UTG INC

Index to Financial Statements

To the Board of Directors and

Shareholders of UTG, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of UTG, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2023, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position ofthe Company asof December 31, 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Classification, Valuation and Disclosure of Investments in Equity Securities – Refer to Notes 1 and 3

Critical Audit Matter Description

The Company invests in numerous equity securities including common stocks, limited partnerships and limited liability companies that are not publicly traded and may not have readily determinable fair values. These investments require a detailed analysis of the type of investment on an investment by investment basis to determine the appropriate classification of the investment as to whether the investment should be reported using the cost basis, the equity method or whether the investment should be reported at fair value based on the accounting literature. Since these investments are not publicly traded, the Company employs various methods in determining the appropriate valuation of the investments reported at fair value. These methods at times includes utilizing industry specialists in assisting them in determining the fair value method and at other times, management is able to utilize the practical expedient of net asset value when the investment is in an investment company. These methods at times depend on key inputs and assumptions crucial to determining fair value that may not be observable requires managerial judgment and estimation. Last, the disclosure of this information in the Company’s financial statements can be challenging to management due to the volume of data and information needed to appropriately provide the necessary and generally accepted information so that a reader to understand the classification and valuation decisions made by management.

The audit of these equity investments requires a substantial amount of time and effort in order to obtain the necessary audit evidence and opine on management’s classification, valuation and disclosure of the investments.

How the Critical Audit Matter was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to the equity investments that are not publicly traded included the following procedures, among others:

Future Policy Benefits – Refer to Note 1

Critical Audit Matter Description

Liabilities for amounts payable under the Company’s life insurance products are recorded as future policy benefits liabilities. Such liabilities are established based on actuarial assumptions at the time policies are issued, or in the case of contracts acquired by purchase, at the purchase date. The liabilities for traditional life insurance and accident and health insurance policy benefits are computed using a net level method. These liabilities include assumptions as to investment yields, mortality, withdrawals, and other assumptions based on the life insurance subsidiary’s experience adjusted to reflect anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible unfavorable deviations. The Company’s future policy benefits liability was $ 223.8 million as of December 31, 2023.

The audit of future policy benefits requires the utilization of an actuarial specialist when considering the complex methods, assumptions and models management utilizes in determining the value of these liabilities.

How the Critical Audit Matter was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to the liability for future policy benefits included the following procedures, among others:

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2023.

/s/Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP

Springfield, Illinois

March 29, 2024

To the Board of Directors and

Shareholders of UTG, Inc. and Subsidiaries:

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of UTG, Inc. and Subsidiaries (collectively the "Company" or “UTG”) as of December 31, 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders' equity, and cash flows, for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "consolidated financial statements").

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audit of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/Armanino LLP

St. Louis, Missouri

We began serving as the Company’s auditors in 2005. In 2023, we became the predecessor auditor.

March 24, 2023, except for the effects of the tables reflecting the impact of the revisions as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022, discussed in Note 15 (not presented herein) to the consolidated financial statements appearing under Item 8 of the Company’s annual report (Form 10-K) as to which the date is March 29, 2024.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Business – UTG, Inc. is an insurance holding company. The Company’s dominant business is individual life insurance, which includes the servicing of existing insurance in-force and the acquisition of other companies in the life insurance business. UTG and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the “Company”.

This document at times will refer to the Registrant’s largest shareholder, Mr. Jesse T. Correll and certain companies controlled by Mr. Correll. Mr. Correll holds a majority ownership of First Southern Funding, LLC (“FSF”), a Kentucky corporation, and First Southern Bancorp, Inc. (“FSBI”), a financial services holding company. FSBI operates through its 100% owned subsidiary bank, First Southern National Bank (“FSNB”). Banking activities are conducted through multiple locations within south-central and western Kentucky. Mr. Correll is Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of UTG and is currently UTG’s largest shareholder through his ownership control of FSF, FSBI and affiliates. At December 31, 2023, Mr. Correll owns or controls directly and indirectly approximately 66% of UTG’s outstanding stock.

UTG’s life insurance subsidiary has several wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. The subsidiaries were formed to hold certain real estate and other investments. The investments were placed into the limited liability companies and partnerships to provide additional protection to the policyholders and to UG.

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), under guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires Management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Principles of Consolidation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Registrant and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated during consolidation.

Business Segments – The Company has onlyone business segment – life insurance.

Investments – The Company reports its investments as follows:

Investments in Fixed Maturity Securities – The Company classifies its investments in fixed maturity securities on the acquisition date and at each balance sheet date. Securities classified as held-to-maturity consist of redeemable preferred stock, and are carried at amortized cost, reflecting the ability and intent to hold the securities to maturity. Securities classified as available-for-sale consist of bonds and are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred taxes, reflected directly in accumulated other comprehensive income. Premiums and discounts on debt securities purchased at other than par value are amortized and accreted, respectively, to interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, using the constant yield method over the period to maturity. The Company has an evaluation process in place to monitor fixed maturity securities available for sale for credit loss. See Note 2 - Investments for further disclosure of the allowance for credit loss (“ACL”).

Equity Securities at Fair Value – Investments in equity securities, which include common and perpetual preferred stocks, are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of net income (loss).

Equity Securities at Cost – These investments are reported at their cost basis, minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer.

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate – Mortgage loans on real estate are reported at their unpaid principal balances, adjusted for amortization of premium or discount and valuation allowances. Valuation allowances are established for impaired loans when it is probable that contractual principal and interest will not be collected. The Company recognizes an ACL in earnings at time of purchase or origination based on expected lifetime credit loss on mortgage loans carried at amortized cost, in an amount that represents the portion of the amortized cost basis of such financing receivables, that the Company does not expect to collect, resulting in mortgage loans being presented at the net amount expected to be collected. See Note 2 - Investments for further discussion of the ACL.

Investment Real Estate – Real estate held-for-investment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line-basis for financial reporting purposes using estimated useful lives of 3 to 30 years. Real estate for which the Company commits to a plan to sell within one year and actively markets in its current condition, for a reasonable price, in comparison to its estimated fair value, is classified as held-for-sale. Real estate held-for-sale is stated at lower of depreciated cost or estimated fair value less expected disposition costs and is not depreciated.

Notes Receivable – Notes receivable are reported at their unpaid principal balances, adjusted for valuation allowances. Valuation allowances are established for impaired loans when it is probable that contractual principal and interest will not be collected. Interest accruals are analyzed based on the likelihood of repayment. The Company does not utilize a specified number of days delinquent to cause an automatic non-accrual status. The Company recognizes an ACL in earnings at time of purchase or origination based on expected lifetime credit loss on notes receivable carried at amortized cost, in an amount that represents the portion of the amortized cost basis of such financing receivables, that the Company does not expect to collect, resulting in notes receivable being presented at the net amount expected to be collected. See Note 2 - Investments for further discussion of the ACL.

Policy Loans – Policy loans are reported at their unpaid balances, including accumulated interest, but not in excess of the cash surrender value of the related policy.

Short-Term Investments – Short-term investments have remaining maturities exceeding three months and under 12 months at the time of purchase and are stated at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.

Gains and Losses – Realized gains and losses include sales of investments and investment impairments. If any, other-than-temporary impairments in fair value are recognized in net income on the specific identification basis.

Fair Value – Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Subsequent to initial recognition, fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that are readily and regularly obtainable. When such unadjusted quoted prices are not available, estimated fair values are based on quoted prices in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar but not identical assets or liabilities, or other observable inputs. If these inputs are not available, or observable inputs are not determinable, unobservable inputs and/or adjustments to observable inputs requiring significant management judgment are used to determine the estimated fair value of assets and liabilities. These unobservable inputs can be based on Management’s judgment, assumptions or estimation and may not be observable in market activity. Unobservable inputs are based on Management’s assumptions about the inputs market participants would use in pricing the assets. For more specific information regarding the Company’s measurements and procedures in valuing financial instruments, see Note 3 – Fair Value Measurements.

Cash Equivalents – Cash equivalents consist of money market accounts and investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased.

Cash – Cash consists of balances on hand and on deposit in banks and financial institutions.

Reinsurance - In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to limit its exposure to loss on any single insured and to recover a portion of benefits paid by ceding reinsurance to other insurance enterprises or reinsurers under excess coverage and coinsurance contracts. The Company retains a maximum of $125,000 of coverage per individual life.

Reinsurance receivables are recognized in a manner consistent with the liabilities relating to the underlying 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. In the event that reinsurers do not meet their obligations to the Company under the terms of the reinsurance agreements, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable, reinsurance recoverable balances could become uncollectible. In such instances, reinsurance recoverable balances are stated net of allowances for uncollectible reinsurance, consistent with the credit loss guidance which requires recording an allowance for credit loss (“ACL”). See Note 4 - Reinsurance for additional information.

Cost of Insurance Acquired -When an insurance company is acquired, the Company assigns a portion of its cost to the right to receive future cash flows from insurance contracts existing at the date of the acquisition. The cost of policies purchased represents the actuarially determined present value of the projected future profits from the acquired policies. Cost of insurance acquired is amortized with interest in relation to expected future profits, including direct charge-offs for any excess of the unamortized asset over the projected future profits. The amortization is adjusted retrospectively when estimates of current or future gross profits to be realized from a group of products are revised.

Future Policy Benefits and Expenses - The liabilities for traditional life insurance and accident and health insurance policy benefits are computed using a net level method. These liabilities include assumptions as to investment yields, mortality, withdrawals, and other assumptions based on the life insurance subsidiary’s experience adjusted to reflect anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible unfavorable deviations. The Company makes these assumptions at the time the contract is issued or, in the case of contracts acquired by purchase, at the purchase date. Future policy benefits for individual life insurance and annuity policies are computed using interest rates ranging from 2.0% to 6.0% for life insurance and 2.5% to 7.5% for annuities. Benefit reserves for traditional life insurance policies include certain deferred profits on limited-payment policies that are being recognized in income over the policy term. Policy benefit claims are charged to expense in the period that the claims are incurred. The mortality rate assumptions for policies currently issued by the Company are based on 2017 CSO Ultimate tables. Withdrawal rate assumptions are based upon Linton B or C, which are industry standard actuarial tables for forecasting assumed policy lapse rates.

Benefit reserves for universal life insurance and interest sensitive life insurance products are computed under a retrospective deposit method and represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense include benefit claims in excess of related policy account balances. Interest crediting rates for universal life and interest sensitive products range from 3.0% to 6.0% as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Policy Claims and Benefits Payable - Policy and contract claims include provisions for reported claims in process of settlement, valued in accordance with the terms of the policies and contracts, as well as provisions for claims incurred and unreported. The estimate of incurred and unreported claims is based on prior experience. The Company makes an estimate after careful evaluation of all information available to the Company. There is no certainty the stated liability for policy claims and benefits payable, including the estimate for incurred but unreported claims, will be the Company’s ultimate obligation.

Income Taxes – Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax impact attributable to differences between the financial statement book values and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. More information concerning income taxes is provided in Note 6 – Income Taxes.

Earnings Per Share – The objective of both basic earnings per share (“EPS”) and diluted EPS is to measure the performance of an entity over the reporting period. The Company presents basic and diluted EPS on the face of the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Basic EPS is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is calculated by adding to shares outstanding the additional net effect of potentially dilutive securities or contracts, such as stock options, which could be exercised or converted into common shares.

Recognition of Revenues and Related Expenses - Premiums for traditional life insurance products, which include those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits, consist principally of whole life insurance policies, and certain annuities with life contingencies are recognized as revenues when due. Limited payment life insurance policies defer gross premiums received in excess of net premiums, which is then recognized in income in a constant relationship with insurance in-force. Accident and health insurance premiums are recognized as revenue pro rata over the terms of the policies. Benefits and related expenses associated with the premiums earned are charged to expense proportionately over the lives of the policies through a provision for future policy benefit liabilities and through deferral and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. For universal life and investment products, generally there is no requirement for payment of premium other than to maintain account values at a level sufficient to pay mortality and expense charges. Consequently, premiums for universal life policies and investment products are not reported as revenue, but as deposits. Policy fee revenue for universal life policies and investment products consists of charges for the cost of insurance and policy administration fees assessed during the period. Expenses include interest credited to policy account balances and benefit claims incurred in excess of policy account balances.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

The following Accounting Standard Update (“ASU)”) was adopted in 2023:

In the first quarter of 2023, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASC 326). This standard replaced the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. CECL requires an estimate of credit losses for the remaining estimated life of the financial asset using historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts and generally applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables and held-to-maturity debt securities, and some off-balance sheet credit exposure such as unfunded commitments to extend credit. Financial assets measured at amortized cost will be presented at the net amount expected to be collected by using an allowance for credit losses.

The Company adopted ASC 326 and all related subsequent amendments thereto using the modified retrospective approach for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposure. The transition adjustment of the adoption of CECL included an increase in the allowance for credit losses on loans of $524,000, which is presented as a reduction to net loans outstanding, and an increase in the allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments of $51,000, which is recorded within other liabilities. The Company recorded a net decrease to retained earnings of $454,250 as of January 1, 2023 for the cumulative effect of adopting CECL, which reflects the transition adjustments noted above, net of the applicable deferred tax assets recorded. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2023 are presented under CECL while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable accounting standards (“Incurred Loss”).

ASUs not listed below were assessed and either determined to be not applicable or are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures. ASUs issued but not yet adopted as of December 31, 2023 that are currently being assessed and may or may not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures are disclosed below:

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. Amendments in this update require that public business entities, on an annual basis: (1) disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and (2) provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. In addition, the amendments in this updated require that all entities disclose on an annual basis the following information about income taxes: (1) the amounts of income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by federal, state, and foreign taxes and (2) the amount of income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by individual jurisdictions in which income taxes paid (net of refunds received) is equal to or greater than 5% of total income taxes paid (net of refunds received). ASU 2023-09 is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is evaluating the impact of the guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280) - Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. ASU 2023-07 is intended to improve disclosures about a public entity’s reportable segments and addresses requests from investors and other allocators of capital for additional, more detailed information about a reportable segment’s expenses. This ASU applies to all public entities that are required to report segment information in accordance with Topic 280. All public entities will be required to report segment information in accordance with the new guidance starting in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company does not expect ASU 2023-07 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2022-05, Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944): Transition for Sold Contracts. ASU 2022-05 amends transition guidance in ASU No. 2018-12, Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts (LDTI), for contracts that have been derecognized because of a sale or disposal of individual or a group of contracts or legal entities before the LDTI effective date. This ASU amends the LDTI transition guidance to allow an insurance entity to make an accounting policy election to exclude certain contracts or legal entities from applying the LDTI guidance when, as of the LDTI effective date, (a) the insurance contracts have been derecognized because of a sale or disposal and (b) the insurance entity has no significant continuing involvement with the derecognized contracts. See below for further analysis regarding ASU No. 2018-12.

The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-12, Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts or ASU 2018-12. ASU 2018-12 significantly changes how insurers account for long-duration insurance contracts. The new guidance will require insurers to review and update, if necessary, the assumptions used to measure insurance liabilities periodically, rather than retain assumptions used at contract inception. The updated guidance also changes the recognition and measurement of deferred acquisition costs (DAC) and created a new category of benefit features called market risk benefits (MRB) that will be measured at fair value. The guidance also significantly expands the disclosure requirements for long-duration contracts. The ASU was originally effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, for years beginning after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. The guidance on measuring the liabilities for future policy benefits and DAC will be adopted on a modified retrospective basis as of the earliest period presented in the year of adoption. The guidance on MRB will be adopted on a retrospective basis as of the earliest period presented in the year of adoption. In November of 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-09, which delayed the effective date of ASU 2018-12 to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 for smaller reporting companies. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications - Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2022 Consolidated Financial Statements to make them comparable to the current year Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company has elected to reclassify certain investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and related footnotes for prior periods to conform with the presentation in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. The Company has elected to reclassify $8.7 million out of investment in real estate, net, into equity securities, at cost and to reclassify $2.5 million out of equity securities, at cost, to a new item titled held to maturity, redeemable preferred stock, at amortized cost. There were no revisions to the Consolidated Statements of Operations or the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity. There were no changes to net income attributable to common shareholders or total shareholders’ equity.

Revision of previously issued financial statements – The Company identified an error in its previously issued Consolidated Financial Statements related to the presentation of the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). The impact of the error to the prior period’s Consolidated Financial Statements was not considered to be material. In order to improve the consistency and comparability of the Consolidated Financial Statements, Management revised the Consolidated Financial Statements to include the revision discussed herein. See Note 15 -Revision of Previously Issued Consolidated Financial Statementsfor details of the revision.

Note 2 – Investments

Investment Risks and Uncertainties

Investments are exposed to the following primary sources of risk: credit, interest rate, liquidity, market valuation, currency and real estate risk. The financial statement risks, stemming from such investment risks, are those associated with the determination of estimated fair values, the diminished ability to sell certain investments in times of strained market conditions, the recognition of ACL and impairments, and the recognition of income on certain investments. The use of different methodologies, assumptions and inputs relating to these financial statement risks may have a material effect on the amounts presented within the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The determination of ACL and impairments is highly subjective and is based upon quarterly evaluations and assessments of known and inherent risks associated with the respective asset class. Such evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available.

Investment in Fixed Maturity Securities

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

Investments in fixed maturity securities are summarized by type as follows for the years ended December 31:

(1) The Company has elected to reclassify certain investments to conform with the presentation for the year ended December 31, 2023. These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2023, by contractual maturity date, is shown below.

Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to the exercise of call or prepayment options.

By insurance statute, the majority of the Company’s investment portfolio is invested in investment grade securities to provide ample protection for policyholders.

Below investment grade debt securities generally provide higher yields and involve greater risks than investment grade debt securities because their issuers typically are more highly leveraged and more vulnerable to adverse economic conditions than investment grade issuers. In addition, the trading market for these securities is usually more limited than for investment grade debt securities. Debt securities classified as below-investment grade are those that receive a Standard & Poor’s rating of BB+ or below.

The Company held below investment grade investments with an estimated market value of $0 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

The following table presents the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses of fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position as of December 31:

(1) The Company has elected to reclassify certain investments to conform with the presentation for the year ended December 31, 2023. These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income.

The following table provides additional information regarding the number of securities that were in an unrealized loss position for greater than or less than twelve months:

Allowance for Credit Loss - Available for Sale Securities

Management considers a wide range of factors about the security issuer and uses its best judgment in evaluating the cause of the decline in the estimated fair value of the security and in assessing the prospects for near-term recovery. Inherent in management’s evaluation of the security are assumptions and estimates about the operations of the issuer and its future earnings potential. Considerations used in the credit loss evaluation process include, but are not limited to: (1) the extent to which the estimated fair value has been below amortized cost, (2) adverse conditions specifically related to a security, an industry sector, adverse change in the financial condition of the issuer of the security, (3) payment structure of the security and likelihood of the issuer being able to make payments, (4) failure of the issuer to make scheduled interest and principal payments, (5) whether the issuer, or series of issuers or an industry has suffered a catastrophic loss or has exhausted natural resources, (6) whether the Company has the intent to sell or will more likely than not be required to sell a particular security before the decline in estimated fair value below amortized cost recovers, (7) changes in the rating of the security by a rating agency, and (8) other subjective factors.

Substantially all of the unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2023 and 2022 are attributable to changes in market interest rates and general disruptions in the credit market subsequent to purchase. At December 31, 2023, the Company did not intend to sell its securities in an unrealized loss position, and it was not more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell these securities before the anticipated recovery of the remaining amortized cost. Therefore, the Company concluded that these securities had not incurred a credit loss and should not have an allowance for credit loss at December 31, 2023.

Future provisions for credit loss will depend primarily on economic fundamentals, issuer performance, and changes in credit ratings.

Net unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) for investments classified as available-for-sale, net of the effect of deferred income taxes, assuming that the depreciation had been realized as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

Cost Method Investments

The Company held equity investments with an aggregate cost of $15,977,368 and $21,891,896 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These equity investments were not reported at fair value because it is not practicable to estimate their fair values due to insufficient information being available. Management reviews and considers events or changes in circumstances that might have a significant adverse effect on the reported value of those investments. Based on Management’s evaluation of the equity securities reported at cost, the Company reported an other-than-temporary impairment of $5 million onone security during the fourth quarter of 2022. The other-than-temporary impairment was taken as a result of Management’s assessment and determination of value of the investment.

Mortgage Loans

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

During 2023 and 2022, the Company acquired $2,654,293 and $5,158,911 in mortgage loans, respectively. FSNB services the majority of the Company’s mortgage loan portfolio. The Company pays FSNB a 0.25% servicing fee on these loans and a one-time fee at loan origination of 0.50% of the original loan cost to cover costs incurred by FSNB relating to the processing and establishment of the loan.

During 2023 and 2022, the maximum and minimum lending rates for mortgage loans were:

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

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

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

The following table summarizes the mortgage loan holdings of the Company for the periods ended December 31:

The following is a summary of the mortgage loans outstanding and the related allowance for credit losses:

There wereno past due loans as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

Investment Real Estate

Real estate held-for-investment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line-basis for financial reporting purposes using estimated useful lives of 3 to 30 years. The Company periodically reviews its real estate held-for-investment for impairment and tests for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. During 2023 and 2022, no impairments were recognized on the investment real estate.

Note 3 - Fair Value Measurements of the Consolidated Financial Statements provides further information regarding the fair value of financial instruments that are not measured at fair value. The investment real estate owned by the Company is included in this portion of the Note 3 - Fair Value Measurements disclosure.

The following table provides an allocation of the Company’s investment real estate by type for the periods ended December 31:

The Company’s investment real estate portfolio includes ownership in oil and gas royalties. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, investments in oil and gas royalties represented 34% and 30%, respectively, of the total investment real estate portfolio. See Note 13 - Concentrations of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the allocation of the oil and gas investment real estate holdings by industry type.

Gains and losses recognized on the disposition of the properties are recorded as realized gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During 2023 and 2022, the Company acquired $3,417,744 and $4,586,280 of investment real estate, respectively.

Notes Receivable

Notes receivable represent collateral loans and promissory notes issued by the Company and are reported at their unpaid principal balances, adjusted for valuation allowances. Interest accruals are analyzed based on the likelihood of repayment. The Company does not utilize a specified number of days delinquent to cause an automatic non-accrual status. During 2023 and 2022, the Company acquired $4,779,241 and $9,030,657 of notes receivable, respectively.

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

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

The following is a summary of the notes receivable outstanding and the related allowance for credit losses:

Short-Term Investments

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

During 2023 and 2022, the Company acquired $48,473,476 and $3,591,885, respectively, in short-term investments.

Allowance for Credit Loss - Loans

The allowance for credit loss (“ACL”) is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. Loans are charged off against the allowance when Management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged-off and expected to be charged-off.

The allowance for credit losses represents Management’s estimate of lifetime credit losses inherent in loans as of the balance sheet date. The allowance for credit losses is estimated by Management using relevant available information, from both internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts.

The Company measures expected credit losses for loans on a pooled basis when similar risk characteristics exist. The Company has identified the following portfolio segments - mortgage loans on real estate and notes receivable.

The allowance for credit losses calculation includes subjective adjustments for qualitative risk factors that are likely to cause estimated credit losses to differ from historical experience. These qualitative adjustments may increase or reduce reserve levels and include adjustments for risk tolerance, loan review and audit results, asset quality and portfolio trends, industry concentrations, external factors and economic conditions.

Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. When Management determines that foreclosure is probable and the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, the expected credit losses are based on the fair value of collateral at the reporting date unadjusted for selling costs as appropriate.

Allowance for Credit Loss - Unfunded Commitments

Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit issued to meet customer financing needs. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for off-balance sheet loan commitments is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

The Company records an allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures, unless the commitments to extend credit are unconditionally cancelable, through a charge to provision for unfunded commitments in the Company’s income statements. The allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures is estimated by loan segment at each balance sheet date under the current expected credit loss model using the same methodologies as portfolio loans, taking into consideration the likelihood that funding will occur as well a any third-party guarantees. The allowance for unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 is $51,000 and $0, respectively, and is included in other liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Allowance for Credit Loss - Accrued Interest

Accrued interest is not included in the ACL and if deemed uncollectible, it is charged against interest income when determined to be uncollectible.

Analysis of Investment Operations

The following table reflects the Company’s net investment income for the periods ended December 31:

The following table presents net investment gains (losses) and the change in net unrealized gains on investments for the periods ended December 31:

Investments on Deposit

The Company had investments with a fair value of $7,959,076 and $7,771,724 on deposit with various state insurance departments as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Note 3 – Fair Value Measurements

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

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

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

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

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

The following table presents information about assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicates the level of the fair value measurement based on the observability of the inputs used as of December 31:

Total assets included in the fair value hierarchy exclude certain equity securities that were measured at estimated fair value using the net asset value (“NAV”) per share practical expedient. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the estimated fair value of such investments was $54,989,319 and $89,434,766, respectively. These investments are generally not readily redeemable by the investee.

The following is a description of the valuation techniques used by the Company to measure assets reported at fair value on a recurring basis.

Available for Sale Securities

Securities classified as available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Securities classified as Level 1 utilized fair value measurements based upon quoted market prices, when available. If quoted market prices are not available, the Company obtains fair value measurements from recently executed transactions, market price quotations, benchmark yields and issuer spreads to value Level 2 securities. In certain instances where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, securities are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy. Fair value determinations for Level 3 measurements are estimated on a quarterly basis where assumptions used are reviewed to ensure the estimated fair value complies with accounting standards generally accepted in the United States.

Equity Securities at Fair Value

Equity securities consist of common and preferred stocks and limited liability companies mainly in private equity investments, financial institutions and publicly traded corporations. Equity securities for which there is sufficient market data are categorized as Level 1 or 2 in the fair value hierarchy. For the equity securities in which quoted market prices are not available, the Company uses industry standard pricing methodologies, including discounted cash flow models that may incorporate various inputs such as payment expectations, risk of the investment, market data, and health of the underlying company. The inputs are based upon Management’s assumptions and available market information. When evidence is believed to support a change to the carrying value from the transaction price, adjustments are made to reflect the expected cash flows, material events and market data. These investments are included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Change in Level 3 Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The following table presents the changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, and therealized andunrealized gains (losses) related to the Level 3 assets and liabilities.

Both observable and unobservable inputs may be used to determine the fair values of positions classified in Level 3 in the tables above. As a result, the unrealized gains (losses) on instruments held at December 31, 2023 and 2022 may include changes in fair value that were attributable to both observable and unobservable inputs.

Assets and liabilities are transferred into Level 3 when a significant input cannot be corroborated with market observable data. This occurs when market activity decreases significantly and underlying inputs cannot be observed, current prices are not available, and/or when there are significant variances in quoted prices, thereby affecting transparency. Assets and liabilities are transferred out of Level 3 when circumstances change such that a significant input can be corroborated with market observable data. This may be due to a significant increase in market activity, a specific event, or one or more significant input(s) becoming observable.

In 2023, transfers in to Level 3 included limited liability companies classified as equity securities for which valuation techniques changed due to the availability of data.

Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

The following table presents information about the significant unobservable inputs used for recurring fair value measurements for certain Level 3 instruments and includes only those instruments for which information about the inputs is reasonably available to the Company, such as data from independent third-party valuation service providers and from internal valuation models.

Uncertainty of Fair Value Measurements

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

Equity Securities at Fair Value

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

Investments in Certain Entities Carried at Fair Value Using Net Asset Value per Share

The Company holds certain equity securities that are measured at estimated fair value using the NAV per share practical expedient. These investments are generally not readily redeemable by the investee. The following tables provide additional information regarding the assets carried at NAV.

The following are descriptions of the Company’s assets held at NAV.

The Company invested in a limited partnership that was formed under the laws of the State of Delaware on October 5, 1999, as a Delaware limited partnership (“LP”). The Limited Partnership Agreement provides for the Fund to continue until dissolved. There are significant restrictions to the dissolution process, which are outlined in the LP Agreement. The Fund invests in listed equity and fixed income securities as well as non-listed securities, including direct-owned minerals and other royalties. In 2013, UG entered into an irrevocable subscription agreement to invest in the LP.

The Company invested in a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) that was formed under the laws of the state of Delaware in 2020. The LLC agreement provides for the Company to continue until dissolved. There are significant restrictions to the dissolution process, which are outlined in the LLC Agreement. The LLC Company was formed for the purpose of acquiring, making investments in, and owning, holding, and growing operating businesses through the United States. In 2020, UG entered into a LLC Agreement to invest in this LLC.

The Company invested in a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) that was formed under the laws of the state of Delaware. The LLC was formed on October 15, 2020 to provide long-term investment returns. The Company will continue to operate until December 31, 2032, or until each of the investment funds in which the LLC invests terminates, unless terminated earlier or extended in accordance with the Operating Agreement. In 2020, UG completed the Subscription Agreement to become an investor in this LLC.

The Company invested in a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) that was formed under the laws of the state of Delaware. The LLC was formed on July 1, 2022 to amplify philanthropy by primarily investing in venture capital investment funds and in direct venture capital investments of operating companies. The Company will continue to operate until December 31, 2034, or until each of the investment funds in which the LLC invests terminates, unless terminated earlier or extended in accordance with the Operating Agreement. In 2022, the Company completed the Subscription Agreement to become an investor in this LLC.

The Company invested in a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) that was formed under the laws of the state of Delaware. The LLC was organized solely for the purpose owning, managing, supervising and disposing of the investment. The Partnership will continue in existence for the investment period (subject to extension), unless sooner terminated by operation of law or pursuant to any provision of the Limited Partnership Agreement. In 2022, the Company entered into a Limited Partnership Agreement to invest in this LP.

The Company invested in a closed-end LP fund that was formed pursuant to the laws of the State of Delaware under a limited partners agreement (the “Agreement”) on April 6, 2015 and is scheduled to terminate on the tenth anniversary of the final closing date, unless terminated sooner or extended in accordance with the Agreement. The purpose of the LP is to make investments in and pursue targets that educate, train, and inspire men and women in the United States and around the world to value free enterprise, business, and economics to improve the quality of their lives and the lives and the lives of those in their communities. In 2015, the Company entered into a Limited Partnership Agreement to invest in this LP.

The Company invested in a closed-end LP fund that was formed pursuant to the laws of the State of Delaware under a limited partners agreement (the “Agreement”) on September 5, 2018 (the “Agreement”), and is scheduled to terminate on the twelfth anniversary of the Final Closing Date, unless terminated sooner or extended in accordance with the Agreement. The purpose of the Partnership is to make investments in and pursue targets that educate, train, and inspire men and women in the United States and around the world to value free enterprise, business, and economics to improve the quality of their lives and the lives and the lives of those in their communities. In 2018, the Company entered into a Limited Partnership Agreement to invest in this LP.

The Company invested in a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) that was formed under the laws of the state of Delaware. The LLC was formed September 29, 2021 for the purpose of investing in companies located in emerging markets. The Limited Liability Company Agreement provides for LLC to continue until dissolved, unless terminated earlier through terms specified in the Operating Agreement. In 2021, the Company entered into a Limited Liability Company Agreement to invest in the LLC.

The Company invested in a LP that was formed pursuant to the laws of the state of Delaware under a limited partnership agreement on October 27, 2021 (the “Agreement”) and is scheduled to terminate on the tenth anniversary of the Final Closing Date, unless terminated sooner or extended in accordance with the Agreement. The Partnership is organized for the principal purposes of acquiring, holding, supervising, managing and disposing of investment in recapitalization, management buyouts, and corporate divestitures of Portfolio Companies operating in various segments of the U.S. lower middle markets. In 2022, the Company entered into a Limited Partnership Agreement to invest in this LP.

The Company invested in a LLC that was formed as an Alabama Limited Liability Company on April 6, 2022. The Limited Liability Company Agreement provides for the LLC to continue until dissolved, unless terminated earlier through terms specified in the Operating Agreement. The purpose of Trivela is to (1) acquire, own and operate football (soccer) clubs (each a “Target Company”) (2) establish investment vehicles for the acquisition of Target Companies (3) sponsor private placements of securities on behalf of each investment vehicle (4) manage the operations of each investment vehicle & Target Company on a fee for services basis (5) engage in any lawful act or activity incidental to the Business as reasonably determined by the managers. The Company entered into a Limited Liability Company Agreement to invest in Trivela Group, LLC.

The Company invested in a LLC that was formed as an Alabama Limited Liability Company on April 15, 2022. The Limited Liability Company Agreement provides for the LLC to continue until dissolved, unless terminated earlier through terms specified in the Operating Agreement. The LLC invests in sports clubs and real estate. In 2022, The Company entered into a Limited Liability Company Agreement to invest in this LLC.

Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis

Certain assets are not carried at fair value on a recurring basis. Accordingly, such investments are only included in the fair value hierarchy disclosure when the investment is subject to re-measurement at fair value after initial recognition and the resulting re-measurement is reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company did not recognize any re-measurements or impairments of financial instruments during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Fair Value Information About Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value

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

The following table presents the carrying amount and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments not measured at fair value and indicates the level in the fair value hierarchy of the estimated fair value measurement based on the observability of the inputs used as of December 31:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Note 4 - Reinsurance

As is customary in the insurance industry, the insurance subsidiary cedes insurance to, and assumes insurance from, other insurance companies under reinsurance agreements. Reinsurance agreements are intended to limit a life insurer’s maximum loss on a large or unusually hazardous risk or to obtain a greater diversification of risk. The ceding insurance company remains primarily liable with respect to ceded insurance should any reinsurer be unable to meet the obligations assumed by it. However, it is the practice of insurers to reduce their exposure to loss to the extent that they have been reinsured with other insurance companies. The Company sets a limit on the amount of insurance retained on the life of any one person. The Company will not retain more than $125,000, including accidental death benefits, on any one life. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had gross insurance in-force of approximately $847 million of which approximately $172 million was ceded to reinsurers. As December 31, 2022, the Company had gross insurance in-force of approximately $897 million of which approximately $184 million was ceded to reinsurers.

The Company’s reinsured business is ceded to numerous reinsurers. The Company monitors the solvency of its reinsurers in seeking to minimize the risk of loss in the event of a failure by one of the parties. The Company is primarily liable to the insureds even if the reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations. The primary reinsurers of the Company are large, well-capitalized entities.

Most recently, UG utilized reinsurance agreements with Optimum Re Insurance Company (“Optimum”), and Swiss Re Life and Health America Incorporated (“SWISS RE”). Optimum and SWISS RE currently hold an “A” (Excellent) and “A+” (Superior) rating, respectively, from A.M. Best, an industry rating company. The reinsurance agreements were effective December 1, 1993 and covered most new business of UG. Under the terms of the agreements, UG cedes risk amounts above its retention limit of $100,000 with a minimum cession of $25,000. Ceded amounts are shared equally between the two reinsurers on a yearly renewable term (“YRT”) basis, a common industry method. The treaty is self-administered; meaning the Company records the reinsurance results and reports them to the reinsurers.

Also, Optimum is the reinsurer of 100% of the accidental death benefits (“ADB”) in force of UG. This coverage is renewable annually at the Company’s option. Optimum specializes in reinsurance agreements with small to mid-size carriers such as UG.

UG entered into a coinsurance agreement with Park Avenue Life Insurance Company (“PALIC”) effective September 30, 1996. Under the terms of the agreement, UG ceded to PALIC substantially all of its then in-force paid-up life insurance policies. Paid-up life insurance generally refers to non-premium paying life insurance policies. Under the terms of the agreement, UG sold 100% of the future results of this block of business to PALIC through a coinsurance agreement. UG continues to administer the business for PALIC and receives a servicing fee through a commission allowance based on the remaining in-force policies each month. PALIC has the right to assumption reinsure the business, at its option, and transfer the administration. The Company is not aware of any such plans. PALIC’s ultimate parent, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (“Guardian”), currently holds an “A++” (Superior) rating from A.M. Best. The PALIC agreement accounts for approximately 64% of UG’s reinsurance reserve credit, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

The Company does not have any short-duration reinsurance contracts. The effect of the Company’s long-duration reinsurance contracts on premiums earned in 2023 and 2022 were as follows:

Note 5 – Cost of Insurance Acquired

When an insurance company is acquired, the Company assigns a portion of its cost to the right to receive future cash flows from insurance contracts existing at the date of the acquisition. The cost of policies purchased represents the actuarially determined present value of the projected future profits from the acquired policies. Cost of insurance acquired is amortized with interest in relation to expected future profits, including direct charge-offs for any excess of the unamortized asset over the projected future profits. The interest rates utilized may vary due to differences in the blocks of business. The interest rate utilized in the amortization calculation of the remaining cost of insurance acquired is 12%. The amortization is adjusted retrospectively when estimates of current or future gross profits to be realized from a group of products are revised.

Estimated net amortization expense of cost of insurance acquired for the next four years is as follows:

Note 6 – Income Taxes

UTG and UG file separate federal income tax returns.

Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following components:

The expense for income taxes differed from the amounts computed by applying the applicable United States statutory rate of 21% as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, before income taxes as a result of the following differences:

The following table summarizes the major components that comprise the net deferred tax liability as reflected in the balance sheets:

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had gross deferred tax assets of $1,939,816 and $1,808,474, respectively, and gross deferred tax liabilities of $14,366,656 and $13,390,612, respectively, resulting from temporary differences primarily related to the life insurance subsidiary. A valuation allowance is to be provided when it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized by the Company. No valuation allowance has been recorded relating to the Company’s deferred tax assets since, in Management’s judgment, the Company will more likely than not have sufficient taxable income in future periods to fully realize its existing deferred tax assets.

The Company’s Federal income tax returns are periodically audited by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). There are currently no examinations in process, nor is Management aware of any pending examination by the IRS. The Company follows the accounting guidance for uncertainty in income taxes using the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC 740, Income Taxes. Using that guidance, tax positions initially need to be recognized in the financial statements when it is more-likely-than-not the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. Such tax positions initially and subsequently need to be measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authority assuming full knowledge of the position and relevant facts. The Company has evaluated its tax positions, expiring statutes of limitations, changes in tax law and new authoritative rulings and believes that no disclosure relative to a provision of income taxes is necessary, at this time, to cover any uncertain tax positions. Tax years that remain subject to examination are the years ended December 31,2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

The Company classifies interest and penalties on underpayment of income taxes as income tax expense. No interest or penalties were included in the reported income taxes for the years presented. The Company is not aware of any potential or proposed changes to any of its tax filings.

Note 7 – Credit Arrangements

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had the following lines of credit available:

UTG has a variable rate revolving line of credit. As collateral, UTG has pledged 100% of thecommon voting stock of its wholly owned subsidiary, Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company ("UG").

During October of 2023, the Federal Home Loan Bank approved UG’s Cash Management Advance Application (“CMA”). The CMA gives the Company the option of selecting a variable rate of interest for up to 90 days or a fixed rate for a maximum of 30 days. The variable rate CMA is prepayable at any time without a fee, while the fixed CMA is not prepayable prior to maturity. The Company has pledged bonds with a collateral lendable value of $20,258,602. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company borrowed $19 million and planned to utilize the funds for investing activities. The interest rate on the borrowed funds is variable and currently is 5.47%. During the first quarter of 2024, the Company repaid the entire outstanding principal balance.

Note 8 – Commitments and Contingencies

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

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

Mortgage Loan Commitments - The Company commits to lend funds under mortgage loan commitments. The amounts of these mortgage loan commitments were $878,132 and $0 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Notes Receivable Commitments - The Company commits to lend funds under notes receivable funding commitments. The amounts of these notes receivable commitments were $2,800,000 and $4,109,343 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Commitments to Fund Limited Liability Company and Limited Partnership Investments - The Company commits to fund investments in limited liability companies and limited partnership. The amounts of the unfunded commitments were $16,153,903 and $14,443,510 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Note 9 – Shareholders’ Equity

Stock Repurchase Program - The Board of Directors of UTG has authorized the repurchase in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions of UTG’s common stock. At a meeting of the Board of Directors in March of 2022, the Board of Directors of UTG authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $2 million of UTG’s common stock, for a total repurchase of $22 million of UTG’s common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Company Management has broad authority to operate the program, including the discretion of whether to purchase shares and the ability to suspend or terminate the program. Open market purchases are made based on the last available market price but may be limited. During 2023, the Company repurchased 30,646 shares through the stock repurchase program for $881,966. Through December 31, 2023, UTG has spent $20,191,403 in the acquisition of 1,356,859 shares under this program.

Director Compensation - Effective January 1, 2018, a compensation arrangement was approved whereby each outside Director annually received $5,000 as a retainer and $2,500 per meeting attended. The compensation is be paid in the form of UTG, Inc. common stock. The value is determined annually on the close of business December 20th or the next business day should December 20 th be a weekend or holiday, based on the activity of the year just ending. Reasonable travel expenses are reimbursed in cash as incurred. UTG’s Director Compensation policy provides that Directors who are employees of UTG or its affiliates do not receive any compensation for their services as Directors except for reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses for attending each meeting.

In December of 2023, the Company issued 4,246 shares of its common stock as compensation to the Directors. The shares were valued at $30.01 per share, the market value at the date of issue. During 2023, the Company recorded $127,422 in operating expense related to the stock issuance. In December of 2022, the Company issued 4,485 shares of its common stock as compensation to the Directors. The shares were valued at $25.06 per share, the market value at the date of issue. During 2022, the Company recorded $112,394 in operating expense related to the stock issuance.

Other Compensation - During 2023, the Company issued 26,911 shares of stock to management and employees as compensation at a cost of $674,390. During 2022, The Company issued 17,963 shares of stock to management and employees as compensation at a cost of $486,798. These awards are determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

Earnings Per Share -The following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

The computation of diluted earnings per share is the same as basic earnings per share for the years ending December 31, 2023 and 2022, as there were no outstanding securities, options or other offers that give the right to receive or acquire common shares of UTG.

Statutory Restrictions - Restrictions exist on the flow of funds to UTG from its insurance subsidiary. Statutory regulations require life insurance subsidiaries to maintain certain minimum amounts of capital and surplus. UG is required to maintain minimum statutory surplus of $2,500,000. At December 31, 2023, substantially all of the consolidated shareholders’ equity represents net assets of UTG’s subsidiaries.

UG is domiciled in the state of Ohio. Ohio requires notification within 5 business days to the insurance commissioner following the declaration of any ordinary dividend and at leastten calendar days prior to payment of such dividend. Ordinary dividends are defined as the greater of: a) prior year statutory net income or b)10% of statutory capital and surplus. Extraordinary dividends (amounts in excess of ordinary dividend limitations) require prior approval of the insurance commissioner and are not restricted to a specific calculation. UG paid ordinary dividends of $2 million and $3 million to UTG in 2023 and 2022, respectively. No extraordinary dividends were paid during thetwo year period. UTG used the dividends received during 2023 and 2022 to purchase outstanding shares of UTG stock and for general operations of the Company.

Note 10 - Statutory Accounting

The insurance subsidiary prepares its statutory-based financial statements in accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Ohio Department of Insurance. These principles differ significantly from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. “Prescribed” statutory accounting practices include state laws, regulations, and general administrative rules, as well as a variety of publications of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). “Permitted” statutory accounting practices encompass all accounting practices that are not prescribed; such practices may differ from state to state, from company to company within a state, and may change in the future.

The following table reflects UG’s statutory basis net income and capital and surplus (shareholders’ equity) as of December 31:

Note 11 – Related Party Transactions

A director shall not be disqualified from-dealing with or contracting with the corporation as vendor, purchaser; employee, agent or otherwise; nor, in the absence of fraud, shall any transaction or contract or act of this corporation be void or in any way affected or invalidated by the fact that any director or any firm of which any director is a member or any corporation of which any director is a shareholder, director or officer is in any way interested in such transaction or contract or act, provided the fact that such director or such firm or such corporation so interested shall be disclosed or shall be known to the Board of Directors or such members thereof as shall be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors at which action upon any such contract or transaction or act shall be taken: nor shall any such director be accountable or responsible to the company for or in respect to such transaction or contract or act of. this corporation or for any gains or profits realized by him by reason of the fact that he or any firm of which he is a member or any corporation of which he is a shareholder, director or officer is interested in such action or contract; and any such director may be counted in determining the existence of a quorum of any meeting of the Board of Directors of the company which shall authorize or take action in respect to any such contract or transaction or act and may vote thereat to authorize, ratify, or approve any such contract or transaction or act, with like force and effect as if he or any firm of which he is a member or any corporation of which he is a shareholder, director or officer were not interested in such transaction or contract or act.

On February 20, 2003, UG purchased $4 million of a trust preferred security offering issued by First Southern Bancorp, Inc. (“FSBI”). The security has a mandatory redemption after 30 years with a call provision after 5 years. The security pays a quarterly dividend at a fixed rate of 6.515%. The Company received dividends of $165,137 during 2023 and 2022.

On March 30, 2009, UG purchased $1 million of FSBI common stock. The sale and transfer of this security is restricted by the provisions of a stock restriction and buy-sell agreement.

UTG has a 30.10% ownership interest in an aircraft that is jointly owned with First Southern National Bank and Bandyco, LLC. Bandyco, LLC is affiliated with the Estate of Ward F. Correll. Mr. Correll is the father of Jesse Correll and a former director of the Company. The aircraft is used for business related travel by various officers and employees of the Company. For years 2023 and 2022, UTG paid $307,442 and $553,533 for costs associated with the aircraft, respectively.

Effective January 1, 2007, UTG entered into administrative services and cost sharing agreements with its subsidiary. Under this arrangement, the subsidiary pays its proportionate share of expenses, based on an allocation formula. During 2023 and 2022, UG paid $7,910,324 and $7,862,902, respectively, in expenses. The Ohio Department of Insurance has approved the cost sharing agreement and it is Management’s opinion that where applicable, costs have been allocated fairly and such allocations are based upon accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The Company from time to time acquires mortgage loans through participation agreements with FSNB. FSNB services the Company’s mortgage loans including those covered by the participation agreements. The Company pays a 0.25% servicing fee on these loans and a one-time fee at loan origination of 0.50% of the original loan cost to cover costs incurred by FSNB relating to the processing and establishment of the loan. The Company paid $18,694 and $24,146 in servicing fees and $18,630 and $0 in origination fees to FSNB during 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Effective January 1, 2017, UTG entered into a shared services contract with FSNB. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, UTG and FSNB will utilize the services of the other’s staff in certain instances for the betterment of both entities. Personnel within departments, such as accounting, human resources, and information technology, are shared between the entities. Costs of these resources are then reimbursed between the companies. The shared services arrangement provides benefits to both parties such as access to a greater pool of knowledgeable staff, efficiencies from elimination of redundancies and more streamlined operations.

The Company reimbursed expenses incurred by employees of FSNB relating to salaries, travel and other costs incurred on behalf of or relating to the Company and received reimbursements from FSNB. The Company paid $1,337,096 and $895,317 in 2023 and 2022, respectively to FSNB in net reimbursement of such costs.

Effective July 1, 2018, the Company assumed the employees of several smaller entities owned or associated with UTG. The purpose of this was to support the continued efforts to further streamline operations amongst associated entities. The salaries, benefits, and payroll related processing fees are 100% reimbursed by the associated entities on a monthly basis. During 2023 and 2022, the Company received reimbursements of $1,438,450 and $1,134,315, respectively. These costs are eliminated for consolidation of these entities, where applicable.

The Company rents a portion of the first floor and second floor of an 8,000 square foot, two-story office building, located in Stanford, KY. The first floor of the building is occupied by UTG and FSNB employees that are included in the shared services agreement between the two entities. The second floor is occupied by the customer service call centers for both UTG and FSNB employees. The building is owned by FSNB and UTG pays $2,000 per month in rent to FSNB for the portion of the building occupied by UTG employees. The Company paid rent of $24,000 to FSNB in 2023 and 2022.

As previously disclosed in the Notes Receivable section of Note 2 - Investments, several of the Company’s notes have participation agreements in place with third parties. Certain participation agreements are with FSF, a related party. The participation agreements are sold without recourse and assigned to the participant based on their pro-rata share of the principal, interest and collateral as specified in the participation agreements. The undivided participations in the notes receivable range from 20% -50%. The total amount of loans participated to FSF was $60,031 and $79,674 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

During 2022, FSF sold all of its membership interest inthree limited liability companies (“LLC”) to a wholly-owned subsidiary of UTG at a price of $1 per entity. Thethree LLCs are listed on the Company’s organization chart as wholly-owned subsidiaries of Stanford Wilderness Road, LLC.

During the 4th quarter of 2023, UTG entered into a loan participation agreement with FSNB to fund a commercial mortgage loan issued to a company that is owned/managed by a member of UTG’s Board of Directors. UG has a 9% interest in the participated loan and has agreed to fund up to $1,482,300. As of December 31, 2023, $604,169 had been drawn on the loan.

Note 12 – Other Cash Flow Disclosures

On a cash basis, the Company paid the following expenses for the periods ended December 31:

Note 13 - Concentrations

The Company maintains cash balances in financial institutions that at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Company maintains its primary operating cash accounts with First Southern National Bank, an affiliate of the largest shareholder of UTG, Mr. Jesse T. Correll, the Company’s CEO and Chairman. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.

Because UTG serves primarily individuals located inthree states, the ability of our customers to pay their insurance premiums is impacted by the economic conditions in these areas. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, approximately 51% and 50%, respectively, of the Company’s total direct premium was collected from Illinois, Ohio, and Texas. Thus, results of operations are heavily dependent upon the strength of these economies.

The Company reinsures that portion of insurance risk which is in excess of its retention limits. Retention limits range up to $125,000 per life. Life insurance ceded represented 20% of total life insurance in-force at December 31, 2023 and 2022. Insurance ceded represented 40% of premium income for 2023 and 2022. The Company would be liable for the reinsured risks ceded to other companies to the extent that such reinsuring companies are unable to meet their obligations.

The Company owns a variety of investments associated with the oil and gas industry. These investments represented approximately 28% and 31% of the Company’s total invested assets at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The following table provides an allocation of the oil and gas investments by type as of December 31:

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company owned four equity securities that represented approximately 73% andthree securities that represented approximately 58%, respectively, of the total investments associated with the oil and gas industry.

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

Note 14 – Selected Quarterly Financial Data

As a smaller reporting company, as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, the Company has elected to comply with certain scaled disclosure reporting obligations, and therefore does not have to provide the information required by this item.

Note 15 – Revision of Previously Issued Consolidated Financial Statements

The Company identified an error in its previously issued December 31, 2022 Consolidated Financial Statements related to the presentation of the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Management evaluated this error in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin Number 99, Materiality, which is since codified in ASC 250 – Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, and concluded it was not material to any previously reported financial statements. However, in order to improve the consistency and comparability of the consolidated financial statements, Management will revise the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures to correct the error in future filings. There were no revisions to the Consolidated Balance Sheet, Statements of Operations, Statements of Shareholders’ Equity or the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. There were no changes to net income attributable to common shareholders or total shareholders’ equity.