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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 September 30, 2004

OR

[ ]

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

For the transition period from

Commission File Number: 001-05270

AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

11-1817252

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

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

   

485 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022

10022

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

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

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 is an accelerated filer (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 November 15, 2004

Common stock, $0.01 par value

8,436,389

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Independence Corp. and Subsidiaries

Index

 
 

Page

   

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
   

Item 1. Financial Statements

 
   

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003

3

   

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003

4

   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003

5

   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6

   

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

13

   

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

21

   

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

21

   
   

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 
   

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

22

   

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

22

   

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

22

   

Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

22

   

Item 5. Other Information.

22

   

Item 6. Exhibits

22

   

Signatures

23

   
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

American Independence Corp. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share data)

   

September 30,

 

December 31,

   

2004

 

2003

   

(Unaudited)

 

ASSETS:

       

Investments:

       

Short-term investments, at fair value

$

6,526

$

5,817

Fixed maturities, at fair value

35,808

30,964

Equity securities, at fair value

 

1,876

   

1,477

Other investments

 

1,103

   

-

               
 

Total investments

   

45,313

   

38,258

             

Cash and cash equivalents

 

3,776

 

2,360

Restricted cash

 

21,103

 

15,788

Accounts and notes receivable net of allowance for doubtful

       

accounts of $37 and $37

 

110

 

150

Accrued investment income

 

466

 

362

Premiums receivable

 

1,993

 

1,423

Fixed assets

 

576

 

619

Deferred tax

 

14,304

 

15,990

Reinsurance receivable

 

6,209

 

4,299

Goodwill

24,154

23,668

Intangible assets

1,869

2,747

Accrued fee income

   

2,779

   

3,092

Other assets

   

6,080

   

3,335

               
 

Total assets

$

 

128,732

$

 

112,091

             

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

       
 

LIABILITIES:

       

Insurance policy benefits

Premium and claim funds payable

Amounts due to brokers

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

Income taxes

Restructuring accrual

Net liabilities associated with discontinued operations

$

21,023

$

17,858

 

20,303

 

14,988

 

2,289

 

120

 

3,953

 

2,567

 

435

 

170

   

426

   

866

   

1,200

   

1,368

         
 

Total liabilities

   

49,629

   

37,937

         

Minority interest

   

4,026

   

4,026

         

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;

       
 

9,180,695 and 9,180,695 shares issued and 8,436,389 and

       
 

8,422,195 shares outstanding, respectively

 

92

 

92

Additional paid-in-capital

 

478,933

 

478,563

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(252)

 

(66)

Treasury stock, at cost, 744,306 and 758,500 shares, respectively

 

(8,907)

 

(9,077)

Accumulated deficit

   

(394,789)

   

(399,384)

         

Total stockholders' equity

   

75,077

   

70,128

           
 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

 

128,732

$

 

112,091

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

American Independence Corp. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

   

Three Months Ended

September 30,

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

   

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

REVENUES:

               
 

Premiums earned

$

16,581

$

11,295

$

43,753

$

26,267

 

Net investment income

 

597

 

468

 

1,702

 

1,503

 

Net realized gains

 

89

 

30

 

345

 

379

 

MGU fee income

 

4,275

 

3,868

 

13,164

 

10,734

 

Other income

 

37

 

4

 

47

 

24

                 
   

21,579

 

15,665

 

59,011

 

38,907

EXPENSES:

               
 

Insurance benefits, claims and reserves

 

10,731

 

7,080

 

28,074

 

16,279

 

Selling, general and administrative, exclusive of non-cash

               
   

compensation expense

 

7,484

 

5,552

 

21,336

 

13,957

 

Amortization and depreciation

 

431

 

502

 

1,234

 

1,509

 

Non-cash compensation expense related

               
   

to stock options

 

86

 

29

 

353

 

105

 

Restructuring expense

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

30

 

Minority interest

 

184

 

137

 

517

 

475

                   
   

18,916

 

13,300

 

51,514

 

32,355

                 

Income from continuing operations before income tax

 

2,663

 

2,365

 

7,497

 

6,552

Provision for income taxes

 

1,001

 

91

 

2,912

 

272

                 

Income from continuing operations

 

1,662

 

2,274

 

4,585

 

6,280

                   

Gain on discontinued operations

 

-

 

-

 

10

 

114

                 

Net income

$

1,662

$

2,274

$

4,595

$

6,394

                 

Basic income per common share:

               
 

Income from continuing operations

$

.20

$

.27

$

.54

$

.75

 

Gain on discontinued operations

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

.01

 

Net income applicable to common shares

$

.20

$

.27

$

.54

$

.76

               

Shares used to compute basic income per share

8,436

8,417

8,432

8,409

               

Diluted income per common share:

             
 

Income from continuing operations

$

.19

$

.27

$

.54

$

.74

 

Gain on discontinued operations

-

 

-

 

-

 

.01

 

Net income applicable to common shares

$

.19

$

.27

$

.54

$

.75

               

Shares used to compute diluted income per share

 

8,540

 

8,527

 

8,533

 

8,485

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Independence Corp. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

   

2004

 

2003

     

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

   
 

Net Income

$

4,595

$

6,394

 

Adjustments to net income:

   
 

Realized gains on sales of investment securities

(345)

(379)

 

Deferred tax expense

2,407

-

 

Gain on discontinued operations

(10)

(114)

 

Provision for restructuring

-

30

 

Amortization and depreciation

1,234

1,509

 

Non-cash stock compensation expense

353

105

 

Equity income on equity method investment

(15)

-

 

Other

-

66

 

Change in other assets and liabilities:

   
 

Change in policy benefits

3,165

8,844

 

Change in reinsurance receivable

(1,910)

(351)

 

Change in accrued fee income

313

(1,098)

 

Change in premiums receivable

(570)

(1,026)

 

Change in deferred tax

(64)

-

 

Change in income tax liability

265

(376)

 

Change in other assets and other liabilities

 

(1,924)

 

(2,100)

     

Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations

 

7,494

11,504

Net cash used by operating activities of discontinued operations

 

(158)

 

(2,666)

     
   

7,336

 

8,838

     

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES:

   
 

Purchases of short-term investments

(16,195)

(4,522)

 

Sales and maturities of short-term investments

15,485

-

 

Change in resale and repurchase agreements

-

13,874

 

Change in amounts due to and from brokers

2,169

1,513

 

Purchases of fixed maturities

(69,215)

(109,474)

 

Sales and maturities of fixed maturities

64,305

92,851

 

Purchases of equity securities

(1,229)

(901)

 

Sales of equity securities

784

454

 

Redemption of investment in partnerships

-

10,000

 

Business acquisitions, net

 

(2,210)

 

(16,102)

     

Net cash used by investing activities of continuing operations

 

(6,106)

 

(12,307)

           
     

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

   

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

186

 

109

Net cash provided by financing activities of continuing operations

 

186

 

109

       
       
   

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

1,416

(3,360)

       

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

2,360

 

7,581

       

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

3,776

$

4,221

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

American Independence Corp. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

1. Significant Accounting Policies and Practices

(A) Business and Organization

American Independence Corp. ("AMIC") is a holding company engaged in the insurance and reinsurance business through its wholly-owned insurance company, Independence American Insurance Company ("Independence American"), and its managing general underwriter subsidiaries: IndependenceCare Holdings L.L.C. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as "IndependenceCare"); Risk Assessment Strategies, Inc. ("RAS") and Voorhees Risk Management LLC d.b.a. Marlton Risk Group ("Marlton"). IndependenceCare, RAS and Marlton are collectively referred to as the "MGU Subsidiaries".

 

(B) Principles of Consolidation and Preparation of Financial Statements.

These consolidated financial statements and related disclosures were prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The financial information included herein is unaudited, however, such information reflects all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, and the consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for the interim periods ended September 30, 2004 and 2003. Additionally, certain reclassifications have been made to prior period financial statements in order to conform to the current period presentation.

American Independence Corp.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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.

2. Income Per Common Share

Included in the diluted earnings per share calculation are 104 and 110 shares for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and 101 and 76 shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, from the assumed exercise of options using the treasury stock method. Net income does not change as a result of the assumed dilution of options.

 

3. Stock-Based Compensation and Change in Accounting Principle

In November 2002, the Company adopted certain provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation"("SFAS 123"). SFAS 123 established a fair-value-based method of accounting for stock-based compensation plans. Pursuant to the transition provisions of SFAS 123, the Company will apply the fair value method of accounting to all option grants issued on or after October 1, 2002. The fair value method will not be applied to stock option awards granted prior to October 1, 2002. Such awards will continue to be accounted for under the intrinsic value method pursuant to APB 25, except to the extent those prior years' awards are modified subsequent to October 1, 2002. The Company recorded an expense of approximately $86 and $29 for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively and approximately $287 and $87 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively related to the issuance of options issued u nder the fair value method. Also, for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, the Company recorded an expense of $66 for the reissuance of options to a director. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Company recorded $18 of additional non-cash compensation expense related to options issued under the intrinsic value method pursuant to APB 25.

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure ("SFAS 148")." As permitted by SFAS No. 148, the Company has elected to prospectively account for all stock option grants issued on or after October 1, 2002, under the fair value based method. As part of the election to prospectively account for all stock option grants under the fair value based method, the Company is permitted to continue accounting for all stock option grants issued before October 1, 2002, under the intrinsic value method. Under the fair value based method, stock compensation cost for stock option grants is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award, and such cost is recognized as an expense over the vesting period of the stock option grant. Under the intrinsic value method, compensation expense is recognized for stock options issued with an exercise price less than the stock's fair value on the date of grant and such expense is recogni zed over the vesting period.

Had the Company applied the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based compensation awards issued prior to October 1, 2002, net income and net income per share for the three months and the nine months ended September 30, 2004, and 2003 would have been as follows (in thousands):

   

Three Months Ended

   

Nine Months Ended

   

September 30,

   

September 30,

   

2004

 

2003

   

2004

 

2003

Net income as reported

$

1,662

$

2,274

 

$

4,595

$

6,394

Add stock-based compensation expense included in reported income

 

86

 

29

   

353

 

105

Deduct stock-based compensation expense determined under the fair value based method for all awards

   

(86)

   

(86)

     

(270)

   

(290)

Pro forma net income

$

 

1,662

$

 

2,217

 

$

 

4,678

$

 

6,209

                     

Basic income per common share:

                 
 

As reported

$

.20

$

.27

 

$

.54

$

.76

 

Pro forma

$

.20

$

.26

 

$

.55

$

.74

                     

Diluted income per common share:

                 
 

As reported

$

.19

$

.27

 

$

.54

$

.75

 

Pro forma

$

.19

$

.26

 

$

.55

$

.73

 

4. 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 the following discontinued operations, Intelligent Communications, Inc. ("Intellicom"), Aerzone Corporation ("Aerzone"), ISP Channel, Inc. ("ISP Channel"), Micrographic Technology Corporation ("MTC"), and Kansas Communications Inc. ("KCI"). The operating results of these discontinued operations have been segregated from continuing operations and are reported as a gain (loss) on discontinued operations on the 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 estima tes. The estimated loss on disposition reserve for all discontinued operations is reflected in net liabilities associated with discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Gain (loss) from discontinued operations is as follows (in thousands):

   

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

   

September 30,

 

September 30,

   

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

                 

Intellicom

$

-

$

-

$

10

$

(363)

Aerzone

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

120

ISP Channel

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

146

MTC

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

527

KCI

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(316)

Net gain from

               
 

discontinued operations

$

-

$

-

$

10

$

114

Net liabilities associated with discontinued operations at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, are as follows (in thousands):

 

September 30,            December 31,

     

2004                   2003

           

Liabilities:

         

Estimated closure costs

$

952

 

$

1,120

Other accrued expenses

 

248

   

248

           

Total liabilities

$

1,200

 

$

1,368

           
 

Intellicom

$

952

 

$

1,120

 

Aerzone

 

26

   

26

 

ISP Channel

 

153

   

153

 

MTC

 

49

   

49

 

KCI

 

20

   

20

Net liabilities associated with discontinued

         

operations

$

1,200

 

$

1,368

           

5. Restructuring Reserve

 

On December 28, 2000, the Company's Board of Directors approved a plan to reduce its corporate headquarters staff in conjunction with discontinuing the Aerzone and ISP Channel businesses. At September 30, 2004, the Company had a remaining reserve of $426 relating to the restructuring. This reserve primarily relates to the leasehold obligations of the former corporate headquarters in San Francisco, California; the Company maintains an $800 security deposit with respect to this liability which is included in restricted cash.

   

(In thousands)

Balance, December 31, 2003:

$

866

 

Less: Payments

 

(440)

Balance, September 30, 2004:

$

426

 

6. Investment Impairments

The following table summarizes, for all securities in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2004, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time those securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position (in thousands):

 

Less than 12 Months

 

12 Months or Longer

 

Total

   

Fair

Value

 

Unrealized Losses

 

Fair Value

 

Unrealized Losses

 

Fair

Value

 

Unrealized Losses

 
                       

Corporate securities

$

8,843

$

333

$

-

$

-

$

8,843

$

333

Collateralized mortgage obligations

                       
 

("CMOs") and asset backed securities

4,315

 

230

 

1,878

 

40

 

6,193

 

270

U.S. Government and agencies obligations

4,265

 

31

 

-

 

-

 

4,265

 

31

Agency mortgage backed pass through

                     
 

securities

2,413

 

18

 

-

 

-

 

2,413

 

18

 

Total, fixed maturities

 

19,836

 

612

 

1,878

 

40

 

21,714

 

652

                       
                       

Preferred stock

 

1,062

 

39

 

-

 

-

 

1,062

 

39

                       

Total temporarily impaired securities

$

20,898

$

651

$

1,878

$

40

$

22,776

$

691

Substantially all of the unrealized losses at September 30, 2004 relate to investment grade securities and are attributable to changes in market interest rates subsequent to purchase. The Company reviews its investments regularly and monitors its investments continually for impairments. A total of 56 securities were in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and 4 securities 12 months or longer. For the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, the Company realized a loss of $9 and $0 respectively, from other than temporay impairments. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, the Company realized a loss of $53 and $0, respectively, from other than temporary impairments. The remaining unrealized losses were evaluated in accordance with the Company's policy and were determined to be temporary in nature at September 30, 2004. For all remaining fixed maturities, there are no securities for which the Company currently believes it is not probable that it will collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the investment (see Note 13 for discussion of a new accounting pronouncement that will provide additional guidance with respect to impairment evaluations).

7. MGU Fee Income

The Company records MGU fee income as policy premium payments are earned. MGUs are compensated in two ways. They earn fee income based on the volume of business produced, and collect profit-sharing commissions if such business exceeds certain profitability benchmarks. Profit-sharing commissions are accounted for beginning in the period in which the Company believes they are reasonably estimable. Profit-sharing commissions are a function of an MGU attaining certain profitability thresholds and could vary from quarter to quarter.

MGU fee income consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

   

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

                 

MGU fee income-administration fees

$

3,797

$

3,121

$

11,128

$

9,407

                 

MGU fee income-profit commissions

 

478

 

747

 

2,036

 

1,327

                 
 

$

4,275

$

3,868

$

13,164

$

10,734

 

8. Commitments and Contingencies

 

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 the other pending legal proceedings and claims are not expected to have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

9. Comprehensive Income

The components of comprehensive income include (i) net income or loss reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations; and (ii) after-tax net unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale which are reported directly in stockholders' equity. Comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

   

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

                 

Net income

$

1,662

$

2,274

$

4,595

$

6,394

Unrealized gains (losses)

 

421

 

(329)

 

(186)

 

(108)

                 

Comprehensive income

$

2,083

$

1,945

$

4,409

$

6,286

10. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Cash payments for income taxes were $191 and $625 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

 

 

11. Segment Information

Management presents its segment information to show its direct insurance operation separately from its MGU operations, which is how management currently views its operations. Segment information is as follows (in thousands):

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

2004

2003

2004

2003

Revenues:

Independence American

$

17,126

$

11,743

$

45,361

$

27,403

MGU Subsidiaries

4,334

3,881

13,249

10,789

Corporate

30

11

56

336

Net realized gains

89

30

345

379

$

21,579

$

15,665

$

59,011

$

38,907

Income (loss) from continuing operations

before income tax:

Independence American

$

1,555

$

1,328

$

3,716

$

3,490

MGU Subsidiaries

1,583

1,288

5,093

3,007

Corporate

(564)

(281)

(1,657)

(324)

Net realized gains

89

30

345

379

$

2,663

$

2,365

$

7,497

$

6,552

12. Acquisitions

On April 16, 2004, the Company expanded its business through the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of an employer medical stop-loss managing general underwriter, which had a block of approximately $13 million of annualized premium, for a purchase price of $600. The assets were acquired by IndependenceCare Underwriting Services-MidAtlantic LLC ("ICH-MidAtlantic"), which is based in Baltimore, Maryland and which retained the key marketing personnel of the former MGU. This acquisition resulted in goodwill in the amount of $486 and intangible assets in the amount of $114.

Effective July 1, 2004, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company acquired a 23% interest in Majestic Underwriters LLC ("Majestic"), a medical stop-loss managing general underwriter which had a block of approximately $41 million of annualized premium, for a purchase price of $1,610. Concurrently, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Independence Holding Company acquired a 52% interest in Majestic. The senior management of Majestic owns the remaining 25% interest. The Company accounts for this investment using the equity method of accounting. This acquisition resulted in a $522 reduction of valuation allowance related to the deferred tax assets, with the effect being an increase to deferred tax asset and a corresponding decrease in other investments. Under certain circumstances set forth in the Limited Liability Agreement of Majestic, the Company has the right and/or obligation to purchase some or all of the minority interest in Majestic.

 

13. New Accounting Pronouncement

On September 30, 2004, the FASB issued Staff Position No. EITF Issue 03-1-1, "Effective Date of Paragraphs 10-20 of EITF Issue No. 03-1, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments," which delays the effective date for the measurement and recognition guidance contained in Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue No. 03-1. EITF Issue No. 03-1 provides guidance for evaluating whether an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired and was originally to be effective for other-than-temporary impairment evaluations made in reporting\periods beginning after June 15, 2004 (July 1, 2004 for the Company).  The delay in the effective date for the measurement and recognition guidance contained in EITF Issue No. 03-1 does not suspend the requirement to recognize other-than-temporary impairments as required by existing authoritative literature. The disclosure guidance in paragraphs 21 and 22 of EITF Issue 03-1 remains effective. T he delay will be superseded concurrent with the final issuance of Staff Position No. EITF Issue 03-1-a, which is expected to provide implementation guidance on matters such as impairment evaluations for declines in value of debt securities caused by increases in interest rates and/or sector spreads. As described in Note 6, the Company's unrealized losses on securities at September 30, 2004 are substantially attributable to these interest rate-related factors. The impact of the final issuance of Staff Position No. EITF 03-01-a on the Company's financial condition and results of operations cannot be determined at the present time.

 

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

This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The actual consolidated results of American Independence Corp.("AMIC") and Subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Company") could differ significantly from those set forth herein. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in "Factors Affecting the Company's Operating Results" as set forth in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" as well as those discussed elsewhere in this quarterly report. Statements contained herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbor created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "believes", "anticipat es", "expects", "intends", "estimates", "likelihood", "unlikelihood", "assessment", and "foreseeable" and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. A number of important factors could cause the Company's actual results for the year ending December 31, 2004, and beyond to differ materially from past results and those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by the Company, or on its behalf. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of the Company should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the related Notes thereto appearing in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this quarterly report.

Overview

The Company is an insurance holding company that currently specializes in medical stop-loss and managed care through its managing general underwriter division (the "MGUs") and an insurance company, Independence American Insurance Company ("Independence American"). Since November 2002, AMIC has been affiliated with Independence Holding Company ("IHC"), which currently owns 40% of AMIC's outstanding common stock, and IHC's senior management has provided direction to the Company through a service agreement between the Company and IHC. IHC has also entered into long-term reinsurance treaties to cede medical stop-loss and other business to Independence American.

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 reinsurance participation percentage or the number of programs it reinsures. Since Independence American reinsures a portion of all of the business produced by the MGUs, and since the MGUs are also eligible to earn profit sharing commissions based on the profitability of the business they write, the MGUs also emphasize underwriting profitability. In addition, management focuses on controlling operating costs. By sharing employees with IHC and sharing resources among the MGUs and Independence American, AMIC strives to maximize its earnings and utilize its federal net operating loss carryforwards.

The following are highlights for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 for Independence American and the MGUs:

 

 

Independence American Insurance Company

 

MGU Division (IndependenceCare, Marlton, RAS)

On April 16, 2004, the Company expanded its business through the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of an employer medical stop-loss managing general underwriter, which had a block of approximately $13 million of annualized premium, for a purchase price of $600 thousand. The assets were acquired by IndependenceCare Underwriting Services-MidAtlantic LLC ("ICH-MidAtlantic"), which is based in Baltimore, Maryland and which retained the key marketing personnel of the former MGU. This acquisition resulted in goodwill in the amount of $486 thousand and intangible assets in the amount of $114 thousand.

On July 13, 2004 (effective July 1, 2004), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company acquired a 23% interest in Majestic Underwriters LLC ("Majestic"), a medical stop-loss managing general underwriter which had a block of approximately $41 million of annualized premium, for a purchase price of $1.6 million. Concurrently, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Independence Holding Company acquired a 52% interest in Majestic. The senior management of Majestic owns the remaining 25% interest. The Company accounts for this investment using the equity method of accounting. This acquisition resulted in a $522 thousand reduction of valuation allowance related to the deferred tax assets, with the effect being an increase to deferred tax asset and a corresponding decrease in other investments. Under certain circumstances set forth in the Limited Liability Agreement of Majestic, the Company has the right and/or obligation to purchase some or all of the minority interest in Majestic.

 

 

Independence American Insurance Company

Independence American, which is domiciled in Delaware, is licensed to write property and/or casualty insurance in 29 states and the District of Columbia, and has a B+ (Very Good) rating from A.M. Best Company ("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 ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold securities of the Company.

Managing General Underwriters

IndependenceCare Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as "IndependenceCare") is an MGU for the employer medical stop-loss, provider excess loss and HMO reinsurance products of Madison National Life Insurance Company ("Madison Life"), Standard Life and Independence American. IndependenceCare has agreements with another carrier to write business on its behalf in the event of marketing conflicts or regulatory requirements. IndependenceCare has four operating subsidiaries, IndependenceCare Underwriting Services - Minneapolis L.L.C., IndependenceCare Underwriting Services - Tennessee L.L.C., IndependenceCare Underwriting Services - - MidAtlantic L.L.C. and IndependenceCare Underwriting Services - Southwest L.L.C. IndependenceCare's staff of thirty-six employees is responsible for marketing, underwriting, billing and collecting premiums and medically managing, administering and adjudicating claims.

Risk Assessment Strategies, Inc. ("RAS") is an MGU for employer medical stop-loss and group life for Standard Life. RAS also has an agreement with another carrier to write stop-loss on its behalf in the event of marketing conflicts. RAS, which is based in South Windsor, Connecticut, employs twelve marketing, underwriting and claims personnel.

On February 10, 2003, but effective as of January 1, 2003, the Company acquired 80% of the business of an employer medical stop-loss MGU and an affiliated entity (the "Acquired MGUs"). The acquisition was accomplished by the formation of Marlton into which the Acquired MGUs contributed all of their assets, and the Company contributed $16 million cash for an 80% ownership interest. The Company's cash contribution was then distributed to the Acquired MGUs together with the remaining 20% interest in Marlton, and Marlton assumed all of the liabilities of the Acquired MGUs. This acquisition resulted in goodwill in the amount of $11.4 million and intangible assets in the amount of $2.8 million. Marlton is an MGU for employer medical stop-loss and group life for Madison Life and Standard Life. Marlton also writes stop-loss through two other carriers. Marlton, which is based in Voorhees, New Jersey, has thirty marketing, underwriting, medical management and claims employees.

Discontinued Operations

Prior to becoming an insurance holding company as a result of the acquisition of Independence American Holdings Corp. on November 14, 2002, the Company was a holding company principally engaged in providing Internet services through the following discontinued operations, Intelligent Communications, Inc. ("Intellicom"), Aerzone Corporation ("Aerzone"), ISP Channel, Inc. ("ISP Channel"), Micrographic Technology Corporation ("MTC"), and Kansas Communications Inc. ("KCI"). Discontinued operations include management's estimates of costs to wind down the business and costs to settle its outstanding liabilities.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of the revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company believes the following critical accounting policies are significantly affected by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in preparation of its consolidated financial statements. For a detailed discussion on the application of these and other accounting policies, see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.

Income Taxes

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 and the net operating losses are utilizable. Management believes that although sufficient uncertainty exists regarding the future realization of deferred tax assets, the valuation allowance is adequate to account for the expected utilization of net operating losses against future taxable income.

The Company has net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes available to reduce future income subject to income taxes. The net operating loss carryforwards expire between 2009 and 2023.

U.S. federal and California tax laws impose substantial restrictions on the utilization of net operating loss and credit carryforwards in the event of an "ownership change" for tax purposes, as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Goodwill

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives resulting from business combinations will not be amortized but instead will be tested for impairment at least annually (more frequently if certain indicators are present). In the event that the management of the Company determines that the value of goodwill or intangible assets with indefinite lives has become impaired, the Company will incur an accounting charge for the amount of impairment during the fiscal quarter in which the determination is made.

Premium and MGU Fee Income Revenue Recognition

Premiums from short-duration contracts will be recognized as revenue over the period of the contracts in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided. The Company records MGU fee income as policy premium payments are earned. MGUs are compensated in two ways. They earn fee income based on the volume of business produced, and collect profit-sharing commissions if such business exceeds certain profitability benchmarks. Profit-sharing commissions are accounted for beginning in the period in which the Company believes they are reasonably estimable. While profit-sharing commissions are a function of an MGU attaining certain profitability thresholds and could greatly vary from quarter to quarter, AMIC's MGUs price their business to an anticipated profit margin in excess of such thresholds.

Investments

The Company accounts for its investments in debt and equity securities under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115 ("SFAS 115"), Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. The Company has classified all of its investments as either available-for-sale or trading securities. These investments are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices with unrealized gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets for available for sale securities and as unrealized gains and losses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for trading securities. Net realized gains and losses on investments are computed using the specific identification method and are reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary are determined based on the specific identification method and are reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations as net realized losses. The factors considered by management in determining when a decline is other than temporary include but are not limited to:  the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; adverse changes in ratings announced by one or more rating agencies; whether the issuer of a debt security has remained current on principal and interest payments; whether the decline in fair value appears to be issuer specific or, alternatively, a reflection of general market or industry conditions; and the Company's intent and ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in fair value.  For securities within the scope of Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 99-20, such as purchased interest-only securities, an impairment loss is recognized when there has been a decrease in expected cash flows combined with a decline in the security's fair value below cost.

Insurance Policy Benefits

Liabilities for insurance policy benefits on short-term medical coverages were computed using completion factors and expected loss ratios derived from actual historical premium and claim data. These methods are widely used in the health insurance industry to estimate the liabilities for insurance policy benefits. Inherent in these calculations are management and actuarial judgments and estimates (within industry standards) which could significantly impact the ending reserve liabilities and, consequently, operating results. Actual results may differ, and these estimates are subject to interpretation and change. Management believes that the Company's method of estimating the liabilities for insurance policy benefits provides an adequate level of reserves at September 30, 2004.

Discontinued Operations

The Company accounts for discontinued operations in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30 ("APB 30"), Reporting the Results of Operations - - Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions. Under APB 30, the Company accrued estimates of expected liabilities related to discontinued operations through its eventual discharge. The estimated remaining liabilities related to discontinued operations include contract terminations, litigation and loss from operations subsequent to September 30, 2002. The Company reviews the estimated closure costs liability on a quarterly basis to determine changes in the costs of the discontinued operations activities.

 

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2004, Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2003 (in thousands)

Net Income. The Company had net income of $1,662 or $.19 per share, diluted, for the three months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $2,274, or $.27 per share, diluted, for the three months ended September 30, 2003.

Premiums Earned. Premiums earned increased $5,286 to $16,581 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $11,295 for the three months ended September 30, 2003, an increase of 47%. This is primarily due to a combination of a higher percentage of medical stop-loss business assumed from, as well as increased volume of business written by, Independence Holding Company in 2004. The average percentage of medical stop-loss business ceded from IHC to Independence American for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 was 20.6% and 13.3%, respectively. Beginning in the 2004 third quarter, IHC ceded $1,050 of its DBL premiums to Independence American.

Net Investment Income. Net investment income increased $129 to $597 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $468 for the three months ended September 30, 2003, due to a higher invested asset base in 2004, offset by a slightly lower return on investments. The annualized return on investments of the Company was 5.25% in the third quarter of 2004 and 5.39% in the third quarter of 2003.

Net Realized Gains. Net realized gains increased $59 to $89 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $30 for the three months ended September 30, 2003. The Company's decision as to whether to sell securities is based on cash flow needs, investment opportunities, and economic market conditions, thus creating fluctuations in realized gains or losses from period to period. Offsetting net realized gains for the three months-ended September 30, 2004 is a realized a loss of $9 from unrealized losses on securities that the Company deemed to be other than temporary in nature.

MGU Fee Income. MGU fee income increased $407 to $4,275 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $3,868 for the three months ended September 30, 2003. MGU fee income-administration fees increased $676 to $3,797 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, from $3,121 for the three months ended September 30, 2003 due to an increase in premiums written by the MGUs. MGU fee income-profit commissions decreased $269 to $478 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $747 for the three months ended September 30, 2003, mainly due to higher anticipated loss ratios in the treaty years in which 2004 profit sharing amounts were calculated.

Insurance Benefits, Claims and Reserves. Insurance benefits claims and reserves increased $3,651 to $10,731 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $7,080 for the three months ended September 30, 2003, an increase of 52%. The increase is mainly due to additional claims relating to increased earned premium volume from Independence American in 2004. Additionally, the 2004 third quarter was negatively impacted by higher than expected claims from certain of Independence American's 2003 medical stop-loss programs. As a result, the loss ratio for the 2004 third quarter includes charges to reflect loss development on prior treaty years and a corresponding increase in reserves for the current treaty year. While management sets reserves based on its best estimate of ultimate claim settlement costs, the Company adjusts reserves as claims mature, approach settlement, or are otherwise resolved.

 

Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $1,932 to $7,484 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $5,552 for the three months ended September 30, 2003. The increase is primarily due to higher commission expense incurred by Independence American in 2004, as compared to 2003, resulting from increased premium volume. Additionally in 2004, the Company recorded $200 of expenses related to compliance with the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.

Amortization and Depreciation. Amortization and depreciation expense decreased $71 to $431 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $502 for the three months ended September 30, 2003. The expense mainly relates to the amortization of the intangible assets for the value of broker/TPA relationships of the MGUs. These assets were part of the purchase price adjustments for the acquisition of IAHC, Marlton, and ICH - MidAtlantic. Amortization expense for these intangible assets will decline over the useful lives of the assets. The lives of the assets expire between 2006 and 2008.

Non-Cash Compensation Expense Related to Stock Options. Non-cash compensation expense related to stock options increased $57 to $86 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $29 for the three months ended September 30, 2003. The increase is due to additional option grants since September 30, 2003.

Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes increased $910 to $1,001 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $91 for the three months ended September 30, 2003. Net income for 2004 includes a non-cash provision for federal income taxes of $842. No such provision was recorded for the comparable period in 2003 because AMIC's tax year end is September 30 and for the first nine months of 2003 the Company had a recovery for federal income taxes arising from losses in the fourth quarter of 2002. For as long as AMIC utilizes its net operating loss carryforwards, it will not pay any income taxes, except for federal alternative minimum taxes and state income taxes.

 

Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004, Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 (in thousands)

Net Income. The Company had net income of $4,595 or $.54 per share, diluted, for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $6,394 or $.75 per share, diluted, for the nine months ended September 30, 2003.

Premiums Earned. Premiums earned increased $17,486 to $43,753 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $26,267 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, an increase of 67%. This is primarily due to a combination of a higher percentage of medical stop-loss business assumed from, as well as increased volume of business written by, Independence Holding Company in 2004. The average percentage of medical stop-loss business ceded from IHC to Independence American for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 was 19.0% and 11.9%, respectively. Beginning in the 2004 third quarter, IHC ceded $1,050 of its DBL premiums to Independence American.

Net Investment Income. Net investment income increased $199 to $1,702 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $1,503 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, due to a higher invested asset base in 2004, offset by a slightly lower return on investments. The annualized return on investments of the Company was 5.12% in the first nine months of 2004 and 5.72% in the first nine months of 2003.

Net Realized Gains. Net realized gains decreased $34 to $345 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $379 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The Company's decision as to whether to sell securities is based on cash flow needs, investment opportunities, and economic market conditions, then creating fluctuations in realized gains or losses from period to period. Offsetting net realized gains for the nine months-ended September 30, 2004 is a realized loss of $53 from unrealized losses on securities that the Company deemed to be other than temporary in nature.

MGU Fee Income. MGU fee income increased $2,430 to $13,164 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $10,734 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. MGU fee income-profit commissions increased $709 to $2,036 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $1,327 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, mainly due to lower anticipated loss ratios in the treaty years in which 2004 profit sharing amounts were calculated. MGU fee income-administration fees increased $1,721 to $11,128 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, from $9,407 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 due to an increase in premiums written by the MGUs.

Insurance Benefits, Claims and Reserves. Insurance benefits, claims and reserves increased $11,795 to $28,074 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $16,279 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, an increase of 72%. The increase is primarily due to additional claims relating to increased earned premium volume from Independence American in 2004. Additionally, the 2004 second and third quarters were negatively impacted by higher than expected claims from certain of Independence American's 2003 medical stop-loss programs. As a result, the loss ratios for the 2004 second and third quarters include charges to reflect loss development on all open treaty years and a corresponding increase in reserves for the current treaty year.

Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $7,379 to $21,336 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $13,957 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The increase is primarily due to $5,687 of higher commission expense incurred by Independence American in 2004, as compared to 2003, resulting from increased premium volume. Also in 2004, salaries were $300 higher, and legal expenses were $300 higher due to a write-down of legal reserves in 2003 Additionally in 2004, the Company recorded $300 of expenses related to compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Amortization and Depreciation. Amortization and depreciation expense decreased $275 to $1,234 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $1,509 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The expense mainly relates to the amortization of the intangible assets for the value of broker/TPA relationships of the MGUs. These assets were part of the purchase price adjustments for the acquisition of IAHC, Marlton, and ICH - MidAtlantic. Amortization expense for these intangible assets will decline over the useful lives of the assets. The lives of the assets expire between 2006 and 2008.

Non-Cash Compensation Expense Related to Stock Options. Non-cash compensation expense related to stock options increased $248 to $353 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $105 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The increase is due to additional option grants since September 30, 2003 and the reissuance of options to a director.

Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes increased $2,640 to $2,912 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $ 272 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. Net income for the first nine months of 2004 includes a non-cash provision for federal income taxes of $2,326. No such provision was recorded for the comparable period in 2003 because AMIC's tax year end is September 30 and for the first nine months of 2003 the Company had a recovery for federal income taxes arising from losses in the fourth quarter of 2002. For as long as AMIC utilizes its net operating loss carryforwards, it will not pay any income taxes, except for federal alternative minimum taxes and state income taxes.

Gain on Discontinued Operations. Gain on discontinued operations was $10 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, compared to a gain of $114 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The gain in 2003 is primarily attributable to lower than expected interest and expenses with regard to the arbitration award on MTC, offset by additional reserves on Intellicom related to the lease obligations of the Livermore facility.

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources (in thousands)

Independence American Insurance Company

IAIC 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. Such cash flow is partially used to finance liabilities for insurance policy benefits and reinsurance obligations.

IAIC maintains a revolving Letter of Credit ("LOC") with a financial institution to support reinsurance obligations of IAIC in the ordinary course of business. The LOC has an outstanding face up to $5,000, although IAIC has not drawn upon funds to date. The LOC renews October 15 of each year, unless cancelled by IAIC.

Corporate

Corporate derives cash flow funds principally from: dividends and tax payments from its subsidiaries and investment income from Corporate liquidity. There are no regulatory constraints on the MGUs' ability to dividend to the parent company, however, state insurance laws have provisions relating to the ability of the parent company to use cash generated by IAIC.

As of September 30, 2004, the Company had $46,800 in cash, cash equivalents, and investments net of amounts due to brokers compared with $40,498 as of December 31, 2003.

Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 was $7,494. Net cash flows benefited from premium volume and fees from MGUs, partially offset by higher than expected claims or losses.

Net cash used by investing activities of continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 was $6,106. This use of cash results from purchases of fixed maturities, equity securities, and short-term investments, net of sales of all such securities. The Company also acquired ICH-MidAtlantic and Majestic.

Net cash provided by financing activities from continuing operations was $186 resulting from the exercise of common stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

The Company believes it has sufficient cash to meet its currently anticipated business requirements over the next twelve months including the funding of discontinued operations, working capital requirements, and capital investments. The Company expects continued reductions in cash usages from its discontinued operations for the year ending December 31, 2004.

The schedule of contractual obligations at September 30, 2004 is not materially different than the schedule at December 31, 2003 included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Risk Management

The Company manages interest rate risk by seeking to maintain a portfolio with a duration and average life that falls within the band of the duration and average life of the applicable liabilities, and may utilize options to modify the duration and average life of such assets.

The Company monitors its investment portfolio on a continuous basis and believes that the liquidity of the Company will not be adversely affected by its current investments.

In the Company's analysis, a 100 to 200 basis point change in interest rates on the Company's fixed income portfolio 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 4. Controls and Procedures

The President and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company (its principal executive officer and its principal financial officer, respectively) have concluded, based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Report, that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (i) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed or submitted by it under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the "Exchange Act") is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC") rules and forms, and (ii) include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in such reports is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including the President and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, and to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

There have not been any changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2004 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 

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 the other pending legal proceedings and claims are not expected to have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

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

Not Applicable

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not Applicable

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

Not Applicable

Item 5. Other Information

Not Applicable

Item 6. Exhibits

 

31.1

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications.

31.2

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications.

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.

 

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.

 

 

/s/ Roy T.K. Thung__________________________

Roy T.K. Thung

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Date:

 

November 15, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Teresa A. Herbert

Teresa A. Herbert

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

Date:

 

November 15, 2004