United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

Commission file number: 000-52613

FIRST TRINITY FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

7633 East 63rd Place, Suite 230

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133-1246

(Address of principal executive offices)

(918) 249-2438

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for 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 ☑       No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yes ☑ No ☐

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

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

Yes ☐       No ☑

State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common equity, as of the latest practicable date: As of May 10, 2021, the registrant had 8,661,696 shares of Class A common stock, .01 par value, outstanding and 101,102 shares of Class B common stock, .01 par value, outstanding.

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act: None.

FIRST TRINITY FINANCIAL CORPORATION

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

FOR QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS

First Trinity Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)

Supplemental Disclosure – Cash and Non-Cash Impact on Operating, Investing and Financing Activities

During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company foreclosed on residential mortgage loans of real estate totaling $458,587 and $744,091, respectively and transferred that property to investment real estate that is now held for sale.

In conjunction with this foreclosure, the non-cash impact on investing activities is summarized as follows:

On January 1, 2020, the Company acquired K-TENN Insurance Company. The Company acquired assets of $1,916,281 (including cash) and assumed liabilities of $170,041.

In conjunction with this 2020 acquisition, the cash and non-cash impact on operating, investing and financing activities is summarized as follows.

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

First Trinity Financial Corporation (the “Company” or “FTFC”) is the parent holding company of Trinity Life Insurance Company (“TLIC”), Family Benefit Life Insurance Company (“FBLIC”), Trinity Mortgage Corporation (“TMC”), formerly known as First Trinity Capital Corporation and Trinity American, Inc. (“TAI”). The Company was incorporated in Oklahoma on April 19, 2004, for the primary purpose of organizing a life insurance subsidiary.

The Company owns 100% of TLIC. TLIC owns 100% of FBLIC. TLIC and FBLIC are primarily engaged in the business of marketing, underwriting and distributing a broad range of individual life insurance and annuity products to individuals. TLIC’s and FBLIC’s current product portfolio consists of a modified premium whole life insurance policy with a flexible premium deferred annuity rider, whole life, term, final expense, accidental death and dismemberment and annuity products. The term products are both renewable and convertible and issued for 10, 15, 20 and 30 years. They can be issued with premiums fully guaranteed for the entire term period or with a limited premium guarantee. The final expense product is issued as either a simplified issue or as a graded benefit, determined by underwriting. The TLIC and FBLIC products are sold through independent agents. TLIC is licensed in the states of Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and West Virginia. FBLIC is licensed in the states of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia.

The Company owns 100% of TMC that was incorporated in 2006, and began operations in January 2007. TMC’s primary focus changed during 2020 from premium financing loans to originating, brokering and administrating residential and commercial mortgage loans for third parties.

The Company owns 100% of TAI (formerly known as Citizens American Life, Inc.). TAI was incorporated in Barbados, West Indies on March 24, 2016 for the primary purpose of forming a life insurance company producing United States of America (U.S.) dollar denominated life insurance policies and annuity contracts outside of the United States and Barbados. TAI is licensed as an Exempt Insurance Company under the Exempt Insurance Act of Barbados. TAI was initially involved in developing life insurance and annuity contracts through an association with distribution channels but is now issuing life insurance policies and annuity contracts. The Company’s acquisition of TAI was formally approved by Barbados regulators and the certifications were received in 2019.

Company Capitalization

The Company raised $1,450,000 from two private placement stock offerings during 2004 and $25,669,480 from two public stock offerings and one private placement stock offering from June 22, 2005 through February 23, 2007; June 29, 2010 through April 30, 2012 and August 15, 2012 through March 8, 2013. The Company issued 7,347,488 shares of its common stock and incurred $3,624,518 of offering costs during these private placements and public stock offerings. On January 1, 2020, the Company issued 168,866 shares in connection with its acquisition of K-TENN Insurance Company (“K-TENN”).

The Company also issued 702,685 shares of its common stock in connection with two stock dividends paid to shareholders in 2011 and 2012 that resulted in accumulated earnings being charged $5,270,138 with an offsetting credit of $5,270,138 to common stock and additional paid-in capital.

In 2020, the Company paid a $0.05 per share cash dividend for a total of $393,178 and issued 791,339 shares of Class A common stock in connection with a 10% stock dividend to its Class A shareholders. The 10% stock dividend resulted in accumulated earnings being charged $8,657,249 with an offsetting credit of $8,657,249 to common stock and additional paid-in capital.

The Company has also purchased 247,580 shares of treasury stock at a cost of $893,947 from former members of the Board of Directors including the former Chairman of the Board of Directors, a former agent, the former spouse of the Company’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President and a charitable organization where a former member of the Board of Directors had donated shares of the Company’s common stock.

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Company Recapitalization

On October 2, 2019, at the Company Annual Shareholders’ Meeting, FTFC’s shareholders approved the following proposals:

These proposals received Form A regulatory approval from the Oklahoma Insurance Department (“OID”) on February 27, 2020 and the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (“MDCI”) on December 31, 2019, followed by formal adoption by FTFC’s Board of Directors on March 12, 2020. Effective March 12, 2020, FTFC’s Class B shareholders were entitled to elect a majority of FTFC’s Board of Directors (one-half plus one) but will only receive, compared to FTFC’s Class A shareholders, 85% of cash dividends, stock dividends or amounts due upon any FTFC merger, sale or liquidation event. FTFC’s Class B shareholders may also convert one share of FTFC’s Class B common stock for a .85 share of FTFC’s Class A common stock. FTFC’s Class A shareholders will elect the remaining Board of Directors members and will receive 100% of cash dividends, stock dividends or amounts due upon any Company merger, sale or liquidation event.

Acquisition of Other Companies

On December 23, 2008, FTFC acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of First Life America Corporation (“FLAC”) from an unaffiliated company. The acquisition of FLAC was accounted for as a purchase. The aggregate purchase price for FLAC was $2,695,234 including direct costs associated with the acquisition of $195,234. The acquisition of FLAC was financed with the working capital of FTFC.

On December 31, 2008, FTFC made FLAC a 15 year loan in the form of a surplus note in the amount of $250,000 with an interest rate of 6% payable monthly, that was approved by the Oklahoma Insurance Department (“OID”). This surplus note is eliminated in consolidation.

On August 31, 2009, two of the Company’s subsidiaries, Trinity Life Insurance Company (“Old TLIC”) and FLAC, were merged, with FLAC being the surviving company. Immediately following the merger, FLAC changed its name to TLIC.

On December 28, 2011, TLIC acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of FBLIC from FBLIC’s shareholders. The acquisition of FBLIC was accounted for as a purchase. The aggregate purchase price for the acquisition of FBLIC was $13,855,129. The acquisition of FBLIC was financed with the working capital of TLIC.

On April 28, 2015, the Company acquired a block of life insurance policies and annuity contracts according to the terms of an assumption reinsurance agreement. The Company acquired assets of $3,644,839, assumed liabilities of $3,055,916 and recorded a gain on reinsurance assumption of $588,923.

On April 3, 2018, FTFC acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of TAI domiciled in Barbados, West Indies. The Barbados regulators approved the acquisition and supplied certifications during 2019. The aggregate purchase price for the acquisition of TAI was $250,000. The acquisition of TAI was financed with the working capital of FTFC.

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of K-TENN insurance company (“K-TENN”) from its sole shareholder in exchange for 168,866 shares of FTFC’s common stock. The acquisition of K-TENN was accounted for as a purchase. The aggregate purchase price of K-TENN was $1,746,240. Immediately subsequent to this acquisition, the $1,746,240 of net assets and liabilities of K-TENN along with the related life insurance business operations were contributed to TLIC.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting primarily of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods have been included.

The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ended December 31, 2021 or for any other interim period or for any other future year. Certain financial information which is normally included in notes to consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, but which is not required for interim reporting purposes, has been condensed or omitted. The accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Management continues to actively monitor the COVID-2019 pandemic, the new variants of the virus and the impact of the viruses on the Company’s operations. Although there appears to be recoveries in economic activity and output especially in the United States with the introduction of and inoculations of vaccines, should liquidity conditions worsen in the short-term, management will work with its financial institutions to assist with liquidity needs. The Company continues to adapt its operations and provide and perform all business activities despite the viruses and operates under the guidelines of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made in the prior year and prior quarter financial statements to conform to current year and current quarter classifications. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income or shareholders' equity.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates are based on management’s knowledge of current events and actions it may undertake in the future, they may ultimately differ from actual results.

Common Stock

Class A and Class B common stock are both fully paid, non-assessable and has a par value of $.01 per share.

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Treasury Stock

Treasury stock, representing shares of the Company’s common stock that have been reacquired after having been issued and fully paid, is recorded at the reacquisition cost and the shares are no longer outstanding.

Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated all events subsequent to March 31, 2021 through the date that these financial statements have been issued.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

In June 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance (Accounting Standards Update 2016-13) for the accounting for credit losses for financial instruments. The updated guidance applies a new credit loss model (current expected credit losses or CECL) for determining credit-related impairments for financial instruments measured at amortized cost (e.g. reinsurance recoverables, including structured settlements that are recorded as part of reinsurance recoverables) and requires an entity to estimate the credit losses expected over the life of an exposure or pool of exposures. The estimate of expected credit losses should consider historical information, current information, as well as reasonable and supportable forecasts, including estimates of prepayments.

The expected credit losses, and subsequent adjustments to such losses, will be recorded through an allowance account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset, with the net carrying value of the financial asset presented on the consolidated balance sheet at the amount expected to be collected.

The updated guidance also amends the current other-than-temporary impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities by requiring the recognition of impairments relating to credit losses through an allowance account and limits the amount of credit loss to the difference between a security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value. In addition, the length of time a security has been in an unrealized loss position will no longer impact the determination of whether a credit loss exists.

The updated guidance was effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. As a Smaller Reporting Company, the effective date was recently changed and the delayed effective date is now for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2022. Early adoption is permitted for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Based on the financial instruments currently held by the Company, there would not be a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity if the new guidance had been adopted in the current accounting period. The impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity at the date of adoption of the updated guidance will be determined by the financial instruments held by the Company and the economic conditions at that time.

Intangibles - Goodwill and Other

In January 2017, the FASB issued updated guidance (Accounting Standards Update 2017-04) that eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill (i.e., Step 2 of the current goodwill impairment test) to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge by comparing a reporting unit’s fair value with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the excess of the carrying amount over estimated fair value (i.e., Step 1 of current guidance).

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

The implied fair value of goodwill is currently determined in Step 2 by deducting the fair value of all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit (determined in the same manner as a business combination) from the reporting unit’s fair value as determined in Step 1 (including any corporate-level assets or liabilities that were included in the determination of the carrying amount and fair value of the reporting unit in Step 1). The updated guidance requires an entity to perform its annual, or interim, impairment test by either: (1) an initial qualitative assessment of factors (such as changes in management, key personnel, strategy, key technology or customers) that may impact a reporting unit’s fair value and lead to the determination that it is more likely than not that the reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value, including goodwill (consistent with current guidance), or (2) applying Step 1.

The Company adopted this guidance in first quarter 2020. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts

In August 2018, the FASB issued updated guidance (Accounting Standards Update 2018-12) to the existing recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure requirements for long-duration contracts issued by an insurance entity. This update improves the timeliness of recognizing changes in the liability for future policy benefits, modifies the rate used to discount future cash flows, simplifies and improves accounting for certain market-based options or guarantees associated with deposit (i.e., account balance) contracts, simplifies the amortization of deferred acquisitions costs and expands required disclosures. The expanded disclosure requires an insurance entity to provide disaggregated roll forwards of beginning to ending balances of the following: liability for future policy benefits, policyholder account balances, market risk benefits, separate account liabilities and deferred acquisition costs including disclosure about, changes to and effect of changes for significant inputs, judgments, assumptions and methods used in measurements.

The updated guidance was effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020. As a Smaller Reporting Company, the effective date has been changed twice and the delayed effective date is now for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted but not elected by the Company. With respect to the liability for future policyholder benefits for traditional and limited-payment contracts and deferred acquisition costs, an insurance entity may elect to apply the amendments retrospectively as of the beginning of the earliest period presented.

With respect to the market risk benefits, an insurance entity should apply the amendments retrospectively as of the beginning of the earliest period presented. The Company expects that the impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position and liquidity at the date of adoption of the updated guidance in 2024 will be determined by the long-duration contracts then held by the Company and the economic conditions at that time.

Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement

In August 2018, the FASB issued amendments (Accounting Standards Update 2018-13) to modify the disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements including the consideration of costs and benefits of producing the modified disclosures.

The Company adopted this guidance in first quarter 2020. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Income Taxes - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes

In December 2019, the FASB issued updated guidance (Accounting Standards Update 2019-12) for the accounting for income taxes. The updated guidance is intended to simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing several exceptions contained in existing guidance and amending other existing guidance to simplify several other income tax accounting matters. The Company adopted this guidance in first quarter 2021. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

2. Investments

Investments in fixed maturity available-for-sale and equity securities as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are summarized as follows:

2. Investments (continued)

All securities in an unrealized loss position as of the financial statement dates, the estimated fair value, pre-tax gross unrealized loss and number of securities by length of time that those securities have been continuously in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are summarized as follows:

As of March 31, 2021, the Company held 15 available-for-sale fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss of $126,882, fair value of $5,059,647 and amortized cost of $5,186,529. These unrealized losses were primarily due to market interest rate movements in the bond market as of March 31, 2021. The ratio of the fair value to the amortized cost of these 15 securities is 98%.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company held 17 available-for-sale fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss of $251,015, fair value of $4,953,706 and amortized cost of $5,204,721. These unrealized losses were primarily due to market interest rate movements in the bond market as of December 31, 2020. The ratio of the fair value to the amortized cost of these 17 securities is 95%.

2. Investments (continued)

As of March 31, 2021, the Company held one equity security with an unrealized loss of $11,971, fair value of $80,010 and cost of $91,981. The ratio of fair value to cost of this security is 87%.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company held one equity security with an unrealized loss of $7,739, fair value of $84,242 and cost of $91,981. The ratio of fair value to cost of this security is 92%.

Fixed maturity securities were 95% and 97% investment grade as rated by Standard & Poor’s as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

The Company’s decision to record an impairment loss is primarily based on whether the security’s fair value is likely to remain significantly below its book value based on all of the factors considered. Factors that are considered include the length of time the security’s fair value has been below its carrying amount, the severity of the decline in value, the credit worthiness of the issuer, and the coupon and/or dividend payment history of the issuer. The Company also assesses whether it intends to sell or whether it is more likely than not that it may be required to sell the security prior to its recovery in value.

For any fixed maturity securities that are other-than-temporarily impaired, the Company determines the portion of the other-than-temporary impairment that is credit-related and the portion that is related to other factors. The credit-related portion is the difference between the expected future cash flows and the amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity security, and that difference is charged to earnings. The non-credit-related portion representing the remaining difference to fair value is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Only in the case of a credit-related impairment where management has the intent to sell the security, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis, is a fixed maturity security adjusted to fair value and the resulting losses recognized in realized gains (losses) in the consolidated statements of operations. Any other-than-temporary impairments on equity securities are recorded in the consolidated statements of operations in the periods incurred as the difference between fair value and cost.

The Company recorded one other-than-temporary impairment during 2020.  During 2020, the Company impaired its bonds in an offshore drilling company with a total par value of $850,000 as a result of continuing unrealized losses. This impairment was considered fully credit-related, resulting in a charge to the statement of operations before tax of $801,340 for the year ended December 31, 2020. This charge represents the credit-related portion of the difference between the amortized cost basis of the security and its fair value. The Company has experienced no additional other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities during 2020.

There were no other-than-temporary impairments during the three months ended March 31, 2021.

Management believes that the Company will fully recover its cost basis in the securities held as of March 31, 2021, and management does not have the intent to sell nor is it more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell such securities until they recover or mature.  The remaining temporary impairments shown herein are primarily the result of the current interest rate environment rather than credit factors that would imply other-than-temporary impairment. 

2. Investments (continued)

Net unrealized gains included in other comprehensive loss for investments classified as available-for-sale, net of the effect of deferred income taxes and deferred acquisition costs assuming that the appreciation had been realized as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, are summarized as follows:

The Company’s investment in lottery prize cash flows categorized as other long-term investments in the statement of financial position was $69,894,673 and $71,025,133 as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The lottery prize cash flows are assignments of the future rights from lottery winners purchased at a discounted price. Payments on these investments are made by state run lotteries.

The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities and other long-term investments as of March 31, 2021, by contractual maturity, are summarized as follows:

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.

2. Investments (continued)

Proceeds and gross realized gains (losses) from the sales, calls and maturities of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale and equity securities for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 are summarized as follows:

The accumulated change in unrealized investment gains (losses) for fixed maturity and preferred stock available-for-sale for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 and the amount of net realized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities available-for-sale and equity securities for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 are summarized as follows:

2. Investments (continued)

Major categories of net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 are summarized as follows:

TLIC and FBLIC are required to hold assets on deposit with various state insurance departments for the benefit of policyholders and other special deposits in accordance with statutory rules and regulations. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, these required deposits, included in investment assets, had amortized costs that totaled $4,472,410 and $4,464,398, respectively. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, these required deposits had fair values that totaled $4,540,370 and $4,531,967, respectively.

The Company’s mortgage loans by property type as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are summarized as follows:

There were 20 loans with a remaining principal balance of $4,742,229 that were more than 90 days past due as of March 31, 2021. There were 24 loans with a remaining principal balance of $3,979,997 that were more than 90 days past due as of December 31, 2020.

There were no mortgage loans in default and in the foreclosure process as of March 31, 2021. There were no mortgage loans in default or foreclosure as of December 31, 2020.

2. Investments (continued)

The Company’s investment real estate as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is summarized as follows:

On November 16, 2020, TLIC sold a 20,000 square feet office building and approximately three acres of land located in Topeka, Kansas with an aggregate carrying value of $1,078,037. The Company recorded a gross realized investment gain on sale of $240,374 based on an aggregate sales price of $1,318,411.

TLIC owns approximately three acres of undeveloped land located in Topeka, Kansas with a carrying value of $409,436.

FBLIC owns approximately one-half acre of undeveloped land located in Jefferson City, Missouri with a carrying value of $131,000.

During 2021 the Company foreclosed on one residential mortgage loan of real estate totaling $458,587 and transferred the property to investment real estate held for sale.

During 2020 the Company foreclosed on residential mortgage loans of real estate totaling $797,158 and transferred those properties to investment real estate held for sale. During 2020, the Company sold investment real estate property with an aggregate carrying value of $791,704. The Company recorded a gross realized investment gain on sale of $106,665 based on an aggregate sales price of $898,369.

3. Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) on the measurement date.  The Company also considers the impact on fair value of a significant decrease in volume and level of activity for an asset or liability when compared with normal activity.

The Company holds fixed maturity and equity securities that are measured and reported at fair market value on the statement of financial position. The Company determines the fair market values of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value, as follows:

Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The Company’s Level 1 assets include equity securities that are traded in an active exchange market.

3. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. The Company’s Level 2 assets and liabilities include fixed maturity securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments or assets and liabilities whose value is determined using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. This category generally includes U.S. government, U.S. government agencies, state and political subdivisions, mortgage-backed securities, corporate bonds, asset-backed securities, exchange traded securities, foreign bonds and certificate of deposits.

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. The Company’s Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. This category generally includes certain private equity investments where independent pricing information was not able to be obtained for a significant portion of the underlying assets.

The Company has categorized its financial instruments, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into the three-level fair value hierarchy. If the inputs used to measure the financial instruments fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the categorization is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.

A review of fair value hierarchy classifications is conducted on a quarterly basis. Changes in the valuation inputs, or their ability to be observed, may result in a reclassification for certain financial assets or liabilities. Reclassifications impacting Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are reported as transfers in and out of the Level 3 category as of the beginning of the period in which the reclassifications occur.

3. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

The Company’s fair value hierarchy for those financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is summarized as follows:

As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, Level 3 financial instruments consisted of two private placement common stocks that have no active trading and a joint venture investment with a mortgage loan originator.

These private placement common stocks represent investments in small insurance holding companies. The fair value for these securities was determined through the use of unobservable assumptions about market participants. The Company has assumed a willing market participant would purchase the securities for the same price as the Company paid until such time as these small insurance holding companies commence significant operations. The joint venture investment with a mortgage loan originator is accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

3. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

Fair values for Level 1 and Level 2 assets for the Company’s fixed maturity available-for-sale and equity securities are primarily based on prices supplied by a third party investment service. The third party investment service provides quoted prices in the market which use observable inputs in developing such rates.

The Company analyzes market valuations received to verify reasonableness and to understand the key assumptions used and the sources. Since the fixed maturity securities owned by the Company do not trade on a daily basis, the third party investment service prepares estimates of fair value measurements using relevant market data, benchmark curves, sector groupings and matrix pricing. As the fair value estimates of the Company’s fixed maturity securities are based on observable market information rather than market quotes, the estimates of fair value on these fixed maturity securities are included in Level 2 of the hierarchy. The Company’s Level 2 investments include obligations of U.S. government, U.S. government agencies, state and political subdivisions, mortgage-backed securities, corporate bonds, asset-backed securities, exchange traded securities, foreign bonds and certificate of deposits.

The Company’s equity securities are included in Level 1 and Level 2 and the private placement common stocks and joint venture investment are included in Level 3. Level 1 for equity securities classified as such is appropriate since they trade on a daily basis, are based on quoted market prices in active markets and are based upon unadjusted prices. Level 2 for those equity securities classified as such is appropriate since they are not actively traded.

The Company’s fixed maturity available-for-sale securities and equity securities are highly liquid and allows for a high percentage of the portfolio to be priced through pricing services.

The change in the fair value of the Company’s Level 3 equity securities available-for-sale for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 is summarized as follows:

3. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

The carrying amount and fair value of the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities disclosed, but not carried, at fair value as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, and the level within the fair value hierarchy at which such assets and liabilities are measured on a recurring basis are summarized as follows:

Financial instruments disclosed, but not carried, at fair value:

3. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

The estimated fair value amounts have been determined using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment was required to interpret market data 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 following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair value disclosures for financial instruments in the accompanying financial statements and notes thereto:

Fixed Maturity Securities and Equity Securities

The fair value of fixed maturity securities and equity securities are based on the principles previously discussed as Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate

The fair values for mortgage loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses. For both residential and commercial mortgage loans, the discount rate used was indexed to the LIBOR yield curve adjusted for an appropriate credit spread.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Short-Term Investments, Accrued Investment Income and Policy Loans

The carrying value of these financial instruments approximates their fair values. Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments are included in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy due to their highly liquid nature.

Other Long-Term Investments

Other long-term investments are comprised of lottery prize receivables and fair value is derived by using a discounted cash flow approach. Projected cash flows are discounted using the average FTSE Pension Liability Index in effect at the end of each period.

Investment Contracts – Policyholders’ Account Balances

The fair value for liabilities under investment-type insurance contracts (accumulation annuities) is calculated using a discounted cash flow approach.  Cash flows are projected using actuarial assumptions and discounted to the valuation date using risk-free rates adjusted for credit risk and the nonperformance risk of the liabilities.

The fair values for insurance contracts other than investment-type contracts are not required to be disclosed.

Policy Claims

The carrying amounts reported for these liabilities approximate their fair value.

4. Segment Data

The Company has a life insurance segment, consisting of the life insurance operations of TLIC, FBLIC and TAI, an annuity segment, consisting of the annuity operations of TLIC, FBLIC and TAI and a corporate segment. Results for the parent company and the operations of TMC, after elimination of intercompany amounts, are allocated to the corporate segment. These segments as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 are summarized as follows:

5. Federal Income Taxes

The provision for federal income taxes is based on the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred income taxes are provided for the cumulative temporary differences between balances of assets and liabilities determined under GAAP and the balances using tax bases.

The Company has no known uncertain tax benefits within its provision for income taxes. In addition, the Company does not believe it would be subject to any penalties or interest relative to any open tax years and, therefore, has not accrued any such amounts. The Company files U.S. federal income tax returns and income tax returns in various state jurisdictions.  The 2017 through 2019 U.S. federal tax years are subject to income tax examination by tax authorities. The Company classifies any interest and penalties (if applicable) as income tax expense in the financial statements.

6. Legal Matters and Contingent Liabilities

A lawsuit filed by the Company and Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Gregg E. Zahn, in 2013 against former Company Board of Directors member Wayne Pettigrew and Mr. Pettigrew's company, Group & Pension Planners, Inc. (the "Defendants"), originally concluded on February 17, 2017. The lawsuit was filed in the District Court of Tulsa County, Oklahoma.  In the lawsuit, the Company alleged that Mr. Pettigrew had defamed the Company by making untrue statements to certain shareholders of the Company, to the press and to regulators of the state of Oklahoma and had breached his fiduciary duties.  Mr. Pettigrew denied the allegations.

The jury originally concluded that Mr. Pettigrew, while still a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, did, in fact, make untrue statements regarding the Company and Mr. Zahn and committed breaches of his fiduciary duties to the Company and the jury awarded the Company $800,000 of damages against Mr. Pettigrew.  In addition, the jury found that Mr. Pettigrew had defamed Mr. Zahn and intentionally inflicted emotional distress on Mr. Zahn and awarded Mr. Zahn $3,500,000 of damages against Mr. Pettigrew.  In addition to the original damages awarded by the jury, the Company and Mr. Zahn began to aggressively communicate the correction of the untrue statements to outside parties. 

Mr. Pettigrew appealed this decision.  In February 2020, the Court of Civil Appeals of the state of Oklahoma reversed the judgments entered by the trial court and remanded the case for a new trial. The Court of Appeals reversal, however, was not final.  The Company filed a Petition for Certiorari with the Oklahoma Supreme Court to request that it reverse and vacate the decision of the Court of Appeals. In December 2020, the Oklahoma Supreme Court declined to grant certiorari and remanded that the case be retried in the District Court of Tulsa County, Oklahoma.

It remains the Company’s intention to again vigorously prosecute this action against the Defendants for damages and for correction of the defamatory statements. In the opinion of the Company’s management, the ultimate resolution of any contingencies that may arise from this litigation is not considered material in relation to the financial position or results of operations of the Company.

Guaranty fund assessments, brought about by the insolvency of life and health insurers, are levied at the discretion of the various state guaranty fund associations to cover association obligations. In most states, guaranty fund assessments may be taken as a credit against premium taxes, typically over a five-year period.

7. Other Comprehensive Loss and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The changes in the components of the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 are summarized as follows:

The pretax components of the Company’s other comprehensive loss and the related income tax expense (benefit) for each component for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 are summarized as follows:

7. Other Comprehensive Loss and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (continued)

Realized gains and losses on the sales of investments are determined based upon the specific identification method and include provisions for other-than-temporary impairments where appropriate.

The pretax and the related income tax components of the amounts reclassified from the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 are summarized as follows:

8. Allowance for Loan Losses from Mortgage Loans on Real Estate

The allowance for possible loan losses from investments in mortgage loans on real estate is a reserve established through a provision for possible loan losses charged to expense which represents, in the Company’s judgment, the known and inherent credit losses existing in the mortgage loan portfolio. The allowance, in the judgment of the Company, is necessary to reserve for estimated loan losses inherent in the mortgage loan portfolio and reduces the carrying value of investments in mortgage loans on real estate to the estimated net realizable value on the consolidated statement of financial position.

While the Company utilizes its best judgment and information available, the ultimate adequacy of the allowance is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond the Company’s control, including the performance of the mortgage loan portfolio, the economy and changes in interest rates. The Company’s allowance for possible mortgage loan losses consists of specific valuation allowances established for probable losses on specific loans and a portfolio reserve for probable incurred but not specifically identified loans.

Mortgage loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the mortgage loan agreement. Factors considered by the Company in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value of the real estate subject to the mortgage loan, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Mortgage loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired.

The Company determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the mortgage loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis.

8. Allowance for Loan Losses from Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (continued)

As of March 31, 2021, $757,625 of independent residential mortgage loans on real estate are held in escrow by a third party for the benefit of the Company.   As of March 31, 2021, $415,012 of that escrow amount is available to the Company as additional collateral on $3,999,032 of advances to the loan originator. The remaining March 31, 2021 escrow amount of $342,613 is available to the Company as additional collateral on its investment of $68,522,660 in residential mortgage loans on real estate. In addition, the Company has an additional $511,180 allowance for possible loan losses in the remaining $101,763,936 of investments in mortgage loans on real estate as of March 31, 2021.

As of December 31, 2020, $766,667 of independent residential mortgage loans on real estate are held in escrow by a third party for the benefit of the Company.   As of December 31, 2020, $431,523 of that escrow amount is available to the Company as additional collateral on $4,996,358 of advances to the loan originator. The remaining December 31, 2020 escrow amount of $335,144 is available to the Company as additional collateral on its investment of $67,028,720 in residential mortgage loans on real estate. In addition, the Company has an additional $541,894 allowance for possible loan losses in the remaining $107,880,342 of investments in mortgage loans on real estate as of December 31, 2020.

The balances of and changes in the Company’s credit losses related to mortgage loans on real estate as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 are summarized as follows (excluding $68,522,660 and $66,609,678 of mortgage loans on real estate as of March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, with one loan originator where independent mortgage loan balances are held in escrow by a third party for the benefit of the Company):