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, 2010

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

(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 [X]             Smaller reporting company [   ]


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


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 17, 2010

Common stock, $0.01 par value

8,506,489 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, 2010 (unaudited) and December 31,  2009

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (unaudited)

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2010 (unaudited)

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009  (unaudited)

 

 

               Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

 

Item 2.

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

20

 

 

Item 3.

 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

28

 

 

Item 4T.  Controls and Procedures

28

 

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.

 Legal Proceedings

29

 

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

29

 

 

Item 2.

 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

29

 

 

Item 3.

 Defaults Upon Senior Securities

29

 

 

Item 4.

 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

29

 

 

Item 5.

 Other Information

29

 

 

Item 6.

 Exhibits

29

 

 

Signatures

30

 

 



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



2



Forward-Looking Statements


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


Numerous risks and uncertainties may impact the matters addressed by our forward−looking statements, any of which could negatively and materially affect our future financial results and performance.  We describe some of these risks and uncertainties in greater detail in Item 1A, Risk Factors, of 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,

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

 

December 31,

ASSETS:

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

2009

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

$

1,303 

 

$

2,577 

 

Fixed maturities available-for-sale, at fair value

 

50,932 

 

 

49,641 

 

Equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value

 

5,368 

 

 

5,412 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total investments

 

57,603 

 

 

57,630 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

4,761 

 

 

4,073 

 

Restricted cash ($2,138 and $3,198, respectively, restricted by related parties)

 

3,445 

 

 

5,521 

 

Accrued investment income

 

598 

 

 

454 

 

Premiums receivable ($4,168 and $4,946, respectively, due from related parties)

 

9,801 

 

 

10,540 

 

Net deferred tax asset

 

10,851 

 

 

11,272 

 

Due from reinsurers ($6,500 and $7,047, respectively, due from related parties)

 

10,696 

 

 

11,011 

 

Goodwill

 

23,561 

 

 

23,561 

 

Intangible assets

 

2,277 

 

 

2,473 

 

Accrued fee income ($380 and $452, respectively, due from related parties)

 

1,187 

 

 

804 

 

Due from securities brokers

 

535 

 

 

19 

 

Other assets

 

7,215 

 

 

7,024 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

$

132,530 

 

$

134,382 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance reserves ($15,409 and $18,630, respectively, due to related parties)

$

27,373 

 

$

29,286 

 

Premium and claim funds payable ($2,138 and $3,198, respectively,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

due to related parties)

 

3,445 

 

 

5,521 

 

Commission payable ($2,408 and $2,391, respectively, due to related parties)

 

3,855 

 

 

3,928 

 

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities ($464 and $276, respectively,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

due to related parties)

 

3,654 

 

 

3,071 

 

State income taxes payable

 

736 

 

 

703 

 

Due to securities brokers

 

883 

 

 

828 

 

Due to reinsurers ($333 and $160 respectively, due to related parties)

 

2,088 

 

 

1,680 

 

Net liabilities associated with discontinued operations

 

27 

 

 

106 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

42,061 

 

 

45,123 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Independence Corp. stockholders’ 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; 8,506,489 shares outstanding, respectively

 

92 

 

 

92 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

479,883 

 

 

479,864 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(386)

 

 

(826)

 

 

Treasury stock, at cost, 675,304 shares, respectively

 

(8,082)

 

 

(8,082)

 

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(381,232)

 

 

(382,075)

 

 

Total American Independence Corp. stockholders’ equity

 

90,275 

 

 

88,973 

 

Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries

 

194 

 

 

286 

 

 

Total equity

 

90,469 

 

 

89,259 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

$

132,530 

 

$

134,382 


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,

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned ($8,801 and $11,894, respectively, from related parties)

$

18,411 

$

21,947 

 

MGU and agency income ($1,672 and $1,382, respectively, from related parties)

 

3,643 

 

3,754 

 

Net investment income

 

614 

 

713 

 

Net realized investment gains

 

186 

 

226 

 

Other income (loss)

 

(10)

 

42 

 

 

22,844 

 

26,682 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance benefits, claims and reserves ($4,531 and $6,686,

 

 

 

 

 

 

respectively, from related parties)

 

12,318 

 

13,846 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses ($3,183 and $3,947,

 

 

 

 

 

 

respectively, from related parties)

 

8,826 

 

10,426 

 

Amortization and depreciation

 

213 

 

209 

 

 

21,357 

 

24,481 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income tax

 

1,487 

 

2,201 

Provision for income taxes

 

453 

 

746 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

1,034 

 

1,455 

 

Less: Net income attributable to the non-controlling interest

 

(191)

 

(60)

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to American Independence Corp.

$

843 

$

1,395 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to American Independence Corp. common stockholders

$

.10 

$

.16 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares outstanding

 

8,506 

 

8,504 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to American Independence Corp. common stockholders

$

.10 

$

.16 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding

 

8,506 

 

8,504 


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.



5



American Independence Corp. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes In Stockholders’ Equity

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)


 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCUMULATED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NON-

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL

 

OTHER

 

TREASURY

 

 

 

TOTAL AMIC

 

CONTROLLING

 

 

 

 

COMMON

 

PAID-IN

 

COMPREHENSIVE

 

STOCK,

 

ACCUMULATED

 

STOCKHOLDERS’

 

INTERESTS IN

 

TOTAL

 

 

STOCK

 

CAPITAL

 

INCOME (LOSS)

 

AT COST

 

DEFICIT

 

EQUITY

 

SUBSIDIARIES

 

EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2009

$

92 

$

479,864 

$

(826)

$

(8,082)

$

(382,075)

$

88,973 

$

286 

$

89,259 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

843 

 

843 

 

191 

 

1,034 

Net change in unrealized gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

on certain available-for-sale securities

 

 

 

 

 

440 

 

 

 

 

 

440 

 

 

440 

 

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,283 

 

191 

 

1,474 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid to non-controlling interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(283)

 

(283)

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

 

19 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19 

 

 

19 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2010

$

92 

$

479,883 

$

(386)

$

(8,082)

$

(381,232)

$

90,275 

$

194 

$

90,469 


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,

 

 

2010

 

2009

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

1,034 

1,455 

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net change in

 

 

 

 

 

 

cash from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized investment gains

 

(186)

 

 (226)

 

Amortization and depreciation

 

213 

 

 209 

 

Equity loss

 

17 

 

14 

 

Deferred tax expense

 

455 

     

728 

 

Non-cash stock compensation expense

 

19 


38 

 

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Change in insurance reserves

 

(1,913)


(2,769)

 

Change in net amounts due from and to reinsurers

 

723 

 

485 

 

Change in accrued fee income

 

(383)

 

(202)

 

Change in premiums receivable

 

739 

 

143 

 

Change in income taxes

 

(13)

 

66 

 

Change in other assets and other liabilities

 

(83)

 

(89)

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

622 

 

(148)

Net cash used by operating activities of discontinued operations

 

(79)

 

(62)

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

 

543 

 

(210)

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Change in net amount due from and to securities brokers

 

(461)

 

4,035 

 

Net sales of securities under resale and repurchase agreements

 

1,274 

 

(3,749)

 

Sales of and principal repayments on fixed maturities

 

11,661 

 

4,971 

 

Maturities and other repayments of fixed maturities

 

1,795 

 

4,913 

 

Purchases of fixed maturities

 

(14,246)

 

(10,676)

 

Sales of equity securities

 

1,142 

 

 

Purchases of equity securities

 

(1,020)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

 

145 

 

(506)

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

688 

 

(716)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

4,073 

 

4,401 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

4,761 

3,685 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during period for:

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

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, IPA and ECA 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"), which owned 50.1% of AMIC's stock as of March 31, 2010.  In March 2010, upon approval of the AMIC Board of Directors, IHC acquired control of AMIC through the purchase of approximately 28,000 shares of common stock of AMIC in the open market.  The senior management of IHC provides direction to the Company through a service agreement between the Company and IHC.  IHC has also entered into 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)

Basis of Presentation


The 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, 2009, 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 (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) 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, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be anticipated for the entire year.


(C)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements


Recently Adopted Accounting Standards


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


In June 2009, the FASB issued standards which among other things, amends former guidance on the consolidation of variable interest entities. The standards (i) require an entity to perform an analysis to determine whether an entity's variable interest or interests give it a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity; (ii) require ongoing reassessments of whether an entity is



8


the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity and eliminate the quantitative approach previously required for determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity; (iii) amend previous guidance for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity; and (iv) require enhanced disclosure that will provide users of financial statements with more transparent information about an entity's involvement in a variable interest entity. In December 2009, these standards were added to the Codification.  The adoption of this guidance, effective January 1, 2010, did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.


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


Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted


In April 2010, the FASB issued standards which clarify that an insurance entity should not consider any separate account interests held for the benefit of policy holders in an investment to be the insurer’s interests and should not combine those interests with its general account interest in the same investment when assessing the investment for consolidation.  Separate accounts represent assets that are typically maintained by a life insurance entity for purposes of funding obligations to individual contract holders under fixed-benefit or variable annuity contracts, pension plans, and similar contracts.  This guidance shall be effective for the first annual reporting period that begins after December 15, 2010, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter with earlier application permitted.  The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.


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


(D)

Subsequent Events


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


2.

Income Per Common Share


Income per common share calculations are based on the weighted-average of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding during the year.  Restricted stock and common stock options are considered to be common share equivalents and are used to calculate income per common share except when they are anti-dilutive.  For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, shares from the assumed dilution due to the exercise of common stock options and vesting of restricted stock using the treasury stock method were deemed anti-dilutive.


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.  



9




MGU and Agency income consisted of the following:


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 (In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Agency income

 $

 2,279

 $

2,163

MGU fee income–administration

 

 1,103

 

1,470

MGU fee income– profit commissions

 

 261

 

121

 

 

 

 

 

 

 $

 3,643

 $

3,754


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, 2010

 

 

 

 

GROSS

 

GROSS

 

 

 

 

AMORTIZED 

 

UNREALIZED

 

UNREALIZED

 

FAIR

 

 

    COST 

 

GAINS

 

LOSSES

 

VALUE

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

FIXED MATURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate securities

 

$

19,682 

 

$

198 

 

(159)

 

$

19,721 

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO) –

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

residential

 

4,661 

 

221 

 

(350)

 

4,532 

 

CMO – commercial

 

578 

 

 

(272)

 

306 

 

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

 

8,771 

 

 36 

 

(287)

 

8,520 

 

U.S. Government

 

9,857 

 

 7 

 

(36)

 

9,828 

 

Government sponsored enterprise (GSE)

 

7,689 

 

 69 

 

(20)

 

7,738 

 

Agency mortgage backed pass

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

through securities (MBS)

 

 

 274 

 

 

 13 

 

 

 

 

287 

 

 Total fixed maturities

 

$

 51,512 

 

$

 544 

 

(1,124)

 

$

 50,932 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY SECURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

$

1,094 

 

$

46 

 

$

(16)

 

$

1,124 

 

Preferred stock with maturities

 

 

570 

 

 

 33 

 

 

 

 

 603 

 

Preferred stock without maturities

 

 

 3,510 

 

 

 137 

 

 

 (6)

 

 

 3,641 

 

Total equity securities

 

$

5,174 

 

$

 216 

 

$

(22)

 

$

5,368 



 

 

DECEMBER 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

GROSS

 

GROSS

 

 

 

 

AMORTIZED 

 

UNREALIZED

 

UNREALIZED

 

FAIR

 

 

    COST 

 

GAINS

 

LOSSES

 

VALUE

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

FIXED MATURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate securities

 

$

18,448 

 

$

186 

 

(323)

 

$

18,311 

 

CMO – residential

 

5,053 

 

181 

 

(446)

 

4,788 

 

CMO – commercial

 

578 

 

 

(268)

 

310 

 

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

 

9,892 

 

 43 

 

(431)

 

9,504 

 

U.S. Government

 

4,874 

 

 54 

 

 

4,928 

 

GSE

 

7,063 

 

 51 

 

(61)

 

7,053 

 

MBS

 

 

 4,692 

 

 

 55 

 

 

 

 

4,747 

 

 Total fixed maturities

 

$

 50,600 

 

$

 570 

 

(1,529)

 

$

 49,641 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY SECURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

$

948 

 

$

37 

 

$

(17)

 

$

968 

 

Preferred stock with maturities

 

 

820 

 

 

 13 

 

 

(10)

 

 

 823 

 

Preferred stock without maturities

 

 

 3,511 

 

 

 117 

 

 

 (7)

 

 

 3,621 

 

Total equity securities

 

$

5,279 

 

$

 167 

 

$

(34)

 

$

5,412 




10



The cost basis of certain preferred stocks with maturities at December 31, 2009 includes an adjustment of $99,000 related to other-than-temporary impairment losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in connection with new accounting standards adopted on April 1, 2009.

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


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


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% OF

 

 

 

AMORTIZED

 

 

FAIR

 

TOTAL FAIR

 

 

 

COST

 

 

VALUE

 

VALUE

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due in one year or less

 

$

4,875

 

$

4,882

 

10%

Due after one year through five years

 

 

15,441

 

 

15,511

 

30%

Due after five years through ten years

 

 

12,148

 

 

12,121

 

24%

Due after ten years

 

 

7,922

 

 

7,614

 

15%

 

 

 

40,386

 

 

40,128

 

79%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CMO and MBS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15 year

 

 

5,513

 

 

5,125

 

10%

 

20 year

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

-%

 

30 year

 

 

5,613

 

 

5,679

 

11%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

51,512

 

$

50,932

 

100%


The following tables summarize, for all securities in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, 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, 2010

 

 

Less than 12 Months

12 Months or Longer

Total

 

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

 

Value

 

Loss

 

Value

 

Losses

 

Value

 

Losses

FIXED MATURITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate securities

$

4,223 

$

24 

$

2,688 

$

135 

$

6,911 

$

159 

CMO – residential

 

359 

 

 

1,570 

 

346 

 

1,929 

 

350 

CMO – commercial

 

 

 

306 

 

272 

 

306 

 

272 

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

 

4,390 

 

219 

 

855 

 

68 

 

5,245 

 

287 

U.S. Government

 

4,946 

 

36 

 

 

 

4,946 

 

36 

GSE

 

2,755 

 

20 

 

 

 

2,755 

 

20 

 

Total fixed maturities

$

16,673 

$

303 

$

5,419 

$

821 

$

22,092 

$

1,124 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY SECURITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

$

379 

$

16 

$

$

$

379 

$

16 

Preferred stock without maturities

 

1,326 

 

 

 

 

1,326 

 

 

Total equity securities

$

1,705 

$

22 

$

$

$

1,705 

$

22 




11




 

 

December 31, 2009

 

 

Less than 12 Months

12 Months or Longer

Total

 

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

 

Value

 

Loss

 

Value

 

Losses

 

Value

 

Losses

FIXED MATURITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate securities

$

4,714 

$

69 

$

4,287 

$

254 

$

9,001 

$

323 

CMO – residential

 

617 

 

11 

 

1,769 

 

435 

 

2,386 

 

446 

CMO – commercial

 

 

 

310 

 

268 

 

310 

 

268 

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

 

6,278 

 

314 

 

1,161 

 

117 

 

7,439 

 

431 

GSE

 

5,577 

 

61 

 

 

 

5,577 

 

61 

 

Total fixed maturities

$

17,186 

$

455 

$

7,527 

$

1,074 

$

24,713 

$

1,529 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY SECURITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

$

465 

$

17 

$

$

$

465 

$

17 

Preferred stock with maturities

 

 

 

240 

 

10 

 

240 

 

10 

Preferred stock without maturities

 

 

 

1,044 

 

 

1,044 

 

 

Total equity securities

$

465 

$

17 

$

1,284 

$

17 

$

1,749 

$

34 


At March 31, 2010 a total of 18 fixed maturities and 18 equity securities were in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months.  Also, at March 31, 2010 a total of 19 fixed maturities were in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer.  At December 31, 2009 a total of 25 fixed maturities and 12 equity securities were in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months.  Also, at December 31, 2009 a total of 24 fixed maturities and 3 equity securities were in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer.  Except for certain fixed maturities which are determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired, there are no securities past due or securities for which the Company currently believes it is not probable that it will collect the current amortized cost basis of the security.


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


At March 31, 2010, the Company had $1,591,000 invested in whole loan CMOs backed by Alt-A mortgages.  Of this amount, 55.3% were in CMOs that originated in 2005 or earlier and 44.7% were in CMOs that originated in 2006 or later.  The unrealized losses on all other CMO’s relate to prime rate CMO’s and are primarily attributable to general disruptions in the credit market subsequent to purchase.  The Company’s mortgage security portfolio has no exposure to sub-prime mortgages.  


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


Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Evaluations


The Company reviews its investment securities regularly and determines whether other-than- temporary impairments have occurred. Beginning April 1, 2009, the Company adopted new accounting guidance that specified new criteria for identifying and recognizing an other-than-temporary impairment loss. If the Company intends to sell a debt security, or it is more likely than not that it would be required to sell a debt security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis, the entire difference between the security's amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date would be recognized by a charge to total other-than-temporary impairment losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.  For fixed maturities, if a decline in fair value is judged by management to be other-than-temporary, and the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of the security’s amortized cost, the impairment is bifurcated into (a) the amount of the total impairment related to the credit loss, and (b) the amount of the total impairment related to all other factors. The amount of the other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss is recognized by a charge to total other-than-temporary impairment losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, establishing a new cost basis for the security. The amount of the other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The factors considered by management in its regular review include, but are not limited to:  the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; adverse changes in ratings announced by one or more rating agencies; subordinated credit support; whether the issuer of a debt security has remained current on principal and interest payments; current expected cash flows; whether the decline in fair value appears to be issuer specific or, alternatively, a reflection of general market or industry conditions (including, in the case of fixed maturities, the effect of changes in market interest



12



rates); and the Company's intent to sell, or be required to sell, the debt security before the anticipated recovery of its remaining amortized cost basis.


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


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


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


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


Prior to April 1, 2009, the Company assessed its ability and intent to hold a fixed maturity for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in fair value. If the Company could not assert this condition, an other-than-temporary impairment loss was recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations representing the difference between amortized cost and fair value.


Based on management’s review of the portfolio, which considered these factors, the Company recorded no losses for other-than-temporary impairments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.


As of March 31, 2009, the Company had previously recognized a total of $436,000 and $199,000 of other-than-temporary impairments on available-for-sale fixed maturities and certain preferred stocks evaluated as debt securities, respectively, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  As a result of new accounting standards adopted on April 1, 2009, the Company has determined that (a) the portion of the previously recorded losses on debt securities and preferred stocks evaluated as debt securities representing a credit loss is $535,000, 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 on debt securities and preferred stocks evaluated as debt securities related to all other factors was $99,000.  Since the adoption of the new accounting standards on April 1, 2009, no additional credit losses for other-than-temporary impairments were recorded on the securities for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment was recognized in other comprehensive income and therefore the amount of the cumulative credit loss recorded on these securities remains $99,000 at March 31, 2010.


Further deterioration in credit quality of the companies backing the securities, further deterioration in the condition of the financial services industry, a continuation of the current imbalance in liquidity that 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.




13



5.

Net Realized Investment Gains


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


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized investment gains (losses):

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities

$

168 

$

226 

 

Common stock

 

21 

 

 

Preferred stock

 

(3)

 

Net realized investment gains

$

186 

$

226 


For the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Company recorded realized gross gains of $263,000 and gross losses of $77,000 on sales of available-for-sale securities.  For the three months ended March 31, 2009, the Company recorded realized gross gains of $226,000 and no gross losses on sales of available-for-sale securities.  As of December 31, 2008, the Company no longer had any trading accounts.


6.

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.

  

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


Investments in fixed maturities and equity securities


Available-for-sale securities included in Level 1 are equity securities 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.  For these securities, we use industry-standard pricing methodologies, including discounted cash flow models, whose inputs are based on management’s assumptions and available market information. Further, we retain independent pricing vendors to assist in valuing certain instruments.


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

  



14




 

 

March 31, 2010

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Corporate securities

$

-

 

$

19,721

 

$

-

 

$

19,721

    CMO - residential

 

-

 

 

2,702

 

 

1,830

 

 

4,532

    CMO – commercial

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

306

 

 

306

    States, municipalities and political   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

subdivisions

 

-

 

 

8,520

 

 

-

 

 

8,520

    U.S. Government

 

-

 

 

9,828

 

 

-

 

 

9,828

    GSE

 

-

 

 

7,738

 

 

-

 

 

7,738

    MBS

 

-

 

 

287

 

 

-

 

 

287

 

Total fixed maturities

 

-

 

 

48,796

 

 

2,136

 

 

50,932

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Common stock

 

1,124

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1,124

    Preferred stock with maturities

 

297

 

 

306

 

 

-

 

 

603

    Preferred stock without maturities

 

3,641

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

3,641

 

Total equity securities

 

5,062

 

 

306

 

 

-

 

 

5,368

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total financial assets

$

5,062

 

$

49,102

 

$

2,136

 

$

56,300


 

 

December 31, 2009

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Corporate securities

$

-

 

$

18,311

 

$

-

 

$

18,311

    CMO - residential

 

-

 

 

3,002

 

 

1,786

 

 

4,788

    CMO – commercial

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

310

 

 

310

    States, municipalities and political   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

subdivisions

 

-

 

 

9,504

 

 

-

 

 

9,504

    U.S. Government

 

-

 

 

4,928

 

 

-

 

 

4,928

    GSE

 

-

 

 

7,053

 

 

-

 

 

7,053

    MBS

 

-

 

 

4,747

 

 

-

 

 

4,747

 

Total fixed maturities

 

-

 

 

47,545

 

 

2,096

 

 

49,641

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Common stock

 

968

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

968

    Preferred stock with maturities

 

523

 

 

300

 

 

-

 

 

823

    Preferred stock without maturities

 

3,621

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

3,621

 

Total equity securities

 

5,112

 

 

300

 

 

-

 

 

5,412

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total financial assets

$

5,112

 

$

47,845

 

$

2,096

 

$

55,053


It is the Company’s policy to recognize transfers of assets and liabilities between levels of the fair value hierarchy at the end of a reporting period.  For the three months ending March 31, 2020, there were no transfers of assets and liabilities between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.  The Company does not transfer out of Level 3 and into Level 2 until such time as observable inputs become available and reliable or the range of available independent prices narrow.  No securities were sold or transferred out of the Level 3 category in the first quarter of 2010.  For the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Company did not include in earnings any realized investment gains or losses or any other-than-temporary impairments related to securities categorized as Level 3 securities. The changes in the carrying value of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2010 are summarized as follows (in thousands):



15




 

 

CMOs

 

 

Residential

 

Commercial

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2009

$

1,786 

$

310 

$

2,096 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

Repayments of fixed maturities

 

(68)

 

 

(68)

Net unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

included in accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

other comprehensive loss

 

112 

 

(4)

 

108 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2010

$

1,830 

$

306 

$

2,136 


7.

Other Intangible Assets


The change in the carrying amount of other intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2010 is as follows (in thousands):


 

 

Other Intangible

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2009

 

$

2,473 

Amortization expense

 

 

(196)

Balance at March 31, 2010

 

$

2,277 


8.

Related-Party Transactions


AMIC and its subsidiaries incurred expense of $312,000 and $235,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, 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 and assumed 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.


9.

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 $27,000 and $106,000 associated with discontinued operations at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, represent estimated closure costs of Intellicom.  The Company believes the net liabilities for discontinued operations at March 31, 2010 adequately estimate the remaining costs associated with Intellicom discontinued operations.




16



10.

Share-Based Compensation


Total share-based compensation expense was $19,000 and $38,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Related tax benefits of $7,000 and $13,000 were recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, 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, 2010:


 

 

Outstanding

 

Exercisable

 

 

 

 

 

Number of options

 

355,900

 

341,511

Weighted average exercise price per share

$

10.00

$

10.05

Aggregate intrinsic value of options

$

96,600

$

96,600

Weighted average contractual term remaining

 

3.76 years

 

3.60 years

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

 

No. of

 

Weighted

 

Shares

 

Average

 

Under

 

Exercise

 

Option

 

Price

 

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2009

355,900 

 

$

10.00 

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2010

355,900 

 

$

10.00 


Compensation expense of $14,000 and $31,000 was recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, for the portion of the fair value of stock options vesting during that period.


As of March 31, 2010, there was approximately $44,000 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 and 2010.  Restricted stock expense was $5,000 and $7,000, for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.


The following table summarized restricted stock activity for the three months ended March 31, 2010:


 

 

 

Weighted

 

No. of

 

Average

 

Non-vested

 

Exercise

 

Shares

 

Price

 

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2009

6,333 

 

$

6.92 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2010

6,333 

 

$

6.92 




17



As of March 31, 2010, there was approximately $27,000 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock which will be recognized over the remaining requisite service periods.


11.

Other Comprehensive Income


The components of other comprehensive income (loss) include (i) net income or loss reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) certain amounts reported directly in stockholders’ equity, principally the after-tax net unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available for sale including the subsequent increases and decreases in fair value of available-for-sale securities previously impaired, and (iii) effective April 1, 2009, the portion of other-than-temporary impairments of fixed maturities related to all other factors than those deemed to be a credit loss.


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


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

 1,034 

$

 1,455 

 

Unrealized holdings gains (losses) arising

 

 

 

 

 

 

during the period

 

626 

 

(81)

 

Reclassification adjustment for gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

included in earnings

 

(186)

 

(226)

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on certain available-for-

 

 

 

 

 

 

sale securities arising during the period

 

 440 

 

 (307)

Comprehensive income

 

 1,474 

 

 1,148 

Comprehensive income attributable to

 

 

 

 

 

non-controlling interests

 

 (191)

 

 (60)

Comprehensive income attributable to

 

 

 

 

 

American Independence Corp.

$

 1,283 

$

 1,088 


No losses for other-than-temporary impairments were recognized in other comprehensive income since the adoption of the new accounting standards related to other-than-temporary impairments in the second quarter of 2009.


12.

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, 2010, the Company had consolidated net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $274,300,000 for federal income tax purposes which expire between 2019 and 2029.  


The net deferred tax assets shown in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for the periods ending March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are $10,851,000 and $11,272,000, 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 these net deferred tax assets recorded at March 31, 2010.


13.

Marketing Agreement


In February 2006, Independence American entered into an agreement with EDH (“EDH Agreement”).  Under this agreement, EDH moved the majority of its existing block of employer-sponsored group major medical and medical stop-loss to, and has continued to write these products with, Independence American.  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 IHC in consideration of IHC issuing 125,000 shares of IHC common stock (“IHC Stock”) to EDH.  The payment of $2,500,000 is being amortized over the five year contract period.  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, 2010.  The IHC Stock is held by Independence American as collateral to satisfy EDH’s obligation under the profit/loss sharing agreement.




18



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 EDH Derivative is evaluated each quarter and is recorded in the 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.


As a result of an actuarial evaluation of certain performance thresholds of EDH’s block of business, the Company determined that such thresholds are not likely to be achieved.  Therefore, the fair value of the derivative liability representing the contingent payment to EDH was $0 as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.


The gain recognized on the derivative for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 are as follows (in thousands):


 

 

 

 

Amount of Gain

 

 

 

 

Recognized in Income

 

 

 

 

on Derivative

 

 

Location of Gain

 

Three Months Ended

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging

 

Recognized in Income on

 

March 31,

Instruments

 

Derivative

 

2010

 

2009

 

EDH Derivative

 

Other income

$

$

43 

Total

 

 

$

$

43 


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.



19



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, 2009, 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 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 owned 50.1% of AMIC's stock as of March 31, 2010.  In March 2010, upon approval of the AMIC Board of Directors, IHC acquired control of AMIC through the purchase of additional shares of common stock in the open market.  IHC's senior management has provided direction to us through service agreements between us and IHC.  In 2009, Independence American’s primary source of 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 and New York State short-term statutory disability benefit ("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, and added dental in 2009.  Given its A- (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best, Independence American expects to expand the distribution of its medical stop-loss products, and slightly increase the business written on its paper, especially major medical plans for individuals and families.  


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, 2010 was $45,928,000.


Managing General Underwriters


Risk Assessment Strategies, Inc. ("RAS"), which is headquartered near Hartford, Connecticut, markets and underwrites employer medical stop-loss and group life 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.  RAS has 9 employees who are responsible for marketing, underwriting, billing and collecting premiums, and administrative services.  Marlton Risk Group LLC ("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 17 employees who are responsible for marketing, underwriting, billing and collecting premiums, and administrative services.  IndependenceCare Holdings L.L.C. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as "IndependenceCare"), which is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, marketed and underwrote employer medical stop-loss, provider excess loss, HMO Reinsurance and ancillary products for Standard Security Life, Madison National Life, Independence American and another carrier.  During the third quarter of 2009, IndependenceCare ceased writing new business.  The Company has a 23% interest in Majestic Underwriters LLC ("Majestic"), an employer medical stop-loss MGU for Standard Security Life, Madison National Life and another carrier.  The Company accounts for this investment using the equity method of accounting.  Majestic, which is headquartered in Troy, Michigan, has 15 employees who are responsible for marketing, underwriting, billing and collecting premiums, and administrative services.  IHC owns the remaining 77% of Majestic.




20



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 12 employees.  The Company has a 51% interest in 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:


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


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

$

22,844 

$

26,682 

Expenses

 

21,357 

 

24,481 

 

Income from continuing operations, before income tax

 

1,487 

 

2,201 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

453 

 

746 

Net income

 

1,034 

 

1,455 

 

Less: Net income attributable to the non-controlling interest

 

(191)

 

(60)

Net income attributable to American Independence Corp.

$

843 

$

1,395 


·

Net income per share decreased to $.10 per share, diluted, or $0.8 million, for the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared to $.16 per share, diluted, or $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  


·

The book value of the Company’s stockholders’ equity increased to $10.61 per share at March 31, 2010 compared to $10.46 per share at December 31, 2009.


·

At March 31, 2010, 97.5% of the Company's fixed maturities were investment grade.


·

Consolidated investment yields were 3.8% and 4.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The lower yield is due to a decrease in investments in corporate debt, collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities, and an increase in U.S. Government and municipal investments which bear lower interest rates.


·

Premiums earned decreased 16% to $18.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to $21.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, primarily due to lower assumed medical stop-loss premiums and lower group major medical premiums written.


·

The Company recorded improved loss ratios in both fully insured health and DBL for the three months ended March 31, 2010.


·

For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, Independence American wrote $3.4 million and $2.1 million, respectively, of individual health business produced by our marketing organization IPA.  Independence American retains 50% of the risk on this business.  


·

Underwriting experience, as indicated by GAAP Combined Ratios on our three lines of business for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, are as follows (in thousands):



21




§

Medical Stop-Loss

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums Earned

$

9,510

$

11,881

Insurance Benefits Claims and Reserves

 

7,418

 

6,811

Expenses

 

2,490

 

3,919

 

 

 

 

 

Loss Ratio(A)

 

78.0%

 

57.3%

Expense Ratio (B)

 

26.2%

 

33.0%

Combined Ratio (C)

 

104.2%

 

90.3%


§

Fully Insured Health

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums Earned

$

8,105

$

9,190

Insurance Benefits Claims and Reserves

 

4,487

 

6,510

Expenses

 

2,260

 

2,205

 

 

 

 

 

Loss Ratio(A)

 

55.4%

 

70.8%

Expense Ratio (B)

 

27.9%

 

24.0%

Combined Ratio (C)

 

83.3%

 

94.8%


§

DBL

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums Earned

$

796

$

876

Insurance Benefits Claims and Reserves

 

413

 

525

Expenses

 

261

 

280

 

 

 

 

 

Loss Ratio(A)

 

51.9%

 

59.9%

Expense Ratio (B)

 

32.8%

 

32.0%

Combined Ratio (C)

 

84.7%

 

91.9%


(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, 2010, our MGUs and Agencies generated revenues of $3.7 million compared to $3.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009.


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, 2009.  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



22



under Critical Accounting Policies in Item 7 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.  During the three months ended March 31, 2010, there were no additions to or changes in the critical accounting policies disclosed in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 except for the recently adopted accounting standards discussed in Note 1(C) of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


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


 

 

 

 

Benefits,

Selling,

 

 

 

 

Fees and

Net

Claims

General

Amortization

 

March 31,

Premiums

Other

Investment

and

and

and

 

2010

Earned

Income

Income

Reserves

Admin

Depreciation

Total

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Independence

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      American:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Medical stop-loss

$

9,510 

409 

7,418 

2,453 

37 

$

11 

   Fully Insured Health

8,105 

125 

4,487 

2,135 

125 

1,483 

   DBL

796 

18 

413 

261 

140 

Total Independence

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      American

18,411 

552 

12,318 

4,849 

162 

1,634 

MGU Subs and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Agencies

3,633 

62 

3,563 

51 

81 

Corporate

414 

(414)

Subtotal

$

18,411 

 

3,633 

 

614 

 

12,318 

 

8,826 

 

213

 

1,301 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized investment gains

 

186 

Income before income taxes

1,487 

Income taxes

 

 

 

 

(453)

Net income

 

 

 

 

1,034 

 

Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 

(191)

Net income attributable to American Independence Corp.

 

 

 

$

843 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits,

Selling,

 

 

 

 

Fees and

Net

Claims

General

Amortization

 

March 31,

Premiums

Other

Investment

and

and

and

 

2009

Earned

Income

Income

Reserves

Admin

Depreciation

Total

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Independence

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      American:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Medical stop-loss

$

11,881 

11 

472 

6,811 

3,882 

37 

$

1,634 

   Fully Insured Health

9,190 

32 

130 

6,510 

2,080 

125 

637 

   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

 

226 

Income 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 


Premiums Earned.  Premiums earned decreased 16%, or $3,536,000, to $18,411,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared to $21,947,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  The Company currently has three lines of business.  Premiums relating to medical stop-loss business were $9,510,000 and $11,881,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  This is due to a decrease in medical stop-loss premiums assumed by Independence American ($2,406,000).  Premiums relating to fully insured health consisting of group major medical, limited medical, short-term medical, dental, vision, and individual health were $8,105,000 and $9,190,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in group major medical premiums written by Independence American ($1,265,000) and a decrease in group major medical premiums assumed from IHC ($667,000), offset by an increase in individual health premiums written by Independence American ($655,000).  Premiums relating to DBL were $796,000 and $876,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  For the three months ended March 31, 2010, Independence American assumed 10% of IHC’s short-term medical business, approximately 9% of certain of IHC’s group major medical business, 20% of IHC’s DBL business and



23



approximately 22% 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 decreased $111,000 to $3,643,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared to $3,754,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  MGU fee income-administration decreased $367,000 to $1,103,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared to $1,470,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009, as our MGUs have decreased their volume of business as a result of stricter underwriting guidelines.  MGU fee income-profit commission increased $140,000 to $261,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared to $121,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  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 2010 are based on business written during portions of 2007, 2008 and 2009.  For the three months ended March 31, 2010, income from our Agencies consisted of commission income and other fees of $1,558,000 from IPA, revenue of $598,000 from HIO, and $123,000 of claims administration fees from ECA.  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 and revenue of $335,000 from HIO, and $116,000 of claims administration fees from ECA.


Net Investment Income.  Net investment income decreased $99,000 to $614,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared to $713,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  The investment yields were 3.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 4.6% for the comparable period in 2009.  The lower yield is due to a decrease in investments in corporate debt, collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities, and an increase in U.S. Government and municipal investments which bear lower interest rates.


Net Realized Investment Gains.  The Company recorded a net realized investment gain of $186,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared to a gain of $226,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  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 (loss) was ($10,000) for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to $42,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  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 13 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).  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 11%, or $1,528,000, to $12,318,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared to $13,846,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  The decrease of $1,528,000 is primarily comprised of a decrease in direct fully insured of $1,559,000 due to lower premiums written and improved loss ratios in group major medical, slightly offset by higher premiums and higher loss ratios in individual health, a decrease in assumed medical stop-loss of $896,000 due to lower earned premiums, a decrease in assumed fully insured of $466,000 due to lower premiums written and lower loss ratios, offset by an increase of $1,505,000 in direct medical stop-loss as a result of higher loss ratios.


Selling, General and Administrative.  Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $1,600,000 to $8,826,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared to $10,426,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  This decrease is primarily due to (i) a decrease in commission expense of $1,439,000 incurred by Independence American, which results, in large part, from a decrease in medical stop-loss premiums assumed and a decrease in group major medical premiums written, and (ii) lower expenses at IndependenceCare of $182,000, primarily due to lower payroll expenses.  


Amortization and Depreciation.  Amortization and depreciation expense increased $4,000 to $213,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared to $209,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  


Income Taxes.  The provision for income taxes decreased $293,000 to $453,000, an effective rate of 35.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared to $746,000, an effective rate of 34.8%, for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 includes a non-cash provision for federal income taxes of $422,000 and $698,000, respectively.  The state tax effective rate increased to 1.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared to 0.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  As compared to our MGUs, Independence American pays a nominal amount of state income tax; therefore, the Company’s state tax effective rate will increase relative to a decrease 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 non-controlling interest.  The Company recorded net income attributable to the non-controlling interest of $191,000 and $60,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The net income for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 relates to the 49% non-controlling interest in IPA and the 49% non-controlling interest in HIO.  



24




Net Income attributable to American Independence Corp.  The net income attributable to the Company decreased 40% to $843,000, or $.10 per share, diluted, for the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared to $1,395,000, or $.16 per share, diluted, for the three months ended March 31, 2009.



LIQUIDITY


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.  The ability of Independence American to pay dividends to its parent company is governed by Delaware insurance laws and regulations; otherwise, there are no regulatory constraints on the ability of any of our subsidiaries to pay dividends to its parent company.  For the three months ended March 31, 2010, our MGUs and Agencies paid $716,000 in dividends to Corporate.


Cash Flows


As of March 31, 2010, the Company had $62,016,000 of cash, cash equivalents, and investments net of amounts due to/from securities brokers compared with $60,894,000 as of December 31, 2009.


Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $543,000.  Net cash provided by investing activities of continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $145,000.  


As of March 31, 2010, the Company had $3,445,000 of restricted cash at our MGUs.  The amount at our MGUs is directly offset by corresponding liabilities for Premium and Claim Funds Payable of $3,445,000.  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, 2010, the Company had $27,373,000 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.   


BALANCE SHEET


Total investments, net of amounts due to/from brokers, increased $434,000 to $57,255,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $56,821,000 at December 31, 2009, primarily due to a decrease in unrealized losses due to a recovery of fixed income securities in the financial markets.  


The Company had receivables from reinsurers of $10,696,000 at March 31, 2010.  Substantially all of the business ceded to such reinsurers is of short duration.  All of such receivables are either due from related parties, highly rated companies or are adequately secured.  No allowance for doubtful accounts was deemed necessary at March 31, 2010


The Company's insurance reserves by line of business are as follows (in thousands):



25




 

 

Total Insurance Reserves

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Medical Stop-Loss

$

22,840

$

25,833

Fully Insured Health

 

7,318

 

8,294

DBL

 

660

 

680

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

30,818

$

34,807


Generally, during the first twelve months of an underwriting year, reserves for medical stop-loss are first set at the Projected Net Loss Ratio, which is determined using assumptions developed using completed prior experience trended forward. The Projected Net Loss Ratio is the Company’s best estimate of future performance until such time as developing losses provide a better indication of ultimate results.


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


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


The $1,302,000 increase in AMIC’s stockholders' equity in the first three months of 2010 is primarily due to $843,000 in net income and a $440,000 decrease in net unrealized losses on investments.  


Asset Quality and Investment Impairments


The nature and quality of insurance company investments must comply with all applicable statutes and regulations, which have been promulgated primarily for the protection of policyholders. Although the Company's gross unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities totaled $1,146,000 at March 31, 2010, approximately 97.5% of the Company’s fixed maturities were investment grade and continue to be rated on average AA.  The Company marks all of its available-for-sale securities to fair value through accumulated other comprehensive income or loss.  These investments tend to carry less default risk and, therefore, lower interest rates than other types of fixed maturity investments. At March 31, 2010, approximately 2.5% (or $1,285,000) of the carrying value of fixed maturities was invested in non-investment grade fixed maturities (primarily mortgage securities) (investments in such securities have different risks than investment grade securities, including greater risk of loss upon default, and thinner trading markets).  The Company does not have any non-performing fixed maturity investments at March 31, 2010.  


At March 31, 2010, the Company had $1,591,000 invested in whole loan CMOs backed by Alt-A mortgages.  Of this amount, 55.3% were in CMOs that originated in 2005 or earlier and 44.7% were in CMOs that originated in 2006 or later.  The Company’s mortgage security portfolio has no direct exposure to sub-prime mortgages.


The Company reviews its investments regularly and monitors its investments continually for impairments.  For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded no realized losses for other-than-temporary impairments.  The following table summarizes the carrying value of securities with fair values less than 80% of their amortized cost at March 31, 2010 by the length of time the fair values of those securities were below 80% of their amortized cost (in thousands):



26




 

 

 

 

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

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

454

$

454

Equity securities

 

6

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

$

6

$

-

$

-

$

454

$

460


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, 2010.  In 2010, the Company experienced a decrease in net unrealized losses of $440,000 which increased stockholders' equity by $440,000 (reflecting net unrealized losses of $386,000 at March 31, 2010 compared to net unrealized losses of $826,000 at December 31, 2009).  From time to time, as warranted, the Company may employ investment strategies to mitigate interest rate and other market exposures.  Further deterioration in credit quality of the companies backing the securities, further deterioration in the condition of the financial services industry, a continuation of the current imbalances in liquidity that exist in the marketplace, a continuation or worsening of the current economic recession, or additional declines in real estate values may further affect the fair value of these securities and increase the potential that certain unrealized losses be designated as other-than-temporary in future periods and the Company may incur additional write-downs.


CAPITAL RESOURCES


As Independence American’s total adjusted capital was significantly in excess of the authorized control level risk-based capital, the Company remains well positioned to increase or diversify its current activities. It is anticipated that future acquisitions or other expansion of operations will be funded internally from existing capital and surplus and parent company liquidity. In the event additional funds are required, it is expected that they would be borrowed or raised in the public or private capital markets to the extent determined to be necessary or desirable.


OUTLOOK


For 2010, we will continue to emphasize:


Improving the profitability of our Medical Stop-Loss business, which was adversely impacted by one of the medical stop-loss programs.  Corrective action has been taken on this program, which has produced good results in prior years, and we expect improved results.


Continuing to seek additional opportunities to distribute medical stop-loss and fully insured health products on Independence American paper.


Roll out various supplemental medical products by 2011 for which we believe there will be a developing market in future years.  Independence American could file these products and they could be distributed by Independent Producers of America, among others


Continuing the improved profitability of our Fully Insured Health business by monitoring compliance with the corrective actions taken in 2009 on this line.


We will continue to focus on our strategic objectives, including expanding our distribution network.  However, the success of a portion of our Fully Insured Health business may be affected by the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 signed by President Obama in March 2010.  Since detailed implementation regulations have not yet been issued, we are still assessing the full extent of the laws' impact on our business. We have begun a comprehensive review of all the options for AMIC and we are completing a thorough evaluation of our options for those health insurance products that may be affected. We know that the law will require us to operate with a lower expense structure for our major medical plans in the small employer and individual markets, but the law may not require lower expense structures in our other lines of business.


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




27



Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk


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


The following summarizes the estimated pre-tax change in fair value (based upon hypothetical parallel shifts in the U.S. Treasury yield curve) of the fixed income portfolio assuming immediate changes in interest rates at specified levels at March 31, 2010:


 

March 31, 2010

 

Change in Interest Rates

 

200 basis point rise

 

100 basis point rise

 

Base scenario

 

100 basis point decline

 

200 basis point decline

Corporate securities

$

17,820 

$

18,735 

$

19,721 

$

20,776 

$

21,813 

CMO

 

4,466 

 

4,645 

 

4,838 

 

5,045 

 

5,275 

U.S. Government obligations

 

8,980 

 

9,393 

 

9,828 

 

10,284 

 

10,759 

Agency MBS

 

273 

 

280 

 

287 

 

295 

 

303 

GSE

 

7,130 

 

7,425 

 

7,738 

 

8,070 

 

8,413 

State & Political Subdivisions

 

7,485 

 

7,981 

 

8,520 

 

9,093 

 

9,659 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Estimated fair value

$

46,154 

$

48,459 

$

50,932 

$

53,563 

$

56,222 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated change in value

$

(4,778)

$

(2,473)

 

 

$

2,631 

$

5,290 


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


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


In the Company's analysis of the asset-liability model, a 100 to 200 basis point change in interest rates on the Company's liabilities would not be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company.  With respect to its investments, the Company employs (from time to time as warranted) investment strategies to mitigate interest rate and other market exposures.


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.




28



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, 2009 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.

(Removed and Reserved)


Item 5.

Other Information


Not Applicable


Item 6.

Exhibits


18

 

Letter Regarding Change in Accounting Principles

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.



29



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 17, 2010








/s/ Teresa A. Herbert

Teresa A. Herbert

Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President



Date:



May 17, 2010




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