INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                             

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

__________________________________________


FORM 10-Q


[X]

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015.


[   ]

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

For the transition period from: ________ to _________  


Commission File Number: 001-32244


INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware

 

58-1407235

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(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 the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   Yes   [X]   No [  ]


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.


Large Accelerated Filer [    ]

Accelerated Filer   [ X  ]

Non-Accelerated Filer   [  ]

Smaller Reporting Company   [     ]


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


Class

Outstanding at November 1, 2015

Common stock, $ 1.00  par value

17,263,258 Shares






INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY


INDEX


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

PAGE

 

 

NO.

 

 

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

4

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

5

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

6

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

7

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

8

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

9

 

 

 

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

 

 

and Results of Operations

32

 

 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

47

 

 

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

47

 

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

48

 

 

 

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

48

 

 

 

 

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

48

 

 

 

 

Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities

48

 

 

 

 

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures

48

 

 

 

 

Item 5.    Other Information

48

 

 

 

Item 6.    Exhibits

49

 

 

 

Signatures

51

 

 

 

 



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



2



Forward-Looking Statements


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


Numerous risks and uncertainties may impact the matters addressed by our forward-looking statements, any of which could negatively and materially affect our future financial results and performance.  We describe some of these risks and uncertainties in greater detail in Item 1A, Risk Factors, of IHC’s annual report on Form 10-K as filed with Securities and Exchange Commission.


Although we believe that the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of these assumptions, and, therefore, also the forward-looking statements based on these assumptions, could themselves prove to be inaccurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements that are included in this report, our inclusion of this information is not a representation by us or any other person that our objectives and plans will be achieved. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and we will not update these forward-looking statements unless the securities laws require us to do so. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, any forward-looking event discussed in this report may not occur.




3


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Financial Statements

    


INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

September 30, 2015

 

 

December 31, 2014

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments

$

50

 

$

50 

 

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

 

11,082

 

 

16,790 

 

Trading securities

 

8,993

 

 

11,095 

 

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale

 

435,929

 

 

583,880 

 

Equity securities, available-for-sale

 

8,748

 

 

13,895 

 

Other investments

 

24,037

 

 

25,251 

 

Total investments

 

488,839

 

 

650,961 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

18,730

 

 

25,083 

 

Deferred acquisition costs

 

524

 

 

30,806 

 

Due and unpaid premiums

 

68,988

 

 

62,628 

 

Due from reinsurers

 

481,813

 

 

278,242 

 

Premium and claim funds

 

24,420

 

 

32,553 

 

Goodwill

 

53,371

 

 

50,318 

 

Other assets

 

54,637

 

 

57,126 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

$

1,191,322

 

$

1,187,717 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy benefits and claims

$

252,927 

 

$

236,803 

 

Future policy benefits

 

270,047 

 

 

277,041 

 

Funds on deposit

 

172,087 

 

 

186,782 

 

Unearned premiums

 

13,448 

 

 

9,455 

 

Other policyholders' funds

 

12,035 

 

 

18,802 

 

Due to reinsurers

 

36,904 

 

 

47,945 

 

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

 

68,659 

 

 

67,641 

 

Debt

 

5,189 

 

 

4,000 

 

Junior subordinated debt securities

 

38,146 

 

 

38,146 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

869,442 

 

 

886,615 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

IHC STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock (none issued)

 

 

 

 

Common stock $1.00 par value, 23,000,000 shares authorized;

 

 

 

 

 

 

18,555,683 and 18,531,158 shares issued; 17,257,630 and

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,371,040 shares outstanding

 

18,556 

 

 

18,531 

 

Paid-in capital

 

127,580 

 

 

127,098 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(1,346)

 

 

22 

 

Treasury stock, at cost; 1,298,053 and 1,160,118 shares

 

(13,890)

 

 

(12,141)

 

Retained earnings

 

181,817 

 

 

157,667 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL IHC STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

312,717 

 

 

291,177 

NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN SUBSIDIARIES

 

9,163 

 

 

9,925 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL EQUITY

 

321,880 

 

 

301,102 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

$

1,191,322 

 

$

1,187,717 



See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



4



INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$

119,038 

$

117,705 

$

361,595 

$

362,110 

 

Net investment income

 

3,938 

 

5,439 

 

13,884 

 

16,674 

 

Fee income

 

2,826 

 

4,813 

 

11,029 

 

18,013 

 

Other income

 

5,792 

 

951 

 

8,356 

 

3,132 

 

Gain on sale of subsidiary to joint venture

 

10,161 

 

 

10,161 

 

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

(1,109)

 

844 

 

2,991 

 

6,914 

 

Other-than-temporary impairment losses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Total other-than-temporary impairment losses

 

(228)

 

 

(228)

 

 

     Portion of losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

          Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

 

(228)

 

 

(228)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

140,418 

 

129,752 

 

407,788 

 

406,843 

EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance benefits, claims and reserves

 

74,218 

 

74,916 

 

233,218 

 

243,488 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

41,984 

 

44,916 

 

129,835 

 

137,998 

 

Amortization of deferred acquisitions costs

 

558 

 

1,416 

 

3,446 

 

3,887 

 

Interest expense on debt

 

444 

 

539 

 

1,354 

 

1,357 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

117,204 

 

121,787 

 

367,853 

 

386,730 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

23,214 

 

7,965 

 

39,935 

 

20,113 

 

Income taxes

 

8,326 

 

3,141 

 

14,560 

 

7,404 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

14,888 

 

4,824 

 

25,375 

 

12,709 

 

Less: Income from noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

 

(128)

 

(114)

 

(364)

 

(450)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO IHC

$

14,760 

$

4,710 

$

25,011 

$

12,259 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic income per common share

$

.85 

$

.27 

$

1.44 

$

.70 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING

 

17,292 

 

17,410 

 

17,331 

 

17,505 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted income per common share

$

.85 

$

.27 

$

1.43 

$

.69 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE DILUTED SHARES OUTSTANDING

 

17,457 

 

17,578 

 

17,496 

 

17,665 












See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



5




INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

14,888 

$

4,824 

$

25,375 

$

12,709 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, pre-tax

 

2,948 

 

(2,348)

 

(2,192)

 

10,672 

 

Tax expense (benefit) on unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

securities

 

1,046 

 

(550)

 

(843)

 

3,327

 

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes

 

1,902 

 

(1,798)

 

(1,349)

 

7,345 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow hedge:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains on cash flow hedge, pre-tax

 

34 

 

69 

 

62 

 

107 

 

Tax expense on unrealized gains on cash flow hedge

 

14 

 

28 

 

25 

 

43 

 

Unrealized gains on cash flow hedge, net of taxes

 

20 

 

41 

 

37 

 

64 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 

1,922 

 

(1,757)

 

(1,312)

 

7,409 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAX

 

16,810 

 

3,067 

 

24,063 

 

20,118 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income, net of tax, attributable to noncontrolling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

interests:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

 

(128)

 

(114)

 

(364)

 

(450)

Other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax, attributable to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

noncontrolling interests:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized (gain) loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax

 

(51)

 

81 

 

(61)

 

(132)

 

Other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax, attributable to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

noncontrolling interests

 

(51)

 

81 

 

(61)

 

(132)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAX,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

 

(179)

 

(33)

 

(425)

 

(582)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAX,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATTRIBUTABLE TO IHC

$

16,631 

$

3,034 

$

23,638 

$

19,536 















See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.




6



INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Unaudited) (In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCUMULATED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NON-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER

 

TREASURY

 

 

 

TOTAL IHC

 

CONTROLLING

 

 

 

 

COMMON

 

PAID-IN

 

COMPREHENSIVE

 

STOCK,

 

RETAINED

 

STOCKHOLDERS'

 

INTERESTS IN

 

TOTAL

 

 

STOCK

 

CAPITAL

 

INCOME (LOSS)

 

AT COST

 

EARNINGS

 

EQUITY

 

SUBSIDIARIES

 

EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE AT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DECEMBER 31, 2014

$

18,531

$

127,098

$

22 

$

(12,141)

$

157,667 

$

291,177 

$

9,925 

$

301,102 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,011 

 

25,011 

 

364 

 

25,375 

Other comprehensive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

income (loss), net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

(1,373)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,373)

 

61 

 

(1,312)

Repurchases of common stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,749)

 

 

 

(1,749)

 

 

(1,749)

Common stock dividend

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

($.045 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(783)

 

(783)

 

 

(783)

Acquisition of subsidiary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

608 

 

608 

Purchases of noncontrolling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

interests

 

 

 

112

 

 

 

 

 

 

117 

 

(1,851)

 

(1,734)

Share-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

expenses and related

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

tax benefits

 

25

 

265

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

290 

 

 

290 

Other capital transactions

 

 

 

105

 

 

 

 

 

(78)

 

27 

 

56 

 

83 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE AT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER  30, 2015

$

18,556

$

127,580

$

(1,346)

$

(13,890)

$

181,817 

$

312,717 

$

9,163 

$

321,880 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 













See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



7




INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

 (In thousands)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

2015

 

 

2014

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED BY) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

25,375 

 

$

12,709 

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net change in cash from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 operating  activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain on sale of subsidiary to joint venture

 

(10,161)

 

 

 

Gain on disposition of assets

 

(5,053)

 

 

 

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

 

3,446 

 

 

3,887 

 

Net realized investment gains

 

(2,991)

 

 

(6,914)

 

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

 

228 

 

 

 

Equity income from equity method investments

 

(579)

 

 

(1,030)

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

2,317 

 

 

2,971 

 

Deferred tax  expense

 

(6,313)

 

 

4,146 

 

Other

 

3,654 

 

 

7,199 

  Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (purchases) sales of trading securities

 

160 

 

 

(4,501)

 

Change in insurance liabilities

 

(17,627)

 

 

(106,540)

 

Change in deferred acquisition costs

 

26,827 

 

 

(4,551)

 

Change in  amounts due from reinsurers

 

(203,570)

 

 

100,206 

 

Change in premium and claim funds

 

(3,556)

 

 

(2,156)

 

Change in current income tax liability

 

17,376 

 

 

5,110 

 

Change in due and unpaid premiums

 

(6,360)

 

 

(2,385)

 

Change in other assets

 

(6,702)

 

 

3,842 

 

Change in other liabilities

 

6,973 

 

 

(6,344)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in cash from operating activities

 

(176,556)

 

 

5,649 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED BY) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales of securities under resale and repurchase agreements

 

5,708 

 

 

6,181 

 

Sales of equity securities

 

9,187 

 

 

288 

 

Purchases of equity securities

 

(4,423)

 

 

(1,228)

 

Sales of fixed maturities

 

601,187 

 

 

295,964 

 

Maturities and other repayments of fixed maturities

 

36,505 

 

 

32,993 

 

Purchases of fixed maturities

 

(491,069)

 

 

(338,639)

 

Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired

 

511 

 

 

 

Proceeds from deconsolidation of subsidiary, net of cash divested

 

3,524 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

8,000 

 

 

 

Change in policy loans

 

10,629 

 

 

647 

 

Other investing activities

 

(1,035)

 

 

2,034 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in cash from investing activities

 

178,724 

 

 

(1,760)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED BY)  FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchases of common stock

 

(1,722)

 

 

(3,953)

 

Cash paid in acquisitions of noncontrolling interests

 

(1,734)

 

 

 

Withdrawals of investment-type insurance contracts

 

(1,756)

 

 

(2,286)

 

Repayment of debt

 

(2,137)

 

 

(2,000)

 

Dividends paid

 

(1,392)

 

 

(1,233)

 

Other financing activities

 

220 

 

 

(431)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in cash from financing activities

 

(8,521)

 

 

(9,903)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

(6,353)

 

 

(6,014)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

 

25,083 

 

 

24,229 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

18,730 

 

$

18,215 







See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



8


INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)


Note 1.  

Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies


(A)

Business and Organization


Independence Holding Company, a Delaware corporation (“IHC”), is a holding company principally engaged in the life and health insurance business through: (i) its insurance companies, Standard Security Life Insurance Company of New York ("Standard Security Life"),  Madison National Life Insurance Company, Inc. ("Madison National Life"), Independence American Insurance Company (“Independence American”); and (ii) its marketing and administrative companies, including IHC Risk Solutions, LLC, IHC Specialty Benefits Inc. and IHC Carrier Solutions, Inc. IHC also owns a significant equity interest in: (i) Ebix Health Exchange Holdings, LLC (“Ebix Health Exchange”), a newly formed administration exchange for health and pet insurance; and (ii) a managing general underwriter (“MGU”) that writes medical stop-loss. Standard Security Life, Madison National Life and Independence American are sometimes collectively referred to as the “Insurance Group”. IHC and its subsidiaries (including the Insurance Group) are sometimes collectively referred to as the "Company", or “IHC”, or are implicit in the terms “we”, “us” and “our”.  


Geneve Corporation, a diversified financial holding company, and its affiliated entities, held 53% of IHC's outstanding common stock at September 30, 2015.

 

(B)

Consolidation


American Independence Corp.


American Independence Corp. (“AMIC”) is an insurance holding company engaged in the insurance and reinsurance business. During the first nine months of 2015, IHC purchased shares of AMIC common stock thereby increasing its ownership interest in AMIC to approximately 92% as of September 30, 2015. At December 31, 2014, the Company owned approximately 90% of the outstanding common stock of AMIC. In the second quarter of 2015, AMIC acquired Global Accident Facilities, LLC (“GAF”). See Note 6 for more information regarding the acquisition of GAF.


Effects of Ownership Changes in Less Than Wholly Owned Subsidiaries


The following table summarizes the effects of changes in the Company’s ownership interests in its less than wholly owned subsidiaries on IHC’s equity for periods indicated (in thousands):


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

2015

 

 

2014

 

 

2015

 

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in IHC’s paid-in capital:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Purchase of AMIC shares

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

(199)

 

$

-

    Purchase remaining IPA Family, LLC interests

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

311 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Net transfers from noncontrolling interests

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

112 

 

$

-




9


(C)

Basis of Presentation


The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and, therefore, do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited and include the accounts of IHC and its consolidated subsidiaries. Effective September 1, 2015 (“Deconsolidation Date”), pursuant to the terms of a contribution agreement, IHC contributed all of its shares in its subsidiary, IHC Health Solutions, Inc. (“IHC Health Solutions”) to Ebix Health Exchange, a newly formed joint venture with Ebix, Inc. (“Ebix”), and, as a result, IHC deconsolidated IHC Health Solutions (see Note 6). In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the operating results of IHC Health Solutions prior to the Deconsolidation Date. Subsequent to the Deconsolidation Date, the Company’s equity interest in the newly formed joint venture is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect:  (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements; and (ii) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. IHC’s annual report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) that are necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position and results of operations for the interim periods have been included. The condensed consolidated results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be anticipated for the entire year.


(D)

Reclassifications


Certain amounts in prior year’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto have been reclassified to conform to the 2015 presentation.


(E)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements


Recently Adopted Accounting Standards


In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance: (i) improving the definition of discontinued operations by limiting the reporting of discontinued operations to disposals of components that represent strategic shifts that have (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results; and (ii) requiring expanded disclosures for discontinued operations. The adoption of this guidance did not have any effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted


In September 2015, the FASB issued guidance to simplify the accounting for adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination and eliminate the requirement to retrospectively account for those adjustments. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments in this Update should be applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date of this Update with earlier application permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.




10


In May 2015, the FASB issued guidance requiring additional disclosures for short-duration contracts regarding the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses. For public entities, the guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance that modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities or voting interest entities for the purpose of consolidation. For public entities, this guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Management has not yet determined the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


In June 2014, the FASB issued explicit guidance for entities that grant their employees share-based payments in which the terms of the award include a performance target that affects vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period.  This guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. Earlier adoption is permitted. The guidance may be applied either prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


In May 2014, the FASB issued revenue recognition guidance for entities that either enter into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enter into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards such as insurance contracts or lease contracts. The amendment provides specific steps that an entity should apply in order to achieve its main objective which is recognizing revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the effective date of this guidance has been deferred. For public entities, this guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, and requires one of two specified retrospective methods of application. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Management has not yet determined the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.



Note 2.

Income Per Common Share


Diluted earnings per share was computed using the treasury stock method and includes incremental common shares, primarily from the dilutive effect of share-based payment awards, amounting to 165,000 shares for both the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015; and 168,000 and 160,000 shares for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.



11



Note  3.

Investment Securities


The cost (amortized cost with respect to certain fixed maturities), gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair value of investment securities are as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):


 

 

September 30, 2015

 

 

 

 

GROSS

 

GROSS

 

 

 

 

AMORTIZED

 

UNREALIZED

 

UNREALIZED

 

FAIR

 

 

COST

 

GAINS

 

LOSSES

 

VALUE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIXED MATURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate securities

$

170,411

$

411

$

(4,575)

$

166,247

CMOs - residential (1)

 

3,165

 

45

 

 

3,210

CMOs - commercial

 

975

 

303

 

 

1,278

U.S. Government obligations

 

36,269

 

334

 

 

36,603

Agency MBS - residential (2)

 

36

 

1

 

 

37

GSEs (3)

 

11,901

 

25

 

(243)

 

11,683

States and political subdivisions

 

209,143

 

3,300

 

(1,552)

 

210,891

Foreign government obligations

 

1,837

 

50

 

 

1,887

Redeemable preferred stocks

 

4,036

 

98

 

(41)

 

4,093

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

$

437,773

$

4,567

$

(6,411)

$

435,929


EQUITY SECURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stocks

$

4,927

$

-

$

(355)

$

4,572

Nonredeemable preferred stocks

 

4,004

 

172

 

 

4,176

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total equity securities

$

8,931

$

172

$

(355)

$

8,748


 

 

December 31, 2014

 

 

 

 

GROSS

 

GROSS

 

 

 

 

AMORTIZED

 

UNREALIZED

 

UNREALIZED

 

FAIR

 

 

COST

 

GAINS

 

LOSSES

 

VALUE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIXED MATURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate securities

$

264,162

$

1,076

$

(3,314)

$

261,924

CMOs - residential (1)

 

5,073

 

55

 

(22)

 

5,106

CMOs - commercial

 

975

 

-

 

(22)

 

953

U.S. Government obligations

 

22,766

 

126

 

 

22,892

Agency MBS - residential (2)

 

65

 

4

 

 

69

GSEs (3)

 

14,706

 

36

 

(86)

 

14,656

States and political subdivisions

 

238,514

 

3,253

 

(2,386)

 

239,381

Foreign government obligations

 

34,863

 

136

 

(299)

 

34,700

Redeemable preferred stocks

 

4,036

 

163

 

 

4,199

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

$

585,160

$

4,849

$

(6,129)

$

583,880


EQUITY SECURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stocks

$

8,452

$

1,452

$

(147)

$

9,757

Nonredeemable preferred stocks

 

4,004

 

134

 

 

4,138

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total equity securities

$

12,456

$

1,586

$

(147)

$

13,895


(1)

Collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”).

(2)

Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”).



12


(3)

Government-sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”) are private enterprises established and chartered by the Federal Government or its various insurance and lease programs which carry the full faith and credit obligation of the U.S. Government.


The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturities available-for-sale at September 30, 2015, by contractual maturity, are shown below (in thousands). Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or repayment penalties. CMOs and MBSs are shown separately, as they are not due at a single maturity.


 

 

 

AMORTIZED

 

 

FAIR

 

 

 

COST

 

 

VALUE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due in one year or less

 

$

3,796

 

$

3,819

Due after one year through five years

 

 

86,666

 

 

86,501

Due after five years through ten years

 

 

119,483

 

 

119,799

Due after ten years

 

 

212,745

 

 

210,618

CMOs and MBSs

 

 

15,083

 

 

15,192

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

437,773

 

$

435,929


The following tables summarize, for all available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time those securities that have continuously been in an unrealized loss position for the periods indicated (in thousands):


 

 

September 30, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less than 12 Months

 

 

12 Months or Longer

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Fair

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

 

Value

 

 

Losses

 

 

Value

 

 

Losses

 

 

Value

 

Losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate securities

$

96,293

 

$

2,898

 

$

33,355

 

$

1,677

 

$

129,648

$

4,575

GSEs

 

5,604

 

 

125

 

 

5,035

 

 

118

 

 

10,639

 

243

States and political subdivisions

 

36,049

 

 

637

 

 

32,903

 

 

915

 

 

68,952

 

1,552

Redeemable preferred stocks

 

3,722

 

 

41

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

3,722

 

41

   Total fixed maturities

 

141,668

 

 

3,701

 

 

71,293

 

 

2,710

 

 

212,961

 

6,411

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stocks

 

4,069

 

 

355

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

4,069

 

355

   Total equity securities

 

4,069

 

 

355

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

4,069

 

355

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Total temporarily impaired

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       securities

$

145,737

 

$

4,056

 

$

71,293

 

$

2,710

 

$

217,030

$

6,766

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of securities in an

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   unrealized loss position

 

62

 

 

 

 

 

21

 

 

 

 

 

83

 

 




13



 

 

December 31, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less than 12 Months

 

 

12 Months or Longer

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Fair

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

 

Value

 

 

Losses

 

 

Value

 

 

Losses

 

 

Value

 

Losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate securities

$

77,868

 

$

1,473

 

$

69,498

 

$

1,841

 

$

147,366

$

3,314

CMO’s  - residential

 

2,062

 

 

16

 

 

1,562

 

 

6

 

 

3,624

 

22

CMOs - commercial

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

953

 

 

22

 

 

953

 

22

GSEs

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

9,581

 

 

86

 

 

9,581

 

86

States and political subdivisions

 

58,819

 

 

744

 

 

67,318

 

 

1,642

 

 

126,137

 

2,386

Foreign government obligations

 

21,148

 

 

171

 

 

12,229

 

 

128

 

 

33,377

 

299

   Total fixed maturities

 

159,897

 

 

2,404

 

 

161,141

 

 

3,725

 

 

321,038

 

6,129

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stocks

 

2,007

 

 

136

 

 

348

 

 

11

 

 

2,355

 

147

   Total equity securities

 

2,007

 

 

136

 

 

348

 

 

11

 

 

2,355

 

147

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Total temporarily impaired

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       securities

$

161,904

 

$

2,540

 

$

161,489

 

$

3,736

 

$

323,393

$

6,276

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of securities in an

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   unrealized loss position

 

70

 

 

 

 

 

46

 

 

 

 

 

116

 

 


Substantially all of the unrealized losses on fixed maturities available-for-sale at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 relate to investment grade securities and are attributable to changes in market interest rates. Because the Company does not intend to sell, nor is it more likely than not that the Company will have to sell such investments before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be maturity, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2015.


Net realized investment gains (losses) are as follows for periods indicated (in thousands):



 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Fixed maturities

$

122 

$

1,536 

$

3,536 

$

7,027 

   Common stocks

 

 

 

1,465 

 

   Preferred stocks

 

 

 

 

(5)

      Total  available-for-sale securities

 

122 

 

1,536 

 

5,001 

 

7,022 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trading securities

 

(703)

 

321 

 

(1,124)

 

351 

      Total realized gains (losses)

 

(581)

 

1,857 

 

3,877 

 

7,373 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses) on trading securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Change in unrealized gains (losses) on trading securities

 

(530)

 

(1,010)

 

(882)

 

(458)

      Total unrealized gains (losses)  on trading securities

 

(530)

 

(1,010)

 

(882)

 

(458)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain (losses) on other investments

 

 

(3)

 

(4)

 

(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

$

(1,109)

$

844 

$

2,991 

$

6,914 


For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015, proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities were $226,350,000 and $612,363,000, respectively, and the Company realized gross gains of $301,000 and $6,074,000, respectively, and gross losses of $148,000 and $790,000, respectively, as a result of those sales. For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014, proceeds from



14


sales of available-for-sale securities were $71,845,000 and $297,372,000, respectively, and the Company realized gross gains of $1,794,000 and $8,398,000, respectively, and gross losses of $153,000 and $694,000, respectively, as a result of those sales.


Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Evaluations


We recognize other-than-temporary impairment losses in earnings in the period that we determine: 1) we intend to sell the security; 2) it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or 3) the security has a credit loss. Any non-credit portion of the other-than-temporary impairment loss is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). See Note 1G(iv) to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2014 Annual Report for further discussion of the factors considered by management in its regular review to identify and recognize other-than-temporary impairments on available-for-sale securities. The Company recognized $228,000 of other-than-temporary impairment losses in earnings on equity securities available-for-sale during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015 due to the length of time and extent an equity security was below cost. The Company did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairments on available-for-sale securities in 2014.


Credit losses were recognized on certain fixed maturities for which each security also had an impairment loss recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). The rollforward of these credit losses were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

$

473

$

473

$

473

$

473

Additional credit losses for which an other-than-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    temporary loss was previously recognized

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

Securities sold

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

$

473

$

473

$

473

$

473


The after-tax portion of other-than-temporary impairments included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at both September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consists of $335,000 related to CMO securities.


Note 4.

Cash Flow Hedge


In connection with its outstanding amortizing term loan, a subsidiary of IHC entered into an interest rate swap on July 1, 2011 with the commercial bank lender, for a notional amount equal to the debt principal amount ($2,000,000 and $4,000,000 at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively), under which the Company receives a variable rate equal to the rate on the debt and pays a fixed rate (1.60%) in order to manage the risk in overall changes in cash flows attributable to forecasted interest payments. As a result of the interest rate swap, interest payments on this debt are fixed at 4.95%. There was no hedge ineffectiveness on this interest rate swap which was accounted for as a cash flow hedge. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the fair value of interest rate swap was $21,000 and $83,000, respectively, which is included in other liabilities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 5 for further discussion on the valuation techniques utilized to determine the fair value of the interest rate swap.



15




Note 5.

Fair Value Disclosures


For all financial and non-financial assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company utilizes valuation techniques based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market expectations. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:


Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.


Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.


Level 3 - Instruments where significant value drivers are unobservable.


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

  

Investments in fixed maturities and equity securities:

  

Available-for-sale securities included in Level 1 are equities with quoted market prices. Level 2 is primarily comprised of our portfolio of government securities, agency mortgage-backed securities, corporate fixed income securities, foreign government obligations, collateralized mortgage obligations, municipals and GSEs that were priced with observable market inputs. Level 3 securities consist primarily of CMO securities backed by commercial mortgages and municipal tax credit strips.  For these securities, we use industry-standard pricing methodologies, including discounted cash flow models, whose inputs are based on management’s assumptions and available market information. Significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of CMO’s are prepayment rates, probability of default, and loss severity in the event of default. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumption used for prepayment rates. Further we retain independent pricing vendors to assist in valuing certain instruments.


Trading securities:


Trading securities included in Level 1 are equity securities with quoted market prices.


Interest rate swap:

  

The financial liability included in Level 2 consists of an interest rate swap on IHC debt.  It is valued using market observable inputs including market price, interest rate, and volatility within a Black Scholes model.


Contingent liabilities:


Contingent liabilities classified in Level 3 include; (i) a contingent liability assumed in connection with an acquisition (see Note 6) related to an earn-out agreement whereby significant unobservable inputs are based on projected income; and (ii) a contingent liability recognized in connection with the deconsolidation of a former subsidiary and a newly formed joint venture transaction (see Note 6) whereby significant unobservable inputs are based on projected cash flows.



16



The following tables present our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the periods indicated (in thousands):


 

 

September 30, 2015

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Corporate securities

$

-

 

$

166,247

$

-

$

166,247

   CMOs - residential

 

-

 

 

3,210

 

-

 

3,210

   CMOs - commercial

 

-

 

 

-

 

1,278

 

1,278

   US Government obligations

 

-

 

 

36,603

 

-

 

36,603

   Agency MBS - residential

 

-

 

 

37

 

-

 

37

   GSEs

 

-

 

 

11,683

 

-

 

11,683

   States and political subdivisions

 

-

 

 

208,676

 

2,215

 

210,891

   Foreign government obligations

 

-

 

 

1,887

 

-

 

1,887

   Redeemable preferred stocks

 

4,093

 

 

-

 

-

 

4,093

      Total fixed maturities

 

4,093

 

 

428,343

 

3,493

 

435,929

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Common stocks

 

4,572

 

 

-

 

-

 

4,572

   Nonredeemable preferred stocks

 

4,176

 

 

-

 

-

 

4,176

      Total equity securities

 

8,748

 

 

-

 

-

 

8,748

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trading securities - equities

 

8,993

 

 

-

 

-

 

8,993

       Total trading securities

 

8,993

 

 

-

 

-

 

8,993

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Financial Assets

$

21,834

 

$

428,343

$

3,493

$

453,670

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Interest rate swap

$

-

 

$

21

$

-

$

21

   Contingent liabilities

 

-

 

 

-

 

2,179

 

2,179

Total Financial Liabilities

 

-

 

 

21

 

2,179

 

2,200




17



 

 

December 31, 2014

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Corporate securities

$

-

 

$

261,924

$

-

$

261,924

   CMOs – residential

 

-

 

 

5,106

 

-

 

5,106

   CMOs – commercial

 

-

 

 

-

 

953

 

953

   US Government obligations

 

-

 

 

22,892

 

-

 

22,892

   Agency MBS - residential

 

-

 

 

69

 

-

 

69

   GSEs

 

-

 

 

14,656

 

-

 

14,656

   States and political subdivisions

 

-

 

 

237,067

 

2,314

 

239,381

   Foreign government

 

-

 

 

34,700

 

-

 

34,700

   Redeemable preferred stocks

 

4,199

 

 

-

 

-

 

4,199

      Total fixed maturities

 

4,199

 

 

576,414

 

3,267

 

583,880

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Common stocks

 

9,757

 

 

-

 

-

 

9,757

   Nonredeemable preferred stocks

 

4,138

 

 

-

 

-

 

4,138

      Total equity securities

 

13,895

 

 

-

 

-

 

13,895

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trading securities - equities

 

11,095

 

 

-

 

-

 

11,095

       Total trading securities

 

11,095

 

 

-

 

-

 

11,095

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Financial Assets

$

29,189

 

$

576,414

$

3,267

$

608,870

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Interest rate swap

$

-

 

$

83

$

-

$

83


It is the Company’s policy to recognize transfers of assets and liabilities between levels of the fair value hierarchy at the end of a reporting period. The Company does not transfer out of Level 3 and into Level 2 until such time as observable inputs become available and reliable or the range of available independent prices narrow. The Company did not transfer any securities between Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 in either 2015 or 2014. The following table presents the changes in fair value of our Level 3 financial instruments for the periods indicated (in thousands):


 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2015

 

 

Financial Assets:

 

Financial Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

States and

 

Total

 

 

 

Total

 

 

CMOs-

 

Political

 

Level 3

 

Contingent

 

Level 3

 

 

Commercial

 

Subdivisions

 

Assets

 

Liabilities

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

$

1,233

$

2,248 

$

3,481 

$

1,000

$

1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (losses) included in earnings:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Gain on sale of subsidiary to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       joint venture

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,281 

 

1,281 

    Net investment income

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(102)

 

(102)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (losses) included in other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Net unrealized gains (losses)

 

45

 

(11)

 

34 

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayments and amortization of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    of fixed maturities

 

-

 

(22)

 

(22)

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

$

1,278

$

2,215 

$

3,493 

$

2,179

$

2,179




18



 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2014

 

 

Financial Assets:

 

 

 

 

States and

 

Total

 

 

CMOs

 

Political

 

Level 3

 

 

Commercial

 

Subdivisions

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

$

906

$

2,379 

$

3,285 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Net unrealized gains (losses)

 

18

 

(14)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayments and amortization of fixed maturities

 

-

 

(18)

 

(18)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

$

924

$

2,347 

$

3,271 


 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

 

 

Financial Assets:

 

Financial Liabilities

 

 

 

 

States and

 

Total

 

 

 

Total

 

 

CMOs

 

Political

 

Level 3

 

Contingent

 

Level 3

 

 

Commercial

 

Subdivisions

 

Assets

 

Liabilities

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning Balance

$

953

$

2,314 

$

3,267 

$

-

$

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assumed in acquisition

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,000

 

1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (losses) included in earnings:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Gain on sale of subsidiary to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       joint venture

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,281 

 

1,281 

    Net investment income

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(102)

 

(102)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (losses) included in other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Net unrealized gains (losses)

 

325

 

(36)

 

289 

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayments and amortization of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    fixed maturities

 

-

 

(63)

 

(63)

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

$

1,278

$

2,215 

$

3,493 

$

2,179

$

2,179


 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

 

 

Financial Assets:

 

 

 

 

States and

 

Total

 

 

CMOs

 

Political

 

Level 3

 

 

Commercial

 

Subdivisions

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

$

593

$

2,441 

$

3,034 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Net unrealized gains (losses)

 

331

 

(45)

 

286 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayments and amortization of fixed maturities

 

-

 

(49)

 

(49)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

$

924

$

2,347 

$

3,271 




19


The following table provides carrying values, fair values and classification in the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments, for the periods indicated, that are not carried at fair value but are subject to fair value disclosure requirements, for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

 

 

September 30, 2015

 

December 31, 2014

 

 

Level 2

 

 

 

 

Level 2

 

 

 

 

 

Fair

 

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

 

Carrying

 

 

Value

 

 

Value

 

Value

 

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Policy loans

$

44

 

$

38

$

13,356

 

$

10,667

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Funds on deposit

$

172,352

 

$

172,087

$

187,213

 

$

186,782

  Debt and junior subordinated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     debt securities

$

43,244

 

$

43,335

$

42,146

 

$

42,146


The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of the financial instruments that are not carried at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:


(A)

Policy Loans


The fair value of policy loans included in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy is estimated by projecting aggregate loan cash flows to the end of the expected lifetime period of the life insurance business at the average policy loan rates, and discounting them at a current market interest rate.


(B)

Funds on Deposit


The Company has two types of funds on deposit. The first type is credited with a current market interest rate, resulting in a fair value which approximates the carrying amount. The second type carries fixed interest rates which are higher than current market interest rates. The fair value of these deposits was estimated by discounting the payments using current market interest rates. The Company's universal life policies are also credited with current market interest rates, resulting in a fair value which approximates the carrying amount. Both types of funds on deposit are included in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.


(C)

Debt


The fair value of debt with fixed and variable interest rates approximates its carrying amount and is included in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.


Note 6.

Acquisition and Deconsolidation of Subsidiaries


Acquisition


On April 30, 2015 (the "Acquisition Date"), through a settlement with a former owner, AMIC increased its ownership in Global Accident Facilities, LLC (“GAF) from 40% to 80%, in order to obtain control of the business it produces for Independence American. GAF and its subsidiaries are principally engaged in the marketing, underwriting and administration of specialty risk insurance, referred to as Occupational Accident and Injury on Duty for Independence American, which are offered exclusively in Texas and Massachusetts, respectively. The consideration transferred in exchange for the additional 40% voting interest consisted of: (i) $325,000 in cash; and (ii) non-monetary consideration, primarily consisting of the settlement of a pre-existing relationship with a former owner, with a fair value of $1,195,000 at the Acquisition Date.  The fair value of the settlement of the pre-exiting relationship was based on projected future underwriting results discounted for collectability. The acquisition resulted in AMIC obtaining control of GAF.  Immediately preceding the transaction, AMIC’s carrying value of its investment in GAF was $1,908,000.



20




As a result of AMIC obtaining control, the Company has included GAF’s consolidated assets and liabilities and results of operations, subsequent to the Acquisition Date, in its condensed consolidated financial results as of and for the periods ended September 30, 2015. Accordingly, the individual line items on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for 2015 reflect approximately five months of the operations of GAF with no corresponding amounts for 2014.


On the Acquisition Date, the Company recognized a net pre-tax gain of $503,000 as follows: (i) a loss of $692,000 was recognized by AMIC as a result of re-measuring its equity interest in GAF to its fair value of $1,216,000 immediately before the acquisition; and (ii) a gain of $1,195,000 was recognized by AMIC as a result of settling the pre-existing relationship with the former owner. The net pre-tax gain of $503,000 is included in the “Other income” line in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.


Upon the acquisition of a controlling interest, the Company consolidated the assets and liabilities of GAF.  Accordingly, the Company determined the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed from GAF on the Acquisition Date. The following table presents the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition of GAF on the Acquisition Date based on their respective fair values (in thousands):


Cash

 

$

836

Intangible assets

 

 

5,500

Other assets

 

 

1,249

 

 

 

 

Total identifiable assets

 

 

7,585

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 

 

4,849

Deferred tax liability

 

 

2,200

Debt

 

 

3,326

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

 

10,375

 

 

 

 

Net identifiable liabilities assumed

 

$

2,790


Included in other liabilities assumed is a $1,000,000 contingent liability recorded in connection with an earn-out agreement with a former owner of a subsidiary of GAF. In accordance with this agreement, payments are required in 2016 and 2019 based on certain earnings targets. The fair value of the contingent liability is estimated based on projected income.


In connection with the acquisition, the Company recorded $6,134,000 of goodwill and $5,500,000 of intangible assets (see Note 7). Goodwill reflects the synergies between GAF and Independence American as GAF is the primary writer of Occupational Accident and Injury on Duty business for Independence American. Goodwill was calculated as the excess of the sum of: (i) the acquisition date fair value of total consideration transferred of $1,520,000; (ii) the acquisition date fair value of the equity interest in GAF immediately preceding the acquisition of $1,216,000; and (iii) the fair value of the noncontrolling interest in GAF of $608,000 on the acquisition date; over (iv) the net liabilities of $2,790,000 that were assumed. The enterprise value of GAF was determined by an independent appraisal using a discounted cash flow model based upon the projected future earnings of GAF including a control premium.  The fair value of the non-controlling interest was determined based upon their percentage of the GAF enterprise value discounted for a lack of control. The fair value of the acquired identifiable intangible assets and deferred taxes are provisional pending receipt of the final valuations for those assets and liabilities.  The Company expects to finalize the preliminary estimates of the fair value of the intangible assets and deferred taxes by the end of this year.




21


For the three months ended September 30, 2015, the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income includes revenues and net income of $2,480,000 and $59,000, respectively, from GAF; and for the period from the Acquisition Date to September 30, 2015, the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income includes revenues and net income of $4,220,000 and $359,000, respectively, from GAF.


Deconsolidation


Effective September 1, 2015, IHC and Ebix, a non-related party and international supplier of On-Demand software and E-commerce services to the insurance, financial and healthcare industries, finalized a joint venture in which IHC sold its wholly owned administrative subsidiary, IHC Health Solutions (now known as Ebix Health Administration Exchange, Inc.), in exchange for a 60% ownership interest in Ebix Health Exchange and $6,000,000 in cash proceeds. Ebix has the option to increase its ownership position to 50% over the next three years. IHC and Ebix have equal voting interest on the Board of Managers of Ebix Health Exchange. The transaction resulted in a loss of control over the subsidiary (due to a lack of the majority of the voting interest on the Board of Managers) and therefore the subsidiary was deconsolidated from the Company’s financial statements.


The Company recognized a gain of $10,161,000, pre-tax, on the transaction consisting of: (i) a pre-tax gain on the deconsolidation of $11,441,000, measured as the fair value of the consideration received and the fair value of the retained investment in Ebix Health Exchange less the carrying amount of the former subsidiary’s net assets; partially offset by (ii) a contingent liability of $1,280,000 representing the Company’s estimated obligation to fund future cash operating losses through December 31, 2016 per the terms of the joint venture agreement. The fair value of the contingent liability was estimated based on expected future operating cash shortfalls. Approximately $5,441,000 of the pre-tax gain is attributable to the re-measurement of the retained investment in the former subsidiary to its current value. The fair value of the retained investment was determined by an independent appraisal using a discounted cash flow model based upon the projected future earnings. The fair value of the retained investment is provisional pending receipt of the final valuations.  The Company expects to finalize the preliminary estimates by the end of this year.


Ebix Health Exchange will administer various lines of health insurance for IHC’s insurance subsidiaries. The carrying value of the Company’s equity investment in Ebix Health Exchange amounted to $10,707,000 at September 30, 2015 and, for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 the Company recorded an equity loss of $36,000 on its investment. At September 30, 2015, the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet includes $1,210,000 of notes and other amounts receivable from, and $450,000 of administrative fees and other expenses payable to, Ebix Health Exchange which are included in other assets and accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities, respectively.  The Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income include $25,000 in fee income from, and $362,000 of administrative fee expenses to, Ebix Health Exchange which are included in fee income and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015.



22



Note 7.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets


The carrying amount of goodwill was $53,371,000 and $50,318,000 at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.


The Company has net other intangible assets of $16,083,000 and $12,135,000 at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, which are included in other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. These intangible assets consist of: (i) finite-lived intangible assets, principally the fair value of acquired agent and broker relationships, which are subject to amortization; and (ii) indefinite-lived intangible assets which consist of the estimated fair value of insurance licenses that are not subject to amortization. The gross carrying amounts of these other intangible assets are as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):


 

 

September 30, 2015

 

December 31, 2014

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

Carrying

 

Accumulated

 

Carrying

 

Accumulated

 

 

Amount

 

Amortization

 

Amount

 

Amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finite-lived Intangible Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Agent and broker relationships

$

23,706

$

16,548

$

22,725

$

18,567

   Trademarks

 

1,000

 

52

 

-

 

-

      Total finite-lived

$

24,706

$

16,600

$

22,725

$

18,567

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Insurance licenses

 

 

 

 

$

7,977

$

7,977

      Total indefinite-lived

 

 

 

 

$

7,977

$

7,977


In connection with the acquisition of a controlling interest in GAF during the second quarter of 2015 discussed in Note 6, the Company recorded $6,134,000 of goodwill and $5,500,000 of intangible assets associated with the Fully Insured Health segment. None of the goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes. Of the $5,500,000 of intangible assets recorded, $1,000,000 represents the fair value of trademarks, which is being amortized over a period of 8 years, and $4,500,000 represents the fair value of customer relationships being amortized over a period of 9 years.  


As a result of the deconsolidation of a subsidiary during the third quarter of 2015 discussed in Note 6, goodwill and net intangible assets associated with the Fully Insured Health segment decreased by $3,081,000 and $81,000, respectively.


Amortization expense was $542,000 and $1,471,000 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, and was $653,000 and $2,011,000 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014.


Note 8.

Reinsurance


On July 31, 2015, Madison National Life and Standard Security Life together entered into a coinsurance and sale agreement with an unaffiliated reinsurer, National Guardian Life Insurance Company (“NGL”), to: (i) cede substantially all of their individual life and annuity policy blocks currently in run-off; and (ii) sell the related infrastructure associated with the administration of such policies. The Company transferred $207,964,000 of cash to NGL, net of the aggregate consideration of $42,000,000 for the coinsurance and sale transaction. As a result of this transaction, the Company: (i) recorded $234,740,000 of estimated amounts due from reinsurers; (ii) recorded a $31,192,000 decrease in deferred acquisition costs associated with the ceded policies; (iii) recorded a $9,866,000 decrease in policy loans; (iv) recorded $7,686,000 of estimated costs of reinsurance (included in other assets) which will be amortized over the life of the underlying reinsured contracts; and (v) recognized a $5,053,000 pre-tax gain (included in other income) on the sale of the assets associated with the administration of the ceded policies, net of disposal costs.


The ceding of reinsurance does not discharge the primary liability of the original insurer to the insured. However, as a result of this transaction, it is anticipated that approximately $76,000,000 of the aforementioned life and annuity reserves will be assigned and transferred to the reinsurer, pending regulatory approval, by the end of 2015, contractually relieving the Company of the liability with regards to those policies.


Note 9.

Debt


In connection with the acquisition of a controlling interest in GAF discussed in Note 6, the Company assumed $3,326,000 of GAF’s debt. This debt is comprised of: (i) various term loans with former owners of a subsidiary of GAF, aggregating $3,026,000, with various maturities through January 2, 2019 and bearing a fixed interest rate of 2.5%; and (ii) a $300,000 line of credit with a commercial bank bearing interest at 4%.


The Company made aggregate cash payments of $2,137,000 for the repayment of debt in the third quarter of 2015.



24



Note 10.

Income Taxes


The provisions for income taxes shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income were computed based on the Company's actual results, which approximate the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the balance of the current fiscal year in accordance with consolidated life/non-life group income tax regulations. Such regulations adopt a subgroup method in determining consolidated taxable income, whereby taxable income is determined separately for the life insurance company group and the non-life insurance company group.


In connection with the acquisition of GAF discussed in Note 6, the Company assumed $2,200,000 of deferred tax liabilities.


At September 30, 2015, AMIC had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $259,257,000 for federal income tax purposes, which expire in varying amounts through the year 2028, with a significant portion expiring in 2020. The net deferred tax asset relative to AMIC included in other assets on IHC’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets was $7,115,000 and $11,517,000 at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.


Note 11.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)


The components of other comprehensive income (loss) include (i) the after-tax net unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available-for-sale, including the subsequent increases and decreases in fair value of available-for-sale securities previously impaired and the non-credit related component of other-than-temporary impairments of fixed maturities and (ii) the after-tax unrealized gains and losses on a cash flow hedge.


Changes in the balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive income, shown net of taxes, for the periods indicated were as follows (in thousands):


 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2015

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (Losses) on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for Sale

 

 

Cash Flow

 

 

 

 

 

Securities

 

 

Hedge

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

$

(3,184)

 

$

(33)

 

$

(3,217)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 

1,834 

 

 

20 

 

 

1,854 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI

 

68 

 

 

 

 

68 

   Net other comprehensive income (loss)

 

1,902 

 

 

20 

 

 

1,922 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Other comprehensive income attributable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    to noncontrolling interests

 

(51)

 

 

 

 

(51)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ending balance

$

(1,333)

 

$

(13)

 

$

(1,346)




25



 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2014

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (Losses) on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for Sale

 

 

Cash Flow

 

 

 

 

 

Securities

 

 

Hedge

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

$

(1,420)

 

$

(99)

 

$

(1,519)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 

(587)

 

 

41 

 

 

(546) 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI

 

(1,211)

 

 

 

 

(1,211)

   Net other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(1,798)

 

 

41 

 

 

(1,757) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Other comprehensive income attributable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    to noncontrolling interests

 

81 

 

 

 

 

81 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ending balance

$

(3,137)

 

$

(58)

 

$

(3,195)


 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (Losses) on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for Sale

 

 

Cash Flow

 

 

 

 

 

Securities

 

 

Hedge

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

$

72 

 

$

(50)

 

$

22 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 

1,728 

 

 

37 

 

 

1,765 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI

 

(3,077)

 

 

 

 

(3,077)

   Net other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(1,349)

 

 

37 

 

 

(1,312)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Other comprehensive income attributable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    to noncontrolling interests

 

(61)

 

 

 

 

(61)

Acquired from noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ending balance

$

(1,333)

 

$

(13)

 

$

(1,346)


 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (Losses) on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for Sale

 

 

Cash Flow

 

 

 

 

 

Securities

 

 

Hedge

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

$

(10,350)

 

$

(122)

 

$

(10,472)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 

12,177 

 

 

64 

 

 

12,241 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI

 

(4,832)

 

 

 

 

(4,832)

   Net other comprehensive income (loss)

 

7,345 

 

 

64 

 

 

7,409 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Other comprehensive income attributable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    to noncontrolling interests

 

(132)

 

 

 

 

(132)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ending balance

$

(3,137)

 

$

(58)

 

$

(3,195)




26


Presented below are the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized in earnings for each of the periods indicated (in thousands):


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   reclassified during the period to the following income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   statement line items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Net realized investment gains (losses)

$

122 

$

1,535

$

5,001 

$

7,022

      Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

 

(228)

 

-

 

(228)

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Income (loss) before income tax

 

(106)

 

1,535

 

4,773 

 

7,022

      Tax effect

 

(38)

 

324

 

1,696 

 

2,190

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Net income (loss)

$

(68)

$

1,211

$

3,077 

$

4,832


Note 12.

Share-Based Compensation


IHC and AMIC each have share-based compensation plans. The following is a summary of the activity pertaining to each of these plans.


A)  IHC Share-Based Compensation Plans


Under the terms of IHC’s stock-based compensation plans, option exercise prices are more than or equal to the quoted market price of the shares at the date of grant; option terms are generally five years; and vesting periods are generally three years. The fair value of an option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. In addition to stock options, the Company has also granted restricted stock units, share appreciation rights (“SARs”) and share-based performance awards under the plans. Restricted share units are valued at the quoted market price of the shares at the date of grant and have a three year vesting period. Compensation costs for options and restricted share units are recognized over the stated vesting periods on a straight-line basis. Exercise prices of SARs are more than or equal to the quoted market price of IHC shares at the date of the grant and have three year vesting periods. The fair value of SARs is calculated using the Black-Scholes valuation model at the grant date and each subsequent reporting period until settlement. Compensation cost is based on the proportionate amount of the requisite service that has been rendered to date. Once fully vested, changes in fair value of the SARs continue to be recognized as compensation expense in the period of the change until settlement.




27


At September 30, 2015, there were 369,861 shares available for future stock-based compensation grants under IHC’s stock incentive plans. The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, applicable to the IHC plans, by award type for each of the periods indicated (in thousands):


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

2015

 

2014

IHC’s Share-based Compensation Plan:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options

$

$

66 

 

$

55 

$

603 

Restricted stock units

 

23 

 

22 

 

 

67 

 

64 

SARs

 

(23)

 

(190)

 

 

(80)

 

(113)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share-based compensation expense, pre-tax

 

 

(102)

 

 

42 

 

554 

Tax benefits

 

 

(41)

 

 

17 

 

221 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share-based compensation expense, net

$

$

(61)

 

$

25 

$

333 


Stock Options


The IHC’s stock option activity during 2015 was as follows:


 

 

Shares

 

Weighted- Average

 

 

Under Option

 

Exercise Price

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2014

 

614,680 

 

$

9.33

Exercised

 

 (17,100)

 

 

9.09

September 30, 2015

 

597,580 

 

$

9.34


In 2015, IHC received $155,000 in cash from the exercise of stock options with an aggregate intrinsic value of $72,000 and realized $11,000 of tax benefits.


The following table summarizes information regarding IHC’s outstanding and exercisable options:


 

 

September 30, 2015

 

 

Outstanding

 

Exercisable

 

 

 

 

 

Number of options

 

597,580

 

597,580

Weighted average exercise price per share

$

9.34

$

9.34

Aggregate intrinsic value for all options (in thousands)

$

2,164

$

2,164

Weighted average contractual term remaining

 

1.6 years

 

1.6 years


At September 30, 2015, all of IHC’s outstanding stock options are fully vested and all of the related compensation costs have been recognized.




28


Restricted Stock


The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015:


 

 

No. of

 

Weighted-Average

 

 

Non-vested

 

   Grant-Date

 

 

Shares

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2014

 

14,850 

 

$

12.09

 

Granted

 

7,425 

 

 

11.78

 

Vested

 

(7,425)

 

 

11.44

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2015

 

14,850 

 

$

12.26

 


IHC granted 7,425 shares of restricted stock awards during each of the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 with weighted average grant-date fair values of $11.78 and $13.27, respectively, per share. The total fair value of restricted stock that vested during each of the first nine months of 2015 and 2014 was $89,000 and $103,000, respectively.


As of September 30, 2015, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock unit awards was $152,000 which is expected to be recognized over the remaining requisite weighted-average service period of 2.0 years.


SARs


IHC had 129,150 and 136,850 of SAR awards outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. In 2015, 7,700 SARs were exercised with an aggregate intrinsic value of $38,000.  Included in Other Liabilities in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are liabilities of $673,000 and $791,000, respectively, pertaining to SARs.


B)  AMIC Share-Based Compensation Plans


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

 


The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, applicable to the AMIC share-based compensation plans, by award type for each of the periods indicated (in thousands):


 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

AMIC’s Share-based Compensation Plans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options

 

$

11

$

13

$

32

$

40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share-based compensation expense, pre-tax

 

 

11

 

13

 

32

 

40

Tax benefits

 

 

4

 

4

 

11

 

14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share-based compensation expense, net

 

$

7

$

9

$

21

$

26




29


Stock Options


AMIC’s stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 is as follows:


 

 

Shares

 

Weighted- Average

 

 

Under Option

 

Exercise Price

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2014

 

166,616 

 

$

10.50

Exercised

 

(8,890)

 

 

5.81

Forfeited

 

(26,001)

 

 

8.90

Expired

 

(60,167)

 

 

13.82

September 30, 2015

 

71,558 

 

$

8.88


The following table summarizes information regarding AMIC’s outstanding and exercisable options as of September 30, 2015:


 

 

September 30, 2015

 

 

Outstanding

 

Exercisable

 

 

 

 

 

Number of options

 

71,558

 

58,224

Weighted average exercise price per share

$

8.88

$

8.73

Aggregate intrinsic value for all options (in thousands)

$

109

$

96

Weighted average contractual term remaining

 

4.44 years

 

3.55 years


The fair value of an option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model.  No options were granted in 2015. The weighted average grant-date fair-value of options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $5.70 per share.  The assumptions set forth in the table below were used to value the stock options granted for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:


 

 

September 30,

 

 

2014

 

 

 

Weighted-average risk-free interest rate

 

2.72%

Annual dividend rate per share

$

Weighted-average volatility factor of the Company's common stock

 

38.27% 

Weighted-average expected term of options

 

5 years


As of September 30, 2015, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to AMIC’s non-vested options was $51,000 which will be recognized over the remaining requisite service periods.


Note 13.

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information


Net cash payments (receipts) for income taxes were $2,800,000 and $(2,598,000) during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.


Cash payments for interest were $1,318,000 and $1,366,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.




30


Note 14.

 Segment Reporting


The Insurance Group principally engages in the life and health insurance business. Information by business segment is presented below for the periods indicated (in thousands):


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medical Stop-Loss

$

53,965 

$

45,734 

$

162,205 

$

138,821 

Fully  Insured Health

 

45,193 

 

57,412 

 

141,356 

 

184,839 

Group disability, life, annuities and DBL

 

24,404 

 

16,948 

 

65,879 

 

50,091 

Individual life, annuities and other

 

7,987 

 

8,764 

 

25,287 

 

26,049 

Corporate

 

45 

 

50 

 

137 

 

129 

 

 

131,594 

 

128,908 

 

394,864 

 

399,929 

Gain on sale of subsidiary to joint venture

 

10,161 

 

 

10,161 

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

(1,109)

 

844 

 

2,991 

 

6,914 

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

 

(228)

 

 

(228)

 

    Total revenues

$

140,418 

$

129,752 

$

407,788 

$

406,843 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medical Stop-Loss

$

6,523 

$

6,339 

$

16,430 

$

15,730 

Fully Insured Health(A)

 

2,399 

 

370 

 

5,231 

 

2,325 

Group disability, life, annuities and DBL

 

4,400 

 

4,057 

 

10,774 

 

7,237 

Individual life, annuities and other (B)

 

3,623 

 

(1,683)

 

1,238 

 

(4,903)

Corporate

 

(2,111)

 

(1,423)

 

(5,308)

 

(5,833)

 

 

14,834 

 

7,660 

 

28,365 

 

14,556 

Gain on sale of subsidiary to joint venture

 

10,161 

 

 

10,161 

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

(1,109)

 

844 

 

2,991 

 

6,914 

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

 

(228)

 

 

(228)

 

Interest expense

 

(444)

 

(539)

 

(1,354)

 

(1,357)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Income before income taxes

$

23,214 

$

7,965 

$

39,935 

$

20,113 


(A)

The Fully Insured Health segment includes amortization of intangible assets. Total amortization expense was $425,000 and $493,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and was $1,070,000 and $1,477,000, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. Amortization expense for the other segments is not material to their operating results.


(B)

The Individual life, annuities and other segment includes amortization of deferred charges in connection with the assumptions of certain ceded life and annuity policies amounting to $213,000 and $1,699,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $629,000 and $2,938,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.





31


ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of Independence Holding Company ("IHC") and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the related Notes thereto appearing in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this quarterly report.


Overview


Independence Holding Company, a Delaware corporation (“IHC”), is a holding company principally engaged in the life and health insurance business through: (i) its insurance companies, Standard Security Life Insurance Company of New York ("Standard Security Life"), Madison National Life Insurance Company, Inc. ("Madison National Life"), Independence American Insurance Company (“Independence American”); and (ii) its marketing and administrative companies, including IHC Risk Solutions, LLC, IHC Specialty Benefits Inc. and IHC Carrier Solutions, Inc.  IHC also owns a significant equity interest in: (i) Ebix Health Exchange Holdings, LLC (“Ebix Health Exchange”), a newly formed administration exchange for health and pet insurance; and (ii) a managing general underwriter (“MGU”) that writes medical stop-loss. Standard Security Life, Madison National Life and Independence American are sometimes collectively referred to as the “Insurance Group”. IHC and its subsidiaries (including the Insurance Group) are sometimes collectively referred to as the "Company", or “IHC”, or are implicit in the terms “we”, “us” and “our”.   At September 30, 2015, the Company also owned approximately a 92% interest in American Independence Corp. ("AMIC").


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, fully insured medical, 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. IHC also seeks transactions that permit it to leverage its vertically integrated organizational structure by generating fee income from production and administrative operating companies as well as risk income for its carriers and profit commissions.




32


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


The results of operations are summarized as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

$

140,418 

$

129,752 

$

407,788 

$

406,843 

Expenses

 

117,204 

 

121,787 

 

367,853 

 

386,730 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

23,214 

 

7,965 

 

39,935 

 

20,113 

Income taxes

 

8,326 

 

3,141 

 

14,560 

 

7,404 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

14,888 

 

4,824 

 

25,375 

 

12,709 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Income from noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

 

(128)

 

(114)

 

(364)

 

(450)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to IHC

$

14,760 

$

4,710 

$

25,011 

$

12,259 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


o

Net income of $.85 per share, diluted, for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $.27 per share, diluted, for the same period in 2014. Net income of $1.43 per share, diluted, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $.69 per share, diluted, for the same period in 2014.

o

Net income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015 includes a $6.9 million gain, net of tax, resulting from the deconsolidation of a subsidiary and corresponding joint venture transaction. See discussion on Gain on Sale of Subsidiary to Joint Venture.

o

Net income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015 includes a gain of $3.3 million, net of tax, on the sale of the infrastructure associated with the administration of substantially all of our individual life and annuity policies ceded during the quarter. See discussion on Other Income.


o

Consolidated investment yields (on an annualized basis) of 2.9% and 2.8% for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to 3.3%  and 3.4% for the comparable periods in 2014;


o

Book value of $18.12 per common share at September 30, 2015 compared to $16.76 at December 31, 2014.


The following is a summary of key performance information by segment:


o

The Medical Stop-Loss segment reported income before taxes of $6.5 million and $6.3 million for the three months ended 2015 and 2014, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, reported income before taxes of $16.4 million and $15.7 million, respectively.


o

Premiums earned increased $7.9 million and $23.6 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2014. The increase in premiums earned is primarily due to increased volume of business produced by IHC Risk Solutions.


o

Underwriting experience for the Medical Stop-Loss segment, as indicated by its U.S. GAAP Combined Ratios, is as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):



33



 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums Earned

$

52,040

$

44,078

$

157,029

$

133,454

Insurance Benefits, Claims & Reserves

 

37,369

 

29,582

 

115,032

 

91,378

Expenses

 

10,097

 

9,579

 

30,518

 

30,031

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss Ratio(A)

 

71.8%

 

67.1%

 

73.3%

 

68.5%

Expense Ratio (B)

 

19.4%

 

21.7%

 

19.4%

 

22.5%

Combined Ratio (C)

 

91.2%

 

88.8%

 

92.7%

 

91.0%


(A)

Loss ratio represents insurance benefits, claims and reserves divided by premiums earned.

(B)

Expense ratio represents commissions, administrative fees, premium taxes and other underwriting expenses divided by premiums earned.

(C)

The combined ratio is equal to the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio.


o

Loss ratios increased primarily from the assumed lines of medical stop-loss business and from our affiliated owned MGU due to higher claims experience while expense ratios decreased due to lower commission expenses.


·

The Fully Insured Health segment reported $2.4 million of income before taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to break-even results for the comparable period in 2014, and reported $5.2 million of income before taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $2.3 million for the comparable period in 2014.  The increase in profitability is largely due to lower loss ratios and lower combined ratios in 2015 primarily as a result of exiting the market for major medical health plans for individuals and families and small group major medical (collectively “Major Medical”) and a $0.5 million gain recorded upon the acquisition of a controlling interest in Global Accident Facilities, LLC (“GAF”);


o

For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015, premiums earned in the Fully Insured Health segment decreased by $10.0 million and $36.9 million, respectively, over the comparable periods in 2014. Decreases in the premiums earned from Major Medical for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015 of $10.8 million and $42.5 million, respectively, are largely the result of the strategic decision to focus on specialty health products. The decrease in Major Medical premiums was partially offset by increases in the specialty health business as a result of new product launches and broader marketing of our short-term medical plans, and by growth in pet insurance and occupational accident lines of business.


o

Underwriting experience, as indicated by its U.S. GAAP Combined Ratios, for the Fully Insured segment are as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):



34




 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September  30,

 

September 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums Earned

$

42,583

$

52,613

$

130,034

$

166,937

Insurance Benefits, Claims & Reserves

 

22,331

 

33,306

 

71,256

 

108,864

Expenses

 

18,672

 

19,096

 

52,526

 

57,343

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss Ratio

 

52.4%

 

63.3%

 

54.8%

 

65.2%

Expense Ratio

 

43.5%

 

36.3%

 

40.3%

 

34.4%

Combined Ratio

 

95.9%

 

99.6%

 

95.1%

 

99.6%



o

The lower loss ratios in 2015 are primarily attributable to the effects of exiting Major Medical.  In 2014, we began to adjust our mix of business from Major Medical to specialty health insurance lines of business and, as a result, loss ratios have improved although expense ratios associated with these types of products are somewhat higher.


·

Income before taxes from the Group disability, life, annuities and DBL segment increased $0.3 million and $3.6 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014. The increase in 2015 nine-month results is primarily the result of increased volume and retentions in the long term disability (“LTD”) line combined with lower loss ratios;


·

Income before income taxes from the Individual life, annuities and other segment increased $5.3 million and $6.1 million for the three months and the nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, over the same periods in 2014 primarily due to a $5.1 million pre-tax gain recorded in connection with the sale of infrastructure associated with the administration of substantially all of our individual life and annuity policies ceded during the third quarter of 2015 in addition to less amortization of deferred costs in correlation to the coinsurance and assumptions of certain ceded life and annuity policies;


·

Losses before income taxes from the Corporate segment increased $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and decreased $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 over the same periods in 2014 primarily as a result of fluctuations in compensation expenses; and


·

Premiums by business segment for the periods indicated are as follows (in thousands):


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

Gross Direct and Assumed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned Premiums:

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medical Stop-Loss

$

75,029

$

60,236

$

222,599

$

176,391

Fully Insured Health

 

47,048

 

58,972

 

142,133

 

184,934

Group disability, life, annuities and DBL

 

29,124

 

26,539

 

86,692

 

79,607

Individual, life, annuities and other

 

5,874

 

6,481

 

18,286

 

20,121

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

157,075

$

152,228

$

469,710

$

461,053




35




 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

Net Direct and Assumed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned Premiums:

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medical Stop-Loss

$

52,040

$

44,078

$

157,029

$

133,454

Fully Insured Health

 

42,583

 

52,613

 

130,034

 

166,937

Group disability, life, annuities and DBL

 

22,701

 

16,136

 

62,701

 

47,572

Individual, life, annuities and other

 

1,714

 

4,878

 

11,831

 

14,147

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

119,038

$

117,705

$

361,595

$

362,110




CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES


The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). The preparation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company's management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. A summary of the Company's significant accounting policies and practices is provided in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. Management has identified the accounting policies related to Insurance Premium Revenue Recognition and Policy Charges, Insurance Liabilities, Deferred Acquisition Costs, Investments, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, and Deferred Income Taxes 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 this Management's Discussion and Analysis. A full discussion of these policies is included under the heading, “Critical Accounting Policies” in Item 7 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, there were no additions to or changes in the critical accounting policies disclosed in the 2014 Form 10-K except for the recently adopted accounting standards discussed in Note 1(E) of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.




36


Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014


Information by business segment for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:


 

 

 

 

Insurance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits,

Amortization

Selling,

 

 

 

Net

Fee and

Claims

of  Deferred

General

 

September 30, 2015

Premiums

Investment

Other

and

Acquisition

and

 

(In thousands)

Earned

Income

Income

Reserves

Costs

Administrative

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medical Stop-Loss

$

52,040

1,298

627

37,369

-

10,073

$

6,523 

Fully Insured Health

42,583

488

2,122

22,331

79

20,384

 

2,399 

Group disability,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

life, annuities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and DBL

22,701

1,611

92

12,950

-

7,054

 

4,400 

Individual life,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

annuities and other

1,714

496

5,777

1,568

479

2,317

 

3,623 

Corporate

-

45

-

-

-

2,156

 

(2,111)

Sub total

$

119,038 

$

3,938

$

8,618

$

74,218

$

558 

$

41,984

 

14,834 

 

 

 

Gain on sale of subsidiary to joint venture

 

10,161 

Net realized investment losses

 

(1,109)

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

 

(228)

Interest expense on debt

 

(444)

Income before income taxes

 

23,214 

Income taxes

 

8,326 

Net income

$

14,888 


 

 

 

 

Insurance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits,

Amortization

Selling,

 

 

 

Net

Fee and

Claims

of  Deferred

General

 

September 30, 2014

Premiums

Investment

Other

and

Acquisition

and

 

(In thousands)

Earned

Income

Income

Reserves

Costs

Administrative

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medical Stop-Loss

$

44,078 

1,244

412

29,582

-

9,813

$

6,339 

Fully Insured Health

    52,613

374

4,425 

33,306

123

23,613

 

370 

Group disability,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

life, annuities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and DBL

16,136

782

30

8,106

-

4,785

 

4,057 

Individual life,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

annuities and other

4,878

2,989

897

3,922

1,293

5,232

 

(1,683)

Corporate

-

50

-

-

-

1,473

 

(1,423)

Sub total

$

117,705

$

5,439

$

5,764

$

74,916

$

1,416

$

44,916

 

7,660 

 

 

 

Net realized investment gains

 

844 

Interest expense on debt

 

(539)

Income before income taxes

 

7,965 

Income taxes

 

3,141 

Net income

$

4,824 


Premiums Earned


In the third quarter of 2015, premiums earned increased $1.3 million over the comparable period of 2014. The increase is primarily due to: (i) a $7.9 million increase in earned premiums from the Medical Stop-Loss segment as a result of higher volume; and (ii) a $6.6 million increase in the Group disability, life, annuities and DBL segment primarily due to increased volume and retentions in the group term life and LTD lines; partially offset by (iii) a decrease of $10.0 million in the Fully Insured Health segment primarily as a result of a $10.8 million decrease in Major Medical premiums. Premium increases in the short-term medical, pet and occupational accident lines of $2.6 million, $1.0 million and $0.5 million, respectively, were offset by an aggregate decrease of $3.3 million in other fully insured lines; and (iv) a decrease of $3.2 million in the Individual life, annuities and other segment primarily as a result of a reinsurance transaction in the third quarter of 2015 whereby the Company ceded substantially all of its ordinary life and annuity business.



37



Net Investment Income


Total net investment income decreased $1.5 million.  The overall annualized investment yields were 2.9% and 3.3% in the third quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively. The overall decrease was primarily a result of a decrease in investment income on bonds, equities and short-term investments as the Company transferred approximately $208.0 million of cash to an unaffiliated reinsurer in connection with a coinsurance and sale transaction on July 31, 2015 (see Note 8). The annualized investment yields on bonds, equities and short-term investments were 2.8% and 3.1% in the third quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively. IHC has approximately $122.9 million in highly rated shorter duration securities earning on average 1.3%. A portfolio that is shorter in duration enables us, if we deem prudent, the flexibility to reinvest in much higher yielding longer-term securities, which would significantly increase investment income.


Gain on Sale of Subsidiary to Joint Venture


In the third quarter of 2015, the Company finalized a joint venture with Ebix, Inc. in which IHC sold its wholly owned administrative subsidiary, IHC Health Solutions (now known as Ebix Health Administration Exchange, Inc.), in exchange for a 60% ownership interest in Ebix Health Exchange and $6.0 million in cash proceeds. The transaction resulted in a loss of control over the subsidiary (due to a lack of the majority of the voting interest on the Board of Managers) and therefore the subsidiary was deconsolidated from the Company’s financial statements. The Company recognized a net gain of $10.2 million, pre-tax, on the transaction (see Note 6).


Net Realized Investment Gains and Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings


The Company had net realized investment gains (losses) of $(1.1) million in 2015 compared to $0.8 million in 2014. These amounts include gains and losses from sales of fixed maturities and equity securities available-for-sale and other investments. Decisions to sell securities are based on management's ongoing evaluation of investment opportunities and economic and market conditions, thus creating fluctuations in gains and losses from period to period.


The Company recognized $0.2 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses on equity securities available-for-sale during the three months ended September 30, 2015 due to the length of time and extent an equity security was below cost.


Fee Income and Other Income


Fee income decreased $2.0 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three-month period ended September 30, 2014 primarily as a result of decreased Major Medical volume in the Fully Insured Health segment.  


Other income increased in 2015 primarily as a result of a $5.1 million pre-tax gain recorded in connection with a coinsurance and sale agreement. In the third quarter of 2015, Madison National Life and Standard Security Life together entered into the aforementioned coinsurance and sale agreement to cede substantially all of their individual life and annuity policy blocks and sell the related infrastructure associated with the administration of such policies (see Note 8).


Insurance Benefits, Claims and Reserves


In the third quarter of 2015, insurance benefits, claims and reserves decreased $0.7 million over the comparable period in 2014. The decrease is primarily attributable to: (i) a decrease of $11.0 million in the Fully Insured Health segment, primarily due to lower loss ratios in 2015 and a decrease of $8.9 million in benefits, claims and reserves related to the run-off of Major Medical; offset in part by increases in the



38


volume of the short-term medical, pet and occupational accident lines of business; and (ii) a decrease of $2.4 million in the Individual life, annuities and other segment primarily as a result of a reinsurance transaction in the third quarter of 2015 whereby the Company ceded substantially all of its ordinary life and annuity business;  partially offset by (iii) an increase of $7.8 million in benefits, claims and reserves in the Medical Stop-Loss segment as a result of an increase in premium volume and higher loss ratios; and (iv) an increase of $4.9 million in the group disability, life, annuities and DBL segment, primarily due to increased volume and retention in the group term life and LTD lines in addition to higher loss ratios.


Selling, General and Administrative Expenses


Total selling, general and administrative expenses decrease $2.9 million compared to the same period in 2014. Changes in each segment consist of: (i) an increase of $0.3 million in the Medical Stop-Loss segment as a result of increased volume offset by lower commission expenses; (ii) a decrease of $3.2 million in the Fully Insured Health segment largely due to decreases in expenses due to the run-off of Major Medical partially offset by increases in general expenses as a result of the higher volume of pet business, an increase in ancillary lines (primarily short term medical and fixed indemnity limited benefit) and the inclusion of GAF expenses in 2015; (iii) an increase of $2.3 million in the group disability, life, annuities and DBL segment primarily due to increased commission expenses in the group term life and LTD lines as a result of new business and changes in retention levels; (iv) a decrease of $2.9 million in Individual life, annuity and other segment primarily due to lower amortization of deferred costs in correlation with the assumptions of certain ceded life and annuity policies and a decrease in administrative costs as a result of the ceding of substantially all of the Company’s life and annuity policies and the corresponding sale of the associated administration for those policies; and (v) a $0.6 million increase in Corporate  primarily due to changes in employee compensation expenses.


Income Taxes


The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was 35.9% and 39.4%, respectively.  The lower effective tax rate in 2015 was primarily due to a lower amount of non-deductible expenses as a result of the Affordable Care Act in the third quarter of 2015 compared to 2014.




39


Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014


Information by business segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:


 

 

 

 

Insurance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits,

Amortization

Selling,

 

 

 

Net

Fee and

Claims

of  Deferred

General

 

September 30, 2015

Premiums

Investment

Other

and

Acquisition

And

 

(In thousands)

Earned

Income

Income

Reserves

Costs

Administrative

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medical Stop-Loss

$

157,029

3,335

1,841

115,032

-

30,743

$

16,430 

Fully Insured Health

130,034

1,625

9,697

71,256

308

64,561

 

5,231 

Group disability,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

life, annuities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and DBL

62,701

3,012

166

35,786

-

19,319

 

10,774 

Individual life,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

annuities and other

11,831

5,775

7,681

11,144

3,138

9,767

 

1,238 

Corporate

-

137

-

-

-

5,445

 

(5,308)

Sub total

$

361,595

$

13,884

$

19,385

$

233,218

$

3,446

$

129,835

 

28,365 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain on sale of subsidiary to joint venture

 

10,161 

Net realized investment gains

 

2,991 

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

 

(228)

Interest expense on debt

 

(1,354)

Income before income taxes

 

39,935 

Income taxes

 

14,560 

Net income

$

25,375 


 

 

 

 

Insurance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits,

Amortization

Selling,

 

 

 

Net

Fee and

Claims

of  Deferred

General

 

September 30, 2014

Premiums

Investment

Other

and

Acquisition

And

 

(In thousands)

Earned

Income

Income

Reserves

Costs

Administrative

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medical Stop-Loss

$

133,454

3,457

1,910

91,378

-

31,713

$

15,730 

Fully Insured Health

166,937

1,669

16,233

108,864

392

73,258

 

2,325 

Group disability,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

life, annuities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and DBL

47,572

2,421

98

28,892

-

13,962

 

7,237 

Individual life,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

annuities and other

14,147

8,998

2,904

14,354

3,495

13,103

 

(4,903)

Corporate

-

129

-

-

-

5,962

 

(5,833)

Sub total

$

362,110

$

16,674

$

21,145

$

243,488

$

3,887

$

137,998

 

14,556 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized investment gains

 

6,914 

Interest expense on debt

 

(1,357)

Income before income taxes

 

20,113 

Income taxes

 

7,404 

Net income

$

12,709 


Premiums Earned


In the first nine months of 2015, premiums earned decreased $0.5 million over the comparable period of 2014. The decrease is primarily due to: (i) a decrease of $36.9 million in the Fully Insured Health segment as a result of a $42.5 million decrease in premiums from exiting Major Medical, partially offset by premium increases in the ancillary lines (primarily short-term medical), pet, international and occupational accident lines of business as a result of higher volume; (ii) a decrease of $2.3 million in the Individual life, annuities and other segment primarily as a result of a reinsurance transaction in the third quarter of 2015 whereby the Company ceded substantially all of its ordinary life and annuity business; partially offset by (iii) a $23.6 million increase in earned premiums from the Medical Stop-Loss segment as a result of higher volume; and (iv) a $15.1 million increase in the Group disability, life, annuities and DBL segment primarily due to increased volume and retentions in the group term life and LTD lines.




40


Net Investment Income


Total net investment income decreased $2.8 million.  The overall annualized investment yields were 2.8% and 3.4% in the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, respectively. The overall decrease was primarily a result of a decrease in investment income on bonds, equities and short-term investments as the Company transferred approximately $208.0 million of cash to an unaffiliated reinsurer in connection with a coinsurance and sale transaction on July 31, 2015 (see Note 8). The annualized investment yields on bonds, equities and short-term investments were 2.8% and 3.2% in the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, respectively. IHC has approximately $122.9 million in highly rated shorter duration securities earning on average 1.3%. A portfolio that is shorter in duration enables us, if we deem prudent, the flexibility to reinvest in much higher yielding longer-term securities, which would significantly increase investment income.


Gain on Sale of Subsidiary to Joint Venture


In the third quarter of 2015, the Company finalized a joint venture with Ebix, Inc. in which IHC sold its wholly owned administrative subsidiary, IHC Health Solutions (now known as Ebix Health Administration Exchange, Inc.), in exchange for a 60% ownership interest in Ebix Health Exchange and $6.0 million in cash proceeds. The transaction resulted in a loss of control over the subsidiary (due to a lack of the majority of the voting interest on the Board of Managers) and therefore the subsidiary was deconsolidated from the Company’s financial statements. The Company recognized a net gain of $10.2 million, pre-tax, on the transaction (see Note 6).


Net Realized Investment Gains and Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings


The Company had net realized investment gains of $3.0 million in 2015 compared to $6.9 million in 2014. These amounts include gains and losses from sales of fixed maturities and equity securities available-for-sale and other investments. Decisions to sell securities are based on management's ongoing evaluation of investment opportunities and economic and market conditions, thus creating fluctuations in gains and losses from period to period.


The Company recognized $0.2 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses on equity securities available-for-sale during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 due to the length of time and extent an equity security was below cost.


Fee Income and Other Income


Fee income decreased $7.0 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 primarily as a result of decreased Major Medical volume in the Fully Insured Health segment.  


Other income increased in 2015 primarily as a result of a $5.1 million pre-tax gain recorded in connection with a coinsurance and sale agreement. In the third quarter of 2015, Madison National Life and Standard Security Life together entered into the aforementioned coinsurance and sale agreement to cede substantially all of their individual life and annuity policy blocks and sell the related infrastructure associated with the administration of such policies (see Note 8). In addition, the Company recorded a $0.5 million gain in 2015 on the acquisition of a controlling interest in GAF (see Note 6).


Insurance Benefits, Claims and Reserves


In the first nine months of 2015, insurance benefits, claims and reserves decreased $10.3 million over the comparable period in 2014. The decrease is primarily attributable to: (i) a decrease of $37.6 million in the Fully Insured Health segment, primarily due to lower loss ratios in 2015 and a decrease of $36.5 million in benefits, claims and reserves related to the run-off of the Major Medical; offset in part by



41


increases in the volume of ancillary products, pet, international and occupational accident lines of business; (ii) a decrease of $3.3 million in the Individual life, annuities and other segment primarily as a result of a reinsurance transaction in the third quarter of 2015 whereby the Company ceded substantially all of its ordinary life and annuity business; partially offset by (iii) an increase of $23.7 million in benefits, claims and reserves in the Medical Stop-Loss segment as a result of an increase in premium volume and higher loss ratios; and (iv) an increase of $6.9 million in the group disability, life, annuities and DBL segment, primarily due to increased volume and retention in the group term life and LTD lines partially offset by lower loss ratios.


Selling, General and Administrative Expenses


Total selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $8.2 million over the comparable period in 2014. The decrease is primarily attributable to: (i) a decrease of $8.7 million in the Fully Insured Health segment largely due to the run-off of the Major Medical partially offset by increases in general expenses as a result of the higher volume of ancillary, pet, international and occupational accident business, which tends to have a higher expense structure than major medical; (ii) a decrease of $1.0 million in the Medical Stop-Loss segment as a result of increased volume more than offset by lower commission expenses; (iii) a decrease of $3.3 million in Individual life, annuity and other segment primarily due to lower amortization of deferred costs in correlation with the assumptions of certain ceded life and annuity policies; and (iv) a $0.5 million decrease in Corporate primarily due to a reduction in employee compensation expenses; partially offset by (v) an increase of $5.3 million in the group disability, life, annuities and DBL segment primarily due to increased commission expense in the group term life and LTD lines as a result of new business and changes in retention levels.  


Income Taxes


The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was 36.5% and 36.8%, respectively.  The lower effective tax rate in 2015 was primarily due to a decrease in benefits from tax-advantaged securities as a percentage of income in 2015 offset by a decrease in the amount of non-deductible expenses as a result of the Affordable Care Act as a percentage of income in 2015 compared to 2014.


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 maturities; and (iii) earnings on investments. Such cash flow is partially used to fund liabilities for insurance policy benefits. These liabilities represent long-term and short-term obligations.


Corporate


Corporate derives its funds principally from: (i) dividends 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. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Insurance Group declared and paid $10.6 million and $10.0 million, respectively, of dividends to Corporate.


Cash Flows


The Company had $18.7 million and $25.1 million of cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.



42



For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, operating activities of the Company utilized $176.6 million of cash, investment activities provided $178.7 million, and $8.5 million of cash was utilized for financing activities. The decrease in cash from operating activities, and the corresponding increase in cash from investing activities, primarily reflects the transfer of approximately $208.0 million of cash to an unaffiliated reinsurer during the third quarter of 2015 in connection with a reinsurance and sale transaction. Investing activities also reflect $3.5 million of proceeds received from the deconsolidation of a subsidiary, net of the cash divested in the transaction. Financing activities include $1.7 million for treasury share purchases, $1.7 million utilized for the purchase of AMIC shares and remaining IPA interests from noncontrolling interests, $2.1 million for the repayment of debt, and $1.4 million for the payment of dividends.


The Company has $523.0 million of liabilities for future policy benefits and policy benefits and claims that it expects to ultimately pay out of current assets and cash flows from future business. If necessary, the Company could utilize the cash received from maturities and repayments of its fixed maturity investments if the timing of claim payments associated with the Company's insurance resources does not coincide with future cash flows. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, cash received from the maturities and other repayments of fixed maturities was $36.5 million.


The Company believes it has sufficient cash to meet its currently anticipated business requirements over the next twelve months including working capital requirements and capital investments.  


BALANCE SHEET


The Company had net receivables from reinsurers of $444.9 million at September 30, 2015 compared to $230.3 million at December 31, 2014. The increase is a result of a coinsurance agreement in the third quarter of 2015 whereby the Company ceded substantially all of its individual life and annuity policy blocks (see Note 8). All of such reinsurance receivables are from highly rated companies or are adequately secured. No allowance for doubtful accounts was necessary at September 30, 2015.


Also as a result of the aforementioned coinsurance transaction in the third quarter of 2015: (i) deferred acquisition costs decreased $31.2 million; (ii) other investments (policy loans) decreased $9.9 million; and (iii) other assets increased $7.7 million for estimated deferred expenses which will be amortized over the life of the underlying reinsured contracts.


In connection with the acquisition of a controlling interest in GAF during the second quarter of 2015 (see Note 6), the Company recorded $6.1 million of goodwill, $5.5 million of intangible assets, $2.2 million of deferred tax liabilities and $3.3 million of long term debt.


As a result of the deconsolidation of a subsidiary during the third quarter of 2015 (see Note 6), goodwill and net intangible assets decreased by $3.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, and other investments increased $10.8 million representing the equity investment in Ebix Health Exchange.


There were $2.1 million of debt repayments during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.




43


The Company's liability for policy benefits and claims by segment are as follows (in thousands):


 

 

Policy Benefits and Claims

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

Medical Stop-Loss

$

103,337

$

80,128

Fully Insured Health

 

44,553

 

50,285

Group Disability

 

98,671

 

99,310

Individual A&H and Other

 

6,366

 

7,080

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

252,927

$

236,803


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


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


The $21.5 million increase in IHC’s stockholders' equity in the first nine months of 2015 is primarily due to $25.0 million of net income attributable to IHC partially offset by $1.4 million of other comprehensive losses attributable to IHC, $1.7 million of treasury stock purchases and a $0.8 million common stock dividend declared.


Asset Quality and Investment Impairments


The nature and quality of insurance company investments must comply with all applicable statutes and regulations, which have been promulgated primarily for the protection of policyholders. Although the Company's gross unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities totaled $6.8 million at September 30, 2015, approximately 99.8% of the Company’s fixed maturities were investment grade and continue to be rated on average AA. The Company marks all of its available-for-sale securities to fair value through accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. These investments tend to carry less default risk and, therefore, lower interest rates than other types of fixed maturity investments. At September 30, 2015, approximately 0.2% (or $1.0 million) of the carrying value of fixed maturities was invested in non-investment grade fixed maturities, primarily mortgage securities. Investments in such securities have different risks than investment grade securities, including greater risk of loss upon default, and thinner trading markets. The Company does not have any non-performing fixed maturities at September 30, 2015.


The Company reviews its investments regularly and monitors its investments continually for impairments. There were no securities with fair values less than 80% of their amortized cost at September 30, 2015. The Company recognized $0.2 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses on equity securities available-for-sale during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 due to the length of time and



44


extent an equity security was below cost. No other-than-temporary impairment losses were recognized in 2014.

 

The unrealized losses on all available-for-sale securities have been evaluated in accordance with the Company's impairment policy and were determined to be temporary in nature at September 30, 2015. In 2015, the Company recorded $2.6 million of net unrealized gains on available-for sale securities, pre-tax, in other comprehensive income (loss) prior to DAC and reclassification adjustments. From time to time, as warranted, the Company may employ investment strategies to mitigate interest rate and other market exposures. Further deterioration in credit quality of the companies backing the securities, further deterioration in the condition of the financial services industry, a continuation of the current imbalances in liquidity that exist in the marketplace, a continuation or worsening of the current economic recession, or additional declines in real estate values may further affect the fair value of these securities and increase the potential that certain unrealized losses be designated as other-than-temporary in future periods and the Company may incur additional write-downs.


CAPITAL RESOURCES


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 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.


IHC enters into a variety of contractual obligations with third parties in the ordinary course of its operations, including liabilities for insurance reserves, funds on deposit, debt and operating lease obligations.  However, IHC does not believe that its cash flow requirements can be fully assessed based solely upon an analysis of these obligations.  Future cash outflows, whether they are contractual obligations or not, also will vary based upon IHC’s future needs.  Although some outflows are fixed, others depend on future events. The maturity distribution of the Company’s obligations, as of September 30, 2015, is not materially different from that reported in the schedule of such obligations at December 31, 2014 which was included in Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.  


OUTLOOK


For 2015, we anticipate:


·

Continued growth in our medical stop-loss segment as the demand for this product continues to grow and Risk Solutions continues to build its reputation as a direct writer and provider of captive solutions.

·

Continued significant decrease in Major Medical premiums in 2015 as we have exited individual major medical and significantly reduced our block of small group major medical, however, we had negative underwriting results on this line of business in 2014 so less premium is improving our underwriting margins although generating decreases in administrative revenues.  This reduction in premium will be partially offset by continuing to increase sales of short-term and supplemental health products, such as dental, accidental medical, gap and critical illness products.

·

Increasing emphasis on direct-to-consumer and career advisor distribution initiatives as we believe this will be a growing means for selling health insurance in the coming years, and accompanying start-up costs of expanding our sales through our call center, career model (including our newly launched Aspira A Mas outreach to the Hispanic community) and transactional websites.

·

Increasing retention in our group life and disability lines of business. In 2015, we expect a continuation of the increase in group long-term and short-term disability products driven by higher retention amounts and a full year of premiums generated by a relatively new distribution partnership.



45


·

Continued evaluation of strategic transactions and responses to inquiries regarding the sale of certain assets and joint venture opportunities that could unlock shareholder value.

·

Continued focus on administrative efficiencies.


The Company will remain highly liquid in 2015 as a result of the continuing shorter duration of the portfolio. As a result, the yields on our investment portfolio were, and continue to remain, lower than in prior years and investment income may continue to be depressed for 2015. IHC has approximately $122.9 million in highly rated shorter maturity securities earning on average 1.3%; our portfolio as a whole is rated, on average, AA. The low duration of our portfolio enables us, if we deem prudent, the flexibility to reinvest in much higher yielding longer-term securities, which would significantly increase investment income in the future.  A low duration portfolio such as ours also mitigates the adverse impact of potential inflation.  IHC will continue to monitor the financial markets and invest accordingly.


In 2015, we expect to continue to achieve significant growth in our controlled direct written stop-loss business through Risk Solutions while maintaining underwriting profitability consistent with the prior year.  The favorable results of Risk Solutions are a direct result of their positioning to take advantage of market trends, including consolidation of relationships by producers and increased interest in stop-loss as a result of health care reform.  We see these trends continuing and strengthening in 2015 and beyond.  Risk Solutions has established a reputation in the market for delivering innovative solutions for small to medium sized employer groups looking for self-funded alternatives.  Risk Solutions has also established a reputation in the market for fair and responsible pricing and superior service levels.  We foresee continued growth and favorable underwriting results as more of our stop-loss business comes through the Risk Solutions platform.


We will continue to focus on our strategic objectives, including expanding our distribution network.  However, the success of a portion of our Fully Insured Health business has been affected by the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended, and its subsequent interpretations by state and federal regulators. While the law has influenced our decision, and that of many other insurers, to exit or reduce their presence in Major Medical plans in the small employer and individual markets, non-Major Medical lines of business and medical stop-loss have been impacted by health care reform minimally or not at all.


Our results depend on the adequacy of our product pricing, our underwriting, the accuracy of our reserving methodology, returns on our invested assets, and our ability to manage expenses.  We will also need to be diligent with the increased rate review scrutiny to effect timely rate changes and will need to stay focused on the management of medical cost drivers as medical trend levels cause margin pressures.  Therefore, factors affecting these items, as well as unemployment and global financial markets, may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 




46


ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


The Company manages interest rate risk by seeking to maintain an investment portfolio with a duration and average life that falls within the band of the duration and average life of the applicable liabilities. Options and other derivatives 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. This is accomplished by first creating an insurance model of the Company's in-force policies using current assumptions on mortality, lapses and expenses. Then, current investments are assigned to specific insurance blocks in the model using appropriate prepayment schedules and future reinvestment patterns.


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


The expected change in fair value as a percentage of the Company's fixed income portfolio at September 30, 2015 given a 100 to 200 basis point rise or decline in interest rates is not materially different than the expected change at December 31, 2014 included in Item 7A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.


 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 were acquired from liquidated companies which tend to exhibit lower 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 unrealized gains in its investment 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


IHC’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer supervised and participated in IHC’s evaluation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in IHC’s periodic reports filed or submitted 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.  Based upon that evaluation, IHC’S Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that IHC’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

 

     There has been no change in IHC’s internal control over financial reporting during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, IHC's internal control over financial reporting.




47


PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


We are involved in legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of our businesses. We have established reserves that we believe are sufficient given information presently available related to our outstanding legal proceedings and claims. We do not anticipate that the result of any pending legal proceeding or claim will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or cash flows, although there could be such an effect on our results of operations for any particular period.


ITEM 1A.   

RISK FACTORS


There were no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 in Item 1A to Part 1 of Form 10-K.


ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS


Share Repurchase Program


IHC has a program, initiated in 1991, under which it repurchases shares of its common stock. In August 2014, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares of IHC’s common stock, in addition to prior authorizations, under the 1991 plan. As of September 30, 2015, 330,283 shares were still authorized to be repurchased under the plan. Share repurchases during the third quarter of 2015 are summarized as follows:


2015

 

 

 

 

Maximum Number

 

 

Average Price

Of Shares Which

 

 

Month of

Shares

of Repurchased

Can be

 

Repurchase

 

Repurchased

 

Shares

 

Repurchased

 

 

 

 

 

July

33,956

$

13.17

374,504

 

August

20,324

$

12.85

354,180

 

September

23,897

$

12.65

330,283


ITEM 3.

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES


Not applicable.


ITEM 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES


Not applicable.


ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION


Not applicable.

 




48


ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS


3.1

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Independence Holding Company (Filed as Exhibit 3(i) to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.2

Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Independence Holding Company (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 29, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.3

By-Laws of Independence Holding Company (Filed as Exhibit 3.3 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference), as amended by Amendment to By-Laws of Independence Holding Company (Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.1

Officer Employment Agreement, made as of April 18, 2011, by and among Independence Holding Company, Standard Security Life Insurance Company of New York and Mr. David T. Kettig (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 22, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.2

Officer Employment Agreement, made as of April 18, 2011, by and among Independence Holding Company, Madison National Life Insurance Company, Inc. and Mr. Larry R. Graber (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 22, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.3

Officer Employment Agreement, made as of April 18, 2011, by and between Independence Holding Company and Ms. Teresa A. Herbert (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 22, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.4

Officer Employment Agreement, made as of May 11, 2011, by and between Independence Holding Company and Mr. Roy T.K. Thung (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2011 that was filed with the SEC on May 12, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference).

10.5   Officer Employment Agreement, by and among Independence Holding Company, IHC Risk Solutions, LLC and Mr. Michael A. Kemp, dated as of May 22, 2012 (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 29, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference).

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. *


101.INS

XBRL Instance Document. *


101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. *



49



101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. *


101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. *


101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. *


101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. *





* Filed herewith.





50


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

(REGISTRANT)




By:

/s/Roy T. K. Thung                                    

Date:

November 9, 2015

Roy T.K. Thung

Chief Executive Officer, President

and Chairman





 By:

/s/Teresa A. Herbert                                    

Date:

November 9, 2015

             Teresa A. Herbert

Senior Vice President and

   

Chief Financial Officer






51