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New Filings
UTG INC - FORM 10-K - March 25, 2015
EX-32.1 - CERTIFICATION - UTG INC exhibit321k.htm
EX-21.1 - LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES - UTG INC exhibit21.htm
EX-10.17 - UTG AVALON NOTE - UTG INC avalonnote.htm
EX-10.16 - MDI AGREEMENT - UTG INC mdiagreement.htm
EX-10.18 - AIRCRAFT JOINT AGREEMENT - UTG INC aircraftjointownership.htm
EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - UTG INC Financial_Report.xls
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____________ to ______________
Commission File Number 0-16867
UTG, INC.
(I.R.S. Employer
5250 South Sixth Street, Springfield, IL
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (217) 241-6300
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Title of class
Common Stock, stated value $.001 per share
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes [ ] No [X]
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes [ ] No [X]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10- K. [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is large accelerated filer, an accelerator filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer
Accelerated Filer
Non Accelerated Filer
Smaller Reporting Company
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [ ] No [X]
As of June 30, 2014, shares of the Registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates (based upon the price of the last sale of $12.25 per share), had an aggregate market value of approximately $16,943,318.
At February 5, 2015 the Registrant had 3,705,574 outstanding shares of common stock, stated value $.001 per share.
Documents incorporated by reference: None
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Item 9B. Other Information
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
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.
UTG, Inc. (the "Registrant", "Company" or "UTG") is an insurance holding company incorporated in the state of Delaware in 2005. Its primary direct subsidiary is Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company ("UG"). The Registrant and its primary subsidiary have only one significant segment, insurance. 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 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. Additional information regarding the cash flow and liquidity needs of the holding company can be found in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations.
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.
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. The Company does not currently carry insurance coverage against such liabilities. 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.
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, 2014, Mr. Correll owns or controls directly and indirectly approximately 57.31% of UTG's outstanding stock.
UTG's website is: www.utgins.com. Information regarding the Company, including recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, are accessible via this website.
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:
Ten Pay Whole Life – This traditional insurance product has a level face amount and level premium is payable for the first ten policy years. This product is available for issue ages 0-65, and has a minimum face amount of $10,000. This policy can be used in conversion situations, where it is available up to age 75 at a minimum face amount of $5,000.
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.
Kid Kare – The Kid Kare product is a single premium level term policy to age 21. The product is sold in units, with one unit equal to a face amount of $5,000 for a single premium of $250. The policy is issued from ages 0-15 and has conversion privileges at age 21.
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.
The underwriting procedures of the insurance subsidiary are established by Management. Insurance policies are issued by the Company based upon underwriting practices established for each market in which the Company operates. Most policies are individually underwritten. Applications for insurance are reviewed to determine additional information required to make an underwriting decision, which depends on the amount of insurance applied for and the applicant's age and medical history. Additional information may include inspection reports, medical examinations, and statements from doctors who have treated the applicant in the past and, where indicated, special medical tests. After reviewing the information collected, the Company either issues the policy as applied for, issues with an extra premium charge because of unfavorable factors, or rejects the application. Substandard risks may be referred to reinsurers for full or partial reinsurance of the substandard risk.
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 2001 select and 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.
Investments are 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 following table summarizes the Company's fixed maturities distribution at December 31, 2014 and 2013 by ratings category as issued by Standard and Poor's, a leading ratings analyst.
Fixed Maturities
% of Portfolio
Investment Grade
Below Investment Grade
The following table shows the composition, average maturity and yield of the Company's investment portfolio at December 31, 2014.
Fixed maturities held for sale
Equity securities
Trading securities
(9.13)%
Discounted mortgage loans
Policy loans
Total Investments
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.
The Company began purchasing discounted commercial mortgage loans in 2009. Management has extensive background and experience in the analysis and valuation of commercial real estate. The discounted loans are available through the FDIC's sale of assets of closed banks and from banks wanting to reduce their loan portfolios. The loans are available on a loan by loan bid process. Once a loan has been acquired, contact is made with the appropriate individuals to begin a dialog with a goal of determining the borrower's willingness to work together. There are generally three paths a discounted loan will take: the borrowers pay as required; a settlement is reached with the loan being paid off at a discounted value; or the loan is foreclosed.
During 2014 and 2013, the Company acquired approximately $2.3 million and $16.8 million in mortgage loans, respectively, including both regular participation mortgage loans as well as discounted mortgage loans. FSNB services a majority of the mortgage loan portfolio of the Company. The Company pays FSNB a .25% servicing fee on these loans and a one-time fee at loan origination of .50% of the original loan cost to cover costs incurred by FSNB relating to the processing and establishment of the loan.
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 along with a brief description of what steps are being taken to resolve the delinquency. 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 negative financial impact.
Management has conservatively decided to place the loans in the discounted mortgage loan portfolio on a non-accrual status, due to the instability of the borrowers.
On the remainder of the mortgage loan portfolio, 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.
A mortgage loan reserve is established and adjusted based on Management's quarterly analysis of the portfolio and any deterioration in value of the underlying property which would reduce the net realizable value of the property below its current carrying value. The Company acquired the discounted mortgage loans at below contract value, and believes that it will fully recover its carrying value upon disposal, therefore no reserve for delinquent loans is deemed necessary. The loan portfolio since purchase is performing very well with a majority of the loans currently paying. Those not currently paying are being vigorously worked by Management. The current discounted commercial mortgage loan portfolio has an average price of 27.3% of face value and Management has determined that this deep discount provides a financial cushion or built in allowance for any of the loans that are not currently performing within the portfolio of loans purchased. The mortgage loan reserve was $0 at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
The following table shows a distribution of the Company's mortgage loans and discounted mortgage loans by type:
Commercial – all other
Residential – all other
The following table shows a geographic distribution of the Company's mortgage loan portfolio including discounted mortgage loans and investment real estate:
See Note 2 – Investments in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for additional information regarding the Company's investments.
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 intends to continue to pursue other TPA arrangements. The Company provides TPA services to insurance companies seeking business process outsourcing solutions. Management believes the Company is positioned to generate additional revenues by utilizing the Company's current excess capacity and administrative services.
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.
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.
At December 31, 2014, UTG and its subsidiaries had 45 full-time employees. UTG's operations are headquartered in Springfield, Illinois.
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.
The Company owns an office complex in Springfield, Illinois, which houses the primary insurance operations. The office buildings in this complex contain 57,000 square feet of office and warehouse space.
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.
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.
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 February 5, 2015 there were 6,578 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, 2014 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, 2014
Nov. 1 through Nov. 30, 2014
Dec. 1 through Dec. 31, 2014
The Board of Directors of UTG has authorized the repurchase in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions of UTG's common stock. During December of 2014, the Board of Directors approved a resolution to increase the repurchase amount by $1 million, for a total repurchase of $7 million. Repurchased shares are available for future issuance for general corporate purposes. This program can be terminated at any time. Open market purchases are made based on the last available market price and are generally limited to a maximum per share price of the most recent reported per share GAAP equity book value of the Company. During 2014, the Company repurchased 74,172 shares through the stock repurchase program for $996,851. Through December 31, 2014, UTG has spent $6.1 million in the acquisition of 662,698 shares under this program.
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, 2014 and 2013. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.
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 GAAP net income 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.
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.
DAC and Cost of Insurance Acquired – Deferred acquisition costs are commissions, premium taxes and other costs that vary with and are primarily related to the acquisition of new and renewal business and are generally deferred and amortized. The deferred amounts are recorded as an asset and amortized to expense in a systematic manner. Additionally, the costs of acquiring blocks of insurance from other companies or through the acquisition of other companies are also deferred and recorded as deferred acquisition costs 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 and real estate to provide funding of future policy contractual obligations. The Company's fixed maturities and equity securities are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale investments are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company's trading securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Fair value is the price that the Company would expect to receive upon sale of the asset in an orderly transaction.
Mortgage loans on real estate are carried 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.
Discounted mortgage loans consist of loans that were purchased at a deep discount through an auction process led by the Federal Government. In general, the discounted mortgage loans are non-performing and there is a significant amount of uncertainty surrounding the timing and amount of cash flows to be received by the Company. Accordingly, the Company records its investment in the discounted mortgage loans at its original purchase price adjusted for any principal receipts received.
Investment real estate held for sale is reported at the lower of cost or fair value less cost to sell. Expenses to maintain the property are expensed as incurred.
While the available-for-sale securities are generally expected to be held to maturity, they are classified as available-for-sale and are sold periodically to manage risk. Although a majority of the investment portfolio is classified as available-for-sale, the Company has the ability and intent to hold the securities until maturity. See Note 2 – Investments in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for detailed disclosures regarding the Company's investment portfolio.
Impairment of Investments – The Company continually monitors the investment portfolio for investments that have become impaired in value, where fair value has declined below carrying value. While the value of the investments in the Company's portfolio continuously fluctuate due to market conditions, an other-than-temporary impairment charge is recorded only when a security has experienced a decline in fair market value which is deemed to be other than temporary. The policies and procedures the Company uses to evaluate and account for impairments of investments are disclosed in Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 2 – Investments in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company makes every effort to appropriately assess the status and value of the securities with the information available regarding an other-than-temporary impairment. However, it is difficult to predict the future prospects of a distressed or impaired security.
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. The effect on deferred income taxes of a change in tax rates or laws is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date. Refer to Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for detailed information regarding the Company's significant accounting policies.
On a consolidated basis, the Company had net income attributable to common shareholders of $7 million and $3.3 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively. In 2014, income before income taxes was $11.1 million compared to $4.7 million in 2013. Total revenue was $43.6 million in 2014 and $34.4 million in 2013.
One-time events, primarily reflected in realized gains, comprise a substantial portion of the net income and revenue reported by the Company during 2014 and 2013. 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.
Total benefits and other expenses paid in 2014 were $32.5 million compared to $29.7 million in 2013.
Premiums and policy fee revenues, net of reinsurance premiums and policy fees, decreased approximately 7% when comparing 2014 to 2013. 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 2014 and 2013 was approximately 96.6% and 96.5%, respectively. Persistency is a measure of insurance in-force retained in relation to the previous year.
The following table reflects net investment income of the Company for the years ended December 31:
Fixed maturities available for sale
Total consolidated investment income
Investment expenses
Consolidated net investment income
The Company's gross investment income and net investment income were down approximately 17% and 27%, respectively, when comparing the current and prior year results. Investment expenses were up approximately 9% when comparing the current and prior year results. The variance in investment income, when comparing the current and prior year results, is mainly attributable to fluctuations in the earnings of the trading securities, discounted mortgage loans and real estate investment portfolios.
During the current year, the Company reported a loss of approximately $(476,000) in the trading securities portfolio compared to a small loss of approximately $(1,000) in the prior year. The fluctuation in earnings from the trading securities portfolio is attributable to market value fluctuations of these investments.
Income from the discounted mortgage loan portfolio decreased approximately 52% or $4 million when comparing 2014 and 2013 results. Income from discounted mortgage loans represented 22% of the consolidated net investment income reported by the Company during 2014. Income from the discounted mortgage loan portfolio is mainly the result of one-time events.
In recent periods, discounted mortgage loans have become more difficult to purchase as the result of an increase in market competition. Management expects the discounted mortgage loan portfolio to continue to shrink as a result of the market competition and mortgage loan payoffs. While Management believes the discounted loans will continue to have favorable earnings and outcomes as they are worked through, there can be no assurance this will remain true in future periods. 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 refinance, the value of the property held as collateral and the ability to find purchasers at favorable prices.
Income from the real estate portfolio decreased approximately 13% or $1.2 million when comparing the current and prior year results. Similar to the discounted mortgage loan portfolio, the results of the real estate investment portfolio are mainly driven by one-time events.
The Company's investment expenses increased approximately 9% or $700,000 when comparing the 2014 and 2013 results. Investment expenses are expected to vary from year to year depending on the resources utilized by the Company to maintain and work the investment portfolio. The current year increase in investment expenses is mainly attributable to increased costs associated with certain real estate investments.
The following table reflects net realized investment gains (losses) for the years ended December 31:
Equity securities – OTTI
Real estate – OTTI
Consolidated net realized investment gains
The Company's net realized investment gains increased substantially in comparison to the prior year and are mainly the result of gains recognized in the equity and real estate investment portfolios. Gains from the fixed maturities investment portfolio were comparable for 2014 and 2013.
The Company reported net gains of approximately $2.6 million from the sale of equity securities. During the second and fourth quarters of 2014, the Company recognized gains totaling approximately $1.9 million from the redemption of a portion of a preferred stock the Company holds in the equity investment portfolio.
The Company reported net gains of approximately $13.3 million during 2014 from the sale of real estate. During the fourth quarter of 2014, a majority owned subsidiary of UG, HPG Acquisitions, LLC ("HPG"), sold all of the real estate it owned in Midland, Texas and recognized a gain of approximately $10.1 million. The sale of this real estate is the main reason for the fluctuation in the noncontrolling interest balance reported on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During the third quarter of 2014, the Company recognized a gain of approximately $3.1 million from the sale of real estate held by one of UG's wholly owned subsidiaries. Gains from the sale of real estate are the result of one-time events and are expected to vary from year to year.
During 2014 and 2013, realized gains were offset by other-than-temporary impairments of $162,905 and $1.2 million, respectively. The other-than-temporary impairments were taken as a result of Management's assessment and consideration of the length of time the securities have remained in an unrealized loss position and as a result of management's analysis and determination of value. The investments were written down to better reflect their current expected fair value.
In recent periods, Management's focus has been directed towards promoting and growing TPA services to unaffiliated life insurance companies. The Company receives monthly fees based on policy in-force counts and certain other activity indicators, such as number of premium collections performed, or services performed. For the years ended 2014 and 2013, the Company received approximately $1.7 million and $2 million for this work, respectively. Revenues from TPA fees are included in the line item "other income" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company intends to continue to pursue other TPA arrangements as well. The Company provides TPA services to insurance companies seeking business process outsourcing solutions. Management believes the Company is positioned to generate additional revenues by utilizing the Company's current excess capacity and administrative services.
In the fourth quarter of 2013, Management made the determination to not renew its largest third party administration ("TPA") contract when the contract was due for renewal in the fourth quarter of 2014. This contract represented approximately 60% of the Company's total TPA revenues. The contract with this TPA ended September 30, 2014.
Management made this determination due to the thin profit margin associated with this contract coupled with its labor intensity. The non-renewal of this contract is not expected to have a material financial impact to net income as Management made operating expense reductions close to the lost revenues. The Company has no current plans to terminate any other TPA arrangements and intends to continue to pursue new clients.
In summary, the Company's basis for future revenue growth is expected to come from the following primary sources: expansion of TPA revenues, conservation of business currently in-force, the maximization of investment earnings, including realized gains, 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.
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance benefits, increased approximately 2% in 2014 compared to 2013. The increase primarily relates to changes in the Company's death claim experience. Policy claims vary from year to year and therefore, fluctuations in mortality are to be expected and are not considered unusual by Management.
In early 2013, the Company began a proactive analysis of its in-force business to try to reconnect with lost customers and verify its customers are not deceased. In some instances, the Company found that the customer was indeed deceased, but no notification or claim was presented to the Company. During 2014 and 2013, the Company paid approximately $1.2 million and $2.9 million, respectively, in death claim benefits as a result of this action. This project was completed during the second quarter of 2014.
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 acknowledgement 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.
Net amortization of cost of insurance acquired decreased approximately 7% in 2014 compared to 2013. 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.
Operating expenses increased approximately 24% in 2014 compared to 2013. The increase in operating expenses was attributable to aircraft repair costs, information technology expenses and charitable contributions. The Company's equipment expenses were up approximately 75% compared to the prior year as a result of aircraft repair costs that were incurred during the second quarter of 2014. Information technology expenses increased approximately 30% compared to the prior year as a result of costs incurred related to the implementation of a new administrative system.
Charitable contributions were approximately $1 million higher in the current year. 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 GAAP net income 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.
Following an extensive analysis of current administrative systems available in the market place, early in 2014 the Company determined it would change its administrative system. Management anticipates it will be year-end 2015 before fully converted to the new system and anticipates additional one time operating costs during 2014 of approximately $500,000 related to training, system modifications or enhancements and other costs related to the transition. Management believes this system change will well position the Company for the future by providing a more modern and flexible operating system while reducing ongoing operating costs.
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
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% of the Company's total assets in both 2014 and 2013. However, the investment mix changed from 2013 to 2014 based upon Management's investment decisions and opportunities available in the market. The Company's fixed maturities investment portfolio currently represents 60% of the Company's investment portfolio, an increase of 9% from the prior year. The Company's real estate investment portfolio currently represents 16% of the total investment portfolio, a decrease of 8% compared to the prior year. During 2014, UG's majority owned subsidiary, HPG Acquisitions, LLC, sold all of the real estate it owned in Midland, Texas and recognized a gain of approximately $10.1 million. Upon the closing of the real estate sale, HPG made a distribution to UG and the minority interest owners, which is the main reason for the fluctuation in the non-controlling interest balance reported on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. UG reinvested a substantial portion of the distribution from HPG in fixed maturity securities.
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 additional 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. Such future events could also result in other than temporary declines in value that could result in future period impairment losses.
There are a number of significant risks and uncertainties inherent in the process of monitoring impairments and determining if impairment is other-than-temporary. These risks and uncertainties related to Management's assessment of other-than-temporary declines in value include but are not limited to: the risk that Company's assessment of an issuer's ability to meet all of its contractual obligations will change based on changes in the credit characteristics of that issuer; the risk that the economic outlook will be worse than expected or have more of an impact on the issuer than anticipated; the risk that fraudulent information could be provided to the Company's investment professionals who determine the fair value estimates.
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 a portfolio of marketable securities and line of credit facilities. The primary cash needs of the Company are for the payment of claims and operating expenses, maintaining adequate statutory capital and surplus levels and meeting debt service requirements.
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, servicing the Company's debt 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, 2014 and 2013, substantially all of the consolidated shareholders equity represents net assets of its subsidiaries. In 2014, the Parent company received $4.8 million in dividends from its insurance subsidiary and $2.7 million in 2013. 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, commissions, administrative expenses, taxes and dividends to the Parent company.
Short-Term Borrowings
An additional source of liquidity to the Parent company and its subsidiaries is the line of credit facilities extended to them that allow borrowings of up to $12.4 million. As of December 31, 2014, the Company and its subsidiaries had available $8 million in line of credit facilities. As of December 31, 2013, the Company and its subsidiaries had available $20.9 million in line of credit facilities. For additional information regarding the line of credit facilities, see Note 7 – Credit Arrangements in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company expects to have readily available funds for the foreseeable future to conduct its operations and to maintain target capital ratios in the insurance subsidiary through internally generated cash flow and the credit facilities. In the unlikely event that more liquidity is needed, the Company could generate additional funds through such sources as a short-term credit facility and intercompany borrowing.
Consolidated Liquidity
Cash used in operating activities was approximately $13.6 million and $10.9 million in 2014 and 2013, 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 2014, the Company's investing activities provided net cash of approximately $34.3 million. During 2013, the Company's investing activities provided net cash of approximately $6.2 million. Proceeds from investments sold increased approximately 19% or $20.1 million when comparing 2014 to 2013. Investment purchases decreased approximately 10% or $10 million. 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 $(26.5) million during 2014 and the net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $1.3 million during 2013. The Company made principal payments on its outstanding debt of approximately $16.3 million in 2014 compared to approximately $2.8 million in 2013. UTG paid off its line of credit and one of UG's majority owned subsidiaries, HPG Acquisitions, LLC, paid off its outstanding note payable when the entity sold its real estate holdings during the fourth quarter of 2014. As a result of the real estate sale, HPG distributed funds to the minority interest owners of HPG.
The Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $14 million and $19.8 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company has a portfolio of marketable fixed and equity securities that are available for sale, if an unexpected event were to occur. These securities had a fair value of approximately $238 million and $215 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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 short-term debt, long-term debt and shareholders' equity. A complete analysis and description of the short-term and long-term debt issues outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented in Note 7 – Credit Arrangements in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company had outstanding debt of $4.4 million as of December 31, 2014. This outstanding debt belongs to UTG Avalon, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of UG. See Note 7 – Credit Arrangements in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for detailed disclosures regarding the Company's notes payable.
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, 2014, UG has a ratio of approximately 5.08, which is 508% of the authorized control level. Accordingly, the Company meets the RBC requirements.
Shareholders' equity was approximately $83.6 million and $77.9 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Total shareholders' equity increased approximately 7% in 2014 compared to 2013. The increase is primarily attributable to the net income reported by the Company during 2014.
The Company's investments are predominantly in fixed maturity investments such as bonds, which 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.
The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, financing activities or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or other persons.
Index to Financial Statements
UTG, Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
To the Board of Directors and
Shareholders of UTG, Inc. and Subsidiaries
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of UTG, Inc. (a Delaware corporation, the "Company") and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders' equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 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. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, 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. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of UTG, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated results of their operations and their consolidated cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ Brown Smith Wallace, LLC
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013
Investments:
Investments available for sale:
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost $188,634,364 and $171,085,396)
Equity securities, at fair value (cost $39,275,638 and $38,625,230)
Trading securities, at fair value (cost $5,179,850 and $6,924,413)
Mortgage loans on real estate at amortized cost
Discounted mortgage loans on real estate at amortized cost
Accrued investment income
Reinsurance receivables:
Policy claims and other benefits
Cost of insurance acquired
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
Income taxes receivable
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Policy liabilities and accruals:
Policy claims and benefits payable
Other policyholder funds
Dividend and endowment accumulations
Income taxes payable
Notes payable
Trading securities, at fair value (proceeds $464,215 and $505,272)
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock - no par value, stated value $0.001 per share. Authorized 7,000,000 shares - 3,706,780 and 3,776,197 shares issued and outstanding
Total UTG shareholders' equity
Noncontrolling interest
Total shareholders' equity
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
See accompaning notes.
For the Years Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013
Premiums and policy fees
Reinsurance premiums and policy fees
Revenues before realized gains (losses)
Realized investment gains (losses), net:
Other-than-temporary impairments
Other realized investment gains, net
Total realized investment gains, net
Benefits and other expenses:
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses:
Ceded Reinsurance benefits and claims
Dividends to policyholders
Commissions and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
Amortization of cost of insurance acquired
Total benefits and other expenses
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net income attributable to common shareholders:
Amounts attributable to common shareholders:
Basic income per share
Diluted income per share
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
See accompanying notes.
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period, pre-tax
Tax (expense) benefit on unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period, net of tax
Less reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
Tax expense for gains included in net income
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, net of tax
Subtotal: Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Comprehensive income (loss)
Less comprehensive income attributable to no controlling interest
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to UTG, Inc.
Balance at January 1, 2014
Common stock issued during year
Treasury shares acquired
Net income attributable to common shareholders
Unrealized holding loss on securities net of noncontrolling interest and reclassification adjustment and taxes
Gain attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net income attributable to common shares
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Amoritization (accretion) of investments
Realized investment gains, net
Unrealized trading (gains) losses included in income
Realized trading (gains) losses included in income
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
Charges for mortality and administration of universal life and annuity products
Interest credited to account balances
Change in accrued investment income
Change in reinsurance receivables
Change in policy liabilities and accruals
Change in income taxes receivable (payable)
Change in other assets and liabilities, net
Proceeds from investments sold and matured:
Equity securities available for sale
Total proceeds from investments sold and matured
Cost of investments acquired:
Total cost of investments acquired
Purchase of property and equipment
Net cash provided by investing activities
Policyholder contract deposits
Policyholder contract withdrawals
Proceeds from notes payable/line of credit
Payments of principal on notes payable/line of credit
Purchase of treasury stock
Non controlling contributions/(distributions) of consolidated subsidiary
Sale of block of business
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
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 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, 2014, Mr. Correll owns or controls directly and indirectly approximately 57.31 % 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:
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. Net realized gains and losses on sales of available for sale securities, and unrealized losses considered to be other-than-temporary, are recorded to net realized investment gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Equity Securities – Investments in equity securities, which include common and preferred stocks, are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred taxes, reflected directly in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Trading Securities – Trading security investments are reported at fair value with gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value recognized in earnings. Trading securities include exchange traded equities and exchange traded options.
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.
Discounted Mortgage Loans on Real Estate – Discounted mortgage loans on real estate are loans that the Company purchased at a deep discount through an auction process led by the Federal Government or other intermediary. In general, the discounted loans are non-performing and there is a significant amount of uncertainty surrounding the timing and amount of cash flows to be received by the Company. Accordingly, the Company records its investment in the discounted loans at its original purchase price adjusted for any principal receipts received. Management works with the borrower to reach a settlement on the loan or they foreclose on the underlying collateral which is primarily commercial real estate. For cash payments received during the work out process, the Company records these payments to interest income on a cash basis. For loan settlements reached, the Company records the amount in excess of the carrying amount of the loan as a discount accretion to investment income at the closing date. Management reviews the discount loan portfolio regularly for impairment. If an impairment is identified (after consideration of the underlying collateral), the Company records an impairment to earnings in the period the information becomes known.
Investment Real Estate – Investment real estate held for sale is reported at the lower of cost or fair value less cost to sell. Expenses to maintain the property are expensed as incurred.
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 are reported 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 values for cash, short-term investments, short-term debt, receivables and payables approximate carrying value. Fair values for fixed maturities, equity securities and certain other assets are determined in accordance with specific accounting guidance. Fair values are based on quoted market prices, where available. Otherwise, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments in active markets, quotes in inactive markets, or other observable criteria. Mortgage loans on real estate are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses. Discounted mortgage loans on real estate are reported at original purchase price, which Management believes approximates fair value. For more specific information regarding the Company's measurements and procedures in valuing financial instruments, see Note 3 – Fair Value Measurements.
Impairment of Investments – The Company evaluates its investment portfolio for other-than-temporary impairments as described in Note 2 – Investments. If a security is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the cost basis of the security is written down to fair value and is treated as a realized loss.
Current accounting guidance states that if an entity intends to sell or if it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell an impaired security prior to recovery of its cost basis, the security is to be considered other-than-temporarily impaired and the full amount of impairment must be charged to earnings. Otherwise, losses on fixed maturities which are other-than-temporarily impaired are separated into two categories, the portion of the loss which is considered credit loss and the portion of the loss which is due to other factors. The credit loss portion is charged to earnings while the loss due to other factors is charged to other comprehensive income.
Cash Equivalents – The Company considers certificates of deposit and other short-term instruments with an original purchased maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
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 reinsured 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.
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.
Deferred Policy Acquisitions Costs - Commissions and other costs (salaries of certain employees involved in the underwriting and policy issue functions and medical and inspection fees) of acquiring life insurance products that vary with and are primarily related to the production of new business have been deferred. Deferred acquisition costs are amortized in a systematic manner which matches these costs with the associated revenues.
Property and Equipment - Company-occupied property, data processing equipment and furniture and office equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation of $3,868,331 and $3,559,052 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis for financial reporting purposes using estimated useful lives of three to thirty years. Depreciation expense was $309,279 and $159,743 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
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% 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 2001 select and 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 4.0% to 5.5% as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
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 consequences 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. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. 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
Income Taxes – In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance providing specific financial statement presentation requirements of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The guidance states that an unrecognized tax benefit in those circumstances should be presented as a reduction to the deferred tax asset. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Note 2 – Investments
Available for Sale Securities – Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
The following tables provide a summary of fixed maturities available for sale and equity securities by original or amortized cost and estimated fair value:
Original or Amortized
U.S. Government and govt. agencies and authorities
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
U.S. special revenue and assessments
All other corporate bonds
The following table provides a summary of fixed maturities by contractual maturity as of December 31, 2014. Actual maturities could differ from contractual maturities due to call or prepayment provisions:
Amortized
Due in one year or less
Due after one year through five years
Due after five years through ten years
Due after ten years
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 $9,142,063 and $13,842,824 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The investments are all classified as "All other corporate bonds".
The fair value of investments with sustained gross unrealized losses at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
Less than 12 months
12 months or longer
Unrealized losses
Total fixed maturities
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:
Substantially all of the unrealized losses on fixed maturities available for sale at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are attributable to changes in market interest rates and general disruptions in the credit market subsequent to purchase. The unrealized losses on equity investments were primarily attributable to normal market fluctuations. The Company does not currently intend to sell nor does it expect to be required to sell any of the securities in an unrealized loss position. Based upon the Company's expected continuation of receipt of contractually required principal and interest payments and its intent and ability to retain the securities until price recovery, as well as the Company's evaluation of other relevant factors, the Company deems these securities to be temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Securities designated as trading securities are reported at fair value, with gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recognized in net investment income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Trading securities include exchange traded equities and exchange traded options. Trading securities carried as liabilities are securities sold short. A gain, limited to the price at which the security was sold short, or a loss, potentially unlimited in size, will be recognized upon the termination of the short sale. The fair value of derivatives included in trading security assets and trading security liabilities as of December 31, 2014 was $6,250 and $(23,853), respectively. The fair value of derivatives included in trading security assets and trading security liabilities as of December 31, 2013 was $194,000 and $(353,907), respectively. The derivatives held by the Company are for income generation purposes only.
Earnings from trading securities are classified in cash flows from operating activities.
The following table reflects trading securities revenue charged to net investment income for the periods ended December 31:
Net unrealized gains (losses)
Net realized gains (losses)
Net unrealized and realized gains (losses)
Mortgage Loans and Discounted Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
During 2014 and 2013, the Company acquired $2,348,890 and $16,761,525 in mortgage loans, respectively, including both regular participation mortgage loans as well as discounted mortgage loans. FSNB services the majority of the Company's mortgage loan portfolio. The Company pays FSNB a .25% servicing fee on these loans and a one-time fee at loan origination of .50% of the original loan cost to cover costs incurred by FSNB relating to the processing and establishment of the loan.
During 2014 and 2013, the maximum and minimum lending rates for mortgage loans were:
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 along with a brief description of what steps are being taken to resolve the delinquency. 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.
A mortgage loan reserve is established and adjusted based on Management's quarterly analysis of the portfolio and any deterioration in value of the underlying property which would reduce the net realizable value of the property below its current carrying value. The Company acquired the discounted mortgage loans at below contract value, and believes that it will fully recover its carrying value upon disposal, therefore no reserve for delinquent loans is deemed necessary. Those not currently paying are being vigorously worked by Management. The current discounted commercial mortgage loan portfolio has an average price of 27.3% of face value and Management has determined that this deep discount provides a financial cushion or built in allowance for any of the loans that are not currently performing within the portfolio of loans purchased. The mortgage loan reserve was $0 at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
The following table summarizes the number loans held in the discounted mortgage loan portfolio and the carrying value of the loans as of December 31, 2014:
Number of Loans
No payments received
One-time payment received
Irregular payments received
Periodic payments received
The following table summarizes discounted mortgage loan holdings of the Company for the periods ended December 31:
In good standing
Overdue interest over 90 days
In process of foreclosure
Total discounted mortgage loans
Total foreclosed discounted mortgage loans during the year
Real estate acquired through foreclosure, consisting of properties obtained through foreclosure proceedings or acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure, is reported on an individual asset basis at the lower of cost or fair value, less disposal costs. Fair value is determined on the basis of current appraisals, comparable sales, and other estimates of value obtained principally from independent sources. When properties are acquired through foreclosure, any excess of the loan balance at the time of foreclosure over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral is recognized and charged to the income statement. Based upon Management's evaluation of the real estate acquired through foreclosure, additional expense is recorded when necessary in an amount sufficient to reflect any declines in estimated fair value. Gains and losses recognized on the disposition of the properties are recorded as realized gains and losses in the consolidated statements of income.
Analysis of Investment Operations
The following table reflects the Company's net investment income for the periods ended December 31:
The following table reflects the Company's net realized investments gains and losses for the periods ended December 31:
(Losses)
Gains (Losses)
Common stock – OTTI
Total realized gains (losses)
The Company regularly reviews its investment securities for factors that may indicate that a decline in fair value of an investment is other than temporary. The factors considered by Management in its regular review to identify and recognize other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities include, but are not limited to: the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost; the Company's intent to sell, or be required to sell, the debt security before the anticipated recovery of its remaining amortized cost basis; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; adverse changes in ratings announced by one or more rating agencies; subordinated credit support, whether the issuer of a debt security has remained current on principal and interest payments; current expected cash flows; whether the decline in fair value appears to be issuer specific or, alternatively, a reflection of general market or industry conditions, including the effect of changes in market interest rates. If the Company intends to sell a debt security, or it is more likely than not that it would be required to sell a debt security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis, the entire difference between the security's amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date would be recognized by a charge to other-than-temporary losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Equity securities may experience other-than-temporary impairments in the future based on the prospects for full recovery in value in a reasonable period of time and the Company's ability and intent to hold the security to recovery. If a decline in fair value is judged by Management to be other-than-temporary or Management does not have the intent or ability to hold a security, a loss is recognized by a charge to other-than-temporary impairment losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Management regularly reviews its real estate portfolio in comparison to appraisal valuations and current market conditions for indications of other-than-temporary impairments. If a decline in value is judged by Management to be other-than-temporary, a loss is recognized by a charge to other-than-temporary impairment losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Based on Management's review of the investment portfolio, the Company recorded the following losses for other-than-temporary impairments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the periods ended December 31:
Other than temporary impairments:
Total other than temporary impairments
The other-than-temporary impairments recognized during 2014 and 2013 were taken as a result of Management's assessment and consideration of the length of time the securities have remained in an unrealized loss position and as a result of management's analysis and determination of value. The investments were written down to better reflect their current expected market value.
Investments on Deposit
The Company had investments with a fair value of $10,635,716 and $10,824,094 on deposit with various state insurance departments as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Note 3 – Fair Value Measurements
The Company measures its assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets based on the framework set forth in the GAAP fair value accounting guidance. The framework establishes a fair value hierarchy of three levels based upon the transparency of information used in measuring the fair value of assets or liabilities as of the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs in the valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three categories.
Level 1 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company is able to access. Level 1 fair value is not subject to valuation adjustments.
Level 2 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active. In addition, 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.
The Company determines the existence of an active market for an asset or liability based on its judgment as to whether transactions for the asset or liability occur in such market with sufficient frequency and volume to provide reliable pricing information. If the Company concludes that there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for an investment in relation to normal market activity for such investment, adjustments to transactions and quoted prices are made to estimate fair value.
The inputs used in the valuation techniques employed by the Company are provided by nationally recognized pricing services, external investment managers and internal resources. To assess these inputs, the Company's review process includes, but is not limited to, quantitative analysis including benchmarking, initial and ongoing evaluations of methodologies used by external parties to calculate fair value, and ongoing evaluations of fair value estimates based on the Company's knowledge and monitoring of market conditions.
The Company periodically reviews the pricing service provider's policies and procedures for valuing securities. The assumptions underlying the valuations from external service providers, including unobservable inputs, are generally not readily available as this information is often deemed proprietary. Accordingly, the Company is unable to obtain comprehensive information regarding these assumptions and methodologies.
The Company's investments in fixed maturity securities available for sale, equity securities available for sale and trading securities assets and liabilities are carried at fair value. The following are the Company's methodologies and valuation techniques for assets and liabilities measured at fair value.
Fixed maturities available for sale mainly consist of U.S. treasury securities and corporate debt securities. The Company employs a market approach to the valuation of securities where there are sufficient market transactions involving identical or comparable assets. If sufficient market data is not available for identical or comparable assets, the Company uses an income approach to valuation. The majority of the financial instruments included in fixed maturity securities available for sale are evaluated utilizing observable inputs; accordingly, they are categorized in either Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. However, in instances where significant inputs utilized in valuation of the securities are unobservable, the securities are categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Corporate securities primarily include fixed rate corporate bonds. Inputs utilized in connection with the Company's valuation techniques relating to this class of securities include recently executed transactions, market price quotations, benchmark yields and issuer spreads. Corporate securities are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
U.S. treasury securities are based on quoted prices in active markets and are generally categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Equity securities available for sale consist of common and preferred stocks mainly in private equity investments and financial institutions. 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 transaction price is used as the best estimate of fair value at inception. When evidence is believed to support a change to the carrying value from the transaction price, adjustments are made to reflect the expected exit values. The Company performs ongoing reviews of the underlying investments. The reviews consist of the evaluations of expected cash flows, material events and market data. These investments are included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Securities designated as trading securities consist of exchange traded equities and exchange traded options. These securities are primarily valued at quoted active market prices, and are therefore categorized as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
The following table presents the Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the consolidated balance sheet on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014.
Fixed Maturities, available for sale
Equity Securities, available for sale
The following table provides reconciliations for Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Transfers into and out of Level 3 are recognized as of the end of the quarter in which they occur.
Fixed Maturities,
Equity Securities,
Transfers in to Level 3
Total unrealized gains (losses):
Included in realized gains (losses)
Included in other comprehensive income
The Level 3 securities include collateralized debt obligations of trust preferred securities issued by banks and insurance companies and certain equity securities with unobservable inputs. The Company computed fair value of Level 3 equity investments based on a review of current financial information, earnings trends and similar companies in the same industries.
There were no transfers in or out of Level 3 as of December 31, 2014. Transfers occur when there is a lack of observable market information.
Certain assets are not carried at fair value on a recurring basis, including investments such as mortgage loans and policy loans. 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 carrying values and estimated fair values of certain of the Company's financial instruments not recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are shown below. Because the fair value for all consolidated balance sheet items are not required to be disclosed, the aggregate fair value amounts presented below are not reflective of the underlying value of the Company.
Mortgage loans on real estate
Collateral and non-collateral loans
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.
The Company has been purchasing non-performing discounted mortgage loans at a deep discount through an auction process led by the Federal Government. In general, the discounted loans are non-performing and there is a significant amount of uncertainty surrounding the timing and amount of cash flows to be received by the Company. Accordingly, the Company records its investment in the discounted loans at its original purchase price, which Management believes approximates fair value. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our discounted mortgage loans 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.
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 amount of cash and cash equivalents in the financial statements approximates fair value given the highly liquid nature of the instruments. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our cash and cash equivalents are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.
The carrying amount of short term investments in the financial statements approximates fair value. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our short term investments are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
The Company invests in collateral and non-collateral loans that are reported in the other assets balance on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The loans are carried at their unpaid principal balances, which approximates fair value. The inputs used to measure the fair value of the loans are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
The carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value for notes payable 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. At December 31, 2014, the Company had gross insurance in-force of $1.4 billion of which approximately $287 million was ceded to reinsurers. At December 31, 2013, the Company had gross insurance in-force of $1.5 billion of which approximately $313 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 and its ultimate parent, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America ("Guardian"), currently hold an "A" (Excellent) and "A++" (Superior) rating, respectively, from A.M. Best. The PALIC agreement accounts for approximately 63% and 62% of UG's reinsurance reserve credit, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
At December 31, 1992, UG (formerly American Capitol) entered into a reinsurance agreement with Canada Life Assurance Company ("the Canada Life agreement") that fully reinsured virtually all of its traditional life insurance policies. The reinsurer's obligations under the Canada Life agreement were secured by assets withheld by UG representing policy loans and deferred and uncollected premiums related to the reinsured policies. UG continues to administer the reinsured policies. At December 31, 2013, the Canada Life agreement had insurance in-force of approximately $6,815,000, with no reserve credit being taken on that amount. The Canada Life agreement was fully repaid in August 2012. With the reinsurance recaptured by the Company, a 15% profit share will continue to be paid to the reinsurer going forward relative to the block of business. Effective July 1, 2014, the Company acquired the 15% profit share on this block of business from Canada Life for $300,000. This payment effectively settled any future obligations of the Company to the reinsurer under this agreement.
During 2014, the Company disposed of a block of business through an assumption reinsurance agreement, whereby the Company transferred cash of $3,000,000 and extinguished reserves of $3,600,000 and reduced cost of insurance acquired by $600,000.
On September 30, 1998, UG entered into a coinsurance agreement with The Independent Order of Vikings, (IOV) an Illinois fraternal benefit society. Under the terms of the agreement, UG agreed to assume, on a coinsurance basis, 25% of the reserves and liabilities arising from all in-force insurance contracts issued by the IOV to its members. At December 31, 2014, the IOV insurance in-force assumed by UG was approximately $1,503,000, with reserves being held on that amount of approximately $346,000. At December 31, 2013, the IOV insurance in-force assumed by UG was approximately $1,551,000, with reserves being held on that amount of approximately $350,000.
The Company does not have any short-duration reinsurance contracts. The effect of the Company's long-duration reinsurance contracts on premiums earned in 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
Ceded
Net Premiums
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
Interest accretion
Net amortization
Cost of insurance acquired, end of year
Estimated net amortization expense of cost of insurance acquired for the next five years is as follows:
Note 6 – Income Taxes
UTG and UG file separate federal income tax returns.
Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following components:
Current tax
The expense for income differed from the amounts computed by applying the applicable United States statutory rate of 35% before income taxes as a result of the following differences:
Tax computed at statutory rate
Changes in taxes due to:
Non-controlling interest
Current period loss for which no tax benefit was recognized
Small company deduction
Dividend received deduction
The following table summarizes the major components that comprise the deferred tax liability as reflected in the balance sheets:
Management/consulting fees
Deferred gain on sale of subsidiary
Other assets (liabilitie)
Federal tax DAC
Deferred tax liability
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, the Company had gross deferred tax assets of $2,405,249 and $2,562,650, respectively, and gross deferred tax liabilities of $11,819,043 and $12,196,291, 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"). In February 2011, the IRS audited UTG's 2009 federal income tax return. The examination was closed with no adjustments to the return. There are currently no examinations in process, nor is Management aware of any pending examination by the IRS. The statutes of limitation for the assessments of additional tax are closed for all tax years prior to 2011. Management believes that adequate provision has been made in the consolidated financial statements for any potential assessments that may result from future tax examinations and other tax-related matters for all open tax years.
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, 2014 and 2013, the Company had the following outstanding debt:
Outstanding Principal Balance
Maturity Date
Promissory Note:
HPG Acquisitions
UTG Avalon
Revolving Credit Limit
Borrowings
Lines of Credit:
The HPG Acquisitions promissory note issued on December 27, 2012 was secured by real estate owned by HPG. The promissory note carried interest at a fixed rate of 4% and was payable monthly. Principal was payable monthly beginning in the third year of the note. This note was fully repaid in November of 2014 when the assets of HPG were sold.
The UTG Avalon promissory note issued on December 29, 2014 carries interest at a rate of 3.50 % with interest payable quarterly beginning in July of 2015. The interest is a variable rate that is equal to the lowest of the U.S. Prime Rates as published in the money section of the Wall Street Journal. The interest rate is subject to change monthly and any change in interest rate is effective the first day of the month following the rate change. Principal is due upon maturity of the note.
The UTG line of credit carries interest at a fixed rate of 3.75 % and is payable monthly. As collateral, UTG has pledged 100% of the common voting stock of its wholly owned subsidiary, Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company ("UG"). During July of 2014, the Company borrorwed an additional $1,600,000 on the line of credit. The proceeds were used to purchase an interest in an aircraft. The Company made principal payments of $3,697,534 on the line of credit during 2014.
The UTG Avalon line of credit issued on March 28, 2013 carried interest at a rate of 4.00 % with interest payable monthly. The interest rate was a variable rate that was 0.50% above the lowest of the U.S. Prime Rates as published in the money section of the Wall Street Journal. The interest rate was subject to change monthly and changes in the interest rate were effective on the first day of the month following the rate change. This line of credit was repaid in December of 2014 and replaced by the promissory note described above.
UG is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB"). This membership allows the Company access to additional credit up to a maximum of 50% of the total assets of UG.. To be a member of the FHLB, the Company was required to purchase shares of common stock of FHLB. Borrowing capacity is based on 50 times each dollar of stock acquired in FHLB above the "base membership" amount. The Company had no borrowings on this line of credit during 2014 or 2013. The FHLB offers a wide range of borrowing options to its members. Since the Company did not utilize their FHLB line of credit during the past two years, the Company did not renew the line of credit. The Company has the capability of accessing the FHLB's various borrowing options shall the need arise at a later date.
The consolidated scheduled principal reductions on the notes payable for the next five years are as follows:
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 material 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 financial statements, though the Company has no control over such assessments.
Within the Company's trading accounts, certain trading securities carried as liabilities represent securities sold short. A gain, limited to the price at which the security was sold short, or a loss, potentially unlimited in size, will be recognized upon the termination of the short sale.
The following table represents the total funding commitments and the unfunded commitment as of December 31, 2014 related to certain investments:
Unfunded
RLF III, LLC
Llano Music, LLC
MM-Marcellus HBP1, LP
Sovereign's Capital, LP
MM-Appalachia IV, LP
UGLIC, LLC
During 2006, the Company committed to invest in RLF III, LLC ("RLF"), which makes land-based investments in undervalued assets. RLF makes capital calls as funds are needed for continued land purchases.
During 2010, the Company made a commitment to invest in Llano Music, LLC ("Llano"), which invests in music royalties. The Company increased its funding commitment by $2,000,000 during 2014. Llano makes capital calls to its investors as funds are needed to acquire the royalty rights.
During 2012, the Company committed to invest in MM-Marcellus HBP1, LP, which purchases land for leasing opportunities to those looking to harvest natural resources. MM-Marcellus HPB1, LP makes capital calls to investors as funds are needed for continued land purchases.
During 2012, the Company committed to invest in Sovereign's Capital, LP ("Sovereign's"), which invests in companies in emerging markets.
During 2013, the Company committed to invest in MM-Appalachia IV, LP, which purchases land for leasing opportunities to those looking to harvest natural resources. MM-Appalachia IV, LP makes capital calls to investors as funds are needed for continued land purchases. During the first quarter of 2015, the Company committed to invest an additional $825,000 in this investment. Also, during the first quarter of 2015, MM-Appalachia IV, LP called $371,250 of the unfunded commitment.
During 2014, the Company committed to invest in UGLIC, LLC, which purchases real estate tax receivables. UGLIC, LLC makes capital calls as funds are needed for additional purchases.
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. During December of 2014, the Board of Directors approved a resolution to increase the repurchase amount by $1 million for a total repurchase of $7 million. Repurchased shares are available for future issuance for general corporate purposes. This program can be terminated at any time. Open market purchases are made based on the last available market price and are generally limited to a maximum per share price of the most recent reported per share GAAP equity book value of the Company. During 2014, the Company repurchased 74,172 shares through the stock repurchase program for $996,851. Through December 31, 2014, UTG has spent $6.1 million in the acquisition of 662,698 shares under this program.
Director Compensation - Effective September 18, 2013, each outside Director will annually receive $8,000 as a retainer and $1,000 per meeting attended. The compensation, however, shall be paid in UTG common stock. The value will be 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. UTG's director compensation policy also 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 2014, the Company issued 4,755 shares of its common stock as compensation to the Directors. The shares were valued at $14.50 per share, the market value at the date of issue. During 2014, the Company recorded $68,948 in operating expense related to the stock issuance. In December of 2013, the Company issued 3,162 shares of its common stock as compensation to the Directors. The shares were valued at $10.75 per share, the market value at the date of issue. During 2013, the Company recorded $33,992 in operating expense related to this stock issuance.
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:
Weighted average dilutive options outstanding
The computation of diluted earnings per share is the same as basic earnings per share for the years ending December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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, 2014, 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 five 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 $4,800,000 and $2,700,000 to UTG in 2014 and 2013, respectively. No extraordinary dividends were paid during the two year period. UTG used the dividends received during 2013 and 2014 to retire its outstanding debt and purchase outstanding shares of UTG stock.
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:
Capital and surplus
Note 11 – Related Party Transactions
On February 20, 2003, UG purchased $4,000,000 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 $264,219 during 2014 and 2013. On March 30, 2009, UG purchased $1,000,000 of FSBI common stock. The sale and transfer of this security is restricted by the provisions of a stock restriction and buy-sell agreement.
On September 28, 2011 UTG entered a joint ownership agreement with Bandyco, LLC and First Southern National Bank, for an 8.08 % interest in an aircraft. Bandyco, LLC is affiliated with Ward F Correll, who is a Director of the Company. The Company paid a monthly operational fee of $25,000 through July of 2014 when the aircraft was sold. During July of 2014, the Company acquired a different aircraft. UTG paid $1,600,000 in the acquisition of the aircraft, increasing the Company's ownership interest to 30.10 %. The aircraft is used for business related travel by various officers and employees of the Company. For years 2014 and 2013, UTG paid $879,453 and $427,776 for costs associated with the aircraft.
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 2014 and 2013, UG paid $8,902,568 and $7,442,588 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 $33,894 and $93,285 in servicing fees and $0 and $1,250 in origination fees to FSNB during 2014 and 2013, respectively.
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. The Company paid $325,479 and $56,510 in 2014 and 2013, respectively to FSNB in reimbursement of such costs. In addition, the Company reimburses FSNB a portion of salaries and pension costs for Mr. Correll and Mr. Ditto. The reimbursement was approved by the UTG Board of Directors and totaled $332,725 and $332,029 in 2014 and 2013, respectively, which included salaries and other benefits.
Note 12 – Other Cash Flow Disclosures
On a cash basis, the Company paid the following expenses for the periods ended December 31:
During the first quarter of 2013, UG's wholly-owned subsidiary, UTG Avalon, LLC, entered into a noncash transaction whereby the subsidiary obtained a new line of credit in the amount of $5 million and utilized the line of credit to repay the prior line of credit. The terms of the new line of credit are consistent with the terms of the prior line of credit.
During the fourth quarter of 2014, UG's wholly-owned subsidiary, UTG Avalon, LLC, entered into a noncash transaction whereby the subsidiary obtained a promissory note in the amount of $4.4 million and utilized the note to repay the line of credit.
During the second quarter of 2013, UG and one of its subsidiaries, Cumberland Woodlands, LLC, entered into noncash transactions whereby short-term investments in the amount of $6.3 million were exchanged for real estate in the amount of $6.3 million.
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 four states, the ability of our customers to pay their insurance premiums is impacted by the economic conditions in these areas. As of December 31, 2014, approximately 54% of the Company's total direct premium was collected from Illinois, Ohio, Texas and West Virginia. As of December 31, 2013, approximately 54% of the Company's total direct premium was collected from Illinois, Ohio, Texas and West Virginia. 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 21% of total life insurance in force at December 31, 2014 and 2013. Insurance ceded represented 29% and 27% of premium income for 2014 and 2013, respectively. 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.
Note 14 – Selected Quarterly Financial Data
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
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 Officers, 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, 2014 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, 2014. 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. Based on Management's assessment, Management concluded that, as of December 31, 2014, 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, 2014, 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.
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, 2014, the Board met four times. All Directors attended at least 75% of all meetings of the board.
The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee consisting of Messrs. Attkisson and Brinck. 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 five times in 2014.
The Board has reviewed the qualifications of each member of the audit committee and determined one member of the committee, Randy Attkisson, meets the definition of a "financial expert".
The Board of Directors has a Compensation Committee consisting of Messrs. Dayton and Brinck. 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.
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, 2014, the Board consisted of eight Directors including one unfilled position from the December 2014 resignation of Mr. Albin. 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. 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 nominees named herein. 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.
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 2014. SEC filings may be viewed from the Company's Web site www.utgins.com.
The Board of Directors has provided a process for shareholders to send communications directly to the Board. These communications can be sent to James Rousey, President and Director of UTG at the corporate headquarters at 5250 South Sixth Street, Springfield, IL 62703.
Audit Committee Report to Shareholders
In connection with the December 31, 2014 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 of Auditing Standards No. 61, Communications with Audit Committees, as amended, promulgated by the Auditing Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Rule 2-07 or Regulation S-X; and (3) received and discussed with the auditors the matters required by Independence Standards Board Statement No.1. 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.
The following are the members of the Company's Audit Committee:
Randall L. Attkisson
Committee Chairman
Joseph A. Brinck, II
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
Randall L. Attkisson, 69
Director of UTG since 1999; Director of First Southern Bancorp, Inc., a bank holding company, since 1986; Board Chairman of Metro Leadership Foundation since 2014, Partner of Bluegrass Financial Holdings Subs/Affiliates since 2008.
Joseph A. Brinck, II, 59
Director of UTG since 2003; CEO of Stelter & Brinck, LTD, a full service combustion engineering and manufacturing company from 1983 to present; Salesman at Stelter & Brinck, LTD from 1979 to 1983; President of Superior Thermal, LTD from 1990 to present; President of Sanctity of Life Foundation since 2001 and Vice President of Ruah Woods Ministry since 2009. Currently holds Professional Engineering Licenses in Kentucky.
Jesse T. Correll, 58
Chairman and CEO of UTG and Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company since 2000; Director of UTG since 1999; Chairman, President, CEO of First Southern Bancorp, Inc. since 1988; 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 and the National Christian Foundation since 2006. Mr. Correll and his wife Angela have 3 children and 4 grandchildren. Jesse Correll is the son of Ward and Regina Correll.
Ward F. Correll, 86
Director of UTG since 2000; President, Director of Tradeway, Inc. of Somerset, KY since 1973; Director of Cumberland Lake Shell, Inc. of Somerset, KY since 1971; President, Director of Tradewind Shopping Center, Inc. of Somerset, KY since 1966; Director of First Southern Bancorp since 1987; Director of First Southern Funding, LLC since 1991; Director of The River Foundation since 1990; and Director of First Southern Insurance Agency since 1987. Ward Correll is the father of Jesse Correll.
Howard L. Dayton, Jr., 71
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 is 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.
Peter L. Ochs, 63
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. Mr. Ochs is married to Deborah and they have 2 children and 5 grandchildren.
James P. Rousey, 56
President of UTG and Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company since September 2006, Director of UTG and Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company since September 2001; Chair Elect of ACLI Forum 500 since November 2014; Chair Elect of ACLI Board of Governors since November 2014; Regional CEO and Director of First Southern National Bank from 1988 to 2001. Board Member with the Illinois Fellowship of Christian Athletes from 2001-2005; Board Member with Contact Ministries from 2007-2011; Board Member with Amigos En Cristo, Inc. from 2007-2009.
Executive Officers of UTG
More detailed information on the following executive officers of UTG appears under "Directors":
Jesse T. Correll
James P. Rousey
Other executive officers of UTG are set forth below:
Position with UTG and Business Experience
Theodore C. Miller, 52
Corporate Secretary of UTG, Inc. and Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company since December 2000, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since July 1997; Vice President since October 1992 and Treasurer from October 1992 to December 2003; Vice President and Controller of certain affiliated companies from 1984 to 1992. Vice President and Treasurer of certain affiliated companies from 1992 to 1997; Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of subsidiary companies since 1997; Corporate Secretary of subsidiary companies since 2000.
Douglas P. Ditto, 59
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; Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Vice President of First Southern Bancorp since March 1985.
The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for our Directors, Officers (including our Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer or Controller, and persons performing similar functions) and employees. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available to our stockholders by requesting a free copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics by writing to us at UTG, Inc, 5250 South Sixth Street, Springfield, Illinois 62703.
Executive Compensation Table
The following table sets forth certain information regarding compensation paid to or earned by UTG's Chief Executive Officer and President, and each of the executive officers of UTG whose salary plus bonus exceeded $100,000 during UTG's last fiscal year:
Name and Principal position
Stock Awards (8)
All Other Comp
Theodore C. Miller
Secretary/Senior Vice President
Douglas P. Ditto
Douglas A. Dockter (5)
Casey J. Willis (6)
All Other Compensation consists of matching contributions to an Employee Savings Trust 401(k) Plan.
All Other Compensation consists of matching contributions to an Employee Savings Trust 401(k) Plan of $2,475 and $2,475 during 2014 and 2013 respectively and country club membership fees of $4,617 during 2013.
All Other Compensation consists of matching contributions to an Employee Savings Trust 401(k) Plan of $1,875 and $1,875 during 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Mr. Douglas A. Dockter is not considered an executive officer of UTG, but is included in this table pursuant to compensation disclosure requirements.
Mr. Casey J. Willis is not considered an executive officer of UTG, but is included in this table pursuant to compensation disclosure requirements.
All Other Compensation consists of matching contributions to an Employee Savings Trust 401(k) Plan during.
No stock awards were issued in 2014 or 2013.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End
As of December 31, 2014, 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
Prior to September 2013, UTG's standard arrangement for the compensation of Directors provided that each outside Director receive an annual retainer of $2,400, plus $300 for each meeting attended and reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses. Effective September 18, 2013 a new compensation arrangement was approved whereby each outside Director will annually receive $8,000 as a retainer and $1,000 per meeting attended. The compensation, however, shall be paid in UTG common stock. The value will be 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 will continue to be 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.
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash
All Other Compensation
Jesse Thomas Correll
James Patrick Rousey
John Sanford Albin
Randall Lanier Attkisson
Joseph Anthony Brinck, II
Ward Forrest Correll
Peter Loyd Ochs
Howard Lape Dayton
(2) 5,000
(1) Resigned as Director effective December 3, 2014.
(2) Other Compensation represents consulting performed relative to management enrichment.
(3) Director compensation plan effective September 18, 2013. Market value of stock on earned date was $14.50 per share.
Report on Executive Compensation
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for determining and recommending to the full Board of Directors the compensation of the Company's executive officers. The Compensation Committee strongly believes that UTG's executive officers directly impact the short-term and long-term performance of UTG. With this belief and the corresponding objective of making decisions that are in the best interest of UTG's shareholders, the Compensation Committee places significant emphasis on the design and administration of UTG's executive compensation plans.
Company Management may be requested by the Compensation Committee to provide support such as to attend portions of meetings, make recommendations to the Compensation Committee and perform various day-to-day administrative functions on behalf of the committee. The Committee further has the authority to engage outside advisors, experts and other professionals to assist it. No such outside persons were engaged during 2014 or 2013.
The Company's philosophy regarding compensation of executive officers is generally one of executive officers qualify for the same benefits and opportunities as provided to all of the employees of the Company. Special or unique perquisites to executive officers not provided to all employees amount to less than $10,000 to any one individual. The Company maintained a membership to a local country club that could only be utilized by the President. During 2013 the Company paid $4,617, to maintain this membership. The membership was discontinued effective September 30, 2013.
The Compensation Committee periodically reviews the Company's compensation philosophy. From time to time, as necessary, the committee may modify the compensation philosophy, principles or goals. The compensation program is applied to our named executive officers in a fashion similar to its application to the Chief Executive Officer. Any differences are due to difference in job scope and market compensation for various positions.
The Company maintains employee benefits such as paid time off, 401(k) plan, health insurance, dental insurance, group life insurance and long term disability insurance. These benefits are generally competitive to other entities located in the Midwest where the Company must compete for employees. Executive officers are entitled to these benefits on the same basis and terms as other employees of the Company.
Executive Compensation Elements
The total compensation package for the executive officers of UTG consists of multiple elements. The Compensation Committee considers market compensation comparisons as it determines the elements, appropriate levels and mix of compensation to be paid to the executive officers in order to retain the executives necessary to the successful operation of the Company. The committee does not operate with rigid standards, rather, it works using a competitive market range. Many factors are considered in determining compensation, including the responsibilities assumed by the executive, the scope of the executive's position, experience, length of service, individual performance and internal equity considerations. In addition to a base salary, increased compensation of current and future executive officers of the Company will be determined using a "performance based" philosophy. UTG's financial results are analyzed and future increases to compensation will be proportionately based on the profitability of the Company.
Base Salary - The Board of Directors through recommendations from the Compensation Committee establishes base salaries at a level intended to be within the competitive market range of comparable companies.
Incentive Awards - The Board of Directors, from time to time, may approve incentive awards for the executive officers. These incentive awards are generally in the form of a one-time cash or stock bonus payment. Incentive awards are determined based on the overall operations of the Company as well as individual performance considerations. The Company does not utilize a specific set formula in the determination of incentive awards.
Stock Options - Stock options are granted at the discretion of the Board of Directors. There were no options granted to the named executive officers during the last two fiscal years.
Employment Contracts - There are no employment agreements or understandings in effect with any executive officers of the Company.
Deferred Compensation - The Company has no deferred compensation arrangements with any of its executive officers.
Tax and Accounting Implications of Compensation - As one of the factors considered in performing its duties, the Board of Directors evaluates the anticipated tax treatment to the Company and its subsidiaries, as well as to the executives, of various payments and benefits. The deductibility of some types of compensation depends upon the timing of an executive's vesting or exercise of previously-granted rights. Deductibility may also be affected by interpretations of and changes in tax laws.
The Compensation Committee believes this executive compensation plan provides a competitive and motivational compensation package to the executive officer team necessary to produce the results UTG strives to achieve. The committee also believes the executive compensation plan addresses both the interests of the shareholders and the executive team.
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of UTG has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Disclosure and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of SEC Regulation S-K with Company Management. Based on these reviews and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that this report on executive compensation be included with this filing.
Howard L. Dayton
The UTG Compensation Committee may make recommendations to the full Board of Directors on decisions regarding executive officer compensation. The following persons served as Directors of UTG during 2014 and were officers or employees of UTG or its affiliates during 2014: Jesse T. Correll and James P. Rousey. Accordingly, these individuals have participated in decisions related to compensation of executive officers of UTG and its subsidiaries.
During 2014, Jesse T. Correll and James P. Rousey, executive officers of UTG and UG, were also members of the Board of Directors of UG.
Jesse T. Correll is a Director and executive officer of FSBI and participates in compensation decisions of FSBI. FSBI owns or controls directly and indirectly approximately 38% of the outstanding common stock of UTG.
Principal Holders of Securities
TThe 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 5, 2015 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.
and Nature of
of Beneficial Owner (2)
Beneficial Ownership
Stock, no
First Southern Bancorp, Inc.
First Southern Funding, LLC
First Southern Holdings, LLC
Ward F. Correll
WCorrell, Limited Partnership
Cumberland Lake Shell, Inc.
Eric L. Oliver
The percentage of outstanding shares is based on 3,705,574 shares of common stock outstanding as of February 5, 2015.
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 P.O. Box 328, 99 Lancaster Street, Stanford, Kentucky 40484. The address for each of Ward Correll and Cumberland Lake Shell, Inc. ("CLS") is P.O. Box 430, 150 Railroad Drive, Somerset, Kentucky 42502. The address for Eric Oliver is 400 Pine Street, Suite 1010, Abilene, TX 79601
The share ownership of Jesse Correll listed includes 32,625 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, Jesse Correll may be deemed to beneficially own the total number of shares of common stock owned by FSH (as well as the shares owned by FSBI directly), and may be deemed to share with FSH (as well as FSBI directly), and may be deemed to share with FSH (as well as FSBI) the right to vote and to dispose of such shares. Mr. Correll owns approximately 75.70% of the outstanding membership interests of FSF; he owns directly approximately 46.99%, companies he controls own approximately 14.08%, 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.
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 further described below. As a result, FSBI may be deemed to share the voting and dispositive power over the shares held by FSH.
Includes 257,501 shares of common stock held by CLS, all of the outstanding voting shares of which are owned by Ward F. Correll..
According to the most recent Schedule 13D, as amended, filed jointly by each of the entities and persons listed above, 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, the Schedule 13D indicates that because of their relationships with Jesse Correll and these other entities, Ward Correll, CLS and WCorrell, Limited Partnership may also be deemed to be members of this group. Because the Schedule 13D indicates that for its purposes, each of these entities and persons may be deemed to have acquired beneficial ownership of the equity securities of UTG beneficially owned by the other entities and persons, each has been identified and listed in the above tabulation.
The share ownership consists of 150,000 shares held in street name along with 150,000 shares held in an entity controlled by Eric Oliver.
The following tabulation shows with respect to each of the Directors of UTG, with respect to UTG's chief executive officer and President, and each of UTG's executive officers whose salary plus bonus exceeded $100,000 for fiscal 2014, and with respect to all executive officers and Directors of UTG as a group: (i) the total number of shares of all classes of stock of UTG or any of its parents or subsidiaries, beneficially owned as of February 5, 2015 and the nature of such ownership; and (ii) the percent of the issued and outstanding shares of stock so owned, and granted stock options available as of the same date.
Directors, Named Executive
Officers, & All Directors &
Executive Officers as a Group
UTG's
Howard L. Dayton, Jr.
Peter L. Ochs
All Directors and executive officers as a group (nine in number)
* Less than 1%
The percentage of outstanding shares for UTG is based on 3,705,574 shares of common stock outstanding as of February 5, 2015.
Randall L. Attkisson holds minority ownership positions in certain of the companies listed as owning UTG common stock including First Southern Bancorp, Inc. Ownership of these shares is reflected in the ownership of Jesse T. Correll.
The share ownership includes 12,225 shares held in an entity controlled by Joseph A. Brinck, II.
The share ownership of Mr. Jesse Correll includes 32,625 shares of UTG, Inc. common stock owned by him individually, 204,909 shares of UTG, Inc. common stock held by First Southern Bancorp, Inc. and 341,997 shares of UTG, Inc. common stock owned by First Southern Funding, LLC. The share ownership of Mr. Correll also includes 72,750 shares of UTG, Inc. common stock held by WCorrell, Limited Partnership, a limited partnership in which Mr. Correll serves as managing general partner. Mr. Correll has sole voting and dispositive power over the shares held by both entities. In addition, by virtue of his ownership of voting securities of First Southern Funding, LLC and First Southern Bancorp, Inc., and in turn, their ownership of 100% of the outstanding membership interests of First Southern Holdings, LLC (the holder of 1,201,876 shares of UTG, Inc. common stock), Mr. Correll may be deemed to beneficially own the total number of shares of UTG, Inc. common stock owned by First Southern Holdings, and may be deemed to share with First Southern Holdings the right to vote and to dispose of such shares. Mr. Correll owns approximately 75.70% of the outstanding membership interests of First Southern Funding; he owns directly approximately 46.99%, companies he controls own approximately 14.08%, and he has the power to vote but does not own an additional 2% of the outstanding voting stock of First Southern Bancorp. First Southern Bancorp and First Southern Funding in turn own 99% and 1%, respectively, of the outstanding membership interests of First Southern Holdings.
The share ownership of Mr. Ward Correll includes 12,628 shares of UTG, Inc. common stock owned by him individually. Cumberland Lake Shell, Inc. owns 257,501 shares of UTG Common Stock, all of the outstanding voting shares of which are owned by Ward F. Correll. Ward F. Correll is the father of Jesse T. Correll. There are 72,750 shares of UTG Common Stock owned by WCorrell Limited Partnership in which Jesse T. Correll serves as managing general partner and, as such, has sole voting and dispositive power over the shares of Common Stock held by it. The aforementioned 72,750 shares are deemed to be beneficially owned by and listed under Jesse T. Correll in this section.
The share ownership includes 2000 shares held in a trust for benefit of named individual
Except as indicated above, the foregoing persons hold sole voting and investment power.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
The Board of Directors determined that five of the eight current Directors are "independent" as defined by Rule 5605 of the NASDAQ listing standards. The non-independent Directors are Jesse T. Correll, Ward F. Correll and James P. Rousey.
On February 20, 2003, UG purchased $4,000,000 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 $264,219 during 2014 and 2013. On March 30, 2009, UG purchased $1,000,000 of FSBI common stock. The sale and transfer of this security is restricted by the provisions of a stock restriction and buy-sell agreement.
On September 28, 2011 UTG entered a joint ownership agreement with Bandyco, LLC and First Southern National Bank, for an 8.08% interest in an aircraft. Bandyco, LLC is affiliated with Ward F Correll, who is a Director of the Company. The Company paid a monthly operational fee of $25,000 through July of 2014 when the aircraft was sold. During July of 2014, the Company acquired a different aircraft. UTG paid $1,600,000 in the acquisition of the aircraft, increasing the Company's ownership interest to 30.1%. The aircraft is used for business related travel by various officers and employees of the Company. For years 2014 and 2013, UTG paid $879,453 and $427,776 for costs associated with the aircraft.
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 2014 and 2013, UG paid $8,902,568 and $7,442,588, 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 .25% servicing fee on these loans and a one-time fee at loanorigination of .50% of the original loan cost to cover costs incurred by FSNB relating to the processing and establishment of the loan. The Company paid $33,894 and $93,285 in servicing fees and $0 and $1,250 in origination fees to FSNB during 2014 and 2013, respectively.
UG paid ordinary dividends of $4,800,000 and $2,700,000 to UTG in 2014 and 2013, respectively. No extraordinary dividends were paid during the two year period.
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 Brown Smith Wallace, LLC ("BSW") as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
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, 2014 and 2013 totaled $136,150 respectively and audit fees billed for quarterly reviews of the Company's financial statements totaled $20,400 for the years 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Audit Related Fees - No audit related fees were incurred by the Company from BSW for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Tax Fees - The Company paid $11,000 and $16,544 to BSW relating to certain tax advice and electronic filing of certain federal income tax returns of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
All Other Fees - The Company paid no other fees to BSW for other services for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The following documents are filed as a part of the report:
Financial Statements:
See Item 8, Index to Financial Statements
Financial Statement Schedules
NOTE: The financial statement schedules have been omitted as they are deemed inapplicable or not required by Regulation S-X.
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:
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]
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]
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]
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, 2010 originally filed as Exhibit 10.11].
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, 2010 originally filed as Exhibit 10.12].
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, 2010 originally filed as Exhibit 10.13].
Aircraft Lease Agreement [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2010 originally filed as Exhibit 10.14].
Aircraft Joint Ownership Agreement [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2011 originally filed as Exhibit 10.15].
StoneRiver Master Agreement [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2011 originally filed as Exhibit 10.18].
Promissory Note 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 10.19]
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]
Promissory Note dated March 4, 2013, between HPG Acquisitions, LLC and First National Bank of Tennessee [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2012 originally filed as Exhibit 10.21]
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]
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]
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]
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]
Line of Credit dated March 28, 2013, between UTG Avalon, LLC and First Southern Funding [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2013 originally filed as Exhibit 10.15]
*10.16
Management Data, Inc. Software License Agreement
Note dated December 29, 2014, between UTG Avalon, LLC and First National Bank of Tennessee
Aircraft Joint Ownership Agreement by and among Bandyco, LLC, First Southern National Bank and UTG, Inc. dated August 11, 2014.
Code of Ethics and Business Conduct [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2013 originally filed as Exhibit 14.1]
Code of Ethical Conduct for Senior Financial Officers [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2013 originally filed as Exhibit 14.2]
*21.1
List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
Certificate of Jesse T. Correll, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of UTG, as required pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certificate of Theodore C. Miller, Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President and Corporate Secretary of UTG, as required pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certificate of Jesse T. Correll, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of UTG, as required pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
Certificate of Theodore C. Miller, Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President and Corporate Secretary of UTG, as required pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
Audit Committee Charter [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2013 originally filed as Exhibit 99.1]
Whistleblower Policy [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2013 originally filed as Exhibit 99.2]
Compensation Committee Charter [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2011].
Investment Committee Charter [Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2011].
*101
Interactive Data File
* Filed herewith
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(D) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, UTG, Inc. has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
/s/ Jesse T. Correll
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Director
/s/ Theodore C. Miller
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By: /s/ Randall L. Attkisson
By: /s/ Howard L. Dayton
By: /s/ Joseph A. Brinck
By: /s/ Peter L. Ochs
Joseph A. Brinck
By: /s/ Jesse T. Correll
By: /s/ James P. Rousey
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director
President and Director
By: /s/ Theodore C. Miller
Corporate Secretary and Chief Financial Officer
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