UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2013

OR

For the transition period from _____________ to ____________

Commission File No. 0-16867

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X]  No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a small reporting company.  See definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes [  ] No [X]

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock as of April 26, 2013, was 3,792,732.

UTG, Inc.

(The "Company")

TABLE OF CONTENTS

See accompanying notes

See accompanying notes

See accompanying notes

See accompanying notes

UTG, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of UTG, Inc. (the "Parent") and its subsidiaries (collectively with the Parent, the "Company").  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for audited annual financial statements.  The information furnished includes all adjustments and accruals of a normal recurring nature, which in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods.  The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein and these related notes should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements, and the notes thereto, included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.  The Company's results of operations for the three month period ended March 31, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013 or for any other future period.

This document at times will refer to the Registrant's largest shareholder, Mr. Jesse T. Correll and certain companies controlled by Mr. Correll.  Mr. Correll holds a majority ownership of First Southern Funding LLC ("FSF"), a Kentucky corporation, and First Southern Bancorp, Inc. ("FSBI"), a financial services holding company.  FSBI operates through its 100% owned subsidiary bank, First Southern National Bank ("FSNB").  Banking activities are conducted through multiple locations within south-central and western Kentucky.  Mr. Correll is Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of UTG and is currently UTG's largest shareholder through his ownership control of FSF, FSBI and affiliates.  At March 31, 2013, Mr. Correll owns or controls directly and indirectly approximately 56% of UTG's outstanding stock.

UTG's life insurance subsidiary, Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company ("UG"), has several wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries.  The subsidiaries were formed to hold certain real estate investments.  The real estate investments were placed into the limited liability companies and partnerships to provide additional protection to the policyholders and to UG.

Note 2 – New Accounting Standards

Comprehensive Income - In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an accounting standard which requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. This guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company does not expect the adoption of this new guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Intangibles-Goodwill and Other – In July 2012, FASB issued guidance on the testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, which is intended to reduce the cost and complexity of the impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets by providing an entity with the option to first assess qualitatively whether it is necessary to perform the impairment test that is currently in place. An entity would not be required to quantitatively calculate the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying value. This guidance is effective for interim and annual impairment tests beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

 

Note 3 – Investments

Available for Sale Securities – Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities

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

Investments in available for sale securities are summarized as follows:

 

The amortized cost and estimated market value of debt securities at March 31, 2013, by contractual maturity, is shown below.  Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

The fair value of investments with sustained gross unrealized losses at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows:

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

Substantially all of the unrealized losses on fixed maturities available for sale at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are attributable to changes in market interest rates and general disruptions in the credit market subsequent to purchase.  The unrealized losses on equity investments were primarily attributable to normal market fluctuations.  The Company does not currently intend to sell nor does it expect to be required to sell any of the securities in an unrealized loss position.  Based upon the Company's expected continuation of receipt of contractually required principal and interest payments and its intent and ability to retain the securities until price recovery, as well as the Company's evaluation of other relevant factors, the Company deems these securities to be temporarily impaired as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

The Company regularly reviews its investment securities for factors that may indicate that a decline in fair value of an investment is other than temporary.  The factors considered by management in its regular review to identify and recognize other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities include, but are not limited to: the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost; the Company's intent to sell, or be required to sell, the debt security before the anticipated recovery of its remaining amortized cost basis; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; adverse changes in ratings announced by one or more rating agencies; subordinated credit support, whether the issuer of a debt security has remained current on principal and interest payments; current expected cash flows; whether the decline in fair value appears to be issuer specific or, alternatively, a reflection of general market or industry conditions, including the effect of changes in market interest rates.  If the Company intends to sell a debt security, or it is more likely than not that it would be required to sell a debt security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis, the entire difference between the security's amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date would be recognized by a charge to other-than-temporary losses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Equity securities may experience other-than-temporary impairments in the future based on the prospects for full recovery in value in a reasonable period of time and the Company's ability and intent to hold the security to recovery.  If a decline in fair value is judged by management to be other-than-temporary or management does not have the intent or ability to hold a security, a loss is recognized by a charge to other-than-temporary impairment losses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Based on management's review of the investment portfolio, the Company recorded the following losses for other-than-temporary impairments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:

The other-than-temporary impairment recognized during 2013 was due to Management's assessment of the value of the real estate. The real estate was written down to better reflect current expected market value.

Trading Securities

Securities designated as trading securities are reported at fair value, with gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recognized in net investment income on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.  Trading securities include exchange-traded equities and exchange-traded options.  Trading securities carried as liabilities are securities sold short. A gain, limited to the price at which the security was sold short, or a loss, potentially unlimited in size, will be recognized upon the termination of the short sale.  The fair value of derivatives included in trading security assets and trading security liabilities as of March 31, 2013 was $1,324,513 and $(1,442,933), respectively. The fair value of derivatives included in trading security assets and trading security liabilities as of December 31, 2012 was $6,745,528 and $(6,050,344), respectively.  Earnings from trading securities are classified in cash flows from operating activities. The derivatives held by the Company are for income generation purposes only.

Trading revenue charged to net investment income from trading securities was:

Mortgage Loans

As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company's mortgage loan portfolio contained 58 and 71 mortgage loans, including discounted mortgage loans, with a carrying value of $37,712,726 and $44,008,507, respectively.

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.  Given the uncertainty of the current market, management has taken a conservative approach with the discounted mortgage loans and has classified all discounted mortgage loans held as non-accrual.  In such status, the Company is not recording any accrued interest income nor is it recording any accrual of discount on the loans held.  Discount accruals reported during 2012 and 2013 were the result of the loan basis already being fully paid.

On the remainder of the mortgage loan portfolio, interest accruals are analyzed based on the likelihood of repayment.  In no event will interest continue to accrue when accrued interest along with the outstanding principal exceeds the net realizable value of the property.  The Company does not utilize a specified number of days delinquent to cause an automatic non-accrual status.

A mortgage loan reserve is established and adjusted based on management's quarterly analysis of the portfolio and any deterioration in value of the underlying property which would reduce the net realizable value of the property below its current carrying value.  The Company acquires the discounted mortgage loans at below fair value, therefore no reserve for delinquent loans is deemed necessary.  Those loans not currently paying are being vigorously worked by management.  The current discounted commercial mortgage loan portfolio has an average price of 37.3% of face value and management has determined that this deep discount provides a financial cushion or built in allowance for any of the loans that are not currently performing within the portfolio of loans purchased.

Note 4 – Fair Value Measurements

The Company measures its assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets based on the framework set forth in the GAAP fair value accounting guidance.  The framework establishes a fair value hierarchy of three levels based upon the transparency of information used in measuring the fair value of assets or liabilities as of the measurement date.  The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs in the valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three categories.

Level 1 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company is able to access.  Level 1 fair value is not subject to valuation adjustments.

Level 2 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active. In addition, 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.

The Company determines the existence of an active market for an asset or liability based on its judgment as to whether transactions for the asset or liability occur in such market with sufficient frequency and volume to provide reliable pricing information.  If the Company concludes that there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for an investment in relation to normal market activity for such investment, adjustments to transactions and quoted prices are made to estimate fair value.

Certain assets are not carried at fair value on a recurring basis, including investments such as mortgage loans and policy loans. Accordingly such investments are only included in the fair value hierarchy disclosure when the investment is subject to re-measurement at fair value after initial recognition and the resulting re-measurement is reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

The carrying values and estimated fair values of certain of the Company's financial instruments not recorded at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets are shown below. Because the fair value for all condensed consolidated balance sheet items are not required to be disclosed, the aggregate fair value amounts presented below are not reflective of the underlying value of the Company.

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 Company has been purchasing non-performing discounted mortgage loans at a deep discount through an auction process led by the federal government.  In general, the discounted loans are non-performing and there is a significant amount of uncertainty surrounding the timing and amount of cash flows to be received by the Company.  Accordingly, the Company records its investment in the discounted loans at its original purchase price, which management believes approximates fair value.

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.

Policy loans are carried at the aggregate unpaid principal balances in the consolidated balance sheets which approximates 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 carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents in the financial statements approximates fair value given the highly liquid nature of the instruments.

The carrying amount of short term investments in the financial statements approximates fair value.

The carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value for notes payable 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.

Note 5 – Credit Arrangements

At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had the following outstanding debt:

The HPG Acquisitions promissory note issued on February 7, 2007 bears interest at a fixed rate of 5%.

The HPG Acquisitions promissory note issued on December 27, 2012 is secured by real estate owned by HPG. The promissory note bears interest at a fixed rate of 4%. Interest is payable monthly. Principal is payable monthly beginning in the third year of the note.

The UTG line of credit carries interest at a fixed rate of 3.75% and is payable monthly. As collateral, UTG has pledged 100% of the common voting stock of its wholly owned subsidiary, Universal Guaranty Life Insurance  Company ("UG").

The UTG Avalon line of credit issued on December 28, 2011 carried interest at a rate of 4.0% and was payable in two semi-annual payments. This line of credit was repaid during March 2013.

 

The UTG Avalon line of credit issued on March 28, 2013 currently carries interest at a rate of 4.0% and is payable in two semi-annual payments. The interest rate is a variable rate that will be 0.50% above the lowest of the U.S. Prime Rates as published in the money section of the Wall Street Journal.  The interest rate is subject to change monthly and changes in the interest rate will take effect on the first day of the month following the rate change.

UG is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB").  This membership allows the Company access to additional credit up to a maximum of 50% of the total assets of UG.  To be a member of the FHLB, the Company was required to purchase shares of common stock of FHLB.  Borrowing capacity is based on 50 times each dollar of stock acquired in FHLB above the "base membership" amount.

The consolidated scheduled principal reductions on the notes payable for the next five years are as follows:

Note 6 – Shareholders' Equity

Stock Repurchase Programs

The Board of Directors of UTG authorized the repurchase in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions of up to $6 million of UTG's common stock. Repurchased shares are available for future issuance for general corporate purposes.  This program can be terminated at any time.  Open market purchases are made based on the last available market price and are generally limited to a maximum per share price of the most recent reported per share GAAP equity book value of the Company.  During the current year, the Company repurchased 4,143 shares through the stock repurchase program for $54,048.  Through March 31, 2013, UTG has spent $4,665,744 in the acquisition of 566,833 shares under this program.

Earnings Per Share Calculations

Earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period.  At March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2012, diluted earnings per share were the same as basic earnings per share since the Company had no dilutive instruments outstanding.

Note 7 – Commitments and Contingencies

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

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

As part of the Texas Imperial Life Insurance Company sale, the Company remains contingently liable for certain costs pending the outcome of an ongoing race-based audit on Texas Imperial Life Insurance Company by the Texas Department of Insurance.  Under the agreement, the Company is responsible for 100% of the first $50,000 of costs, 90% of the next $50,000, 75% of the third $50,000 and 50% of the costs above $150,000.  Management had conservatively estimated the Company's exposure and other costs at $50,000 based on information provided to date from the examination team and has established a contingent liability of $47,727 in its financial statements.  This contingency expires December 30, 2013.

Within the Company's trading accounts, certain trading securities carried as liabilities represent securities sold short.  A gain, limited to the price at which the security was sold short, or a loss, potentially unlimited in size, will be recognized upon the termination of the short sale.

On November 9, 2011, ACAP shareholders approved a proposed merger with UTG whereby ACAP shareholders received 233 shares of UTG for each share previously held of ACAP.  On November 14, 2011, the merger was completed.  Certain of the ACAP shareholders dissented to the merger requesting the courts determine the value of the ACAP shares.  The legal case is currently in the discovery phase.  The Company has established a contingent liability of $2,550,822 to cover the anticipated proceeds due to the dissenting shareholders and associated legal and other costs.

The following table represents the total funding commitments and the unfunded commitment as of March 31, 2013 related to certain investments:

During 2006, the Company committed to invest in RLF III, LLC ("RLF"), which makes land-based investment in undervalued assets. RLF does capital calls as funds are needed for continued land purchases.

During 2010, the Company made a commitment to invest in Llano Music, LLC ("Llano), which invests in music royalties. Llano does capital calls to its investors as funds are needed to acquire the royalty rights.

During 2011, the Company committed to invest in Marcellus III, LLP, which purchases land for leasing opportunities to those looking to harvest natural resources. Marcellus III, LLC does capital calls to its investors as funds are needed for continued land purchases.

During 2012, the Company made a commitment to investment in Dew Learning, LLC ("Dew"), which is involved in the marketing and distribution of an electronic education based classroom model. Dew does capital calls to investors as funds are needed for continued development of the program.

During 2012, the Company committed to invest in Marcellus HBPI, LLP, which purchases land for leasing opportunities to those looking to harvest natural resources. Marcellus HPBI, LLC does capital calls to investors as funds are needed for continued land purchases.

During 2012, the Company committed to invest in PBEX, LLC, which purchases land for leasing opportunities to those looking to harvest natural resources. PBEX, LLC does capital calls to investors as funds are needed for continued land purchases.

During 2012, the Company committed to invest in Sovereign's Capital, LP ("Sovereign's"), which invests in companies in emerging markets. Sovereign's is expected to call the remaining unfunded commitment during 2013.

Note 8 – Other Cash Flow Disclosures

On a cash basis, the Company paid the following expenses:

During 2013, UG's wholly-owned subsidiary, UTG Avalon, LLC, entered into a noncash transaction whereas the subsidiary obtained a new line of credit in the amount of $5 million and utilized the line of credit to repay the prior line of credit. The terms of the new line of credit are consistent with the terms of the prior line of credit.

Note 9 – Concentrations of Credit Risk

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

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following is Management's discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of UTG, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively with the Parent, the "Company").  The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of the Company should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the related Notes thereto appearing in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this quarterly report.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report on Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by those laws. We have based our forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. Our forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of operations. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included or incorporated by reference in this report that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future, including such things as the growth of our business and operations, our business strategy, competitive strengths, goals, plans, future capital expenditures and references to future successes may be considered forward-looking statements. Also, when we use words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "probably," or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements.

Numerous risks and uncertainties may impact the matters addressed by our forward-looking statements, any of which could negatively and materially affect our future financial results and performance.

Although we believe that the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of these assumptions, and, therefore, the forward-looking statements based on these assumptions, could themselves prove to be inaccurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements that are included in this report, our inclusion of this information is not a representation by us or any other person that our objectives and plans will be achieved. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, any forward-looking event discussed in this report may not occur.  Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and we undertake no obligation to update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or other developments, unless the securities laws require us to do so.

 

Overview

UTG, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a life insurance holding company.  The Company's dominant business is individual life insurance, which includes the servicing of existing insurance policies in force, the acquisition of other companies in the life insurance business and the administration and processing of life insurance business for other entities.  The Company's focus for the future includes growing the administrative portion of the business.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.  The Company has identified certain estimates that involve a higher degree of judgment and are subject to a significant degree of variability.  The Company's critical accounting policies and the related estimates considered most significant by Management are disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.  Management has identified the accounting policies related to cost of insurance acquired, assumptions and judgments utilized in determining if declines in fair values of investments are other-than-temporary, and valuation methods for investments that are not actively traded as those, due to the judgments, estimates and assumptions inherent in those policies, are critical to an understanding of the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and this Management's Discussion and Analysis.

During the three months ended March 31, 2013, there were no additions to or changes in the critical accounting policies disclosed in the 2012 Form 10-K, except for recently adopted accounting standards discussed in Note 2 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Results of Operations

On a consolidated basis, the Company had a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $(910,272) and net income attributable to common shareholders of $5.2 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  During the three month period ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had a net loss before income taxes of $(696,883) and net income before income taxes of $8.7 million, respectively.  During the first quarter of 2012, the positive earnings of the Company were mainly attributable to large gains recognized on the sale of bonds. Similar gains were not recognized during the first quarter of 2013.

One-time events, primarily reflected in realized gains, comprised a substantial portion of net income of the Company during 2012.  While Management believes there remain additional investments with such one-time earnings, when or if realized remains uncertain.

Total revenue was $7.4 million during the three month period ended March 31, 2013 compared to $17.2 million during the three month period ended March 31, 2012. The decrease in revenues is primarily attributable to a decrease in net investment income and realized gains on investments.  The magnitude of realized investment gains and losses in a given year is a function of the timing of trades of investments relative to the markets themselves as well as the recognition of any impairments on investments.

Total benefits and other expenses paid during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were $8.1 million and $8.5 million respectively.

Revenues

The Company's premium and policy fee revenues, net of reinsurance, was approximately $2.4 million for the first quarter of 2013, a decrease of approximately 7% compared to the same quarter in 2012. The Company writes very little new business.  Unless the Company acquires a new insurance company or a block of in-force business, Management expects premium revenue to continue to decline on the existing blocks of business at a rate consistent with prior experience.

The Company reported net investment income of approximately $4.4 million during the first quarter 2013 and $7 million during the first quarter of 2012. The variance in 2013 and 2012 investment income results are mainly attributable to activity in the trading portfolio and the fixed maturity portfolio.

During the first quarter of 2013, the Company reported a loss of approximately $(211,000) in the trading securities portfolio while during the first quarter 2012 the Company recorded approximately $2.6 million of income from the trading securities investment portfolio.  In March 2013, Management determined it had other investment opportunities to deploy a portion of the trading account monies into and reduced the funds to be used for trading activities going forward. Volatility as well as possible losses should be expected in the trading securities portfolio. Management's target return on the trading securities portfolio is 6% to 8%.

Income from fixed maturities increased approximately 58% or $753,000 when comparing the first quarter 2013 to the first quarter 2012. The increase in income is attributable to the higher yield earned on the BBB and BB bonds the Company began investing in during 2012. In early 2012, the Company sold a significant portion of its US Treasury bonds, recognizing large gains. The proceeds from the sale of the US Treasury bonds were used to purchase BBB and BB rated bonds, which produce higher investment yields.

The Company had net realized investment gains of approximately $44,000 and $7.1 million during the first quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively. The decrease in net realized gains in 2013, in comparison to 2012, is mainly attributable to the sale of fixed maturity investments during 2012.

During the fourth quarter of 2011 and first quarter of 2012, the Company took advantage of the unusually high price spreads on U.S. government treasury securities relative to other types of bonds in the marketplace, by selling a majority of its U.S. treasury holdings.  The Company has redeployed a majority of its excess cash balances into BBB and BB rated corporate debt issues.  Included in fixed maturity purchases, the Company purchased approximately $66,509,000 and $22,325,000 of BBB and BB rated corporate debt issues, respectively.  These corporate debt issues have an average interest yield of 5.03%.  Interest spreads on these investments are higher than historic trends and Management believes this is an opportunity to enhance yield and provide more recurring investment income.  Lower rated bonds are viewed by the marketplace to inherently hold more default risk.  The trade-off on this risk is a higher interest yield.  Each investment is analyzed prior to acquisition to determine if Management is comfortable with the increased risk relative to the yield.  Management believes there are opportunities currently available in this area where certain corporate bond issues have been more harshly impacted by the marketplace than may really be justified.  It is this type of bond Management is primarily searching for to invest in.

Other income primarily represented revenues received relating to the performance of administrative work as a TPA for unaffiliated life insurance companies, which has remained consistent over the periods presented.  The Company receives monthly fees based on policy in force counts and certain other activity indicators such as number of policies issued.  Management remains committed to the pursuit of additional TPA clients and believes this area continues to show potential for growth.

Expenses

Life benefits, claims and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance benefits and claims, increased approximately 4% in the three month period ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.  Policy claims vary from period to period and therefore, fluctuations in mortality are to be expected and are not considered unusual by Management.

Net amortization of cost of insurance acquired decreased approximately 7% in the three month period ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.  Cost of insurance acquired is established when an insurance company is acquired or when the Company acquires a block of in-force business.  The Company assigns a portion of its cost to the right to receive future profits from insurance contracts existing at the date of the acquisition.  Cost of insurance acquired is amortized with interest in relation to expected future profits, including direct charge-offs for any excess of the unamortized asset over the projected future profits. The interest rates may vary due to risk analysis performed at the time of acquisition on the business acquired. The Company utilizes a 12% discount rate on the remaining unamortized business.  The amortization is adjusted retrospectively when estimates of current or future gross profits to be realized from a group of products are revised.  Amortization of cost of insurance acquired is particularly sensitive to changes in interest rate spreads and persistency of certain blocks of insurance in-force.  This expense is expected to decrease, unless the Company acquires a new block of business.

Operating expenses decreased approximately 29% in the three month period ended March 31, 2013 in comparison to the same period in 2012.  The decrease in 2013 expenses, in comparison to 2012, is primarily attributable to a decrease in legal expenses, information technology expenses and charitable contributions.

The Company's legal expenses decreased by approximately $213,000 when comparing the three month period ended March 31, 2013 to the same period in 2012.  During 2012, the Company's legal expenses were higher as a result of legal expenses incurred related to the merger of American Capitol and the ACAP dissenters' lawsuit.

The Company's information technology expenses decreased by approximately 38% when comparing the three month period ended March 31, 2013 to the same period in 2012.  The expenses were higher in 2012 as a result of the Company investing in new software to assist in increasing operating efficiencies and to meet regulatory requirements.

The Company's charitable contributions decreased by approximately $487,000 when comparing the three month period ended March 31, 2013 to the same period in 2012. Charitable contributions by the Company are tied to the earnings of the Company.

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

Interest expense increased by approximately 53% during the first three months of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. During the fourth quarter of 2012, a majority owned subsidiary of UG, HPG Acquisitions, LLC ("HPG") obtained a $12 million note. HPG borrowed money to return capital to its investors.

Financial Condition

Investment Information

Investments represent approximately 82% of total assets at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.  Accordingly, investments are the largest asset group of the Company.  The Company's insurance subsidiary is regulated by insurance statutes and regulations as to the type of investments that it is permitted to make and the amount of funds that may be used for any one type of investment.  In light of these statutes and regulations, the majority of the Company's investment portfolio is invested in a diverse set of securities.

As of March 31, 2013, the carrying value of fixed maturity securities in default as to principal or interest was immaterial in the context of consolidated assets, shareholders' equity or results from operations.  To provide additional flexibility and liquidity, the Company has identified all fixed maturity securities as "investments held for sale".  Investments held for sale are carried at market, with changes in market value charged directly to shareholders' equity.

During the first quarter of 2013, the Company sold a substantial portion of its trading security assets and liabilities. The trading securities asset balance decreased by 54% or $7.6 million when comparing the March 31, 2013 balance to the December 31, 2012 balance.  The trading securities liability balance decreased by 61% or $4.6 million when comparing the March 31, 2013 balance to the December 31, 2012 balance.  The sale of the trading security assets and liabilities were the result of Management's decision to reduce the Company's investment risk and reduce the volatility in the investment earnings of the Company.  The proceeds from the sales of the trading securities will be used to purchase new investments that are deemed to be of less risk and which will provide more stable and predictable earnings for the Company.

Capital Resources

Total shareholders' equity decreased by approximately 1% as of March 31, 2013 compared to December 31, 2012. Retained earnings decreased by approximately 4% as of March 31, 2013 compared to December 31, 2012. The decrease in shareholders' equity and retained earnings is mainly attributable to the net loss of $910,000 reported by the company during the first quarter of 2013.

At March 31, 2013, the Company had $18.8 million of debt outstanding.  At December 31, 2012, the Company had $18.9 million of debt outstanding.  Approximately $1.6 million of this debt is related to the acquisition of ACAP Corporation.  Approximately $12.2 million of this debt is related to credit facilities extended to a majority owned subsidiary of UTG, HPG Acquisitions, LLC ("HPG"), during 2012. HPG borrowed money to return capital to its investors.  UTG Avalon, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of UG, has an outstanding line of credit in the amount of $5 million.

Liquidity

The Company has three principal needs for cash - the insurance companies' contractual obligations to policyholders, the payment of operating expenses and debt service.  Cash and cash equivalents as a percentage of total assets were approximately 6% and 5% as of March 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012, respectively.  Fixed maturities as a percentage of total assets were approximately 43% and 42% as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

The Company currently has access to funds for operating liquidity.  UTG has an $8 million revolving credit note with Illinois National Bank.  On April 6, 2011, UTG Avalon was extended a credit note from First National Bank of Tennessee for $5 million. The UTG Avalon line of credit was fully repaid during March 2013 and UTG Avalon obtained a new line of credit in the amount of $5 million from a different financing source.  UG is a member of the FHLB which allows UG access to credit.  UG's current line of credit with the FHLB is $15 million.  At March 31, 2013, the Company had approximately $6.7 million of outstanding borrowings attributable to the lines of credit.

Future policy benefits are primarily long-term in nature and therefore, the Company's investments are predominantly in long-term fixed maturity investments such as bonds and mortgage loans which provide sufficient return to cover these obligations.

Many of the Company's products contain surrender charges and other features which reward persistency and penalize the early withdrawal of funds.  With respect to such products, surrender charges are generally sufficient to cover the Company's unamortized deferred policy acquisition costs with respect to the policy being surrendered.

Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $803,000 and $1.6 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities was approximately $3.7 million and $(30.2) million for the three month period ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  During the first three months of 2012, more emphasis was placed on the sale of U.S. treasury holdings and re-deploying the cash through the purchase of BBB and BB rated corporate bonds.

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities was approximately $97,000 and $(474,000) for the three month period ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

UTG is a holding company that has no day-to-day operations of its own.  Funds required to meet its expenses, generally costs associated with maintaining the company in good standing with states in which it does business and the servicing of its debt, are primarily provided by its subsidiaries.  On a parent only basis, UTG's cash flow is dependent on management fees received from its insurance subsidiary, stockholder dividends from its subsidiary and earnings received on cash balances.  At March 31, 2013, substantially all of the consolidated shareholders equity represents net assets of its subsidiary.  The Company's insurance subsidiary has maintained adequate statutory capital and surplus.  The payment of cash dividends to shareholders by UTG is not legally restricted.  However, the state insurance department regulates insurance company dividend payments where the company is domiciled.  No dividends were paid to shareholders in 2012 or the first three months of 2013.

UG is an Ohio domiciled insurance company, which requires notification within five business days to the insurance commissioner following the declaration of any ordinary dividend and at least ten calendar days prior to payment of such dividend.  Ordinary dividends are defined as the greater of:  a) prior year statutory net income or b) 10% of statutory capital and surplus.  For the year ended December 31, 2012, UG had statutory net income of $6.9 million.  At December 31, 2012 UG's statutory capital and surplus amounted to $32.2 million.  Extraordinary dividends (amounts in excess of ordinary dividend limitations) require prior approval of the insurance commissioner and are not restricted to a specific calculation.  During the first three months of 2013, UG paid no ordinary dividends to UTG. During 2012, UG paid UTG ordinary dividends of approximately $3.3 million. UTG used the dividends to pay off a portion of its long-term debt and line of credit.

Management believes the overall sources of liquidity available will be sufficient to satisfy the Company's financial obligations.

Other Items

In April 2012, the Company received the necessary approvals and completed the merger of its two 100% owned insurance subsidiaries, with American Capitol Insurance Company being merged into Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company.  This transaction was done to provide the Company with additional administrative efficiencies and cost savings related to maintaining separate legal entities.

 

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. In addition, the disclosure controls and procedures ensure that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, allowing timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this annual report.

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

NONE

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

NONE

ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

NONE

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

NONE

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

NONE

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

NONE

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

*Filed herewith

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

(Registrant)

EXHIBIT INDEX

* Filed herewith