EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 832480
Filing Year: 2024
Filename: 832480_10-K_2024_0001140361-24-016714.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
General
The Holding Company - UTG, Inc. (the “Registrant”, “Company” or “UTG”) is an insurance holding company incorporated in the state of Delaware in 2005 and headquartered in Stanford, KY. The Company’s principal subsidiary is Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company (“UG”). The Registrant and its primary subsidiary have only one significant segment, insurance.
The holding company has no significant business operations of its own and relies on fees, dividends and other distributions from its operating subsidiary as the principal source of cash flows to meet its obligations. The Company may explore supplemental sources of income in the future. The cash outlays of the Company mainly consist of operational costs and the costs of repurchasing Company common stock.
UTG has a strong philanthropic program. The Company generally allocates a portion of its earnings to be used for its philanthropic efforts primarily targeted to Christ-centered organizations or organizations that help the weak or poor. The Company also encourages its staff to be involved on a personal level through monetary giving, volunteerism and use of their talents to assist those less fortunate than themselves. Through these efforts, the Company hopes to make a positive difference in the local community, state, nation and world.
This document at times will refer to the Registrant’s largest shareholder, Mr. Jesse T. Correll and certain companies controlled by Mr. Correll. Mr. Correll holds a majority ownership of First Southern Funding LLC, a Kentucky corporation, (“FSF”) and First Southern Bancorp, Inc. (“FSBI”), a financial services holding company. FSBI operates through its 100% owned subsidiary bank, First Southern National Bank (“FSNB”). Banking activities are conducted through multiple locations within south-central and western Kentucky. Mr. Correll is Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of UTG and is currently UTG’s largest shareholder through his ownership control of FSF, FSBI and affiliates. At December 31, 2023, Mr. Correll owns or controls directly and indirectly approximately 66% of UTG’s outstanding stock.
At December 31, 2023, the Company had consolidated assets of $442 million, consolidated liabilities of $280 million and total shareholders’ equity of $163 million. The Company’s consolidated liabilities include policyholder liabilities and accruals of $243 million.
The Company’s principal executive office is located at 205 North Depot Street, Stanford, Kentucky 40484. The Company’s telephone number is 217-241-6300.
The Insurance Company - Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company is an Ohio domiciled life insurance company and is licensed in 37 states. The Company’s dominant business is individual life insurance, which includes the servicing of existing insurance business in-force, the acquisition of other companies in the insurance business, and the administration processing of life insurance business for other entities. The Insurance Company’s operations are conducted through its administrative office located in Stanford, Kentucky.
UG has several wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. The subsidiaries were formed to hold certain real estate and other investments. The investments were placed into the limited liability companies and partnerships to provide additional protection to the policyholders and to UG.
Reinsurance - As is customary in the insurance industry, the insurance subsidiary cedes insurance to, and assumes insurance from, other insurance companies under reinsurance agreements. Reinsurance agreements are intended to limit a life insurer’s maximum loss on a large or unusually hazardous risk or to obtain a greater diversification of risk. The ceding insurance company remains primarily liable with respect to ceded insurance should any reinsurer be unable to meet the obligations assumed by it. However, it is the practice of insurers to reduce their exposure to loss to the extent that they have been reinsured with other insurance companies. The Company sets a limit on the amount of insurance retained on the life of any one person. The Company will not retain more than $125,000, including accidental death benefits, on any one life.
The Company’s reinsured business is ceded to numerous reinsurers. The Company monitors the solvency of its reinsurers in seeking to minimize the risk of loss in the event of a failure by one of the parties. The Company is primarily liable to the insureds even if the reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations. The primary reinsurers of the Company are large, well-capitalized entities. See Note 4 - Reinsurance in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the Company’s reinsurance activities.
Reserves - The applicable insurance laws under which the insurance subsidiary operates require that the insurance company report policy reserves as liabilities to meet future obligations on the policies in-force. These reserves are the amounts which, with the additional premiums to be received and interest thereon compounded annually at certain assumed rates, are calculated in accordance with applicable laws to be sufficient to meet the various policy and contract obligations as they mature. These laws specify that the reserves shall not be less than reserves calculated using certain mortality tables and interest rates.
The liabilities for traditional life insurance and accident and health insurance policy benefits are computed using a net level method. These liabilities include assumptions as to investment yields, mortality, withdrawals, and other assumptions based on the life insurance subsidiary’s experience adjusted to reflect anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible unfavorable deviations. The Company makes these assumptions at the time the contract is issued or, in the case of contracts acquired by purchase, at the purchase date. Future policy benefits for individual life insurance and annuity policies are computed using interest rates ranging from 2% to 6% for life insurance and 2.5% to 7.5% for annuities. Benefit reserves for traditional life insurance policies include certain deferred profits on limited-payment policies that are being recognized in income over the policy term. Policy benefit claims are charged to expense in the period that the claims are incurred. The mortality rate assumptions for policies currently issued by the Company are based on 2017 CSO Ultimate tables. Withdrawal rate assumptions are based upon Linton B or Linton C, which are industry standard actuarial tables for forecasting assumed policy lapse rates.
Benefit reserves for universal life insurance and interest sensitive life insurance products are computed under a retrospective deposit method and represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense include benefit claims in excess of related policy account balances.
Business Strategy
UG’s product portfolio consists of a limited number of life insurance product offerings. All of the products are individual life insurance products, with design variations from each other to provide choices to the customer. These variations generally center around the length of the premium paying period, length of the coverage period and whether the product accumulates cash value or not.
While the Company does not actively sell any new policies today, it has the following products available for issue:
Tradition - The Tradition policy is a fixed premium whole life insurance policy. Premiums are level and payable for life. Issue ages are 0-75. The minimum face amount is the greater of $10,000 or the amount of coverage provided by a $100 annual premium.
Annuity - The annuity product is a 5-year, single premium product. The product offers a guaranteed minimum rate of 1% and the rate can be adjusted at any time. The maximum surrender charge is 5% and subject to waiver for certain qualifying events. The annuity product offers a 10% free withdrawal each year beginning in year 2.
Business Concentrations
The Company maintains cash balances in financial institutions that at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Company maintains its primary operating cash accounts with First Southern National Bank, an affiliate of the largest shareholder of UTG, Mr. Jesse T. Correll, the Company’s CEO and Chairman. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.
Because UG serves primarily individuals located in three states, the ability of our customers to pay their insurance premiums is impacted by the economic conditions in these areas. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, approximately 51% and 50% of the Company’s total direct premium was collected from Illinois, Ohio, and Texas. Thus, results of operations are heavily dependent upon the strength of these economies.
The majority of the investments included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are owned by UTG’s subsidiary, UG. As an insurance company, UG is subject to applicable state insurance laws and regulations, which limit the concentration of investments in any one category or class and further limit the investment in any one issuer. Generally, these limitations are imposed as a percentage of statutory assets or percentage of statutory capital and surplus of each company.
The Company owns a variety of investments associated with the oil and gas industry. These investments represented approximately 28% and 31% of the Company’s total invested assets at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The Company’s investment real estate portfolio includes ownership in oil and gas royalties. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, investments in oil and gas royalties represented 34% and 30%, respectively, of the total investment real estate portfolio.
See Note 13 - Concentrations of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosures regarding concentrations that have been identified by the Company.
Competition
The insurance business is a highly competitive industry and there are a number of other companies, both stock and mutual, doing business in areas where the Company operates. Many of these competing insurers are larger, have more diversified and established lines of insurance coverage, have substantially greater financial resources and brand recognition, as well as a greater number of agents. Other significant competitive factors in the insurance industry include policyholder benefits, service to policyholders, and premium rates.
In recent years, the Company has not placed an emphasis on new business production. Costs associated with supporting new business can be significant. Current sales primarily represent sales to existing customers through additional insurance needs or conservation efforts. The Company currently encourages policy retention as opposed to new sales in an attempt to maintain or improve current persistency levels.
The Company performs administrative work as a third-party administrator (“TPA”) for unaffiliated life insurance companies. The Company provides TPA services to insurance companies seeking business process outsourcing solutions. Revenue generated from TPA services is considered insignificant to the overall financial statements.
Human Capital
As of December 31, 2023, UTG and its subsidiaries had 40 full-time employees located in Kentucky and Illinois. These individuals are further supported by certain employees of First Southern National Bank (an affiliated entity) through a shared services arrangement. Under this arrangement, the two entities utilize the services of the other’s staff in certain instances for the betterment of both entities. Personnel within departments such as accounting, human resources and information technology are shared between the entities. UTG’s operations are headquartered in Stanford, Kentucky. The Company respects, values and invites diversity in our team members, customers, suppliers, and community. We seek to recognize the unique contribution each individual brings to our Company, and we are fully committed to supporting a rich culture of diversity as a cornerstone to our success. The Company strives to attract, develop, and retain talented individuals. To attract such individuals, we provide professional and personal development opportunities to team members. In addition, we seek to improve retention, development, and job satisfaction of team members from diverse groups by providing career skills training, peer mentoring and opportunities to interact with senior leaders. We encourage our team members to take initiative, accept challenges and achieve goals, all of which enables our team to work efficiently while providing excellent customer service which supports the Company’s strong performance.
UTG offers competitive compensation and benefits. Our pay for performance compensation philosophy is designed to reward employees for achievement and to align employee interests with the Company’s long-term growth. The Company’s benefits program includes health care, wellness initiatives, retirement offerings and paid time off.
Workplace health and safety is a vital aspect of running our business. We believe that safety must always be an integral part of any function or service performed, and the protection of our employees and visitors is our utmost priority. We have a business continuity plan in place that allows us to respond to threats to our health and safety, while ensuring that we can continue to provide quality service to our clients and shareholders at all times.
Code of Ethics
The Board of Directors has adopted a code of ethics for directors, officers, and financial personnel.
Regulation
Holding Company - States have enacted legislation requiring registration and periodic reporting by insurance companies domiciled within their respective jurisdictions that control or are controlled by other corporations so as to constitute a holding company system. Insurance holding company system statutes and regulations impose various limitations on investments in subsidiaries and may require prior regulatory approval for material transactions between insurers and affiliates and for the payment of certain dividends and other distributions.
Insurance - Insurance companies are subject to regulation and supervision in the states in which they do business. Generally the state supervisory agencies have broad administrative powers relating to granting and revoking licenses to transact business, licensing agents, approving policy forms, regulating trade practices, approving certain premium rates, setting minimum reserve and loss ratio requirements, determining the form and content of required financial statements, and prescribing the type and amount of investments permitted. Insurance companies are also required to file detailed annual reports with supervisory agencies, and records of their business are subject to examination at any time. Under the rules of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), insurance companies are examined periodically by one or more of the supervisory agencies.
Statutory Restrictions - Restrictions exist on the flow of funds to UTG from its insurance subsidiary. Statutory regulations require life insurance subsidiaries to maintain certain minimum amounts of capital and surplus. UG is required to maintain minimum statutory surplus of $2,500,000. At December 31, 2023, substantially all of the consolidated shareholders’ equity represents net assets of UTG’s subsidiaries.
Risk-Based Capital - The NAIC requires a risk-based capital formula be applied to all life and health insurers. The risk-based capital formula is a threshold formula rather than a target capital formula. It is designed only to identify companies that require regulatory attention and is not to be used to rate or rank companies that are adequately capitalized. UTG’s insurance subsidiary, UG, is more than adequately capitalized under the risk-based capital formula.
Guaranty Assessments - State guaranty laws provide for assessments from insurance companies to be placed into a fund which is used, in the event of failure or insolvency of an insurance company, to fulfill the obligations of that company to its policyholders. The amount which a company is assessed is determined according to the extent of these unsatisfied obligations in each state. Assessments are recoverable to a great extent as offsets against state premium taxes.
Stock Repurchase Program
The Board of Directors of UTG has authorized the repurchase in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions of UTG’s common stock. At a meeting of the Board of Directors in March of 2022, the Board of Directors of UTG authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $2 million of UTG’s common stock, for a total repurchase of $22 million of UTG’s common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Company Management has broad authority to operate the program, including the discretion of whether to purchase shares and the ability to suspend or terminate the program. Open market purchases are made based on the last available market price but may be limited. During 2023, the Company repurchased 30,646 shares through the stock repurchase program for $881,966. Through December 31, 2023, UTG has spent $20,191,403 in the acquisition of 1,356,859 shares under this program.
Transactions with Affiliates
The articles of incorporation of UG contain the following language under item 12 relative to related party transactions:
A director shall not be disqualified from-dealing with or contracting with the corporation as vendor, purchaser; employee, agent or otherwise; nor, in the absence of fraud, shall any transaction or contract or act of this corporation be void or in any way affected or invalidated by the fact that any director or any firm of which any director is a member or any corporation of which any director is a shareholder, director or officer is in any way interested in such transaction or contract or act, provided the fact that such director or such firm or such corporation so interested shall be disclosed or shall be known to the Board of Directors or such members thereof as shall be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors at which action upon any such contract or transaction or act shall be taken: nor shall any such director be accountable or responsible to the company for or in respect to such transaction or contract or act of. this corporation or for any gains or profits realized by him by reason of the fact that he or any firm of which he is a member or any corporation of which he is a shareholder, director or officer is interested in such action or contract; and any such director may be counted in determining the existence of a quorum of any meeting of the Board of Directors of the company which shall authorize or take action in respect to any such contract or transaction or act and may vote thereat to authorize, ratify, or approve any such contract or transaction or act, with like force and effect as if he or any firm of which he is a member or any corporation of which he is a shareholder, director or officer were not interested in such transaction or contract or act.
Note 11 - Related Party Transactions of the Consolidated Financial Statements provides disclosures regarding transactions with related parties.
Anti-Money Laundering Laws
A series of laws and regulations beginning with the Bank Secrecy Act of 1970 require financial institutions to prevent, detect, and report illicit or illegal financial activities to the federal government to prevent money laundering, international drug trafficking, and terrorism. Under the US PATRIOT Act of 2001, financial institutions are subject to prohibitions against specified financial transactions and account relationships, requirements regarding the Customer Identification Program, as well as enhanced due diligence and “know your customer” standards in their dealings with high-risk customers, foreign financial institutions, and foreign individuals and entities. These rules also mandate a variety of record keeping, reporting and employee training requirements.
Data Security
Increased global IT security threats and more sophisticated and targeted computer crime pose a risk to the security of systems and networks and the confidentiality, availability and integrity of data. Although the Company makes efforts to maintain the security and integrity of the networks and systems, there can be no assurance that the security efforts will be effective or that attempted security breaches or disruptions would not be successful or damaging. In the event a security breach or failure results in the disclosure of sensitive third-party data or the transmission of harmful/malicious code to third parties, the Company could be subject to liability claims. Depending on their nature and scope, such threats also could potentially lead to improper use of our systems and networks, manipulation and destruction of data, loss of trade secrets, system downtimes and operational disruptions, which in turn, could adversely affect our reputation, competitiveness and results of operations.
Available Information
The Company files annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.
The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC on its website at www.sec.gov. The Company’s website is www.utgins.com.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors
As a smaller reporting company, as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, the Company has elected to comply with certain scaled disclosure reporting obligations, and therefore does not have to provide the information required by this item.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
The Company rents a portion of the first floor and second floor of an 8,000 square foot, two-story office building, located in Stanford, KY. The first floor of the building is occupied by UTG and FSNB employees that are included in the shared services agreement between the two entities. The second floor is occupied by the customer service call centers for both UTG and FSNB employees. The building is owned by FSNB and UTG pays $2,000 per month in rent to FSNB for the portion of the building occupied by UTG employees. The Company paid rent of $24,000 to FSNB in 2023 and 2022.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
In the normal course of business the Company is involved, from time to time, in various legal actions and other state and federal proceedings. Management is of the opinion that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The Registrant is a public company whose common stock is traded in the over-the-counter market. Over-the-counter quotations can be obtained using the UTGN stock symbol.
The following table shows the high and low closing prices for each quarterly period during the past two years, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. The quotations below were acquired from the Yahoo Finance web site, which also provides quotes for over-the-counter traded securities such as UTG.
Period
High
Low
High
Low
First quarter
26.75
24.18
30.00
27.10
Second quarter
38.63
26.00
29.00
23.00
Third quarter
38.63
29.60
33.28
23.60
Fourth quarter
34.00
30.01
33.28
25.06
UTG has not declared or paid any dividends on its common stock in the past two fiscal years, and has no current plans to pay dividends on its common stock as it intends to retain all earnings for investment in and growth of the Company’s business. See Note 9 - Shareholders’ Equity in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding dividend restrictions, including applicable restrictions on the ability of the Company’s life insurance subsidiary to pay dividends.
As of January 31, 2024 there were 4,139 record holders of UTG common stock.
Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table provides information with respect to purchases we made of our common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2023 and total repurchases:
Total Number of Shares Purchased
Average Price Paid Per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program
Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program
Approximate Dollar Value That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program
Oct. 1 through Oct. 31, 2023
1,411
$
32.41
1,411
N/A
$
1,879,781
Nov. 1 through Nov. 30, 2023
1,311
$
30.01
1,311
N/A
$
1,840,438
Dec. 1 through Dec. 31, 2023
1,061
$
30.01
1,061
N/A
$
1,808,597
Total
3,783
3,783
The Board of Directors of UTG has authorized the repurchase in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions of UTG’s common stock. At a meeting of the Board of Directors in March of 2022, the Board of Directors of UTG authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $2 million of UTG’s common stock, for a total repurchase of $22 million of UTG’s common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Company Management has broad authority to operate the program, including the discretion of whether to purchase shares and the ability to suspend or terminate the program. Open market purchases are made based on the last available market price but may be limited. During 2023, the Company repurchased 30,646 shares through the stock repurchase program for $881,966. Through December 31, 2023, UTG has spent $20,191,403 in the acquisition of 1,356,859 shares under this program.
Stock Performance Graph
As a smaller reporting company, as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, the Company has elected to comply with certain scaled disclosure reporting obligations, and therefore does not have to provide the information required by this item.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. Reserved

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following is Management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of UTG, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively with the Parent, the “Company”) for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This report on Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by those laws. We have based our forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. Our forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of operations. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included or incorporated by reference in this report that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future, including such things as the growth of our business and operations, our business strategy, competitive strengths, goals, plans, future capital expenditures and references to future successes may be considered forward-looking statements. Also, when we use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “probably,” or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements.
Numerous risks and uncertainties may impact the matters addressed by our forward-looking statements, any of which could negatively and materially affect our future financial results and performance.
Although we believe that the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of these assumptions, and, therefore, the forward-looking statements based on these assumptions, could themselves prove to be inaccurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements that are included in this report, our inclusion of this information is not a representation by us or any other person that our objectives and plans will be achieved. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, any forward-looking event discussed in this report may not occur. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and we undertake no obligation to update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or other developments, unless the securities laws require us to do so.
Overview
UTG, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a life insurance holding company. The Company’s dominant business is individual life insurance, which includes the servicing of existing insurance policies in-force, the acquisition of other companies in the life insurance business, the acquisition of blocks of business and the administration and processing of life insurance business for other entities.
UTG has a strong philanthropic program. The Company generally allocates a portion of its earnings to be used for its philanthropic efforts primarily targeted to Christ-centered organizations or organizations that help the weak or poor. The Company also encourages its staff to be involved on a personal level through monetary giving, volunteerism and use of their talents to assist those less fortunate than themselves. Through these efforts, the Company hopes to make a positive difference in the local community, state, nation, and world.
On February 21, 2023, Mr. James Rousey submitted a letter of resignation stating his desire to retire. In this regard, he retired as President of UTG, Inc. and its subsidiary, Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company as well as his position as a Director of both entities. This was effective as of the date of the letter. The Board of Directors of UTG, Inc. and Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company formally accepted the resignation letter on February 22, 2023. Mr. Jesse Correll, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the companies, assumed the title of President initially. At the September 2023 Board of Directors meeting, the Board appointed Mr. Daniel Roberts as President of Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company. Mr. Correll continues to hold the President title for UTG, Inc. Mr. Roberts was previously a Vice President with both companies.
Critical Accounting Policies
We have identified the accounting policies below as critical to the understanding of our results of operations and our financial condition. The application of these critical accounting policies in preparing our consolidated financial statements requires Management to use significant judgments and estimates concerning future results or other developments including the likelihood, timing or amount of one or more future transactions or amounts. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, assumptions and judgments based upon historical experience and various other information that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. For a detailed discussion of other significant accounting policies, see Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Future Policy Benefits - Because of the long-term nature of insurance contracts, the insurance company is liable for policy benefit payments that will be made in the future. The liability for future policy benefits is determined by standard actuarial procedures common to the life insurance industry. The accounting policies for determining this liability are disclosed in Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Cost of Insurance Acquired - The costs of acquiring blocks of insurance from other companies or through the acquisition of other companies are deferred and recorded as deferred acquisition costs. The deferred amounts are recorded as an asset and amortized to expense in a systematic manner as indicated in Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Valuation of Securities - The Company’s investment portfolio consists of fixed maturities, equity securities, trading securities, mortgage loans, notes receivable and real estate to provide funding of future policy contractual obligations.
Fixed Maturity Investments - The Company classifies its fixed maturity investments, which include bonds, as available for sale. Investments classified as available for sale are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred taxes, reflected directly in accumulated other comprehensive income. Premiums and discounts on debt securities purchased at other than par value are amortized and accreted, respectively, to interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, using the constant yield method over the period to maturity. While the available-for-sale fixed maturity securities are generally expected to be held to maturity, they are classified as available-for-sale and are sold periodically to manage risk. Although all of the fixed maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale, the Company has the ability and intent to hold the securities until maturity. The Company has an evaluation process in place to monitor fixed maturity securities available for sale for credit loss. See Note 2 - Investments for further disclosure of the allowance for credit loss (“ACL”).
Equity Securities at Fair Value - Investments in equity securities, which include common and preferred stocks, are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of net income (loss).
Equity Securities at Cost - These investments are reported at their cost basis, minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate - Mortgage loans on real estate are reported at their unpaid principal balances, adjusted for amortization of premium or discount and valuation allowances. Valuation allowances are established for impaired loans when it is probable that contractual principal and interest will not be collected. The Company recognizes an ACL in earnings at time of purchase or origination based on expected lifetime credit loss on mortgage loans carried at amortized cost, in an amount that represents the portion of the amortized cost basis of such financing receivables, that the Company does not expect to collect, resulting in mortgage loans being presented at the net amount expected to be collected. See Note 2 - Investments for further discussion of the ACL.
Investment Real Estate - Real estate held-for-investment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line-basis for financial reporting purposes using estimated useful lives of 3 to 30 years. Real estate for which the Company commits to a plan to sell within one year and actively markets in its current condition, for a reasonable price, in comparison to its estimated fair value, is classified as held-for-sale. Real estate held-for-sale is stated at lower of depreciated cost or estimated fair value less expected disposition costs and is not depreciated.
Notes Receivable - Notes receivable are reported at their unpaid principal balances, adjusted for valuation allowances. Valuation allowances are established for impaired loans when it is probable that contractual principal and interest will not be collected. Interest accruals are analyzed based on the likelihood of repayment. The Company does not utilize a specified number of days delinquent to cause an automatic non-accrual status. The Company recognizes an ACL in earnings at time of purchase or origination based on expected lifetime credit loss on notes receivable carried at amortized cost, in an amount that represents the portion of the amortized cost basis of such financing receivables, that the Company does not expect to collect, resulting in notes receivable being presented at the net amount expected to be collected. See Note 2 - Investments for further discussion of the ACL.
Deferred Income Taxes - The provision for deferred income taxes is based on the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized by applying enacted statutory tax rates to temporary differences between amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is recognized for the portion of deferred tax assets that, in Management’s judgment, is not likely to be realized.
Results of Operations
On a consolidated basis, the Company had net income attributable to common shareholders of approximately $2.0 million and $34.3 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. In 2023, income before income taxes was approximately $2.0 million compared to $44.0 million in 2022. Total revenues were approximately $25.4 million in 2023 and $70.0 million in 2022.
One-time events, primarily reflected in realized gains, comprise a substantial portion of the net income and revenue reported by the Company during 2023 and 2022. The magnitude of realized investment gains and losses in a given year is a function of the timing of trades of investments relative to the markets themselves as well as the recognition of any impairments on investments. Future earnings will be significantly negatively impacted should earnings from these one-time items not be realizable in a future period. While Management believes there remain additional investments with such one-time earnings, when or if realized remains uncertain.
The Company reported a change in fair value of equity securities of approximately $(3.8) million and $33.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. This line item is material to the results reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. This line item can also be extremely volatile, reflecting changes in the stock market. These results can be material and volatile, most of the equity holdings of the Company were acquired with a long-term view, thus making these intermediate changes in value of less concern to Management. Management monitors its equity holdings looking more at the specific entity and market it is in relative to performance and less to changes due to general market swings that occur over the holding period of the investment.
Total benefits and other expenses paid in 2023 were approximately $23.5 million compared to $25.8 million in 2022.
In summary, the Company’s basis for future revenue is expected to come from the following primary sources: Conservation of business currently in-force, the maximization of investment earnings and the acquisition of other companies or policy blocks in the life insurance business. Management has placed a significant emphasis on the development of these revenue sources to enhance these opportunities.
Revenues
Premiums and policy fee revenues, net of reinsurance premiums and policy fees, declined approximately 6% when comparing 2023 to 2022. The Company writes very little new business. Unless the Company acquires a new company or a block of in-force business, Management expects premium revenue to continue to decline on the existing block of business at a rate consistent with prior experience. The Company’s average persistency rate for all policies in-force for 2023 and 2022 was approximately 96.7% and 96.8%, respectively. Persistency is a measure of insurance in-force retained in relation to the previous year. A positive impact on premium income is the consistency of the lapse percentage. Persistency of the business has been consistent over the last several years. The lapse percentages were 3.3% and 3.2% for 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The following table summarizes the Company’s investment performance for the years ended December 31:
Net investment income
$
14,141,809
$
20,811,471
Net realized investment gains
9,463,843
14,168,911
Change in fair value of equity securities
(3,830,793
)
33,690,712
The following table reflects net investment income of the Company for the years ended December 31:
Fixed maturities
$
4,184,070
$
4,318,591
Equity securities
2,710,201
6,157,942
Trading securities
(13,283
)
Mortgage loans
1,115,145
1,580,647
Real estate
8,318,201
11,640,759
Notes receivable
1,371,973
933,886
Policy loans
433,556
489,823
Cash and cash equivalents
1,007,840
203,250
Short-term investments
529,125
5,056
Total consolidated investment income
19,670,111
25,316,671
Investment expenses
(5,528,302
)
(4,505,200
)
Consolidated net investment income
$
14,141,809
$
20,811,471
Net investment income represented 71% and 78% of the Company’s revenue before net investment gains (losses) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Income from the fixed maturities, equity securities, and real estate portfolios represented 77% and 87%, respectively, of the gross investment income reported by the Company for 2023 and 2022.
Since the start of 2022, we have seen more volatility in the U.S. markets in general and have seen an increase in bonds yields. This is due to the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) aggressively raising interest rates to fight the inflation that is currently being experienced. As of December 31, 2023, the interest rate environment experienced eleven rate increases totaling 5.25% over the past two years. While these actions had a negative impact on some of our investments that we currently own, this will also allow for better yields on future investments acquired as current investments mature.
Earnings from the fixed maturities investment portfolio represented 30% and 21% of the total consolidated net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. When comparing earnings from the fixed maturities portfolio for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 income was down approximately 3%. The decrease is due to the maturity of certain fixed maturity investments during 2023. The Company’s investment in fixed maturities continues to decline as we have, for the most part, chosen not to reinvest in fixed maturities. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, fixed maturities represented 29% and 30%, respectively, of the total investments owned by the Company.
Earnings from the equity securities portfolio represented 19% and 30% of the total consolidated net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Earnings were down approximately $3.4 million when comparing current year and prior year results. The 2022 investment income from equity securities was exceptionally high, and the result of dividends from oil and gas equity securities. While the oil and gas equity securities continued to pay dividends in 2023, they were down substantially from the prior year.
Earnings from the real estate portfolio represented 59% and 56% of the total consolidated net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Earnings were down about $3.3 million when comparing current year and prior year results.
During 2023, the Company received $550,000 of income from timber sales as compared to $2.3 million in the prior year. Included in the 2023 and 2022 real estate income is approximately $4.2 million and $10.4 million of income from oil and gas royalty distributions, respectively. Income from oil and gas royalties represented approximately 50% and 55% of the real estate income for 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Earnings from the equity securities and real estate investment portfolios are primarily related to the oil and gas and timber industries. In 2022, we experienced the reopening of the world economies post-COVID, and the demand for oil and gas and other commodities substantially increased, which resulted in increases in prices in the marketplace. Add to this the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and more upward pricing pressure was felt. In 2022, oil averaged $95 per barrel compared to an average price of $78 in 2023. Earnings from the real estate investment portfolio are expected to vary depending on the real estate activities and the potential distributions that may occur.
The following table reflects net realized investment gains (losses) for the years ended December 31:
Fixed maturities available for sale
$
58,333
$
(528
)
Equity securities
812,035
8,877,148
Real estate
8,577,155
5,292,291
Short term investments
16,320
Equity securities - OTTI
(5,000,000
)
Consolidated net realized investment gains
9,463,843
9,168,911
Change in fair value of equity securities - held
(5,875,079
)
19,212,045
Change in fair value of equity securities - sold
2,044,286
14,478,667
Total change in fair value of equity securities
(3,830,793
)
33,690,712
Net investment gains
$
5,633,050
$
42,859,623
Realized investment gains are the result of one-time events and are expected to vary from year to year.
Realized gains and losses from equity securities represent the difference between the fair value at the beginning of the reporting period and the fair value at the time of sale. The total gains from equity securities sold in 2023 were approximately $2.9 million, of which $812,035 is being reported as gains from equity securities and $2.0 million is reported as a component of the change in the fair value of equity securities. The gains were the result of selling several small equity securities holdings.
The total gains from equity securities sold in 2022 were approximately $23.4 million, of which $8.9 million is being reported as gains from equity securities and $14.5 million is reported as a component of the change in the fair value of equity securities. The disposal of two equity securities represented 89% of the total gains from the equity securities portfolio. The Company fully disposed of one equity security that produced a realized gain of $6.6 million in 2022. The Company disposed of 7,500 shares of an equity security, associated with the oil and gas industry, producing a realized gain of $14.3 million. The Company still owns 5,000 shares of this equity security as of December 31, 2022. This disposal will impact future dividend earnings of the Company as it represented a significant portion of the 2022 investment income from equity securities.
The Company reported a change in fair value of equity securities of approximately $(3.8) million and $33.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. This line item is material to the results reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, and this line item can also be extremely volatile. While these results can be material and volatile, most of the equity holdings of the Company were acquired with a long-term view, thus making these intermediate changes in value less of a concern to Management. Management monitors its equity holdings looking more at the specific entity and market it is in relative to performance and less to changes due to general market swings that occur over the holding period of the investment.
Year to date, the Company has seen negative results in its equity investments. However, most all the negative results occurred in the first quarter of 2023. Since that time, we reported a slight rebound, and it appears to be the result of market stabilization. Equity investments primarily in the oil and gas area represent almost all of the unrealized losses reported in 2023. The Company experienced significant unrealized gains on these same investments in 2022. Oil prices declined in early 2023 as concerns of recession intensified leading to a reduction in world demand for oil temporarily causing the price to decline. Periodic pull backs and downward market adjustments are expected by management. Management believes its current equity investments continue to be solid investments for the Company and have further growth potential; however, changes in market conditions could cause volatility in market prices.
In 2022, the Company recognized an other-than-temporary impairments of $5 million on an equity security. The other-than-temporary impairment recognized during 2023 was taken as a result of Management’s assessment and determination of value of the investment. The investment was written down to better reflect its current expected value.
During 2023, the Company sold several pieces of real estate located in Kentucky producing realized gains of approximately $940,000. Additionally, during third quarter 2023, the Company sold a large land parcel in West Virginia realizing a gain of approximately $7.6 million. During 2022, the Company sold a real estate parcel in Kentucky that produced a gain of $3.0 million and a parcel in Georgia that produced a gain of $812,000.
In summary, the Company’s basis for future revenue is expected to come from the following primary sources: Conservation of business currently in-force, the maximization of investment earnings and the acquisition of other companies or policy blocks in the life insurance business. Management has placed a significant emphasis on the development of these revenue sources to enhance these opportunities.
Expenses
The Company reported total benefits and other expenses of approximately $23.5 million and $25.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Benefits, claims and settlement expenses represented approximately 62% and 57% of the Company’s total expenses for 2023 and 2022, respectively. The other major expense category of the Company is operating expenses, which represented 36% and 41% of the Company’s total expenses for 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Life benefits, claims and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance benefits, were comparable for 2022 and 2023. Policy claims vary from year to year and therefore, fluctuations in mortality are to be expected and are not considered unusual by Management.
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company implemented a process to monitor death claims resulting from COVID-19. Prior to the pandemic, death benefits were $12.6 million, $12.8 million and $12.4 million in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. During the three plus years of the pandemic, total death benefits were $14.3 million, $16.0 million, and $13.3 million in 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively. Death benefits of the Company have been higher than recent past experience, even when adjusting for the identified COVID-19 claims. This anomaly showed throughout the entire U.S. insurance industry. Industry experts believe this increase in death benefits, while not always directly related to COVID-19, were caused indirectly by the pandemic due to delays in medical care as a result of the lockdown in 2020 and then later, people’s fears of seeking out treatment and trouble making up appointments. This is further compounded by depression from isolation. In the latter half of 2022, claims appeared to be moving back to pre-pandemic levels. This has continued throughout 2023. While we believe our mortality experience has returned to pre-pandemic norms, we cannot be absolutely certain at this time. During 2023, the Company paid approximately $75,000 of claims associated with COVID.
Changes in policyholder reserves, or future policy benefits, also impact this line item. Reserves are calculated on an individual policy basis and generally increase over the life of the policy as a result of additional premium payments and acknowledgment of increased risk as the insured continues to age.
The short-term impact of policy surrenders is negligible since a reserve for future policy benefits payable is held which is, at a minimum, equal to and generally greater than the cash surrender value of a policy. The benefit of fewer policy surrenders is primarily received over a longer time period through the retention of the Company’s asset base.
Overall, the Company’s persistency for business in-force remained relatively steady at 96.7% in 2023 compared to 96.8% in 2022. The Company’s actual experience for earned interest, persistency, and mortality varies from the assumptions applied to pricing and for determining premiums. Accordingly, differences between the Company’s actual experience and those assumptions applied may affect the profitability of the Company. Interest crediting rates on adjustable rate policies have been reduced to their guaranteed minimum rates, and as such, cannot be lowered any further.
Operating expenses decreased approximately 20% or $2.1 million in 2023 as compared to that of the same period in 2022. When comparing 2023 and 2022 expenses, two expense categories make up the majority of the decline - charitable contributions and aircraft maintenance.
Charitable expenses fluctuate based on reported taxable income of the Company. Repairs and maintenance expenses related to an aircraft partially owned by the Company were down approximately 73% when comparing 2023 and 2022 activity. In 2022, there were significant maintenance needs that were addressed. Expenses in the remaining categories were comparable between years.
As mentioned above in the Overview section of the Management Discussion and Analysis, UTG has a strong philanthropic program. The Company generally allocates a portion of its earnings to be used for its philanthropic efforts primarily targeted to Christ-centered organizations or organizations that help the weak or poor. Charitable contributions made by the Company are expected to vary from year to year depending on the earnings of the Company. In 2023, the Company paid approximately $582,000 in charitable donations as compared to $2.1 million in 2022.
Net amortization of cost of insurance acquired decreased approximately 4% when comparing current and prior year activity. Cost of insurance acquired is established when an insurance company is acquired or when the Company acquires a block of in-force business. The Company assigns a portion of its cost to the right to receive future profits from insurance contracts existing at the date of the acquisition. Cost of insurance acquired is amortized with interest in relation to expected future profits, including direct charge-offs for any excess of the unamortized asset over the projected future profits. The interest rates may vary due to risk analysis performed at the time of acquisition on the business acquired. The Company utilizes a 12% discount rate on the remaining unamortized business. The amortization is adjusted retrospectively when estimates of current or future gross profits to be realized from a group of products are revised. Amortization of cost of insurance acquired is particularly sensitive to changes in interest rate spreads and persistency of certain blocks of insurance in-force. This expense is expected to decrease, unless the Company acquires a new block of business.
Management continues to place significant emphasis on expense monitoring and cost containment. Maintaining administrative efficiencies directly impacts net income.
Financial Condition
Investment Information
Investments are the largest asset group of the Company. The Company’s insurance subsidiary is regulated by insurance statutes and regulations as to the type of investments they are permitted to make, and the amount of funds that may be used for any one type of investment.
The following table reflects, by investment category, the investments held by the Company as of December 31:
As a % of Total Investments
As a % of Total Assets
Fixed maturities
$
105,909,836
%
%
Equity securities, at fair value
156,550,812
%
%
Equity securities, at cost
15,977,368
%
%
Mortgage loans
15,318,176
%
%
Real estate
21,975,120
%
%
Notes receivable
14,009,225
%
%
Policy loans
6,018,248
%
%
Short-term investments
29,132,236
%
%
Total investments
$
364,891,021
%
%
As a % of Total Investments
As a % of Total Assets
Fixed maturities
$
110,813,059
%
%
Equity securities, at fair value
150,053,686
%
%
Equity securities, at cost
21,891,896
%
%
Mortgage loans
30,698,694
%
%
Real estate
26,225,799
%
%
Notes receivable
14,424,127
%
%
Policy loans
6,567,434
%
%
Short-term investments
3,596,941
%
%
Total investments
$
364,271,636
%
%
The Company’s investments are generally managed to match related insurance and policyholder liabilities. The comparison of investment return with insurance or investment product crediting rates establishes an interest spread. Interest crediting rates on adjustable rate policies have been reduced to their guaranteed minimum rates, and as such, cannot be lowered any further. Policy interest crediting rate changes and expense load changes become effective on an individual policy basis on the next policy anniversary. Therefore, it takes a full year from the time the change was determined for the full impact of such change to be realized. If interest rates decline in the future, the Company will not be able to lower rates and both net investment income and net income will be impacted negatively.
The Company’s total investments represented 83% and 81% of the Company’s total assets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Fixed maturities and equity securities, at fair value, consistently represent the majority, of the Company’s total investments - 72% in 2023 and 2022. The overall investment mix, as a percentage of total investments, remained fairly consistent when comparing the respective investments held as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
As of December 31, 2023, the carrying value of fixed maturity securities in default as to principal or interest was immaterial in the context of consolidated assets, shareholders’ equity or results from operations. To provide additional flexibility and liquidity, the Company has identified all fixed maturity securities as “investments available-for-sale”. Investments available-for-sale are carried at market value, with changes in market value charged directly to the other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity. Changes in the market value of available for sale securities resulted in net unrealized gains (losses) of approximately $2.2 million and $(17.4) million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The variance in the net unrealized gains and losses is the result of normal market fluctuations mainly related to changes in interest rates in the marketplace.
In the first quarter of 2023, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASCD 326). This standard replaced the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. CECL requires an estimate of credit losses for the remaining estimated life of the financial asset using historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts and generally applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables and held-to-maturity debt securities, and some off-balance sheet credit exposure such as unfunded commitments to extend credit. Financial assets measured at amortized cost will be presented at the net amount expected to be collected by using an allowance for credit losses.
The Company adopted ASC 326 and all related subsequent amendments thereto using the modified retrospective approach for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposure. The transition adjustment of the adoption of CECL included an increase in the allowance for credit losses on loans of $524,000, which is presented as a reduction to net loans outstanding, and an increase in the allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments of $51,000, which is recorded within other liabilities. The Company recorded a net decrease to retained earnings of $454,250 as of January 1, 2023 for the cumulative effect of adopting CECL, which reflects the transition adjustments noted above, net of the applicable deferred tax assets recorded. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2023 are presented under CECL while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable accounting standards (“Incurred Loss”).
The updated guidance also amended the current other-than-temporary model for available-for-sale securities and requires the recognition of impairments relating to credit losses through an allowance account and limits the amount of credit loss to the difference between a security’s amortized costs basis and its fair value. In addition, the length of time a security has been in an unrealized loss position will no longer impact the determination of whether a credit loss exists. See Note 1 - Recently Issued Accounting Standards - of the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on this topic.
Management continues to view the Company’s investment portfolio with utmost priority. Significant time has been spent internally researching the Company’s risk and communicating with outside investment advisors about the current investment environment and ways to ensure preservation of capital and mitigate losses. Management has put extensive efforts into evaluating the investment holdings. Additionally, members of the Company’s Board of Directors and investment committee have been solicited for advice and provided with information. Management reviews the Company’s entire portfolio on a security level basis to be sure all understand our holdings, potential risks and underlying credit supporting the investments. Management intends to continue its close monitoring of its bond holdings and other investments for possible deterioration or market condition changes. Future events may result in Management’s determination that certain current investment holdings may need to be sold which could result in gains or losses in future periods.
Liquidity
Liquidity provides the Company with the ability to meet on demand the cash commitments required by its business operations and financial obligations. The Company’s liquidity is primarily derived from cash balances, a portfolio of marketable securities and line of credit facilities. The Company has two principal needs for cash - the insurance company’s contractual obligations to policyholders and the payment of operating expenses.
Parent Company Liquidity
UTG is a holding company that has no day-to-day operations of its own. Cash flows from UTG’s insurance subsidiary, UG, are used to pay costs associated with maintaining the Company in good standing with states in which it does business and purchasing outstanding shares of UTG stock. UTG’s cash flow is dependent on management fees received from its insurance subsidiary, stockholder dividends from its subsidiary and earnings received on cash balances. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, substantially all of the consolidated shareholders’ equity represents net assets of its subsidiaries. In 2023, the Parent company received $2 million in dividends from its insurance subsidiary and $3 million in 2022. Certain restrictions exist on the payment of dividends from the insurance subsidiary to the Parent company. For further information regarding the restrictions on the payment of dividends by the insurance subsidiary, see Note 9 - Shareholders’ Equity in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Although these restrictions exist, dividend availability from the insurance subsidiary has historically been sufficient to meet the cash flow needs of the Parent company.
Insurance Subsidiary Liquidity
Sources of cash flows for the insurance subsidiary primarily consist of premium and investment income. Cash outflows from operations include policy benefit payments, administrative expenses, taxes and dividends to the Parent company.
Short-Term Borrowings
During October of 2023, the Federal Home Loan Bank approved UG’s Cash Management Advance Application (“CMA”). The CMA is a source of overnight liquidity utilized to address the day-to-day cash needs of a Company. The CMA gives the Company the option of selecting a variable rate of interest for up to 90 days or a fixed rate for a maximum of 30 days. The variable rate CMA is prepayable at any time without a fee, while the fixed CMA is not prepayable prior to maturity. The Company has pledged bonds with a collateral lendable value of $20.3 million. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company borrowed $19 million and planned to utilize the funds for investing activities. The interest rate on the borrowed funds is variable and currently is 5.47%. During the first quarter of 2024, the Company repaid the entire outstanding principal balance.
Consolidated Liquidity
Cash used in operating activities was approximately $9.8 million and $5.3 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Sources of operating cash flows of the Company, as with most insurance entities, is comprised primarily of premiums received on life insurance products and income earned on investments. Uses of operating cash flows consist primarily of payments of benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries and operating expenses. The Company has not marketed any significant new products for several years. As such, premium revenues continue to decline. Management anticipates future cash flows from operations to remain similar to historic trends.
During 2023 and 2022, the Company’s investing activities provided net cash of approximately $6.9 million and $26.2 million, respectively. The Company recognized proceeds of approximately $79.6 million and $79.7 million from investments sold and matured in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company used approximately $(72.7) million and $(53.5) million to acquire investments during 2023 and 2022, respectively. The net cash provided by investing activities is expected to vary from year to year depending on market conditions and management’s ability to find and negotiate favorable investment contracts.
Net cash used in financing activities was approximately $1.2 million and $6.4 million during 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had $19 million in debt outstanding with third parties.
The Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $41.2 million and $45.3 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company has a portfolio of marketable fixed maturity securities that could be sold, if an unexpected event were to occur. These securities had a fair value of approximately $103.4 million and $108.3 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. However, the strong cash flows from investing activities, investment maturities and the availability of the line of credit facilities make it unlikely that the Company would need to sell securities for liquidity purposes. See Note 2 - Investments in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for detailed disclosures regarding the Company’s investment portfolio.
Management believes the overall sources of liquidity available will be sufficient to satisfy its financial obligations.
Capital Resources
The Company’s capital structure consists of available short-term debt, long-term debt and shareholders’ equity. A complete analysis and description of the short-term and long-term debt issues available as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are presented in Note 7 - Credit Arrangements in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company had $19 million of debt outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
The NAIC’s risk-based capital requirements require insurance companies to calculate and report information under a risk-based capital formula. The risk-based capital (RBC) formula measures the adequacy of statutory capital and surplus in relation to investment and insurance risks such as asset quality, mortality and morbidity, asset and liability matching and other business factors. The RBC formula is used by state insurance regulators as an early warning tool to identify, for the purpose of initiating regulatory action, insurance companies that potentially are inadequately capitalized.
At December 31, 2023, UG has a ratio of approximately 6.19, which is 619% of the authorized control level. Accordingly, the Company meets the RBC requirements.
The Board of Directors of UTG has authorized the repurchase in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions of UTG’s common stock. At a meeting of the Board of Directors in March of 2022, the Board of Directors of UTG authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $2 million of UTG’s common stock, for a total repurchase of $22 million of UTG’s common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Company Management has broad authority to operate the program, including the discretion of whether to purchase shares and the ability to suspend or terminate the program. Open market purchases are made based on the last available market price but may be limited. During 2023, the Company repurchased 30,646 shares through the stock repurchase program for $881,966. Through December 31, 2023, UTG has spent $20,191,403 in the acquisition of 1,356,859 shares under this program.
Total shareholders’ equity was approximately $161.7 million and $158.0 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Total shareholders’ equity increased approximately 2% in 2023 as compared to 2022. The increase is primarily attributable to net income from operations. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company reported accumulated other comprehensive loss of approximately $(4.9) million and $(7.1) million, respectively.
For the period ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income of approximately $2.2 million and a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income of approximately $(17.4) million for the same period in the prior year. The fluctuations in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are the result of unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities. The variance in the net unrealized gains and losses is the result of normal market fluctuations mainly related to changes in interest rates in the marketplace.
The Company’s investments provide sufficient return to cover future obligations. The Company carries all of its fixed maturity holdings as available for sale, which are reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements at their fair value.
New Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 - Summary of Significant Account Policies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding new accounting pronouncements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, financing activities or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or other persons.
Contractual Obligations
As a smaller reporting company, as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, the Company has elected to comply with certain scaled disclosure reporting obligations, and therefore does not have to provide the information required by this item.

---

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
As a smaller reporting company, as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, the Company has elected to comply with certain scaled disclosure reporting obligations, and therefore does not have to provide the information required by this item.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Page No.
UTG, Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID #718)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID #32)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and
Shareholders of UTG, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of UTG, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2023, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Classification, Valuation and Disclosure of Investments in Equity Securities - Refer to Notes 1 and 3
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company invests in numerous equity securities including common stocks, limited partnerships and limited liability companies that are not publicly traded and may not have readily determinable fair values. These investments require a detailed analysis of the type of investment on an investment by investment basis to determine the appropriate classification of the investment as to whether the investment should be reported using the cost basis, the equity method or whether the investment should be reported at fair value based on the accounting literature. Since these investments are not publicly traded, the Company employs various methods in determining the appropriate valuation of the investments reported at fair value. These methods at times includes utilizing industry specialists in assisting them in determining the fair value method and at other times, management is able to utilize the practical expedient of net asset value when the investment is in an investment company. These methods at times depend on key inputs and assumptions crucial to determining fair value that may not be observable requires managerial judgment and estimation. Last, the disclosure of this information in the Company’s financial statements can be challenging to management due to the volume of data and information needed to appropriately provide the necessary and generally accepted information so that a reader to understand the classification and valuation decisions made by management.
The audit of these equity investments requires a substantial amount of time and effort in order to obtain the necessary audit evidence and opine on management’s classification, valuation and disclosure of the investments.
How the Critical Audit Matter was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the equity investments that are not publicly traded included the following procedures, among others:
•
We gained an understanding of the processes and procedures utilized by management to classify these investments and determine their values
•
We obtained documentation supporting the investments including purchase agreements, partnership agreements and limited liability company operating agreements as appropriate for each investment
•
We discussed and documented management’s determination of the classification of each investment as to cost method, equity method or fair value, including whether management asserted significant influence over operations of the investment
•
We obtained confirmation of the investment from investment entity personnel, and if appropriate, audited financial statements of the investment entity
•
We obtained and discussed valuation information from industry specialists when appropriate and when utilized by management in determining the fair value of an equity investment and considered and evaluated the valuation information provided by the specialist in concluding on the fair value estimated by management for financial reporting
•
For a selection of equity investments, we recalculated the Company’s valuation based on information obtained via confirmation, agreements and/or valuation specialists
•
We obtained and accumulated detailed information on the investments provided by management for disclosure of these investments in the financial statements and agreed this information to the documents obtained as a part of our audit procedures for purposes of classification and valuation
Future Policy Benefits - Refer to Note 1
Critical Audit Matter Description
Liabilities for amounts payable under the Company’s life insurance products are recorded as future policy benefits liabilities. Such liabilities are established based on actuarial assumptions at the time policies are issued, or in the case of contracts acquired by purchase, at the purchase date. The liabilities for traditional life insurance and accident and health insurance policy benefits are computed using a net level method. These liabilities include assumptions as to investment yields, mortality, withdrawals, and other assumptions based on the life insurance subsidiary’s experience adjusted to reflect anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible unfavorable deviations. The Company’s future policy benefits liability was $ 223.8 million as of December 31, 2023.
The audit of future policy benefits requires the utilization of an actuarial specialist when considering the complex methods, assumptions and models management utilizes in determining the value of these liabilities.
How the Critical Audit Matter was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the liability for future policy benefits included the following procedures, among others:
•
We gained an understanding of the processes utilized and controls implemented in determining the valuation of future policy benefits
•
We tested the underlying data used by management in developing the valuation and the completeness and accuracy of the data
•
We performed various analytical procedures
•
We obtained an opinion from management’s actuarial specialist confirming that the actuarial assumptions and methodologies used were reasonable and in accordance with presently accepted actuarial standards
•
We confirmed the independence of management’s consulting actuarial specialist and reviewed her qualifications as appointed consulting actuary
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2023.
/s/ Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP
Springfield, Illinois
March 29, 2024
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and
Shareholders of UTG, Inc. and Subsidiaries:
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of UTG, Inc. and Subsidiaries (collectively the "Company" or “UTG”) as of December 31, 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders' equity, and cash flows, for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "consolidated financial statements").
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
Our audit of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Armanino LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
We began serving as the Company’s auditors in 2005. In 2023, we became the predecessor auditor.
March 24, 2023, except for the effects of the tables reflecting the impact of the revisions as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022, discussed in Note 15 (not presented herein) to the consolidated financial statements appearing under Item 8 of the Company’s annual report (Form 10-K) as to which the date is March 29, 2024.
UTG, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022
ASSETS
Investments:
Investments available for sale:
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost $109,554,738 and $117,279,820)
$
103,409,836
$
108,313,059
Held to maturity redeemable preferred stock, at amortized cost
2,500,000
2,500,000
Equity securities, at fair value (cost $89,387,893 and $77,015,688)
156,550,812
150,053,686
Equity securities, at cost
15,977,368
21,891,896
Mortgage loans on real estate at amortized cost
(net of credit loss reserve of $274,000 and $0)
15,318,176
30,698,694
Investment real estate, net
21,975,120
26,225,799
Notes receivable (net of credit loss reserve of $250,000 and $0)
14,009,225
14,424,127
Policy loans
6,018,248
6,567,434
Short-term investments
29,132,236
3,596,941
Total investments
364,891,021
364,271,636
Cash and cash equivalents
41,185,196
45,290,385
Accrued investment income
2,001,064
1,371,677
Reinsurance receivables:
Future policy benefits
23,847,623
24,318,030
Policy claims and other benefits
4,734,575
4,638,857
Cost of insurance acquired
2,036,896
2,698,153
Income taxes receivable
2,128,027
Other assets
884,531
4,945,627
Total assets
$
441,708,933
$
447,534,365
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Policy liabilities and accruals:
Future policy benefits
$
223,757,860
$
229,582,664
Policy claims and benefits payable
4,188,917
4,072,879
Other policyholder funds
260,892
318,096
Dividend and endowment accumulations
14,749,258
14,802,746
Income taxes payable
4,189,081
Deferred income taxes
12,426,840
11,582,138
Notes payable
19,000,000
19,000,000
Other liabilities
5,635,373
5,958,385
Total liabilities
280,019,140
289,505,989
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock - no par value, stated value $0.001 per share. Authorized 7,000,000 shares - 3,165,320 and 3,164,809 shares issued and outstanding
3,167
3,166
Additional paid-in capital
32,613,817
32,693,972
Retained earnings
133,491,797
131,989,352
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(4,882,317
)
(7,111,586
)
Total UTG shareholders' equity
161,226,464
157,574,904
Noncontrolling interest
463,329
453,472
Total shareholders' equity
161,689,793
158,028,376
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
441,708,933
$
447,534,365
See accompanying notes.
UTG, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
Revenue:
Premiums and policy fees
$
7,918,235
$
8,384,604
Ceded reinsurance premiums and policy fees
(2,553,010
)
(2,697,382
)
Net investment income
14,141,809
20,811,471
Other income
280,303
350,519
Revenues before net investment gains (losses)
19,787,337
26,849,212
Net investment gains (losses):
Other-than-temporary impairments
(5,000,000
)
Other realized investment gains, net
9,463,843
14,168,911
Change in fair value of equity securities
(3,830,793
)
33,690,712
Total net investment gains
5,633,050
42,859,623
Total revenues
25,420,387
69,708,835
Benefits and other expenses:
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses:
Life
16,089,474
15,703,526
Ceded reinsurance benefits and claims
(2,882,312
)
(2,449,533
)
Annuity
1,029,885
1,029,156
Dividends to policyholders
302,685
311,400
Commissions
(102,971
)
(116,571
)
Amortization of cost of insurance acquired
661,257
688,348
Operating expenses
8,368,135
10,497,302
Interest expense
28,389
108,722
Total benefits and other expenses
23,494,542
25,772,350
Income before income taxes
1,925,845
43,936,485
Income tax expense (benefit)
(144,247
)
9,572,139
Net income
2,070,092
34,364,346
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
(113,397
)
(106,341
)
Net income attributable to common shareholders
$
1,956,695
$
34,258,005
Amounts attributable to common shareholders:
Basic income per share
$
0.62
$
10.81
Diluted income per share
$
0.62
$
10.81
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
3,176,757
3,167,719
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
3,176,757
3,167,719
See accompanying notes.
UTG, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
Net income
$
2,070,092
$
34,364,346
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period, pre-tax
2,867,943
(21,981,097
)
Tax (expense) benefit on unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period
(592,591
)
4,615,943
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period, net of tax
2,275,352
(17,365,154
)
Less reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income
(58,333
)
Tax expense (benefit) for (gains) losses included in net income
12,250
(111
)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income, net of tax
(46,083
)
Subtotal: Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
2,229,269
(17,364,737
)
Comprehensive income
4,299,361
16,999,609
Less comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(113,397
)
(106,341
)
Comprehensive income attributable to UTG, Inc.
$
4,185,964
$
16,893,268
See accompanying notes.
UTG, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
Year ended December 31, 2023
Common Stock
Additional Paid-In Capital
Retained Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Noncontrolling Interest
Total Shareholders' Equity
Balance at January 1, 2023
$
3,166
32,693,972
131,989,352
(7,111,586
)
453,472
158,028,376
Adoption of new accounting standard
(454,250
)
(454,250
)
3,166
32,693,972
131,535,102
(7,111,586
)
453,472
157,574,126
Common stock issued during year
801,781
801,812
Treasury shares acquired and retired
(30
)
(881,936
)
(881,966
)
Net income attributable to common shareholders
1,956,695
1,956,695
Unrealized holding gain on securities net of noncontrolling interest and reclassification adjustment and taxes
2,229,269
2,229,269
Distributions
(103,540
)
(103,540
)
Gain attributable to noncontrolling interest
113,397
113,397
Balance at December 31, 2023
$
3,167
32,613,817
133,491,797
(4,882,317
)
463,329
161,689,793
Year ended December 31, 2022
Common Stock
Additional Paid-In Capital
Retained Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Noncontrolling Interest
Total Shareholders' Equity
Balance at January 1, 2022
$
3,167
32,780,587
97,731,347
10,253,151
476,555
141,244,807
Common stock issued during year
599,169
599,192
Treasury shares acquired and retired
(24
)
(685,784
)
(685,808
)
Net income attributable to common shareholders
34,258,005
34,258,005
Unrealized holding loss on securities net of noncontrolling interest and reclassification adjustment and taxes
(17,364,737
)
(17,364,737
)
Distributions
(128,824
)
(128,824
)
Gain attributable to noncontrolling interest
105,741
105,741
Balance at December 31, 2022
$
3,166
32,693,972
131,989,352
(7,111,586
)
453,472
158,028,376
See accompanying notes.
UTG, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$
2,070,092
$
34,364,346
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Amortization (accretion) of investments
(314,042
)
138,587
Other-than-temporary impairments
5,000,000
Realized investment gains, net
(9,463,843
)
(14,168,911
)
Change in fair value of equity securities
3,830,793
(33,690,712
)
Unrealized trading losses included in income
1,086
Realized trading losses included in income
12,197
Amortization of cost of insurance acquired
661,257
688,348
Provision for deferred income tax expense
372,861
2,517,685
Depreciation and depletion
728,887
2,032,627
Stock-based compensation
801,812
599,192
Charges for mortality and administration of universal life and annuity products
(5,692,118
)
(5,943,417
)
Interest credited to account balances
3,646,515
3,767,177
Change in accrued investment income
(629,387
)
(107,518
)
Change in reinsurance receivables
374,689
210,672
Change in policy liabilities and accruals
(3,535,674
)
(2,836,498
)
Change in income taxes receivable (payable)
(6,317,108
)
5,164,454
Change in other assets and liabilities, net
3,679,893
(3,083,634
)
Net cash used in operating activities
(9,785,373
)
(5,334,319
)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from investments sold and matured:
Fixed maturities available for sale
7,558,333
13,128,136
Equity securities
7,838,385
36,126,454
Trading securities
17,983
Mortgage loans
17,770,810
3,655,779
Real estate
16,531,219
12,659,854
Notes receivable
4,944,143
12,329,505
Policy loans
1,453,634
1,752,613
Short-term investments
23,490,815
Total proceeds from investments sold and matured
79,587,339
79,670,324
Cost of investments acquired:
Fixed maturities available for sale
(2,614,165
)
Equity securities
(12,454,268
)
(27,523,161
)
Trading securities
(32,382
)
Mortgage loans
(2,654,293
)
(5,158,911
)
Real estate
(3,417,744
)
(4,586,280
)
Notes receivable
(4,779,241
)
(9,030,657
)
Policy loans
(904,446
)
(929,549
)
Short-term investments
(48,473,476
)
(3,591,885
)
Total cost of investments acquired
(72,683,468
)
(53,466,990
)
Net cash provided by investing activities
6,903,871
26,203,334
Cash flows from financing activities:
Policyholder contract deposits
4,056,116
4,555,115
Policyholder contract withdrawals
(4,294,297
)
(5,106,391
)
Proceeds from notes payable/line of credit
21,500,000
58,500,000
Payments of principal on notes payable/line of credit
(21,500,000
)
(63,500,000
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(881,966
)
(685,808
)
Noncontrolling contributions/(distributions) of consolidated subsidiary
(103,540
)
(128,824
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(1,223,687
)
(6,365,908
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(4,105,189
)
14,503,107
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
45,290,385
30,787,278
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
41,185,196
$
45,290,385
See accompanying notes.
UTG, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Business - UTG, Inc. is an insurance holding company. The Company’s dominant business is individual life insurance, which includes the servicing of existing insurance in-force and the acquisition of other companies in the life insurance business. UTG and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the “Company”.
This document at times will refer to the Registrant’s largest shareholder, Mr. Jesse T. Correll and certain companies controlled by Mr. Correll. Mr. Correll holds a majority ownership of First Southern Funding, LLC (“FSF”), a Kentucky corporation, and First Southern Bancorp, Inc. (“FSBI”), a financial services holding company. FSBI operates through its 100% owned subsidiary bank, First Southern National Bank (“FSNB”). Banking activities are conducted through multiple locations within south-central and western Kentucky. Mr. Correll is Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of UTG and is currently UTG’s largest shareholder through his ownership control of FSF, FSBI and affiliates. At December 31, 2023, Mr. Correll owns or controls directly and indirectly approximately 66% of UTG’s outstanding stock.
UTG’s life insurance subsidiary has several wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. The subsidiaries were formed to hold certain real estate and other investments. The investments were placed into the limited liability companies and partnerships to provide additional protection to the policyholders and to UG.
Basis of Presentation - The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), under guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires Management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Principles of Consolidation - The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Registrant and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated during consolidation.
Business Segments - The Company has only one business segment - life insurance.
Investments - The Company reports its investments as follows:
Investments in Fixed Maturity Securities - The Company classifies its investments in fixed maturity securities on the acquisition date and at each balance sheet date. Securities classified as held-to-maturity consist of redeemable preferred stock, and are carried at amortized cost, reflecting the ability and intent to hold the securities to maturity. Securities classified as available-for-sale consist of bonds and are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred taxes, reflected directly in accumulated other comprehensive income. Premiums and discounts on debt securities purchased at other than par value are amortized and accreted, respectively, to interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, using the constant yield method over the period to maturity. The Company has an evaluation process in place to monitor fixed maturity securities available for sale for credit loss. See Note 2 - Investments for further disclosure of the allowance for credit loss (“ACL”).
Equity Securities at Fair Value - Investments in equity securities, which include common and perpetual preferred stocks, are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of net income (loss).
Equity Securities at Cost - These investments are reported at their cost basis, minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate - Mortgage loans on real estate are reported at their unpaid principal balances, adjusted for amortization of premium or discount and valuation allowances. Valuation allowances are established for impaired loans when it is probable that contractual principal and interest will not be collected. The Company recognizes an ACL in earnings at time of purchase or origination based on expected lifetime credit loss on mortgage loans carried at amortized cost, in an amount that represents the portion of the amortized cost basis of such financing receivables, that the Company does not expect to collect, resulting in mortgage loans being presented at the net amount expected to be collected. See Note 2 - Investments for further discussion of the ACL.
Investment Real Estate - Real estate held-for-investment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line-basis for financial reporting purposes using estimated useful lives of 3 to 30 years. Real estate for which the Company commits to a plan to sell within one year and actively markets in its current condition, for a reasonable price, in comparison to its estimated fair value, is classified as held-for-sale. Real estate held-for-sale is stated at lower of depreciated cost or estimated fair value less expected disposition costs and is not depreciated.
Notes Receivable - Notes receivable are reported at their unpaid principal balances, adjusted for valuation allowances. Valuation allowances are established for impaired loans when it is probable that contractual principal and interest will not be collected. Interest accruals are analyzed based on the likelihood of repayment. The Company does not utilize a specified number of days delinquent to cause an automatic non-accrual status. The Company recognizes an ACL in earnings at time of purchase or origination based on expected lifetime credit loss on notes receivable carried at amortized cost, in an amount that represents the portion of the amortized cost basis of such financing receivables, that the Company does not expect to collect, resulting in notes receivable being presented at the net amount expected to be collected. See Note 2 - Investments for further discussion of the ACL.
Policy Loans - Policy loans are reported at their unpaid balances, including accumulated interest, but not in excess of the cash surrender value of the related policy.
Short-Term Investments - Short-term investments have remaining maturities exceeding three months and under 12 months at the time of purchase and are stated at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
Gains and Losses - Realized gains and losses include sales of investments and investment impairments. If any, other-than-temporary impairments in fair value are recognized in net income on the specific identification basis.
Fair Value - Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Subsequent to initial recognition, fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that are readily and regularly obtainable. When such unadjusted quoted prices are not available, estimated fair values are based on quoted prices in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar but not identical assets or liabilities, or other observable inputs. If these inputs are not available, or observable inputs are not determinable, unobservable inputs and/or adjustments to observable inputs requiring significant management judgment are used to determine the estimated fair value of assets and liabilities. These unobservable inputs can be based on Management’s judgment, assumptions or estimation and may not be observable in market activity. Unobservable inputs are based on Management’s assumptions about the inputs market participants would use in pricing the assets. For more specific information regarding the Company’s measurements and procedures in valuing financial instruments, see Note 3 - Fair Value Measurements.
Cash Equivalents - Cash equivalents consist of money market accounts and investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased.
Cash - Cash consists of balances on hand and on deposit in banks and financial institutions.
Reinsurance - In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to limit its exposure to loss on any single insured and to recover a portion of benefits paid by ceding reinsurance to other insurance enterprises or reinsurers under excess coverage and coinsurance contracts. The Company retains a maximum of $125,000 of coverage per individual life.
Reinsurance receivables are recognized in a manner consistent with the liabilities relating to the underlying reinsurance contracts. The cost of reinsurance related to long-duration contracts is accounted for over the life of the underlying reinsured policies using assumptions consistent with those used to account for the underlying policies. In the event that reinsurers do not meet their obligations to the Company under the terms of the reinsurance agreements, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable, reinsurance recoverable balances could become uncollectible. In such instances, reinsurance recoverable balances are stated net of allowances for uncollectible reinsurance, consistent with the credit loss guidance which requires recording an allowance for credit loss (“ACL”). See Note 4 - Reinsurance for additional information.
Cost of Insurance Acquired - When an insurance company is acquired, the Company assigns a portion of its cost to the right to receive future cash flows from insurance contracts existing at the date of the acquisition. The cost of policies purchased represents the actuarially determined present value of the projected future profits from the acquired policies. Cost of insurance acquired is amortized with interest in relation to expected future profits, including direct charge-offs for any excess of the unamortized asset over the projected future profits. The amortization is adjusted retrospectively when estimates of current or future gross profits to be realized from a group of products are revised.
Future Policy Benefits and Expenses - The liabilities for traditional life insurance and accident and health insurance policy benefits are computed using a net level method. These liabilities include assumptions as to investment yields, mortality, withdrawals, and other assumptions based on the life insurance subsidiary’s experience adjusted to reflect anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible unfavorable deviations. The Company makes these assumptions at the time the contract is issued or, in the case of contracts acquired by purchase, at the purchase date. Future policy benefits for individual life insurance and annuity policies are computed using interest rates ranging from 2.0% to 6.0% for life insurance and 2.5% to 7.5% for annuities. Benefit reserves for traditional life insurance policies include certain deferred profits on limited-payment policies that are being recognized in income over the policy term. Policy benefit claims are charged to expense in the period that the claims are incurred. The mortality rate assumptions for policies currently issued by the Company are based on 2017 CSO Ultimate tables. Withdrawal rate assumptions are based upon Linton B or C, which are industry standard actuarial tables for forecasting assumed policy lapse rates.
Benefit reserves for universal life insurance and interest sensitive life insurance products are computed under a retrospective deposit method and represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense include benefit claims in excess of related policy account balances. Interest crediting rates for universal life and interest sensitive products range from 3.0% to 6.0% as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Policy Claims and Benefits Payable - Policy and contract claims include provisions for reported claims in process of settlement, valued in accordance with the terms of the policies and contracts, as well as provisions for claims incurred and unreported. The estimate of incurred and unreported claims is based on prior experience. The Company makes an estimate after careful evaluation of all information available to the Company. There is no certainty the stated liability for policy claims and benefits payable, including the estimate for incurred but unreported claims, will be the Company’s ultimate obligation.
Income Taxes - Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax impact attributable to differences between the financial statement book values and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. More information concerning income taxes is provided in Note 6 - Income Taxes.
Earnings Per Share - The objective of both basic earnings per share (“EPS”) and diluted EPS is to measure the performance of an entity over the reporting period. The Company presents basic and diluted EPS on the face of the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Basic EPS is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is calculated by adding to shares outstanding the additional net effect of potentially dilutive securities or contracts, such as stock options, which could be exercised or converted into common shares.
Recognition of Revenues and Related Expenses - Premiums for traditional life insurance products, which include those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits, consist principally of whole life insurance policies, and certain annuities with life contingencies are recognized as revenues when due. Limited payment life insurance policies defer gross premiums received in excess of net premiums, which is then recognized in income in a constant relationship with insurance in-force. Accident and health insurance premiums are recognized as revenue pro rata over the terms of the policies. Benefits and related expenses associated with the premiums earned are charged to expense proportionately over the lives of the policies through a provision for future policy benefit liabilities and through deferral and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. For universal life and investment products, generally there is no requirement for payment of premium other than to maintain account values at a level sufficient to pay mortality and expense charges. Consequently, premiums for universal life policies and investment products are not reported as revenue, but as deposits. Policy fee revenue for universal life policies and investment products consists of charges for the cost of insurance and policy administration fees assessed during the period. Expenses include interest credited to policy account balances and benefit claims incurred in excess of policy account balances.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
The following Accounting Standard Update (“ASU)”) was adopted in 2023:
In the first quarter of 2023, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASC 326). This standard replaced the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. CECL requires an estimate of credit losses for the remaining estimated life of the financial asset using historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts and generally applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables and held-to-maturity debt securities, and some off-balance sheet credit exposure such as unfunded commitments to extend credit. Financial assets measured at amortized cost will be presented at the net amount expected to be collected by using an allowance for credit losses.
The Company adopted ASC 326 and all related subsequent amendments thereto using the modified retrospective approach for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposure. The transition adjustment of the adoption of CECL included an increase in the allowance for credit losses on loans of $524,000, which is presented as a reduction to net loans outstanding, and an increase in the allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments of $51,000, which is recorded within other liabilities. The Company recorded a net decrease to retained earnings of $454,250 as of January 1, 2023 for the cumulative effect of adopting CECL, which reflects the transition adjustments noted above, net of the applicable deferred tax assets recorded. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2023 are presented under CECL while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable accounting standards (“Incurred Loss”).
ASUs not listed below were assessed and either determined to be not applicable or are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures. ASUs issued but not yet adopted as of December 31, 2023 that are currently being assessed and may or may not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures are disclosed below:
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. Amendments in this update require that public business entities, on an annual basis: (1) disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and (2) provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. In addition, the amendments in this updated require that all entities disclose on an annual basis the following information about income taxes: (1) the amounts of income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by federal, state, and foreign taxes and (2) the amount of income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by individual jurisdictions in which income taxes paid (net of refunds received) is equal to or greater than 5% of total income taxes paid (net of refunds received). ASU 2023-09 is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is evaluating the impact of the guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280) - Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. ASU 2023-07 is intended to improve disclosures about a public entity’s reportable segments and addresses requests from investors and other allocators of capital for additional, more detailed information about a reportable segment’s expenses. This ASU applies to all public entities that are required to report segment information in accordance with Topic 280. All public entities will be required to report segment information in accordance with the new guidance starting in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company does not expect ASU 2023-07 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2022-05, Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944): Transition for Sold Contracts. ASU 2022-05 amends transition guidance in ASU No. 2018-12, Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts (LDTI), for contracts that have been derecognized because of a sale or disposal of individual or a group of contracts or legal entities before the LDTI effective date. This ASU amends the LDTI transition guidance to allow an insurance entity to make an accounting policy election to exclude certain contracts or legal entities from applying the LDTI guidance when, as of the LDTI effective date, (a) the insurance contracts have been derecognized because of a sale or disposal and (b) the insurance entity has no significant continuing involvement with the derecognized contracts. See below for further analysis regarding ASU No. 2018-12.
The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-12, Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts or ASU 2018-12. ASU 2018-12 significantly changes how insurers account for long-duration insurance contracts. The new guidance will require insurers to review and update, if necessary, the assumptions used to measure insurance liabilities periodically, rather than retain assumptions used at contract inception. The updated guidance also changes the recognition and measurement of deferred acquisition costs (DAC) and created a new category of benefit features called market risk benefits (MRB) that will be measured at fair value. The guidance also significantly expands the disclosure requirements for long-duration contracts. The ASU was originally effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, for years beginning after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. The guidance on measuring the liabilities for future policy benefits and DAC will be adopted on a modified retrospective basis as of the earliest period presented in the year of adoption. The guidance on MRB will be adopted on a retrospective basis as of the earliest period presented in the year of adoption. In November of 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-09, which delayed the effective date of ASU 2018-12 to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 for smaller reporting companies. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
Reclassifications - Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2022 Consolidated Financial Statements to make them comparable to the current year Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company has elected to reclassify certain investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and related footnotes for prior periods to conform with the presentation in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. The Company has elected to reclassify $8.7 million out of investment in real estate, net, into equity securities, at cost and to reclassify $2.5 million out of equity securities, at cost, to a new item titled held to maturity, redeemable preferred stock, at amortized cost. There were no revisions to the Consolidated Statements of Operations or the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity. There were no changes to net income attributable to common shareholders or total shareholders’ equity.
Revision of previously issued financial statements - The Company identified an error in its previously issued Consolidated Financial Statements related to the presentation of the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). The impact of the error to the prior period’s Consolidated Financial Statements was not considered to be material. In order to improve the consistency and comparability of the Consolidated Financial Statements, Management revised the Consolidated Financial Statements to include the revision discussed herein. See Note 15 - Revision of Previously Issued Consolidated Financial Statements for details of the revision.
Note 2 - Investments
Investment Risks and Uncertainties
Investments are exposed to the following primary sources of risk: credit, interest rate, liquidity, market valuation, currency and real estate risk. The financial statement risks, stemming from such investment risks, are those associated with the determination of estimated fair values, the diminished ability to sell certain investments in times of strained market conditions, the recognition of ACL and impairments, and the recognition of income on certain investments. The use of different methodologies, assumptions and inputs relating to these financial statement risks may have a material effect on the amounts presented within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The determination of ACL and impairments is highly subjective and is based upon quarterly evaluations and assessments of known and inherent risks associated with the respective asset class. Such evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available.
Investment in Fixed Maturity Securities
The Company’s insurance subsidiary is regulated by insurance statutes and regulations as to the type of investments they are permitted to make, and the amount of funds that may be used for any one type of investment.
Investments in fixed maturity securities are summarized by type as follows for the years ended December 31:
Original or Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Estimated
Fair
Value
U.S. Government and govt. agencies and authorities
$
14,316,976
$
$
(729,197
)
$
13,587,779
U.S. special revenue and assessments
7,528,985
(220,527
)
7,308,458
All other corporate bonds
87,708,777
89,004
(5,284,182
)
82,513,599
Redeemable preferred stock
2,500,000
2,500,000
Total
$
112,054,738
$
89,004
$
(6,233,906
)
$
105,909,836
2022 (1)
Original or Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Estimated
Fair
Value
U.S. Government and govt. agencies and authorities
$
18,315,321
$
$
(1,104,146
)
$
17,211,175
U.S. special revenue and assessments
7,535,018
(335,918
)
7,199,100
All other corporate bonds
91,429,481
65,529
(7,592,226
)
83,902,784
Redeemable preferred stock
2,500,000
2,500,000
Total
$
119,779,820
$
65,529
$
(9,032,290
)
$
110,813,059
(1) The Company has elected to reclassify certain investments to conform with the presentation for the year ended December 31, 2023. These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2023, by contractual maturity date, is shown below.
Fixed Maturity Securities
December 31, 2023
Amortized
Cost
Estimated
Fair Value
Due in one year or less
$
10,990,370
$
10,832,220
Due after one year through five years
45,486,425
44,009,137
Due after five years through ten years
6,664,901
6,664,497
Due after ten years
21,851,378
20,078,690
Fixed maturities with no single maturity date
27,061,664
24,325,292
Total
$
112,054,738
$
105,909,836
Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to the exercise of call or prepayment options.
By insurance statute, the majority of the Company’s investment portfolio is invested in investment grade securities to provide ample protection for policyholders.
Below investment grade debt securities generally provide higher yields and involve greater risks than investment grade debt securities because their issuers typically are more highly leveraged and more vulnerable to adverse economic conditions than investment grade issuers. In addition, the trading market for these securities is usually more limited than for investment grade debt securities. Debt securities classified as below-investment grade are those that receive a Standard & Poor’s rating of BB+ or below.
The Company held below investment grade investments with an estimated market value of $0 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
The following table presents the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses of fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position as of December 31:
Less than 12 months
12 months or longer
Total
Estimated
fair value
Unrealized losses
Estimated
fair value
Unrealized losses
Estimated
fair value
Unrealized losses
U.S. Government and govt. agencies and authorities
$
1,497,390
(3,696
)
$
12,090,389
(725,501
)
$
13,587,779
(729,197
)
U.S. special revenue and assessments
7,308,458
(220,527
)
7,308,458
(220,527
)
All other corporate bonds
544,610
(2,319
)
73,678,567
(5,281,863
)
74,223,177
(5,284,182
)
Total fixed maturities
$
2,042,000
(6,015
)
$
93,077,414
(6,227,891
)
$
95,119,414
(6,233,906
)
2022(1)
Less than 12 months
12 months or longer
Total
Estimated
fair value
Unrealized losses
Estimated
fair value
Unrealized losses
Estimated
fair value
Unrealized losses
U.S. Government and govt. agencies and authorities
$
17,211,175
(1,104,146
)
$
$
17,211,175
(1,104,146
)
U.S. special revenue and assessments
7,199,100
(335,918
)
7,199,100
(335,918
)
All other corporate bonds
80,144,564
(7,592,226
)
80,144,564
(7,592,226
)
Total fixed maturities
$
104,554,839
(9,032,290
)
$
$
104,554,839
(9,032,290
)
(1) The Company has elected to reclassify certain investments to conform with the presentation for the year ended December 31, 2023. These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income.
The following table provides additional information regarding the number of securities that were in an unrealized loss position for greater than or less than twelve months:
Less than 12 months
12 months or longer
Total
As of December 31, 2023
Fixed maturities
As of December 31, 2022
Fixed maturities
Allowance for Credit Loss - Available for Sale Securities
Management considers a wide range of factors about the security issuer and uses its best judgment in evaluating the cause of the decline in the estimated fair value of the security and in assessing the prospects for near-term recovery. Inherent in management’s evaluation of the security are assumptions and estimates about the operations of the issuer and its future earnings potential. Considerations used in the credit loss evaluation process include, but are not limited to: (1) the extent to which the estimated fair value has been below amortized cost, (2) adverse conditions specifically related to a security, an industry sector, adverse change in the financial condition of the issuer of the security, (3) payment structure of the security and likelihood of the issuer being able to make payments, (4) failure of the issuer to make scheduled interest and principal payments, (5) whether the issuer, or series of issuers or an industry has suffered a catastrophic loss or has exhausted natural resources, (6) whether the Company has the intent to sell or will more likely than not be required to sell a particular security before the decline in estimated fair value below amortized cost recovers, (7) changes in the rating of the security by a rating agency, and (8) other subjective factors.
Substantially all of the unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2023 and 2022 are attributable to changes in market interest rates and general disruptions in the credit market subsequent to purchase. At December 31, 2023, the Company did not intend to sell its securities in an unrealized loss position, and it was not more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell these securities before the anticipated recovery of the remaining amortized cost. Therefore, the Company concluded that these securities had not incurred a credit loss and should not have an allowance for credit loss at December 31, 2023.
Future provisions for credit loss will depend primarily on economic fundamentals, issuer performance, and changes in credit ratings.
Net unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) for investments classified as available-for-sale, net of the effect of deferred income taxes, assuming that the depreciation had been realized as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on available-for-sale securities
$
(6,144,902
)
$
(8,966,761
)
Deferred income taxes
1,290,429
1,883,020
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on available-for-sale securities
$
(4,854,473
)
$
(7,083,741
)
Cost Method Investments
The Company held equity investments with an aggregate cost of $15,977,368 and $21,891,896 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These equity investments were not reported at fair value because it is not practicable to estimate their fair values due to insufficient information being available. Management reviews and considers events or changes in circumstances that might have a significant adverse effect on the reported value of those investments. Based on Management’s evaluation of the equity securities reported at cost, the Company reported an other-than-temporary impairment of $5 million on one security during the fourth quarter of 2022. The other-than-temporary impairment was taken as a result of Management’s assessment and determination of value of the investment.
Mortgage Loans
The Company, from time to time, acquires mortgage loans through participation agreements with FSNB. FSNB has been able to provide the Company with additional expertise and experience in underwriting commercial and residential mortgage loans, which provide more attractive yields than the traditional bond market. The Company is able to receive participations from FSNB for three primary reasons: 1) FSNB has already reached its maximum lending limit to a single borrower, but the borrower is still considered a suitable risk; 2) the interest rate on a particular loan may be fixed for a long period that is more suitable for UG given its asset-liability structure; and 3) FSNB’s loan growth might at times outpace its deposit growth, resulting in FSNB participating such excess loan growth rather than turning customers away. For originated loans, the Company’s Management is responsible for the final approval of such loans after evaluation. Before a new loan is issued, the applicant is subject to certain criteria set forth by Company Management to ensure quality control. These criteria include, but are not limited to, a credit report, personal financial information such as outstanding debt, sources of income, and personal equity. Once the loan is approved, the Company directly funds the loan to the borrower. The Company bears all risk of loss associated with the terms of the mortgage with the borrower.
During 2023 and 2022, the Company acquired $2,654,293 and $5,158,911 in mortgage loans, respectively. FSNB services the majority of the Company’s mortgage loan portfolio. The Company pays FSNB a 0.25% servicing fee on these loans and a one-time fee at loan origination of 0.50% of the original loan cost to cover costs incurred by FSNB relating to the processing and establishment of the loan.
During 2023 and 2022, the maximum and minimum lending rates for mortgage loans were:
Maximum
rate
Minimum
rate
Maximum
rate
Minimum
rate
Farm loans
5.00 %
5.00 %
5.00 %
4.50 %
Commercial loans
8.75 %
4.00 %
7.00 %
4.00 %
Residential loans
5.00 %
4.15 %
5.00 %
4.15 %
Most mortgage loans are first position loans. Loans issued are generally limited to no more than 80% of the appraised value of the property.
The Company has in place a monitoring system to provide Management with information regarding potential troubled loans. Letters are sent to each mortgagee when the loan becomes 30 days or more delinquent. Management is provided with a monthly listing of loans that are 60 days or more past due. All loans 90 days or more past due are placed on a non-performing status and classified as delinquent loans. Quarterly, coinciding with external financial reporting, the Company reviews each delinquent loan and determines how each delinquent loan should be classified. Management believes the current internal controls surrounding the mortgage loan selection process provide a quality portfolio with minimal risk of foreclosure and/or negative financial impact.
Changes in the current economy could have a negative impact on the loans, including the financial stability of the borrowers, the borrowers’ ability to pay or to refinance, the value of the property held as collateral and the ability to find purchasers at favorable prices. Interest accruals are analyzed based on the likelihood of repayment. In no event will interest continue to accrue when accrued interest along with the outstanding principal exceeds the net realizable value of the property. The Company does not utilize a specified number of days delinquent to cause an automatic non-accrual status.
The following table summarizes the mortgage loan holdings of the Company for the periods ended December 31:
In good standing
$
15,318,176
$
30,698,694
Total mortgage loans
$
15,318,176
$
30,698,694
Total foreclosed loans during the year
$
$
The following is a summary of the mortgage loans outstanding and the related allowance for credit losses:
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Farm
$
332,417
$
383,278
Commercial
13,764,209
28,767,888
Residential
1,495,550
1,547,528
Total mortgage loans
15,592,176
30,698,694
Less allowance for credit losses
(274,000
)
Total mortgage loans, net
$
15,318,176
$
30,698,694
There were no past due loans as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Investment Real Estate
Real estate held-for-investment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line-basis for financial reporting purposes using estimated useful lives of 3 to 30 years. The Company periodically reviews its real estate held-for-investment for impairment and tests for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. During 2023 and 2022, no impairments were recognized on the investment real estate.
Note 3 - Fair Value Measurements of the Consolidated Financial Statements provides further information regarding the fair value of financial instruments that are not measured at fair value. The investment real estate owned by the Company is included in this portion of the Note 3 - Fair Value Measurements disclosure.
The following table provides an allocation of the Company’s investment real estate by type for the periods ended December 31:
Raw land
$
6,971,930
$
11,634,472
Commercial
4,106,938
4,169,847
Residential
3,512,408
2,489,858
Land, minerals and royalty interests
7,383,844
7,931,622
Total investment real estate
$
21,975,120
$
26,225,799
(1)
The Company has elected to reclassify certain investments to conform with the presentation for the year ended December 31, 2023. These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income.
The Company’s investment real estate portfolio includes ownership in oil and gas royalties. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, investments in oil and gas royalties represented 34% and 30%, respectively, of the total investment real estate portfolio. See Note 13 - Concentrations of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the allocation of the oil and gas investment real estate holdings by industry type.
Gains and losses recognized on the disposition of the properties are recorded as realized gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During 2023 and 2022, the Company acquired $3,417,744 and $4,586,280 of investment real estate, respectively.
Notes Receivable
Notes receivable represent collateral loans and promissory notes issued by the Company and are reported at their unpaid principal balances, adjusted for valuation allowances. Interest accruals are analyzed based on the likelihood of repayment. The Company does not utilize a specified number of days delinquent to cause an automatic non-accrual status. During 2023 and 2022, the Company acquired $4,779,241 and $9,030,657 of notes receivable, respectively.
Before a new note is issued, the applicant is subject to certain criteria set forth by Company Management to ensure quality control. Once the note is approved, the Company directly funds the note to the borrower. Several of the notes have participation agreements in place, whereas the Company has reduced its investment in the note receivable by participating a portion of the note to a third party.
Similar to the mortgage loans, FSNB services several of the notes receivable. The Company, and the participants in the notes, share in the risk of loss associated with the terms of the note with the borrower, based upon their ownership percentage in the note. The Company has in place a monitoring system to provide Management with information regarding potential troubled loans.
The following is a summary of the notes receivable outstanding and the related allowance for credit losses:
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Notes receivable
$
14,259,225
$
14,424,127
Less allowance for credit losses
(250,000
)
Total notes receivable, net
$
14,009,225
$
14,424,127
Short-Term Investments
Short-term investments have remaining maturities exceeding three months and under 12 months at the time of purchase and are stated at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. The short-term investments consist of United States Treasury securities.
During 2023 and 2022, the Company acquired $48,473,476 and $3,591,885, respectively, in short-term investments.
Allowance for Credit Loss - Loans
The allowance for credit loss (“ACL”) is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. Loans are charged off against the allowance when Management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged-off and expected to be charged-off.
The allowance for credit losses represents Management’s estimate of lifetime credit losses inherent in loans as of the balance sheet date. The allowance for credit losses is estimated by Management using relevant available information, from both internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts.
The Company measures expected credit losses for loans on a pooled basis when similar risk characteristics exist. The Company has identified the following portfolio segments - mortgage loans on real estate and notes receivable.
The allowance for credit losses calculation includes subjective adjustments for qualitative risk factors that are likely to cause estimated credit losses to differ from historical experience. These qualitative adjustments may increase or reduce reserve levels and include adjustments for risk tolerance, loan review and audit results, asset quality and portfolio trends, industry concentrations, external factors and economic conditions.
Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. When Management determines that foreclosure is probable and the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, the expected credit losses are based on the fair value of collateral at the reporting date unadjusted for selling costs as appropriate.
Allowance for Credit Loss - Unfunded Commitments
Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit issued to meet customer financing needs. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for off-balance sheet loan commitments is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.
The Company records an allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures, unless the commitments to extend credit are unconditionally cancelable, through a charge to provision for unfunded commitments in the Company’s income statements. The allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures is estimated by loan segment at each balance sheet date under the current expected credit loss model using the same methodologies as portfolio loans, taking into consideration the likelihood that funding will occur as well a any third-party guarantees. The allowance for unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 is $51,000 and $0, respectively, and is included in other liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Allowance for Credit Loss - Accrued Interest
Accrued interest is not included in the ACL and if deemed uncollectible, it is charged against interest income when determined to be uncollectible.
Analysis of Investment Operations
The following table reflects the Company’s net investment income for the periods ended December 31:
Fixed maturities
$
4,184,070
$
4,318,591
Equity securities
2,710,201
6,157,942
Trading securities
(13,283
)
Mortgage loans
1,115,145
1,580,647
Real estate
8,318,201
11,640,759
Notes receivable
1,371,973
933,886
Policy loans
433,556
489,823
Cash and cash equivalents
1,007,840
203,250
Short-term investments
529,125
5,056
Total consolidated investment income
19,670,111
25,316,671
Investment expenses
(5,528,302
)
(4,505,200
)
Consolidated net investment income
$
14,141,809
$
20,811,471
(1)
The Company has elected to reclassify certain investments to conform with the presentation for the year ended December 31, 2023. These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income.
The following table presents net investment gains (losses) and the change in net unrealized gains on investments for the periods ended December 31:
Realized gains:
Sales of fixed maturities
$
58,333
$
4,683
Sales of equity securities
820,001
8,986,784
Sales of real estate
8,577,155
5,326,838
Sales of short-term investments
23,509
Total realized gains
9,478,998
14,318,305
Realized losses:
Sales of fixed maturities
(5,211
)
Sales of equity securities
(7,966
)
(109,636
)
Sales of real estate
(34,547
)
Sales of short-term investments
(7,189
)
Other-than-temporary impairments
(5,000,000
)
Total realized losses
(15,155
)
(5,149,394
)
Net realized investment gains
9,463,843
9,168,911
Change in fair value of equity securities:
Change in fair value of equity securities held at the end of the period
(3,830,793
)
33,690,712
Change in fair value of equity securities
(3,830,793
)
33,690,712
Net investment gains
$
5,633,050
$
42,859,623
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments included in other comprehensive income:
Fixed maturities
$
2,867,943
$
(21,981,097
)
Net increase (decrease)
$
2,867,943
$
(21,981,097
)
Investments on Deposit
The Company had investments with a fair value of $7,959,076 and $7,771,724 on deposit with various state insurance departments as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Note 3 - Fair Value Measurements
Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are measured and classified in accordance with a fair value hierarchy consisting of three levels based on the observability of valuation inputs:
Level 1 - Valuation is based upon quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 - Valuation methodologies include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or the Company may use various valuation techniques or pricing models that use observable inputs to measure fair value.
Level 3 - Valuation is based upon unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
The following table presents information about assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicates the level of the fair value measurement based on the observability of the inputs used as of December 31:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Government and government agencies and authorities
$
13,587,779
$
$
$
13,587,779
U.S. special revenue and assessments
7,308,458
7,308,458
Corporate securities
82,513,599
82,513,599
Total fixed maturities
13,587,779
89,822,057
103,409,836
Equity securities:
Common stocks
35,819,973
5,329,080
2,807,634
43,956,687
Limited liability companies
57,604,806
57,604,806
Total equity securities
35,819,973
5,329,080
60,412,440
101,561,493
Short-term investments
29,132,236
29,132,236
Total financial assets
$
78,539,988
$
95,151,137
$
60,412,440
$
234,103,565
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Government and government agencies and authorities
$
17,211,175
$
$
$
17,211,175
U.S. special revenue and assessments
7,199,100
7,199,100
Corporate securities
83,902,784
83,902,784
Total fixed maturities
17,211,175
91,101,884
108,313,059
Equity securities:
Common stocks
45,999,477
6,651,800
52,651,277
Limited liability companies
7,967,643
7,967,643
Total equity securities
45,999,477
6,651,800
7,967,643
60,618,920
Short-term investments
3,596,941
3,596,941
Total financial assets
$
66,807,593
$
97,753,684
$
7,967,643
$
172,528,920
Total assets included in the fair value hierarchy exclude certain equity securities that were measured at estimated fair value using the net asset value (“NAV”) per share practical expedient. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the estimated fair value of such investments was $54,989,319 and $89,434,766, respectively. These investments are generally not readily redeemable by the investee.
The following is a description of the valuation techniques used by the Company to measure assets reported at fair value on a recurring basis.
Available for Sale Securities
Securities classified as available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Securities classified as Level 1 utilized fair value measurements based upon quoted market prices, when available. If quoted market prices are not available, the Company obtains fair value measurements from recently executed transactions, market price quotations, benchmark yields and issuer spreads to value Level 2 securities. In certain instances where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, securities are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy. Fair value determinations for Level 3 measurements are estimated on a quarterly basis where assumptions used are reviewed to ensure the estimated fair value complies with accounting standards generally accepted in the United States.
Equity Securities at Fair Value
Equity securities consist of common and preferred stocks and limited liability companies mainly in private equity investments, financial institutions and publicly traded corporations. Equity securities for which there is sufficient market data are categorized as Level 1 or 2 in the fair value hierarchy. For the equity securities in which quoted market prices are not available, the Company uses industry standard pricing methodologies, including discounted cash flow models that may incorporate various inputs such as payment expectations, risk of the investment, market data, and health of the underlying company. The inputs are based upon Management’s assumptions and available market information. When evidence is believed to support a change to the carrying value from the transaction price, adjustments are made to reflect the expected cash flows, material events and market data. These investments are included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Change in Level 3 Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents the changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, and the realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to the Level 3 assets and liabilities.
Investments in
Investments in Common Stocks
Limited Liability Companies
Total
Balance at December 31, 2022
$
$
7,967,643
$
7,967,643
Realized gains (losses)
Unrealized gains (losses)
211,449
15,211,945
15,423,394
Purchases
5,683,029
5,683,029
Sales
(166,250
)
(166,250
)
Transfers in to Level 3
2,596,185
28,908,439
31,504,624
Transfers out of Level 3
Balance at December 31, 2023
$
2,807,634
$
57,604,806
$
60,412,440
Both observable and unobservable inputs may be used to determine the fair values of positions classified in Level 3 in the tables above. As a result, the unrealized gains (losses) on instruments held at December 31, 2023 and 2022 may include changes in fair value that were attributable to both observable and unobservable inputs.
Assets and liabilities are transferred into Level 3 when a significant input cannot be corroborated with market observable data. This occurs when market activity decreases significantly and underlying inputs cannot be observed, current prices are not available, and/or when there are significant variances in quoted prices, thereby affecting transparency. Assets and liabilities are transferred out of Level 3 when circumstances change such that a significant input can be corroborated with market observable data. This may be due to a significant increase in market activity, a specific event, or one or more significant input(s) becoming observable.
In 2023, transfers in to Level 3 included limited liability companies classified as equity securities for which valuation techniques changed due to the availability of data.
Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents information about the significant unobservable inputs used for recurring fair value measurements for certain Level 3 instruments and includes only those instruments for which information about the inputs is reasonably available to the Company, such as data from independent third-party valuation service providers and from internal valuation models.
Financial Assets
Fair Value at December 31, 2023
Fair Value at December 31, 2022
Valuation Technique
Limited liability companies
$
57,604,806
$
7,967,643
Pricing Model
Common stocks
2,807,634
Pricing Model
Total
$
60,412,440
$
7,967,643
Uncertainty of Fair Value Measurements
The significant unobservable inputs used in the determination of the fair value of assets classified as Level 3 have an inherent measurement uncertainty that if changed could result in higher or lower fair value measurements of these assets as of the reporting date.
Equity Securities at Fair Value
Fair market value for equity securities is derived based on unobservable inputs, such as projected normalized revenues and industry standard multiples of revenue for the equity securities valued using pricing model. Significant increases (decreases) in either of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.
Investments in Certain Entities Carried at Fair Value Using Net Asset Value per Share
The Company holds certain equity securities that are measured at estimated fair value using the NAV per share practical expedient. These investments are generally not readily redeemable by the investee. The following tables provide additional information regarding the assets carried at NAV.
Investment Category
Fair Value at December 31, 2023
Unfunded Commitments
Redemption Frequency
Redemption Notice Period
Equity securities
Growth equity
Redeemable
Limited partnership
$
34,081,797
$
Quarterly
Non-redeemable
Limited liability companies
11,960,929
9,464,608
n/a
n/a
Limited partnerships
8,946,593
2,410,599
n/a
n/a
Total
$
54,989,319
$
11,875,207
Investment Category
Fair Value at December 31, 2022
Unfunded Commitments
Redemption Frequency
Redemption Notice Period
Equity securities
Growth equity
Redeemable
Limited partnership
$
43,724,562
$
49,343
Quarterly
Non-redeemable
Common stock
12,074,829
n/a
n/a
Limited liability companies
25,243,953
4,931,498
n/a
n/a
Limited partnerships
8,391,422
2,799,026
n/a
n/a
Total
$
89,434,766
$
7,779,867
The following are descriptions of the Company’s assets held at NAV.
The Company invested in a limited partnership that was formed under the laws of the State of Delaware on October 5, 1999, as a Delaware limited partnership (“LP”). The Limited Partnership Agreement provides for the Fund to continue until dissolved. There are significant restrictions to the dissolution process, which are outlined in the LP Agreement. The Fund invests in listed equity and fixed income securities as well as non-listed securities, including direct-owned minerals and other royalties. In 2013, UG entered into an irrevocable subscription agreement to invest in the LP.
The Company invested in a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) that was formed under the laws of the state of Delaware in 2020. The LLC agreement provides for the Company to continue until dissolved. There are significant restrictions to the dissolution process, which are outlined in the LLC Agreement. The LLC Company was formed for the purpose of acquiring, making investments in, and owning, holding, and growing operating businesses through the United States. In 2020, UG entered into a LLC Agreement to invest in this LLC.
The Company invested in a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) that was formed under the laws of the state of Delaware. The LLC was formed on October 15, 2020 to provide long-term investment returns. The Company will continue to operate until December 31, 2032, or until each of the investment funds in which the LLC invests terminates, unless terminated earlier or extended in accordance with the Operating Agreement. In 2020, UG completed the Subscription Agreement to become an investor in this LLC.
The Company invested in a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) that was formed under the laws of the state of Delaware. The LLC was formed on July 1, 2022 to amplify philanthropy by primarily investing in venture capital investment funds and in direct venture capital investments of operating companies. The Company will continue to operate until December 31, 2034, or until each of the investment funds in which the LLC invests terminates, unless terminated earlier or extended in accordance with the Operating Agreement. In 2022, the Company completed the Subscription Agreement to become an investor in this LLC.
The Company invested in a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) that was formed under the laws of the state of Delaware. The LLC was organized solely for the purpose owning, managing, supervising and disposing of the investment. The Partnership will continue in existence for the investment period (subject to extension), unless sooner terminated by operation of law or pursuant to any provision of the Limited Partnership Agreement. In 2022, the Company entered into a Limited Partnership Agreement to invest in this LP.
The Company invested in a closed-end LP fund that was formed pursuant to the laws of the State of Delaware under a limited partners agreement (the “Agreement”) on April 6, 2015 and is scheduled to terminate on the tenth anniversary of the final closing date, unless terminated sooner or extended in accordance with the Agreement. The purpose of the LP is to make investments in and pursue targets that educate, train, and inspire men and women in the United States and around the world to value free enterprise, business, and economics to improve the quality of their lives and the lives and the lives of those in their communities. In 2015, the Company entered into a Limited Partnership Agreement to invest in this LP.
The Company invested in a closed-end LP fund that was formed pursuant to the laws of the State of Delaware under a limited partners agreement (the “Agreement”) on September 5, 2018 (the “Agreement”), and is scheduled to terminate on the twelfth anniversary of the Final Closing Date, unless terminated sooner or extended in accordance with the Agreement. The purpose of the Partnership is to make investments in and pursue targets that educate, train, and inspire men and women in the United States and around the world to value free enterprise, business, and economics to improve the quality of their lives and the lives and the lives of those in their communities. In 2018, the Company entered into a Limited Partnership Agreement to invest in this LP.
The Company invested in a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) that was formed under the laws of the state of Delaware. The LLC was formed September 29, 2021 for the purpose of investing in companies located in emerging markets. The Limited Liability Company Agreement provides for LLC to continue until dissolved, unless terminated earlier through terms specified in the Operating Agreement. In 2021, the Company entered into a Limited Liability Company Agreement to invest in the LLC.
The Company invested in a LP that was formed pursuant to the laws of the state of Delaware under a limited partnership agreement on October 27, 2021 (the “Agreement”) and is scheduled to terminate on the tenth anniversary of the Final Closing Date, unless terminated sooner or extended in accordance with the Agreement. The Partnership is organized for the principal purposes of acquiring, holding, supervising, managing and disposing of investment in recapitalization, management buyouts, and corporate divestitures of Portfolio Companies operating in various segments of the U.S. lower middle markets. In 2022, the Company entered into a Limited Partnership Agreement to invest in this LP.
The Company invested in a LLC that was formed as an Alabama Limited Liability Company on April 6, 2022. The Limited Liability Company Agreement provides for the LLC to continue until dissolved, unless terminated earlier through terms specified in the Operating Agreement. The purpose of Trivela is to (1) acquire, own and operate football (soccer) clubs (each a “Target Company”) (2) establish investment vehicles for the acquisition of Target Companies (3) sponsor private placements of securities on behalf of each investment vehicle (4) manage the operations of each investment vehicle & Target Company on a fee for services basis (5) engage in any lawful act or activity incidental to the Business as reasonably determined by the managers. The Company entered into a Limited Liability Company Agreement to invest in Trivela Group, LLC.
The Company invested in a LLC that was formed as an Alabama Limited Liability Company on April 15, 2022. The Limited Liability Company Agreement provides for the LLC to continue until dissolved, unless terminated earlier through terms specified in the Operating Agreement. The LLC invests in sports clubs and real estate. In 2022, The Company entered into a Limited Liability Company Agreement to invest in this LLC.
Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis
Certain assets are not carried at fair value on a recurring basis. Accordingly, such investments are only included in the fair value hierarchy disclosure when the investment is subject to re-measurement at fair value after initial recognition and the resulting re-measurement is reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company did not recognize any re-measurements or impairments of financial instruments during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Fair Value Information About Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value
Certain assets are not carried at fair value on a recurring basis. Accordingly, such investments are only included in the fair value hierarchy disclosure when the investment is subject to re-measurement at fair value after initial recognition and the resulting re-measurement is reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The following table presents the carrying amount and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments not measured at fair value and indicates the level in the fair value hierarchy of the estimated fair value measurement based on the observability of the inputs used as of December 31:
Carrying
Amount
Estimated
Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets
Held to maturity redeemable preferred stock
$
2,500,000
$
2,500,000
$
$
$
2,500,000
Equity securities, at cost
15,977,368
15,977,368
15,977,368
Mortgage loans on real estate
15,318,176
14,447,026
14,447,026
Investment real estate
21,975,120
62,899,838
62,899,838
Notes receivable
14,009,225
14,189,147
14,189,147
Policy loans
6,018,248
6,018,248
6,018,248
Accrued investment income
2,001,064
2,001,064
2,001,064
Liabilities
Policy claims and benefits payable
4,188,917
4,188,917
4,188,917
Dividend and endowment accumulations
14,749,258
14,749,258
14,749,258
Notes payable
19,000,000
19,000,000
19,000,000
Carrying
Amount
Estimated
Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets
Held to maturity redeemable preferred stock
$
2,500,000
$
2,500,000
$
$
$
2,500,000
Equity securities, at cost
21,891,896
21,891,896
21,891,896
Mortgage loans on real estate
30,698,694
29,735,873
29,735,873
Investment real estate
26,225,799
74,026,290
74,026,290
Notes receivable
14,424,127
14,812,523
14,812,523
Policy loans
6,567,434
6,567,434
6,567,434
Accrued investment income
1,371,677
1,371,677
1,371,677
Liabilities
Policy claims and benefits payable
4,072,879
4,072,879
4,072,879
Dividend and endowment accumulations
14,802,746
14,802,746
14,802,746
Notes payable
19,000,000
19,000,000
19,000,000
(1)
The Company has elected to reclassify certain investments to conform with the presentation for the year ended December 31, 2023. These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income.
The above estimated fair value amounts have been determined based upon the following valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment was required to interpret market data in order to develop these estimates. Accordingly, the estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts which could be realized in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the fair value amounts.
The fair values of mortgage loans on real estate are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses and interest rates being offered for similar loans to borrowers with similar credit ratings. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our mortgage loans on real estate are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
Investment real estate is recorded at the lower of the net investment in the real estate or the fair value of the real estate less costs to sell. The determination of fair value assessments are performed on a periodic, non-recurring basis by external appraisal and assessment of property values by Management. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our investment real estate are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
The fair values of notes receivable are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses and interest rates being offered for similar loans to borrowers with similar credit ratings. The inputs used to measure the fair value of the notes receivable are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
Policy loans are carried at the aggregate unpaid principal balances in the Consolidated Balance Sheets which approximate fair value, and earn interest at rates ranging from 4% to 8%. Individual policy liabilities in all cases equal or exceed outstanding policy loan balances. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our policy loans are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
The carrying value for notes payable is a reasonable estimate of fair value subject to floating rates of interest. The fair value of notes payable with fixed rate borrowings is determined based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for loans with similar terms and average maturities. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our notes payable are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.
Note 4 - Reinsurance
As is customary in the insurance industry, the insurance subsidiary cedes insurance to, and assumes insurance from, other insurance companies under reinsurance agreements. Reinsurance agreements are intended to limit a life insurer’s maximum loss on a large or unusually hazardous risk or to obtain a greater diversification of risk. The ceding insurance company remains primarily liable with respect to ceded insurance should any reinsurer be unable to meet the obligations assumed by it. However, it is the practice of insurers to reduce their exposure to loss to the extent that they have been reinsured with other insurance companies. The Company sets a limit on the amount of insurance retained on the life of any one person. The Company will not retain more than $125,000, including accidental death benefits, on any one life. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had gross insurance in-force of approximately $847 million of which approximately $172 million was ceded to reinsurers. As December 31, 2022, the Company had gross insurance in-force of approximately $897 million of which approximately $184 million was ceded to reinsurers.
The Company’s reinsured business is ceded to numerous reinsurers. The Company monitors the solvency of its reinsurers in seeking to minimize the risk of loss in the event of a failure by one of the parties. The Company is primarily liable to the insureds even if the reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations. The primary reinsurers of the Company are large, well-capitalized entities.
Most recently, UG utilized reinsurance agreements with Optimum Re Insurance Company (“Optimum”), and Swiss Re Life and Health America Incorporated (“SWISS RE”). Optimum and SWISS RE currently hold an “A” (Excellent) and “A+” (Superior) rating, respectively, from A.M. Best, an industry rating company. The reinsurance agreements were effective December 1, 1993 and covered most new business of UG. Under the terms of the agreements, UG cedes risk amounts above its retention limit of $100,000 with a minimum cession of $25,000. Ceded amounts are shared equally between the two reinsurers on a yearly renewable term (“YRT”) basis, a common industry method. The treaty is self-administered; meaning the Company records the reinsurance results and reports them to the reinsurers.
Also, Optimum is the reinsurer of 100% of the accidental death benefits (“ADB”) in force of UG. This coverage is renewable annually at the Company’s option. Optimum specializes in reinsurance agreements with small to mid-size carriers such as UG.
UG entered into a coinsurance agreement with Park Avenue Life Insurance Company (“PALIC”) effective September 30, 1996. Under the terms of the agreement, UG ceded to PALIC substantially all of its then in-force paid-up life insurance policies. Paid-up life insurance generally refers to non-premium paying life insurance policies. Under the terms of the agreement, UG sold 100% of the future results of this block of business to PALIC through a coinsurance agreement. UG continues to administer the business for PALIC and receives a servicing fee through a commission allowance based on the remaining in-force policies each month. PALIC has the right to assumption reinsure the business, at its option, and transfer the administration. The Company is not aware of any such plans. PALIC’s ultimate parent, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (“Guardian”), currently holds an “A++” (Superior) rating from A.M. Best. The PALIC agreement accounts for approximately 64% of UG’s reinsurance reserve credit, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
The Company does not have any short-duration reinsurance contracts. The effect of the Company’s long-duration reinsurance contracts on premiums earned in 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
Premiums Earned
Premiums Earned
Direct
$
7,918,235
$
8,384,604
Assumed
Ceded
(2,553,010
)
(2,697,382
)
Net Premiums
$
5,365,225
$
5,687,222
Note 5 - Cost of Insurance Acquired
When an insurance company is acquired, the Company assigns a portion of its cost to the right to receive future cash flows from insurance contracts existing at the date of the acquisition. The cost of policies purchased represents the actuarially determined present value of the projected future profits from the acquired policies. Cost of insurance acquired is amortized with interest in relation to expected future profits, including direct charge-offs for any excess of the unamortized asset over the projected future profits. The interest rates utilized may vary due to differences in the blocks of business. The interest rate utilized in the amortization calculation of the remaining cost of insurance acquired is 12%. The amortization is adjusted retrospectively when estimates of current or future gross profits to be realized from a group of products are revised.
Cost of insurance acquired, beginning of year
$
2,698,153
$
3,386,501
Interest accretion
418,722
501,324
Amortization
(1,079,979
)
(1,189,672
)
Net amortization
(661,257
)
(688,348
)
Cost of insurance acquired, end of year
$
2,036,896
$
2,698,153
Estimated net amortization expense of cost of insurance acquired for the next four years is as follows:
Interest
Accretion
Amortization
Net
Amortization
339,372
975,187
635,815
263,074
877,240
614,166
189,374
799,520
610,146
116,157
292,926
176,769
Note 6 - Income Taxes
UTG and UG file separate federal income tax returns.
Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following components:
Current tax expense (benefit)
$
(517,108
)
$
7,054,454
Deferred tax
372,861
2,517,685
Income tax expense (benefit)
$
(144,247
)
$
9,572,139
The expense for income taxes differed from the amounts computed by applying the applicable United States statutory rate of 21% as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, before income taxes as a result of the following differences:
Tax computed at statutory rate
$
404,427
$
9,226,662
Changes in taxes due to:
Non-controlling interest
(23,813
)
(22,332
)
Dividend received deduction
(109,642
)
(142,790
)
Oil and gas royalty's depletion
(106,797
)
(170,123
)
Other, including prior year true up
(308,422
)
680,722
Income tax expense (benefit)
$
(144,247
)
$
9,572,139
The following table summarizes the major components that comprise the net deferred tax liability as reflected in the balance sheets:
Investments
$
11,862,470
$
10,794,061
Cost of insurance acquired
427,748
566,612
Management/consulting fees
(7,899
)
(8,206
)
Future policy benefits
(697,024
)
(718,338
)
Deferred gain on sale of subsidiary
1,387,490
1,387,490
Other liabilities
(284,350
)
(330,488
)
Reserves adjustment
96,105
144,158
Federal tax DAC
(236,950
)
(253,151
)
Loan loss reserve
(120,750
)
Deferred tax liability
$
12,426,840
$
11,582,138
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had gross deferred tax assets of $1,939,816 and $1,808,474, respectively, and gross deferred tax liabilities of $14,366,656 and $13,390,612, respectively, resulting from temporary differences primarily related to the life insurance subsidiary. A valuation allowance is to be provided when it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized by the Company. No valuation allowance has been recorded relating to the Company’s deferred tax assets since, in Management’s judgment, the Company will more likely than not have sufficient taxable income in future periods to fully realize its existing deferred tax assets.
The Company’s Federal income tax returns are periodically audited by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). There are currently no examinations in process, nor is Management aware of any pending examination by the IRS. The Company follows the accounting guidance for uncertainty in income taxes using the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC 740, Income Taxes. Using that guidance, tax positions initially need to be recognized in the financial statements when it is more-likely-than-not the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. Such tax positions initially and subsequently need to be measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authority assuming full knowledge of the position and relevant facts. The Company has evaluated its tax positions, expiring statutes of limitations, changes in tax law and new authoritative rulings and believes that no disclosure relative to a provision of income taxes is necessary, at this time, to cover any uncertain tax positions. Tax years that remain subject to examination are the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
The Company classifies interest and penalties on underpayment of income taxes as income tax expense. No interest or penalties were included in the reported income taxes for the years presented. The Company is not aware of any potential or proposed changes to any of its tax filings.
Note 7 - Credit Arrangements
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had the following lines of credit available:
Instrument
Issue Date
Maturity Date
Revolving Credit Limit
December 31, 2022
Borrowings
Repayments
December 31, 2023
Lines of Credit:
UTG
11/20/2013
11/20/2024
$
8,000,000
$
UG - CMA
10/21/2021
10/4/2024
25,000,000
19,000,000
21,500,000
21,500,000
19,000,000
UTG has a variable rate revolving line of credit. As collateral, UTG has pledged 100% of the common voting stock of its wholly owned subsidiary, Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company ("UG").
During October of 2023, the Federal Home Loan Bank approved UG’s Cash Management Advance Application (“CMA”). The CMA gives the Company the option of selecting a variable rate of interest for up to 90 days or a fixed rate for a maximum of 30 days. The variable rate CMA is prepayable at any time without a fee, while the fixed CMA is not prepayable prior to maturity. The Company has pledged bonds with a collateral lendable value of $20,258,602. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company borrowed $19 million and planned to utilize the funds for investing activities. The interest rate on the borrowed funds is variable and currently is 5.47%. During the first quarter of 2024, the Company repaid the entire outstanding principal balance.
Note 8 - Commitments and Contingencies
The insurance industry has experienced a number of civil jury verdicts which have been returned against life and health insurers in the jurisdictions in which the Company does business involving the insurers’ sales practices, alleged agent misconduct, failure to properly supervise agents, and other matters. Some of the lawsuits have resulted in the award of substantial judgments against the insurer, including material amounts of punitive damages. In some states, juries have substantial discretion in awarding punitive damages in these circumstances. In the normal course of business, the Company is involved from time to time in various legal actions and other state and federal proceedings. Management is of the opinion that the ultimate disposition of the matters will not have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
Under the insurance guaranty fund laws in most states, insurance companies doing business in a participating state can be assessed up to prescribed limits for policyholder losses incurred by insolvent or failed insurance companies. Although the Company cannot predict the amount of any future assessments, most insurance guaranty fund laws currently provide that an assessment may be excused or deferred if it would threaten an insurer’s financial strength. Mandatory assessments may be partially recovered through a reduction in future premium tax in some states. The Company does not believe such assessments will be materially different from amounts already provided for in the consolidated financial statements, though the Company has no control over such assessments.
Mortgage Loan Commitments - The Company commits to lend funds under mortgage loan commitments. The amounts of these mortgage loan commitments were $878,132 and $0 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Notes Receivable Commitments - The Company commits to lend funds under notes receivable funding commitments. The amounts of these notes receivable commitments were $2,800,000 and $4,109,343 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Commitments to Fund Limited Liability Company and Limited Partnership Investments - The Company commits to fund investments in limited liability companies and limited partnership. The amounts of the unfunded commitments were $16,153,903 and $14,443,510 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Note 9 - Shareholders’ Equity
Stock Repurchase Program - The Board of Directors of UTG has authorized the repurchase in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions of UTG’s common stock. At a meeting of the Board of Directors in March of 2022, the Board of Directors of UTG authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $2 million of UTG’s common stock, for a total repurchase of $22 million of UTG’s common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Company Management has broad authority to operate the program, including the discretion of whether to purchase shares and the ability to suspend or terminate the program. Open market purchases are made based on the last available market price but may be limited. During 2023, the Company repurchased 30,646 shares through the stock repurchase program for $881,966. Through December 31, 2023, UTG has spent $20,191,403 in the acquisition of 1,356,859 shares under this program.
Director Compensation - Effective January 1, 2018, a compensation arrangement was approved whereby each outside Director annually received $5,000 as a retainer and $2,500 per meeting attended. The compensation is be paid in the form of UTG, Inc. common stock. The value is determined annually on the close of business December 20th or the next business day should December 20th be a weekend or holiday, based on the activity of the year just ending. Reasonable travel expenses are reimbursed in cash as incurred. UTG’s Director Compensation policy provides that Directors who are employees of UTG or its affiliates do not receive any compensation for their services as Directors except for reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses for attending each meeting.
In December of 2023, the Company issued 4,246 shares of its common stock as compensation to the Directors. The shares were valued at $30.01 per share, the market value at the date of issue. During 2023, the Company recorded $127,422 in operating expense related to the stock issuance. In December of 2022, the Company issued 4,485 shares of its common stock as compensation to the Directors. The shares were valued at $25.06 per share, the market value at the date of issue. During 2022, the Company recorded $112,394 in operating expense related to the stock issuance.
Other Compensation - During 2023, the Company issued 26,911 shares of stock to management and employees as compensation at a cost of $674,390. During 2022, The Company issued 17,963 shares of stock to management and employees as compensation at a cost of $486,798. These awards are determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Earnings Per Share - The following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
3,176,757
3,167,719
Weighted average dilutive options outstanding
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
3,176,757
3,167,719
The computation of diluted earnings per share is the same as basic earnings per share for the years ending December 31, 2023 and 2022, as there were no outstanding securities, options or other offers that give the right to receive or acquire common shares of UTG.
Statutory Restrictions - Restrictions exist on the flow of funds to UTG from its insurance subsidiary. Statutory regulations require life insurance subsidiaries to maintain certain minimum amounts of capital and surplus. UG is required to maintain minimum statutory surplus of $2,500,000. At December 31, 2023, substantially all of the consolidated shareholders’ equity represents net assets of UTG’s subsidiaries.
UG is domiciled in the state of Ohio. Ohio requires notification within 5 business days to the insurance commissioner following the declaration of any ordinary dividend and at least ten calendar days prior to payment of such dividend. Ordinary dividends are defined as the greater of: a) prior year statutory net income or b) 10% of statutory capital and surplus. Extraordinary dividends (amounts in excess of ordinary dividend limitations) require prior approval of the insurance commissioner and are not restricted to a specific calculation. UG paid ordinary dividends of $2 million and $3 million to UTG in 2023 and 2022, respectively. No extraordinary dividends were paid during the two year period. UTG used the dividends received during 2023 and 2022 to purchase outstanding shares of UTG stock and for general operations of the Company.
Note 10 - Statutory Accounting
The insurance subsidiary prepares its statutory-based financial statements in accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Ohio Department of Insurance. These principles differ significantly from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. “Prescribed” statutory accounting practices include state laws, regulations, and general administrative rules, as well as a variety of publications of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). “Permitted” statutory accounting practices encompass all accounting practices that are not prescribed; such practices may differ from state to state, from company to company within a state, and may change in the future.
The following table reflects UG’s statutory basis net income and capital and surplus (shareholders’ equity) as of December 31:
Net income
$
8,320,315
$
18,782,335
Capital and surplus
91,828,094
93,269,301
Note 11 - Related Party Transactions
The articles of incorporation of UG contain the following language under item 12 relative to related party transactions:
A director shall not be disqualified from-dealing with or contracting with the corporation as vendor, purchaser; employee, agent or otherwise; nor, in the absence of fraud, shall any transaction or contract or act of this corporation be void or in any way affected or invalidated by the fact that any director or any firm of which any director is a member or any corporation of which any director is a shareholder, director or officer is in any way interested in such transaction or contract or act, provided the fact that such director or such firm or such corporation so interested shall be disclosed or shall be known to the Board of Directors or such members thereof as shall be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors at which action upon any such contract or transaction or act shall be taken: nor shall any such director be accountable or responsible to the company for or in respect to such transaction or contract or act of. this corporation or for any gains or profits realized by him by reason of the fact that he or any firm of which he is a member or any corporation of which he is a shareholder, director or officer is interested in such action or contract; and any such director may be counted in determining the existence of a quorum of any meeting of the Board of Directors of the company which shall authorize or take action in respect to any such contract or transaction or act and may vote thereat to authorize, ratify, or approve any such contract or transaction or act, with like force and effect as if he or any firm of which he is a member or any corporation of which he is a shareholder, director or officer were not interested in such transaction or contract or act.
On February 20, 2003, UG purchased $4 million of a trust preferred security offering issued by First Southern Bancorp, Inc. (“FSBI”). The security has a mandatory redemption after 30 years with a call provision after 5 years. The security pays a quarterly dividend at a fixed rate of 6.515%. The Company received dividends of $165,137 during 2023 and 2022.
On March 30, 2009, UG purchased $1 million of FSBI common stock. The sale and transfer of this security is restricted by the provisions of a stock restriction and buy-sell agreement.
UTG has a 30.10% ownership interest in an aircraft that is jointly owned with First Southern National Bank and Bandyco, LLC. Bandyco, LLC is affiliated with the Estate of Ward F. Correll. Mr. Correll is the father of Jesse Correll and a former director of the Company. The aircraft is used for business related travel by various officers and employees of the Company. For years 2023 and 2022, UTG paid $307,442 and $553,533 for costs associated with the aircraft, respectively.
Effective January 1, 2007, UTG entered into administrative services and cost sharing agreements with its subsidiary. Under this arrangement, the subsidiary pays its proportionate share of expenses, based on an allocation formula. During 2023 and 2022, UG paid $7,910,324 and $7,862,902, respectively, in expenses. The Ohio Department of Insurance has approved the cost sharing agreement and it is Management’s opinion that where applicable, costs have been allocated fairly and such allocations are based upon accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The Company from time to time acquires mortgage loans through participation agreements with FSNB. FSNB services the Company’s mortgage loans including those covered by the participation agreements. The Company pays a 0.25% servicing fee on these loans and a one-time fee at loan origination of 0.50% of the original loan cost to cover costs incurred by FSNB relating to the processing and establishment of the loan. The Company paid $18,694 and $24,146 in servicing fees and $18,630 and $0 in origination fees to FSNB during 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Effective January 1, 2017, UTG entered into a shared services contract with FSNB. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, UTG and FSNB will utilize the services of the other’s staff in certain instances for the betterment of both entities. Personnel within departments, such as accounting, human resources, and information technology, are shared between the entities. Costs of these resources are then reimbursed between the companies. The shared services arrangement provides benefits to both parties such as access to a greater pool of knowledgeable staff, efficiencies from elimination of redundancies and more streamlined operations.
The Company reimbursed expenses incurred by employees of FSNB relating to salaries, travel and other costs incurred on behalf of or relating to the Company and received reimbursements from FSNB. The Company paid $1,337,096 and $895,317 in 2023 and 2022, respectively to FSNB in net reimbursement of such costs.
Effective July 1, 2018, the Company assumed the employees of several smaller entities owned or associated with UTG. The purpose of this was to support the continued efforts to further streamline operations amongst associated entities. The salaries, benefits, and payroll related processing fees are 100% reimbursed by the associated entities on a monthly basis. During 2023 and 2022, the Company received reimbursements of $1,438,450 and $1,134,315, respectively. These costs are eliminated for consolidation of these entities, where applicable.
The Company rents a portion of the first floor and second floor of an 8,000 square foot, two-story office building, located in Stanford, KY. The first floor of the building is occupied by UTG and FSNB employees that are included in the shared services agreement between the two entities. The second floor is occupied by the customer service call centers for both UTG and FSNB employees. The building is owned by FSNB and UTG pays $2,000 per month in rent to FSNB for the portion of the building occupied by UTG employees. The Company paid rent of $24,000 to FSNB in 2023 and 2022.
As previously disclosed in the Notes Receivable section of Note 2 - Investments, several of the Company’s notes have participation agreements in place with third parties. Certain participation agreements are with FSF, a related party. The participation agreements are sold without recourse and assigned to the participant based on their pro-rata share of the principal, interest and collateral as specified in the participation agreements. The undivided participations in the notes receivable range from 20% - 50%. The total amount of loans participated to FSF was $60,031 and $79,674 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
During 2022, FSF sold all of its membership interest in three limited liability companies (“LLC”) to a wholly-owned subsidiary of UTG at a price of $1 per entity. The three LLCs are listed on the Company’s organization chart as wholly-owned subsidiaries of Stanford Wilderness Road, LLC.
During the 4th quarter of 2023, UTG entered into a loan participation agreement with FSNB to fund a commercial mortgage loan issued to a company that is owned/managed by a member of UTG’s Board of Directors. UG has a 9% interest in the participated loan and has agreed to fund up to $1,482,300. As of December 31, 2023, $604,169 had been drawn on the loan.
Note 12 - Other Cash Flow Disclosures
On a cash basis, the Company paid the following expenses for the periods ended December 31:
Interest
$
44,814
$
83,995
Federal income tax
5,800,000
1,890,000
Note 13 - Concentrations
The Company maintains cash balances in financial institutions that at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Company maintains its primary operating cash accounts with First Southern National Bank, an affiliate of the largest shareholder of UTG, Mr. Jesse T. Correll, the Company’s CEO and Chairman. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.
Because UTG serves primarily individuals located in three states, the ability of our customers to pay their insurance premiums is impacted by the economic conditions in these areas. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, approximately 51% and 50%, respectively, of the Company’s total direct premium was collected from Illinois, Ohio, and Texas. Thus, results of operations are heavily dependent upon the strength of these economies.
The Company reinsures that portion of insurance risk which is in excess of its retention limits. Retention limits range up to $125,000 per life. Life insurance ceded represented 20% of total life insurance in-force at December 31, 2023 and 2022. Insurance ceded represented 40% of premium income for 2023 and 2022. The Company would be liable for the reinsured risks ceded to other companies to the extent that such reinsuring companies are unable to meet their obligations.
The Company owns a variety of investments associated with the oil and gas industry. These investments represented approximately 28% and 31% of the Company’s total invested assets at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The following table provides an allocation of the oil and gas investments by type as of December 31:
Land, Minerals &
Royalty Interests
Exploration
Total
Fixed maturities, at fair value
$
$
1,075,240
$
1,075,240
Equity securities, at fair value
84,066,203
84,066,203
Equity securities, at cost
5,826,381
5,826,381
Investment real estate
7,383,851
7,383,851
Notes receivable
2,000,000
2,000,000
Total
$
99,276,435
$
1,075,240
$
100,351,675
Land, Minerals &
Royalty Interests
Exploration
Total
Fixed maturities, at fair value
$
$
1,060,710
$
1,060,710
Equity securities, at fair value
86,811,806
86,811,806
Equity securities, at cost
13,840,908
13,840,908
Investment real estate
7,931,628
7,931,628
Notes receivable
1,950,657
1,950,657
Total
$
110,534,999
$
1,060,710
$
111,595,709
(1)
The Company has elected to reclassify certain investments to conform with the presentation for the year ended December 31, 2023. These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company owned four equity securities that represented approximately 73% and three securities that represented approximately 58%, respectively, of the total investments associated with the oil and gas industry.
The Company’s results of operations and financial condition have in the past been, and may in the future be, adversely affected by the degree of certain industry specific concentrations in the Company’s investment portfolio. The Company has significant exposure to investments associated with the oil and gas industry. Events or developments that have a negative effect on the oil and gas industry may adversely affect the valuation of our investments in this specific industry. The Company’s ability to sell its investments associated with the oil and gas industry may be limited.
Note 14 - Selected Quarterly Financial Data
As a smaller reporting company, as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, the Company has elected to comply with certain scaled disclosure reporting obligations, and therefore does not have to provide the information required by this item.
Note 15 - Revision of Previously Issued Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company identified an error in its previously issued December 31, 2022 Consolidated Financial Statements related to the presentation of the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Management evaluated this error in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin Number 99, Materiality, which is since codified in ASC 250 - Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, and concluded it was not material to any previously reported financial statements. However, in order to improve the consistency and comparability of the consolidated financial statements, Management will revise the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures to correct the error in future filings. There were no revisions to the Consolidated Balance Sheet, Statements of Operations, Statements of Shareholders’ Equity or the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. There were no changes to net income attributable to common shareholders or total shareholders’ equity.
December 31, 2022
Consolidated Statements of
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
As Previously Reported
Adjustments
As Revised
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period, pre-tax
$
(27,824,173
)
$
5,843,076
$
(21,981,097
)
Tax expense (benefit) on unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period
5,843,076
(1,227,133
)
4,615,943
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period, net of tax
(21,981,097
)
4,615,943
(17,365,154
)
Subtotal: Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(21,980,680
)
4,615,943
(17,364,737
)
Comprehensive income
12,383,666
4,615,943
16,999,609
Comprehensive income attributable to UTG, Inc.
$
12,277,325
$
4,615,943
$
16,893,268

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Armanino LLP, the Company’s external audit firm, notified the Company that they would be resigning as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the upcoming year end 2023. The decision to discontinue the engagement related to a change in direction at the audit firm.
During the Company’s year ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, and the subsequent interim period through September 19, 2023, during which Armanino served as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, there were no: (1) disagreements (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions) with Armanino on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements if not resolved to their satisfaction would have caused them to make a reference in connection with their opinion to the subject matter of the disagreement, or (2) reportable events (as described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulations S-K).
The Company provided Armanino with a copy of the disclosures included in the Form 8-K filed on September 20, 2023. Armanino furnished the Company with a letter addressed to the Commission stating whether it agrees with the statements made by the Company in response to Item 304(a) of Regulation S-K.
On September 19, 2023, the Company’s audit committee approved the appointment of Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.
During the year ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 and the subsequent interim period through September 19, 2023, neither management, the Company nor anyone on its behalf, consulted Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP regarding either (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the financial statements of the Company and no written report or oral advice was provided to the Company by Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) or Regulation S-K and the related instructions) or a reportable event (as described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) that are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Our disclosure controls and procedures are also designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is accumulated and communicated to Management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and Management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
Our Management, with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2023 and, based on this evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level.
Management’s Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
Our Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
The Company’s Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. In making the assessment, Management used the criteria issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). Based on Management’s assessment, Management concluded that, as of December 31, 2023, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only Management’s report in this Annual Report.
Changes in Internal Controls
There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting since December 31, 2023, in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s process for evaluating controls and procedures is continuous and encompasses constant improvement of the design and effectiveness of established controls and procedures and the remediation of any deficiencies, which may be identified during this process.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
None

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The Board of Directors
In accordance with the laws of Delaware and the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of UTG, as amended, UTG is managed by its executive officers under the direction of the Board of Directors. The Board elects executive officers, evaluates their performance, works with management in establishing business objectives and considers other fundamental corporate matters, such as the issuance of stock or other securities, the purchase or sale of a business and other significant corporate business transactions. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the Board met five times. During 2023, all Directors attended at least 75% of all meetings of the Board and meetings of committees of the Board, except for April R. Chapman, who attended 60% of all meetings. Our Board of Directors does not have a policy requiring directors to attend annual meetings of shareholders. All Board members attended our 2023 annual shareholders’ meeting, except for April R. Chapman and Peter L. Ochs.
The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee consisting of Messrs. Molnar, Harmon, and Cortines. Our Board has determined that each of the members of the Audit Committee meets the criteria for independence under the NASDAQ listing standards. The Audit Committee performs such duties as outlined in the Company’s Audit Committee Charter. The Audit Committee reviews and acts or reports to the Board with respect to various auditing and accounting matters, the scope of the audit procedures and the results thereof, internal accounting and control systems of UTG, the nature of services performed for UTG and the fees to be paid to the independent auditors, the performance of UTG’s independent and internal auditors and the accounting practices of UTG. The Audit Committee also recommends to the full Board of Directors the auditors to be appointed by the Board. The Audit Committee met four times in 2023.
The Board has reviewed the qualifications of each member of the audit committee and determined one member of the committee, Gabriel Molnar, meets the definition of an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 407 of Regulation S-K.
The Board of Directors has a Compensation Committee consisting of Messrs. Darden, Dayton, and Ochs. Our Board has determined that each of the members of the Compensation Committee meets the criteria for independence under the NASDAQ listing standards. The Compensation Committee performs such duties as outlined in the Company’s Compensation Committee Charter. The Compensation Committee reviews and acts or reports to the Board with respect to various compensation matters relative to the Company’s executive officers. The Compensation Committee has the authority to delegate appropriate matters to subcommittees as the Committee may determine in its discretion. The Compensation Committee met one time in 2023.
On February 21, 2023, Mr. James Rousey submitted a letter of resignation stating his desire to retire. In this regard, he retired as President of UTG, Inc. and its subsidiary, Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company as well as his position as a Director of both entities. This was effective as of the date of the letter. The Board of Directors of UTG, Inc. and Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company formally accepted the resignation letter on February 22, 2023. Mr. Jesse Correll, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the companies, assumed the title of President initially. This information was filed on Form 8-K with the SEC on February 24, 2023. At this same meeting, Daniel T. Roberts was appointed Vice President of UTG and UG. Later in the year at the September Board of Directors meeting, Daniel T. Roberts was named President of Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company.
Under UTG’s By-Laws, the Board of Directors should be comprised of at least six and no more than eleven Directors. At December 31, 2023, the Board consisted of nine Directors. Shareholders elect Directors to serve for a period of one year at UTG’s annual shareholders’ meeting.
The Board of Directors does not have a formal nominating committee, or a committee that performs similar functions, and does not have a nominating committee charter. The Board has concluded that the nominating process should not be limited to certain members so that a comprehensive selection of candidates can be considered. Therefore, the nomination process is conducted by the full Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has not adopted a formal policy with regard to the consideration of Director candidates recommended by shareholders. Candidates for nomination have been recommended by an executive officer or director and considered by the Board of Directors. Generally, candidates have been persons who have been known to one or more of our Board members. The Board of Directors will, however, consider nominees recommended by shareholders. Shareholders wishing to recommend candidates for Board membership must submit the recommendations in writing to the Secretary of the Company at least 90 days prior to a date corresponding to the previous year’s Annual Meeting, with the submitting shareholder’s name and address and pertinent information about the proposed nominee similar to that set forth for directors named herein. The Board does not evaluate potential nominees for director differently based on whether they are recommended by a shareholder.
The Board of Directors has not adopted specific minimum qualifications that it believes must be met by a person it recommends for nomination as a director. Proposed nominees will be considered in light of their potential contributions to the Board, their backgrounds, their independence and such other factors as the Board considers appropriate. We do not have a specific policy relating to the consideration of diversity in identifying director candidates. However, the Board of Directors does consider the diversity of our Board when identifying director candidates. The amount of consideration given to diversity varies with the Boards’ determination of whether we would benefit from expanding the Board’s diversity in a particular area. We believe this policy has been effective in identifying candidates with the diverse business experience necessary to lead our Company.
Our directors have demonstrated significant achievement and generally have significant management experience in one or more fields of business, professional, governmental, community or academic endeavors. Our directors have sound judgement as a result of their management or policy making experience and demonstrate an ability to function effectively in an oversight role. Given the tenure of most of the directors on our Board, they have a general appreciation regarding major issues facing the Company. These experiences make each of our directors well qualified to be a member of the Company’s Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors has provided a process for shareholders to send communications directly to the Board. These communications can be sent to Jesse Correll, Chairman of the Board, CEO, and President of UTG, at the corporate headquarters at 205 North Depot Street, Stanford, Kentucky 40484.
Our Board of Directors is led by Jesse Correll, our Chairman of the Board, CEO, and President. The decision as to who should serve as Chairman of the Board, and who should serve as Chief Executive Officer, and whether those offices should be combined or separate, is properly the responsibility of our Board of Directors. The Board of Directors believes that the most effective leadership structure for us at this time is for Mr. Correll to serve as both Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Our Board does not have a lead independent director and does not believe that designating a lead independent director would be necessary or helpful at this time.
Our Board of Directors oversees our risk management in cooperation with management. The Board and management regularly assess and communicate regarding risks confronting the Company, including transaction specific risks, macroeconomic trends, industry developments, and risk factors unique to our business. The members of the Audit Committee also discuss various financial reporting and accounting risk factors with our independent audit firm.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Directors and officers of UTG file periodic reports regarding ownership of Company securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended, and the rules promulgated there under. UTG is not aware of any individuals who filed late with the Securities and Exchange Commission during 2023. SEC filings may be viewed from the Company’s Web site www.utgins.com.
Audit Committee Report to Shareholders
In connection with the December 31, 2023 financial statements, the audit committee: (1) reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with Management; (2) discussed with the independent auditors the matters required by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communications with Audit Committees, as amended, (AICPA, Professional Standards, Vol. 1 AU section 380), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T; and (3) received the written disclosures and the letter from its independent auditors required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent registered public accounting firm’s communications with the audit committee concerning independence, and has discussed with the independent auditors their independence. Based upon these reviews and discussions, the audit committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the last fiscal year.
Members of the Company’s Audit Committee:
Gabriel J. Molnar
Committee Chairman
Thomas E. Harmon
John M. Cortines
The following information with respect to business experience of the Board of Directors has been furnished by the respective Directors or obtained from the records of UTG.
Name, Age
Position with the Company, Business Experience and Other Directorships
April R. Chapman, 58
Mrs. Chapman is the CEO of Generous Giving, an organization focused on inspiring generosity that shapes our culture and impacts the world for extraordinary good. Previously, April worked in the tech industry for 20 years including a tenure at Microsoft. April left Microsoft to start a consulting firm to advise non-profits on Internet strategy. April serves on several non-profit boards including Praxis, Impact Foundation and National Christian Foundation Northwest. She was also previously the Co-Chair of the World Vision Innovation Fund. April holds an Oxford Diploma in Strategy & Innovation and a BS in Computer Science from UC, Irvine.
Jesse T. Correll, 67
Chairman of UTG and Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company since 2000; Director of UTG since 1999; Chairman of First Southern Bancorp, Inc. since 1988; CEO of First Southern Bancorp, Inc. from 1988-2015; Manager and President of First Southern Funding, LLC since 1992; President, Director of The River Foundation since 1990; Board member of Crown Financial Ministries from 2004 to 2009; Friends of the Good Samaritans since 2005; Generous Giving from 2006 to 2009; the National Christian Foundation since 2006; Centre Board of Trustees from 2015 to 2022; and Cumberland Lake Shell, Inc. since 2017.
Preston H. Correll, 43
Founder of Marksbury Farm Market based in Bryantsville, Kentucky. He also owns and operates St. Asaph Farm in Stanford, Kentucky and focuses on sustainable farming and raising natural meat. He spent a year and a half in India working with the Good Samaritans ministry and now serves on the board of the Friends of the Good Samaritans. Director of UTG, Inc. since December 2018.
John M. Cortines, 35
Mr. Cortines serves as the Director of Generosity at the Maclellan Foundation. He is the co-author of two books on money, faith, and generosity. Prior to entering the nonprofit sector, he worked in the oil and gas industry as an engineer for Chevron Corporation. Mr. Cortines is a graduate of Harvard Business School (MBA), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (MS), and Texas A&M University (BS). Director of UTG, Inc. since December 2018.
Thomas F Darden, II, 69
Mr. Darden is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cherokee, an investment company that invests in both private equity and venture capital. Beginning in 1984, Mr. Darden served for 16 years as the Chairman of Cherokee Sanford Group, a brick manufacturing and soil remediation company. From 1981 to 1983, he was a consultant with Bain & Company in Boston. From 1977 to 1978, he worked as an environmental planner for the Korea Institute of Science and Technology in Seoul, where he was a Henry Luce Foundation Scholar. Mr. Darden is on the Boards of Shaw University, the Institute for The Environment at the University of North Carolina and the Board of Governors of the Research Triangle Institute. Mr. Darden earned a Masters in Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina, a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina, where he was a Morehead Scholar.
Howard L. Dayton, Jr., 80
In 1985, Mr. Dayton founded Crown Ministries in Longwood, Florida. Crown Ministries merged with Christian Financial Concepts in September 2000 to form Crown Financial Ministries, the world’s largest financial ministry. He served as Chief Executive Officer from 1985 to 2007 and in 2009 founded Compass - Finances God’s Way. Mr. Dayton is a graduate of Cornell University. He developed The Caboose, a successful railroad-themed restaurant in Orlando, FL in 1969. In 1972 he began his commercial real estate development career, specializing in office development in the Central Florida area. He has authored five popular small group studies, produced several video series, and was the host for the nationally syndicated radio programs MoneyWise and HeyHoward. Asbury University named their business school the Howard Dayton School of Business. Mr. Dayton became a Director of UTG, Inc. in December 2005.
Thomas E. Harmon, 69
Director of UTG and Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company since March 2016. Mr. Harmon is the owner and President of Harmon Foods, Inc., a chain of retail supermarkets, for the past 40 years. Mr. Harmon has been active in many charitable organizations over the years, most recently serving as a Board Member with Amigos En Cristo Ministries, an organization serving one of the most disadvantaged parts of the world - Juarez, Mexico.
Gabriel J. Molnar, 37
Mr. Molnar is the Chief Financial Officer at Capstone Realty Inc., a commercial real estate development company in Louisville, Kentucky. Mr. Molnar is a licensed CPA and real estate broker in Kentucky. Prior to Capstone, Mr. Molnar worked as a Financial Analyst with Procter & Gamble and as a public company auditor and healthcare consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr. Molnar received a MBA from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University and is also a graduate of Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky.
Peter L. Ochs, 72
Mr. Ochs is founder of Capital III, a private equity investment firm located in Wichita, Kansas. Capital III provides impact investment capital and management with investments in manufacturing, real estate, energy, and education with a geographical focus on the US and Latin America. Prior to founding Capital III, Mr. Ochs spent 8 years in the commercial banking industry. Mr. Ochs graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in business and finance. He currently serves on the boards of UTG, Inc., the American Independence Funds, and Trinity Academy.
Executive Officers of UTG
More detailed information on the following executive officers of UTG appears under “Directors”:
Jesse T. Correll
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and President
Other executive officers of UTG are set forth below:
Name, Age
Position with UTG and Business Experience
Theodore C. Miller, 61
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of UTG, Inc. and Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company since 1997; Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of subsidiary companies since 1997; and Chief Financial Officer of First Southern Bancorp, Inc. and First Southern National Bank since 2016.
Daniel T. Roberts, 41
Vice President of UTG, Inc and Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company since February 2023. President of Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company as of September 2023; Vice President of First Southern Bancorp, Inc. and First Southern National Bank since 2023 and served in various capacities since 2016.
Douglas P. Ditto, 68
Vice President of UTG, Inc. and Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company since June 2009; Chief Investment Officer from 2009 to 2012; Assistant Vice President from June 2003 to June 2009; Executive Vice President of First Southern Bancorp, Inc. since March 1985.
Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct for our Directors, officers (including our Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer or Controller, and persons performing similar function) and employees. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available to our shareholders by requesting a free copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics by writing to us at UTG, Inc., 205 North Depot Street, Stanford, Kentucky 40484.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Executive Compensation Table
The following table sets forth certain information regarding compensation paid to or earned by UTG’s Chief Executive Officer, and each of UTG’s two most highly compensated executive officers whose salary plus bonus exceeded $100,000 during UTG’s last fiscal year:
Name and Principal position
Year
Salary
Bonus
Stock Awards
(1)
All Other Compensation
(2)
Total
Jesse T. Correll
Chief Executive Officer
$
217,500
$
$
289,994
$
13,050
$
520,550
217,500
199,998
11,681
429,181
Douglas P. Ditto
Vice President
187,500
99,991
150,009
11,250
448,750
187,500
174,985
9,984
372,484
Theodore C. Miller
Chief Financial Officer
117,292
49,880
50,120
7,038
224,330
112,500
57,900
27,100
5,969
203,469
Casey Willis (3)
Vice President
200,000
274,800
50,120
12,000
536,920
200,000
167,480
32,520
10,625
410,625
(1)
Stock awards in the form of an annual bonus of 21,958 and 16,037 shares were issued in 2023 and 2022, respectively.
(2)
All Other Compensation consists of matching contributions to an Employee Savings Trust 401(k) Plan
(3)
Casey Willis is not deemed to be an executive officer.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End
As of December 31, 2023, there were no unexercised options, stock that has not vested or equity incentive plan awards outstanding for any of the above named executive officers.
Compensation of Directors
Effective January 1, 2018, a new compensation arrangement was approved whereby each outside Director annually receives $5,000 as a retainer and $2,500 per meeting attended. The compensation, however, is paid in UTG Common Stock. The value is determined annually on the close of business December 20th or the next business day should December 20th be a weekend or holiday, based on the activity of the year just ending. Reasonable travel expenses are reimbursed in cash as incurred. UTG’s Director Compensation policy provides that Directors who are employees of UTG or its affiliates do not receive any compensation for their services as Directors except for reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses for attending each meeting. The following table reflects compensation paid to all Directors who served in 2023.
Name
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash
Stock Awards
(1)
All Other Compensation
(2)
Total
Jesse T. Correll, Chief Executive Officer
$
$
$
$
April R. Chapman, Director
12,484
12,484
Preston H. Correll, Director
17,496
3,500
20,996
John M. Cortines, Director
17,496
17,496
Thomas F. Darden, II, Director
14,975
14,975
Howard L. Dayton, Director
17,496
17,496
Thomas E. Harmon, Director
17,496
17,496
Gabriel J. Molnar, Director
17,496
3,500
20,996
Peter L. Ochs, Director
12,484
12,484
(1) Market value of stock on earned date was $30.01 per share.
(2) Other Compensation represents payment for consulting services performed relative to management enrichment.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Principal Holders of Securities
The following tabulation sets forth the name and address of the entity known to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of UTG’s Common Stock and shows: (i) the total number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by such person as of February 1, 2024 and the nature of such ownership; and (ii) the percent of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock so owned as of the same date.
Title
Amount
Percent
of
Name and Address
and Nature of
Of
Class
of Beneficial Owner (2)
Beneficial Ownership
Class (1)
Common
Jesse T. Correll
146,505
3)(5
4.6%
Stock, no
First Southern Bancorp, Inc.
1,406,785
3)(4)(5
44.4%
par value
First Southern Funding, LLC
400,000
3)(4)(5
12.6%
First Southern Holdings, LLC
1,201,876
3)(4)(5
38.0%
WCorrell, Limited Partnership
72,750
3)(5
2.3%
Cumberland Lake Shell, Inc.
128,750
(5)
4.1%
(1) The percentage of shares owned is based on 3,164,779 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of February 1, 2024.
(2) The address for each of Jesse Correll, First Southern Bancorp, Inc. (“FSBI”), First Southern Funding, LLC (“FSF”), First Southern Holdings, LLC (“FSH”), and WCorrell, Limited Partnership (“WCorrell LP”), is 205 North Depot Street, Stanford, Kentucky 40484. The address for Cumberland Lake Shell, Inc. (“CLS”) is P.O. Box 430, 150 Railroad Drive, Somerset, Kentucky 42502.
(3) The share ownership of Jesse Correll listed includes 73,755 shares of Common Stock owned by him individually. The share ownership of Mr. Correll also includes 72,750 shares of Common Stock held by WCorrell, Limited Partnership, a limited partnership in which Jesse Correll serves as managing general partner and as such, has sole voting and dispositive power over the shares held by the entity. In addition, by virtue of his ownership of voting securities of FSF and FSBI, and in turn, their ownership of 100% of the outstanding membership interests of FSH (the holder of 1,201,876 shares of Common Stock), Mr. Correll may be deemed to beneficially own the total number of shares of Common Stock owned by FSH, and may be deemed to share with FSH the right to vote and to dispose of such shares. Mr. Correll owns approximately 74% of the outstanding membership interests of FSF. Additionally, Mr. Correll owns directly approximately 44%, companies he controls own approximately 16%, and he has the power to vote but does not own an additional 2% of the outstanding voting stock of FSBI. FSBI and FSF in turn own 99% and 1%, respectively, of the outstanding membership interests of FSH.
(4) The share ownership of FSBI consists of 204,909 shares of Common Stock held by FSBI directly and 1,201,876 shares of Common Stock held by FSH of which FSBI is a 99% member and FSF is a 1% member. As a result, FSBI may be deemed to share the voting and dispositive power over the shares held by FSH.
(5) According to the Schedule 13D, as amended, filed August 27, 2020, Jesse Correll, FSBI, FSF and FSH, have agreed in principle to act together for the purpose of acquiring or holding equity securities of UTG. In addition, because of their relationship with these Reporting Persons, Cumberland Lake Shell, Inc. and WCorrell Limited Partnership may also be deemed to be members of this group. Therefore, each may be deemed to have acquired beneficial ownership of the equity securities of UTG beneficially owned by each of the Reporting Persons.
Security Ownership of Management of UTG
The following tabulation shows with respect to each of the Directors of UTG, UTG’s Chief Executive Officer and each of UTG’s two most highly compensated executive officers whose salary plus bonus exceeded $100,000 for fiscal 2023, and with respect to all executive officers and Directors of UTG as a group: (i) the total number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by such person as of February 1, 2024 and the nature of such ownership; and (ii) the percent of the issued and outstanding shares of stock so owned as of the same date.
Title of
Name and Address of
Amount and Nature of
Percent of
Class
Beneficial Owner
Beneficial Ownership
Class (1)
UTG’s
April R. Chapman
Redmond, WA
1,545
*
Common
Jesse T. Correll
Stanford, KY
2,082,040
(2)
65.8%
Stock, no
Preston H. Correll
Stanford, KY
2,859
(3)
*
Par value
John M. Cortines
Georgetown, TN
3,910
(4)
*
Thomas F. Darden, II
Raleigh, NC
63,391
2.0%
Howard L. Dayton, Jr.
Sanford, FL
11,174
(5)
*
Douglas P. Ditto
Danville, KY
50,394
(6)
1.5%
Thomas E. Harmon
Springfield, IL
4,020
*
Theodore C. Miller
Stanford, KY
15,292
*
Gabriel J. Molnar
Louisville, KY
3,444
*
Peter L. Ochs
Valley Center, KS
7,911
(7)
*
Daniel Roberts
Stanford, KY
1,856
(8)
*
All Directors and executive officers as a group (twelve in number)
2,247,836
71.0%
* Less than 1
(1) The percentage of outstanding shares for UTG is based on 3,164,779 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of February 1, 2024.
(2) The share ownership of Jesse Correll listed includes 73,755 shares of Common Stock owned by him individually. The share ownership of Mr. Correll also includes 72,750 shares of Common Stock held by WCorrell, Limited Partnership, a limited partnership in which Jesse Correll serves as managing general partner and as such, has sole voting and dispositive power over the shares held by the entity. In addition, by virtue of his ownership of voting securities of FSF and FSBI, and in turn, their ownership of 100% of the outstanding membership interests of FSH (the holder of 1,201,876 shares of Common Stock), Mr. Correll may be deemed to beneficially own the total number of shares of Common Stock owned by FSH, and may be deemed to share with FSH the right to vote and to dispose of such shares. Mr. Correll owns approximately 74% of the outstanding membership interests of FSF. Additionally, Mr. Correll owns directly approximately 44%, companies he controls own approximately 16%, and he has the power to vote but does not own an additional 2% of the outstanding voting stock of FSBI. FSBI and FSF in turn own 99% and 1%, respectively, of the outstanding membership interests of FSH.
(3) Includes 3 shares held in street name.
(4) Includes 848 shares held in spouse’s IRA and 1,881 shares held in street name.
(5) Includes 473 shares held in street name.
(6) Includes 1,600 shares held in a retirement account, 800 shares in street name, and 2,000 shares held by two of his children, and 1,000 held by a third child.
(7) Includes 2,000 shares held in a trust for benefit of named individual.
(8) Includes 460 shares held in a retirement account.
Except as indicated above, the foregoing persons hold sole voting and investment power.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The Board of Directors determined that eight of the nine current Directors are “independent” as defined by Rule 5605 of the NASDAQ listing standards. The independent Directors are April R. Chapman, Preston H. Correll, John M. Cortines, Thomas F. Darden, Howard L. Dayton, Jr., Thomas E. Harmon, Gabriel J. Molnar, and Peter L. Ochs.
The articles of incorporation of UG contain the following language under item 12 relative to related party transactions:
A director shall not be disqualified from-dealing with or contracting with the corporation as vendor, purchaser; employee, agent or otherwise; nor, in the absence of fraud, shall any transaction or contract or act of this corporation be void or in any way affected or invalidated by the fact that any director or any firm of which any director is a member or any corporation of which any director is a shareholder, director or officer is in any way interested in such transaction or contract or act, provided the fact that such director or such firm or such corporation so interested shall be disclosed or shall be known to the Board of Directors or such members thereof as shall be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors at which action upon any such contract or transaction or act shall be taken: nor shall any such director be accountable or responsible to the company for or in respect to such transaction or contract or act of this corporation or for any gains or profits realized by him by reason of the fact that he or any firm of which he is a member or any corporation of which he is a shareholder, director or officer is interested in such action or contract; and any such director may be counted in determining the existence of a quorum of any meeting of the Board of Directors of the company which shall authorize or take action in respect to any such contract or transaction or act and may vote thereat to authorize, ratify, or approve any such contract or transaction or act, with like force and effect as if he or any firm of which he is a member or any corporation of which he is a shareholder, director or officer were not interested in such transaction or contract or act.
On February 20, 2003, UG purchased $4 million of a trust preferred security offering issued by First Southern Bancorp, Inc. (“FSBI”). The security has a mandatory redemption after 30 years with a call provision after 5 years. The security pays a quarterly dividend at a fixed rate of 6.515%. The Company received dividends of $165,137 during 2023 and 2022. On March 30, 2009, UG purchased $1 million of FSBI common stock. The sale and transfer of this security is restricted by the provisions of a stock restriction and buy-sell agreement.
UTG has a 30.10% ownership interest in an aircraft that is jointly owned with First Southern National Bank and Bandyco, LLC. Bandyco, LLC is affiliated with the Estate of Ward F. Correll. Mr. Correll is the father of Jesse Correll and a former director of the Company. The aircraft is used for business related travel by various officers and employees of the Company. For years 2023 and 2022, UTG paid $307,442 and $553,533 for costs associated with the aircraft, respectively.
Effective January 1, 2007, UTG entered into administrative services and cost sharing agreements with its subsidiary. Under this arrangement, the subsidiary pays its proportionate share of expenses, based on an allocation formula. During 2023 and 2022, UG paid $7,910,324 and $7,862,902, respectively, in expenses. The Ohio Department of Insurance has approved the cost sharing agreement and it is Management’s opinion that where applicable, costs have been allocated fairly and such allocations are based upon accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The Company from time to time acquires mortgage loans through participation agreements with FSNB. FSNB services the Company’s mortgage loans including those covered by the participation agreements. The Company pays a 0.25% servicing fee on these loans and a one-time fee at loan origination of 0.50% of the original loan cost to cover costs incurred by FSNB relating to the processing and establishment of the loan. The Company paid $18,694 and $24,146 in servicing fees and $18,630 and $0 in origination fees to FSNB during 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Effective January 1, 2017, UTG entered into a shared services contract with FSNB. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, UTG and FSNB will utilize the services of the other’s staff in certain instances for the betterment of both entities. Personnel within departments, such as accounting, human resources, and information technology, are shared between the entities. Costs of these resources are then reimbursed between the companies. The shared services arrangement provides benefits to both parties such as access to a greater pool of knowledgeable staff, efficiencies from elimination of redundancies and more streamlined operations.
The Company reimbursed expenses incurred by employees of FSNB relating to salaries, travel and other costs incurred on behalf of or relating to the Company and received reimbursements from FSNB. The Company paid $1,337,096 and $895,317 in 2023 and 2022, respectively to FSNB in net reimbursement of such costs.
Effective July 1, 2018, the Company assumed the employees of several smaller entities associated with UTG. The purpose of this was to support the continued efforts to further streamline operations amongst associated entities. The salaries, benefits, and payroll related processing fees are 100% reimbursed by the associated entities on a monthly basis. During 2023 and 2022, the Company received reimbursements of $1,438,450 and $1,134,315, respectively. These costs are eliminated for consolidation of these entities, where applicable.
The Company rents a portion of the first floor and second floor of an 8,000 square foot, two-story office building, located in Stanford, KY. The first floor of the building is occupied by UTG and FSNB employees that are included in the shared services agreement between the two entities. The second floor is occupied by the customer service call centers for both UTG and FSNB employees. The building is owned by FSNB and UTG pays $2,000 per month in rent to FSNB for the portion of the building occupied by UTG employees. The Company paid rent of $24,000 to FSNB in 2023 and 2022.
As previously disclosed in the Notes Receivable section of Note 2 - Investments, several of the Company’s notes have participation agreements in place with third parties. Certain participation agreements are with FSF, a related party. The participation agreements are sold without recourse and assigned to the participant based on their pro-rata share of the principal, interest and collateral as specified in the participation agreements. The undivided participations in the notes receivable range from 20% - 50%. The total amount of loans participated to FSF was $60,031 and $79,674 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
During 2022, FSF sold all of its membership interest in limited liability companies (“LLC”) to a wholly-owned subsidiary of UTG at a price of $1 per entity. The three LLCs are listed on the Company’s organization chart as wholly-owned subsidiaries of Stanford Wilderness Road, LLC.
During the 4th quarter of 2023, UTG entered into a loan participation agreement with FSNB to fund a commercial mortgage loan issued to a company that is owned/managed by a member of UTG’s Board of Directors. UG has a 9% interest in the participated loan and has agreed to fund up to $1,482,300. As of December 31, 2023, $604,169 had been drawn on the loan.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The Audit Committee is required to be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and retention of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee appointed Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP (“KEB”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and appointed Armanino LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
In 2023, Armanino LLP, the Company’s external audit firm, notified the Company that they would be resigning as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the upcoming year end 2023. The decision to discontinue the engagement related to a change in direction at the audit firm.
On September 19, 2023, the Company’s audit committee approved the appointment of Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. This change in audit firms was originally reported on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 20, 2023.
Amounts paid to, or billed by, the Company’s principal accountant, during the two most recent fiscal years by category were as follows:
Audit Fees - Audit fees paid for these audit services in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 totaled $130,000 and $120,000 respectively. Fees billed for the quarterly reviews of the Company’s financial statements totaled $37,500 and $34,500 for the years 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Audit Related Fees - No audit related fees were incurred by the Company from KEB or Armanino for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Tax Fees - For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company paid $22,709 and $16,500, respectively, to Armanino relating to certain tax advice and electronic filing of certain federal and state income tax returns of the Company.
All Other Fees - During 2023 the Company paid Armanino $20,475 for the audit of the Company’s employee benefit plan. During 2022, the Company paid no other fees to Armanino.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibit and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)
The following documents are filed as a part of the report:
(1)
Financial Statements:
Included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report.
(2)
Financial Statement Schedules
The financial statement schedules have been omitted as they are deemed inapplicable or not required by Regulation S-X.
(a)(3) & (b)
Exhibits
The following are exhibits to this report, and if incorporated by reference, we have indicated the document previously filed with the SEC in which the exhibit was included:
Exhibit
Number
Description
3.1
Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant and all amendments thereto [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2013 originally filed as Exhibit 3.1].
3.2
By-Laws for the Registrant and all amendments thereto [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2013 originally filed as Exhibit 3.2].
4.1
UTG’s Agreement pursuant to Item 601(b) (4) (iii) (A) of Regulation S-K with respect to long-term debt instruments [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2013 originally filed as Exhibit 4.1].
10.1
Amendment to Reinsurance Agreement between Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company and Optimum Re Insurance Company originally with Business Men’s Assurance Company of America. [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2015 originally filed as Exhibit 10.2].
10.2
Reinsurance Agreement between Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company and Swiss RE originally with Life Reassurance Corporation of America. [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2015 originally filed as Exhibit 10.3].
10.3
Assumption Reinsurance Agreement between Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company and Park Avenue Life Insurance Company formerly known as First International Life Insurance Company. [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2015 originally filed as Exhibit 10.4].
10.5
Commercial pledge agreement dated November 20, 2012, between UTG, Inc. and Illinois National Bank. [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2012 originally filed as Exhibit 10.20].
10.6
Administrative Services and Cost Sharing Agreement dated as of January 1, 2007 between UTG, Inc. and Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2013 originally filed as Exhibit 10.11].
10.7
Agreement regarding Mortgage Loans by and between First Southern National Bank and Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2013 originally filed as Exhibit 10.12].
10.8
Universal Guaranty Participation Agreement-Purchased Loan [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2013 originally filed as Exhibit 10.13].
10.9
Universal Guaranty Participation Agreement-Originated Loan [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2013 originally filed as Exhibit 10.14].
10.10
Management Data, Inc. Software License Agreement [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2014 originally filed as Exhibit 10.16].
10.12
Aircraft Joint Ownership Agreement by and among Bandyco, LLC, First Southern National Bank and UTG, Inc. dated August 11, 2014 [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2014 originally filed as Exhibit 10.18].
*10.13
Promissory Note dated November 20, 2023, between UTG, Inc. and Illinois National Bank.
10.14
Shared Services Agreement between UTG, Inc. and FSNB effective January 1, 2017.
[Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2018 originally filed as Exhibit 10.14].
*10.15
Amendments to the Shared Services Agreement between UTG, Inc. and FSNB. Amendment #6 to the Shared Services Agreement effective March 1, 2023. [Prior amendments incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2018 originally filed as Exhibits 10.15, 10.16 and 10.17].
14.1
Code of Ethics and Business Conduct [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2022 originally filed as Exhibit 14.1].
14.2
Code of Ethical Conduct for Senior Financial Officers [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2022 originally filed as Exhibit 14.2].
*21.1
List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
*23
Armanino Consent - “UTG-Consent of Registered Public Accounting Firm”
*31.1
Certificate of Jesse T. Correll, Chairman of the Board Chief Executive Officer, and President of UTG, as required pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*31.2
Certificate of Theodore C. Miller, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of UTG, as required pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*32.1
Certificate of Jesse T. Correll, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and President of UTG, as required pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.
*32.2
Certificate of Theodore C. Miller, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of UTG, as required pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.
99.1
Audit Committee Charter. [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2022 originally filed as Exhibit 99.1].
99.2
Whistleblower Policy [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2022 originally filed as Exhibit 99.2].
99.3
Compensation Committee Charter. [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2022 originally filed as Exhibit 99.3].
99.4
Investment Committee Charter. [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2022 originally filed as Exhibit 99.4].
*101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document).
*101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
*101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
*101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
*101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
*101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
* Filed herewith