INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                             

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

__________________________________________


FORM 10-Q


[X]

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010.


[   ]

Transition Report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

For the transition period from: ________ to _________  


Commission File Number: 0-10306


INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware

 

58-1407235

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


96 CUMMINGS POINT ROAD, STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT                      06902

                                  (Address of principal executive offices)                                              (Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (203) 358-8000


NOT APPLICABLE

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.


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   [X]   No [  ]


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).   Yes   [  ]   No [  ]


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


Large Accelerated Filer [    ]

Accelerated Filer   [     ]

Non-Accelerated Filer   [X ]

Smaller Reporting Company   [     ]


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


Class

Outstanding at May 14, 2010

Common stock, $ 1.00  par value

15,275,155 Shares






INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY


INDEX



PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

PAGE

 

 

NO.

 

 

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets -

 

 

 

March 31, 2010 (unaudited) and December 31, 2009

4

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations -

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (unaudited)

5

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity -

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 (unaudited)

6

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (unaudited)

7

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

8

 

 

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition

 

 

 

and Results of Operations

29

 

 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

41

 

 

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

42

 

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

42

 

 

 

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

42

 

 

 

 

Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

42

 

 

 

 

Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities

43

 

 

 

 

Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

43

 

 

 

 

Item 5.    Other Information

43

 

 

 

Item 6.    Exhibits

43

 

 

 

Signatures

44

 

 

 

 


Copies of the Company’s SEC filings can be found on its website at www.ihcgroup.com.



2



Forward-Looking Statements


This report on Form 10−Q contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by those laws. We have based our forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. Our forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of our operations. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included or incorporated by reference in this report that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future, including such things as the growth of our business and operations, our business strategy, competitive strengths, goals, plans, future capital expenditures and references to future successes may be considered forward-looking statements. Also, when we use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “probably” or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements.


Numerous risks and uncertainties may impact the matters addressed by our forward-looking statements, any of which could negatively and materially affect our future financial results and performance.  We describe some of these risks and uncertainties in greater detail in Item 1A, Risk Factors, of IHC’s annual report on Form 10-K as filed with Securities and Exchange Commission.


Although we believe that the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of these assumptions, and, therefore, also the forward-looking statements based on these assumptions, could themselves prove to be inaccurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements that are included in this report, our inclusion of this information is not a representation by us or any other person that our objectives and plans will be achieved. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and we will not update these forward-looking statements unless the securities laws require us to do so. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, any forward-looking event discussed in this report may not occur.




3


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Financial Statements

    

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)


 

 

 

March  31, 2010

 

 

December 31, 2009

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments

 

$

53

 

$

52 

 

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

 

 

22,205

 

 

42,708 

 

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale

 

 

753,372

 

 

689,863 

 

Equity securities, available-for-sale

 

 

55,107

 

 

60,815 

 

Other investments

 

 

37,695

 

 

37,643 

 

Total investments

 

 

868,432

 

 

831,081 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

11,917

 

 

7,394 

 

Due from securities brokers

 

 

27,768

 

 

5,579 

 

Investment in American Independence Corp. ("AMIC")

 

 

-

 

 

19,234 

 

Deferred acquisition costs

 

 

42,566

 

 

44,244 

 

Due and unpaid premiums

 

 

52,111

 

 

48,731 

 

Due from reinsurers

 

 

174,488

 

 

184,583 

 

Premium and claim funds

 

 

38,469

 

 

43,663 

 

Notes and other receivables

 

 

18,232

 

 

13,528 

 

Goodwill

 

 

51,783

 

 

48,859 

 

Other assets

 

 

69,790

 

 

57,580 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

1,355,556

 

$

1,304,476 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance reserves-health

 

$

194,169

 

$

184,146 

 

Insurance reserves-life and annuity

 

 

275,280

 

 

270,987 

 

Funds on deposit

 

 

411,603

 

 

408,298 

 

Unearned premiums

 

 

13,019

 

 

13,217 

 

Policy claims-health

 

 

19,057

 

 

18,655 

 

Policy claims-life

 

 

12,124

 

 

11,392 

 

Other policyholders' funds

 

 

20,313

 

 

20,517 

 

Due to securities brokers

 

 

4,981

 

 

8,187 

 

Due to reinsurers

 

 

36,056

 

 

45,516 

 

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

 

 

69,519

 

 

71,362 

 

Liabilities related to discontinued operations

 

 

1,360

 

 

1,546 

 

Debt

 

 

9,000

 

 

9,000 

 

Junior subordinated debt securities

 

 

38,146

 

 

38,146 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

 

1,104,627

 

 

1,100,969 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

IHC STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock (none issued)

 

 

-

 

 

 

Common stock $1.00 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,468,551 and 15,459,720 shares issued;  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,279,096 and 15,426,965 shares outstanding

 

 

15,469

 

 

15,460 

 

Paid-in capital

 

 

100,498

 

 

100,447 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(2,564)

 

 

(7,104)

 

Treasury stock, at cost 189,455 and  32,755 shares

 

 

(1,581)

 

 

(326)

 

Retained earnings

 

 

110,524

 

 

94,490 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL IHC STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

222,346

 

 

202,967 

NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

28,583

 

 

540 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL EQUITY

 

 

250,929

 

 

203,507 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

$

1,355,556

 

$

1,304,476 


See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



4



INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2010

 

2009

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned:

 

 

 

 

 

Health

$

61,842 

$

66,638 

 

Life and annuity

 

9,042 

 

9,795 

 

Net investment income

 

9,371 

 

10,719 

 

Fee income

 

7,560 

 

8,459 

 

Net realized investment gains

 

349 

 

1,665 

 

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

 

(1,626)

 

(271)

 

Equity income from AMIC

 

280 

 

693 

 

Gain on bargain purchase of AMIC

 

27,830 

 

 

Other income

 

1,702 

 

1,097 

 

 

116,350 

 

98,795 

EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance benefits, claims and reserves:

 

 

 

 

 

Health

 

43,563

 

43,796

 

Life and annuity

 

13,265

 

12,400

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

31,435

 

36,478

 

Amortization of deferred acquisitions costs

 

1,318

 

1,050

 

Interest expense on debt

 

471

 

770

 

 

90,052

 

94,494

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

26,298

 

4,301

 

Income taxes

 

9,921

 

952

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

16,377 

 

3,349

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

(127)

 

(237)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

16,250 

 

3,112 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Income) loss from noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

 

(216)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO IHC

$

16,034 

$

3,119 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic income (loss) per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

$

1.06 

$

.22 

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

(.01)

 

(.02)

 

Basic income per common share

$

1.05 

$

.20 

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING

 

15,341 

 

15,408 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted income (loss) per common share

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

$

1.05 

$

.22 

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

(.01)

 

(.02)

 

Diluted income per common share

$

1.04 

$

.20 

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE DILUTED SHARES OUTSTANDING

 

15,345 

 

15,411 


See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



5



INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Unaudited)

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2010 (In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCUMULATED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NON-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER

 

TREASURY

 

 

 

TOTAL IHC

 

CONTROLLING

 

 

 

 

COMMON

 

PAID-IN

 

COMPREHENSIVE

 

STOCK,

 

RETAINED

 

STOCKHOLDERS'

 

INTERESTS IN

 

TOTAL

 

 

STOCK

 

CAPITAL

 

INCOME (LOSS)

 

AT COST

 

EARNINGS

 

EQUITY

 

SUBSIDIARIES

 

EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE AT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DECEMBER 31, 2009

$

15,460

$

100,447

$

(7,104)

$

(326)

$

94,490

$

202,967

$

540

$

203,507

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16,034

 

16,034

 

216

 

16,250

Net change in unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

 

4,424

 

 

 

 

 

4,424

 

-

 

4,424

 

Total comprehensive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,458

 

216

 

20,674

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase of common stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,255)

 

 

 

(1,255)

 

-

 

(1,255)

Acquisition of MedWatch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

480

 

480

Acquisition of HBA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

480

 

480

Acquisition of American

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Independence Corp.

 

 

 

(121)

 

116

 

 

 

 

 

(5)

 

26,960

 

26,955

Share-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

expenses and related

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

tax benefits

 

9

 

166

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

175

 

-

 

175

Other capital transactions

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

(93)

 

(87)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE AT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MARCH  31, 2010

$

15,469

$

100,498

$

(2,564)

$

(1,581)

$

110,524

$

222,346

$

28,583

$

250,929

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 








See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



6




INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 (In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2010

 

 

2009

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED BY) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

16,250


$

3,112 

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net change in cash from

 

 


 

 

 

 operating  activities:

 

 


 

 

 

Gain on bargain purchase of AMIC

 

(27,830)


 

-

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

127


 

237 

 

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

 

1,318


 

1,050 

 

Net realized investment gains

 

(349)


 

(1,665)

 

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

 

1,626


 

271

 

Equity income from AMIC and other equity method investments

 

(379)


 

(844)

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,164


 

1,306 

 

Share-based compensation expenses

 

179


 

267 

 

Deferred tax (benefit) expense

 

11,894


 

(568)

 

Other

 

110


 

150 

  Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 


 

 

 

Change in insurance liabilities

 

(13,878)


 

(7,618)

 

Additions to deferred acquisition costs, net

 

(1,021)


 

(981)

 

Change in net amounts due from and to reinsurers

 

9,243


 

925 

 

Change in premium and claim funds

 

9,540


 

5,346 

 

Change in current income tax liability

 

(2,464)


 

1,582 

 

Change in due and unpaid premiums

 

6,422


 

2,569 

 

Change in other assets

 

282


 

962 

 

Change in other liabilities

 

(13,292)


 

(2,414)

 

Net change in cash from operating activities of continuing operations

 

(1,058)


 

3,687 

 

Net change in cash from operating activities of discontinued operations

 

(408)


 

(751)

 

 

 


 

 

 

Net change in cash from operating activities

 

(1,466)


 

2,936 

 

 

 


 

 

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED BY) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 


 

 

 

Change in net amount due from and to securities brokers

 

(25,744)


 

(17,154)

 

Net purchases of short-term investments

 

-


 

(1)

 

Net sales of securities under resale and repurchase agreements

 

21,806


 

31,629 

 

Sales of equity securities

 

18,115


 

-

 

Purchases of equity securities

 

(6,530)


 

-

 

Sales of fixed maturities

 

147,571


 

105,199 

 

Maturities and other repayments of fixed maturities

 

29,891


 

36,492 

 

Purchases of fixed maturities

 

(183,739)


 

(157,420)

 

Additional investments in other investments, net of distributions

 

293


 

472 

 

Cash acquired in acquisition of AMIC, net of cash paid

 

4,562


 

-

 

Cash paid in acquisitions of companies, net of cash acquired

 

(3,469)


 

(275)

 

Cash received in acquisition of policy blocks

 

1,194


 

-

 

Change in notes and other receivables

 

1,134


 

(1,270)

 

Other

 

(402)


 

(844)

 

 

 


 

 

 

Net change in cash from investing activities

 

4,682


 

(3,172)

 

 

 


 

 

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED BY)  FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 


 

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

 

-


 

 

Repurchases of common stock

 

(1,254)


 

-

 

Excess tax expense from exercises of stock options and

 

 


 

 

 

 

vesting of restricted stock

 

(8)


 

(64)

 

Proceeds  of investment-type insurance contracts

 

2,955


 

824 

 

Dividends paid

 

(386)


 

(386)

 

Net change in cash from financing activities

 

1,307


 

375 

 

 

 


 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

4,523


 

139 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

 

7,394


 

7,767 

 

 

 


 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

11,917


$

7,906 


See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



7


INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)


Note 1.  

Significant Accounting Policies and Practices


(A)

Business and Organization


Independence Holding Company, a Delaware corporation ("IHC"), is a holding company principally engaged in the life and health insurance business through: (i) its wholly owned insurance companies, Standard Security Life Insurance Company of New York ("Standard Security Life") and Madison National Life Insurance Company, Inc. ("Madison National Life"); (ii) its majority owned insurance company, Independence American Insurance Company (“Independence American”); and (iii) its marketing and administrative companies, including IHC Administrative Services, Inc., managing general underwriters ("MGUs") in which it owns a significant voting interest, IHC Health Solutions, Inc. (“IHC Health Solutions”), and Actuarial Management Corporation (“AMC”).  These companies are sometimes collectively referred to as the "Insurance Group," and IHC and its subsidiaries (including the Insurance Group) are sometimes collectively referred to as the "Company." IHC also owns a 50.1% interest in American Independence Corp. (AMIC).

 

Geneve Corporation, a diversified financial holding company, and its affiliated entities held approximately 53% of IHC's outstanding common stock at March 31, 2010.


(B)

Basis of Presentation


The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and, therefore, do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of IHC and its consolidated subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect:  (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities; (ii) the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements; and (iii) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. IHC’s annual report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


IHC acquired a controlling interest in AMIC on March 5, 2010. Prior to obtaining control, IHC recorded its investment in AMIC using the equity method.  IHC recorded changes in its investment in AMIC in the “Equity income from AMIC” line in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.  Upon achieving control, on March 5, 2010, AMIC’s income and expense amounts became consolidated with IHC’s results.  The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2010 includes the consolidated balance sheet of AMIC.


In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) that are necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position and results of operations for the interim periods have been included. The condensed consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be anticipated for the entire year.




8


(C)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements


Recently Adopted Accounting Standards


In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued standards requiring new disclosures regarding (i) transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and (ii) activity in Level 3 fair value measurements.  This guidance also clarifies existing disclosures regarding (i) the level of asset and liability disaggregation and (ii) fair value measurement inputs and valuation techniques.  The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the requirement to provide Level 3 activity of purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements on a gross basis, which will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010; early adoption is permitted.  The adoption of this guidance, effective January 1, 2010, did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.


In June 2009, the FASB issued standards which among other things, amends former guidance on the consolidation of variable interest entities. The standards (i) require an entity to perform an analysis to determine whether an entity's variable interest or interests give it a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity; (ii) require ongoing reassessments of whether an entity is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity and eliminate the quantitative approach previously required for determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity; (iii) amend previous guidance for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity; and (iv) require enhanced disclosure that will provide users of financial statements with more transparent information about an entity's involvement in a variable interest entity. In December 2009, these standards were added to the Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”). The adoption of this guidance, effective January 1, 2010, did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.


In June 2009, the FASB issued standards to revise previous authoritative guidance related to accounting for transfers of financial assets, and will require more disclosures about transfers of financial assets, including securitization transactions, and where entities have continuing exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets. In December 2009, these standards were added to the Codification. Among other things, the guidance eliminates the concept of a "qualifying special-purpose entity", changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets and enhances information reported to users of financial statements by providing greater transparency about transfers of financial assets and an entity's continuing involvement in transferred financial assets.  The guidance was effective for the first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter with earlier application prohibited.  The recognition and measurement provisions shall be applied to transfers that occur on or after the effective date. The adoption of this guidance, effective January 1, 2010, did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.


Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted


In April 2010, the FASB issued guidance on the accounting effect, if any, that arises from the different signing dates between the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, which is a reconciliation bill that amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.  This guidance is applicable for registrants with a period end that falls between the signing dates for which the timing difference could have an accounting impact. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.


(D)

 Reclassifications


Certain amounts in prior years' Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto have been reclassified to conform to the 2010 presentation.




9


(E)

Subsequent Events


Subsequent events are events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. The Company has evaluated all such events occurring subsequent to the balance sheet date herein of March 31, 2010. The effects of all subsequent events that provided additional evidence about conditions that existed at the date of the balance sheet, including estimates, if any, have been recognized in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as of and for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010. The Company did not recognize subsequent events that provided evidence about conditions that arose after the balance sheet date.


Note 2.

 

American Independence Corp.


AMIC is an insurance holding company engaged in the insurance and reinsurance business. AMIC does business with the Insurance Group, including reinsurance treaties under which, in 2009, Standard Security Life and Madison National Life ceded to Independence American an average of 23% of their medical stop-loss business, 9% of a majority of their fully insured health business and 20% of their New York Statutory Disability business.


In March 2010, IHC acquired a controlling interest in AMIC as a result of the purchase of AMIC common stock in the open market. The principal reasons for acquiring control were: (i) the low market price of the AMIC stock; (ii) the improved financial presentation for IHC resulting from the consolidation of financial reporting; and (iii) a closer relationship that will create greater long-term value for both companies. The acquisition furthers IHC's goal of creating efficiencies by integrating the back office operations of our MGUs and marketing companies. Share purchases of 27,668 shares, or $141,000, through March 5, 2010 (the "Acquisition Date"), totaling 0.33% of voting equity interest, brought the total of AMIC shares owned by the Company to more than 50% of AMIC's outstanding common stock and as a result, IHC has included AMIC’s consolidated assets and liabilities and results of operations, subsequent to the Acquisition Date, in its condensed consolidated financial results as of and for the period ended March 31, 2010. At December 31, 2009, IHC owned 49.7% of AMIC's outstanding common stock which was purchased in various transactions from 2002 through 2008 and accounted for its investment in AMIC under the equity method. In the fourth quarter of 2009, under the equity method of accounting, due to the length of time, and the magnitude of the amount by which the quoted market price of AMIC had been below IHC’s carrying value, the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $29,198,000 on its investment in AMIC. At December 31, 2009, the carrying value of IHC's investment in AMIC was $19,234,000.


In determining the bargain purchase gain with regard to the acquisition of the controlling interest in AMIC, IHC first recognized a gain of $2,201,000 as a result of remeasuring its equity interest in AMIC to its fair value of $22,013,000 immediately before the acquisition based on the closing market price of AMIC's common stock. Then, upon the acquisition of a controlling interest on March 5, 2010, the Company consolidated the net assets of AMIC.  Accordingly, the Company determined the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed from AMIC on the Acquisition Date.  The fair value of the net assets acquired exceeded the sum of: (i) the fair value of the consideration paid; (ii) the fair value of IHC’s equity investment prior to the acquisition; and (iii) the fair value of the noncontrolling interests in AMIC, resulting in a bargain purchase gain of $25,629,000. The total gain, amounting to $27,830,000, pre-tax, is included in gain on bargain purchase of AMIC on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. This gain is a result of the quoted market price of AMIC being significantly less than the fair value of the net assets of AMIC.  This disparity is due to the low trading volume in AMIC shares, and a discount on the shares traded due to a lack of control by minority shareholders.  The fair value of the noncontrolling interests in AMIC was based on the closing market price of AMIC’s common stock on the Acquisition Date.

 



10


In connection with the acquisition, the Company recorded $12,200,000 of intangible assets. Of this amount, $1,700,000 represents the fair value of agent and marketing contracts and relationships, $1,000,000 represents the fair value of a domain name, and $2,000,000 represents the fair value of customer lists and all are amortizable over the life of the respective intangible asset. The remaining $7,500,000 represents non-amortizable intangible assets consisting of the fair value of insurance licenses with indefinite lives. As the AMIC acquisition was accounted for as a bargain purchase, the Company did not record goodwill in connection with the transaction.


The following table presents the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition of AMIC on the Acquisition Date based on their respective fair values (in thousands).


 

 

 

 

Investments

 

$

58,418

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

4,761

Identifiable intangible assets

 

 

12,200

Deferred tax assets, net

 

 

10,654

Other assets

 

 

31,127

 

 

 

 

 

Total identifiable assets

 

 

117,160

 

 

 

 

Insurance liabilities

 

 

27,671

Other liabilities

 

 

19,023

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

 

46,694

 

 

 

 

Net identifiable assets acquired

 

 

70,466

 

 

 

 

Purchase consideration

 

 

(71)

Fair value of equity investment prior to the acquisition

 

 

(22,013)

Noncontrolling interests in AMIC

 

 

(22,065)

Elimination of the fair value adjustment related to AMIC’s

 

 

 

 

investment in Majestic

 

 

(688)

 

 

 

 

 

Gain on bargain purchase

 

 

25,629

 

Gain on fair value of equity investment prior to the acquisition

 

 

2,201

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total gain on bargain purchase of AMIC, pretax

 

 

27,830

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

11,097

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total gain on bargain purchase of AMIC, after tax

 

$

16,733



For the period from the Acquisiton Date to March 31, 2010, the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations includes revenues and net income of $7,616,000 and $367,000, respectively, from AMIC.




11


The unaudited pro forma revenues and operating results had the acquisition occurred as of the beginning of each period are presented below. The unaudited pro forma information presented is not indicative of the results of operations in future periods, nor does it necessarily reflect the results of operations that would have resulted had the acquisition been completed as of the beginning of the applicable periods presented.


 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2010

 

 

2009

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

$

102,121 

 

$

123,375

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$

(12)

 

$

4,078

 

 

 

 

 

 


Pro forma adjustments to revenues principally reflect the elimination of intercompany fee income, the elimination of the Company’s equity income related to AMIC and, in 2010, the elimination of the gain resulting from the bargain purchase. Pro forma adjustments to net income principally reflect the elimination of the Company’s equity income related to AMIC and, in 2010, the elimination of the gain resulting from the bargain purchase.


Subsequent to the Acquisition Date, IHC purchased an additional 9,537 shares of AMIC common stock for a total consideration of $58,000 through March 31, 2010.


During the period from January 1, 2010 to the Acquisition Date (the “Stub Period”) and for the quarter ended March 31, 2009, IHC recorded $280,000 and $693,000, respectively, of equity income from its investment in AMIC, representing IHC's proportionate share of income based on its ownership interests during those periods. AMIC paid no dividends on its common stock during the Stub Period or the three-month period ended March 31, 2009.


The following disclosures summarize the effects of certain transactions between IHC and its subsidiaries with AMIC during the Stub Period and other periods prior to the Acquisition Date. Subsequent to the Acquisition Date, the effects of these transactions are eliminated in consolidation. IHC and its subsidiaries recorded income of $208,000 and $235,000 during the Stub Period and the quarter ended March 31, 2009, respectively, from service agreements with AMIC and its subsidiaries. These are reimbursements to IHC and its subsidiaries, at agreed upon rates including an overhead factor, for management services provided by IHC and its subsidiaries, including accounting, legal, compliance, underwriting and claims. The Company ceded premiums to AMIC of $5,867,000 and $11,894,000 during the Stub Period and for the three months ended March 31, 2009, respectively. Benefits to policyholders on business ceded to AMIC were $3,020,000 and $6,686,000 during the Stub Period and in the first quarter of 2009, respectively. Additionally, AMIC subsidiaries market, underwrite and provide administrative services (including premium collection, medical management and claims adjudication) for a substantial portion of the Medical Stop-Loss business written by the insurance subsidiaries of IHC. IHC recorded gross premiums of $8,452,000 and $16,782,000 in the Stub Period and in the first quarter of 2009, respectively, and net commission expense of $326,000 and $742,000 in the Stub Period and in the first quarter of 2009, respectively, for these services. The Company also contracts for several types of insurance coverage (e.g. directors and officers and professional liability coverage) jointly with AMIC. The cost of this coverage is allocated between the Company and AMIC according to the type of risk, and IHC’s portion is recorded in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.


Included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2009 are the following balances arising from transactions in the normal course of business with AMIC and its subsidiaries: Due from reinsurers $15,453,000; Other assets $2,632,000; and Other liabilities of $480,000.




12


Note 3.

Income Per Common Share


Income per share calculations are based on income from continuing operations attributable to the common shareholders of IHC for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, as shown below (in thousands):


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

$

16,377

$

3,349

 

 

 

 

 

(Income) loss from noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

in subsidiaries

 

(216)

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

 

 

 

 

attributable to IHC shareholders, net of tax

 

16,161

 

3,356

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

(127)

 

(237)

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to IHC shareholders

$

16,034

$

3,119

 

 

 

 

 


Included in the diluted income per share calculations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 are 4,000 and 3,000 incremental shares, respectively, from the assumed exercise of dilutive stock options and the assumed vesting of dilutive restricted stock computed using the treasury stock method.


Note  4.

Investments


The cost (amortized cost with respect to certain fixed maturities), gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair value of investment securities are as follows:


 

 

March 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

GROSS

 

GROSS

 

 

 

 

AMORTIZED

 

UNREALIZED

 

UNREALIZED

 

FAIR

 

 

COST

 

GAINS

 

LOSSES

 

VALUE

 

 

(In thousands)

FIXED MATURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate securities

$

266,857

$

425

$

(5,160)

$

262,122

 

CMOs- residential (1)

 

87,057

 

4,495

 

(5,840)

 

85,712

 

CMOs - commercial

 

1,173

 

-

 

(409)

 

764

 

U.S. Government obligations

 

22,602

 

6

 

(47)

 

22,561

 

Agency MBS - residential (2)

 

6,382

 

79

 

-

 

6,461

 

GSEs (3)

 

30,227

 

8

 

(240)

 

29,995

 

States and political subdivisions

 

348,566

 

3,332

 

(6,141)

 

345,757

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

$

762,864

$

8,345

$

(17,837)

$

753,372

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY SECURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stocks

$

5,948

$

188

$

(78)

$

6,058

 

Preferred stock - perpetuals

 

31,110

 

2,779

 

(28)

 

33,861

 

Preferred stock - with maturities

 

14,072

 

1,116

 

-

 

15,188

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total equity securities

$

51,130

$

4,083

$

(106)

$

55,107

 

 

 



13



 

 

December 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

GROSS

 

GROSS

 

 

 

 

AMORTIZED

 

UNREALIZED

 

UNREALIZED

 

FAIR

 

 

COST

 

GAINS

 

LOSSES

 

VALUE

 

 

(In thousands)

FIXED MATURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate securities

$

207,554

$

332

$

(7,357)

$

200,529

 

CMOs - residential (1)

 

78,889

 

3,620

 

(8,582)

 

73,927

 

CMOs - commercial

 

868

 

-

 

(402)

 

466

 

U.S. Government obligations

 

6,319

 

44

 

-

 

6,363

 

Agency MBS - residential (2)

 

40,156

 

182

 

-

 

40,338

 

GSEs (3)

 

15,398

 

-

 

(251)

 

15,147

 

States and political subdivisions

 

358,012

 

3,170

 

(8,089)

 

353,093

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

$

707,196

$

7,348

$

(24,681)

$

689,863

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY SECURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stocks

$

3,790

$

151

$

(69)

$

3,872

 

Preferred stock - perpetuals

 

32,434

 

3,509

 

(215)

 

35,728

 

Preferred stock - with maturities

 

20,996

 

747

 

(528)

 

21,215

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total equity securities

$

57,220

$

4,407

$

(812)

$

60,815


(1)

Collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”).

(2)

Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”).

(3)

Government-sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”) which are the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Federal National Mortgage Association and Federal Home Loan Banks. GSEs are private enterprises established and chartered by the Federal Government.


The cost basis of certain preferred stocks with maturities at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 includes an adjustment of $2,394,000 related to other-than-temporary impairment losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in prior periods.


Government-sponsored enterprise securities consist of Federal National Mortgage Association mortgage-backed securities and other fixed maturity securities issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and the Federal National Mortgage Association.




14


The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturities at March 31, 2010, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. The average life of mortgage-backed securities is affected by prepayments on the underlying loans and, therefore, is materially shorter than the original stated maturity.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% OF

 

 

 

AMORTIZED

 

 

FAIR

 

TOTAL FAIR

 

 

 

COST

 

 

VALUE

 

VALUE

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due in one year or less

 

$

11,180

 

$

11,186

 

1.5%

Due after one year through five years

 

 

166,744

 

 

166,443

 

22.1%

Due after five years through ten years

 

 

89,670

 

 

87,763

 

11.6%

Due after ten years

 

 

372,490

 

 

367,107

 

48.8%

 

 

 

640,084

 

 

632,499

 

84.0%

CMO and MBS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15 year

 

 

106,868

 

 

104,905

 

13.9%

 

20 year

 

 

937

 

 

925

 

.1%

 

30 year

 

 

14,975

 

 

15,043

 

2.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

762,864

 

$

753,372

 

100.0%


The following tables summarize, for all securities in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time those securities that have continuously been in an unrealized loss position:



 

 

Less than 12 Months

 

 

12 Months or Longer

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Fair

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

March 31, 2010

 

Value

 

 

Losses

 

 

Value

 

 

Losses

 

 

Value

 

Losses

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate securities

$

144,373

 

$

1,371

 

$

42,745

 

$

3,789

 

$

187,118

$

5,160

CMOs - residential

 

3,547

 

 

27

 

 

31,210

 

 

5,813

 

 

34,757

 

5,840

CMO's - commercial

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

458

 

 

409

 

 

458

 

409

U.S. Government obligations

 

6,429

 

 

47

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

6,429

 

47

GSEs

 

13,553

 

 

196

 

 

5,043

 

 

44

 

 

18,596

 

240

States and political

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

subdivisions

 

141,028

 

 

4,221

 

 

28,766

 

 

1,920

 

 

169,794

 

6,141

Total fixed maturities

 

308,930

 

 

5,862

 

 

108,222

 

 

11,975

 

 

417,152

 

17,837

Common stocks

 

1,955

 

 

78

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1,955

 

78

Preferred stocks-perpetual

 

6,029

 

 

21

 

 

1,068

 

 

7

 

 

7,097

 

28

Total temporarily

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

impaired securities

$

316,914

 

$

5,961

 

$

109,290

 

$

11,982

 

$

426,204

$

17,943





15



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less than 12 Months

 

 

12 Months or Longer

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Fair

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

December 31, 2009

 

Value

 

 

Losses

 

 

Value

 

 

Losses

 

 

Value

 

Losses

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate securities

$

122,122

 

$

2,287

 

$

66,652

 

$

5,070

 

$

188,774

$

7,357

CMOs - residential

 

7,937

 

 

990

 

 

35,757

 

 

7,592

 

 

43,694

 

8,582

CMOs - commercial

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

466

 

 

402

 

 

466

 

402

GSEs

 

9,901

 

 

186

 

 

5,246

 

 

65

 

 

15,147

 

251

States and political

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

subdivisions

 

132,180

 

 

4,459

 

 

52,196

 

 

3,630

 

 

184,376

 

8,089

Total fixed maturities

 

272,140

 

 

7,922

 

 

160,317

 

 

16,759

 

 

432,457

 

24,681

Common stocks

 

1,861

 

 

69

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1,861

 

69

Preferred stocks-perpetual

 

416

 

 

8

 

 

8,060

 

 

207

 

 

8,476

 

215

Preferred stocks- with

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

maturities

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

8,692

 

 

528

 

 

8,692

 

528

Total temporarily

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

impaired securities

$

274,417

 

$

7,999

 

$

177,069

 

$

17,494

 

$

451,486

$

25,493



At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, a total of 81 and 75 fixed maturities, respectively, and 19 and 13 equity securities, respectively, were in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months. At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 a total of 42 and 56 fixed maturities, respectively, and 1 and 5 equity securities, respectively, had continuous unrealized losses for 12 months or longer. 


Substantially all of the unrealized losses on fixed maturities at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 relate to investment grade securities and are attributable to changes in market interest rates and general disruptions in the credit market subsequent to purchase. The unrealized loss on corporate securities and state and political subdivisions are due to wider spreads. Spreads have widened as investors shifted funds to US Treasuries in response to the current market turmoil.  Because the Company does not intend to sell, nor is it more likely than not that the Company will have to sell such investments before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be maturity, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2010.


At March 31, 2010, the Company had $29,206,000 invested in whole loan CMOs backed by Alt-A mortgages. Of this amount, 40.5% were in CMOs that originated in 2005 or earlier and 59.5% were in CMOs that originated in 2006. The unrealized losses on all other CMO’s relate to prime rate CMO’s and are primarily attributed to general disruptions in the credit market subsequent to purchase. The Company’s mortgage security portfolio has no exposure to sub-prime mortgages.


 The unrealized losses for the equity securities was primarily due to wider spreads from preferred stocks issued by financial institutions following the disruption in credit markets since the time of their acquisition. Some of these financial institutions have exposure to sub-prime mortgages.


Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Evaluations


The Company reviews its investment securities regularly and determines whether other-than- temporary impairments have occurred. If the Company intends to sell a debt security, or it is more likely than not that it would be required to sell a debt security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis, the entire difference between the security's amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date would be recognized by a charge to total other-than-temporary impairment losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. For fixed maturities, if a decline in fair value is judged by management to be other-than-temporary, and the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of the security’s amortized cost, the impairment



16


is bifurcated into (a) the amount of the total impairment related to the credit loss, and (b) the amount of the total impairment related to all other factors. The amount of the other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss is recognized by a charge to total other-than-temporary impairment losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, establishing a new cost basis for the security. The amount of the other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The factors considered by management in its regular review include, but are not limited to:  the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; adverse changes in ratings announced by one or more rating agencies; subordinated credit support; whether the issuer of a debt security has remained current on principal and interest payments; current expected cash flows; whether the decline in fair value appears to be issuer specific or, alternatively, a reflection of general market or industry conditions (including, in the case of fixed maturities, the effect of changes in market interest rates); and the Company's intent to sell, or be required to sell, the debt security before the anticipated recovery of its remaining amortized cost basis.


In assessing corporate debt securities for other-than-temporary impairment, the Company evaluates the ability of the issuer to meet its debt obligations and the value of the company or specific collateral securing the debt position. For transactions where loan level data is not available, the model uses a proxy based on the collateral characteristics. Assumptions about loss severity and defaults used in the model are primarily based on actual losses experienced and defaults in the collateral pool. Prepayment speeds, both actual and estimated, are also considered. The cash flows generated by the collateral securing these securities are then determined with these default, loss severity and prepayment assumptions. These collateral cash flows are then utilized, along with consideration for the issue’s position in the overall structure, to determine the cash flows associated with the mortgage-backed security held by the Company. In addition, the Company evaluates other asset-backed securities for other-than-temporary impairment by examining similar characteristics referenced above for mortgage-backed securities.  The Company evaluates U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations, U.S. Government agencies, and obligations of states and political subdivisions for other-than-temporary impairment by examining similar characteristics referenced above for corporate debt securities.


To the extent that the present value of the cash flows generated by a debt security is less than the amortized cost, a credit loss exists, and an other-than-temporary impairment is recognized through earnings. It is reasonably possible that further declines in estimated fair values of such investments, or changes in assumptions or estimates of anticipated recoveries and/or cash flows, may cause further other-than-temporary impairments in the near term, which could be significant.


Equity securities may experience other-than-temporary impairment in the future based on the prospects for full recovery in value in a reasonable period of time and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security to recovery. If a decline in fair value is judged by management to be other-than-temporary or management does not have the intent or ability to hold a security, a loss is recognized by a charge to total other-than-temporary impairment losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the purpose of other-than-temporary impairment evaluations, preferred stocks are treated in a manner similar to debt securities. Declines in the creditworthiness of the issuer of debt securities with both debt and equity-like features requires the use of the equity model in analyzing the security for other-than-temporary impairment.


Subsequent increases and decreases, if not an other-than-temporary impairment, in the fair value of available-for-sale securities that were previously impaired, are included in other comprehensive income in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.




17


Based on management’s review of the portfolio, which considered these factors, the Company recorded the following losses for other-than-temporary impairments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Other-than-temporary impairments:

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities

$

1,626

$

-

 

Preferred stocks

 

-

 

271

 

 

$

1,626

$

271


Other-than-temporary impairments of $1,626,000 on fixed maturities were recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2010. Of this amount, $894,000 is a credit loss as a result of expected cash flows of a debt security less than the debt security’s amortized cost and $732,000 is the result of the Company’s intent to sell certain municipal debt securities prior to the recovery of their amortized cost bases. No losses for other-than-temporary impairments were recognized in other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2010.


At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, cumulative credit losses for other-than-temporary impairments recorded on securities for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment was recognized in other comprehensive income remained $ 2,394,000.     


Further deterioration in credit quality of the companies backing the securities, further deterioration in the condition of the financial services industry, a continuation of the current imbalance in liquidity that exists in the marketplace, a continuation or worsening of the current economic recession, or additional declines in real estate values may further affect the fair value of these securities and increase the potential that certain unrealized losses be designated as other-than-temporary in future periods and the Company may incur additional write-downs.


Note 5.

Net Realized Investment Gains


Net realized investment gains for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 are as follows (in thousands):


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized investment gains:

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities

$

159

$

1,665

 

Common stocks

 

87

 

-

 

Preferred stocks

 

41

 

-

 

Total available-for-sale securities

 

287

 

1,665

 

Other

 

62

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized investment gains

$

349

$

1,665


For the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Company realized gross gains of $1,736,000 and realized gross losses of $1,449,000 on sales of available-for-sale securities. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, the Company realized gross gains of $1,698,000 and realized gross losses of $33,000 on sales of available-for-sale securities.




18


Note 6.

Derivative Instruments


In connection with its previously outstanding line of credit, a subsidiary of IHC entered into an interest rate swap with the commercial bank lender, for a notional amount equal to the debt principal amount, under which the Company received a variable rate equal to the rate on the debt and paid a fixed rate (6.65%) in order to manage the risk in overall changes in cash flows attributable to forecasted interest payments. There was no hedge ineffectiveness on this interest rate swap which was accounted for as a cash flow hedge and, in August 2009, the interest rate swap expired. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, the Company recorded $57,000 of gains on the effective portion of the interest rate swap in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of related taxes of $38,000.


Note 7.

Fair Value Disclosures of Financial Instruments


For all financial and non-financial assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company utilizes valuation techniques based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market expectations. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:


Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.


Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.


Level 3 - Instruments where significant value drivers are unobservable.


The following section describes the valuation methodologies we use to measure different assets at fair value.

  

Investments in fixed maturities and equity securities:

  

Available-for-sale securities included in Level 1 are equities with quoted market prices. Level 2 is primarily comprised of our portfolio of government securities, agency mortgage-backed securities, corporate fixed income securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, municipals, GSEs and certain preferred stocks that were priced with observable market inputs. Level 3 securities consist of CMO securities, primarily Alt-A mortgages.  For these securities, we use industry-standard pricing methodologies, including discounted cash flow models, whose inputs are based on management’s assumptions and available market information. Further we retain independent pricing vendors to assist in valuing certain instruments.

    



19


  The following tables present our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively (in thousands):


March 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate securities

$

-

 

$

262,122

$

-

$

262,122

 

CMOs - residential

 

-

 

 

43,563

 

42,149

 

85,712

 

CMOs - commercial

 

-

 

 

-

 

764

 

764

 

US Government obligations

 

-

 

 

22,561

 

-

 

22,561

 

Agency MBS - residential

 

-

 

 

6,461

 

-

 

6,461

 

GSEs

 

-

 

 

29,995

 

-

 

29,995

 

States and political subdivisions

 

-

 

 

345,757

 

-

 

345,757

 

Total fixed maturities

 

-

 

 

710,459

 

42,913

 

753,372

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stocks

 

6,058

 

 

-

 

-

 

6,058

 

Preferred stocks - perpetual

 

33,861

 

 

-

 

-

 

33,861

 

Preferred stocks - with maturities

 

12,682

 

 

2,506

 

-

 

15,188

 

Total equity securities

 

52,601

 

 

2,506

 

-

 

55,107

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

$

52,601

 

$

712,965

$

42,913

$

808,479

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



December 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate securities

$

-

 

$

200,529

$

-

$

200,529

 

CMOs - residential

 

-

 

 

34,885

 

39,042

 

73,927

 

CMOs - commercial

 

-

 

 

-

 

466

 

466

 

US Government obligations

 

-

 

 

6,363

 

-

 

6,363

 

Agency MBS - residential

 

-

 

 

40,338

 

-

 

40,338

 

GSEs

 

-

 

 

15,147

 

-

 

15,147

 

States and political subdivisions

 

-

 

 

353,093

 

-

 

353,093

 

Total fixed maturities

 

-

 

 

650,355

 

39,508

 

689,863

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stocks

 

3,872

 

 

-

 

-

 

3,872

 

Preferred stocks - perpetual

 

35,728

 

 

-

 

-

 

35,728

 

Preferred stocks - with maturities

 

19,015

 

 

2,200

 

-

 

21,215

 

Total equity securities

 

58,615

 

 

2,200

 

-

 

60,815

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

$

58,615

 

$

652,555

$

39,508

$

750,678

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


It is the Company’s policy to recognize transfers of assets and liabilities between levels of the fair value hierarchy at the end of a reporting period. For the three months ending March 31, 2010, there were no transfers of assets and liabilities between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. No securities were



20


transferred out of Level 2 and into the Level 3 category as a result of limited or inactive markets during the first three months of 2010. All transfers into the Level 3 category during 2010 were the result of the AMIC acquisition. The Company does not transfer out of Level 3 and into Level 2 until such time as observable inputs become available and reliable or the range of available independent prices narrow. No securities were sold or transferred out of the Level 3 category in 2010. For the three months ending March 31, 2010, the Company did not include in earnings any realized investment gains or losses related to sales of securities categorized as Level 3 securities. The changes in the carrying value of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2010 are summarized as follows (in thousands):


 

 

March 31, 2010

 

 

CMOs

 

 

 

 

Residential

 

Commercial

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

$

39,042

$

466

$

39,508

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers into Level 3:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of AMIC

 

1,831

 

305

 

2,136

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains(losses) included in earnings:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other-than-temporary impairments

 

(894)

 

-

 

(894)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) included in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

3,112

 

(7)

 

3,105

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayments and amortization of fixed maturities

 

(942)

 

-

 

(942)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

$

42,149

$

764

$

42,913


The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments not disclosed elsewhere in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:


(A)

Policy Loans


The fair value of policy loans is estimated by projecting aggregate loan cash flows to the end of the expected lifetime period of the life insurance business at the average policy loan rates, and discounting them at a current market interest rate.


(B)

Funds on Deposit


The Company has two types of funds on deposit. The first type is credited with a current market interest rate, resulting in a fair value which approximates the carrying amount. The second type carries fixed interest rates which are higher than current market interest rates. The fair value of these deposits was estimated by discounting the payments using current market interest rates. The Company's universal life policies are also credited with current market interest rates, resulting in a fair value which approximates the carrying amount.


(C)

Debt


The fair value of debt with variable interest rates approximates its carrying amount. The fair value of fixed rate debt is estimated by discounting the cash flows using current market interest rates.




21


The estimated fair values of financial instruments not disclosed elsewhere in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are as follows:


 

 

 

March  31, 2010

 

December 31, 2009

 

 

 

Carrying

 

 

Fair

 

Carrying

 

 

Fair

 

 

 

Amount

 

 

Value

 

Amount

 

 

Value

 

 

 

(In thousands)

FINANCIAL ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy loans

 

$

24,063

 

$

27,697

$

23,833

 

$

27,422

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funds on deposit

 

$

411,603

 

$

409,415

$

408,298

 

$

410,485

 

Debt and junior

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

subordinated debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

securities

 

 

47,146

 

 

47,146

 

47,146

 

 

47,146


Note 8.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets


The change in the carrying amount of goodwill and other intangible assets (included in other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets) for the first quarter of 2010 is as follows (in thousands):


 

 

 

 

Other Intangible Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

Definitive

 

Indefinite

 

Intangible

 

 

Goodwill

 

Lives

 

Lives

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2009

$

48,859

$

7,785

$

477

$

8,262

Acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMIC

 

-

 

4,700

 

7,500

 

12,200

 

Alliance Underwriters

 

1,495

 

1,100

 

-

 

1,100

 

MedWatch

 

602

 

340

 

20

 

360

 

HBA

 

827

 

200

 

-

 

200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capitalized software development

 

-

 

91

 

-

 

91

Amortization expense

 

-

 

(487)

 

-

 

(487)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2010

$

51,783

$

13,729

$

7,997

$

21,726

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


In connection with the acquisition of a controlling interest in AMIC discussed in Note 2, the Company recorded $12,200,000 of intangible assets. Of this amount, $1,700,000 represents the fair value of agent and marketing contracts and relationships, which is being amortized over a weighted average period of 7.6 years, $1,000,000 represents the fair value of a domain name being amortized over a 10 year period, and $2,000,000 represents the fair value of customer lists, which are being amortized over a period of 5.0 years. The remaining $7,500,000 represents non-amortizable intangible assets consisting of the fair value of insurance licenses with indefinite lives. The AMIC acquisition was accounted for as a bargain purchase and accordingly, the Company did not record goodwill in connection with the transaction.


In January 2010, the Company acquired the assets of a managing general underwriter, Alliance Underwriters, LLC (“AU”) for a $2,500,000 purchase price. The Company recorded goodwill of $1,495,000 and other intangible assets of $1,100,000, for the fair value of customer relationships, which is being amortized over a weighted average period of 8.0 years. AU is a managing general underwriter that controls approximately $30 million of employer medical stop-loss business.



22



In January 2010, IHC Health Holdings Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“IHC Health Holdings”), acquired a 51% interest in the stock of MedWatch, LLC (“MedWatch”) for a $500,000 purchase price. The Company recorded goodwill of $602,000 and other intangible assets of $360,000, primarily for the fair value of customer relationships, which is being amortized over a weighted average period of 11.6 years. MedWatch provides utilization review and medical management services to fully insured and self-funded health plans.


In January 2010, IHC Health Holdings acquired a 51% interest in the stock of Hospital Bill Analysis, LLC (“HBA”), a hospital bill review company, for a $500,000 purchase price. The Company recorded goodwill of $827,000 and other intangible assets of $200,000, primarily for the fair value of customer relationships, which is being amortized over a weighted average period of 11.0 years.


Note 9.

Discontinued Operations


The Company sold its credit life and disability segment by entering into a 100% coinsurance agreement with an unaffiliated insurer effective December 31, 2007. Unearned premium reserves of this block and the corresponding amount in due from reinsurers of $7,877,000 and $8,847,000 are included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.


The Company recorded losses from discontinued operations representing expenses and changes in claims and reserves related to the insurance liabilities (currently in run-off status) for claims incurred prior to the sale on  December 31, 2007 as follows (in thousands):


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Pretax loss from

 

 

 

 

 

discontinued operations

$

(195)

$

(364)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax benefits allocated

 

 

 

 

 

to discontinued operations

 

68

 

127

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued

 

 

 

 

 

operations, net

$

(127)

$

(237)




23


Changes in the liabilities related to discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 were as follows (in thousands):


 

 

Claims

 

Accrued

 

Termination

 

 

 

 

Liability

 

Expenses

 

Benefits

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

$

1,522

$

-

$

24

$

1,546

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in claims and reserves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

related to block in run-off

 

184

 

 

 

 

 

184

 

Expenses incurred related to block in run-off

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

195

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments of expenses accrued to administer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the business sold

 

 

 

(11)

 

(24)

 

(35)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Claim payments related to block in run-off

 

(372)

 

 

 

 

 

(372)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,334

$

-

$

-

 

1,334

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMIC liability assumed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,360


The Company believes that the net liabilities of discontinued operations at March 31, 2010 adequately estimate the remaining costs associated with the credit life and disability discontinued operations.


Note 10.

Share-Based Compensation


Total share-based compensation was $179,000 and $267,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Related tax benefits of $71,000 and $107,000 were recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.


Under the terms of the Company’s stock-based compensation plans, option exercise prices are more than or equal to the quoted market price of the shares at the date of grant; option terms range from five to ten years; and vesting periods are three years for employee options.  The Company may also grant shares of restricted stock, share appreciation rights (“SARs”) and share-based performance awards. Restricted shares are valued at the quoted market price of the shares at the date of grant and have a three year vesting period. Exercise prices of SARs are more than or equal to the quoted market price of IHC shares at the date of the grant and have three year vesting periods. At March 31, 2010, there were 731,975 shares available for future stock-based compensation grants under the Company’s stock incentive plans.




24


Stock Options


The Company’s stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2010 is as follows:


 

 

Shares

 

Weighted- Average

 

 

Under Option

 

Exercise Price

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2009

 

312,170

 

$

14.62

Granted

 

461,800

 

10.00

Expired

 

(3,000)

 

22.55

March 31, 2010

 

770,970

 

 

11.82


The following table summarizes information regarding outstanding and exercisable options as of March 31, 2010:


 

 

Outstanding

 

Exercisable

 

 

 

 

 

Number of options

 

770,970

 

245,500

Weighted average exercise price per share

$

11.82

$

15.60

Aggregate intrinsic value for all options

$

4

$

4

Weighted average contractual term remaining

 

3.8 years

 

2.2 years


The fair value of an option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The weighted average grant-date fair-value of options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $1.57 per share. No options were granted during the three months ended March 31, 2009. The assumptions set forth in the table below were used to value the stock options granted during the three-month period ended March 31, 2010:


Weighted-average risk-free interest rate

 

 

 

2.3%

Annual dividend rate per share

 

 

$

.05

Weighted-average volatility factor of the Company's common stock

 

 

 

45.0%

Weighted-average expected term of options

 

 

 

4.5 years


Compensation expense of $119,000 and $191,000 was recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, for the portion of the grant-date fair value of stock options vesting during that period.


No options were exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2010 or 2009.


As of March 31, 2010, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options was $909,000 which is expected to be recognized over the remaining requisite weighted-average service period of 2.2 years.


Restricted Stock


No shares of restricted stock were issued by the Company during the first three months of 2010 or 2009. No shares of restricted stock vested during the first quarter of 2010. The total fair value of restricted stock that vested during the first three months of 2009 was $29,000. Restricted stock expense was $12,000 and $52,000, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.


As of March 31, 2010, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock awards was $25,000 which is expected to be recognized over the remaining requisite weighted-average service period of 1.3 years.




25


SARs and Share-Based Performance Awards


The fair value of SARs is calculated using the Black-Scholes valuation model at the grant date and each subsequent reporting period until settlement. Compensation cost is based on the proportionate amount of the requisite service that has been rendered to date. Once fully vested, changes in fair value of the SARs continue to be recognized as compensation expense in the period of the change until settlement. No SARs were exercised in the three months ended March 31, 2010 or 2009. Other liability-classified awards include share-based performance awards. Compensation costs for these plans are recognized and accrued as performance conditions are met, based on the current share price. The intrinsic value of all share-based liabilities paid in the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 was $51,000 and $35,000, respectively. Included in Other Liabilities on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are liabilities of $55,000 and $58,000, respectively, pertaining to SARs and share-based performance awards.


Note 11.

Income Taxes


The provision for income taxes shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations was computed based on the Company's actual results which approximate the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the balance of the current fiscal year in accordance with consolidated life/non-life group income tax regulations. Such regulations adopt a subgroup method in determining consolidated taxable income, whereby taxable income is determined separately for the life insurance company group and the non-life insurance company group.


The deferred income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2010  allocated to stockholders' equity (principally for net unrealized gains on investment securities) was $2,550,000, representing the decrease in the related net deferred tax asset to $1,418,000 at March 31, 2010  from $3,968,000 at December 31, 2009.


At March 31, 2010, AMIC, had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $274,300,000 for federal income tax purposes which expire between 2019 and 2029. The federal deferred tax asset relative to AMIC included in other assets on IHC’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2010 was $10,839,000, net of a valuation allowance of $86,500,000. AMIC continues to file its own separate income tax return and is not included in the consolidated tax return of IHC.


Note 12.

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information


Tax payments, net of tax refunds, were $210,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2010. No tax payments were made during the three months ended March 31, 2009.


Cash payments for interest were $471,000 and $954,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  


Note 13.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)


The components of comprehensive income (loss) include: (i) net income or loss reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations; (ii) the after-tax net unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available for sale, including the subsequent increases and decreases in fair value of available-for-sale securities previously impaired; and (iii) the portion of other-than-temporary impairments of fixed maturities related to all other factors than those deemed to be a credit loss.




26


The comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 is summarized as follows (in thousands):


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

16,250

$

3,112

Unrealized gains arising

 

 

 

 

 

during the period, net of income taxes

 

4,424

 

7,403

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

 

20,674

 

10,515

Comprehensive losses attributable to

 

 

 

 

 

noncontrolling interests

 

(216)

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to IHC

$

20,458

$

10,522


No losses for other-than-temporary impairments of fixed maturities were recognized in other comprehensive income during the three months ended March 31, 2010.


Note 14.

 Segment Reporting


The Insurance Group principally engages in the life and health insurance business. Information by business segment for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 is presented below (in thousands):


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2010

 

2009

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

Medical Stop-Loss (A)

$

27,900 

$

36,435 

Fully Insured Health (B)

 

30,874 

 

29,135 

Group disability, life, annuities and DBL (C)

 

17,158 

 

16,226 

Individual life, annuities and other

 

14,095 

 

15,824 

Corporate

 

27,600 

 

(219)

 

 

117,627 

 

97,401 

Net realized investment gains

 

349 

 

1,665 

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

 

(1,626)

 

(271)

 

$

116,350 

$

98,795 

Income from continuing operations

 

 

 

 

 

before income taxes:

 

 

 

 

Medical Stop-Loss (A)

$

593 

$

1,649 

Fully Insured Health(B) (D)

 

1,154 

 

Group disability, life, annuities and DBL (C)

 

(515)

 

2,354 

Individual life, annuities and other

 

133 

 

1,310 

Corporate

 

26,681 

 

(1,637)

 

 

28,046 

 

3,677 

Net realized investment gains

 

349 

 

1,665 

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

 

(1,626)

 

(271)

Interest expense

 

(471)

 

(770)

 

$

26,298 

$

4,301 




27


(A)

The amount includes equity income from AMIC (prior to its acquisition) of $14,000 and $488,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.


(B)

The amount includes equity income from AMIC (prior to its acquisition) of $244,000 and $139,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.


(C)

The amount includes equity income from AMIC (prior to its acquisition) of $22,000 and $66,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.


(D)

The Fully Insured Health segment includes amortization of intangible assets recorded as a result of acquisition accounting for the recent acquisitions. Total amortization expense was $491,000 and $612,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Amortization expense for the other segments is insignificant.




28


ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of Independence Holding Company ("IHC") and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the related Notes thereto appearing in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this quarterly report.


Overview


Independence Holding Company, a Delaware corporation ("IHC"), is a holding company principally engaged in the life and health insurance business through: (i) its wholly owned insurance companies, Standard Security Life Insurance Company of New York ("Standard Security Life") and Madison National Life Insurance Company, Inc. ("Madison National Life"); (ii) its majority owned insurance company, Independence American Insurance Company (“Independence American”); and (iii) its marketing and administrative companies, including IHC Administrative Services, Inc., managing general underwriters ("MGUs") in which it owns a significant voting interest, IHC Health Solutions, Inc. (“IHC Health Solutions”), and Actuarial Management Corporation (“AMC”).  These companies are sometimes collectively referred to as the "Insurance Group," and IHC and its subsidiaries (including the Insurance Group) are sometimes collectively referred to as the "Company." IHC also owns a 50.1% interest in American Independence Corp. (“AMIC”).


While management considers a wide range of factors in its strategic planning and decision-making, underwriting profit is consistently emphasized as the primary goal in all decisions as to whether or not to increase our retention in a core line, expand into new products, acquire an entity or a block of business, or otherwise change our business model.  Management's assessment of trends in healthcare and morbidity, with respect to medical stop-loss, fully insured medical, disability and New York State short-term statutory disability benefit product ("DBL"); mortality rates with respect to life insurance; and changes in market conditions in general play a significant role in determining the rates charged, deductibles and attachment points quoted, and the percentage of business retained. IHC also seeks transactions that permit it to leverage its vertically integrated organizational structure by generating fee income from production and administrative operating companies as well as risk income for its carriers and profit commissions.  Management has always focused on managing the costs of its operations and providing its insureds with the best cost containment tools available.




29


The following is a summary of key performance information and events:


The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

$

116,350 

$

98,795 

Expenses

 

90,052 

 

94,494 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

 

 

 

 

before income taxes

 

26,298 

 

4,301 

Income taxes

 

9,921 

 

952 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

16,377 

 

3,349 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

(127)

 

(237)

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

16,250 

 

3,112 

 

 

 

 

 

(Income) loss from noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

in subsidiaries

 

(216)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to IHC

$

16,034 

$

3,119 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


·

Income from continuing operations increased $13.1 million to $16.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to $3.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 primarily due to the gain on bargain purchase of AMIC of $16.8 million, net of tax (See Note 2 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).


·

Consolidated investment yields (on an annualized basis) of 4.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to 4.9% for the comparable period in 2009;


·

Revenues of $116.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, increased 17.8% over the respective three-month period in 2009; and


·

Book value of $14.55 per common share, representing a 10.6% increase from December 31, 2009, primarily reflecting net income (including the gain on bargain purchase) and net unrealized gains on securities for the three months ended March 31, 2010.


The following is a summary of key performance information by segment:


·

The Medical Stop-Loss segment reported income before taxes of $.6 million and $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The decrease is primarily a result of reduced production due to stricter underwriting guidelines and cancellation of underperforming managing general underwriters;





30


o

Premiums earned decreased $9.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 when compared to the same period in 2009. Excluding $3.2 million of earned premiums related to the consolidation of AMIC’s results, premiums earned decreased $12.3 million. The decrease in premiums earned is due to reduced production volume for the reasons stated above.


o

Underwriting experience for the Medical Stop-Loss segment, as indicated by its GAAP Combined Ratios, are as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):


 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums Earned

$

25,849

$

34,928

Insurance Benefits, Claims & Reserves

 

18,816

 

24,513

Expenses

 

6,776

 

9,629

 

 

 

 

 

Loss Ratio(A)

 

72.8%

 

70.1%

Expense Ratio (B)

 

26.2%

 

27.6%

Combined Ratio (C)

 

99.0%

 

97.7%

 

 

 

 

 


(A)

Loss ratio represents insurance benefits, claims and reserves divided by premiums earned.

(B)

Expense ratio represents net commissions (including profit commissions), administrative fees, premium taxes and other underwriting expenses divided by premiums earned.

(C)

The combined ratio is equal to the sum of the loss ratio and the expenses ratio.


·

The Fully Insured Health segment reported $1.2 million of income before taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2010 as compared to breakeven results for the comparable period in 2009.


o

Fee and other income decreased $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009. Excluding AMIC fee income of $.7 million, fee and other income decreased by $2.6 million due primarily to a decrease in non-IHC carrier business administered by IHC Administrative Services and reduced profit commissions from the comparable 2009 period. The Company also experienced a decrease in general expenses due to its lower volume of business.


o

Premiums earned increased $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 over the comparable 2009 period. Excluding AMIC premiums of $2.7 million during this period, earned premiums increased $.8 million.




31


o

Underwriting experience, as indicated by its GAAP Combined Ratios, for the Fully Insured segment for the three months ended March 31, 2010  and 2009 is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums Earned

$

23,967

$

20,488

Insurance Benefits, Claims & Reserves

 

15,126

 

13,248

Expenses

 

7,290

 

6,815

 

 

 

 

 

Loss Ratio

 

63.1%

 

64.7%

Expense Ratio

 

30.4%

 

33.2%

Combined Ratio

 

93.5%

 

97.9%

 

 

 

 

 


o

The decrease in the loss ratio was primarily attributable to improved underwriting results on small group major medical business in the first quarter of 2010.


o

The underwriting expense ratio decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2010, primarily as a result of a decrease in profit commission and other general expenses.


·

Income before taxes from the Group disability, life, annuities and DBL segment decreased $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2009. Group term life lines experienced higher death claims. Fluctuations in death claims occur from time to time, but can be expected to return to projected levels over an extended period. Higher LTD claims this quarter are attributable to significant cuts in state and municipal budgets as a result of the recession, but are beginning to show signs of subsiding subsequent to quarter end;


·

Income before taxes from the Individual life, annuities and other segment decreased $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009, primarily as a result of decreased investment income;


·

Income before taxes from the Corporate segment increased $28.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, primarily due to the inclusion of a $27.8 million gain as a result of the March 2010 acquired controlling interest in AMIC;


·

Net realized investment gains were $.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to net realized investment gains of $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009. Other-than-temporary impairment losses for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 were $1.6 million and $.3 million, respectively; and




32


·

Premiums by principal product for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 are as follows (in thousands):


 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

 

 

 

Gross Direct and Assumed

 

 

 

Earned Premiums:

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

Medical Stop-Loss

$

39,000

$

54,328

Fully Insured Health

49,334

46,453

Group disability, life, annuities and DBL

26,755

25,637

Individual, life, annuities and other

 

7,924

 

7,867

 

 

 

 

$

123,013

$

134,285



 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

 

 

 

Net Premiums Earned:

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

Medical Stop-Loss

$

25,849

$

34,928

Fully Insured Health

23,967

20,488

Group disability, life, annuities and DBL

14,324

13,724

Individual, life, annuities and other

 

6,744

 

7,293

 

 

 

 

$

70,884

$

76,433




CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES


The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). The preparation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company's management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. A summary of the Company's significant accounting policies and practices is provided in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. Management has identified the accounting policies related to Insurance Premium Revenue Recognition and Policy Charges, Insurance Reserves, Deferred Acquisition Costs, Investments, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, and Deferred Income Taxes as those that, due to the judgments, estimates and assumptions inherent in those policies, are critical to an understanding of the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and this Management's Discussion and Analysis. A full discussion of these policies is included under the heading, “Critical Accounting Policies” in Item 7 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.  During the three months ended March 31, 2010, there were no additions to or changes in the critical accounting policies disclosed in the 2009 Form 10-K except for the recently adopted accounting standards discussed in Note 1(C) of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



33


Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009


Income from continuing operations was $16.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to $3.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009. The Company's income from continuing operations before taxes increased $22.0 million to $26.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $4.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009. Information by business segment for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:


 

 

 

 

Gain on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bargain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

Purchase,

Benefits,

Amortization

Selling,

 

 

 

Net

Income

Fee and

Claims

of  Deferred

General

 

 

Premiums

Investment

From

Other

and

Acquisition

And

 

March 31, 2010

Earned

Income

AMIC

Income

Reserves

Costs

Administrative

Total

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medical Stop-Loss

$

25,849

713

14

1,324

18,816

-

8,491

$

593

Fully Insured Health

23,967

204

244

6,459

15,126

7

14,587

 

1,154

Group disability,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

life, annuities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and DBL

14,324

2,389

22

423

13,274

123

4,276

 

(515)

Individual life,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

annuities and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

other

6,744

6,295

-

1,056

9,612

1,188

3,162

 

133

Corporate

-

(230)

-

27,830

-

-

919

 

26,681

Sub total

$

70,884

$

9,371

$

280

$

37,092

$

56,828

$

1,318

$

31,435

 

28,046

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized investment gains

 

 

 

349

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

 

 

 

 

 

(1,626)

Interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

(471)

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

26,298

Income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

9,921

Income from continuing operations

 

 

 

 

$

16,377


 

 

 

Equity

 

Benefits,

Amortization

Selling,

 

 

 

Net

Income

Fee and

Claims

of  Deferred

General

 

 

Premiums

Investment

From

Other

and

Acquisition

And

 

March 31, 2009

Earned

Income

AMIC

Income

Reserves

Costs

Administrative

Total

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medical Stop-Loss

$

34,928

822

488

197

24,513

-

10,273

$

1,649

Fully Insured Health

20,488

163

139

8,345

13,248

7

15,879

 

1

Group disability,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

life, annuities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and DBL

13,724

2,349

66

87

8,788

53

5,031

 

2,354

Individual life,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

annuities and other

7,293

7,604

-

927

9,647

990

3,877

 

1,310

Corporate

-

(219)

-

-

-

-

1,418

 

(1,637)

Sub total

$

76,433

$

10,719

$

693

$

9,556

$

56,196

$

1,050

$

36,478

 

3,677

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized investment gains

 

 

 

1,665

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

 

 

 

 

 

(271)

Interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

(770)

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

4,301

Income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

952

Income from continuing operations

 

 

 

 

$

3,349




34


Acquisition of AMIC


On March 5, 2010, IHC acquired a controlling interest in AMIC as a result of the purchase of AMIC common stock in the open market. In determining the bargain purchase gain with regard to the acquisition of the controlling interest in AMIC, IHC first recognized a gain of $2.2 million as a result of remeasuring its equity interest in AMIC to its fair value of $22.0 million immediately before the acquisition based on the closing market price of AMIC's common stock. Then, upon the acquisition of a controlling interest on March 5, 2010, the Company consolidated the net assets of AMIC. Accordingly, the Company determined the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed from AMIC on such date.  The fair value of the net assets acquired exceeded the sum of: (i) the fair value of the consideration paid; (ii) the fair value of IHC’s equity investment prior to the acquisition; and (iii) the fair value of the noncontrolling interests in AMIC, resulting in a bargain purchase gain of $25.6 million. The total gain, amounting to $27.8 million pre-tax, is included in gain on bargain purchase of AMIC on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. This gain is a result of the quoted market price of AMIC being significantly less than the fair value of the net assets of AMIC.  This disparity is due to the low trading volume in AMIC shares, and a discount on the shares traded due to a lack of control by minority shareholders.  The fair value of the noncontrolling interests in AMIC was based on the closing market price of AMIC’s common stock.


Prior to obtaining control, IHC recorded its investment in AMIC using the equity method.  IHC recorded changes in its investment in AMIC in the “Equity income from AMIC” line in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.  Upon achieving control, on March 5, 2010, AMIC’s income and expense amounts became consolidated with IHC’s results.  Accordingly, the individual line items on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for 2010 reflect approximately one month of the operations of AMIC with no corresponding amounts for 2009.


 Premiums Earned


Total premiums earned decreased $5.5 million to $70.9 million in the first quarter of 2010 from $76.4 million in the comparable period of 2009. Included in first quarter 2010 premiums are $6.1 million of earned premiums related to AMIC with no comparable 2009 amounts. Excluding these amounts, earned premiums decreased $11.6 million from the first quarter of 2009. The decrease is primarily due to: (i) the Medical Stop-Loss segment which decreased $12.2 million, primarily due to reduced production from stricter underwriting guidelines and the termination of certain managing general underwriters; and (ii) a decrease of $.5 million in premiums earned in the Individual life, annuities and other segment primarily as a result of the ceding and commutation of certain ordinary life and annuity business during 2010; partially offset by (iii) the Fully Insured Health segment which had a $.8 million increase in premiums in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the first quarter of 2009, comprised primarily of a $.7 million increase in dental premiums as a result of increased production, a $.7 million net increase in all other lines of this segment due to increased production principally in the vision and limited medical lines, offset by a $.6 million decrease in student accident premiums as a result of the cancellation of a producer of this product; and (iv) a $.3 million increase in the Group disability, life, annuities and DBL segment primarily from the LTD line due to new business written.


Net Investment Income


Total net investment income decreased $1.3 million. The overall annualized investment yields were 4.1% and 4.9% (approximately 4.4% and 5.1%, on a tax advantaged basis) in the first quarter of 2010 and 2009, respectively. The annualized investment yields on bonds, equities and short-term investments were 4.5% and 5.1% in the first quarter of 2010 and 2009, respectively. The decrease in investment income is due to a decrease in yields and the shorter duration of our portfolio.  IHC has approximately $80 million in highly rated shorter duration securities earning on average 1.1%. A portfolio that is shorter in duration enables us, if we deem prudent, the flexibility to reinvest in much higher yielding longer-term securities, which would significantly increase investment income.



35



Net Realized Investment Gains and Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Losses, Net


Net realized investment gains decreased $1.4 million to $.3 million in 2010 compared to $1.7 million in 2009. These amounts include gains and losses from sales of fixed maturities and equity securities available-for-sale and other investments. Decisions to sell securities are based on management's ongoing evaluation of investment opportunities and economic and market conditions, thus creating fluctuations in gains and losses from period to period. For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded $1.6 million and $.3 million, respectively, of other-than-temporary impairment losses, pre-tax.


Fee Income and Other Income


Fee income decreased $.9 million to $7.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $8.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2009.  Excluding AMIC related fee income of $1.2 million, fee income for the first three months of 2010 decreased $2.1 million over the comparable 2009 period. The decrease is primarily a result of decreased profit commissions and a decrease in other business administered by IHC Administrative Services.


Total other income increased $.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2010 to $1.7 million from $1.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2009, primarily due to: (i) income resulting from the commutation, in the third quarter of 2009, of a block of business; and (ii) deferred gain amortization associated with a block of ordinary life and annuities business ceded in the second quarter of 2009.


Insurance Benefits, Claims and Reserves


Benefits, claims and reserves increased $.6 million for the first three months of 2010 compared to the first three months of 2009.  Included in the first quarter 2010 amounts are $4.1 million in AMIC related claims and reserves with no comparable 2009 amounts. Excluding these amounts, benefits, claims and reserves decreased $3.5 million in the first quarter of 2010. The decrease is primarily attributable to: (i) a decrease of $8.2 million in the Medical Stop-Loss segment, largely resulting from a decrease in premiums earned; partially offset by (ii) an increase of $4.3 million in the Group disability, life, annuities and DBL segment largely as a result of higher claims on the LTD and GTL lines of business; and (iii) an increase of $.4 million in the Fully Insured Health segment, principally due to the increase in claims and reserves on dental, short term medical and vision lines of business.


Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs


Amortization of deferred acquisition costs increased $.2 million.

 

Interest Expense on Debt


Interest expense decreased $.3 million primarily as a result of principal repayments and lower interest rates.


Selling, General and Administrative Expenses


Total selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $5.1 million in the first quarter of 2010 as compared to the first quarter of 2009. Excluding $2.9 million in AMIC related expenses included in the first three months of 2010 with no comparable 2009 amount, total selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $8.0 million. The decrease is primarily due to: (i) a $3.0 million decrease in commissions and other general expenses in the Medical Stop-Loss segment due to a decrease in volume as a result of reduced production; (ii) a $2.8 million decrease in the Fully Insured Health segment largely due to a decrease in general expenses as a result of lower business volume and a reduction in work force, (iii) a $.8 million decrease in the Group disability, life, annuities and DBL segment primarily due to decreased  



36


commissions due to high loss ratios; and (iv) a $.7 million decrease in commission, other general and administrative expenses associated with the Individual life, annuities and other segment, partially related to a 2008 acquired block of life and annuity business.


Income Taxes


Income tax expense increased $8.9 million to $9.9 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010 from $1.0 million for the first quarter of 2009. The increase in tax expense is primarily related to the gain on the acquisition of the controlling interest in AMIC during the first quarter of 2010. The effective tax rate was 37.7% for the first quarter of 2010 compared to 22.1% for the first quarter of 2009. The increase in the effective tax rate is primarily attributable to higher jurisdictional tax rates on the gain related to the AMIC acquisition.


 LIQUIDITY


Insurance Group


The Insurance Group normally provides cash flow from: (i) operations; (ii) the receipt of scheduled principal payments on its portfolio of fixed maturities; and (iii) earnings on investments. Such cash flow is partially used to fund liabilities for insurance policy benefits. These liabilities represent long-term and short-term obligations.


Corporate


Corporate derives its funds principally from: (i) dividends from the Insurance Group; (ii) management fees from its subsidiaries; and (iii) investment income from Corporate liquidity. Regulatory constraints historically have not affected the Company's consolidated liquidity, although state insurance laws have provisions relating to the ability of the parent company to use cash generated by the Insurance Group.


Cash Flows


As of March 31, 2010, the Company had $11.9 million of cash and cash equivalents compared with $7.4 million as of December 31, 2009.


Net cash used by operating activities of continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $1.1 million. Net cash used by operating activities of discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $.4 million.


Net cash provided by investing activities of continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $4.7 million primarily as a result of $33.4 million in net proceeds on sales of equity securities and securities under resale and repurchase agreements, $1.1 million of net cash acquired in the acquisitions of AMIC and other companies and $1.2 million received in acquisitions of policy blocks partially offset by $6.3 million in net purchases of fixed maturities and a $25.7 million decrease in net amounts due from brokers,


The Company has $469.4 million of insurance reserves that it expects to ultimately pay out of current assets and cash flows from future business. If necessary, the Company could utilize the cash received from maturities and repayments of its fixed maturity investments if the timing of claim payments associated with the Company's insurance resources does not coincide with future cash flows. For the three months ended March 31, 2010, cash received from the maturities and other repayments of fixed maturities was $29.9 million.


The Company believes it has sufficient cash to meet its currently anticipated business requirements



37


over the next twelve months including working capital requirements and capital investments.


BALANCE SHEET


Total investments, net of amounts due from brokers, increased $62.7 million to $891.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $828.5 million at December 31, 2009 largely due to $57.3 million of investments acquired through the acquisition of AMIC and an $8.4 million decrease in unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities.


The Company had net receivables from reinsurers of $138.4 million at March 31, 2010. All of such reinsurance receivables are highly rated companies or are adequately secured. No allowance for doubtful accounts was necessary at March 31, 2010.


Other assets increased $12.2 million primarily due to $13.9 million of intangible assets recorded during the first quarter of 2010 as a result of the acquisitions of AMIC and other subsidiaries.  


The Company's health reserves by segment are as follows (in thousands):


 

 

Total Health Reserves

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Medical Stop-Loss

$

73,250

$

71,504

Fully Insured Health

 

37,266

 

34,817

Group Disability

 

90,418

 

84,592

Individual A&H and Other

 

12,292

 

11,888

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

213,226

$

202,801


Major factors that affect the Projected Net Loss Ratio assumption in reserving for medical stop-loss relate to: (i) frequency and severity of claims; (ii) changes in medical trend resulting from the influences of underlying cost inflation, changes in utilization and demand for medical services, the impact of new medical technology and changes in medical treatment protocols; and (ii) the adherence by the MGUs that produce and administer this business to the Company's underwriting guidelines. Changes in these underlying factors are what determine the reasonably likely changes in the Projected Net Loss Ratio.


The primary assumption in the determination of fully insured reserves is that historical claim development patterns tend to be representative of future claim development patterns. Factors which may affect this assumption include changes in claim payment processing times and procedures, changes in product design, changes in time delay in submission of claims, and the incidence of unusually large claims. The reserving analysis includes a review of claim processing statistical measures and large claim early notifications; the potential impacts of any changes in these factors are minimal. The time delay in submission of claims tends to be stable over time and not subject to significant volatility. Since our analysis considered a variety of outcomes related to these factors, the Company does not believe that any reasonably likely change in these factors will have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.


The $19.3 million increase in IHC’s stockholders' equity in the first three months of 2010 is primarily due to a $16.7 million after tax gain on the bargain purchase of AMIC and a $4.5 million decrease in net unrealized losses on investments.  




38



Asset Quality and Investment Impairments


The nature and quality of insurance company investments must comply with all applicable statutes and regulations, which have been promulgated primarily for the protection of policyholders. Although the Company's gross unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities totaled $17.9 million at March 31, 2010, approximately 96.4% of the Company’s fixed maturities were investment grade and continue to be rated on average AA. The Company marks all of its available-for-sale securities to fair value through accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. These investments tend to carry less default risk and, therefore, lower interest rates than other types of fixed maturity investments. At March 31, 2010, approximately 3.6% (or $27.3 million) of the carrying value of fixed maturities was invested in non-investment grade fixed maturities (primarily mortgage securities) (investments in such securities have different risks than investment grade securities, including greater risk of loss upon default, and thinner trading markets). The increase in non-investment grade securities is primarily due to the downgrades in credit ratings of certain Alt-A mortgage securities The Company does not have any non-performing fixed maturities at March 31, 2010.


The Company reviews its investments regularly and monitors its investments continually for impairments. For the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Company recorded $1.6 million of losses for other-than-temporary impairments. The unrealized losses on all remaining available-for-sale securities have been evaluated in accordance with the Company's impairment policy and were determined to be temporary in nature at March 31, 2010. The following table summarizes the carrying value of securities with fair values less than 80% of their amortized cost at March 31, 2010 by the length of time the fair values of those securities were below 80% of their amortized cost (in thousands):


 

 

 

 

Greater than

 

Greater than

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 months,

 

6 months,

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less than

 

less than

 

less than

 

Greater than

 

 

 

 

3 months

 

6 months

 

12 months

 

12 months

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities

$

-

$

196

$

-

$

4,187

$

4,383

Equity securities

 

23

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

$

23

$

196

$

-

$

4,187

$

4,406


In 2010, the Company experienced a decrease in net unrealized losses of $8.5 million which, net of deferred taxes of $2.5 million, and net of deferred policy acquisition costs of $1.5 million increased stockholders' equity by $4.5 million (reflecting net unrealized losses of $2.6 million at March 31, 2010 compared to net unrealized losses of $7.1 million at December 31, 2009). From time to time, as warranted, the Company may employ investment strategies to mitigate interest rate and other market exposures. Further deterioration in credit quality of the companies backing the securities, further deterioration in the condition of the financial services industry, a continuation of the current imbalances in liquidity that exist in the marketplace, a continuation or worsening of the current economic recession, or additional declines in real estate values may further affect the fair value of these securities and increase the potential that certain unrealized losses be designated as other-than-temporary in future periods and the Company may incur additional write-downs.


CAPITAL RESOURCES


Due to its strong capital ratios, broad licensing and excellent asset quality and credit-worthiness, the Insurance Group remains well positioned to increase or diversify its current activities. It is anticipated that future acquisitions or other expansion of operations will be funded internally from existing capital and surplus and parent company liquidity. In the event additional funds are required, it is expected that they would be borrowed or raised in the public or private capital markets to the extent determined to be necessary or desirable.



39



IHC enters into a variety of contractual obligations with third parties in the ordinary course of its operations, including liabilities for insurance reserves, funds on deposit, debt and operating lease obligations.  However, IHC does not believe that its cash flow requirements can be fully assessed based solely upon an analysis of these obligations.  Future cash outflows, whether they are contractual obligations or not, also will vary based upon IHC’s future needs.  Although some outflows are fixed, others depend on future events. The maturity distribution of the Company’s obligations, as of March 31, 2010, is not materially different from that reported in the schedule of such obligations at December 31, 2009 which was included in Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.  



OUTLOOK



The Company remained highly liquid for the first quarter of the year, with a shorter duration portfolio. As a result, the yields on our investment portfolio were, and continue to remain, lower than in prior years and investment income may continue to be depressed for the balance of the year. A portfolio that is shorter in duration enables us, if we deem prudent, the flexibility to reinvest in much higher yielding longer-term securities, which would significantly increase investment income.  IHC will continue to monitor the financial markets and invest accordingly.


In March 2010, IHC acquired control of AMIC through the purchase of additional shares of AMIC common stock in the open market; at March 31, 2010, IHC owned approximately 50.13% of the outstanding common stock of AMIC. The acquisition furthers our goal of creating efficiencies by integrating the back office operations of our MGUs and marketing companies. The Company will consider acquiring additional shares of AMIC stock in the market and/or in private transactions as opportunities arise.


 For 2010, we will continue to emphasize:


·

Improving the profitability of our Fully Insured Health business by proactively adjusting our mix of business and distribution strategies to take advantage of market conditions and increasing the efficiency of our administrative companies.  

·

Seeking to acquire additional Medical Stop-Loss business to increase our premiums in a controlled underwriting environment. We have determined that the results of MGUs in which we have ownership generally outperform those of ones we do not own by a substantial margin, which is why we have reduced our block to focus primarily on business written by owned MGUs.

·

Emphasizing cost containment strategies by integrating our new subsidiaries into our fully insured and medical stop-loss businesses.

·

Improving the experience on our Group disability, life annuities and DBL business. The Company experienced a much higher than expected incidence of death and LTD claims in the first quarter of 2010.  Fluctuations in death claims occur from time to time, but can be expected to return to projected levels over an extended period. The large influx in LTD claims this quarter is attributable to significant cuts in state and municipal budgets as a result of the recession, but the claims are beginning to show signs of subsiding subsequent to quarter end.


We will continue to focus on our strategic objectives, including expanding our distribution network.  However, the success of a portion of our Fully Insured Health business may be affected by the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 signed by President Obama in March 2010.  Since detailed implementation regulations have not yet been issued, we are still assessing the full extent of the laws' impact on our business. We have begun a comprehensive review of all the options for IHC and we are completing a thorough evaluation of our options for those health insurance



40


products that may be affected. We know that the law will require us to operate with a lower expense structure for our major medical plans in the small employer and individual markets, but the law may not require lower expense structures in our other lines of business.  Certain of our lines of business will be unaffected by the legislation, and we expect to roll out various supplemental medical products by 2011 for which we believe there will be a developing market in future years.


Our results depend on the adequacy of our product pricing, our underwriting and the accuracy of our reserving methodology, returns on our invested assets and our ability to manage expenses.  Therefore, factors affecting these items, including unemployment and global financial markets, may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.  



ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


The Company manages interest rate risk by seeking to maintain an investment portfolio with a duration and average life that falls within the band of the duration and average life of the applicable liabilities. Options may be utilized to modify the duration and average life of such assets.


The Company monitors its investment portfolio on a continuous basis and believes that the liquidity of the Insurance Group will not be adversely affected by its current investments. This monitoring includes the maintenance of an asset-liability model that matches current insurance liability cash flows with current investment cash flows. This is accomplished by first creating an insurance model of the Company's in-force policies using current assumptions on mortality, lapses and expenses. Then, current investments are assigned to specific insurance blocks in the model using appropriate prepayment schedules and future reinvestment patterns.


The results of the model specify whether the investments and their related cash flows can support the related current insurance cash flows. Additionally, various scenarios are developed changing interest rates and other related assumptions. These scenarios help evaluate the market risk due to changing interest rates in relation to the business of the Insurance Group.


The expected change in fair value as a percentage of the Company's fixed income portfolio at March 31, 2010 given a 100 to 200 basis point rise or decline in interest rates is not materially different than the expected change at December 31, 2009 included in Item 7A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.


 In the Company's analysis of the asset-liability model, a 100 to 200 basis point change in interest rates on the Insurance Group's liabilities would not be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company. With respect to its liabilities, if interest rates were to increase, the risk to the Company is that policies would be surrendered and assets would need to be sold. This is not a material exposure to the Company since a large portion of the Insurance Group's interest sensitive policies are burial policies that are not subject to the typical surrender patterns of other interest sensitive policies, and many of the Insurance Group's universal life and annuity policies were acquired from liquidated companies which tend to exhibit lower surrender rates than such policies of continuing companies. Additionally, there are charges to help offset the benefits being surrendered. If interest rates were to decrease substantially, the risk to the Company is that some of its investment assets would be subject to early redemption. This is not a material exposure because the Company would have additional unrealized gains in its investment portfolio to help offset the future reduction of investment income. With respect to its investments, the Company employs (from time to time as warranted) investment strategies to mitigate interest rate and other market exposures.





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ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


IHC’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer supervised and participated in IHC’s evaluation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in IHC’s periodic reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.  Based upon that evaluation, IHC’S Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that IHC’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

 

     There has been no change in IHC’s internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, IHC's internal control over financial reporting.



PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


We are involved in legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of our businesses. We have established reserves that we believe are sufficient given information presently available related to our outstanding legal proceedings and claims. We do not anticipate that the result of any pending legal proceeding or claim will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or cash flows, although there could be such an effect on our results of operations for any particular period.


ITEM 1A.   

RISK FACTORS


There were no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 in Item 1A to Part 1 of Form 10-K.


ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS


Share Repurchase Program


IHC has a program, initiated in 1991, under which it repurchases shares of its common stock. In January 2010, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares of IHC’s common stock, inclusive of prior authorizations, under the 1991 plan. As of March 31, 2010, 343,300 shares were still authorized to be repurchased under the plan. Share repurchases during the first quarter of 2010 are summarized as follows:


2010

 

 

 

 

Maximum Number

 

 

Average Price

Of Shares Which

Month of

Shares

of Repurchased

Can be

 

Repurchase

 

Repurchased

 

Shares

 

Repurchased

 

 

 

 

January

58,400

$7.33

441,600

 

February

71,300

$8.02

370,300

 

March

27,000

$9.44

343,300

 

 

 

 

 





42


ITEM 3.

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES


Not applicable



ITEM 4.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS


Not applicable



ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION


Not applicable



ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS


31.1

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and President Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


31.2

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


32.1

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


32.2

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002



43


SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements 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.



INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY

(REGISTRANT)




By:

/s/Roy T. K. Thung                                    

Date:

May 17, 2010

Roy T.K. Thung

Chief Executive Officer and President





 By:

/s/Teresa A. Herbert                                    

Date:

May 17, 2010

             Teresa A. Herbert

Senior Vice President and

   

Chief Financial Officer




 























44