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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended: SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

Commission File Number: 0-10306

 

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

 

58-1407235

(State of Incorporation)

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

 

96 CUMMINGS POINT ROAD, STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT                                                                   06902

                     (Address of principal executive offices)                                                                                       (Zip Code)

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

NOT APPLICABLE

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

14,121,496 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, $1.00 PAR VALUE

Common stock outstanding as of November 15, 2004

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

PAGE

   

No.

   
 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 
     
   

Consolidated Balance Sheets -

 
   

September 30, 2004 (unaudited) and December 31, 2003

3

   
   

Consolidated Statements of Operations -

 
     

Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004

 
   

and 2003 (unaudited)

4

   
   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -

 
     

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 (unaudited)

5

   
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

6

   
 

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

15

   

and Results of Operations

 
   
 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

23

   
 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

24

   

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 
   
 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

25

     
 

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

25

     
 

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

25

     
 

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

25

     
 

Item 5. Other Information

25

   
 

Item 6. Exhibits

26

   
 

Signatures

27

       

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)

       

September 30,

     

December 31,

       

2004

     

2003

       

(Unaudited)

 

ASSETS:

               
 

Investments:

               
 

Short-term investments

   

$

8,058

   

$

8,640

 

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

     

71,109

     

26,549

 

Fixed maturities

     

568,720

     

490,311

 

Equity securities

     

18,385

     

21,403

 

Other investments

     

47,009

     

46,500

                 
 

Total investments

     

713,281

     

593,403

                 
 

Cash and cash equivalents

     

18,419

     

60,547

 

Due from brokers

     

11,108

     

17,542

 

Investment in American Independence Corp.

               
   

("AMIC")

     

30,031

     

27,345

 

Deferred acquisition costs

     

35,704

     

33,113

 

Due and unpaid premiums

     

6,486

     

6,210

 

Due from reinsurers

     

125,872

     

128,418

 

Notes and other receivables

     

10,324

     

13,882

 

Other assets

     

24,483

     

17,842

                 
 

TOTAL ASSETS

   

$

975,708

   

$

898,302

                 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

               

LIABILITIES:

               
 

Insurance policy benefits

   

$

331,067

   

$

334,468

 

Funds on deposit

     

317,041

     

281,837

 

Unearned premiums

     

17,903

     

16,491

 

Policy claims

     

8,435

     

7,634

 

Other policyholders' funds

     

8,970

     

6,539

 

Due to brokers

     

40,863

     

20,773

 

Due to reinsurers

     

10,081

     

5,889

 

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

     

21,977

     

20,593

 

Debt

     

12,500

     

12,500

 

Junior subordinated debt securities

     

22,682

     

22,682

                 
 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

     

791,519

     

729,406

                 

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

               
 

Preferred stock (none issued)

     

-

     

-

 

Common stock, 14,182,496 and 13,904,258

               
 

shares issued and outstanding, net of 31,300

               
 

and 3,708,122 shares in treasury, respectively

     

14,182

     

13,904

 

Paid-in capital

     

77,294

     

75,579

 

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

     

(2,233)

     

647

 

Retained earnings

     

94,946

     

78,766

                 
 

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

     

184,189

     

168,896

                   
 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND

               
 

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

   

$

975,708

   

$

898,302

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

               
     

Three Months Ended

     

Nine Months Ended

     

September 30,

     

September 30,

     

2004

   

2003

     

2004

   

2003

           

(Unaudited)

     
                           

REVENUES:

                         
 

Premiums earned

 

$

43,799

 

$

37,996

   

$

129,575

 

$

109,008

 

Net investment income

   

11,514

   

8,715

     

32,780

   

26,953

 

Net realized and unrealized gains

                         
   

(losses)

   

941

   

(159)

     

2,261

   

518

 

Equity income from AMIC

   

665

   

770

     

1,811

   

1,707

 

Other income (expense)

   

1,753

   

273

     

2,790

   

(15)

                           
     

58,672

   

47,595

     

169,217

   

138,171

                           

EXPENSES:

                         
 

Insurance benefits, claims and

                         
   

reserves

   

32,526

   

26,061

     

94,334

   

74,736

 

Amortization of deferred acquisition

                         
   

costs

   

1,511

   

2,062

     

5,652

   

5,286

 

Selling, general and administrative

                         
 

expenses

   

15,636

   

12,388

     

42,134

   

36,117

 

Interest expense

   

526

   

259

     

1,588

   

608

                           
     

50,199

   

40,770

     

143,708

   

116,747

                           

Income before income tax

   

8,473

   

6,825

     

25,509

   

21,424

Income tax expense

   

2,927

   

2,332

     

8,913

   

7,536

                           

Net income

 

$

5,546

 

$

4,493

   

$

16,596

 

$

13,888

                           

Basic income per common share

 

$

.39

 

$

.32

   

$

1.18

 

$

.99

                           

WEIGHTED AVERAGE BASIC

                         
 

COMMON SHARES

   

14,186

   

13,910

     

14,036

   

13,981

                           

Diluted income per common share

 

$

.38

 

$

.32

   

$

1.16

 

$

.97

                           

WEIGHTED AVERAGE DILUTED

                         
 

COMMON SHARES

   

14,532

   

14,238

     

14,359

   

14,252

                           

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands)

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004 2003

   

(Unaudited)

             

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

           

Net income

 

$

16,596

 

$

13,888

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by

           
 

operating activities:

           
 

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

   

5,652

   

5,286

 

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

   

(2,261)

   

(518)

 

Depreciation and amortization

   

729

   

564

 

Deferred tax expense

   

2,536

   

1,859

 

Equity income from AMIC

   

(1,811)

   

(1,707)

 

Other

   

(621)

   

(354)

Changes in assets and liabilities:

           
 

Change in insurance liabilities

   

(2,727)

   

21,297

 

Additions to deferred acquisition costs

   

(7,581)

   

(5,654)

 

Change in net amounts due from and to reinsurers

   

6,738

   

(10,350)

 

Change in income tax liability

   

2,398

   

(1,879)

 

Change in due and unpaid premiums

   

(276)

   

1,357

 

Other

   

(1,787)

   

353

             
 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   

17,585

   

24,142

             

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

           

Change in net amount due from and to brokers

   

26,220

   

(3,208)

Net sales (purchases) of short-term investments

   

604

   

(633)

Net purchases of securities under resale agreements

   

(44,560)

   

(8,766)

Sales and maturities of fixed maturities

   

911,648

   

1,091,557

Purchases of fixed maturities

   

(993,928)

   

(1,102,059)

Sales of equity securities

   

17,377

   

13,711

Purchases of equity securities

   

(14,347)

   

(23,360)

Additional investment in AMIC

   

(1,464)

   

(7,439)

Sales of other investments

   

2,052

   

38,624

Additional investments in other investments, net of distributions

   

(1,795)

   

(19,763)

Cash paid in purchase of subsidiary, net

   

(1,540)

   

-

Cash received in purchase of policy block

   

25,785

   

-

Net change in notes receivable

   

5,318

   

45

Other

   

(2,007)

   

(698)

             
 

Net cash used by investing activities

   

(70,637)

   

(21,989)

             

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

           

Proceeds on investment-type insurance contracts, net

   

13,389

   

5,413

Proceeds from debt and junior subordinated debt securities

   

-

   

22,500

Repayment of debt

   

-

   

(8,438)

Exercise of common stock options

   

2,046

   

2,122

Repurchase of common stock

   

(3,765)

   

(4,182)

Dividends paid

   

(746)

   

(387)

             
 

Net cash provided by financing activities

   

10,924

   

17,028

             

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

   

(42,128)

   

19,181

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

   

60,547

   

13,292

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

18,419

 

$

32,473

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies and Practices

(A) Business and Organization

Independence Holding Company ("IHC") is a holding company principally engaged in the life and health insurance business through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Standard Security Life Insurance Company of New York ("Standard Life") and Madison National Life Insurance Company, Inc. ("Madison Life") and their subsidiaries (collectively, the "Insurance Group") and a 40% equity interest in the common stock of American Independence Corp. ("AMIC"). IHC and its subsidiaries (including the Insurance Group) are collectively referred to as the "Company."

Geneve Corporation, a diversified financial holding company, and its affiliated entities (collectively, "Geneve") held approximately 58% of IHC's outstanding common stock at September 30, 2004.

(B) Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) that are necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated results of operations for the interim periods have been included. The consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be anticipated for the entire year. The consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes included in IHC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. Certain amounts in the prior year's consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2004 presentation.

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.

On June 8, 2004, IHC declared a special 80% stock dividend and $.045 per share cash dividend, payable to shareholders of record on June 18, 2004 with a distribution date of July 2, 2004. A total of 6,243,787 common shares (issued out of both treasury and authorized and unissued shares) were distributed and fractional shares were paid in cash in lieu of stock. The stock distribution has been accounted for as a stock split effected in the form of a dividend. Accordingly, the par value of the additional shares issued (approximately $6.2 million) was charged to retained earnings and a corresponding amount was credited to common stock, on a retroactive basis, with no change in total stockholders' equity. In addition, all share and per share data for all periods presented herein has been adjusted to reflect the additional shares.

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies and Practices (Continued)

(C) Stock-Based Compensation

The Company applies Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", and related interpretations in accounting for its stock option plan. Since stock options under the plan are issued with an exercise price equal to the stock's fair value on date of grant, no compensation cost has been recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company follows the disclosure provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", as amended.

SFAS No. 123 establishes a fair value based method of accounting for stock-based compensation plans as an alternative to APB Opinion No. 25. Under SFAS No. 123, the compensation cost for options 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 options. Compensation cost for stock appreciation rights ("SARs") is recognized over the service period of the award under both APB Opinion No. 25 and SFAS No. 123. Had the Company applied SFAS No. 123 in accounting for stock-based compensation awards, net income and net income per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 would have been as follows:

   

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

   

September 30,

September 30,

   

2004

   

2003

   

2004

   

2003

   

(in thousands, except per share data)

                     

Net income, as reported

$

5,546

 

$

4,493

$

16,596

 

$

13,888

Add SAR expense included in

                   
 

reported net income, net of tax

 

-

   

10

 

153

   

29

Deduct SAR and stock option

                   
 

expense under SFAS No. 123,

                   
 

net of tax

 

(152)

   

(183)

 

(637)

   

(420)

Pro forma net income

$

5,394

 

$

4,320

$

16,112

 

$

13,497

                     

Basic income per common share:

                   
 

As reported

$

.39

 

$

.32

$

1.18

 

$

.99

 

Pro forma

$

.38

 

$

.31

$

1.15

 

$

.97

                     

Diluted income per common share:

                   
 

As reported

$

.38

 

$

.32

$

1.16

 

$

.97

 

Pro forma

$

.37

 

$

.30

$

1.12

 

$

.95


INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Note 2. American Independence Corp.

AMIC is an insurance holding company engaged in the insurance and reinsurance business. AMIC does business with the Insurance Group, including reinsurance treaties under which Standard Life and Madison Life cede at least 15% of their medical stop-loss business to a subsidiary of AMIC.

On June 15, 2004, IHC purchased an additional 94,488 shares of AMIC for $1,464,000. This brought IHC's total ownership in AMIC to 3,374,555 shares. At September 30, 2004, the Company owned 40% of AMIC's outstanding common stock, and accounted for its investment under the equity method of accounting. The carrying value of the Company's investment in AMIC was $30,031,000 at September 30, 2004 (excluding related goodwill of $2,708,000 which is reported in other assets), and its equity income was $665,000 and $1,811,000, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004. At September 30, 2003, the Company owned 31.7% of AMIC's outstanding common stock. The Company's equity income was $770,000 and $1,707,000, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003.

The Company earned $80,000 and $32,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and $239,000 and $132,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, from its service agreement with AMIC dated November 15, 2002 and amended April 21, 2004.

Note 3. Income Per Common Share

Included in the diluted earnings per share calculations are 346,000 and 328,000 shares for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and 323,000 and 271,000 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.

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Note 4. Investment Securities

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:

Less than 12 Months

12 Months or Longer

Total

Fair

Unrealized

Fair

Unrealized

Fair

Unrealized

Value

Losses

Value

Losses

Value

Losses

     

(In thousands)

                                 

Corporate securities

 

$

156,302

 

$

6,058

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

156,302

$

6,058

CMOs and ABS (1)

   

80,466

   

3,282

   

33,632

   

705

   

114,098

3,987

US Government

                               
 

and agencies

   

29,040

   

471

   

-

   

-

   

29,040

471

Agency MBS (2)

   

51,922

   

621

   

2

   

-

   

51,924

621

States and political

                               
 

subdivisions

   

-

   

-

   

1,524

   

39

   

1,524

39

Total fixed

                                 
 

maturities

   

317,730

   

10,432

   

35,158

   

744

   

352,888

11,176

Common stock

   

623

   

133

   

-

   

-

   

623

133

Preferred stock

   

6,751

   

210

   

-

   

-

   

6,751

 

210

Total temporarily

                               

impaired

 

securities

 

$

325,104

 

$

10,775

 

$

35,158

 

$

744

 

$

360,262

$

11,519

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

(2) Mortgage-backed securities.

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. There were no securities with unrealized losses that were individually significant dollar amounts at September 30, 2004.  A total of 68 securities were in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months, and 7 securities for 12 months or longer.  For fixed maturities, there are no securities past due or securities for which the Company currently believes it is not probable that it will collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the investment.  Because the Company has the ability to hold securities with unrealized losses until a market price recovery (which, for fixed maturities, may be until maturity) the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2004. (See Note 13 for discussion of a new accounti ng pronouncement that will provide additional guidance with respect to impairment evaluations).

For the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, the Company recorded a realized loss for other-than-temporary impairments of $2.1 million and $5.2 million, respectively. In 2004 and 2003, $.7 million and $5.0 million, respectively, of the loss relates to an interest related impairment recognized on certain interest only securities ("IO Securities") resulting from expected prepayments of the mortgage obligations underlying the IO Securities due to falling interest rates. The Company applies the methodology of Emerging Issues Task Force 99-20, "Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment of Purchased and Retained beneficial interests in Securitized Financial Assets" ("EITF 99-20") in determining when an IO Security is considered other-than-temporarily impaired. The Company recorded realized losses in the nine

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

Note 4. Investment Securities (Continued)

months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 under EITF 99-20, since there has been a decrease in expected cash flows combined with a decline in the IO Securities' fair value below cost.

Note 5. Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes shown in the consolidated statements of operations was computed based on the Company's estimate of the effective tax rates expected to be applicable for the current year. The deferred income tax expense (benefit) allocated to stockholders' equity for other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 was $3,413,000 and ($1,703,000), respectively.

Note 6. Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

Cash payments for income taxes were $4,003,000 and $5,880,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Cash payments for interest were $1,307,000 and $371,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Note 7. Comprehensive Income

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

   

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

   

September 30,

 

September 30,

   

2004

   

2003

 

2004

   

2003

 

(In thousands)

                     

Net income

$

5,546

 

$

4,493

$

16,596

 

$

13,888

Unrealized gains (losses) on:

                   
 

Available-for-sale

                   
 

securities

 

6,298

   

(2,158)

 

(2,895)

   

(1,187)

 

Cash flow hedges

 

(295)

   

-

 

15

   

-

Comprehensive income

$

11,549

 

$

2,335

$

13,716

 

$

12,701

 

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

Note 8. Purchase of Policy Block

On June 23, 2004, IHC acquired a block of individual deferred annuity and life policies through an assumption reinsurance transaction. A summary of the amounts recorded by the Company as of the effective date is as follows (in thousands):

Liabilities:

   

Funds on deposit

$

878

Insurance policy benefits

 

25,707

   

26,585

Non-cash assets:

   

Deferred acquisition costs

 

800

   

Cash received

$

25,785

   

Note 9. Acquisition of MGU and Issuance of Common Stock

On July 13, 2004, effective July 1, 2004, IHC acquired a 52% controlling interest in Majestic Underwriters LLC ("Majestic"), a medical stop-loss managing general underwriter ("MGU"), which had a block of approximately $41 million of annualized premium. AMIC acquired a 23% interest and the current senior management of Majestic owns 25% of the MGU. The purchase of IHC's share was paid for with both net cash of $1,540,000 and the issuance of 129,808 shares of IHC common stock (the "Shares"). The Shares were issued at a fair value of $16.18 per share in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), as a private placement of unregistered securities under Section 4(2) thereof. Accordingly, the Shares will be "restricted securities", subject to a legend and will not be freely tradable in the United States until the Shares are registered for resale under the Securities Act, or to the extent they are tradable under Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act or any other available exemption. Any resale or other disposition of the securities in the United States must be made either under a registration statement filed by IHC with the Securities and Exchange Commission or under an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. IHC recorded goodwill in the amount of $2,663,000 and intangible assets in the amount of $936,000 in connection with the acquisition of its 52% controlling interest.

IHC issued a stock put on all IHC shares issued in the acquisition that vests on July 1, 2005 and expires on July 1, 2006, at a price of $17.15 per share. IHC was granted a corresponding stock call on the same IHC shares that vests on July 1, 2005 and expires on July 1, 2006, at a price of $20.00 per share. The put and call were recorded at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent changes in fair value, which have been insignificant, are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. 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 HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

Note 10. Increase in Shares of Common Stock

On July 29, 2004, IHC filed an amendment to its Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to reflect an increase in the number of shares of common stock, $1.00 par value per share, which IHC has authority to issue by 5,000,000 from 15,000,000 to 20,000,000, and consequently, to increase the total number of shares of all classes of stock which IHC shall have authority to issue by 5,000,000, from 15,100,000 to 20,100,000. The amendment was approved by the written consent of stockholders pursuant to a consent solicitation commenced on July 12, 2004.

Note 11. Segment Reporting

The Insurance Group principally engages in the life and health insurance business. Interest expense, taxes, and general expenses associated with parent company activities are included in Corporate. Information by business segment for the periods ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 is presented below:

   

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

   

September 30,

 

September 30,

   

2004

   

2003

 

2004

   

2003

   

(In thousands)

Revenues:

                   

Medical stop-loss

$

25,910

 

$

20,833

$

75,754

 

$

57,082

Group disability, life, annuities

                   
 

and DBL

 

12,045

   

11,081

 

35,276

   

33,325

Individual life, annuities and

                   
 

other

 

14,187

   

10,551

 

38,547

   

31,257

Credit life and disability

 

5,098

   

4,993

 

15,428

   

14,827

Corporate

 

491

   

296

 

1,951

   

1,162

   

57,731

   

47,754

 

166,956

   

137,653

Net realized and unrealized

 

gains (losses)

 

941

   

(159)

 

2,261

   

518

 

$

58,672

 

$

47,595

$

169,217

 

$

138,171

Income before income tax:

                   

Medical stop-loss

$

3,192

 

$

3,147

$

13,280

 

$

10,570

Group disability, life, annuities

                   
 

and DBL

 

2,489

   

2,885

 

5,023

   

5,583

Individual life, annuities and

                   
 

other

 

2,896

   

1,949

 

7,438

   

6,398

Credit life and disability

 

(435)

   

(55)

 

440

   

679

Corporate

 

(84)

   

(683)

 

(1,345)

   

(1,716)

   

8,058

   

7,243

 

24,836

   

21,514

Interest expense

 

(526)

   

(259)

 

(1,588)

   

(608)

Net realized and unrealized

                   
 

gains (losses)

 

941

   

(159)

 

2,261

   

518

 

$

8,473

 

$

6,825

$

25,509

 

$

21,424

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Note 12. Subsequent Event

Subsequent to September 30, 2004, the Company formed Independence Preferred Trust III ("Trust III"), a statutory business trust, for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities to institutional investors in pooled issuances. Although the Company owns all of the trust's common securities, it is not the primary beneficiary for purposes of FIN 46R and, accordingly, the trust is an unconsolidated subsidiary for financial reporting purposes. The Company's investment in the common securities of Trust III amounted to $464,000.

On October 27, 2004, Trust III issued securities having an aggregate liquidation amount of $15,000,000 (the "Trust III Capital Securities"). Trust III received gross proceeds of $15,000,000 from the issuance of the Trust III Capital Securities, which Trust III then loaned to the Company (in the form of junior subordinated debt) to use for general corporate purposes. Issuance costs were approximately $467,000.

As a result of these transactions, the Company recognized a liability of $15,464,000 for junior subordinated debt and an asset of $464,000 for the investment in Trust III. The Company's subordinated debt securities, which are the sole assets of the subsidiary trust, are unsecured obligations of the Company. The Company has provided a full and unconditional guarantee of amounts due on the trust preferred securities. The terms of the junior subordinated debt securities, including interest rates and maturities, are the same as the related Trust III Capital Securities.

The distributions payable on the Trust III Capital Securities are cumulative and payable quarterly in arrears. The Company has the right, subject to events of default, to defer payments of interest on the Trust III Capital Securities for a period not to exceed 20 consecutive quarters, provided that no extension period may extend beyond the maturity date of December 15, 2034. The Company has no current intention to exercise its right to defer interest payments.

The Trust III Capital Securities are mandatorily redeemable upon maturity on December 15, 2034. The Company has the right to redeem the Trust III Capital Securities, in whole or in part, on certain dates on or after December 15, 2009. The redemption price would be 100% (without penalty) of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.

The rate on the Trust III Capital Securities is set at 350 basis points over the three month LIBOR. Concurrent with the trust preferred issuance, the Company entered into an interest rate swap which has a $15,000,000 notional amount and 5-year term, and requires the Company to make payments at a fixed rate of 7.2%. The Company designated an equal amount of the junior subordinated debt securities as the hedged item. The terms of the swap mirror those of the hedged debt. There is no hedge ineffectiveness on this swap which is accounted for as a cash flow hedge.

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

Note 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 No. 03-1 remains effective. The delay will be s uperseded 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 4, 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

Overview

The Company is a holding company principally engaged in health insurance throughout the United States, and is a leader in the medical stop-loss industry nationally. The Company operates through its two insurance carriers (Standard Life and Madison Life) and its 40% ownership interest in American Independence Corp. ("AMIC"), which owns medical stop-loss managing general underwriters (MGUs). Through its ownership of AMIC and other MGUs, IHC controls a majority of the production sources for this core product, while maintaining profitability through disciplined underwriting. IHC also writes group disability/DBL, group life and annuities, individual life and annuities, and credit life and disability. These lines of business are targeted to niche markets. The majority of group life and disability business is focused in the upper Midwest school and public entity markets. The DBL business is written in New York State and administered through Standard Life's efficient web-based back office. Individual life and annuities are written under a nation-wide program for volunteer emergency service personnel. Our credit life and disability business is through a select group of producers.

While management considers a wide range of factors in its strategic planning and decision-making, underwriting profit is consistently emphasized as the primary goal in all decisions as to whether or not to increase our retention in a core line, expand into new products, acquire an entity or a block of business, or otherwise change our business model. Management's assessment of trends in healthcare and morbidity, with respect to medical stop-loss, disability and DBL; mortality rates with respect to life insurance; and changes in market conditions in general play a significant role in determining the rates charged, deductibles and attachment points quoted, and the percentage of business retained. In addition, the Company's acquisition group assesses opportunities to acquire blocks of business based on the amount of reserves transferred and current interest rates. Finally, management focuses on managing the costs of our operations, which contributed to the Company's consistent profitabili ty.

The following is a summary of key performance information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, as well as other key events affecting the Company:

In recent years, IHC has experienced beneficial market changes in its core lines of business, however, the insurance business may be cyclical. While the rates charged for medical stop-loss are increasing at a lesser rate than in recent years, increases in medical trend are also being held in check and deductibles and attachment points have increased, which reduces IHC's risk exposure. The Company remains optimistic that it will continue to produce profitable results while still growing its core businesses.

Information pertaining to the Company's business segments is provided in Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") and to general practices within the insurance industry. The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Management has identified the accounting policies described 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 loss 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.

The Company computes insurance policy benefits primarily using the net premium method based on anticipated investment yield, mortality (morbidity on health insurance) and withdrawals. Liabilities for insurance policy benefits on certain 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 life and 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 provided reasonably accurate levels of reserves at September 30, 2004 and Dece mber 31, 2003; however, if the Company's reserves are insufficient to cover its actual losses and loss adjustment expenses, the Company would have to augment its reserves and incur a charge to its earnings, and these charges could be material.


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 in the accompanyi ng 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 b elow cost.

Premium Revenue Recognition

Premiums from short-duration contracts are recognized as revenue over the period of the contracts in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided. Premiums from long duration contracts are recognized as revenue when due from policyholders.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003

Net income was $5.5 million, or $.38 per share, diluted, for the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $4.5 million, or $.32 per share, diluted, for the three months ended September 30, 2003. The Company's income before taxes increased $1.7 million to $8.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 from $6.8 million for 2003. The Company had net realized and unrealized gains of $.9 million in the third quarter of 2004 compared to net realized and unrealized losses of $.2 million in 2003. Decisions to sell securities are based on cash flow needs, investment opportunities and economic and market conditions, thus creating fluctuations in gains and losses from period to period. Income tax expense increased $.6 million to $2.9 million in the third quarter of 2004 from $2.3 million in 2003, primarily reflecting an increase in income before taxes.

Insurance Group

The Insurance Group's pre-tax income increased $1.3 million to $9.0 million in 2004 from $7.7 million in 2003. These results include net realized and unrealized gains of $.9 million in 2004 and net realized and unrealized losses of $.2 million in 2003.

Premium revenues grew $5.8 million to $43.8 million in 2004 from $38.0 million in 2003; premium revenues increased $1.3 million at Madison Life and $4.5 million at Standard Life. The change at Madison Life is comprised of the following increases: $.7 million in the medical stop-loss line of business due to higher volume; $.2 million from the Ordinary Life line of business; $.2 million from Group Accident and Health ("A&H"); and $.2 million from all other lines. The change at Standard Life is comprised of the following increases: $3.9 million in medical stop-loss premiums due to higher volume; $.6 million in the Volunteer Fire Department ("VFD") line; $.3 million in the HMO Reinsurance line; and $.1 million in all other lines; partially offset by a $.4 million decrease in the Short-Term Statutory Disability ("DBL") line primarily resulting from quota share reinsurance effective July 31, 2004.

Total net investment income of the Insurance Group increased $2.7 million primarily due to an increase in investable assets. The annualized return on investments of the Insurance Group was 6.6% in the third quarter of 2004 and 6.4% in the third quarter of 2003. Equity income from AMIC decreased $.1 million to $.7 million in 2004 from $.8 million in 2003.

Other income increased $1.4 million due to income from MGU investments.

Insurance benefits, claims and reserves increased $6.5 million, reflecting increases of $2.6 million at Madison Life and $3.9 million at Standard Life. Madison Life's increase resulted from: $1.3 million from interest credited due to an acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2003; a $.7 million increase in claims for the Group Term Life ("GTL") line; a $.4 million increase in the Long-Term Disability ("LTD") line due to increased claims; and a $.4 million increase in the credit line due to higher claims; partially offset by a decrease in the ordinary life line of $.2 million due to a reduction in claims. The change at Standard Life is comprised of: an increase of $3.8 million from the medical stop-loss line due to an increase in claims experience; an increase in reserves of $.8 million attributable to the VFD line of business; partially offset by a $.6 decrease in the DBL line resulting from quota share reinsurance effective July 1, 2004 and a $.1 million decrease in all other lines.

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses for the Insurance Group increased $3.1 million due to increases at Madison Life of $1.4 million and at Standard Life of $1.7 million. The increase at Madison Life is due to greater commission expenses, partially offset by lower amortization of deferred acquisition costs. The increase at Standard Life is due to greater general expenses, partially offset by a decrease in commissions.

Corporate

The pre-tax loss for corporate decreased $.3 million to $.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 from $.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2003. The lower pre-tax loss is primarily attributable to increases in investment income of $.1 million and other income $.1 million and a decrease in general expenses of $.1 million.

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004 COMPARED TO NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003

Net income was $16.6 million, or $1.16 per share, diluted, for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $13.9 million, or $.97 per share, diluted, for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The Company's income before taxes increased $4.1 million to $25.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $21.4 million for 2003. The Company had net realized and unrealized gains of $2.3 million in the nine months ended 2004 compared to $.5 million in 2003. Income tax expense increased $1.4 million to $8.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $7.5 million in 2003, primarily reflecting the increase in income before taxes.

Insurance Group

The Insurance Group's pre-tax income increased $4.6 million to $28.3 million in 2004 from $23.7 million in 2003. These results include net realized and unrealized gains of $2.1 million in 2004 compared to $.4 million in 2003.

Premium revenues grew $20.6 million to $129.6 million in 2004 from $109.0 million in 2003; premium revenues increased $5.6 million at Madison Life and $15.0 million at Standard Life. The change at Madison Life is comprised of increases of: $3.4 million in the medical stop-loss line of business; $.7 million from the credit line of business; $.7 million from the ordinary life lines; $.5 million from the LTD line; and $.5 million increase from the Group A&H lines; partially offset by $.2 million from other lines. The change at Standard Life is comprised of the following increases: $13.9 million in medical stop-loss premiums due to higher volume in 2004; $.7 million in the Ordinary Life line; $.5 million in the HMO Reinsurance line; $.5 million in the VFD line; and $.4 million from blanket; partially offset by decreases of $.7 million in provider excess and $.3 million from DBL.

Total net investment income of the Insurance Group increased $5.4 million, primarily due to an increase in investable assets. The annualized return on investments of the Insurance Group was 6.4% in the first nine months of 2004 and 6.7% in the first nine months of 2003.

Equity income from AMIC increased $.1 million primarily due to the increase in ownership.

Other income increased $2.5 million primarily due to $.8 million of surrenders from a coinsurance agreement on a block of business assumed and $1.7 million from MGU investments.

Insurance benefits, claims and reserves increased $19.6 million, reflecting increases of $7.1 million at Madison Life and $12.5 million at Standard Life. Madison Life's increase resulted from: a $2.4 million increase from interest credited on annuity policies; a $1.7 million increase in the stop-loss line from growth in the business; a $1.0 million increase in LTD due to higher claims; a $1.0 million increase in the ordinary life due to the fourth quarter of 2003 acquisitions; a $.6 million increase in GTL due to higher losses; and a $.5 million increase from credit due to higher claims; partially offset by a $.1 million decrease from all other lines. The change at Standard Life is comprised of: higher claims and reserves of $10.5 million from the medical stop-loss line due to greater volume and an increase in claims experience; an increase in reserves of $.8 million attributable to the ordinary life line of business that the Company assumed in November 2003; an increase of $.8 millio n in VFD from higher claims; and a $.5 million increase in interest credited; partially offset by $.1 million decrease from all other lines.

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses for the Insurance Group increased $6.1 million due to increases at Madison Life of $2.1 million and at Standard Life of $4.0 million. The increase at Madison Life is due to greater commissions and general expenses, partially offset by lower amortization of deferred acquisition costs. The increase at Standard Life is due to higher general expenses.

Corporate

The pre-tax loss for corporate increased $.5 million to $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $2.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The higher pre-tax loss is primarily attributable to increases in interest expense of $1.0 million due to the increase in debt and general expense of $.4 million primarily from costs related to Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, partially offset by increases in net investment income of $.5 million, realized gains of $.1 million and other income of $.3 million.

LIQUIDITY

Insurance Group

The Insurance Group normally provides cash flow from: (i) operations; (ii) the receipt of scheduled principal payments on its portfolio of fixed income securities; and (iii) earnings on investments. Such cash flow is partially used to finance liabilities for insurance policy benefits. These liabilities represent long-term and short-term obligations which are calculated using certain assumed interest rates.

Asset Quality

The nature and quality of insurance company investments must comply with all applicable statutes and regulations, which have been promulgated primarily for the protection of policyholders. Of the aggregate carrying value of the Insurance Group's investment assets, approximately 93.8% was invested in investment grade fixed income securities, resale agreements, policy loans and cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2004. Also at such date, approximately 97.4% of the Insurance Group's fixed maturities were investment grade. These investments carry less risk and, therefore, lower interest rates than other types of fixed maturity investments. At September 30, 2004, approximately 2.6% of the carrying value of fixed maturities was invested in diversified non-investment grade fixed income securities (investments in such securities have different risks than investment grade securities, including greater risk of loss upon default, and thinner trading markets). The Company does not have any mortgage loans or non-performing fixed maturities at September 30, 2004.

Investment Impairments

The Company reviews its investments regularly and monitors its investments continually for impairments. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, the Company recorded a realized loss for other-than-temporary impairments of $2.1 million and $5.2 million, respectively. In 2004 and 2003, $.7 million and $5.0 million, respectively, of the loss relates to an interest related impairment recognized on certain interest only securities ("IO Securities") resulting from unexpected prepayments of the mortgage obligations underlying the IO Securities due to falling interest rates. The Company has invested in IO Securities to help actively manage its interest rate exposure. Typically these securities account for less than 2% of IHC's total portfolio assets and are rated AAA or better. In a rising interest rate environment, such as that experienced in the third quarter of 2004, IO Securities will increase in value which acts to mitigate the unrealized loss on the balance of the bond portfolio. In a decreasing interest rate environment, such as that experienced in the first nine months of 2003, IO Securities will lose value, but there will be unrealized gains in the rest of the bond portfolio. Although these securities performed as expected, the Company applies the methodology of Emerging Issues Task Force 99-20, "Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment of Purchased and Retained Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets" ("EITF 99-20") in determining when an IO Security is considered other-than-temporarily impaired. The Company recorded realized losses in the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 under EITF 99-20, since there had been a decrease in expected cash flows combined with a decline in the IO Securities' fair value below cost.

The Company's gross unrealized loss on fixed maturities totaled $11.2 million at September 30, 2004. Substantially all of these securities were investment grade. The unrealized losses, primarily within the corporate securities portfolio, have been evaluated in accordance with the Company's policy and were determined to be temporary in nature at September 30, 2004. 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 or loss.

Balance Sheet

Total investments increased $119.9 million from $593.4 million at December 31, 2003 to $713.3 million at September 30, 2004. This increase is primarily due to the investment of the cash received from acquisitions of policy blocks in December 2003 and June 2004. Such increase in total investments was offset in part by a decrease of $42.1 million in cash and cash equivalents. The $31.8 million combined increase in insurance policy benefits and funds on deposit reflects growth in the business principally from the June 2004 policy block acquisition. The $15.3 million increase in total stockholders' equity is primarily due to net income, issuance of stock for an MGU acquisition, and exercise of options in the nine months ended September 30, 2004, offset by net unrealized losses on fixed maturity investments and repurchases of the Company's common stock.

The Company had net receivables from reinsurers of $115.8 million at September 30, 2004. Substantially all of the business ceded to such reinsurers is of short duration. All of these receivables are due either from the Company's affiliate, Independence American Insurance Company, highly rated companies or are adequately secured. As of September 30, 2004, the balance due to Independence American was $.3 million. An allowance for doubtful accounts was not deemed necessary at September 30, 2004.

Corporate

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

Total Corporate liquidity (cash, cash equivalents, resale agreements, short-term investments and marketable securities) amounted to $27.8 million at September 30, 2004.

CAPITAL RESOURCES

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

In accordance with SFAS No. 115, the Company may carry its portfolio of fixed income securities either as held to maturity (carried at amortized cost), as trading securities (carried at fair market value) or as available-for-sale (carried at fair market value). The Company has chosen to carry all of its fixed maturities as available-for-sale. The Company experienced an increase in unrealized losses of $2.9 million, net of deferred taxes and deferred policy acquisition costs, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), reflecting net unrealized losses of $2.3 million at September 30, 2004 versus net unrealized gains of $.6 million at December 31, 2003. From time to time, as warranted, the Company employs investment strategies to mitigate interest rate and other market exposures. However, the portfolio will always have interest rate exposure given the matching of liabilities, and therefore portfolio valuations will fluctuate with market interest rates. The change in the net unreali zed loss on securities available-for-sale is attributable to an increase in interest rates from December 31, 2003 to September 30, 2004.

The Company's schedule of contractual obligations at September 30, 2004 is not materially different from the schedule at December 31, 2003 included in the annual report on Form 10-K.



Share Repurchase Program

IHC has a program, initiated in 1991, under which it repurchases shares of its common stock. In June 2004, the Board of Directors authorized an additional 450,000 shares to be repurchased under the 1991 plan. As of September 30, 2004, 521,037 shares were still authorized to be repurchased under the plan.

The following table summarizes information with respect to the share repurchase program:

2004

       

Maximum Number

     

Number of

     

Average Price

     

of Shares Which

Month of

   

Shares

     

of Repurchased

     

Can be

Repurchase

   

Repurchased

     

Shares

     

Repurchased

                       

January

   

-

   

$

-

     

270,817

February

   

-

     

-

     

270,817

March

   

-

     

-

     

270,817

April

   

-

     

-

     

270,817

May

   

168,480

     

20.89

     

102,337

June

   

3,600

     

16.64

     

548,737

July

   

-

     

-

     

548,737

August

   

-

     

-

     

548,737

September

   

27,700

     

17.69

     

521,037

                       

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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. Options may be utilized to modify the duration and average life of such assets.

The Company monitors its investment portfolio on a continuous basis and believes that the liquidity of the Insurance Group will not be adversely affected by its current investments. This monitoring includes the maintenance of an asset-liability model that matches current insurance liability cash flows with current investment cash flows.

The expected change in fair value as a percentage of the Company's fixed income portfolio at September 30, 2004, given a 100 to 200 basis point rise or decline in interest rates, is not materially different than the expected change at December 31, 2003. In the Company's analysis of the asset-liability model, a 100 to 200 basis point change in interest rates on the Insurance Group's liabilities would not be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company. With respect to its liabilities, if interest rates were to increase, the risk to the Company is that policies would be surrendered and assets would need to be sold. This is not a material exposure to the Company since a large portion of the Insurance Group's interest sensitive policies are burial policies that are not subject to the typical surrender patterns of other interest sensitive policies, and many of the Insurance Group's universal life and annuity policies come from liquidated companies, and therefore tend to exhibit low er surrender rates than such policies of continuing companies. Additionally, there are charges to help offset the benefits being surrendered. If interest rates were to decrease substantially, the risk to the Company is that some of its investment assets would be subject to early redemption. This is not a material exposure because the Company would have additional gains in its portfolio to help offset the future reduction of investment income. With respect to its investments, the Company employs (from time to time as warranted) investment strategies to mitigate interest rate and other market exposures.

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, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's 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.

Forward Looking Statements

Some of the statements included within Management's Discussion and Analysis may be considered to be forward looking statements which are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Factors which could cause the actual results to differ materially from those suggested by such statements are described from time to time in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

None

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

See Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements, Note 9, for information concerning securities of this registrant sold by the registrant during the period covered by this report that were not registered under the Securities Act.

See Part I, Item 2, Share Repurchase Program, for information concerning issuer purchases of equity securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

 

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

None

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

In a special meeting commenced on July 12, 2004, IHC increased the number of shares of common stock, $1.00 par value per share, which IHC has authority to issue by 5,000,000 from 15,000,000 to 20,000,000, and consequently, to increase the total number of shares of all classes of stock which IHC shall have authority to issue by 5,000,000, from 15,100,000 to 20,100,000. The vote on the increase of authorized shares was:

For:

13,128,801

Withheld:

31,600

Abstain:

6,361

Item 5. Other Information

None

Item 6. Exhibits

 

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY

(THE REGISTRANT)

 

 

By: /s/ Roy T.K. Thung

Chief Executive Officer and

President

 

 

By: /s/ Teresa A. Herbert

Teresa A. Herbert

Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

Dated: November 15, 2004