealized gains of $6.5 million, net of taxes, on equity investments from accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") to retained earnings. Prior periods have not been restated to conform to the current presentation. 
ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, "Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income," which permitted companies to reclassify the disproportionate income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "TCJA") on items within AOCI to retained earnings. The FASB refers to these amounts as "stranded tax effects." The guidance is effective for publicall companies for annual reporting periodsfiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. TheEarly adoption is permitted. Effective January 1,

2018, the Company is currently evaluatingelected to early adopt this ASU and to reclassify the impactstranded income tax effects for available-for-sale securities of $1.3 million from AOCI to retained earnings. Other than those effects related to the TCJA, the Company uses the portfolio approach to release stranded tax effects in AOCI related to its available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities and its available-for-sale equity securities (prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-01). Under this ASU on its consolidated financial statements, which may introduce additional volatilityapproach, stranded tax effects remaining in AOCI are released only when the Company's resultsentire portfolio of operations.the available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities and available-for-sale equity securities are liquidated, sold or extinguished.
Prospective accounting pronouncements
ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" to improve the financial reporting of leasing transactions. Under this ASU, lessees will recognize a right-of-use asset and corresponding liability on the balance sheet for all leases, except for leases covering a period of fewer than 12 months. The liability is to be initially measured at the present value of the future minimum lease payments taking into account renewal options if applicable plus initial incremental direct costs such as commissions. The minimum payments are discounted using the rate implicit in the lease or, if not known, the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate at the inception of the lease. The lessee’s income statement treatment for leases will vary depending on the nature of what is being leased. A

financing type lease is present when, among other matters, the asset is being leased for a substantial portion of its economic life or has an end-of-term title transfer or a bargain purchase option as in today’s practice. The payment of the liability set up for such leases will be apportioned between interest and principal; the right-of use asset will be generally amortized on a straight-line basis. If the lease does not qualify as a financing type lease, it will be accounted for on the income statement as rent on a straight-line basis. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)
OnIn June 16, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)" to provide more useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments. Current GAAP delays the recognition of credit losses until it is probable a loss has been incurred. The update will require a financial asset measured at amortized cost to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected by means of an allowance for credit losses that runs through net income. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities will also be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. However, the amendments would limit the amount of the allowance to the amount by which fair value is below amortized cost. The measurement of credit losses on available-for-sale securities is similar under current GAAP, but the update requires the use of the allowance account through which amounts can be reversed, rather than through an irreversible write-down. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted beginning after December 15, 2018. Upon adoption, the update will be applied using the modified-retrospective approach, by which a cumulative-effect adjustment will be made to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2017-08, Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities
OnIn March 30, 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, "Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities," which shortens the amortization period of the premium for certain callable debt securities, from the contractual maturity date to the earliest call date. This ASU is effective in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including in an interim period. Upon adoption, the update will be applied on a modified retrospective basis, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact ofdoes not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-08 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

There are no other prospective accounting standards which, upon their effective date, would have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.



2.     Investments
Available-for-sale investments
The following tables summarize the Company’s available-for-sale investments at June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016:2017:
 June 30, 2017 June 30, 2018
 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Holding Gains Gross Unrealized Holding Losses Estimated Fair Value Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Holding Gains Gross Unrealized Holding Losses Estimated Fair Value
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Fixed maturities:                
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies $9,106
 $6
 $(25) $9,087
 $608
 $2
 $(3) $607
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions 132,826
 2,694
 (1,357) 134,163
 155,799
 1,672
 (1,870) 155,601
Corporate and other securities 91,557
 615
 (117) 92,055
 85,672
 221
 (885) 85,008
Asset-backed securities 76,929
 400
 (176) 77,153
 125,030
 119
 (1,101) 124,048
Residential mortgage-backed securities 79,066
 512
 (1,358) 78,220
 105,309
 384
 (3,035) 102,658
Total fixed maturities 389,484
 4,227
 (3,033) 390,678
        
Equity securities:        
Exchange traded funds 20,651
 5,535
 (13) 26,173
Total available-for-sale investments $410,135
 $9,762
 $(3,046) $416,851
 $472,418
 $2,398
 $(6,894) $467,922
 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017
 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Holding Gains Gross Unrealized Holding Losses Estimated Fair Value Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Holding Gains Gross Unrealized Holding Losses Estimated Fair Value
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Fixed maturities:                
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies $12,106
 $8
 $(16) $12,098
 $9,108
 $4
 $(14) $9,098
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions 124,728
 1,470
 (2,960) 123,238
 161,012
 3,726
 (412) 164,326
Corporate and other securities 118,473
 550
 (233) 118,790
 71,224
 579
 (172) 71,631
Asset-backed securities 73,317
 241
 (264) 73,294
 95,223
 405
 (268) 95,360
Residential mortgage-backed securities 84,902
 585
 (1,684) 83,803
 85,688
 466
 (1,378) 84,776
Total fixed maturities 413,526
 2,854
 (5,157) 411,223
Total fixed-maturity securities 422,255
 5,180
 (2,244) 425,191
                
Equity securities:                
Exchange traded funds 14,350
 4,026
 (2) 18,374
 26,041
 8,339
 
 34,380
Nonredeemable preferred stock 19,875
 108
 (231) 19,752
Total equity securities 45,916
 8,447
 (231) 54,132
Total available-for-sale investments $427,876
 $6,880
 $(5,159) $429,597
 $468,171
 $13,627
 $(2,475) $479,323
Available-for-sale securities in a loss position
The Company regularly reviews all available-for-sale securities with unrealized losses to assess whether the decline in the securities’ fair value is deemed to be an other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI"). The Company considers a number of

factors in completing its OTTI review, including the length of time and the extent to which fair value

has been below cost and the financial condition of an issuer. In addition to specific issuer information, the Company also evaluates the current market and interest rate environment. Generally, a change in a security’s value caused by a change in the market or interest rate environment does not constitute an OTTI, but rather a temporary decline in marketfair value.
For fixed maturities, the Company considers whether it intends to sell the security or if it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery, the credit quality of the issuer and the ability to recover all amounts outstanding when contractually due. When assessing whether it intends to sell a fixed maturityfixed-maturity security or if it is likely to be required to sell a fixed maturityfixed-maturity security before recovery of its amortized cost, the Company evaluates facts and circumstances including, but not limited to, decisions to reposition the investment portfolio, potential sales of investments to meet cash flow needs and potential sales of investments to capitalize on favorable pricing. For equity securities prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-01, the Company considersconsidered the near-term prospects of an issuer and its ability and intent to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for anticipated recovery.
For fixed maturities where a decline in fair value is considered to be other-than-temporary and the Company intends to sell the security, or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, an impairment is recognized in net income based on the fair value of the security at the time of assessment, resulting in a new cost basis for the security. If the decline in fair value of a fixed maturityfixed-maturity security below its amortized cost is considered to be other-than-temporary based upon other considerations, the Company compares the estimated present value of the cash flows expected to be collected to the amortized cost of the security. The extent to which the estimated present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost of the security represents the credit-related portion of the OTTI, which is recognized in net income, resulting in a new cost basis for the security. Any remaining decline in fair value represents the noncredit portion of the OTTI, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. For equity securities prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-01, a decline in fair value that iswas considered to be other-than-temporary iswas recognized in net income based on the fair value of the security at the time of assessment, resulting in a new cost basis for the security.

The following tables summarize gross unrealized losses and fair value for available-for-sale securities by length of time that the securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position:
 June 30, 2017 June 30, 2018
 Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer Total Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer Total
 Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Holding Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Holding Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Holding Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Holding Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Holding Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Holding Losses
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Fixed maturities:                        
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies $8,972
 $(25) $
 $
 $8,972
 $(25) $
 $
 $495
 $(3) $495
 $(3)
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions 61,143
 (1,318) 3,236
 (39) 64,379
 (1,357) 57,877
 (742) 34,451
 (1,128) 92,328
 (1,870)
Corporate and other securities 31,520
 (64) 7,697
 (53) 39,217
 (117) 64,209
 (763) 7,382
 (122) 71,591
 (885)
Asset-backed securities 19,211
 (171) 1,071
 (5) 20,282
 (176) 73,520
 (823) 9,511
 (278) 83,031
 (1,101)
Residential mortgage-backed securities 60,390
 (1,122) 6,619
 (236) 67,009
 (1,358) 22,523
 (362) 52,224
 (2,673) 74,747
 (3,035)
Total fixed maturities 181,236
 (2,700) 18,623
 (333) 199,859
 (3,033)
            
Equity securities:            
Exchange traded funds 1,680
 (13) 
 
 1,680
 (13)
Total $182,916
 $(2,713) $18,623
 $(333) $201,539
 $(3,046)
Total fixed-maturity securities $218,129
 $(2,690) $104,063
 $(4,204) $322,192
 $(6,894)

At June 30, 2017,2018, the Company held 199 fixed maturity324 fixed-maturity securities in an unrealized loss position with a total estimated fair value of $199.9$322.2 million and gross unrealized losses of $3.0$6.9 million. Of these securities, 15122 were in a continuous unrealized loss position for greater than one year. As discussed above, the Company regularly reviews all fixed-maturity securities within its investment portfolio to determine whether any impairment has occurred. Unrealized losses were caused by interest rate changes or other market factors and were not credit specificcredit-specific issues. At June 30, 2017, 92.2%2018, 89.5% of the Company’s fixed maturityfixed-maturity securities were rated "A-" or better and all of the Company’s fixed-maturity securities made expected coupon payments under the contractual terms of the securities. At June 30, 2017, the Company held three exchange traded funds ("ETFs") in its equity portfolio with a total estimated fair value of $1.7 million and gross unrealized losses of $13 thousand. None of these securities were in a continuous unrealized loss position for greater than one year. Management concluded that there were no other-than-temporary impairments from fixed maturity or equityfixed-maturity securities with unrealized losses for the six months ended June 30, 2017.

2018.
 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017
 Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer Total Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer Total
 Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Holding Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Holding Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Holding Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Holding Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Holding Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Holding Losses
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Fixed maturities:                        
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies $8,980
 $(16) $
 $
 $8,980
 $(16) $3,497
 $(2) $5,488
 $(12) $8,985
 $(14)
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions 70,727
 (2,960) 
 
 70,727
 (2,960) 7,258
 (36) 38,143
 (376) 45,401
 (412)
Corporate and other securities 50,274
 (145) 12,375
 (88) 62,649
 (233) 30,944
 (98) 13,444
 (74) 44,388
 (172)
Asset-backed securities 14,750
 (232) 9,961
 (32) 24,711
 (264) 27,609
 (108) 10,706
 (160) 38,315
 (268)
Residential mortgage-backed securities 65,439
 (1,403) 7,186
 (281) 72,625
 (1,684) 9,081
 (83) 57,262
 (1,295) 66,343
 (1,378)
Total fixed maturities 210,170
 (4,756) 29,522
 (401) 239,692
 (5,157)
Total fixed-maturity securities 78,389
 (327) 125,043
 (1,917) 203,432
 (2,244)
                        
Equity securities:                        
Exchange traded funds 388
 (2) 
 
 388
 (2) 130
 
 
 
 130
 
Total $210,558
 $(4,758) $29,522
 $(401) $240,080
 $(5,159)
Nonredeemable preferred stocks 10,649
 (231) 
 
 10,649
 (231)
Total equity securities 10,779
 (231) 
 
 10,779
 (231)
Total investments available for sale $89,168
 $(558) $125,043
 $(1,917) $214,211
 $(2,475)
At December 31, 2016,2017, the Company held 231 fixed maturity195 fixed-maturity securities in an unrealized loss position with a total estimated fair value of $239.7$203.4 million and gross unrealized losses of $5.2$2.2 million. Of those securities, 24126 were in a continuous unrealized loss position for greater than one year. Unrealized losses were caused by interest rate changes or other market factors and were not credit specificcredit-specific issues. At December 31, 2016, 92.6%2017, 91.1% of the Company’s fixed maturityfixed-maturity securities were rated "A-" or better and all of the Company’s fixed-maturity securities made expected coupon payments under the contractual terms of the securities. At December 31, 2017, the Company held 13 securities in its equity portfolio with a total estimated fair value of $10.8 million and gross unrealized losses of $0.2 million. None of these securities were in a continuous unrealized loss position for greater than one year. Based on its review, the Company concluded that none of the fixed maturitywere no other-than-temporary impairments from fixed-maturity or equity securities with an unrealized loss at December 31, 2016 experienced an other-than-temporary impairment.
Within its equity portfolio, the Company holds an ETF with exposure across developed and emerging non-U.S. equity markets around the world. This ETF had been in an unrealized loss position for greater than one year and, management concluded based upon its review, it was other-than-temporarily impaired. The Company recognized an impairment loss of $0.3 million on this fundlosses for the year ended December 31, 2016.2017.

Contractual maturities of available-for-sale fixed maturityfixed-maturity securities
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturityfixed-maturity securities at June 30, 20172018 are summarized, by contractual maturity, as follows:
 June 30, 2017 June 30, 2018
 Amortized Estimated Amortized Estimated
 Cost Fair Value Cost Fair Value
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Due in one year or less $59,336
 $59,330
 $24,944
 $24,857
Due after one year through five years 45,464
 46,012
 49,867
 49,735
Due after five years through ten years 24,489
 25,425
 39,180
 39,529
Due after ten years 104,200
 104,538
 128,088
 127,095
Asset-backed securities 76,929
 77,153
 125,030
 124,048
Residential mortgage-backed securities 79,066
 78,220
 105,309
 102,658
Total fixed maturities $389,484
 $390,678
 $472,418
 $467,922
Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties, and the lenders may have the right to put the securities back to the borrower.
Net investment income
The following table presents the components of net investment income for the three and six months ended June 30, 20172018 and 2016:2017:
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Interest:                
Taxable bonds $1,508
 $1,524
 $3,045
 $2,913
 $2,239
 $1,508
 $4,000
 $3,045
Municipal bonds (tax exempt) 818
 375
 1,612
 781
Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments 167
 12
 254
 20
Tax exempt municipal bonds 1,083
 818
 2,168
 1,612
Cash equivalents and short-term investments 217
 167
 477
 254
Dividends on equity securities 185
 118
 295
 202
 512
 185
 924
 295
Gross investment income 2,678
 2,029
 5,206
 3,916
 4,051
 2,678
 7,569
 5,206
Investment expenses (246) (210) (488) (421) (269) (246) (558) (488)
Net investment income $2,432
 $1,819
 $4,718
 $3,495
 $3,782
 $2,432
 $7,011
 $4,718


Realized investment gains and losses
The following table presents realized investment gains and losses for the three and six months ended June 30, 20172018 and 2016:2017:
  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
  (in thousands)
Realized gains:        
Sales of fixed maturities $24
 $23
 $24
 $410
Sales of short-term and other 
 1
 
 1
Total realized gains 24
 24
 24
 411
         
Realized losses:        
Sales of fixed maturities 
 (28) (32) (28)
Total realized losses 
 (28) (32) (28)
Net investment gains (losses) $24
 $(4) $(8) $383
  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
  2018 2017 2018 2017
  (in thousands)
Fixed-maturity securities:        
Realized gains $189
 $24
 $244
 $24
Realized losses (4) 
 (4) (32)
Net realized gains (losses) fixed-maturity securities 185
 24
 240
 (8)
         
Equity securities:        
Realized gains 
 
 57
 
Realized losses (11) 
 (11) 
Net realized gains (losses) equity securities (11) 
 46
 
Net realized investment gains (losses) $174
 $24
 $286
 $(8)
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments
The following table presentsFor the changethree and six months ended June 30, 2018, the changes in available-for-sale net unrealized gains by investment typelosses for fixed-maturity securities were $1.3 million and $7.4 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, the changes in net unrealized gains for fixed-maturity securities were $2.8 million and 2016:
  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
  (in thousands)
Change in net unrealized gains:        
Fixed maturities $2,768
 $4,087
 $3,497
 $7,016
Equity securities 577
 360
 1,498
 701
Net increase $3,345
 $4,447
 $4,995
 $7,717
$3.5 million and the change in net unrealized gains for equity securities was $0.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively.
Insurance – statutory deposits
The Company had invested assets with a carrying value of $7.1$6.9 million and $7.0$7.1 million on deposit with state regulatory authorities at June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively.
Payable for investments purchased
The Company recorded a payable for investments purchased, not yet settled, of $3.0$7.7 million at June 30, 20172018 and $0.6$1.0 million at December 31, 2016.2017. The payable balances were included in the "other liabilities" line item of the balance sheet and treated as non-cash transactions for purposes of cash flow presentation. 


3.     Fair value measurements
Fair value was estimated for each class of financial instrument for which it was practical to estimate fair value. Fair value is defined as the price in the principal market that would be received for an asset to facilitate an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Market participants are assumed to be independent, knowledgeable, able and willing to transact an exchange and not acting under duress. Fair value hierarchy disclosures are based on the quality of inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and

the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). Adjustments to transaction prices or quoted market prices may be required in illiquid or disorderly markets in order to estimate fair value.
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:
Level 1 - Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities traded in active markets.
Level 2 - Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and market-corroborated inputs.
Level 3 - Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable for the asset or liability and are significant to the fair value measurement.
Fair values of the Company's investment portfolio are estimated using unadjusted prices obtained by its investment manager from third party pricing services, where available. For securities where the Company is unable to obtain fair values from a pricing service or broker, fair values are estimated using information obtained from the Company's investment manager. Management performs several procedures to ascertain the reasonableness of investment values included in the condensed consolidated financial statements including 1) obtaining and reviewing internal control reports from the Company's investment manager that obtain fair values from third party pricing services, 2) discussing with the Company's investment manager its process for reviewing and validating pricing obtained from outside pricing services and 3) reviewing the security pricing received from the Company's investment manager and monitoring changes in unrealized gains and losses. The Company has evaluated the various types of securities in its investment portfolio to determine an appropriate fair value hierarchy level based upon trading activity and the observability of market inputs.

The following tables present the balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, by level within the fair value hierarchy.
 June 30, 2017 June 30, 2018
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Assets                
Fixed maturities:                
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies $9,087
 $
 $
 $9,087
 $607
 $
 $
 $607
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions 
 134,163
 
 134,163
 
 155,601
 
 155,601
Corporate and other securities 
 92,055
 
 92,055
 
 85,008
 
 85,008
Asset-backed securities 
 74,653
 2,500
 77,153
 
 124,048
 
 124,048
Residential mortgage-backed securities 
 78,220
 
 78,220
 
 102,658
 
 102,658
Total fixed maturities 9,087
 379,091
 2,500
 390,678
 607
 467,315
 
 467,922
                
Equity securities:                
Exchange traded funds 26,173
 
 
 26,173
 39,434
 
 
 39,434
Nonredeemable preferred stock 
 18,785
 
 18,785
Total equity securities 39,434
 18,785
 
 58,219
Total $35,260
 $379,091
 $2,500
 $416,851
 $40,041
 $486,100
 $
 $526,141

 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Assets                
Fixed maturities:                
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies $12,098
 $
 $
 $12,098
 $9,098
 $
 $
 $9,098
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions 
 123,238
 
 123,238
 
 164,326
 
 164,326
Corporate and other securities 
 118,790
 
 118,790
 
 71,631
 
 71,631
Asset-backed securities 
 73,294
 
 73,294
 
 95,360
 
 95,360
Residential mortgage-backed securities 
 83,803
 
 83,803
 
 84,776
 
 84,776
Total fixed maturities 12,098
 399,125
 
 411,223
 9,098
 416,093
 
 425,191
                
Equity securities:                
Exchange traded funds 18,374
 
 
 18,374
 34,380
 
 
 34,380
Nonredeemable preferred stock 
 19,752
 
 19,752
Total equity securities 34,380
 19,752
 
 54,132
Total $30,472
 $399,125
 $
 $429,597
 $43,478
 $435,845
 $
 $479,323
During the second quarter of 2017, the Company purchased one asset-backed security for $2.5 million, which was classified as a Level 3 investment since the fair value of the security was estimated using a single broker quote.
There were no transfers into or out of Level 1 and Level 2 during the sixthree months ended June 30, 2017.2018. There were no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of June 30, 2017 and 2018 or December 31, 2016.2017.
Due to the relatively short-term nature of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, receivables and payables, their carrying amounts are reasonable estimates of fair value.

4.     Deferred policy acquisition costs
The following table presents the amounts of policy acquisition costs deferred and amortized for the three and six months ended June 30, 20172018 and 2016:2017:
  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
  (in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period $10,501
 $5,305
 $10,150
 $(1,696)
Policy acquisition costs deferred:        
Direct commissions 8,625
 7,448
 16,505
 13,848
Ceding commissions (2,392) (4,995) (4,983) (2,204)
Other underwriting and policy acquisition costs 756
 700
 1,517
 1,426
Policy acquisition costs deferred 6,989
 3,153
 13,039
 13,070
Amortization of net policy acquisition costs (5,912) (2,943) (11,611) (5,859)
Balance, end of period $11,578
 $5,515
 $11,578
 $5,515
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, the deferred ceding commissions were affected by the change in the ceding percentage under the Company's multi-line quota share reinsurance treaty ("MLQS"). See Note 8 for further details regarding the MLQS.
  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
  2018 2017 2018 2017
  (in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period $12,768
 $10,501
 $11,775
 $10,150
Policy acquisition costs deferred:        
Direct commissions 10,298
 8,625
 19,675
 16,505
Ceding commissions (2,609) (2,392) (5,150) (4,983)
Other underwriting and policy acquisition costs 694
 756
 1,503
 1,517
Policy acquisition costs deferred 8,383
 6,989
 16,028
 13,039
Amortization of net policy acquisition costs (7,028) (5,912) (13,680) (11,611)
Balance, end of period $14,123
 $11,578
 $14,123
 $11,578


5.     Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 20172018 and 20162017 consist of the following:
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses incurred:                
Direct commissions $7,544
 $6,668
 $14,693
 $13,074
 $8,756
 $7,544
 $17,135
 $14,693
Ceding commissions (2,466) (5,218) (4,812) (10,626) (2,464) (2,466) (4,908) (4,812)
Other operating expenses 5,414
 5,031
 11,905
 10,281
 6,227
 5,414
 12,690
 11,905
Total $10,492
 $6,481
 $21,786
 $12,729
 $12,519
 $10,492
 $24,917
 $21,786
Other operating expenses within underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses include salaries, bonus and employee benefits expenses of $4.5$5.3 million and $4.2$4.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively. Salaries, bonus and employee benefits expenses were $9.5$10.3 million and $8.8$9.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, and 2016.respectively.

6.    Stock-based compensation
On July 27, 2016, the Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "2016 Incentive Plan") became effective. The 2016 Incentive Plan provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, other stock-based awards and other cash-based awards to directors, officers and other employees, as well as independent contractors or consultants providing consulting or advisory services to the Company. The number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2016 Incentive Plan may not exceed 2,073,832. The compensation cost that has been charged against income for share-based compensation arrangements was $0.6 million and $0.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Restricted Stock Awards
During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Board of Directors approved, and the Company granted, restricted stock awards under the 2016 Incentive Plan. The restricted stock awards were valued on the date of grant and will vest over a period of one to four years corresponding to the anniversary date of the grants. The fair value of restricted stock awards was determined based on the closing trading price of the Company’s shares on the grant date or, if no shares were traded on the grant date, the last preceding date for which there was a sale of shares. Except for restrictions placed on the transferability of restricted stock, holders of unvested restricted stock have full stockholder’s rights, including voting rights and the right to receive cash dividends. Unvested shares of restricted stock awards and accrued dividends, if any, are forfeited upon the termination of service to or employment with the Company.

A summary of all restricted stock activity under the equity compensation plans for the six months ended June 30, 2018 is as follows:
  For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
  Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Nonvested outstanding at the beginning of the period 
 $
Granted 94,270
 $52.99
Vested 
 $
Forfeited 
 $
Nonvested outstanding at the end of the period 94,270
 $52.99
As of June 30, 2018, the Company had $4.7 million of total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense expected to be charged to earnings over a weighted-average period of 3.8 years.
Stock Options
On July 27, 2016, the Board of Directors approved, and the Company granted, 1,036,916 stock options with an exercise price equal to the Initial Public Offering price of $16.00 per share and a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $2.71 per share. The options have a maximum contractual term of 10 years and vest in 4 equal annual installments following the date of the grant.
The value of the options granted was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model using the following assumptions:
Risk-free rate of return1.26%
Dividend yield1.25%
Expected share price volatility(1)
18.50%
Expected life in years(2)
6.3 years
(1)
Expected volatility was based on the Company’s competitors within the industry.
(2)
Expected life was calculated using the simplified method, which was an average of the contractual term of the option and its ordinary vesting period, as the Company did not have sufficient historical data for determining the expected term of our stock option awards.

A summary of option activity as of June 30, 2018, and changes during the period then ended is presented below:
  Number of Shares Weighted-average exercise price Weighted-average remaining years of contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)
Outstanding at January 1, 2018 930,440
 $16.00
    
Granted 
 
    
Forfeited (8,985) 16.00
    
Exercised (39,027) 16.00
    
Outstanding at June 30, 2018 882,428
 $16.00
 8.1 $34,291
Exercisable at June 30, 2018 179,803
 $16.00
 8.1 $6,987
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $1.4 million. There were no options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2017. As of June 30, 2018, the Company had $1.3 million of total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense expected to be charged to earnings over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years.

7.    Earnings per share
The following represents a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations contained in the consolidated financial statements:
  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
  (in thousands, except per share data)
Earnings allocable to common stockholders $8,495
 $
 $14,776
 $
Earnings allocable to Class A stockholders $
 $5,754
 $
 $10,909
Earnings allocable to Class B stockholders $
 $303
 $
 $405
         
Basic earnings per share:        
Common stock $0.41
 $
 $0.70
 $
Class A common stock $
 $0.42
 $
 $0.79
Class B common stock $
 $0.19
 $
 $0.26
         
Diluted earnings per share:        
Common stock $0.40
 $
 $0.69
 $
Class A common stock $
 $0.42
 $
 $0.79
Class B common stock $
 $0.18
 $
 $0.25
         
Basic weighted average shares outstanding:        
Common stock 20,969
 
 20,969
 
Class A common stock 
 13,803
 
 13,803
Class B common stock 
 1,583
 
 1,557
         
Dilutive effect of shares issued under stock compensation arrangements:        
Common stock - stock options 488
 
 456
 
Class B common stock - unvested restricted stock grants 
 83
 
 93
         
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding:        
Common stock 21,457
 
 21,425
 
Class A common stock 
 13,803
 
 13,803
Class B common stock 
 1,666
 
 1,650
  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
  2018 2017 2018 2017
  (in thousands, except per share data)
Net income $10,112
 $8,495
 $17,399
 $14,776
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

 21,070
 20,969
 21,058
 20,969
Effect of potential dilutive securities:        
Conversion of stock options 593
 488
 588
 456
Conversion of restricted stock 3
 
 2
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted

 21,666
 21,457
 21,648
 21,425
         
Earnings per common share:        
Basic $0.48
 $0.41
 $0.83
 $0.70
Diluted $0.47
 $0.40
 $0.80
 $0.69
Prior to the reclassification of common stock on July 28, 2016, all of the earnings of the Company were allocated to Class A and Class B common stock and earnings per share was calculated using the two-class method. Under the two-class method, earnings attributable to Class A and Class B common stockholders were determined by allocating undistributed earnings to each class of stock. The undistributed earnings attributable to common stockholders were allocated based on the contractual participation rights of the Class A common stock and Class B common stock as if those earnings for the period had been distributed. Earnings attributable to Class A common stockholders equaled the sum of dividends at the rate per annum of 12% compounding annually during the period ("Accruing Dividends")

plus seventy-five percent of any remaining assets of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders in the event of a liquidation, dissolution, winding up or sale of the Company after payment of the Accruing Dividends ("Residual Proceeds"). Earnings attributable to Class B common stockholders equaled twenty-five percent of the Residual Proceeds. After the reclassification of common stock on July 28, 2016, all of the earnings of the Company were attributable to the single class of common stock.
Basic earnings per share for each class of common stock was computed by dividing the earnings attributable to the common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of each respective class of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share attributable to each class of common stock was computed by dividing earnings attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average shares outstanding for each respective class of common stock outstanding during the period, including potentially dilutive shares of common stock for the period determined using the treasury stock method. There were no potentially dilutive shares attributable to Class A common stockholdersapproximately 88 thousand anti-dilutive stock awards for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016. For purposes of the diluted earnings per share attributable to Class B common stockholders calculation, unvested restricted grants of common stock were considered to be potentially dilutive shares of common stock. There were no material anti-dilutive Class B shares for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016.
2018. There were no anti-dilutive stock optionsawards for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.


7.8. Income taxes
On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law the TCJA. The legislation significantly changed U.S. tax law by, among other things, lowering corporate income tax rates from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, and modifying the manner in which property and casualty insurance loss reserves are computed for federal income tax purposes. The Company records a deduction for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses when computing its taxable income. Prior to the new legislation, the deduction was discounted using interest rates and loss payment patterns prescribed by the U.S. Treasury. The TCJA changed the prescribed interest rates, which are now based on corporate bond yield curves, and extended the applicable time periods for the loss payment pattern period for long-tailed lines of business. Beginning in 2018, a transition rule will spread the adjustments related to pre-effective-date losses and loss adjustment expenses over the next eight years.
U.S. GAAP requires companies to recognize the effect of tax law changes in the period of enactment. The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the TCJA. The TCJA did not specify the application of certain elements of the legislation and the U.S. Treasury has yet to issue interpretive guidance to specify the loss payment patterns and the corporate bond yield curve under the new law for 2018. The Company recognized provisional tax amounts of $3.5 million related to the transition adjustment for loss discounting, which was included in its components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as part of its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. The ultimate impact may differ from these provisional amounts due to, among other things, additional analysis, changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company has made, additional regulatory guidance that may be issued, and actions the Company may take as a result of the TCJA. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, there were no changes to these amounts and no measurement period adjustments were recorded. The accounting is expected to be complete when the U.S. Treasury issues further guidance and the Company has completed its calculations.
The Company uses the estimated annual effective tax rate method for calculating its tax provision in interim periods, which represents the Company's best estimate of the effective tax rate expected for the full year. The estimated annual effective tax rate typically differs from the U.S. statutory tax rate primarily as a result of tax-exempt investment income and any discrete items recognized during the period. The Company's effective tax rate was 18.9% and 18.2% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively. The Company's effective tax rate was 33.4% and 33.0% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rates in the second quarter and first half of 2018 compared to the same periods in the prior year was primarily due to the impact of the TCJA, which lowered the U.S. statutory tax rate from 35% to 21% starting January 1, 2018, and the recognition of tax benefits related to stock options exercised during the second quarter and first six months of 2018.


9.     Reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
The following table presents a reconciliation of consolidated beginning and ending reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses:
 June 30, June 30,
 2017 2016 2018 2017
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Net reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, beginning of year $194,602
 $124,126
 $267,493
 $194,602
Commutation of MLQS 27,929
 24,296
 
 27,929
Adjusted net reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses, beginning of year 222,531
 148,422
 267,493
 222,531
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses:        
Current year 52,902
 40,984
 62,389
 52,902
Prior years (8,936) (5,407) (3,523) (8,936)
Total net losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred 43,966
 35,577
 58,866
 43,966
        
Payments:        
Current year 2,185
 1,078
 1,858
 2,185
Prior years 19,508
 13,026
 33,309
 19,508
Total payments 21,693
 14,104
 35,167
 21,693
Net reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, end of period 244,804
 169,895
 291,192
 244,804
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 39,624
 75,315
 53,373
 39,624
Gross reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, end of period $284,428
 $245,210
 $344,565
 $284,428

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses held at December 31, 2017 developed favorably by $3.5 million. The favorable development was primarily attributable to the 2017 accident year of $2.5 million, the 2016 accident year of $3.0 million and the 2015 accident year of $0.8 million, which resulted from reported losses emerging at a lower level than expected. This favorable development was offset in part by adverse development from the 2011 through 2014 accident years of $2.8 million.
During the six months ended June 30, 2017, the reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses held at December 31, 2016 developed favorably by $8.9 million. The favorable development was attributable primarily attributable to the 2016 accident year of $5.8 million and the 2015 accident year of $3.7 million, from the 2016 and 2015 accident years, respectively andwhich was due to reported losses emerging at a lower level than expected.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses held at December 31, 2015 developed favorably by $5.4 million. The favorable development was attributable primarilyoffset in part by adverse development of $1.1 million for the 2013 accident year.
Multi-line quota share reinsurance
Effective January 1, 2017, the Company commuted its multi-line quota share treaty ("MLQS") covering the period January 1, 2015 to $2.8 million and $3.3 million fromDecember 31, 2015, which reduced reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses by approximately $27.9 million. The commutation did not have any effect on the 2015 and 2014 accident years, respectively and due to reported losses emerging at a lower level than expected.
See Note 8Company's results of operations or cash flows for further details regarding the commutation of the MLQS.applicable period.

8.10.     Reinsurance
The following table summarizes the effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned for the three and six months ended June 30, 20172018 and 2016:2017:
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Written:                
Direct $57,753
 $50,161
 $110,615
 $93,151
 $69,981
 $57,753
 $133,828
 $110,615
Assumed 
 (54) 
 38
 
 
 
 
Ceded (7,980) (14,446) (16,680) (9,733) (9,090) (7,980) (17,846) (16,680)
Net written $49,773
 $35,661
 $93,935
 $83,456
 $60,891
 $49,773
 $115,982
 $93,935
                
Earned:                
Direct $51,304
 $44,895
 $99,766
 $87,987
 $59,603
 $51,304
 $116,196
 $99,766
Assumed 
 2
 
 34
 
 
 
 
Ceded (8,252) (13,114) (16,281) (25,641) (8,710) (8,252) (17,242) (16,281)
Net earned $43,052
 $31,783
 $83,485
 $62,380
 $50,893
 $43,052
 $98,954
 $83,485
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses were net of reinsurance (ceded incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses) of $(0.6)$5.0 million and $3.4$(0.6) million for the three months ended June 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively. Ceded incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses were $1.8$7.9 million and $7.8$1.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively. At June 30, 20172018, reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses were $0.1$1.0 million and $39.6$53.4 million,, respectively. At December 31, 2016,2017, reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses were $0.1$1.4 million and $70.2$48.2 million,, respectively.
Multi-line quota share reinsurance
Historically, the Company participated in a MLQS treaty that transferred a proportion of the risk related to certain lines of business written by its subsidiary, Kinsale Insurance Company, an Arkansas insurance company ("Kinsale Insurance"), to third-party reinsurers in exchange for a proportion of the direct written premiums on that business. The MLQS was subject to annual renewal and, in accordance with the terms of the MLQS, the Company could adjust the amount of business ceded on a quarterly basis. Under the terms of the MLQS covering the period January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 (the "2016 MLQS"), Kinsale Insurance received a provisional ceding commission

equal to 41% of ceded written premiums and paid a reinsurance margin equal to 4% of ceded written premium. The 2016 MLQS included a sliding scale commission provision that adjusted the ceding commissions within a range of 25% to 41% based on the loss experience of the business ceded. As a result of the successful completion of the initial public offering ("IPO") in August 2016, the Company terminated and commuted the 2016 MLQS on October 1, 2016.
Effective January 1, 2017, the Company commuted the MLQS covering the period January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015 (the "2015 MLQS"). The commutation reduced reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses and receivable from reinsurers by approximately $36.5 million, with a corresponding reduction to funds held for reinsurers. The Company did not renew the MLQS for the 2017 calendar year and there are no remaining MLQS balances outstanding as of January 1, 2017. The commutations did not have any effect on the Company's results of operations or cash flows for the applicable periods.
9.11.     Other comprehensive (loss) income
The following table summarizes the components of other comprehensive (loss) income for the three and six months ended June 30, 20172018 and 2016:2017:
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Unrealized gains arising during the period, before income taxes $3,369
 $4,421
 $4,987
 $8,079
Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period, before income taxes:        
Fixed-maturity securities $(1,101) $2,792
 $(7,193) $3,489
Equity securities (1)
 
 577
 
 1,498
Total unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period, before income taxes (1,101) 3,369
 (7,193) 4,987
Income taxes (1,179) (1,548) (1,745) (2,828) 232
 (1,179) 1,511
 (1,745)
Unrealized gains arising during the period, net of income taxes 2,190
 2,873
 3,242
 5,251
Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period, net of income taxes (869) 2,190
 (5,682) 3,242
Less reclassification adjustment:                
Net realized investment gains (losses) 24
 (26) (8) 361
Net realized gains (losses) on fixed-maturity securities, before income taxes 185
 24
 240
 (8)
Income taxes (8) 9
 3
 (126) (38) (8) (50) 3
Reclassification adjustment included in net income 16
 (17) (5) 235
 147
 16
 190
 (5)
Other comprehensive income $2,174
 $2,890
 $3,247
 $5,016
Other comprehensive (loss) income $(1,016) $2,174
 $(5,872) $3,247
(1) Adoption of ASU 2016-01, "Financial Instruments – Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities," which was effective January 1, 2018, eliminated the available-for-sale classification for equity investments and required changes in unrealized gains and losses in the fair value of equity securities to be recognized in net income.
The sale of an available-for-sale fixed-maturity security results in amounts being reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to realized gains or losses in current period earnings. The related tax effect of the reclassification adjustment is recorded in income tax expense in current period earnings. See Note 2 for additional information.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The discussion and analysis below includes certain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors described in "Risk Factors" in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2017. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors.
The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 20172018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ended December 31, 2017,2018, or for any other future period. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report, and in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2017.
References to the "Company," "Kinsale," "we," "us," and "our" are to Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.

Overview
Founded in 2009, Kinsale is an established and growinga specialty insurance company. Kinsale focuses exclusively on the excess and surplus lines ("E&S") market in the U.S., where we use our underwriting expertise to write coverages for hard-to-place small business risks and personal lines risks. We market and sell these insurance products in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, primarily through a network of independent insurance brokers.
We have one reportable segment, our Excess and Surplus Lines Insurance segment, which offers property and casualty ("P&C") insurance products through the E&S market. For the first six months of 2017,2018, the percentage breakdown of our gross written premiums was 93.0%91.4% casualty and 7.0%8.6% property. Our commercial lines offeringsunderwriting divisions include construction, small business, general casualty, energy, excess casualty, professional liability, life sciences, product liability, allied health, health care, commercial property, environmental, management liability, inland marine, public entity and commercial insurance. We also write a small amount of homeowners insurance in the personal lines market, which in aggregate represented 4.2%4.7% of our gross written premiums in the first six months of 2017.
Factors affecting our results of operations
The MLQS
Historically, a significant amount of our business had been reinsured through our MLQS with third-party reinsurers. This agreement allowed us to cede a portion of the risk related to certain lines of underwritten business in exchange for a portion of our direct written premiums on that business, less a ceding commission. The MLQS was subject to annual renewal; however, we retained the right to adjust the amount of business we ceded on a quarterly basis in accordance with the terms of the MLQS. We monitored the ceding percentage under the MLQS and adjusted this percentage based on our projected direct written premiums. We adjusted the ceding percentage under the MLQS for future periods depending on future business conditions in our industry. Generally, we increased the ceding percentage when the growth rate of gross written premiums was higher relative to the growth rate of Kinsale Insurance’s capital position, and decreased the ceding percentage when the growth rate of Kinsale Insurance’s capital position was higher relative to the growth rate of gross written premiums.
As a result of the successful completion of our IPO in August 2016, we terminated and commuted the 2016 MLQS contract on October 1, 2016. Effective January 1, 2017, the remaining MLQS was commuted, which covered the 2015 calendar year. We did not renew the MLQS for the 2017 calendar year and there are no remaining MLQS balances outstanding as of January 1, 2017.
The effect of the MLQS on our results of operations was primarily reflected in our ceded written premiums, losses and loss adjustment expenses, as well as our underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses. The following tables

summarize the effect of the MLQS on our underwriting income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:
  Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 Three Months Ended June 30, 2016
($ in thousands) Including
Quota Share
 Effect of
Quota Share
 Excluding Quota Share Including
Quota Share
 Effect of
Quota Share
 Excluding Quota Share
             
Gross written premiums $57,753
 $
 $57,753
 $50,107
 $
 $50,107
Ceded written premiums (7,980) 
 (7,980) (14,446) (6,363) (8,083)
Net written premiums $49,773
 $
 $49,773
 $35,661
 $(6,363) $42,024
Net retention (1)
 86.2%   86.2% 71.2%   83.9%
             
Net earned premiums $43,052
 $
 $43,052
 $31,783
 $(5,692) $37,475
Losses and loss adjustment expenses (21,859) 
 (21,859) (17,456) 2,385
 (19,841)
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses

 (10,492) 
 (10,492) (6,481) 3,080
 (9,561)
Underwriting income (2)
 $10,701
 $
 $10,701
 $7,846
 $(227) $8,073
             
Loss ratio 50.8% % 
 54.9% 41.9% 
Expense ratio 24.4% % 
 20.4% 54.1% 
Combined ratio 75.2% % 
 75.3% 96.0% 
             
Adjusted loss ratio (3)
 
 
 50.8% 
 
 52.9%
Adjusted expense ratio (3)
 
 
 24.4% 
 
 25.5%
Adjusted combined ratio (3)
 
 
 75.2% 
 
 78.4%
  Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
($ in thousands) Including
Quota Share
 Effect of
Quota Share
 Excluding Quota Share Including
Quota Share
 Effect of
Quota Share
 Excluding Quota Share
             
Gross written premiums $110,615
 $
 $110,615
 $93,189
 $
 $93,189
Ceded written premiums (16,680) 
 (16,680) (9,733) 5,226
 (14,959)
Net written premiums $93,935
 $
 $93,935
 $83,456
 $5,226
 $78,230
Net retention (1)
 84.9%   84.9% 89.6%   83.9%
             
Net earned premiums $83,485
 $
 $83,485
 $62,380
 $(11,124) $73,504
Losses and loss adjustment expenses (43,966) 
 (43,966) (35,577) 4,195
 (39,772)
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses

 (21,786) 
 (21,786) (12,729) 6,485
 (19,214)
Underwriting income (2)
 $17,733
 $
 $17,733
 $14,074
 $(444) $14,518
             
Loss ratio 52.7% % 
 57.0% 37.7% 
Expense ratio 26.1% % 
 20.4% 58.3% 
Combined ratio 78.8% % 
 77.4% 96.0% 
             
Adjusted loss ratio (3)
 
 
 52.7% 
 
 54.1%
Adjusted expense ratio (3)
 
 
 26.1% 
 
 26.1%
Adjusted combined ratio (3)
 
 
 78.8% 
 
 80.2%
(1)The ratio of net written premiums to gross written premiums.

(2) Underwriting income is a non-GAAP financial measure. See "— Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures" for a reconciliation of net income to underwriting income in accordance with GAAP.
(3) Our adjusted loss ratio, adjusted expense ratio and adjusted combined ratio are non-GAAP financial measures. We define our adjusted loss ratio, adjusted expense ratio and adjusted combined ratio as each of our loss ratio, expense ratio and combined ratio, respectively, excluding the effects of the MLQS. We use these adjusted ratios as an internal performance measure in the management of our operations because we believe they give our management and other users of our financial information useful insight into our results of operations and our underlying business performance. Our adjusted loss ratio, adjusted expense ratio and adjusted combined ratio should not be viewed as substitutes for our loss ratio, expense ratio and combined ratio, respectively, which are presented in accordance with GAAP.
Our results of operations may be difficult to compare from period to period as we made periodic adjustments to the amount of business we ceded under the terms of the MLQS, and may have commuted and terminated the MLQS in a given period. In light of the impact of the MLQS on our results of operations, we internally evaluated our financial performance both including and excluding the effects of the MLQS.2018.
Components of our results of operations
Gross written premiums
Gross written premiums are the amount received or to be received for insurance policies written or assumed by us during a specific period of time without reduction for policy acquisition costs, reinsurance costs or other deductions. The volume of our gross written premiums in any given period is generally influenced by:
New business submissions;
BindingConversion of new business submissions into policies;
Renewals of existing policies; and
Average size and premium rate of bound policies.
We earn insurance premiums on a pro rata basis over the term of a policy. Our insurance policies generally have a term of one year. Net earned premiums represent the earned portion of our gross written premiums, less that portion of our gross written premiums that is ceded to third-party reinsurers under our reinsurance agreements.
Ceded written premiums
Ceded written premiums are the amount of gross written premiums ceded to reinsurers. We enter into reinsurance contracts to limit our exposure to potential large losses as well as to provide additional capacity for growth.losses. Ceded written premiums are earned over the reinsurance contract

period in proportion to the period of risk covered. The volume of our ceded written premiums is impacted by the level of our gross written premiums and any decision we make to increase or decrease retention levels.
Net investment income
Net investment income is an important component of our results of operations. We earn investment income on our portfolio of cash and invested assets. Our cash and invested assets are primarily comprised of fixed maturityfixed-maturity securities, and may also include cash and cash equivalents, equity securities and short-term investments. The principal factors that influence net investment income are the size of our investment portfolio and the yield on that portfolio. As measured by amortized cost (which excludes changes in fair value, such as from changes in interest rates), the size of our investment portfolio is mainly a function of our invested equity capital along with premiums we receive from our insureds less payments on policyholder claims.
Net investment gains (losses)
Net investment gains (losses) are a function of the difference between the amount received by us on the sale of a security and the security's amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses on our equity portfolio, as well as any "other-than-temporary" impairments recognized in earnings.

Losses and loss adjustment expenses
Losses and loss adjustment expenses are a function of the amount and type of insurance contracts we write and the loss experience associated with the underlying coverage. In general, our losses and loss adjustment expenses are affected by:
Frequency of claims associated with the particular types of insurance contracts that we write;
Trends in the average size of losses incurred on a particular type of business;
Mix of business written by us;
Changes in the legal or regulatory environment related to the business we write;
Trends in legal defense costs;
Wage inflation; and
Inflation in medical costs.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on an actuarial analysis of the estimated losses, including losses incurred during the period and changes in estimates from prior periods. Losses and loss adjustment expenses may be paid out over a period of years.
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses include policy acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses. Policy acquisition costs are principally comprised of the commissions we pay our brokers, net of ceding commissions we receive on business ceded under certain reinsurance contracts. Policy acquisition costs that are directly related to the successful acquisition of those policies are deferred. The amortization of such policy acquisition costs is charged to expense in proportion to premium earned over the policy life. Other underwriting expenses represent the general and administrative expenses of our insurance business including employment costs, telecommunication and technology costs, the costs of our lease, and legal and auditing fees.
Income tax expense
Currently all of our income tax expense relates to federal income taxes. Kinsale Insurance Company is generally not subject to income taxes in the states in which it operates; however, our non-insurance subsidiaries are subject to state income taxes. The amount of income tax expense or benefit recorded in future periods will depend on the jurisdictions in which we operate and the tax laws and regulations in effect.

Key metrics
We discuss certain key metrics, described below, which provide useful information about our business and the operational factors underlying our financial performance.
Underwriting income is a non-GAAP financial measure. We define underwriting income as pre-tax income, excluding net investment income, net investment gains and losses, and other income and expenses. See "—Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures" for a reconciliation of net income to underwriting income in accordance with GAAP.
Loss ratio, expressed as a percentage, is the ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses to net earned premiums, net of the effects of reinsurance.
Expense ratio, expressed as a percentage, is the ratio of underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses to net earned premiums.
Combined ratio is the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio. A combined ratio under 100% generally indicates an underwriting profit. A combined ratio over 100% generally indicates an underwriting loss.
Adjusted loss ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure. We define adjusted loss ratio as the loss ratio, excluding the effects of the MLQS. For additional detail on the impact of the MLQS on our results of operations, see "—Factors affecting our results of operations — The MLQS."

Adjusted expense ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure. We define adjusted expense ratio as the expense ratio, excluding the effects of the MLQS. For additional detail on the impact of the MLQS on our results of operations, see "—Factors affecting our results of operations — The MLQS."
Adjusted combined ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure. We define adjusted combined ratio as the loss ratio, excluding the effects of the MLQS. For additional detail on the impact of the MLQS on our results of operations, see "—Factors affecting our results of operations — The MLQS."
Return on equity is net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders’ equity during the period. Our overall financial goal is to produce a return on equity in the mid-teens or higher over the long-term.
Net retention ratio is the ratio of net written premiums to gross written premiums.


Results of operations
Three months ended June 30, 20172018 compared to three months ended June 30, 20162017
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:
  Three Months Ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2018 2017 Change % Change
         
Gross written premiums $69,981
 $57,753
 $12,228
 21.2 %
Ceded written premiums (9,090) (7,980) (1,110) 13.9 %
Net written premiums $60,891
 $49,773
 $11,118
 22.3 %
         
Net earned premiums $50,893
 $43,052
 $7,841
 18.2 %
Losses and loss adjustment expenses 29,967
 21,859
 8,108
 37.1 %
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses 12,519
 10,492
 2,027
 19.3 %
Underwriting income (1)
 8,407
 10,701
 (2,294) (21.4)%
Other income (expenses), net 4
 (402) 406
 (101.0)%
Net investment income 3,782
 2,432
 1,350
 55.5 %
Net unrealized gains on equity securities 94
 
 94
 NM
Net realized gains on investments 174
 24
 150
 625.0 %
Income before taxes 12,461
 12,755
 (294) (2.3)%
Income tax expense 2,349
 4,260
 (1,911) (44.9)%
Net income $10,112
 $8,495
 $1,617
 19.0 %
         
Annualized return on equity 16.6% 15.4%    
         
Loss ratio 58.9% 50.8%    
Expense ratio 24.6% 24.4%    
Combined ratio 83.5% 75.2%    
NM - Percentage change not meaningful

(1) Underwriting income is a non-GAAP financial measure. See "—Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures" for a reconciliation of net income to underwriting income in accordance with GAAP.
Net income was $10.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $8.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, an increase of 19.0%. The increase in net income for the second quarter of 2018 over the second quarter of 2017 was due to a lower effective tax rate of 18.9%, resulting from the TCJA and the recognition of tax benefits related to stock options exercised during the second quarter of 2018, and higher net investment income.
Underwriting income was $8.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $10.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, a decrease of 21.4%. The corresponding combined ratios were 83.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to 75.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2017. The decrease in our underwriting income was due to both lower net favorable prior accident year loss reserve development and a higher current accident year loss ratio, offset in part by higher net earned premiums.
Premiums
Our gross written premiums were $70.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $57.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, an increase of $12.2 million, or 21.2%. The increase in gross written premiums for the second quarter of 2018 over the same period last year was due to higher submissions activity across most lines of business. The average premium on a policy written was approximately $7,200 in the second quarter of 2018 compared to approximately $7,800 in the second quarter of 2017. The decrease in the average premium per policy written was due to changes in the mix of business during the second quarter of 2018 compared to the same period last year.
Net written premiums increased by $11.1 million, or 22.3%, to $60.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 from $49.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017. The increase in net written premiums for the second quarter of 2018 compared to the same period last year was primarily due to higher gross written premiums. The net retention ratio was 87.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to 86.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2017.
Net earned premiums increased by $7.8 million, or 18.2%, to $50.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 from $43.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 due to growth in gross written premiums.
Loss ratio
The loss ratio was 58.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to 50.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2017. The increase in the loss ratio for the second quarter of 2018 compared to the second quarter of 2017 was due to lower net favorable development of loss reserves for prior accident years and an increase in the loss ratio for the current accident year.
During the second quarter of 2018 and 2017, the favorable development of loss reserves for prior accident years was primarily due to reported losses emerging at lower levels than expected. During the second quarter of 2018, prior accident years developed favorably by $2.2 million, of which $3.1 million was attributable to accident years 2015 and 2016. This favorable development was offset in part by adverse development from accident years 2011 through 2014 of $0.9 million. During the second quarter of 2017, loss reserves for prior accident years developed favorably by $3.8 million, which was attributable to accident years 2014 to 2016 of $4.3 million. This favorable development was offset in part by adverse development in the 2012 and 2013 accident year of $0.5 million.

The following table summarizes the loss ratios for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:
  Three Months Ended June 30,
  2018 2017
($ in thousands) Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses % of Earned Premiums Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses % of Earned Premiums
Loss ratio:        
Current accident year before catastrophe losses $32,050
 63.0 % $25,651
 59.6 %
Current year catastrophe losses 156
 0.3 % 40
 0.1 %
Effect of prior year development (2,239) (4.4)% (3,832) (8.9)%
Total $29,967
 58.9 % $21,859
 50.8 %
Expense ratio
The expense ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was relatively flat compared to the three months ended June 30, 2017. The following table summarizes the components of the expense ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:
  Three Months Ended June 30,
  2018 2017
($ in thousands) Underwriting Expenses % of Earned Premiums Underwriting Expenses % of Earned Premiums
         
Commissions incurred:        
Direct $8,756
 17.2 % $7,544
 17.5 %
Ceding (2,464) (4.8)% (2,466) (5.7)%
Net commissions incurred 6,292
 12.4 % 5,078
 11.8 %
Other underwriting expenses 6,227
 12.2 % 5,414
 12.6 %
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses $12,519
 24.6 % $10,492
 24.4 %
The decrease in the other underwriting expense ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same period last year reflected the benefit of higher net earned premiums without a proportional increase in total other underwriting expenses from management's focus on controlling costs. Direct commissions paid as a percent of gross written premiums was 14.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 14.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2017.
Combined ratio
Our combined ratio was 83.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to 75.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2017.
Other expenses, net
Other expenses of $0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 were comprised of expenses related to the secondary offering of our common stock in May 2017.

Investing results
Our net investment income increased by 55.5% to $3.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 from $2.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017. This increase was primarily due to growth in our investment portfolio balance from excess operating funds generated since the second quarter of 2017 and higher gross investment returns in the second quarter of 2018 compared to the same period last year as a result of a more favorable interest rate environment and higher dividends.
The following table summarizes net investment income and net realized and unrealized investment gains for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:
  Three Months Ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2018 2017 Change % Change
         
Interest from fixed-maturity securities $3,322
 $2,326
 $996
 42.8%
Dividends from equity securities 512
 185
 327
 176.8%
Other 217
 167
 50
 29.9%
Gross investment income 4,051
 2,678
 1,373
 51.3%
Investment expenses (269) (246) (23) 9.3%
Net investment income 3,782
 2,432
 1,350
 55.5%
Net unrealized gains on equity securities 94
 
 94
 NM
Net realized gains on investments 174
 24
 150
 625.0%
Net realized and unrealized investment gains 268
 24
 244
 1,016.7%
Total $4,050
 $2,456
 $1,594
 64.9%
NM - Percentage change not meaningful
Our investment portfolio, excluding cash equivalents and unrealized gains and losses, had an annualized gross investment return of 2.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to 2.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2017. As discussed previously, effective January 1, 2018, we adopted a new accounting standard which required changes in the fair value of equity investments to be recognized in net income. During the second quarter of 2018, we recognized unrealized gains of $0.1 million related to our equity portfolio.
We perform quarterly reviews of all available-for-sale securities within our investment portfolio to determine whether any other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. Management concluded that there were no other-than-temporary impairments from available-for-sale investments for the three months ended June 30, 2018 or 2017.
Income tax expense
Our income tax expense was $2.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $4.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017. Our effective tax rate was approximately 18.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to 33.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2017. For the second quarter of 2018, our effective tax rate reflected the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which among other provisions, lowered the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% starting January 1, 2018. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the prior-year period was also due to the recognition of tax benefits related to stock options exercised during the second quarter of 2018.


Six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to six months ended June 30, 2017
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2016:2017:
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 Change Percent 2018 2017 Change % Change
                
Gross written premiums $57,753
 $50,107
 $7,646
 15.3 % $133,828
 $110,615
 $23,213
 21.0 %
Ceded written premiums (7,980) (14,446) 6,466
 (44.8)% (17,846) (16,680) (1,166) 7.0 %
Net written premiums $49,773
 $35,661
 $14,112
 39.6 % $115,982
 $93,935
 $22,047
 23.5 %
                
Net earned premiums $43,052
 $31,783
 $11,269
 35.5 % $98,954
 $83,485
 $15,469
 18.5 %
Losses and loss adjustment expenses 21,859
 17,456
 4,403
 25.2 % 58,866
 43,966
 14,900
 33.9 %
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses 10,492
 6,481
 4,011
 61.9 % 24,917
 21,786
 3,131
 14.4 %
Underwriting income (1)
 10,701
 7,846
 2,855
 36.4 % 15,171
 17,733
 (2,562) (14.4)%
Other expenses, net (402) (408) 6
 (1.5)% (7) (402) 395
 (98.3)%
Net investment income 2,432
 1,819
 613
 33.7 % 7,011
 4,718
 2,293
 48.6 %
Net investment gains (losses) 24
 (4) 28
 NM
Net unrealized losses on equity securities (1,185) 
 (1,185) NM
Net realized gains (losses) on investments 286
 (8) 294
 NM
Income before taxes 12,755
 9,253
 3,502
 37.8 % 21,276
 22,041
 (765) (3.5)%
Income tax expense 4,260
 3,196
 1,064
 33.3
 3,877
 7,265
 (3,388) (46.6)%
Net income $8,495
 $6,057
 $2,438
 40.3 % $17,399
 $14,776
 $2,623
 17.8 %
                
Annualized return on equity 14.3% 13.5%    
        
Loss ratio 50.8% 54.9%     59.5% 52.7%    
Expense ratio 24.4% 20.4%     25.2% 26.1%    
Combined ratio 75.2% 75.3%     84.7% 78.8%    
NM - Percentage change not meaningful
(1) Underwriting income is a non-GAAP financial measure. See "—Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures" for a reconciliation of net income to underwriting income in accordance with GAAP.
Net income was $8.5$17.4 million for the threesix months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $14.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, comparedan increase of 17.8%. The increase in net income for the first half of 2018 over the first half of 2017 was due to $6.1a lower effective tax rate of 18.2%, resulting from the TCJA and the recognition of tax benefits related to stock options exercised during the first half of 2018, and higher net investment income. These factors were offset in part by unrealized losses of $1.2 million related to changes in the fair value of equity investments, which were required to be recognized in net income upon the adoption of a new accounting standard.
Underwriting income was $15.2 million for the threesix months ended June 30, 2016, an increase of 40.3%. Underwriting income was $10.72018 compared to $17.7 million for the threesix months ended June 30, 2017, compared to $7.8 milliona decrease of 14.4%. The corresponding combined ratios were 84.7% for the threesix months ended June 30, 2016, an increase of 36.4%. The corresponding combined ratio was 75.2%2018 compared to 78.8% for the threesix months ended June 30, 2017. The decrease in our underwriting income in the first half of 2018 compared to the first half of 2017, was due to lower net favorable development of loss reserves for prior accident years, offset in part by higher net earned premiums.

Premiums
Our gross written premiums were $133.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $110.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, compared to 75.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2016. As previously discussed, the MLQS was not renewed for the 2017 calendar year. Excluding the effect of the 2016 MLQS, underwriting income was $8.1 million and the corresponding adjusted combined ratio was 78.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2016. The increase in our underwriting income during the period was due primarily to an increase in premiums written and higher net favorable prior year loss reserve development.
Premiums
Our gross written premiums were $57.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 compared to $50.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016, an increase of $7.6$23.2 million,, or 15.3%21.0%. The increase in gross written premiums for the second quarterfirst six months of 20172018 over the same period last year was primarily due to growthhigher submission activity across most lines of business and was most notable in the small business, construction, energy and product liability, and personal

insurance divisions.business. The average premium peron a policy written was approximately $7,800$7,500 in the second quarterfirst six months of 20172018 compared to approximately $8,700$8,200 in the second quarterfirst six months of 2016.2017. The decrease in the average premium per policy written was due to changes in the mix of business primarily growth induring the small business and personal insurance divisions, from the second quarterfirst half of 20162018 compared to the second quarter of 2017.same period last year.
Net written premiums were $49.8increased by $22.0 million, or 23.5%, to $116.0 million for the threesix months ended June 30, 2017 compared to $35.72018 from $93.9 million for the threesix months ended June 30, 2016, an increase of $14.1 million, or 39.6%.2017. The increase in net written premiums for the first six months of 2018 compared to the same period last year was primarily due to higher gross written premiums quarter over quarter and non-renewal of the MLQS for the 2017 calendar year.while ceded premiums remained relatively flat. The net retention ratio was 86.2%86.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2017 compared to 71.2% for the threesix months ended June 30, 2016. Excluding2018 compared to 84.9% for the effect ofsix months ended June 30, 2017. The increase in the 2016 MLQS, our net retention ratio was 83.9% fordue to an increase in our retention on the three months ended excess casualty reinsurance treaty effective with the renewal on June 30, 2016.1, 2017 and a change in the mix of business.
Net earned premiums increased by $11.3$15.5 million, or 35.5%18.5%, to $43.1$99.0 million for the threesix months ended June 30, 20172018 from $31.8$83.5 million for the threesix months ended June 30, 2016. The increase in net earned premiums in the second quarter of 2017 compared to the second quarter of 2016 was due to growth in gross written premiums and the non-renewal of the MLQS for the 2017 calendar year. Excluding the effect of the MLQS, net earned premiums were $37.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016, or an increase of 14.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2017 over the three months ended June 30, 2016.premiums.
Loss ratio
The loss ratio was 50.8%59.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2017 compared to 54.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2016. Our adjusted loss ratio was 52.9% for the threesix months ended June 30, 2016. This decrease2018 compared to 52.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The increase in the loss ratio for the second quarterfirst six months of 20172018 was due to lower net favorable development of loss reserves for prior accident years in the first half of 2018 compared to the same period in 2016first half of 2017.
During the first half of 2018 and 2017, the favorable development of loss reserves for prior accident years was primarily due primarily to favorable loss emergence acrossreported losses emerging at lower levels than expected. During the casualty lines of business.
The following tables summarize the effect of the factors indicated above on the loss ratio for the threesix months ended June 30, 2018, prior accident years developed favorably by $3.5 million, of which $6.3 million was attributable to accident years 2015 through 2017. This favorable development was offset in part by adverse development from accident years 2011 through 2014 of $2.8 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2017, loss reserves for prior accident years developed favorably by $8.9 million, which was largely attributable to accident years 2015 and 2016: of $9.5 million. This favorable development was offset in part by adverse development in the 2013 accident year of $1.1 million.
The following table summarizes the loss ratios for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:
  Three Months Ended June 30,
  2017 2016
($ in thousands) Losses and loss adjustment expenses % of Earned Premiums Losses and loss adjustment expenses % of Earned Premiums
Loss ratio:        
Current accident year $25,691
 59.7 % $20,140
 63.3 %
Effect of prior year development (3,832) (8.9) (2,684) (8.4)
  $21,859
 50.8 % $17,456
 54.9 %
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2018 2017
($ in thousands) Losses and loss adjustment expenses % of Earned Premiums Losses and loss adjustment expenses % of Earned Premiums Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses % of Earned Premiums Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses % of Earned Premiums
Adjusted loss ratio:        
Current accident year $25,691
 59.7 % $23,287
 62.1 %
Loss ratio:        
Current accident year before catastrophe losses $62,233
 62.9 % $52,788
 63.3 %
Current year catastrophe losses 156
 0.2 % 114
 0.1 %
Effect of prior year development (3,832) (8.9) (3,446) (9.2) (3,523) (3.6)% (8,936) (10.7)%
 $21,859
 50.8 % $19,841
 52.9 %
Total $58,866
 59.5 % $43,966
 52.7 %

Expense ratio
The following table summarizes the components of the expense ratio for the threesix months ended June 30, 20172018 and 2016:2017:
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2018 2017
($ in thousands) Underwriting Expenses % of Earned Premiums Underwriting Expenses % of Earned Premiums Underwriting Expenses % of Earned Premiums Underwriting Expenses % of Earned Premiums
                
Commissions incurred:                
Direct $7,544
 17.5 % $6,668
 21.0 % $17,135
 17.3 % $14,693
 17.6 %
Ceding - MLQS 
  % (3,080) (9.7)%
Ceding - other (2,466) (5.7)% (2,138) (6.7)%
Ceding (4,908) (4.9)% (4,812) (5.8)%
Net commissions incurred 5,078
 11.8 % 1,450
 4.6 % 12,227
 12.4 % 9,881
 11.8 %
Other underwriting expenses 5,414
 12.6 % 5,031
 15.8 % 12,690
 12.8 % 11,905
 14.3 %
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses $10,492
 24.4 % $6,481
 20.4 % $24,917
 25.2 % $21,786
 26.1 %
The expense ratio was 24.4%25.2% for the threesix months ended June 30, 20172018 compared to 20.4%26.1% for the threesix months ended June 30, 2016.2017. The decrease in the other underwriting expense ratio for the threesix months ended June 30, 2016, was relatively low due2018 compared to the ceding commissions earned under the MLQS, which was not renewed for the 2017 calendar year. Excluding the effect of the MLQS, our adjusted expense ratio was 25.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2016. The decrease in the expense ratio for the second quarter of 2017 compared to the adjusted expense ratio for thesame period last year was attributable toreflected the benefit of higher net earned premiums without a proportional increase in the total amount of operatingother underwriting expenses as a result offrom management's focus on controlling costs. Direct commissions paid as a percent of gross written premiums was 14.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 14.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2016.
Combined ratio
Our combined ratio was 75.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2017 compared to 75.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2016. Excluding the effects of the MLQS, the adjusted combined ratio was 78.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2016.
Investing results
Our net investment income increased by 33.7% to $2.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 from $1.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016, primarily due to the increase in our investment portfolio resulting from the proceeds received from the IPO in the second half of 2016 and additional net operating funds generated since the second quarter of 2016.

The following table summarizes net investment income and net capital gains (losses) for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:
  Three Months Ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 Change % Change
         
Interest from fixed-maturity securities $2,326
 1,899
 $427
 22.5%
Dividends on equity securities 185
 118
 67
 56.8
Other 167
 12
 155
 NM
Gross investment income 2,678
 2,029
 649
 32.0
Investment expenses (246) (210) (36) 17.1
Net investment income 2,432
 1,819
 613
 33.7
Net capital gains (losses) 24
 (4) 28
 NM
Total $2,456
 $1,815
 $641
 35.3%
NM - Percentage change not meaningful
Our investment portfolio, excluding cash and cash equivalents, had an annualized gross investment return of 2.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2017, compared to 2.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2016.
We perform quarterly reviews of all securities within our investment portfolio to determine whether any other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. Management concluded that there were no other-than-temporary impairments from fixed maturity or equity securities with unrealized losses for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016.
Other expenses, net
Other expenses of $0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 were comprised of expenses related to the secondary offering of our common stock in May 2017. Other expenses of $0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016 were comprised principally of interest expense related to our credit facility, which was repaid in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Income tax expense
Our income tax expense was $4.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 compared to $3.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016. Our effective tax rate was approximately 33.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2017 compared to 34.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2016. Our effective tax rate differs from the statutory tax rate primarily as a result of favorable tax treatment on certain municipal bond interest income and dividends received from our equity investments.

Six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to six months ended June 30, 2016
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:
  Six Months Ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 Change Percent
         
Gross written premiums $110,615
 $93,189
 $17,426
 18.7 %
Ceded written premiums (16,680) (9,733) (6,947) 71.4 %
Net written premiums $93,935
 $83,456
 $10,479
 12.6 %
         
Net earned premiums $83,485
 $62,380
 $21,105
 33.8 %
Losses and loss adjustment expenses 43,966
 35,577
 8,389
 23.6 %
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses 21,786
 12,729
 9,057
 71.2 %
Underwriting income (1)
 17,733
 14,074
 3,659
 26.0 %
Other expenses, net (402) (810) 408
 (50.4)%
Net investment income 4,718
 3,495
 1,223
 35.0 %
Net investment (losses) gains (8) 383
 (391) NM
Income before taxes 22,041
 17,142
 4,899
 28.6 %
Income tax expense 7,265
 5,828
 1,437
 24.7
Net income $14,776
 $11,314
 $3,462
 30.6 %
         
Return on equity 13.5% 18.6%    
         
Loss ratio 52.7% 57.0%    
Expense ratio 26.1% 20.4%    
Combined ratio 78.8% 77.4%    
NM - Percentage change not meaningful
(1) Underwriting income is a non-GAAP financial measure. See "—Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures" for a reconciliation of net income to underwriting income in accordance with GAAP.
Net income was $14.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to $11.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016, an increase of 30.6%. Underwriting income was $17.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to $14.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016, an increase of 26.0%. The corresponding combined ratio was 78.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to 77.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2016. Excluding the effect of the 2016 MLQS, underwriting income was $14.5 million and the corresponding adjusted combined ratio was 80.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The increase in our underwriting income during the period was due primarily to an increase in premiums written and higher net favorable prior year loss reserve development, offset in part by higher employee compensation and public company operating costs.
Premiums
Our gross written premiums were $110.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to $93.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016, an increase of $17.4 million, or 18.7%. The increase in gross written premiums for the first half of 2017 over the same period last year was primarily due to increases across most lines of

business and was most notable in the construction, small business, energy and product liability, and personal insurance divisions. The average premium on a policy written was approximately $8,200 in the first half of 2017 compared to approximately $8,800 in the first half of 2016. The decrease in the average premium per policy written was due to changes in the mix of business, primarily growth in the small business and personal insurance divisions, from the first half of 2016 to the first half of 2017.
Net written premiums increased by $10.5 million, or 12.6%, to $93.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 from $83.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The increase in net written premiums for the first half of 2017 compared to the same period last year was primarily due to higher gross written premiums offset in part by the effect of the MLQS, which was not renewed for the 2017 calendar year. The net retention ratio was 84.9%14.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to 89.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2016. Excluding the effect of the 2016 MLQS, our net retention ratio was 83.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
Net earned premiums increased by $21.1 million, or 33.8%, to $83.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 from $62.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016. Excluding the effect of the MLQS, net earned premiums were $73.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016, or an increase of 13.6% in the first half of 2017 compared to the first half of 2016, due to growth in gross written premiums.
Loss ratio
The loss ratio was 52.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to 57.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2016. Our adjusted loss ratio was 54.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2016. This decrease in the loss ratio for the first half of 2017 was due primarily to favorable loss emergence across the casualty lines of business.
The following tables summarize the effect of the factors indicated above on the loss ratio for the six months ended June 30, 20172018 and2016:
  Six Months Ended June 30,
  2017 2016
($ in thousands) Losses and loss adjustment expenses % of Earned Premiums Losses and loss adjustment expenses % of Earned Premiums
Loss ratio:        
Current accident year $52,902
 63.4 % $40,984
 65.7 %
Effect of prior year development (8,936) (10.7) (5,407) (8.7)
  $43,966
 52.7 % $35,577
 57.0 %
  Six Months Ended June 30,
  2017 2016
($ in thousands) Losses and loss adjustment expenses % of Earned Premiums Losses and loss adjustment expenses % of Earned Premiums
Adjusted loss ratio:        
Current accident year $52,902
 63.4 % $47,347
 64.4 %
Effect of prior year development (8,936) (10.7) (7,575) (10.3)
  $43,966
 52.7 % $39,772
 54.1 %

Expense ratio
The following table summarizes the components of the expense ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:
  Six Months Ended June 30,
  2017 2016
($ in thousands) Underwriting Expenses % of Earned Premiums Underwriting Expenses % of Earned Premiums
         
Commissions incurred:        
Direct $14,693
 17.6 % $13,074
 20.9 %
Ceding - MLQS 
  % (6,485) (10.4)%
Ceding - other (4,812) (5.8)% (4,141) (6.6)%
Net commissions incurred 9,881
 11.8 % 2,448
 3.9 %
Other underwriting expenses 11,905
 14.3 % 10,281
 16.5 %
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses $21,786
 26.1 % $12,729
 20.4 %
The expense ratio was 26.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to 20.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2016. For the first half of June 30, 2016, the expense ratio was relatively low due to the effect of the MLQS. Excluding the effect of the MLQS, the adjusted expense ratio was 26.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, which reflected the benefit of higher net earned premiums without a proportional increase in the total amount of operating expenses from management's focus on controlling costs. Other underwriting expenses increased by $1.6 million, or 15.8%, which was primarily due to higher employee compensation and public company operating costs in the first half of 2017 relative to the first half of 2016. Direct commissions paid as a percent of gross written premiums was 14.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 14.9%2017.
Combined ratio
Our combined ratio was 84.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
Combined ratio
Our combined ratio was 78.8% for the six months ended June 30, 20172018 compared to 77.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2016. Excluding the effects of the MLQS, the adjusted combined ratio was 80.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
Investing results
Our net investment income increased by 35.0% to $4.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 from $3.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016, primarily due to the increase in our investment portfolio resulting from the proceeds received from the IPO in the second half of 2016 and additional net operating funds generated since the second quarter of 2016.

The following table summarizes net investment income and net capital (losses) gains for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:
  Six Months Ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 Change % Change
         
Interest from fixed-maturity securities $4,657
 3,694
 $963
 26.1%
Dividends on equity securities 295
 202
 93
 46.0
Other 254
 20
 234
 NM
Gross investment income 5,206
 3,916
 1,290
 32.9
Investment expenses (488) (421) (67) 15.9
Net investment income 4,718
 3,495
 1,223
 35.0%
Net capital (losses) gains (8) 383
 (391) NM
Total $4,710
 $3,878
 $832
 21.5%
NM - Percentage change not meaningful
Our investment portfolio, excluding cash and cash equivalents, had an annualized gross investment return of 2.3%78.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2017, compared to 2.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
We perform quarterly reviews of all securities within our investment portfolio to determine whether any other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. Management concluded that there were no other-than-temporary impairments from fixed maturity or equity securities with unrealized losses for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016.2017.
Other expenses, net
Other expenses of $0.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 were comprised of expenses related to the secondary offering of our common stock in May 2017. Other expenses of $0.8
Investing results
Our net investment income increased by 48.6% to $7.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 were comprised principally2018 from $4.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017. This increase was primarily due to growth in our investment portfolio balance generated from excess operating funds and higher gross investment returns in the first half of 2018 compared to the same period last year as a result of a more favorable interest expenserate environment and higher dividends.

The following table summarizes net investment income and net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:
  Six Months Ended June 30,
($ in thousands) 2018 2017 Change % Change
         
Interest from fixed-maturity securities $6,168
 $4,657
 $1,511
 32.4%
Dividends from equity securities 924
 295
 629
 213.2%
Other 477
 254
 223
 87.8%
Gross investment income 7,569
 5,206
 2,363
 45.4%
Investment expenses (558) (488) (70) 14.3%
Net investment income 7,011
 4,718
 2,293
 48.6%
Net unrealized losses on equity securities (1,185) 
 (1,185) NM
Net realized gains (losses) on investments 286
 (8) 294
 NM
Net realized and unrealized investment losses (899) (8) (891) NM
Total $6,112
 $4,710
 $1,402
 29.8%
NM - Percentage change not meaningful
Our investment portfolio, excluding cash equivalents and unrealized gains and losses, had an annualized gross investment return of 2.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to 2.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2017. As discussed previously, effective January 1, 2018, we adopted a new accounting standard which required changes in the fair value of equity investments to be recognized in net income. During the first half of 2018, we recognized unrealized losses of $1.2 million related to our credit facility, which was repaid inequity portfolio.
We perform quarterly reviews of all available-for-sale securities within our investment portfolio to determine whether any other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. Management concluded that there were no other-than-temporary impairments from available-for-sale investments for the fourth quarter of 2016.six months ended June 30, 2018 or 2017.
Income tax expense
Our income tax expense was $3.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $7.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to $5.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016.2017. Our effective tax rate was approximately 18.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to 33.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2017. For the first six months of 2018, our effective tax rate reflected the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, compared which among other provisions, lowered the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 34.0%21% starting January 1, 2018. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2016. Our effective2018 compared to the prior-year period was also due to the recognition of tax rate differs frombenefits related to stock options exercised during the statutory tax rate primarily as a resultfirst half of favorable tax treatment on certain municipal bond interest income and dividends received from our equity investments.2018.
Return on equity
Our annualized return on equity was 14.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to 13.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to 18.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2016. Annualized2017. The increase in annualized return on equity for the six months ended June 30, 20172018 was largely due to the lower income tax rate as a result of the increase inTax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and higher overall returns on our stockholders' equity from the net proceeds received from the IPO during 2016.investment portfolio.


Liquidity and capital resources
Sources and uses of funds
We are organized as a Delaware holding company with our operations primarily conducted by our wholly-owned insurance subsidiary, Kinsale Insurance Company, which is domiciled in Arkansas. Accordingly, Kinsalewe may receive cash through (1) loans from banks and other third parties, (2) issuance of equity and debt securities, (3) corporate service fees from our insurance subsidiary, (4) payments from our subsidiaries pursuant to our consolidated tax allocation agreement and other transactions, and (5) dividends from our insurance subsidiary. We may use the proceeds from these sources to contribute funds to Kinsale Insurance Company in order to support premium growth, reduce our reliance on reinsurance, pay dividends and taxes and for other business purposes.
We also receive corporate service fees from Kinsale Insurance Company to reimburse us for most of the operating expenses that we incur. Reimbursement of expenses through corporate service fees is based on the actual costs that we expect to incur with no mark-up above our expected costs.
Management believes that the Company has sufficient liquidity available both in Kinsale and in its insurance subsidiary, Kinsale Insurance Company, as well as in its other operating subsidiaries, to meet its operating cash needs and obligations and committed capital expenditures for the next 12 months.
Cash flows
Our most significant source of cash is from premiums received from our insureds, which, for most policies, we receive at the beginning of the coverage period. Our most significant cash outflow is for claims that arise when a policyholder incurs an insured loss. Because the payment of claims occurs after the receipt of the premium, often years later, we invest the cash in various investment securities that earn interest and dividends. We also use cash to pay commissions to brokers, as well as to pay for ongoing operating expenses such as salaries, rent and taxes. As described under "—Reinsurance" below, we use reinsurance to manage the risk that we take on our policies. We cede, or pay out, part of the premiums we receive to our reinsurers and collect cash back when losses subject to our reinsurance coverage are paid.
The timing of our cash flows from operating activities can vary among periods due to the timing by which payments are made or received. Some of our payments and receipts, including loss settlements and subsequent reinsurance receipts, can be significant, so their timing can influence cash flows from operating activities in any given period. Management believes that cash receipts from premiums, proceeds from investment sales and redemptions and investment income are sufficient to cover cash outflows in the foreseeable future.
Our cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 20172018 and 20162017 were:
 Six Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2018 2017
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in):        
Operating activities $40,782
 $36,480
 $50,423
 $40,782
Investing activities 4,421
 (38,721) (50,176) 4,421
Financing activities (2,525) (67) (2,324) (2,525)
Change in cash and cash equivalents $42,678
 $(2,308) $(2,077) $42,678

Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $40.8$50.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017,2018, compared with $36.5to $40.8 million for the same period in 2016.2017. This increase was largely driven by premium volume, the timing of claim payments, reinsurance recoveries, and changes in operating assets and liabilities.
Net cash used in investing activities was $50.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to net cash provided by investing activities was $4.4of $4.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, compared with net2017. Net cash used in investing activities during the first six months of 2018 reflected purchases of fixed-maturity securities of $110.0 million, comprised largely of corporate bonds and asset-backed securities, and purchases of equity securities of $7.2 million, principally

$38.7 million forexchange traded funds ("ETFs"). During the six months ended June 30, 2016.first half of 2018, we received proceeds of $65.6 million from maturities and sales of fixed-maturity securities and $1.9 million from the sale of an intermediate-term bond ETF and preferred stocks. Cash provided by investing activities during the first half of 2017 reflected proceeds received from sales and maturing fixed income securities of $46.4 million, from maturities and sales of fixed income securities, offset in part by selective purchases of fixed income securities, principally municipal bonds and asset backed securities of $21.2 million, and purchases of short-term investments of $14.5 million. In addition, we purchased $6.3$14.5 million of short-term investments and $6.3 million of equity securities during the first halfsix months of 2017. Cash used in investing activities during
During the first six months ended June 30, 2016, resulted from purchases of fixed income securities and short term investments of $68.6 million from the reinvestment of cash from operating activities and $19.2 million of maturing fixed income securities. Sales of fixed income securities of $13.1 million reflected opportunistic sales of certain municipal bonds in the first quarter of 2016 of $9.1 million to take advantage of favorable market conditions. We purchased $2.2 million of equity securities during the first half of 2016.
The2018, cash used in financing activities primarily reflectsreflected dividends paid of $0.14 per common share, or $2.9 million in aggregate. During the first six months of 2017, cash used in financing activities primarily reflected dividends paid of $0.12 per common share, or $2.5 million in aggregate, during the six months ended June 30, 2017. There were no significant cash flows related to financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2016.aggregate.
Reinsurance
We enter into reinsurance contracts primarily to limit our exposure to potential large losses as well aslosses. Reinsurance involves an insurance company transferring ("ceding") a portion of its exposure on a risk to provide additional capacityanother insurer, the reinsurer. The reinsurer assumes the exposure in return for growth.a portion of the premium. Our reinsurance is primarily contracted under quota-share reinsurance contracts and excess of loss contracts. In quota share reinsurance, the reinsurer agrees to assume a specified percentage of the ceding company's losses arising out of a defined class of business in exchange for a corresponding percentage of premiums, net of a ceding commission. In excess of loss reinsurance, the reinsurer agrees to assume all or a portion of the ceding company's losses, in excess of a specified amount. InUnder excess of loss reinsurance, the premium payable to the reinsurer is negotiated by the parties based on their assessment of the amount of risk being ceded to the reinsurer because the reinsurer does not share proportionately in the ceding company's losses.
Historically, we cededWe use facultative reinsurance coverage on a limited basis. Facultative coverage refers to a reinsurance contract on individual risks through our MLQS. The MLQS transferredas opposed to a portiongroup or class of the risk related to certain lines of business written by us to reinsurers in exchangebusiness. It is used for a proportionvariety of reasons, including supplementing the gross written premiums on that business. Transferring risk tolimits provided by the reinsurers also reduced the amount of capital required to support our insurance operations. Under the terms of the MLQS contracttreaty coverage or covering the 2016 calendar year ("2016 MLQS"), we received a provisional ceding commission equal to 41% of ceded written premiums and paid a reinsurance margin equal to 4% of ceded written premium. The MLQS included a sliding scale commission provision that reduced the ceding commission to 25%risks or increased the ceding commission to 41% based on the loss experience of the business ceded. Additionally, we were entitled to an additional contingent profit commission up to an amount equal to all of the reinsurers’ profits above the margin based on the underwriting results of the business ceded, upon commutation of the contract. The contract had a loss ratio cap of 110%, which means that we could not cede any losses in excess of a 110% loss ratio to the reinsurers. As a result of the successful completion of our IPO in August 2016, we terminated and commuted the 2016 MLQS contract on October 1, 2016. Effective January 1, 2017, we commuted the remaining outstanding MLQS contract, which covered the period January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. For a discussion regarding the effects of the MLQS contract on our results, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Overview."perils excluded from treaty reinsurance.

In addition to the MLQS described above, theThe following is a summary of our other significant reinsurance programs as of June 30, 2017:2018:
Line of Business Covered Company Policy Limit Reinsurance Coverage Company Retention
Property - per risk Up to $10.0 million per risk $9.0 million excess of $1.0 million $1.0 million per riskoccurrence
Property - catastrophe (1) Up to $10.0 million per occurrenceN/A $45.0 million excess of $5.0 million $5.0 million per catastrophe
Primary casualty (2)Up to $10.0 million per occurrence$9.0 million excess of $1.0 million
$1.0 million per occurrence
Excess casualty (2)(3) 
Up to $10.0 million per occurrence

 Variable quota share $1.5 million per occurrence except as described in note (2)(3) below
(1)Our property catastrophe reinsurance reduces the financial impact of a catastrophe event involving multiple claims and policyholders. Our property catastrophe reinsurance includes a reinstatement provision which requires us to pay reinstatement premiums after a loss has occurred in order to preserve coverage. Including the reinstatement provision, the maximum aggregate loss recovery limit is $90 million and is in addition to the per-occurrence coverage provided by our facultative and other treaty coverages. 
(2)Reinsurance is not applicable to any individual policy with a per occurrence limit of less than $1.5 million. $1.0 million or less.
(3)For policies with a per occurrence limit of $1.5higher than $1.0 million, or higher, the quota share ceding percentage varies such that the retention is always $1.5 million.million or less. For example, for a $2.0 million limit excess policy, our retention would be 75%, whereas for a $10.0 million limit excess policy, our retention would be 15%. For policies for which we also write an underlying primary limit, the retention on the combined primary and excess policy combined would not exceed $1.5 million.

At each renewal, we consider any plans to change the underlying insurance coverage we offer, as well as updated loss activity, the level of our capital and surplus, changes in our risk appetite and the cost and availability of reinsurance treaties.
ReinsuranceReinsurance contracts do not relieve us from our obligations to policyholders. Failure of the reinsurer to honor its obligations could result in losses to us, and therefore, we establish allowances for amounts considered uncollectible. In formulating our reinsurance programs, we are selective in our choice of reinsurers and we consider numerous factors, the most important of which are the financial stability of the reinsurer, its history of responding to claims and its overall reputation. In an effort to minimize our exposure to the insolvency of our reinsurers, we review the financial condition of each reinsurer annually. In addition, we continually monitor for rating downgrades involving any of our reinsurers. At June 30, 2017,2018, all reinsurance contracts that our insurance subsidiary was a party to were with companies with A.M. Best ratings of "A" (Excellent) or better. As of June 30, 2017,2018, we have never had an allowancea loss for uncollectible reinsurance.
Ratings
Kinsale Insurance Company has a financial strength rating of "A-" (Excellent) with a positive outlook from A.M. Best. A.M. Best assigns 16 ratings to insurance companies, which currently range from "A++" (Superior) to "F" (In Liquidation). "A-" (Excellent) is the fourth highest rating issued by A.M. Best. The "A-" (Excellent) rating is assigned to insurers that have, in A.M. Best's opinion, an excellent ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders. This rating is intended to provide an independent opinion of an insurer's ability to meet its obligation to policyholders and is not an evaluation directed at investors.

The financial strength ratings assigned by A.M. Best have an impact on the ability of the insurance companies to attract and retain agents and brokers and on the risk profiles of the submissions for insurance that the insurance companies receive. The "A-" (Excellent) rating obtained by Kinsale Insurance Company is consistent with our business plan and allows us to actively pursue relationships with the agents and brokers identified in our marketing plan.
Financial condition
Stockholders' equity
As of At June 30, 2017,2018, total stockholders' equity was $226.0$247.9 million and tangible stockholders' equity was $223.7$245.2 million, compared to total stockholders' equity of $210.2$238.2 million and tangible stockholders' equity $207.9$235.4 million as of at December 31, 2016.2017. The increases in both total and tangible stockholders' equity over the prior year endyear-end balances were primarily due to net income and increasesprofits generated during the period offset in part by an increase in unrealized gainslosses on investments, net of taxes, offset in part byand payment of dividends.
Tangible stockholders’ equity is a non-GAAP financial measure. We define tangible stockholders’ equity as stockholders’ equity less intangible assets, net of deferred taxes. Our definition of tangible stockholders’ equity may not be comparable to that of other companies, and it should not be viewed as a substitute for stockholders’ equity calculated in accordance with GAAP. We use tangible stockholders' equity internally to evaluate the strength of our balance sheet and to compare returns relative to this measure.
Stockholders' equity at June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, reconciles to tangible stockholders' equity as follows:
 June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (in thousands)
 (in thousands)
Stockholders' equity $226,045
 $210,214
 $247,945
 $238,189
Less: intangible assets, net of deferred taxes 2,300
 2,300
 2,795
 2,795
Tangible stockholders' equity $223,745
 $207,914
 $245,150
 $235,394
Investment portfolio
At June 30, 2017,2018, our cash and invested assets of $605.8 million $524.8 millionconsisted of fixed maturityfixed-maturity securities, cash and cash equivalents and equity securities and short-term investments.securities. At June 30, 2017,2018, the majority of the investment portfolio was comprised of fixed maturityfixed-maturity securities of $390.7$467.9 million that were classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale investments are carried

at fair value with unrealized gains and losses on these securities, net of applicable taxes, reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income. At June 30, 2017,2018, we also held $93.4$79.7 million of cash and cash equivalents $26.2and $58.2 million of equity securities, classified aswhich are comprised of ETFs and nonredeemable preferred stock. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted a new accounting standard ASU 2016-01, "Financial Instruments – Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities," which eliminated the available-for-sale classification for equity securities and $14.5 millionrequired changes in unrealized gains and losses in fair value of short-term investments.these investments to be recognized in net income. Our fixed maturityfixed-maturity securities, including cash equivalents, had a weighted average duration of 3.44.0 years at June 30, 20172018 compared to 3.73.9 years at December 31, 20162017 and an average rating of "AA" at June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016.2017.

At June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, the amortized cost and fair value on available-for-salefixed-maturity securities were as follows:
 June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
 Amortized Cost Estimated Fair Value % of Total Fair Value Amortized Cost Estimated Fair Value % of Total Fair Value Amortized Cost Estimated Fair Value % of Total Fair Value Amortized Cost Estimated Fair Value % of Total Fair Value
 (in thousands) ($ in thousands)
Fixed maturities:                        
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies $9,106
 $9,087
 2.2% $12,106
 $12,098
 2.8% $608
 $607
 0.1% $9,108
 $9,098
 2.1%
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions 132,826
 134,163
 32.2% 124,728
 123,238
 28.7% 155,799
 155,601
 33.3% 161,012
 164,326
 38.7%
Corporate and other securities 91,557
 92,055
 22.1% 118,473
 118,790
 27.6% 85,672
 85,008
 18.2% 71,224
 71,631
 16.9%
Asset-backed securities 76,929
 77,153
 18.5% 73,317
 73,294
 17.1% 125,030
 124,048
 26.5% 95,223
 95,360
 22.4%
Residential mortgage-backed securities 79,066
 78,220
 18.7% 84,902
 83,803
 19.5% 105,309
 102,658
 21.9% 85,688
 84,776
 19.9%
Total fixed maturities 389,484
 390,678
 93.7% 413,526
 411,223
 95.7% $472,418
 $467,922
 100.0% $422,255
 $425,191
 100.0%
            
Equity securities:            
Exchange traded funds 20,651
 26,173
 6.3% 14,350
 18,374
 4.3%
Total investments available for sale $410,135
 $416,851
 100.0% $427,876
 $429,597
 100.0%
The table below summarizes the credit quality of our fixed-maturity securities at June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, as rated by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services, LLC ("Standard & Poor's"):
 June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Standard & Poor’s or Equivalent Designation Fair Value % of Total Estimated Fair Value % of Total Estimated Fair Value % of Total Estimated Fair Value % of Total
 (in thousands)
 ($ in thousands)
AAA $74,705
 19.1% $77,192
 18.8% $113,012
 24.1% $85,199
 20.0%
AA 170,951
 43.8% 169,864
 41.3% 192,242
 41.1% 190,044
 44.7%
A 114,448
 29.3% 133,587
 32.5% 113,627
 24.3% 112,129
 26.4%
BBB 23,873
 6.1% 25,143
 6.1% 40,668
 8.7% 28,715
 6.8%
Below BBB and unrated 6,701
 1.7% 5,437
 1.3% 8,373
 1.8% 9,104
 2.1%
Total $390,678
 100.0% $411,223
 100.0% $467,922
 100.0% $425,191
 100.0%


The amortized cost and fair value of our available-for-sale investments in fixed maturityfixed-maturity securities summarized by contractual maturity as of June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, were as follows:
 June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
 
Amortized
Cost
 Estimated Fair Value % of Fair Value Amortized
Cost
 Estimated Fair Value % of Fair Value 
Amortized
Cost
 Estimated Fair Value % of Total Fair Value Amortized
Cost
 Estimated Fair Value % of Total Fair Value
 (in thousands) ($ in thousands)
Due in one year or less $59,336
 $59,330
 15.2% $54,222
 $54,232
 13.2% $24,944
 $24,857
 5.3% $50,020
 $49,973
 11.8%
Due after one year through five years 45,464
 46,012
 11.8% 77,714
 77,928
 18.9% 49,867
 49,735
 10.6% 28,979
 29,299
 6.9%
Due after five years through ten years 24,489
 25,425
 6.5% 24,881
 25,435
 6.2% 39,180
 39,529
 8.5% 28,733
 29,800
 7.0%
Due after ten years 104,200
 104,538
 26.8% 98,490
 96,531
 23.5% 128,088
 127,095
 27.2% 133,612
 135,983
 32.0%
Asset-backed securities 76,929
 77,153
 19.7% 73,317
 73,294
 17.8% 125,030
 124,048
 26.5% 95,223
 95,360
 22.4%
Residential mortgage-backed securities 79,066
 78,220
 20.0% 84,902
 83,803
 20.4% 105,309
 102,658
 21.9% 85,688
 84,776
 19.9%
Total fixed maturities $389,484
 $390,678
 100.0% $413,526
 $411,223
 100.0% $472,418
 $467,922
 100.0% $422,255
 $425,191
 100.0%
Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because some borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
As of June 30, 2018, approximately 6.5% of our total cash and investments were invested in ETFs, which provide low-cost diversification. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, our ETF balance was comprised of the following funds:
  June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Fund Fair Value % of Total Fair Value % of Total
  ($ in thousands)
Domestic stock market fund $21,669
 54.9% $16,088
 46.8%
Foreign stock market fund 9,879
 25.1% 9,297
 27.0%
Dividend yield equity fund 7,886
 20.0% 8,010
 23.3%
Intermediate-term corporate bond fund 
 % 985
 2.9%
Total $39,434
 100.0% $34,380
 100.0%
As of June 30, 2018, approximately 3.1% of our total cash and investments were invested in nonredeemable preferred stock. A summary of these securities by industry segment is shown below as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
  June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Industry Fair Value % of Total Fair Value % of Total
  ($ in thousands)
Financial $14,292
 76.1% $15,859
 80.3%
Utilities 2,808
 14.9% 2,120
 10.7%
Industrials and other 1,685
 9.0% 1,773
 9.0%
Total $18,785
 100.0% $19,752
 100.0%
Restricted investments
In order to conduct business in certain states, we are required to maintain letters of credit or assets on deposit to support state-mandated insurance regulatory requirements and to comply with certain third-party agreements. Assets held on deposit or in trust accounts are primarily in the form of high-grade securities. The fair value of our restricted assets was $7.16.9 million at June 30, 20172018 and $7.0$7.1 million at December 31, 2016.2017.
Off-balance sheet arrangements
We do not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements.arrangements at June 30, 2018.

Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures
Reconciliation of underwriting income
Underwriting income is a non-GAAP financial measure that we believe is useful in evaluating our underwriting performance without regard to investment income. Underwriting income represents the pre-tax profitability of our insurance operations and is derived by subtracting losses and loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses from net earned premiums. We use underwriting income as an internal performance measure in the management of our operations because we believe it gives us and users of our financial information useful insight into our results of operations and our underlying business performance. Underwriting income should not be viewed as a substitute for net income calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define underwriting income differently.
Net income for the three and six months ended June 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, reconciles to underwriting income as follows:
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
                
Net income $8,495
 $6,057
 $14,776
 $11,314
 $10,112
 $8,495
 $17,399
 $14,776
Income tax expense 4,260
 3,196
 7,265
 5,828
 2,349
 4,260
 3,877
 7,265
Income before income taxes 12,461
 12,755
 21,276
 22,041
Other expenses 402
 486
 402
 946
 
 402
 14
 402
Net investment income (2,432) (1,819) (4,718) (3,495) (3,782) (2,432) (7,011) (4,718)
Net realized investment (gains) losses (24) 4
 8
 (383)
Net unrealized (gains) losses on equity securities (94) 
 1,185
 
Net realized (gains) losses on investments (174) (24) (286) 8
Other income 
 (78) 
 (136) (4) 
 (7) 
Underwriting income $10,701
 $7,846
 $17,733
 $14,074
 $8,407
 $10,701
 $15,171
 $17,733

Critical accounting estimates
We identified the accounting estimates which are critical to the understanding of our financial position and results of operations. Critical accounting estimates are defined as those estimates that are both important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require us to exercise significant judgment. We use significant judgment concerning future results and developments in applying these critical accounting estimates and in preparing our consolidated financial statements. These judgments and estimates affect our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of our material contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ materially from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the consolidated financial statements. We evaluate our estimates regularly using information that we believe to be relevant. Our critical accounting policies and estimates are described in our annual consolidated financial statements and the related notes in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2017.


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk is the risk of economic losses due to adverse changes in the estimated fair value of a financial instrument as the result of changes in interest rates, equity prices, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. Our primary market risks have been equity price risk associated with investments in equity securities and interest rate risk associated with investments in fixed maturities. We do not have any material exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk or commodity risk.
There have been no material changes in market risk from the information provided in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2017.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial disclosure.
As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures defined under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based upon this evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
No changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 20172018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
The effectiveness of any system of controls and procedures is subject to certain limitations, and, as a result, there can be no assurance that our controls and procedures will detect all errors or fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system will be attained.



PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We are party to legal proceedings which arise in the ordinary course of business. We believe that the outcome of such matters, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

2017.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 6. Exhibits
See Exhibit Index for a list of exhibits filed as part of this report.


Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
KINSALE CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
Date: August 3, 2017By:/s/ Michael P. Kehoe
Michael P. Kehoe
President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: August 3, 2017By:/s/ Bryan P. Petrucelli
Bryan P. Petrucelli
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer


Exhibit Index
Exhibit
Number
 Description
 
 
 
 
   
101.INS**101.INS XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH**101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL**101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF**101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB**101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE**101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
* This certification is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.
** Furnished with this Quarterly Report.


Signatures
Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and are deemed not filed for purposes of section 18requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
KINSALE CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
Date: August 6, 2018By:/s/ Michael P. Kehoe
Michael P. Kehoe
President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: August 6, 2018By:/s/ Bryan P. Petrucelli
Bryan P. Petrucelli
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer


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