FG Communities Holdings Inc.: Form 10-K for the period ended Dec 31, 2023

Recent Developments

On January 3, 2024, FG Financial Group, Inc. (“FGF”) and FG Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: FGH) (“FGH”), signed a definitive plan of merger to combine the companies in an all-stock transaction. The plan of merger and transaction were unanimously approved by the independent members of the Board of Directors of both FGF and FGH. Under the plan of the merger, FGH common stockholders would receive one share of FGF common stock for each share of common stock of FGH held by such stockholder. Upon completion of the merger, the combined company would be renamed to Fundamental Global Inc. and the common stock and Series A cumulative preferred stock of the combined company would continue to trade on the Nasdaq under the tickers “FGF” and “FGFPP,” respectively.

On February 29, 2024, FGF and FGH completed the previously announced merger transaction pursuant to the Plan of Merger, dated as of January 3, 2024, by and among FGF, FGH and FG Group LLC, a Nevada limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of FGF (the “Merger Sub”). Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement and in accordance with the Nevada Revised Statutes, FGH merged with and into the Merger Sub (the “Merger”), with the Merger Sub as the surviving entity and wholly owned subsidiary of FGF. Following the Merger, on February 29, 2024, the Company amended its Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to change its name to Fundamental Global Inc.

Effective immediately following the closing of the Merger, the Board of Directors of the Company increased in size from six to seven directors. In connection with the closing of the Merger, E. Gray Payne and Larry G. Swets, Jr., resigned from the Board. In addition, in accordance with the terms of the Plan of Merger and effective immediately following the closing of the Merger each of Michael C. Mitchell, Ndamukong Suh, and Robert J. Roschman were appointed to the Board. The Board has determined that all of its directors, except for D. Kyle Cerminara, are “independent directors” as such term is defined by the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq.

In connection with the Merger, Larry G. Swets, President and Chief Executive Officer of FGF prior to the closing of the Merger, and Hassan R. Baqar, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of FGF prior to the closing of the Merger, resigned from their respective positions with the combined company. Messrs. Swets and Baqar will remain with the combined company leading the merchant banking and SPAC businesses.

Effective as of the closing of the Merger, the Board appointed D. Kyle Cerminara as Chief Executive Officer and Mark D. Roberson as Chief Financial Officer of Fundamental Global Inc.

Unless stated otherwise, all information included within this Annual Report relates to information that precedes the Merger with FGH.

Overview

Fundamental Global Inc. (“FGF”, the “Company”, “we”, or “us”), formerly known as FG Financial Group, Inc., is a reinsurance, merchant banking and asset management holding company. We focus on opportunistic collateralized and loss-capped reinsurance, while allocating capital to merchant banking activities. The Company’s principal business operations are conducted through its subsidiaries and affiliates.

As of December 31, 2023, FG Financial Holdings, LLC (“FG”), a private partnership focused on long-term strategic holdings, and its affiliated entity, collectively beneficially owned approximately 54.6% of our common stock. D. Kyle Cerminara, Chairman of our Board of Directors, serves as Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder and Partner of FG.

Reincorporation

Effective at 5:01 p.m. ET on December 9, 2022, the Company completed its reincorporation from a Delaware corporation to a Nevada corporation (the “Reincorporation”). The Reincorporation was accomplished by means of a merger by and between the Company and its former wholly owned subsidiary FG Financial Group, Inc., a Nevada corporation. As of December 9, 2022, the rights of the Company’s stockholders began to be governed by the Nevada corporation laws, our Amended and Restated Nevada Articles of Incorporation and our Nevada Bylaws. The Reincorporation was approved by the Company’s stockholders at a special meeting held on December 6, 2022.

Other than the change in the state of incorporation, the Reincorporation did not result in any change in the business, physical location, management, assets, liabilities or net worth of the Company, nor did it result in any change in location of the Company’s employees, including the Company’s management.

The Reincorporation did not alter any stockholder’s percentage ownership interest or number of shares owned in the Company and the Company’s common stock continues to be quoted on the Nasdaq Global Market under the same symbol “FGF” and the 8.00% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A of the Company continues to be quoted on the Nasdaq Global Market under the same symbol, “FGFPP.”

Current Business

Our strategy has evolved to focus on opportunistic collateralized and loss capped reinsurance, with capital allocation to merchant banking activities with asymmetrical risk/reward opportunities. As part of our refined focus, we have adopted the following capital allocation philosophy:

*“*Grow intrinsic value per share with a long-term focus using fundamental research, allocating capital to asymmetric risk/reward opportunities.”

Currently, the business operates as a diversified holding company of insurance, reinsurance, asset management, our Special Purpose Acquisition Corporation “SPAC” Platform businesses, and our merchant banking division.

Insurance

Sponsor Protection Coverage and Risk, Inc. has been formed as a special purpose captive in South Carolina to provide reinsurance coverage for Sides A, B, & C Directors and Officers Liability insurance coverage for related and unrelated entities of FG Reinsurance Ltd (“FGRe”). These will include SPAC entities engaged in the services or business of taking companies public, as well as small cap businesses performing an initial public offering. Sponsor Protection Coverage and Risk, Inc. has yet to write any business.

Reinsurance

The Company’s wholly owned reinsurance subsidiary, FGRe, a Cayman Islands limited liability company, provides specialty property and casualty reinsurance. FGRe has been granted a Class B (iii) insurer license in accordance with the terms of The Insurance Act (as revised) of the Cayman Islands and underlying regulations thereto and is subject to regulation by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (the “Authority”). The terms of the license require advance approval from the Authority should FGRe wish to enter into any reinsurance agreements which are not fully collateralized.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had eight active reinsurance contracts, including participating in a Funds at Lloyds (“FAL”) syndicate covering risks written by the syndicate during the 2021, 2022 and 2023 calendar years.

In addition, during 2023, the Company began to focus on growing fee-based revenue through FG Re Solutions, Ltd.

Asset Management

FG Strategic Consulting, LLC, (“FGSC”) a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, provides investment advisory services, including identifying, analyzing and recommending potential investments, advising as to existing investments and investment optimization, recommending investment dispositions, and providing advice regarding macro-economic conditions.

SPAC Platform and Merchant Banking

On December 21, 2020, we formed FG Management Solutions LLC (“FGMS”), formerly known as FG SPAC Solutions, LLC, a Delaware company, to facilitate the launch of our “SPAC Platform.” Under the SPAC Platform, we provide various strategic, administrative, and regulatory support services to newly formed SPACs for a monthly fee. Additionally, the Company co-founded a partnership, FG Merchant Partners, LP (“FGMP”), formerly known as FG SPAC Partners, LP, to participate as a co-sponsor for newly formed SPACs.

In the third quarter of 2022, the Company announced the expansion of its growth strategy through the formation of a merchant banking division.

Employees

As of December 31, 2023, we had six employees. We are not a party to any collective bargaining agreement and believe that relations with our employees are satisfactory.

Website

Our corporate website is www.fundamentalglobal.com (http://www.fundamentalglobal.com). A copy of our Code of Ethics can be found in the Governance Documents section of our website. Information contained at the website is not a part of this report.

Risks Relating to Our Industry, Business and Operations

We have had limited operations upon which to predict our future performance, since the sale of our former insurance business.

At the end of 2019, we sold our former insurance business, and began to transition to operate as a reinsurance, merchant banking and asset management holding company. Accordingly, our historical financial statements provide little basis upon which to predict our future performance. Our revenue has been reduced, as we have limited assets with which to generate revenue. Our failure to secure additional sources of revenue may have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the uncertainty surrounding our future operations and business prospects may negatively impact the value and liquidity of our stock. If we are unable to implement our business plans successfully, our financial condition and results of operations will be impaired, and your investment in our Company will be at risk.

We do not have an operating history or established reputation in the reinsurance industry, and our lack of an established operating history and reputation may make it difficult for us to attract or retain business.

We provide property and casualty reinsurance through FGRe. We do not have a prolonged operating history on which we can base an estimate of our future earnings prospects. We also do not have an established reputation in the reinsurance industry. Reputation is a very important factor in the reinsurance industry, and competition for business is, in part, based on reputation. Although we expect that our reinsurance policies will be fully collateralized, we are a relatively newly formed reinsurance company and do not yet have a well-established reputation in the industry. Our lack of an established reputation may make it difficult for us to attract or retain business. We will compete with major reinsurers, all of which have substantially greater financial marketing and management resources than we do, which may make it difficult for us to effectively market our products or offer our products at a profit. In addition, we do not have or currently intend to obtain financial strength ratings, which may discourage certain counterparties from entering into reinsurance contracts with us.

As a reinsurer, we will depend on our cedents’ evaluations of the risks associated with their insurance underwriting, which may subject us to reinsurance losses.

In the proportional reinsurance business, in which we will assume an agreed percentage of each underlying insurance contract being reinsured, or quota-share contracts, we do not plan to separately evaluate each of the original individual risks assumed under these reinsurance contracts. We will therefore be largely dependent on the original underwriting decisions made by ceding companies, which will subject us to the risk that the cedents may not have adequately evaluated the insured risks and that the premiums ceded may not adequately compensate us for the risks we assume. We also do not plan to separately evaluate each of the individual claims made on the underlying insurance contracts under quota-share arrangements, in which case we will be dependent on the original claims decisions made by our cedents.

The involvement of reinsurance brokers may subject us to their credit risk.

As a standard practice of the reinsurance industry, reinsurers frequently pay amounts owed on claims under their policies to reinsurance brokers, and these brokers, in turn, remit these amounts to the ceding companies that have reinsured a portion of their liabilities with the reinsurer. In some jurisdictions, if a broker fails to make such a payment, the reinsurer might remain liable to the cedent for the deficiency notwithstanding the broker’s obligation to make such payment. Conversely, in certain jurisdictions, when the cedent pays premiums for policies to reinsurance brokers for payment to the reinsurer, these premiums are considered to have been paid and the cedent will no longer be liable to the reinsurer for these premiums, whether or not the reinsurer has actually received them from the broker. Consequently, as a reinsurer, we expect to assume a degree of credit risk associated with the brokers that we intend to do business with.

We may not be successful in carrying out our asset management strategy, and the fair value of our investments will be subject to a loss in value.

Through our SPAC sponsorships, we may be subject to lock-up agreements, and our ability to access the capital used to sponsor SPACs may be limited for a defined period, which may increase a risk of loss of all or a significant portion of value. Our investments may also become concentrated. A significant decline in the values of these investments may produce a large decrease in our consolidated shareholders’ equity and can have a material adverse effect on our consolidated book value per share and earnings.

The insurance and reinsurance businesses are highly competitive, and we may not be able to compete successfully in those industries.

The reinsurance business, in which we participate, and the insurance business that we plan to enter are highly competitive. We compete and will compete with major U.S. and non-U.S. reinsurers and insurers, many of which have greater financial, marketing and management resources than we do. There has been significant consolidation in the insurance and reinsurance sector in recent years, and we may experience increased competition as a result of that consolidation, with consolidated entities having enhanced market power. These consolidated entities may use their enhanced market power and broader capital base to negotiate price reductions for products and services that compete with ours, and we may experience rate declines and possibly write less business. Any failure by us to effectively compete could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

The insurance and reinsurance industries are highly cyclical, and we may at times experience periods characterized by excess underwriting capacity and unfavorable premium rates.

Historically, insurers and reinsurers have experienced significant fluctuations in operating results due to competition, frequency of occurrence or severity of catastrophic events, levels of capacity, general economic conditions, changes in equity, debt and other investment markets, changes in legislation, case law and prevailing concepts of liability, and other factors. Demand for reinsurance is influenced significantly by the underwriting results of primary insurers and prevailing general economic conditions. The supply of insurance and reinsurance is related to prevailing prices and levels of surplus capacity that, in turn, may fluctuate in response to changes in rates of return on both underwriting and investment sides. As a result, the insurance and reinsurance businesses historically have been cyclical, characterized by periods of intense price competition, due to excessive underwriting capacity, as well as periods when shortages of capacity permitted favorable premium levels and changes in terms and conditions. Until recently, the supply of insurance and reinsurance had increased over the past several years, and may again in the future, either as a result of capital provided by new entrants or by the commitment of additional capital by existing insurers or reinsurers. Continued increases in the supply of insurance and reinsurance may have consequences for us, including fewer contracts written, lower premium rates, increased expenses for customer acquisition and retention, and less favorable policy terms and conditions.

Climate change, as well as increasing regulation in the area of climate change, may adversely affect our insurance and reinsurance business, financial condition and results of operations.

Changing weather patterns and climatic conditions, such as global warming, may have added to the unpredictability and frequency of natural disasters in certain parts of the world and created additional uncertainty as to future trends and exposures. Although the loss experience of catastrophe insurers and reinsurers has historically been characterized as low frequency, there is a growing concern today that climate change increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, and, in recent years, the frequency of major catastrophes appears to have resumed historical levels or increased and may continue to increase in the future.

Claims for catastrophic events, or an unusual frequency of smaller losses in a particular period, could expose us to large losses, cause substantial volatility in our results of operations and could have a material adverse effect on our ability to write new business if we are not able to adequately assess and reserve for the increased frequency and severity of catastrophes resulting from these environmental factors. Additionally, catastrophic events could result in declines in the value of investments we hold and significant disruptions to our physical infrastructure, systems, and operations. Climate change-related risks may also specifically adversely impact the value of the securities that we hold.

Changes in security asset prices may impact the value of our investments, resulting in realized or unrealized losses on our invested assets. These risks are not limited to but can include: (i) changes in supply/demand characteristics for fossil fuels (e.g., coal, oil, natural gas); (ii) advances in low-carbon technology and renewable energy development; and (iii) effects of extreme weather events on the physical and operational exposure of industries and issuers, and the transition that these companies make towards addressing climate risk in their own businesses.

We cannot predict how legal, regulatory and/or social responses to concerns around global climate change may impact our business. There can be no assurance that our reinsurance coverage and other measures taken will be sufficient to mitigate losses resulting from one or more catastrophic events. As a result, the occurrence of one or more catastrophic events and the continuation and worsening of recent trends could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We are also subject to complex and changing laws, regulation and public policy debates relating to climate change which are difficult to predict and quantify and may have an adverse impact on our business. Changes in regulations relating to climate change or our own leadership decisions implemented as a result of assessing the impact of climate change on our business may result in an increase in the cost of doing business or a decrease in premiums in certain lines of business.

Underwriting risks and reserving for losses are based on probabilities and related modeling, which are subject to inherent uncertainties.

Our success is dependent upon our ability to assess accurately the risks associated with the businesses that we insure and reinsure. We establish reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses which represent estimates based on actuarial and statistical projections, at a given point in time, of our and our cedent’s expectations of the ultimate future settlement and administration costs of losses incurred. We utilize actuarial models as well as available historical insurance industry loss ratio experience and loss development patterns to assist in the establishment of loss reserves. Most or all of these factors are not directly quantifiable, particularly on a prospective basis, and the effects of these and unforeseen factors could negatively impact our ability to accurately assess the risks of the policies that we write. Changes in the assumptions used by these models or by management could lead to an increase in our estimate of ultimate losses in the future. In addition, there may be significant reporting lags between the occurrence of the insured event and the time it is reported to the insurer and additional lags between the time of reporting and final settlement of claims. In addition, the estimation of loss reserves is more difficult during times of adverse economic and market conditions due to unexpected changes in behavior of claimants and policyholders, including an increase in fraudulent reporting of exposures and/or losses, reduced maintenance of insured properties or increased frequency of small claims. Changes in the level of inflation also result in an increased level of uncertainty in our estimation of loss reserves. As a result, actual losses and loss adjustment expenses paid can deviate, perhaps substantially, from the reserve estimates reflected in our financial statements.

If our loss reserves are determined to be inadequate, we will be required to increase loss reserves at the time of such determination with a corresponding reduction in our net income in the period when the deficiency becomes known. It is possible that claims in respect of events that have occurred could exceed our claim reserves and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, in a particular period, or our financial condition in general. As a compounding factor, although most insurance contracts have policy limits, the nature of property and casualty insurance and reinsurance is such that losses and the associated expenses can exceed policy limits for a variety of reasons and could significantly exceed the premiums received on the underlying policies, thereby further adversely affecting our financial condition.

Our results of operations will fluctuate from period to period and may not be indicative of our long-term prospects.

We anticipate that the performance of our reinsurance operations and our investment portfolio will fluctuate from period to period. In addition, because we plan to underwrite products and make investments to achieve favorable return on equity over the long-term, our short-term results of operations may not be indicative of our long-term prospects. Our results of operations may also be adversely impacted by general economic conditions and the conditions and outlook of the reinsurance markets and capital markets.

Changes in the value of the investments we directly own, or indirectly own through our ownership of equity method investees, could materially affect our income and increase the volatility of our earnings.

As of December 31, 2023, our consolidated balance sheet includes approximately $30.9 million related to investments held directly by us or indirectly through equity method investees.

Included in the $30.9 million are investments in FG New America Acquisition Corp, Aldel Financial Inc., FG Merger Corp, and FG Acquisition Corp., all of which were originally launched as special purpose acquisition companies. FG New America Acquisition Corp. completed its business combination in July 2021 and now operates as OppFi, Inc. (NYSE: OPFI). Our investment consists of approximately 860,000 common shares of OPFI as well as approximately 358,000 warrants to purchase common shares of OPFI at a price of $11.50 per share. Aldel Financial Inc. completed its business combination in December 2021 and now operates as Hagerty, Inc. (NYSE: HGTY). Our investment consists of approximately 299,000 warrants to purchase common shares of HGTY at a price of $15.00 per share. FG Merger Corp completed its business combination in August 2023 and now operates as iCoreConnect, Inc. (NASDAQ: ICCT). Our investment consists of approximately 715,000 preferred shares of ICCT as well as approximately 1,240,000 warrants to purchase preferred shares of ICCT at a price of $11.50 per share, and approximately 190,000 warrants to purchase preferred shares of ICCT at a price of $15.00 per share.

As of December 31, 2023, FG Acquisition Corp. had not yet completed a business combination agreement. Our investment in FG Acquisition Corp. consists of approximately 819,000 shares of FG Acquisition’s common stock, approximately 1,400,000 warrants with an $11.50 exercise price and 5-year expiration (the “FGAC Warrants”), approximately 440,000 warrants with a $15 exercise price and 10-year expiration, and either (i) up to approximately an additional 1,600,000 FGAC Warrants, or (ii) up to approximately $2 million in cash, or (iii) a pro-rata combination of such FGAC Warrants and cash, based on certain adjustment provisions and the level of redemptions of FG Acquisition’s publicly traded warrants at the time of a business combination.

In addition to the investments noted above, the Company also holds interests in FG Communities and Craveworthy LLC, both of which are private companies.

The change in value of any of the investments noted above, which primarily make up the $30.9 million on our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2023, could significantly impact our reported results and shareholders’ equity.

Adverse developments in the financial markets could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position and our businesses, and may also limit our access to capital.

Adverse developments in the financial markets, such as disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the capital and credit markets, may result in realized and unrealized capital losses that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position and our businesses, and may also limit our access to capital required to operate our business. Depending on market conditions, we could incur additional realized and unrealized losses on our investment portfolio in future periods, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and business. Economic conditions could also have a material impact on the frequency and severity of claims and therefore could negatively impact our underwriting returns. The volatility in the financial markets could continue to significantly affect our investment returns, reported results, and shareholders’ equity.

The capital requirements of our businesses depend on many factors, including regulatory requirements, the performance of our investment portfolio, our ability to write new business successfully, the frequency and severity of catastrophe events and our ability to establish premium rates and reserves at levels sufficient to cover losses.

Our investments in special purpose acquisition companies as well as the sponsors of special purpose acquisition companies involve a high degree of risk.

We have invested in initial public offerings (“IPOs”) of special purpose acquisition companies, including SPACs that are sponsored by our affiliates. In general, a SPAC is a special purpose vehicle that is formed to raise capital from the public through an IPO with the purpose, usually, of using the proceeds to acquire a single unspecified business or assets to be identified after the IPO. The IPO proceeds are held in a trust account until released to fund a business combination or used to redeem shares sold in the IPO. SPACs are required to either consummate a business combination or liquidate within a set period of time following their IPO. Because, at the time of the IPO, the SPAC has no operating history or any plans, arrangements or understandings with any prospective investment targets, we will have no basis upon which to evaluate the SPAC’s ability to achieve its business objectives. If a SPAC fails to complete its initial business transaction within the required time period, it will never generate any operating revenues and our SPAC investment may receive only a fixed dollar amount per share upon redemption, or less than such fixed amount in certain circumstances which could significantly affect our operating results and shareholders’ equity.

Additionally, as of December 31, 2023, we have acquired equity interests in various sponsors of SPACs (“Sponsor”) and expect to acquire additional interests in sponsors of SPACs in the future. By investing in a Sponsor, we have provided at-risk capital which allows the Sponsor to launch the IPO of the SPAC. In exchange for this investment, we own interests in the Sponsor that entitle us to receive distributions of shares and warrants in the SPAC. These Sponsor interests do not have redemption rights to receive any portion of our original investment back from the trust account of the SPAC, as is normally associated with an IPO investment directly into a SPAC. Accordingly, an investment in a Sponsor is subject to a much higher degree of risk than an investment directly in a SPAC’s IPO because the entire investment may be lost if the SPAC is not successful in consummating a business combination. Such potential loss could have a material effect on our financial results and shareholders’ equity.

As the number of SPACs evaluating targets increases, attractive targets may become more scarce, and there may be increased competition for attractive targets. This could increase the cost of an initial business combination and it could even result in an inability to find a target or to consummate an initial business combination.

In recent years, the number of SPACs that have been formed has increased substantially. Many potential targets for special purpose acquisition companies have already entered into an initial business combination. As a result, at times, fewer attractive targets may be available to consummate an initial business combination.

In addition, because there are more SPACs seeking to enter into an initial business combination with available targets, the competition for available targets with attractive fundamentals or business models may increase, which could cause target companies to demand improved financial terms. Attractive deals could also become more scarce for other reasons, such as economic or industry sector downturns, geopolitical tensions, or increases in the cost of additional capital needed to close business combinations or operate targets post-business combination. Together, this could increase the cost of, delay or otherwise complicate or frustrate the ability of a SPAC to find and consummate an initial business combination and may result in an inability to consummate an initial business combination on terms favorable to investors altogether.

Furthermore, the strength of the market for SPAC IPOs has fluctuated substantially from year to year and has experienced cycles of relative strength and weakness. There can be no assurance that the SPAC market will be strong in the future.

Legal and Regulatory Risks

Our failure to obtain or maintain approval of insurance regulators and other regulatory authorities as required for the operations of our reinsurance subsidiary may have a material adverse effect on our future business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

FGRe has a Class B (iii) insurer license in accordance with the terms of The Insurance Law, 2010 and is subject to regulation by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority. Failure to comply with the laws, regulations and requirements applicable to a Cayman Islands-domiciled reinsurance subsidiary could result in consequences which may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Our future business plans may also require advance approval of our insurance operations. Failure to receive or maintain the licenses necessary to execute on our strategy or receive necessary approvals may have a material adverse effect on our future business.

We are subject to the risk of becoming an investment company under the Investment Company Act.

We are subject to the risk of inadvertently becoming an investment company, which would require us to register under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). Registered investment companies are subject to extensive, restrictive and potentially adverse regulations relating to, among other things, operating methods, management, capital structure, dividends and transactions with affiliates. Registered investment companies are not permitted to operate their business in the manner in which we currently operate and plan to operate our business in the future.

We plan to monitor the value of our investments and structure our operations and transactions to qualify for exemptions under the Investment Company Act. Accordingly, we may structure transactions in manners less advantageous than if we did not have Investment Company Act concerns, or we may avoid otherwise economically desirable transactions due to those concerns. In addition, adverse developments with respect to our ownership of our operating subsidiaries, including significant appreciation or depreciation in the market value of certain of our publicly traded holdings, could result in our inadvertently becoming an investment company. If it were established that we were an investment company, there would be a risk, among other material adverse consequences, that we could become subject to monetary penalties or injunctive relief, or both, in an action brought by the SEC, that we would be unable to enforce contracts with third parties, or that third parties could seek to obtain rescission of transactions with us undertaken during the period it was established that we were an unregistered investment company.

We have a limited operating history as a publicly traded company. Our inexperience as a public company and the requirements of being a public company may strain our resources, divert management’s attention, affect our ability to attract and retain qualified board members and have a material adverse effect on us and our stockholders.

We have a limited operating history as a publicly traded company. As a publicly traded company, we are required to develop and implement substantial control systems, policies and procedures to satisfy our periodic SEC reporting and Nasdaq obligations. Management’s previous experience may not be sufficient to successfully develop and implement these systems, policies and procedures and to operate our Company. Failure to do so could jeopardize our status as a public company, and the loss of such status may have a material adverse effect on us and our stockholders.

In addition, as a public company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Act, and Nasdaq rules, including those promulgated in response to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The requirements of these rules and regulations increase our legal and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly and increase demand on our systems and resources. The Exchange Act requires, among other things, that we file annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to our business and financial condition. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls for financial reporting. To maintain and improve the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, we need to continually commit significant resources, maintain staff and provide additional management oversight. In addition, implementing our business strategy and sustaining our growth will require us to commit additional management, operational and financial resources to identify new professionals to join our organization and to maintain appropriate operational and financial systems to adequately support expansion. These activities may divert management’s attention from other business concerns, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

As a public company, we incur significant annual expenses related to these steps associated with, among other things, director fees, reporting requirements, transfer agent fees, accounting, administrative personnel, auditing and legal fees and similar expenses. We also incur higher costs for director and officer liability insurance and other insurance coverages. Any of these factors make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our Board of Directors. Finally, we expect to incur additional costs once we lose smaller reporting company status or are required to provide an auditor attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

If we fail to establish and maintain an effective system of integrated internal controls, we may not be able to report our financial results accurately, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Ensuring that we have adequate internal financial and accounting controls and procedures in place so that we can produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis is a costly and time-consuming effort that we will need to evaluate frequently. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires public companies to conduct an annual review and evaluation of their internal controls and attestations of the effectiveness of internal controls by independent auditors. We currently qualify as a smaller reporting company under the regulations of the SEC. As a smaller reporting company, we are exempt from the requirement to include the auditor’s report of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting until such time as we no longer qualify as a smaller reporting company, based on our public float and reporting more than $100 million in annual revenues in a fiscal year. Regardless of our qualification status, we have implemented control systems and procedures to satisfy the reporting requirements under the Exchange Act and applicable requirements of Nasdaq, among other items. Maintaining these internal controls is costly and may divert management’s attention.

Our evaluation of our internal controls over financial reporting may identify material weaknesses that may cause us to be unable to report our financial information on a timely basis and thereby subject us to adverse regulatory consequences, including sanctions by the SEC, or violations of Nasdaq’s listing rules. There also could be a negative reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of investor confidence in us and the reliability of our financial statements. Confidence in the reliability of our financial statements also could suffer if we or our independent registered public accounting firm were to report a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting. This may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and could also lead to a decline in the price of our common stock.

While we currently qualify as a smaller reporting company under SEC regulations, we cannot be certain, if we take advantage of the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to these companies, that we will not make our stock less attractive to investors. Once we lose smaller reporting company status, the costs and demands placed upon our management are expected to increase.

The SEC’s rules exempt smaller reporting companies, like us, from various reporting requirements applicable to public companies that are not smaller reporting companies. So long as we qualify as a smaller reporting company, based on our public float, and report less than $100 million in annual revenues in a fiscal year, we are permitted, and we intend, to omit the auditor’s attestation on internal control over financial reporting that would otherwise be required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Until such time that we lose smaller reporting company status, it is unclear if investors will find our stock less attractive because we may rely on certain disclosure exemptions. If some investors find our stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for the stock, and our stock price may be more volatile and could cause our stock price to decline. Even if we remain a smaller reporting company, if our public float exceeds $75 million and we report $100 million or more in annual revenues in a fiscal year, we will become subject to the provisions of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, requiring our independent registered public accounting firm to provide an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, making the public reporting process more costly.

Holders of our outstanding shares of 8.00% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A, have dividend, liquidation and other rights that are senior to the rights of holders of our common shares.

As of December 31, 2023, we have issued and outstanding 894,580 shares of preferred stock designated as 8.00% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $25.00 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”). The aggregate liquidation preference with respect to the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock is approximately $22.4 million, and annual dividends on the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock are approximately $1.8 million. Holders of our Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors cumulative cash dividends from and including the original issue date at the rate of 8.00% of the $25.00 per share liquidation preference per annum (equivalent to $2.00 per annum per share). Upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, before any payment is made to holders of our common shares, holders of these preferred shares are entitled to receive, for each share held, an amount equal to the $25.00 liquidation preference and unpaid dividends. This would reduce the remaining amount of our assets, if any, available to distribute to holders of our common shares.

Our Board of Directors has the authority to designate and issue additional preferred shares with liquidation, dividend and other rights that are senior to those of our common shares, similar or senior to the rights of the holders of our Series A Preferred Stock. Because our decision to issue additional securities will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of any future offerings. Thus, our stockholders bear the risk that future securities issuances might dilute their interests and reduce the market price of our stock.

We may fail to satisfy the continued listing standards of Nasdaq, in which case our stock might be delisted.

Even though we currently satisfy the continued listing standards for Nasdaq and expect to continue to do so, we can provide no assurance that we will continue to satisfy the continued listing standards in the future. In the event that we are unable to satisfy the continued listing standards of Nasdaq, our stock may be delisted from that market. Any delisting of our stock from Nasdaq could:

• adversely affect our ability to attract new investors;
• decrease the liquidity of our outstanding stock;
• reduce our flexibility to raise additional capital;
• reduce the price at which our stocks trade; and
• increase the transaction costs inherent in trading our stock, with overall negative effects for our stockholders.

In addition, delisting our stock could deter broker-dealers from making a market in or otherwise seeking or generating interest in our stock and might deter some institutions or others from investing in our securities at all. For these reasons and others, delisting could adversely affect the price of our stock and our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Technology and Operational Risks

Our information technology systems may fail or suffer a loss of security which may have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our business is highly dependent upon the successful and uninterrupted functioning of our computer and data processing systems. Our operations are dependent upon our ability to process our business timely and efficiently and protect our information systems from physical loss or unauthorized access. In the event that our systems cannot be accessed due to a natural catastrophe, terrorist attack or power outage, or systems and telecommunications failures or outages, external attacks such as computer viruses, malware or cyber-attacks, or other disruptions occur, our ability to perform business operations on a timely basis could be significantly impaired and may cause our systems to be inaccessible for an extended period of time. A sustained business interruption or system failure could adversely impact our ability to perform necessary business operations in a timely manner, hurt our relationships with our business partners and customers and have a material adverse effect our financial condition and results of operations.

Our operations also depend on the reliable and secure processing, storage and transmission of confidential and other information in our computer systems and networks. From time to time, we may experience threats to our data and systems, including malware and computer virus attacks, unauthorized access, systems failures and disruptions. Computer viruses, hackers, phishing attacks, social engineering schemes, ransomware, employee misconduct and other external hazards could expose our data systems to security breaches, cyber-attacks or other disruptions. In addition, we routinely transmit and receive personal, confidential and proprietary information by electronic means. Our systems and networks may be subject to breaches or interference. Any such event may result in operational disruptions as well as unauthorized access to or the disclosure or loss of our proprietary information or our customers’ information or theft of funds and other monetary loss, which in turn may result in legal claims, regulatory scrutiny and liability, damage to our reputation, the incurrence of costs to eliminate or mitigate further exposure, the loss of customers or affiliated advisers or other damage to our business.

Risks Related to Our Significant Shareholder

FG Financial Holdings, LLC (“FG”) and its affiliated entity control a substantial interest in us and thus may exert substantial influence on actions requiring a stockholder vote, potentially in a manner that you do not support.

As of December 31, 2023, FG and its affiliates own approximately 54.6% of our issued and outstanding common stock. Accordingly, they may exert a substantial influence on actions requiring a stockholder vote, including election of directors, potentially in a manner that you do not support. D. Kyle Cerminara, Chairman of our Board of Directors, serves as Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder and Partner of FG. Due to his position as a member of our Board of Directions as well as his positions at FG, he has considerable influence on actions requiring a stockholder vote.

Risks Related to Human Capital

We may be unable to attract and retain key personnel and management, which could adversely impact our ability to successfully implement and execute our business and growth strategy.

The successful implementation of our business and growth strategy depends in large part upon the ability and experience of members of our management and other personnel. Our performance will be dependent on our ability to identify, hire, train, motivate and retain qualified management and personnel with experience in the reinsurance industry, investment advisory services, and in real estate investments. We may not be able to attract and retain such personnel on acceptable terms, or at all. If we lose the service of qualified management or other personnel or are unable to attract and retain the necessary members of management or personnel, we may not be able to successfully execute on our business strategy, which could have an adverse effect on our business.

Some of our directors and officers also serve as directors and/or executive officers for other public companies or for our controlling stockholders or their affiliates, which may lead to conflicting interests.

Our Chairman, D. Kyle Cerminara, serves as an executive officer of FG and its affiliated entity, which together, as of December 31, 2023, beneficially owned approximately 54.6% of our outstanding shares of common stock. Additionally, Mr. Cerminara also currently serves as Director of FG Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: FGH) (formerly Ballantyne Strong, Inc.). Mr. Cerminara is also the Chairman of FG Acquisition Corp (TSX:FGAA.U). Scott D. Wollney, one of our directors, serves as an executive officer and director of Atlas Financial Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: AFH) (“Atlas”), a commercial automobile managing general agency. Our chief executive officer and director, Mr. Swets, serves as director of GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. (TSXV: GFP), FG Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: FGH), and FG Acquisition Corp. (TSX: FGAA.U). He also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of FG Acquisition Corp. Our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Hassan R. Baqar, also serves as Director and Chief Financial Officer of FG Acquisition Corp. (TSX: FGAA.U)

Our executive officers and members of our Company’s Board of Directors have fiduciary duties to our stockholders; likewise, persons who serve in similar capacities at the public companies have fiduciary duties to those companies’ investors. There may be potential conflicts of interest if our Company and one or more of these other companies pursue acquisitions, investments and other business opportunities that may be suitable for each of us. Our directors who find themselves in these multiple roles may, as a result, have conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest with respect to matters involving or affecting more than one of the companies to which they owe fiduciary duties. Furthermore, our directors who find themselves in these multiple roles own stock options, shares of common stock and other securities in some of these entities. These ownership interests could create, or appear to create, potential conflicts of interest when the applicable individuals are faced with decisions that could have different implications for our Company and these other entities. From time to time, we may enter into transactions with or participate jointly in investments with those other entities or their affiliates. We may create new situations in the future in which our directors serve as directors or executive officers in future investment holdings of such entities.

Our executive officers and directors will allocate their time to our and other businesses in which they are involved, at their discretion, potentially to the detriment of the Company.

Our executive officers and directors are not required to, and will not, commit their full time to our affairs, which may result in conflicts of interest in allocating their time between our operations and those other businesses in which they are involved. Our chief executive officer is engaged in other business endeavors for which he may be entitled to substantial compensation, and our executive officers are not obligated to contribute any specific amount of time to our affairs. Our directors also serve as officers and board members for other entities. If our executive officers’ and directors’ elect to devote substantial amounts of time to the affairs of other businesses, in excess of current levels, they might not assign sufficient attention to the Company, potentially impairing our results of operations, financial condition, and prospects and the value of our securities.

Members of our management and companies with which they are affiliated in the past have been, and may in the future be, involved in civil disputes and litigation and governmental investigations relating to their business affairs unrelated to our company. Any such claims or investigations may divert management’s attention from our business or be detrimental to our reputation, resulting in adverse effects upon our results of operations, financial condition, and prospects and the value of our securities held by investors.

General Risk Factors

Unfavorable global economic conditions, including as a result of health and safety concerns, could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our results of operations and the implementation of our new business strategy could be adversely affected by general conditions in the global economy, including conditions that are outside of our control. A severe or prolonged economic downturn could result in a variety of risks to our business and could delay the implementation of our new business strategy.

In the event of a major disruption caused by the pandemic, we may lose the services of our employees, experience system interruptions or face challenges accessing the capital or credit markets, which could lead to diminishment of our business operations. Any of the foregoing could harm our business and delay the implementation of our business strategy.

The U.S. economy is being negatively impacted by historically significant inflation, a looming recession and disruptions in supply and the workforce; recent global socioeconomic trends, including the war in Ukraine and U.S. relations with certain foreign powers including China may have a further adverse effect on the U.S. economy and our businesses.

The U.S. and larger global economies experienced historically high inflation during 2023. As a result, the prospect for a recession is high and considered by many to be likely. Some sources have declared that the U.S. already is in a recession. Consumer prices, including basic costs of food, fuel, utilities, healthcare, mortgage and personal loan rates, and other non-discretionary and discretionary consumer items are up by high single digits. Wages are up, however, increases in wages lag price inflation resulting in a net decline in real personal incomes relative to consumer spending. Volatility continues to exist in the workforce making it more difficult and costly for employers to recruit, hire and/or retain workers. U.S. unemployment remains relatively low, however the labor utilization rate and ratio of workers to the total population also remain low. Shortages in the workforce are a significant factor in supply shortages relative to demand and also help fuel inflation. On the global stage, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and escalation of overtures by China over Taiwan and the South China Sea, also add instability to the uncertainty driving socioeconomic forces, which in turn, impact the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ operations.

The present conditions and state of our U.S. and global economies make it difficult to predict whether and/or when and to what extent a recession has occurred or will occur in the near future. In the event of an occurring or worsening recession, as the case may be, in which the U.S. economy contracts, our businesses could be negatively impacted.

Material risks from cybersecurity threats are managed across the Company, third-party suppliers and vendors. Monitoring such risks and threats is integrated into the Company’s overall risk management program.

The Company regularly assesses risks from cybersecurity and technology threats and monitors information systems for potential vulnerabilities. The Company maintains technical and organizational safeguards, including risk awareness education, employee training, incident response capability exercises, and cybersecurity insurance for the protection of the Company’s assets. With the goal of minimizing disruption, the Company also leverages a third-party specialist to identify, prioritize, assess, mitigate, and remediate risks within our network and to assist in implementing processes to oversee and identify material risks from cybersecurity threats associated with third-party service providers.

Our operations depend on our ability to process our business timely and efficiently and protect our information systems from physical loss or unauthorized access. A sustained business interruption or system failure could adversely impact our ability to perform necessary business operations promptly, hurt our relationships with our business partners and customers, and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

In the event of an incident, the Company focuses on responding to and containing the threat and minimizing any business impact, as appropriate. In the event of an incident, Senior Management assesses, among other factors, safety impact, data loss, business operations disruption, projected cost and potential for reputational harm.

To date, the Company has not experienced any material cybersecurity incidents. For a discussion of whether any risks from cybersecurity threats are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company, including its business strategy, results of operations or financial condition, See “Item 1A. Risk Factors — Technology and Operational Risks.”

The Chief Financial Officer leads the implementation of information system controls and is responsible for monitoring the controls to ensure they remain appropriate. The Chief Financial Officer has the proper credentials and relevant experience given the environment in which the Company operates, The Audit Committee of the Board, with input from Senior Management, primarily the Chief Financial Officer, assesses the Company’s cybersecurity, other information technology risks, threats, and the measures implemented by the Company to mitigate and prevent cyberattacks. The Audit Committee will elevate any issues identified as potential threats to the attention of the Board. In addition, the Board of the Company oversees our annual enterprise risk assessment and receives periodic reports on the Company’s cybersecurity controls.

Our executive offices are located at 104 S Walnut, Unit 1A, Itasca, IL 60143. Our lease term expires in December 2025. Total minimum rent over the next twelve months is expected to be $21,000.

In the opinion of the Company’s management, our executive offices are suitable for our current business and are adequately maintained.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company was not a party to any legal proceedings and was not aware of any material claims or actions pending or threatened against us. From time to time, we are involved in legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. Currently, it is not possible to predict legal outcomes and their impact on the future development of claims. Any such development will be affected by future court decisions and interpretations. Because of these uncertainties, additional liabilities may arise for amounts in excess of the Company’s current reserves.

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and information included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. You should review the “Risk Factors” section of this annual report for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis and set forth elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Unless context denotes otherwise, the terms “Company,” “FGF,” “we,” “us,” and “our,” refer to FG Financial Group, Inc., and its subsidiaries.

Recent Developments

On January 3, 2024, FG Financial Group, Inc. (“FGF”) and FG Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: FGH) (“FGH”), signed a definitive plan of merger to combine the companies in an all-stock transaction. The plan of merger and transaction were unanimously approved by the independent members of the Board of Directors of both FGF and FGH. Under the plan of the merger, FGH common stockholders would receive one share of FGF common stock for each share of common stock of FGH held by such stockholder. Upon completion of the merger, the combined company would be renamed to Fundamental Global Inc. and the common stock and Series A cumulative preferred stock of the combined company would continue to trade on the Nasdaq under the tickers “FGF” and “FGFPP,” respectively.

On February 29, 2024, FGF and FGH completed the previously announced merger transaction pursuant to the Plan of Merger, dated as of January 3, 2024 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among FGF, FGH and FG Group LLC, a Nevada limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of FGF (the “Merger Sub”). Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement and in accordance with the Nevada Revised Statutes, FGH merged with and into the Merger Sub (the “Merger”), with the Merger Sub as the surviving entity and wholly owned subsidiary of FGF. Following the Merger, on February 29, 2024, the Company amended its Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to change its name to Fundamental Global Inc.

Effective immediately following the closing of the Merger, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) increased in size from six to seven directors. In connection with the closing of the Merger, E. Gray Payne and Larry G. Swets, Jr., resigned from the Board. In addition, in accordance with the terms of the Plan of Merger and effective immediately following the closing of the Merger each of Michael C. Mitchell, Ndamukong Suh, and Robert J. Roschman were appointed to the Board. The Board has determined that all of its directors, except for D. Kyle Cerminara, are “independent directors” as such term is defined by the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq.

In connection with the Merger, Larry G. Swets, President and Chief Executive Officer of FGF prior to the closing of the Merger, and Hassan R. Baqar, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of FGF prior to the closing of the Merger, resigned from their respective positions with the combined company. Messrs. Swets and Baqar will remain with the combined company leading the merchant banking and SPAC businesses.

Effective as of the closing of the Merger, the Board appointed D. Kyle Cerminara as Chief Executive Officer and Mark D. Roberson as Chief Financial Officer of Fundamental Global Inc.

Unless stated otherwise, all information included within this Annual Report relates to information that precedes the Merger with FGH.

Overview

Fundamental Global Inc. (“FGF”, the “Company”, “we”, or “us”), formerly known as FG Financial Group, Inc., is a reinsurance, merchant banking and asset management holding company. We focus on opportunistic collateralized and loss-capped reinsurance, while allocating capital to merchant banking activities. The Company’s principal business operations are conducted through its subsidiaries and affiliates.

As of December 31, 2023, FG Financial Holdings, LLC (“FG”), a private partnership focused on long-term strategic holdings, and its affiliated entity collectively beneficially owned approximately 54.6% of our common stock. D. Kyle Cerminara, Chairman of our Board of Directors, serves as Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder and Partner of FG.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Critical accounting estimates are those estimates made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles that involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty and have had or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates. Set forth below is qualitative and quantitative information necessary to understand the estimation uncertainty and the impact the critical accounting estimate has had or is reasonably likely to have on financial condition or results of operations, to the extent the information is material and reasonably available.

Other Investments

Other investments consist, in part, of equity investments made in privately held companies accounted for under the equity method. The carrying values of investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting, and the corresponding gains and losses resulting from equity pickups, are significantly impacted by certain investments held by equity method investees. As discussed further in Note 4, these investments held by our equity method investees are valued using Monte-Carlo simulation and option pricing models. Inherent in Monte-Carlo simulation and option pricing models are assumptions related to expected volatility and discount for lack of marketability of the underlying investment. Our investees estimate the volatility of these investments based on the historical performance of various broad market indices blended with various peer companies which they consider as having similar characteristics to the underlying investment, as well as consideration of price and volatility of relevant publicly traded securities such as SPAC warrants. Our investees also consider the probability of a successful merger when valuing equity for SPACs that have not yet completed a business combination.

Valuation of Net Deferred Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is calculated based on the expected tax treatment of transactions recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In determining its provision for income taxes, the Company interprets tax legislation in a variety of jurisdictions and makes assumptions about the expected timing of the reversal of deferred income tax assets and liabilities and the valuation of net deferred income taxes.

The ultimate realization of the deferred income tax asset balance is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which the Company’s temporary differences reverse and become deductible. A valuation allowance is established when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred income tax asset balance will not be realized. In determining whether a valuation allowance is needed, management considers all available positive and negative evidence affecting specific deferred income tax asset balances, including the Company’s past and anticipated future performance, the reversal of deferred income tax liabilities, and the availability of tax planning strategies. To the extent a valuation allowance is established in a period, an expense must be recorded within the income tax provision in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

Premium Revenue Recognition

The Company participates in reinsurance quota-share contracts and estimates the ultimate premiums for the contract period. These estimates are based on information received from the ceding companies, whereby premiums are recorded as written in the same periods in which the underlying insurance contracts are written and are based on cession statements from cedents. These statements are received quarterly and in arrears, and thus, for any reporting lag, premiums written are estimated based on the portion of the ultimate estimated premiums relating to the risks underwritten during the lag period.

Premium estimates are reviewed by management periodically. Such review includes a comparison of actual reported premiums to expected ultimate premiums. Based on management’s review, the appropriateness of the premium estimates is evaluated, and any adjustments to these estimates are recorded in the period in which they are determined. Changes in premium estimates, including premiums receivable, are not unusual and may result in significant adjustments in any period. A significant portion of amounts included in the caption “Reinsurance balances receivable” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets represent estimated premiums written, net of commissions, brokerage, and loss and loss adjustment expense, and are not currently due based on the terms of the underlying contracts.

Premiums written are generally recognized as earned over the contract period in proportion to the risk covered. Additional premiums due on a contract that has no remaining coverage period are earned in full when written. Unearned premiums represent the unexpired portion of reinsurance provided.

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserve estimates are based on estimates derived from reports received from ceding companies. These estimates are periodically reviewed by the Company’s management and adjusted as necessary. Since reserves are estimates, the final settlement of losses may vary from the reserves established and any adjustments to the estimates, which may be material, are recorded in the period they are determined.

Loss estimates may also be based upon actuarial and statistical projections, an assessment of currently available data, predictions of future developments, estimates of future trends and other factors. Significant assumptions used by the Company’s management and third-party actuarial specialists include loss development factor selections, initial expected loss ratio selections, and weighting of methods used. The final settlement of losses may vary, perhaps materially, from the reserves recorded. All adjustments to the estimates are recorded in the period in which they are determined. U.S. GAAP does not permit establishing loss reserves, which include case reserves and IBNR loss reserves, until the occurrence of an event which may give rise to a claim. As a result, only loss reserves applicable to losses incurred up to the reporting date are established, with no allowance for the establishment of loss reserves to account for expected future loss events.

Generally, the Company obtains regular updates of premium and loss related information for the current and historical periods, which are utilized to update the initial expected loss ratio. We also experience lag between (i) claims being reported by the underlying insured to the Company’s cedent and (ii) claims being reported by the Company’s cedent to the Company. This lag may impact the Company’s loss reserve estimates. Cedent reports have pre-determined due dates (for example, thirty days after each month end). As a result, the lag depends in part upon the terms of the specific contract. The timing of the reporting requirements is designed so that the Company receives premium and loss information as soon as practicable once the cedent has closed its books. Accordingly, there should be a short lag in such reporting. Additionally, most of the contracts that have the potential for large single event losses have provisions that such loss notifications are provided to the Company immediately upon the occurrence of an event.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Item 8, Note 3 – Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements and their effect on the Company.

Analysis of Financial Condition

As of December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022

Investments

The table below summarizes, by type, the Company’s investments held at fair value as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

($ in thousands)

OppFi Common Stock

As a result of FG Special Situations Fund, LP (“The Fund”) unwinding the Company received approximately 860,000 common shares of OppFi common stock and approximately 360,000 $11.50 strike warrants. On the date of the distribution, the securities had an aggregate fair value of approximately $1.9 million.

Hagerty Common Stock

On December 15, 2022, FGMP distributed 99,999 common shares of Hagerty to the Company. On the date of distribution, the common shares had an aggregate fair value of approximately $889,000. The Company sold the common shares during the first quarter of 2023 for a realized loss of approximately $16,000.

Equity Method Investments

Other investments on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets include our equity method investments. Below is a summary of the carrying values on the consolidated balance sheets:

(in thousands)

On January 4, 2021, FGMP was formed as a Delaware limited partnership to co-sponsor newly formed SPACs with their founders or partners, as well as other merchant banking interests. The Company is the sole managing member of the general partner of FGMP and holds a limited partner interest of approximately 46% in FGMP. FGMP participates as a co-sponsor of the SPACs launched under our SPAC Platform as well as merchant banking initiatives.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company contributed $0.1 million into FGMP and has recorded equity method gains of approximately $3.0 million. Of the $8.8 million carrying value of our investment in FGMP at December 31, 2023 the Company may allocate up to approximately $0.4 million to incentivize and compensate individuals and entities for the successful merger of SPACs launched under our platform.

Equity method investments previously included our investment in the Fund. However, during the first quarter of 2023, it was determined that the Fund would begin the process of winding down, and all investment holdings held in the name of the Fund would be transferred and distributed to members within the Fund based on their ownership percentage of each respective holding. Prior to the unwinding, through the Fund, the Company held underlying investments in FGAC Investors LLC, FG Merger Investors LLC, and Greenfirst Forest Products Holdings LLC. The Fund, an investment company, carried each of these investments at fair value. In June 2023, all transfers were completed, resulting in the Company being transferred direct limited partner interests in FGAC Investors LLC, with a carrying value of $8.9 million, FG Merger Investors LLC, with a carrying value of $3.4 million, and Greenfirst Forest Products Holdings, LLC, with a carrying value of $1.4 million. The Company determined that it has the ability to exercise significant influence over FGAC Investors LLC, FG Merger Investors LLC and Greenfirst Forest Products Holdings LLC, and thus will account for each of these investments under the equity method of accounting. After taking into account second quarter equity pickups, the combined carrying value of these investments at June 30, 2023 was approximately $11.9 million. Subsequent to June 30, 2023, the Company contributed $0.4 million into FG Merger Investors LLC, and recorded an equity method gain of approximately $2.4 million. In addition, the Company recorded an equity method loss from Greenfirst Forest Products Holdings LLC of approximately $0.1 million and a gain of $0.1 million from FGAC Investors LLC.

Certain investments held by our equity method investees are valued using Monte-Carlo simulation and option pricing models. Inherent in Monte-Carlo simulation and option pricing models are assumptions related to expected volatility and discount for lack of marketability of the underlying investment. Our investees estimate the volatility of these investments based on the historical performance of various broad market indices blended with various peer companies which they consider as having similar characteristics to the underlying investment, as well as consideration of price and volatility of relevant publicly traded securities such as SPAC warrants. Our investees also consider the probability of a successful merger when valuing SPAC equity.

Investments without Readily Determinable Fair Value

In addition to our equity method investments, other investments, as listed on our consolidated balance sheets, consist of equity we have purchased in companies for which there does not exist a readily determinable fair value. The Company accounts for these investments at their cost, subject to any adjustment from time to time due to impairment or observable price changes in orderly transactions. When the Company observes an orderly transaction of an investee’s identical or similar equity securities, the Company adjusts the carrying value based on the observable price as of the transaction date. Any profit distributions the Company receives on these investments are included in net investment income.

The carrying value of investments without readily determinable fair value was increased by $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to zero for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was due to an observable price change in FG Communities (“FGC”) during the second quarter of 2023. This amount is included in net investment income on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company received distributions from investments without readily determinable fair values in the amount of $0.3 million, as compared to $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.

A summary of changes in investments without a readily determinable fair value for the year ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, is as follows:

(in thousands)

See Item 8, Note 4, Investments and Fair Value Disclosures, for further information regarding the Company’s investments.

Funds Deposited for Benefit of Reinsured Companies

“Funds Deposited with Reinsured Companies” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets includes amounts held to support our reinsurance contracts. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the total cash collateral posted to support all of our reinsurance treaties was approximately $8.0 million and $9.3 million, respectively.

Reinsurance Balances Receivable

Reinsurance balances receivable were $21.6 million as of December 31, 2023, compared to $9.3 million as of December 31, 2022, representing net amounts due to the Company under our quota-share agreements. The increase in balance is primarily due to additional reinsurance contracts that the Company entered into during 2023.

As the Company estimates the ultimate premiums, loss expenses and other costs associated with some of these contracts, based on information received by us from the ceding companies, a significant portion of this balance is based on estimates and, ultimately, may not be collected by the Company.

Net Deferred Taxes

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes, as compared to the amounts used for income tax purposes. The Company’s gross deferred tax assets and liabilities are $8.5 million and $3.8 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2023, and $9.1 million and $3.6 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2022. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets of $4.7 million and $5.5 million, as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, due to the uncertain nature surrounding our ability to realize these tax benefits in the future. Significant components of the Company’s net deferred taxes are as follows:

($ in thousands)

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) for federal income tax purposes of approximately $24.4 million, which will be available to offset future taxable income. Approximately $0.5 million will expire on December 31, 2039, $0.1 million will expire on December 31, 2040, $1.6 million of the Company’s NOLs will expire on December 31, 2041. The remaining $22.2 million of the Company’s NOLs do not expire under current tax law. Additionally, the Company has approximately $11.3 million of capital loss carryforward that can only be used to offset capital gains, and which will expire in December 2026 if not used prior.

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves

Net losses and loss adjustment expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, were $9.7 million and $7.5 million, respectively. The increase in net losses and loss adjustment expenses was due primarily to the additional reinsurance agreements entered into during the current year. As discussed under Note 5, Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves, a portion of this charge represents an estimate based upon a full calendar year forecast of results provided to the Company by the Company’s cedants under our Funds at Lloyd (“FAL”) arrangements.

While the Company believes its estimate of loss and LAE reserves are adequate as of December 31, 2023, based on available information, actual losses may ultimately differ materially from the Company’s current estimates. The Company will continue to monitor the reasonableness of its assumptions as new information is provided by the Company’s cedants.

A summary of changes in outstanding loss and LAE reserves for the year ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, is as follows:

(in thousands)

Shareholders’ Equity

Common Stock

On November 3, 2022, the Company entered into a Sales Agreement with ThinkEquity LLC, pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time through ThinkEquity LLC, shares of the Company’s common stock, subject to the terms and conditions of the Sales Agreement. During the first quarter of 2023, the Company sold approximately 27,000 shares under the Sales Agreement for net proceeds of approximately $74,000. On May 26, 2023, the Sales Agreement was terminated.

In June 2023, the Company sold a total of 865,000 shares of common stock in an underwritten public offering, at a price of $1.85 per share, for net proceeds of approximately $1.3 million.

Change in Shareholders’ Equity

The table below presents the primary components of changes to total shareholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:

22

Results of Operations

Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2022

Net Premiums Earned

Net premiums earned represent actual premiums earned on our reinsurance agreements as well as estimated premiums earned on our FAL agreement as disclosed previously. All actual and estimated premiums earned are the result of property and casualty assumed premium. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, earned premiums are approximately $16.6 million and $13.0 million, respectively. The increase in reinsurance premiums was due primarily to the additional reinsurance agreements signed during the current year.

Net Investment Income

Net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:

(in thousands)

Other Income

Other income was approximately $413,000, compared to $320,000, for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively, and is comprised of service fee revenue we have earned under our SPAC Platform, whereby we provide certain accounting, regulatory, strategic, advisory, and other administrative services. Also included in other income is fee revenue derived from managing third-party capital under FG Re Solutions, Ltd.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses increased by $1.3 million to $9.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $8.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to a $1.7 million increase from stock compensation expense, offset by lower salaries and benefits and legal fees.

Also included in general and administrative expenses are payments to Fundamental Global Management, LLC (“FGM”), pursuant to a shared services agreement entered into on March 31, 2020. Under the agreement, FGM provides the Company with certain services related to the day-to-day management of the Company, including assisting with regulatory compliance, evaluating the Company’s financial and operational performance, providing a management team to supplement the executive officers of the Company, and such other services consistent with those customarily performed by executive officers and employees of a public company. In exchange for these services, the Company pays FGM a fee of approximately $456,000 per quarter, plus reimbursement of expenses incurred by FGM in connection with the performance of the services, subject to certain limitations approved by the Company’s Board of Directors or Compensation Committee, from time to time. The Company paid $1.8 million and $1.8 million to FGM under the agreement, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. FGM is an affiliate of FG, the Company’s largest shareholder.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

Our actual effective tax rate varies from the statutory federal income tax rates as shown in the following table.

($ in thousands)

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company has gross deferred tax assets of approximately $8.5 million and $9.1 million, respectively; however the Company has recorded a valuation allowance against all of its deferred tax assets due to the uncertain nature surrounding our ability to realize these tax benefits in the future, resulting in a net deferred income tax asset of $0 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Net Income (Loss)

Information regarding our net loss and loss per share for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 is as shown in the following table:

($ in thousands)

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The purpose of liquidity management is to ensure that there is sufficient cash to meet all financial commitments and obligations as they fall due. The liquidity requirements of the Company and its subsidiaries have been met primarily by funds generated from operations and from the proceeds from the sales of our common stock. Cash provided from these sources has historically been used for making investments, loss and LAE payments, as well as other operating expenses.

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes the Company’s consolidated cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:

($ in thousands)

For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company’s net cash used by operating activities was approximately $4.2 million, primarily driven by net income for the period of $3.8 million, an increase in unearned premiums and loss adjustment expense reserves of $6.7 million and $4.6 million, respectively, and an increase in stock compensation expense of $2.0 million. This was offset by an approximately $12.4 million increase in reinsurance balance receivables, $2.7 million for a non-cash charge related to the change in unrealized holding gain on our equity investments, $3.5 for a non-cash charge related to income from equity method and other investments, in addition to an approximately $3.1 million gain on sale of equity securities.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company’s net cash provided by investing activities was $4.1 million, primarily related to the sale of iCoreConnect securities, offset by our investments into convertible notes and equity method investments.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company’s net cash provided by financing activities consist of proceeds of approximately $1.3 million from the issuance of common stock, offset by the payments of dividends in the amount of $1.8 million on our Series A Preferred Shares.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company’s net cash used by operating activities was approximately $11.0 million, primarily driven by our net income of approximately $1.1 million for the year, approximately $13.0 million for a non-cash charge related to the change in unrealized holding loss on our equity investments, and approximately $7.6 for a non-cash charge related to income from equity method investments. This was offset by $13.9 million in realized loss on sale associated with our shares of FedNat common stock, and a cash outflow of approximately $5.4 million representing cash placed in trust as collateral, pursuant to our quota-share agreements.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company’s net cash used by investing activities primarily consists of approximately $8.8 million from the purchase of other investments, offset by sales of other investments in the amount of $4.7 million and $0.7 million from the sale of equity securities.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company’s net cash provided by financing activities consist of proceeds of approximately $3.7 million from the issuance of common stock, offset by the payments of dividends in the amount of $1.8 million on our Series A Preferred Shares.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of December 31, 2023. Based upon this evaluation, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms; and (ii) accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

• pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Company’s assets;
• provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
• provide reasonable assurance that the Company’s receipts and expenditures are made in accordance with proper authorizations from the Company’s management and directors; and
• provide reasonable assurance regarding the prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework). Based upon this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2023.

This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include a report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. SEC’s rules permit smaller reporting companies like ours to provide only management’s report.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2023 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.