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Fair Value Measurements
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurements
Note 4 – Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis

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

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

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

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

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

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

March 31, 2024
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Fixed maturitity securities:
                       
U.S. Government and government agencies and authorities
 
$
13,544,442
   
$
0
   
$
0
   
$
13,544,442
 
U.S. special revenue and assessments
   
0
     
7,205,639
     
0
     
7,205,639
 
Corporate securities
   
0
     
76,232,061
     
0
     
76,232,061
 
Total fixed maturities
   
13,544,442
     
83,437,700
     
0
     
96,982,142
 
Equity securities:
                               
Common stocks
   
37,439,195
     
5,582,300
     
2,857,144
     
45,878,639
 
Limited liability companies
   
0
     
0
     
60,359,880
     
60,359,880
 
Total equity securities
   
37,439,195
     
5,582,300
     
63,217,024
     
106,238,519
 
Short-term investments
   
13,714,840
     
0
     
0
     
13,714,840
 
Total financial assets
 
$
64,698,477
   
$
89,020,000
   
$
63,217,024
   
$
216,935,501
 
Liabilities:
                               
Trading securities
 
$
110,000
   
$
0
   
$
0
   
$
110,000
 

December 31, 2023
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Fixed maturitity securities:
                       
U.S. Government and government agencies and authorities
 
$
13,587,779
   
$
0
   
$
0
   
$
13,587,779
 
U.S. special revenue and assessments
   
0
     
7,308,458
     
0
     
7,308,458
 
Corporate securities
   
0
     
82,513,599
     
0
     
82,513,599
 
Total fixed maturities
   
13,587,779
     
89,822,057
     
0
     
103,409,836
 
Equity securities:
                               
Common stocks
   
35,819,973
     
5,329,080
     
2,807,634
     
43,956,687
 
Limited liability companies
   
0
     
0
     
57,604,806
     
57,604,806
 
Total equity securities
   
35,819,973
     
5,329,080
     
60,412,440
     
101,561,493
 
Short-term investments
   
29,132,236
     
0
     
0
     
29,132,236
 
Total financial assets
 
$
78,539,988
   
$
95,151,137
   
$
60,412,440
   
$
234,103,565
 

Total assets included in the fair value hierarchy exclude certain equity securities that were measured at estimated fair value using the net asset value (“NAV”) per share practical expedient. At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the estimated fair value of such investments was $62,081,456 and $54,989,319, respectively. These investments are generally not readily redeemable by the investee.

The following is a description of the valuation techniques used the by Company to measure assets reported at fair value on a recurring basis. There have been no significant changes in the valuation techniques utilized by the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

Available for Sale Securities

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

Equity Securities at Fair Value

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

Trading Securities

Trading securities are recorded at fair value. They are classified as Level 1 and utilize fair value measurements based upon quoted market prices.

Change in Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The following table presents the changes in Level 3 equity securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, and the realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to the Level 3 equity securities.

         
Investments in
       
 
Investments in Common Stocks
   
Limited Liability Companies
   
Total
 
Balance at December 31, 2023
 
$
2,807,634
   
$
57,604,806
   
$
60,412,440
 
Realized gains (losses)
   
0
     
0
     
0
 
Unrealized gains (losses)
   
49,510
     
2,755,074
     
2,804,584
 
Purchases
   
0
     
0
     
0
 
Sales
   
0
     
0
     
0
 
Balance at March 31, 2024
 
$
2,857,144
   
$
60,359,880
   
$
63,217,024
 

Both observable and unobservable inputs may be used to determine the fair values of positions classified in Level 3 in the table above. As a result, the unrealized gains (losses) on instruments held at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 may include changes in fair value that were attributable to both observable and unobservable inputs.

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

Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

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

Financial Assets
 
Fair Value at
March 31, 2024
   
Fair Value at
December 31, 2023
 
Valuation Technique
Common stocks
 
$
2,857,144
   
$
2,807,634
 
Pricing Model
Limited liability companies
   
60,359,880
     
57,604,806
 
Pricing Model
Total
 
$
63,217,024
   
$
60,412,440
   

Uncertainty of Fair Value Measurements

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

Equity Securities at Fair Value

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

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

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

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

Investment Category
 
Fair Value at March 31, 2024
   
Unfunded Commitments
   
Redemption Frequency
   
Redemption Notice Period
 
Equity securities
                       
  Growth Equity
                       
Redeemable
                       
   Limited partnership
 
$
35,423,361
   
$
0
   
Quarterly
   
45 days
 
Non-redeemable
                           
Limited liability companies
   
10,478,935
     
9,204,839
             
Limited partnerships
   
16,179,160
     
2,366,695
     
n/a
     
n/a
 
Total
 
$
62,081,456
   
$
11,571,534
     
n/a
     
n/a
 

Investment Category
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2022
   
Unfunded Commitments
   
Redemption Frequency
   
Redemption Notice Period
 
Equity securities
                       
  Growth Equity
                       
Redeemable
                       
   Limited partnership
 
$
34,081,797
   
$
0
   
Quarterly
   
45 days
 
Non-redeemable
                           
Limited liability companies
   
11,960,929
     
9,464,608
     
n/a
     
n/a
 
   Limited partnerships
   
8,946,593
     
2,410,599
     
n/a
     
n/a
 
Total
 
$
54,989,319
   
$
11,875,207
                 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Company invested in a LP that was formed as a Delaware Limited Partnership on September 22, 2023. The Limited Partnership Agreement states that the LP shall continue, unless the Partnership is sooner dissolved , until the fifteenth (15th) anniversary of the final closing, provided, that the General Partner may further extend the term of the Partnership beyond the aforementioned term with the approval of a majority in interest of the limited partners for up to two consecutive period of five years. The nature of the business to be conducted and promoted by the partnership is to: (1) acquire, own, and operate one or more clubs,  (2) establish subsidiaries for the acquisition of clubs and club ownership interests, (3) pursue and exploit business, investment or real estate opportunities related or incidental to clubs, their stadiums or any other sport or entertainment activities, and (4) engage in any lawful act or activity incidental to the foregoing purposes, as determined by the general partner.

Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis

Certain assets are not carried at fair value on a recurring basis. Accordingly, such investments are only included in the fair value hierarchy disclosure when the investment is subject to re-measurement at fair value after initial recognition and the resulting re-measurement is reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company did not recognize any re-measurements or impairments of financial instruments at March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023.

Fair Value Information About Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value

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

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

 
Carrying
   
Estimated
                   
March 31, 2024
 
Amount
   
Fair Value
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Assets
                             
Held to maturity redeemable preferred stock
 
$
2,500,000
     
2,500,000
     
0
     
0
     
2,500,000
 
Equity securities, at cost
   
15,816,798
     
15,816,798
     
0
     
0
     
15,816,798
 
Mortgage loans on real estate
   
15,702,437
     
14,824,642
     
0
     
0
     
14,824,642
 
Notes receivable
   
14,379,379
     
14,622,498
     
0
     
0
     
14,622,498
 
Investment real estate
   
21,371,982
     
62,624,766
     
0
     
0
     
62,624,766
 
Policy loans
   
5,994,931
     
5,994,931
     
0
     
0
     
5,994,931
 
Accrued investment income
   
1,720,261
     
1,720,261
     
0
     
0
     
1,720,261
 
                                         
Liabilities
                                       
Policy claims and benefits payable
   
3,534,448
     
3,534,448
     
0
     
0
     
3,534,448
 
Dividend and endowment accumulations
   
14,698,020
     
14,698,020
     
0
     
0
     
14,698,020
 

 
Carrying
   
Estimated
                   
December 31, 2023
 
Amount
   
Fair Value
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Assets
                             
Held to maturity redeemable preferred stock
 
$
2,500,000
     
2,500,000
     
0
     
0
     
2,500,000
 
Equity securities, at cost
   
15,977,368
     
15,977,368
     
0
     
0
     
15,977,368
 
Mortgage loans on real estate
   
15,318,176
     
14,447,026
     
0
     
0
     
14,447,026
 
Notes receivable
   
14,009,225
     
14,189,147
     
0
     
0
     
14,189,147
 
Investment real estate
   
21,975,120
     
62,899,838
     
0
     
0
     
62,899,838
 
Policy loans
   
6,018,248
     
6,018,248
     
0
     
0
     
6,018,248
 
Accrued investment income
   
2,001,064
     
2,001,064
     
0
     
0
     
2,001,064
 
                                         
Liabilities
                                       
Policy claims and benefits payable
   
4,188,917
     
4,188,917
     
0
     
0
     
4,188,917
 
Dividend and endowment accumulations
   
14,749,258
     
14,749,258
     
0
     
0
     
14,749,258
 
Notes payable
   
19,000,000
     
19,000,000
     
0
     
19,000,000
     
0
 

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

Held to maturity redeemable preferred stock is carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

Certain equity securities are reported at their cost basis, minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. It is not practicable to estimate their fair values due to insufficient information being available.

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

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

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

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

The carrying value of accrued investment income approximates its fair value.

The carrying amounts reported for policy claims and benefits payable approximates fair value.

The carrying value for dividend and endowment accumulations approximates fair value.

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