UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20212023

or

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _____________________ to _______________________

Commission file number 001-36366

FG Financial Group,Fundamental Global Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

DelawareNevada46-1119100

(State of incorporation)

 

(I.R.S Employer Identification No.)

 

360 Central Ave108 Gateway Blvd, Suite 800204Mooresville, St. Petersburg, FLNC3370128117
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

 

(727)(704)-304-5666323-6851

(Registrant’s telephone number)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class Trading Symbol(s) Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share FGF The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
8.00% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $25.00 per share FGFPP The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

 

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

 

Large Accelerated FilerAccelerated Filer ☐
Non-Accelerated FilerSmaller Reporting Company
Emerging Growth Company 

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.

 

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No

 

On June 30, 2021,2023, the aggregate market value of the Registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates was $18,588,9428,213,211, computed on the basis of the closing sale price of the Registrant’s common stock on that date.

 

As of March 28, 2022,14, 2024, the total number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s common stock was 6,528,00128,369,066.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

None.

 

 

 

FUNDAMENTAL GLOBAL INC.

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

Table of Contents

 

PART I2
 
ITEM 1. BUSINESS3
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS4
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS14
ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY14
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES15
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS15
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES15
 
PART II15
 15
 
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES15
ITEM 6. [RESERVED]16
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS16
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK2825
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA2926
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE55
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES55
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION56
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS56
 
PART III56
 56
 
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE56
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION5666
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS5673
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE5675
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES5677
 
PART IV78
 57
 
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES5778
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY5879
 
SIGNATURES5980

 

1

 

 

FG FINANCIAL GROUP,FUNDAMENTAL GLOBAL INC.

 

PART I

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These statements are therefore entitled to the protection of the safe harbor provisions of these laws. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “budget,” “can,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “envision,” “estimate,” “expect,” “evaluate,” “forecast,” “goal,” “guidance,” “indicate,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possibly,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “probably,” “pro-forma,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “view,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. In particular, discussions and statements regarding the Company’s future business plans and initiatives are forward-looking in nature. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates, and projections. While we believe these to be reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. These and other important factors may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and may impact our ability to implement and execute on our future business plans and initiatives. Management cautions that the forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are not guarantees of future performance, and we cannot assume that such statements will be realized or the forward-looking events and circumstances will occur. Factors that might cause such a difference include, without limitation, general conditions in the global economy, including the impact of health and safety concerns from the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic;economy; our lack of operating history or established reputation in the reinsurance industry; our inability to obtain or maintain the necessary approvals to operate reinsurance subsidiaries; risks associated with operating in the reinsurance industry, including inadequately priced insured risks, credit risk associated with brokers we may do business with, and inadequate retrocessional coverage; our inability to execute on our investment and investment management strategy and potential loss of value of investments; risk of becoming an investment company; fluctuations in our short-term results as we implement our new business strategy; risks of not being unable to attract and retain qualified management and personnel to implement and execute on our business and growth strategy; failure of our information technology systems, data breaches and cyber-attacks; our ability to establish and maintain an effective system of internal controls; our limited operating history as a public company; the requirements of being a public company and losing our status as a smaller reporting company or becoming an accelerated filer; any potential conflicts of interest between us and our controlling stockholders and different interests of controlling stockholders; and potential conflicts of interest between us and our directors and executive officers; volatility or decline of the shares of FedNat Holding Company common stock received by us as consideration in the sale of our insurance business or limitations and restrictions with respect to our ownership of such shares; and risks of being a minority stockholder of FedNat Holding Company.officers.

 

Our expectations and future plans and initiatives may not be realized. If one of these risks or uncertainties materializes, or if our underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected, estimated or projected. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included or incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K are made only as of the date hereof and do not necessarily reflect our outlook at any other point in time. We do not undertake and specifically decline any obligation to update any such statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any such statements to reflect new information, future events or developments.

 

2

 

 

FG FINANCIAL GROUP,FUNDAMENTAL GLOBAL INC.

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

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

FG Financial Group,Fundamental Global Inc. (“FGF”, the “Company”, “we”, or “us”), formerly known as FG Financial Group, Inc., is a reinsurance, merchant banking and investmentasset management holding company. We focus on opportunistic collateralized and loss-capped reinsurance, while allocating capital in partnership with Fundamental Global®to SPAC and SPAC sponsor-related “SPAC Platform” businesses.merchant banking activities. The Company’s principal business operations are conducted through its subsidiaries and affiliates. The Company also provides investment management services. From our inception in October 2012 through December 2019, we operated as an insurance holding company, writing property and casualty insurance throughout the states of Louisiana, Florida, and Texas. On December 2, 2019, we sold our three former insurance subsidiaries, and embarked upon our current strategy focused on reinsurance and asset management.

 

As of December 31, 2021, Fundamental Global GP,2023, FG Financial Holdings, LLC (“FG”), a privately owned investment management company,private partnership focused on long-term strategic holdings, and its affiliates, or “FG,”affiliated entity, collectively beneficially owned approximately 56%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.

 

Sale of the Insurance BusinessReincorporation

 

OnEffective at 5:01 p.m. ET on December 2, 2019, we9, 2022, the Company completed the sale of our insurance subsidiariesits reincorporation from a Delaware corporation to FedNat Holding Company for a combination of cash and FedNat common stockNevada corporation (the “Asset Sale”“Reincorporation”). The sharesReincorporation was accomplished by means of FedNat common stock we received ina merger by and between the Asset Sale were issued to us pursuant toCompany and its former wholly owned subsidiary FG Financial Group, Inc., a standstill agreement which provides certain limitations and restrictions with respect to the voting and sale or transfer of the securities until December 2024.Nevada corporation. As of December 31, 2021, we continue9, 2022, the rights of the Company’s stockholders began to hold 1,007,871be 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 FedNat common stock.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-cappedloss capped reinsurance, with capital allocation to special purpose acquisition companies (“SPACs”) and SPAC sponsor-related businesses.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 SPAC Platform businesses.merchant banking division.

 

Insurance

We are establishingSponsor Protection Coverage and seeking regulatory approvals forRisk, Inc. has been formed as a Risk Retention Group (“RRG”)special purpose captive in South Carolina to provide directorsreinsurance coverage for Sides A, B, & C Directors and officersOfficers 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 SPACs and their sponsors. We intend to provide capital, along with other participants, to facilitate underwriting such insurance coverage. The Company will focus on fee income derived from originating, underwriting, and servicing the insurance business, while mitigating our financial risk with external reinsurance partners.write any business.

 

Reinsurance

The Company’s wholly owned reinsurance subsidiary, FG Reinsurance Ltd. (“FGRe”),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 Law, 2010Act (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 to their aggregate exposure limit. FGRe participatescollateralized.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had eight active reinsurance contracts, including participating in a Funds at Lloyds (“FAL”) syndicate covering all risks written by the syndicate during the 2021, 2022 and 20222023 calendar years. On April 1, 2021, FGRe entered into its second reinsurance contract with a leading insurtech company that provides automotive insurance utilizing driver monitoring

In addition, during 2023, the Company began to predictively segment and price drivers. FGRe’s exposure is limited by a loss-cap stipulated in the quota-share agreement.focus on growing fee-based revenue through FG Re Solutions, Ltd.

 

3

 

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

Asset Management

Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement, FG Strategic Consulting, LLC, (“FGSC”) a wholly-ownedwholly owned subsidiary of the Company, has agreed to provideprovides investment advisory services, to FedNat, 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. In exchange for providing the investment advisory services, FedNat has agreed to pay FGSC an annual fee of $100,000. The Investment Advisory Agreement expires in December 2024.

 

SPAC Platform and Merchant Banking

 

On December 21, 2020, we formed FG Management Solutions LLC (“FGMS”), formerly known as FG SPAC Solutions, LLC, (“FGSS”), a Delaware company, to facilitate the launch of our SPAC“SPAC Platform. Under the SPAC Platform, we plan to 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, (“FGSP”) to participate as a co-sponsor for newly formed SPACs. The

In the third quarter of 2022, the Company also participates inannounced the risk capital investments associated withexpansion of its growth strategy through the launch of such SPACs through its Asset Management business, specifically FG Special Situations Fund, LP. The SPAC Platform entered into its first transaction with Aldel Investors, LLC, the sponsor of Aldel Financial, Inc. (“Aldel”), a special purpose acquisition company, which completed its business combination with The Hagerty Group, an automotive and marine insurer, on December 2, 2021. FGSS provided accounting, regulatory, strategic advisory, and other administrative services to Aldel, which included assistance with negotiations with potential merger targets for the SPAC, as well as assistance with the de-SPAC process. Additional information regarding our formation of FGSS and our SPAC Platform can be found in Note 9 – Related Party Transactions.a merchant banking division.

Employees

As of December 31, 20212023, we had ninesix employees. We are not a party to any collective bargaining agreement and believe that relations with our employees are satisfactory. Each of our employees has entered into confidentiality agreements with us.

 

Website

Our corporate website is www.fgfinancial.com.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.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

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.

SinceAt the end of 2019, we sold our former insurance business, at the end of 2019, we have transitionedand began to transition to operate as a reinsurance, merchant banking and investmentasset 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.

 

4

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

We have incurred substantial losses following the sale of our former insurance business.

We sustained losses of approximately $7,188,000 and $22,457,000 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, the first two years following the sale of our former insurance business, due, in part, to our limited business operations as we formulated our new strategy. If we continue to incur such losses, and are unable to raise additional capital, we may be unable to continue our business, and you could lose your entire investment in the Company.

We intend to participate in a risk retention group which will provide director’s and officer’s insurance to special purpose acquisition companies and represents a line of insurance for which we do not have previous experience.

Risk retention groups (“RRG”) are mutual companies, or companies owned by the members of the group that allow businesses with similar insurance needs to pool their risks and form an insurance company that operates under state regulated guidelines. Risk retention groups are treated differently from traditional insurance companies in that they are exempted from having to obtain a license in every state in which they write insurance, and are also exempt from other various state laws that regulate insurance. As a result, a RRG may not be adequately capitalized and able to remain solvent if faced with continuing losses. While we intend to mitigate this risk through the purchase of reinsurance, there can be no guarantee that we will be able to purchase adequate reinsurance on favorable terms. Due to our inexperience in providing director’s and officer’s insurance, we run the risk of underwriting our coverage at levels that do not provide adequate returns for our shareholders. Furthermore, we run the risk of not generating external interest in our RRG after incurring significant start-up and regulatory costs associated with the formation of the group.

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.

As part of our business plan, we intend toWe provide specialty property and casualty reinsurance through FGRe. We do not have ana 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.

 

4

As a reinsurer, we will depend on our clients’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 clientscedents 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 clients.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 clientcedent for the deficiency notwithstanding the broker’s obligation to make such payment. Conversely, in certain jurisdictions, when the clientcedent pays premiums for policies to reinsurance brokers for payment to the reinsurer, these premiums are considered to have been paid and the clientcedent 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.

 

5

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

We may not be successful in carrying out our investment and investmentasset 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.

 

We have formed an investment advisory subsidiary, FGSC, to carry out our investment advisory services. As discussed above, under Item 1. “Business,” FGSC has agreed to provide investment advisory services to FedNat, 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. Any fees received for such services may not be commensurate with the services provided. We also may not be able to enter into such advisory management agreements with other entities on favorable terms, or at all. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business.

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.

 

5

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.

 

6

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 

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.

 

However, weWe 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.

 

Environmental, Social and Governance and sustainability have become major topics that encompass a wide range of issues, including climate change and other environmental risks. 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.

 

6

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.

 

7

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

Risks Related to Investment Performance

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, 2021 we have invested2023, our consolidated balance sheet includes approximately $4$30.9 million as a seed investmentrelated to sponsorinvestments held directly by us or indirectly through equity method investees.

Included in the launch of$30.9 million are investments in FG New America Acquisition Corp, aAldel Financial Inc., FG Merger Corp, and FG Acquisition Corp., all of which were originally launched as special purpose acquisition company whichcompanies. 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 1.4 million860,000 common shares of OPFI as well as approximately 0.4 million358,000 warrants to purchase common shares of OPFI at a price of $11.50 per share. We are potentially restricted from selling our OPFIAldel 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 for one year following the date of OPFI’sHGTY at a price of $15.00 per share. FG Merger Corp completed its business combination or July 20, 2022.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.

 

We also own approximately 1.0 million shares of FedNat common stock asAs of December 31, 2021. 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.

7

The change in value of this investment has declined considerably sinceany of the investments noted above, which primarily make up the $30.9 million on our initial investment,consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2023, could significantly impact our reported results and could continue to decline, materially affecting our income and causing volatility in our earnings. We agreed to transfer restrictions on the shares and may be unable to reduce or liquidate our investment, if needed to maintain our liquidity or for any other reason.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 and rating agency 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.

 

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FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

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

 

We expect to investhave invested in initial public offerings (“IPOs”) of special purpose acquisition companies, (“SPACs”), 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, 2020,2023, we have invested $4.0 million to acquireacquired equity interests in the sponsorvarious sponsors of a SPACSPACs (“Sponsor”) and expect to acquire additional interests in sponsors of SPACs in the future. By investing in a Sponsor, we have provided riskat-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 after the lock-up period following the SPACs IPO has expired.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 SPACSPAC’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.

Risks Relating to Sale of our Former Insurance Business

The shares of FedNat common stock we have received as part of the consideration for the Asset Sale are subject to certain limitations and restrictions.

The shares of FedNat common stock we have received in the Asset Sale were issued pursuant to the terms of a standstill agreement entered into between the Company and FedNat upon the closing of the Asset Sale. The standstill agreement imposes certain limitations and restrictions with respect to our ownership of FedNat common stock, including, among other things, requiring us to vote all of the voting securities of FedNat we own in accordance with the recommendation of FedNat’s board of directors and prohibiting us from publicly advising or influencing any person with respect to the voting of any shares of FedNat common stock and taking any action to nominate any person for election to FedNat’s board of directors. Our status as a minority stockholder of FedNat as well as the limitations and restrictions expected to be set forth in the standstill agreement may limit our ability to exert significant influence on FedNat’s management and operations and matters requiring approval of FedNat’s stockholders. FedNat’s management and holders of a larger percentage of FedNat’s common stock may also take or encourage actions that decrease the value of our shares of FedNat common stock or are not in our best interests as a minority stockholder.

 

We are subjectAs 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 non-competition and non-solicitation covenants under the Asset Sale agreement, which may limit our operations in certain respects.find a target or to consummate an initial business combination.

 

We are subjectIn 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 the non-competition and non-solicitation covenants in the Asset Sale agreement, until December 2, 2024. During this period of time, subject to certain exceptions, we will generally be prohibited from (i) marketing, selling and issuing residential property and casualty insurance policies to residential consumers anywhere in the States of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina and Texas (a “Restricted Business”), and owning the equity securities of, managing, operating or controlling any person that engages in a Restricted Business, (ii) hiring or soliciting certain FedNat employees, and (iii) soliciting or acceptingconsummate an initial business from certain third parties in connection with a Restricted Business. The non-competition covenant does not apply to our reinsurance business, and we will be permitted to enter into reinsurance contracts in the States of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina and Texas.combination.

98

 

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.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 such as the formation of a risk retention group to provide directors and officers insurance coverage willmay 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 will beare subject to the risk of becoming an investment company under the Investment Company Act.

We will beare 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 pastprevious 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.

9

 

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.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.

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FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

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 Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).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. AsSo 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.

10

 

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.

 

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FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

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, 2021,2023, 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.

 

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FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

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

Fundamental Global GP,FG Financial Holdings, LLC (“FG”) and its affiliatesaffiliated 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, 2021,2023, FG and its affiliates own approximately 56%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. See Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

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.

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FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

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.

 

SomeOur Chairman, D. Kyle Cerminara, serves as an executive officer of our directors serve as executive officers and/or directors of Fundamental Global GP, LLC (“FG”)FG and its affiliates,affiliated entity, which together, as of December 31, 2021,2023, beneficially owned approximately 56%54.6% of our outstanding shares of common stock. OneAdditionally, 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 specialty commercial automobile insurance company.managing general agency. Our chief executive officer and director, Mr. Swets, serves as director of GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. (TSXV: FGP)GFP), Harbor Custom Development, Inc. (Nasdaq: HCDI) and Ballantyne Strong,FG Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: BTN)FGH), and FG Acquisition Corp. (TSX: FGAA.U). He also serves as chief executive officerthe Chief Executive Officer of FG New America Acquisition II Corp., a special purpose acquisition company in the process Our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Hassan R. Baqar, also serves as Director and Chief Financial Officer of going public.FG Acquisition Corp. (TSX: FGAA.U)

12

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. See Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

 

Our executive officers and directors will allocate their time to our and other businesses in which they are involved, inat 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, such as the impact of health and safety concerns from the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, which resulted in volatility and disruptions in the capital and credit markets.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.

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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.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY

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.

 

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FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Our executive offices are located at 360 Central Avenue, Suite 800, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.104 S Walnut, Unit 1A, Itasca, IL 60143. Our lease term expires in July 2022.December 2025. Total minimum rent over the twelve-month termnext twelve months is expected to be $17,000.$21,000.

 

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

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

As of December 31, 2021,2023, 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.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.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

 

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market for Registrant’s Common Stock

Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market tier of the Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC under the symbol “FGF.” Our Series A Preferred Stock is also traded on the Nasdaq Global Market tier of the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “FGFPP.”

 

Number of Common Stockholders

As of December 31, 2021,2023, we had 6,497,20510,558,931 shares of common stock outstanding, which were held by 139 stockholders of record, including Cede & Co., which holds shares on behalf of the beneficial owners of the Company’s common stock. Because brokers and other institutions hold many of our shares on behalf of stockholders, we are unable to estimate the total number of stockholders represented by these record holders.

 

Dividends

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. It is the present policy of our Board of Directors to retain earnings, if any, for use in developing and expanding our business. In the future, our payment of dividends on our common stock will also depend on the amount of funds available, our financial condition, capital requirements and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider.

 

Holders of our Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive quarterly cash dividends at a rate of 8.00% per annum of the $25.00 per share liquidation preference (equivalent to $2.00 per annum per share). We intend to declare regular quarterly dividends on the shares of Series A Preferred Stock.

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

 

See Item 12.

 

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FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

ITEM 6. [RESERVED]

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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.

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

Overview

FG Financial Group,Fundamental Global Inc. (“FGF”, the “Company”, “we”, or “us”), formerly known as FG Financial Group, Inc., is a reinsurance, merchant banking and investmentasset management holding company. We focus on opportunistic collateralized and loss-capped reinsurance, while allocating capital in partnership with Fundamental Global®to SPAC and SPAC sponsor-related businesses.merchant banking activities. The Company’s principal business operations are conducted through its subsidiaries and affiliates. The Company also provides investment management services. From our inception in October 2012 through December 2019, we operated as an insurance holding company, writing property and casualty insurance throughout the states of Louisiana, Florida, and Texas. On December 2, 2019, we sold our three former insurance subsidiaries, and embarked upon our current strategy focused on reinsurance and asset management.

 

As of December 31, 2021, Fundamental Global GP,2023, FG Financial Holdings, LLC (“FG”), a privately owned investment management company,private partnership focused on long-term strategic holdings, and its affiliates, or “FG,”affiliated entity collectively beneficially owned approximately 56%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.

 

Sale of Insurance Business

On December 2, 2019, we completed the sale of our insurance subsidiaries to FedNat Holding Company for a combination of cash and FedNat common stock. For more information on the Asset Sale and the Company’s future plans, see “Item 1. Business.”

Coronavirus Impact

Given the ongoing and dynamic nature of the circumstances, it is difficult to predict the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business. Adverse events such as health-related concerns about working in our offices, the inability to travel and other matters affecting the general work environment have negatively impacted and could continue to harm our business and our business strategy. The extent to which our operations and investments may continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic will depend largely on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted, including new developments concerning the severity of the pandemic and actions by government authorities to contain the pandemic or treat its impact. Furthermore, the impacts of a potential worsening of global economic conditions and the continued disruptions to and volatility in the financial markets remain unknown. 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.

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 FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

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. The business and economic uncertainty resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has made such estimates and assumptions difficult to calculate. 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.

Investments in Equity Securities

Investments in equity securities are carried at fair value with subsequent changes in fair value recorded to the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of net investment income.

 

Other Investments

Other investments consist, in part, of equity investments made in privately held companies accounted for under the equity method. We utilizeThe 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 accountexpected volatility and discount for investments when we possess the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the operating and financial policieslack of marketability of the investee. The ability to exercise significant influence is presumed whenunderlying investment. Our investees estimate the investor possesses more than 20%volatility of the voting interests of the investee. This presumption may be overcomethese investments based on specific factsthe 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 circumstancesvolatility 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 demonstrate that the ability to exercise significant influence is restricted. We apply the equity method to investments in common stock and to other investments when such other investments possess substantially identical subordinated interests to common stock.have not yet completed a business combination.

 

In applying the equity method, we record the investment at cost and subsequently increase or decrease the carrying amount of the investment by our proportionate share of the net earnings or losses and other comprehensive income of the investee. We record dividends or other equity distributions as reductions in the carrying value of the investment. Should net losses of the investee reduce the carrying amount of the investment to zero, additional net losses may be recorded if other investments in the investee are at-risk, even if we have not committed to provide financial support to the investee. Such additional equity method losses, if any, are based upon the change in our claim on the investee’s book value.

As of December 31, 2020, other investments also consisted of private placement securities reported at fair value and characterized under Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as promulgated by the Financial Accounting and Standards Board.

Other investments also consist of equity we have purchased in a limited partnership and a limited liability company for which there does not exist a readily determinable fair value. The Company accounts for these investments at their cost, minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investment of the same issuer. Any profit distributions the Company receives on these investments are included in net investment income.

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FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

The determination of whether or not to consolidate a variable interest entity under GAAP requires a significant amount of judgment concerning the degree of control over an entity by its holders of variable interests. To make these judgments, management has conducted an analysis, on a case-by-case basis, of whether we are the primary beneficiary and are therefore required to consolidate the entity. Upon the occurrence of certain events, such as modifications to organizational documents and investment management agreements, management will reconsider its conclusion regarding the status of an entity as a variable interest entity.

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.

17

 

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 areinsurance quota-share contract under a Funds at Lloyds (“FAL”) transactioncontracts 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.

Policy Acquisition Costs

Policy acquisition costs are costs that vary with, and are directly related to, the successful production of new and renewal business, and consist principally of commissions, taxes, and brokerage expenses. If the sum of a contract’s expected losses and loss expenses and deferred acquisition costs exceeds associated unearned premiums and expected investment income, a premium deficiency is determined to exist. In this event, deferred acquisition costs are written off to the extent necessary to eliminate the premium deficiency. If the premium deficiency exceeds deferred acquisition costs, then a liability is accrued for the excess deficiency. There were no premium deficiency adjustments recognized during the periods presented herein.

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FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

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. ClientCedent 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 clientcedent 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.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

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The Company uses the fair-value method of accounting for stock-based compensation awards granted. The Company has determined the fair value of its outstanding stock options on their grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model along with multiple Monte Carlo simulations to determine a derived service period as the options vest based upon meeting certain performance conditions. The Company determines the fair value of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) on their grant date using the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date the RSUs were issued (for those RSU which vest solely based upon the passage of time), as well as using multiple Monte Carlo simulations for those RSUs with market-based vesting conditions. The fair value of these awards is recorded as compensation expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the expected period over which the awards will vest, with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital. When the stock options are exercised, or correspondingly, when the RSUs vest, the amount of proceeds together with the amount recorded in additional paid-in capital is recorded in shareholders’ equity.

 

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 if any, on the Company.

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FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

Analysis of Financial Condition

As of December 31, 20212023 compared to December 31, 2020

2022

Investments

The table below summarizes, by type, the Company’s investments held at fair value as of December 31, 20212023 and 2020.2022.

 

($ in thousands)            
As of December 31, 2021 Cost Basis  Gross Unrealized Gains  Gross Unrealized Losses  Carrying Amount 
FedNat common stock $14,495  $                   –  $13,074  $1,421 
Total investments $14,495  $

  $13,074  $1,421 

As of December 31, 2020  Cost Basis   Gross Unrealized Gains   Gross Unrealized Losses   Carrying Amount 
FedNat common stock $20,751  $  $12,209  $8,542 
Private placements  4,012         4,012 
Total investments $24,763  $  $12,209  $12,554 
($ in thousands)
As of December 31, 2023 Cost Basis  Gross Unrealized Gains  Gross Unrealized Losses  Carrying Amount 
OppFi common stock and warrants $1,916  $2,636  $-  $4,552 
Total investments $1,916  $2,636  $-  $4,552 

As of December 31, 2022 Cost Basis  Gross Unrealized Gains  Gross Unrealized Losses  Carrying Amount 
Hagerty common stock $889  $  $48  $841 
Total investments $889  $  $48  $841 

FedNatOppFi Common Stock

As of December 31, 2021, the Company held 1,007,871 shares of FedNat Holding Company common stock (Nasdaq: FNHC). Of the total 1,773,102 shares of FedNat common stock which the Company had received as consideration for the Asset Sale, the Company has disposed of 765,231 shares. The first transaction occurred on September 15, 2020, whereby the Company sold 330,231 shares of FedNat common stock to the Hale Parties as further discussed in Note 9 – Related Party Transactions. Additionally, during the fourth quarter 2021, the Company sold an additional 435,000 shares of FedNat common stock on the open market. Pursuant to the Standstill Agreement entered into between the Company and FedNat at the closing of the Asset Sale, the Company is restricted as to the number of FedNat shares it can dispose of.

Private Placements

 

Private placements listed in the table above consistAs a result of the $4.0 million invested in FG New America Investors, LLC (the “Sponsor”) as part of a total $8.6 million of risk capital used to launch FG New America Acquisition Corp (“FGNA”), a special purpose acquisition company, which consummated its initial public offering on October 2, 2020. On July 20, 2021, FGNA completed its definitive business combination with Opportunity Financial, LLC and began operating as OppFi Inc. (“OppFi”), with OppFi’s common stock trading on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “OPFI”. The Sponsor interests currently represent beneficial ownership of approximately 0.86 million common shares of OPFI as well as approximately 0.36 million warrants to purchase common shares of OPFI at a price of $11.50 per share. We are restricted from selling our OPFI common shares until the earlier of i) July 20, 2022; or ii) the date upon which the closing price of OPFI stock is greater than or equal to $12.00 per share for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day window.

Deconsolidation of Subsidiary

The investment into the Sponsor was made by FG Special Situations Fund, LP (the “Fund”(“The Fund”), a Delaware limited partnership in which unwinding the Company had initially invested in through its general partner. Atreceived approximately 860,000 common shares of OppFi common stock and approximately 360,000 $11.50 strike warrants. On the timedate of the Company’s initial investment intodistribution, the Fund, in September 2020, the Companysecurities had determined that its investment represented an investment in a variable interest entity (“VIE”), in which the Company was the primary beneficiary, and, as such, had consolidated the financial resultsaggregate fair value of the Fund through November 30, 2021. At each reporting date, the Company evaluates whether it remains the primary beneficiary and continuously reconsiders that conclusion. On December 1, 2021, the Company’s investment became that of a limited partner, and it no longer had the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the Fund and accordingly derecognized the related assets, liabilities, and noncontrolling interests of the Fund as of that date. The Company did not receive any consideration in the deconsolidation of the Fund, nor did it record any gain, or loss upon deconsolidation. The assets and liabilities of the Fund, over which the Company lost control are as follows:

As of December 1, 2021 (in thousands)   
Cash and cash equivalents $100 
Investments in private placements  15,734 
Investments in public SPACs  22 
Other assets  18 
Other liabilities  (34)
Net assets deconsolidated $15,840 

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FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.approximately $1.9 million.

 

While the Company’s investments in the Fund are no longer consolidated, the Company has retained all of the investments held at the Fund, including its beneficial ownership of approximately 0.86 millionHagerty Common Stock

On December 15, 2022, FGMP distributed 99,999 common shares of OPFI and approximately 0.36 million warrantsHagerty to purchasethe Company. On the date of distribution, the common shares had an aggregate fair value of OPFI at $11.50 per share. Effective December 1, 2021,approximately $889,000. The Company sold the Company began accountingcommon shares during the first quarter of 2023 for its investment in the Fund via the equity methoda realized loss of accounting.approximately $16,000.

 

Equity Method Investments

Equity methodOther investments includedon the Company’s consolidated balance sheets include our investment of $4.0 million in FGI Metrolina Property Income Fund, LP (“Metrolina”), which invested in real estate through a real estate investment trust that was wholly owned by Metrolina. We have recorded equity method earnings from our investment in Metrolinainvestments. Below is a summary of approximately $326,000 and $186,000 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Incarrying values on the third quarter 2021, Metrolina indicated that it would be liquidating and returning investor capital. Accordingly, in the fourth quarter 2021, we received approximately $5.0 million in cash from Metrolina, representing our initial investment of $4.0 million plus approximately $1.0 million in distributed earnings. As a result, our investment in Metrolina was fully liquidated as of December 31, 2021.consolidated balance sheets:

 

(in thousands) Year ended December 31, 
  2023  2022 
FG Merchant Partners, LP $8,812  $5,772 
FGAC Investors LLC  8,835   - 
FG Merger Investors LLC  4,977   - 
Greenfirst Forest Products Holdings LLC  908   - 
FG Special Situations Fund, LP  -   16,814 
Balance, December 31 $23,532  $22,586 

Equity method investments also include our investment in FG SPAC Partners, LP (“FGSP”). WeOn January 4, 2021, FGMP was formed FGSP in January 2021,as a Delaware limited partnership to co-sponsor newly formed SPACs with their founders or partners.partners, as well as other merchant banking interests. The Company is the sole managing member of the general partner of FGSPFGMP and holds an approximate 46%a limited partner interest of approximately 46% in FGSP. Subsequently, FGSP bought founders shares in Aldel Financial, Inc. (“Aldel”)FGMP. FGMP participates as a co-sponsor of the SPACs launched under our SPAC Platform as well as warrants to purchasemerchant banking initiatives.

Aldel Class A common stock, at an exercise price of $15.00 per share (the “OTM Warrants”). On December 2, 2021, Aldel completed its business combination with Hagerty, an auto and marine insurance carrier, and began operating as Hagerty, Inc., trading on the NYSE under the ticker “HGTY.” As of December 31, 2021, FGSP had beneficial ownership of 500,000 HGTY common shares and warrants to purchase 650,000 HGTY common shares, at an exercise price of $15.00 per share. Through our 46% limited partner interest in FGSP, the Company has beneficial ownership of approximately 230,000 HGTY common shares and approximately 300,000 warrants.

We have recorded equity method earnings from our investment in FGSP of approximately $3.78 million forFor the year ended December 31, 2021. The2023, 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 FGSP as ofFGMP at December 31, 20212023 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.

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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 $3.85$11.9 million. Subsequent to June 30, 2023, the Company contributed $0.4 million representing $3.78into 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 in undistributed earnings.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 previously discussed underinvestment, as well as consideration of price and volatility of relevant publicly traded securities such as SPAC warrants. Our investees also consider the heading “Deconsolidationprobability of Subsidiary,” equity method investments also include our investment in the Fund, as of December 31, 2021. We had consolidated the Fund as a variable interest entity; however, effective December 1, 2021, we began accounting for this investment under the equity method of accounting. For the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized approximately $3.0 in pretax income through our investment in the Fund, which consists of consolidated pretax income in the amount of approximately $3.7 million, for the period of January 1, 2021, through November 30, 2021, and equity method losses of approximately $0.7 million for the month of December 2021. As of December 31, 2021, the carrying value of our Fund investment was approximately $9.7 million, including $3.0 million in undistributed earnings.

Through the Fund, the Company has invested $1.0 million in the risk capital of Aldel Investors, LLC, the sponsor of Hagerty, Inc. This investment represents the beneficial ownership of approximately 286,000 HGTY common shares. Altogether, the Company’s investment in Hagerty, Inc., through both FGSP and the Fund, represents beneficial interests of approximately 516,000 HGTY common shares and approximately 300,000 warrants to purchase HGTY common shares at an exercise price of $15.00 per share.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 sheet,sheets, consist of equity we have purchased in a limited partnership and a limited liability companycompanies for which there dodoes not exist a readily determinable fair values.value. The Company accounts for these investments at their cost, minussubject to any adjustment from time to time due to impairment if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions fortransactions. When the Company observes an orderly transaction of an investee’s identical or similar investmentsequity securities, the Company adjusts the carrying value based on the observable price as of the same issuer.transaction date. Any profit distributions the Company receives on these investments are included in net investment income.

The Company’s total investment in these two entitiescarrying value of investments without readily determinable fair value was approximately $483,000 as of December 31, 2021. Forincreased by $0.3 million for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2021, and 2020,2023, 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 has received profit distributions from investments without readily determinable fair values in the amount of $101,000 and $80,000 on these investments, respectively, which has been included in income. Furthermore, both investments began returning capital$0.3 million, as compared to investors beginning in 2020. As of$0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company has received approximately 38% of its initial $776,000 investment in these entities.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) Year ended December 31, 
  2023  2022 
Balance, beginning of period $2,253  $483 
         
Contributions in investments without a readily determinable fair value  -   2,000 
Distributions from investments without a readily determinable fair value  (184)  (230)
Increase due to change in observable price  250   - 
Balance, December 31 $2,319  $2,253 

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

2120

 

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

Funds Deposited withfor Benefit of Reinsured Companies

On November 12, 2020, FGRe, our Cayman Islands-based reinsurance subsidiary, initially funded a trust account at Lloyd’s“Funds Deposited with approximately $2.4 million in cash, to collateralize its obligations under a quota-share agreement with a Funds at Lloyds syndicate. The initial contract covered our quota-share percentage of all risks written byReinsured Companies” on the syndicate for the 2021 calendar year. On November 30, 2021, we entered into an agreement with the same syndicate, slightly increasing our quota-share percentage of the risks the syndicate writes for the 2022 calendar year. This resulted in FGRe’s posting an additional $1.3 million in cash collateral to the account. We have also posted cash collateral in the approximate amount of $0.7 million,Company’s consolidated balance sheets includes amounts held to support our automotive insurance quota-share agreement entered into on April 1, 2021.reinsurance contracts. As of December 31, 2021,2023 and December 31, 2022, the total cash collateral posted to support all of our reinsurance treaties was approximately $4.4 million.

Current Income Taxes Recoverable

Current income taxes recoverable were $0 as of December 31, 2021, compared to approximately $1.7$8.0 million as of December 31, 2020, representing the estimate of both the Company’s state and federal income taxes receivable as of each date. In the third quarter of 2021, we received a refund on our federal taxes in the amount of approximately $1.5$9.3 million, associated with a carryback refund request filed for our 2018, 2017 and 2014 tax years.respectively.

 

Reinsurance Balances Receivable

Reinsurance balances receivable were $3.9$21.6 million as of December 31, 2021,2023, compared to $0$9.3 million as of December 31, 2020,2022, 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 $6.2$8.5 million and $0.5$3.8 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2021.2023, 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 $5.7$4.7 million and $5.5 million, as of December 31, 2021,2023 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, 
 2021  2020 
Deferred income tax assets:        
Net operating loss carryforward $3,010  $1,143 
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserve  25    
Unearned premium reserves  152    
Capital loss carryforward  1,114    
Share-based compensation  253   216 
Investments  1,692   2,570 
Other  3   5 
Deferred income tax assets $6,249  $3,934 
Less: Valuation allowance  (5,715)  (3,934)
Deferred income tax assets net of valuation allowance $534  $ 
         
Deferred income tax liabilities:        
Investments $369  $ 
Deferred policy acquisition costs  165    
Deferred income tax liabilities $534  $ 
         
Net deferred income tax asset (liability) $  $ 

($ in thousands) As of December 31, 
  2023  2022 
Deferred income tax assets:        
Net operating loss carryforward $5,117  $4,171 
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserve  70   39 
Unearned premium reserves  566   287 
Capital loss carryforward  2,377   4,313 
Share-based compensation  294   242 
Investments  1   5 
Other  30   9 
Deferred income tax assets $8,455  $9,066 
Less: Valuation allowance  (4,654)  (5,463)
Deferred income tax assets net of valuation allowance $3,801  $3,603 
         
Deferred income tax liabilities:        
Investments $3,453  $3,282 
Deferred policy acquisition costs  348   321 
Deferred income tax liabilities $3,801  $3,603 
         
Net deferred income tax asset (liability) $  $ 

 

As of December 31, 2021,2023, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) for federal income tax purposes of approximately $14.3$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, and $1.6 million of the Company’s NOLs will expire on December 31, 2041. The remaining $12.1$22.2 million of the Company’s NOLs do not expire under current tax law. Additionally, the Company has approximately $5.3$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.

 

2221

 

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves

A significant degree of judgment is required to determine amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements for the provision for loss and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) reserves. The process for establishing this provision reflects the uncertainties and significant judgmental factors inherent in predicting future results of both known and unknown loss events. The process of establishing the provision for loss and LAE reserves relies on the judgment and opinions of many individuals, including the opinions of the Company’s management, as well as the management of ceding companies and their actuaries.

The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented, and the Company does not have previous loss experience on which to base the associated estimate for loss and loss adjustment expenses. In estimating losses, the Company may assess any of the following:

a review of in-force treaties that may provide coverage and incur losses;
general forecasts, catastrophe and scenario modelling analyses and results shared by cedents;
reviews of industry insured loss estimates and market share analyses; and
management’s judgment.

Assumptions which served as the basis for the Company’s estimates of reserves for the COVID-19 pandemicNet losses and loss adjustment expenses include:

the scope of coverage provided by the underlying policies, particularly those that provide for business interruption coverage;
the regulatory, legislative, and judicial actions that could influence contract interpretations across the insurance industry;
the extent of economic contraction caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated actions; and
the ability of the cedents and insured to mitigate some or all of their losses.

Under the terms of certain of our quota-share agreements,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 natureadditional reinsurance agreements entered into during the current year. As discussed under Note 5, Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves, a portion of claims and premium reporting,this charge represents an estimate based upon a lag exists between (i) claims being reported by the underlying insuredfull calendar year forecast of results provided to the Company’s cedent and (ii) claims being reportedCompany by the Company’s cedent to the Company. This lag may impact the Company’s loss reserve estimates. The reports we receive fromcedants under our cedents have pre-determined due dates. In the case of the Company’s FAL contract, fourth quarter 2021 premium and loss information will not be made available to the Company until subsequent to the filing of this annual report. Thus, our fourth quarter results, including the loss and loss adjustment expense reserves presented herein, have been based upon a combination of first, second, and third quarter actual results as well as full-year forecasts reported to us by the ceding companies, which we used to approximate fourth quarter results. The Company obtains regular updates of premium and loss related information for the current and historical periods, which we use to update the initial expected loss ratios on our reinsurance contracts.Funds at Lloyd (“FAL”) arrangements.

 

23

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

While the Company believes its estimate of loss and loss adjustment expenseLAE reserves are adequate as of December 31, 2021,2023, based on available information, actual losses may ultimately differ materially from the Company’s current estimates. The Company will continue to monitor the appropriatenessreasonableness of its assumptions as new information is provided.provided by the Company’s cedants.

 

A summary of changes in outstanding loss and loss adjustment expenseLAE reserves for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, and 2022, is as follows and includes reserves related to both our FAL contract, as well as our automotive insurance quota-share agreement which became effective April 1, 2021. There was no activity with respect to loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for the for the year ended December 31, 2020.

(in thousands) 2021 
    
Balance, January 1, gross of reinsurance $ 
Less reinsurance recoverable on loss and LAE expense reserves   
Balance, January 1, net of reinsurance   
Incurred related to:    
Current year  4,338 
Prior years   
Paid related to:    
Current year  (2,205)
Prior years   
Balance, December 31, net of reinsurance  2,133 
Plus reinsurance recoverable related to loss and LAE expense reserves   
Balance, December 31, gross of reinsurance $2,133 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangementsfollows:

 

(in thousands) Year ended December 31, 
  2023  2022 
Balance, beginning of period $4,409  $2,133 
Incurred related to:        
Current year  8,487   6,628 
Prior year  1,226   856 
Paid related to:        
Current year  (3,803)  (3,822)
Prior years  (1,303)  (1,386)
Balance, December 31 $9,016  $4,409 

None.

Shareholders’ Equity

Share Repurchase Transaction

On September 15, 2020, the Company repurchased all of the 1,130,152 shares of the Company’s common stock, owned by Hale Partnership Capital Management, LLC and certain of its affiliates (collectively, the “Hale Parties”), for an aggregate of approximately $2.8 million in cash and 330,231 shares of FedNat common stock having an estimated fair value of approximately $2.7 million, which included reimbursement of certain expenses incurred by the Hale Parties. Prior to the transaction, the Hale Parties owned more than 18% of the Company’s outstanding common stock.

As the total consideration paid in the transaction exceeded the fair value of the treasury shares repurchased by the Company, the Company recorded a charge of approximately $0.2 million to general and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2020, representing the estimated fair value of the rights conveyed to the Company pursuant to the standstill provisions in the repurchase agreement. The fair value of the 1,130,152 shares of Company common stock, or approximately $5.2 million, was recorded to treasury stock.

8.00% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A

On May 21, 2021, we completed the underwritten public offering of an additional 194,580 shares of our preferred stock designated as 8.00% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $25.00 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), for net proceeds of approximately $4.2 million, bringing the total number of Series A Preferred Stock shares outstanding to 894,580 as of December 31, 2021.

Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are cumulative from the date of original issue and are payable quarterly on the 15th day of March, June, September and December of each year, when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors. Dividends are payable out of amounts legally available therefor at a rate equal to 8.00% per annum per $25.00 of stated liquidation preference per share, or $2.00 per share of Series A Preferred Stock per year. Our Board of Directors declared the first quarter 2022 dividend on the shares of Series A Preferred Stock on February 10, 2022. The Series A Preferred Stock shares trade on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “FGFPP”.

24

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

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 2021 fourth quarter, weCompany sold a total of 750,000865,000 shares of our common stock in an underwritten public offering, at a price of $4.00$1.85 per share, for net proceeds to us of approximately $2.5$1.3 million. Also in the fourth quarter, the Company completed a rights offering to holders of its common stock. Pursuant to the rights offering, 691,735 shares were subscribed for, for net proceeds of approximately $2.7 million. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the issuance of its common shares for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

Retirement of Treasury Stock

 

On August 19, 2021, the Board approved the retirement of all 1,281,511 common stock treasury shares owned by the Company. Accordingly, these shares have been classified as authorized, but unissued shares on the Company’s balance sheet, as of December 31, 2021.

Change in Shareholders’ Equity

 

The table below presents the primary components of changes to total shareholders’ equity for the years ended December 31,, 2021 2023 and 2020.2022:

 

($ in thousands) Preferred Shares Outstanding  Common Shares Outstanding  Treasury Shares  Total Shareholders’ Equity 
Balance, January 1, 2020  700,000   6,065,948   151,359  $62,915 
                 
Dividends declared on Series A Preferred Stock ($2.00 per share)           (1,400)
Stock compensation expense     52,514      311 
Share Repurchase Transaction     (1,130,152)  1,130,152   (5,176)
Net loss           (22,457)
Balance, December 31, 2020  700,000   4,988,310   1,281,511  $34,193 
                 
Retirement of Treasury Stock        (1,281,511)   
Series A Preferred Share issuance  194,580         4,217 
Common stock issuance     1,441,735      5,246 
Stock compensation expense     67,160      559 
Dividends declared on Series A Preferred Stock ($2.00 per share)           (1,692)
Net loss           (8,514)
Balance, December 31, 2021  894,580   6,497,205     $34,009 

  Preferred Shares Outstanding  Common Shares Outstanding  Total Shareholders’ Equity. 
Balance, January 1, 2022 894,580  6,497,205  $34,009 
Stock compensation     91,498   255 
Dividends declared on Series A Preferred Stock        (1,789)
Issuance of common stock      2,821,770   3,732 
Net income        1,088 
Balance, December 31, 2022  894,580   9,410,473  $37,295 
             
Balance, January 1, 2023  894,580   9,410,473  $37,295 
Stock compensation     255,193   1,964 
Dividends declared on Series A Preferred Stock        (1,786)
Issuance of common stock     893,265   1,280 
Cumulative effect of adoption of accounting guidance for expected credit losses at January 1, 2023  -   -   (106)
Net income        3,845 
Balance, December 31, 2023  894,580   10,558,931  $42,492 

22

Results of Operations

Year Ended December 31, 20212023 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 20202022

Net Premiums Earned

 

Net premiums earned represent actual premiums earned on our quota-sharereinsurance agreements as well as estimated premiums earned on our FAL agreement foras disclosed previously. All actual and estimated premiums earned are the fourth quarter 2021result of property and is approximately $4.9 million forcasualty assumed premium. For the yearyears ended December 31,, 2021. Our FAL estimates are based on information received from the ceding companies, whereby 2023 and 2022, earned premiums are recorded, as written,approximately $16.6 million and $13.0 million, respectively. The increase 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, in arrears; so, for any reporting lag,reinsurance premiums written are estimated based on the portion of the ultimate estimated premiums relatingwas due primarily to the risks underwrittenadditional reinsurance agreements signed during the lag period. As our quota-share agreements became effective in 2021, we had no corresponding net earned premiums for the year ended December 31, 2020.current year.

 

25

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

Net Investment Income

Net investment income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 20212023 and 20202022 is as follows:

 

(in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 
  2021  2020 
Investment income (loss):        
Unrealized holding loss on FedNat common stock $(865) $(16,196)
Unrealized holding gain on private placement investments  5,267    
Realized loss on FedNat common stock  (5,452)  (2,110)
Dividend income from FedNat common stock     609 
Equity method earnings  3,448   265 
Other  147   172 
Net investment income (loss) $2,545  $(17,260)
(in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 
  2023  2022 
Investment income (loss):        
Realized gain (loss) on common stock $3,062  $(13,797)
Change in unrealized holding on common stock  2,684   13,026 
Increase in investments without readily determinable fair value  250   - 
Increase in fair value of convertible note  125   - 
Equity method earnings  3,130   7,618 
Other investment income (loss)  547   (70)
Net investment income $9,798  $6,777 

 

Other Income

Other income was $186,000,approximately $413,000, compared to $104,000,$320,000, for the years ended December 31, 2021,2023, and 2020,2022, respectively, and is comprised of fees earned under the investment advisory and transition services agreements between the Company and FedNat. Also included in other income for current year is approximately $86,000 in service fee revenue we have earned under our new SPAC Platform, whereby we have providedprovide certain accounting, regulatory, strategic, advisory, and other administrative services to Aldel, prior to its business combination transaction with Hagerty.

Net Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Net losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) for the year ended December 31, 2021, represent charges associated with the establishment of loss and LAE reserves under our quota-share reinsurance agreements.services. Also included in this figure are loss and LAE payments in the approximate amount of $2.2 million. As discussedother income is fee revenue derived from managing third-party capital under the heading “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 us by the ceding companies under our FAL arrangement.FG Re Solutions, Ltd.

General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative expenses increased by $3.2$1.3 million to $9.7 million for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2021, as2023, compared to 2020.$8.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to underwriting expenses allocated to us pursuant to our two quota-share reinsurance contracts, which accounted for approximately $0.6a $1.7 million of the increase as our reinsurance agreements became effective in 2021. from stock compensation expense, offset by lower salaries and benefits and legal fees.

23

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 $1.9$1.8 million and $1.4$1.8 million to FGM under the agreement, for the years ended December 31, 20212023 and 2020,2022, respectively. FGM is an affiliate of FG, the Company’s largest shareholder.

 

Personnel costs have also increased as our employee count has increased from three to nine when comparing twelve-month periods. Employee salaries and benefits including associated payroll taxes account for approximately $1.5 million of the increase to general and administrative expenses when comparing twelve-month periods.

26

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

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) Year Ended December 31, 
  2021  2020 
  Amount  %  Amount  % 
             
Provision for taxes at U.S. statutory marginal income tax rate of 21% $(1,540)  21.0% $(4,856)  21.0%
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets deemed unrealizable  1,782   (24.3)%  3,934   (17.0)%
Rate differential due to CARES Act     %  (214)  0.9%
Non-deductible expenses associated with the Share Repurchase Transaction     %  516   2.2%
Net operating loss carryback     %     %
State income tax (net of federal benefit)  (114)  1.6%     %
Minority Interest  (279)  3.8%        
Other  6   (0.1)%  (45)  0.2%
Income tax benefit $(145)  2.0% $(665)  2.9%
                 
Income tax benefit – from continuing operations $   % $(665)  2.9%
Income tax benefit – from discontinued operations $(145)  2.0% $   %

Due to the sale of our former insurance business, these operations have been classified as discontinued operations in the Company’s financial statements presented herein. For the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized a gain from the sale of these operations of approximately $145,000, related to a final true-up and settlement for income taxes due to the Company under the sale agreement.

($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 
  2023       2022      
  Amount  %  Amount  % 
             
Provision for taxes at U.S. statutory marginal income tax rate of 21% $807   21.0% $229   21.0%
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets deemed unrealizable  (832)  (21.7)%  (252)  (23.1)%
Other  25   0.7%  23   2.1%
Income tax expense (benefit) $-   -% $-   -%

 

As a result of the passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief,December 31, 2023 and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”),2022, the Company recorded a credithas gross deferred tax assets of $214,000 against its income tax expense forapproximately $8.5 million and $9.1 million, respectively; however the year ended December 31, 2020, due to a provision in the CARES Act that allows for the five-year carryback of net operating losses. Prior to the passage of the CARES Act, these net operating losses were only available to offset future taxable income generated by the Company.

We have alsoCompany has recorded charges of $1,782 and $3,934 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, as a valuation allowance against all of our netits deferred tax assets due to uncertainty regardingthe uncertain nature surrounding our ability to realize these tax benefits in the future, reducing theresulting in a net deferred income tax asset toof $0 as of December 31, 2021.2023 and 2022.

Net LossIncome (Loss)

Information regarding our net loss and loss per share for the years ended December 31, 20212023 and 20202022 is as shown in the following table:

 

($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 
  2021  2020 
Basic and diluted:        
Net loss from continuing operations $(7,333) $(22,457)
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest  (1,326)   
Dividends declared on Series A Preferred Shares  (1,692)  (1,400)
Loss attributable to FG Financial Group, Inc. common shareholders  (10,351)  (23,857)
Weighted average common shares  5,212,772   5,746,259 
Loss per common share from continuing operations $(1.99) $(4.15)
         
Gain on sale of former insurance business $(145) $ 
Weighted average common shares outstanding  5,212,772    
Income per common share from discontinued operations $0.03  $ 
         
Loss per share attributable to common shareholders $(1.96) $(4.15)
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 
  2023  2022 
Basic and diluted:        
Net income from continuing operations $3,845  $1,088 
Dividends declared on Series A Preferred Shares  (1,786)  (1,789)
Income (loss) attributable to common shareholders  2,059   (701)
Weighted average common shares  9,991,980   8,030,106 
Income (loss) per common share from continuing operations $0.21  $(0.09)

 

27

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

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 from the cash proceeds of the Asset Sale, by funds generated from operations and from the proceeds from the sales of our common and preferred stock. Cash provided from these sources has historically been used for making investments, loss and loss adjustment expenseLAE payments, as well as other operating expenses.

 

24

For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company sold common and preferred stock to the public, for total net proceeds of $9.4 million. Additional information regarding the public offering of our common stock and Series A Preferred Stock can be found under the heading “Shareholders’ Equity.”

 

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes the Company’s consolidated cash flows for the years ended December 31, 20212023 and 2020.2022:

 

($ in thousands) Year ended December 31,  Year ended December 31, 
Summary of Cash Flows 2021 2020  2023 2022 
Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period $12,132  $28,509  $3,010  $15,542 
                
Net cash used by operating activities  (14,406)  (11,283)  (4,215)  (11,022)
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities  5,898   (1,156)  4,107   (3,453)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities  11,918   (3,938)
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities  (506)  1,943 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  3,410   (16,377)  (614)  (12,532)
                
Cash and cash equivalents – end of period $15,542  $12,132  $2,396  $3,010 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, the Company’s net cash used by operating activities was approximately $14.4$4.2 million, primarily driven by net income for the major driversperiod of which were as follows:

Our net loss of approximately $7.2 million for the year.
Approximately $7.8 million for a non-cash charge related to the unrealized holding gains$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 our various investments, offset by $5.5 million in realized loss on sale associated with our shares of FedNat common stock.
A cash outflow of approximately $2.0 million representing cash placed in trust as collateral, pursuant to our quota-share agreements.
A cash outflow of approximately $6.5 million for our investment in our SPAC sponsorships through the Fund. As this investment was made by our former investment company subsidiary, we are required to show these cash outflows as operating activities.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company’s net cash provided by financing activities consist primarily of proceeds of approximately $5.9 million from the sale of a portion of our FedNat shares as well as the complete liquidation of our Metrolina investment.equity securities.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2021,2023, the Company’s net cash usedprovided by financinginvesting activities consist of:was $4.1 million, primarily related to the sale of iCoreConnect securities, offset by our investments into convertible notes and equity method investments.

The payments of dividends in the amount of $1.7 million on our Series A Preferred Shares.
Net proceeds from the issuance of our Series A Preferred Shares in the amount of approximately $4.2 million.
Net proceeds from the issuance of our common stock in the amount of approximately $5.2 million.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2020,2023, 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 $11.3 million. The major drivers$11.0 million, primarily driven by our net income of which wereapproximately $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 follows:collateral, pursuant to our quota-share agreements.

Our net loss of approximately $22.5 million for the year, offset by approximately $16.0 million for a non-cash charge related to the unrealized losses associated with our shares of FedNat common stock.
A cash outflow of approximately $2.4 million representing cash placed in trust as collateral, pursuant to our Funds at Lloyd’s quota-share agreement, effective January 1, 2021.
A cash outflow of approximately $4.0 million for our investment in the Class A and Class A-1 interests in the Sponsor of FGNA. As this investment was made by our former investment company subsidiary, we are required to show these cash outflows as operating activities.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2020,2022, the Company’s net cash used by financinginvesting activities consist of: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.

 

Payments of dividends in the amount of $1.4 million on our Series A Preferred Shares.
The payment of $2.5 million in cash to the Hale Parties in connection with the repurchase transaction.

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.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

Not applicable.

2825

 

FG FINANCIAL GROUP,FUNDAMENTAL GLOBAL INC.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (BDO USA, LLP; St. Petersburg, FL;P.C.; Grand Rapids, MI; PCAOB ID#ID #243)3027
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 20203129
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 20203230
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 20203331
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 20203432
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements3533

 

2926

 

 

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMReport of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Shareholders and Board of Directors

Fundamental Global Inc.

FG Financial Group, Inc.

Mooresville, North Carolina

St. Petersburg, FL

 

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of FG Financial Group,Fundamental Global Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 20212023 and 2020,2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the periodthen ended, December 31, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 20212023 and 2020,2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the periodthen ended December 31, 2021,in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

 

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relaterelates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

27

 

Incurred But Not Reported (IBNR) Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (Loss Reserves)

As described in Note 2 and Note 5 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, loss and loss adjustment reserve estimates are based primarily on estimates derived from reports the Company has received from the Company’s cedants and their actuarial teams. As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s loss and loss adjustment expense reserve was $2,133 at December 31, 2021.$9.0 million. The total reserve was made upCompany also engages an independent actuarial specialist in order to assist management in establishing reasonable reserves. The estimate of $841 of case reserves and $1,292 of incurred but not reported (IBNR) loss reserves. Case reserves have resulted from claims notified to the Company by its cedants. IBNR loss reserves relate to claims that have been incurred by insuredsrelies on significant key inputs, assumptions, and reinsureds but have not yet been reported to the insurer or reinsurer,methodologies, including unknown future developments on amounts already known by the insurer or reinsurer. The establishment of IBNR loss reserves is an inherently difficult and subjective process, as there is significant judgment in the assumptions used in determining management’s best estimate of the IBNR component. The significant judgments are (1) the types of exposures and projected ultimate premium to be written by cedants;cedents; (2) expected loss ratios by type of business; (3) actuarial methodologies which analyzeleverage loss reporting and payment experience, reports from ceding companies and historical trends; and (4) general economic conditions. In particular, the estimate relies on the judgment and opinions of the involved individuals, including the opinions of the Company’s management and independent actuarial specialists, as well as the management of ceding companies and their actuaries.

We identified the IBNR componentactuarial methodologies and significant assumptions used in the estimation of the Company’s loss and loss adjustment expense reserves as a critical audit matter. AuditingThe principal considerations for this determination were (i) the valuationsignificant assumptions and inputs used by management when developing their estimate, (ii) the significant auditor subjectivity and judgment involved in evaluating the audit evidence related to the actuarial methodologies used, and (iii) the extent of the reserve for IBNR was complexspecialized skills and required the involvement ofknowledge needed from our actuarial specialists due to the highly judgmental nature of the actuarial methods and significant assumptions used in the valuation of the estimate.specialist.

The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:

 

Testing the completenessrelevance and accuracyreliability of the source informationunderlying data used by the Company’s management and independent actuarial specialists to calculate the IBNR loss reserves.
Utilizing personnel with specialized knowledge and skill in actuarial methods to assist in (i) evaluating the appropriateness of the methodologies used, and (ii) evaluating the reasonableness of significant assumptions used by the Company’s management and their independent actuarial specialists.specialist, specifically the loss development factor selections, relevance of industry data utilized, initial expected loss ratio selections, and weighting of methods used.
Comparing the results of the reserve study prepared by the Company’s independent actuarial specialistsspecialist to management’s best estimate and evaluating the differences.differences to assess if there is any management bias in the estimate being recorded.

 

Valuation of Equity Method Investments

As described in Note 2 and Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’sCompany has certain equity method investments includethat hold underlying investments in private placement investments held in sponsor shares and warrants for special purpose acquisition companies (SPAC), for which management estimatescompanies. The Company recognizes the valuationincome or loss from these equity method investments based on its percentage ownership of the investment, so changes in fair value of the investments that underly these equity method investments flow through to the Company. The fair value of these private placement investments are estimated using complex valuation methods (Monte-Carlo(e.g., Monte-Carlo simulation and option pricing models) and involves significant assumptions regarding unobservable inputs. The significant unobservable inputs are the estimate of the volatility of the common stock based on the selection of historical performance market indices blended with various peer companies which the Company considers having similar characteristics to the underlying investment and the discount for lack of marketability).assumptions.

We identified the valuation methodologies and significant assumptions utilized in the estimation of the fair value of these private placement investments as a critical audit matter. The valuation ofprincipal considerations for this determination were the private placement investments involved significantsubjective and complex auditor judgment, and requiredincluding the involvement of our valuation specialistsspecialist in evaluating the (1)(i) relevant valuation methodologies and (2) unobservable inputs(ii) significant assumptions used in determining the fair value of these investments.

The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:

 

Testing the relevance and reliability of the underlying data used to value the private placement investments.

Utilizing personnel with specialized knowledge and skill in valuation specialiststechniques to assist us in (i) evaluating the appropriateness of management’s valuation methodologies.
Utilizing valuation specialists to assist us inmethodologies, and (ii) evaluating the appropriatenessreasonableness of unobservable inputs.the significant assumptions, specifically the estimate of the volatility of the common stock based on the selection of historical performance of various broad market indices blended with various peer companies, the discount for lack of marketability, and the probability of a successful merger.

 

/s/ BDO USA, LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2012.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
March 30, 2022

/s/ BDO USA, P.C.

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2012.

Grand Rapids, Michigan

March 14, 2024

 

3028

 

 

FG FINANCIAL GROUP,FUNDAMENTAL GLOBAL INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

($ in thousands, except per share data)

 

 December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020  December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 
ASSETS                
Equity securities, at fair value (cost basis of $14,495 and $20,751, respectively) $1,421  $8,542 
Other investments (includes $0 and $4,013 held by the Company’s previously consolidated VIE, respectively)  14,040   9,346 
Cash and cash equivalents (including $0 and $987 held by the Company’s
previously consolidated VIE, respectively)
  15,542   12,132 
Equity securities, at fair value (cost basis of $1,916 and $889, respectively) $4,552  $841 
Other investments  26,301   24,839 
Cash and cash equivalents  2,396   3,010 
Deferred policy acquisition costs  786      1,660   1,527 
Reinsurance balances receivable  3,853    
Reinsurance balances receivable (net of current expected losses allowance of $96 and zero, respectively)  21,571   9,269 
Funds deposited with reinsured companies  4,442   2,444   8,002   9,277 
Current income taxes recoverable     1,724 
Other assets  745   517   1,254   712 
Total assets $40,829  $34,705  $65,736  $49,475 
                
LIABILITIES                
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves $2,133  $  $9,016  $4,409 
Unearned premium reserves  3,610      13,476   6,823 
Accounts payable  502   455   206   723 
Other liabilities  575   57   546   225 
Total liabilities $6,820  $512   23,244   12,180 
                
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)  -   -   -     
                
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
Series A Preferred Shares, $25.00 par and liquidation value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; 894,580 and 700,000 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively $22,365  $17,500 
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 and 10,000,000 shares authorized; 6,497,205 and 6,269,821 shares issued as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and, 6,497,205 and 4,988,310 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively  6   6 
Series A Preferred Shares, $25.00 par and liquidation value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; 894,580 and 894,580 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively  22,365   22,365 
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 and 100,000,000 shares authorized; 10,558,931 and 9,410,473 shares issued as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and, 10,558,931 and 9,410,473 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively  10   9 
Additional paid-in capital  46,037   47,065   53,264   50,021 
Accumulated deficit  (34,399)  (24,193)  (33,147)  (35,100)
TOTAL EQUITY  34,009   40,378 
Less: treasury stock at cost, 0 and 1,281,511 shares as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively     (6,185)
Total shareholders’ equity  34,009   34,193   42,492   37,295 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $40,829  $34,705  $65,736  $49,475 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3129

 

 

FG FINANCIAL GROUP,FUNDAMENTAL GLOBAL INC.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

($ in thousands, except per share data)

 

  2021  2020 
  Year ended December 31, 
  2021  2020 
Revenue:        
Net premiums earned $4,864  $ 
Net investment income (loss)  2,545   (17,260)
Other income  186   104 
Total revenue  7,595   (17,156)
         
Expenses:        
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses  4,338    
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs  1,407    
General and administrative expenses  9,183   5,966 
Total expenses  14,928   5,966 
         
Loss from continuing operations before income tax benefit  (7,333)  (23,122)
Income tax benefit from continuing operations     (665)
Net loss from continuing operations  (7,333)  (22,457)
Discontinued operations (Note 2):        
Gain from sale of former insurance business  (145)   
Net income from discontinued operations  (145)   
Net loss $(7,188) $(22,457)
         
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest  1,326    
Dividends declared on Series A Preferred Shares  1,692   1,400 
Loss attributable to common shareholders $(10,206) $(23,857)
         
Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per common share:        
Continuing operations $(1.99) $(4.15)
Discontinued operations  0.03    
Loss per share attributable to common shareholders $(1.96) $(4.15)
         
Weighted average common shares outstanding:        
Basic and diluted  5,212,772   5,746,259 
  2023  2022 
  Year ended December 31, 
  2023  2022 
Revenue:      
Net premiums earned $16,631  $12,998 
Net investment income  9,798   6,777 
Other income  413   320 
Total revenue  26,842   20,095 
         
Expenses:        
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses  9,713   7,484 
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs  3,623   3,169 
General and administrative expenses (includes related party expense of $1,825 and $1,825, respectively)  9,661   8,354 
Total expenses  22,997   19,007 
         
Net income $3,845  $1,088 
Dividends declared on Series A Preferred Shares  1,786   1,789 
Income (loss) attributable to common shareholders $2,059  $(701)
         
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share $0.21  $(0.09)
         
Weighted average common shares outstanding:        
Basic and diluted  9,991,980   8,030,106 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

30

FUNDAMENTAL GLOBAL INC.

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

($ in thousands)

  Shares Outstanding  Amount  Shares Outstanding  Amount  Paid-in Capital  Accumulated Deficit  Financial Group Inc. 
  Preferred Stock  Common Stock        

Total Shareholders’ Equity Attributable to FG

 
  Shares Outstanding  Amount  Shares Outstanding  Amount  Paid-in Capital  Accumulated Deficit  Financial Group Inc. 
Balance, January 1, 2022  894,580  $22,365   6,497,205  $6  $46,037  $(34,399) $34,009 
Stock based compensation  -   -   91,498   1   254   -   255 
Issuance of common stock  -   -   2,821,770   2   3,730   -   3,732 
Dividends declared on Series A Preferred Shares ($2.00 per share)  -   -   -   -   -   (1,789)  (1,789)
Net income  -   -   -   -   -   1,088   1,088 
Balance, December 31, 2022  894,580  $22,365   9,410,473  $9  $50,021  $(35,100) $37,295 
Balance  894,580  $22,365   9,410,473  $9  $50,021  $(35,100) $37,295 
Cumlative effect of adoption of accouting guidance for expected credit losses at Janaury 1, 2023  -   -   -   -   -   (106)  (106)
Stock based compensation  -   -   255,193   -   1,964   -   1,964 
Issuance of common stock  -   -   893,265   1   1,279   -   1,280 
Dividends declared on Series A Preferred Shares ($2.00 per share)  -   -   -   -   -   (1,786)  (1,786)
Net Income  -   -   -   -   -   3,845   3,845 
Balance, December 31, 2023  894,580  $22,365   10,558,931  $10  $53,264  $(33,147) $42,492 
Balance  894,580  $22,365   10,558,931  $10  $53,264  $(33,147) $42,492 

31

FUNDAMENTAL GLOBAL INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

($ in thousands)

  2023  2022 
  Year ended December 31, 
  2023  2022 
Cash provided by (used in):        
Operating activities:        
Net income (loss) $3,845  $1,088 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used by operating activities:        
Change in unrealized holding on equity investments  (2,684)  (13,026)
Income from equity method investments  (3,130)  (7,618)
Increase in investment without a readily determinable fair value  (250)  - 
Increase in fair value of convertible note  (125)  - 
Net realized (gain) loss on sale of investments  (3,062)  13,797 
Stock compensation expense  1,964   255 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
Funds deposited with reinsured companies  1,275   (4,835)
Reinsurance balances receivable  (12,408)  (5,416)
Deferred policy acquisition costs  (133)  (741)
Other assets  (571)  114 
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves  4,607   2,276 
Unearned premium reserves  6,653   3,213 
Accounts payable and other liabilities  (196)  (129)
Net cash used by operating activities  (4,215)  (11,022)
         
Investing activities:        
Purchases of furniture and equipment  -   (81)
Purchases of equity method investments  (495)  (8,844)
Purchases of other investments  (950)  - 
Distribution from equity method investments  764   4,544 
Proceeds from sales of equity securities  4,604   698 
Return of capital – other investments  184   230 
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities  4,107   (3,453)
         
Financing activities:        
Payment of dividends on preferred shares  (1,786)  (1,789)
Proceeds from issuance common stock, net  1,280   3,732 
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities  (506)  1,943 
         
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (614)  (12,532)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  3,010   15,542 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $2,396  $3,010 
         
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:        
Carrying value of limited liability company interests received in connection with FG Special Situations Fund unwind $13,754   - 
Equity securities in OppFi received in connection with FG Special Situations Fund unwind $1,916  $- 
Equity securities in iCoreConnect Inc received in connection with conversion of bridge loan $654  $-

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

32

 

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

($ in thousands)

  Shares Outstanding  Amount  Shares Outstanding  Amount  Shares Outstanding  Amount  Paid-in Capital  Accumulated Deficit  

Total

Shareholders’ Equity

Attributable

to FG

Financial

Group Inc.

  

Non-

controlling Interests

 
  Preferred Stock  Common Stock  Treasury Stock             
  Shares Outstanding  Amount  Shares Outstanding  Amount  Shares Outstanding  Amount  Paid-in Capital  Accumulated Deficit  

Total

Shareholders’ Equity

Attributable

to FG

Financial

Group Inc.

  

Non-

controlling Interests

 
Balance, January 1, 2020  700,000  $17,500   6,065,948  $6   151,359  $(1,009) $46,754  $(336) $62,915  $ 
Stock based compensation        52,514            311      311    
 Interests issued for contributed cash                                        
Deconsolidation of variable interest entity                                        
Issuance of Series A Preferred shares                                        
Issuance of Series A Preferred shares, shares                                        
Retirement of treasury shares                                        
Retirement of treasury stock, shares                                        
Issuance of common stock                                        
Issuance of common stock, shares                                        
Share repurchase transaction        (1,130,152)     1,130,152   (5,176)        (5,176)   
Dividends declared on Series A Preferred Shares ($2.00 per share)                       (1,400)  (1,400)   
Net loss                       (22,457)  (22,457)   
Balance, December 31, 2020  700,000  $17,500   4,988,310  $6   1,281,511  $(6,185) $47,065  $(24,193) $34,193  $- 
                                         
Stock based compensation        67,160            559      559    
Interests issued for contributed cash                             4,147 
Deconsolidation of variable interest entity                             (5,473)
Issuance of Series A Preferred shares  194,580   4,865               (648)     4,217    
Retirement of treasury shares           (1)  (1,281,511)  6,185   (6,184)         
Issuance of common stock        1,441,735   1         5,245      5,246    
Dividends declared on Series A Preferred Shares ($2.00 per share)                       (1,692)  (1,692)   
Net loss                       (8,514)  (8,514)  1,326 
Balance, December 31, 2021  894,580  $22,365   6,497,205  $6     $-  $46,037  $(34,399) $34,009  $- 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

33

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

($ in thousands)

  2021  2020 
  Year ended December 31, 
  2021  2020 
Cash provided by (used in):        
Operating activities:        
Net loss $(7,188) $(22,457)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:        
Unrealized holding (gains) losses on equity investments  (7,851)  16,010 
Net realized loss in Share Repurchase Transaction     2,111 
Net realized loss on sale of investments  5,456    
Net deferred income taxes     (106)
Stock compensation expense  559   311 
Purchases of investments by consolidated investment company subsidiary  (6,479)  (4,013)
Cash relinquished upon deconsolidation of investment company subsidiary (note 4)  (100)   
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
Funds deposited with reinsured companies  (1,998)  (2,444)
Amounts due under reinsurance agreements  (3,853)   
Deferred policy acquisition costs  (786)   
Other assets  (233)  (315)
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves  2,133    
Unearned premium reserves  3,610    
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses  600   79 
Current income taxes recoverable  1,724   (459)
Net cash used by operating activities  (14,406)  (11,283)
         
Investing activities:        
Purchases of furniture and equipment  (14)  (13)
Sales of equity securities  803    
Sales of other investments  5,109   138 
Purchases of other investments     (1,281)
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities  5,898   (1,156)
         
Financing activities:        
Payment of dividends on preferred shares  (1,692)  (1,400)
Proceeds from issuance preferred stock, net  4,217    
Proceeds from issuance common stock, net  5,246    
Capital contribution from non-controlling interest  4,147    
Purchase of treasury shares     (2,538)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities  11,918   (3,938)
         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  3,410   (16,377)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  12,132   28,509 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $15,542  $12,132 
         
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:        
Net refunds received during the period for income taxes $1,471  $(100)
Non-cash financing activities:        
Sale of equity investments to purchase treasury shares $  $2,639 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

34

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Nature of Business

FG Financial Group,Fundamental Global Inc. (“FGF”, the “Company”, “we”, or “us”), formerly known as FG Financial Group, Inc., is a reinsurance, merchant banking and investmentasset management holding company. We focus on opportunistic collateralized and loss capped reinsurance, while allocating capital in partnership with Fundamental Global®to SPAC and SPAC sponsor-related businesses.merchant banking activities. The Company’s principal business operations are conducted through its subsidiaries and affiliates. The Company also provides investment management services. From our inception in October 2012 through December 2019, we operated as an insurance holding company, writing property and casualty insurance throughout the states of Louisiana, Florida, and Texas. On December 2, 2019, we sold our three former insurance subsidiaries, and embarked upon our current strategy focused on reinsurance and asset management.

 

As of December 31, 2021, Fundamental Global GP,2023, FG Financial Holdings, LLC (“FG”), a privately owned investment management company,private partnership focused on long-term strategic holdings, and its affiliates, or “FG,”affiliated entity, collectively beneficially owned approximately 5654.6% of our common stock. D. Kyle Cerminara, Chairman of our Board of Directors, serves as Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder and Partner of FG.

 

Sale of the Insurance BusinessReincorporation

 

OnEffective at 5:01 p.m. ET on December 2, 2019, we9, 2022, the Company completed the sale of our insurance subsidiaries to FedNat Holding Company forits reincorporation from a combination of cash and FedNat common stock. The shares of FedNat common stock we received in the Asset Sale were issued to us pursuantDelaware corporation to a standstill agreement which provides certain limitationsNevada corporation (the “Reincorporation”). The Reincorporation was accomplished by means of a merger by and restrictions with respect tobetween the votingCompany and sale or transfer of the securities until December 2024.its former wholly owned subsidiary FG Financial Group, Inc., a Nevada corporation. As of December 31, 2021, we continue9, 2022, the rights of the Company’s stockholders began to hold 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.

1,007,871

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 FedNat common stock.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 special purpose acquisition companies (“SPACs”) and SPAC sponsor-related businesses. As part of our refined focus, we have adopted the following capital allocation philosophy:

Grow intrinsic value per sharemerchant banking activities with a long-term focus using fundamental research, allocating capital to asymmetricasymmetrical 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 “SPAC Platform” businesses.merchant banking division.

 

Insurance

We areSponsor 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 processservices or business of establishingtaking companies public, as well as small cap businesses performing an initial public offering. Sponsor Protection Coverage and seeking regulatory approvals for a Risk, Retention Group (“RRG”) for the purpose of providing directors and officers insurance coverageInc. has yet to special purpose acquisition vehicles. We intend to provide capital, along with other participants, to facilitate the underwriting of such insurance coverage. The Company will focus on fee income derived from originating, underwriting, and servicing the insurance business, while mitigating our financial risk with external reinsurance partners.write any business.

 

Reinsurance

The Company’s wholly owned reinsurance subsidiary, Fundamental Global Reinsurance Ltd. (“FGRe”),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 Law, 2010Act (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 to their aggregate exposure limit. FGRe participatescollateralized.

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As of December 31, 2023, the Company had eight active reinsurance contracts, including participating in a Funds at Lloyds (“FAL”) syndicate covering all risks written by the syndicate during the 2021, 2022 and 20222023 calendar years. On April 1, 2021, FGRe entered into its second reinsurance contract with a leading insurtech company that provides automotive insurance utilizing driver monitoring to predictively segment and price drivers. FGRe’s exposure is limited by a loss-cap stipulated within the quota-share agreement.

 

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

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Asset Management

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, FG Strategic Consulting, LLC, (“FGSC”) a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, has agreed to provideprovides investment advisory services, to FedNat, 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. In exchange for providing the investment advisory services, FedNat has agreed to pay FGSC an annual fee of $100,000. The term of the Investment Advisory Agreement is five years, expiring on December 2, 2024.

 

SPAC Platform and Merchant Banking

 

On December 21, 2020, we formed FG Management Solutions LLC (“FGMS”), formerly known as FG SPAC Solutions, LLC, (“FGSS”), a Delaware company, to facilitate the launch of our “SPAC Platform”.Platform.” Under the SPAC Platform, we plan to 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, (“FGSP”) to participate as a co-sponsor for newly formed SPACs. The Company also participates in

In the risk capital investments associated with the launchthird quarter of such SPACs through its Asset Management business, specifically FG Special Situations Fund, LP. (“Fund”). As discussed in Note 4,2022, the Company has consolidatedannounced the resultsexpansion of its growth strategy through the Fund through November 30, 2021, however, effective December 1, 2021,formation of a merchant banking division.

In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company began accounting forinvested $2.0 million into its investment in the Fund under the equity method. The first transaction entered into under the SPAC Platform occurred on January 11, 2021, by and among FGSS and Aldel Investors, LLC, the sponsor of Aldel Financial,merchant banking project, FG Communities, Inc. (“Aldel”FGC”),. FGC is a special purpose acquisitionself-managed real estate company focused on a growing portfolio of manufactured housing communities which completed its business combination with Hagerty on December 2, 2021. Under the services agreement between FGSSare owned and Aldel Investors, LLC (the “Agreement”), FGSS provided accounting, regulatory, strategic advisory, and other administrative services to Aldel, which included assistance with negotiations with potential merger targets for the SPAC as well as assistance with the de-SPAC process.operated by FGC.

 

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

These statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

 

Consolidation Policies

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and entities in which it is required to consolidate under either the Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) or Voting Interest Entity (“VOE”) models. Both models require the reporting entity to identify whether it has a controlling financial interest in a legal entity and is therefore required to consolidate the legal entity. Under the VOE model, a reporting entity with ownership of a majority of the voting interest of a legal entity is generally considered to have a controlling financial interest. The VIE model was established for situations in which control may be demonstrated other than by the possession of voting rights in a legal entity and instead focuses on the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the legal entity’s economic performance, as well as the rights to receive benefits and obligations to absorb losses that could potentially be significant to the legal entity.

 

The determination of whether a legal entity is consolidated under either model is reassessed where there is a substantive change in the governing documents or contractual arrangements of the entity, to the capital structure of the entity or in the activities of the entity. The Company continuously reassesses whether it should consolidate under either model.

 

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In September 2020, the Company invested approximately $5.0million to sponsor the launch of Fund.the FG Special Situations Fund, LP (“The Fund”). The Fund, a VIE which the Company was required to consolidate through November 30, 2021, iswas considered an investment company for GAAP purposes and followsfollowed the accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, Financial Services-Investment Companies, which includes the presentation of its investments at fair value. On December 1, 2021, the Company’s investment became that of a limited partner, and it no longer had the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the Fund, and thus, began to account for its investment in the Fund under the equity method of accounting.

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, Greenfirst Forest Products Holdings LLC, and OppFi. 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 carrying value of these direct limited partner interests approximate to ownership of 29% of FGAC Investors LLC, 19% of FG Merger Investors LLC, and 16% of Greenfirst Forest Products Holdings, LLC. The Fund also distributed OppFi publicly traded securities to the Company with a carrying value of $1.9 million.

As a result of the winddown, the Company now holds direct limited partner interests in FGAC Investors LLC, FG Merger Investors LLC, and Greenfirst Forest Products Holdings, LLC. The Company has determined that each of these entities meets the criteria of a VIE. For each new position, the Company analyzed ASC 810 – Consolidation and has determined it is not the primary beneficiary of FGAC Investors LLC, FG Merger Investors LLC or Greenfirst Forest Products Holdings LLC, but does have the ability to exercise significant influence over each of these. Therefore, the Company applies the equity method of accounting for each of these investments.

In October of 2022, the Company invested $2.0 million into FGC, which the Company has determined meets the criteria of a VIE. The Company holds this investment at cost, subject to any adjustment from time to time due to impairment or observable price changes in orderly transactions. Due to its minority interest and inability to govern the financial and operating policies of FGC, the Company has determined it is not the primary beneficiary of FGC, and thus does not consolidate FGC.

The Company’s risk of loss associated with its non-consolidated VIEs is limited. As of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the carrying value and maximum loss exposure of the Company’s non-consolidated VIE’s was $16.6 million and $18.8 million, respectively.

 

See Note 4 for additionalfurther information regarding the Company’s consolidated investments.

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FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Discontinued Operations

Due to the sale of all of the issued and outstanding equity of our previous insurance business on December 2, 2019, these operations have been classified as discontinued operations in the Company’s financial statements presented herein. For the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized a gain from the sale of this business for approximately $145,000. This was related to a final true-up and settlement in the first quarter 2021, for income taxes due to the Company under the sale agreement. The following table presents a reconciliation of the major classes of line items constituting pretax profit (loss) of discontinued operations to the after-tax profit (loss) of discontinued operations that are presented in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:

Schedule of Discontinued Operations

  2021  2020 
(in thousands) Year ended
December 31,
 
  2021  2020 
Gain from sale of former insurance business  (145)   
Net income from discontinued operations $(145) $ 

 

The Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Estimates and their underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Changes in estimates are recorded in the accounting period in which they are determined. The critical accountingsignificant estimates and assumptions in the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the valuation of our other investments, the valuation of net deferred income taxes, and deferred policy acquisition costs, premium revenue recognition, and reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses, and stock-based compensation expense.expenses.

 

Investments in Equity Securities

Investments in equity securities are carried at fair value with subsequent changes in fair value recorded to the Consolidated Statementsconsolidated statements of Operationsoperations as a component of net investment income.

 

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Other Investments

 

Other investments consist, in part, of equity investments made in privately held companies accounted for under the equity method. We utilize the equity method to account for investments when we possess the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the operating and financial policies of the investee. The ability to exercise significant influence is presumed when the investor possesses more than 20%20% of the voting interests of the investee. This presumptionIn the case of a limited partnership with specific ownership accounts, 3-5% is presumed to provide an investor with the ability to exercise significant influence. These presumptions may be overcome based on specific facts and circumstances that demonstrate that the ability to exercise significant influence is restricted. We apply the equity method to investments in common stock and to other investments when such other investments possess substantially identical subordinated interests to common stock.

 

In applying the equity method, we record the investment at cost and subsequently increase or decrease the carrying amount of the investment by our proportionate share of the net earnings or losses and other comprehensive income of the investee. Any increase or decrease recorded is included in Net investment income on the consolidated statements of operations. We record dividends or other equity distributions as reductions in the carrying value of the investment. Should net losses of the investee reduce the carrying amount of the investment to zero, additional net losses may be recorded if other investments in the investee are at-risk, even if we have not committed to provide financial support to the investee. Such additional equity method losses, if any, are based upon the change in our claim on the investee’s book value.

 

AsWhen we receive distributions from our equity method investments, we utilize the cumulative earnings approach. When classifying the related cash flows under this approach, the Company compares the cumulative distributions received, less distributions received in prior periods, with the Company’s cumulative equity in earnings. Cumulative distributions that do not exceed cumulative equity in earnings represent returns on investment and are classified as cash inflows from operating activities. Cumulative distributions in excess of December 31, 2020, other investments also consisted of private placement securities reported at fair valuecumulative equity in earnings represent returns on investment and characterized under Level 3 of the fair value hierarchyare classified as promulgated by the Financial Accounting and Standards Board.cash inflows from investing activities.

 

OtherIn addition to investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting, other investments also consist of equity we have purchased in a limited partnership, and a limited liability company, and a corporation for which there does not exist a readily determinable fair value. The Company accounts for these investments at their cost, minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investmentinvestments by the same issuer. 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 same issuer.transaction date. Once the Company records such an adjustment, the investment is considered an asset measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Any profit distributions the Company receives on these investments are included in net investment income.

Other investments also include senior unsecured promissory notes, which are carried at amortized cost on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet under the caption “other investments.”

See Note 4 for additional information regarding the Company’s investments.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less.

 

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Pursuant to the Company’s insurance license, the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (“Authority”) has required that FGRe hold a minimum capital requirement of $200,000 in cash in a bank in the Cayman Islands which holds an “A” license issued under the Banks and Trust Companies Act (2020 Revision).

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Income Taxes

The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes, whereby deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for (i) the differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and (ii) loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the date of enactment. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not and a valuation allowance is established for any portion of a deferred tax asset that management believes willit is more likely than not to be realized. Current federal income taxes are charged or credited to operations based upon amounts estimated to be payable or recoverable as a result of taxable operations for the current year. Liabilities are established for uncertain tax positions taken or positions expected to be taken in income tax returns when such positions, in our judgment, do not meet a more-likely-than-not threshold based on the technical merits of the positions. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense (benefit). The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense (benefit).

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Concentration of Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments which potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk include investments, cash, and deposits with reinsured companies. The Company maintains its cash with a major U.S. domestic banking institution which is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) for up to $250,000. As of December 31, 20212023, the Company held funds in excess of these FDIC insured amounts. The terms of these deposits are on demand to mitigate some of the associated risk. The Company has not incurred losses related to these deposits.

 

Premium Revenue Recognition

The Company participates in areinsurance quota-share contracts and estimates the ultimate premiums for the contract period. These estimates are based on information received from the ceding companies,Company’s cedants, 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. Additional premiums due on a contract that has no remaining coverage period are earned in full when written.

 

Premiums written are generally recognized as earned over the contract period in proportion to the risk covered. Unearned premiums represent the unexpired portion of reinsurance provided.

 

Current Expected Credit Loss

On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 326, as amended, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“ASU 326”), which requires an entity to estimate its lifetime “expected credit loss” and record an allowance that, when deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset, presents the net amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. The financial assets included in the caption “Reinsurance balances recoverable” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are carried at amortized cost and therefore within the scope of ASU 326. Upon adoption of ASC 326, the Company calculated an allowance for expected credit losses for its reinsurance balances receivable by applying a Probability of Default / Loss Given Default model. The model considers both the external collectability history as well as external loss history, forecasts provided by cedants, and general economic conditions. The external loss history that the Company used included a long-term probability of liquidation study specific to insurance companies. Additionally, the life of each of the Company’s reinsurance treaties was also considered as the probability of default was calculated over the contractual length of the reinsurance contracts. The credit worthiness of a counterparty is evaluated by considering the credit ratings assigned by independent agencies and individually evaluating all the counterparties. The adoption resulted in a cumulative-effect adjustment to increase accumulated deficit by $0.1 million as of January 1, 2023. The Company updates the model each quarter and adjusts the balance accordingly. As of December 31, 2023, the allowance remains at approximately $0.1 million.

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The Company also has invested in promissory notes which are carried at amortized cost in Other Investments on the consolidated balance sheets, and is an investment that is within the scope of ASC 326. The amount invested in the aggregate is $450,000.

The Company does not have a current expected credit allowance for the promissory note, as the promissory note is not material.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

 

Policy acquisition costs are costs that vary with, and are directly related to, the successful production of new and renewal of reinsurance business, and consist principally of commissions, premium taxes and brokerage expenses. The acquisition costs are deferred and amortized over the period in which the related premiums are earned. If the sum of a contract’s expected losses and loss expenses and deferred acquisition costs exceeds associatedexceed the related unearned premiums and expected investment income, a premium deficiency is determined to exist. In this event, deferred acquisition costs are written off to the extent necessary to eliminate the premium deficiency. If the premium deficiency exceeds deferred acquisition costs then a liability is accrued for the excess deficiency. There were no premium deficiency adjustments recognized during the periods presented herein.

 

Funds Held by CedentsDeposited with Reinsured Companies

The caption “Funds“Funds Deposited with Reinsured Companies” inon the Company’s consolidated balance sheets includes amounts held by cedents provided to support our reinsurance contracts. On November 12, 2020, FGRe, our Cayman Islands based reinsurance subsidiary, initially funded a trust account at Lloyd’s with approximately $2.4 million cash, to collateralize its obligations under a quota-share agreement with a Funds at Lloyds syndicate. The initial contract covered our quota-share percentage of all risks written by the syndicate for the 2021 calendar year. On November 30, 2021, we entered into an agreement with the same syndicate, slightly increasing our quota-share percentage of the risks the syndicate writes for the 2022 calendar year. This resulted in FGRe’s posting an additional $1.0 million in cash collateral to the account. We have also posted cash collateral in the approximate amount of $1.0 million, to support our automotive insurance quota-share agreement entered into on April 1, 2021. As of December 31, 2021,2023 and December 31, 2022, the total cash collateral posted to support all of our reinsurance treaties was approximately $4.48.0 million.million and $9.3 million, respectively.

 

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FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves

 

The Company maintains reserves equal to our estimated ultimate liability for losses and loss adjustment expense for reported and unreported claims from our reinsurance business. Loss and loss adjustment reserve estimates are based primarily on estimates derived from reports the Company has received from ceding companies.our cedants and their actuarial teams. The Company then uses a variety of statistical and actuarial techniques to monitor reserve adequacy. When setting reserves, the Company considers many factors including: (1) the types of exposures and projected ultimate premium to be written by our cedants;cedents; (2) expected loss ratios by type of business; (3) actuarial methodologies which analyze loss reporting and payment experience, reports from ceding companiesour cedants and historical trends; (4) loss development factor selections, initial expected loss ratio selections, and (4)weighting of methods used; and (5) general economic conditions. The Company also engages an independent actuarial specialistsspecialist in order to assist management in establishing appropriatereasonable reserves. 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. The final settlement of losses may vary, perhaps materially, from the reserves recorded.

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 a 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. ClientCedent 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 clientcedent 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.

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Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company has accounted for stock-based compensation under the provisions of ASC Topic 718 – Stock Compensation, which requires the use of the fair-value based method to determine compensation for all arrangements under which employees and others receive shares of stock or equity instruments. The fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model using assumptions for expected volatility, expected dividends, expected term, and the risk-free interest rate along with multiple Monte Carlo simulations to determine a derived service period as the options vest based upon meeting certain performance conditions. The fair value of each stock option award is recorded as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the period in which the stock options vest, with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital. Stock compensation expense is included in General and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.

 

The Company has also issued restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to certain of its employees and directors which have been accounted for as equity-based awards since, upon vesting, they are required to be settled in the Company’s common shares. We have used the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date the RSUs were issued to estimate the grant date fair value of those RSUs which vest solely based upon the passage of time, as well as a Monte Carlo valuation model to estimate the fair value of those RSUs which vest solely upon market-based conditions.time. The fair value of each RSU is recorded as compensation expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the expected period over which the awards will vest. In the case of those RSUs which vest upon market-based conditions, should the market-based condition be achieved prior to the expiration of the derived service period, any unrecognized cost will be recorded as compensation expense in the period in which the RSUs actually vest.

 

Based upon the Company’s historical forfeiture rates relating toForfeitures for stock options and RSUs, theRSU’s are accounted for as they occur. The Company has not made any adjustment to stock compensation expense for expected forfeitures as of December 31, 2021.2023.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying values of certain financial instruments, including cash and short-term investments, deposits held, accounts payable, and other accrued expenses approximate fair value due to their short-term nature.nature, and are therefore considered Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The Company measures the fair value of financial instruments in accordance with GAAP which defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset (or paid to transfer a liability) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset (or liability) in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. GAAP also establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. See Note 4 for further information on the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments.

 

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FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

Basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed usingby dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the respective period.

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share assumes conversion of all potentially dilutive outstanding stock options, restricted stock units, warrants or other convertible financial instruments. PotentialUnder the treasury stock method, potential common shares outstanding are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share if their effect is anti-dilutive.

Leases

We determine if an arrangement contains a lease at inception, and leases are classified as either operating or finance leases at the lease commencement date. An arrangement contains a lease if it implicitly or explicitly identifies an asset to be used and conveys the right to control the use of the identified asset in exchange for consideration. Right-of-use (“ROU”) assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease.

ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized upon commencement of the lease based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized in Other Assets and Other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets, respectively. When readily determinable, we use the implicit rate within the lease. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, we generally use our incremental borrowing rate. The incremental borrowing rate is based on the estimated rate of interest for fully collateralized and fully amortizing borrowings over a similar term as the lease payments at commencement date. The incremental borrowing rate is used to determine the present value of lease payments.

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Our expected lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for operating leases and short-term leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Expenses associated with operating leases are recorded in General and administrative expenses on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Short-term leases with a term of 12 months or less are not capitalized.

 

Note 3. Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards

As discussed, the Company adopted ASC 326 during the first quarter of 2023 using a modified retrospective transition method. The adoption resulted in a cumulative-effect adjustment to increase accumulated deficit by $Accounting Standards Pending Adoption0.1

ASU 2016-13: Financial Instruments – Credit Lossesmillion as of January 1, 2023.

 

In June 2016,July 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13:2023-03 “Presentation of Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: MeasurementStatements, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, Equity, and Compensation-Stock Compensation” to amend various SEC paragraphs in the Accounting Standards Codification to primarily reflect the issuance of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 120. Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 120 provides guidance to companies issuing share-based awards shortly before announcing material, nonpublic information to consider such material nonpublic information to adjust observable market prices if the release of material nonpublic information is expected to affect the share price. The ASU 2016-13 wasdoes not provide any new guidance so there is no transition or effective date associated with it. The Company expects to adopt this standard sometime in 2024 and does not expect an impact to our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to provide financial statement users with more useful information regardingReportable Segment Disclosures.” The updated accounting guidance requires enhanced reportable segment disclosures, primarily related to significant segment expenses which are regularly provided to the expected credit losses on financial instruments held as assets. Under current GAAP, financial statement recognition for credit losses on financial instrumentschief operating decision maker. The guidance is generally delayed until the occurrence of the loss was probable. The amendments of ASU 2016-13 eliminate this probable initial recognition threshold and instead reflect an entity’s current estimate of all expected credit losses. The amendments also broaden the information that an entity must consider in developing its expected credit loss estimates for those assets measured at amortized cost by using forecasted information instead of the current methodology which only considered past events and current conditions. Under ASU 2016-13, credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities will be measured in a manner similar to current GAAP; however, the amendments require that credit losses be presented as an allowance against the investment, rather than as a write-down. The amendments also allow the entity to record reversals of credit losses in current period net income, which is prohibited under current GAAP. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including2023 and interim periods within those fiscal years withbeginning after December 15, 2024. Retrospective application is required and early adoption permitted, however smaller reporting companies, like the Company, may delay adoption until January 2023.is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on the adoption of ASU 2016-13 on itsdisclosures within the consolidated financial statements.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures.” ASU 2023-09 is intended to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. The amendments in ASU 2023-09 address investor requests for enhanced income tax information primarily through changes to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. Early adoption is permitted. A public entity should apply the amendments in ASU 2023-09 prospectively to all annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on the disclosures within the consolidated financial statements.

Note 4. Investments and Fair Value Disclosures

The following table summarizes the Company’s investmentsequity securities held at fair value as of December 31, 20212023 and 2020.2022.

Schedule of InvestmentsEquity Securities

($ in thousands)            
As of December 31, 2021 Cost Basis  

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

  

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

  

Carrying

Amount

 
FedNat common stock $14,495  $  $13,074  $1,421 
Total investments $14,495  $  $13,074  $1,421 

As of December 31, 2020 Cost Basis  

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

  

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

  

Carrying

Amount

 
FedNat common stock $20,751  $  $12,209  $8,542 
Private placements  4,012         4,012 
Total investments $24,763  $  $12,209  $12,554 

FedNat Common Stock

As of December 31, 2021, the Company held 1,007,871 shares of FedNat Holding Company common stock (Nasdaq: FNHC). Of the total 1,773,102 shares of FedNat common stock which the Company had received as consideration for the Asset Sale, the Company has disposed of 765,231 shares. The first transaction occurred on September 15, 2020, whereby the Company sold 330,231 shares of FedNat common stock to the Hale Parties as further discussed in Note 9 – Related Party Transactions. Additionally, during the fourth quarter 2021, the Company sold an additional 435,000 shares of FedNat common stock on the open market. Pursuant to the Standstill Agreement entered into between the Company and FedNat at the closing of the Asset Sale, the Company is restricted as to the timing and number of FedNat shares it can dispose of. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had gross realized losses of $5.5 million and $2.1 million, respectively, associated with the sale of its FedNat shares.

($ in thousands)            
As of December 31, 2023 Cost Basis  

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

  

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

  

Carrying

Amount

 
OppFi common stock and warrants $1,916  $2,636  $          -  $4,552 
Total investments $1,916  $2,636  $-  $4,552 

 

40

 

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

As of December 31, 2022 Cost Basis  

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

  

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

  

Carrying

Amount

 
Hagerty common stock $889  $  $48  $841 
Total investments $889  $  $48  $841 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Private PlacementsOppFi Common Stock

 

Private placements listed in the table above consists of the $4.0 million which was invested in FG New America Investors, LLC (the “Sponsor”) as part of a total $8.6 million of risk capital used to launch FG New America Acquisition Corp (“FGNA”), a special purpose acquisition company which consummated its initial public offering on October 2, 2020. On July 20, 2021, FGNA completed its definitive business combination with Opportunity Financial, LLC and began operating as OppFi Inc. (“OppFi”), with OppFi’s common stock trading on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “OPFI”. The Company’s initial investment consisted of both class A and class A-1 interests of the Sponsor. On July 15, 2021, the Sponsor entered into a sponsor forfeiture agreement with FGNA and Opportunity Financial, LLC, under which the Sponsor agreed to forfeit a portion of FGNA Class B common stock as well as a portion of warrants to purchase FGNA Class A common stock which the Sponsor previously held. As a result of the Sponsor interests currently represent beneficial ownershipFund unwinding, the Company received approximately 860,000 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 $0.861.9 million common shares of OPFI as well as approximately 0.36 million warrants to purchase common shares of OPFI at a price of $11.50 per share. We are restricted from selling our OPFI common shares until the earlier of i) July 20, 2022; or ii) the date upon which the closing price of OPFI stock is greater than or equal to $12.00 per share for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day window.million.

 

Deconsolidation of SubsidiaryHagerty Common Stock

The investment into the Sponsor was made by FG Special Situations Fund, LP (the “Fund”), a Delaware limited partnership in which the Company had also invested as both a limited and general partner. At the time of the Company’s initial investment into the Fund, in September 2020, the Company had determined that its investment represented an investment in a variable interest entity (“VIE”) in which the Company was the primary beneficiary and as such, had consolidated the financial results of the Fund through November 30, 2021. At each reporting date, the Company evaluates whether it remains the primary beneficiary and continuously reconsiders that conclusion. On December 1, 2021, the Company no longer had the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the Fund, and accordingly derecognized the related assets, liabilities, and noncontrolling interests of the Fund as of that date. The Company did not receive any consideration in the deconsolidation of the Fund, nor did it record any gain, or loss upon deconsolidation as the Company carried its investment at fair value. The assets and liabilities of the Fund, over which the Company lost control were as follows:

Schedule of Subsidiaries Assets

As of December 1, 2021 (in thousands)   
Cash and cash equivalents $100 
Investments in private placements  15,734 
Investments in public SPACs  22 
Other assets  18 
Other liabilities  (34)
Net assets deconsolidated $15,840 

 

While the Company’s investments in the Fund are no longer consolidated, the Company has retained all of the investments held at the Fund, including its beneficial ownership of approximatelyOn December 15, 2022, FGMP distributed 0.8699,999 million common shares of OPFI and approximately 0.36 million warrantsHagerty to purchasethe Company. On the date of distribution, the common shares had an aggregate fair value of OPFI atapproximately $11.50889,000 per share. Accordingly,. The Company sold the Company has not presented its investment incommon shares during the Fund asfirst quarter of 2023 for a discontinued operation. Effective December 1, 2021, the Company began accounting for its investment in the Fund via the equity methodrealized loss of accounting.approximately $16,000.

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s other investments as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:

Schedule of Other Investments

  2023  2022 
(in thousands) Year ended December 31, 
  2023  2022 
Equity Method Investments:        
FG Merchant Partners, LP $8,812  $5,772 
FGAC Investors LLC  8,835   - 
FG Merger Investors LLC  4,977   - 
Greenfirst Forest Products Holdings LLC  908   - 
FG Special Situations Fund, LP  -   16,814 
Total Equity Method Investments  23,532   22,586 
Investments without readily determinable fair value:        
FG Communities, Inc.  2,250   2,000 
Other  69   253 
Total investments without readily determinable fair value  2,319   2,253 
Promissory notes  450   - 
Total other investments  26,301   24,839 

Equity Method Investments

Equity method investments included our investment of $4.0 million in FGI Metrolina Property Income Fund, LP (“Metrolina”), which invested in real estate through a real estate investment trust which was wholly owned by Metrolina. We have recorded equity method earnings from our investment in Metrolina of approximately $326,000 and $186,000 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. In the third quarter, 2021, Metrolina indicated that it would be liquidating and returning investor capital. Accordingly, in the fourth quarter 2021, we received approximately $5.0 million in cash back from the Fund, representing our initial investment of $4.0 million plus approximately $1.0 million in distributed earnings. As a result, our investment in Metrolina was fully liquidated as of December 31, 2021.

41

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Equity method investments also include our investment in FG SPAC Partners, LP (“FGSP”). On January 4, 2021, FGSPFGMP was formed as a Delaware limited partnership to co-sponsor newly formed SPACs with their founders or partners.partners, as well as other merchant banking interests. The Company is the sole managing member of the general partner of FGSPFGMP and holds an approximate 46%a limited partner interest of approximately 46% in FGSPFGMP directly and through its subsidiaries. FGSP’s initial investment wasFGMP participates as a co-sponsor of the purchase, on January 11, 2021, of 1,075,000 founder shares of Aldel Financial, Inc. (“Aldel”), for total consideration of $4,674. On March 25, 2021, FGSP entered into a forfeiture agreement with Aldel whereby FGSP agreed to transfer 575,000 of these founder shares back to Aldel at no cost. Concurrent with Aldel’s initial public offering, on April 12, 2021, FGSP also purchased 650,000 warrants at a price of $0.10 per warrant, each exercisable to purchase one share of Aldel’s Class A common stock at an exercise price of $15.00 per share (the “OTM Warrants”), for a purchase price of $65,000. On December 2, 2021, Aldel completed its business combination Hagerty, an automotive enthusiast brand and began operatingSPACs launched under our SPAC Platform as Hagerty, Inc., trading on the NYSE under the ticker “HGTY” on December 3, 2021. Accordingly,well as of December 31, 2021, FGSP had beneficial ownership of merchant banking initiatives.

500,000 

HGTY common shares and 650,000 warrants to purchase HGTY common shares at an exercise price of $15.00 per share. Through our 46% limited partner interest in FGSP, the Company has beneficial ownership of approximately 230,000 HGTY common shares and approximately 300,000 warrants. We have recorded equity method earnings from our investment in FGSP of approximately $3.78 million forFor the year ended December 31, 2021. The2023, 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 FGSP as ofFGMP at December 31, 2021 was2023 the Company may allocate up to approximately $3.850.4 million representing $3.78 million in undistributed earnings.to incentivize and compensate individuals and entities for the successful merger of SPACs launched under our platform.

 

CertainEquity 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 carrying value of these direct limited partner interests approximate to ownership of 29% of FGAC Investors LLC, 19% of FG Merger Investors LLC, and 16% of Greenfirst Forest Products Holdings, LLC. 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.

Subsequent to June 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.

41

Financial information for our investments accounted for under the equity method, in the aggregate, is as follows:

Schedule of Investments Under Equity Method

(in thousands) 2023  2022 
  As of December 31, 
(in thousands) 2023  2022 
Other investments $77,519  $35,366 
Cash  539   113 
Other assets  -   165 
Total assets  78,058   35,644 
         
Accounts payable $27  $65 
Total liabilities  27   65 

  2023  2022 
  For the year ended December 31, 
  2023  2022 
Net investment income $14,402  $11,959 
Other income  159   - 
General and administrative expenses  (1,176)  (154)
Net income  13,385   11,805 

Investments held by our equity method investees, such as private placement investments held in sponsor shares and warrants for special purpose acquisition companies, 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 previously discussed under the heading “Deconsolidation of Subsidiary,” equity method investments also include our investment in the Fund as of December 31, 2021. Until December 1, 2021, we had consolidated the Fund as a variable interest entity, however, effective December 1, 2021, we began accounting for this investment under the equity method of accounting. For the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized approximately $3.0 in pretax income through our investment in the Fund, which consists of pretax income in the amount of approximately $3.7 million for the period of January 1, 2021, through November 30, 2021 through our consolidation of the Fund, 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 method losses of approximately $0.7 million for the month of December 2021. As of December 31, 2021, the carrying value of our investment in the Fund was approximately $9.7 million, representing $3.0 million in undistributed earnings.SPACs that have not yet closed.

Through the Fund, the Company has invested $1.0 million in the risk capital of Aldel Investors, LLC, the sponsor of Hagerty, Inc. This investment represents the beneficial ownership of approximately 286,000 HGTY shares. Altogether, the Company’s investment in Hagerty, Inc, through both FGSP and the Fund, represents beneficial interests of approximately 516,000 HGTY common shares and approximately 300,000 warrants to purchase HGTY common shares at an exercise price of $15.00 per share.

Financial information, for our investments accounted for under the equity method, in the aggregate, is as follows:

Schedule of Investments under Equity Method

  As of December 31, 
(in thousands) 

2021

  

2020

 
Other investments $25,936  $9,040 
Cash  

72

   

63

 

Other assets

  

16

   

219

 
Total assets  26,024   9,322 
         
Accounts payable  $19  $

9

 
Other liabilities  

   

218

 
Total liabilities  19   227 

  2021  2020 
  For the year ended December 31,
  2021  2020 
Net investment income $15,312  $819 
General and administrative expenses  

(273

)

  

(404

)
Net income  

15,039

   

415

 

 

Investments withoutWithout Readily Determinable Fair Value

 

In addition to our equity method investments, other investments, as listed on our consolidated balance sheet alsosheets, consist of equity we have purchased in a limited partnership and a limited liability companycompanies for which there does not exist a readily determinable fair values.value. The Company accounts for these investments at their cost, minussubject to any adjustment from time to time due to impairment if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions fortransactions. When the Company observes an orderly transaction of an investee’s identical or similar investmentequity securities, the Company adjusts the carrying value based on the observable price as of the same issuer.transaction date. Any profit distributions the Company receives on these investments are included in net investment income.

The Company’s total investment in these two entitiescarrying value of investments without readily determinable fair value was approximatelyincreased by $483,0000.3 as of December 31, 2021. Formillion for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2021 and 2020,2023, as compared to zero for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was due to an observable price change in 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 has received profit distributions from investments without readily determinable fair values in the amount of $101,0000.3 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:

Schedule of Change in Investments Without a Readily Determinable Fair Value

         
(in thousands) Year ended December 31, 
  2023  2022 
Balance, beginning of period $2,253  $483 
         
Contributions in investments without a readily determinable fair value  -   2,000 
Distributions from investments without a readily determinable fair value  (184)  (230)
Increase due to change in observable price  250   - 
Balance, December 31 $2,319  $2,253 

Other

Other investments, in addition to equity method investments and investments without readily determinable fair value, include promissory notes, which are carried at amortized cost on the consolidated balance sheets.

42

On September 29, 2023, the Company invested $80,000250,000 in a promissory note with ThinkMarkets. The promissory note has an interest rate of 15% annually. Originally, upon a closing of the contemplated business combination, the Company would have the option to convert any unpaid loan amount and all accrued and unpaid interest into fully paid shares of FGAC common stock, at a conversion price of $5.00 per share. However, on these investments, respectively, which has been includedDecember 6, 2023, a settlement agreement was reached that terminated the contemplated business combination between ThinkMarkets and FGAC, and ThinkMarkets agreed to pay the promissory note back in income. Furthermore, both investments begantwo installments during the processfirst half of returning capital back to its investors beginning in 2020.2024. As of December 31, 2021,2023, the entire principal amount of $250,000 as well as approximately $37,000 of accrued interest was outstanding.

On March 16, 2023, the Company invested $200,000 in a senior unsecured loan to Craveworthy LLC (“Craveworthy”). The loan has an interest rate of 13% and a maturity of March 15, 2024. The $200,000 principal and any interest accrued may be prepaid voluntarily by Craveworthy but is not required to be paid until the date of maturity. As of December 31, 2023, the entire principal amount of $200,000 as well as approximately $20,000 of accrued interest was outstanding.

On March 15, 2023, the Company invested $500,000 in a convertible promissory note with iCoreConnect, Inc. During the third quarter, the Company elected to convert all unpaid principal and interest due from the convertible promissory note with iCoreConnect, Inc. into fully paid common shares of iCoreConnect, Inc. As part of the conversion, the Company received approximately 38219,000% common shares of its initialiCoreConnect, Inc. During the third quarter, the Company sold all of the common shares received from conversion for approximately $776,0003.7 million in cash proceeds, resulting in a realized gain of approximately $3.1 investment back from these investments. There have been no upward or downward price adjustments to these investments for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.million.

Impairment

 

For equity securities without readily determinable fair values, impairment is determined via a qualitative assessment which considers indicators to evaluate whether the investment is impaired. Some of these indicators include a significant deterioration in the earnings performance or asset quality of the investee, a significant adverse change in regulatory, economic or general market conditions in which the investee operates, or doubt over an investee’s ability to continue as a going concern. If the investment is deemed to be impaired after conducting this analysis, the Company would estimate the fair value of the investment to determine the amount of impairment loss.

 

42

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For equity method investments, such as the Company’s investments in FGSP and the Fund, evidence of a loss in value might include a series of operating losses of an investee, the absence of an ability to recover the carrying amount of the investment, or a deterioration in the value of the investee’s underlying assets. If these, or other indicators lead to the conclusion that there is a decrease in the value of the investment that is other than temporary, the Company would recognize that decrease in value even though the decrease may be in excess of what would otherwise be recognized under the equity method of accounting.

 

The risks and uncertainties inherent in the assessment methodology used to determine impairment include, but may not be limited to, the following:

 

 the opinions of professional investment managers and appraisers could be incorrect;
   
 the past operating performance and cash flows generated from the investee’s operations may not reflect their future performance; and
   
 the estimated fair values for investment for which observable market prices are not available are inherently imprecise.

 

We have not recorded an impairment on our investments for either of the years ended December 31, 20212023 and 2020.2022.

43

 

Net investment income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 20212023 and 20202022 is as follows:

Schedule of Net Investment Income (Loss)

  2021  2020 
(in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 
  2021  2020 
Investment income (loss):        
Unrealized holding loss on FedNat common stock $(865) $(16,196)
Unrealized holding gain on private placement investments  5,267    
Realized loss on FedNat common stock  (5,452)  (2,110)
Dividend income from FedNat common stock     609 
Equity method earnings  3,448   265 
Other  147   172 
Net investment income (loss) $2,545  $(17,260)
  2023  2022 
       
(in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 
  2023  2022 
Investment income:        
Realized gain (loss) on equity securities, at fair value $3,062  $(13,797)
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on equity securities, at fair value  2,684   13,026 
Increase in fair value of investments without readily determinable fair value  250   - 
Increase in fair value of convertible note  125   - 
Equity method earnings  3,130   7,618 
Other investment income (loss)  547   (70)
Net investment income $9,798  $6,777 

Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company determines fair value based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability in the principal or most advantageous market. The FASB has issued guidance that defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset (or paid to transfer a liability) in the principal, or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants. This guidance also establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The guidance categorizes assets and liabilities at fair value into one of three different levels depending on the observation of the inputs employed in the measurements, as follows:

 

 Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets providing the most reliable measurement of fair value since it is directly observable.
 Level 2 – inputs to the valuation methodology which include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets. These inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full-term of the financial instrument.
 Level 3 - inputs to the valuation methodology which are unobservable and significant to the measurement of fair value.

 

The availability of valuation techniques and observable inputs can vary from investment to investment and are affected by a variety of factors, including the type of investment, whether the investment is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets and other characteristics specific to the individual investment. In some cases, the inputs used to measure fair value might be categorized within different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In those instances, the fair value measurement is categorized in its entirety in the hierarchy based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. When determining fair value, the Company uses valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

43

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We have valued our investment in FedNat at its last reported sales price as the shares and units are traded on a national exchange. They have been characterized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

The private placement securities held as of December 31, 2020 have been characterized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. This consisted of the Fund’s investment in the equity interests of the sponsor company of OppFi (formerly FGNA). The estimated fair value of our OppFi sponsor interests consisted of both class A and A-1 interests in the Sponsor, which, represented the beneficial interest of approximately 860,000 common shares of OppFi as well as approximately 360,000 warrants to purchase OppFi common stock at $11.50 per share as of December 31, 2020.

For private operating companies, the transaction price, excluding transaction costs, is typically the best estimate of fair value at acquisition. As of December 31, 2020, the Fund’s investment in the class A and class A-1 interests in the Sponsor were valued at their transaction price, excluding transaction costs, because: 1) the Fund had just recently acquired these securities, in September 2020; 2) there had not been any additional transactions in these securities, or in substantially similar securities, since our original purchase; and 3) no significant events had occurred with respect to the Sponsor or to FGNA that would have warranted an adjustment to fair value.

 

Financial instruments measured, on a recurring basis, at fair value as of December 31, 20212023 and December 31, 2020 in accordance with the guidance promulgated by the FASB2022 are as follows.

Schedule of Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value

(in thousands)            
As of December 31, 2021 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  

 

Total

 
FedNat common stock $1,421  $  $  $1,421 
  $1,421  $  $  $1,421 
                 
As of December 31, 2020                
FedNat common stock $8,542  $  $  $8,542 
Private placements        4,012   4,012 
  $8,542  $  $4,012  $12,554 
(in thousands)            
As of December 31, 2023 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  

 

Total

 
OppFi common stock and warrants $4,552  $  $  $4,552 
  $4,552  $  $  $4,552 
                 
As of December 31, 2022                
Hagerty common stock $841  $  $  $841 
  $841  $  $-  $841 

44

Investments without a readily determinable fair value are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded adjustments to increase the fair value for observable price changes of $0.3 million, which is included in net investment income in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company did not record any impairments. To determine the fair value of investments without readily determinable fair value, the Company considered rounds of financing and third-party transactions. The Company has classified the fair value measurements of these investments as Level 3 because they involve significant unobservable inputs.

 

The following table presents the changes in assets classified in Level 3tables provide a reconciliation of the fair value hierarchyof recurring Level 3 fair value measurements for the years ended December 31, 20212023 and 2020.December 31, 2022:

Schedule of Changes in Classified AssetsFair Value of Recurring Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

(in thousands) 2021  2020 
Balance, January 1 $4,012  $ 
Purchases  1,667   4,012 
Unrealized holding gains  4,976    
Transfers out (deconsolidation of subsidiary)  (10,655)   
Balance, December 31 $  $4,012 
  2023  2022 
(in thousands) Year ended December 31, 
  2023  2022 
Assets:      
Convertible note        
Beginning balance  2,253   483 
Consideration paid  750   2,000 
Increase in fair value of convertible note  125   - 

Increase due to change in observable price

  

-

   250 
Transfer out  (1,059)  

(230

)
Balance, December 31 $2,319  $2,253 

Note 5. Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves

 

A significant degree of judgment is required to determine amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements for the provision for loss and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) reserves. The process for establishing this provision reflects the uncertainties and significant judgmental factors inherent in predicting future results of both known and unknown loss events. The process of establishing the provision for loss and LAE reserves relies on the judgment and opinions of many individuals, including the opinions of the Company’s management, as well as the management of ceding companies and their actuaries.

 

44

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented, and the Company does not have previous loss experience on which to base the associated estimate for loss and loss adjustment expenses. In estimating losses, the Company may assess any of the following:

 

a review of in-force treaties that may provide coverage and incur losses;
  

loss development factor selections, initial expected loss ratio selections, and weighting of methods used; a review of in-force treaties that may provide coverage and incur losses;

general forecasts, catastrophe and scenario modelling analyses and results shared by cedents;
  
reviews of industry insured loss estimates and market share analyses; and
  
management’s judgement.

Assumptions which served as the basis for the Company’s estimates of reserves for the COVID-19 pandemic losses and loss adjustment expenses include:

the scope of coverage provided by the underlying policies, particularly those that provide for business interruption coverage;
the regulatory, legislative, and judicial actions that could influence contract interpretations across the insurance industry;
the extent of economic contraction caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated actions; and
the ability of the cedents and insured to mitigate some or all of their losses.judgment.

 

Under the terms of certain of our quota-share agreements, and due to the nature of claims and premium reporting, a lag exists 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. The reports we receive from our cedents have pre-determined due dates. In the case of the Company’s FAL contract, fourth quarter 20212023 premium and loss information willwas not be made available to the Company until subsequent toin a manner that allowed for the timely filing of this annual report. Thus, our fourth quarter results, including the loss and loss adjustment expenseLAE reserves presented herein, have been based upon a combination of first, second, and third quarter actual results as well as full-year forecasts reported to us by the ceding companies for which we used to approximate fourth quarter results. The Company obtains regular updates of premium and loss relatedloss-related information for the current and historical periods, which are utilized to update the initial expected loss ratios on our reinsurance contracts.

 

While the Company believes its estimate of loss and loss adjustment expenseLAE reserves are adequate as of December 31, 2021,2023, based on available information, actual losses may ultimately differ materially from the Company’s current estimates. The Company will continue to monitor the appropriatenessreasonableness of its assumptions as new information is provided.

 

45

The information about incurred and paid claims development for the year ended December 31, 2021,2023 and 2022, is as follows and includes activity related to both our FAL contract, as well as our automotive insurance quota-share agreement, which became effective April 1, 2021.shown below. The tables also include IBNR reserves plus expected development on reported claims. The Cumulative Numbercumulative number of Reported Claimsreported claims has not been reported as it is impracticable for the Company’s cedants to provide this information. The ceding companies to which we provide reinsurance only report summary information to us via a bordereau statement.statements. This summary information does not include the number of reported claims underlying the paid and reported losses. Therefore, it is not possible to provide this information. There was no activity with respect toThe information about incurred and paid claims development for the year ended December 31, 2020.2022 is presented as unaudited supplementary information.

 

Cumulative Incurred Loss and Allocated LAE, net of reinsurance for the years ended December 31:

Schedule of Incurred and Paid Losses Net of Reinsurance

($ in thousands)
  Cumulative Incurred Losses and
LAE, Net of Reinsurance
For the Years Ended
December 31,
  As of December 31, 2021
Accident Year 2021

(unaudited)

  Total of IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims  Cumulative Number of Reported Claims 
2021 $4,338  $1,292   N/A 

 

Cumulative Paid
Losses and LAE,
Net of Reinsurance

For the year ended
December 31, 2021

 
Accident Year 

(unaudited)

  2021* 2022* 2023 Total of IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
2021 $2,205  $4,338  $856  $33  $16  NA
2022  -   6,628   1,193   552  NA
2023  -   -   8,487   5,702  NA
Total - All lines $4,338  $7,484  $9,713  $6,270  NA

 

45*Unaudited

 

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.Cumulative Paid Loss and Allocated LAE, net of reinsurance for the years ended December 31: 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Accident Year 2021*  2022*  2023 
2021 $2,205  $1,386  $65 
2022  -   3,822   1,238 
2023  -   -   3,803 
Total - All lines $2,205  $5,208  $5,106 

*Unaudited

 

A reconciliation of the net incurred and paid loss development tables to the liability for loss and loss adjustment expenses on the Company’s consolidated balance sheetsheets is as follows. There was no activity with respect to net incurred and paid loss development as of December 31, 2020.follows:

Schedule of Reconciliation of Net Incurred and Paid Loss Development to Liability for Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses

(in thousands) 

As of

December 31,

2021

  

As of

December 31,

2023

 

As of

December 31,

2022

 
Net Outstanding Liabilities             
Liability for unpaid loss and LAE - net of reinsurance $2,133 
    
Reinsurance Recoverable on Loss and LAE Reserves    
Total reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss and LAE   
Liability for unpaid loss and LAE $9,016  $4,409 
Total gross liability for unpaid claims and LAE $2,133  $9,016  $4,409 

 

46

A summary of changes in outstanding loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for the yearyears ended December 31, 20212023 and 2022 is as follows. There was no activity with respect to loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for the year ended December 31, 2020.follows:

SummarySchedule of Changes in Outstanding Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves

(in thousands) 

Year ended

December 31,

2021

  Year ended December 31, 2023  

Year ended

December 31,

2022

 
   
Balance, January 1, gross of reinsurance $ 
Less reinsurance recoverable on loss and LAE expense reserves   
Balance, January 1, net of reinsurance   
Balance, January 1 $4,409  $2,133 
Incurred related to:            
Current year  4,338   8,487   6,628 
Prior years     1,226   856 
Paid related to:            
Current year  (2,205)  (3,803)  (3,822)
Prior years     (1,303)  (1,386)
Balance, December 31, net of reinsurance  2,133 
Plus reinsurance recoverable related to loss and LAE expense reserves   
Balance, December 31, gross of reinsurance $2,133 
Balance, December 31 $9,016  $4,409 

 

The following is unaudited supplementary information providesabout average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2021.2023:

Schedule of Supplementary Information of Average Historical Claims Duration

Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Losses by Age, Net of Reinsurance

(unaudited)

Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Losses by Age, Net of Reinsurance

(unaudited)

Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Losses by Age, Net of Reinsurance

(unaudited)

Age of loss (in years)  1   2   3   4   5   6   1   2   3   4   5   6 
All Lines  50.8%  -%  -%  -%  -%  -% 48.4% 12.9% 0.3% -% -% -%

Note 6. Income Taxes

A summary of income tax expense (benefit) is as follows:

Summary of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

  2021  2020 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 
  2021  2020 
Current income tax benefit – from continuing operations $  $(559)
Current income tax benefit – from discontinued operations      
Total current income tax benefit     (559)
         
Deferred income tax benefit – from continuing operations     (106)
Deferred income tax benefit – from discontinued operations      
Total deferred income tax benefit     (106)
         
Total income tax benefit – from continuing operations     (665)
Total income tax benefit – from discontinued operations $(145)   
Total income tax benefit $(145) $(665)

46

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Actual income tax expense (benefit) differs from the income tax expense computed by applying the applicable effective federal and state tax rates to income before income tax expense as follows:

Schedule of Reconciliation Effective Tax Rates 

($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 
  2021  2020 
  Amount  %  Amount  % 
             
Provision for taxes at U.S. statutory marginal income tax rate of 21% $(1,540)  21.0% $(4,856)  21.0%
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets deemed unrealizable  1,782   (24.3)%  3,934   (17.0)%
Rate differential due to CARES Act     0%   (214)  0.9%
Non-deductible expenses associated with the Share Repurchase Transaction     0%   516   2.2%
Net operating loss carryback     0%      0% 
State income tax (net of federal benefit)  (114)  1.6%     0% 
Non-controlling interest  (279)  3.8%     0% 
Other  6   (0.1)%  (45)  0.2%
Income tax benefit $(145)  2.0% $(665)  2.9%

As a result of the passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), the Company recorded a credit of $214,000 against its income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2020, due to a provision in the CARES Act which allows for the five-year carryback of net operating losses. Prior to the passage of the CARES Act, these net operating losses were only available to offset future taxable income generated by the Company. There was no credit for the “CARES Act” for December 31, 2021.

As a result of the Share Repurchase Transaction, discussed in further detail in Note 9 – “Related Party Transactions”, the Company has permanent non-deductible expenses of approximately $2.5 million, which are comprised of the cost of purchasing the Company’s own stock as well as the legal fees associated with the transaction. These are shown at the tax effected rate of 21%, or $516,000 in the preceding table for the year ended December 31, 2020.

($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 
  2023  2022 
  Amount  %       Amount  %      
             
Provision for taxes at U.S. statutory marginal income tax rate of 21% $807   21.0% $229   21.0%
Provision for taxes at U.S. statutory marginal income tax rate of 21.0% $807   21.0% $229   21.0%
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets deemed unrealizable  (832)  (21.7)%  (252)  (23.1)%
Other  25   0.7%  23   2.1%
Income tax benefit $-   -% $-   -%

 

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. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded an unrealized loss of approximately $13.1 million on its investment of FedNat common stock, resulting in a deferred tax asset of approximately $2.7 million. The Company’s gross deferred tax assets and liabilities are $6.28.5 million and $0.53.8 million as of December 31, 2021.2023. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets of $5.74.7 million, as of December 31, 2021,2023, due to the uncertain nature surrounding our ability to realize these tax benefits in the future. Significant components of the Company’s net deferred tax assets are as follows:

Schedule of Deferred Income Taxes 

 2021 2020  2023 2022 
($ in thousands) As of December 31,  As of December 31, 
 2021 2020  2023 2022 
Deferred income tax assets:                
Net operating loss carryforward $3,010  $1,143  $5,117  $4,171 
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves  25      70   39 
Unearned premium reserves  152      566   287 
Capital loss carryforward  1,114      2,377   4,313 
Share-based compensation  253   216   294   242 
Investments  1,692   2,570   1   5 
Other  3   5   30   9 
Deferred income tax assets $6,249  $3,934   8,455   9,066 
Less: Valuation allowance  (5,715)  (3,934)  (4,654)  (5,463)
Deferred income tax assets net of valuation allowance $534  $   3,801   3,603 
                
Deferred income tax liabilities:                
Investments $369  $   3,453   3,282 
Deferred policy acquisition costs  165      348   321 
Deferred income tax liabilities $534  $   3,801   3,603 
                
Net deferred income tax asset (liability) $  $  $  $ 

47

 

As of December 31, 2021,2023, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) for federal income tax purposes of approximately $14.324.4 million, which will be available to offset future taxable income. Approximately $0.5 million expire on December 31, 2039, $0.1 million expire on December 31, 2040, and $1.6 million of the Company’s NOLs will expire on December 31, 2041. The remaining $12.122.2 million of the Company’s NOLs do not expire under current tax law. Additionally, the Company has approximately $5.311.3 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. A valuation allowance is established when the Company considers it more-likely-than-not that all or a portion of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. When determining if a valuation allowance is necessary against the Company’s deferred tax assets, management considers available positive and negative evidence, including the Company’s historical and anticipated future performance as well as the timing of when positive income of the appropriate character will develop, taxes available to be recovered from prior years in accordance with existing carryback statutes, the reversal of deferred income tax liabilities, and the availability of tax planning strategies. The Company has established a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets to the extent they are not available be utilized in the future against its deferred income tax liabilities primarily due to the Company’s historical capital and operating loss history.

 

As of December 31, 2021,2023, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits. The Company analyzed its tax positions in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740, Income Taxes, and has determined that there are currently no uncertain tax positions. The Company generally recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

 

The Company files federal income tax returns as well as multiple state and local tax returns. The Company’s consolidated federal and state income tax returns for the years 2017 through 2020 and forward are open for review by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and the various state taxing authorities.

47

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 7. Equity Incentive Plans

On December 15, 2021, our shareholders approved the FG Financial Group, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”). The purpose of the 2021 Plan is to attract and retain directors, consultants, officers and other key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries and to provide to such persons incentives and rewards for superior performance. The 2021 Plan is administered by the Compensation and Management Resources Committee of the Board and has a term of ten years. The 2021 Plan awards may be in the form of stock options (which may be incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options), stock appreciation rights (or “SARs”), restricted shares, restricted sharestock units (“RSUs”, and other share-based awards, and provides for a maximum of 1,500,000 shares available for issuance.

 

AsOn March 24, 2023, the Company’s board of December 31,directors approved an amendment to the 2021 Plan to increase the Company hadnumber of shares available for issuance from 164,6551,500,000 RSUs outstanding andto 130,0002,000,000 non-qualified stock options outstanding under its equity incentive plans..

In addition, on March 24, 2023, the board of directors approved an employee purchase plan (“ESPP Plan”) whereby qualifying employees can choose each year to have up to 5% of their annual base earnings withheld to purchase the Company’s common shares in the open market. The Company matches 100% of the employee’s contribution amount after twelve months of employment.

RSUs Outstanding

 

The following table summarizes RSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.2023:

Schedule of Restricted Stock Units Activity 

Restricted Stock Units Number of Units 

Weighted

Average Grant Date Fair Value

  Number of Units  

Weighted

Average Grant Date Fair Value

 
Non-vested units, January 1, 2020  140,002  $5.93 
Non-vested units, December 31, 2022  256,382  $2.57 
Granted  60,998   4.59   1,049,523   2.46 
Vested  (52,514)  5.75   (284,797)  2.54 
Forfeited            
Non-vested units, December 31, 2020  148,486  $5.44 
Granted  83,329   3.45 
Vested  (67,160)  5.64 
Forfeited      
Non-vested units, December 31, 2021  164,655  $4.35 
Non-vested units, December 31, 2023  1,021,108  $2.46 

 

48

The aggregate intrinsic value of restricted stock units vested for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was approximately $585,000 and $190,000, respectively.

On August 12, 2020, the Board19, 2022, we issued a total of 60,998158,225 RSUs to the Company’s then serving non-employee directors, representing a value of $40,000 per director, pursuant to the Company’s compensation program in effect for allour non-employee directors. The RSUs vest in five equal annual installments, beginning with the first anniversary of the grant date.

On July 27, 2021, the Compensation and Management Resource CommitteeFebruary 17, 2023, we granted a total of 415,000 RSUs to various members of the Board approved an increaseCompany’s management. The RSUs vest in three equal annual installments, beginning with the date the shares were granted. The vested shares for the first vesting date were delivered in fourth quarter of 2023.

In the third quarter of 2023, we granted a total of 34,765 RSUs to all non-executive members of our Company’s board of directors. The RSU’s vest immediately. These RSUs were in lieu of third quarter cash director fee.

In the amountfourth quarter of 2023, we granted a total of 45,938RSUs granted annually to non-employee directors to $all non-executive members of our Company’s board of directors. The RSU’s vest immediately. These RSUs were in lieu of fourth quarter cash director fee.

50,000 from $

40,000 and authorizedIn the issuancefourth quarter of the 2021 award of RSUs upon the availability of sufficient stock under the Company’s equity incentive plan. Accordingly, on December 17, 2021,2023, we issued a total of 83,329183,820 RSUs to our non-employee directors. Similar to the August 2020 award, theThe RSUs vest in five equal annual installments, beginning with the first anniversary of the grant date, other than those RSUs granted to Mr. Wong. As Mr. Wong made himself available to serve on the Board but was not elected to do so at the Company’s 2021 annual meeting of shareholders, the Board accelerated the vesting of Mr. Wong’s RSUs such that all of Mr. Wong’s outstanding RSUs vested on January 1, 2022. This included 14,492 RSUs granted to Mr. Wong on December 17, 2021, as well as an additional 15,224 RSUs previously granted to Mr. Wong for his service on our Board.date.

 

UponOn January 18, 2021, the resignationCompany entered into an Equity Award Letter Agreement (the “Letter Agreement”) with Mr. Swets, pursuant to which the Company clarified its intention to grant an additional 370,000 stock options, restricted shares or restricted stock units pursuant to a future award, subject to the approval of Marsha G. King and Lewis M. Johnson on December 14, 2020, and March 12, 2021, respectively,an amended and/or new equity plan, among other conditions. On February 17, 2023, in satisfaction of the Board acceleratedobligations in the vesting ofletter agreement, the Company granted 19,210370,000 RSUs that had been previously granted to Ms. King, and 20,987 RSUs that had been previously granted to Mr. Johnson. On August 6, 2021, in connection with Mr. Hill’s retirement fromSwets. The RSU’s fully vested on the first anniversary of the grant date.

Restricted Shares

During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company issued 25,000 restricted shares under the Company’s Compensation Committee approved2021 Equity Incentive Plan to an employee of the vestingCompany. The restriction will be lifted on the first anniversary of a totalthe grant date.

On July 31, 2022, the Company issued 25,000 restricted shares under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan to an employee of 17,400 RSUs previously granted to Mr. Hill.the Company. The restriction was lifted on the first anniversary of the grant date.

 

Stock Options Outstanding

 

On January 12, 2021, in connection with Larry G. Swets, Jr.’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer, the Company entered into a Stock Option Agreement (the “Stock Option”) with Mr. Swets. The Stock Option entitles Mr. Swets to purchase up to 130,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $3.38 per share. The Stock Option becomes vested and fully exercisable in 20% increments on each anniversary of the grant date, provided that Mr. Swets remains in the continuous service of the Company through each applicable vesting date and that the Company’s book value per share shall have increased by 15% or more as compared to the Company’s book value per share as of the fiscal year end prior. The Stock Option expires on January 11, 20312031..

48

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The Stock Option contains performance and service conditions that affect vesting. Pursuant to ASC Topic 718- Stock Compensation, these conditions have not been reflected in estimating the fair value of the award upon its grant date; however, the Company employed a Monte-Carlo model to estimate the likelihood of satisfaction of the required performance and service conditions. This resulted in a derived service period of approximately 3.3 years under the grant.

49

 

In estimating the fair value of the Stock Option, the Company estimated volatility based on the historical volatility of our stock. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury Constant Maturity similar to the expected remaining life of the Stock Option. The expected life of the Stock Option is assumed to be equivalent to its contractual term. The dividend rate is based on our historical rate, which the Company anticipates will remain at zero. The following assumptions were used to determine the estimated fair value of the Stock Option:

Schedule of Fair Value of Stock Options 

Expected volatility  45.60%
Expected life (years)  10.00 
Risk-free interest rate  1.15%
Dividend yield  0.00%

 

The following table summarizes activity for stock options issued for the yearyears ended December 31, 2021. There was no activity for the year ended December 31, 2020.2023 and 2022:

Schedule of Stock Option Activity 

Common Stock Options Shares  Weighted Ave Exercise Price  Weighted Ave Remaining Contractual Term (yrs)  Weighted Ave Grant Date Fair Value  Aggregate Intrinsic Value 
Outstanding, January 1, 2021    $     $  $ 
Exercisable, January 1, 2021    $     $  $ 
Granted  130,000   3.38   10.00   1.88    
Exercised               
Cancelled               
Outstanding, December 31, 2021  130,000  $3.38   9.04  $1.88  $49,400 
Exercisable, December 31, 2021    $     $  $ 

On January 18, 2021, Company entered into an Equity Award Letter Agreement (the “Letter Agreement”) with Mr. Swets, pursuant to which the Company clarified its intention to grant an additional 370,000 stock options, restricted shares or restricted stock units pursuant to a future award (the “Future Award”), subject to the approval of an amended and/or new equity plan, among other conditions. Specifically, under the Letter Agreement, no such Future Award may be granted until there is a determination by the Compensation Committee of the specific vesting and other terms of the award, and an amended and/or new equity plan, in a form to be prepared and reviewed by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”), has been approved by the Board and Company stockholders that authorizes a sufficient number of shares of common stock to make such Future Award.

Common Stock Options Shares  Weighted Ave Exercise Price  Weighted Ave Remaining Contractual Term (yrs)  Weighted Ave Grant Date Fair Value  Aggregate Intrinsic Value 
Outstanding, January 1, 2023  130,000  $3.38   8.04  $1.88  $- 
Exercisable, January 1, 2023    $     $  $ 
Granted               
Exercised               
Cancelled               
Outstanding, December 31, 2023  130,000  $3.38   7.04  $1.88  $ 
Exercisable, December 31, 2023    $     $  $ 

 

Total stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 20212023 and 20202022 was approximately $559,0002.0 million and $311,000255,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2021,2023, total unrecognized stock compensation expense of $375,0001.3 million remains, which will be recognized through December 31, 2026.2028. Stock compensation expense has been reflected in the Company’s financial statements as part of general and administrative expense.

 

Warrants

No warrants were granted or exercised during the two years ended December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had2023 and 2022. On February 24, 2022, 1,500,000 warrants outstanding with an exercise price of $15.00, which expired on February 24, 2022. expired.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company did not have any warrants outstanding.

 

Note 8. Shareholders’ Equity

Share Repurchase Transaction

On September 15, 2020, the Company entered into a Share Repurchase and Cooperation Agreement (the “Share Repurchase Agreement”) with Hale Partnership Capital Management, LLC and certain of its affiliates (collectively, the “Hale Parties”), which, prior to the transaction, owned more than 18% of the Company’s outstanding common stock (the “Share Repurchase Transaction”).

49

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Pursuant to the Share Repurchase Agreement, the Company agreed to purchase all of the 1,130,152 shares of the Company’s common stock, owned, of record or beneficially, by the Hale Parties, in exchange for an aggregate of approximately $2.8 million in cash and 330,231 shares of FedNat common stock previously owned by the Company (the “FedNat Shares”) having an estimated fair value of approximately $2.7 million on September 15, 2020. As acknowledged by the Hale Parties in the Share Repurchase Agreement, that certain Standstill Agreement, dated December 2, 2019, by and between FedNat Holding Company and the Company, imposes certain restrictions in respect of the FedNat Shares transferred by the Company to the Hale Parties. FedNat Holding Company is not party to, or a third-party beneficiary of, the agreement.

As the total consideration paid in the Share Repurchase Transaction exceeded the fair value of the treasury shares repurchased by the Company, the Company recorded a charge of approximately $0.2 million to general and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2020, representing the estimated fair value of the rights conveyed to the Company pursuant to the standstill provisions in the agreement. The fair value of the 1,130,152 shares of Company common stock, or approximately $5.2 million, was recorded to treasury stock.

8.00% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A

 

On May 21, 2021, we completedAs of both December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the underwritten public offering of an additionalCompany had 194,580894,580 shares of our preferred stock designated as, 8.00% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $25.00 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), for net proceeds of approximately $4.2 million, after deducting underwriting commissions and offering expenses. This included the exercise in full by the underwriters of their over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 25,380 shares, bringing the total number of Series A Preferred Stock shares outstanding to 894,580 as of December 31, 2021.outstanding.

 

Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are cumulative from the date of original issue and are payable quarterly on the 15th day of March, June, September and December of each year, when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof. Dividends are payable out of amounts legally available therefor at a rate equal to 8.00% per annum per $25.00 of stated liquidation preference per share, or $2.00 per share of Series A Preferred Stock per year. Our Board of Directors declared the first quarter 2022 dividend on the shares of Series A Preferred Stock on February 10, 2022. The Series A Preferred Stock shares trade on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “FGFPP”.

50

Common Stock

On October 28, 2021,In June 2022, we closed thesold a total of 2,750,000 shares of our common stock in an underwritten public offering, at a price of $652,1741.58 per share, for net proceeds of approximately $3.8 million. On August 2, 2022, ThinkEquity, the underwriter with respect to the public offering, partially exercised its overallotment option and we sold an additional 71,770 shares of our common stock, at a public offering price of $4.001.58 per share. Furthermore, on November 3, 2021, the underwriters exercised their over-allotment option, closing on the sale of an additional 97,826 shares of our common stock under the same terms. The issuance, including the exercise of the over-allotment, resulted in approximately $2.5 million inshare, for net proceeds to us, after deducting underwriting commissions and other offering expenses.of $0.1 million.

 

On November 29, 2021, 3, 2022, the Company completedentered into a rights offeringSales Agreement with ThinkEquity LLC, pursuant to holderswhich the Company may offer and sell, from time to time through ThinkEquity LLC, shares of itsthe Company’s common stock. Pursuantstock, subject to the terms and conditions of the rights offering,Sales Agreement. During the first quarter of 2023, the Company distributed, to each holdersold approximately 27,000 shares under the Sales Agreement for net proceeds of its common stock, one non-transferable subscription right to purchase 0.15 share of common stock, at a price of $4.00 per whole share, for each share held as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on October 25, 2021,approximately $74,000. On May 26, 2023, the record date for the rights offering.Sales Agreement was terminated.

 

A maximumIn June of 2023, the Company sold a total of 757,720865,000 shares of common stock were issuable pursuant to the rights,in an underwritten public offering, at a price of which $691,7351.85 were subscribedper share, for for total net proceeds of approximately $2.71.3 million, after deducting underwriting commissions and other offering expenses. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and other general corporate purposes.million.

 

RetirementThe total number of Treasury Stockcommon stock outstanding as of December 31, 2023 is 10,558,931, compared to 9,410,473 as of December 31, 2022.

Statutory Capital and Surplus

 

On August 19, 2021,FGRe is subject to the Board approvedCayman Islands’ Insurance (Capital and Solvency) (Classes B, C, and D Insurers) Regulations. In accordance with the retirementterms of all 1,281,511 common stock treasury shares owned byThe Insurance Regulations, as a Class B(iii)insurer under the Company. Accordingly,Act, the Company is required to maintain a minimum capital of $200,000 and a prescribed capital of $1,622,324 in line with the Regulations based on 15% of the first $5 million in net earned premium and 7.5% of additional net earned premium up to $20,000,000. The Company was in compliance with these shares have been classified as authorized, but unissued shares on the Company’s balance sheetrequirements as of December 31, 2021.2023.

FGRe is not required to prepare separate statutory financial statements for filing with CIMA. There were no material differences between FGRe’s GAAP capital, surplus, and net income and its statutory capital, surplus, and net income at December 31, 2023 and 2022, and for the years then ended.

At December 31, 2023, FGRe was not restricted from payment of dividends to the Company. Any dividends declared and paid from FGRe to the Company would require CIMA’s approval.

 

Note 9. Related Party Transactions

Related party transactions are carried out in the normal course of operations and are measured in part by the amount of consideration paid or received, as established and agreed by the parties. Management believes that consideration paid for such services in each case approximates fair value. Except where disclosed elsewhere in these consolidated financial statements, the following is a summary of related party transactions.

 

50

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Investment in Metrolina

The Company had previously invested $4.0 million as a limited partner in Metrolina, which invested in real estate through a real estate investment trust wholly owned by Metrolina. The general partner of Metrolina, FGI Metrolina GP, LLC, is managed, in part, by Mr. Cerminara, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company. Metrolina’s investment program was managed by FGI Funds Management LLC, an affiliate of FG, which, with its affiliates, is the largest stockholder of the Company. In the third quarter, 2021, Metrolina indicated that it would be liquidating and returning capital to its investors. Accordingly, in the fourth quarter 2021, we received approximately $5.0 million in cash from Metrolina, representing our initial investment of $4.0 million plus approximately $1.0 million in distributed earnings. As a result, our investment in Metrolina was fully liquidated as of December 31, 2021.

Joint Venture Agreement

On March 31, 2020, the Company entered into the Limited Liability Company Agreement of Fundamental Global Asset Management, LLC (“FGAM”), a newly-formed joint venture owned 50% by each of the Company and FG. The purpose of FGAM is to sponsor, capitalize and provide strategic advice to investment managers in connection with the launch and/or growth of their asset management business and the investment products they sponsor (each, a “Sponsored Fund”).

FGAM is governed by a Board of Managers consisting of four managers, two of which have been appointed by each Member. The Company has appointed two of its independent directors to the Board of Managers of FGAM. Certain major actions, including any decision to sponsor a new investment manager, require the prior consent of both Members.

FG Special Situations Fund

As of December 31, 2021, theThe Company had invested $6.65 millionparticipated as a limited partner in FG Special Situations Fund, LP (the “Fund”), a Delaware limited partnership formed on September 2, 2020.the Fund. The general partner of the Fund, and the investment advisor of the Fund, arewas ultimately controlled by Mr. Cerminara, the Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors. Portions of the Company’s investment into the Fund waswere used to sponsor the launch of special purpose acquisition companies, including FGNASPACs affiliated with certain of our officers and Aldel.directors.

 

Mr. Cerminara,The Fund began the process of winding down in the first quarter of 2023 and Mr. Swets, our Chief Executive Officer, are managerscompleted the process in the second quarter of 2023. As a result of the sponsor companieswinddown, the Company now holds direct limited partner interests in FGAC Investors LLC, FG New AmericaMerger Investors LLC, and Aldel Financial,Greenfirst Forest Products Holdings, LLC. Mr. Cerminara, Mr. Swets was the Chief Executive Officer and a director of FGNA and Hassan R.Mr. Baqar, our Chief Financial Officer of FGNA until FGNA’s business combination with OppFi. Mr. Swets served as Senior Advisor to Aldel; Mr. Baqar served as DirectorExecutive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, serve as managers of Aldel;FGAC Investors LLC and FG Merger Investors LLC, while Mr. Cerminara served as a director of Aldel; until Aldel’s business combination with Hagerty.ultimately controls Greenfirst Forest Products Holdings, LLC.

 

FG SPACMerchant Partners

 

On January 4, 2021, FGSPFGMP was formed as a Delaware limited partnership to co-sponsor newly formed SPACs with their founders or partners. The Company is the sole managing member of the general partner of FGSP and holds an approximate 46% limited partner interest in FGSP. Certain of our directors and officers also hold limited partner interests in FGSP.FGMP. Mr. Swets holds a limited partner interest through Itasca Financial LLC, an advisory and investment firm for which Mr. Swets is managing member. Mr. Baqar also holds a limited partner interest through Sequoia Financial LLC, an advisory firm for which Mr. Baqar is managing member. Mr. Cerminara also holds a limited partner interest through Fundamental Global, LLC, a holding company for which Mr. Cerminara is the manager and one of the members.

 

FGSPFGMP has investedinvestments in the founder shares and warrants of Aldel. Mr. Swets served as Senior Advisor to Aldel, Mr. Baqar served as DirectorFG Acquisition Corp, FGC and Chief Financial OfficerCraveworthy. Certain of Aldel,our directors and Mr. Cerminara serves as a director of Aldel; until Aldel’s business combinationofficers are affiliated with Hagerty.these entities.

51

 

Investment Advisory AgreementFG Communities

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, FGSC, a wholly-owned subsidiary ofIn October 2022, the Company has agreed to providedirectly invested $2.0 million into FGC , which is included in other investments on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company also holds an interest through its ownership in FGMP. FGC is a self-managed real estate company focused on a growing portfolio of manufactured housing communities which are owned and operated by FGC. Mr. Cerminara is the President and a director of FGC.

There was an observable price change in FGC during the second quarter of 2023, resulting in $0.3 million increase in the carrying value. This amount is included in net investment advisory services to FedNat, 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. In exchange for providingincome on the investment advisory services, FedNat has agreed to pay FGSC an annual feeCompany’s consolidated statements of $operations.

100,000. The Investment Advisory Agreement expires on December 2, 2024.

Craveworthy

On March 16, 2023, the Company invested $200,000 in a senior unsecured loan to Craveworthy. Mr. Swets has an indirect interest in Craveworthy, independent from the interests held by the Company through its ownership in FGMP.

Shared Services Agreement

 

On March 31, 2020, the Company entered into a Shared Services Agreement (the “Shared Services Agreement”) with Fundamental Global Management, LLC (“FGM”), an affiliate of FG, pursuant to which 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 the these services, the Company pays FGM a fee of $456,000 per quarter (the “Shared Services Fee”), 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.

51

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The Shared Services Agreement has an initial term of three years, and thereafter renews automatically for successive one-year terms unless terminated in accordance with its terms. The Shared Services Agreement may be terminated by FGM or by the Company, by a vote of the Company’s independent directors, at the end of the initial or automatic renewal term upon 120 days’ notice, subject to payment by the Company of certain costs incurred by FGM to wind down the provision of services and, in the case of a termination by the Company without cause, payment of a termination fee equal to the Shared Services Fee paid for the two quarters preceding termination. In the third quarter of 2022, the Shared Services Agreement was amended to eliminate termination fees and to increase the termination notice from 120 days to 365 days.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, theThe Company paid approximately $1.81,825,000 and $1.4 million, respectively, to FGM under the Shared Services Agreement.

Share Repurchase Transaction

On September 15, 2020, the Company entered into a Share Repurchase and Cooperation Agreement (the “Share Repurchase Agreement”) with Hale Partnership Capital Management, LLC and certain of its affiliates (collectively, the “Hale Parties”), which, prior to the transaction, owned more than 18% of our outstanding common stock (the “Share Repurchase Transaction”).

Pursuant to the Share Repurchase Agreement, the Company agreed to purchase (exclusive of any fees or expenses) allfor each of the 1,130,152 shares of the Company’s common stock, owned, of record or beneficially, by the Hale Parties, in exchange for an aggregate $2,752,617 in cash and 330,231 shares of common stock of FedNat Holding Company previously owned by the Company (the “FedNat Shares”). As acknowledged by the Hale Parties in the Share Repurchase Agreement, that certain Standstill Agreement, dated December 2, 2019, by and between FedNat Holding Company and the Company, imposes certain restrictions in respect of the FedNat Shares transferred by the Company to the Hale Parties. FedNat Holding Company is not party to, or a third-party beneficiary of, the Share Repurchase Agreement.

The Share Repurchase Agreement contains certain customary standstill provisions that, for a period of five years commencing September 15, 2020 (the “Standstill Period”), prohibit, among other things, the Hale Parties from (i) making certain announcements regarding the Company’s transactions, (ii) soliciting proxies, (iii) acquiring ownership of any securities of the Company, (iv) advising, encouraging or influencing any vote or disposition of any securities of the Company, (v) selling securities of the Company resulting in any third party owning more than 4.9% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock (subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Share Repurchase Agreement), (vi) taking actions to change or influence the Board of Directors of the Company, Company management or the direction of certain Company matters, and (vii) exercising certain stockholder rights. The Company and the Hale Parties further agreed that they will not disparage each other and that they will not initiate any lawsuit, claim or proceeding with respect to any claims against the Company or any of the Hale Parties, as applicable, based on facts known as of the Effective Date, in each case applicable during the Standstill Period, and to a mutual release of claims.

Each of the Company and the Hale Parties has the right to terminate the Share Purchase Agreement prior to the end of the Standstill Period if (i) any of the Hale Parties, in the case of the Company, or (ii) the Company, in the case of the Hale Parties, commits a material breach of the Share Purchase Agreement, and such breach is not cured within 15 days after notice is given to the breaching party.

As the total consideration paid in the Share Repurchase transaction exceeded the fair value of the treasury shares repurchased by the Company, the Company recorded a charge of approximately $0.2 million to general and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2020, representing2023 and 2022, respectively. This amount is included in General and administrative expenses on the estimated fair valueconsolidated statement of the rights conveyed to the Company pursuant to the standstill provisions in the repurchase agreement. The fair value of the 1,130,152 shares of Company common stock, or approximately $5.2 million, was recorded to treasury stock.operations.

 

Note 10. Net Earnings Per Share

 

NetBasic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding during the periods presented.period, excluding the effects of any potentially dilutive securities. Diluted earnings per share gives effect to all dilutive potential of shares of common stock outstanding during the period including stock options or warrants, using the treasury stock method. In calculating diluted earnings per share, those potential common shares that are found to be anti-dilutive are excluded from the calculation. The table below provides a summary of the calculations used in determining basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 20212023 and 2020.2022.

 

52

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Schedule of Numerators and Denominators Used in Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share

  2023  2022 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 
  2023  2022 
Basic and diluted:        
Net income (loss) from continuing operations $3,845  $1,088 
Dividends declared on Series A Preferred Shares  (1,786)  (1,789)
Income (loss) attributable to common shareholders from continuing operations  2,059   (701)
Weighted average common shares  9,991,980   8,030,106 
Income (loss) per common share from continuing operations $0.21  $(0.09)

 

  2021  2020 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 
  2021  2020 
Basic and diluted:        
Net loss from continuing operations $(7,333) $(22,457)
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest  (1,326)   
Dividends declared on Series A Preferred Shares  (1,692)  (1,400)
Loss attributable to FG Financial Group, Inc. common shareholders from continuing operations  (10,351)  (23,857)
Weighted average common shares  5,212,772   5,746,259 
Loss per common share from continuing operations $(1.99) $(4.15)
         
Gain from sale of former insurance business $(145) $ 
Weighted average common shares outstanding  5,212,772    
Income per common share from discontinued operations $0.03  $ 
         
Loss per share attributable to common shareholders $(1.96) $(4.15)

52

 

The following potentially dilutive securities outstanding as of December 31, 20212023 and 20202022 have been excluded from the computation of diluted weighted-average shares outstanding as their effect would be anti-dilutive.anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method.

Schedule of Potentially Dilutive Securities Excluded from Calculation

  As of December 31, 
  2023  2022 
Options to purchase common stock  130,000   130,000 
Restricted shares  25,000   25,000 
Restricted stock units  1,021,108   256,382 
   1,176,108   411,382 

 

  As of December 31, 
  2021  2020 
Warrants to purchase common stock  1,500,000   1,500,000 
Options to purchase common stock  130,000    
Restricted stock units  164,655   152,731 
   1,794,655   1,652,731 

Note 11. Retirement plans

The FG Financial Group, Inc. 401(k) Plan (the “Retirement Plan”) was established effective January 1, 2015, as a defined contribution plan. The Retirement Plan is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”); eligible employees of the Company and its subsidiaries may participate in the plan. Employees who have completed one month of service are eligible to participate and are permitted to make annual pre and post-tax salary reduction contributions not to exceed the limits imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Contributions are invested at the direction of the employee participant in various money market and mutual funds. The Company matches 100% of each participant’s initial contributions up to 3% of a participant’s eligible earnings and 50% of each participant’s contributions up to an additional 2% of a participant’s eligible earnings. The Company may also elect to make a profit-sharing contribution to the Retirement Plan based upon discretionary amounts and percentages authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors. For the years ended December 31, 20212023 and 2020,2022, the Company made matching contributions to the Retirement Plan in the amounts of approximately $42,00026,000 and $18,00044,000, respectively, but did not make any profit-sharing contributions to the Retirement Plan in either year. The 401K matching contributions are included within general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations.

On March 24, 2023, the board of directors approved an employee purchase plan (“ESPP Plan”) whereby qualifying employees can choose each year to have up to 5% of their annual base earnings withheld to purchase the Company’s common shares in the open market. The Company matches 100% of the employee’s contribution amount after thirty days of employment. The Company’s contribution is expensed as paid and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 totaled approximately $18,000 and zero, respectively. The ESPP matching contributions are included within general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations.

Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings:

As of December 31, 2021,2023, 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.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.

Note 13. Leases

 

Operating Lease Commitments:

In July 2021, the Company entered into a lease agreement for office space in St. Petersburg, FL. The lease hashad a term of 12 months. Total minimum rent over the 12-month term is expected to be approximately $17,000. months and was not renewed upon expiration. Due to the short-term nature of the lease, the Company has recognized lease expense on a straight linestraight-line basis over the term of the lease, with any variable lease payments recognized in the period in which the obligation for the payment occurred. RentShort-term lease expense related to the St. Petersburg office was approximately $19,00010,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022.

In April 2022, the Company entered into a lease agreement for office space in Itasca, IL. The lease has a term of 44 months beginning on May 1, 2022. Total minimum rent over the term of the lease is expected to be approximately $77,000. The annual discount rate used for the Itasca office was 8%. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the right of use asset and lease liability are approximately $39,000 and $32,00056,000, each, respectively, and held in “Other assets” and “Other liabilities” on the balance sheet, respectively. Rent expense related to the Itasca office was approximately $15,000 and $17,000 for the years ended December 31, 20212023 and 2020,December 31, 2022, respectively. Future payments under operating lease liabilities are as follows:

Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Commitment

Year ending

December 31,

   
2024 $21,000 
2025  21,000 
Imputed interest  (3,000)
Total lease liability $39,000 

 

53

 

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSTotal operating lease expense included in general and administrative expenses on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations was approximately $15,000 and $27,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

Given the ongoing and dynamic nature of the circumstances, it is difficult to predict the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business. Adverse events such as health-related concerns about working in our offices, the inability to travel and other matters affecting the general work environment have negatively impacted and could continue to harm our business and our business strategy. The extent to which our operations and investments may continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic will depend largely on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted, including new developments concerning the severity of the pandemic and actions by government authorities to contain the pandemic or treat its impact. Furthermore, the impacts of a potential worsening of global economic conditions and the continued disruptions to and volatility in the financial markets remain unknown. 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.

Note 13.14. Segment Reporting

The Company has 2two operating segments; segments—insurance and asset management. The chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) is the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The measure of profit or loss used by the CODM to identify and measure the Company’s reportable segments is income before income tax. Our insurance segment consists of the operations of our Cayman Islands-based reinsurance subsidiary, FGRe, which, as of December 31, 2021,2023, included our two quota-shareeight reinsurance agreements, as well as the returns associated with the investments made by our reinsurance operations, which include the Company’s FedNat common stock investment, as well as a portion of our investment in Hagerty.operations. Net premiums earned within this segment relates entirely to property and casualty assumed premium. Our asset management segment includes our investment in the Fund, as well as our investments in Metrolina and our investment advisory agreement with FedNat.made outside of reinsurance operations.

 

The following table presents the financial information for each segment that is specifically identifiable or based on allocations using internal methodology as of and for the yearsyear ended December 31, 20212023 and 2020.2022. The ‘other’ category in the table below consists largely of corporate general and administrative expenses which have not been allocated to a specific segment. Segment assets for the “other” category primarily consist of unrestricted cash in the amounts of $14.21.7 million and $10.13.0 million for the years endedas of December 31, 20212023 and 2020,2022, respectively.

Summary of Segment Reporting

(in thousands)

 

For the year ended December 31, 2023

 Insurance  Asset Management  Other  Total 
Net premiums earned $16,631  $  $  $16,631 
Net investment income  9,326   412   60   9,798 
Other income  314   99   -   413 
Total revenue  26,271   511   60   26,842 
Income (loss) before income tax  9,876   824   (6,855)  3,845 
                 
As of December 31, 2023                
Segment assets $45,230  $17,540  $2,966  $65,736 
                 
For the year ended December 31, 2022                
Net premiums earned $12,998  $-  $  $12,998 
Net investment (loss) income  3,160   3,617   -   6,777 
Other income  -   195   125   320 
Total revenue  16,158   3,812   125   20,095 
Income (loss) before income tax  4,798   3,765   (7,475)  1,088 
                 
As of December 31, 2022                
Segment assets $27,086  $19,070  $3,319  $49,475 

 

(in thousands)

 

For the year ended December 31, 2021

 Insurance  Asset Management  Other  Total 
Net premiums earned $4,864  $  $  $4,864 
Net investment (loss) income  

(2,535

)

  

5,080

   

   

2,545

 

Other income

 ��

   

186

   

   

186

 
Total revenue  2,329   5,266      7,595 
Income (loss) before income tax  (4,173)  4,665   (7,825)  (7,333)
                 
As of December 31, 2021                
Segment assets $14,657  $11,413  $14,759  $40,829 
                 
For the year ended December 31, 2020                

Net investment (loss) income

 $(17,692) $432  $  $(17,260)

Other income

     100   4   104 
Total revenue  (17,692)  532   4   (17,156)
Income (loss) before income tax  (17,812)  532   (5,842)  (23,122)
                 
As of December 31, 2020                
Segment assets $11,898  $10,421  $12,386  $34,705 

Note 15. Subsequent Events

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.

54

 

FG FINANCIAL GROUP,FUNDAMENTAL GLOBAL INC.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

None.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

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, 2021.2023. 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, 2021.2023.

 

55

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 quarteryear ended December 31, 20212023 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

55

FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

 

ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS

None.

 

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Directors and Executive Officers

In connection with the Merger with FGH that closed on February 29, 2024, 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.

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.

Set forth below is information about each of the Company’s directors and executive officers, including ages as of March 14, 2024.

NameAgePosition
Directors:
D. Kyle Cerminara46Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors
Richard E. Govignon, Jr.47Director
Rita Hayes81Director
Michael C. Mitchell44Director
Robert J. Roschman58Director

Ndamukong Suh

37Director
Scott D. Wollney55Director
Executive Officers:
Mark D. Roberson59Chief Financial Officer

The information required by this itemBoard currently consists of seven directors, each serving for a term of one year and until his or her successor has been duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, retirement, resignation, or removal.

D. Kyle Cerminara was appointed to our Board of Directors on December 27, 2016; he became Chairman of our Board of Directors on May 11, 2018; and he became Chief Executive Officer on February 29, 2024. Mr. Cerminara also served as our Principal Executive Officer from March 2020 to June 2020. Mr. Cerminara has over 20 years’ experience as an institutional investor, asset manager, director, chief executive, founder and operator of multiple financial services and technology businesses. Mr. Cerminara co-founded FG in 2012 and serves as its Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Cerminara is incorporated herein by reference to sectionsa member of the Proxy Statementboard of directors of a number of companies focused in the reinsurance, investment management, technology and communication sectors, Strong Global Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE American: SGE), a leader in the entertainment industry providing mission critical products and services to cinema exhibitors and entertainment venues, since March 2022; FG Communities, Inc., a real estate management company focused on preserving and improving affordable housing, since July 2022; and Firefly Systems Inc., a venture-backed digital advertising company, since August 2020. Since October 2021, Mr. Cerminara is the chairperson of the board of directors of FG Acquisition Corp. (TSX:FGAA.U), a Canadian special purpose acquisition company seeking to complete an acquisition and, since October 2023, has served as chairperson of the board of directors of FG Merger II Corp., a special purpose acquisition company in the process of completing its initial public offering. Since November 2023, Mr. Cerminara has served as chairperson of the board of directors of FG Merger III Corp., a special purpose acquisition company in the process of completing its initial public offering.

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Prior to its merger, Mr. Cerminara served as the Chairman of FG Group Holdings, Inc, (NYSE American: FGH), a holding company with diverse business activities focused on serving the entertainment and retail markets, from May 2015 through February 2024. He previously served as its Chief Executive Officer from November 2015 through April 2020. Mr. Cerminara has served as the Chairman of Strong Global Entertainment, Inc. since March 2022. From July 2015 through December 2023, Mr. Cerminara served on the board of directors of BK Technologies Corporation (NYSE American: BKTI), a provider of two-way radio communications equipment, and served as its Chairman from July 2022 through December 2023 and previously from March 2017 until April 2020. Mr. Cerminara has served as the Chairman and President of FG Communities, Inc. since its formation in July 2022. From February 2022 to August 2023, Mr. Cerminara served as a Senior Advisor to FG Merger Corp. (NASDAQ: FGMC), a special purpose acquisition company, which merged with iCoreConnect, Inc. (NASDAQ: ICCT), a market leading, cloud-based software and technology company focused on increasing workflow productivity and customer profitability through its enterprise and healthcare workflow platform of applications and services. From April 2021 to December 2021, Mr. Cerminara served as a director of Aldel Financial Inc. (NYSE: ADF), a special purpose acquisition company co-sponsored by Fundamental Global, which merged with Hagerty, a leading specialty insurance provider focused on the global automotive enthusiast market. From July 2020 to July 2021, Mr. Cerminara served as Director and President of FG New America Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: FGNA), a special purpose acquisition company, which merged with OppFi Inc. (NYSE: OPFI), a leading financial technology platform that powers banks to help everyday consumers gain access to credit. He served on the board of directors of GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. (TSXV: GFP) (formerly Itasca Capital Ltd.), a public company focused on investments in the forest products industry, from June 2016 to October 2021 and was appointed Chairman from June 2018 to June 2021; Limbach Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: LMB), a company which provides building infrastructure services, from March 2019 to March 2020; Iteris, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITI), a publicly-traded, applied informatics company, from August 2016 to November 2017; Magnetek, Inc., a publicly-traded manufacturer, in 2015; and blueharbor bank, a community bank, from October 2013 to January 2020. He served as a Trustee and President of StrongVest ETF Trust, which was an open-end management investment company, from July 2016 to March 2021. Previously, Mr. Cerminara served as the Co-Chief Investment Officer of CWA Asset Management Group, LLC, a position he held from January 2013 to December 2020.

Prior to these roles, Mr. Cerminara was a Portfolio Manager at Sigma Capital Management, an independent financial adviser, from 2011 to 2012, a Director and Sector Head of the Financials Industry at Highside Capital Management from 2009 to 2011, and a Portfolio Manager and Director at CR Intrinsic Investors from 2007 to 2009. Before joining CR Intrinsic Investors, Mr. Cerminara was a Vice President, Associate Portfolio Manager and Analyst at T. Rowe Price (NASDAQ: TROW) from 2001 to 2007, where he was named amongst Institutional Investor’s Best of the Buy Side Analysts in November 2006, and an Analyst at Legg Mason from 2000 to 2001.

Mr. Cerminara received an MBA degree from the Darden Graduate School of Business at the University of Virginia and a B.S. in Finance and Accounting from the Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, where he was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, an NCAA Academic All American and Co-Captain of the men’s varsity tennis team. He also completed a China Executive Residency at the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business in Beijing, China. Mr. Cerminara holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Dr. Richard E. Govignon, Jr. was elected to our Board of Directors on December 15, 2021. Dr. Govignon has been a Partner of Dnerus Financial, a family asset management company, since June 2021. Dr. Govignon is an experienced corporate director/trustee in the U.S. and Canada with broad exposure to numerous industries. Dr. Govignon has been a director of Strong Global Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SGE), a corporation focused on supplying screens and providing technical support services to the cinema exhibition industry, theme parks, and other entertainment-related markets since January 2022. Dr. Govignon also serves as a member of the board of directors of FG Acquisition Corp (TSX: FGAA.U), a special purpose acquisition corporation (“SPAC”) incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia. Since October 2023, Dr. Govignon has served as a member of the board of directors of FG Merger II Corp., a special purpose acquisition company in the process of completing its initial public offering. Since November 2023, Dr. Govignon has served as a member of the board of directors of FG Merger III Corp., a special purpose acquisition company in the process of completing its initial public offering. Dr. Govignon is also a member of the board of directors of B-Scada, Inc. (OTC: SCDA), a company developing software and hardware products since June 2021. Dr. Govignon served as a member of the board of directors of GreenFirst Forest Products, Inc. (TSXV: GFP), a public company focused on forest product investments, from January 2019 to December 2021. Dr. Govignon also served as a Trustee of the StrongVest ETF Trust (US: CWAI) that, invested in a diversified portfolio of corporate bonds with varying maturities and equity securities from 2017 to 2019. Dr. Govignon has worked in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry in various management and pharmacy positions for over 20 years, most recently with ShopRite Pharmacy since 2022 and previously with CVS Health Corporation (2022-2019 and from 2013-2017), with Acme Markets Inc. (2017-2019) and Rite Aid Corporation (2001-2013).

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Dr. Govignon received a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. We believe Dr. Govignon’s managerial experience and his experience in investing and financial analysis make him qualified to serve on our Board of Directors.

Rita Hayes was appointed to our Board of Directors on January 11, 2019. Ms. Hayes has been Chair of Hayes International Advisors, LLC since 2013, where she counsels industry and institutional leaders on a range of economic, political and regulatory matters. She served as an expert for the Company’sInternational Chamber of Commerce’s World Business Summit in 2008. Ms. Hayes served as Deputy U.S. Trade Representative and Ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO), a post to which she was nominated by President Bill Clinton and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate, from November 1997 through August 2001, during which time she served as Acting U.S. Trade Representative from January through March 2001. From 2001 through December 2006, she held the position of Deputy Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to which she was approved by the 184 Member States. At the conclusion of her appointment at WIPO, she served as Senior Advisor in Hogan & Hartson LLP’s Geneva, Switzerland office. Confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 1996, Ms. Hayes served from 1996 to 1997 as U.S. Chief Textile Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in Washington, D.C. From 1983 to 1992, Ms. Hayes served as Chief of Staff for two members of the U.S. Congress. Ms. Hayes received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Georgia, an honorary degree as Doctor of Humane Letters from the College of Charleston and an honorary degree as Doctorate of Outstanding Public Service from the University of South Carolina. We believe Ms. Hayes’ extensive record of public and private service uniquely qualifies her to serve on our Board of Directors.

Michael C. Mitchell was appointed to our Board of Directors on February 29, 2024. Mr. Mitchell most recently served as a Partner at Locust Wood Capital, which he retired from in 2019 after nine years with the firm in analytical positions in the consumer, industrial, real estate and media industries. From 2006 to 2011, Mr. Mitchell was a senior analyst at Breeden Capital LP, working with former SEC Chairman Richard C. Breeden, where Mr. Mitchell was primarily focused on consumer business and was actively involved in board engagements at Applebee’s, a then-Nasdaq-listed restaurant operating company and franchisor and Zale Corporation, a then-NYSE-listed leading specialty retailer of fine jewelry as an advisor to the board. From 2005 to 2006, Mr. Mitchell worked as an analyst for Kellogg Capital Group, LLC, the private investment firm founded by Peter Kellogg. From 2004 to 2005, Mr. Mitchell served as an equity research analyst at Jefferies and Company, Inc. covering post-reorganization equities. Mr. Mitchell is currently the Chief Operating Officer of Children’s Eye Care of Northern Colorado, P.C., a Pediatric Ophthalmology practice based in Fort Collins, CO, which he cofounded and operates with his wife Dr. Carolyn G. Mitchell. Additionally, Mr. Mitchell serves on the advisory board of the Michael F. Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma. Mr. Mitchell received an MBA from the Michael F. Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma and a B.S. in Marketing from the Spears College of Business at Oklahoma State University. We believe Mr. Mitchell is qualified to serve on our Board of Directors as he offers the Board valuable insights obtained through his extensive experience in the financial industry, including investing, capital allocation, finance and financial analysis of public companies.

Robert J. Roschman was appointed to our Board of Directors on February 29, 2024. Mr. Roschman has been an owner of Triple R. Associates, Ltd., a real estate firm with over 100 properties leased to fast food, distribution and retail tenants, since 1992. Mr. Roschman also holds ownership interests in several development properties throughout Florida. Mr. Roschman previously served on the Board of Directors of Giant Holdings, Inc., a privately held federally chartered bank with an Internet division, which he founded in 1998 and which merged into Home BancShares, Inc. (Nasdaq: HOMB) in February 2017. From 1987 to 2000, Mr. Roschman was a Co-Founder and Vice President of Snapps Restaurants, Inc., a 76-store fast food restaurant which merged into Rally’s Hamburgers, Inc. From 1983 until 1997, he served as a shareholder of Charter Bank in Delray Beach, Florida, which merged into Southtrust Bank in 1997. Mr. Roschman received a B.S. from Florida State University. Mr. Roschman brings over 30 years of experience as an investor in multiple lines of business, including real estate, franchising, distribution, banking and retail. Mr. Roschman’s extensive experience as an investor and in managing and overseeing multiple businesses is valuable for evaluating strategic opportunities and qualifies him to serve on our Board of Directors.

Ndamukong Suh was appointed to our Board of Directors on February 29, 2024. Mr. Suh is an independent private investor and holds ownership interests in several real estate development projects across Michigan, Nebraska, Oregon and Colorado. Mr. Suh is the Founder and a director of the Suh Family Foundation. He is also a professional athlete and was a member of the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (“NFL”) during 2022. He previously was with the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2019 to 2022, Annual Meetingbecoming a Superbowl champion in February 2021, Los Angeles Rams from 2018 to 2019, Miami Dolphins from 2015 to 2017 and Detroit Lions from 2010 to 2014. He has served on the Board of Stockholders or Annual ReportDirectors of FG Group Holdings, Inc (NYSE American: FGH), a holding company with diverse business interests since January 2016. Since October 2023, Mr. Suh has served as a senior advisor to the board of directors of FG Merger II Corp. and FG Merger III Corp., both of which are special purpose acquisition companies in the process of completing their initial public offering. Mr. Suh serves as a member of the Board of Advisors of Ember Technologies, a privately held manufacturer and designer of patented temperature adjustable dishware and drinkware. Mr. Suh holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering focused on Form 10-K/Construction Management from the University of Nebraska.

Scott D. Wollney was appointed to our Board of Directors on March 30, 2015. Since October 2023, Mr. Wollney has served as a member of the board of directors of FG Merger II Corp., a special purpose acquisition company in the process of completing its initial public offering. Since November 2023, Mr. Wollney has served as a member of the board of directors of FG Merger III Corp., a special purpose acquisition company in the process of completing its initial public offering. Since December 2010, Mr. Wollney has served as the President, Chief Executive Officer and as a Director of Atlas Financial Holdings, Inc. (“Atlas”) (OTC: AFHIF). From July 2009 until December 2010, Mr. Wollney was President and Chief Executive Officer of Kingsway America Inc. (KAI), a property and casualty holding company and subsidiary of Kingsway Financial Services Inc. From May 2008 to March 2009, he was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Lincoln General Insurance Company (a subsidiary of KAI), a property and casualty insurance company. Mr. Wollney co-founded Avalon Risk Management, Inc., an insurance broker, in 1998, and served as its President, from 2002 to 2008. Mr. Wollney has more than 30 years of experience in property and casualty insurance. During his tenure in the industry, Mr. Wollney has held executive positions at both insurance companies, as well as brokerage operations. Mr. Wollney is an MBA graduate of Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management with a concentration in finance and management strategy and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Illinois. We believe Mr. Wollney’s qualifications to serve on our Board of Directors include his direct operating experience with respect to numerous disciplines which are critical to the insurance business.

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Mark D. Roberson was appointed Chief Financial Officer on February 29, 2024. Mr. Roberson served as the Chief Executive Officer of FG Group Holdings Inc. from April 2020 until the closing of the Merger, and served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of FGH from November 2018 to April 2020. Mr. Roberson brings an extensive background in executive leadership, operations, corporate finance, SEC reporting, treasury, and mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Roberson has also served as Chief Executive Officer of Strong Global Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE American: SGE), a majority owned subsidiary of the Company which conducted its initial public offering in May 2023, since November 2021. He previously served as Chief Operations Officer of Chanticleer Holdings, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed restaurant operating company, from May 2015 to November 2018, and as Chief Executive Officer of PokerTek, Inc., a then-Nasdaq-listed gaming technology company, from February 2010 to October 2014 (having served as Acting Chief Executive Officer from May 2009 until February 2010). He also served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of PokerTek, Inc. from October 2007 until October 2014. Mr. Roberson previously held positions of increasing responsibility at Curtiss-Wright, Inc., a NYSE-listed aerospace and defense contractor, Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation, a then-NYSE-listed fast-casual restaurant franchisor and operator, and LifeStyle Furnishings International, a $2 billion private equity backed furniture manufacturer. Mr. Roberson is a Certified Public Accountant who started his career with Ernst & Young and PricewaterhouseCoopers. He earned an MBA from Wake Forest University, a B.S. in Accounting from UNC-Greensboro and a B.S. in Economics from Southern Methodist University. He served on the Board of Directors of CynergisTek, Inc. (NYSE American: CTEK), a cybersecurity and information management consulting firm, from May 2016 to September 2022, where he chaired the Audit Committee.

In connection with the closing of the Merger, E. Gray Payne and Larry G. Swets, Jr., resigned from the Board. Both Mr. Payne and Mr. Swets held board positions throughout 2023. In addition, in connection with the Merger, Mr. 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. Both Mr. Swets and Mr. Baqar held executive positions throughout 2023.

E. Gray Payne was elected to our Board of Directors on May 31, 2018 and resigned on February 29, 2024. General Payne served as Senior Vice President of The Columbia Group (“TCG”) from September 2010 to September 2017, where he was responsible for managing the Marine Corps Programs Division (since September 2010) and the Navy Programs Division (since October 2013). TCG is a federal consulting firm working with the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and private cedents. TCG consults in the areas of logistics, acquisitions, program management, information technology, training, marine architecture and engineering, and command and control systems. Since December 2011, General Payne has also provided consulting services to and served on the Advisory Council of Marstel-Day, LLC, located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, which consults in the areas of conservation, environmental compliance, and encroachment. Prior to September 2010, General Payne was on active duty with the Marine Corps for 10 years, retiring as a Major General. His three commands as a General Officer included the Marine Corps Mobilization Command, the Marine Corps Logistics Command, and the 4th Marine Logistics Group. Prior to March 2001, he worked with a number of companies in various capacities, including as a management consultant, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Executive Officer. General Payne currently serves on the Board of Directors of BK Technologies Corporation (NYSE American: BKTI), a provider of communications equipment, since January 2017. He is a prior chairman of the Board of the Marine Corps Association and Foundation and currently serves as a Director on the Boards of VetCV (since December 2017) and the National Wildlife Refuge Association (since June 2018). He received a B.S. in Economics from North Carolina State University and a M.S. in Strategic Studies from U.S. Army War College. A member of the National Association of Corporate Directors, he has also earned the Professional Director designation from the American College of Corporate Directors. We believe General Payne’s 40 years of service in the Marine Corps, as well as over 25 years of experience in the private sector in the areas of financial management, operational improvement and strategic planning, qualify him to serve on our Board of Directors.

Larry G. Swets, Jr. served as a member of our Board of Directors from November 2013 to February 2024, and served as our Chairman from March 2017 to May 2018. Mr. Swets served as our Chief Executive Officer from November 2020 to February 2024, after serving as our interim Chief Executive Officer from June 2020 to November 2020, through a consulting agreement with Itasca Financial LLC. Mr. Swets has over 25 years of experience within financial services encompassing both non-executive and executive roles. Mr. Swets founded Itasca Financial LLC, an advisory and investment firm, in 2005 and has served as its managing member since inception. Mr. Swets is founder and President of Itasca Golf Managers, Inc., a management services and advisory firm focused on the real estate and hospitality industries since August 2018.

Mr. Swets is a member of the board of directors of GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. (TSXV: GFP), a public company focused on investments in the forest products industry since June 2016, FG Group Holdings Inc. (NYSE American: FGH) (formerly Ballantyne Strong, Inc.) since October 2021, and Ascension Illinois Foundation since March 2018, and was a member of the Board of Directors of Unbounded Media Corporation from June 2019 to September 2023. Since October 2021, Mr. Swets also serves as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors of FG Acquisition Corp. (TSX:FGAA.U), a Canadian special purpose acquisition company seeking to complete an acquisition and, since October 2023, has served as Chief Executive Officer of FG Merger II Corp., a special purpose acquisition company in the process of completing its initial public offering. Since November 2023, Mr. Swets has served as Chief Executive Officer of FG Merger III Corp., a special purpose acquisition company in the process of completing its initial public offering.

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Previously, Mr. Swets served as a director of FG Merger Corp. (Nasdaq: FGMCU), a special purpose acquisition company which merged with iCoreConnect Inc. (Nasdaq: ICCT), a market leading, cloud-based software and technology company focused on increasing workflow productivity and customer profitability through its enterprise and healthcare workflow platform of applications and services, from February 2022 to August 2023, and as a director and Chief Executive Officer of FG New America Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: FGNA), a special purpose acquisition company which merged with OppFi Inc. (NYSE: OPFI), a leading financial technology platform that powers banks to help everyday consumers gain access to credit, from July 2020 to July 2021. Mr. Swets served as Senior Advisor to Aldel Financial Inc. (NYSE: ADF), a special purpose acquisition company which merged with Hagerty, Inc. (NYSE: HGTY), a leading specialty insurance provider focused on the global automotive enthusiast market, from April 2021 to December 2021. Mr. Swets also served as Chief Executive Officer of GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. (TSXV: GFP) (formerly Itasca Capital Ltd.) from June 2016 to June 2021, Chief Executive Officer of Kingsway Financial Services Inc. (NYSE: KFS) from July 2010 to September 2018, including as its President from July 2010 to March 2017. He served as Chief Executive Officer and director of 1347 Capital Corp., a special purpose acquisition company which merged with Limbach Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: LMB), from April 2014 to July 2016. Mr. Swets also previously served as a member of the board of directors of Harbor Custom Development, Inc. (Nasdaq: HCDI) from February 2020 to November 2023, Limbach Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: LMB) from July 2016 to August 2021, Kingsway Financial Services Inc. (NYSE: KFS) from September 2013 to December 2018, Atlas Financial Holdings, Inc. (OTC: AFHIF) from December 2010 to January 2018, FMG Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: FMGQ) from May 2007 to September 2008, United Insurance Holdings Corp. from 2008 to March 2012; and Risk Enterprise Management Ltd. from November 2007 to May 2012. Mr. Swets served as director of Insurance Income Strategies Ltd. from October 2017 to December 2021.

Prior to founding Itasca Financial LLC, Mr. Swets served as an insurance company executive and advisor, including the role of director of investments and fixed income portfolio manager for Lumbermens Mutual Casualty Company, formerly known as Kemper Insurance Companies. Mr. Swets began his career in insurance as an intern in the fiscalKemper Scholar program in 1994. Mr. Swets earned a Master’s Degree in Finance from DePaul University in 1999 and a Bachelor’s Degree from Valparaiso University in 1997. He is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Hassan R. Baqar served as our Chief Financial Officer from August 2021, and Executive Vice President from December 2021, until February 2024, through Sequoia Financial LLC (“Sequoia”), an advisory firm for which Mr. Baqar is managing member.

Mr. Baqar has over 20 years of experience within financial services and other industries focused on corporate development, mergers & acquisitions, capital raising, investments and real estate transactions. Mr. Baqar has served as the founder and managing member of Sequoia Financial LLC, a financial services and advisory firm, since January 2019. Mr. Baqar has also served as Chief Financial Officer of Insurance Income Strategies Ltd., a former Bermuda based reinsurance company from October 2017 to December 2021, as a director of GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. (TSXV: GFP) (formerly Itasca Capital Ltd.), a public company focused on investments in the forest products industry from August 2019 to December 2021 and as Chief Financial Officer of GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. from June 2016 to December 2020, as a director of FG Reinsurance Ltd., a Cayman Islands reinsurance company since June 2020, as director, treasurer and secretary of Sponsor Protection Coverage and Risk, Inc., a South Carolina captive insurance company since October 2022, and as a director and Chief Financial Officer of Unbounded Media Corporation from June 2019 to September 2023. Since October 2021, Mr. Baqar has also served as the Chief Financial Officer and a member of the board of directors of FG Acquisition Corp. (TSX: FGAA.U), a Canadian special purpose acquisition company seeking to complete an acquisition and, since October 2023, has served as Chief Financial Officer FG Merger II Corp., a special purpose acquisition company in the process of completing its initial public offering. Since November 2023, Mr. Baqar has served as Chief Financial Officer FG Merger III Corp., a special purpose acquisition company in the process of completing its initial public offering.

Mr. Baqar served as a director of FG Merger Corp. (Nasdaq: FGMCU) from December 2021 to August 2023, a special purpose acquisition company which merged with iCoreConnect Inc. (Nasdaq: ICCT), a market leading, cloud-based software and technology company focused on increasing workflow productivity and customer profitability through its enterprise and healthcare workflow platform of applications and services, and as Chief Financial Officer of Aldel Financial Inc. (NYSE: ADF) from January 2021 to December 2021, a special purpose acquisition company which merged with Hagerty, Inc. (NYSE: HGTY), a leading specialty insurance provider focused on the global automotive enthusiast market. From July 2020 to July 2021, Mr. Baqar served as Chief Financial Officer of FG New America Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: FGNA), a special purpose acquisition company, which merged with OppFi Inc. (NYSE: OPFI), a leading financial technology platform that powers banks to help everyday consumers gain access to credit. Previously, he served as Vice President of Kingsway Financial Services Inc. (NYSE: KFS) (“Kingsway”) from January 2014 to January 2019 and as a Vice President of Kingsway’s subsidiary Kingsway America Inc. from January 2010 to January 2019. Mr. Baqar also served as Chief Financial Officer and director of 1347 Capital Corp. from April 2014 to July 2016, a special purpose acquisition company which merged with Limbach Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: LMB). Mr. Baqar served as a member of the board of directors of FG Financial Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: FGF) from October 2012 to May 2015. He also served as the Chief Financial Officer of United Insurance Holdings Corp. (NYSE: UIHC), a publicly held property and casualty insurance holding company, from August 2011 to April 2012.

His previous experience also includes director of finance at Itasca Financial, LLC from 2008 to 2009 and positions held at Lumbermens Mutual Casualty Company (a Kemper Insurance company), a diversified mutual property-casualty insurance provider, from June 2000 to April 2008, where he most recently served as a senior analyst. Mr. Baqar earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Northeastern Illinois University in 2009 and a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Business Administration from Monmouth College in 2000. He also holds a Certified Public Accountant designation.

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Board Diversity

Board Diversity Matrix as of March 14, 2024
Total Number of Directors 7
         
  Female Male Non- Binary 

Did not Disclose

Gender

Directors 1 6  
Demographic Information:    
African American or Black  1  
Alaskan or Native American    
Asian    
Hispanic or Latinx    
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander    
White 1 5  
Two or More Races or Ethnicities    
LGBTQ+ 
Persons with Disabilities 1

We recognize the value of diversity at the Board level and believe that our Board currently comprises an appropriate mix of background, diversity and expertise. In particular, we currently have a female director, and our directors, overall, have significant experience in a variety of industries and sectors, including, among others, the insurance industry, the financial industry, military operations and political and diplomatic operations. Although we have no formal separate written policy, our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is required under its charter to recommend nominees that ensure sufficient diversity of backgrounds on our Board. We believe that the diversity of our directors enriches our Board by encouraging fresh perspectives and bringing new and valuable insights to the Board.

Board Meetings

During the year ended December 31, 20212023, the Board of Directors held five meetings. In 2023, no director attended fewer than 75% of the total number of (i) meetings held by the Board of Directors during the period for which he or she was a director and (ii) meetings held by all committees of the Board of Directors on which he or she served (during the period that the director served). Independent members of our Board of Directors also meet in executive session without management present.

“Controlled Company” Status

As discussed under “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management,” FG and affiliated entities beneficially own approximately 54.6% of our common stock as of December 31, 2023. As a result, we are a “controlled company,” or a company of which more than 50% of the voting power for the election of directors is held by an individual, group or another company, under The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Form 10-K/A”Nasdaq”), which rules. “Controlled companies” may elect not to comply with certain Nasdaq corporate governance requirements, including regarding independence of their directors and board committees. Currently, we expecthave not elected to filetake advantage of these exemptions and are subject to the same governance standards as companies that are not “controlled companies.”

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Board Leadership Structure

During the year ended 2023, Mr. Cerminara served as Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Mr. Swets served as the Company’s principal executive officer.

The Chairman of the Board typically presides at all meetings of the Board. The Chairman’s role also includes providing feedback on the direction and performance of the Company, setting the agenda of meetings of the Board of Directors and leading the Board of Directors in anticipating and responding to changes in our business.

Our Board of Directors has not established a policy on whether the same person should serve as both the principal executive officer of the Company and the Chairman of the Board or, if the roles are separate, whether the Chairman should be selected from the non-employee directors or should be an employee. Our Board believes that it should have the flexibility to periodically determine the leadership structure that it believes is best for the Company. Given the specific characteristics and circumstances of the Company, the Board believes that its current leadership structure will enhance and facilitate the implementation of the Company’s business strategy, including effective monitoring and objective evaluation of the Chief Executive Officer’s performance. Mr. Cerminara has been closely involved in developing the Company’s business strategy following the sale of our three insurance subsidiaries to FedNat Holding Company and has extensive management experience, including having served as Chairman of the Board since May 2018. The Board believes that these qualities uniquely qualify Mr. Cerminara to lead and facilitate informed Board discussions about the Company’s policies and operations and enable him to communicate effectively with the Board on strategic developments and other critical matters facing the Company, while also providing oversight of the Chief Executive Officer. As Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Swets is also responsible for developing the Company’s business strategy and managing its day-to-day leadership and performance.

The Board has not appointed a lead independent director at this time. As of December 31, 2023 the Board consisted of six directors, four of whom are independent. All independent directors serve on one or more committees of the Board, are able to closely monitor the activities of the Company and meet in executive sessions without management present to discuss the Company’s business strategy and operations. Given the active involvement of all of the independent directors in the Company’s matters, the Board has determined that a lead independent director is not necessary at this time. Additionally, because the Company’s Chairman is appointed annually by the Company’s non-management directors, such directors are able to evaluate the leadership and performance of the Chairman each year.

Risk Oversight

Our Board is actively involved in oversight of risks that could affect the Company. This oversight is conducted primarily through the three standing committees of the Board, as disclosed in the descriptions of each of the committees herein, and in the charters of each of the committees, but the full Board has retained responsibility for overall supervision of risk management efforts as they relate to the key business risks we face. Management identifies, assesses and manages the risks most critical to our operations and routinely advises our Board regarding those matters. Areas of material risk may include operational, financial, legal and regulatory, human capital, information technology and security, and strategic and reputational risks. Our Board satisfies its oversight responsibility through full reports by each committee chair regarding the applicable committee’s considerations and actions, as well as through regular reports directly from members of management responsible for oversight of particular risks within the Company. The Audit Committee considers and discusses financial risk exposures. The Compensation and Management Resources Committee assesses and monitors whether any of the Company’s compensation policies and programs have the potential to encourage excessive risk-taking. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee monitors the effectiveness of the Company’s corporate governance policies and the selection of prospective board members and their qualifications. In addition, General Payne, as the chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, takes an active role in corporate governance matters. The Board believes that the leadership structure described above facilitates the Board’s oversight of risks because it allows the Board, working through its committees, to participate actively in the oversight of management actions. The Board believes that its role in risk oversight does not affect the Board’s leadership structure.

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Like all businesses, we also face threats to our cybersecurity, as we are reliant upon information systems and the internet to conduct our business activities. In light of the pervasive and increasing threat from cyberattacks, the Audit Committee, with input from management, assesses the Company’s cybersecurity and other information technology risks and threats and the measures implemented by the Company to mitigate and prevent cyberattacks, and the Board receives periodic reports on the Company’s cybersecurity program.

Hedging and Pledging Policy

Under the Company’s Insider Trading Policy, all directors, officers and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries are prohibited from engaging in any hedging transactions involving Company securities or equity securities of any subsidiaries of the Company, holding Company securities in a margin account or pledging Company securities as collateral.

Policy Concerning Director Attendance at Annual Stockholders’ Meetings

There is no formal policy as to Director attendance at annual stockholders’ meetings. Ms. Hayes, as well as Messrs. Cerminara, Payne, Swets, Wollney, and Govignon, attended the 2023 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on December 6, 2023.

Code of Ethics

We have adopted a code of ethics applicable to all officers, employees and directors of the Company. Our code of ethics has been posted on our corporate website: www.fundamentalglobal.com under the heading “Governance Documents.”

Board Committees and Committee Member Independence

Our Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee, a Compensation and Management Resources Committee, and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Our Board of Directors utilizes the Nasdaq rules and independence standards in determining whether its members are independent. For 2023, the composition of each committee is outlined in the table and footnote below:

Audit CommitteeCompensation and
Management
Resources Committee
Nominating and
Corporate
Governance
Committee
Scott D. WollneyCXX
E. Gray PayneXCC
Rita HayesX
Richard E. Govignon, Jr.X

CIndicates committee chair.

Following the merger with FGH on February 29, 2024, the composition of each committee is as follows:

Audit CommitteeCompensation and
Management
Resources Committee
Nominating and
Corporate
Governance
Committee
Scott D. WollneyCX
Robert J. RoschmanX
Rita HayesXX
Richard E. Govignon, Jr.C
Michael C. MitchellCX
Ndamukong SuhX

C– Indicates committee chair.

The following is a summary of the respective responsibilities of the Audit Committee, the Compensation and Management Resources Committee, and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Board of Directors has approved and adopted a written charter for each of the committees listed, copies of which are posted on the Company’s website at www.f, under the heading “Governance Documents.” The Board of Directors may also establish from time to time any other committees that it deems necessary or desirable. Members serve on these committees until their resignation or until otherwise determined by the Board of Directors.

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Audit Committee

The Audit Committee was appointed by the Board of Directors to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to the integrity of the Company’s financial statements, the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the external auditor’s qualifications, independence, and performance, and the performance of the Company’s internal audit function. The Audit Committee’s primary duties and responsibilities are to:

Oversee the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Company and the audits of the financial statements of the Company.
Identify and monitor the management of the principal risks that could impact the financial reporting of the Company.
Monitor the integrity of the Company’s financial reporting process and system of internal controls regarding financial reporting and accounting appropriateness and compliance.
Provide oversight of the qualifications, independence and performance of the Company’s external auditors and the appointed actuary.
Provide an avenue of communication among the external auditors, the appointed actuary, management and the Board.
Review the annual audited and quarterly financial statements with management and the external auditors.

The Audit Committee is also responsible for discussing policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management, including regularly reviewing the Company’s cybersecurity and other information technology risks, controls and procedures and the Company’s plans to mitigate cybersecurity risks and respond to data breaches.

Audit committee members must meet the independence requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the independence requirements of the Nasdaq listing standards and all other applicable rules and regulations. Each member of the Audit Committee is independent and satisfies the applicable requirements for Audit Committee membership under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange CommissionAct and the Nasdaq rules. The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Wollney is the “audit committee financial expert,” as that term is defined in SEC regulations. The Audit Committee held five meetings during the year ended December 31, 2023.

Compensation and Management Resources Committee

The primary purpose of the Compensation and Management Resources Committee, (the “Compensation Committee”) is to assist the Board of Directors in discharging its responsibilities with respect to compensation of the Company’s executive officers and subsidiary presidents and to provide recommendations to the Board in connection with directors’ compensation. The Compensation Committee’s primary duties and responsibilities are to:

Develop guidelines for and determine the compensation and performance of the executive officers of the Company (in the case of the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation, without the Chief Executive Officer being present).
Recommend to the Board incentive and equity-based plans and administer such plans, oversee compliance with the requirements under the Nasdaq listing standards that stockholders of the Company approve equity incentive plans (with limited exceptions under such standards), and approve grants of equity and equity-based awards.
Review any recommendations from the Chief Executive Officer with respect to compensation for the other executive officers, including benefits and perquisites, incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans for recommendation to the Board.
Oversee risks relating to the Company’s compensation policies, practices and procedures.
Review and discuss with management the proxy disclosures regarding executive compensation required to be included in the Company’s proxy statement and periodic reports with the SEC, each in accordance with applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and other authority.

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Evaluate the results of the stockholder advisory vote on executive compensation when held.
Review director compensation levels and practices, and recommend, from time to time, changes in such compensation levels and practices to Board with equity ownership in the Company encouraged.

The Compensation Committee receives input and recommendations from the Company’s executive officers (except with respect to such executive officer’s own compensation) but is not bound by such recommendations. These recommendations are generally based on each executive officer’s individual performance as well as his knowledge of each executive officer’s job responsibilities, seniority, expected contributions and his understanding of the competitive market for such executives. Each Compensation Committee member is independent and satisfies the applicable requirements for Compensation Committee membership under the Nasdaq rules and is a “non-employee director” as defined in Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act. The Compensation Committee held two meetings during the year ended December 31, 2023.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The purpose of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the “Nominating Committee”) is to:

Identify, evaluate and recommend individuals qualified to become members of the Board of Directors, consistent with criteria approved by the Board of Directors.
Select, or recommend that the Board select the director nominees to stand for election at each annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Company in which directors will be elected or to fill vacancies on the Board.
Develop and recommend to the Board a set of corporate governance principles applicable to the Company, as the Committee deems appropriate.
Oversee the annual performance evaluation of the Board and its committees and management.
Otherwise take a leadership role in shaping and providing oversight of the corporate governance of the Company, including recommending directors eligible to serve on all committees of the Board.

Each Nominating Committee member is independent under the Nasdaq rules. The Nominating Committee did not hold any meetings during the year ended December 31, 2023.

Although the Nominating Committee has not formulated any specific minimum qualifications that the committee believes must be met by a director-nominee that the committee recommends to the Board, the factors it will take into account will include judgement, skill, diversity, experiences with businesses and other organizations of comparable size and scope, the interplay of the candidate’s experience with the experience of other directors, and the extent to which the candidate would be a desirable addition to the Board of Directors and any committees of the Board. The Nominating Committee may engage consultants or third-party search firms to assist in identifying and evaluating potential nominees and may also seek referrals from other members of the Board, management, stockholders and other sources. Evaluations of candidates generally involve a review of background materials, internal discussions and interviews with selected candidates, as appropriate. Upon selection of a qualified candidate, the Nominating Committee recommends the candidate for consideration by the full Board.

The Nominating Committee will consider recommendations for directorships submitted by stockholders. Stockholders wishing to propose director candidates for consideration by the Nominating Committee may do so by writing to the Corporate Secretary of the Company and providing the information concerning the nominee and his or her proponent(s) as required by the Company’s By-Laws. The By-Laws set forth further requirements for stockholders wishing to nominate director candidates for consideration at a stockholders’ meeting including, among other things, that a stockholder must give timely written notice of such a nomination to the Corporate Secretary of the Company. Candidates recommended by stockholders will be given the same consideration as all other candidates.

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Stockholder Communications with the Board

Stockholders may communicate with the full Board or individual directors by submitting such communications in writing to Fundamental Global Inc.,108 Gateway Blvd, Suite 204, Mooresville, NC 28117. The Company’s management will forward such correspondence, as appropriate. Complaints or concerns relating to our financial reporting, accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing will be referred to the Chairman of our Audit Committee.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, our executive officers, directors, and persons who own greater than 10% of our common stock (the “Section 16 Reporting Persons”) of the Company must file a Form 4 reporting the acquisition or disposition of the Company’s equity securities with the SEC no later than April 29, 2022.the end of the second business day after the day the transaction occurred unless certain exceptions apply. Transactions not reported on Form 4 must be reported on Form 5 within 45 days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year. Such persons must also file initial reports of ownership on Form 3 upon becoming an executive officer, director, or greater-than-10% stockholder. Based solely on our review of the copies of such reports and representations that no other reports were required, we believe that all Section 16 filing requirements applicable to our Section 16 Reporting Persons were timely complied with during 2023.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by referenceOur named executive officers for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 include Larry G. Swets, Jr., our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Hassan R. Baqar, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

With respect to sectionsexecutive compensation, the primary goal of the Proxy Statement forCompensation Committee is to retain and motivate highly skilled executives by aligning their pay with the Company’s 2022 Annual Meetingperformance and stockholder returns. Our compensation consists primarily of Stockholders or Form 10-K/A, which we expectfive components: (i) base salary, (ii) a discretionary cash bonus, (iii) equity-based incentive awards, (iv) retirement benefits in the form of Company paid matching and profit sharing contributions to file with the SecuritiesCompany’s 401(k) retirement plan, and Exchange Commission no later than April 29, 2022.(v) premiums paid by the Company on the behalf of our employees for health, dental, life and other ancillary insurance coverage.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERSSummary Compensation Table

The informationfollowing table summarizes the compensation for our named executive officers for the years shown.

Name and
Principal Position
 Year  Salary ($)  

Bonus

($)(2)

  All Other Compensation ($)  Total ($) 
Larry G. Swets, Jr.(1)  2023   550,000   -   60,623   610,623 
President & Chief Executive Officer  2022   550,000   384,000   54,768   988,768 
Hassan R Baqar(3)  2023      -   480,000   480,000 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  2022      384,000   480,000   864,000 
Brian D. Bottjer(4)  2023   -   -   -   - 
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Secretary  2022   125,371   -   21,433   146,804 

(1)All other compensation for Mr. Swets represents amounts paid by the Company for 401(k) matching contributions, ESPP matching contributions, as well as premiums for medical, dental, life and other ancillary insurance benefits provided to Mr. Swets.
(2)No bonuses were granted to officers for the 2023 year. Cash bonuses for 2022 represent performance bonuses approved by the Compensation Committee on February 17, 2023 in the amount of $20,000 to both Mr. Swets and Mr. Baqar. Effective February 17, 2023, the Company approved 130,000 restricted stock units to be granted to Mr. Swets and 130,000 restricted stock units to be granted to Mr. Baqar, based upon 2022 performance, subject to vesting terms. On the date of the grant, the units had a fair market value of $364,000.

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(3)Mr. Baqar has served as a consultant to the Company since February 2019, through Sequoia Financial LLC (“Sequoia”), an advisory firm for which Mr. Baqar is managing member, at a rate of $10,833 per month, which also included a bonus of $75,000 related to the successful completion of the licensing process for the Company’s insurance subsidiary. Effective August 11, 2021, the Company entered into the Second Amended and Restated Management Services Agreement (the “MSA”) between the Company and Sequoia. The MSA provides that Mr. Baqar will act as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and will perform services and duties as required by the Company’s Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, to whom he shall report. In consideration for the services, the Company has agreed to pay Sequoia $40,000 per month during the term of the MSA, included in the table as other compensation.
(4)Effective May 26, 2022, Mr. Bottjer resigned from his positions as Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Secretary of the Company. All other compensation for Mr. Bottjer represents amounts paid by the Company for 401(k) match, as well as premiums paid for medical, dental, life and other ancillary insurance benefits provided to Mr. Bottjer during 2022.

Executive Officer Appointments and Employment Agreements

Effective December 2, 2019, the Board promoted Mr. Bottjer to Senior Vice President and Controller of the Company. The employment agreement provided for an annual base salary of $250,000 to Mr. Bottjer, effective upon his appointment to Chief Accounting Officer on July 29, 2021. Pursuant to his employee agreement, Mr. Bottjer became eligible to receive an annual bonus, payable in cash and/or through awards based on the equity in the Company, and subject to the achievement of the performance criteria, as determined by the Compensation Committee. Mr. Bottjer is also eligible to participate in the Company’s benefit programs available generally to executive employees of the Company.

In the event Mr. Bottjer is terminated by the Company without cause, the Company will pay him an amount equal to 12 months of his base salary in effect at the time of the termination or the original base salary set forth in the Employment Agreement, whichever is greater, over 12 months, in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices. If Mr. Bottjer is terminated for cause or voluntarily resigns, he will not be entitled to any severance under the Employment Agreement. For purposes of his Employment Agreement, “cause” exists if Mr. Bottjer (i) acts dishonestly or engages in willful misconduct, (ii) breaches his fiduciary duties, (iii) intentionally fails to perform duties assigned to him, (iv) is convicted or enters a plea of guilty or nolo contendere with respect to any felony crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude or (v) breaches his obligations under the Employment Agreement. The Employment Agreement contains customary non-competition and non-solicitation covenants.

Effective May 26, 2022, Mr. Bottjer resigned from his positions as Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Secretary of the Company.

On June 18, 2020, the Company entered into a consulting agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”) with Itasca Financial LLC (“Itasca Financial”), an advisory and investment firm founded by Mr. Swets in 2005, pursuant to which Mr. Swets would provide the services described on behalf of Itasca Financial. The Consulting Agreement provided that Mr. Swets act as the Company’s Interim Chief Executive Officer. In consideration for the services, the Company paid Itasca Financial $111,333 during the term of the Consulting Agreement. The Consulting Agreement was terminated on November 10, 2020, with Mr. Swets’ appointment as CEO.

In connection with Mr. Swets’ appointment as CEO, the Company entered into an executive employment agreement with Mr. Swets, dated and effective as of November 10, 2020 (the “Swets Agreement”). The Swets Agreement has a three-year term and is subject to automatic three-year renewals, unless either party provides 60 days’ prior written notice of his or its intention, as applicable, not to renew such term. Under the Swets Agreement, Mr. Swets is entitled to an annual base salary of $550,000 until such time as the Board determines future compensation based on Swets’ performance or other merit-based criteria.

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In the event that the Company terminates Mr. Swets without cause, subject to Mr. Swets’ execution of a general release of waiver and claims in favor of the Company and such general release becoming fully irrevocable, Mr. Swets will be entitled to severance consisting of two years of annual base salary continuation and benefits continuation to the extent permitted by, and in accordance with, the Company’s applicable health and welfare plans. In the event that the parties mutually agree to terminate Mr. Swets’ employment regardless of the reason, subject to Mr. Swets’ execution of a general release and such general release’s becoming fully irrevocable, Mr. Swets will be entitled to severance consisting of one year of annual base salary continuation and benefits continuation to the extent permitted by, and in accordance with, the Company’s applicable health and welfare plans. The Swets Agreement also provides that Mr. Swets is subject to post-termination confidentiality covenants.

On January 18, 2021, Company entered into an Equity Award Letter Agreement (the “Letter Agreement”) with Mr. Swets, pursuant to which the Company clarified its intention to grant an additional 370,000 stock options, restricted shares or restricted stock units pursuant to a future award (the “Future Award”), subject to the approval of an amended and/or new equity plan, among other conditions. Specifically, under the Letter Agreement, no such Future Award may be granted until there is a determination by the Compensation Committee of the specific vesting and other terms of the award, and an amended and/or new equity plan, in a form to be prepared and reviewed by the Board, has been approved by the Board and stockholders of the Company that authorizes a sufficient number of shares of common stock to make such Future Award. On February 17, 2023, the board approved 370,000 RSU grant subject to the vesting terms to Mr. Swets pursuant to the Letter Agreement.

Mr. Swets will remain a director of the Company if he is continued to be elected by its stockholders and will forgo the compensation of board fees while serving as CEO.

Mr. Baqar had served as a consultant to the Company since February 2019 through Sequoia, an advisory firm for which Mr. Baqar is managing member, at a rate of $10,833 per month. Effective August 6, 2021, Mr. Baqar, was appointed our Chief Financial Officer pursuant to the MSA agreement. In consideration for these services, the Company has agreed to pay Sequoia $40,000 per month during the term of the MSA. The initial term of the MSA is twelve months unless terminated earlier as described below. Unless either party to the MSA provides the other with ninety days written notice, the MSA will renew for a subsequent twelve-month period. If the MSA is terminated by Mr. Baqar for “Good Reason,” payment for the remainder of the full term will be provided in lump sum to Mr. Baqar at the time of termination. The Company may terminate the MSA for “Cause,” at any time upon fifteen days’ prior written notice. Upon termination by the Company for Cause, payment will stop immediately upon the effective date of termination. If the Agreement is terminated by either party without Cause or Good Reason prior to the end of the term, payment for the remainder of the term will be provided to Mr. Baqar subject to a maximum of three months.

In addition, the Company shall pay all of Mr. Baqar’s reasonable expenses associated with the performance of the duties as Chief Financial Officer.

The MSA contains a customary confidentiality provision and a six-month post-termination of the MSA restriction against both soliciting employees and independent contractors of the Company and inducing them to terminate their relationship with the Company.

Cash Bonuses

On February 17, 2023 the Compensation Committee approved cash bonuses in the amount of $20,000 to both Mr. Swets and Mr. Baqar, based upon performance in 2022. The cash bonuses were paid on March 30, 2023.

Share Bonuses

Effective February 17, 2023, the Company approved 130,000 restricted stock units to be granted to Mr. Swets and 130,000 restricted stock units to be granted to Mr. Baqar, based upon 2022 performance, subject to vesting terms. On the date of the grant, the units had a fair market value of $364,000.

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Retirement Benefits

The Company matches the contributions of each of its employees to the Company’s 401(k) Plan. Matching contributions equal 100% of the first 3% of pay and 50% of the next 2% of pay to the extent such contributions are not in excess of the Internal Revenue Code limits on contributions to Section 401(k) plans. Under the 401(k) Plan, the Company may make additional matching contributions or other profit-sharing contributions at its discretion. There were no discretionary contributions in 2022 or 2023.

On March 24, 2023, the board of directors approved an employee purchase plan (“ESPP Plan”) whereby qualifying employees can choose each year to have up to 5% of their annual base earnings withheld to purchase the Company’s common shares in the open market. The Company matches 100% of the employee’s contribution amount after twelve months of employment.

2021 Equity Incentive Plan

On December 15, 2021, our stockholders approved the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”). The 2021 Plan replaced the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2018 Plan”). No new awards will be granted under the 2018 Plan. On March 23, 2023, the board and the majority stockholder approved in an action by a written consent approved the amendment to 2021 Plan to increase the number of shares reserved for awards under the 2021 Plan by 500,000. The amendment became effective on May 16, 2023.

The purpose of the 2021 Plan is to attract and retain directors, consultants, officers and other key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries and to provide to such persons incentives and rewards for superior performance. The 2021 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee and has a term of ten years. All non-employee directors of the Company and employees and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries designated by the Compensation Committee are eligible to participate in the 2021 Plan and to receive awards, including stock options (which may be incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options), stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted shares, restricted share units and other share-based awards.

The maximum number of shares that may be issued or transferred with respect to awards under the 2021 Plan is 2,000,000 shares, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances as described below. Shares issued under the 2021 Plan may include authorized but unissued shares, treasury shares, shares purchased in the open market, or a combination of the foregoing.

Shares underlying awards that are settled in cash or that terminate or are forfeited, cancelled, or surrendered without the issuance of shares generally will again be available for issuance under the 2021 Plan. However, shares used to pay the exercise price of stock options, shares repurchased by the Company with stock option proceeds, and shares used to pay withholding taxes upon exercise, vesting or payment of an award, will not be added back to the share reserve under the 2021 Plan. In addition, when a SAR is exercised and settled in shares, all of the shares underlying the SAR will be counted against the share limit of the 2021 Plan, regardless of the number of shares used to settle the SAR.

Shares subject to awards that are granted in assumption of, or in substitution or exchange for, outstanding awards previously granted by an entity acquired directly or indirectly by the Company will not count against the share limit above, except as may be required by this item is incorporated herein by referencethe rules and regulations of any stock exchange or trading market. The 2021 Plan provides that the aggregate grant date fair value of all awards granted to sectionsany single non-employee director during any single calendar year (determined as of the Proxy Statement forapplicable grant date(s) under applicable financial accounting rules), taken together with any cash fees paid to the Company’s 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or Form 10-K/A, which we expect to file withnon-employee director during the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than April 29, 2022.same calendar year, may not exceed $200,000.

 

Equity Compensation PlansPlan Information

The following table provides informationsets forth, as of December 31, 2021 with respect to2022, the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, under which the Company’snumber of shares of common stock is authorized for issuance, andunderlying awards outstanding under the Company’s2021 Plan, the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, and the Company’s Amended and Restated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (“2014 Plan”), as well as the number of shares remaining available for issuance under which the Company has2021 Plan. No more awards outstanding.may be made under the 2018 Plan or the 2014 Plan.

 

Plan Category Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights(1) Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))(2)  

Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options,

warrants and rights(1)

  

Weighted- average exercise

price of outstanding options,

warrants and rights

  

Number of securities remaining

available for future issuance under

equity compensation plans (excluding

securities reflected in column (a))(2)

 
 (a) (b) (c)  (a) (b) (c) 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders  294,655  $   1,416,671   1,151,107  $   698,070 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders                  
Total  294,655  $   1,416,671   1,151,107  $             –   698,070 

 

(1)1.Includes 3,999 common shares to be issued upon vesting of restricted stock units issued under our Amended and Restated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan; includes 77,32722,738 common shares to be issued upon vesting of restricted stock units and 130,000 common shares to be issued upon vesting of stock options issued under our 2018 Equity Incentive Plan; and includes 83,329approximately 998,369gross common shares (pretax) to be issued upon vesting of restricted stock units issued under our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.
 (2)
2.Represents shares available for future issuance under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.

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Outstanding Equity Awards at 2023 Fiscal Year-End

The following table shows the number of outstanding equity awards that are held by our named executive officers as of December 31, 2023. Mr. Baqar did not hold any equity awards as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

      Option awards 
Name  Number of shares of common stock underlying unexercised options (#) exercisable   

Equity

incentive

plan

awards:

Number

of

securities

underlying

unexercised

unearned

options

(#)

   

Option

exercise

price

($)

   Option Expiration Date 
Larry G. Swets, Jr.  130,000(1)    $3.38   01/11/2031 

(1)The option vests with respect to 20% of the total number of shares covered thereby on each of the first five anniversaries of the grant date, which was January 12, 2021, if Mr. Swets remains in the Company’s continuous service through each applicable vesting date, and the Company’s book value per share has increased by 15% from the previous year.

On January 18, 2021, the Company entered into the “Letter Agreement with Mr. Swets, pursuant to which the Company clarified its intention to grant an additional 370,000 stock options, restricted shares or restricted stock units pursuant to a future award subject to the approval of an amended and/or new equity plan, among other conditions.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

Employment Agreements

The Employment Agreements between the Company and each of Messrs. Swets and Bottjer provide for payments by the Company in connection with a termination of employment.

In the event Messrs. Swets or Bottjer is terminated by the Company without cause, then the Company will pay Messrs. Swets or Bottjer, as applicable, 24 months and 12 months, respectively, of base salary in effect at the time of the termination or the original base salary set forth in the Employment Agreement, whichever is greater, payable by the Company over a 24-month (in the case of Mr. Swets) or 12-month (in the case of Mr. Bottjer) period in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices. If Messrs. Swets or Bottjer is terminated for cause or voluntarily resigns, he will not be entitled to any severance under the Employment Agreement. For purposes of their respective Employment Agreements, “cause” will exist if Messrs. Swets or Bottjer (i) acts dishonestly or engages in willful misconduct, (ii) breaches his fiduciary duties, (iii) intentionally fails to perform duties assigned to him, (iv) is convicted or enters a plea of guilty or nolo contendere with respect to any felony crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude, and/or (v) breaches his obligations under the Employment Agreement. Furthermore, “cause” will exist under Mr. Swets’ employment agreement if Mr. Swets’ refuses to follow the written direction of the Board, unless such directions are, in the reasonable written opinion of legal counsel, illegal or in violation of applicable law.

In connection with Mr. Bottjer’s resignation effective May 26, 2022, the employment agreement which previously existed between the Company and Mr. Bottjer was terminated.

Equity Incentive Plans

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had equity grants outstanding under each of its 2021, 2018 and 2014 Plans. Each of the plans contain certain provisions concerning the vesting and termination of equity awards granted under the plans upon a termination of employment or upon a change in control. The Company’s award agreements entered into under each plan also contain provisions concerning the vesting and termination of the RSUs granted thereunder.

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2021 and 2018 Plans

The 2021 and 2018 Plan each generally provides for “double-trigger” vesting of equity awards in connection with a change in control of the Company, as described below.

To the extent that outstanding awards granted under either Plan are assumed in connection with a change in control, then, except as otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement or in another written agreement with the participant, all outstanding awards will continue to vest and become exercisable (as applicable) based on continued service during the remaining vesting period, with performance-based awards being converted to service-based awards at the “target” level. Vesting and exercisability (as applicable) of awards that are assumed in connection with a change in control generally would be accelerated in full on a “double-trigger” basis, if, within two years after the change in control, the participant’s employment is involuntarily terminated without “cause”, or by the participant for “good reason”. Any stock options or SARs that become vested on a “double-trigger” basis generally would remain exercisable for the full duration of the term of the applicable award.

To the extent outstanding awards granted under either Plan are not assumed in connection with a change in control, then such awards generally would become vested in full on a “single-trigger” basis, effective immediately prior to the change in control, with performance-based awards becoming vested at the “target” level. Any stock options or SARs that become vested on a “single-trigger” basis generally would remain exercisable for the full duration of the term of the applicable award.

The Compensation Committee has discretion to determine whether any outstanding awards granted under each Plan will be assumed by the resulting entity in connection with a change in control, and the Compensation Committee has the authority to make appropriate adjustments in connection with the assumption of any awards. The Compensation Committee also has the right to cancel any outstanding awards in connection with a change in control, in exchange for a payment in cash or other property (including shares of the resulting entity) in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares subject to the award over any exercise price related to the award, including the right to cancel any “underwater” stock options and SARs without payment therefor.

For purposes of the Plans, a “change in control” generally includes (a) the acquisition of 50% or more of the company’s common stock; (b) a reorganization, merger, consolidation or similar transaction, or a sale of substantially all of the Company’s assets; or (c) the complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

Whether a participant’s employment has been terminated for “cause” will be determined by the Company. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement or in an another written agreement with the participant, “cause”, as a reason for termination of a participant’s employment generally includes (a) an intentional act of fraud, embezzlement, theft or any other illegal or unethical act in connection with the performance of the participant’s duties to the Company or a subsidiary that the Company determines, acting in good faith, has materially injured or is highly likely to materially injure the Company, or any other terminable offense under the Company’s policies and practices; (b) intentional damage to the Company’s (or a subsidiary’s) assets; (c) conviction of (or plea of nolo contendere to) any felony or other crime involving moral turpitude; (d) improper, willful and material disclosure or use of the Company’s (or a subsidiary’s) confidential information or other willful material breach of the participant’s duty of loyalty to the Company or a subsidiary; (e) a willful, material violation of the Company’s policies and procedures as set out in its employee handbook or a material violation of the Company’s code of conduct that the Company determines, acting in good faith, has materially injured or is highly likely to materially injure the Company, monetarily or otherwise; or (f) the participant’s willful failure or refusal to follow the lawful and good faith directions of the Company or a subsidiary.

For purposes of the Plans, unless otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement or in an another written agreement with the participant, “good reason” generally includes (a) the assignment to the participant of any duties that are materially inconsistent with the Participant’s duties or responsibilities as assigned by the Company or a subsidiary, or any other action by the Company or a subsidiary that results in a material diminution in of the participant’s duties or responsibilities, unless remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice from the participant; or (b) any material failure by the Company or a subsidiary to comply with its agreed obligations to the participant, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure which is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice from the Participant.

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The award agreements entered into under the 2021 Plan and 2018 Plan also contain provisions concerning the vesting and termination of the awards subject to the agreements. Under the 2018 Plan, except as described above with respect to a change in control, un-exercisable stock options, unless otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, are generally forfeited automatically upon termination of employment prior to a vesting date, unless (i) the Compensation Committee, in its discretion, provides for the full or partial acceleration of vesting and exercisability of the option in connection with the termination, or (ii) the termination is due to the grantee’s death or disability, in which case the unvested options will automatically become vested and exercisable upon termination. The stock options that are exercisable at the time of termination of employment expire (a) twelve months after the termination of employment by reason of death or disability or (b) three months after the termination of employment for other reasons. Upon the termination of a grantee’s employment for cause (as defined under the 2018 Plan), all of the grantee’s vested and unvested options automatically terminate. Under each Plan, with respect to unvested restricted shares and RSUs, unless otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, unvested restricted shares and restricted share units that have not yet vested are generally forfeited automatically in the event of the termination of the grantee’s employment for any reason prior to a vesting date, unless (i) the Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, provides for the full or partial acceleration of vesting of the restricted shares or restricted share units, as applicable, in connection with the termination, or (ii) the termination is due to the grantee’s death or disability, in which case the unvested restricted shares or restricted share units, as applicable, will automatically become vested in full.

The Compensation Committee has discretion to determine the form, amount and timing of each award granted under the 2021 Plan and all other terms and conditions of the award, including, without limitation, the form of the agreement evidencing the award. As such, future awards granted under the 2021 Plan may be subject to additional terms providing for accelerated vesting, pay outs or termination of the award upon a termination of employment or a change in control of the Company.

Director Compensation

Under our director compensation program, we provide compensation to our non-employee directors. Directors who are employees of the Company do not receive compensation for their service as directors. The director compensation program in effect as of July 27, 2021 was adopted to remain competitive in attracting and retaining qualified board members and to better align director compensation to other public companies of comparable size to the Company. The terms of the program were as follows:

Each non-employee director receives an annual retainer of $50,000, paid in quarterly installments;
The Chairman of the Board receives an additional annual cash retainer of $75,000, paid in quarterly installments;
The Chairman of the Reinsurance and Risk Committee receives an additional retainer of $75,000, paid in quarterly installments;
The Chairman of the Audit Committee receives an additional retainer of $15,000, paid in quarterly installments;
The Chairman of the Compensation Committee as well as the Chairman of the Nominating Committee each receives an additional retainer of $5,000, paid in quarterly installments;
Each of the members of the Audit, Compensation, and Nominating Committees (excluding the Chairman of each of those committees), receives an additional retainer of $2,000, paid in quarterly installments;
Each non-employee director receives an annual grant of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) with a value of $50,000; and

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Each non-employee director will receive reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for attending board and committee meetings.

The following table sets forth information with respect to compensation earned by each of our non-employee directors for the year ended December 31, 2023. Mr. Swets, who served as a director for all of 2023, did not receive any compensation for his service as a director, as he concurrently served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. For more information, see “Executive Compensation—Summary Compensation Table.”

Non-Employee Director 

Fees Earned or Paid in

Cash ($)(1)

  

Stock Awards

($)(2)

  Total ($) 
D. Kyle Cerminara  62,500   112,500   175,000 
Rita Hayes  26,000   76,000   102,000 
Richard E. Govignon, Jr.  26,000   76,000   102,000 
E. Gray Payne  31,000   81,000   112,000 
Scott D. Wollney  34,500   84,500   119,000 

1.For the first two quarters of 2023, directors were paid their respective quarterly retainers in cash. In addition to their retainers, directors are reimbursed for travel and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to their attendance at Board or committee meetings, or for other travel on behalf of the Company. These expenses have not been included in the table above.
2.

In addition to the annual grant of restricted stock units with a value of $50,000, directors also received Stock Awards in lieu of cash to satisfy the third and fourth quarter retainer fees.

The aggregate numbers of stock awards and option awards outstanding for each director as of December 31, 2023 were as follows:

Mr. Cerminara – 162,471 RSUs.
Ms. Hayes – 76,883 RSUs.
Mr. Govignon – 68,601 RSUs.
General Payne – 75,805 RSUs.
Mr. Swets – 458,211 RSUs (excludes a stock option granted to Mr. Swets for his service as the Company’s CEO; see “Executive Compensation”).
Mr. Wollney – 75,805 RSUs.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of shares of our common stock as of March 14, 2024, by:

Each person (or group of affiliated persons) known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock;
Each of our directors and named executive officers; and
All of our current directors and executive officers as a group.

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The number and percentages of shares beneficially owned are based on 28,369,066 common shares outstanding as of March 14, 2024. Information with respect to beneficial ownership has been furnished by each director, executive officer and beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and requires that such persons have voting or investment power with respect to the securities. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person listed below and the percentage ownership of such person, shares of common stock underlying warrants, options and RSUs held by each such person that are exercisable or vest within 60 days of March 14, 2024 are deemed outstanding, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Except as otherwise noted below, and subject to applicable community property laws, the persons named have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock shown as beneficially owned by them. Except as otherwise indicated below, the address for each beneficial owner is c/o Fundamental Global Inc., 108 Gateway Blvd., Suite 204, Mooresville, NC 28117.

  Beneficially Owned 
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner 

Number of

Shares

  Percentage of Shares 
5% Beneficial Owners        

Fundamental Global GP, LLC(1)

108 Gateway Blvd., Suite 204, Mooresville, NC 28117

  8,049,136   28.37%
Named Executive Officers and Directors        
D. Kyle Cerminara, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board (1)  8,824,316   31.02%
Larry G. Swets, Jr. Head of Merchant Banking  471,359   1.66%
Mark D. Roberson, Chief Financial Officer  225,613   * 
Michael C. Mitchell, Director  286,095   * 
Ndamukong Suh, Director  112,279   * 
Robert J. Roschman, Director  174,693   * 
Rita Hayes, Director  40,270   * 
Scott D. Wollney, Director  47,626   * 
Richard E. Govignon, Jr., Director  22,036   * 
Current Executive Officers and Directors as a Group (8 individuals)  10,204,287   35.97%

* Less than 1.0%

1.Fundamental Global GP, LLC (referred to herein as “FGG”) shares voting and dispositive power with respect to 8,049,136 shares of common stock. Mr. Cerminara is Chief Executive Officer of FGG. Due to his positions with FGG and affiliated entities, Mr. Cerminara may be deemed to be beneficial owner of the shares of the FGF common stock disclosed as directly owned by FGG. The business address for Mr. Cerminara is 108 Gateway Blvd., Suite 204, Mooresville, North Carolina 28117.

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Equity Compensation Plans

The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 2023, the number of shares of common stock underlying awards outstanding under the Amended 2021 Plan and the 2018 Plan, as well as the number of shares remaining available for issuance under the amended 2021 Plan. No more awards may be made under the 2018 Plan or the 2014 Plan.

Plan Category 

Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options,

warrants and rights(1)

  

Weighted- average exercise

price of outstanding options,

warrants and rights

  

Number of securities remaining

available for future issuance under

equity compensation plans (excluding

securities reflected in column (a))(2)

 
  (a)  (b)  (c) 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders  1,151,107  $   698,070 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders         
Total  1,151,107  $         –   698,070 

1.Includes 22,738 common shares to be issued upon vesting of restricted stock units and 130,000 common shares to be issued upon vesting of stock options issued under our 2018 Plan; and includes approximately 998,369gross common shares (pretax) to be issued upon vesting of restricted stock units issued under our 2021 Plan.
2.Represents shares available for future issuance under the 2021 Plan.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

It is the responsibility of the Audit Committee or, on a case-by-case basis, another Board committee constituted solely by independent directors, to review and oversee proposed transactions with “related persons” as defined in Item 404(a) of the SEC’s Regulation S-K. These include transactions and series of similar transactions to which we were a party or will be a party, in which

the amounts involved exceeded or will exceed lessor of $120,000 or one percent of the average of our total assets at year end for the last two completed fiscal years; and
any of our directors, director nominees, executive officers or beneficial owners of more than 5% of any class of our voting stock, or any immediate family members thereof, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

Below is a summary of our related party transactions between January 1, 2022 and March 14, 2024.

Joint Venture Agreement

On March 31, 2020, the Company and FG entered into the limited liability company agreement with Fundamental Global Asset Management, LLC (“FGAM”), a joint venture owned 50% by each party. The purpose of FGAM is to sponsor, capitalize and provide strategic advice to investment managers in connection with the launch and/or growth of their asset management business and the investment products they sponsor.

FGAM is governed by a Board of Managers consisting of four managers, two of which are appointed by each Member. The Company has appointed two of its independent directors to the FGAM Board of Managers. Certain major actions, including any decision to sponsor a new investment manager, require the prior consent of both Members.

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FG Special Situations Fund

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to sectionsCompany participated as a limited partner in the Fund. The general partner of the Proxy StatementFund, and the investment advisor of the Fund, was ultimately controlled by Mr. Cerminara, the Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors. Portions of the Company’s investment into the Fund were used to sponsor the launch of SPACs affiliated with certain of our officers and directors.

The Fund began the process of winding down in the first quarter of 2023 and completed the process in the second quarter of 2023. As a result of the winddown, the Company now holds direct limited partner interests in FGAC Investors LLC, FG Merger Investors LLC, and Greenfirst Forest Products Holdings, LLC. Mr. Cerminara, Mr. Swets and Mr. Baqar, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, serve as managers of FGAC Investors LLC and FG Merger Investors LLC, while Mr. Cerminara ultimately controls Greenfirst Forest Products Holdings, LLC.

FG Merchant Partners

FGMP was formed to co-sponsor newly formed SPACs with their founders or partners. The Company holds a limited partner interest in FGMP. Certain of our directors and officers also hold limited partner interests in FGMP. Mr. Swets holds a limited partner interest through Itasca Financial LLC, an advisory and investment firm for which Mr. Swets is managing member. Mr. Baqar also holds a limited partner interest through Sequoia Financial LLC, an advisory firm for which Mr. Baqar is managing member. Mr. Cerminara also holds a limited partner interest through Fundamental Global, LLC, a holding company for which Mr. Cerminara is the manager and one of the members.

FGMP has invested in the founder shares and warrants of Aldel, FG Merger Corp, FG Acquisition Corp, FGC and Craveworthy. Certain of our directors and officers are affiliated with some of these entities.

FG Communities, Inc.

In October of 2022, the Company invested $2.0 million into FGC. The Company also holds an interest through its ownership in FGMP. FGC is a self-managed real estate company focused on a growing portfolio of manufactured housing communities which are owned and operated by FGC. Mr. Cerminara is the President and a director of FGC.

Craveworthy

On March 16, 2023, the Company invested $200,000 in a senior unsecured loan to Craveworthy. Mr. Swets has an indirect interest in Craveworthy, independent from the interests held by the Company through its ownership in FGMP.

Shared Services Agreement

On March 31, 2020, the Company entered into a Shared Services Agreement (the “Shared Services Agreement”) with Fundamental Global Management, LLC (“FGM”), an affiliate of FG, pursuant to which 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 $456,000 per quarter (the “Shared Services Fee”), 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 Shared Services Agreement has an initial term of three years, and thereafter renews automatically for successive one-year terms unless terminated in accordance with its terms. The Shared Services Agreement may be terminated by FGM or by the Company, by a vote of the Company’s independent directors, at the end of the initial or automatic renewal term upon 120 days’ notice, subject to payment by the Company of certain costs incurred by FGM to wind down the provision of services and, in the case of a termination by the Company without cause, payment of a termination fee equal to the Shared Services Fee paid for the Company’stwo quarters preceding termination.

In the third quarter of 2022, Annual Meetingthe Shared Services Agreement was amended to eliminate termination fees and to increase the termination notice from 120 days to 365 days. The Company paid $1,825,000 to FGM under the Shared Services Agreement for each of Stockholdersthe twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

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Other Transactions

We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. These agreements provide that we will, among other things, indemnify and advance expenses to our directors and executive officers for certain expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, and settlement amounts incurred by any such person in any action or Form 10-K/proceeding, including any action by us arising out of such person’s services as our director or executive officer, or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at our request. We believe that these agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and executive officers.

As discussed above, FG, together with its affiliates, is the largest stockholder of the Company. Mr. Cerminara, Chairman of our Board, is Chief Executive Officer, Partner, and Manager of FG. The partnerships managed by FG, including the partnerships that directly own shares of our common stock and Series A whichPreferred Stock, have agreed to indemnify FG, the principals of FG, including Mr. Cerminara, or any other person designated by FG for claims arising from Mr. Cerminara’s service on our Board, provided that a partnership’s indemnity obligations are secondary to any obligations we expectmay have with respect to file withMr. Cerminara’s service on our Board.

Director Independence

The Board has determined that four of its members were considered “independent directors” during 2023, as defined under the applicable rules of Nasdaq and the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than April 29, 2022.(the “SEC”). The four independent directors that served the board were Rita Hayes, E. Gray Payne, Scott D. Wollney and Richard E. Govignon, Jr. In making its determination of independence, the Board of Directors considered questionnaires completed by directors and any relationships and transactions between the Company and all entities with which the directors are involved. Nasdaq’s listing rules require that the Board of Directors be comprised of a majority of independent directors.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information requiredconsolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 have been audited by this item is incorporated herein by reference to sectionsBDO, our independent registered public accounting firm. Our Audit Committee requires that management obtain the prior approval of the Proxy StatementAudit Committee for all audit and permissible non-audit services to be provided by BDO. Fees for all services provided by BDO were pre-approved by the Company’s 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or Form 10-K/A, whichAudit Committee. The following table shows the fees that we expect to file with the Securitiesincurred for professional services rendered by BDO for 2023 and Exchange Commission no later than April 29, 2022.

 

  Year ended December 31, 
  2023  2022 
Audit fees(1) $350,881  $313,832 
Audit-related fees      
Tax fees      
All other fees  ––    
Total $350,881  $313,832 

1.Includes professional fees billed for the audits of our annual financial statements and the review of our interim condensed financial statements, including the reimbursement of expenses incurred by BDO related to our audit. Also includes professional services normally provided by BDO in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

5677

 

FG FINANCIAL GROUP,FUNDAMENTAL GLOBAL INC.

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

The following documents are filed as part of this report

 

 (a)Financial Statements – The following consolidated financial statements of the Company and the reports of independent audit thereon are filed with this report:

 

 i.Independent Auditor’s Report
 ii.Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20212023 and 20202022
 iii.Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 20212023 and 20202022
 iv.Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years ended December 31, 20212023 and 20202022
 v.Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years ended December 31, 20212023 and 20202022
 vi.Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years ended December 31, 20212023 and 20202022

 

 (b)Financial Statement Schedules – Not applicable.Schedules other than those listed above are omitted for the reason that they are not applicable, or the information is otherwise contained in the Financial Statements.
 (c)Exhibits - the exhibits listed below are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this report.

    Incorporated by Reference to:
Exhibit No. Description Document Exh. No.
3.1 Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as corrected and amended [2] 3.1
3.2 Certificate of Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation [3] 3.1
3.3 Fourth Amended and Restated By-Laws [1] 3.2
4.1 Form of Common Stock certificate [4] 4.1
4.2 Common Stock Purchase Warrant [5] 4.2
4.3 Form of Global Certificate of Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A [6] 4.4
4.4 Description of securities [7] 4.4
10.1Amended and Restated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan [8] App. A
10.22018 Equity Incentive Plan [9] 10.1
10.32021 Equity Incentive Plan [3] 10.1
10.4Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement [4] 10.6
10.5Equity Award Letter Agreement between registrant and Larry Swets [10] 10.1
10.6Stock Option Agreement between registrant and Larry Swets [11] 10.5
10.7Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for executive officers under 2014 Equity Incentive Plan [13] 10.2
10.8Form of Executive Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Share-Matching Program under 2014 Equity Incentive Plan [15] 10.1
10.9Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Share-Matching Program under 2014 Equity Incentive Plan [15] 10.2
10.10Form of Stock Option Agreement under 2018 Equity Incentive Plan [9] 10.2
10.11Form of Restricted Share Agreement under 2018 Equity Incentive Plan [12] 10.3
10.12Form of Restricted Share Unit Agreement under 2018 Equity Incentive Plan [12] 10.4
10.13Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Share Unit Agreement under 2018 Equity Incentive Plan [14] 10.3
10.14Form of Executive Stock Grant Agreement under 2018 Equity Incentive Plan [16] 10.1
10.15*†Form of Executive Restricted Share Unit Agreement for Share-Matching Grants under 2018 Equity Incentive Plan [16] 10.2
10.16 *†Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Share Unit Agreement under 2021 Equity Incentive Plan    
10.17 Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 2, 2019, between FedNat Holding Company and registrant [17] 10.1
10.18 Standstill Agreement, dated December 2, 2019, between FedNat Holding Company and registrant [19] 10.2
10.19 Reinsurance Capacity Right of First Refusal Agreement, dated December 2, 2019, by and between FedNat Holding Company and registrant [17] 10.3

Exhibit   Incorporated by Reference to:
No. Description Document Exh. No.
3.1 Certificate of Merger, as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on December 7, 2022 [2] 3.1
3.2 Articles of Merger, as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada on December 7, 2022 [2] 3.2
3.3 Articles of Incorporation, as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada [2] 3.3
3.4 Certificate of Correction, dated October 11, 2022, to the Certificate of Amendment of the Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of FG Financial Group, Inc. [7] 3.1
3.4 By-Laws [2] 3.4
4.1 Form of Common Stock certificate [4] 4.1
4.2 Common Stock Purchase Warrant [5] 4.2
4.3 Form of Global Certificate of Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A [6] 4.4
4.4 Description of securities [3] 4.4
10.1Amended and Restated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan [8] 10.1
10.22018 Equity Incentive Plan [9] 10.1
10.32021 Equity Incentive Plan [3] 10.1
10.4Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement [4] 10.6
10.5Equity Award Letter Agreement between registrant and Larry Swets [10] 10.1
10.6Stock Option Agreement between registrant and Larry Swets [11] 10.5
10.7Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for executive officers under 2014 Equity Incentive Plan [13] 10.2
10.8Form of Executive Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Share-Matching Program under 2014 Equity Incentive Plan [15] 10.1
10.9Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Share-Matching Program under 2014 Equity Incentive Plan [15] 10.2
10.10Form of Stock Option Agreement under 2018 Equity Incentive Plan [9] 10.2
10.11Form of Restricted Share Agreement under 2018 Equity Incentive Plan [12] 10.3
10.12Form of Restricted Share Unit Agreement under 2018 Equity Incentive Plan [12] 10.4
10.13Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Share Unit Agreement under 2018 Equity Incentive Plan [14] 10.3
10.14Form of Executive Stock Grant Agreement under 2018 Equity Incentive Plan [16] 10.1
10.15*†Form of Executive Restricted Share Unit Agreement for Share-Matching Grants under 2018 Equity Incentive Plan [16] 10.2
10.16*†Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Share Unit Agreement under 2021 Equity Incentive Plan [25] 10.16
10.17 Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 2, 2019, between FedNat Holding Company and registrant [17] 10.1
10.18 Standstill Agreement, dated December 2, 2019, between FedNat Holding Company and registrant [19] 10.2
10.19 Reinsurance Capacity Right of First Refusal Agreement, dated December 2, 2019, by and between FedNat Holding Company and registrant [17] 10.3

 

5778

 

 

FG FINANCIAL GROUP,FUNDAMENTAL GLOBAL INC.

 

10.20Investment Advisory Agreement, dated December 2, 2019, between FedNat Holding Company and registrant [17] 10.4Investment Advisory Agreement, dated December 2, 2019, between FedNat Holding Company and registrant [17] 10.4
10.21Employment Agreement, dated December 2, 2019, between Brian D. Bottjer and registrant [21] 10.3Employment Agreement, dated December 2, 2019, between Brian D. Bottjer and registrant [21] 10.3
10.22Employment Agreement, dated November 10, 2020, between Larry G. Swets, Jr. and registrant [18] 10.1Employment Agreement, dated November 10, 2020, between Larry G. Swets, Jr. and registrant [18] 10.1
10.23 Shared Services Agreement, dated March 31, 2020, between Fundamental Global Management, LLC and registrant [19] 10.1 Amended and Restated Limited Liability Agreement of Fundamental Global Asset Management, LLC dated August 6, 2021 [22] 10.1
10.24 Amended and Restated Limited Liability Agreement of Fundamental Global Asset Management, LLC dated August 6, 2021 [22] 10.1Second Amended and Restated Management Services Agreement, dated August 11, 2021, between Sequoia Financial LLC and registrant [22] 10.2
10.25Second Amended and Restated Management Services Agreement, dated August 11, 2021, between Sequoia Financial LLC and registrant [22] 10.2 Shared Services Agreement, dated August 11, 2022, between Fundamental Global Management, LLC and registrant [23] 10.1
10.26 Underwriting Agreement, dated October 25, 2021, by and between FG Financial Group, Inc. and ThinkEquity LLC [23] 1.1 Amendment No. 1 to FG Financial Group, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan [24] 10.1
10.27 Underwriting Agreement, dated May 18, 2021, by and between FG Financial Group, Inc. and ThinkEquity, a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc. [24] 1.1 FG Financial Group, Inc. 2023 Employee Share Purchase Plan [24] 10.2
21.1*Registrant’s subsidiaries    *Registrant’s subsidiaries    
23.1*Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.    *Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.    
24.1*Power of Attorney (included on signature page).    *Power of Attorney (included on signature page).    
31.1*Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act.    *Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act.    
31.2*Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act.    *Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act.    
32.1**Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.    **Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.    
32.2**Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.    **Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.    
97*FG Financial Group, Inc. Clawback Policy    
101.INS*Inline XBRL Instance Document.    *Inline XBRL Instance Document.    
101.SCH*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.    *Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.    
101.CAL*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.    *Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.    
101.DEF*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.    *Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.    
101.LAB*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.    *Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.    
101.PRE*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.    *Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.    

* Filed herewith.

** Furnished herewith.

† Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

 

[1] Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 17, 2020

[2] Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 21, 2021December 9, 2022

[3] Registrant’s CurrentAnnual Report on Form 8-K10K for year ended December 31, 2022, filed December 17, 2021March 24, 2023

[4] Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A1 (Reg. no. 333-193314), filed January 30, 2014

[5] Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 27, 2015

[6] Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A1 (Reg. no. 333-222470), filed February 5, 2018

[7] Registrant’s AnnualCurrent Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2019,8-K filed March 30, 2020October 12, 2022

[8] Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed April 30, 2015

[9] Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 1, 2018

[10] Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 19, 2021

[11] Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2020, filed March 18, 2021

[12] Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 1, 2018

[13] Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 2, 2015

[14] Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended September 30, 2018, filed November 13, 2018

[15] Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 19, 2017

[16] Registrant’s Current on Report on Form 8-K filed August 28, 2018

[17] Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 2, 2019

[18] Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 16, 2020

[19] Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 6, 2020

[20] Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed April 30, 2015

[21] Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 2, 2019

[22] Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2021, filed August 16, 2021

[23] Registrant’s CurrentQuarterly Report on Form 8-K10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2022, filed October 26, 2021August 11, 2022

[24] Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 19,17, 2023

[25] Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2021, filed March 30, 2022

 

ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY

 

None.

5879

 

FG FINANCIAL GROUP,FUNDAMENTAL GLOBAL INC.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 FUNDAMENTAL GLOBAL INC.
 FG FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
Date:

March 30, 2022

14, 2024
By: /s/ Larry G. Swets, Jr.D. Kyle Cerminara
 Name:Larry G. Swets, Jr.D. Kyle Cerminara
 Title:Principal Executive Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints BrianMark D. Bottjer,Roberson, the true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent of the undersigned, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in the name, place and stead of the undersigned, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and hereby grants to such attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully as to all intents and purposes as each of the undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or their or his substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

/s/ Larry G. Swets, Jr.D. Kyle Cerminara President, Chief Executive Officer and DirectorChairman of the Board  
Larry G. Swets, Jr.D. Kyle Cerminara (Principal Executive Officer) March 30, 202214, 2024
     
/s/ BrianMark D. BottjerRoberson Senior Vice President, Secretary, and Chief AccountingFinancial OfficerMarch 14, 2024
Mark D. Roberson  
Brian D. Bottjer (Principal Financial Officer)March 30, 2022
     
/s/ Hassan R. BaqarExecutive Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerMarch 30, 2022
Hassan R. Baqar
/s/ D. Kyle CerminaraRichard E. Govignon    
D. Kyle CerminaraRichard E. Govignon Director Chairman of the Board March 30, 202214, 2024
     
/s/ Rita Hayes  
Rita Hayes Director March 30, 202214, 2024
     
/s/ E. Gray PayneMichael C. Mitchell    
E. Gray PayneMichael C. Mitchell Director March 30, 202214, 2024
     
/s/ Robert J. Roschman
Robert J. RoschmanDirectorMarch 14, 2024
/s/ Ndamukong Suh
Ndamukong SuhDirectorMarch 14, 2024
/s/ Scott D. Wollney    
Scott D. Wollney 

Director

 March 30, 2022
/s/ Richard Govignon
Richard GovignonDirectorMarch 30, 202214, 2024

 

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