UTG INC - Quarter Report: 2020 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020

OR

For the transition period from _____________ to ____________

Commission File No. 0-16867

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (217) 241-6300

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock, stated value $.001 per share

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of October 31, 2020 was 3,175,132.

UTG, Inc.

(The “Company”)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part 1.   Financial Information.

Item 1.  Financial Statements.

UTG, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

* Balance sheet audited at December 31, 2019.

See accompanying notes.

UTG, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

See accompanying notes.

UTG, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)

See accompanying notes.

UTG, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited)

See accompanying notes.

UTG, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited)

See accompanying notes.

UTG, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

See accompanying notes.

UTG, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2019, which has been derived from audited consolidated financial statements, and the unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of UTG, Inc. (the “Parent”) and its subsidiaries (collectively with the Parent, the “Company”).  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for audited annual financial statements.  The information furnished includes all adjustments and accruals of a normal recurring nature, which in the opinion of Management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods.  The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein and these related notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and the notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.  The Company’s results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2020 or for any other future period.

During March 2020, a global pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization related to the rapidly growing outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19). The pandemic has significantly impacted the economic conditions in the U.S. and globally, accelerating during the first half of March, as federal, state, and local governments react to the public health crisis, creating significant uncertainties in the U.S. economy. The Company has not experienced a slow-down in activities, however government restrictions and client-imposed delays are evaluated daily and this could change. While the disruption is currently expected to be temporary, there is uncertainty around the duration. The Company cannot at this time predict the ultimate impact the pandemic will have on its results of operations, financial position, liquidity, or capital resources but such impact could be material.

This document at times will refer to the Registrant’s largest shareholder, Mr. Jesse T. Correll and certain companies controlled by Mr. Correll.  Mr. Correll holds a majority ownership of First Southern Funding, LLC (“FSF”), a Kentucky corporation, and First Southern Bancorp, Inc. (“FSBI”), a financial services holding company.  FSBI operates through its 100% owned subsidiary bank, First Southern National Bank (“FSNB”).  Banking activities are conducted through multiple locations within south-central and western Kentucky.  Mr. Correll is Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of UTG and is currently UTG’s largest shareholder through his ownership control of FSF, FSBI and affiliates.  At September 30, 2020, Mr. Correll owns or controls directly and indirectly approximately 64.95% of UTG’s outstanding stock.

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.

Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation.

Note 2 – Recently Issued Accounting Standards

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, there were no additions to or changes in the critical accounting policies disclosed in the 2019 Form 10-K.

Note 3 – Investments

Available for Sale Securities – Fixed Maturity Securities

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

Investments in available for sale securities are summarized as follows:

The amortized cost and estimated market value of debt securities at September 30, 2020, 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, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are as follows:

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

Substantially all of the unrealized losses on fixed maturities at December 31, 2019 are attributable to changes in market interest rates and general disruptions in the credit market subsequent to purchase.  The Company does not currently intend to sell nor does it expect to be required to sell any of the securities in an unrealized loss position.  Based upon the Company’s expected continuation of receipt of contractually required principal and interest payments and its intent and ability to retain the securities until price recovery, as well as the Company’s evaluation of other relevant factors, the Company deems these securities to be temporarily impaired as of  September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

 

Net Investment Gains (Losses)

The following table presents net investment gains (losses) and the change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments. 

The following table presents net gains (losses) and the change in net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

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.

Management regularly reviews its real estate portfolio in comparison to appraisal valuations and current market conditions for indications of other-than-temporary impairments. If a decline in value is judged by Management to be other-than-temporary, a loss is recognized by a charge to other-than-temporary impairment losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The Company did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairments during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2020 or 2019.

Cost Method Investments

The Company held equity investments with an aggregate cost of $14,417,247 and $10,919,247 at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.  These equity investments were not reported at fair value because it is not practicable to estimate their fair values due to insufficient information being available. Management did not identify any events or changes in circumstances that might have a significant adverse effect on the reported value of those investments.  Based on Management's evaluation of the expected cash flow of the investments, and the Company's ability and intent to hold the investments for a reasonable period of time, the Company does not deem an other-than-temporary impairment necessary at September 30, 2020.

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, 2020 was $0 and $(4,003), respectively. The fair value of derivatives included in trading security assets and trading security liabilities as of  December 31, 2019 was $0 and $0, 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

The Company, from time to time, acquires mortgage loans through participation agreements with FSNB.  FSNB has been able to provide the Company with additional expertise and experience in underwriting commercial and residential mortgage loans, which provide more attractive yields than the traditional bond market.  The Company is able to receive participations from FSNB for three primary reasons:  1) FSNB has already reached its maximum lending limit to a single borrower, but the borrower is still considered a suitable risk; 2) the interest rate on a particular loan may be fixed for a long period that is more suitable for UG given its asset-liability structure; and 3) FSNB’s loan growth might at times outpace its deposit growth, resulting in FSNB participating such excess loan growth rather than turning customers away.  For originated loans, the Company’s Management is responsible for the final approval of such loans after evaluation.  Before a new loan is issued, the applicant is subject to certain criteria set forth by Company Management to ensure quality control.  These criteria include, but are not limited to, a credit report, personal financial information such as outstanding debt, sources of income, and personal equity.  Once the loan is approved, the Company directly funds the loan to the borrower.  The Company bears all risk of loss associated with the terms of the mortgage with the borrower.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company acquired $12,692,488 and $4,216,644 in mortgage loans, respectively.  FSNB services the majority of the Company’s mortgage loan portfolio.  The Company pays FSNB a .25% servicing fee on these loans and a one-time fee at loan origination of .50% of the original loan cost to cover costs incurred by FSNB relating to the processing and establishment of the loan.

During 2020 and 2019, the maximum and minimum lending rates for mortgage loans were:

Most mortgage loans are first position loans.  Loans issued are generally limited to no more than 80% of the appraised value of the property.

The Company has in place a monitoring system to provide Management with information regarding potential troubled loans.  Letters are sent to each mortgagee when the loan becomes 30 days or more delinquent.  Management is provided with a monthly listing of loans that are 60 days or more past due along with a brief description of what steps are being taken to resolve the delinquency.  All loans 90 days or more past due are placed on a non-performing status and classified as delinquent loans.  Quarterly, coinciding with external financial reporting, the Company reviews each delinquent loan and determines how each delinquent loan should be classified.  Management believes the current internal controls surrounding the mortgage loan selection process provide a quality portfolio with minimal risk of foreclosure and/or negative financial impact.

Changes in the current economy could have a negative impact on the loans, including the financial stability of the borrowers, the borrowers’ ability to pay or to refinance, the value of the property held as collateral and the ability to find purchasers at favorable prices.  Interest accruals are analyzed based on the likelihood of repayment.  In no event will interest continue to accrue when accrued interest along with the outstanding principal exceeds the net realizable value of the property.  The Company does not utilize a specified number of days delinquent to cause an automatic non-accrual status.

A mortgage loan reserve is established and adjusted based on Management's quarterly analysis of the portfolio and any deterioration in value of the underlying property which would reduce the net realizable value of the property below its current carrying value.  The mortgage loan reserve was $0 at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

The following table summarizes the mortgage loan holdings of the Company for the periods ended:

Investment Real Estate

Real estate held-for-investment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis for financial reporting purposes using estimated useful lives of 3 to 30 years. The Company periodically reviews its real estate held-for-investment for impairment and tests for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. During the nine month period ended September 30, 2020, no impairments were recognized on the investment real estate.

Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements provides further information regarding the fair value of financial instruments that are not measured at fair value. The investment real estate owned by the Company is included in this portion of the Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements disclosure.

The following table provides an allocation of the Company's investment real estate by type:

The Company’s investment real estate portfolio includes ownership in oil and gas royalties. As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, investments in oil and gas royalties represented 52% and 44%, respectively, of the total investment real estate portfolio.  See Note 9 – Concentrations of Credit Risk of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the allocation of the oil and gas investment real estate holdings by industry type.

Gains and losses recognized on the disposition of the properties are recorded as realized gains and losses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company acquired $0 and $1,729,000 of investment real estate, respectively.

Notes Receivable

Notes receivable represent collateral loans and promissory notes issued by the Company and are reported at their unpaid principal balances, adjusted for valuation allowances. Valuation allowances are established for impaired loans when it is probable that contractual principal and interest will not be collected. The valuation allowance as of  September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was $0. Interest accruals are analyzed based on the likelihood of repayment.  The Company does not utilize a specified number of days delinquent to cause an automatic non-accrual status. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 the Company acquired  $3,500,000 and $8,532,796 of notes receivable, respectively.

 

Before a new note is issued, the applicant is subject to certain criteria set forth by Company Management to ensure quality control.  Once the note is approved, the Company directly funds the note to the borrower. Several of the notes have participation agreements in place, whereas the Company has reduced its investment in the note receivable by participating a portion of the note to a third party.

Similar to the mortgage loans, FSNB services several of the notes receivable. The Company, and the participants in the notes, share in the risk of loss associated with the terms of the note with the borrower, based upon their ownership percentage in the note.  The Company has in place a monitoring system to provide Management with information regarding potential troubled loans. 

Short-Term Investments

Short-term investments have remaining maturities exceeding three months and under 12 months at the time of purchase and are stated at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. The short-term investments consist of United States Treasury securities.

Dung the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company acquired $7,890,228 and $0, respectively, in short-term investments.

Note 4 – Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are measured and classified in accordance with a fair value hierarchy consisting of three levels based on the observability of valuation inputs:

Level 1 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

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

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

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

The following table presents information about assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicates the level of the fair value measurement based on the observability of the inputs used:

The following is a description of the valuation techniques used the by Company to measure assets reported at fair value on a recurring basis. There have been no significant changes in the valuation techniques utilized by the Company for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Available for Sale Securities

Certain equity securities carried at fair value, which do not have readily determinable fair values, use net asset value (“NAV”) and are excluded from the fair value hierarchy. These investments are generally not readily redeemable by the investee. See Note 7 – Commitments and Contingencies for additional information regarding unfunded commitments.

Uncertainty of Fair Value Measurements

The significant unobservable inputs used in the determination of the fair value of assets classified as Level 3 have an inherent measurement uncertainty that if changed could result in higher or lower fair value measurements of these assets as of the reporting date.

Fair market value for equity securities is derived based on unobservable inputs, such as projected normalized revenues and industry standard multiples of revenue for the equity securities valued using pricing model.  Significant increases (decreases) in either of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. 

Certain assets are not carried at fair value on a recurring basis. Accordingly, such investments are only included in the fair value hierarchy disclosure when the investment is subject to re-measurement at fair value after initial recognition and the resulting re-measurement is reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company did not recognize any re-measurements or impairments of financial instruments at September 30, 2020 or December 31, 2019.

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

The following table presents the carrying amount and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments not measured at fair value and indicates the level in the fair value hierarchy of the estimated fair value measurement based on the observability of the inputs used:

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.

A portion of the mortgage loans balance consists of discounted mortgage loans. The Company has historically 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.

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

Policy loans are carried at the aggregate unpaid principal balances in the Condensed 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.

Note 5 – Credit Arrangements

The UTG line of credit carries interest at a fixed rate of  4.040% 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.

During May of 2020, the Federal Home Loan Bank approved UG’s Cash Management Advance Application (“CMA”). The CMA gives the Company the option of selecting a variable rate of interest for up to 90 days or a fixed rate for a maximum of 30 days. The variable rate CMA is prepayable at any time without a fee, while the fixed CMA is not prepayable prior to maturity. The Company has pledged bonds with a collateral lendable value of $12,617,556.

Note 6 – Shareholders’ Equity

During 2020, the Company issued 6,664 shares of stock to management and employees as compensation at a cost of $218,289. These awards are determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

During the third quarter of 2020, the Company purchased 88,341 shares from Cumberland Lake Shell, Inc at a price of $29 per share for a total cost of $2,561,889. This single transaction represented a majority of the third quarter activity related to the share repurchase program.

Earnings Per Share Calculations

Earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, 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.

The following table represents the total funding commitments and the unfunded commitment as of September 30, 2020 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 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 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.

During 2018, the Company committed to invest in Sovereign’s Capital, LP Fund III (“Sovereign’s III”), which invests in companies in emerging markets. Sovereign’s III makes capital calls to investors as funds are needed.

During 2018, the Company committed to fund a mortgage loan for Macritchie Storage II, LP ("Macritchie"). Macritchie makes draw requests on the loan as funds are needed to fund the construction project.

During 2020, the Company committed to invest in Garden City Companies, LLC (“Garden City”), which invests primarily in companies in the healthcare, inspection/testing services and maintenance service arena. Garden City makes capital calls to investors as funds are needed.

During 2020, the Company committed to invest in Carrizo Springs Music, LLC (“Carrizo”), which invests in music royalties.  Carrizo makes capital calls to its investors as funds are needed to acquire the royalty rights.

During 2020, the Company committed to fund a collateral loan for Modern Distributors, Inc. (“Modern Distributors”). Modern Distributors makes draw requests on the loan as funds are needed to fund a construction project.

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.

The Company reinsures that portion of insurance risk which is in excess of its retention limits. Retention limits range up to $125,000 per life.  Life insurance ceded represented 20% of total life insurance in force at September 30, 2020 and  December 31, 2019.  Insurance ceded represented 37%  of premium income for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. The Company would be liable for the reinsured risks ceded to other companies to the extent that such reinsuring companies are unable to meet their obligations.

The Company owns a variety of investments associated with the oil and gas industry. These investments represent approximately 17% and 25% of the Company's total invested assets as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The following table provides an allocation of the oil and gas investments by type.

The Company’s results of operations and financial condition have in the past been, and may in the future be, adversely affected by the degree of certain industry specific concentrations in the Company’s investment portfolio. The Company has significant exposure to investments associated with the oil and gas industry. Events or developments that have a negative effect on the oil and gas industry may adversely affect the valuation of our investments in this specific industry. The Company’s ability to sell its investments associated with the oil and gas industry may be limited.

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, 2019, 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 is the servicing of the existing insurance policies in force.

UTG has a strong philanthropic program.  The Company generally allocates a portion of its earnings to be used for its philanthropic efforts primarily targeted to Christ-centered organizations or organizations that help the weak or poor.  The Company also encourages its staff to be involved on a personal level through monetary giving, volunteerism, and use of their talents to assist those less fortunate than themselves. Through these efforts, the Company hopes to make a positive difference in the local community, state, nation and world.

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, 2019.  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, 2020, there were no additions to or changes in the critical accounting policies disclosed in the 2019 Form 10-K.

Results of Operations

During March 2020, a global pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization related to the rapidly growing outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19). The pandemic has significantly impacted the economic conditions in the U.S. and globally, accelerating during the first half of March, as federal, state, and local governments reacted to the public health crisis, creating significant uncertainties in the U.S. economy. The Company has not experienced a slow-down in activities, however government restrictions and client-imposed delays are evaluated daily and this could change. While the disruption is expected to be temporary, there continues to be uncertainty around the duration or effects of resurgence of the virus. The Company cannot at this time predict the ultimate impact the pandemic will have on its results of operations, financial position, liquidity, or capital resources, but such impact could be material.

On a consolidated basis, the Company reported a net loss attributable to common shareholders’ of approximately $(5.7) million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020 and a net loss attributable to common shareholders’ of approximately $(2.4) million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2020.  For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019, the Company reported net income attributable to common shareholders’ of approximately $13.2 million and a net loss attributable to common shareholders’ of approximately $(1.1) million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019.

Revenues

The Company reported total revenues of approximately $9.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, a decrease of approximately $25.2 million as compared to the same period in 2019. The variance in total revenues from the prior year to the current year is mainly attributable to the change in the fair value of equity securities between periods.  The Company reported total revenues of approximately $3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, a decrease of approximately $954,000 as compared to the three-month period ended September 30, 2019.  For the quarter, the fluctuations are also largely related to the change in the fair value of equity securities between the periods that is reported as a component of total revenue on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The Company reported revenue before net investment gains of approximately $13.2 million and $14.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Revenue before net investment gains decreased only slightly when comparing the current year and prior year results and is due to minor decreases in premium and policy fee revenue and net investment income. For the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Company reported revenue before net investment gains and losses of $3.9 million, down from $4.6 million from the same period in 2019.

Premium and policy fee revenues, net of reinsurance, are down 10% for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, premium and policy fee revenues, net of reinsurance are down 8% compared to 2019. Premium and policy fee revenues, net of reinsurance, represented 37% of the Company’s revenues before net investment gains (losses) as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decline in premiums is not unusual as the Company is not actively marketing new business.

The following table summarizes our investment performance.

The Company reported total net investment losses of approximately $(524,000) and $(3.3) million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020, respectively. For the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020, the Company reported approximately $1.8 million and $10.7 million, respectively, in net realized investment gains comprised mainly from the sale of equity securities.

During 2019, the Company received an offer to purchase investments in certain music royalties held in the form of equity investments.  As a result of this event, the Company elected to change its valuation methodology from using discounted cash flow models to estimate fair value to marking the investment to the offer price to estimate the fair value. The change in methodology resulted in recording an unrealized gain on investment of approximately $3.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2019.  The investments were then sold during the first quarter of 2020. The Company recognized a gain of approximately $6.3 million on the sale.

The Company also sold equity securities in the area of oil & gas that resulted in a realized gain of $3.2 million during second quarter 2020.

In addition, in the total net investment gains are unrealized gains (losses) related to the change in the fair value of equity securities. The Company reported unrealized equity gains (losses) of $(2.3) million and $(14) million for the three and nine-months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. For the three and nine-months ended September 30, 2019, the Company reported $(4.1) million and $10.8 million, respectively.

The Company holds certain investments that have been negatively impacted by ongoing market reactions to the pandemic.  These investments primarily relate to marketable equity securities, particularly in the area of oil and gas.  The drop in the markets in March, resulted in an estimated unrealized losses of approximately $(24.7) million for the three months ending March 31, 2020.  Since the end of the first quarter 2020, the Company experienced a partial rebound on these investments of approximately $11 million in unrealized gains.

The Company recognized and disclosed in prior filings that a pullback in the stock market, particularly in the oil and gas arena, could slow these gains or even result in future-period unrealized losses. Management believes these equity investments continue to be solid investments for the Company and have further growth potential. However, current market conditions remain volatile and Management anticipates the Company will continue experience significant fluctuations in this line item in future periods.

The following table reflects net investment income of the Company:

Net investment income represented 61% of the Company’s revenue before net investment gains (losses) as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.  The Company reported net investment income of approximately $8.1 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020, comparable to 2019 net investment income.  For the three month period ended September 30, 2020, net investment income decreased approximately 21%, compared to the same quarter in 2019.  When comparing the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, income from investing activities was comparable in the majority of the investment categories, with the largest variance being found in the real estate and notes receivable categories.

Earnings from the real estate portfolio are expected to vary depending on the activities of the subsidiaries and the potential distributions that will occur. For the nine-months ended September 30, 2020, real estate earnings were up approximately 31% compared to the same period in 2019. Excluding a one-time event that resulted in $1.2 million in earnings during second quarter 2020, real estate income is lower compared to that of 2019.

For the nine-months ended September 30, 2020, notes receivable income is down 45% compared to September 30, 2019. The decrease is a result of fewer average outstanding notes receivable, and consequently, a reduction in interest income.

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 approximately $17.2 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2020, a decrease of approximately 4% from the same period in 2019.  For the three month period ended September 30, 2020, total benefits and other expenses increased approximately 9%, compared to the same quarter in 2019.  Benefits, claims and settlement expenses represented approximately 58% and 61% of the Company’s total expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively.  The other major expense category of the Company is operating expenses, which represented approximately 39% and 36% of the Company’s total expenses for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020, respectively.

Life benefits, claims and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance benefits and claims, decreased approximately 9% in the nine month period ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019.  For the three months ended September 30, 2020, life benefits, claims and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance benefits and claims are comparable to that of the same quarter in 2019. Overall, the decrease is not considered unusual by Management as fluctuations in mortality are to be expected.

Net amortization of cost of insurance acquired decreased 4% during the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.  Cost of insurance acquired is established when an insurance company is acquired or when the Company acquires a block of in-force business.  The Company assigns a portion of its cost to the right to receive future profits from insurance contracts existing at the date of the acquisition.  Cost of insurance acquired is amortized with interest in relation to expected future profits, including direct charge-offs for any excess of the unamortized asset over the projected future profits. The interest rates may vary due to risk analysis performed at the time of acquisition on the business acquired. The Company utilizes a 12% discount rate on the remaining unamortized business.  The amortization is adjusted retrospectively when estimates of current or future gross profits to be realized from a group of products are revised.  Amortization of cost of insurance acquired is particularly sensitive to changes in interest rate spreads and persistency of certain blocks of insurance in-force.  This expense is expected to decrease, unless the Company acquires a new block of business.

Operating expenses increased by 32% for the three-month period ended September 30, 2020 compared to that of the same period in 2019. For the nine-months ended September 30, 2020 operating expenses increased by 6% compared to that of the same period in 2019. Charitable contributions are primarily the reason for the increase during the quarter and year-to-date. Charitable contributions are a function of the Company’s taxable earnings. UTG has a strong philanthropic program and the Company generally allocates a portion of its earnings to be used for its philanthropic efforts primarily targeted to Christ-centered organizations or organizations that help the weak or poor. Charitable contributions made by the Company are expected to vary from year to year depending on the earnings of the Company. Otherwise, expenses were comparable in the remainder of the major expense categories.

Management continues to place significant emphasis on expense monitoring and cost containment. Maintaining administrative efficiencies directly affects net income.

Financial Condition

Investment Information

Investments represent approximately 85% and 84% of total assets at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, 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.  Considering these statutes and regulations, the majority of the Company’s investment portfolio is invested in a diverse set of securities.

As of September 30, 2020, 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 gains of $169,000 and $8.2 million for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020, respectively. The variance in the net unrealized gains and losses is the result of normal market fluctuations and lower interest rates.

Capital Resources

Total shareholders’ equity decreased by approximately 2% as of September 30, 2020 compared to December 31, 2019. The decrease is largely attributable to the net loss of $(5.7) million and the net decrease of additional paid-in capital of $(3.0) million for the nine-months ended September 30, 2020. However, the decrease was offset by the increase in accumulated other comprehensive income of $6.2 million, resulting in a net decrease of $(2.3) million.

The Company’s investments are predominately in fixed maturity investments such as bonds. 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.

During the third quarter of 2020, the Company purchased 88,341 shares from Cumberland Lake Shell, Inc. at a price of $29 per share for a total cost of $2,561,889. This single transaction represented a majority of the third quarter activity related to the share repurchase program. Note 6 – Shareholders’ Equity provides additional information regarding the Company’s stock repurchase program.

Liquidity

The Company has two principal needs for cash - the insurance company’s contractual obligations to policyholders and the payment of operating expenses.  Cash and cash equivalents represented 6% and 7% of total assets as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.  Fixed maturities, as a percentage of total assets, were approximately 43% and 41% as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

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, 2020, the Company had no outstanding borrowings against the UTG line of credit. UG has a $10 million line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank. At September 30, 2020, the Company had no outstanding borrowings against the UG line of credit.

Future policy benefits are primarily long-term in nature and therefore, the Company's investments are predominantly long-term and provide sufficient return to cover these obligations. Many of the Company's products contain surrender charges and other features that reward persistency and penalize the early withdrawal of funds.

Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $8.8 million and $5.3 million for the nine-months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The difference between periods is largely a result of change in the deferred income taxes. Sources of operating cash flows of the Company, as with most insurance entities, is comprised primarily of premiums received on life insurance products and income earned on investments.  Uses of operating cash flows consist primarily of payments of benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries and operating expenses.  The Company has not marketed any significant new products for several years.  As such, premium revenues continue to decline.  Management anticipates future cash flows from operations to remain similar to historic trends.

Net cash provided by investing activities was approximately $7.5 million and $12.3 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The net 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 arrangements.

UTG is a holding Company that has no day-to-day operations of its own.  Funds required to meet its expenses and general 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 Management fees received from its insurance subsidiary, stockholder dividends from its subsidiary and earnings received on cash balances.  At September 30, 2020, 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 2019 or the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

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, 2019, UG had statutory net income of approximately $8.3 million.  At December 31, 2019 UG’s statutory capital and surplus amounted to approximately $66 million.  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 2019, UG paid UTG ordinary dividends of $6 million.  During the second quarter of 2020, UG paid UTG an ordinary dividend of $1 million and another $2 million dividend in the third quarter. UTG used the dividends received during 2019 and 2020 to purchase outstanding shares of UTG stock and 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)