10-Q 1 amic10q.htm AMIC 10-Q -




 


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, 2009

OR

[    ]

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

For the transition period from:________to________


Commission File Number:  001-05270


AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware

11-1817252

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

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

 

 

485 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022

10022

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (212) 355-4141


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, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of "accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):


Large accelerated filer [   ]               Accelerated filer [   ]

       Non-accelerated filer [   ]             Smaller reporting company [X]


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


Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.



Class

Outstanding at May 11, 2009

Common stock, $0.01 par value

8,503,989 shares



1




 

American Independence Corp. and Subsidiaries

Index

 

 

Page

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.

 Financial Statements

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2009 (unaudited) and December 31,  2008

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 (unaudited)

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2009 (unaudited)

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008  (unaudited)

 

 

               Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

 

Item 2.

 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

19 

 

 

Item 3.

 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

26 

 

 

Item 4T.  Controls and Procedures

26 

 

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.

 Legal Proceedings

27 

 

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

27 

 

 

Item 2.

 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

27 

 

 

Item 3.

 Defaults Upon Senior Securities

27 

 

 

Item 4.

 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

27 

 

 

Item 5.

 Other Information

27 

 

 

Item 6.

 Exhibits

27 

 

 

Signatures

28 

 

 





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 AMIC’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


American Independence Corp. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share data)

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

 

 

2009

 

 

December 31,

ASSETS:

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

2008

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

$

7,666 

 

$

3,917 

 

Fixed maturities available-for-sale, at fair value

 

46,780 

 

 

45,884 

 

Equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value

 

2,800 

 

 

3,046 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total investments

 

57,246 

 

 

52,847 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

3,685 

 

 

4,401 

 

Restricted cash ($5,653 and $5,194, respectively, restricted by related parties)

 

7,503 

 

 

6,980 

 

Accrued investment income

 

684 

 

 

509 

 

Premiums receivable ($5,344 and $5,684, respectively, due from related parties)

 

9,428 

 

 

9,571 

 

Net deferred tax asset

 

11,886 

 

 

12,584 

 

Due from reinsurers ($6,702 and $7,115, respectively, due from related parties)

 

8,957 

 

 

9,386 

 

Goodwill

 

23,561 

 

 

23,561 

 

Intangible assets

 

3,060 

 

 

3,256 

 

Accrued fee income ($538 and $480, respectively, due from related parties)

 

1,157 

 

 

955 

 

Other assets

 

7,242 

 

 

6,575 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

$

134,409 

 

$

130,625 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance reserves ($19,500 and $21,564, respectively, due to related parties)

$

29,991 

 

$

32,760 

 

Premium and claim funds payable ($5,653 and $5,194, respectively,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

due to related parties)

 

7,503 

 

 

6,980 

 

Derivative liability

 

162 

 

 

205 

 

Commission payable ($2,952 and $2,894, respectively, due to related parties)

 

4,046 

 

 

3,592 

 

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities ($448 and $281, respectively,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

due to related parties)

 

3,295 

 

 

2,763 

 

State income taxes payable

 

604 

 

 

573 

 

Due to securities brokers

 

4,035 

 

 

 

Due to reinsurers ($37 and $25 respectively, due to related parties)

 

81 

 

 

25 

 

Net liabilities associated with discontinued operations

 

304 

 

 

366 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

50,021 

 

 

47,264 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Independence Corp. shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $0.10 par value, 1,000 shares designated; no shares issued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    and outstanding

 

 - 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized; 9,181,793

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    shares issued, respectively; 8,503,989 shares outstanding, respectively

 

92 

 

 

92 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

479,821 

 

 

479,783 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(4,364)

 

 

(4,057)

 

 

Treasury stock, at cost, 677,804 shares, respectively

 

(8,112)

 

 

(8,112)

 

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(383,379)

 

 

(384,774)

 

 

Total American Independence Corp. shareholders’ equity

 

84,058 

 

 

82,932 

 

Noncontrolling interest

 

330 

 

 

429 

 

 

Total equity

 

84,388 

 

 

83,361 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

$

134,409 

 

$

130,625 


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.



4



American Independence Corp. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)


 

 

Three Months

 

 

Ended March 31,

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned ($11,894 and $15,690, respectively, from related parties)

$

21,947 

$

25,244 

 

MGU and agency income ($1,382 and $1,917, respectively, from related parties)

 

3,754 

 

2,428 

 

Net investment income

 

713 

 

855 

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

226 

 

(27)

 

Other income (loss)

 

42 

 

(97)

 

 

26,682 

 

28,403 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance benefits, claims and reserves ($6,686 and $10,625,

 

 

 

 

 

 

respectively, from related parties)

 

13,846 

 

17,552 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses ($3,947 and $4,987,

 

 

 

 

 

 

respectively, from related parties)

 

10,426 

 

9,347 

 

Amortization and depreciation

 

209 

 

176 

 

 

24,481 

 

27,075 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income tax

 

2,201 

 

1,328 

Provision for income taxes

 

746 

 

457 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

1,455 

 

871 

 

Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest

 

(60)

 

(65)

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to American Independence Corp.

$

1,395 

$

806 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to American Independence Corp. common shareholders

$

.16 

$

.10 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares outstanding

 

8,504 

 

8,504 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to American Independence Corp. common shareholders

$

.16 

$

.10 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding

 

8,504 

 

8,528 


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.



5



American Independence Corp. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes In Equity

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCUMULATED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NON-

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL

 

OTHER

 

TREASURY

 

 

 

TOTAL AMIC

 

CONTROLLING

 

 

 

 

COMMON

 

PAID-IN

 

COMPREHENSIVE

 

STOCK,

 

ACCUMULATED

 

SHAREHOLDERS’

 

INTERESTS IN

 

TOTAL

 

 

STOCK

 

CAPITAL

 

INCOME (LOSS)

 

AT COST

 

DEFICIT

 

EQUITY

 

SUBSIDIARIES

 

EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2008

$

92 

$

479,783 

$

(4,057)

$

(8,112)

$

(384,774)

$

82,932 

$

429 

$

83,361 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,395 

 

1,395 

 

60 

 

1,455 

Net change in unrealized gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

 

(307)

 

 

 

 

 

(307)

 

-

 

(307)

 

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,148 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(159)

 

(159)

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

 

38 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

38 

 

-

 

38 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2009

$

92 

$

479,821 

$

(4,364)

$

(8,112)

$

(383,379)

$

84,058 

$

330 

$

84,388 







See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.



6




American Independence Corp. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 

 

2009

 

2008

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to American Independence Corp.

1,395 

806 

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income attributable to AMIC to net change in

 

 

 

 

 

 

cash from operating  activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized investment (gains) losses

 

(226)

 

 27 

 

Amortization and depreciation

 

209 

 

 176 

 

Equity loss

 

14 

 

47 

 

Deferred tax expense

 

728 

     

423 

 

Non-cash stock compensation expense

 

38 


32 

 

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Change in insurance reserves

 

(2,769)


(439)

 

Change in net amounts due from and to reinsurers

 

485 

 

1,066 

 

Change in accrued fee income

 

(202)

 

31 

 

Change in premiums receivable

 

143 

 

(346)

 

Change in income taxes

 

66 

 

15 

 

Change in other assets and other liabilities

 

(29)

 

(479)

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities of continuing operations

 

(148)

 

1,359 

Net cash used by operating activities of discontinued operations

 

(62)

 

(30)

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

 

(210)

 

1,329 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales of short-term investments

 

 

2,507 

 

Change in net amount due from and to securities brokers

 

4,035 

 

 

Net purchases of securities under resale and repurchase agreements

 

(3,749)

 

(15)

 

Sales of and principal repayments on fixed maturities

 

4,971 

 

5,432 

 

Maturities and other repayments of fixed maturities

 

4,913 

 

 

Purchases of fixed maturities

 

(10,676)

 

(8,235)

 

Sales of equity securities

 

 

621 

 

Purchases of equity securities

 

 

(962)

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used by investing activities

 

(506)

 

(652)

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(716)

 

677 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

4,401 

 

6,284 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

3,685 

6,961 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during period for:

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

18 

18 


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.



7


American Independence Corp. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)


1.

Significant Accounting Policies and Practices


(A)

Business and Organization


American Independence Corp. is a Delaware corporation (NASDAQ: AMIC).  We are a holding company principally engaged in the insurance and reinsurance business through: a) our wholly owned insurance company, Independence American Insurance Company ("Independence American"); b) our managing general underwriter subsidiaries: IndependenceCare Holdings L.L.C. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as "IndependenceCare"), Risk Assessment Strategies, Inc. ("RAS"), and Marlton Risk Group LLC ("Marlton"); c) our 23% investment in Majestic Underwriters LLC ("Majestic"); d) our 51% ownership in HealthInsurance.org, LLC (“HIO”), an insurance and marketing agency; e) our 51% ownership in Independent Producers of America, LLC (“IPA”), a national career agent marketing organization; and f) our wholly owned claims administration company, Excess Claims Administrators, Inc. (“ECA”).  IndependenceCare, RAS and Marlton are collectively referred to as "our MGUs".  HIO, ECA and IPA are collectively referred to as “our Agencies”.


As used in this report, unless otherwise required by the context, AMIC and its subsidiaries are sometimes collectively referred to as the "Company" or "AMIC", or are implicit in the terms "we", "us" and "our".


Since November 2002, AMIC has been affiliated with Independence Holding Company ("IHC"), an insurance holding company, which held 49.7% of AMIC’s outstanding common stock at March 31, 2009.  The senior management of IHC provides direction to the Company through a service agreement between the Company and IHC.  IHC has also entered into long-term reinsurance treaties through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Standard Security Life Insurance Company of New York (“Standard Security Life”) and Madison National Life Insurance Company, Inc. (“Madison National Life”), whereby the Company assumes reinsurance premiums from the following lines of business: medical stop-loss, New York State statutory disability benefit law (“DBL”), short-term medical (“STM”) and group major medical.  


(B)

Principles of Consolidation and Preparation of Financial Statements


The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of AMIC and its consolidated subsidiaries. All 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. AMIC’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, should be read in conjunction with the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.


In the opinion of management, all adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed 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, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be anticipated for the entire year.


(C)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements


Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted


In April 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued FASB Staff Position ("FSP") FAS 157-4, "Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly" ("FSP FAS 157-4").  FSP FAS 157-4 provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements", when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased, and guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly.  FSP FAS 157-4 emphasizes that even if there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability and regardless of the valuation technique(s) used, the objective of a fair value measurement remains the same.  Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed sale) between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions.  FSP FAS 157-4 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively. For comparative purposes, FSP FAS 157-4 does not require disclosures for earlier periods presented at initial adoption.  For periods after initial adoption, comparative disclosures are required only for those periods ending after initial adoption.  The adoption of FSP FAS 157-4 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.



8



In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, "Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments" ("FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2").  FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 applies to debt securities classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity that are subject to other-than-temporary impairment guidance.  FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 modifies the existing requirement whereby an investor must assert that it has both the intent and ability to hold a security for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in its fair value to its amortized cost basis in order to avoid recognizing an other-than-temporary impairment.  Instead, an entity must assess whether (a) it has the intent to sell the debt security, or (b) it more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery.  If either of these conditions is met, the entity must recognize an other-than-temporary impairment.  In assessing whether the entire amortized cost basis of the security will be recovered, an entity shall compare the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security and, if the expected cash flows is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists, and an other-than-temporary impairment shall be considered to have occurred.  The guidance provides numerous factors to be considered when estimating whether a credit loss exists and the period over which the debt security is expected to recover.  If an entity intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before 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 shall be recognized in earnings.  If an entity does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the other-than-temporary impairment shall be separated into (a) the amount representing the credit loss, and (b) the amount related to all other factors.  The amount related to the credit loss shall be recognized in earnings and the amount related to all other factors shall be recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable income taxes.  The new amortized cost basis of the investment shall be the previous amortized cost basis less the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings.  FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 also expands and increases the frequency of existing disclosures about other-than-temporary impairments for both debt and equity securities and requires new disclosures pertaining to the significant inputs used in determining a credit loss, as well as a rollforward of that amount each period.  FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009 and shall be applied to existing and new investments held by an entity as of the beginning of the interim period in which it is adopted.  For debt securities held at the beginning of the interim period for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized, if an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the entity shall recognize the cumulative effect of initially applying this FSP as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax.  The amortized cost basis of the security shall be adjusted by the cumulative-effect adjustment before taxes.  As of March 31, 2009, the Company has previously recognized $436,000 of other-than-temporary impairments on certain available-for-sale fixed maturities in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.  The Company is currently analyzing these investments to determine (a) the portion of the previously recorded losses representing the credit loss, and (b) the amount of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings and corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income representing the amount of previously recorded losses related to all other factors.


In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, "Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments" ("FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1").  FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 require public companies to include disclosures about the fair value of its financial instruments whenever it issues summarized financial information for interim reporting periods.  Such disclosures should include the fair value of all financial instruments for which it is practicable, together with the related carrying values, and disclosure of the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value and changes in the methods and significant assumptions, if any, during the period.  FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 are effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009.  Disclosures are not required for earlier periods presented at initial adoption.  In periods after initial adoption, comparative disclosures are required only for periods ending after initial adoption.  The adoption of FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.


Recently Adopted Accounting Standards


In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 141(R)-1, "Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies" ("FSP FAS 141(R)-1").  FSP FAS 141(R)-1 amends and clarifies SFAS No. 141 (R), “Business Combinations”, to address application issues on initial recognition and measurement, subsequent measurement and accounting, and disclosure of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination.  FSP FAS 141(R)-1 is effective for assets or liabilities arising from contingencies in business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  The adoption of FSP FAS 141(R)-1, effective January 1, 2009, did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


In November 2008, the FASB issued EITF Issue No. 08-6, "Equity Method Investment Accounting” (“EITF No. 08-6”).  EITF No. 08-6 requires that the cost basis of an equity method investment be determined by using a cost-accumulation model, which would continue the practice of including transaction costs in the cost of the investment and would exclude the value of contingent consideration.  Equity method investments will be subject to other-than-temporary impairment analysis.  However, an equity investor shall not separately test an investee’s underlying indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment.  EITF No. 08-6 also requires an equity investor to account for a share issuance by an investee as if the investor had sold a proportionate share if its investment.  Any



9



gain or loss to the investor resulting from an investee’s share issuance shall be recognized in earnings.  The adoption of EITF No. 08-6, effective January 1, 2009, did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP EITF No. 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities” (“FSP EITF No. 03-6-1”).  FSP EITF No. 03-6-1 addresses whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities prior to vesting and therefore need to be included in the earnings allocation in calculating earnings per share under the two-class method described in SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share”.  FSP EITF No. 03-6-1 requires companies to treat unvested share-based payment awards that have non-forfeitable rights to dividend or dividend equivalents as a separate class of securities in calculating earnings per share.  The adoption of FSP EITF No. 03-6-1, effective January 1, 2009, did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets.” (“FSP 142-3”).  FSP 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”  FSP 142-3 applies prospectively to intangible assets that are acquired, individually or with a group of other assets, after the effective date in either a business combination or asset acquisition.  The adoption of FSP 142-3, effective January 1, 2009, did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  


In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS 161”).  SFAS 161 expands the current disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities.  Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under FASB Statement 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows.  In addition, SFAS 161 requires disclosure of fair values of derivative instruments and their gains and losses in a tabular format as well as cross-referencing within the footnotes to allow users of financial statements to locate important information about derivative instruments.  The adoption of SFAS 161, effective January 1, 2009, did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 140-3, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets and Repurchase Financing Transactions” (“FSP 140-3”).  The objective of FSP 140-3 is to provide guidance on accounting for a transfer of a financial asset and a repurchase financing.  FSP 140-3 presumes that an initial transfer of a financial asset and a repurchase financing are considered part of the same arrangement (linked transaction) under SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities” ("SFAS 140").  However, if certain criteria are met, the initial transfer and repurchase financing shall not be evaluated as a linked transaction and shall be evaluated separately under SFAS 140.  The adoption of FSP 140-3, effective January 1, 2009, did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


In November 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141(R)”) and SFAS No. 160, “Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements”, an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS 160”).  These standards aim to improve, simplify, and converge internationally the accounting for business combinations and the reporting of non-controlling interests in consolidated financial statements.  SFAS 141(R) changes how business acquisitions are accounted for and will impact financial statements both on the acquisition date and in subsequent periods.  SFAS 141(R) will be applied prospectively.  SFAS 160 changed the accounting and reporting for minority interests, which have been re-characterized as non-controlling interests and classified as a component of equity.  Management has applied the presentation and disclosure requirements retroactively for existing minority interests in accordance with SFAS 160.  All other requirements of SFAS 160 will be applied prospectively.  The adoption of SFAS 141(R) and SFAS 160, effective January 1, 2009, did not 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 2009 presentation, primarily relating to the adoption of SFAS 160 and relating to the EDH Derivative (see Note 12 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).


2.

Income Per Common Share


Included in the diluted earnings per share calculation are 24,000 shares for the three months ended March 31, 2008, from the assumed dilution due to the exercise of options using the treasury stock method.  For the three months ended March 31, 2009, such shares were deemed anti-dilutive.  Net income does not change as a result of the assumed dilution.




10



3.

MGU and Agency Income


The Company records MGU fee income as corresponding policy premiums are earned.  Our MGUs are compensated in two ways.  They earn fee income based on the volume of business produced for marketing, underwriting and administrative services that they provide for their carriers (“fee income–administration”), and earn profit-sharing commissions if such business exceeds certain profitability benchmarks (“fee income–profit commissions”). Profit-sharing commissions are accounted for beginning in the period in which the Company believes they are reasonably estimable, which is typically at the point that claims have developed to a level where claim development patterns can be applied to generate reasonably reliable estimates of ultimate claim levels. Profit-sharing commissions are a function of an MGU attaining certain profitability thresholds and could vary greatly from quarter to quarter.  Agency income consists of commissions, fees and lead revenue earned by our Agencies.  IPA was acquired in April 2008 and revenues are included in agency income.


MGU and Agency income consisted of the following:


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Agency income

 $

 2,163

 $

89

MGU fee income–administration

 

 1,470

 

 2,058

MGU fee income– profit commissions

 

 121

 

 281

 

 

 

 

 

 

 $

 3,754

 $

 2,428


4.

Investments


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


 

 

MARCH 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

GROSS

 

GROSS

 

 

 

 

AMORTIZED 

 

UNREALIZED

 

UNREALIZED

 

FAIR

 

 

    COST 

 

GAINS

 

LOSSES

 

VALUE

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

FIXED MATURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate securities

 

$

23,043 

 

$

16 

 

(2,743)

 

$

20,316 

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO)

 

7,165 

 

 66 

 

(1,111)

 

6,120 

 

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

 

2,516 

 

 24 

 

(120)

 

2,420 

 

U.S. Government

 

4,874 

 

 173 

 

 

5,047 

 

Government sponsored enterprise (GSE)

 

6,971 

 

 72 

 

 

7,043 

 

Agency mortgage backed pass

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

through securities (MBS)

 

 

 5,809 

 

 

 25 

 

 

 

 

5,834 

 

 Total fixed maturities

 

$

 50,378 

 

$

 376 

 

(3,974)

 

$

 46,780 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY SECURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock

 

$

3,566 

 

$

 14 

 

$

(780)

 

$

 2,800 




11




 

 

DECEMBER 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

GROSS

 

GROSS

 

 

 

 

AMORTIZED 

 

UNREALIZED

 

UNREALIZED

 

FAIR

 

 

    COST 

 

GAINS

 

LOSSES

 

VALUE

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

FIXED MATURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate securities

 

$

24,621 

 

$

128 

 

(2,964)

 

$

21,785 

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO)

 

8,470 

 

 46 

 

(989)

 

7,527 

 

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

 

2,513 

 

 21 

 

(147)

 

2,387 

 

U.S. Government

 

4,873 

 

 239 

 

 

5,112 

 

Government sponsored enterprise (GSE)

 

2,801 

 

 49 

 

 

2,850 

 

Agency mortgage backed pass

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

through securities (MBS)

 

 

 6,143 

 

 

 80 

 

 

 

 

6,223 

 

 Total fixed maturities

 

$

 49,421 

 

$

 563 

 

(4,100)

 

$

 45,884 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY SECURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock

 

$

3,566 

 

$

 - 

 

$

(520)

 

$

 3,046 

Government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities consist of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and Federal National Mortgage Association securities.


The following table summarizes, for all securities in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time, those securities that have continuously been in an unrealized loss position (in thousands):


 

 

March 31, 2009

 

 

Less than 12 Months

12 Months or Longer

Total

 

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

 

Value

 

Losses

 

Value

 

Losses

 

Value

 

Losses

FIXED MATURITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate securities

$

5,642 

$

507 

$

12,550 

$

2,236 

$

18,192 

$

2,743 

CMO

 

499 

 

98 

 

3,358 

 

1,013 

 

3,857 

 

1,111 

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

 

373 

 

 

1,186 

 

112 

 

1,559 

 

120 

 

Total fixed maturities

$

6,514 

$

613 

$

17,094 

$

3,361 

$

23,608 

$

3,974 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY SECURITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock with maturities

$

$

$

971 

$

109 

$

971 

$

109 

Preferred stock without maturities

 

420 

 

405 

 

1,221 

 

266 

 

1,641 

 

671 

 

Total preferred stock

$

420 

$

405 

$

2,192 

$

375 

$

2,612 

$

780 


 

 

December 31, 2008

 

 

Less than 12 Months

 

12 Months or Longer

 

Total

 

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

 

Value

 

Losses

 

Value

 

Losses

 

Value

 

Losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIXED MATURITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate securities

$

8,998 

$

882 

$

10,254 

$

2,082

$

19,252 

$

2,964 

CMO

 

1,049 

 

291 

 

2,666 

 

698

 

3,715 

 

989 

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

 

1,358 

 

99 

 

481 

 

48

 

1,839 

 

147 

 

Total fixed maturities

$

11,405 

$

1,272 

$

13,401 

$

2,828

$

24,806 

$

4,100 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY SECURITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock with maturities

$

160 

$

14 

$

517 

$

29

$

677 

$

43 

Preferred stock without maturities

 

1,013 

 

330 

 

1,356 

 

147

 

2,369 

 

477 

 

Total preferred stock

$

1,173 

$

344 

$

1,873 

$

176

$

3,046 

$

520 


Substantially all of the unrealized losses at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 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 losses on corporate securities are due to wider spreads.  Spreads have widened as investors shifted funds to US Treasuries in response to the current market turmoil.  The Company reviews its investments regularly and monitors its investments for impairments.  At March 31, 2009, the Company had $1.4 million invested in whole loan CMOs backed by Alt-A mortgages.  Of this amount, 50.1% were in CMOs that originated in 2005 or earlier and 49.9% were in CMOs that originated in 2006.  The Company’s



12



mortgage security portfolio has no direct exposure to sub-prime mortgages.  The unrealized loss for the equity securities was primarily due to wider spreads for preferred stocks issued by financial institutions following the disruption in credit markets in late 2007 and continuing through 2009.  Some of these financial institutions have exposure to sub-prime mortgages.  


A total of 18 securities were in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and 52 securities for 12 months or longer as of March 31, 2009.  A total of 30 securities were in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and 43 securities for 12 months or longer as of December 31, 2008.  For fixed maturities, there are no securities past due or securities for which the Company currently believes it is not probable that it will collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the investment.


The Company reviews its investment securities regularly and determines whether other-than-temporary impairments have occurred.  If a decline in fair value is judged by management to be other than temporary, a loss is recognized by a charge to net realized investment gains in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, establishing a new cost basis for the security.  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; whether the issuer of a debt security has remained current on principal and interest payments; 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 and ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in fair value.  The Company did not record any losses for other-than-temporary impairments for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.  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.


The Company had derivative instruments representing the value of the contingent payment due to EDH as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 (see Note 12 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).


Net realized investment gains (losses) for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows (in thousands):


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized investment gains (losses):

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities

$

226 

$

(39)

 

Preferred stock

 

 

11 

 

 

 

226 

 

(28)

 

 

 

 

 

Trading and other gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

$

226 

$

(27)


5.

Fair Value Measurements


For all financial and non-financial instruments 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.

  

When available, we use quoted market prices to determine fair value and classify such items in Level 1.  In some cases, we use quoted market prices for similar instruments in active markets and/or model-derived valuations where inputs are observable in



13



active markets and classify such items in Level 2.  When there are limited or inactive trading markets, we use industry–standard pricing methodologies, including discounted cash flow models, whose inputs are based on management assumptions and available current market information.  These items are classified in Level 3.  Further, we retain independent pricing vendors to assist in valuing certain instruments.

  

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

  

Investments in fixed maturities and equity securities


Investments included in Level 1 are primarily equities with quoted market prices.  Level 2 is primarily comprised of our portfolio of corporate fixed income securities, government agency mortgage-backed securities, government sponsored enterprises, certain CMO securities, municipals and certain preferred stocks that were priced with observable market inputs.  Level 3 securities consist of certain CMO securities, primarily Alt-A mortgages.


Derivative liability


Financial liabilities consist of a derivative liability relating to the EDH Agreement (see Note 12 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements), and is included in Level 2.  The liability is valued using market-observable inputs including market price, interest rate, and volatility within a Black-Scholes model.


The following tables present our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively (in thousands):

  

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment securities held for sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Fixed maturities

$

-

 

$

45,139

 

$

1,641

 

$

46,780

    Equity securities

 

2,322

 

 

478

 

 

-

 

 

2,800

Total

$

2,322

 

$

45,617

 

$

1,641

 

$

49,580

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative liability

$

-

 

$

162

 

$

-

 

$

162

Total

$

-

 

$

162

 

$

-

 

$

162

  

  

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment securities held for sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Fixed maturities

$

-

 

$

44,838

 

$

1,046

 

$

45,884

    Equity securities

 

2,752

 

 

294

 

 

-

 

 

3,046

Total

$

2,752

 

$

45,132

 

$

1,046

 

$

48,930

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative liability

$

-

 

$

205

 

$

-

 

$

205

Total

$

-

 

$

205

 

$

-

 

$

205




14




Inputs for certain fixed maturity securities that were observable during 2008 were not unobservable at March 31, 2009 as a result of limited or inactive markets.  These securities were transferred out of Level 2 and into the Level 3 category during 2009.  No securities were sold or transferred out of the Level 3 category in 2009.  Changes in the carrying value of Level 3 financial assets and liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2009 are summarized as follows (in thousands):


 

 

 

Fixed

 

 

 

Maturities

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2008

 

$

1,046 

 

 

 

 

Transfers into Level 3

 

 

831 

Net unrealized losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(236)

 

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2009

 

$

1,641 


6.

Other Intangible Assets


The change in the carrying amount of other intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2009 is as follows (in thousands):


 

 

Other Intangible

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2008

 

$

3,256 

Amortization expense

 

 

(196)

Balance at March 31, 2009

 

$

3,060 


7.

Related-Party Transactions


AMIC and its subsidiaries incurred expense of $235,000 and $218,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, from service agreements with IHC and its subsidiaries which is recorded in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.  These payments reimburse IHC and its subsidiaries, at agreed upon rates including an overhead factor, for certain services provided to AMIC and its subsidiaries, including general management, corporate strategy, accounting, legal, compliance, underwriting, and claims.


Independence American assumes premiums from IHC subsidiaries, and records related insurance income, expenses, assets and liabilities.  Independence American pays administrative fees and commissions to subsidiaries of IHC in connection with fully insured health and medical stop-loss business written by Independence American.  Additionally, our MGUs market, underwrite and provide administrative services, and ECA provides medical management and claims adjudication, for a substantial portion of the medical stop-loss business written by the insurance subsidiaries of IHC.  Our MGUs and ECA record related income, assets and liabilities in connection with that business.  Such related-party information is disclosed on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.  The Company also contracts for several types of insurance coverage (e.g. directors and officers and professional liability coverage) jointly with IHC.  The cost of this coverage is split proportionally between the Company and IHC according to the type of risk and the Company’s portion is recorded in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.


8.

Discontinued Operations


Prior to becoming an insurance holding company as a result of the acquisition of Independence American Holdings Corp. (“IAHC”) on November 14, 2002, the Company was a holding company principally engaged in providing internet services through its discontinued operations.  The operating results of discontinued operations, when applicable, have been segregated from continuing operations and are reported as discontinued operations on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.  Although it is difficult to predict the final results, the loss on disposition from discontinued operations includes management’s estimates of costs to wind down the business and costs to settle its outstanding liabilities.  The actual results could differ materially from these estimates.  The estimated loss on disposition reserve for all discontinued operations is reflected in net liabilities associated with discontinued operations in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.


Net liabilities of $304,000 and $366,000 associated with discontinued operations at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, represent estimated closure costs of Intellicom.  The Company believes the net liabilities for discontinued operations at March 31, 2009 adequately estimate the remaining costs associated with Intellicom discontinued operations.



15




9.

Share-Based Compensation


Total share-based compensation expense was $38,000 and $32,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Related tax benefits of $13,000 and $11,000 were recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.


Under the terms of the Company’s stock-based compensation plan, option exercise prices are equal to the quoted market price of the shares at the date of grant; option terms are ten years; and vesting periods range from three to four years.  The Company may also grant shares of restricted stock, stock appreciation rights 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.


Stock Options

The following table summarizes information regarding outstanding and exercisable options as of March 31, 2009:


 

 

Outstanding

 

Exercisable

 

 

 

 

 

Number of options

 

413,400

 

384,330

Weighted average exercise price per share

$

13.81

$

14.16

Aggregate intrinsic value of options

$

-

$

-

Weighted average contractual term remaining

 

4.49 years

 

4.18 years


The Company’s stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2009 is as follows:

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Exercise

 

Shares

 

Price

 

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2008

419,817 

 

$

14.37 

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

(6,417)

 

 

51.00 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2009

413,400 

 

$

13.81 


Compensation expense of $31,000 and $32,000 was recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, for the portion of the fair value of stock options vesting during that period.


As of March 31, 2009, there was approximately $101,000 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested options which will be recognized over the remaining requisite service periods.


Restricted Stock


The Company issued 12,000 restricted stock awards in the second quarter of 2008, with a weighted average grant-date fair value of $6.92 per share.  No restricted stock awards were issued in 2009.  Restricted stock expense was $7,000 and $0, for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.


As of March 31, 2009, there was approximately $61,000 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock which will be recognized over the remaining requisite service periods.


10.

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)


The components of comprehensive income (loss) include (i) net income or loss reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, and (ii) certain amounts reported directly in stockholders’ equity, principally the after-tax net unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale.  The comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 is summarized as follows (in thousands):




16






 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

 1,455 

$

 871 

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, net of tax

 

 (307)

 

 (214)

Comprehensive income attributable to American Independence Corp.

$

 1,148 

$

 657 


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.  At March 31, 2009, the Company had consolidated net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $274,400,000 for federal income tax purposes which expire between 2019 and 2028.  


The net deferred tax assets shown in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for the periods ending March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 are $11,886,000 and $12,584,000, respectively.  In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the period in which those temporary differences become deductible.  Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.  Management believes that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of the $11,886,000 in net deferred tax assets recorded at March 31, 2009.


12.

Marketing Agreement


In February 2006, Independence American entered into an agreement with Employers Direct Health (“EDH”).  Under this agreement, EDH began writing employer medical stop-loss for Independence American in 2006, and had moved the majority of its existing block of employer-sponsored group major medical and medical stop-loss to Independence American during 2007.  The employer-sponsored group major medical product is part of the Company’s fully insured line of business.  Independence American paid EDH $2,500,000, which EDH simultaneously paid to Independence Holding Company (“IHC”) in consideration of IHC issuing 125,000 shares of IHC common stock (“IHC Stock”) to EDH.  As part of the agreement, an affiliate of EDH and Independence American agreed to a profit/loss sharing arrangement whereby Independence American will pay to, or receive from, such affiliate 35% of the underwriting profit or loss of the business written by Independence American.  Accordingly, the Company has recorded a profit sharing commission expense on the business underwritten in the three months ended March 31, 2009.  The IHC stock is held by Independence American as collateral to satisfy EDH’s obligation under the profit/loss sharing agreement.


Derivative liability

The EDH Agreement terminates on December 31, 2011; provided, it will automatically be extended to December 31, 2016, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions as to premium volume and profitability.  Assuming these conditions are satisfied, EDH would be entitled to up to an additional $2,500,000 depending on the value of the IHC Stock as of December 31, 2011.  The Company recorded a derivative liability (“EDH Derivative”) and an intangible asset on its balance sheet in the amount of $743,000 to account for the fair value of such contingent payment at closing.  The intangible asset is being amortized over the five year contract period.  In accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” as amended (“SFAS No. 133”), the EDH Derivative is evaluated each quarter and is recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as a liability at fair value.  The corresponding changes in unrealized gains or losses are reported in other income (loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.


The fair value of the Company’s liability derivative as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 is summarized as follows (in thousands):


 

 

Liability Derivative

 

 

March 31, 2009

December 31, 2008

 

 

Balance

 

 

 

Balance

 

 

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging

 

Sheet

 

Fair

 

Sheet

 

Fair

Instruments under SFAS No. 133

 

Location

 

Value

 

Location

 

Value

 

EDH Derivative

 

Derivative liability

$

162 

 

Derivative liability

$

205 

Total

 

 

$

162 

 

 

$

205 




17



The gain (loss) recognized on the derivative for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows (in thousands):


 

 

 

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)

 

 

 

 

Recognized in Income

 

 

 

 

on Derivative

 

 

Location of Gain or (Loss)

 

Three Months Ended

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging

 

Recognized in Income on

 

March 31,

Instruments under SFAS No. 133

 

Derivative

 

2009

 

2008

 

EDH Derivative

 

Other income (loss)

$

43 

$

(103)

Total

 

 

$

43 

$

(103)


If the EDH Agreement is extended to December 31, 2016, subject to satisfaction of certain further conditions as to premium volume and profitability, EDH would be entitled to up to an additional $5,000,000 depending on the value of the IHC Stock as of December 31, 2016.  In addition, EDH could be entitled to a $1,000,000 bonus on December 31, 2013, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions as to premium volume and profitability.



18



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 American Independence Corp. ("AMIC") 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 year ended December 31, 2008, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and our condensed consolidated financial statements and related Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this quarterly report.


Overview


We are an insurance holding company engaged in the insurance and reinsurance business through our wholly owned insurance company, Independence American Insurance Company ("Independence American"), our marketing organizations, including our three medical stop-loss managing general underwriter subsidiaries (“our MGUs"), our two insurance and marketing agencies IPA and HIO, and our claims administration company, ECA.  Since November 2002, AMIC has been affiliated with Independence Holding Company ("IHC"), which currently owns 49.7% of AMIC's stock, and IHC's senior management has provided direction to us through service agreements between us and IHC.  As of March 31, 2009, the majority of Independence American’s revenue was reinsurance premiums.  The majority of these premiums are ceded to Independence American from IHC under long-term reinsurance treaties to cede its gross medical stop-loss premiums written to Independence American.  In addition, Independence American assumes fully insured health premiums and New York State short-term statutory disability benefit law (“DBL”) premiums from IHC, and assumes medical stop-loss premiums from unaffiliated carriers.  Independence American began writing group major medical, medical stop-loss, major medical plans for individuals and families, and short-term medical in 2007.  


While management considers a wide range of factors in its strategic planning, the overriding consideration is underwriting profitability.  Management's assessment of trends in healthcare and in the medical stop-loss market play a significant role in determining whether to expand Independence American's health insurance premiums.  Since Independence American reinsures a portion of all of the business produced by our MGUs, and since these companies are also eligible to earn profit sharing commissions based on the profitability of the business they place, our MGUs also emphasize underwriting profitability.  In addition, management focuses on controlling operating costs.  By sharing employees with IHC and sharing resources among our subsidiaries, we strive to maximize our earnings.


Independence American Insurance Company


Independence American, which is domiciled in Delaware, is licensed to write property and/or casualty insurance in 49 states and the District of Columbia, and has an A- (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best.  An A.M. Best rating is assigned after an extensive quantitative and qualitative evaluation of a company’s financial condition and operating performance, and is also based upon factors relevant to policyholders, agents, and intermediaries, and is not directed toward protection of investors.  A.M. Best’s ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold securities of the Company.  Independence American's unaudited statutory capital and surplus as of March 31, 2009 was $42,372,000.


Managing General Underwriters


IndependenceCare, which is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, markets and underwrites employer medical stop-loss, provider excess loss, HMO Reinsurance and ancillary products for Standard Security Life Insurance Company of New York ("Standard Security Life"), Madison National Life Insurance Company, Inc. ("Madison National Life"), Independence American and another carrier.  IndependenceCare's 10 employees are responsible for marketing, underwriting, billing and collecting premiums, and administrative services.  RAS, which is headquartered near Hartford, Connecticut, markets and underwrites employer medical stop-loss and group life for Standard Security Life, Madison National Life, Independence American and one other and another carrier. RAS has 9 marketing, underwriting and claims personnel.  Marlton, which is headquartered near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, markets and underwrites employer medical stop-loss and group life for Standard Security Life, Independence American and two other carriers.  Marlton has 18 marketing, underwriting, medical management and claims employees.


The Company has a 23% interest in Majestic, an employer medical stop-loss MGU for Standard Security Life and another carrier.  The Company accounts for this investment using the equity method of accounting.  Majestic, which is headquartered in Troy, Michigan, has 18 marketing, underwriting, medical management and claims employees.


Agencies


In the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company formed ECA to administer, adjudicate, and process claims and perform medical management services for our MGUs, Majestic and third parties.  These functions, which were previously performed by each MGU separately, were consolidated in order to generate cost savings through economies of scale and provide more uniform results among the MGUs.  ECA, which is headquartered near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has 11 employees.  The Company has a 51% interest in



19



both HIO and IPA.  HIO, which is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is an insurance and marketing agency through its well-established internet domain address: www.healthinsurance.org.  This domain generates hundreds of daily leads from individuals and small employers seeking affordable health insurance solutions.  IPA, which is headquartered in Tampa, Florida, is a national, career agent marketing organization.  IPA operates under a controlled career agent distribution model in which independent producers sell products approved by IPA and AMIC.


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


·

Net income per share increased to $.16 per share, diluted, or $1.4 million, for the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to $.10 per share, diluted, or $0.8 million for the three months March 31, 2008.


·

The book value of the Company shareholders’ equity increased to $9.88 per share at March 31, 2009 compared to $9.75 per share at December 31, 2008.


·

Of the aggregate carrying value of the Company’s investment assets, approximately 94.9% was invested in investment grade fixed maturities, securities purchased under resale agreements, and cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2009. Also at such date, 99.7% of the Company's fixed maturities were investment grade.


·

The return on investments of the Company was 4.6% and 5.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.


·

Premiums earned decreased 13% from $25.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 to $21.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, primarily due to lower assumed medical stop-loss premiums, lower assumed fully insured premiums, and lower direct fully insured premiums, partially offset by higher direct medical stop-loss premiums.


·

For the three months ended March 31, 2009, Independence American wrote $2.1 million of individual health business produced by our marketing organization IPA.


·

Underwriting experience, as indicated by its GAAP Combined Ratios on our three lines of business for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, are as follows (in thousands):


§

Medical Stop-Loss

 

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums Earned

$

11,884

$

14,701

Insurance Benefits Claims and Reserves

 

6,811

 

9,573

Expenses

 

3,919

 

4,815

 

 

 

 

 

Loss Ratio(A)

 

57.3%

 

65.1%

Expense Ratio (B)

 

33.0%

 

32.8%

Combined Ratio (C)

 

90.3%

 

97.9%




20




§

Fully Insured Health

 

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums Earned

$

9,187

$

9,660

Insurance Benefits Claims and Reserves

 

6,510

 

7,461

Expenses

 

2,205

 

2,229

 

 

 

 

 

Loss Ratio(A)

 

70.9%

 

77.2%

Expense Ratio (B)

 

24.0%

 

23.8%

Combined Ratio (C)

 

94.9%

 

101.0%



§

DBL

 

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums Earned

$

876

$

883

Insurance Benefits Claims and Reserves

 

525

 

518

Expenses

 

280

 

250

 

 

 

 

 

Loss Ratio(A)

 

59.9%

 

58.7%

Expense Ratio (B)

 

32.0%

 

28.3%

Combined Ratio (C)

 

91.9%

 

87.0%


(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 expense ratio.


·

For the three months ended March 31, 2009, our MGUs and Agencies generated revenues of $3.8 million compared to $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, an increase of 58%, primarily due to IPA, ECA, and HIO, partially offset by lower income at our MGUs.


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 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.  Management has identified the accounting policies related to Insurance Reserves, Premium and MGU Fee income Revenue Recognition, Reinsurance, Income Taxes, Investments, Goodwill and Other Intangibles as those that, due to the judgments, estimates and assumptions inherent in those policies, are critical to an understanding of the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements and this Management's Discussion and Analysis. A full discussion of these policies is included under Critical Accounting Policies in Item 7 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.  During the three months ended March 31, 2009, there were no additions to or changes in the critical accounting policies disclosed in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.




21



Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009, Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008


 

 

 

 

Benefits,

Selling,

 

 

 

 

Fees and

Net

Claims

General

Amortization

 

March 31,

Premiums

Other

Investment

and

and

and

 

2009

Earned

Income

Income

Reserves

Admin

Depreciation

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Independence

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      American:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Medical stop-loss

$

11,884 

11 

472 

6,811 

3,882 

37 

$

1,637 

   Fully Insured Health

9,187 

32 

130 

6,510 

2,080 

125 

634 

   DBL

876 

17 

525 

280 

88 

Total Independence

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      American

21,947 

43 

619 

13,846 

6,242 

162 

2,359 

MGU Subs and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Agencies

3,753 

94 

3,870 

47 

(70)

Corporate

314 

(314)

Subtotal

$

21,947 

 

3,796 

 

713 

 

13,846 

 

10,426 

 

209

 

1,975 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized investment gains (loss)

 

226 

Income (loss) before income taxes

2,201 

Income taxes

 

 

 

 

(746)

Net income

 

 

 

 

1,455 

 

Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 

(60)

Net income attributable to American Independence Corp.

 

 

 

$

1,395 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits,

Selling,

 

 

 

 

Fees and

Net

Claims

General

Amortization

 

March 31,

Premiums

Other

Investment

and

and

and

 

2008

Earned

Income

Income

Reserves

Admin

Depreciation

Total

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Independence

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      American:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Medical stop-loss

$

14,701 

(20)

564 

9,573 

4,779 

36 

$

857 

   Fully Insured Health

9,660 

(83)

210 

7,461 

2,173 

126 

27 

   DBL

883 

20 

518 

250 

135 

Total Independence

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      American

25,244 

(103)

794 

17,552 

7,202 

162 

1,019 

MGU Subs and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Agencies

2,432 

1,770 

14 

656 

Corporate

53 

375 

(320)

Subtotal

$

25,244 

 

2,331 

 

855 

 

17,552 

 

9,347 

 

176 

 

1,355 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized investment loss

 

(27)

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

 

1,328 

Income taxes

 

 

 

 

(457)

Net income

 

 

 

 

871 

 

Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 

(65)

Net income attributable to American Independence Corp.

 

 

 

$

806 


Premiums Earned.  Premiums earned decreased 13%, or $3,297,000, to $21,947,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to $25,244,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008.  The Company currently has three lines of business.  Premiums relating to medical stop-loss business were $11,881,000 and $14,701,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  This is due to a decrease in medical stop-loss premiums assumed by Independence American ($3,160,000), partially offset by an increase in medical stop-loss written by Independence American ($340,000).  Premiums relating to fully insured health consisting of group major medical, STM, dental, and individual health were $9,190,000 and $9,660,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in group major medical and STM premiums assumed from IHC and a decrease in premiums written by Independence American.  Premiums relating to DBL were $876,000 and $883,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  For the three months ended March 31, 2009, Independence American assumed 10% of IHC’s STM business, 8.9% of certain of IHC’s group major medical business, 20% of IHC’s DBL business and approximately 23% of IHC’s medical stop-loss business.  There were no significant changes to these percentages from the prior year.


MGU and Agency Income.  MGU and agency income increased $1,326,000 to $3,754,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to $2,428,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008.  MGU fee income-administration decreased $588,000 to $1,470,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to $2,058,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008, as our MGUs have decreased their volume of business as a result of stricter underwriting guidelines.  MGU fee income-profit



22



commission decreased $160,000 to $121,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to $281,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 as a result of less favorable loss ratios experienced at certain of our MGUs.  Profit commissions for a given year are based primarily on the performance of business written during portions of the three preceding years.  Therefore, profit commissions for 2009 are based on business written during portions of 2006, 2007 and 2008.  For the three months ended March 31, 2009, income from our Agencies consisted of commission income and other fees of $1,712,000 from IPA, revenue of $335,000 from HIO, and $116,000 of claims administration fees from ECA.  For the three months ended March 31, 2008, income from our Agencies consisted of revenue of $89,000 from HIO.  IPA was acquired subsequent to March 31, 2008 and ECA commenced operations in the fourth quarter of 2008.


Net Investment Income.  Net investment income decreased $142,000 to $713,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to $855,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 due to a lower return on investments.  The return on investments of the Company was 4.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 5.0% for the comparable period in 2008.


Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses).  The Company recorded a net realized investment gain of $226,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to a loss of $27,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008.  The Company's decision as to whether to sell securities is based on management’s ongoing evaluation of investment opportunities and economic market conditions, thus creating fluctuations in realized gains or losses from period to period.  


Other Income (Loss).  Other income was $42,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to a loss of $97,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008.  Included in the three months ended March 31, 2009 is income of $43,000 representing a decrease in the fair value of the derivative liability relating to the agreement with Employers Direct Health, Inc. (“EDH”) (see Note 12 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).  Included in the three months ended March 31, 2008 is a loss of $103,000 representing an increase in the fair value of the derivative liability relating to the agreement with EDH.  The unrealized gain for 2009 reflects the lower probability of EDH business meeting target benchmarks.


Insurance Benefits, Claims and Reserves.  Insurance benefits claims and reserves decreased 21%, or $3,706,000, to $13,846,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to $17,552,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008.  The decrease of $3,706,000 is primarily comprised of a decrease in assumed medical stop-loss of $2,845,000 due to lower premiums written and improved loss ratios due to stricter underwriting guidelines, a decrease in the direct fully insured of $796,000 and a decrease in assumed fully insured of $153,000, partially offset by an increase in direct medical stop-loss of $81,000.


Selling, General and Administrative.  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $1,079,000 to $10,426,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to $9,347,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008.  This increase is primarily due to the additional expense of IPA of $2,257,000 and $274,000 of ECA, which includes commissions and other general expenses of the agencies, offset by lower commission expense of $1,079,000 incurred by Independence American primarily resulting from a decrease in premiums assumed in medical stop-loss business, and lower expenses at IndependenceCare and Marlton of $251,000 and $191,000, respectively primarily due to lower payroll expenses.


Amortization and Depreciation.  Amortization and depreciation expense increased $33,000 to $209,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to $176,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008.  The increase in amortization is the result of additional amortization expense as a result of the acquisition of the remaining 20% interest in Marlton and the acquisition of 51% of IPA in 2008.


Income Taxes.  The provision for income taxes increased $289,000 to $746,000, an effective rate of 34.8%, for the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to $457,000, an effective rate of 36.2%, for the three months ended March 31, 2008.  Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 includes a non-cash provision for federal income taxes of $698,000 and $395,000, respectively.  The state tax effective rate decreased to 0.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2009 from 3.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2008.  As compared to our MGUs, Independence American pays a nominal amount of state income tax; therefore, the Company’s state tax effective rate will decrease relative to an increase in Independence American’s pre-tax income.  For as long as AMIC utilizes its NOL carryforwards, it will not pay any income taxes, except for federal alternative minimum taxes and state income taxes.


Net Income attributable to the noncontrolling interest.  The Company recorded net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest of $60,000 and $65,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The net income for the three months ended March 31, 2009 relates to the 49% noncontrolling interest in IPA and the 49% noncontrolling interest in HIO.  The net income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 relates to the 20% noncontrolling interest in Marlton and the 49% noncontrolling interest in HIO.  


Net Income attributable to American Independence Corp.  The net income attributable to the Company increased 73% to $1,395,000, or $.16 per share, diluted, for the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to $806,000, or $.10 per share, diluted, for the three months ended March 31, 2008.



23




Liquidity and Capital Resources


Independence American


Independence American principally derives cash flow from: (i) operations; (ii) the receipt of scheduled principal payments on its portfolio of fixed income securities; and (iii) earnings on investments and other investing activities.  Such cash flow is partially used to finance liabilities for insurance policy benefits and reinsurance obligations.


Corporate


Corporate derives cash flow funds principally from: dividends and tax payments from its subsidiaries and investment income from corporate liquidity.  Other than Independence American, there are no regulatory constraints on the ability of any of our subsidiaries to pay dividends to its parent company.  Delaware insurance laws and regulations govern the ability of Independence American to pay dividends to its parent company.  For the three months ended March 31, 2009, our MGUs and Agencies paid $525,000 in dividends to Corporate.


Cash Flows


As of March 31, 2009, the Company had $56,896,000 of cash, cash equivalents, and investments net of amounts due to/from securities brokers compared with $57,248,000 as of December 31, 2008.


Net cash used by operating activities of continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $148,000.  Net cash used by investing activities of continuing operations for the thee months ended March 31, 2009 was $506,000.  


As of March 31, 2009, the Company had $7,503,000 of restricted cash at our MGUs.  The amount at our MGUs is directly offset by corresponding liabilities for Premium and Claim Funds Payable of $7,503,000.  This asset, in part, represents the premium that is remitted by the insureds and is collected by our MGUs on behalf of the insurance carriers they represent.  Each month the premium is remitted to the insurance carriers by our MGUs.  Until such remittance is made the collected premium is carried as an asset on the balance sheet of each MGU with a corresponding payable to each insurance carrier.  In addition to the premium being held at our MGUs, our MGUs are in possession of cash to pay claims.  The cash is deposited by each insurance carrier into a bank account that our MGUs can access.  The cash is used by our MGUs to pay claims on behalf of the insurance carriers they represent.  The availability of cash enables our MGUs to reimburse claims in a timely manner.


As of March 31, 2009, the Company had $29,991,000 of insurance reserves that it expects to 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.


The Company believes it has sufficient cash to meet its currently anticipated business requirements over the next twelve months including the funding of discontinued operations, working capital requirements, and capital investments.  The Company expects continued cash usage similar to the amount used in 2008 for its discontinued operations, which are primarily net lease obligations, for the year ending December 31, 2009.


Asset Quality and Investment Impairments


The nature and quality of insurance company investments must comply with all applicable insurance statutes and regulations which have been promulgated primarily for the protection of policyholders.  Of the aggregate carrying value of the Company's investment assets, approximately 94.9% was invested in investment grade fixed income securities, securities purchased under resale agreements, and cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2009.  The Company's gross unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities totaled $4,754,000 at March 31, 2009.  Substantially all of these securities were investment grade.  The Company holds all fixed maturities and preferred stock as available-for-sale and accordingly marks all of its securities to market through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  The Company does not have any non-performing fixed maturities at March 31, 2009.  


At March 31, 2009, the Company had $1.4 million invested in whole loan collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) backed by Alt-A mortgages.  Of this amount, 50.1% were in CMOs that originated in 2005 or earlier and 49.9% were in CMOs that originated in 2006.  While these mortgages have seen lower market values recently, we believe that the unrealized losses on these securities are not necessarily indicative of their ultimate performance.  The Company's mortgage security portfolio has no direct exposure to sub-prime mortgages.  The decline in fair value for the equity securities was primarily due to wider spreads for preferred stocks issued by financial institutions following the disruption in credit markets in late 2007.  Some of these financial institutions have exposure to sub-prime mortgages.  The unrealized loss for CMO securities is primarily attributable to Alt-A mortgages as



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described above.  The unrealized losses on corporate securities are due to wider spreads.  Spreads have widened as investors shifted funds to US Treasuries in response to the current market turmoil.  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.


The following table summarizes the carrying value of securities with fair values less than 80% of their amortized cost at March 31, 2009 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

$

371

$

1,623

$

634

$

-

$

2,628

Equity securities

 

-

 

158

 

465

 

-

 

623

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

$

371

$

1,781

$

1,099

$

-

$

3,251


The Company reviews its investments regularly and monitors its investments continually for impairments.  For the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company had no realized losses for other-than-temporary impairments.  The Company has chosen to carry its fixed maturity securities as available-for-sale. The unrealized losses on all 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, 2009.  For the three months ended March 31, 2009, the Company experienced an increase in unrealized losses of $307,000 which decreased stockholders' equity by $307,000 (reflecting unrealized losses of $4,364,000 at March 31, 2009 compared to unrealized losses of $4,057,000 at December 31, 2008).  From time to time, as warranted, the Company may employ investment strategies to mitigate interest rate and other market exposures


Outlook


Reinsurance Premiums


Independence American is primarily a reinsurer, although, as discussed below, it is experiencing considerable growth as an issuing carrier.  The majority of its reinsurance premium is currently derived from pro rata quota share reinsurance treaties (the “IHC Treaties”) with Standard Security Life and Madison National Life.  The Company does not expect the percentage ceded to it from IHC will change significantly in 2009.


For the three months ended March 31, 2009, 66% of Independence American’s premiums earned were derived from assumed reinsurance premiums.  Of the assumed reinsurance premiums, 70% were related to medical stop-loss business, 24% were related to fully insured health business, and 6% were related to DBL.  For the three months ended March 31, 2009, Standard Security Life and Madison National Life ceded approximately 23% of their medical stop-loss business to Independence American.  The balance of the medical stop-loss assumed reinsurance premium was related to business written by unaffiliated carriers.  For the three months ended March 31, 2009, Independence American received between 10% and 25% of the premium on these unaffiliated programs.  Our MGUs do not anticipate materially increasing their production of medical stop-loss business in 2009.  IHC has reported that it expects its gross medical stop-loss premiums to decrease in 2009.


Insured Premiums


For the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, 34% and 29%, respectively, of Independence American’s premiums earned were derived from premiums written as an issuing carrier.  Of the premiums for the period ended March 31, 2009, 23% were related to medical stop-loss business and 77% were related to group major medical, STM business and major medical for individuals and families.  In 2007, Independence American began writing group major medical, medical stop-loss, and major medical plans for individuals and families.  The Company's strategic plan is to continue to expand the fully insured health and medical stop-loss business written by Independence American.  We believe that this growth will accelerate as a result of Independence American, which is domiciled in Delaware and licensed to write property and/or casualty insurance in 49 states and the District of Columbia, achieving an A- (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best.


In February 2006, Independence American entered into an agreement with EDH regarding a block of fully insured health business, including CDHPs, primarily sold to small employer groups, and medical stop-loss, to begin writing for Independence American.  EDH began writing employer medical stop-loss through Independence American in 2006, and moved the majority of its



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existing block of fully insured and stop-loss health insurance to Independence American during 2007.  Independence American will be the exclusive issuing carrier for business underwritten by this organization through December 31, 2011.  Subject to certain conditions, the agreement will automatically extend until December 31, 2016, and EDH could be entitled to additional cash consideration (see Note 12 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).


 In 2007, the Company entered into an agreement with IPA, a national career agent marketing organization, to begin marketing health plans to individuals and families utilizing Independence American as the carrier.  The program is administered by Insurers Administrative Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of IHC.  AMIC purchased a 51% interest in IPA in April 2008.  IPA operates under a controlled career agent distribution model in which independent producers sell products approved by IPA and AMIC.  A majority of the business is written by Independence American, and the balance (including ancillary benefits) is written by other carriers, including those owned by IHC.  The Company believes that this acquisition significantly expands its ability to sell individual and limited medical plans to the self-employed as well as individuals and their families, which are rapidly expanding markets.


In October 2007, the Company acquired certain assets, including the domain name www.healthinsurance.org.  These assets were acquired by Healthinsurance.org, LLC, an indirect, 51%-owned subsidiary of the Company (“HIO”).  This acquisition gives the Company access to a well-established internet domain that generates hundreds of daily leads from individuals and small employers seeking affordable health insurance solutions.  As a result of the acquisition, the Company has increased the number of daily leads through search engine optimization and cross-marketing with its related companies.  The Company and its affiliates plan to provide on-line enrollment tools through service agreements with leading health insurance distributors to market the individual health and dental products of Independence American and related companies.  In the first three months of 2009, approximately 54,000 quotes for health insurance were generated from www.healthinsurance.org, resulting in over 4,000 completed applications, of which about 200 are for health and dental products of the Company and its affiliates.


Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk


Not Applicable


Item 4T.  Controls and Procedures


AMIC's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer supervised and participated in AMIC's evaluation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based upon that evaluation, AMIC's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that AMIC's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in reports that it files or submits 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.  It should be noted that the design of our disclosure controls and procedures is based in part upon certain reasonable assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no reasonable assurance that any design of disclosure controls and procedures will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote, but AMIC's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are, in fact, effective at a reasonable assurance level.


There have been no changes in AMIC’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 15d-15 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect AMIC’s internal control over financial reporting.




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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.

Legal Proceedings


The Company is involved in legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of its businesses.  The Company has established reserves that it believes are sufficient given information presently available related to its outstanding legal proceedings and claims.  The Company believes the results of pending legal proceedings and claims are not expected to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or cash flows, although there could be a material effect on its results of operations for a 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, 2008 in response to Item 1A. to Part 1 of Form 10-K.


Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds


Not Applicable


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 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.



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SIGNATURES


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


AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE CORP.

(Registrant)




/s/ Roy T.K. Thung

Roy T.K. Thung

Chief Executive Officer and President



Date:



May 11, 2009








/s/ Teresa A. Herbert

Teresa A. Herbert

Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President



Date:



May 11, 2009




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