1) Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes
1) Significant Accounting Policies	`1)`Significant Accounting Policies General Overview of Business Security National Financial Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Company”) operate in three main business segments: life insurance, cemetery and mortuary, and mortgages. The life insurance segment is engaged in the business of selling and servicing selected lines of life insurance, annuity products and accident and health insurance marketed primarily in the Intermountain West, California and eleven southern states. The cemetery and mortuary segment of the Company consists of eight mortuaries and five cemeteries in Utah and one cemetery in California. The mortgage segment is an approved government and conventional lender that originates and underwrites residential and commercial loans for new construction, existing homes and real estate projects primarily in Florida, Nevada, Texas, and Utah. Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP). Principles of Consolidation These consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its majority owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of Estimates Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions related to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, reported amounts of revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these financial statements in conformity with GAAP. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the near term are those used in determining the value of derivative assets and liabilities; those used in determining deferred acquisition costs and the value of business acquired; those used in determining the value of mortgage loans foreclosed to real estate held for investment; those used in determining the liability for future policy benefits; those used in determining the value of mortgage servicing rights; those used in determining allowances for loan losses for mortgage loans held for investment; those used in determining loan loss reserve; and those used in determining deferred tax assets and liabilities. Although some variability is inherent in these estimates, management believes the amounts provided are fairly stated in all material respects. Investments The Company’s management determines the appropriate classifications of investments in fixed maturity securities and equity securities at the acquisition date and re-evaluates the classifications at each balance sheet date. Fixed maturity securities available for sale are carried at estimated fair value. Changes in fair values are reported as unrealized gains or losses and are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. On December 31, 2019, the Company changed the classification of its bond and preferred stock investments to available for sale from held to maturity. As a result, securities available for sale are carried at estimated fair value instead of amortized cost. Fixed maturity securities held to maturity are carried at cost, adjusted for amortization of premium or accretion of discount. Although the Company has the ability and intent to hold these investments to maturity, infrequent and unusual conditions could occur under which it would sell certain of these securities. Those conditions include unforeseen changes in asset quality, significant changes in tax laws, and changes in regulatory capital requirements or permissible investments. Equity securities are carried at estimated fair value. Changes in fair values are reported as unrealized gains or losses and are recorded through net earnings. Mortgage loans held for investment are carried at their unpaid principal balances adjusted for net deferred fees, net discounts, charge-offs and the related allowance for loan losses. Interest income is included in net investment income on the consolidated statements of earnings and is recognized when earned. The Company defers related material loan origination fees, net of related direct loan origination costs, and amortizes the net fees over the term of the loans. Origination fees are included in net investment income on the consolidated statements of earnings. Mortgage loans are secured by the underlying property and require an appraisal at the time of underwriting and funding. Generally, the Company will fund a loan not to exceed 80% of the loan’s collateral fair market value. Amounts over 80% will require additional collateral or mortgage insurance by an approved third-party insurer. Real estate held for investment is carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the properties, or is adjusted to a new basis for impairment in value, if any. Included are foreclosed properties which the Company intends to hold for investment purposes. These properties are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value upon foreclosure. Real estate held for sale is carried at lower of cost or fair value. Depreciation is not recognized on real estate classified as held for sale. Other investments and policy loans are carried at the aggregate unpaid balances, less allowances for losses. Gains and losses on investments (except for equity securities carried at fair value through net earnings) arise when investments are sold (as determined on a specific identification basis) or are other than temporarily impaired. If in management’s judgment a decline in the value of an investment below cost is other than temporary, the cost of the investment is written down to fair value with a corresponding charge to earnings. Factors considered in judging whether an impairment is other than temporary include: the financial condition, business prospects and credit worthiness of the issuer, the length of time that fair value has been less than cost, the relative amount of the decline, and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investment until the fair value recovers, which is not assured. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains its cash in bank deposit accounts, which at times exceed federally insured limits. 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. Loans Held for Sale Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 825, “Financial Instruments”, allows for the option to report certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value initially and at subsequent measurement dates with changes in fair value included in earnings. The option may be applied instrument by instrument, but it is irrevocable. The Company elected the fair value option for loans held for sale. The Company believes the fair value option most closely aligns the timing of the recognition of gains and costs. These loans are intended for sale and the Company believes that the fair value is the best indicator of the resolution of these loans. Electing fair value also reduces certain timing differences and better matches changes in the fair value of these assets with changes in the fair value of the related derivatives used for these assets. See Note 3 and Note 17 to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosures regarding loans held for sale. Mortgage Fee Income Mortgage fee income consists of origination fees, processing fees, interest income and certain other income related to the origination of mortgage loans held for sale. All revenues and costs are recognized when the mortgage loan is funded and any changes in fair value are shown as a component of mortgage fee income. See Note 3 and Note 17 to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosures regarding loans held for sale. The Company, through its mortgage subsidiaries, sells mortgage loans to third-party investors without recourse unless defects are identified in the representations and warranties made at loan sale. It may be required, however, to repurchase a loan or pay a fee instead of repurchase under certain events, which include the following: `·`Failure to deliver original documents specified by the investor, `·`The existence of misrepresentation or fraud in the origination of the loan, `·`The loan becomes delinquent due to nonpayment during the first several months after it is sold, `·`Early pay-off of a loan, as defined by the agreements, `·`Excessive time to settle a loan, `·`Investor declines purchase, and `·`Discontinued product and expired commitment. Loan purchase commitments generally specify a date 30 to 45 days after delivery upon which the underlying loans should be settled. Depending on market conditions, these commitment settlement dates can be extended at a cost to the Company. It is the Company's policy to cure any documentation problems regarding such loans at a minimal cost for up to a six-month time period and to pursue efforts to enforce loan purchase commitments from third-party investors concerning the loans. The Company believes that six months allows adequate time to remedy any documentation issues, to enforce purchase commitments, and to exhaust other alternatives. Remedial methods include the following: `·`Research reasons for rejection, `·`Provide additional documents, `·`Request investor exceptions, `·`Appeal rejection decision to purchase committee, and `·`Commit to secondary investors. Once purchase commitments have expired and other alternatives to remedy are exhausted, which could be earlier than the six-month time period, the loans are repurchased and transferred to the long-term investment portfolio at the lower of cost or fair value and previously recorded mortgage fee income that was to be received from a third-party investor is written off against the loan loss reserve. Determining Lower of Cost or Fair Value Cost for loans held for sale is equal to the amount paid to the warehouse bank and the amount originally funded by the Company. Fair value is often difficult to determine, but is based on the following: `·`For loans that are committed, the Company uses the commitment price. `·`For loans that are non-committed that have an active market, the Company uses the market price. `·`For loans that are non-committed where there is no market but there is a similar product, the Company uses the market value for the similar product. `·`For loans that are non-committed where no active market exists, the Company determines that the unpaid principal balance best approximates the market value, after considering the fair value of the underlying real estate collateral, estimated future cash flows, and the loan interest rate. The appraised value of the real estate underlying the original mortgage loan adds support to the Company’s determination of fair value because if the loan becomes delinquent, the Company has sufficient value to collect the unpaid principal balance or the carrying value of the loan, thus minimizing credit losses. The majority of loans originated are sold to third-party investors. The amounts expected to be sold to investors are shown on the consolidated balance sheets as loans held for sale. Loan Loss Reserve The loan loss reserve is an estimate of probable losses at the balance sheet date that the Company will realize in the future on loans sold. The Company may be required to reimburse third-party investors for costs associated with early payoff of loans within the first six months of such loans and to repurchase loans where there is a default in any of the first four monthly payments to the investors or, in lieu of repurchase, to pay a negotiated fee to the investors. The Company’s estimates are based upon historical loss experience and the best estimate of the probable loan loss liabilities. Upon completion of a transfer that satisfies the conditions to be accounted for as a sale, the Company initially measures at fair value liabilities incurred in a sale relating to any guarantee or recourse provisions. The Company accrues a monthly allowance for indemnification losses to investors based on total production. This estimate is based on the Company’s historical experience and is included as a component of mortgage fee income. Subsequent updates to the recorded liability from changes in assumptions are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. The estimated liability for indemnification losses is included in other liabilities and accrued expenses. The loan loss reserve analysis involves mortgage loans that have been sold to third-party investors, which were believed to have met investor underwriting guidelines at the time of sale, where the Company has received a demand from the investor. There are generally three types of demands: make whole, repurchase, or indemnification. These types of demands are more particularly described as follows: Make whole demand – A make whole demand occurs when an investor forecloses on a property and then sells the property. The make whole amount is calculated as the difference between the original unpaid principal balance, accrued interest and fees, less the sale proceeds. Repurchase demand – A repurchase demand usually occurs when there is a significant payment default, error in underwriting or detected loan fraud. Indemnification demand – On certain loans the Company has negotiated a set fee that is to be paid in lieu of repurchase. The fee varies by investor and by loan product type. The Company believes the allowance for loan losses and the loan loss reserve represent probable loan losses incurred as of the balance sheet date. Additional information related to the Loan Loss Reserve is included in Note 3. Restricted Assets Restricted assets are assets held in a trust account for future mortuary services and merchandise and consist of cash and cash equivalents; participations in mortgage loans held for investment with Security National Life Insurance Company (“Security National Life”); mutual funds carried at estimated fair value; equity securities carried at estimated fair value; and a surplus note with Security National Life (which is eliminated in consolidation). Restricted assets also represents escrows held for borrowers and investors under servicing and appraisal agreements relating to mortgage loans, funds held by warehouse banks in accordance with loan purchase agreements and funds held in escrow for certain real estate construction development projects. Additionally, the Company elected to fund its medical benefit safe-harbor limit based on the qualified direct costs, and has included this amount as a component of restricted cash. Cemetery Perpetual Care Trust Investments Cemetery endowment care trusts have been set up for four of the six cemeteries owned by the Company. Of the six cemeteries owned by the Company, four cemeteries are endowment care properties. Under endowment care arrangements a portion of the price for each lot sold is withheld and invested in a portfolio of investments similar to those described in the prior paragraph. The earnings stream from the investments is designed to fund future maintenance and upkeep of the cemetery. Cemetery Land and Improvements The development of a cemetery involves not only the initial acquisition of raw land but the installation of roads, water lines, landscaping and other costs to establish a marketable cemetery lot. The costs of developing the cemetery are shown as an asset on the balance sheet. The amount on the balance sheet is reduced by the total cost assigned to the development of a particular lot when the criterion for recognizing a sale of that lot is met. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired Commissions and other costs, net of commission and expense allowances for reinsurance ceded, that vary with and are primarily related to the production of new insurance business have been deferred. Deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) for traditional life insurance are amortized over the premium paying period of the related policies using assumptions consistent with those used in computing policy benefit reserves. For interest-sensitive insurance products, deferred policy acquisition costs are amortized generally in proportion to the present value of expected gross profits from surrender charges, investment, mortality and expense margins. This amortization is adjusted when estimates of current or future gross profits to be realized from a group of products are reevaluated. Deferred acquisition costs are written off when policies lapse or are surrendered. When accounting for DAC, the Company considers internal replacements of insurance and investment contracts. An internal replacement is a modification in product benefits, features, rights or coverage that occurs by the exchange of a contract for a new contract, or by amendment, endorsement, or rider to contract, or by the election of a feature or coverage within a contract. Modifications that result in a replacement contract that is substantially changed from the replaced contract are accounted for as an extinguishment of the replaced contract. Unamortized DAC, unearned revenue liabilities and deferred sales inducements from the replaced contract are written-off. Modifications that result in a contract that is substantially unchanged from the replaced contract are accounted for as a continuation of the replaced contract. Value of business acquired is the present value of estimated future profits of the acquired business and is amortized similar to deferred policy acquisition costs. Mortgage Servicing Rights Mortgage Servicing Rights (“MSR”) arise from contractual agreements between the Company and third-party investors (or their agents) when mortgage loans are sold. Under these contracts, the Company is obligated to retain and provide loan servicing functions on loans sold, in exchange for fees and other remuneration. The servicing functions typically performed include, among other responsibilities, collecting and remitting loan payments; responding to borrower inquiries; accounting for principal and interest, holding custodial (impound) funds for payment of property taxes and insurance premiums; counseling delinquent mortgagors; and supervising the acquisition of real estate owned and property dispositions. The total residential mortgage loans serviced for others consist primarily of agency conforming fixed-rate mortgage loans. The value of MSRs is derived from the net cash flows associated with the servicing contracts. The Company receives a servicing fee of generally about 0.250% annually on the remaining outstanding principal balances of the loans. Based on the result of the cash flow analysis, an asset or liability is recorded for mortgage servicing rights. The servicing fees are collected from the monthly payments made by the mortgagors. The Company generally receives other remuneration including rights to various mortgagor-contracted fees such as late charges, and collateral reconveyance charges and the Company is generally entitled to retain the interest earned on funds held pending remittance of mortgagor principal, interest, tax and insurance payments. Contractual servicing fees and late fees are included in other revenues on the consolidated statements of earnings. The Company’s subsequent accounting for MSRs is based on the class of MSRs. The Company has identified two classes of MSRs: MSRs backed by mortgage loans with initial term of 30 years and MSRs backed by mortgage loans with initial term of 15 years. The Company distinguishes between these classes of MSRs due to their differing sensitivities to change in value as the result of changes in market. After being initially recorded at fair value, MSRs backed by mortgage loans are accounted for using the amortization method. Amortization expense is included in other expenses on the consolidated statements of earnings. MSR amortization is determined by amortizing the MSR balance in proportion to, and over the period of the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets. Interest rate risk, prepayment risk, and default risk are inherent risks in MSR valuation. Interest rate changes largely drive prepayment rates. Refinance activity generally increases as rates decline. A significant decrease in rates beyond expectation could cause a decline in the value of the MSR. On the contrary, if rates increase borrowers are less likely to refinance or prepay their mortgage, which extends the duration of the loan and MSR values are likely to rise. Because of these risks, discount rates and prepayment speeds are used to estimate the fair value. The Company periodically assesses MSRs for impairment. Impairment occurs when the current fair value of the MSR falls below the asset’s carrying value (carrying value is the amortized cost reduced by any related valuation allowance). If MSRs are impaired, the impairment is recognized in current period earnings and the carrying value of the MSRs is adjusted through a valuation allowance. Management periodically reviews the various loan strata to determine whether the value of the MSRs in a given stratum is impaired and likely to recover. When management deems recovery of the value to be unlikely in the foreseeable future, a write-down of the cost of the MSRs for that stratum to its estimated recoverable value is charged to the valuation allowance. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is calculated principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets which range from three to forty years. Leasehold improvements paid for by the Company as a lessee are amortized over the lesser of the useful life or remaining lease terms. Long-lived Assets Long-lived assets to be held and used, including property and equipment and real estate held for investment, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amount may not be recoverable. When required, impairment losses on assets to be held and used are recognized based on the fair value of the asset, and long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. No impairment of long-lived assets has been recognized in the accompanying financial statements except for certain impairments of real estate held for investment as disclosed in Note 2. Derivative Instruments Mortgage Banking Derivatives Loan Commitments The Company is exposed to price risk due to the potential impact of changes in interest rates on the values of loan commitments from the time a loan commitment is made to an applicant to the time the loan that would result from the exercise of that loan commitment is funded. Managing price risk is complicated by the fact that the ultimate percentage of loan commitments that will be exercised (i.e., the number of loans that will be funded) fluctuates. The probability that a loan will not be funded or the loan application is denied or withdrawn within the terms of the commitment is driven by a number of factors, particularly the change, if any, in mortgage rates following the issuance of the loan commitment. In general, the probability of funding increases if mortgage rates rise and decreases if mortgage rates fall. This is due primarily to the relative attractiveness of current mortgage rates compared to the applicant’s committed rate. The probability that a loan will not be funded within the terms of the mortgage loan commitment also is influenced by the source of the applications (retail, broker or correspondent channels), proximity to rate lock expiration, purpose for the loan (purchase or refinance), product type and the application approval status. The Company has developed fallout estimates using historical data that take into account all of the variables, as well as renegotiations of rate and point commitments that tend to occur when mortgage rates fall. These fallout estimates are used to estimate the number of loans that the Company expects to be funded within the terms of the loan commitments and are updated periodically to reflect the most current data. The Company estimates the fair value of a loan commitment based on the change in estimated fair value of the underlying mortgage loan, quoted mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) prices, estimates of the fair value of mortgage servicing rights, and an estimate of the probability that the mortgage loan will fund within the terms of the commitment. The change in fair value of the underlying mortgage loan is measured from the date the loan commitment is issued and is shown net of expenses. Following issuance, the value of a loan commitment can be either positive or negative depending upon the change in value of the underlying mortgage loans. Forward Sale Commitments The Company utilizes forward commitments to economically hedge the price risk associated with its outstanding mortgage loan commitments. A forward commitment protects the Company from losses on sales of the loans arising from exercise of the loan commitments. Management expects these types of commitments will experience changes in fair value opposite to changes in fair value of the loan commitments, thereby reducing earnings volatility related to the recognition in earnings of changes in the values of the commitments. The net changes in fair value of loan commitments and forward sale commitments are shown in current earnings as a component of mortgage fee income on the consolidated statements of earnings. Mortgage banking derivatives are shown in other assets and other liabilities and accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets. Call and Put Option Derivatives The Company uses a strategy of selling “out of the money” call options on its equity securities as a source of revenue. The options give the purchaser the right to buy from the Company specified equity securities at a set price up to a pre-determined date in the future. The Company uses the strategy of selling put options as a means of generating cash or purchasing equity securities at lower than current market prices. The Company receives an immediate payment of cash for the value of the option and establishes a liability for the fair value of the option. The liability for options is adjusted to fair value at each reporting date. In the event a call option is exercised, the Company sells the equity security at a favorable price enhanced by the value of the option that was sold. If the option expires unexercised, the Company recognizes a gain from the expired option. In the event a put option is exercised, the Company acquires an equity security at the strike price of the option reduced by the value received from the sale of the put option. The equity security is then treated as a normal equity security in the Company’s portfolio. The net changes in the fair value of call and put options are shown in current earnings as a component of realized gains (losses) on investments and other assets. Call and put options are shown in other liabilities and accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Loan Losses and Impaired Loans The Company records an allowance and recognizes an expense for potential losses from mortgage loans held for investment, other investments and receivables in accordance with GAAP. Receivables are the result of cemetery and mortuary operations, mortgage loan operations and life insurance operations. The allowance is based upon the Company’s historical experience for collectively evaluated impairment. Other allowances are based upon receivables individually evaluated for impairment. Collectability of the cemetery and mortuary receivables is significantly influenced by current economic conditions. The critical issues that impact recovery of mortgage loan operations are interest rate risk, loan underwriting, new regulations and the overall economy. The Company provides for losses on its mortgage loans held for investment through an allowance for loan losses (a contra-asset account). The allowance is comprised of two components. The first component is an allowance for collectively evaluated impairment that is based upon the Company’s historical experience in collecting similar receivables. The second component is based upon individual evaluation of loans that are determined to be impaired. Upon determining impairment, the Company establishes an individual impairment allowance based upon an assessment of the fair value of the underlying collateral. See the schedules in Note 2 for additional information. In addition, when a mortgage loan is past due more than 90 days, the Company does not accrue any interest income. When a loan becomes delinquent, the Company proceeds to foreclose on the real estate and all expenses for foreclosure are expensed as incurred. Once foreclosed, an adjustment for the lower of cost or fair value is made, if necessary, and the amount is classified as real estate held for investment. The Company will rent the properties until it is deemed desirable to sell them. The allowance for losses on mortgage loans held for investment could change based on changes in the value of the underlying collateral, the performance status of the loans, or the Company’s actual collection experience. The actual losses could change, in the near term, from the established allowance, based upon the occurrence or non-occurrence of these events. For purposes of determining the allowance for losses, the Company has segmented its mortgage loans held for investment by loan type. The Company’s loan types are commercial, residential, and residential construction. The inherent risks within the portfolio vary depending upon the loan type as follows: Commercial - Underwritten in accordance with the Company’s policies to determine the borrower’s ability to repay the obligation as agreed. Commercial loans are made primarily based on the underlying collateral supporting the loan. Accordingly, the repayment of a commercial loan depends primarily on the collateral and its ability to generate income and secondary on the borrower’s (or guarantors) ability to repay. Residential – Secured by family dwelling units. These loans are secured by first and second mortgages on the unit. The borrower’s ability to repay is sensitive to the life events and general economic condition of the region. Where loan to values exceed 80%, the loan is generally guaranteed by private mortgage insurance, FHA or VA. Residential construction (including land acquisition and development) – Underwritten in accordance with the Company’s underwriting policies which include a financial analysis of the builders, borrowers (guarantors), construction cost estimates, and independent appraisal valuations. These loans will rely on the value associated with the project upon completion. These cost and valuation estimates may be inaccurate. Construction loans generally involve the disbursement of substantial funds over a short period of time with repayment substantially dependent upon the success of the completed project and the ability of the borrower to secure long-term financing. Additionally, land is underwritten according to the Company’s policies, which include independent appraisal valuations as well as the estimated value associated with the land upon completion of development into finished lots. These cost and valuation estimates may be inaccurate. These loans are considered to be of a higher risk than other mortgage loans due to their ultimate repayment being sensitive to general economic conditions, availability of long-term or construction financing, and interest rate sensitivity. Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims Future policy benefit reserves for traditional life insurance are computed using a net level method, including assumptions as to investment yields, mortality, morbidity, withdrawals, and other assumptions based on the life insurance subsidiaries’ experience, modified as necessary to give effect to anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible unfavorable deviations. Such liabilities are, for some plans, graded to equal statutory values or cash values at or prior to maturity, which are deemed a reasonable equivalent for GAAP. The range of assumed interest rates for all traditional life insurance policy reserves was 4% to 10%. Benefit reserves for traditional limited-payment life insurance policies include the deferred portion of the premiums received during the premium-paying period. Deferred premiums are recognized as income over the life of the policies. Policy benefit claims are charged to expense in the period the claims are incurred. Increases in future policy benefits are charged to expense. Future policy benefit reserves for interest-sensitive insurance products are computed under a retrospective deposit method and represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense include benefit claims incurred in the period in excess of related policy account balances. Interest crediting rates for interest-sensitive insurance products ranged from 3% to 6.5%. The Company records an unpaid claims liability for claims in the course of settlement equal to the death benefit amount less any reinsurance recoverable amount for claims reported. There is also an unpaid claims liability for claims incurred but not reported. This liability is based on the historical experience of the net amount of claims that were reported in reporting periods subsequent to the reporting period when claims were incurred. Participating Insurance Participating business constituted 2% of insurance in force for the years ended 2019 and 2018. The provision for policyholders’ dividends included in policyholder obligations is based on dividend scales anticipated by management. Amounts to be paid are determined by the Board of Directors. Recognition of Insurance Premiums and Other Considerations Premiums and other consideration for traditional life insurance products (which include those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits and consist principally of whole life insurance policies, limited payment life insurance policies, and certain annuities with life contingencies) are recognized as revenues when due from policyholders. Premiums and other consideration for interest-sensitive insurance policies (which include universal life policies, interest-sensitive life policies, deferred annuities, and annuities without life contingencies) are recognized when earned and consist of amounts assessed against policyholder account balances during the period for policy administration charges and surrender charges. Reinsurance The Company follows the procedure of reinsuring risks in excess of $100,000 to provide for greater diversification of business to allow management to control exposure to potential losses arising from large risks, and provide additional capacity for growth. The Company remains liable for amounts ceded in the event the reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations. The Company entered into coinsurance agreements with unaffiliated insurance companies under which the Company assumed 100% of the risk for certain life insurance policies and certain other policy-related liabilities of the insurance company. Reinsurance premiums, commissions, expense reimbursements, and reserves related to reinsured business are accounted for on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Expense allowances received in connection with reinsurance ceded are accounted for as a reduction of the related policy acquisition costs and are deferred and amortized accordingly. Pre-need Sales and Costs Pre-need contract sales of funeral services and caskets - revenue and costs associated with the sales of pre-need funeral services and caskets are deferred until the performance obligations are fulfilled (services are performed or the caskets are delivered). Sales of cemetery interment rights (cemetery burial property) - revenue and costs associated with the sale of cemetery interment rights are recognized in accordance with the retail land sales provisions based on GAAP. Under GAAP, recognition of revenue and associated costs from constructed cemetery property must be deferred until 10% of the sales price has been collected. Pre-need contract sales of cemetery merchandise (primarily markers and vaults) - revenue and costs associated with the sale of pre-need cemetery merchandise is deferred until the merchandise is delivered. Pre-need contract sales of cemetery services (primarily merchandise delivery, installation fees and burial opening and closing fees) - revenue and costs associated with the sales of pre-need cemetery services are deferred until the services are performed. Prearranged funeral and pre-need cemetery customer acquisition costs - costs incurred related to obtaining new pre-need contract cemetery and prearranged funeral services are accounted for under the guidance of the provisions based on GAAP. Obtaining costs, which include only costs that vary with and are primarily related to the acquisition of new pre-need cemetery and prearranged funeral services, are deferred until the merchandise is delivered or services are performed. Revenues and costs for at-need sales are recorded when a valid contract exists, the services are performed, collection is reasonably assured and there are no significant obligations remaining. The Company, through its cemetery and mortuary operations, provides guaranteed funeral arrangements wherein a prospective customer can receive future goods and services at guaranteed prices. To accomplish this, the Company, through its life insurance operations, sells to the customer an increasing benefit life insurance policy that is assigned to the mortuaries. If, at the time of need, the policyholder/potential mortuary customer utilizes one of the Company’s facilities, the guaranteed funeral arrangement contract that has been assigned will provide the funeral goods and services at the contracted price. The increasing life insurance policy will cover the difference between the original contract prices and current prices. Risks may arise if the difference cannot be fully met by the life insurance policy. However, management believes that given current inflation rates and related price increases of goods and services, the risk of exposure is minimal. Goodwill Previous acquisitions have been accounted for as purchases under which assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their fair values with the excess purchase price recognized as goodwill. The Company evaluates annually or when changes in circumstances warrant the recoverability of goodwill and if there is a decrease in value, the related impairment is recognized as a charge against income. No impairment of goodwill has been recognized in the accompanying financial statements. Other Intangibles (trade name and customer lists) Other intangibles are recognized apart from goodwill whenever an acquired intangible asset arises from contractual or other legal rights, or whenever it is capable of being separated or divided from the acquired entity and sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or exchanged, either individually or in combination with a related contract, asset, or liability. The Company engaged a valuation firm to analyze the value of the Kilpatrick Life name in conjunction with its acquisition. The value of the trade name is included in Other Assets and was determined using the income approach, relying on a relief from the royalty method. Income Taxes Income taxes include taxes currently payable plus deferred taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the temporary differences in the financial reporting basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities and operating loss carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Liabilities are established for uncertain tax positions expected to be taken in income tax returns when such positions are judged to meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold based on the technical merits of the positions. Estimated interest and penalties related to uncertain tax penalties are included as a component of other expenses. Earnings Per Common Share The Company computes earnings per share which requires presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings per equivalent Class A common share are computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of Class A common shares outstanding during each year presented, after the effect of the assumed conversion of Class C common stock to Class A common stock. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year used to compute basic earnings per share plus dilutive potential incremental shares. Basic and diluted earnings per share amounts have been adjusted retroactively for the effect of annual stock dividends. Stock Based Compensation The cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments is recognized in the financial statements and is measured based on the fair value on the grant date of the award. The fair value of stock options is calculated using the Black Scholes Option Pricing Model. Stock option compensation expense is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award and is included in personnel expenses on the consolidated statements of earnings. Concentration of Credit Risk For a description of the geographic concentration risk regarding mortgage loans held for investment and real estate held for investment, refer to Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Advertising The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Standards Adopted in 2019 ASU No. 2016-02: “Leases (Topic 842)” - Issued in February 2016, ASU 2016-02 supersedes the requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 840, “Leases”, and was issued to increase transparency and comparability among organizations. The new standard sets forth the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of leases for both lessees and lessors. ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to classify leases as either finance or operating leases and to record on the balance sheet right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, equal to the present value of the remaining lease payments. The lease classification will determine whether the lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest rate method or a straight-line basis over the term of the leases. The FASB further clarified ASU 2016-02 and provided targeted improvements by issuing ASU 2018-01, ASU 2018-10, ASU 2018-11 and ASU 2018-20. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition method with no cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. Under this transition method, the application date was the beginning of the reporting period, January 1, 2019, in which the Company first applied the standard. Under this transition option, the Company will apply the legacy guidance in ASC 840, “Leases”, including its disclosure requirements, in the comparative periods presented in the year of adoption. The Company has made an accounting policy election not to apply the recognition requirements to short-term leases, which are leases that, at the commencement date, have a lease term of 12 months or less and do not include an option to purchase the underlying assets that the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise. The new authoritative guidance allows for certain practical expedients to be utilized to assist with the implementation of the new standard. The Company has elected the transition package of practical expedients which allows the Company to not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, to not reassess the lease classification for any expired or existing leases and to not reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases. The Company implemented a third-party lease accounting system to assist with the measurement of the lease liabilities and the related right-of-use assets. The Company compiled an inventory of its leases, determined the appropriate discount rates and has determined the impact of this standard which is not material to the Company’s results of operations, but has an effect on the balance sheet presentation for leased assets and obligations. The Company recognized a right-of-use asset and related lease liability for approximately $12,076,000 on January 1, 2019. This standard did not impact the Company’s accounting for leases where the Company is the lessor. Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted ASU No. 2016-13: “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)” – Issued in September 2016, ASU 2016-13 amends guidance on reporting credit losses for assets held at amortized cost basis (such as mortgage loans and held to maturity debt securities) and available for sale debt securities. For assets held at amortized cost basis, Topic 326 eliminates the probable initial recognition threshold in current GAAP and, instead, requires an entity to reflect its current estimate of all expected credit losses. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial assets to present the net amount expected to be collected. For available for sale debt securities, credit losses should be measured in a manner similar to current GAAP; however, Topic 326 will require that credit losses be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down. In October 2019, the FASB proposed an update to ASU No. 2016-13 that would make the ASU effective for the Company on January 1, 2023. The Company is in the process of evaluating the potential impact of this standard, especially as it relates to mortgage loans held for investment. ASU No. 2018-13: “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” – Issued in August 2018, ASU 2018-13 modifies the disclosure requirements of Topic 820 by removing, modifying or adding certain disclosures. Among the changes, entities will no longer be required to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, but will be required to disclose the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 does not change the fair value measurements already required or permitted by existing standards. This new authoritative guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. The adoption of this standard will not materially impact the Company’s financial statements. ASU No. 2018-12: “Financial Services – Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts” – Issued in August 2018, ASU 2018-12 is intended to improve the timeliness of recognizing changes in the liability for future policy benefits on traditional long-duration contracts by requiring that assumptions be updated after contract inception and by modifying the rate used to discount future cash flows. The ASU will simplify and improve the accounting for certain market-based options or guarantees associated with deposit or account balance contracts, simplify amortization of deferred acquisition costs while improving and expanding required disclosures. In October 2019, the FASB proposed an update to ASU No. 2018-12 that would make the ASU effective for the Company on January 1, 2024. The Company is in the process of evaluating the potential impact of this standard. The Company has reviewed other recent accounting pronouncements and has determined that they will not significantly impact the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

1) Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

1)Significant Accounting Policies

General Overview of Business

Security National Financial Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Company”) operate in three main business segments: life insurance, cemetery and mortuary, and mortgages. The life insurance segment is engaged in the business of selling and servicing selected lines of life insurance, annuity products and accident and health insurance marketed primarily in the Intermountain West, California and eleven southern states. The cemetery and mortuary segment of the Company consists of eight mortuaries and five cemeteries in Utah and one cemetery in California. The mortgage segment is an approved government and conventional lender that originates and underwrites residential and commercial loans for new construction, existing homes and real estate projects primarily in Florida, Nevada, Texas, and Utah.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP).

Principles of Consolidation

These consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its majority owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions related to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, reported amounts of revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these financial statements in conformity with GAAP. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the near term are those used in determining the value of derivative assets and liabilities; those used in determining deferred acquisition costs and the value of business acquired; those used in determining the value of mortgage loans foreclosed to real estate held for investment; those used in determining the liability for future policy benefits; those used in determining the value of mortgage servicing rights; those used in determining allowances for loan losses for mortgage loans held for investment; those used in determining loan loss reserve; and those used in determining deferred tax assets and liabilities. Although some variability is inherent in these estimates, management believes the amounts provided are fairly stated in all material respects.

Investments

The Company’s management determines the appropriate classifications of investments in fixed maturity securities and equity securities at the acquisition date and re-evaluates the classifications at each balance sheet date.

Fixed maturity securities available for sale are carried at estimated fair value. Changes in fair values are reported as unrealized gains or losses and are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. On December 31, 2019, the Company changed the classification of its bond and preferred stock investments to available for sale from held to maturity. As a result, securities available for sale are carried at estimated fair value instead of amortized cost.

Fixed maturity securities held to maturity are carried at cost, adjusted for amortization of premium or accretion of discount. Although the Company has the ability and intent to hold these investments to maturity, infrequent and unusual conditions could occur under which it would sell certain of these securities. Those conditions include unforeseen changes in asset quality, significant changes in tax laws, and changes in regulatory capital requirements or permissible investments.

Equity securities are carried at estimated fair value. Changes in fair values are reported as unrealized gains or losses and are recorded through net earnings.

Mortgage loans held for investment are carried at their unpaid principal balances adjusted for net deferred fees, net discounts, charge-offs and the related allowance for loan losses. Interest income is included in net investment income on the consolidated statements of earnings and is recognized when earned. The Company defers related material loan origination fees, net of related direct loan origination costs, and amortizes the net fees over the term of the loans. Origination fees are included in net investment income on the consolidated statements of earnings.

Mortgage loans are secured by the underlying property and require an appraisal at the time of underwriting and funding. Generally, the Company will fund a loan not to exceed 80% of the loan’s collateral fair market value. Amounts over 80% will require additional collateral or mortgage insurance by an approved third-party insurer.

Real estate held for investment is carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the properties, or is adjusted to a new basis for impairment in value, if any. Included are foreclosed properties which the Company intends to hold for investment purposes. These properties are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value upon foreclosure.

Real estate held for sale is carried at lower of cost or fair value. Depreciation is not recognized on real estate classified as held for sale.

Other investments and policy loans are carried at the aggregate unpaid balances, less allowances for losses.

Gains and losses on investments (except for equity securities carried at fair value through net earnings) arise when investments are sold (as determined on a specific identification basis) or are other than temporarily impaired. If in management’s judgment a decline in the value of an investment below cost is other than temporary, the cost of the investment is written down to fair value with a corresponding charge to earnings. Factors considered in judging whether an impairment is other than temporary include: the financial condition, business prospects and credit worthiness of the issuer, the length of time that fair value has been less than cost, the relative amount of the decline, and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investment until the fair value recovers, which is not assured.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains its cash in bank deposit accounts, which at times exceed federally insured limits. 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.

Loans Held for Sale

Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 825, “Financial Instruments”, allows for the option to report certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value initially and at subsequent measurement dates with changes in fair value included in earnings. The option may be applied instrument by instrument, but it is irrevocable. The Company elected the fair value option for loans held for sale. The Company believes the fair value option most closely aligns the timing of the recognition of gains and costs. These loans are intended for sale and the Company believes that the fair value is the best indicator of the resolution of these loans. Electing fair value also reduces certain timing differences and better matches changes in the fair value of these assets with changes in the fair value of the related derivatives used for these assets. See Note 3 and Note 17 to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosures regarding loans held for sale.

Mortgage Fee Income

Mortgage fee income consists of origination fees, processing fees, interest income and certain other income related to the origination of mortgage loans held for sale. All revenues and costs are recognized when the mortgage loan is funded and any changes in fair value are shown as a component of mortgage fee income. See Note 3 and Note 17 to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosures regarding loans held for sale.

The Company, through its mortgage subsidiaries, sells mortgage loans to third-party investors without recourse unless defects are identified in the representations and warranties made at loan sale. It may be required, however, to repurchase a loan or pay a fee instead of repurchase under certain events, which include the following:

·Failure to deliver original documents specified by the investor,

·The existence of misrepresentation or fraud in the origination of the loan,

·The loan becomes delinquent due to nonpayment during the first several months after it is sold,

·Early pay-off of a loan, as defined by the agreements,

·Excessive time to settle a loan,

·Investor declines purchase, and

·Discontinued product and expired commitment.

Loan purchase commitments generally specify a date 30 to 45 days after delivery upon which the underlying loans should be settled. Depending on market conditions, these commitment settlement dates can be extended at a cost to the Company.

It is the Company's policy to cure any documentation problems regarding such loans at a minimal cost for up to a six-month time period and to pursue efforts to enforce loan purchase commitments from third-party investors concerning the loans. The Company believes that six months allows adequate time to remedy any documentation issues, to enforce purchase commitments, and to exhaust other alternatives. Remedial methods include the following:

·Research reasons for rejection,

·Provide additional documents,

·Request investor exceptions,

·Appeal rejection decision to purchase committee, and

·Commit to secondary investors.

Once purchase commitments have expired and other alternatives to remedy are exhausted, which could be earlier than the six-month time period, the loans are repurchased and transferred to the long-term investment portfolio at the lower of cost or fair value and previously recorded mortgage fee income that was to be received from a third-party investor is written off against the loan loss reserve.

Determining Lower of Cost or Fair Value

Cost for loans held for sale is equal to the amount paid to the warehouse bank and the amount originally funded by the Company. Fair value is often difficult to determine, but is based on the following:

·For loans that are committed, the Company uses the commitment price.

·For loans that are non-committed that have an active market, the Company uses the market price.

·For loans that are non-committed where there is no market but there is a similar product, the Company uses the market value for the similar product.

·For loans that are non-committed where no active market exists, the Company determines that the unpaid principal balance best approximates the market value, after considering the fair value of the underlying real estate collateral, estimated future cash flows, and the loan interest rate.

The appraised value of the real estate underlying the original mortgage loan adds support to the Company’s determination of fair value because if the loan becomes delinquent, the Company has sufficient value to collect the unpaid principal balance or the carrying value of the loan, thus minimizing credit losses.

The majority of loans originated are sold to third-party investors. The amounts expected to be sold to investors are shown on the consolidated balance sheets as loans held for sale.

Loan Loss Reserve

The loan loss reserve is an estimate of probable losses at the balance sheet date that the Company will realize in the future on loans sold. The Company may be required to reimburse third-party investors for costs associated with early payoff of loans within the first six months of such loans and to repurchase loans where there is a default in any of the first four monthly payments to the investors or, in lieu of repurchase, to pay a negotiated fee to the investors. The Company’s estimates are based upon historical loss experience and the best estimate of the probable loan loss liabilities.

Upon completion of a transfer that satisfies the conditions to be accounted for as a sale, the Company initially measures at fair value liabilities incurred in a sale relating to any guarantee or recourse provisions. The Company accrues a monthly allowance for indemnification losses to investors based on total production. This estimate is based on the Company’s historical experience and is included as a component of mortgage fee income. Subsequent updates to the recorded liability from changes in assumptions are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. The estimated liability for indemnification losses is included in other liabilities and accrued expenses.

The loan loss reserve analysis involves mortgage loans that have been sold to third-party investors, which were believed to have met investor underwriting guidelines at the time of sale, where the Company has received a demand from the investor. There are generally three types of demands: make whole, repurchase, or indemnification. These types of demands are more particularly described as follows:

Make whole demand – A make whole demand occurs when an investor forecloses on a property and then sells the property. The make whole amount is calculated as the difference between the original unpaid principal balance, accrued interest and fees, less the sale proceeds.

Repurchase demand – A repurchase demand usually occurs when there is a significant payment default, error in underwriting or detected loan fraud.

Indemnification demand – On certain loans the Company has negotiated a set fee that is to be paid in lieu of repurchase. The fee varies by investor and by loan product type.

The Company believes the allowance for loan losses and the loan loss reserve represent probable loan losses incurred as of the balance sheet date.

Additional information related to the Loan Loss Reserve is included in Note 3.

Restricted Assets

Restricted assets are assets held in a trust account for future mortuary services and merchandise and consist of cash and cash equivalents; participations in mortgage loans held for investment with Security National Life Insurance Company (“Security National Life”); mutual funds carried at estimated fair value; equity securities carried at estimated fair value; and a surplus note with Security National Life (which is eliminated in consolidation). Restricted assets also represents escrows held for borrowers and investors under servicing and appraisal agreements relating to mortgage loans, funds held by warehouse banks in accordance with loan purchase agreements and funds held in escrow for certain real estate construction development projects. Additionally, the Company elected to fund its medical benefit safe-harbor limit based on the qualified direct costs, and has included this amount as a component of restricted cash.

Cemetery Perpetual Care Trust Investments

Cemetery endowment care trusts have been set up for four of the six cemeteries owned by the Company. Of the six cemeteries owned by the Company, four cemeteries are endowment care properties. Under endowment care arrangements a portion of the price for each lot sold is withheld and invested in a portfolio of investments similar to those described in the prior paragraph. The earnings stream from the investments is designed to fund future maintenance and upkeep of the cemetery.

Cemetery Land and Improvements

The development of a cemetery involves not only the initial acquisition of raw land but the installation of roads, water lines, landscaping and other costs to establish a marketable cemetery lot. The costs of developing the cemetery are shown as an asset on the balance sheet. The amount on the balance sheet is reduced by the total cost assigned to the development of a particular lot when the criterion for recognizing a sale of that lot is met.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired

Commissions and other costs, net of commission and expense allowances for reinsurance ceded, that vary with and are primarily related to the production of new insurance business have been deferred. Deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) for traditional life insurance are amortized over the premium paying period of the related policies using assumptions consistent with those used in computing policy benefit reserves. For interest-sensitive insurance products, deferred policy acquisition costs are amortized generally in proportion to the present value of expected gross profits from surrender charges, investment, mortality and expense margins. This amortization is adjusted when estimates of current or future gross profits to be realized from a group of products are reevaluated. Deferred acquisition costs are written off when policies lapse or are surrendered.

When accounting for DAC, the Company considers internal replacements of insurance and investment contracts. An internal replacement is a modification in product benefits, features, rights or coverage that occurs by the exchange of a contract for a new contract, or by amendment, endorsement, or rider to contract, or by the election of a feature or coverage within a contract. Modifications that result in a replacement contract that is substantially changed from the replaced contract are accounted for as an extinguishment of the replaced contract. Unamortized DAC, unearned revenue liabilities and deferred sales inducements from the replaced contract are written-off. Modifications that result in a contract that is substantially unchanged from the replaced contract are accounted for as a continuation of the replaced contract.

Value of business acquired is the present value of estimated future profits of the acquired business and is amortized similar to deferred policy acquisition costs.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

Mortgage Servicing Rights (“MSR”) arise from contractual agreements between the Company and third-party investors (or their agents) when mortgage loans are sold. Under these contracts, the Company is obligated to retain and provide loan servicing functions on loans sold, in exchange for fees and other remuneration. The servicing functions typically performed include, among other responsibilities, collecting and remitting loan payments; responding to borrower inquiries; accounting for principal and interest, holding custodial (impound) funds for payment of property taxes and insurance premiums; counseling delinquent mortgagors; and supervising the acquisition of real estate owned and property dispositions.

The total residential mortgage loans serviced for others consist primarily of agency conforming fixed-rate mortgage loans. The value of MSRs is derived from the net cash flows associated with the servicing contracts. The Company receives a servicing fee of generally about 0.250% annually on the remaining outstanding principal balances of the loans. Based on the result of the cash flow analysis, an asset or liability is recorded for mortgage servicing rights. The servicing fees are collected from the monthly payments made by the mortgagors. The Company generally receives other remuneration including rights to various mortgagor-contracted fees such as late charges, and collateral reconveyance charges and the Company is generally entitled to retain the interest earned on funds held pending remittance of mortgagor principal, interest, tax and insurance payments. Contractual servicing fees and late fees are included in other revenues on the consolidated statements of earnings.

The Company’s subsequent accounting for MSRs is based on the class of MSRs. The Company has identified two classes of MSRs: MSRs backed by mortgage loans with initial term of 30 years and MSRs backed by mortgage loans with initial term of 15 years. The Company distinguishes between these classes of MSRs due to their differing sensitivities to change in value as the result of changes in market. After being initially recorded at fair value, MSRs backed by mortgage loans are accounted for using the amortization method. Amortization expense is included in other expenses on the consolidated statements of earnings. MSR amortization is determined by amortizing the MSR balance in proportion to, and over the period of the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets.

Interest rate risk, prepayment risk, and default risk are inherent risks in MSR valuation. Interest rate changes largely drive prepayment rates. Refinance activity generally increases as rates decline. A significant decrease in rates beyond expectation could cause a decline in the value of the MSR. On the contrary, if rates increase borrowers are less likely to refinance or prepay their mortgage, which extends the duration of the loan and MSR values are likely to rise. Because of these risks, discount rates and prepayment speeds are used to estimate the fair value.

The Company periodically assesses MSRs for impairment. Impairment occurs when the current fair value of the MSR falls below the asset’s carrying value (carrying value is the amortized cost reduced by any related valuation allowance). If MSRs are impaired, the impairment is recognized in current period earnings and the carrying value of the MSRs is adjusted through a valuation allowance.

Management periodically reviews the various loan strata to determine whether the value of the MSRs in a given stratum is impaired and likely to recover. When management deems recovery of the value to be unlikely in the foreseeable future, a write-down of the cost of the MSRs for that stratum to its estimated recoverable value is charged to the valuation allowance.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is calculated principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets which range from three to forty years. Leasehold improvements paid for by the Company as a lessee are amortized over the lesser of the useful life or remaining lease terms.

Long-lived Assets

Long-lived assets to be held and used, including property and equipment and real estate held for investment, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amount may not be recoverable. When required, impairment losses on assets to be held and used are recognized based on the fair value of the asset, and long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. No impairment of long-lived assets has been recognized in the accompanying financial statements except for certain impairments of real estate held for investment as disclosed in Note 2.

Derivative Instruments

Mortgage Banking Derivatives

Loan Commitments

The Company is exposed to price risk due to the potential impact of changes in interest rates on the values of loan commitments from the time a loan commitment is made to an applicant to the time the loan that would result from the exercise of that loan commitment is funded. Managing price risk is complicated by the fact that the ultimate percentage of loan commitments that will be exercised (i.e., the number of loans that will be funded) fluctuates. The probability that a loan will not be funded or the loan application is denied or withdrawn within the terms of the commitment is driven by a number of factors, particularly the change, if any, in mortgage rates following the issuance of the loan commitment.

In general, the probability of funding increases if mortgage rates rise and decreases if mortgage rates fall. This is due primarily to the relative attractiveness of current mortgage rates compared to the applicant’s committed rate. The probability that a loan will not be funded within the terms of the mortgage loan commitment also is influenced by the source of the applications (retail, broker or correspondent channels), proximity to rate lock expiration, purpose for the loan (purchase or refinance), product type and the application approval status. The Company has developed fallout estimates using historical data that take into account all of the variables, as well as renegotiations of rate and point commitments that tend to occur when mortgage rates fall. These fallout estimates are used to estimate the number of loans that the Company expects to be funded within the terms of the loan commitments and are updated periodically to reflect the most current data.

The Company estimates the fair value of a loan commitment based on the change in estimated fair value of the underlying mortgage loan, quoted mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) prices, estimates of the fair value of mortgage servicing rights, and an estimate of the probability that the mortgage loan will fund within the terms of the commitment. The change in fair value of the underlying mortgage loan is measured from the date the loan commitment is issued and is shown net of expenses. Following issuance, the value of a loan commitment can be either positive or negative depending upon the change in value of the underlying mortgage loans.

Forward Sale Commitments

The Company utilizes forward commitments to economically hedge the price risk associated with its outstanding mortgage loan commitments. A forward commitment protects the Company from losses on sales of the loans arising from exercise of the loan commitments. Management expects these types of commitments will experience changes in fair value opposite to changes in fair value of the loan commitments, thereby reducing earnings volatility related to the recognition in earnings of changes in the values of the commitments.

The net changes in fair value of loan commitments and forward sale commitments are shown in current earnings as a component of mortgage fee income on the consolidated statements of earnings. Mortgage banking derivatives are shown in other assets and other liabilities and accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets.

Call and Put Option Derivatives

The Company uses a strategy of selling “out of the money” call options on its equity securities as a source of revenue. The options give the purchaser the right to buy from the Company specified equity securities at a set price up to a pre-determined date in the future. The Company uses the strategy of selling put options as a means of generating cash or purchasing equity securities at lower than current market prices. The Company receives an immediate payment of cash for the value of the option and establishes a liability for the fair value of the option. The liability for options is adjusted to fair value at each reporting date. In the event a call option is exercised, the Company sells the equity security at a favorable price enhanced by the value of the option that was sold. If the option expires unexercised, the Company recognizes a gain from the expired option. In the event a put option is exercised, the Company acquires an equity security at the strike price of the option reduced by the value received from the sale of the put option. The equity security is then treated as a normal equity security in the Company’s portfolio. The net changes in the fair value of call and put options are shown in current earnings as a component of realized gains (losses) on investments and other assets. Call and put options are shown in other liabilities and accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Loan Losses and Impaired Loans

The Company records an allowance and recognizes an expense for potential losses from mortgage loans held for investment, other investments and receivables in accordance with GAAP.

Receivables are the result of cemetery and mortuary operations, mortgage loan operations and life insurance operations. The allowance is based upon the Company’s historical experience for collectively evaluated impairment. Other allowances are based upon receivables individually evaluated for impairment. Collectability of the cemetery and mortuary receivables is significantly influenced by current economic conditions. The critical issues that impact recovery of mortgage loan operations are interest rate risk, loan underwriting, new regulations and the overall economy.

The Company provides for losses on its mortgage loans held for investment through an allowance for loan losses (a contra-asset account). The allowance is comprised of two components. The first component is an allowance for collectively evaluated impairment that is based upon the Company’s historical experience in collecting similar receivables. The second component is based upon individual evaluation of loans that are determined to be impaired. Upon determining impairment, the Company establishes an individual impairment allowance based upon an assessment of the fair value of the underlying collateral. See the schedules in Note 2 for additional information. In addition, when a mortgage loan is past due more than 90 days, the Company does not accrue any interest income. When a loan becomes delinquent, the Company proceeds to foreclose on the real estate and all expenses for foreclosure are expensed as incurred. Once foreclosed, an adjustment for the lower of cost or fair value is made, if necessary, and the amount is classified as real estate held for investment. The Company will rent the properties until it is deemed desirable to sell them.

The allowance for losses on mortgage loans held for investment could change based on changes in the value of the underlying collateral, the performance status of the loans, or the Company’s actual collection experience. The actual losses could change, in the near term, from the established allowance, based upon the occurrence or non-occurrence of these events.

For purposes of determining the allowance for losses, the Company has segmented its mortgage loans held for investment by loan type. The Company’s loan types are commercial, residential, and residential construction. The inherent risks within the portfolio vary depending upon the loan type as follows:

Commercial - Underwritten in accordance with the Company’s policies to determine the borrower’s ability to repay the obligation as agreed. Commercial loans are made primarily based on the underlying collateral supporting the loan. Accordingly, the repayment of a commercial loan depends primarily on the collateral and its ability to generate income and secondary on the borrower’s (or guarantors) ability to repay.

Residential – Secured by family dwelling units. These loans are secured by first and second mortgages on the unit. The borrower’s ability to repay is sensitive to the life events and general economic condition of the region. Where loan to values exceed 80%, the loan is generally guaranteed by private mortgage insurance, FHA or VA.

Residential construction (including land acquisition and development) – Underwritten in accordance with the Company’s underwriting policies which include a financial analysis of the builders, borrowers (guarantors), construction cost estimates, and independent appraisal valuations. These loans will rely on the value associated with the project upon completion. These cost and valuation estimates may be inaccurate. Construction loans generally involve the disbursement of substantial funds over a short period of time with repayment substantially dependent upon the success of the completed project and the ability of the borrower to secure long-term financing. Additionally, land is underwritten according to the Company’s policies, which include independent appraisal valuations as well as the estimated value associated with the land upon completion of development into finished lots. These cost and valuation estimates may be inaccurate. These loans are considered to be of a higher risk than other mortgage loans due to their ultimate repayment being sensitive to general economic conditions, availability of long-term or construction financing, and interest rate sensitivity.

Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims

Future policy benefit reserves for traditional life insurance are computed using a net level method, including assumptions as to investment yields, mortality, morbidity, withdrawals, and other assumptions based on the life insurance subsidiaries’ experience, modified as necessary to give effect to anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible unfavorable deviations. Such liabilities are, for some plans, graded to equal statutory values or cash values at or prior to maturity, which are deemed a reasonable equivalent for GAAP. The range of assumed interest rates for all traditional life insurance policy reserves was 4% to 10%. Benefit reserves for traditional limited-payment life insurance policies include the deferred portion of the premiums received during the premium-paying period. Deferred premiums are recognized as income over the life of the policies. Policy benefit claims are charged to expense in the period the claims are incurred. Increases in future policy benefits are charged to expense.

Future policy benefit reserves for interest-sensitive insurance products are computed under a retrospective deposit method and represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense include benefit claims incurred in the period in excess of related policy account balances. Interest crediting rates for interest-sensitive insurance products ranged from 3% to 6.5%.

The Company records an unpaid claims liability for claims in the course of settlement equal to the death benefit amount less any reinsurance recoverable amount for claims reported. There is also an unpaid claims liability for claims incurred but not reported. This liability is based on the historical experience of the net amount of claims that were reported in reporting periods subsequent to the reporting period when claims were incurred.

Participating Insurance

Participating business constituted 2% of insurance in force for the years ended 2019 and 2018. The provision for policyholders’ dividends included in policyholder obligations is based on dividend scales anticipated by management. Amounts to be paid are determined by the Board of Directors.

Recognition of Insurance Premiums and Other Considerations

Premiums and other consideration for traditional life insurance products (which include those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits and consist principally of whole life insurance policies, limited payment life insurance policies, and certain annuities with life contingencies) are recognized as revenues when due from policyholders. Premiums and other consideration for interest-sensitive insurance policies (which include universal life policies, interest-sensitive life policies, deferred annuities, and annuities without life contingencies) are recognized when earned and consist of amounts assessed against policyholder account balances during the period for policy administration charges and surrender charges.

Reinsurance

The Company follows the procedure of reinsuring risks in excess of $100,000 to provide for greater diversification of business to allow management to control exposure to potential losses arising from large risks, and provide additional capacity for growth. The Company remains liable for amounts ceded in the event the reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations.

The Company entered into coinsurance agreements with unaffiliated insurance companies under which the Company assumed 100% of the risk for certain life insurance policies and certain other policy-related liabilities of the insurance company.

Reinsurance premiums, commissions, expense reimbursements, and reserves related to reinsured business are accounted for on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Expense allowances received in connection with reinsurance ceded are accounted for as a reduction of the related policy acquisition costs and are deferred and amortized accordingly.

Pre-need Sales and Costs

Pre-need contract sales of funeral services and caskets - revenue and costs associated with the sales of pre-need funeral services and caskets are deferred until the performance obligations are fulfilled (services are performed or the caskets are delivered).

Sales of cemetery interment rights (cemetery burial property) - revenue and costs associated with the sale of cemetery interment rights are recognized in accordance with the retail land sales provisions based on GAAP. Under GAAP, recognition of revenue and associated costs from constructed cemetery property must be deferred until 10% of the sales price has been collected.

Pre-need contract sales of cemetery merchandise (primarily markers and vaults) - revenue and costs associated with the sale of pre-need cemetery merchandise is deferred until the merchandise is delivered.

Pre-need contract sales of cemetery services (primarily merchandise delivery, installation fees and burial opening and closing fees) - revenue and costs associated with the sales of pre-need cemetery services are deferred until the services are performed.

Prearranged funeral and pre-need cemetery customer acquisition costs - costs incurred related to obtaining new pre-need contract cemetery and prearranged funeral services are accounted for under the guidance of the provisions based on GAAP. Obtaining costs, which include only costs that vary with and are primarily related to the acquisition of new pre-need cemetery and prearranged funeral services, are deferred until the merchandise is delivered or services are performed.

Revenues and costs for at-need sales are recorded when a valid contract exists, the services are performed, collection is reasonably assured and there are no significant obligations remaining.

The Company, through its cemetery and mortuary operations, provides guaranteed funeral arrangements wherein a prospective customer can receive future goods and services at guaranteed prices. To accomplish this, the Company, through its life insurance operations, sells to the customer an increasing benefit life insurance policy that is assigned to the mortuaries. If, at the time of need, the policyholder/potential mortuary customer utilizes one of the Company’s facilities, the guaranteed funeral arrangement contract that has been assigned will provide the funeral goods and services at the contracted price. The increasing life insurance policy will cover the difference between the original contract prices and current prices. Risks may arise if the difference cannot be fully met by the life insurance policy. However, management believes that given current inflation rates and related price increases of goods and services, the risk of exposure is minimal.

Goodwill

Previous acquisitions have been accounted for as purchases under which assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their fair values with the excess purchase price recognized as goodwill. The Company evaluates annually or when changes in circumstances warrant the recoverability of goodwill and if there is a decrease in value, the related impairment is recognized as a charge against income. No impairment of goodwill has been recognized in the accompanying financial statements.

Other Intangibles (trade name and customer lists)

Other intangibles are recognized apart from goodwill whenever an acquired intangible asset arises from contractual or other legal rights, or whenever it is capable of being separated or divided from the acquired entity and sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or exchanged, either individually or in combination with a related contract, asset, or liability. The Company engaged a valuation firm to analyze the value of the Kilpatrick Life name in conjunction with its acquisition. The value of the trade name is included in Other Assets and was determined using the income approach, relying on a relief from the royalty method.

Income Taxes

Income taxes include taxes currently payable plus deferred taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the temporary differences in the financial reporting basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities and operating loss carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

Liabilities are established for uncertain tax positions expected to be taken in income tax returns when such positions are judged to meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold based on the technical merits of the positions. Estimated interest and penalties related to uncertain tax penalties are included as a component of other expenses.

Earnings Per Common Share

The Company computes earnings per share which requires presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings per equivalent Class A common share are computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of Class A common shares outstanding during each year presented, after the effect of the assumed conversion of Class C common stock to Class A common stock. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year used to compute basic earnings per share plus dilutive potential incremental shares. Basic and diluted earnings per share amounts have been adjusted retroactively for the effect of annual stock dividends.

Stock Based Compensation

The cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments is recognized in the financial statements and is measured based on the fair value on the grant date of the award. The fair value of stock options is calculated using the Black Scholes Option Pricing Model. Stock option compensation expense is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award and is included in personnel expenses on the consolidated statements of earnings.

Concentration of Credit Risk

For a description of the geographic concentration risk regarding mortgage loans held for investment and real estate held for investment, refer to Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Advertising

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Adopted in 2019

ASU No. 2016-02: “Leases (Topic 842)” - Issued in February 2016, ASU 2016-02 supersedes the requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 840, “Leases”, and was issued to increase transparency and comparability among organizations. The new standard sets forth the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of leases for both lessees and lessors. ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to classify leases as either finance or operating leases and to record on the balance sheet right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, equal to the present value of the remaining lease payments. The lease classification will determine whether the lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest rate method or a straight-line basis over the term of the leases. The FASB further clarified ASU 2016-02 and provided targeted improvements by issuing ASU 2018-01, ASU 2018-10, ASU 2018-11 and ASU 2018-20.

The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition method with no cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. Under this transition method, the application date was the beginning of the reporting period, January 1, 2019, in which the Company first applied the standard. Under this transition option, the Company will apply the legacy guidance in ASC 840, “Leases”, including its disclosure requirements, in the comparative periods presented in the year of adoption. The Company has made an accounting policy election not to apply the recognition requirements to short-term leases, which are leases that, at the commencement date, have a lease term of 12 months or less and do not include an option to purchase the underlying assets that the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise. The new authoritative guidance allows for certain practical expedients to be utilized to assist with the implementation of the new standard. The Company has elected the transition package of practical expedients which allows the Company to not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, to not reassess the lease classification for any expired or existing leases and to not reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases.

The Company implemented a third-party lease accounting system to assist with the measurement of the lease liabilities and the related right-of-use assets. The Company compiled an inventory of its leases, determined the appropriate discount rates and has determined the impact of this standard which is not material to the Company’s results of operations, but has an effect on the balance sheet presentation for leased assets and obligations. The Company recognized a right-of-use asset and related lease liability for approximately $12,076,000 on January 1, 2019. This standard did not impact the Company’s accounting for leases where the Company is the lessor.

Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted

ASU No. 2016-13: “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)” – Issued in September 2016, ASU 2016-13 amends guidance on reporting credit losses for assets held at amortized cost basis (such as mortgage loans and held to maturity debt securities) and available for sale debt securities. For assets held at amortized cost basis, Topic 326 eliminates the probable initial recognition threshold in current GAAP and, instead, requires an entity to reflect its current estimate of all expected credit losses. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial assets to present the net amount expected to be collected. For available for sale debt securities, credit losses should be measured in a manner similar to current GAAP; however, Topic 326 will require that credit losses be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down. In October 2019, the FASB proposed an update to ASU No. 2016-13 that would make the ASU effective for the Company on January 1, 2023. The Company is in the process of evaluating the potential impact of this standard, especially as it relates to mortgage loans held for investment.

ASU No. 2018-13: “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” – Issued in August 2018, ASU 2018-13 modifies the disclosure requirements of Topic 820 by removing, modifying or adding certain disclosures. Among the changes, entities will no longer be required to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, but will be required to disclose the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 does not change the fair value measurements already required or permitted by existing standards. This new authoritative guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. The adoption of this standard will not materially impact the Company’s financial statements.

ASU No. 2018-12: “Financial Services – Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts” – Issued in August 2018, ASU 2018-12 is intended to improve the timeliness of recognizing changes in the liability for future policy benefits on traditional long-duration contracts by requiring that assumptions be updated after contract inception and by modifying the rate used to discount future cash flows. The ASU will simplify and improve the accounting for certain market-based options or guarantees associated with deposit or account balance contracts, simplify amortization of deferred acquisition costs while improving and expanding required disclosures. In October 2019, the FASB proposed an update to ASU No. 2018-12 that would make the ASU effective for the Company on January 1, 2024. The Company is in the process of evaluating the potential impact of this standard.

The Company has reviewed other recent accounting pronouncements and has determined that they will not significantly impact the Company’s results of operations or financial position.