CITIZENS INC
For the period ended Dec 31, 2023. Filed Mar 14, 2024.
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FY2023 · Filed Mar 14, 2024
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Item 8. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
CITIZENS, INC.
| CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIESConsolidated Statements of Cash Flows | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Years Ended December 31,(In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | |||
| Net income (loss) | $24,437 | 26,007 | 72,706 |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | |||
| Investment related (gains) losses, net on sales of investments and other assets | (760) | 10,291 | (10,991) |
| Net deferred policy acquisition costs | (12,841) | (10,509) | (9,295) |
| Amortization of cost of insurance acquired | 604 | 621 | 757 |
| Depreciation | 515 | 536 | 1,140 |
| Amortization of premiums and discounts on investments | 4,940 | 4,240 | 5,568 |
| Stock-based compensation | 588 | 461 | 646 |
| Deferred federal income tax expense (benefit) | 860 | 1,923 | 1,701 |
| Goodwill Impairment | — | — | 12,624 |
| Change in: | |||
| Accrued investment income | (229) | (934) | (60) |
| Reinsurance recoverable | 569 | 979 | 214 |
| Due premiums | 565 | (1,081) | 561 |
| Future policy benefit reserves | (4,062) | 4,694 | 3,890 |
| Other policyholders' liabilities | 10,325 | 7,553 | 20,247 |
| Federal income tax payable | (922) | 161 | (44,678) |
| Commissions payable and other liabilities | (917) | 12,652 | (15,450) |
| Other, net | (1,616) | (674) | 875 |
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 22,056 | 56,920 | 40,455 |
| Cash Flows from Investing Activities: | |||
| Sales of fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 29,883 | 33,914 | 8,238 |
| Maturities and calls of fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 29,488 | 44,493 | 53,089 |
| Purchases of fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | (72,802) | (120,094) | (94,265) |
| Sales of equity securities | 6,631 | 500 | 7,383 |
| Principal payments on mortgage loans | 7 | 1,098 | 10 |
| Funding of mortgage loans | — | — | (1,000) |
| Change in policy loans, net | 3,414 | 1,534 | 3,011 |
| Sales of other long-term investments and real estate | 5,394 | 5,033 | 24,238 |
| Purchases of other long-term investments | (17,318) | (25,870) | (40,788) |
| Purchases of property and equipment | (442) | (100) | (1,007) |
| Sales of property and equipment | — | — | 14 |
| Maturities of short-term investments | 750 | — | — |
| Sales of short-term investments | 499 | — | — |
| Purchases of short-term investments | — | (1,250) | — |
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (14,496) | (60,742) | (41,077) |
| See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. | |||
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 66
CITIZENS, INC.
| CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIESConsolidated Statements of Cash Flows | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Years Ended December 31,(In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | |||
| Annuity deposits | $7,129 | 8,626 | 8,839 |
| Annuity withdrawals | (9,686) | (8,546) | (7,763) |
| Issuance of common stock | — | 2,244 | 2,255 |
| Acquisition of treasury stock | (919) | (2,705) | (9,090) |
| Other | (60) | (118) | (456) |
| Net cash used in financing activities | (3,536) | (499) | (6,215) |
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 4,024 | (4,321) | (6,837) |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 22,973 | 27,294 | 34,131 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | $26,997 | 22,973 | 27,294 |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid for income taxes during 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $1.8 million, $0.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively.
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
During 2023, 2022 and 2021, various fixed maturity issuers exchanged securities with book values of $5.4 million, $6.9 million and $12.1 million, respectively, for securities of equal value.
The Company recognized right-of-use assets of $0.1 million and $0.4 million in exchange for new operating lease liabilities during 2023 and 2022, respectively, andnone during 2021.
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 67
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND CONSOLIDATION
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Citizens, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP").
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of Citizens, Inc. ("Citizens" or the "Company"), a Colorado corporation, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, CICA Life Insurance Company of America ("CICA Domestic"), CICA Life Ltd. ("CICA Bermuda"), CICA Life, A.I., a Puerto Rico company ("CICA International"), Citizens National Life Insurance Company ("CNLIC"), Security Plan Life Insurance Company ("SPLIC"), Security Plan Fire Insurance Company ("SPFIC"), Magnolia Guaranty Life Insurance Company ("MGLIC"), Computing Technology, Inc. ("CTI"), Nexo Global Services LLC, a Puerto Rico holding company ("Nexo") and Nexo Enrollment Services LLC, a Puerto Rico service company ("NES"). All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Citizens and its wholly-owned subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the "Company," "we," "it," "us," or "our".
Our Life Insurance segment operates through CICA International and CICA Domestic. Until December 31, 2022, our international life insurance business operated through CICA Bermuda. Beginning January 1, 2023, all new international policies are issued by CICA International. These companies provide U.S. dollar-denominated endowment contracts internationally, which are principally accumulation contracts that incorporate an element of life insurance protection and ordinary whole life insurance in U.S. dollar-denominated amounts sold to non-U.S. residents. These contracts are designed to provide a fixed amount of insurance coverage over the life of the insured and may utilize rider benefits to provide additional increasing or decreasing coverage and annuity benefits to enhance accumulations. On August 31, 2023, CICA Bermuda transferred all of its insurance in force business to CICA International. Prior to July 1, 2023, our domestic life insurance business operated through CICA Domestic and CNLIC. CICA Domestic issues ordinary whole life, final expense, life products with living benefits, critical illness and credit life and disability policies throughout the U.S. and CNLIC issued ordinary whole life and critical illness policies through June 30, 2023. CNLIC merged into CICA Domestic on July 1, 2023.
Our Home Service Insurance segment operates through our subsidiaries SPLIC, MGLIC and SPFIC, and focuses on the life insurance needs of the middle- and lower-income markets, primarily in Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas. Our products in this segment consist primarily of small face amount ordinary whole life, industrial life and pre-need policies, which are designed to fund final expenses for the insured, primarily consisting of funeral and burial costs as well as critical illness and property insurance policies, which cover dwelling and contents. As of June 30, 2023, the Company ceased all operations for SPFIC.
CTI provides data processing systems and services to the Company.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
INVESTMENTS
Investment securities are classified as held-to-maturity ("HTM"), available-for-sale ("AFS") or trading. Management determines the appropriate classification at the time of purchase. The classification of securities is significant since it directly impacts the accounting for unrealized gains and losses on securities. Fixed maturity securities are classified as HTM and carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and the Company has the ability to hold the securities to maturity. Securities classified as AFS are carried at fair value, with the unrealized holding gains and losses, net of tax, reported in other comprehensive income (loss) and are not reported in earnings until realized. Our fixed maturity securities consist primarily of bonds classified as AFS. The Company does not classify any fixed maturity securities as trading or as HTM. Equity securities are measured at fair value with the change in fair value recorded through net income (loss).
Unrealized gains (losses) of fixed maturity securities held as AFS are shown as a separate component of stockholders' equity, net of tax, and is a separate component of other comprehensive income (loss).
The Company assesses AFS fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position for expected credit losses. First, we assess whether we intend to sell, or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell, the security
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 68
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
before recovery of its amortized cost. If either of the criteria is met, the security's amortized cost is written down to its fair value. For AFS fixed maturity securities that do not meet either criteria, we evaluate whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If management deems a credit loss has occurred, the impairment is recorded through an allowance for credit losses rather than as a write-down. Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded through investment related gains and losses. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on our consolidated balance sheets.
The Company made a policy election to exclude accrued interest from the amortized cost of AFS fixed maturity securities and report accrued interest separately in accrued investment income on the consolidated balance sheets. AFS fixed maturity securities are placed on non-accrual status when we no longer expect to receive all contractual amounts due. Accrued interest receivable is reversed against interest income when a security is placed on non-accrual status. Accordingly, we do not recognize an allowance for credit loss against accrued interest receivable.
Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related security as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses are included in earnings and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities sold.
The Company from time to time may dispose of an impaired security in response to asset/liability management decisions, future market movements, business plan changes, or if the net proceeds can be reinvested at a rate of return that is expected to recover the loss within a reasonable period of time.
Policy loans are reported at unpaid principal balances.
Other long-term investments consist primarily of investments in limited partnerships, Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") common stock and mortgage loans. We initially estimate the fair value of investments in limited partnerships by reference to the transaction price. Subsequently, we obtain the fair value of these investments from net asset value information provided by the general partner or manager of the investments, the financial statements of which are audited annually. Recognition of investment income on these funds is delayed due to the availability of the related financial statements, which are generally obtained from the partnerships' general partners. As a result, our limited partnerships are generally reported on a three-month delay.
We are a member of the FHLB of Dallas and such membership requires members to own stock in the FHLB. Our FHLB stock is carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
Mortgage loans on real estate are reported at unpaid principal balances.
The Company had cash equivalents and fixed maturity securities with an aggregate fair value of $8.6 million and $9.8 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, on deposit with various state regulatory authorities to fulfill statutory requirements.
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
The Company considers investments maturing within one year at acquisition as short-term. These securities are carried at fair value.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash consists of balances on hand and on deposit in banks and financial institutions. Cash equivalents consists of securities whose duration does not exceed 90 days at the date of acquisition.
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 69
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
REINSURANCE RECOVERABLE
Reinsurance recoverable includes expected reimbursements for policyholder claim amounts in excess of the Company's retention, as well as profit sharing and experience refund accruals. Reinsurance recoverable is reduced for estimated uncollectible amounts, if any.
Reinsurance premiums, benefits and expenses are accounted for on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. The cost of reinsurance related to long duration contracts is accounted for over the life of the underlying reinsured policies using assumptions consistent with those used to account for the underlying policies. The cost of reinsurance related to short duration contracts is accounted for over the coverage period. Profit-sharing and similar adjustable provisions are accrued based on the experience of the underlying policies.
DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS
Deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) are costs that are incremental and directly related to the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts. Such costs include the incremental direct costs of contract acquisition, such as sales commissions; the portion of employees’ total compensation and payroll-related fringe benefits related directly to time spent performing acquisition activities, such as underwriting, issuing and processing policies for contracts that have actually been acquired; and other costs related directly to acquisition activities that would not have been incurred if the contract had not been acquired.
Contracts are grouped by contract type and issue year into cohorts consistent with the grouping used in estimating the associated liability. DAC is amortized on a constant level basis for the grouped contracts over the expected term of the related contracts to approximate straight-line amortization. For the Life Insurance segment, the constant level basis used is policy count in force. For the Home Service Insurance segment, the constant level basis used is face amount in force. The constant level bases used for amortization are projected using mortality and lapse assumptions that are based on the Company’s experience, industry data, and other factors at the end of each reporting period and are consistent with those used for the liability for future policy benefit life reserves. Annually, the Company completes experience studies with respect to mortality and lapse assumptions. If those assumptions are updated, the DAC amortization basis is recalculated and the effect of the assumption change will be reflected in the cohort level amortization in future periods.
Inherent in the capitalization and amortization of DAC are certain management judgments about what acquisition costs are deferred, the ending asset balance and the annual amortization. Approximately 93% of our capitalized DAC are attributed to first year and renewal excess commissions. The remaining 7% are attributed to other costs that vary with and are directly related to the successful acquisition of new insurance business. Those costs generally include costs related to the production, underwriting and issuance of new business.
Amortization of DAC is included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The DAC balance on the consolidated balance sheets is reduced for actual experience in excess of expected experience. Changes in future estimates are recognized prospectively over the remaining expected contract term.
COST OF INSURANCE ACQUIRED
The Company recognizes an intangible asset that arises in the application of U.S. GAAP purchase accounting as the difference between the reported value and the fair value of insurance contract liabilities, or comparable amounts determined in purchased insurance business combinations. This intangible asset is referred to as the Cost of Insurance Acquired (“COIA”), which is amortized on a basis consistent with DAC, such that it is amortized in proportion to policies in force for the Life Insurance segment and face amount in force for the Home Service Insurance segment to approximate straight-line amortization.
A recoverability test that considers, among other things, actual experience and projected future experience is performed at least annually. These annual recoverability tests are based initially on an estimate of the available premium (gross premium less the benefit and expense portion of premium) for the next 50 years. Management believes that our COIA is recoverable for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. This belief is based upon the analysis performed on estimated future results of the block and our annual recoverability testing.
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 70
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|---|---|
| (Continued) |
The value of COIA resulting from our various acquisitions was determined based on the present value of future profits discounted at annual rates ranging from 3.7% to 8.5%.
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill is the difference between the purchase price in a business combination and the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired and is not amortized. Other intangible assets include various state insurance licenses, which have been determined to have indefinite useful lives and, therefore, are not amortized. Both goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are subject to annual impairment analysis.
Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. The goodwill testing requires us to compare the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit is lower than its estimated fair value, no further evaluation is required. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment charge is recorded for that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. We have the option of performing an assessment of certain qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value or proceeding directly to a quantitative impairment test. We elected to apply the quantitative assessment for the goodwill in our reporting units within the Life Insurance segment as of December 31, 2021.
We recorded an impairment of $12.6 million in 2021 in our Life Insurance segment caused by increases in our carrying value of the segment due to recognition of a $43.8 million uncertain tax position in the fourth quarter of 2021, following the expiration of the statute of limitations on the tax year ended December 31, 2017. This impairment is recorded on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The Company has no remaining goodwill as of December 31, 2021.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of property and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the useful lives of the assets, ranging from three years tothirty years.
The following is a summary of property and equipment.
| December 31,(In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Property and equipment: | ||
| Home office, land and buildings | $3,980 | 3,980 |
| Furniture and equipment | 1,389 | 1,267 |
| Electronic data processing equipment and computer software | 7,800 | 7,485 |
| Real estate and equipment leases (See Note 8) | 9,073 | 10,116 |
| Total property and equipment | 22,242 | 22,848 |
| Accumulated depreciation | (10,433) | (9,922) |
| Property and equipment, net | $11,809 | 12,926 |
The Company has several lease agreements for real estate and equipment, such as its corporate home office, Puerto Rico service center and several district office locations related to our Home Service Insurance segment. The Company recognizes these lease agreements on the consolidated balance sheets as a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability. The Company uses its estimated incremental borrowing rate, which is derived from information available at lease commencement date, in determining the present value of lease payments.
FUTURE POLICY BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
As premium revenue is recognized, a liability for future policy benefits, which is the present value of estimated future policy benefits to be paid to or on behalf of policyholders less the present value of estimated future net premiums to be collected from policyholders, is accrued. The liability is estimated using current assumptions that include
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 71
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
discount rate, mortality and lapses. These current assumptions are based on judgements that consider the Company’s historical experience, industry data, and other factors.
Our traditional and limited-payment contracts are grouped into cohorts by contract type and issue year. Our reporting cohorts are (i) Permanent, which summarizes insurance policies with premiums payable over the lifetime of the policy, and (ii) Permanent Limited Pay, which summarizes insurance policies with premiums payable for a limited time after which the policy is fully paid up. Both reporting cohorts include whole life and endowment policies. The liability is adjusted for differences between actual and expected experience. The Company reviews its historical cash flow assumptions quarterly and in the third quarter of the year, the Company reviews its future cash flow assumptions. The net premium ratio used to calculate the liability is updated each quarter based on the current period's actual experience relative to expected experience. The revised net premium ratio is used to derive an updated liability for future policy benefits as of the beginning of the current reporting period, discounted at the locked-in discount rate. This amount is then compared to the carrying amount of the liability as of that same date, before the updating of cash flow assumptions, to determine the current period change in liability estimate. The current period change in the liability is the policyholder liability remeasurement gain or loss and is presented as a separate component of total insurance benefits paid or provided in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). In subsequent periods, the revised net premiums are used to measure the liability for future policy benefits, subject to future revisions.
For traditional and limited-payment contracts, the current discount rate assumption is a yield curve that equals the yield of an upper-medium grade fixed income instrument, based on A-quality corporate bonds. The Company selects fixed-income instruments that have been A rated by one of the major credit rating agencies, such as Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, or Fitch. The current discount rate assumption is updated quarterly and used to remeasure the liability at the reporting date, with the resulting change reflected in other comprehensive income. For liability cash flows that are projected beyond the duration of market-observable A credit-rated fixed-income instruments, the Company uses the last market-observable yield level and linear interpolation to determine yield assumptions for durations that do not have market observable yields. The locked-in discount rate for policies issued prior to transition equals the rate set at contract issuance. For current year issues, the locked-in discount rate is the average of the current year quarterly discount rates and will change throughout the year as new discount rates are calculated, with the change reflected in net income.
The accrued account balance for non-traditional life insurance and investment contracts is computed as deposits net of withdrawals made by the contract holder, plus amounts credited based on contract specifications, less contract fees and charges assessed, plus any additional interest. Annuity interest crediting rates range from 2.5% to 5.5% annually. Benefits and expenses are charged against the account balance to recognize costs as incurred over the estimated lives of the contracts. Expenses include interest credited to contract account balances and benefits paid in excess of contract account balances.
Unpaid claims on accident and health and specialty property insurance policies represent the estimated liability for benefit expenses, both reported but not paid and incurred but not reported to the Company. The liability for incurred but not reported claims includes estimates for additional claim amounts due related to reported claims. Liabilities for unpaid claims are estimated using individual case basis valuations and statistical analysis. Those estimates are subject to the effects of trends in claim severity and frequency.
Anticipated investment income is not considered in determining whether a premium deficiency exists with respect to short-duration contracts. Premium deposits accrue interest at rates ranging from 1.5% to 6.0% per annum. The cost of insurance is included in the premium when collected and interest is credited annually to deposit accounts.
DEFERRED PROFIT LIABILITY
For limited-payment products, gross premiums received in excess of net premiums are deferred at initial recognition as a deferred profit liability (“DPL”). Gross premiums are measured using assumptions consistent with those used in the measurement of the liability for future policy benefit life reserves, including discount rate, mortality and lapses.
The DPL is amortized and recognized in net income within the increase (decrease) in future policy benefit reserves. The amortization basis for the DPL is the present value of insurance in force for life insurance contracts. Interest is accreted on the balance of the DPL using the locked-in discount rate. The Company reviews and updates its estimates of cash flows for the DPL at the same time as the estimates of cash flows for the liability for future policy benefit life reserves. The DPL is updated each quarter based on the current period's actual experience relative to
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 72
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
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| (Continued) |
expected experience with the changes recorded within the increase (decrease) in future policy benefit reserves in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). On the consolidated balance sheets, DPL is recorded as a component of the liability for future policy benefit life reserves.
PARTICIPATING POLICIES
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, participating business approximated 51% and 55%, respectively, of direct life insurance in force.
Policyholder dividends are determined based on the discretion of the board of directors of the policy issuing subsidiary. Policyholder dividends are accrued over the premium paying periods of the insurance contract.
CONTINGENCIES
An estimated loss from a contingency is accrued and charged to results of operations only if both of the following conditions are met:
Information available prior to the issuance of the consolidated financial statements indicates that it is probable (virtual certainty is not required) that an asset has been impaired or a liability incurred as of the date of the consolidated financial statements; and
The amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.
Reasonable estimation of a possible loss does not require estimating a single amount of the loss. It requires that a loss be accrued if it can be estimated within a range. If an amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount within the range, that amount is accrued. If no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the minimum amount in the range is accrued.
A gain contingency is an uncertain situation that will be resolved in the future, possibly resulting in a gain. We do not allow the recognition of a gain contingency prior to settlement of the underlying event. There were none as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
PREMIUM REVENUE AND RELATED EXPENSES
Premiums on life policies are recognized as earned when due. Premiums paid in advance on the consolidated balance sheets are held on deposit and accrue interest at rates ranging from 1.5% to 6.0% until such time as the premiums become due. Premiums on accident and health policies are recognized as revenue over the contract period on a pro rata basis. Benefits and expenses are associated with earned premiums resulting in the recognition of profits over the estimated lives of the contracts. This matching is accomplished by means of a provision for future policy benefits and the capitalization and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and amortization of deferred profit liability for limited pay plans.
Annuity policies, primarily flexible premium fixed annuity products, are accounted for in a manner consistent with accounting for interest bearing financial instruments. Premium receipts are not reported as revenue, rather as deposit liabilities to annuity contracts. The annuity products issued do not include fees or other such charges. There is also a block of annuity products accounted for as FAS97 insurance products. Reserves are set up for surrenders and death benefits. Acquisition costs and premium loads are capitalized and amortized.
INCOME TAXES
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered.
A deferred tax asset is recorded only if a determination is made that it is more-likely-than-not that the tax treatment on which the deferred tax asset depends will be sustained in the event of an audit. These determinations inherently involve management's judgment. In addition, the Company must record a tax valuation allowance with respect to deferred tax assets if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax benefit will not be realized.
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 73
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| (Continued) |
The Company releases stranded tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income on an aggregate portfolio basis.
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share are computed under the if-converted method for convertible securities and the treasury stock method for warrants, giving effect to all potential dilutive common stock, including options, warrants and convertible/redeemable preferred stock. The basic and diluted earnings per share of Class B common stock are one half the earnings per share of the Class A common stock. We hold 100% of our Class B common stock in treasury.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates.
Significant estimates include those used in the evaluation of credit losses on fixed maturity securities, actuarially determined assets and liabilities and assumptions, valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, valuation of uncertain tax positions and contingencies relating to litigation and regulatory matters.
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain amounts presented in prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS RECENTLY ADOPTED
Impacts at Transition Date
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") No. 2018-12, Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts. The Company adopted ASU 2018-12 for the liability for future policy benefits, DAC and COIA on a modified retrospective basis such that those balances were adjusted to conform to ASU 2018-12 effective January 1, 2021.
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 74
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
The following table summarizes the balance of and changes in the liability for future policy benefits, annuity reserves, DAC and COIA due to the adoption of ASU 2018-12.
| (In thousands) | Life Insurance | Home Service Insurance | Consolidated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liability for Future Policy Benefits | |||
| Pre-adoption liability as of 12/31/2020 | $987,373 | 255,513 | 1,242,886 |
| Change in discount rate assumptions | 261,823 | 108,468 | 370,291 |
| Effect of reserve changes | 6 | 96 | 102 |
| Post-adoption liability as of 1/1/2021 | $1,249,202 | 364,077 | 1,613,279 |
| Fixed Annuity Liability | |||
| Pre-adoption liability as of 12/31/2020 | $60,027 | 18,277 | 78,304 |
| Adjustments for the removal of shadow adjustments | — | 3,426 | 3,426 |
| Post-adoption liability as of 1/1/2021 | $60,027 | 21,703 | 81,730 |
| Deferred Acquisition Costs | |||
| Pre-adoption balance as of 12/31/2020 | $94,771 | 10,142 | 104,913 |
| Adjustments for the removal of shadow adjustments | 8,270 | 29,905 | 38,175 |
| Impact of flooring cohorts at zero | 23 | 12 | 35 |
| Post adoption balance as of 1/1/2021 | $103,064 | 40,059 | 143,123 |
| Cost of Insurance Acquired | |||
| Pre-adoption balance as of 12/31/2020 | $1,734 | 9,807 | 11,541 |
| Adjustments for the removal of shadow adjustments | — | 484 | 484 |
| Post adoption balance as of 1/1/2021 | $1,734 | 10,291 | 12,025 |
At transition, the Company recorded a charge of $0.1 million to retained earnings, net of tax, primarily from capping net premium ratios for certain policyholder benefit cohorts at 100%, increasing reserves for certain non-premium paying cohorts and flooring certain DAC cohorts at zero. Other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI") was reduced by $316.8 million primarily due to the difference in the discount rate used prior to transition and the discount rate at January 1, 2021. The Company also removed shadow adjustments previously recorded in OCI for the impact of unrealized gains and losses on annuity products that previously amortized unearned revenue, DAC and COIA over expected future gross profits.
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 75
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
Impacts to Previously Reported Results
Adoption of the standard impacted our previously reported consolidated financial results as follows:
| As of December 31, 2022(In thousands) | As Previously Reported | Adoption of New Standard | Post Adoption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consolidated Balance Sheet | |||
| Deferred policy acquisition costs | $140,167 | 22,760 | 162,927 |
| Cost of insurance acquired | 10,260 | 387 | 10,647 |
| Deferred tax asset, net | 2,414 | (2,414) | — |
| Total assets | 1,569,970 | 20,733 | 1,590,703 |
| Future policy benefit reserves: | |||
| Life insurance | 1,305,506 | (106,859) | 1,198,647 |
| Annuities | 91,234 | (91,234) | — |
| Policyholders' funds: | |||
| Annuities | — | 121,422 | 121,422 |
| Other policyholders' funds | 40,497 | (32,996) | 7,501 |
| Deferred federal income tax liability, net | — | 3,653 | 3,653 |
| Total liabilities | 1,568,927 | (106,014) | 1,462,913 |
| Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) | (52,203) | 68,512 | 16,309 |
| Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (195,279) | 58,235 | (137,044) |
| Total stockholders' equity | 1,043 | 126,747 | 127,790 |
| Year Ended December 31, 2022 | Year Ended December 31, 2021 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands, except per share amounts) | As Previously Reported | Adoption of New Standard | Post Adoption | As Previously Reported | Adoption of New Standard | Post Adoption |
| Consolidated Statements of Operations | ||||||
| Increase (decrease) in future policy benefit reserves | $29,640 | (24,836) | 4,804 | 36,444 | (26,671) | 9,773 |
| Policyholder liability remeasurement (gain) loss | — | 2,884 | 2,884 | — | 1,434 | 1,434 |
| Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs | 26,529 | (12,139) | 14,390 | 24,952 | (11,507) | 13,445 |
| Amortization of cost of insurance acquired | 974 | (353) | 621 | 1,206 | (449) | 757 |
| Federal income tax expense (benefit) | (429) | 1,799 | 1,370 | (43,475) | 1,274 | (42,201) |
| Net income (loss) | (6,638) | 32,645 | 26,007 | 36,787 | 35,919 | 72,706 |
| Basic earnings (losses) per share of Class A common stock | (0.13) | 0.65 | 0.52 | 0.74 | 0.72 | 1.46 |
| Basic earnings (losses) per share of Class B common stock | — | — | — | 0.37 | 0.36 | 0.73 |
| Diluted earnings (losses) per share of Class A common stock | (0.13) | 0.64 | 0.51 | 0.73 | 0.71 | 1.44 |
| Diluted earnings (losses) per share of Class B common stock | — | — | — | 0.36 | 0.36 | 0.72 |
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 76
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
| Year Ended December 31, 2022 | Year Ended December 31, 2021 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | As Previously Reported | Adoption of New Standard | Post Adoption | As Previously Reported | Adoption of New Standard | Post Adoption |
| Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) | ||||||
| Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period | $(330,765) | 2,196 | (328,569) | (5,298) | (36,068) | (41,366) |
| Change in current discount rate for liability for future policy benefits | — | 337,776 | 337,776 | — | 92,396 | 92,396 |
| Income tax expense (benefit) on other comprehensive income items | (17,994) | 25,256 | 7,262 | 5,465 | (4,016) | 1,449 |
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | (312,771) | 314,716 | 1,945 | (10,763) | 60,344 | 49,581 |
| Total comprehensive income (loss) | (319,409) | 347,361 | 27,952 | 26,024 | 96,263 | 122,287 |
On June 30, 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820: Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions. This standard clarifies that contractual restrictions on equity security sales are not considered part of the security unit of account and, therefore, are not considered in measuring fair value. In addition, the amendments clarify that an entity cannot, as a separate unit of account, recognize and measure a contractual sale restriction. Disclosures on such restrictions are also required. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and are required to be applied prospectively, with any adjustments from the adoption recognized in earnings and disclosed. Early adoption is available. Citizens' elected to adopt this standard as of December 31, 2023 as adoption of this standard has no impact on our consolidated financial statements.
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOT YET ADOPTED
On November 27, 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This amendment expands a public entity's segment disclosures by requiring disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, clarifying when an entity may report one or more additional measures to assess segment performance, requiring enhanced interim disclosures, providing new disclosure requirements for entities with a single reportable segment, and requiring other new disclosures. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is available. Although the ASU only requires additional disclosures about the Company's operating segments, the Company is currently evaluating the effects of adopting this guidance on the consolidated financial statements.
On December 14, 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which is intended to enhance the transparency, decision usefulness and effectiveness of income tax disclosures. The amendments in this ASU require a public entity to disclose a tabular tax rate reconciliation, using both percentages and currency, with specific categories. A public entity is also required to provide a qualitative description of the state and local jurisdictions that make up the majority of the effect of the state and local income tax category and the net amount of income taxes paid, disaggregated by federal, state and foreign taxes and also disaggregated by individual jurisdictions. The amendments also remove certain disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial. The amendments are effective prospectively for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 and early adoption and retrospective application are permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this pronouncement on the consolidated financial statements.
No other new accounting pronouncement issued or effective during 2023 had, or is expected to have, a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 77
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
(2) INVESTMENTS
The Company invests primarily in fixed maturity securities, which totaled 86.7% of total cash and invested assets at December 31, 2023.
| Carrying Value as of December 31,(In thousands, except for %) | 2023 | % | 2022 | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash and invested assets: | ||||
| Fixed maturity securities | $1,238,981 | 86.7% | $1,179,619 | 86.5% |
| Equity securities | 5,282 | 0.4 | 11,590 | 0.8 |
| Policy loans | 75,359 | 5.3 | 78,773 | 5.8 |
| Other long-term investments | 82,725 | 5.8 | 69,558 | 5.1 |
| Short-term investments | — | — | 1,241 | 0.1 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 26,997 | 1.8 | 22,973 | 1.7 |
| Total cash and invested assets | $1,429,344 | 100.0% | $1,363,754 | 100.0% |
The following table represents the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of fixed maturity securities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
| December 31, 2023(In thousands) | AmortizedCost | GrossUnrealizedGains | GrossUnrealizedLosses | FairValue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed maturity securities: | ||||
| Available-for-sale: | ||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $5,983 | 127 | 48 | 6,062 |
| U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises | 3,404 | 250 | 1 | 3,653 |
| States and political subdivisions | 314,203 | 2,160 | 29,132 | 287,231 |
| Corporate: | ||||
| Financial | 266,485 | 2,066 | 31,255 | 237,296 |
| Consumer | 250,672 | 2,145 | 37,094 | 215,723 |
| Utilities | 123,625 | 615 | 20,253 | 103,987 |
| Energy | 73,808 | 64 | 8,049 | 65,823 |
| All other | 185,153 | 956 | 21,331 | 164,778 |
| Commercial mortgage-backed | 171 | — | — | 171 |
| Residential mortgage-backed | 107,174 | 9 | 10,060 | 97,123 |
| Asset-backed | 58,360 | 290 | 1,516 | 57,134 |
| Total fixed maturity securities | $1,389,038 | 8,682 | 158,739 | 1,238,981 |
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 78
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
| December 31, 2022(In thousands) | AmortizedCost | GrossUnrealizedGains | GrossUnrealizedLosses | FairValue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed maturity securities: | ||||
| Available-for-sale: | ||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $9,425 | 152 | 9 | 9,568 |
| U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises | 3,434 | 277 | 1 | 3,710 |
| States and political subdivisions | 344,208 | 1,114 | 37,964 | 307,358 |
| Corporate: | ||||
| Financial | 243,758 | 512 | 42,383 | 201,887 |
| Consumer | 247,824 | 758 | 47,138 | 201,444 |
| Utilities | 115,738 | 39 | 23,790 | 91,987 |
| Energy | 76,065 | — | 11,395 | 64,670 |
| All other | 184,022 | 683 | 29,048 | 155,657 |
| Commercial mortgage-backed | 171 | — | 2 | 169 |
| Residential mortgage-backed | 110,582 | 9 | 10,765 | 99,826 |
| Asset-backed | 45,991 | 18 | 2,767 | 43,242 |
| Foreign governments | 100 | 1 | — | 101 |
| Total fixed maturity securities | $1,381,318 | 3,563 | 205,262 | 1,179,619 |
Most of the Company's equity securities are invested in a non-redeemable preferred stock fund at December 31, 2023.
| Fair Value as of December 31,(In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Equity securities: | ||
| Stock mutual funds | $— | 2,615 |
| Bond mutual funds | 740 | 4,337 |
| Common stock | 665 | 857 |
| Non-redeemable preferred stock | 7 | 8 |
| Non-redeemable preferred stock fund | 3,870 | 3,773 |
| Total equity securities | $5,282 | 11,590 |
VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS
AFS fixed maturity securities are reported in the consolidated financial statements at fair value. Equity securities are measured at fair value with the change in fair value recorded through net income (loss). The Company recognized net investment related losses of $0.2 million and $2.7 million on equity securities held for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively and net investment related gains of $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.
The Company monitors all AFS fixed maturity securities on an on-going basis relative to changes in credit ratings, market prices, earnings trends and financial performance, in addition to specific region or industry reviews. The Company evaluates whether a credit impairment exists for fixed maturity securities by considering primarily the following factors: (a) changes in the financial condition of the security's underlying collateral; (b) whether the issuer is current on contractually obligated interest and principal payments; (c) changes in the financial condition, credit rating and near-term prospects of the issuer; and (d) the payment structure of the security. The Company's best estimate of expected future cash flows used to determine the credit loss amount is a quantitative and qualitative process. Quantitative review includes information received from third-party sources such as financial statements,
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 79
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
pricing and rating changes, liquidity and other statistical information. Qualitative factors include judgments related to business strategies, economic impacts on the issuer, overall judgment related to estimates and industry factors as well as the Company's intent to sell the security, or if it is more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell a security before recovery of its amortized cost.
The Company's best estimate of future cash flows involves assumptions including, but not limited to, various performance indicators, such as historical and projected default and recovery rates, credit ratings, and current delinquency rates. These assumptions require the use of significant management judgement and include the probability of issuer default and estimates regarding timing and amount of expected recoveries, which may include estimating the underlying collateral value. In addition, projections of expected future fixed maturity security cash flows may change based upon new information regarding the performance of the issuer. Any credit losses are presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down on AFS fixed maturity securities management does not intend to sell or believes that it is more likely than not we will be required to sell.
The Company recordedno credit valuation losses on fixed maturity securities for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
For fixed maturity security investments that have unrealized losses as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the gross unrealized losses and related fair values that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position by timeframe are as follows.
| December 31, 2023 | Less than 12 months | Greater than 12 months | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands, except for # of securities) | FairValue | UnrealizedLosses | # ofSecurities | FairValue | UnrealizedLosses | # ofSecurities | FairValue | UnrealizedLosses | # ofSecurities |
| Fixed maturity securities: | |||||||||
| Available-for-sale securities: | |||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $1,203 | 40 | 5 | 65 | 8 | 2 | 1,268 | 48 | 7 |
| U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises | 221 | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | 221 | 1 | 1 |
| States and political subdivisions | 19,540 | 357 | 35 | 164,264 | 28,775 | 192 | 183,804 | 29,132 | 227 |
| Corporate: | |||||||||
| Financial | 12,584 | 383 | 19 | 176,521 | 30,872 | 217 | 189,105 | 31,255 | 236 |
| Consumer | 10,175 | 265 | 16 | 176,725 | 36,829 | 223 | 186,900 | 37,094 | 239 |
| Utilities | 3,596 | 66 | 20 | 85,169 | 20,187 | 137 | 88,765 | 20,253 | 157 |
| Energy | 3,291 | 57 | 1 | 59,392 | 7,992 | 76 | 62,683 | 8,049 | 77 |
| All Other | 7,864 | 185 | 10 | 141,865 | 21,146 | 169 | 149,729 | 21,331 | 179 |
| Residential mortgage-backed | 849 | 38 | 5 | 95,806 | 10,022 | 86 | 96,655 | 10,060 | 91 |
| Asset-backed | 4,757 | 111 | 8 | 32,764 | 1,405 | 40 | 37,521 | 1,516 | 48 |
| Total fixed maturity securities | $64,080 | 1,503 | 120 | 932,571 | 157,236 | 1,142 | 996,651 | 158,739 | 1,262 |
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 80
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
| December 31, 2022 | Less than 12 months | Greater than 12 months | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands, except for # of securities) | FairValue | UnrealizedLosses | # ofSecurities | FairValue | UnrealizedLosses | # ofSecurities | FairValue | UnrealizedLosses | # ofSecurities |
| Fixed maturity securities: | |||||||||
| Available-for-sale securities: | |||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $— | — | — | 64 | 9 | 2 | 64 | 9 | 2 |
| U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises | 223 | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | 223 | 1 | 1 |
| States and political subdivisions | 189,084 | 30,866 | 242 | 14,184 | 7,098 | 14 | 203,268 | 37,964 | 256 |
| Corporate: | |||||||||
| Financial | 182,447 | 39,122 | 237 | 6,144 | 3,261 | 16 | 188,591 | 42,383 | 253 |
| Consumer | 164,224 | 34,823 | 220 | 23,417 | 12,315 | 30 | 187,641 | 47,138 | 250 |
| Utilities | 73,483 | 15,959 | 152 | 16,413 | 7,831 | 18 | 89,896 | 23,790 | 170 |
| Energy | 59,053 | 9,601 | 75 | 5,617 | 1,794 | 8 | 64,670 | 11,395 | 83 |
| All Other | 140,955 | 25,337 | 171 | 7,910 | 3,711 | 15 | 148,865 | 29,048 | 186 |
| Commercial mortgage-backed | 168 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | 168 | 2 | 2 |
| Residential mortgage-backed | 98,758 | 10,514 | 95 | 759 | 251 | 5 | 99,517 | 10,765 | 100 |
| Asset-backed | 37,067 | 2,485 | 41 | 4,264 | 282 | 9 | 41,331 | 2,767 | 50 |
| Total fixed maturity securities | $945,462 | 168,710 | 1,236 | 78,772 | 36,552 | 117 | 1,024,234 | 205,262 | 1,353 |
In each category of our fixed maturity securities described above, we do not intend to sell our investments and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost bases. At December 31, 2023 and 2022,99.4% and 98.7%, respectively, of the fair value of our fixed maturity securities portfolio was rated investment grade. While the losses are currently unrealized, we continue to monitor all fixed maturity securities on an on-going basis as future information may become available which could result in an allowance being recorded.
The unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities detailed in the previous tables are due to noncredit-related factors, including widening credit spreads and rising interest rates since purchase, which have little bearing on the recoverability of our investments, hence they are not recognized as credit losses. The fair value is expected to recover as the securities approach maturity or if market yields for such investments decline.
The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2023 by contractual maturity are shown in the table below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single maturity date have been reflected based upon final stated maturity.
| (In thousands) | Amortized Cost | Fair Value |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed maturity securities: | ||
| Due in one year or less | $11,055 | 11,017 |
| Due after one year through five years | 122,681 | 121,443 |
| Due after five years through ten years | 296,313 | 290,023 |
| Due after ten years | 958,989 | 816,498 |
| Total fixed maturity securities | $1,389,038 | 1,238,981 |
There wereno investments that were non-income producing for the years ended December 31, 2023 or 2022.
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 81
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
Major categories of net investment income are summarized as follows:
| Years ended December 31,(In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross investment income: | |||
| Fixed maturity securities | $60,127 | 58,400 | 55,579 |
| Equity securities | 630 | 650 | 1,024 |
| Policy loans | 6,011 | 6,189 | 6,420 |
| Other long-term investments | 4,509 | 2,535 | 809 |
| Other | 576 | 246 | 54 |
| Total investment income | 71,853 | 68,020 | 63,886 |
| Investment expenses | (2,599) | (2,594) | (2,391) |
| Net investment income | $69,254 | 65,426 | 61,495 |
The Company uses the specific identification method of the individual security to determine the cost basis used in the calculation of realized gains and losses related to security sales.
| Years ended December 31,(In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale: | |||
| Proceeds | $29,883 | 33,914 | 8,238 |
| Gross realized gains | 53 | 120 | 189 |
| Gross realized losses | 602 | 112 | 1 |
| Equity securities: | |||
| Proceeds | $6,631 | 500 | 7,383 |
| Gross realized gains | 568 | 44 | — |
| Gross realized losses | 55 | — | 149 |
Investment related gains (losses) are as follows:
| Years ended December 31,(In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investment related gains (losses): | |||
| Sales, calls and maturities: | |||
| Fixed maturity securities | $(756) | (104) | 243 |
| Equity securities | 513 | 62 | (152) |
| Real estate | — | — | 981 |
| Property and equipment | — | — | 13 |
| Other long-term investments | 342 | 2,320 | 1,892 |
| Investment related gains (losses) | 99 | 2,278 | 2,977 |
| Change in fair value of equity securities | (190) | (2,665) | 376 |
| Change in fair value of limited partnerships | 912 | (9,667) | 7,452 |
| Change in credit loss allowance | (61) | (237) | 186 |
| Net investment related gains (losses) | $760 | (10,291) | 10,991 |
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 82
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
The Company sold its former training facility near Austin, Texas during 2021 for a gross sale price of $3.8 million, resulting in a gain on the sale of $1.0 million. The facility was owned by Citizens and was held in Other Non-Insurance Enterprises.
(3) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We hold AFS fixed maturity securities, which are carried at fair value with changes in fair value reported through other comprehensive income (loss). We also report our equity securities and certain other long-term investments at fair value with changes in fair value reported through the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Fair value measurements are generally based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our view of market assumptions in the absence of observable market information. We utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. All assets and liabilities carried at fair value are required to be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations whose inputs or whose significant value drivers are observable.
Level 3 - Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.
Level 1 primarily consists of financial instruments whose value is based on quoted market prices such as U.S. Treasury securities and actively traded mutual fund and stock investments.
Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued by independent pricing services or broker quotes. These pricing models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various inputs, such as interest rates, credit spreads and foreign exchange rates for the underlying financial instruments. All significant inputs are observable or derived from observable information in the marketplace or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Financial instruments in this category primarily include corporate securities, U.S. Government-sponsored enterprise securities, securities issued by states and political subdivisions and certain mortgage and asset-backed securities.
Level 3 is comprised of financial instruments whose fair value is estimated based on non-binding broker prices utilizing significant inputs not based on or corroborated by readily available market information. We have no investments in this category.
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 83
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
The following tables set forth our assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
| December 31, 2023(In thousands) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | TotalFair Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial assets: | ||||
| Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale: | ||||
| U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises | $6,062 | 3,653 | — | 9,715 |
| States and political subdivisions | — | 287,231 | — | 287,231 |
| Corporate | 43 | 787,564 | — | 787,607 |
| Commercial mortgage-backed | — | 171 | — | 171 |
| Residential mortgage-backed | — | 97,123 | — | 97,123 |
| Asset-backed | — | 57,134 | — | 57,134 |
| Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 6,105 | 1,232,876 | — | 1,238,981 |
| Equity securities: | ||||
| Bond mutual funds | 740 | — | — | 740 |
| Common stock | 665 | — | — | 665 |
| Non-redeemable preferred stock | 7 | — | — | 7 |
| Non-redeemable preferred stock fund | 3,870 | — | — | 3,870 |
| Total equity securities | 5,282 | — | — | 5,282 |
| Other long-term investments (1) | — | — | — | 82,460 |
| Total financial assets | $11,387 | 1,232,876 | — | 1,326,723 |
(1)In accordance with Subtopic 820-10, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheet.
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 84
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
| December 31, 2022(In thousands) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | TotalFair Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial assets: | ||||
| Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale: | ||||
| U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises | $9,567 | 3,711 | — | 13,278 |
| States and political subdivisions | — | 307,358 | — | 307,358 |
| Corporate | 44 | 715,601 | — | 715,645 |
| Commercial mortgage-backed | — | 169 | — | 169 |
| Residential mortgage-backed | — | 99,826 | — | 99,826 |
| Asset-backed | — | 43,242 | — | 43,242 |
| Foreign governments | — | 101 | — | 101 |
| Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | 9,611 | 1,170,008 | — | 1,179,619 |
| Equity securities: | ||||
| Stock mutual funds | 2,615 | — | — | 2,615 |
| Bond mutual funds | 4,337 | — | — | 4,337 |
| Common stock | 857 | — | — | 857 |
| Non-redeemable preferred stock | 8 | — | — | 8 |
| Non-redeemable preferred stock fund | 3,773 | — | — | 3,773 |
| Total equity securities | 11,590 | — | — | 11,590 |
| Other long-term investments (1) | — | — | — | 66,846 |
| Total financial assets | $21,201 | 1,170,008 | — | 1,258,055 |
(1)In accordance with Subtopic 820-10, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheet.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS VALUATION
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CARRIED AT FAIR VALUE
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale. At December 31, 2023, fixed maturity securities, valued using a third-party pricing source, totaled $1.2 billion for Level 2 assets and comprised 92.9% of total reported fair value of our financial assets. The Level 1 and Level 2 valuations are reviewed and updated quarterly through testing by comparisons to separate pricing models, other third-party pricing services, and back tested to recent trades. In addition, we obtain information annually relative to the third-party pricing models and review model parameters for reasonableness. There wereno Level 3 assets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. For the year ended December 31, 2023, there wereno material changes to the valuation methods or assumptions used to determine fair values, andno broker or third-party prices were changed from the values received.
Equity securities. Our equity securities are classified as Level 1 assets as their fair values are based upon quoted market prices.
Limited partnerships. The Company considers the net asset value ("NAV") to represent the value of the investment fund and is measured by the total value of assets minus the total value of liabilities. The following table includes information related to our investments in limited partnerships that calculate NAV per share. For these investments, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, we use the NAV per share to measure fair value. The Company recognized net investment related gains of $0.9 million and $7.5 million on limited partnerships held for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2021, respectively, and losses of $9.7 million for the year ended
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 85
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
December 31, 2022. These investments are included in other long-term investments on the consolidated balance sheets.
| December 31, 2023 · December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands, except years) · Fair Value Using NAV Per Share · Unfunded Commit-ments · Range (In years) · Fair Value Using NAV Per Share · Unfunded Commit-ments · Range (In years) | ||||||||||
| Description | ||||||||||
| Limited partnerships: | ||||||||||
| Middle market | Investments in privately-originated, performing senior secured debt primarily in North America-based companies | $34,858 | 3,452 | 4 | $33,234 | 6,011 | 5 | |||
| Global equity fund | Investments in common stocks of U.S., international developed and emerging markets with a focus on long-term capital growth | 10,345 | — | 0 | 9,037 | — | 0 | |||
| Late-stage growth | Investments in private late-stage, established companies seeking capital to accelerate growth prior to an IPO or sale | 20,524 | 14,271 | 4 to 6 | 16,892 | 18,444 | 5 to 7 | |||
| Infrastructure | Investments in environmental infrastructure and related technology, focusing on renewable power generation and distribution | 16,733 | 9,576 | 10 | 7,683 | 4,107 | 11 | |||
| Total limited partnerships | $82,460 | 27,299 | $66,846 | 28,562 | ||||||
The majority of our limited partnership investments are not redeemable because distributions from the funds will be received when the underlying investments of the funds are liquidated. The life spans indicated above may be shortened or extended at the fund manager's discretion, typically in one or two-year increments. The global equity fund is redeemable monthly.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS NOT CARRIED AT FAIR VALUE
Estimates of fair values are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market prices and information about the financial instruments. The estimated fair values of financial instruments presented below are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company might realize in actual market transactions.
The carrying amount and fair value for the financial assets and liabilities on the consolidated financial statements not otherwise disclosed for the periods indicated were as follows:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | CarryingValue | FairValue | CarryingValue | FairValue |
| Financial assets: | ||||
| Policy loans | $75,359 | 75,359 | 78,773 | 78,773 |
| Residential mortgage loans | 42 | 42 | 49 | 50 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 26,997 | 26,997 | 22,973 | 22,973 |
| Financial liabilities: | ||||
| Annuity - investment contracts | 67,690 | 63,283 | 67,344 | 61,701 |
Policy loans. Policy loans had a weighted average annual interest rate of 7.7% at both December 31, 2023 and 2022 and no specified maturity dates. Policy loans are an integral part of the life insurance policies we have in force, cannot be valued separately and are not marketable. Therefore, the fair value of policy loans approximates the carrying value reflected on the consolidated balance sheets and are considered Level 3 assets in the fair value hierarchy.
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 86
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
Residential mortgage loan. The mortgage loan is secured principally by a residential property. The interest rate for this loan was 7.0% at December 31, 2023 and 2022. At December 31, 2023, the remaining loan matures infive years. Management estimated the fair value using an annual interest rate of 6.25% at both December 31, 2023 and 2022. Our mortgage loan is considered a Level 3 asset in the fair value hierarchy and is included in other long-term investments on the consolidated balance sheets.
Cash and cash equivalents. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximate carrying value and are characterized as Level 1 assets in the fair value hierarchy.
Annuity liabilities. The fair value of the Company's liabilities under annuity contracts, which are considered Level 3 liabilities, was estimated at December 31, 2023 and 2022 using discounted cash flows based upon spot rates adjusted for various risk adjustments ranging from 3.80% to 4.50% and 4.74% to 5.09%, respectively. The fair value of liabilities under all insurance contracts are taken into consideration in the overall management of interest rate risk, which seeks to minimize exposure to changing interest rates through the matching of investment maturities with amounts due under insurance contracts.
Other long-term investments. The following table summarizes the carrying amounts of other long-term investments.
| As of December 31,(In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Other long-term investments: | ||
| Limited partnerships | $82,460 | 69,294 |
| FHLB common stock | 202 | 193 |
| Mortgage loans | 42 | 49 |
| All other investments | 21 | 22 |
| Total other long-term investments | $82,725 | 69,558 |
We carriedno limited partnership investments at cost at December 31, 2023 and $2.4 million were carried at cost at December 31, 2022.
We are a member of the FHLB of Dallas and such membership requires members to own stock in the FHLB. Our FHLB stock is carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
(4)DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS AND COST OF INSURANCE ACQUIRED
The following tables roll forward the DAC and COIA balances for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 by reporting cohort. Our reporting cohorts are Permanent, which summarizes insurance policies with premiums payable over the lifetime of the policy, and Permanent Limited Pay, which summarizes insurance policies with premiums payable for a limited time after which the policy is fully paid up. Both reporting cohorts include whole life and endowment policies.
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 87
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
DAC
| Year Ended December 31, 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | Permanent | Permanent Limited Pay | Other Business | Total |
| Life Insurance: | ||||
| Balance, beginning of year | $100,926 | 11,542 | 1,016 | 113,484 |
| Capitalizations | 16,451 | 3,332 | 468 | 20,251 |
| Amortization expense | (11,825) | (799) | (271) | (12,895) |
| Balance, end of year | 105,552 | 14,075 | 1,213 | 120,840 |
| Home Service Insurance: | ||||
| Balance, beginning of year | 38,793 | 9,729 | 921 | 49,443 |
| Capitalizations | 6,570 | 1,232 | 248 | 8,050 |
| Amortization expense | (2,083) | (397) | (85) | (2,565) |
| Balance, end of year | 43,280 | 10,564 | 1,084 | 54,928 |
| Consolidated: | ||||
| Balance, beginning of year | 139,719 | 21,271 | 1,937 | 162,927 |
| Capitalizations | 23,021 | 4,564 | 716 | 28,301 |
| Amortization expense | (13,908) | (1,196) | (356) | (15,460) |
| Balance, end of year | $148,832 | 24,639 | 2,297 | 175,768 |
| Year Ended December 31, 2022 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | Permanent | Permanent Limited Pay | Other Business | Total |
| Life Insurance: | ||||
| Balance, beginning of year | $97,675 | 9,001 | 1,026 | 107,702 |
| Capitalizations | 14,599 | 3,193 | 150 | 17,942 |
| Amortization expense | (11,348) | (652) | (160) | (12,160) |
| Balance, end of year | 100,926 | 11,542 | 1,016 | 113,484 |
| Home Service Insurance: | ||||
| Balance, beginning of year | 35,137 | 8,723 | 856 | 44,716 |
| Capitalizations | 5,501 | 1,372 | 84 | 6,957 |
| Amortization expense | (1,845) | (366) | (19) | (2,230) |
| Balance, end of year | 38,793 | 9,729 | 921 | 49,443 |
| Consolidated: | ||||
| Balance, beginning of year | 132,812 | 17,724 | 1,882 | 152,418 |
| Capitalizations | 20,100 | 4,565 | 234 | 24,899 |
| Amortization expense | (13,193) | (1,018) | (179) | (14,390) |
| Balance, end of year | $139,719 | 21,271 | 1,937 | 162,927 |
DAC capitalization increased for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the same prior year period mainly from increased commissions from higher first year sales across our business segments.
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 88
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
COIA
| Year Ended December 31, 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | Permanent | Permanent Limited Pay | Other Business | Total |
| Life Insurance: | ||||
| Balance, beginning of year | $267 | 750 | 444 | 1,461 |
| Amortization expense | (18) | (55) | (38) | (111) |
| Balance, end of year | 249 | 695 | 406 | 1,350 |
| Home Service Insurance: | ||||
| Balance, beginning of year | 7,583 | 176 | 1,427 | 9,186 |
| Amortization expense | (389) | (8) | (96) | (493) |
| Balance, end of year | 7,194 | 168 | 1,331 | 8,693 |
| Consolidated: | ||||
| Balance, beginning of year | 7,850 | 926 | 1,871 | 10,647 |
| Amortization expense | (407) | (63) | (134) | (604) |
| Balance, end of year | $7,443 | 863 | 1,737 | 10,043 |
| Year Ended December 31, 2022 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | Permanent | Permanent Limited Pay | Other Business | Total |
| Life Insurance: | ||||
| Balance, beginning of year | $287 | 812 | 485 | 1,584 |
| Amortization expense | (20) | (62) | (41) | (123) |
| Balance, end of year | 267 | 750 | 444 | 1,461 |
| Home Service Insurance: | ||||
| Balance, beginning of year | 7,989 | 184 | 1,511 | 9,684 |
| Amortization expense | (406) | (8) | (84) | (498) |
| Balance, end of year | 7,583 | 176 | 1,427 | 9,186 |
| Consolidated: | ||||
| Balance, beginning of year | 8,276 | 996 | 1,996 | 11,268 |
| Amortization expense | (426) | (70) | (125) | (621) |
| Balance, end of year | $7,850 | 926 | 1,871 | 10,647 |
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 89
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
Estimated amortization of COIA in each of the next five years and thereafter is as follows. Actual future amortization will differ from these estimates due to variances from estimated future withdrawal assumptions.
| (In thousands) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cost of insurance acquired: | |
| Year: | |
| 2024 | $647 |
| 2025 | 599 |
| 2026 | 555 |
| 2027 | 515 |
| 2028 | 479 |
| Thereafter | 7,248 |
| Total cost of insurance acquired | $10,043 |
(5)POLICYHOLDERS’ LIABILITIES
LIABILITY FOR FUTURE POLICY BENEFITS
The following tables summarize balances of and changes in the liability for future policy benefits for our reporting cohorts: Permanent, which summarizes insurance policies with premiums payable over the lifetime of the policy, and Permanent Limited Pay, which summarizes insurance policies with premiums payable for a limited time after which the policy is fully paid up. Both reporting cohorts include whole life and endowment policies.
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 90
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
| December 31, 2023(In thousands) · Life Insurance · Home Service Insurance | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent · Permanent Limited Pay · Total · Permanent · Permanent Limited Pay · Total | ||||||
| Present Value of Expected Net Premiums: | ||||||
| Balance, beginning of year | $235,228 | 10,209 | 245,437 | 93,508 | 13,255 | 106,763 |
| Beginning balance at original discount rate | 247,601 | 10,682 | 258,283 | 100,225 | 14,394 | 114,619 |
| Effect of changes in cash flow assumptions | (210) | 38 | (172) | (343) | 85 | (258) |
| Effects of actual variances from expected experience | 4,184 | 1,536 | 5,720 | (8,287) | (6,402) | (14,689) |
| Adjusted beginning of year balance | 251,575 | 12,256 | 263,831 | 91,595 | 8,077 | 99,672 |
| Issuances | 34,285 | 3,607 | 37,892 | 17,668 | 3,951 | 21,619 |
| Interest accrual | 9,291 | 355 | 9,646 | 4,045 | 468 | 4,513 |
| Net premiums collected | (43,307) | (2,955) | (46,262) | (11,901) | 2,832 | (9,069) |
| Derecognition and other | 582 | 270 | 852 | 638 | 184 | 822 |
| Ending balance at original discount rate | 252,426 | 13,533 | 265,959 | 102,045 | 15,512 | 117,557 |
| Effect of changes in discount rates | (7,509) | (273) | (7,782) | (3,214) | (586) | (3,800) |
| Balance, end of year | $244,917 | 13,260 | 258,177 | 98,831 | 14,926 | 113,757 |
| Present Value of Expected Future Policy Benefits: | ||||||
| Balance, beginning of year | $947,415 | 195,612 | 1,143,027 | 200,351 | 116,356 | 316,707 |
| Beginning balance at original discount rate | 996,169 | 208,051 | 1,204,220 | 214,188 | 121,908 | 336,096 |
| Effect of changes in cash flow assumptions | (389) | (702) | (1,091) | (257) | 331 | 74 |
| Effects of actual variances from expected experience | 7,370 | 5,330 | 12,700 | (8,126) | (2,103) | (10,229) |
| Adjusted beginning of year balance | 1,003,150 | 212,679 | 1,215,829 | 205,805 | 120,136 | 325,941 |
| Issuances | 34,922 | 3,792 | 38,714 | 17,664 | 3,973 | 21,637 |
| Interest accrual | 43,275 | 8,355 | 51,630 | 9,339 | 5,667 | 15,006 |
| Benefit payments | (85,257) | (22,129) | (107,386) | (15,891) | (6,002) | (21,893) |
| Derecognition and other | (128) | 58 | (70) | 607 | 167 | 774 |
| Ending balance at original discount rate | 995,962 | 202,755 | 1,198,717 | 217,524 | 123,941 | 341,465 |
| Effect of changes in discount rates | (22,612) | (7,633) | (30,245) | (5,578) | (1,157) | (6,735) |
| Balance, end of year | $973,350 | 195,122 | 1,168,472 | 211,946 | 122,784 | 334,730 |
| Net liability for future policy benefits | $728,433 | 181,862 | 910,295 | 113,115 | 107,858 | 220,973 |
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 91
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
| December 31, 2022(In thousands) · Life Insurance · Home Service Insurance | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent · Permanent Limited Pay · Total · Permanent · Permanent Limited Pay · Total | ||||||
| Present Value of Expected Net Premiums: | ||||||
| Balance, beginning of year | $269,528 | 4,939 | 274,467 | 104,556 | 10,196 | 114,752 |
| Beginning balance at original discount rate | 246,386 | 5,093 | 251,479 | 90,012 | 9,532 | 99,544 |
| Effect of changes in cash flow assumptions | (3,662) | 237 | (3,425) | 4,253 | 1,214 | 5,467 |
| Effects of actual variances from expected experience | 3,466 | 1,534 | 5,000 | (3,744) | (8,407) | (12,151) |
| Adjusted beginning of year balance | 246,190 | 6,864 | 253,054 | 90,521 | 2,339 | 92,860 |
| Issuances | 35,826 | 4,086 | 39,912 | 19,030 | 5,288 | 24,318 |
| Interest accrual | 8,382 | 82 | 8,464 | 3,454 | 244 | 3,698 |
| Net premiums collected | (41,560) | (258) | (41,818) | (11,202) | 6,752 | (4,450) |
| Derecognition and other | (1,237) | (92) | (1,329) | (1,578) | (229) | (1,807) |
| Ending balance at original discount rate | 247,601 | 10,682 | 258,283 | 100,225 | 14,394 | 114,619 |
| Effect of changes in discount rates | (12,373) | (473) | (12,846) | (6,717) | (1,139) | (7,856) |
| Balance, end of year | $235,228 | 10,209 | 245,437 | 93,508 | 13,255 | 106,763 |
| Present Value of Expected Future Policy Benefits: | ||||||
| Balance, beginning of year | $1,168,282 | 240,679 | 1,408,961 | 266,206 | 161,715 | 427,921 |
| Beginning balance at original discount rate | 990,921 | 207,105 | 1,198,026 | 205,340 | 117,425 | 322,765 |
| Effect of changes in cash flow assumptions | (3,916) | 374 | (3,542) | 4,822 | 1,765 | 6,587 |
| Effects of actual variances from expected experience | 4,528 | 4,910 | 9,438 | (3,278) | (992) | (4,270) |
| Adjusted beginning of year balance | 991,533 | 212,389 | 1,203,922 | 206,884 | 118,198 | 325,082 |
| Issuances | 36,604 | 4,187 | 40,791 | 19,054 | 5,286 | 24,340 |
| Interest accrual | 42,547 | 8,474 | 51,021 | 8,754 | 5,452 | 14,206 |
| Benefit payments | (72,383) | (16,765) | (89,148) | (18,870) | (6,770) | (25,640) |
| Derecognition and other | (2,132) | (234) | (2,366) | (1,634) | (258) | (1,892) |
| Ending balance at original discount rate | 996,169 | 208,051 | 1,204,220 | 214,188 | 121,908 | 336,096 |
| Effect of changes in discount rates | (48,754) | (12,439) | (61,193) | (13,837) | (5,552) | (19,389) |
| Balance, end of year | $947,415 | 195,612 | 1,143,027 | 200,351 | 116,356 | 316,707 |
| Net liability for future policy benefits | $712,187 | 185,403 | 897,590 | 106,843 | 103,101 | 209,944 |
| Plus: Flooring impact | 1 | — | 1 | — | — | — |
| Net liability for future policy benefits, after flooring impact | $712,188 | 185,403 | 897,591 | 106,843 | 103,101 | 209,944 |
Net premiums collected is defined as the transactional gross premiums collected in the current period times the net premium ratio. Issuances are calculated as the present value, using the locked-in discount rate, of the expected net premiums or the expected future policy benefits related to new policies issued during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Interest accrual is the interest earned on the beginning present value of either the expected net premiums or the expected future policy benefits using the locked-in discount rate. Benefit payments are the transactional benefits (death, lapse, surrenders and maturities) paid in the current period. Derecognition refers to a subset of the issuances or the present value of future premiums released on new issues that lapsed during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 as well as other reconciling items. Theeffects of actual variances from expected experience lines are primarily impacted by the actual policy cash flows during the period
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 92
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
compared to that which was expected in the reserve assumptions. If the net of the two lines is a positive number, the implication is an unfavorable result with policy cash flows less favorable than assumed while a negative number implies a favorable result compared to assumptions. Our policy experience will vary from actual experience in any one period, either favorably or unfavorably.
The following table reconciles the net liability for future policy benefits shown above to the liability for future policy benefits reported in the consolidated balance sheets.
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | Life Insurance | Home ServiceInsurance | Consolidated | Life Insurance | Home ServiceInsurance | Consolidated |
| Life Insurance: | ||||||
| Permanent | $728,433 | 113,115 | 841,548 | 712,188 | 106,843 | 819,031 |
| Permanent limited pay | 181,862 | 107,858 | 289,720 | 185,403 | 103,101 | 288,504 |
| Deferred profit liability | 28,933 | 26,804 | 55,737 | 25,655 | 24,459 | 50,114 |
| Other | 28,319 | 13,929 | 42,248 | 27,370 | 13,628 | 40,998 |
| Total life insurance | 967,547 | 261,706 | 1,229,253 | 950,616 | 248,031 | 1,198,647 |
| Accident & Health: | ||||||
| Other | 588 | 301 | 889 | 533 | 234 | 767 |
| Total future policy benefit reserves | $968,135 | 262,007 | 1,230,142 | 951,149 | 248,265 | 1,199,414 |
The following table provides the amount of undiscounted and discounted expected gross premiums and expected future benefit payments for long-term duration contracts.
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | Life Insurance | Home ServiceInsurance | Life Insurance | Home ServiceInsurance |
| Undiscounted: | ||||
| Permanent: | ||||
| Expected future gross premiums | $621,935 | 455,552 | 612,531 | 461,298 |
| Expected future benefit payments | 1,495,206 | 484,740 | 1,479,562 | 473,039 |
| Permanent Limited Pay: | ||||
| Expected future gross premiums | 47,161 | 77,266 | 47,447 | 74,278 |
| Expected future benefit payments | 326,821 | 320,810 | 323,559 | 316,225 |
| Discounted: | ||||
| Permanent: | ||||
| Expected future gross premiums | $481,963 | 275,629 | 472,754 | 271,440 |
| Expected future benefit payments | 973,350 | 211,946 | 947,415 | 200,351 |
| Permanent Limited Pay: | ||||
| Expected future gross premiums | 42,138 | 53,075 | 41,853 | 52,030 |
| Expected future benefit payments | 195,122 | 122,784 | 195,612 | 116,356 |
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 93
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
The following tables summarize the amount of revenue and interest related to long-term duration contracts recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss):
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||
| (In thousands) | Gross Premiums | Interest Expense | Gross Premiums | Interest Expense | Gross Premiums | Interest Expense |
| Life Insurance Segment: | ||||||
| Life Insurance: | ||||||
| Permanent | $93,917 | 33,984 | 94,905 | 34,165 | 96,766 | 34,067 |
| Permanent Limited Pay | 16,396 | 8,923 | 15,023 | 9,214 | 13,678 | 9,331 |
| Other | 12,813 | — | 16,047 | — | 16,856 | — |
| Less: | ||||||
| Reinsurance | 1,702 | — | 1,819 | — | 1,742 | — |
| Total, net of reinsurance | 121,424 | 42,907 | 124,156 | 43,379 | 125,558 | 43,398 |
| Accident & Health: | ||||||
| Other | 725 | — | 502 | — | 505 | — |
| Less: | ||||||
| Reinsurance | 4 | — | 5 | — | 5 | — |
| Total, net of reinsurance | 721 | — | 497 | — | 500 | — |
| Total | $122,145 | 42,907 | 124,653 | 43,379 | 126,058 | 43,398 |
| Home Service Insurance Segment: | ||||||
| Life Insurance: | ||||||
| Permanent | $33,263 | 5,294 | 33,312 | 5,300 | 33,706 | 5,447 |
| Permanent Limited Pay | 8,576 | 6,388 | 8,396 | 6,255 | 8,324 | 6,187 |
| Other | 1,371 | — | 1,749 | — | 2,236 | — |
| Less: | ||||||
| Reinsurance | 25 | — | 27 | — | 23 | — |
| Total, net of reinsurance | 43,185 | 11,682 | 43,430 | 11,555 | 44,243 | 11,634 |
| Accident & Health: | ||||||
| Other | 916 | — | 781 | — | 750 | — |
| Total | $44,101 | 11,682 | 44,211 | 11,555 | 44,993 | 11,634 |
The following table provides the weighted-average durations of the liability for future policy benefits.
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In years) | Life Insurance | Home ServiceInsurance | Life Insurance | Home ServiceInsurance |
| Permanent: | ||||
| Duration at original discount rate | 8.5 | 16.4 | 8.0 | 15.4 |
| Duration at current discount rate | 8.5 | 16.4 | 8.5 | 16.2 |
| Permanent Limited Pay: | ||||
| Duration at original discount rate | 8.2 | 14.8 | 7.6 | 14.3 |
| Duration at current discount rate | 8.1 | 15.3 | 7.5 | 15.7 |
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 94
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
The following table provides the weighted-average interest rates for the liability for future policy benefits.
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Life Insurance | Home ServiceInsurance | Life Insurance | Home ServiceInsurance | |
| Permanent: | ||||
| Interest rate at original discount rate | 4.89% | 4.97% | 4.93% | 5.00% |
| Interest rate at current discount rate | 4.79% | 4.96% | 5.10% | 5.22% |
| Permanent Limited Pay: | ||||
| Interest rate at original discount rate | 4.29% | 5.04% | 4.30% | 5.05% |
| Interest rate at current discount rate | 4.77% | 4.95% | 5.07% | 5.21% |
LIABILITY FOR POLICYHOLDERS’ ACCOUNT BALANCES
The following table presents the policyholders' account balances by range of guaranteed minimum crediting rates and the related range of the difference, in basis points, between rates being credited and the respective guaranteed minimums.
| At Guaranteed Minimum · 1 Basis Point-50 Basis Points Above · 51 Basis Points-150 Basis Points Above · Greater Than 150 Basis Points Above · Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2023(In thousands) | |||||
| Range of Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rates: | |||||
| 0.00% - 1.49% | $784 | — | 1,146 | 34,886 | 36,816 |
| 1.50% - 2.99% | 33,073 | 671 | 49 | — | 33,793 |
| 3.00% - 4.49% | 105,684 | 9 | — | — | 105,693 |
| Greater or equal to 4.50% | 31,400 | — | — | — | 31,400 |
| Total | $170,941 | 680 | 1,195 | 34,886 | 207,702 |
| At Guaranteed Minimum · 1 Basis Point-50 Basis Points Above · 51 Basis Points-150 Basis Points Above · Greater Than 150 Basis Points Above · Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2022(In thousands) | |||||
| Range of Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rates: | |||||
| 0.00% - 1.49% | $736 | — | 1,089 | 38,671 | 40,496 |
| 1.50% - 2.99% | 24,155 | 631 | 51 | — | 24,837 |
| 3.00% - 4.49% | 98,902 | 9 | — | — | 98,911 |
| Greater or equal to 4.50% | 31,825 | — | — | — | 31,825 |
| Total | $155,618 | 640 | 1,140 | 38,671 | 196,069 |
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 95
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
The following tables summarize balances of and changes in policyholders' account balances.
| December 31, 2023(In thousands, except for %) | Supplemental Contracts Without Life Contingencies | Fixed Annuity | Dividend Accumulations | Premiums Paid in Advance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance, beginning of year | $32,995 | 86,807 | 41,663 | 34,603 |
| Issuances | 22,387 | 2,741 | 660 | 3,693 |
| Premiums received | 123 | 4,387 | 5,860 | 793 |
| Interest credited | 1,483 | 2,653 | 1,364 | 1,627 |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — |
| Less: | ||||
| Surrenders and withdrawals | — | 9,454 | 4,587 | 9,677 |
| Benefit payments | 12,420 | — | — | — |
| Balance, end of year | $44,569 | 87,134 | 44,960 | 31,039 |
| Weighted-average crediting rates | 4.00% | 3.56% | 3.04% | 2.95% |
| Cash surrender value | $44,569 | 87,134 | 44,960 | 31,039 |
| December 31, 2022(In thousands, except for %) | Supplemental Contracts Without Life Contingencies | Fixed Annuity | Dividend Accumulations | Premiums Paid in Advance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance, beginning of year | $23,950 | 83,917 | 37,760 | 38,875 |
| Issuances | 12,071 | 3,044 | 683 | 2,820 |
| Premiums received | 176 | 4,940 | 5,538 | 779 |
| Interest credited | 1,067 | 2,631 | 1,216 | 964 |
| Other | 2 | — | — | — |
| Less: | ||||
| Surrenders and withdrawals | — | 7,725 | 3,534 | 8,835 |
| Benefit payments | 4,271 | — | — | — |
| Balance, end of year | $32,995 | 86,807 | 41,663 | 34,603 |
| Weighted-average crediting rates | 4.08% | 3.59% | 3.07% | 3.04% |
| Cash surrender value | $32,995 | 86,807 | 41,663 | 34,603 |
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 96
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
The following table reconciles policyholders' account balances shown above to the policyholders' account balances liability in the consolidated balance sheets.
| As of December 31,(In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Annuities: | ||
| Supplemental contracts without life contingencies | $44,569 | 32,995 |
| Fixed annuity | 87,134 | 86,807 |
| Unearned revenue reserve | 1,513 | 1,619 |
| Other | — | 1 |
| Total annuities | $133,216 | 121,422 |
| Premiums Paid in Advance: | ||
| Premiums paid in advance | $31,039 | 34,603 |
| Other | 1,407 | 1,781 |
| Total premiums paid in advance | $32,446 | 36,384 |
(6)POLICY CLAIM LIABILITY AND SHORT DURATION CONTRACTS
The following table presents information on changes in the liability for life, accident and health and property policy and contract claims.
| Years ended December 31,(In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Policy claims payable: | |||
| Balance at January 1 | $9,884 | 14,590 | 13,206 |
| Less: reinsurance recoverable | 2,070 | 2,469 | 3,012 |
| Net balance at January 1 | 7,814 | 12,121 | 10,194 |
| Add claims incurred, related to: | |||
| Current year | 25,630 | 28,720 | 32,595 |
| Prior years(1) | (522) | (46) | 1,052 |
| 25,108 | 28,674 | 33,647 | |
| Deduct claims paid, related to: | |||
| Current year | 20,786 | 22,771 | 23,369 |
| Prior years | 6,797 | 10,210 | 8,351 |
| 27,583 | 32,981 | 31,720 | |
| Net balance December 31 | 5,339 | 7,814 | 12,121 |
| Plus: reinsurance recoverable | 1,298 | 2,070 | 2,469 |
| Balance at December 31 | $6,637 | 9,884 | 14,590 |
| (1) This line is primarily impacted by the level of claim resolutions in the period compared to that which is expected by the reserve assumption. A positive number implies an unfavorable result where claim resolutions were less favorable than assumed while a negative number implies a favorable result compared to assumptions. Our claim assumptions will vary from actual experience in any one period, either favorably or unfavorably. | |||
SHORT DURATION CONTRACTS
The Company's short duration contracts consist of credit life and credit disability in the Life Insurance segment and property insurance in the Home Service Insurance segment. The credit insurance lines are an immaterial part of
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 97
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
short duration contracts so the following disclosures cover only the property insurance line of business in the Home Service Insurance segment.
Special Property Insurance (Allied and Fire)
The following table presents incurred claims development as of December 31, 2023, net of reinsurance, as well as cumulative claim frequency and the total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims included within the net incurred claims amounts. This information is presented for the last five years as these claims rarely pay out over a longer period of time.
| Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance · Total of Incurred-but-Not-Reported Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims · Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
| ($ In thousands) · 2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Accident Year: · (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||
| 2019 | $1,549 | 1,150 | 1,161 | 1,106 | 1,105 | — | 610 | |||||
| 2020 | 2,598 | 2,670 | 2,577 | 2,694 | — | 2,415 | ||||||
| 2021 | 2,087 | 1,644 | 1,312 | 2 | 2,397 | |||||||
| 2022 | 1,213 | 1,262 | 4 | 362 | ||||||||
| 2023 | 776 | 27 | 191 | |||||||||
| Total | $7,149 | |||||||||||
The following table presents paid claims development as of December 31, 2023, net of reinsurance.
| Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| (In thousands) · 2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2023 | ||||||||
| Accident Year: · (Unaudited) | ||||||||
| 2019 | $1,166 | 1,071 | 1,091 | 1,105 | 1,105 | |||
| 2020 | 1,997 | 2,639 | 2,576 | 2,694 | ||||
| 2021 | 1,435 | 1,638 | 1,311 | |||||
| 2022 | 1,011 | 1,259 | ||||||
| 2023 | 755 | |||||||
| Total | $7,124 | |||||||
| All outstanding liabilities before 2019, net of reinsurance | $— | |||||||
| Liabilities for claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance | $33 | |||||||
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 98
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
The reconciliation of the net incurred and paid claims development tables to the liability for claims and claim adjustment expenses in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
| As of December 31,(In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Net outstanding liabilities: | ||
| Special property | $33 | 263 |
| Other short duration insurance lines | 151 | 158 |
| Liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance | 184 | 421 |
| Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims: | ||
| Special property | 1,220 | 1,275 |
| Other short duration insurance lines | 78 | 798 |
| Total reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims | 1,298 | 2,073 |
| Insurance lines other than short duration | 5,155 | 7,390 |
| Total gross liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expense | $6,637 | 9,884 |
The following is supplementary information to the consolidated financial statements about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2023.
| Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance(Unaudited) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Years | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Special property | 93% | 13% | (8)% | 3% | —% |
(7) REINSURANCE
In the normal course of business, the Company reinsures portions of certain policies that we underwrite to limit disproportionate risks. During 2023 and 2022, we generally retained $100,000 on any one individual life insurance policy. The Company also reinsures 100% of our accidental death benefit rider coverage. The Company maintained catastrophe reinsurance with the net retention on any one loss of $30,000, which is the maximum policy limit on any single risk. During 2023, this reinsurance provided $11.0 million of coverage with the Company retaining $2.4 million of the risk. In 2022, this reinsurance provided $11.0 million of coverage once the Company paid a $1.4 million deductible. In consideration for a reinstatement premium, second event coverage was provided under the same terms for both years. The Company remains contingently liable in the event that any of the reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations under any reinsurance agreement.
Our amounts recoverable from reinsurers represent receivables from and reserves ceded to reinsurers. We obtain reinsurance from multiple reinsurers, and we monitor concentration as well as financial strength ratings of our principal reinsurers. The ratings by A.M. Best Company range from A- (Excellent) to A+ (Superior). Assumed and ceded life reinsurance activity is summarized as follows:
| December 31,(In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Aggregate assumed life insurance in force | $3,772 | 4,074 |
| Aggregate ceded life insurance in force | $619,597 | 543,496 |
| Net life insurance in force | $4,306,429 | 4,257,148 |
December 31, 2023 | 10-K 99
| CITIZENS, INC. | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| (Continued) |
The Company's reinsurance recoverable on ceded reinsurance was $4.0 million and $4.6 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Premiums and claims and surrenders assumed and ceded for all lines of business for these years are summarized as follows:
| Years ended December 31,(In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premiums from short duration contracts: | |||
| Direct | $4,425 | 7,862 | 7,631 |
| Assumed | — | — | — |
| Ceded | (1,792) | (1,413) | (2,312) |
| Net premiums earned | 2,633 | 6,449 | 5,319 |
| Premiums from long duration contracts: | |||
| Direct | 166,132 | 169,111 | 171,175 |
| Assumed | 68 | 74 | 84 |
| Ceded | (1,794) | (1,920) | (1,850) |
| Net premiums earned | 164,406 | 167,265 | 169,409 |
| Total premiums earned | $167,039 | 173,714 | 174,728 |
| Claims and surrenders assumed | $113 | 151 | 169 |
| Claims and surrenders ceded | $(936) | (1,130) | (11,764) |
During the third quarter of 2021, SPFIC was impacted by Hurricane Ida, the second-most damaging and intense hurricane in Louisiana on record, behind Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The Company has a reinsurance agreement that covers catastrophic events such as Hurricane Ida. We paid the $0.5 million retention in claim amounts for Ida and do not expect to exceed the maximum reinsurance coverage.
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.