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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 March 31, 2005

OR

[ ]

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

For the transition period from: ____to______

Commission File Number: 001-05270

AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

11-1817252

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

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

   

485 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022

10022

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

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

Not Applicable

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]

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

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 10, 2005

Common stock, $0.01 par value

8,447,223 shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Independence Corp. and Subsidiaries

Index

 
 

Page

   

PART I -FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
   

Item 1. Financial Statements

 
   

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2005 (unaudited) and December 31, 2004

3

   

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 (unaudited)

4

   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 (unaudited)

5

   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

6

   

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

12

   

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

17

   

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

17

   

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 
   

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

18

   

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

18

   

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

18

   

Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

18

   

Item 5. Other Information.

18

   

Item 6. Exhibits

18

   

Signatures

19

   
   
   

 

PART I -FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

American Independence Corp. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share data)

     

March 31,

   
     

2005

 

December 31,

ASSETS:

   

(Unaudited)

   

2004

 

Investments:

           
 

Short-term investments, at amortized cost, which approximates fair value

 

$

10,442

 

$

8,296

 

Fixed maturities, at fair value

   

31,355

   

34,006

 

Equity securities, at fair value

   

953

   

1,042

 

Other investments

   

1,120

   

1,125

             
 

Total investments

   

43,870

   

44,469

             
 

Cash and cash equivalents

   

3,360

   

3,236

 

Restricted cash

   

16,878

   

16,602

 

Accrued investment income

   

337

   

438

 

Premiums receivable

   

2,577

   

2,307

 

Deferred tax

   

12,874

   

13,491

 

Reinsurance recoverable

   

12,508

   

13,496

 

Goodwill

   

24,154

   

24,154

 

Intangible assets

   

1,332

   

1,535

 

Accrued fee income

   

3,769

   

3,328

 

Other assets

   

1,854

   

1,339

             
 

Total assets

 

$

123,513

 

$

124,395

             

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

           
 

LIABILITIES:

           
 

Insurance reserves

 

$

20,486

 

$

22,240

 

Premium and claim funds payable

   

16,078

   

15,802

 

Amount due to brokers

   

299

   

206

 

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

   

4,085

   

4,254

 

Income taxes payable

   

185

   

164

 

Restructuring accrual

   

184

   

300

 

Net liabilities associated with discontinued operations

   

865

   

936

             
 

Total liabilities

   

42,182

   

43,902

             
 

Minority interest

   

4,026

   

4,026

             

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;

           
   

9,180,695 and 9,180,695 shares issued; 8,447,223 and 8,438,889

           
     

shares outstanding, respectively

   

92

   

92

 

Additional paid-in capital

   

479,042

   

479,017

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   

(766)

   

(285)

 

Treasury stock, at cost, 733,472 shares and 741,806 shares, respectively

   

(8,777)

   

(8,877)

 

Accumulated deficit

   

(392,286)

   

(393,480)

 

Total Stockholders' Equity

   

77,305

   

76,467

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

$

123,513

 

$

124,395

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

American Independence Corp. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

   

Three months ended March 31,

   

2005

     

2004

REVENUES:

           
 

Premiums earned

$

15,568

   

$

12,696

 

MGU fee income

 

3,855

     

4,040

 

Net investment income

 

523

     

546

 

Net realized gains

 

43

     

130

 

Other income

 

73

     

5

   

20,062

     

17,417

             

EXPENSES:

           
 

Insurance benefits, claims and reserves

 

10,065

     

7,676

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

7,593

     

6,512

 

Amortization and depreciation

 

279

     

382

 

Non-cash stock compensation expense

 

41

     

91

 

Minority interest

 

161

     

164

             
   

18,139

     

14,825

             

Income from continuing operations before income tax

 

1,923

     

2,592

Provision for income taxes

 

(729)

     

(1,010)

             

Income from continuing operations

 

1,194

     

1,582

             
 

Gain on discontinued operations, net of tax

 

-

     

10

             

Net income

$

1,194

   

$

1,592

             

Basic income per common share:

           
 

Income from continuing operations

$

.14

   

$

.19

 

Gain on discontinued operations

 

-

     

-

 

Net income applicable to common shares

$

.14

   

$

.19

             

Shares used to compute basic income per share

 

8,442

     

8,425

               

Diluted income per common share:

           
 

Income from continuing operations

$

.14

   

$

.19

 

Gain on discontinued operations

 

-

     

-

 

Net income applicable to common shares

$

.14

   

$

.19

             

Shares used to compute diluted income per share

 

8,530

     

8,543

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)

Three Months Ended March 31,

2005

2004

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net income

$

1,194

$

1,592

Adjustments to net income:

Net realized gains

(43)

(130)

Gain on discontinued operations

-

(10)

Amortization and depreciation

279

382

Non-cash stock compensation expense

41

91

Equity loss

5

-

Deferred tax expense

617

807

Change in other assets and liabilities:

Net sales of trading securities

54

-

Change in insurance reserves

(1,754)

798

Change in reinsurance recoverable

988

(350)

Change in accrued fee income

(441)

(660)

Change in premiums receivable

(270)

(243)

Change in income tax liability

(271)

1,096

Change in other assets and other liabilities

(508)

(2,456)

Net cash from operating activities of continuing operations

(109)

917

Net cash from operating activities of discontinued operations

(71)

(67)

(180)

850

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Net (purchases) sales of short-term investments

(2,100)

2,314

Change in due to and from brokers

93

4,010

Purchases of fixed maturities

(7,427)

(37,004)

Sales and maturities of fixed maturities

9,563

29,795

Purchases of equity securities

(373)

(324)

Sales of equity securities

464

373

 

 

Net cash from investing activities of continuing operations

220

(836)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

84

186

Net cash provided by financing activities of continuing operations

84

186

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

124

200

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

3,236

2,360

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

3,360

$

2,560

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

Cash paid during period for:

Income taxes

$

92

$

20

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

American Independence Corp. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

1. Significant Accounting Policies and Practices

(A) Business and Organization

Since the acquisition of Independence American Holding Corp. ("IAHC") on November 14, 2002, American Independence Corp. ("AMIC" or the "Company") has been 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"), Marlton Risk Group LLC ("Marlton"), and its 23% investment in Majestic Underwriters LLC ("Majestic"). IndependenceCare, RAS and Marlton are collectively referred to as the "MGU Subsidiaries".

Independence Holding Company ("IHC"), an insurance holding company, held 40% of AMIC's outstanding common stock at March 31, 2005. In March and April 2005, IHC purchased an additional 172,130 shares, bringing its current ownership to 42%.

 

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

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and include the accounts of AMIC and its consolidated subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 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 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission should be read in conjunction with the accompanying 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 consolidated financial position and results of operations for the interim periods have been included. The consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be anticipated for the entire year.

(C) Reclassifications

Certain amounts in prior years' consolidated financial statements and Notes thereto have been reclassified to conform to the 2005 presentation.

2. Income Per Common Share

Included in the diluted earnings per share calculation for 2005 and 2004 are 88,000 and 118,000 shares, 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. 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 greatly vary from quarter to quarter.

 

MGU fee income consisted of the following:

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2005

March 31, 2004

(In thousands)

MGU fee income-regular

$

3,157

$

3,560

MGU fee income-profit commissions

698

480

$

3,855

$

4,040

 

4. Investments

The following table summarizes, for all securities in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2005, 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

 

FIXED MATURITIES:

                     
                       

Corporate securities

$

8,840

 

$

418

$

1,408

$

108

$

10,248

$

526

CMO and ABS (1)

2,957

 

88

 

1,906

 

65

 

4,863

 

153

U.S. Government and agencies obligations

2,372

 

75

 

-

 

-

 

2,372

 

75

GSE (2)

4,434

 

51

 

-

 

-

 

4,434

 

51

Agency MBS (3)

1,953

   

28

 

-

 

-

 

1,953

 

28

Total, fixed maturities

$

20,556

 

$

660

$

3,314

$

173

$

23,870

$

833

EQUITY SECURITIES:

                   

 

 

Preferred Stock

$

328

 

$

9

$

-

$

-

$

328

$

9

                           
 

Total

$

20,884

 

$

669

$

3,314

$

173

$

24,198

$

842

(1) Collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") and asset-backed securities ("ABS").

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

(3) Mortgage-backed securities ("MBS").

The following table summarizes, for all securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 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

 

FIXED MATURITIES:

                     
                       

Corporate securities

$

9,198

$

286

$

-

$

-

$

9,198

$

286

CMO and ABS

3,797

 

121

 

1,765

 

43

 

5,562

 

164

U.S. Government and agencies obligations

5,800

 

36

 

-

 

-

 

5,800

 

36

GSE

983

 

6

 

-

 

-

 

983

 

6

Agency MBS

1,878

 

8

 

-

 

-

 

1,878

 

8

 

Total, fixed maturities

$

21,656

$

457

$

1,765

$

43

$

23,421

$

500

 

 

Substantially all of the unrealized losses at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 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 for impairments. A total of 41 securities were in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and 11 securities for 12 months or longer as of March 31, 2005. A total of 46 securities were in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and four securities 12 months or longer as of December 31, 2004. The unrealized losses were evaluated in accordance with the Company's policy and were determined to be temporary in nature at March 31, 2005. For all 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.

5. Acquisitions

Majestic

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 $1,610,000. 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 $522,000 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.

The Company's investment in Majestic is carried on the equity method with the Company's share of income or loss credited or charged, as appropriate, to the Consolidated Statement of Operations with a corresponding increase or decrease to the Company's investment account. The Company also reduces its investment account for its proportionate share of the amortization expense for the intangible assets recorded in the acquisition.

ICH-MidAtlantic

On April 16, 2004, the Company expanded its business through the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of a Medical Stop-Loss managing general underwriter, which had a block of approximately $13 million of annualized premium, for a purchase price of $600,000. 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 $486,000 and intangible assets in the amount of $114,000.

6. Goodwill and Other Intangibles

          The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, effective July 1, 2002. Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives, which consist of licenses, are not amortized but are reviewed for impairment, on a reporting unit basis, at least annually, or more frequently if indicators arise. The Company defines its reporting units on a segment basis.

          The Company's intangible assets, consisting of broker/ third party relationships, are amortized over five years.

7. Related Party Transactions

Independence American paid $61,000 and $55,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, from its service agreement with Standard Security Life. The Company paid $107,000 and $77,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, from its service agreement with IHC. The Company assumed premiums from IHC of $13,059,000 and $10,898,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

8. Discontinued Operations

Prior to becoming an insurance holding company as a result of the acquisition of Independence American Holdings Corp. ("IAHC") on November 14, 2002, the Company was a holding company principally engaged in providing Internet services through the discontinued operations. The following operations have remaining liabililities: Intelligent Communications, Inc. ("Intellicom"), Aerzone Corporation ("Aerzone"), and Micrographic Technology Corporation ("MTC"). The operating results of these discontinued operations have been segregated from continuing operations and are reported as a loss from 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 estimates. 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 March 31,

2005

2004

Intellicom

$

-

$

10

Net gain from discontinued operations

$

-

$

10

Net liabilities associated with discontinued operations at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 are as follows (in thousands):

 

March 31,

December 31,

 

2005

   

2004

           

Current liabilities:

         

Estimated closure costs

$

808

 

$

879

Other accrued expenses

 

57

   

57

           

Total liabilities

$

865

 

$

936

           
 

Intellicom

$

808

 

$

879

 

Aerzone

 

27

   

27

 

MTC

 

30

   

30

Net liabilities associated with discontinued

         

operations

$

865

 

$

936

           

9. Stock-Based Compensation and Change in Accounting Principle

On November 14, 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. At March 31, 2005, all such shares accounted for under APB 25 were fully vested or expired. The Company recorded an expense of approximately $41,000 and $91,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, related to options issued under the fair value based method.

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 ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 would have been as follows (in thousands):

   

2005

 

2004

         

Net income as reported

$

1,194

$

1,592

Add stock-based compensation expense included in reported income

 

41

 

91

Deduct stock-based compensation expense determined under the fair

       
 

value based method for all awards

 

(41)

 

(8)

Pro forma net income

$

1,194

$

1,675

         

Basic income per common share:

       
 

As reported

$

.14

$

.19

 

Pro forma

$

.14

$

.20

         

Diluted income per common share:

       
 

As reported

$

.14

$

.19

 

Pro forma

$

.14

$

.20

         

10. 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 certain businesses. At March 31, 2005, the Company had a remaining reserve of $184,000 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 $800,000 security deposit with respect to this liability which is included in restricted cash and will become unrestricted as of August 1, 2005.

   

(In thousands)

Balance, December 31, 2004:

$

300

 

Plus: Additional estimated costs

 

-

 

Less: Payments

 

(116)

Balance, March 31, 2005:

$

184

 

11. Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in legal proceedings and claims that 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.

12. 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 months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 is as follows:

   

2005

 

2004

 

(In thousands)

         

Net income

$

1,194

$

1,592

Unrealized gains (losses)

 

(481)

 

378

Comprehensive income

$

713

$

1,970

 

 

13. Segment Information

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

Three Months

Ended

March 31,

2005

2004

Revenues:

Independence American

$

16,107

$

13,147

MGU Subsidiaries

3,890

4,127

Corporate

22

13

Net realized gains

43

130

$

20,062

$

17,417

Income(loss) from continuing

operations before income tax

Independence American

$

1,197

$

1,490

MGU Subsidiaries

1,180

1,570

Corporate

(497)

(598)

Net realized gains

43

130

$

1,923

$

2,592

 

 

14. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123 (revised 2004) ("SFAS No. 123R"), "Share-Based Payment" which revised SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. This statement supercedes APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." SFAS 123(R) addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions with employees and other third parties, eliminates the ability to account for share-based compensation transactions using APB 25 and requires that the compensation costs relating to such transactions be recognized in the consolidated statement of operations. The revised statement is effective as of the first fiscal year beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company already applies the fair value based method of accounting for all stock based compensation issued after October 1, 2002. At December 31, 2004 all such share accounted for under APB 25 were fully vested or expire d.

  On September 30, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("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. Subsequent to the issuance of Staff Position No. EITF Issue 03 - -1-1, the FASB announced plans for a full reconsideration of existing authoritative literature concerning other-than-temporary impairment of securities.  The outcome of this reconsideration and the impact, if any, on the Company's impairment recognition cannot be predicted at this 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, 2004, 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, 2005, 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, 2004, 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 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 (the "MGUs") that currently specialize in Medical Stop-Loss. Since November 2002, AMIC has been affiliated with Independence Holding Company ("IHC"), which currently owns 42% of AMIC's stock, and the senior management of which provides direction to the Company through a service agreement between the Company and IHC. The Board has given IHC approval, should it so determine, to purchase an additional 1% of the Company's outstanding common stock. 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.

As disclosed in the Company's Form 10-K, Madison National and Independence American entered into a reinsurance agreement to protect Independence American against certain losses from Medical Stop-Loss business occurring during the period from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005. Subsequent to the filing of the Company's Form 10-K, the parties mutually agreed to terminate the agreement as of its effective date of January 1, 2005. The parties made this determination after considering the development of our block of Medical Stop-Loss business to date .

The following are highlights of the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2005:

Independence American Insurance Company

 

MGU Division (IndependenceCare, Marlton, RAS)

 

 

Independence American Insurance Company

Independence American, which is domiciled in Delaware, is licensed to write property and/or casualty insurance in 34 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. Independence American's statutory capital and surplus as of March 31, 2005 was $36,243,000.

Managing General Underwriters

IndependenceCare markets and underwrites employer Medical Stop-Loss, provider excess loss and HMO Reinsurance products for Standard Life, Madison Life, Independence American and another carrier. IndependenceCare currently has four operating subsidiaries, IndependenceCare Underwriting Services - Minneapolis L.L.C., IndependenceCare Underwriting Services - Tennessee L.L.C., IndependenceCare Underwriting Services - Southwest L.L.C. and IndependenceCare Underwriting Services - MidAtlantic LLC. IndependenceCare's 34 employees are responsible for marketing, underwriting, billing and collecting premiums and medically managing, administering and adjudicating claims. RAS markets and underwrites employer Medical Stop-Loss and group life for Standard Life and another carrier. RAS, which is based in South Windsor, Connecticut, has 13 marketing, underwriting and claims personnel. Marlton Risk Group LLC ("Marlton") is an 80% owned MGU for employer Medical Stop-Loss and group life for Standard Life, Madison Life and two other carriers. Marlton, which is based in Voorhees, New Jersey, has 31 marketing, underwriting, medical management and claims employees. Marlton's management owns the remaining 20%.

On July 13, 2004, the Company acquired a 23% interest in Majestic Underwriters LLC ("Majestic"), a Medical Stop-Loss MGU. IHC owns 52% of Majestic and Majestic's management owns the remaining 25%. The purchase price for AMIC's interest in Majestic was $1,610,000. Majestic, which is headquartered in Troy, Michigan, has 28 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 several discontinued operations. 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 financials 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 of the Company included in Item 8 of the annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. Management has identified the accounting policies descr ibed below as those that, due to the judgments, estimates and assumptions inherent in those policies, are critical to an understanding of the Company's consolidated financial statements and management's discussion and analysis.

 

Insurance Reserves

The Company maintains insurance reserves to cover its estimated liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, including legal and other fees as well as a portion of the Company's general expenses, for reported and unreported claims incurred as of the end of each accounting period. Liabilities for insurance reserves on short-term medical and disability 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 reserves. Inherent in these calculations are management and actuarial judgments and estimates 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 reserves provides reasonably accurate levels of reserves at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004; however, changes in the Company's reserves estimates, if any, will be recorded through a charge or credit to its earnings.

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. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Management believes that although sufficient uncertainty exists regarding the future realization of deferred tax assets, the valuation allowance has been adjusted 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 2018 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. For tax purposes, an ownership change occurred during 1999 and, as a result, utilization of the net operating losses arising prior to 1999 will be subject to an annual limitation in future years.

Premium and MGU Fee Income Revenue Recognition

Direct and assumed 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. Profit-sharing commissions are a function of an MGU attaining certain profitability thresholds and could greatly vary from quarter to quarter.

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 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 either accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets for available-for-sale securities or as unrealized gains or losses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements 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 i n 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 securit y's fair value below cost.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

          The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, effective July 1, 2002. Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives, which consist of licenses, are not amortized but are tested for impairment, on a reporting unit basis, at the end of the third quarter of each fiscal year, or more frequently if indicators arise. The Company defines its reporting units on a segment basis.

          The Company's intangible assets consisting of broker/third party relationships are amortized over five years.

Discontinued Operations

 The Company accounts for discontinued operations in accordance to 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 March 31, 2005, Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004

Premiums Earned. Premiums earned increased $2,872,000 to $15,568,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005, compared to $12,696,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004, an increase of 23%. This is due to a combination of a higher percentage of medical stop-loss business assumed from IHC in 2005. The Company currently reinsures three lines of business from IHC. Premiums relating to medical stop-loss were $14,139,000 and $12,696,000 for 2005 and 2004, respectively. Premiums relating to DBL were $1,036,000 and $0 for 2005 and 2004, respectively. Premiums relating to small group major medical were $393,000 and $0 for 2005 and 2004, respectively.

MGU Fee Income. MGU fee income decreased $185,000 to $3,855,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005, compared to $4,040,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004. MGU fee income-regular decreased $403,000 to $3,157,000 as the MGU's have decreased their block of business in an effort to improve margins. MGU fee income-profit commission increased $218,000 to $698,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005, compared to $480,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004.

Net Investment Income. Net investment income decreased $23,000 to $523,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005, compared to $546,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004, mainly due to lower yields partially offset by higher assets. The return on investments of the Company was 4.3% in the first three months of 2005 and 5.0% for the comparable period in 2004, primarily attributable to a higher concentration of more liquid investments in 2005.

Net Realized Gains. Net realized gains decreased $87,000 to $43,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005, compared to $130,000 for the same period of 2004. 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 March 31, 2004, is a realized loss of $44,000 from unrealized losses on securities that the Company deemed to be other than temporary in nature. For the three months ended March 31, 2005, there was no realized loss from unrealized losses on securities that the Company deemed to be other than temporary in nature.

Insurance Benefits, Claims and Reserves. Insurance benefits claims and reserves increased $2,389,000 to $10,065,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005, compared to $7,676,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004, an increase of 31%. The increase is largely due to an increase in premiums earned and an increase in loss ratios on the Company's medical stop-loss business in the first quarter of 2005 as compared to the first quarter of 2004. There has been no new significant development in claims during the first quarter of 2005 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2004.

Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $1,081,000 to $7,593,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005, compared to $6,512,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004. The increase is primarily due to $.9 million higher commission expense incurred by Independence American in 2005, resulting from increased premium volume.

Amortization and Depreciation. Amortization and depreciation expense decreased $103,000 to $279,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005, compared to $382,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004. 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 IndependenceCare-MidAtlantic. Amortization expense for these intangible assets will decline over the useful lives of the assets.

Non-Cash Compensation Expense Related to Stock Options. Non-cash compensation expense related to stock options decreased $50,000 to $41,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005, compared to $91,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004. This expense primarily relates to the fair value of options issued and accounted for under SFAS No. 123.

Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes decreased $281,000 to $729,000, an effective rate of 37.9%, for the three months ended March 31, 2005, compared to $1,010,000, an effective rate of 39.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2004. Net income for the first quarter of 2005 and 2004 includes a non-cash provision for federal income taxes of $616,000 and $807,000, respectively. 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 $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2005, compared to a gain of $10,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004.

Net Income. The Company had net income of $1,194,000, or $.14 per share, diluted, for the three months ended March 31, 2005, compared to $1,592,000 or $.19 per share, diluted, for the three months ended March 31, 2004.

Liquidity and Capital Resources (in thousands)

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

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

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 Independence American.

As of March 31, 2005 the Company had $46,931,000 of cash, cash equivalents, and investments net of amounts due to brokers compared with $47,499,000 as of December 31, 2004

Net cash used by operating activities of continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2005 was $109,000. Net cash flows benefitted from premium volume and fees from MGUs, offset by higher claims and losses.

Net cash provided by investing activities of continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2005 was $220,000. This results from purchases of fixed maturities, equity securities, and short-term investments, net of sales of all such securities.

Net cash provided by financing activities from continuing operations was $84,000 resulting from the exercise of common stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2005.

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, 2005.

The expected schedule of contractual obligations at March 31, 2005 is not materially different than the schedule at December 31, 2004, which was included in Item 7 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Investment Impairments

The Company reviews its investments regularly and monitors its investments continually for impairments. The Company's gross unrealized losses on fixed maturities totaled $833,000 at March 31, 2005. Substantially all of these securities were investment grade. The remaining unrealized losses have been evaluated in accordance with the Company's policy and were determined to be temporary in nature at March 31, 2005. The Company holds all fixed maturities as available-for-sale and accordingly marks all of its fixed maturities to market through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

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 liabilities would not be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and is not materially different than the expected change at December 31, 2004 included in Item 7 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K. 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 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 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 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 March 31, 2005 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 discontinued 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

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.

 

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/RoyT.K.Thung__________________________

Roy T.K. Thung

Chief Executive Officer

 

Date:

 

May 10, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Teresa A. Herbert

Teresa A. Herbert

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

Date:

 

May 10, 2005