UTG INC - Quarter Report: 2002 March (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) [X] QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 AND 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2002 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from _______________ to _______________ Commission File No. 0-16867 UNITED TRUST GROUP, INC. -------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) ILLINOIS 37-1172848 ------------------------------- ------------------- (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 5250 SOUTH SIXTH STREET P.O. BOX 5147 SPRINGFIELD, IL 62705 ------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (217) 241-6300 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 [ ] The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock as of April 30, 2002, was 3,505,048. UNITED TRUST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (The "Company") TABLE OF CONTENTS Part 1. Financial Information................................................3 ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...............................................3 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001...................................................3 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31,2002 and 2001..........................................4 Consolidated Statement of Shareholders'Equity for the Period ended March 31, 2002....................................................5 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2002 and 2001.................................................6 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................................7 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS...... ..................13 ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK........17 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION..................................................18 ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.................................................18 ITEM 2. CHANGE IN SECURITIES..............................................18 ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES...................................18 ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS...............18 ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.................................................18 ITEM 6. EXHIBITS..........................................................18 SIGNATURES....................................................................19 PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements UNITED TRUST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Balance Sheets ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- March 31, December 31, ASSETS 2002 2001 -------------- -------------- Investments: Fixed maturities at amortized cost (market $73,181,106 and $77,725,410) $ 71,187,074 $ 75,005,395 Investments held for sale: Fixed maturities, at market (cost $104,705,734 and $97,584,094) 104,704,236 98,628,440 Equity securities, at market (cost $4,122,887 and $3,937,812) 4,930,491 3,852,716 Mortgage loans on real estate at amortized cost 24,557,830 23,386,895 Investment real estate, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation 17,734,402 18,226,451 Policy loans 13,474,584 13,608,456 Short-term investments 532,832 581,382 -------------- -------------- 237,121,449 233,289,735 Cash and cash equivalents 14,919,864 15,477,348 Accrued investment income 2,626,552 3,002,860 Reinsurance receivables: Future policy benefits 33,525,507 33,776,688 Policy claims and other benefits 3,898,370 4,042,779 Cost of insurance acquired 33,280,239 33,666,336 Deferred policy acquisition costs 2,852,811 3,107,919 Costs in excess of net assets purchased, net of accumulated amortization 345,779 345,779 Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation 2,387,678 2,459,117 Income taxes receivable, current 197,066 215,865 Other assets 458,794 139,245 -------------- -------------- Total assets $ 331,614,109 $ 329,523,671 ============== ============== LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Policy liabilities and accruals: Future policy benefits $ 235,988,455 $ 236,449,241 Policy claims and benefits payable 2,242,219 2,781,920 Other policyholder funds 1,322,700 1,255,990 Dividend and endowment accumulations 12,849,266 13,055,024 Deferred income taxes 13,581,003 13,569,523 Notes payable 4,223,471 4,400,670 Other liabilities 8,677,001 5,465,896 -------------- -------------- Total liabilities 278,884,115 276,978,264 -------------- -------------- Minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries 7,859,396 7,771,793 -------------- -------------- Shareholders' equity: Common stock - no par value, stated value $.02 per share Authorized 7,000,000 shares - 3,508,925 and 3,549,791 shares issued after deducting treasury shares of 116,102 and 75,236 70,179 70,996 Additional paid-in capital 42,491,788 42,789,636 Retained earnings 1,481,272 1,004,238 Accumulated other comprehensive income 827,359 908,744 -------------- ------------- Total shareholders' equity 44,870,598 44,773,614 -------------- ------------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 331,614,109 $ 329,523,671 ============== ============= See accompanying notes. UNITED TRUST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Operations -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Months Ended March 31, March 31, 2002 2001 ----------------- ----------------- Revenues: Premiums and policy fees $ 4,994,227 $ 5,333,743 Reinsurance premiums and policy fees (717,366) (779,292) Net investment income 3,307,478 4,014,425 Realized investment gains and (losses), net 4,696 (230,569) Other income 204,006 89,928 ----------------- ----------------- 7,793,041 8,428,235 Benefits and other expenses: Benefits, claims and settlement expenses: Life 5,328,814 4,976,685 Reinsurance benefits and claims (1,026,833) (594,279) Annuity 268,675 274,051 Dividends to policyholders 264,450 281,268 Commissions and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 302,521 530,443 Amortization of cost of insurance acquired 386,097 398,972 Operating expenses 1,530,433 1,514,115 Interest expense 72,210 38,614 ----------------- ----------------- 7,126,367 7,419,869 Income before income taxes, minority interest and equity in earnings of investees 666,674 1,008,366 Income tax expense (83,880) (591,173) Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries (105,760) (73,335) ----------------- ----------------- Net income $ 477,034 $ 343,858 ================= ================= Basic earnings per share from continuing operations and net income $ 0.14 $ 0.08 ================= ================= Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations and net income $ 0.14 $ 0.08 ================= ================= Basic weighted average shares outstanding 3,528,436 4,175,066 ================= ================= Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 3,528,436 4,175,066 ================= ================= See accompanying notes. UNITED TRUST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity For the Period ended March 31, 2002 Common stock Balance, beginning of year $ 70,996 Issued during year 0 Purchase treasury shares (817) ------------------ Balance, end of period 70,179 ------------------ Additional paid-in capital Balance, beginning of year 42,789,636 Issued during year 0 Purchase treasury shares (297,848) ------------------ Balance, end of period 42,491,788 ------------------ Retained earnings Balance, beginning of year 1,004,238 Net income 477,034 $ 477,034 ------------------ ------------------ Balance, end of period 1,481,272 ------------------ Accumulated other comprehensive income Balance, beginning of year 908,744 Other comprehensive income Unrealized holding loss on securities net of minority interest and reclassification adjustment (81,385) (81,385) ------------------ ------------------ Comprehensive income $ 395,649 ================== Balance, end of period 827,359 ------------------ Total shareholders' equity, end of period $ 44,870,598 ================== See accompanying notes UNITED TRUST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Three Months Ended March 31, March 31, 2002 2001 --------------- --------------- Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 477,034 $ 343,858 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Amortization/accretion of fixed maturities 97,202 15,286 Realized investment (gains) losses, net (4,696) 230,569 Policy acquisition costs deferred (17,000) (64,000) Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 272,108 414,645 Amortization of cost of insurance acquired 386,097 398,972 Amortization of costs in excess of net assets purchased 0 22,500 Depreciation 151,597 99,902 Minority interest 105,760 73,335 Change in accrued investment income 376,308 349,414 Change in reinsurance receivables 395,590 383,792 Change in policy liabilities and accruals (859,384) (1,015,775) Charges for mortality and administration of universal life and annuity products (2,234,743) (2,421,905) Interest credited to account balances 1,475,314 1,546,173 Change in income taxes 55,161 770,914 Change in other assets and liabilities, net (813,541) (1,137,024) --------------- --------------- Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (137,193) 10,656 Cash flows from investing activities: Proceeds from investments sold and matured: Fixed maturities held for sale 8,420,000 5,750,000 Fixed maturities matured 6,885,707 18,364,075 Equity securities 0 814,624 Mortgage loans 2,483,750 2,334,143 Real estate 486,592 281,741 Policy loans 757,831 809,656 Short-term 50,000 1,353,067 --------------- --------------- Total proceeds from investments sold and matured 19,083,880 29,707,306 Cost of investments acquired: Fixed maturities held for sale (14,970,384) (19,865,743) Equity securities (185,075) 0 Mortgage loans (3,654,685) (5,611,673) Real estate (63,981) (132,538) Policy loans (623,959) (632,601) Short-term (1,450) (921,480) --------------- --------------- Total cost of investments acquired (19,499,534) (27,164,035) Purchase of property and equipment (8,051) (47,221) --------------- --------------- Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (423,705) 2,496,050 Cash flows from financing activities: Policyholder contract deposits 2,746,397 3,203,807 Policyholder contract withdrawals (2,267,119) (2,489,932) Payments of principal on notes payable (777,199) 0 Proceeds from line of credit 600,000 0 Purchase of stock of affiliates 0 (13,800) Purchase of treasury stock (298,665) 0 Net cash provided by financing activities 3,414 700,075 --------------- --------------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (557,484) 3,206,781 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 15,477,348 15,065,076 --------------- --------------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 14,919,864 $ 18,271,857 =============== =============== See accompanying notes UNITED TRUST GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by United Trust Group, Inc. ("UTG") and its consolidated subsidiaries ("Company") pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the Company believes the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not be misleading, it is suggested that these consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto presented in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 2001. The information furnished reflects, in the opinion of the Company, all adjustments (which include only normal and recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the periods presented. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of operating results to be expected for the year or of the Company's future financial condition. At March 31, 2002, consolidated subsidiaries of United Trust Group, Inc. were as depicted on the following organizational chart. For an explanation of contemplated future changes to the organizational structure, please refer to notes 9 and 10 to the consolidated financial statements.
2. INVESTMENTS As of March 31, 2002, fixed maturities and fixed maturities held for sale represented 74% of total invested assets. As prescribed by the various state insurance department statutes and regulations, the insurance companies' investment portfolio is required to be invested in investment grade securities to provide ample protection for policyholders. The Company does not invest in so-called "junk bonds" or derivative investments. As of March 31, 2002, the carrying value of fixed maturity securities in default as to principal or interest was immaterial in the context of consolidated assets or shareholders' equity. The investments held for sale are carried at market, with changes in market value directly charged to shareholders' equity. To provide additional flexibility and liquidity, the Company has categorized almost all fixed maturity investments acquired since 2000 as available for sale. 3. NOTES PAYABLE At March 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001, the Company had $4,223,471 and $4,400,670 in long-term debt outstanding, respectively. The debt is comprised of the following components: 3/31/2002 12/31/2001 ------------- ------------- Subordinated 20 yr. Notes $ 514,674 $ 514,674 Other notes payable 3,108,797 3,885,996 Line of credit 600,000 0 ------------- ------------- $ 4,223,471 $ 4,400,670 ============= ============= A. Subordinated debt The subordinated debt was incurred June 16, 1992 as a part of the acquisition of the now dissolved Commonwealth Industries Corporation (CIC). These notes bear interest at the variable rate of 1% under prime per annum (paid quarterly). At March 31, 2002 the 1% under prime variable rate was 3.75%. A lump sum principal payment on the balance of the notes is due June 16, 2012. B. Other notes payable The other notes payable were incurred in April 2001 to facilitate the repurchase of common stock owned primarily by James E. Melville and Larry E. Ryherd, two former officers and directors of the UTG, and members of their respective families. These notes bear interest at the fixed rate of 7% per annum (paid quarterly) with payments of principal to be made in five equal annual installments, the first principal payment of which, in the amount of $777,199, was made on March 31, 2002. The collective scheduled principal reductions on these notes for the next five years is as follows: Year Amount -------- ----------- 2002 $ 0 2003 777,199 2004 777,199 2005 777,199 2006 777,200 C. Lines of Credit On November 15, 2001, UTG was extended a $3,300,000 line of credit from the First National Bank of the Cumberlands located in Livingston, Tennessee. The First National Bank of the Cumberlands is owned by Millard V. Oakley, who is a Director of both UTG and FCC. The line of credit will expire one year from the date of issue is for the repurchase of stock. The interest rate provided for in the agreement is variable and indexed to be the lowest of the U.S. prime rates as published in the money section of the Wall Street Journal, with any interest rate adjustments to be made monthly. As of March 31, 2002, the Company had borrowings of $600,000 attributable to this line of credit, which were used as a principal payment on other notes payable. The line of credit was repaid in April. On April 1, 2002, UTG was extended a $5,000,000 line of credit from an unaffiliated third party, Southwest Bank of St. Louis. The line of credit will expire one-year from the date of issue. The line was sought to provide UTG with additional liquidity for current operations or growth of business. Borrowings under the line of credit will bear interest at the rate of .25% in excess of Southwest Bank of St. Louis' prime rate. As collateral for the loan, FCC pledged 100% of the common stock of UG. To date, the Company has no borrowings or obligations attributable to this line of credit. 4. CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS A. Stock Repurchase Program On June 5, 2001, the board of directors of UTG authorized the repurchase from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions of up to $1 million of UTG's common stock. Repurchased shares will be available for future issuance for general corporate purposes. Through April 30, 2002, UTG has spent $456,270 in the acquisition of 64,812 shares under this program. B. Earnings Per Share Calculations Earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period, retroactively adjusted to give effect to all stock splits, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128. At March 31, 2002 diluted earnings per share is the same as basic earnings per share since the Company has no dilutive instruments outstanding. At March 31, 2001, UTG had stock options in the amount of 19,108 at an option price of $15.00, which was not included in the computation of dilutive earnings per share, since the exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares. C. Proposed Officer and Director Stock Purchase Program On March 26, 2002, the Board of Directors of UTG adopted the United Trust Group, Inc. Employee and Director Stock Purchase Plan. The plan's purpose is to provide employees and directors of UTG and its subsidiaries an opportunity to invests in shares of UTG common stock. The plan will be administered by the Board of Directors of UTG. A total of 400,000 shares of common stock may be purchased under the plan, subject to appropriate adjustment for stock dividends, stock splits or similar recapitalizations resulting in a change in shares of UTG. The plan is not intended to qualify as an "employee stock purchase plan" under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Board of Directors of UTG are submitting the plan to the UTG shareholders for their approval at the upcoming 2002 Annual Meeting of UTG Shareholders, in order that directors of UTG who are not eligible employees of UTG or its subsidiaries may participate in the plan. A proxy statement for the 2002 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is being mailed to UTG shareholders at or about May 13, 2002. Shareholders of UTG are urged to read the proxy statement when it becomes available. 5. 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. The Company cannot predict the effect that these lawsuits may have on the Company in the future. 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. The State of Florida began an investigation of industrial life insurance policies in the fall of 1999 regarding policies with race-based premiums. This investigation has quickly spread to other states and to other types of small face amount policies and was expanded to consider the fairness of premiums for all small policies including policies which did not have race-based premiums. The NAIC historically has defined a "small face amount policy" as one with a face amount of $15,000 or less. Under current reviews, some states have increased this amount to policies of $25,000 or less. These states are attempting to force insurers to refund "excess premiums" to insureds or beneficiaries of insureds based on the recent American General settlement. The Company's insurance subsidiaries have no race-based premium products, but do have policies with face amounts under the above-scrutinized limitations. The outcome of this issue could be dramatic on the insurance industry as a whole as well as the Company itself. The Company will continue to monitor developments regarding this matter to determine to what extent, if any, the Company may be exposed. On November 20, 1998, FSF and affiliates acquired 929,904 shares of common stock of UTG from UTG and certain UTG shareholders. As consideration for the shares, FSF paid UTG $10,999,995 and certain shareholders of UTG $999,990 in cash. Included in the stock acquisition agreement is an earnings covenant whereby UTG warrants UTG and its subsidiaries and affiliates will have future earnings of at least $30,000,000 for a five-year period beginning January 1, 1998. Such earnings are computed based on statutory results excluding inter-company activities such as inter-company dividends plus realized and unrealized gains and losses on real estate, mortgage loans and unaffiliated common stocks. At the end of the covenant period, an adjustment is to be made equal to the difference between the then market value and statutory carrying value of real estate still owned that existed at the beginning of the covenant period. Should UTG not meet the covenant requirements, any shortfall will first be reduced by the actual average tax rate for UTG for the period, then will be further reduced by one-half of the percentage, if any, representing UTG's ownership percentage of the insurance company subsidiaries. This result will then be reduced by $250,000. The remaining amount will be paid by UTG in the form of UTG common stock valued at $15.00 per share with a maximum number of shares to be issued of 500,000. However, there shall be no limit to the number of shares transferred to the extent that there are legal fees, settlements, damage payments or other losses as a result of certain legal action taken. The price and number of shares shall be adjusted for any applicable stock splits, stock dividends or other recapitalizations. At March 31, 2002, the Company had total earnings of $15,479,480 applicable to this covenant. With less than one year remaining on the covenant, it appears highly unlikely UTG will meet the earnings requirements, resulting in UTG being required to issue additional shares to FSF or its assigns. Combining current results with management's expectation for 2002, it appears at this time UTG will be required to issue 500,000 shares of its common stock at December 31, 2002 to satisfy this covenant. David A. Morlan, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. Universal Guaranty Life Ins., United Trust Assurance Co., United Security Assurance Co., United Trust Group, Inc. and First Commonwealth Corporation, (U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, Appeal No. 01-3795) On April 26, 1999, the above lawsuit was filed by David Morlan and Louis Black in the Southern District of Illinois against Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company ("UG") and United Trust Assurance Company ("UTAC") (merged into UG in 1992). After the lawsuit was filed, the plaintiffs, who were former insurance salesmen, amended their complaint, dropped Louis Black as a plaintiff, and added United Security Assurance Company ("USAC"), UTG and FCC as defendants. The plaintiffs are alleging that they were employees of UG, UTAC or USAC rather than independent contractors. The plaintiffs are seeking class action status and have asked to recover various employee benefits, costs and attorneys' fees, as well as monetary damages based on the defendants' alleged failure to withhold certain taxes. On September 18, 2001, the case was dismissed without prejudice because Morlan lacked standing to pursue the claims against defendants. The plaintiffs have appealed the dismissal of the case to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. In addition to the appeal, a second action was filed entitled; Julie Barrette Ahrens, David Dzuiban, William Milam, Dennis Schneiderman, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated vs Universal Guaranty Life, United Trust Assurance Company, United Security Assurance Company. United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. Case No: 01-4314-JPG. The Company continues to believe that it has meritorious grounds to defend both the original and related lawsuit, and it intends to defend the cases vigorously, and it believes that the defense and ultimate resolution of these lawsuits should not have a material adverse effect upon the business, results of operations or financial condition of the Company. Nevertheless, if the plaintiff's lawsuits were to be successful, it is likely that such resolution would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition. At March 31, 2002, the Company maintains a liability of $283,295 to cover estimated legal costs associated with the defense of this matter. The Company and its subsidiaries are named as defendants in a number of general legal actions arising as a part of the ordinary course of business relating primarily to claims made under insurance policies. Those actions have been considered in establishing the Company's liabilities. Management is of the opinion that the settlement of those actions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations. 6. Other Cash Flow Disclosure On a cash basis, the Company paid $71,898 and $0 in interest expense during the first quarter of 2002 and 2001, respectively. The Company paid $290 and $22,013 in federal income tax during the first quarter of 2002 and 2001, respectively. At March 31, 2002, the Company had acquired $3,733,821 in fixed maturity investments for which the cash had not yet been paid. The payable for these securities is included in the line item other liabilities on the balance sheet. 7. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK 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 UTG, and its largest shareholder. The Company holds approximately $4,565,000 for which there are no pledges or guarantees outside FDIC insurance limits. 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. 8. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Tax Before-Tax (Expense) Net of Tax March 31, 2002 Amount or Benefit Amount ---------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- --------------- Unrealized holding losses during Period $ (123,519) $ 43,232 $ (80,287) Less: reclassification adjustment For gains realized in net income (1,689) 591 (1,098) ---------------- ----------------- --------------- Net unrealized losses 43,823 (125,208) (81,385) ---------------- ----------------- --------------- Other comprehensive income $ (125,208) $ 43,823 $ (81,385) ================ ================= =============== 9. PROPOSED MERGER On June 5, 2001, UTG and FCC jointly announced their respective Boards of Directors approved a definitive agreement whereby UTG would acquire the remaining common shares (approximately 18%) of FCC which UTG does not currently own. Under the terms of the agreement, FCC will be merged with and into UTG, with UTG continuing as the surviving entity in the merger. Pursuant to the merger agreement, UTG will pay $250 in cash for each share of FCC common stock not held by United Trust Group. The transaction is subject to various conditions precedent set forth in the merger agreement, including the approval of the transaction by the shareholders of FCC. FCC has submitted the transaction to the vote of the FCC shareholders to be held at a special meeting to be called for that purpose on May 21, 2002. Shareholders of FCC are urged to read the Proxy Statement which will be mailed May 13, 2002 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 19, 2002. 10. PROPOSED REDOMESTICATION AND CHARTER SALES OF SUBSIDIARIES One of the Company's subsidiaries APPL, is currently domiciled in West Virginia, but has applied for redomestication to the state of Ohio. The redomestication proposal arose since APPL no longer meets the West Virginia requirement to maintain a Home Office within the state of West Virginia. The state of Ohio is where UG, which owns 100% of APPL, is domesticated. The Charter of APPL is also currently being marketed for sale through an outside broker. Should the charter be sold, the Company intends to proceed with an assumption reinsurance transaction whereby all of the policies in force of APPL would be assumed by UG. A June 2002 target date has been established by management of APPL and UG for completion of the above transactions, pending necessary regulatory approvals. The Charter of one of the Company's subsidiaries ABE, is also currently being marketed for sale through an outside broker. Should the charter be sold, the Company intends to proceed with an assumption reinsurance transaction whereby all of the policies in force of ABE would be assumed by UG. The management of ABE and UG have no time constraints or necessity for completion of this transaction. Should a buyer for the charter be located, the transaction could only be completed following necessary regulatory approvals. ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The purpose of this section is to discuss and analyze the Company's consolidated results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and capital resources. This analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes that appear elsewhere in this report. The Company reports financial results on a consolidated basis. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of UTG and its subsidiaries at March 31, 2002. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Any forward-looking statement contained herein or in any other oral or written statement by the Company or any of its officers, directors or employees is qualified by the fact that actual results of the Company may differ materially from any such statement due to the following important factors, among other risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company's business: 1. Prevailing interest rate levels, which may affect the ability of the Company to sell its products, the market value of the company's investments and the lapse ratio of the Company's policies, notwithstanding product design features intended to enhance persistency of the Company's products. 2. Changes in the federal income tax laws and regulations which may affect the relative tax advantages of the company's products. 3. Changes in the regulation of financial services, including bank sales and underwriting of insurance products, which may affect the competitive environment for the Company's products. 4. Other factors affecting the performance of the Company, including, but not limited to, market conduct claims, insurance industry insolvencies, insurance regulatory initiatives and developments, stock market performance, an unfavorable outcome in pending litigation, and investment performance. Results of Operations (a) Revenues Premiums and policy fee revenues, net of reinsurance premiums and policy fees, decreased 6% when comparing the first quarter of 2002 to the same period in 2001. The Company currently writes little new business. A majority of the new business currently written is universal life insurance. Collected premiums on universal life and interest sensitive products is not reflected in premiums and policy revenues because accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires that premiums collected on these types of products be treated as deposit liabilities rather than revenue. Unless the Company acquires a block of in-force business or significantly increases its marketing of traditional business, management expects premium revenue to continue to decline at a rate consistent with prior experience. During 2001, the Company implemented a conservation effort in an attempt to improve the persistency rate of Company policies. Several of the customer service representatives of the Company have become licensed insurance agents, allowing them to offer other products within the Company's portfolio to existing customers. Additionally, stronger efforts have been made in policy retention through more personal contact with the customer including telephone calls to discuss alternatives and reasons for a customer's request to surrender their policy. Previously, the Company's agency force was primarily responsible for conservation efforts. With the decline in the number of agents, the Company's ability to reach these customers diminished, making conservation efforts difficult. The conservation efforts described above are relatively new, but early results are generally positive. Management will continue to monitor these efforts and make adjustments as seen appropriate to enhance the future success of the program. The Company is currently exploring the introduction of a new product to be specifically used by the licensed customer service representatives as an alternative for the customer in the conservation efforts. The new product is in the very preliminary design stage. Introduction and the success of the new product will depend on the product competitiveness and profitability. Net investment income decreased 18% when comparing the first quarter of 2002 to the same period in 2001. The national prime rate was 3.25% lower in the first quarter 2002 than it was in the first quarter of 2001. This resulted in lower earnings on short-term funds as well as on longer-term investments acquired. 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. The Company monitors investment yields, and when necessary adjusts credited interest rates on its insurance products to preserve targeted interest spreads, ranging from 1% to 2%. It is expected that monitoring of the interest spreads by management will provide the necessary margin to adequately provide for associated costs on the insurance policies the Company currently has in force and will write in the future. At the March 2001 Board of Directors meeting, the Boards of the insurance subsidiaries lowered crediting rates one half percent on all products that could be lowered. With this reduction, the vast majority of the Company's rate-adjustable products are now at their guaranteed minimum rates, and as such, cannot be lowered any further. These adjustments were in response to continued declines in interest rates in the marketplace. The decrease is expected to result in approximately $500,000 in interest crediting savings annually, when fully implemented. Policy interest crediting rate changes become effective on an individual policy basis on the next policy anniversary. Therefore, it will take a full year from the time the change is determined for the full impact of such change to be realized. The guaranteed minimum crediting rates on these products range from 3% to 5.5%. The Company had net realized investment gains of $4,696 in the first quarter of 2002 compared to net realized investment losses of $230,569 for the same period in 2001. Approximately $177,330 of the net realized losses in 2001 was attributable to common stock sales while $61,301 was attributable to bond sales. On June 1, 2001, the Company began performing administrative work as a third party administrator ("TPA") for an unaffiliated life insurance company. The business being administered is a closed block with approximately 260,000 policies, a majority of which are paid up. The Company receives monthly fees based on policy in force counts and certain other activity indicators such as number of premium collections performed. During 2002, the Company received $124,635 for this work. These TPA revenue fees are included in the line item "other income" on the Company's consolidated statements of operations. The Company intends to pursue other TPA arrangements. Management believes it is a good source of generating additional revenues while utilizing the Company's strength, excess capacity and efficient administrative services. (b) Expenses Benefits, claims and settlement expenses net of reinsurance benefits and claims, decreased 2% in the first quarter of 2002 compared to the same period in 2001. Death benefit claims were $11,000 more than the prior period. Policy claims vary from year to year and therefore, fluctuations in mortality are to be expected and are not considered unusual by management. The reserve decreases on interest sensitive business in force is due to the reduction of interest crediting rates and decrease in death benefit claims. Reserves continue to increase on in-force policies as the age of the insureds increases. Interest expense increased 87% in the first quarter of 2002 compared to the same period in 2001. During 2001, the Company repaid $1,302,495 in outside debt through operating cashflows and dividends from UG to FCC. In April 2001, the Company issued $3,885,996 in new debt to purchase common stock owned primarily by James E. Melville and Larry E. Ryherd, two former officers and directors of the Company and their respective families. On March 31, 2002, the Company made its first principal payment of $777,199 on these notes with future payments of $777,199 due annually over the next four years. At March 31, 2002, UTG had $4,223,471 in long-term debt. Management believes overall sources available are adequate to service this debt. These sources include current cash balances of UTG, expected future operating cashflows and repayment of affiliate receivables held by UTG. (c) Net income The Company had a net income of $477,034 in the first quarter of 2002 compared to income of $343,858 for the same period in 2001. The increase in net income is mainly attributable to the decrease in income tax expense of $83,880 in 2002 compared to $591,173 in 2001. In addition, the Company had net realized investment gains of $4,696 in the first quarter of 2002 compared to net realized investment losses of $230,569 for the same period in 2001. Other income also increased $114,078 in the first quarter of 2002 compared to the same period in 2001 mainly attributable to third party administrative work performed with an unaffiliated life insurance company that began on June 1, 2001. However, this was offset by the decline in net investment income of $3,307,478 in for the first quarter of 2002 compared to $4,014,425 for the same period in 2001. Financial Condition The financial condition of the Company has improved slightly since December 31, 2001. Total shareholders' equity increased approximately $97,000 as of March 31, 2002 compared to December 31, 2001. The increase was mainly attributable to net income of $477,034 offset by the purchase of treasury shares in the amount $298,665 and unrealized losses of $81,385 on investments held for sale. Investments represent approximately 72% and 71% of total assets at March 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001, respectively. Accordingly, investments are the largest asset group of the Company. The Company's insurance subsidiaries are regulated by insurance statutes and regulations as to the type of investments that they are permitted to make and the amount of funds that may be used for any one type of investment. In light of these statutes and regulations, the majority of the Company's investment portfolio is invested in high quality low risk investments. The Company does not own any derivative investments or "junk bonds". As of March 31, 2002, the carrying value of fixed maturity securities in default as to principal or interest was immaterial in the context of consolidated assets or shareholders' equity. The Company has identified securities it may sell and classified them as "investments held for sale". Investments held for sale are carried at market, with changes in market value charged directly to shareholders' equity. To provide additional flexibility and liquidity, the Company has categorized almost all fixed maturity investments acquired since 2000 as available for sale. Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company has three principal needs for cash - the insurance companies' contractual obligations to policyholders, the payment of operating expenses and the servicing of its long-term debt. Cash and cash equivalents as a percentage of total assets were approximately 4% and 5% as of March 31, 2002, and December 31, 2001, respectively. Fixed maturities as a percentage of total invested assets were approximately 74% as of March 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001. Future policy benefits are primarily long-term in nature and therefore, the Company's investments are predominantly in long-term fixed maturity investments such as bonds and mortgage loans which provide sufficient return to cover these obligations. The Company has the ability and intent to hold these investments to maturity; consequently, the Company's investment in long-term fixed maturities held to maturity is reported in the financial statements at their amortized cost. Many of the Company's products contain surrender charges and other features which reward persistency and penalize the early withdrawal of funds. With respect to such products, surrender charges are generally sufficient to cover the Company's unamortized deferred policy acquisition costs with respect to the policy being surrendered. Cash provided by (used in) operating activities was $(137,193) and $10,656 for the periods ending March 31, 2002 and March 31, 2001, respectively. The net cash provided by operating activities plus net policyholder contract deposits after the payment of policyholder withdrawals equaled $342,085 for the first quarter of 2002 and $724,531 for the same period in 2001. Management utilizes this measurement of cash flows as an indicator of the performance of the Company's insurance operations, since reporting regulations require cash inflows and outflows from universal life insurance products to be shown as financing activities when reporting on cash flows. Cash provided by (used in) investing activities was $(423,705) and $2,496,050, for the periods ending March 31, 2002 and March 31, 2001, respectively. The most significant aspect of cash provided by (used in) investing activities are the fixed maturity transactions. Fixed maturities account for 77% and 73% of the total cost of investments acquired in the first quarter of 2002 and for the same period in 2001, respectively. The Company has not directed its investable funds to so-called "junk bonds" or derivative investments. Net cash provided by financing activities was $3,414 and $700,075 for the periods ending March 31, 2002 and March 31, 2001, respectively. Policyholder contract deposits decreased 14% in the first quarter of 2002 compared to the same period in 2001. Policyholder contract withdrawals decreased 9% in the first quarter of 2002 compared to the same period in 2001. In addition, as of March 31, 2002, the Company had purchased $298,665 in treasury stock under the stock repurchase program. At March 31, 2002, the Company had a total of $4,223,471 in long-term debt outstanding. In April 2001, the Company issued $3,885,996 in new debt to purchase common stock owned primarily by James E. Melville and Larry E. Ryherd, two former officers and directors of the Company, and members of their respective families. On March 31, 2002, the Company made its first principal payment of $777,199 on these notes with future prinicipal payments of $777,199 due annually, over the next fours years at an interest rate of 7% per annum (annual payments due April 12). Other debt of $514,674 bears interest at a floating rate of 1% below prime (paid quarterly) with no principal payments due until its maturity in 2012. As of March 31, 2002 the Company had borrowings of $600,000 on the line of credit at a floating rate equal to prime which is currently 4.75%. The line of credit was subsequently repaid in April 2002. Management believes overall sources of cash available are more than adequate to service the Company's debt. These sources include current cash balances of UTG, expected future operating cashflows and repayment of affiliate receivables held by UTG. The proposed merger of UTG and FCC will result in the addition of approximately $2.5 million in additional debt through draws on the aforementioned line of credit which is through the First National Bank of the Cumberlands in Livingston Tennessee (see note 3C to the consolidated financial statements). UTG is a holding company that has no day to day operations of its own. Funds required to meet its expenses, generally costs associated with maintaining the company in good standing with states in which it does business, are primarily provided by its subsidiaries. On a parent only basis, UTG's cash flow is dependent on its earnings received on invested assets (primarily notes receivable from FCC) and cash balances. At March 31, 2002, substantially all of the consolidated shareholders' equity represents net assets of its subsidiaries and receivables from its subsidiaries. The Company's insurance subsidiaries have maintained adequate statutory capital and surplus and have not used surplus relief or financial reinsurance, which have come under scrutiny by many state insurance departments. The payment of cash dividends to shareholders is not legally restricted. However, the state insurance department regulates insurance company dividend payments where the company is domiciled. UTG is the ultimate parent of UG through its ownership of FCC. UG can not pay a dividend directly to UTG due to the ownership structure. However, if UG paid a dividend to its direct parent, FCC, and FCC paid a dividend equal to the amount it received, UTG would receive 82% of the original dividend paid by UG. Please refer to Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. UG's dividend limitations are described below without effect of the ownership structure. Ohio domiciled insurance companies require five days prior notification to the insurance commissioner for the payment of an ordinary dividend. Ordinary dividends are defined as the greater of: a) prior year statutory earnings or b) 10% of statutory capital and surplus. For the year ended December 31, 2001, UG had a statutory gain from operations of $2,212,215. At December 31, 2001, UG's statutory capital and surplus amounted to $16,105,265. 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 an ordinary dividend of $800,000 to FCC in April 2002. Management believes the overall sources of liquidity available will be sufficient to satisfy the Company's financial obligations. ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK. Market risk relates, broadly, to changes in the value of financial instruments that arise from adverse movements in interest rates, equity prices and foreign exchange rates. The Company is exposed principally to changes in interest rates which affect the market prices of its fixed maturities available for sale and its variable rate debt outstanding. The Company's exposure to equity prices and foreign currency exchange rates is immaterial. The information presented below is in U.S. dollars, the Company's reporting currency. Interest rate risk The Company could experience economic losses if it were required to liquidate fixed income securities available for sale during periods of rising and/or volatile interest rates. The Company attempts to mitigate its exposure to adverse interest rate movements through a staggering of the maturities of its fixed maturity investments and through maintaining cash and other short term investments to assure sufficient liquidity to meet its obligations and to address reinvestment risk considerations. Tabular presentation The following table provides information about the Company's long term debt that is sensitive to changes in interest rates. The table presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates. The Company has no derivative financial instruments or interest rate swap contracts. The 2002 debt was paid in full in April 2002. March 31, 2002 Expected maturity date 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Thereafter Total Fair value Long term debt Fixed rate 0 777,199 777,199 777,199 777,200 0 3,108,797 3,258,512 Avg. int. rate 0 7.0% 7.0% 7.0% 7.0% 0 7.0% Variable rate 600,000 0 0 0 0 514,674 1,114,674 1,038,094 Avg. int. rate 4.75% 0 0 0 0 3.75% 4.29% PART II. OTHER INFORMATION. ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. NONE ITEM 2. CHANGE IN SECURITIES. NONE ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES. NONE ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. NONE ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION. NONE ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) The Company hereby incorporates by reference the exhibits as reflected in the Index to Exhibits of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001. (b) On January 2, 2002, UTG filed a report on form 8-K under the heading "Other Items" relating to UTG's voluntary delisting of UTG's common stock from the NASDAQ small cap market effective at the close of business on December 31, 2002. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. UNITED TRUST GROUP, INC. (Registrant) Date: May 14, 2002 By /s/ Randall L. Attkisson Randall L. Attkisson President, Chief Operating Officer and Director Date: May 14, 2002 By /s/ Theodore C. Miller Theodore C. Miller Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
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