| ● | On April 30, 2023, Midwest Holding Inc. entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with affiliates of Antarctica Capital, LLC, whereby an affiliate of Antarctica will acquire Midwest in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $100 million. |
Georgette Nicholas, CEO of Midwest noted, "We are excited about the execution and progress of the business. The results for the quarter reflect the continued focus on distribution, pricing, products, investment management, and reinsurance to position the Company for further growth. "
Q1 2023 versus Q1 2022 on a GAAP basis
Midwest reported net income of $3.8 million for Q1 2023; this compares with $0.2 million in the first quarter of the prior year. On a diluted, per-share basis, this quarter’s net income was $1.01 compared with $0.05 reported in Q1 2022.
Investment income rose in the first quarter of 2023 to $19.2 million from $6.2 million in the same period for the prior year. Driving the change was an increase in invested assets as well as performance on those assets, benefiting from sourcing investments with a higher yield.
Amortization of deferred gain on reinsurance reached $1.6 million this quarter compared with $1.0 million in Q1 2022. This was due to growth in the deferred gain on co-insurance on the balance sheet to $40.0 million compared to $38.1 million a year ago, which reflects ceding commission received on reinsurance with third parties.
Service fee revenue was at $0.7 million in Q1 2023 although down from $1.1 million in Q1 2022, as the prior period included a performance fee received on the payoff of a mortgage. Service fee revenue consists of fee revenue generated by our wholly owned asset manager, 1505 Capital LLC, for asset management services provided to third-party clients.
Policy administration fee revenue for the quarter was $0.6 million versus $0.3 million in the same period in 2022. Policy administration fee revenue is generated by providing ancillary services, such as policy administration, to third parties as well as collecting policy surrender charges. The increase was correlated with the growth in policies written and ceded to reinsurance partners.
Our expenses were $29.8 million in the first quarter of 2023 compared with $(3.3) million in the first quarter of the prior year. Contributing to the increase was interest credited expense, compared to negative interest credited in the prior period, as well as mark-to-market expense which is included in other operating expenses. Total expenses have increased from variable costs associated with increased premiums written related to technology, distribution, product fees, and premium taxes along with expenses related to state expansion and capital initiatives. Salaries and benefits increased with the addition, repositioning, and retention of personnel to support growth and manage a tighter labor market.
Guidance