UTG INC - Quarter Report: 2015 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

☒	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015

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

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 ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a small reporting company.  See definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ☐ No ☒

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock as of October 30, 2015, was 3,697,193.

UTG, Inc.

(The "Company")

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

UTG, Inc.

* Balance sheet audited at December 31, 2014.

See accompanying notes.

 

UTG, Inc.

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

See accompanying notes.

UTG, Inc.

 

See accompanying notes.

 

UTG, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

See accompanying notes.

UTG, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

  Note 1 – Basis of Presentation

UTG's life insurance subsidiary, Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company ("UG"), has several wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries.  The subsidiaries were formed to hold certain real estate investments.  The real estate investments were placed into the limited liability companies and partnerships to provide additional protection to the policyholders and to UG.

 

Note 2 – Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items, ("ASU 2015-01"), which removes the concept of extraordinary items from U.S. GAAP.  Under the existing guidance, an entity is required to separately disclose extraordinary items, net of tax, in the income statement after income from continuing operations if an event or transaction is unusual and occurs infrequently.  This separate, net-of-tax presentation will no longer be allowed.  The existing requirement to separately disclose events or transactions that are unusual or occur infrequently on a pre-tax basis within continuing operations in the income statement has been retained.  The new guidance requires similar separate presentation of items that are both unusual and infrequent.  The new standard is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015.  Early adoption is permitted, but only as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption.  Upon adoption, the Company will present transactions that are both unusual and infrequent, if any, on a pre-tax basis within continuing operations in the income statement.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which makes changes to both the variable interest model and voting interest model and eliminates the indefinite deferral of FASB Statement No. 167, included in ASU 2010-10, for certain investment funds. All reporting entities that hold a variable interest in other legal entities will need to re-evaluate their consolidation conclusions as well as disclosure requirements. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted, including any interim period. This is not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company.

 

Note 3 – Investments

Available for Sale Securities – Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities

The Company's insurance subsidiary is regulated by insurance statutes and regulations as to the type of investments they are permitted to make, and the amount of funds that may be used for any one type of investment.

Investments in available for sale securities are summarized as follows:

The amortized cost and estimated market value of debt securities at September 30, 2015, by contractual maturity, is shown below.  Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

The fair value of investments with sustained gross unrealized losses at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows:

Additional information regarding investments in an unrealized loss position is as follows:

The Company regularly reviews its investment securities for factors that may indicate that a decline in fair value of an investment is other than temporary.  The factors considered by Management in its regular review to identify and recognize other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities include, but are not limited to: the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost; the Company's intent to sell, or be required to sell, the debt security before the anticipated recovery of its remaining amortized cost basis; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; adverse changes in ratings announced by one or more rating agencies; subordinated credit support; whether the issuer of a debt security has remained current on principal and interest payments; current expected cash flows; whether the decline in fair value appears to be issuer specific or, alternatively, a reflection of general market or industry conditions, including the effect of changes in market interest rates.  If the Company intends to sell a debt security, or it is more likely than not that it would be required to sell a debt security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis, the entire difference between the security's amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date would be recognized by a charge to other-than-temporary losses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Equity securities may experience other-than-temporary impairments in the future based on the prospects for full recovery in value in a reasonable period of time and the Company's ability and intent to hold the security to recovery.  If a decline in fair value is judged by Management to be other-than-temporary or Management does not have the intent or ability to hold a security, a loss is recognized by a charge to other-than-temporary impairment losses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

Trading Securities

Securities designated as trading securities are reported at fair value, with gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recognized in net investment income on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.  Trading securities include exchange-traded equities and exchange-traded options.  Trading securities carried as liabilities are securities sold short. A gain, limited to the price at which the security was sold short, or a loss, potentially unlimited in size, will be recognized upon the termination of the short sale.  The fair value of derivatives included in trading security assets and trading security liabilities as of   September 30, 2015 was $0 and $(47,603), respectively. The fair value of derivatives included in trading security assets and trading security liabilities as of  December 31, 2014 was $6,250 and $(23,853), respectively.  Earnings from trading securities are classified in cash flows from operating activities. The derivatives held by the Company are for income generation purposes only.

Trading revenue charged to net investment income from trading securities was:

Mortgage Loans

As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company's mortgage loan portfolio contained 27 and 33 mortgage loans, including discounted mortgage loans, with a carrying value of $15,446,113 and $23,161,982, respectively.

On the remainder of the mortgage loan portfolio, interest accruals are analyzed based on the likelihood of repayment.  In no event will interest continue to accrue when accrued interest along with the outstanding principal exceeds the net realizable value of the property.  The Company does not utilize a specified number of days delinquent to cause an automatic non-accrual status.

Note 4 – Fair Value Measurements

The Company measures its assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets based on the framework set forth in the GAAP fair value accounting guidance.  The framework establishes a fair value hierarchy of three levels based upon the transparency of information used in measuring the fair value of assets or liabilities as of the measurement date.  The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs in the valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three categories.

Level 1 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company is able to access.  Level 1 fair value is not subject to valuation adjustments.

Level 2 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active. In addition, the Company may use various valuation techniques or pricing models that use observable inputs to measure fair value.

Level 3 – Valuation is based upon unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company's own assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

The Company determines the existence of an active market for an asset or liability based on its judgment as to whether transactions for the asset or liability occur in such market with sufficient frequency and volume to provide reliable pricing information.  If the Company concludes that there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for an investment in relation to normal market activity for such investment, adjustments to transactions and quoted prices are made to estimate fair value.

The following table provides reconciliations for Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Transfers into and out of Level 3 are recognized as of the end of the quarter in which they occur.

Certain assets are not carried at fair value on a recurring basis, including investments such as mortgage loans and policy loans. Accordingly such investments are only included in the fair value hierarchy disclosure when the investment is subject to re-measurement at fair value after initial recognition and the resulting re-measurement is reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The carrying values and estimated fair values of certain of the Company's financial instruments not recorded at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are shown below. Because the fair value for all Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet items are not required to be disclosed, the aggregate fair value amounts presented below are not reflective of the underlying value of the Company.

The above estimated fair value amounts have been determined based upon the following valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment was required to interpret market data in order to develop these estimates. Accordingly, the estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts which could be realized in a current market exchange.  The use of different market assumptions or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the fair value amounts.

The fair values of mortgage loans on real estate are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses and interest rates being offered for similar loans to borrowers with similar credit ratings.  The inputs used to measure the fair value of our mortgage loans on real estate are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

The Company has purchased non-performing discounted mortgage loans at a deep discount through an auction process led by the federal government.  In general, the discounted loans are non-performing and there is a significant amount of uncertainty surrounding the timing and amount of cash flows to be received by the Company.  Accordingly, the Company records its investment in the discounted loans at its original purchase price, which Management believes approximates fair value.  The inputs used to measure the fair value of our discounted mortgage loans are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

Investment real estate is recorded at the lower of the net investment in the real estate or the fair value of the real estate less costs to sell.  The determination of fair value assessments are performed on a periodic, non-recurring basis by external appraisal and assessment of property values by Management.  The inputs used to measure the fair value of our investment real estate are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

Policy loans are carried at the aggregate unpaid principal balances in the consolidated balance sheets which approximate fair value, and earn interest at rates ranging from 4 % to 8 %. Individual policy liabilities in all cases equal or exceed outstanding policy loan balances.  The inputs used to measure the fair value of our policy loans are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents in the condensed consolidated financial statements approximates fair value given the highly liquid nature of the instruments.  The inputs used to measure the fair value of our cash and cash equivalents are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

The carrying amount of short term investments in the condensed consolidated financial statements approximates fair value.  The inputs used to measure the fair value of our short term investments are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

The Company invests in collateral and non-collateral loans that are reported in the other assets balance on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The loans are carried at their unpaid principal balances, which approximates fair value. The inputs used to measure the fair value of the loans are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

The carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value for notes payable subject to floating rates of interest.  The fair value of notes payable with fixed rate borrowings is determined based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for loans with similar terms and average maturities.  The inputs used to measure the fair value of our notes payable are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

Note 5 – Credit Arrangements

At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had the following outstanding debt:

The UTG line of credit carries interest at a fixed rate of  3.75% and is payable monthly. As collateral, UTG has pledged  100% of the common voting stock of its wholly owned subsidiary, Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company ("UG"). The Company is currently in the process of renewing this line of credit.

During June of 2015, the Federal Home Loan Bank approved UG's Cash Management Advance Application ("CMA"). The CMA gives the Company the option of selecting a variable rate of interest for up to 90 days or a fixed rate for a maximum of 30 days. The variable rate CMA is prepayable at any time without a fee, while the fixed CMA is not prepayable prior to maturity.

Note 6 – Shareholders' Equity

Stock Repurchase Programs

On July 20, 2015, the Board of Directors of UTG also clarified and amended the terms on which UTG may repurchase shares in the program and gave Company Management broad authority to operate the program, including the discretion of whether to purchase shares and the ability to suspend or terminate the program. The program may be suspended or terminated at any time without further notice.

Earnings Per Share Calculations

Earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, diluted earnings per share were the same as basic earnings per share since the Company had no dilutive instruments outstanding.

Note 7 – Commitments and Contingencies

The insurance industry has experienced a number of civil jury verdicts which have been returned against life and health insurers in the jurisdictions in which the Company does business involving the insurers' sales practices, alleged agent misconduct, failure to properly supervise agents, and other matters.  Some of the lawsuits have resulted in the award of substantial judgments against the insurer, including material amounts of punitive damages.  In some states, juries have substantial discretion in awarding punitive damages in these circumstances.  In the normal course of business, the Company is involved from time to time in various legal actions and other state and federal proceedings.  Management is of the opinion that the ultimate disposition of the matters will not have a materially adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial position.

Under the insurance guaranty fund laws in most states, insurance companies doing business in a participating state can be assessed up to prescribed limits for policyholder losses incurred by insolvent or failed insurance companies.  Although the Company cannot predict the amount of any future assessments, most insurance guaranty fund laws currently provide that an assessment may be excused or deferred if it would threaten an insurer's financial strength.  Mandatory assessments may be partially recovered through a reduction in future premium tax in some states. The Company does not believe such assessments will be materially different from amounts already provided for in the condensed consolidated financial statements, though the Company has no control over such assessments.

Within the Company's trading accounts, certain trading securities carried as liabilities represent securities sold short.  A gain, limited to the price at which the security was sold short, or a loss, potentially unlimited in size, will be recognized upon the termination of the short sale.

The following table represents the total funding commitments and the unfunded commitment as of September 30, 2015 related to certain investments:

During 2006, the Company committed to invest in RLF III, LLC ("RLF"), which makes land-based investments in undervalued assets. RLF makes capital calls as funds are needed for continued land purchases.

During 2010, the Company made a commitment to invest in Llano Music, LLC ("Llano"), which invests in music royalties. Llano makes capital calls to its investors as funds are needed to acquire the royalty rights.

During 2012, the Company committed to invest in Marcellus HBPI, LLP, which purchases land for leasing opportunities to those looking to harvest natural resources. Marcellus HPBI, LLP makes capital calls to investors as funds are needed for continued land purchases.

During 2012, the Company committed to invest in Sovereign's Capital, LP Fund I ("Sovereign's"), which invests in companies in emerging markets. Sovereign's makes capital calls to investors as funds are needed.

During 2013, the Company committed to invest in MM-Appalachia IV, LP, which purchases land for leasing opportunities to those looking to harvest natural resources. MM-Appalachia IV, LP makes capital calls to investors as funds are needed for continued land purchases. During January of 2015, MM-Appalachia IV, LP called $371,250 of the unfunded commitment. Also, in January of 2015, the Company committed to invest an additional $825,000 in MM-Appalachia IV, LP.

During 2014, the Company committed to invest in UGLIC, LLC, which purchases real estate tax receivables.  UGLIC, LLC makes capital calls as funds are needed for additional purchases.

During 2015, the Company committed to invest in Sovereign's Capital, LP Fund II ("Sovereign's II"), which invests in companies in emerging markets. Sovereign's II makes capital calls to investors as funds are needed

 

Note 8 – Other Cash Flow Disclosures

 

On a cash basis, the Company paid the following expenses:

Note 9 – Concentrations 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 the largest shareholder of UTG, Mr. Jesse Correll, the Company's CEO and Chairman.  The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.

 

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following is Management's discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of UTG, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively with the Parent, the "Company").  The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of the Company should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the related Notes thereto appearing in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this quarterly report.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report on Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by those laws. We have based our forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. Our forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of operations. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included or incorporated by reference in this report that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future, including such things as the growth of our business and operations, our business strategy, competitive strengths, goals, plans, future capital expenditures and references to future successes may be considered forward-looking statements. Also, when we use words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "probably," or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements.

Numerous risks and uncertainties may impact the matters addressed by our forward-looking statements, any of which could negatively and materially affect our future financial results and performance.

Although we believe that the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of these assumptions, and, therefore, the forward-looking statements based on these assumptions, could themselves prove to be inaccurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements that are included in this report, our inclusion of this information is not a representation by us or any other person that our objectives and plans will be achieved. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, any forward-looking event discussed in this report may not occur.  Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and we undertake no obligation to update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or other developments, unless the securities laws require us to do so.

Overview

UTG, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a life insurance holding company.  The Company's dominant business is individual life insurance, which includes the servicing of existing insurance policies in force, the acquisition of other companies in the life insurance business and the administration and processing of life insurance business for other entities.  The Company's focus for the future includes growing the administrative portion of the business.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.  The Company has identified certain estimates that involve a higher degree of judgment and are subject to a significant degree of variability.  The Company's critical accounting policies and the related estimates considered most significant by Management are disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.  Management has identified the accounting policies related to cost of insurance acquired, assumptions and judgments utilized in determining if declines in fair values of investments are other-than-temporary, and valuation methods for investments that are not actively traded as those, due to the judgments, estimates and assumptions inherent in those policies, are critical to an understanding of the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and this Management's Discussion and Analysis.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, there were no additions to or changes in the critical accounting policies disclosed in the 2014 Form 10-K, except for recently adopted accounting standards discussed in Note 2 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Results of Operations

On a consolidated basis, the Company reported net income attributable to common shareholders' of $3,613,000 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 and net income attributable to common shareholders' of $1,897,000 for the three month period ended September 30, 2015.  For the nine month period ended September 30, 2014, the Company reported  net income attributable to common shareholders' of $1,594,000 and for the three month period ended September 30, 2014, the Company reported net income attributable to common shareholders' of $3,107,000.

Revenues

The Company's total revenues increased by 2% when comparing the nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.  The Company's revenue decreased 4% when comparing the three month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.  The variance in total revenues reported for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 are attributable to fluctuations in net investment income and realized investment gains. Further analysis of the fluctuations in net investment income and realized investment gains is provided below.

Premium and policy fee revenues, net of reinsurance, decreased 6% when comparing the first nine months of 2015 to the same period in 2014.  Premium and policy fee revenues, net of reinsurance, decreased 7% when comparing the third quarter of 2015 to the same quarter in 2014. The Company writes minimal new business.  Premium and policy fee revenues, net of reinsurance, represented 23% and 26% of the Company's revenues as of September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Unless the Company acquires a new insurance company or a block of in-force business, Management expects premium revenue to continue to decline on the existing blocks of business at a rate consistent with prior experience.

The following table reflects net investment income of the Company for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015:

Net investment income represented 46% and 51% of the Company's total revenues as of September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The Company reported net investment income of $11,965,809 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, a decrease of 9% compared to the same period in 2014.  For the three month period ended September 30, 2015, net investment income decreased 14% compared to the same quarter in 2014.

The fluctuation in net investment income for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, compared to the same periods in 2014, is mainly attributable to variances in the earnings reported in the equity securities portfolio, the trading securities portfolio, the discounted mortgage loan portfolio and the real estate investment portfolio.

For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, income from the equity securities portfolio is down $694,000 and $986,000, respectively, compared to the same periods during 2014. During 2014, the interest rate on one of the Company's preferred stocks increased substantially, according to the terms of the contractual agreement, causing the increase in income reported in the equity securities portfolio. This specific preferred stock was redeemed in subsequent quarters; therefore, no longer providing the high interest rate yield.

The trading securities portfolio produced a loss of $(448,000) for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 and income of $220,000 for the same period in 2014. The 2015 loss is mainly attributable to activity that occurred during the first quarter of 2015 as a result of activity related to an oil and gas investment.  Third quarter activity for the trading securities portfolio was comparable.

For the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, income from the discounted mortgage loan portfolio increased by $2,367,000 compared to the same period in 2014.  The increase is primarily attributable to events that occurred during the first and third quarters of 2015.  During the first quarter of 2015, the Company had two discounted mortgage loans that were repaid and one discounted mortgage loan that was repaid during the third quarter of 2015.  Income from the discounted mortgage loan portfolio, as well as the timing of the income recognition, is expected to vary from quarter to quarter, depending on when the discounted loans are repaid. The discounted mortgage loan investment balance decreased 52% from December 31, 2014 to September 30, 2015 and is expected to continue trending downward as the Company does not anticipate acquiring any additional discounted loan portfolios in the near term.

In general, the discounted loans are non-performing and there is a significant amount of uncertainty surrounding the timing and amount of cash flows to be received by the Company.  Accordingly, the Company records its investment in the discounted loans at its original purchase price adjusted for any principal receipts received.  Management works with the borrower to reach a settlement on the loan or they foreclose on the underlying collateral which is primarily commercial real estate.  For loan settlements reached, the Company records the amount in excess of the carrying amount of the loan as a discount accretion to investment income at the closing date. 

When comparing the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, investment income from the real estate investment portfolio is down 63% and 78%, respectively.  During the third quarter of 2014, one of the Company's consolidated subsidiaries sold all of the real estate it owned. Historically, this real estate generated annual net rental income of approximately $2,000,000. As a result of the 2014 sale, the Company no longer recognizes rental income from this real estate.

The Company reported net realized investment gains of $7,732,000 and $4,482,000 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Net realized investment gains reported during the third quarter of 2015 and 2014 were comparable.  The 2015 net realized investment gains are mainly the result of the Company selling a parcel of real estate during the first and third quarters of 2015.  Realized investment gains are the result of one-time events and are expected to vary from quarter to quarter.

The Company's other income decreased $1,000,000 when comparing the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 to the same period in 2014 and by $340,000 when comparing the three month period ended September 30, 2015 to the same period in 2014.  One of the main components of other income is revenue earned from providing third party administrative ("TPA") services. During the fourth quarter of 2014, Management did not renew its largest third party administration contract as a result of thin profit margins associated with this contract coupled with its labor intensity. The non-renewal of this contract did not have a material financial impact as the Company has recognized operating expense reductions similar to the lost revenues.

In summary, the Company's basis for future revenue growth is expected to come from the following primary sources: conservation of business currently in-force, the maximization of investment earnings and the acquisition of other companies or policy blocks in the life insurance business.  Management has placed a significant emphasis on the development of these revenue sources to enhance these opportunities.

Expenses

The Company reported total benefits and other expenses of $20,948,000 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, a decrease of 15% from the same period in 2014.  For the three month period ended September 30, 2015, total benefits and other expenses decreased 3%, compared to the same quarter in 2014.  Benefits, claims and settlement expenses represented approximately 67% of the Company's total expenses for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 and 66% for the three month period ended September 30, 2015.  The other major expense category of the Company is operating expenses, which represented approximately 31% of the Company's total expenses for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, respectively.

Life benefits, claims and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance benefits and claims, decreased 8% during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014.  For the three month period ended September 30, 2015, life benefits, claims and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance benefits and claims, increased 26% compared to the same quarter in 2014.  Policy claims vary from period to period and therefore, fluctuations in mortality are to be expected and are not considered unusual by Management.

In early 2013, the Company began a proactive analysis of its in-force business to try to reconnect with lost customers and verify its customers were not deceased.  In some instances, the Company found that the customer was indeed deceased, but no notification or claim was presented to the Company.  During 2014, the Company paid approximately $1,200,000 in death claim benefits as a result of this action. This project was completed during the second quarter of 2014. When comparing first quarter 2015 and 2014 benefit expenses, 2014 expenses were higher as a result of this project.

Net amortization of cost of insurance acquired decreased 8% during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.  Cost of insurance acquired is established when an insurance company is acquired or when the Company acquires a block of in-force business.  The Company assigns a portion of its cost to the right to receive future profits from insurance contracts existing at the date of the acquisition.  Cost of insurance acquired is amortized with interest in relation to expected future profits, including direct charge-offs for any excess of the unamortized asset over the projected future profits. The interest rates may vary due to risk analysis performed at the time of acquisition on the business acquired. The Company utilizes a 12% discount rate on the remaining unamortized business.  The amortization is adjusted retrospectively when estimates of current or future gross profits to be realized from a group of products are revised.  Amortization of cost of insurance acquired is particularly sensitive to changes in interest rate spreads and persistency of certain blocks of insurance in-force.  This expense is expected to decrease, unless the Company acquires a new block of business.

Operating expenses decreased 17% in the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 in comparison to the same period in 2014.  Third quarter 2015 operating expenses were down 10% compared to operating expenses reported for the third quarter of 2014. In comparison to the prior year, operating expenses were down in all major categories, except charitable contributions.

As previously discussed in the Revenues section of the MD&A, the Company terminated one of its TPA contracts, and as a result of this termination, the Company expected to recognize certain cost saving measures. These cost savings are reflected in the decline in operating expenses in 2015, compared to 2014.  The Company monitors operating expenses closely and continues to look for ways to gain efficiencies and thereby reducing operating expenses.

UTG has a strong philanthropic program. The Company generally allocates a portion of its GAAP net income to be used for its philanthropic efforts primarily targeted to Christ-centered organizations or organizations that help the weak or poor. Charitable contributions made by the Company are expected to vary from year to year depending on the earnings of the Company.

Financial Condition

Investment Information

Investments represent approximately 81% and 83% of total assets at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  Accordingly, investments are the largest asset group of the Company.  The Company's insurance subsidiary is regulated by insurance statutes and regulations as to the type of investments that it is 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 a diverse set of securities.

As of September 30, 2015, the carrying value of fixed maturity securities in default as to principal or interest was immaterial in the context of consolidated assets, shareholders' equity or results from operations.  To provide additional flexibility and liquidity, the Company has identified all fixed maturity securities as "investments available for sale".  Investments available for sale are carried at market, with changes in market value charged directly to shareholders' equity.  Changes in the market value of available for sale securities resulted in net unrealized losses of $(4,611,000) for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 and $(4,320,000) for the third quarter of 2015.  Changes in the market value of available for sale securities resulted in net unrealized gains of $5,443,000 and net unrealized losses of $(603,000) for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014, respectively. The variance in the net unrealized gains and losses is the result of normal market fluctuations mainly related to higher interest rates.

The Company's September 30, 2015 discounted mortgage loan asset balance decreased by 52% in comparison to the December 31, 2014 balance.  The decrease in the discounted mortgage loan balance is mainly attributable to three mortgage loans being fully repaid during the first and third quarters of 2015. The Company expects this investment balance to continue trending downward as the Company does not anticipate acquiring any additional discounted loan portfolios in the near term.

Capital Resources

Total shareholders' equity decreased by 2% as of September 30, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014. Retained earnings increased 11% from December 31, 2014 to September 30, 2015 as a result of net income reported by the Company.  During the same time period, accumulated other comprehensive income decreased by 79% as a result of an increase in unrealized losses reported by the Company. As discussed in the Investment Information section above, the fluctuation in accumulated other comprehensive income is the result of normal market fluctuations mainly related to higher interest rates.

As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $4,400,000 of debt outstanding. This debt belonged to UTG Avalon, LLC a wholly owned subsidiary of UG. During 2015, UTG Avalon repaid the outstanding principal balance on the promissory note. The principal payments were paid by UTG and as a result of the payment; an intercompany promissory note receivable/payable was established.

The Company's investments are predominately in fixed maturity investments such as bonds, which provide sufficient return to cover future obligations.  The Company carries all of its fixed maturity holdings as available for sale, which are reported in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements at their market value.

Liquidity

The Company has three principal needs for cash - the insurance company's contractual obligations to policyholders, the payment of operating expenses and debt service.  Cash and cash equivalents represented 4% and 3% of total assets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  Fixed maturities represented 49% of the Company's total assets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

The Company currently has access to funds for operating liquidity.  UTG has an $8,000,000 revolving credit note with Illinois National Bank.  At September 30, 2015, the Company had no outstanding borrowings against the UTG line of credit.

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.

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.

Net cash used in operating activities was $14,447,000 and $4,217,000 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Net cash used in operating activities was higher in during 2015 as a result of an increase in net realized investment gains and an increase in receivables. Net realized investment gains are expected to vary from quarter to quarter depending on market conditions and Management's ability to find and negotiate favorable investment contracts.

Net cash provided by investing activities was $19,966,000 and $12,021,000 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The total proceeds from investments sold and matured were $10,162,000 higher during 2015 and is mainly attributable to the settlement of three mortgage loans. Proceeds from the sale of other investment types were comparable. The cash provided by investing activities is expected to vary from quarter to quarter depending on market conditions and Management's ability to find and negotiate favorable investment contracts.

Net cash used in financing activities was $5,271,000 and $5,177,000 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  During the first quarter of 2014, the Company used cash of approximately $3,000,000 in the settlement of the sale of a small block of life insurance business.  The sale of this block of business was approved by the Ohio Department of Insurance during the first quarter of 2014. During 2015, the Company used cash of $4,400,000 to make principal payments on an outstanding note payable.

 

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 and the servicing of its debt, are primarily provided by its subsidiaries.  On a parent only basis, UTG's cash flow is dependent on Management fees received from its insurance subsidiary, stockholder dividends from its subsidiary and earnings received on cash balances.  At September 30, 2015, substantially all of the consolidated shareholders' equity represented net assets of its subsidiary.  The Company's insurance subsidiary has maintained adequate statutory capital and surplus.  The payment of cash dividends to shareholders by UTG is not legally restricted.  However, the state insurance department regulates insurance Company dividend payments where the Company is domiciled.  No dividends were paid to shareholders in 2014 or the nine month period ended September 30, 2015.

UG is an Ohio domiciled insurance company, which requires notification within five business days to the insurance commissioner following the declaration of any ordinary dividend and at least ten calendar days prior to payment of such dividend.  Ordinary dividends are defined as the greater of:  a) prior year statutory net income or b) 10% of statutory capital and surplus.  For the year ended December 31, 2014, UG had statutory net income of $12,200,000.  At December 31, 2014 UG's statutory capital and surplus amounted to $41,147,000.  Extraordinary dividends (amounts in excess of ordinary dividend limitations) require prior approval of the insurance commissioner and are not restricted to a specific calculation.  During 2014, UG paid UTG ordinary dividends of $4,800,000.  UTG used the dividends received during 2014 to pay on its outstanding line of credit balance.   During the second quarter of 2015, UG paid UTG a dividend of $2,000,000. During the third quarter of 2015, UG paid UTG a second dividend in the amount of $2,000,000. UTG used the dividends received during 2015 for general operations of the Company.

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. In addition, the disclosure controls and procedures ensure that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to Management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, allowing timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Under the supervision and with the participation of our Management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report.

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

NONE

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

NONE

ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

NONE

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

NONE

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

NONE

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

NONE

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

*Filed herewith

 

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.

(Registrant)

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

* Filed herewith