MIDWEST HOLDING INC. - Quarter Report: 2015 September (Form 10-Q)

For the transition period from to.
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 000-10685

Midwest Holding Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s CUSIP number: 59833J 107

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (402) 489-8266

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report: Not applicable

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation 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 ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated 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.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐  No ☒

As of November 1, 2015, there were 18,021,645 shares of Voting Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, issued and outstanding.

MIDWEST HOLDING INC.

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

Midwest Holding Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

3

Midwest Holding Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

4

Midwest Holding Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

5

Midwest Holding Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of operations: Midwest Holding Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (“Midwest” or the “Company,” which also may be referred to as “we,” “our” or “us”) operate multiple insurance businesses through one business segment. These insurance companies are: American Life and Security Corporation (“American Life”), Capital Reserve Life Insurance Company (“Capital Reserve”), and Great Plains Life Assurance Company (“Great Plains”). Through these insurance companies we sell traditional, non-traditional and multi-benefit life insurance policies.

Basis of presentation: The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States of America generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions from the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Therefore, the information contained in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2104 (“2014 Form 10-K”), should be read in connection with the reading of these interim unaudited consolidated financial statements.

In the opinion of management, these statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s results. Operating results for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2015. All material inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation and certain immaterial reclassifications have been made to the prior period results to conform to the current period’s presentation with no impact on results of operations or total stockholders’ equity.

Investments: All fixed maturities and a portion of the equity securities owned by the Company are considered available-for-sale and are included in the consolidated financial statements at their fair value as of the financial statement date. Bond premiums and discounts are amortized using the scientific-yield method over the term of the bonds. Realized gains and losses on securities sold during the year are determined using the specific identification method. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of applicable income taxes and deferred acquisition costs, are included in comprehensive loss.

Declines in the fair value of available for sale securities below their amortized cost are evaluated to assess whether any other-than-temporary impairment loss should be recorded. In determining if these losses are expected to be other-than-temporary, we consider severity of impairment, duration of impairment, forecasted recovery period, industry outlook, financial condition of the issuer, issuer credit ratings and the intent and ability of us to hold the investment until the recovery of the cost.

The recognition of other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities is dependent on the facts and circumstances related to the specific security. If the Company intends to sell a security or it is more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell a security prior to recovery of the amortized cost, the difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized in the statement of comprehensive income as an other-than-temporary impairment. If the Company does not expect to recover the amortized basis, does not plan to sell the security and if it is not more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell a security before the recovery of its amortized cost, the recognition of the other-than-temporary impairment is bifurcated by recognizing the credit loss portion in the income statement and the noncredit loss portion in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

The credit component of the other-than-temporary impairment is determined by comparing the net present value of projected cash flows with the amortized cost basis of the debt security. The net present value is calculated by discounting the Company’s best estimate of projected future cash flows at the effective interest rate implicit in the fixed income security at the date of acquisition. Cash flow estimates are driven by assumptions regarding probability of default, including changes in credit ratings, and estimates regarding timing and amount of recoveries associated with a default. No other-than-temporary impairments were recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 or 2014.

6

Midwest Holding Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Continued

Included within the Company’s equity securities carried at cost and equity method investments are certain privately purchased shares of common stock for a small number of holding companies organized for the purpose of forming life insurance subsidiaries. These shares are recorded using cost basis or the equity method of accounting, depending on the facts and circumstances of each investment. These securities do not have a readily determinable fair value. The Company does not control these entities economically, and therefore does not consolidate these entities. The Company reports the earnings from its privately purchased shares of common stock accounted for under the equity method in net investment income.

Investment income consists of interest, dividends, gains and losses from equity method investments, and real estate income, which are recognized on an accrual basis and amortization of premiums and discounts.

Mortgage loans on real estate, held for investment: Mortgage loans on real estate, held for investment are carried at unpaid principal balances. Interest income on mortgage loans on real estate, held for investment is recognized in net investment income at the contract interest rate when earned. As of September 30, 2015, the Company held no investments in these types of mortgage loans.

Policy loans: Policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balances. Interest income on policy loans is recognized in net investment income at the contract interest rate when earned. No valuation allowance is established for these policy loans as the amount of each such loan is fully secured by the death benefit of the policy and cash surrender value.

Short-term investments: Short-term investments are stated at cost and consist of certificates of deposit issued by financial institutions. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company did not have any short-term investments.

Real estate, held for investment: Real estate, held for investment is comprised of ten condominiums in Hawaii. This real estate is carried at depreciated cost. Depreciation on residential real estate is computed on a straight-line basis over 50 years.

Cash: The Company considers all liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company has cash on deposit with financial institutions which at times may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. The Company has not suffered any losses in the past and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk regarding these balances.

Deferred acquisition costs: Deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) consist of incremental direct costs, net of amounts ceded to reinsurers, that result directly from and are essential to the contract acquisition transaction and would not have been incurred by the Company had the contract acquisition not occurred. These costs are capitalized, to the extent recoverable, and amortized over the life of the premiums produced. The Company evaluates the types of acquisition costs it capitalizes. The Company capitalizes agent compensation and benefits and other expenses that are directly related to the successful acquisition of contracts. The Company also capitalizes expenses directly related to activities performed by the Company, such as underwriting, policy issuance, and processing fees incurred in connection with successful contract acquisitions. DAC is adjusted to reflect the impact of unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturity securities available for sale.

Recoverability of deferred acquisition costs is evaluated periodically by comparing the current estimate of the present value of expected pretax future profits to the unamortized asset balance. If this current estimate is less than the existing balance, the difference is charged to expense. The Company performs a recoverability analysis annually in the fourth quarter of its fiscal year unless events occur which require an immediate review. The Company determined in its December 31, 2014 analysis that all deferred acquisition costs were recoverable. No events occurred in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 that suggested a review should be undertaken.

7

Midwest Holding Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Continued

The following table provides information about deferred acquisition costs for the periods ended September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Value of business acquired: Value of business acquired represents the estimated value assigned to purchased companies or insurance in force of the assumed policy obligations at the date of acquisition of a block of policies. As discussed in the 2014 Form 10-K, Note 1. - Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles, American Life purchased Capital Reserve during 2010, resulting in an initial capitalized asset for value of business acquired of $116,326. Additionally, the Company paid an upfront ceding commission of $375,000 to Security National Life (“SNL”) in respect of the purchase of Capital Reserve. An initial asset was established for the value of this business acquired totaling $348,010, representing primarily the ceding commission. The agreement has an automatic renewal provision unless the Company notifies SNL of its intention not to renew, no less than 180 days prior to the expiration of the then current agreement. Each automatic renewal period is for one year. This reinsurance remains in place. Midwest acquired Great Plains Financial and established an asset for value of business acquired of $1,288,207. These assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis, which approximates the earnings pattern of the related policies, over ten years. The Company recognized amortization expense of $43,813 and $131,441 for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 relative to these transactions.

Additionally, American Life purchased Old Reliance Insurance Company (“Old Reliance”) in August 2011, resulting in an initial capitalized asset for value of business acquired of $824,485. This asset is being amortized over the life of the related policies (see “revenue recognition and related expenses” discussed below regarding amortization methods). Amortization recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 totaled $14,002 and $16,614, respectively. Amortization recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 totaled $33,714 and $37,679, respectively.

The Company performs a recoverability analysis annually in the fourth quarter of its fiscal year unless events occur which require an immediate review. Recoverability of value of business acquired is evaluated by comparing the current estimate of the present value of expected pretax future profits to the unamortized asset balance. If this current estimate is less than the existing balance, the difference is charged to expense. No events occurred in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 that suggested a review should be undertaken.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill represents the excess of the amounts paid to acquire subsidiaries and other businesses over the fair value of their net assets at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually in the fourth quarter or more frequently if events or circumstances change that would indicate that a triggering event has occurred. No events occurred in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 that suggest a review should be undertaken.

The Company assesses the recoverability of indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually or whenever events or circumstances suggest that the carrying value of an identifiable indefinite-lived intangible asset may exceed the sum of the future discounted cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. If the asset is considered to be impaired, the amount of any impairment is measured as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the impaired asset. No events occurred in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 that suggest a review should be undertaken.

8

Midwest Holding Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Continued

Property and equipment: Property and equipment are stated at cost net of accumulated depreciation. Annual depreciation is primarily computed using straight-line methods for financial reporting and straight-line and accelerated methods for tax purposes. Furniture and equipment is depreciated over 3 to 7 years and computer software and equipment is generally depreciated over 3 years. Depreciation expense totaled $37,230 and $44,393 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Depreciation expense totaled $120,063 and $133,203 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Accumulated depreciation totaled $829,318 and $713,166 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Replacements and improvements which extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. The net book value of assets sold or retired are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in earnings.

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable and exceeds estimated future undiscounted cash flows of the asset. A recognized impairment loss reduces the carrying amount of the asset to its fair value. No such events occurred in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 that would indicate the carrying amounts may not be recoverable.

Reinsurance: In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to limit any single exposure to losses on large risks by purchasing reinsurance. The amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets as reinsurance recoverable include amounts billed to reinsurers on losses paid as well as estimates of amounts expected to be recovered from reinsurers on insurance liabilities that have not yet been paid. Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses is estimated based upon assumptions consistent with those used in establishing the liabilities related to the underlying reinsured contracts. Insurance liabilities are reported gross of reinsurance recoverable. Management believes the recoverables are appropriately established. The Company generally strives to diversify its credit risks related to reinsurance ceded. Reinsurance premiums are generally reflected in income in a manner consistent with the recognition of premiums on the reinsured contracts. Reinsurance does not extinguish the Company’s primary liability under the policies written. Therefore, the Company regularly evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers including their activities with respect to claim settlement practices and commutations, and establishes allowances for uncollectible reinsurance recoverable as appropriate. There were no such allowances as of September 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014.

Benefit reserves: The Company establishes liabilities for amounts payable under insurance policies, including traditional life insurance and annuities. Generally, amounts are payable over an extended period of time. Liabilities for future policy benefits of traditional life insurance have been computed by a net level premium method based upon estimates at the time of issue for investment yields, mortality and withdrawals. These estimates include provisions for experience less favorable than initially expected. Mortality assumptions are based on industry experience expressed as a percentage of standard mortality tables.

Policy claims: Policy claims are based on reported claims plus estimated incurred but not reported claims developed from trends of historical data applied to current exposure.

Deposit-type contracts: Deposit-type contracts consist of amounts on deposit associated with deferred annuity riders, premium deposit funds and supplemental contracts without life contingencies.

Income taxes: At September 30, 2015, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of approximately $23,400,000 that expire in the years 2025 through 2035. The Company has provided a significant valuation allowance against the value of the related deferred tax asset since it is more likely than not that the full benefit will not be realized. See Note 4 for further information. Utilization of a portion of the net operating losses may be subject to annual limitations provided by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and similar state provisions. Due to the net loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company has recorded no income tax expense or benefit in any of these periods.

Revenue recognition and related expenses: Revenues on traditional life insurance products consist of direct and assumed premiums reported as earned when due.

9

Midwest Holding Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Continued

Amounts received as payment for annuities and/or non-traditional contracts such as interest sensitive whole life contracts, single payment endowment contracts, single payment juvenile contracts and other contracts without life contingencies are recognized as deposits to policyholder account balances and included in future insurance policy benefits. Revenues from these contracts are comprised of fees earned for administrative and contract-holder services and cost of insurance, which are recognized over the period of the contracts, and included in revenue. Deposits are shown as a financing activity in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Amounts received under our multi-benefit policy form are allocated to the life insurance portion of the multi-benefit life insurance arrangement and the annuity portion based upon the signed policy.

Liabilities for future policy benefits are provided and acquisition costs are amortized by associating benefits and expenses with earned premiums to recognize related profits over the life of the contracts. Acquisition costs are amortized over the premium paying period using the net level premium method. Traditional life insurance products are treated as long duration contracts, which generally remain in force for the lifetime of the insured.

Comprehensive loss: Comprehensive loss is comprised of net loss and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes unrealized gains and losses from marketable securities classified as available for sale, net of applicable taxes.

Common and preferred stock and earnings (loss) per share: The par value per common share is $0.001 with 100,000,000 common shares and 20,000,000 preferred shares authorized. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had 13,238,901 and 13,167,654 voting common shares issued and outstanding, respectively.

At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had 1,179 warrants outstanding. The warrants are exercisable through December 31, 2016 for 10 shares of voting common stock at an exercise price of $6.50 per share.

The Class A preferred shares are non-cumulative, non-voting and convertible by the holder to voting common shares after May 2016, at a rate of 1.3 common shares for each preferred share (subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments). There is no stated dividend rate on the Class A shares, but the holders of Class A shares will receive a dividend on each outstanding share of Class A preferred stock in an amount equal to the amount of the dividend payable on each share of common stock. The par value per preferred share is $0.001 with 2,000,000 shares authorized. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had 74,159 Class A preferred shares issued and outstanding.

The Class B preferred shares are non-cumulative, non-voting and convertible by the holder to voting common shares after May 1, 2017 at a rate of 2.0 common shares for each preferred share. The Company may only affect a conversion through a deemed liquidation or initial public offering. The par value per preferred share is $0.001 with 1,000,000 shares authorized. The stated annual dividend rate on the Class B preferred shares is 7%, commencing after December 31, 2014. Dividends were paid during the three month and nine months ended September 30, 2015 of $21,560 and $56,057, respectively. At September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, the Company had 102,669 Class B preferred shares issued and outstanding.

Earnings (loss) per share attributable to the Company’s common stockholders were computed based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period. The weighted average number of shares outstanding during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were 13,238,901 and 9,120,239 shares, respectively. The weighted average number of shares outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were 13,227,274 and 9,807,554, respectively.

In June 2013, the FASB issued proposed Accounting Standards Update, Insurance Contracts (Topic 834) (“2013 proposed Update”). The objectives of the amendments in the 2013 proposed Update were to (1) increase the decision usefulness of the information about a reporting entity’s insurance liabilities, including the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows related to those liabilities and the effect of those cash flows on the statement of comprehensive income, and (2) improve comparability between reporting entities, regardless of the type of entity issuing the contract. The guidance in the 2013 proposed Update included different recognition and measurement models for both long-duration contracts and short-duration contracts. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance to determine the impact to its consolidated financial statements.

10

Midwest Holding Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Continued

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) regarding accounting for revenue recognition that identifies the accounting treatment for an entity's contracts with customers. Although insurance contracts are excluded from this ASU, other customer contracts of the Company would be covered. This guidance is effective for public entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance, but it does not believe that there will be a material impact to its consolidated financial statements.

All other new accounting standards and updates of existing standards issued through the date of this filing were considered by management and did not relate to accounting policies and procedures pertinent or material to the Company at this time.

Note 2. Investments

See Note 1 in our 2014 Form 10-K for information regarding our accounting policy relating to available-for-sale (“AFS”) securities, which also includes additional disclosures regarding our fair value measurements.

The cost or amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments classified as available-for-sale as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows:

The Company has four securities that individually exceed 10% of the total of the state and political subdivisions categories as of September 30, 2015. The amortized cost, fair value, credit ratings, and description of the security is as follows:

11

Midwest Holding Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Continued

The following table summarizes, for all securities in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the estimated fair value, pre-tax gross unrealized loss and number of securities by length of time that those securities have been continuously in an unrealized loss position.

Based on our review of the securities in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, no other-than-temporary impairments were deemed necessary. Management believes that the Company will fully recover its cost basis in the securities held at September 30, 2015, and management does not have the intent to sell nor is it more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell such securities until they recover or mature. The temporary impairments shown herein are primarily the result of the current interest rate environment rather than credit factors that would imply other-than-temporary impairment.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturities at September 30, 2015, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

The Company is required to hold assets on deposit for the benefit of policyholders in accordance with statutory rules and regulations. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, these required deposits had a total amortized cost of $6,270,765 and $3,824,485 and fair values of $6,176,090 and $3,918,911, respectively.

12

Midwest Holding Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Continued

The components of net investment income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

Proceeds for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 from sales of investments classified as available-for-sale were $3,108,704 and $1,886,156, respectively. Gross gains of $28,366 and $19,167 and gross losses of $44,454 and $5,238 were realized on those sales during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Proceeds for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 from sales of investments classified as available-for-sale were $10,274,724 and $7,447,297, respectively. Gross gains of $146,767 and $40,807 and gross losses of $159,150 and $32,539 were realized on those sales during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The gross losses were due to sales of securities necessitated to comply with laws of insurance regulations relating to concentration of securities.

As of September 30, 2015, the Company had no mortgage loans. The following table summarizes the activity in the mortgage loans on real estate, held for investment account for the periods ended September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

Note 3. Fair Values of Financial Instruments

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. We use valuation techniques that are consistent with the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach. Inputs to valuation techniques refer to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Inputs may be observable, meaning those that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and they are developed based on market data obtained from independent sources, or unobservable, meaning those that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and they are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. In that regard, accounting standards establish a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

13

Midwest Holding Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Continued

A review of fair value hierarchy classifications is conducted by us on a quarterly basis. Changes in the valuation inputs, or their ability to be observed, may result in a reclassification for certain financial assets or liabilities. Reclassifications impacting Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are reported as transfers in/out of the Level 3 category as of the beginning of the period in which the reclassifications occur.

A description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below.

Fixed maturities: Fixed maturities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis utilizing a third-party pricing source. The valuations are reviewed and validated quarterly through random testing by comparisons to separate pricing models or other third party pricing services. For the period ended September 30, 2015, there were no material changes to the valuation methods or assumptions used to determine fair values, and no broker or third party prices were changed from the values received. Securities with prices based on validated quotes from pricing services are reflected within Level 2.

Equity securities, available for sale: Equity securities consist of preferred stock of publicly traded companies. The fair values of a portion of our preferred equity securities are based on prices obtained from independent pricing services and these securities are generally classified within Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Equity method investments: The equity method investments are comprised of the Company’s investments in First Wyoming Capital Corporation (First Wyoming) and Pacific Northwest. These securities have no active trading and the fair value for these securities is not readily determinable. Therefore, these investments have been omitted from the fair value disclosure tables.

Cost method investments: The cost method investments are comprised of equity holdings of New Mexico Capital Corp and Northstar Financial Corporation. These securities have no active trading and the fair value for these securities is not readily determinable. Therefore, these investments have been omitted from the fair value disclosure tables.

Cash and short-term investments: The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments approximate the fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments.

Policy loans: Policy loans are stated at unpaid principal balances. As these loans are fully collateralized by the cash surrender value of the underlying insurance policies, the carrying value of the policy loans approximates their fair value. Policy loans are categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage loans on real estate, held for investment: The fair values of mortgage loans on real estate, held for investment are estimated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the scheduled maturities of the loans, using interest rates currently being offered for similar loans to borrowers with similar credit ratings. Mortgage loans are categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Deposit-type contracts: The fair value for direct and assumed liabilities under deposit-type insurance contracts (accumulation annuities) is calculated using a discounted cash flow approach. Cash flows are projected using actuarial assumptions and discounted to the valuation date using risk-free rates adjusted for credit risk and nonperformance risk of the liabilities. Liabilities under deposit-type insurance contracts that are wholly ceded by Capital Reserve to a non-affiliated reinsurer are carried at cash surrender value which approximates fair value. These liabilities are categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Surplus notes: The fair value for surplus notes is calculated using a discounted cash flow approach. Cash flows are projected utilizing scheduled repayments and discounted to the valuation date using market rates currently available for debt with similar remaining maturities. These notes are structured such that all interest should be paid annually, and if not paid shall be cumulative. In the following fair value tables, the Company has included accrued interest expense, which is recorded in the accounts payable and accrued expenses, of approximately $221,218 and $196,927 in carrying value of the surplus notes as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. These liabilities are categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

14

Midwest Holding Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Continued

The following table presents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for those financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

There were no transfers of financial instruments between any levels during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 or during the year ended December 31, 2014.

Accounting standards require disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or non-recurring basis. The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis are discussed above. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were no financial assets or financial liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Equity securities carried at cost are privately purchased common stocks for recently formed holding companies organized for the purpose of forming life insurance subsidiaries. These common stocks are recorded using the cost basis of accounting. These securities have no active trading and the fair value for these securities is not readily determinable. The Company does not control these entities economically, and therefore does not consolidate these entities.

The following disclosure contains the carrying values, estimated fair values and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, for financial assets and financial liabilities as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively:

15

Midwest Holding Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Continued

Note 4. Income Tax Matters

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows:

At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $8,508,966 and $8,112,743, respectively, on the deferred tax assets to reduce the total to an amount that management believes will ultimately be realized. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon sufficient future taxable income during the period that deductible temporary differences and carryforwards are expected to be available to reduce taxable income.

Loss carryforwards for tax purposes as of September 30, 2015, have expiration dates that range from 2024 through 2035, as mentioned above.

16

Midwest Holding Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Continued

There was no income tax expense for the three or nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. This differed from the amounts computed by applying the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate of 34% to pretax income, as a result of the following:

Note 5. Reinsurance

A summary of significant reinsurance amounts affecting the accompanying consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:

The following table provides a summary of the significant reinsurance balances recoverable on paid and unpaid policy claims by reinsurers along with their respective A.M. Best credit ratings as of September 30, 2015:

Capital Reserve has a 100% coinsurance agreement with Security National Life Insurance Corporation (“SNL”) whereby 100% of the business written by Capital Reserve is ceded to SNL. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, total benefit reserves, policy claims, deposit-type contracts, and due premiums ceded by Capital Reserve to SNL were $15,628,640 and $16,375,768, respectively. Capital Reserve remains contingently liable on this ceded reinsurance should SNL be unable to meet its obligations.

17

Midwest Holding Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Continued

During 1999, Old Reliance entered into a 75% coinsurance agreement with Sagicor Life (Sagicor) whereby 75% of the business written by Old Reliance was ceded to Sagicor. During 2000, Old Reliance coinsured the remaining 25% with Sagicor. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, total benefit reserves, policy claims, deposit-type contracts, and due premiums ceded for the Old Reliance block of business to Sagicor were $11,887,252 and $12,143,472, respectively. American Life remains contingently liable on this ceded reinsurance should Sagicor be unable to meet their obligations.

The use of reinsurance does not relieve the Company of its primary liability to pay the full amount of the insurance benefit in the event of the failure of a reinsurer to honor its contractual obligation. No reinsurer of business ceded by the Company has failed to pay policy claims (individually or in the aggregate) with respect to our ceded business. At September 30, 2015, the Company had over 98% of its reinsurance recoverable amounts concentrated with two reinsurers, Sagicor and SNL. SNL, who is not rated by A.M. Best, accounted for $15.6 million of reinsurance recoverable.

The Company monitors several factors that it considers relevant to satisfy itself as to the ongoing ability of a reinsurer to meet all obligations of the reinsurance agreements. These factors include the credit rating of the reinsurer, the financial strength of the reinsurer, significant changes or events of the reinsurer, and other relevant factors. If the Company believes that any reinsurer would not be able to satisfy its obligations with the Company, a separate contingency reserve may be established. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, no contingency reserve was established.

Note 6. Deposit-Type Contracts

The Company’s deposit-type contracts represent the contract value that has accrued to the benefit of the policyholder as of the balance sheet date. Liabilities for these deposit-type contracts are included without reduction for potential surrender charges. This liability is equal to the accumulated account deposits, plus interest credited, and less policyholder withdrawals. The following table provides information about deposit-type contracts for nine months ended September 30, 2015 and year ended December 31, 2014:

Under the terms of American Life’s coinsurance agreement with SNL, American Life assumes certain deposit-type contract obligations, as shown in the table above. Additionally, Capital Reserve cedes 100% of its direct business to SNL. Accordingly, this amount is presented within the corresponding single line above. The remaining deposits, withdrawals and interest credited represent those for American Life’s direct business.

Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings: We are involved in litigation incidental to our operations from time to time. We are not presently a party to any legal proceedings other than litigation arising in the ordinary course of our business, and we are not aware of any claims that could materially affect our financial position or results of operations.

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Midwest Holding Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Continued

Regulatory Matters: State and federal regulatory bodies regularly make inquiries and conduct examinations or investigations concerning the Company’s compliance with laws in relation to, but not limited to, insurance and securities. The issues involved in information requests and regulatory matters vary widely. The Company cooperates in these inquiries. Agencies from the state of South Dakota completed a routine regulatory examination for the period 2010 through 2013 for Great Plains Life as required by state statutes during the second quarter of 2015. Previously, Arizona, Wyoming and Missouri regulators completed regulatory examinations of American Life, First Wyoming Life and Capital Reserve Life. American Life has submitted an application to redomesticate its State of Domicile from Arizona to Nebraska.

Office Lease: The Company leases office space in Lincoln, Nebraska under an agreement executed October 17, 2013 that expires on January 31, 2024. The Company also subleases office space for a satellite office in Kearney, Nebraska, which was executed on June 11, 2012 and expired on May 1, 2015. Great Plains entered into a lease on May 1, 2011 for office space in Pierre, South Dakota, which expired on April 30, 2014. Great Plains also entered into a lease on October 4, 2013 for office space in Mitchell, South Dakota, which expires on November 30, 2016. Rent expense for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $52,125 and $53,147 respectively. Rent expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $163,877 and $164,103, respectively. Future minimum payments are as follows:

Note 8. Statutory Net Income and Surplus

American Life is required to prepare statutory financial statements in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Arizona Department of Insurance. Likewise, Capital Reserve and Great Plains Life are required to prepare statutory financial statements in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Missouri and South Dakota Departments of Insurance, respectively. Statutory practices primarily differ from GAAP by charging policy acquisition costs to expense as incurred, establishing future policy benefit liabilities using different actuarial assumptions as well as valuing investments and certain assets and accounting for deferred taxes on a different basis than GAAP. The following table summarizes the statutory net loss and statutory capital and surplus of American Life, Capital Reserve, and Great Plains Life for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

Each Life company’s capital and surplus is in compliance with their individual RBC capital requirements.

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Midwest Holding Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – Continued

Note 9. Surplus Notes

The following provides a summary of the Company’s surplus notes along with issue dates, maturity dates, face amounts, and interest rates as of September 30, 2015:

Any payments and/or repayments must be approved by the Arizona Department of Insurance. As of September 30, 2015, the Company has accrued $221,218 of interest expense under accounts payable and accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheet. No payments were made in the nine months ending September 30, 2015, or during the year ended December 31, 2014.

Note 10. Investment in Pacific Northwest Capital Corporation

During the first quarter of 2014, we purchased additional shares of Pacific Northwest Capital Corporation (Pacific Northwest). The purchase increased our total investment in Pacific Northwest to 850,000 shares or approximately 22.4% ownership of Pacific Northwest.

As a result of the increased ownership of Pacific Northwest, the Company changed its method of carrying the investment from cost to equity as required by GAAP. Under the equity method, the Company records its proportionate share of the earnings of Pacific Northwest. There was no effect of the change in accounting method for the three months ended September 30, 2014. The effect of the change in accounting method for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, was to increase loss before provision for income taxes and net loss by $72,306. The change for the period ended December 31, 2014 decreased the investment in Pacific Northwest to zero.

Note 11. Related Party Transactions

The Company commenced its third party administrative (“TPA”) services in 2012 as an additional revenue source. These agreements, for various levels of administrative services on behalf of each customer, generate fee income for the Company. Services provided to each customer vary based on their needs and can include some or all aspects of back-office accounting and policy administration. We have been able to perform our TPA services using our existing in-house resources. Fees earned during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were $44,419 and $67,008, respectively. Fees earned during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 amounted to $140,013 and $227,260, respectively.

Note 12. Subsequent Events

All of the effects of subsequent events that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at September 30, 2015, including the estimates inherent in the process of preparing consolidated financial statements, are recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The Company does not recognize subsequent events that provide evidence about conditions that did not exist at the date of the consolidated financial statements but arose after, but before the consolidated financial statements were able to be issued. In some cases, non-recognized subsequent events are disclosed to keep the consolidated financial statements from being misleading.

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date that the consolidated financial statements were issued and are disclosing the following items:

On October 27, 2015, the Company acquired First Wyoming Capital Corporation, a Wyoming corporation (“First Wyoming”) pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated July 31, 2015 by and among the Company, First Wyoming and Midwest Acquisition, Inc., a Wyoming corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Midwest (“Merger Subsidiary”) (The “Merger Agreement”). Under the Merger Agreement, the Merger Subsidiary merged with and into First Wyoming (the “Merger”), the separate corporate existence of the Merger Subsidiary ceased and First Wyoming became the surviving corporation of the Merger and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Midwest.

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Company agreed to exchange 1.37 shares of its voting common stock for each share of First Wyoming common stock, or approximately 4,783,000 shares. In addition, as of October 27, 2015, all filings necessary to consummate the Merger Agreement under applicable state corporate laws were completed and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement were completed. Approval of the Merger was not required by the Company’s shareholders. 

The initial purchase accounting for the acquisition has not been completed as of the date of this filing, therefore the fair value of assets and liabilities transferred as a result of the acquisition have not been determined. However, the carrying values of the major classes of assets and liabilities for First Wyoming as of September 30, 2015 are as follows:

Had the acquisition been completed as of January 1, 2014, the Company’s consolidated revenues, on a pro forma basis, would have been approximately $1,000,000 and $1,098,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $2,990,000 and $3,294,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company’s consolidated net loss, on a pro forma basis, would have been approximately $930,000 and $1,037,000, for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $2,792,000 and $3,111,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand the financial condition as of September 30, 2015, compared with December 31, 2014, and the results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 of Midwest Holding Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. The MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements (“Notes”) presented in “Part 1 – Item 1. Financial Statements” our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (“2014 Form 10-K”), including the sections entitled “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Except for certain historical information contained herein, this report contains certain statements that may be considered "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such statements are subject to the safe harbor created by those sections. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including without limitation: any projections of revenues, earnings, cash flows, capital expenditures, or other financial items; any statement of plans, strategies, and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning proposed acquisition plans, new services, or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; and any statements of belief and any statement of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Words such as "believe," "may," "could," "expects," "hopes," "estimates," "projects," "intends," "anticipates," and "likely," and variations of these words, or similar expressions, terms, or phrases, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, assumptions, and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified, which could cause future events and actual results to differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section entitled "Item 1A. Risk Factors," set forth in our 2014 Form 10-K.

All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Form 10-Q. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the our expectations with regard thereto or any change in the events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Overview

Midwest Holding Inc., a Nebraska corporation, (we, us, our, Midwest, the Company or the Registrant) was formed on October 31, 2003 for the primary purpose of becoming a financial services holding company. We presently conduct our business through our wholly owned life insurance subsidiary, American Life & Security Corp. (American Life). Capital Reserve Life Insurance Company (Capital Reserve) is a dormant, wholly owned subsidiary of American Life. On August 5, 2014, we acquired Great Plains Financial Corporation (Great Plains). Its wholly owned subsidiary, Great Plains Life Assurance Company (Great Plains Life) became a subsidiary of ours and then became a wholly owned subsidiary of American Life as a result of a capital contribution of it to American Life by us.

From our inception, we have raised approximately $18.0 million through sales of shares of voting common stock and convertible non-voting preferred stock in several private placements exempt from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 and an intrastate offering in the State of Nebraska.

On October 27, 2015, the Company acquired First Wyoming Capital Corporation, a Wyoming corporation (“First Wyoming”) pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated July 31, 2015 by and among the Company, First Wyoming and Midwest Acquisition, Inc., a Wyoming Corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Midwest (“Merger Subsidiary”) (the “Merger Agreement”). Under the Merger Agreement, the Merger Subsidiary merged with and into First Wyoming (the “Merger”), the separate corporate existence of the Merger Subsidiary ceased and First Wyoming became the surviving corporation of the Merger and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Midwest.

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Pursuant to the Merger Agreement the Company agreed to exchange 1.37 shares of its voting common stock for each share of First Wyoming common stock, or approximately 4,783,000 shares. In addition, as of October 27, 2015, all filings necessary to consummate the Merger Agreement under applicable state corporate laws were completed and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement were completed. Approval of the Merger was not required by the Company’s shareholders.

The Company was a development stage company until American Life commenced insurance operations in 2009. We have incurred significant net losses since inception in 2003 totaling approximately $23.2 million through September 30, 2015. These losses have resulted primarily from costs incurred while establishing operations for American Life. We expect to continue to incur significant operating losses until we achieve a volume of in-force life insurance policies that provides premiums that are sufficient to cover our operating expenses.

We commenced our third party administrative (“TPA”) services in 2012 as an additional revenue source. These agreements, for various levels of administrative services on behalf of each customer, generate fee income for us. Services provided to each customer vary based on their needs and can include some or all aspects of back-office accounting and policy administration. We have been able to perform our TPA services using our existing in-house resources. We expect revenue will decrease from these services as our customers are companies in which we own equity and have purchased.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The MD&A included in our 2014 Form 10-K contains a detailed discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates. This report should be read in conjunction with the “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” discussed in our 2014 Form 10-K.

Premium Revenue

When American Life commenced operations in September 2009, we began to receive premium income from the sales of life insurance. Capital Reserve, acquired in 2010, has had minimal impact on operations as it has no premium income or related expenses.

Consolidated Results of Operations – Three Months Ended September 30, 2015

Insurance revenues are primarily generated from premium revenues and investment income. Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are summarized in the table below.

Premium revenue: Premium revenue decreased due to a decline in the issuance of new business in the third quarter of 2015 compared to the same quarter of 2014. Premium revenue also declined due to the accounting treatment for renewal premiums on our Accumulator Product. We recognize 100% of the first year payments received for our Accumulator life insurance products as premiums earned when due. In subsequent years, 50% of the payments received on the Accumulator life insurance products are applied toward the traditional life insurance premium. The other 50% of the payments received are applied towards the annuity premium which is recognized as deposits to policyholder account balances and included in future insurance policy benefits rather than revenues. Premiums on our other insurance products are recognized as earned when due. Production of new life premiums slowed during 2014 because actuarial development and regulatory approval of American Life’s new life insurance products took a significant amount of time, as well as changes in field management that delayed product sales. In 2015 management has limited production of new business to preserve surplus of American Life and Security Corporation.

In the third quarter of 2015, we entered into an agreement with a marketing organization in Argentina to submit applications on high-net worth foreign nationals for consideration. The policies for this market are specifically designed for the risks associated with such market and are denominated in U.S. dollars. Premiums on such policies must be denominated in U.S. dollars drawn on U.S. banks. As of September 30, 2015, management was working with both U.S. and foreign reinsurers to line up appropriate reinsurance. Production is expected to begin slowly in the fourth quarter 2015 and increase in 2016.

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Investment income, net of expenses: The components of net investment income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

The increase in investment income was primarily due to an increase in the par value of the bond portfolio. The increase was offset by a decrease in interest income from mortgage loans included in the “Other” line item above.

Net realized gain (loss) on investments: This decrease was primarily due the recognition of a $90,812 gain on the divestment of an equity security as of September 30, 2014, and the change in bond prices during 2015.

Miscellaneous income: Miscellaneous income decreased primarily due to a decrease in our TPA (as mentioned above) fee due to the Company’s termination by Northern Plains in the third quarter of 2014.

Expenses for the three months ended September, 2015 and 2014 are summarized in the table below.

Death and other benefits: Death benefits continue to be primarily paid out on the Old Reliance block of business.

Interest credited: No significant changes occurred to the interest credited recognized during the current quarter end compared to prior year.

Increase in benefit reserves: The significant decrease in benefit reserves was primarily due to the decrease in the face amounts of our in-force block of business, an increase in surrenders, and the continued decrease in meaningful production over the last 18 months, as well as the effect of the structure of the initial life insurance policy sold by American Life and Great Plains mentioned above.

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs: The amortization of costs was $119,282 for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $141,196 in the same period of 2014. This declined by $22,000 due to the lower amount of policies written in 2015 as discussed above.

Salaries and benefits: The decrease was primarily due to the efficiencies gained from the acquisition of Great Plains Financial and staff reductions.

Other operating expenses: Other operating expenses decreased due to fees related to a routine regulatory examination occurring in 2014 conducted by the state of Arizona and decreased audit expenses from 2014. The decrease was offset by an increase in the third quarter of 2015 for legal expenses related to the acquisition of First Wyoming Capital Corporation completed on October 27, 2015.

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Net Loss: Net loss was ($469,857) for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to a net loss of ($886,272) for the same period in 2014. This decrease was primarily due to higher investment income, a decrease in reserves, lower salary expenses, and a reduction in other operating expenses offset by increased realized losses on investments and a decrease in premiums.

Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests: We owned approximately 60% of the capital stock of Security Capital, and approximately 25.7% of Great Plains Financial (Great Plains) through August 5, 2014 at which time we acquired the remaining outstanding common shares of each company not held by us. See the 2014 Form 10-K, Part 1, Item 1. – Business, for further information regarding the acquisition of Great Plains and Security Capital. Great Plains and Security Capital were included in the 2014 consolidated financials and we were allowed to subtract from our earnings the portion of the gain/loss that we did not own, 40% for Security Capital and 74.3% for Great Plains. As a result of the acquisition for the three months ended September 30, 2015, we did not have a gain/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests compared to the same period in 2014.

Consolidated Results of Operations – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

Insurance revenues are primarily generated from premium revenues and investment income. Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are summarized in the table below.

Premium revenue: Premium revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 declined due primarily to the accounting treatment for renewal premiums on our Accumulator Product. We recognize 100% of the first year payments received for our Accumulator life insurance products as premiums earned when due. In subsequent years, 50% of the payments received on the Accumulator life insurance products are applied toward the traditional life insurance premium. The other 50% of the payments received are applied towards the annuity premium which is recognized as deposits to policyholder account balances and included in future insurance policy benefits rather than revenues. Premiums on our other insurance products are recognized as earned when due. Production of new life premium slowed during 2014 because actuarial development and regulatory approval of American Life’s new life insurance products took a significant amount of time, as well as changes in field management that delayed product sales. In 2015, management has limited production of new business to preserve surplus of American Life and Security Corporation.

Investment income, net of expenses: The components of net investment income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

The increase in investment income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, our same period in 2014 was primarily due to the increase in our bond portfolio, the losses from equity method investments decreased due to restating prior year treatment for the investment in Pacific Northwest Corporation from cost to equity method of accounting which brought our investment to zero at September 30, 2014, and the divestment of our interests in Hot Dot, Inc. (“Hot Dot”). Interest income from real estate investments, policy loan interest, and miscellaneous investment income is included in the “Other” line item above. The decrease in “Other” was primarily due to the decrease in interest income from real estate investments. 

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Net realized gain (loss) on investments: This decrease was primarily due the recognition of a $90,812 gain on the divestment of Northern Plains as of September 30, 2014, and the change in bond prices during 2015.

Miscellaneous income: Miscellaneous income decreased primarily due to our TPA (as discussed above) fee income earned in 2015 which declined due to our divestment of our interests in Northern Plains in the third quarter of 2014.

Expenses for the nine months ended September, 2015 and 2014 are summarized in the table below.

Death and other benefits: Death benefits decreased primarily due to a lawsuit settlement in 2014 of $205,000 for American Life. Death benefits continue to be paid out on the Old Reliance block of business.

Interest credited: Interest credited increased as a result of the increase in the Deposit-Type liability owed to the policyholders.

Increase in benefit reserves: The decrease in benefit reserves reflects the maturity of our in-force block of business, an increase in surrenders as well as the effect of the structure of the initial life insurance policy sold by American Life and Great Plains Life.

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs: This decline is a result of lower policies written in 2014 and 2015 as discussed above.

Salaries and benefits: The decrease primarily relates to marketing-related salaries transitioned to commission in January 2015 and the efficiencies gained from the acquisition of Great Plains Financial into Midwest and staff reductions.

Other operating expenses: Other operating expenses decreased due to non-recurring higher professional fees associated with the acquisition of Great Plains Financial and Security Capital in 2014, as well as fees related to routine regulatory examinations occurring in 2014 conducted by agencies from the states of Arizona, Missouri, and Wyoming as required by state statutes.

Net Loss: Net loss was ($2,073,062) for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to a net loss of ($3,249,738) for the same period in 2014. The decrease in net loss was primarily due to higher investment income, a decrease in reserves, lower salary expense, and a reduction in other operating expenses, offset by a decline in premium revenue.

Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests: We owned approximately 60% of the capital stock of Security Capital, and approximately 25.7% of Great Plains Financial (Great Plains) through August 5, 2014 at which time we acquired the remaining outstanding common shares of each company not held by us. See the 2014 Form 10-K, Part 1, Item 1. – Business, for further information regarding the acquisitions of Great Plains and Security Capital. Great Plains and Security Capital were included in the 2014 consolidated financials and we subtracted from our earnings the portion of the gain/loss that we did not own, or 40% for Security Capital and 74.3% for Great Plains. As a result of the acquisition for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we did not have a gain/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests compared to the same period in 2014.

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Investments

Our overall investment philosophy is reflected in the allocation of its investments. We emphasize investment grade debt securities, with smaller holdings in equity securities, real estate, held for investment, mortgage loans on real estate, held for investment, policy loans, and other investments. The following table shows the carrying value of our investments by investment category and cash and cash equivalents, and the percentage of each to total invested assets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

Increases in fixed maturity securities primarily resulted from additional purchases made by us during the first half of 2015.

The following table shows the distribution of the credit ratings of our portfolio of fixed maturity securities by carrying value as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.