UTG INC - Quarter Report: 2021 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021

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 April 30, 2021 was 3,175,848.

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, 2020.

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 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 March 31, 2021, 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, 2020.  The Company’s results of operations for the three month period ended  March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2021 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 regularly 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 March 31, 2021, Mr. Correll owns or controls directly and indirectly approximately 64.94% 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 three months ended March 31, 2021, there were no additions to or changes in the critical accounting policies disclosed in the 2020 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 March 31, 2021, 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 March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 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 March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 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  March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

 

Net Investment Gains (Losses)

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

 

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 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The Company did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairments during the three month periods ended March 31, 2021 or 2020.

Cost Method Investments

The Company held equity investments with an aggregate cost of $14,389,189 at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.  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 March 31, 2021.

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 March 31, 2021 was $0 and $2,791, respectively. The fair value of derivatives included in trading security assets and trading security liabilities as of  December 31, 2020 was $0 and $12,219, 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 three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company acquired $387,039 and $931,378 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 2021 and 2020, 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 March 31, 2021and December 31, 2020.

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 three month period ended March 31, 2021, 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 March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, investments in oil and gas royalties represented 46% and 48%, 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 three-months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company acquired $780,781 and $0 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  March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 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 three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 the Company acquired  $0 and $3,500,000 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.

During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company acquired $0 and $7,890,228, 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 three months ended March 31, 2021.

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 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company did not recognize any re-measurements or impairments of financial instruments at March 31, 2021 or December 31, 2020.

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 Condensed 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 3.750% 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 2021, 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 $12,087,465.

Note 6 – Shareholders’ Equity

During 2021, the Company issued 5,695 shares of stock to management and employees as compensation at a cost of $153,765. These awards are determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

Earnings Per Share Calculations

Earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period.  For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, 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 March 31, 2021 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.

During 2020, the Company committed to invest in Legacy Venture X, LLC ("Legacy Venture X"), which is a fund of funds. Legacy Venture X makes capital calls to its investors as funds are needed.

During 2021, the Company committed to invest in QCC Investment Co., LLC ("QCC"). The funds are being utilized to purchase a manufacturing entity. QCC makes capital calls to its 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.

Because UTG serves primarily individuals located in four states, the ability of our customers to pay their insurance premiums is impacted by the economic conditions in these areas.  As of March 31, 2021 and 2020, approximately 57% and 55%, respectively, of the Company’s total direct premium was collected from Illinois, Ohio, Texas and West Virginia. Thus, results of operations are heavily dependent upon the strength of these economies.

The Company reinsures that portion of insurance risk which is in excess of its retention limits. Retention limits range up to $125,000 per life.  Life insurance ceded represented 20% of total life insurance in force at March 31, 2021 and  December 31, 2020.  Insurance ceded represented 33% and 34% of premium income for the three months ended March 31, 2021and 2020, respectively. The Company would be liable for the reinsured risks ceded to other companies to the extent that such reinsuring companies are unable to meet their obligations.

The Company owns a variety of investments associated with the oil and gas industry. These investments represent approximately 24% and 20% of the Company's total invested assets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The following table provides an allocation of the oil and gas investments by type.

At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company owned two equity securities that represented approximately 59% and 47%, respectively, of the total investments associated with the oil and gas industry.

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, 2020, 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.

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, 2020.  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 three-months ended March 31, 2021, there were no additions to or changes in the critical accounting policies disclosed in the 2020 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 regularly 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 net income attributable to common shareholders' of approximately $14.2 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 and a net loss attributable to common shareholders' of approximately $(15) million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020.

Revenues

For the three-month period ended March 31, 2021, the Company reported total revenues of approximately $24.1 million and for the same period in 2020 negative total revenues of approximately $(12.9) million. The negative total revenue the Company reported for the first quarter of 2020 is the result of the change in the fair value of equity securities of approximately $(12) million that is reported as a component of total revenue on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The Company reported revenue before net investment gains (losses) of approximately $3.8 million and $4.6 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Revenue before net investment gains (losses) decreased slightly when comparing the current year and prior year results and is due to minor decreases in premium and policy fees and net investment income.

Premium and policy fee revenues, net of reinsurance, were comparable for the three-months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.  The Company writes minimal new business.  Premium and policy fee revenues, net of reinsurance, represented 45% and 37% of the Company's revenue before net investment gains (losses) as of March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

The following table summarizes the Company's investment performance.

The following table reflects net investment income of the Company:

Net investment income represented approximately 52% and 62% of the Company's revenue before net investment gains (losses) as of March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.  When comparing current and prior year results, net investment income was comparable in a majority of the investment categories. Investment income earned by the fixed maturities, equity securities, and real estate investment portfolios represented approximately 77% and 84% of the total consolidated investment income for the three-months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

In March 2020, with the onset of the pandemic in America, financial markets became jittery experiencing a significant drop in the major market indices. In response, the Federal Reserve dropped interest rates to near zero. This action resulted in a drop in all other interest rates in the marketplace. While this increased the fair value of the Company’s current fixed income holdings, it made finding investments to acquire with any type of historic yield nearly impossible. The stock markets have experienced a rebound since that time; however, interest rates remain at historic low levels with short term rates at or near zero. Longer term bonds have experienced rate increases later in 2020 and into early 2021, but still remain below recent historic rates. Should rates remain at these levels, it will become increasingly more difficult for the Company to maintain its historic net investment income levels as existing investments mature and are replaced with lower yielding investments.

Income from the fixed maturities investment portfolio represented approximately 45% and 43% of the total consolidated investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. When comparing earnings from the fixed maturities portfolio for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 income was down approximately 15% or $206,000. Fixed maturities continue to represent the largest investment type and asset class owned by the company.

Earnings from the equity securities investment portfolio represented approximately 11% and 23% of the total consolidated investment income report by the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.  Income from the equity securities portfolio was down approximately 61% or $458,000 when comparing 2021 and 2020 results.  This decrease is primarily due to the company partially selling their holdings in a specific dividend paying security during 2020.

The earnings reported by the real estate investment portfolio represented approximately 21% and 18% of the total consolidated investment income reported by the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Earnings from the real estate investment portfolio were down approximately 9% or $52,000 when comparing 2021 and 2020 results. The earnings from the real estate investment portfolio are expected to vary depending on the real estate activities and the potential distributions that may occur.

The earnings reported by the mortgage loan investment portfolio represented approximately 10% and 3% of the total consolidated investment income reported by the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Earnings from the mortgage loan investment portfolio were up approximately $184,000 when comparing 2021 and 2020 results. The earnings from the mortgage loan portfolio have increased due to the increase in size of the portfolio itself. The mortgage loan investment portfolio increased by approximately $10.9 million when comparing the three-months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.  With the low investment rates currently available in the bond market, the Company has placed more emphasis on loans to improve investment yields.

The following table reflects net realized investment gains (losses) for the three months ended March 31:

 

Realized investment gains are the result of one-time events and are expected to vary during a given reporting period.

In the December 31, 2020 Form 10-K filing, the Company disclosed that we received an offer to purchase investments in certain music royalties held in the form of equity securities. We continued to report on these transactions in MD&A of Company's 2020 quarterly Form 10-Q filings. The reported gain (loss) changed throughout 2020 as additional proceeds were received. The sales agreements contained holdback provisions for a portion of the sales price. Under the terms of the holdback, certain performance results must be achieved during 2020 to release additional sales proceeds to the sellers. At the time of closing, it was determined it was more likely than not that the royalty interests would not perform at the levels necessary to receive the holdback funds. Performance was reviewed throughout the year, and was better than anticipated, resulting in the holdback proceeds being released to the seller. A portion of this transaction flows through change in the fair value of equity securities and will be further discussed below.

The sale of one equity security represented approximately $851,000 of the realized losses on equity securities for the three-months ended March 31, 2020. The Company sold 5,000 shares of this common stock holding that is associated with the oil and gas industry. While this security produced a current period realized loss, overall, the sale of this security produced a significant gain for the Company over the period it was held. The other component of this transaction flows through the change in the fair value of equity securities and will be further discussed below.

The Company reported a change in fair value of equity securities of approximately $20.2 million and $(17.4) million for the three-months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.  This line item is material to the results reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.  While the three-months ended March 31, 2021, reflected very positive results, the onset of the pandemic in March 2020 resulted in the stock market taking a major downward swing.  At March 31, 2020, the Company reflected a loss on this line of approximately $(12.0) million.  While these results can be material and volatile, most of the equity holdings of the Company were acquired with a long-term view, thus making these intermediate changes in value of less concern to Management.  Management monitors its equity holdings looking more at the specific entity and market it is in relative to performance and less to changes due to general market swings that occur over the holding period of the investment.

While the Company has seen significant positive results on its equity investments so far this year, a pull back or downward market adjustment could slow these gains or even result in losses in future periods.  Management believes its current equity investments continue to be solid investments for the Company and have further growth potential; however, changes in market conditions could cause volatility in market prices.

In summary, the Company’s basis for future revenue 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 $6.2 million for the three-months ended March 31, 2021, an increase of approximately 15% from the same period in 2020.  Benefits, claims and settlement expenses represented approximately 63% and 60% of the Company's total expenses for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The other major expense category of the Company is operating expenses, which represented approximately 34% and 37% of the Company's total expenses for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Life benefits, claims and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance benefits and claims were up approximately 21% or $679,000 when comparing the three-months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.  Policy claims vary from period to period and therefore, fluctuations in mortality are to be expected and are not considered unusual by Management.

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company implemented a process to monitor death claims resulting from COVID-19. During the three-months ended March 31, 2021, the Company incurred total death benefits of approximately $388,000 with COVID-19 listed as the cause of death. The average death benefit of these policies was $7,500. The Company will continue to monitor COVID-19 death claims.

Changes in policyholder reserves, or future policy benefits, also impact this line item.  Reserves are calculated on an individual policy basis and generally increase over the life of the policy as a result of additional premium payments and acknowledgment of increased risk as the insured continues to age.

The short-term impact of policy surrenders is negligible since a reserve for future policy benefits payable is held which is, at a minimum, equal to and generally greater than the cash surrender value of a policy.  The benefit of fewer policy surrenders is primarily received over a longer time period through the retention of the Company’s asset base. The surrender process has been impacted by temporary state rulings that were implemented as a result of COVID-19 and in some cases did not allow life insurance companies to lapse policies temporarily during 2020.

Operating expenses increased approximately 6% in the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the same period in 2020. Overall, expenses were comparable in all of the major expense categories.

As mentioned above in the Overview section of the Management Discussion and Analysis, UTG has a strong philanthropic program.  The Company generally allocates a portion of its 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.

Net amortization of cost of insurance acquired decreased approximately 4% when comparing current and prior year activity.  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.

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

Financial Condition

Investment Information

Investments represent approximately 85% and 82% of total assets at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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 March 31, 2021, 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 a net unrealized losses of approximately $(6) million and net unrealized gains of approximately $1.2 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.  The variance in the net unrealized gains and losses is the result of normal market fluctuations and lower interest rates.

Capital Resources