CITIZENS, INC.

Previous wording

As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to disclose information required by this Item 1A. However, we have elected to provide the foll owing discussion of risks as wefeel it is important to provide adequate information to our investors regarding the risks of investing in our securities. If any of these risks develop into actual events, our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be materially and adversely affected, and, as a result, the trading price of our Class A common stock could decline. These risk factors may also be important to understanding other statements in this Form 10-K. The following information should be read in conjunction with Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations andthe consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this report.

Current wording

As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide risk factors. However, we believe it is important to disclose the material risks of investing in our securities. If any of these risks develop into actual events, our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be materially and adversely affected, and, as a result, the trading price of our Class A common stock could decline. You should read these risk factors together with Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations andthe consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this report.

Previous wording

International Regulatory Risks. A substantial majority of our direct insurance premiums, approximately 67% at December 31, 2024, are from policyholders in foreign countries, primarily those in Latin America and the Pacific Rim. As described in Part I. Item 1. Business, these policies are issued by our Puerto Rico subsidiary, CICA International, which is licensed as an international insurer in Puerto Rico. Our products are sold by independent consultants who are located in the foreign countries in which the policies are sold. Generally, the foreign countries in which we offer insurance products require either us and/or our independent consultants to obtain a license or register to conduct insurance business in that country. Some of these countries also require that local regulatory authorities approve the terms and rates of any insurance product sold to residents of that country. Some of these countries have laws that state that their residents may not purchase life insurance from us or a consultant may not sell life insurance on our behalf unless we become qualified to do business in that country or unless our policies receive prior approval from their insurance regulators. Others have a "consumption abroad" model where their residents may purchase unregistered products only if they are outside of their country when the purchase is made. We do not register to do business in these countries (i.e., we are non-admitted) nor do we seek to have our international products approved by any governmental authority.

Current wording

approve the terms and rates of insurance products sold to residents of that country. Some of these countries have laws that state that their residents may not purchase life insurance from us or that a consultant may not sell our life insurance policies unless we become qualified to do business in that country or unless our policies receive prior approval from their insurance regulators. Others have a "consumption abroad" model where their residents may purchase unregistered products only if they are outside of their country when the purchase is made. We do not register to do business in these countries (i.e., we are non-admitted) nor do we seek to have our international products approved by any governmental authority.

Previous wording

We have sought to mitigate the risks described above by, among other things, not locating any of our offices or assets in these foreign countries or jurisdictions, and selling policies only through independent consultants rather than our own employees. We also try to mitigate risks by relying on laws that allow citizens of some countries to buy insurance abroad or by reverse solicitation. We rely on our independent consultants to comply with laws applicable to them in marketing and servicing our insurance products in their respective countries. There is no assurance that these precautionary measures, practices and policies will partially or entirely mitigate the risks associated with the potential application of foreign laws to our sales of insurance policies in our foreign markets. Although the Company believes that these foreign regulators do not have jurisdiction over the Company and that any actions, including fines, may be unenforceable against the Company, any regulatory action could otherwise

Current wording

We have sought to mitigate the risks described above by, among other things, not locating any of our offices or assets in these foreign countries or jurisdictions, and selling policies only through independent consultants rather than our own employees. We also try to mitigate risks by relying on laws that allow citizens of some countries to buy insurance abroad or by reverse solicitation. We rely on our independent consultants to comply with laws applicable to them in marketing and servicing our insurance products in their respective countries. There is no assurance that these precautionary measures, practices and policies will partially or entirely mitigate the risks associated with the potential application of foreign laws to our sales of insurance policies in our foreign markets. Although the Company believes that these foreign regulators do not have jurisdiction over the Company and that any actions, including fines, may be unenforceable against the Company, any regulatory action could otherwise absorb Company time and resources (including independent consultants) away from its business operations or the Company may choose to pay such fines in order to do business in a particular country. Alternatively, the Company may determine that the risks associated with a particular market and its regulatory environment outweigh the benefits of conducting further business in that market and discontinue doing business there.

Previous wording

International Currency Risks. While we only sell U.S. dollar denominated products, currency control laws or other currency exchange restrictions in foreign countries could materially adversely affect our revenues by limiting the ability of our policyholders in such countries to pay premiums in U.S. dollars or to receive U.S. dollar benefits. Difficulties in transferring funds from or converting currencies to U.S. dollars in certain countries could cause an increase in fees and costs associated with such payments or receipt of benefits and therefore make our products less attractive to such policyholders.

Current wording

International Currency Risks. While we only sell U.S. dollar denominated products, currency control laws or other restrictions could limit our policyholders' ability to remit premiums in U.S. dollars or to receive U.S. dollar benefits, increasing costs and reducing product attractiveness.

Previous wording

International Political Risks. Many of the countries in which we operate have a history of political instability, including regime changes, political uprisings, and anti-democratic or anti-U.S. policies. The ability of people living in these countries to purchase and continue to make premium payments on our insurance policies and our ability to sell our policies in those countries through our independent consultants or otherwise may be adversely affected by political instability. Given the nature of our products, in an economic environment characterized by higher unemployment, lower personal income and reduced consumer spending, new product sales may be adversely affected. During such periods, we may also experience higher claims, longer claims duration, increase in policy lapses and/or increase in surrenders, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. In addition, the imposition of U.S. sanctions against foreign countries where our policyholders reside could make it difficult for us to continue to issue new policies and receive premiums from policyholders in those countries.

Current wording

International Political Risks. Many of the countries in which we operate, including Venezuela, which is one of our biggest international markets, have a history of political instability, including regime changes, political uprisings, and anti-democratic or anti-U.S. policies. The ability of people living in these countries to purchase and continue to make premium payments to us and our ability to sell our policies in those countries through our independent consultants or otherwise may be adversely affected by political instability. In addition, the imposition of U.S. sanctions against foreign countries where our policyholders reside could make it difficult for us to continue to issue new policies or receive premiums from policyholders in those countries.

Previous wording

We face significant competition in our international markets. If we are unable to compete effectively for customers or distributors in these markets, our business, results of operations and profitability may be adversely affected.

Current wording

We face significant competition for customers and distributors in our international markets. If we are unable to compete effectively in these markets, our business, results of operations and profitability may be adversely affected.

Previous wording

We experience considerable competition for sales of our policies, primarily from the following types of companies, many of which have substantially greater financial, marketing and other resources than we have:

Current wording

We experience competition for customers and distributors, primarily from the following types of companies, many of which have substantially greater financial, marketing and other resources than we have:

Previous wording

•Companies that operate in the same manner as we do and sell similar U.S. dollar-denominated products;

Current wording

•Companies that operate in the same manner as we do and sell U.S. dollar-denominated products;

Previous wording

•Companies that are foreign to a particular jurisdiction, but register locally operated subsidiaries. These companies may offer both local jurisdiction-regulated products in local currency and regulated or offshore U.S. dollar-denominated policies. This arrangement creates a competitive advantage for these companies because they can cross-sell the U.S. dollar-denominated policies through established distributors who sell high-need local insurance policies, such as health insurance; and

Current wording

•Foreign insurers using locally regulated subsidiaries. These companies may offer both local jurisdiction-regulated products in local currency and regulated or offshore U.S. dollar-denominated policies. This arrangement creates a competitive advantage for these companies because they can

Previous wording

•Companies who are local to a particular jurisdiction and sell local currency policies. Because the insureds reside in this country, they may have more trust for a local company.

Current wording

•Local carriers. Because the insureds reside in this country, they may have more trust for a local company.

Previous wording

We rely on a small number of foreign agencies, who recruit their own independent consultants, for distribution of our international products. The fact we are not a local or admitted company, regulations or licensing requirements imposed upon our Company or these consultants, may impact our ability to attract and retain effective sales representatives, who may choose to distribute products of our competitors.

Current wording

We rely on a small number of foreign agencies that recruit their own independent consultants for distribution of our international products. The fact that we are not a local or admitted company may reduce our ability to attract and retain producers, who may choose to distribute products of our competitors.

Previous wording

The insurance industry is highly vulnerable to money laundering. Money laundering in the insurance industry typically involves the exploitation of various products and mechanisms to obscure the origins of illicit funds. One common method is through the purchase of insurance policies, such as life insurance, with the use of these illicit funds. Criminals may overpay premiums, surrender policies prematurely, or make fictitious claims to cycle the illicit

Current wording

The insurance industry is highly vulnerable to money laundering. Money laundering in the insurance industry typically involves the exploitation of various products and mechanisms to obscure the origins of illicit funds. One common method is through the purchase of insurance policies, such as life insurance, with the use of these illicit funds. Criminals may overpay premiums, surrender policies prematurely, or make fictitious claims to cycle the illicit funds back as legitimate payout. To combat global financial crime, governments and international authorities implement a range of anti-money laundering and countering of terrorist financing (AML/CFT) regulations that impact the insurance sector. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties or heavy fines.

Previous wording

Some of our top international markets, such as Colombia and Venezuela, are countries that have been identified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as jurisdictions of high risk for money laundering. Accordingly, as required by applicable U.S. laws and best business practices, we have developed and implemented an anti-money laundering, anti-terrorist financing and sanctions program that includes policies, procedures, controls, independent testing, reporting and recordkeeping requirements for deterring, preventing and detecting potential money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud and other criminal activity and have an officer of the Company responsible for managing this program. Despite our efforts to prevent money laundering through our companies, there can be no assurance that these enhanced controls will entirely mitigate money laundering risk associated with our insurance products, whether in these foreign countries or in the United States.

Current wording

Some of our top international markets, such as Venezuela, are countries that have been identified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as jurisdictions of high risk for money laundering. Accordingly, as required by applicable U.S. laws and best business practices, we have developed and implemented an anti-money laundering, anti-terrorist financing and sanctions program that includes policies, procedures, controls, independent testing, reporting and recordkeeping requirements for deterring, preventing and detecting potential money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud and other criminal activity and have an officer of the Company responsible for managing this program. Despite our efforts to prevent money laundering through our companies, our controls may not fully mitigate money laundering risk associated with our insurance products, whether in these foreign countries or in the United States, which could expose us to regulatory scrutiny, penalties, litigation, operational burden, and reputational harm.

Previous wording

BECAUSE MOST OF OUR REVENUE DERIVES FROM COLLECTION OF PREMIUMS ON OUR PRODUCTS AND OUR LARGEST EXPENSE IS PAYMENT OF INSURANCE BENEFITS, OUR OVERALL FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE DEPENDS UPON THE ACCURACY OF THE ASSUMPTIONS THAT UNDERLIE OUR PRODUCT PRICING. DIFFERENCES IN ACTUAL EXPERIENCE, IMPROPER EVALUATION OF UNDERWRITING RISK, MISMANAGEMENT OF CLAIMS, OR OTHER UNFORESEEN EVENTS WOULD CAUSE OUR ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER FROM OUR ASSUMPTIONS, WHICH WOULD REDUCE OUR MARGINS, INCREASE OUR RESERVES AND REMEASUREMENT LOSS, NEGATIVELY AFFECTING OUR PROFITABILITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.

Current wording

BECAUSE MOST OF OUR REVENUE DERIVES FROM PREMIUMS AND OUR LARGEST EXPENSE IS PAYMENT OF INSURANCE BENEFITS, OUR FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE DEPENDS UPON THE ACCURACY OF OUR PRICING ASSUMPTIONS. DIFFERENCES IN ACTUAL EXPERIENCE, IMPROPER EVALUATION OF UNDERWRITING RISK, MISMANAGEMENT OF CLAIMS, OR OTHER UNFORESEEN EVENTS WOULD CAUSE OUR ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER FROM OUR ASSUMPTIONS, WHICH WOULD REDUCE OUR MARGINS, INCREASE OUR RESERVES AND REMEASUREMENT LOSS, NEGATIVELY AFFECTING OUR PROFITABILITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.

Previous wording

In order to price products accurately, the Company must develop and apply appropriate morbidity and mortality estimates, closely monitor and timely recognize changes in trends, and project both severity and frequency of losses with reasonable accuracy to cover these risks. Pricing adequacy is necessary to generate sufficient premiums to cover our cost of sales, costs of operations (including payment of policy benefits) and to earn a profit. Pricing adequacy is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation:

Current wording

In order to price products accurately, the Company must develop and apply appropriate morbidity and mortality estimates, closely monitor and timely recognize changes in trends, and project both severity and frequency of losses with reasonable accuracy to cover these risks. Pricing adequacy is necessary to generate sufficient premiums to cover our cost of sales, payment of policy benefits, costs of operations and to earn a profit. Pricing adequacy is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation:

Previous wording

Additionally, the actuarial assumptions that underlie our reserves are based upon our best estimates of mortality, lapses, morbidity and discount rates. Our results will be affected to the extent there is a variance between our actuarial assumptions and actual experience. Domestic growth in the Life Insurance segment has significantly expanded in the last 2 years. Our current profitability is affected by the level of reserves we have to hold for this new business, and how closely actual experience matches our actuarial assumptions. The actuarial assumptions that underlie our reserves are based upon our best estimates and are inherently more difficult to predict for a new product line. Actuarial assumptions are continually monitored and updated at least annually to reflect overall experience as well as emerging trends.

Current wording

Additionally, the actuarial assumptions that underlie our reserves are based upon our best estimates of mortality, lapses, morbidity and discount rates. Our results will be affected to the extent there is a variance between our actuarial assumptions and actual experience. As we continue to experience growth in CLOA, emerging data trends will allow us to refine our assumptions. To the extent that emerging experience differs from previously set assumptions, adjustments to reserve levels may be required. Actuarial assumptions are continually monitored and updated at least annually to reflect overall experience as well as emerging trends.

Previous wording

Historically, we have fully underwritten most of our products in order to properly evaluate risk. For many of our newer products, primarily in the U.S., we utilize a “simplified” underwriting process where applicants generally must answer some health-related questions, but do not have to take a life insurance medical exam or submit supporting documentation. The underwriting decision is based on questions answered on the application and may be supplemented with additional medical claims history and lab data information that we get from third parties.

Current wording

Historically, we have fully underwritten most of our products in order to properly evaluate risk. For many of our newer products, primarily in the U.S., we utilize a “simplified” underwriting process where applicants generally must answer some health-related questions, but do not have to take a life insurance medical exam or submit supporting documentation. This change in business mix over time places additional pressure on the assumptions underlying our non-fully-underwritten business, which may lead to volatility in business results if our underwriting classifications are not aligned in practice with what was assumed when pricing these products. The underwriting decision is based on questions answered on the application and may be supplemented with additional medical claims history and lab data information that we get from third parties.

Previous wording

Any shortcomings in the process used to evaluate and price our policies, or significant inaccuracies in the life expectancy estimates relating to those policies, could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

Any shortcomings in the process used to evaluate and price our policies, deviations in mix of business from what is expected, or significant inaccuracies in the life expectancy estimates relating to those policies, could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

A primary liquidity concern is the risk of unanticipated or extraordinary early policyholder withdrawals or surrenders. Some of our insurance policies include provisions, such as surrender charges, that help limit and discourage early withdrawals. However, early withdrawal and surrender levels may differ from anticipated levels for a variety of reasons, including changes in economic conditions, changes in policyholder behavior or financial needs, changes in relationships with our independent consultants, efforts by foreign governments to tax policyholders or increases in surrenders of policies that no longer remain subject to surrender charges. These changes in surrender activity may result in remeasurement gains or losses which could increase volatility in our results of operations.

Current wording

A primary liquidity concern is the risk of unanticipated or extraordinary early policyholder withdrawals or surrenders. Some of our insurance policies include provisions, such as surrender charges, that help limit and discourage early withdrawals. However, early withdrawal and surrender levels may differ from anticipated levels for a variety of reasons, including changes in economic conditions, changes in policyholder behavior or financial needs, changes in relationships with our independent consultants, efforts by foreign governments to tax policyholders or increases in

Previous wording

In March of 2024, Citizens and the Colorado Division of Insurance entered into a capital maintenance agreement that specifies that Citizens will infuse capital as needed to ensure that CICA Domestic's RBC remains above 350%. Any required capital contribution could negatively impact our capital resources and liquidity.

Current wording

In March of 2024, Citizens and the Colorado Division of Insurance entered into a capital maintenance agreement that specifies that Citizens will infuse capital as needed to ensure that CLOA's RBC remains above 350%. Any required capital contribution could negatively impact our capital resources and liquidity.

Previous wording

In our CICA Domestic business, we pay advance commissions on some of our insurance products, meaning we pay an agent a portion of their first year commission immediately upon sale of a policy, rather than "as earned", or when premiums are received by us. On a statutory basis, commission advances are non-admitted assets, which means that our expenses are increased and our statutory capital reduced until the commissions are recouped from premiums paid. This could cause us to have to contribute extra capital to CICA Domestic to maintain the required level of capital and surplus. Additionally, rapid growth in first year sales of these products creates a significant increase in commission payments, which reduces our available cash, negatively affecting our liquidity. We may seek options, such as loans at the holding company level (from the Credit Facility or otherwise) that would allow us to reduce the liquidity risk should CICA Domestic's commission payments exceed current resources or require additional capital contributions from Citizens. If we are unable to borrow money to contribute capital to CICA Domestic, we could be exposed to cash flow strain.

Current wording

In our CLOA business, we pay advance commissions on some of our insurance products, meaning we pay an agent a portion of their first year commission immediately upon sale of a policy, rather than "as earned", or when premiums are received by us. On a statutory basis, commission advances are non-admitted assets, which means that our expenses are increased and our statutory capital reduced until the commissions are recouped from premiums paid. This could cause us to have to contribute extra capital to CLOA to maintain the required level of capital and surplus. Additionally, rapid growth in first year sales of these products creates a significant increase in commission payments, which reduces our available cash, negatively affecting our liquidity. We may seek options, such as loans at the holding company level (from the Credit Facility or otherwise) that would allow us to reduce the liquidity risk should CLOA's commission payments exceed current resources or require additional capital contributions from Citizens. If we are unable to borrow money to contribute capital to CLOA, we could be exposed to cash flow strain.

Previous wording

If our internal sources of liquidity prove to be insufficient to cover our holding company operations, we may have to sell investments earlier than we want to sell them or in less than favorable market conditions, or we may have to seek external sources of capital. In May 2024, we renewed our Credit Facility with Regions Bank for an additional three years. See Part IV. Item 15. Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies in the notes to our consolidated financial statements, herein, for a description of the Credit Facility. To date, we have not utilized the Credit Facility, but if internal sources of capital are not sufficient to meet our operating needs, we may need to utilize the Credit Facility or increase the borrowing availability under the Credit Facility. Borrowing money, increasing our borrowing availability under the Credit Facility or obtaining financing for even a small amount of capital could be challenging or expensive in unfavorable market conditions and during periods of economic uncertainty. The availability of financing

Current wording

If our internal sources of liquidity prove to be insufficient to cover our holding company operations, we may have to sell investments earlier than we want to sell them or in less than favorable market conditions, or we may have to seek external sources of capital. In May 2024, we renewed our Credit Facility with Regions Bank for an additional three years. See Part IV. Item 15. Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies in the notes to our consolidated financial statements, herein, for a description of the Credit Facility. To date, we have not utilized the Credit Facility, but if internal sources of capital are not sufficient to meet our operating needs, we may need to utilize the Credit Facility or increase the borrowing availability under the Credit Facility. Borrowing money, increasing our borrowing availability under the Credit Facility or obtaining financing for even a small amount of capital could be challenging or expensive in unfavorable market conditions and during periods of economic uncertainty. The availability of financing will depend on a variety of factors such as market conditions, the general availability of credit, the overall availability of credit to the financial services industry, and the possibility that customers or lenders could develop a negative

Previous wording

will depend on a variety of factors such as market conditions, the general availability of credit, the overall availability of credit to the financial services industry, and the possibility that customers or lenders could develop a negative perception of our financial prospects. We may also need to raise capital through issuing our stock. Raising capital in unfavorable market conditions could increase our interest expense or negatively impact our shareholders through dilution of their common stock ownership of the Company.

Current wording

perception of our financial prospects. We may also need to raise capital through issuing our stock. Raising capital in unfavorable market conditions could increase our interest expense or negatively impact our shareholders through dilution of their common stock ownership of the Company.

Previous wording

A.M. Best reviews CICA Domestic and publishes its financial strength rating as an indicator of our ability to fulfill our contractual obligations. This rating is important to maintaining public confidence in our insurance products. A downgrade or other negative action by A.M. Best with respect to the financial strength rating of CICA Domestic could negatively affect us by limiting or restricting the ability of CICA Domestic to attract independent insurance agencies to distribute our products or reduce the attractiveness of our products to consumers.

Current wording

A.M. Best reviews CLOA and publishes its financial strength rating as an indicator of our ability to fulfill our contractual obligations. This rating is important to maintaining public confidence in our insurance products. A downgrade or other negative action by A.M. Best with respect to the financial strength rating of CLOA could negatively affect us by limiting or restricting the ability of CLOA to attract independent insurance agencies to distribute our products or reduce the attractiveness of our products to consumers.

Previous wording

INVESTMENT INCOME IS A MATERIAL PORTION OF OUR TOTAL REVENUES. CHANGING FINANCIAL CONDITIONS SUCH AS MARKET VOLATILITY, CHANGES IN INTEREST RATES, OR INFLATION MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR REVENUES, OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION.

Current wording

INVESTMENT INCOME IS A MATERIAL PORTION OF OUR TOTAL REVENUES. CHANGING FINANCIAL CONDITIONS SUCH AS MARKET VOLATILITY, CHANGES IN INTEREST RATES, OR INFLATION MAY

Previous wording

•Inflation, recession, an increase in unemployment rates or declines in consumer confidence could lead people to conserve cash, thereby causing a decrease in new sales and renewal premiums, or an

Current wording

•Inflation, recession, an increase in unemployment rates or declines in consumer confidence could lead people to conserve cash, thereby causing a decrease in new sales and renewal premiums, or an increase in surrenders and lapses, which would cause a decline in our premium revenue or increase in benefit expenses paid out.

Previous wording

•Market volatility, specifically declining equity markets, negatively impact the fair market value of our equity securities, leading to investment-related losses that negatively affect our GAAP operating revenue and profitability.

Current wording

•Market volatility, specifically declining equity markets, negatively impacts the fair market value of our equity type securities, leading to investment-related losses that negatively affect our GAAP operating revenue and profitability.

Previous wording

THE COMPANY RELIES ON OUR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS, AND THE DATA MAINTAINED WITHIN THOSE SYSTEMS, TO MANAGE MANY ASPECTS OF OUR BUSINESS. CYBERSECURITY RISKS, THE FAILURE OF OUR SYSTEMS TO OPERATE PROPERLY AND/OR THE FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE CONFIDENTIALITY, INTEGRITY, AND AVAILABILITY OF POLICYHOLDER AND CLAIMS DATA, INCLUDING

Current wording

THE COMPANY RELIES ON OUR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS, AND THE DATA MAINTAINED WITHIN THOSE SYSTEMS, TO MANAGE MANY ASPECTS OF OUR BUSINESS. CYBERSECURITY RISKS, THE FAILURE OF OUR SYSTEMS TO OPERATE PROPERLY AND/OR THE FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE CONFIDENTIALITY, INTEGRITY, AND AVAILABILITY OF POLICYHOLDER AND CLAIMS DATA, INCLUDING PERSONAL IDENTIFYING INFORMATION, COULD RESULT IN A MATERIALLY ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS, REPUTATION, FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

Previous wording

Our policyholder administration system allows us to administer almost all of our business, including issuing policies, crediting premiums to such policies, and payment of commissions to our agents. We must maintain and enhance our existing system and develop and integrate new information systems in a cost-effective manner to keep pace with continuing changes in information processing technology, evolving industry and regulatory standards and changing customer preferences. If we do not maintain adequate systems, we could experience adverse consequences, including inability to accept new applications or issue new products, inadequate information on which to base pricing, underwriting and reserve decisions, regulatory problems, failure to meet prompt payment obligations, increases in administrative expenses and loss of customers. Our failure to maintain effective and efficient information systems, or our failure to consolidate our existing systems could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

Our policyholder administration system allows us to administer almost all of our business, including issuing policies, crediting premiums, and payment of commissions to our agents. We must maintain and enhance our existing system and develop and integrate new information systems in a cost-effective manner to keep pace with continuing changes in technology, evolving industry and regulatory standards and changing customer preferences. If we do not maintain adequate systems, we could experience adverse consequences, including inability to accept new applications or issue new products, inadequate information on which to base pricing, underwriting and reserve decisions, regulatory problems, failure to meet prompt payment obligations, increases in administrative expenses and loss of customers.

Previous wording

Our primary policy administration system is a mainframe-based, legacy-type system that requires an ongoing commitment of resources to maintain current standards. Our system utilizes proprietary code requiring highly skilled personnel. Due to the unique nature of our proprietary operating environment, we could have difficulty finding personnel with the skills required to provide ongoing system maintenance and development as we seek to keep pace with changes in our products and business models, information processing technology, evolving industry and regulatory standards and policyholder needs.

Current wording

Our primary policy administration system is a mainframe-based, legacy-type system that requires an ongoing commitment of resources to maintain current standards. Our system utilizes proprietary code requiring highly skilled personnel. Shortages of specialized talent and reliance on legacy systems may slow modernization or increase operational risk. Competition for qualified personnel and vendor dependencies may delay upgrades, elevate costs, or increase the risk of system failures and control deficiencies.

Previous wording

We are continuously evaluating and enhancing systems and creating new systems and processes as our business depends on our ability to maintain and improve our technology. Due to the complexity and interconnectedness of our systems and processes, these changes, as well as changes designed to update and enhance our protective measures to address new threats, increase the risk of a system or process failure or the creation of a gap in our security measures. Any such failure or gap could adversely affect our business operations and results of operations.

Current wording

We are continuously enhancing our system and processes and we are licensing new systems as our business depends on our ability to maintain and improve our technology. Due to the complexity and interconnectedness of our systems and processes, these changes, as well as changes designed to update and enhance our protective measures to address new threats, increase the risk of a system or process failure or the creation of a gap in our security measures. Any such failure or gap could adversely affect our business operations and results of operations.

Previous wording

We collect, maintain and use information, including proprietary and personally identifiable information ("PII"), of our applicants, policyholders, independent agents and others. As part of our normal business operations, we engage third-party providers, such as companies who print and mail our policies and premium notices, data programmers, marketing companies, and agents, who may also collect, store, access, process, and transmit this PII. Various federal and state laws, as well as laws of the countries in which our policyholders reside, address the use and disclosure of PII.

Current wording

As an insurer, we collect, maintain and use proprietary and personally identifiable information ("PII") of our applicants, policyholders, independent agents and others. As part of our normal business operations, we engage third-party providers, such as companies who print and mail our policies and premium notices, data programmers, marketing companies, and agents, who may also collect, store, access, process, and transmit this PII. Various federal and state laws, as well as laws of the countries in which our policyholders reside, address the use and disclosure of PII.

Previous wording

We devote significant resources and employ security measures to help protect our information technology systems and confidential information, including PII, and we have programs in place to detect, contain, and respond to cyber security incidents. We also have a stringent process to analyze the systems of our third-party vendors and partners who may collect and/or have access to our PII. However, because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently and may be difficult to detect for long periods of time, we and our third-party providers may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventative measures. In addition, hardware, software, or applications we develop or procure from third parties or through open source solutions may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise our information security. Unauthorized parties, whether within or outside our company, may disrupt or gain access to our systems, or those of third parties with whom we do business, through human error, misfeasance, fraud, trickery, or other forms of deceit, including break-ins, use of stolen credentials, social engineering, phishing, or other cyber attacks, computer viruses, malicious codes, and similar means of unauthorized and destructive tampering.

Current wording

We devote significant resources and employ security measures to help protect our information technology systems and confidential information, including PII, and we have programs in place to detect, contain, and respond to cyber security incidents. We also have a stringent process to analyze the systems of our third-party vendors and partners who may collect and/or have access to our PII. However, because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently and may be difficult to detect for long periods of time, we and our third-party providers may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventative measures. In addition, hardware, software, or applications we develop or procure from third parties or through open source solutions may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise our information security. Unauthorized parties may disrupt or gain access to our systems, or those of third parties with whom we do business, through human error, misfeasance, fraud, trickery, or other forms of deceit, including break-ins, use of stolen credentials, social engineering, phishing, or other cyber attacks, computer viruses, malicious codes, and similar means of unauthorized and destructive tampering.

Previous wording

Because we allow our policyholders to use their policy dividends to purchase our Class A common stock through our SIP, we have almost 83,000 shareholders and approximately 40% of our shareholders hold less than 100 shares each. Many of these shareholders are located in Latin America and the Pacific Rim, where most of our policies are sold, and English may not be their native language. We believe that because of this, we typically have low voter turn-out at our annual meetings and therefore any proposal, such as one related to a merger or an acquisition of our Company, or an amendment to our articles of incorporation, that may require the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of our Class A common stock, may be difficult to approve.

Current wording

Because we allow our policyholders to use their policy dividends to purchase our Class A common stock through our Citizens, Inc. Stock Investment Plan (the "SIP"), we have almost 81,000 shareholders and approximately 40% of our shareholders hold less than 100 shares each. Many of these shareholders are located in Latin America and the Pacific Rim, where most of our policies are sold, and English may not be their native language. We believe that because of this, we typically have low voter turn-out at our annual meetings and therefore any proposal, such as one related to a merger or an acquisition of our Company, or an amendment to our articles of incorporation, that may require the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of our Class A common stock, may be difficult to get approved.

Previous wording

As mentioned above, a significant portion of our Class A common stock has been purchased under the SIP by foreign holders of life insurance policies. The Class A common stock sold under the SIP is registered with the SEC pursuant to a Form S-3 registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 but is not registered under the laws of any foreign jurisdiction. If a foreign securities regulatory authority were to determine the offer and sale of our Class A common stock under the SIP was not allowed under applicable laws and regulations of its jurisdiction, such authority may issue or assert a fine, penalty or cease and desist order against our offer and sale of Class A common stock in that foreign jurisdiction. There is a risk our Class A common stock price could be negatively impacted by a decrease in participation in the SIP.

Current wording

Our Class A common stock sold under the SIP is registered with the SEC pursuant to a Form S-3 registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, but is not registered under the laws of any foreign jurisdiction. If a foreign securities regulatory authority were to determine the offer and sale of our Class A common stock under the SIP was not allowed under applicable laws and regulations of its jurisdiction, such authority may issue or assert a fine, penalty or cease and desist order against our offer and sale of Class A common stock in that foreign jurisdiction. There is a risk our Class A common stock price could be negatively impacted by a decrease in participation in the SIP.

Previous wording

Insurance laws in the jurisdictions in which our insurance subsidiaries are domiciled require regulatory actions for certain transactions, such as a merger or acquisition of our Company, that our shareholders might consider in their

Current wording

Insurance laws in the jurisdictions in which our insurance subsidiaries are domiciled require regulatory actions for certain transactions, such as a merger or acquisition of our Company, that our shareholders might consider in their best interests. To the extent the interests of our policyholders and stockholders conflict, the insurance regulators consider the best interests of policyholders over the best interests of our shareholders. As a result, our shareholders

Previous wording

best interests. To the extent the interests of our policyholders and stockholders conflict, the insurance regulators consider the best interests of policyholders over the best interests of our shareholders. As a result, our shareholders may be prevented from receiving the benefit from any premium to the market price of our Class A common stock that may be offered by a bidder in a takeover context or such regulatory approval requirement may delay, deter, render more difficult or prevent a takeover attempt or a change in control.

Current wording

may be prevented from receiving the benefit from any premium to the market price of our Class A common stock that may be offered by a bidder in a takeover context or such regulatory approval requirement may delay, deter, render more difficult or prevent a takeover attempt or a change in control.