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 endedSeptember 30, 2018.2019.

 

[   ]   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

 

58140723558-1407235

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

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

 

96 CUMMINGS POINT ROAD, STAMFORD, CONNECTICUTCT                     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.

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $1.00 par value

IHC

NYSE

 

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 ][X]   No [   ]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).   Yes   [X]   No [  ]

 

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

 

Large Accelerated Filer [    ]

Accelerated Filer  [ X ][X]

Non-Accelerated Filer   [    ]

Smaller Reporting Company  [ X ]

Emerging Growth Company   [    ]

 

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  [   ]

 

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

As of November 5, 2019, the registrant had 14,849,707 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

Outstanding at November 2, 2018

Common stock, $1.00par value

14,795,106Shares



 

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

89

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

910

 

 

 

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

28

 

and Results of Operations

30

 

 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

42

 

 

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

42

 

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

42

 

 

 

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

4344

 

 

 

 

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

4344

 

 

 

 

Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities

4344

 

 

 

 

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures

44

 

 

 

 

Item 5.    Other Information

44

 

 

 

Item 6.    Exhibits

4445

 

 

 

Signatures

4647

 

 

 

 

 

 

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



 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

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

 

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



PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.Financial Statements     

 

 

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 20182019

 

 

December 31, 20172018

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments

 

$

1,04750  

 

$

501,050  

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

 

 

18,02556,878  

 

 

10,26912,063  

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale

 

 

432,950440,289  

 

 

441,912453,464  

Equity securities

 

 

5,5285,577  

 

 

6,1205,166  

Other investments

 

 

17,51113,889  

 

 

18,54713,192  

Total investments

 

 

475,061516,683  

 

 

476,898484,935  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

25,62017,824  

 

 

26,46526,173  

Due and unpaid premiums

 

 

29,10024,523  

 

 

21,95024,412  

Due from reinsurers

 

 

371,540364,673  

 

 

380,593368,731  

Goodwill

 

 

50,69760,205  

 

 

50,697 

Other assets

 

 

83,92879,730  

 

 

84,02082,568  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

1,035,9461,063,638  

 

$

1,040,6231,037,516  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND  EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy benefits and claims

 

$

158,168161,429  

 

$

168,683160,115  

Future policy benefits

 

 

209,588204,155  

 

 

214,766208,910  

Funds on deposit

 

 

141,685140,724  

 

 

143,537141,635  

Unearned premiums

 

 

9,4529,899  

 

 

6,6665,557  

Other policyholders' funds

 

 

10,90012,042  

 

 

10,40210,939  

Due to reinsurers

 

 

4,8554,655  

 

 

3,8083,613  

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

 

 

53,75254,501  

 

 

56,45353,133  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

 

588,400587,405  

 

 

604,315583,902  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)15)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

 

 

2,1462,315  

 

 

2,0652,183  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock $1.00 par value, 100,000 shares authorized;

 

 

 

 

 

 

none issued or outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

18,625,458 and 18,625,458 shares issued; and 14,799,67214,853,244 and

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,890,28514,878,248 shares outstanding

 

 

18,625  

 

 

18,625  

Paid-in capital

 

 

125,279122,221  

 

 

124,538124,395  

Accumulated other comprehensive lossincome (loss)

 

 

(11,963)3,587  

 

 

(4,598)(8,310) 

Treasury stock, at cost; 3,825,7863,772,214 and 3,735,1733,747,210 shares

 

 

(66,918)(69,704) 

 

 

(63,404)(66,392) 

Retained earnings

 

 

377,848399,160  

 

 

356,383380,431  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL IHC STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

442,871473,889  

 

 

431,544448,749  

NONREDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

 

 

2,52929  

 

 

2,6992,682  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL EQUITY

 

 

445,400473,918  

 

 

434,243451,431  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

$

1,035,9461,063,638  

 

$

1,040,6231,037,516  

 

 

See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



 

 

 

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,

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$

81,757  

$

75,639  

$

238,583  

$

210,507  

Net investment income

 

3,611  

 

4,403  

 

10,214  

 

12,414  

Fee income

 

4,397  

 

2,634  

 

14,193  

 

11,556  

Other income

 

153  

 

361  

 

472  

 

2,365  

Net investment gains (losses)

 

17  

 

715  

 

(335) 

 

987  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

89,935  

 

83,752  

 

263,127  

 

237,829  

EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance benefits, claims and reserves

 

36,011  

 

33,536  

 

105,619  

 

103,071  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

41,021  

 

42,337  

 

126,057  

 

115,404  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

77,032  

 

75,873  

 

231,676  

 

218,475  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

12,903  

 

7,879  

 

31,451  

 

19,354  

Income taxes (benefits)

 

2,860  

 

2,666  

 

7,518  

 

(5,175) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

10,043  

 

5,213  

 

23,933  

 

24,529  

(Income) loss from nonredeemable noncontrolling interests

 

(59) 

 

32  

 

(99) 

 

(4) 

(Income) from redeemable noncontrolling interests

 

(49) 

 

(16) 

 

(181) 

 

(29) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO IHC

$

9,935  

$

5,229  

$

23,653  

$

24,496  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic income per common share

$

0.67  

$

0.35  

$

1.60 

$

1.53  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING

 

14,795  

 

14,965  

 

14,808 

 

15,999  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted income per common share

$

0.66  

$

0.34  

$

1.57 

$

1.50  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE DILUTED SHARES OUTSTANDING

 

15,109  

 

15,274  

 

15,104 

 

16,287  

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,

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$

86,453  

$

81,757  

$

254,189  

$

238,583  

Net investment income

 

3,964  

 

3,822  

 

12,094  

 

11,190  

Fee income

 

2,938  

 

4,397  

 

10,833  

 

14,193  

Other income (loss)

 

880  

 

(58) 

 

5,443  

 

(504) 

Net investment gains (losses)

 

930  

 

17  

 

2,556  

 

(335) 

Other-than-temporary impairment losses, available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total other-than-temporary impairment losses

 

 

 

 

 

(646) 

 

 

Portion of losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

 

 

 

 

 

(646) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

95,165  

 

89,935  

 

284,469  

 

263,127  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance benefits, claims and reserves

 

41,398  

 

36,011  

 

128,927  

 

105,619  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

44,348  

 

41,021  

 

127,083  

 

126,057  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

85,746  

 

77,032  

 

256,010  

 

231,676  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

9,419  

 

12,903  

 

28,459  

 

31,451  

Income taxes

 

3,248  

 

2,860  

 

6,482  

 

7,518  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

6,171  

 

10,043  

 

21,977  

 

23,933  

(Income) loss from nonredeemable noncontrolling interests

 

14  

 

(59) 

 

(130) 

 

(99) 

(Income) from redeemable noncontrolling interests

 

(43) 

 

(49) 

 

(131) 

 

(181) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO IHC

$

6,142  

$

9,935  

$

21,716  

$

23,653  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic income per common share

$

0.41 

$

0.67 

$

1.46  

$

1.60  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING

 

14,879  

 

14,795 

 

14,919  

 

14,808  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted income per common share

$

0.41 

$

0.66 

$

1.45  

$

10.57  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE DILUTED SHARES OUTSTANDING

 

14,941  

 

15,109 

 

14,985  

 

15,104  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



 

 

 

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

(In thousands)

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

10,043  

$

5,213 

$

23,933  

$

24,529  

$

6,171  

$

10,043  

$

21,977 

$

23,933  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

(925) 

 

250 

 

(8,908) 

 

7,219  

 

1,636  

 

(925) 

 

15,080 

 

(8,908) 

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

 

(199) 

 

90 

 

(1,893) 

 

2,599  

 

347  

 

(199) 

 

3,183 

 

(1,893) 

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

 

(726) 

 

160 

 

(7,015) 

 

4,620  

 

1,289  

 

(726) 

 

11,897 

 

(7,015) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 

(726) 

 

160 

 

(7,015) 

 

4,620  

 

1,289  

 

(726) 

 

11,897 

 

(7,015) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAX

 

9,317  

 

5,373 

 

16,918  

 

29,149  

 

7,460  

 

9,317  

 

33,874 

 

16,918  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax, attributable to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

noncontrolling interests:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Income) loss from noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

 

(108) 

 

16 

 

(280) 

 

(33) 

Comprehensive income, net of tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Income) from noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

 

(29) 

 

(108) 

 

(261)

 

(280) 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax, attributable to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

- 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE (INCOME) LOSS, NET OF TAX,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAX,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

 

(108) 

 

16 

 

(280) 

 

(33) 

 

(29) 

 

(108) 

 

(261)

 

(280) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAX,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATTRIBUTABLE TO IHC

$

9,209  

$

5,389 

$

16,638  

$

29,116  

$

7,431  

$

9,209  

$

33,613 

$

16,638  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



 

 

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 and 2018

ACCUMULATED

OTHER

TREASURY

TOTAL IHC

NONREDEEMABLE

COMMON

PAID-IN

COMPREHENSIVE

STOCK,

RETAINED

STOCKHOLDERS'

NONCONTROLLING

TOTAL

STOCK

CAPITAL

LOSS

AT COST

EARNINGS

EQUITY

INTERESTS

EQUITY

BALANCE AT

JUNE 30, 2019

$

18,625

$

121,586 

$

2,298

$

(67,428)

$

393,018 

$

468,099 

$

43 

$

468,142 

Net income

6,142 

6,142 

(14)

6,128 

Other comprehensive

income, net of tax

1,289 

1,289 

1,289 

Repurchases of common stock

(2,318)

(2,318)

(2,318)

Share-based compensation

635 

42 

677 

677 

BALANCE AT

SEPTEMBER 30, 2019

$

18,625

$

122,221 

$

3,587 

$

(69,704)

$

399,160 

$

473,889 

$

29 

$

473,918  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE AT

JUNE 30, 2018

$

18,625

$

125,018 

$

(11,237)

$

(66,440)

$

367,913 

$

433,879 

$

2,617 

$

436,496 

Net income

9,935 

9,935 

59 

9,994 

Other comprehensive

  loss, net of tax

(726)

(726)

(726)

Repurchases of common stock

(670)

(670)

(670)

Distributions to noncontrolling

interests

-

(147)

(147)

Share-based compensation

261 

192 

453 

453 

BALANCE AT

SEPTEMBER 30, 2018

$

18,625

$

125,279 

$

(11,963)

$

(66,918)

$

377,848 

$

442,871 

$

2,529 

$

445,400 



INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 and 2018

ACCUMULATED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NONREDEEMABLE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER

 

TREASURY

 

 

 

TOTAL IHC

 

NON-NONREDEEMABLE

 

 

 

 

COMMON

 

PAID-IN

 

COMPREHENSIVE

 

STOCK,

 

RETAINED

 

STOCKHOLDERS'

 

CONTROLLINGNONCONTROLLING

 

TOTAL

 

 

STOCK

 

CAPITAL

 

LOSSINCOME (LOSS)

 

AT COST

 

EARNINGS

 

EQUITY

 

INTERESTS

 

EQUITY

BALANCE AT

DECEMBER 31, 2018

$

18,625

$

124,395 

$

(8,310)

$

(66,392)

$

380,431 

$

448,749 

$

2,682 

$

451,431 

Net income

21,716 

21,716 

130 

21,846 

Other comprehensive

income, net of tax

11,897 

11,897 

11,897 

Repurchases of common stock

(3,917)

(3,917)

(3,917)

Purchase noncontrolling interests

(1,012)

(1,012)

(2,380)

(3,392)

Distributions to noncontrolling

interests

(403)

(403)

Common stock dividend

    ($0.20 per share)

(2,987)

(2,987)

(2,987)

Share-based compensation

(1,162)

605 

(557)

(557)

BALANCE AT

SEPTEMBER 30, 2019

$

18,625

$

122,221 

$

3,587

$

(69,704)

$

399,160 

$

473,889 

$

29 

$

473,918 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE AT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DECEMBER 31, 2017

$

18,625 

$

124,538 

$

(4,598) 

$

(63,404) 

$

356,383 

$

431,544  

$

2,699  

$

434,243  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative effects of new

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

accounting principles

 

 

 

 

 

(350) 

 

 

 

34 

 

(316) 

 

(97) 

 

(413) 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23,653 

 

23,653  

 

99  

 

23,752  

Other comprehensive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

income (loss),loss, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

(7,015) 

 

 

 

 

 

(7,015) 

 

 

 

(7,015) 

Repurchases of common stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,817) 

 

 

 

(3,817) 

 

 

 

(3,817) 

Distributions to noncontrolling

interests

(172)

(172)

Common stock dividend ( $0.15

    ($0.15 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,222) 

 

(2,222) 

 

 

 

(2,222) 

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

(172)

(172)

Share-based compensation

 

 

 

741 

 

 

 

303  

 

 

 

1,044  

 

 

 

1,044  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE AT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SeptemberSEPTEMBER 30, 2018

$

18,625 

$

125,279 

$

(11,963) 

$

(66,918) 

$

377,848 

$

442,871  

$

2,529  

$

445,400  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



 

 

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

(In thousands)

(In thousands)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

2019

 

2018

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED BY) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

23,933  

 

$

24,529  

$

21,977  

 

$

23,933  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net change in cash from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

 

681  

 

 

269  

 

894  

 

681  

Net investment (gains) losses

 

335  

 

 

(987) 

 

(2,556) 

 

335  

(Gain) on sale of investment

 

(3,589) 

 

 

Other than-temporary-impairment losses, net

 

646  

 

 

Equity (income) loss from equity method investments

 

976  

 

 

(1,412) 

 

(1,171) 

 

976  

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,953  

 

 

1,379  

 

2,386  

 

1,953  

Deferred tax expense

 

3,535  

 

 

1,853  

Provision for bad debt on note receivable

 

1,214  

 

 

Other

 

4,808  

 

 

4,852  

 

9,387  

 

8,343  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in insurance liabilities

 

(12,181) 

 

 

(83,750) 

 

3,511  

 

(12,181) 

Change in amounts due from reinsurers

 

9,053  

 

 

57,094  

 

4,058  

 

9,053  

Change in claim fund balances

 

294  

 

 

8,463  

 

1,577  

 

294  

Change in current income tax liability

 

1,031  

 

 

(8,604) 

Change in due and unpaid premiums

 

(7,150) 

 

 

10,218  

 

(111) 

 

(7,150) 

Other operating activities

 

(6,630) 

 

 

6,302  

 

(6,816) 

 

(5,599) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in cash from operating activities

 

20,638  

 

 

20,206  

 

31,407  

 

20,638  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED BY) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (purchases) sales and maturities of short-term investments

 

(999) 

 

 

6,849  

 

1,000  

 

(999)  

Net (purchases) sales of securities under resale agreements

 

(7,756) 

 

 

8,365  

Net (purchases) of securities under resale agreements

 

(44,815) 

 

(7,756) 

Sales of equity securities

 

698  

 

 

 

 

 

 

698  

Sales of fixed maturities

 

55,338  

 

 

158,062  

 

111,695  

 

55,338  

Maturities and other repayments of fixed maturities

 

21,992  

 

 

16,841  

 

57,087  

 

21,992  

Purchases of fixed maturities

 

(79,374) 

 

 

(145,444) 

 

(139,531) 

 

(79,374) 

Payments to acquire business, net of cash acquired

 

 

 

 

(12,323) 

 

(7,952) 

 

 

Distributions from other investments

 

 

 

 

5,246  

Purchases of other investments

 

 

 

 

(602) 

Proceeds from sales, distributions and returns of capital from investments

 

5,117  

 

 

Payments to acquire other investments

 

(3,000) 

 

 

Other investing activities

 

(3,709) 

 

 

(565) 

 

(2,393) 

 

(3,709) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in cash from investing activities

 

(13,810) 

 

 

36,429  

 

(22,792) 

 

(13,810) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED BY) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchases of common stock

 

(3,943) 

 

 

(44,290) 

 

(3,923) 

 

 

(3,943) 

Withdrawals of investment-type insurance contracts

 

(1,033) 

 

 

(1,359) 

 

(1,376) 

 

 

(1,033) 

Dividends paid

 

(3,710) 

 

 

(1,927) 

 

(5,225) 

 

 

(3,710) 

Purchase of noncontrolling interest

 

(4,400) 

 

 

 

Proceeds from stock options exercised

 

163  

 

 

357  

Payments related to tax withholdings for sharebased compensation

 

(2,397) 

 

 

 

Other financing activities

 

72  

 

 

(328) 

 

(403) 

 

 

(285) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in cash from financing activities

 

(8,614) 

 

 

(47,904) 

 

(17,561) 

 

 

(8,614) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

(1,786) 

 

 

8,731  

 

(8,946) 

 

 

(1,786) 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year

 

32,197  

 

 

23,718  

 

30,807  

 

 

32,197  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period

$

30,411  

 

$

32,449  

$

21,861  

 

$

30,411  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



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"), and Independence American Insurance Company (“Independence American”); and (ii) its marketing and administrative companies, including IHC Specialty Benefits Inc., IHC Carrier Solutions, Inc., My1HR, Inc. (“My1HR”) and a majority interest in PetPartners, Inc. IHC also owns a significant equity interest in Ebix Health Exchange Holdings, LLC (“Ebix Health Exchange”), an administration exchange for health insurance. 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 approximately 62% of IHC's outstanding common stock at September 30, 2018.2019.  

 

(B)Consolidation

In May 2019, IHC purchased the remaining issued and outstanding units of HealthInsurance.org, LLC (“HIO”) from noncontrolling interests for total consideration valued at $4,700,000 making HIO a wholly owned subsidiary. The carrying value of the noncontrolling interest on the transaction date was $2,380,000. As a result of the equity transaction, $1,012,000 was charged to paid-in capital representing the difference between the fair value of the consideration paid and the carrying amount of noncontrolling interest on the transaction date, net of a deferred tax benefit.

(C)     Basis of Presentation 

 

The unaudited 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 unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of IHC and its consolidated subsidiaries. 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 unaudited 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, 20182019 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be anticipated for the entire year.



 

(C)(D)   Reclassifications 

 

Certain amounts in prior year’s consolidated financial statements and Notes thereto have been reclassified to conform to the 2018 presentation primarily as a result of new accounting principles adopted in the current year.2019 presentation.



 

(D)(E)   Revenue Recognition 

 

Insurance premiums are recognized as revenue over the period insurance protection is provided. For additional information about our policies regarding the recognition of premium revenues, see Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 20172018 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Fee income includes fees and commissions for various sales, marketing and administrative services provided by our marketing and administrative companies. Revenue is recognized as these services are performed. For these administrative service and other contracts, we have no material contract assets or contract liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2018.2019. Revenue recognized from performance obligations related to prior periods, and revenue expected to be recognized in future periods related to unfulfilled contractual performance obligations and contracts with variable consideration, is not material.

 

 

(E)(F)   Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

 

In May 2017,July 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”)FASB issued guidance to provide clarity and reduce both (i) diversity in practice; and (ii) cost and complexity whensimplify several aspects of accounting for a change in the terms or conditions of anonemployee share-based payment award. The amendments in this guidance will be applied prospectively.compensation. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In JanuaryMarch 2017, the FASB issued guidance that clarifiesrequiring premium amortization on callable debt securities to be amortized to the definitionearliest call date to more closely align the amortization period with expectations incorporated in market pricing of a business to assist entities with evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities is a business. The amendments in this guidance will be applied prospectively.the underlying securities. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In NovemberFebruary 2016, the FASB issued guidance requiring entitiesthat requires lessees to showrecognize the changes in the total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cashassets and restricted cash equivalents inliabilities that arise from leases, including operating leases, on the statement of cash flows.financial position. The amendments in this guidance were applied retrospectively. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect onCompany elected the Company’s Statements of Cash Flows and had no effect onfollowing practical expedients permitted within the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.new standard:

In October 2016, the FASB issued guidance requiring an entityaccounting policy election to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The amendmentslease payments for short-term leases in this guidance were appliedprofit or loss on a modified retrospectivestraight-line basis through over the lease term and variable lease payments in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred; 

practical expedients for leases that commenced before the effective date to not reassess: (i) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases; (ii) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases; and (iii) initial direct costs for any existing leases; 

a cumulative-effect adjustment directlypractical expedient to retained earnings asuse hindsight in determining the lease term and in assessing impairment of the entity’s right-of-use assets. 

an accounting policy election to not separate non-lease components from lease components and instead to account for them together as a single lease component. 

The Company selected the new transition method by applying the new lease requirements on January 1, 2018.2019, without adjustment to the financial statements for periods prior to adoption. As a result, on January 1, 2019, the Company recognized right-of-use assets of $7,010,000 for operating leases, reduced other liabilities by $687,000 to reclassify the unamortized balances of previously deferred operating lease incentives, and recognized operating lease liabilities of $7,697,000 in its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.results of operations or cash flows.

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance that changes how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the cash flows statement. The Company has elected to classify distributions received from equity method investees using the cumulative earnings approach. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance that eliminates the requirement to classify equity securities with readily determinable fair values as trading or available-for-sale. The guidance requires equity securities, other than those that result in consolidation or are accounted for under the equity method (including other ownership interests, such as partnerships, unincorporated joint ventures, and limited liability companies), to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income, simplifies the



impairment assessment of equity securities without readily determinable fair values and requires changes in disclosure requirements. The amendments in this guidance were applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment of $340,000 credit to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. The amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values (including disclosure requirements) will be applied prospectively to equity investments that existed as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet or IHC’s stockholders’ equity.

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. Substantially all of the Company’s revenue sources are excluded from the scope of the standard. For those revenue sources within the scope of the standard (included in the Fee income line of the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income), there were no material changes in the timing or measurement of revenues. The amendments in this guidance were applied retrospectively with a cumulative effect adjustment on January 1, 2018, and as such, the Company recorded $552,000 of contract assets and $1,094,000 of deferred revenues, which are included on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet in other assets and accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities. The overall net impact on retained earnings was a charge of $306,000, after the effects of taxes and noncontrolling interests.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted 

In October 2018, the FASB issued guidance for determining whether a decision making fee is a variable interest and requires reporting entities to consider indirect interests held through related parties under common control on a proportional basis rather than as the equivalent of a direct interest. The amendments in this guidance are effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The amendments in this guidance should be applied retrospectively through a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings at the beginning of the earliest period presented. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance to improve existing measurements, presentation and disclosure requirements for long-duration contracts issued by insurance entities. The amendments in this guidance requires an entity to (1) review and update assumptions used to measure cash flows at least annually as well as update the discount rate assumption at each reporting date; (2) measure market risk benefits associated with deposit contracts at fair value; (3) disclose liability rollforwards and information about significant inputs, judgements assumptions, and methods used in measurement. Additionally, it simplifies the amortization of deferred acquisition costs and other balances on a constant level basis over the expected term of the related contracts. The amendments in this guidance are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Upon adoption, the amendments in this guidance should be applied to contracts in-force as of the beginning of the earliest period presented with a cumulative adjustment to beginning retained earnings. Management is evaluating the requirements and potential impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to financial statements regarding fair value measurements. The amendments in this guidance are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Certain amendments should be applied prospectively for the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption while other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon the effective date. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In July 2018, the FASB issued guidance to simplify several aspects of accounting for nonemployee share-based compensation. The amendments in this guidance are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that fiscal year. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.



In March 2017, the FASB issued guidance requiring premium amortization on callable debt securities to be amortized to the earliest call date to more closely align the amortization period with expectations incorporated in market pricing of the underlying securities. The amendments in this guidance should be applied using a modified retrospective approach for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those periods. Additional disclosures are required in the period of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance to simplify the test for goodwill impairment by eliminating Step 2 in the goodwill impairment test. Instead, under the amendments in this guidance, an entity should perform its annual or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. Additionally, an entity should consider income tax effects from any tax-deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. The amendments in this guidance are effective for public business entities for annual, or any interim, goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance requiring financial assets measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. An allowance for credit losses will be deducted from the amortized cost basis to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected with changes in the allowance recorded in earnings. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities will also be recorded through an allowance for credit losses rather than the currently applied U.S. GAAP method of taking a permanent impairment of the security, which would be limited to the amount by which fair value is below the amortized cost. Certain existing requirements used to evaluate credit losses have been removed. In 2019, the FASB provided transition relief by providing entities with an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option on an instrument-by-instrument basis for eligible instruments upon adoption. For public entities that are SEC filers, the amendments in this guidance are effective for fiscal years beginning after December



15, 2019, including interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The amendments in this guidance should be applied through a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. Management is evaluating the requirements and potential impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance that requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases, including operating leases, on the statement of financial position. The amendments in this guidance are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. In July 2018, the FASB issued additional guidance that allows entities the option to either recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption or to use a modified retrospective approach. The Company is in the process of analyzing its lease portfolio. This process includes the evaluation of policies, processes and internal controls that will be required to comply with this new guidance. The Company plans to elect the practical expedients permitted within the new standard, which among other things, allows us to carryforward the historical lease classification.  In addition, the Company plans to select the new transition method and apply the new lease requirements in the period of adoption without adjustment to the financial statements for periods prior to adoption. The Company expects the adoption of this new standard to result in an increase on its consolidated balance sheet for right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or cash flows.



 

Note 2.Income Per Common Share 

 

Diluted income 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 62,000 and 66,000 shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and 314,000 and 296,000 shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and 309,000 and 288,000 shares for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017.respectively.

 

Note 3.Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash 

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets to the amounts shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the periods indicated (in thousands): 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

2018

 

2017

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

25,620 

$

26,565 

$

17,824 

$

25,620 

Restricted cash included in other assets

 

4,791 

 

5,884 

 

4,037 

 

4,791 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

$

30,411 

$

32,449 

$

21,861 

$

30,411 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted cash includes insurance premiums collected from insureds that are pending remittance to insurance carriers and/or payment of insurance claims and commissions to third party administrators. These amounts are required to be set aside by contractual agreements with the insurance carriers and are included in other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Note 4.Investment Securities 

 

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

 

 

 

September 30, 2019

GROSS

GROSS

AMORTIZED

UNREALIZED

UNREALIZED

FAIR

COST

GAINS

LOSSES

VALUE

FIXED MATURITIES

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:

Corporate securities

$

205,770

$

3,326

$

(1,107)

$

207,989

CMOs – residential (1)

5,522

49

-

5,571

U.S. Government obligations

39,852

294

(69)

40,077

GSEs (3)

6,323

-

(114)

6,209

States and political subdivisions

165,493

2,552

(731)

167,314

Foreign government obligations

6,800

165

(3)

6,962

Redeemable preferred stocks

5,970

197

-

6,167

Total fixed maturities

$

435,730

$

6,583

$

(2,024)

$

440,289



December 31, 2018 

 

 

 

 

GROSS 

 

GROSS 

 

 

 

 

AMORTIZED

 

UNREALIZED

 

UNREALIZED

 

FAIR 

 

 

COST 

 

GAINS 

 

LOSSES 

 

VALUE 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIXED MATURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate securities

$

200,252202,194 

$

537701 

$

(6,882)(5,406) 

$

193,907197,489 

CMOs - residential (1)

 

6,2666,092 

 

2- 

 

(388)(252) 

 

5,8805,840 

U.S. Government obligations

 

48,85763,231 

 

-1 

 

(730)(423) 

 

48,12762,809 

Agency MBS - residential (2)

 

63 

 

- 

 

- 

 

63 

GSEs (3)

 

9,5666,596 

 

- 

 

(347)(110) 

 

9,2196,486 

States and political subdivisions

 

173,109172,860 

 

129302 

 

(7,186)(5,228) 

 

166,052167,934 

Foreign government obligations

 

4,0817,039 

 

-51 

 

(119)(46) 

 

3,9627,044 

Redeemable preferred stocks

 

5,970 

 

- 

 

(173)(111) 

 

5,7975,859 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

$

448,107463,985 

$

6681,055 

$

(15,825)(11,576) 

$

432,950



December 31, 2017

GROSS

GROSS

AMORTIZED

UNREALIZED

UNREALIZED

FAIR

COST

GAINS

LOSSES

VALUE

FIXED MATURITIES

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:

Corporate securities

$

148,996

$

298

$

(2,847)

$

146,447

CMOs - residential(1)

6,857

-

(180)

6,677

U.S. Government obligations

85,510

-

(396)

85,114

Agency MBS - residential(2)

14

-

14

GSEs(3)

9,887

-

(205)

9,682

States and political subdivisions

182,664

598

(3,619)

179,643

Foreign government obligations

4,227

13

(90)

4,150

Redeemable preferred stocks

10,006

179

-

10,185

Total fixed maturities

$

448,161

$

1,088

$

(7,337)

$

441,912453,464 

 

(1)Collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”). 

(2) Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”). 

(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, 2018,2019, 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 prepayment penalties.

 

 

 

 

AMORTIZED

 

 

FAIR

 

 

AMORTIZED

 

 

FAIR

 

 

COST

 

 

VALUE

 

 

COST

 

 

VALUE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due in one year or less

 

$

27,898

 

$

27,734

 

$

33,408

 

$

33,481

Due after one year through five years

 

 

174,430

 

 

170,503

 

 

173,009

 

 

175,175

Due after five years through ten years

 

 

138,042

 

 

132,762

 

 

139,594

 

 

142,102

Due after ten years

 

 

91,899

 

 

86,846

 

 

77,874

 

 

77,751

Fixed maturities with no single maturity date

 

 

15,838

 

 

15,105

 

 

11,845

 

 

11,780

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

448,107

 

$

432,950

 

$

435,730

 

$

440,289

 



 

The following tables summarize, for all fixed maturities available-for-sale 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, 2018

 

September 30, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less than 12 Months

 

12 Months or Longer

 

Total

 

Less than 12 Months

 

12 Months or Longer

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Value

 

Losses

 

Value

 

Losses

 

Value

 

Losses

 

Value

 

Losses

 

Value

 

Losses

 

Value

 

Losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate securities

$

98,623

 

$

2,949 

 

$

88,261

 

$

3,933 

 

$

186,884

$

6,882 

$

7,050

 

$

13 

 

$

44,766

 

$

1,094 

 

$

51,816

$

1,107 

CMOs - residential

 

859

 

 

57 

 

5,106

 

331 

 

5,965

 

388 

 

-

 

 

- 

 

5

 

- 

 

5

 

- 

U.S. Government obligations

 

39,740

 

 

328 

 

8,388

 

402 

 

48,128

 

730 

 

-

 

 

- 

 

23,621

 

69 

 

23,621

 

69 

GSEs

 

-

 

 

- 

 

9,318

 

347 

 

9,318

 

347 

 

-

 

 

- 

 

6,203

 

114 

 

6,203

 

114 

States and political subdivisions

 

59,619

 

 

1,753 

 

99,307

 

5,433 

 

158,926

 

7,186 

 

14,789

 

 

47 

 

36,544

 

684 

 

51,333

 

731 

Foreign government obligations

 

1,145

 

 

12 

 

2,816

 

107 

 

3,961

 

119 

 

-

 

 

- 

 

1,632

 

3 

 

1,632

 

3 

Redeemable preferred stocks

 

5,797

 

 

173 

 

-

 

- 

 

5,797

 

173 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities in an

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

unrealized loss position

$

205,783

 

$

5,272 

 

$

213,196

 

$

10,553 

 

$

418,979

$

15,825 

$

21,839

 

$

60 

 

$

112,771

 

$

1,964 

 

$

134,610

$

2,024 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of fixed maturities in an

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

unrealized loss position

 

99

 

 

 

 

96

 

 

 

195

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

 

48

 

 

 

62

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less than 12 Months

 

12 Months or Longer

 

Total

 

Less than 12 Months

 

12 Months or Longer

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Value

 

Losses

 

Value

 

Losses

 

Value

 

Losses

 

Value

 

Losses

 

Value

 

Losses

 

Value

 

Losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate securities

$

85,642

 

$

1,250 

 

$

44,640

 

$

1,597 

 

$

130,282

$

2,847 

$

46,988

 

$

1,045 

 

$

108,738

 

$

4,361 

 

$

155,726

$

5,406 

CMOs - residential

 

1,381

 

 

45 

 

5,237

 

135 

 

6,618

 

180 

 

847

 

 

37 

 

4,993

 

215 

 

5,840

 

252 

U.S. Government obligations

 

75,811

 

 

198 

 

9,302

 

198 

 

85,113

 

396 

 

6,138

 

 

15 

 

31,693

 

408 

 

37,831

 

423 

GSEs

 

-

 

 

- 

 

9,669

 

205 

 

9,669

 

205 

 

-

 

 

- 

 

6,478

 

110 

 

6,478

 

110 

States and political subdivisions

 

83,682

 

 

1,348 

 

66,617

 

2,271 

 

150,299

 

3,619 

 

33,021

 

 

522 

 

113,297

 

4,706 

 

146,318

 

5,228 

Foreign government obligations

 

2,959

 

 

90 

 

-

 

- 

 

2,959

 

90 

 

-

 

 

- 

 

2,835

 

46 

 

2,835

 

46 

Redeemable preferred stocks

 

5,859

 

 

111 

 

-

 

- 

 

5,859

 

111 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities in an

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

unrealized loss position

$

249,475

 

$

2,931 

 

$

135,465

 

$

4,406 

 

$

384,940

$

7,337 

$

92,853

 

$

1,730 

 

$

268,034

 

$

9,846 

 

$

360,887

$

11,576 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of fixed maturities in an

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

unrealized loss position

 

60

 

 

 

 

76

 

 

 

136

 

 

 

47

 

 

 

 

115

 

 

 

162

 

 

 

Substantially all of the unrealized losses on fixed maturities available-for-sale at September 30, 20182019 and December 31, 20172018 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, 20182019.

 



 

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

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

 

2019

 

2018  

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized gains (losses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities available-for-sale

$

(247) 

$

719  

$

(442) 

$

1,062  

$

895 

$

(247) 

$

2,144 

$

(442) 

Equity securities

 

(2) 

 

 

 

(7) 

 

 

 

- 

 

(2) 

 

- 

 

(7) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total realized gains (losses) on debt and equity securities

 

(249) 

 

719  

 

(449) 

 

1,062  

 

895 

 

(249) 

 

2,144 

 

(449) 

Unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities

 

266  

 

(4) 

 

114  

 

(76) 

 

35 

 

266  

 

412 

 

114  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (losses) on debt and equity securities

 

17  

 

715  

 

(335) 

 

986  

 

930 

 

17  

 

2,556 

 

(335) 

Gains (losses) on other investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- 

 

 

 

- 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment gains (losses)

$

17  

$

715  

$

(335) 

$

987  

$

930 

$

17  

$

2,556 

$

(335) 

 

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company realized gross gains of $1,143,000 and $3,035,000, respectively, and gross losses of $248,000 and $891,000, respectively, from sales, maturities and prepayments of fixed maturities available-for-sale. For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Companycompany realized gross gains of $130,000 and $449,000, respectively, and gross losses of $377,000 and $891,000, respectively, from sales, maturities and prepayments of fixed maturities available-for-sale. For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the company realized gross gains of $780,000 and $2,119,000, respectively, and gross losses of $61,000 and $1,057,000, respectively, from sales, maturities and prepayments of fixed maturities available for sale.

 

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 1F(iv)1F(v) to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 20172018 Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of the factors considered by management in its regular review to identify and recognize other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturities available-for-sale. The Company recognized other-than-temporary impairment losses of $0 and $646,000 on certain fixed maturities available-for-sale securities in the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. The Company determined that it was more likely than not that we would sell the securities before the recovery of their amortized cost basis. The Company did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturities available-for-saleavailable for sale securities in the first nine months of 2018 or 2017.2018.

 

 

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.

 

Fixed maturities available-for-sale:

 

Fixed maturities available-for-sale included in Level 2 are 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 debt securities consist of municipal tax credit strips.  The valuation method used to determine the fair value of municipal tax credit strips is the present value of the remaining future tax credits (at the original issue discount rate) as presented in the redemption tables in the Municipal Prospectuses.   This original issue discount is accreted into income on a constant yield basis over the term of the debt instrument. Further, we retain independent pricing vendors to assist in valuing certain instruments.

 

Equity securities:

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

September 30, 2019

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

FINANCIAL ASSETS:

Fixed maturities available-for-sale:

  Corporate securities

$

-

$

207,989

$

-

$

207,989

  CMOs - residential

-

5,571

-

5,571

  US Government obligations

-

40,077

-

40,077

  GSEs

-

6,209

-

6,209

  States and political subdivisions

-

165,739

1,575

167,314

  Foreign government obligations

-

6,962

-

6,962

  Redeemable preferred stocks

6,167

-

-

6,167

     Total fixed maturities

6,167

432,547

1,575

440,289

Equity securities:

  Common stocks

2,633

-

-

2,633

  Nonredeemable preferred stocks

2,944

-

-

2,944

     Total equity securities

5,577

-

-

5,577

Total Financial Assets

$

11,744

$

432,547

$

1,575

$

445,866



December 31, 2018

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Corporate securities

$

- 

 

$

193,907197,489 

$

- 

$

193,907197,489 

  CMOs - residential

 

- 

 

 

5,8805,840 

 

- 

 

5,8805,840 

  US Government obligations

 

- 

 

 

48,12762,809 

 

- 

 

48,12762,809 

  Agency MBS - residential

 

- 

 

 

63 

 

- 

 

63 

  GSEs

 

- 

 

 

9,2196,486 

 

- 

 

9,2196,486 

  States and political subdivisions

 

- 

 

 

164,300166,225 

 

1,7521,709 

 

166,052167,934 

  Foreign government obligations

 

- 

 

 

3,9627,044 

 

- 

 

3,9627,044 

  Redeemable preferred stocks

 

5,7975,859 

 

 

- 

 

- 

 

5,7975,859 

     Total fixed maturities

 

5,7975,859 

 

 

425,401445,896 

 

1,7521,709 

 

432,950453,464 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Common stocks

 

2,6912,366 

 

 

- 

 

- 

 

2,6912,366 

  Nonredeemable preferred stocks

 

2,8372,800 

 

 

- 

 

- 

 

2,8372,800 

     Total equity securities

 

5,5285,166 

 

 

- 

 

- 

 

5,5285,166 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Financial Assets

$

11,32511,025 

 

$

425,401445,896 

$

1,7521,709 

$

438,478



December 31, 2017

Level 1

Level 2

��

Level 3

Total

FINANCIAL ASSETS:

Fixed maturities available-for-sale:

  Corporate securities

$

-

$

146,447

$

-

$

146,447

  CMOs - residential

-

6,677

-

6,677

  US Government obligations

-

85,114

-

85,114

  Agency MBS - residential

-

14

-

14

  GSEs

-

9,682

-

9,682

  States and political subdivisions

-

177,767

1,876

179,643

  Foreign government obligations

-

4,150

-

4,150

  Redeemable preferred stocks

10,185

-

-

10,185

     Total fixed maturities

10,185

429,851

1,876

441,912

Equity securities:

  Common stocks

2,490

-

-

2,490

  Nonredeemable preferred stocks

3,630

-

-

3,630

     Total equity securities

6,120

-

-

6,120

Total Financial Assets

$

16,305

$

429,851

$

1,876

$

448,032458,630 

 

 

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 20182019 or 2017.2018.

 

The following table presents the changes in fair value of our Level 3 financial assets for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

2018

 

2017

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

States and

 

Total

 

States and

 

Total

 

States and

 

Total

 

 

States and

 

Total

 

Political

 

Level 3

 

Political

 

Level 3

 

Political

 

Level 3

 

 

Political

 

Level 3

 

Subdivisions

 

Assets

 

Subdivisions

 

Assets

 

Subdivisions

 

Assets

 

 

Subdivisions

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

$

1,794  

$

1,794  

$

1,956  

$

1,956  

$

1,620  

$

1,620  

 

$

1,794  

$

1,794  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increases (decreases) recognized in earnings:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (losses) included in other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains (losses)

 

(8) 

 

(8) 

 

(8) 

 

(8) 

 

(6) 

 

(6) 

 

 

(8) 

 

(8) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayments and amortization of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

fixed maturities

 

(34) 

 

(34) 

 

(31) 

 

(31) 

 

(39) 

 

(39) 

 

 

(34) 

 

(34) 

Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

$

1,752  

$

1,752  

$

1,917  

$

1,917  

$

1,575  

$

1,575  

 

$

1,752  

$

1,752  



 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

 

States and

 

Total

 

States and

 

Total

 

 

Political

 

Level 3

 

Political

 

Level 3

 

 

Subdivisions

 

Assets

 

Subdivisions

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

$

1,876  

$

1,876  

$

2,033  

$

2,033  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increases (decreases) recognized in earnings:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Net investment gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (losses) included in other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Net unrealized gains (losses)

 

(23) 

 

(23) 

 

(26) 

 

(26) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayments and amortization of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

fixed maturities

 

(101) 

 

(101) 

 

(90) 

 

(90) 

Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

$

1,752  

$

1,752  

$

1,917  

$

1,917  

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

States and

 

Total

 

 

States and

 

Total

 

 

Political

 

Level 3

 

 

Political

 

Level 3

 

 

Subdivisions

 

Assets

 

 

Subdivisions

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

$

1,709  

$

1,709  

 

$

1,876  

$

1,876  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increases (decreases) recognized in earnings:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Net investment gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (losses) included in other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Net unrealized gains (losses)

 

(20) 

 

(20) 

 

 

(23) 

 

(23) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayments and amortization of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   fixed maturities

 

(114) 

 

(114) 

 

 

(101) 

 

(101) 

Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

$

1,575  

$

1,575  

 

$

1,752  

$

1,752  

 

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

 

 

 

September 30, 20182019

 

December 31, 20172018

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

 

 

 

Fair

 

Fair

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

Fair

 

Carrying

 

 

Value

 

Value

 

Value

 

Value

 

Value

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Short-term investments

$

1,047

$

-

$

1,047

$

50 

$

- 

$

50

$

1,050

$

-

$

1,050 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Funds on deposit

$

- 

$

141,813140,739 

$

141,685140,724 

$

- 

$

143,702141,662 

$

143,537141,635

  Other policyholders’ funds

-

12,042

12,042

-

10,939

10,939 

 

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:

 

Short-term Investments

 

Investments with original maturities of 91 days to one year are considered short-term investments and are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

 

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.

Other Policyholders’ Funds

Other policyholders’ funds are primarily credited with current market interest rates resulting in a fair



value which approximates the carrying amount.

 

Note 6.Other Investments, Including Variable Interest Entities 

 

Included in other investments is our investment in Ebix Health Exchange which administers various lines of health insurance for IHC’s insurance subsidiaries. The carrying value of the Company’s equity investment in Ebix Health Exchange is $6,973,000$4,356,000 and $8,188,000$6,425,000 at September 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The2018, respectively, and the Company recorded $(406,000) and $(2,069,000), respectively, of equity income (loss) from its investment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and $(445,000) and $(1,216,000), respectively, of equity income (loss) from its investment for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and $(19,000) and $228,000, respectively, of equity income (loss) for the same periods ended September 30, 2017.of 2018.

 

At September 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets include $1,886,000$1,824,000 and $1,859,000,$1,842,000, respectively, of notes and other amounts receivable from Ebix Health Exchange, and include $1,086,000$203,000 and $1,139,000,$910,000, respectively, 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 administrative fee expenses to Ebix Health Exchange, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses of $1,796,000$621,000 and $6,269,000$1,608,000, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018,2019, respectively, and $2,613,000$1,796,000 and $8,017,000,$6,269,000, respectively, for the same periods of 2017.2018.

In June 2019, the Company paid $3,000,000 for an equity interest in a lead generation company that will be accounted for as an equity method investment.

In March 2019, the Company’s equity investment in Pets Best, that was carried at a cost of $500,000, was acquired by an unaffiliated entity and the Company realized a gain of $3,589,000 on the sale, which is included in Other Income in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

 

Variable Interest Entities

 

The Company has a minority interest in certain limited partnerships that we have determined to be Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”).  The aforementioned VIEs are not required to be consolidated in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements as we are not the primary beneficiary since we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance.

 

The Company will periodically reassess whether we are the primary beneficiary in any of these investments. The reassessment process will consider whether we have acquired the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE through changes in governing documents or other circumstances. Our maximum loss exposure is limited to our combined $4,131,000$4,423,000 carrying value in these equity investments which is included in other investments in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2018.2019

.

 

 

Note 7.Acquisitions

In 2019 the Company made several business acquisitions as follows:

In January 2019, the Company acquired all of the stock of My1HR, a web-based entity with a state-of-the-art insurance quoting and cloud-based enrollment platform. In general, companies that provide insurance through user-centric platforms, or create efficiencies in the insurance industry through technological advances, are referred to as “insuretech” companies. The Company acquired My1HR for its quoting and cloud-based enrollment platforms as part of an effort to expand our “insuretech” footprint through our agencies, which generate leads and sell our products through our owned call center and career advisors.

In April 2019, the Company purchased substantially all of the assets and liabilities of a sales and



customer service call center. The Company acquired the call center in order to capitalize on technology-driven trends in the purchase of health insurance directly by consumers. Prior to the purchase, the Company owned an equity interest in the call center. Immediately preceding the transaction, the Company determined the fair value of its equity interest to be $720,000 using a market approach and, as a result, recorded a loss of $237,000 which is included in other income on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income.

The aggregate fair value of consideration transferred for these acquisitions was $8,534,000 cash. The following table presents the aggregate acquisition-date fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in these transactions (in thousands):

Cash

$

582

Intangible assets

1,500

Other assets

1,301

Total identifiable assets

3,383

Other liabilities

3,637

Total liabilities

3,637

Net identifiable assets (liabilities) acquired

$

(254)

In connection with these acquisitions, the Company recorded $9,508,000 of goodwill and $1,500,000 of intangible assets (see Note 8). The fair value of the acquired identifiable intangible assets is provisional pending receipt of the final valuations for those assets and liabilities. The amount of goodwill and intangibles entitled to an amortization deduction for income tax purposes will be determined upon a mutually agreeable asset allocation of the acquisition consideration with the respective acquirees.

Goodwill reflects the synergies with our insurance carriers. My1HR has an existing distribution network and offers increased distribution sources for IHC carrier products through its quoting and cloud based enrollment platforms designed specifically for producers in the small group employer marketand individual Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) and ancillary market.This new quoting and enrollment system will support group and individual products for all IHC carriers as well as select group ACA and level funded health coverages from leading national health plans. The acquisition of the call center is expected to expand our existing call center reach and increase sales of IHC-underwritten health insurance. Goodwill was calculated as the sum of (i) the aggregate acquisition-date fair value of total cash consideration transferred of $8,534,000 , (ii) the aggregate acquisition-date fair value of equity interests immediately before the acquisition of $720,000; and (iii) the net identifiable liabilities of $254,000 assumed. Enterprise values were determined either by an independent appraisal using a discounted cash flow model based upon the projected future earnings or by a market approach net of any control premiums.

Acquisition-related costs, primarily legal and consulting fees, were not material and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

For the three months ended September 30, 2019, the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income includes revenues and net income of $1,907,000 and $332,000, respectively, from these acquisitions.  For the period from the acquisition dates to September 30, 2019, the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income includes revenues and net income of $3,331,000 and $(51,000), respectively, from these acquisitions.

Pro forma adjustments to present the Company’s consolidated revenues and net income as if the acquisition dates were January 1, 2018 are not material and accordingly are omitted.



Note 8.Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets 

 

The carrying amount of goodwill is $60,205,000 and $50,697,000 at both September 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017.2018, respectively, all of which is attributable to the Specialty Health segment.

 

The Company has net other intangible assets of $13,545,000$13,687,000 and $14,669,000$13,163,000 at September 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, 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, 20182019

 

December 31, 20172018

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

Carrying

 

Accumulated

 

Carrying

 

Accumulated

 

 

Amount

 

Amortization

 

Amount

 

Amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finite-lived Intangible Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Agent and broker relationships

$

17,25318,753 

$

13,09614,223 

$

17,253 

$

12,14013,419 

  Domain

 

1,000 

 

200300 

 

1,000 

 

125225 

  Software systems

 

780 

 

169300 

 

780 

 

76203 

     Total finite-lived

$

19,03320,533 

$

13,46514,823 

$

19,033 

$

12,34113,847 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

2018

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance licenses

 

 

 

 

$

7,977 

$

7,977 

 

 

 

 

$

7,977 

$

7,977 

Total indefinite-lived

 

 

 

 

$

7,977 

$

7,977 

 

 

 

 

$

7,977 

$

7,977 

As discussed in Note 7, in connection with business acquisitions in 2019, the Company recorded $9,508,000 of goodwill and $1,500,000 of intangible assets associated with the Specialty Health segment. The intangible assets primarily represent the fair value of customer relationships and are being amortized over a weighted average period of 17 years.

 

Amortization expense was $308,000 and $976,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and was $381,000 and $1,124,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and  was $393,000 and $941,000 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. 

 

Note 8.9.Income Taxes 

 

The provisions for income taxes shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income were computed by applying the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the reporting periods. In 2017, President Trump signed tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). was enacted. The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to, reducing the Federal corporate income tax rate to 21%. effective January 1, 2018. As a result of IHC’s June 30 fiscal tax year, the Tax Act subjects IHC to a blended tax rate of 28% for its fiscal tax year ended June 30, 2018. Other differences between the Federal statutory income tax rate and the Company’s effective income tax rate are principally from the dividends received deduction and tax exempt interest income, state and local income taxes, and compensation related tax provisions.provisions, and the expected current year utilization of AMIC’s net operating loss carryforwards.

Income taxes for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2019 includes additional tax



expense of $1,600,000 associated with the reduction of estimated tax benefits from the expected current year utilization of AMIC’s net operating loss carryforwards.

The Internal Revenue Service has completed its review of the Company’s 2015 consolidated income tax return with no changes in the Company’s reported tax, however, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance has recently selected the Company’s 2015 and 2016 income tax returns for audit.

 

Note 9.10. Leases

Certain subsidiaries of the Company are obligated under operating lease agreements for office space and office equipment.

The Company had right-of-use assets amounting to $7,251,000 and corresponding lease liabilities of $7,871,000 related to its operating leases, which are included in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet on September 30, 2019. The weighted average discount rate used to measure lease liabilities was 6.70%. The leases have remaining lease terms of 1 to 8 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to 5 years. The weighted average remaining lease term is 5 years. Variable lease costs consist primarily of the Company’s proportionate share of real estate taxes and operating expenses related to leased premises. The following table summarizes information pertaining to our lease obligations for the periods indicated (in thousands): 

Three Months

Nine Months

Ended

Ended

September 30, 2019

September 30, 2019

Operating lease costs

$

599 

$

1,710 

Short-term lease costs

65 

139 

Variable lease costs

127 

333 

  Total lease costs

$

791 

$

2,182 

Other information:

 Operating cash flows from operating leases

$

(603)

$

(1,776)

 Right-of-use assets obtained for operating leases

$

1,049 

$

1,688 

The Company assumed $435,000 of right-of-use assets in connection with acquisitions in 2019, as discussed in Note 7. 

Maturities of operating lease liabilities at September 30, 2019 were as follows: 

Due in the next year

$

2,490 

Due in two years

1,893 

Due in three years

1,786 

Due in four years

1,136 

Due in five years

699 

Due in remaining years

1,200 

   Total payments due

9,204 

Present value discount

(1,333)

    Operating lease liability

$

7,871 



Note 11.Policy Benefits and Claims 

 

Policy benefits and claims is the liability for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses. It is comprised of unpaid claims and estimated IBNRincurred but not reported (“IBNR”) reserves. Summarized below are the changes in the total liability for policy benefits and claims for the periods indicated (in thousands).

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

$

168,683  

 

$

219,113  

$

160,115  

 

$

168,683  

Less: reinsurance recoverable

 

42,136  

 

 

88,853  

 

38,122  

 

 

42,136  

Net balance at beginning of year

 

126,547  

 

 

130,260  

 

121,993  

 

 

126,547  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount incurred, related to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current year

 

127,544  

 

 

114,795  

 

145,938  

 

 

127,544  

Prior years

 

(19,152) 

 

 

(9,236) 

 

(15,950) 

 

 

(19,152) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total incurred

 

108,392  

 

 

105,559  

 

129,988  

 

 

108,392  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount paid, related to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current year

 

65,380  

 

 

52,822  

 

76,395  

 

 

65,380  

Prior years

 

49,916  

 

 

56,452  

 

51,326  

 

 

49,916  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total paid

 

115,296  

 

 

109,274  

 

127,721  

 

 

115,296  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net balance at end of period

 

119,643  

 

 

126,545  

Net balance at end of year

 

124,260  

 

 

119,643  

Plus: reinsurance recoverable

 

38,525  

 

 

43,002  

 

37,169  

 

 

38,525  

Balance at end of period

$

158,168  

 

$

169,547  

Balance at end of year

$

161,429  

 

$

158,168  

 

Since unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses are estimates, actual losses incurred may be more or less than the Company’s previously developed estimates and is referred to as either unfavorable or favorable development, respectively. The overall net favorable development of $15,950,000 in 2019 related to prior years consists of favorable developments of $4,370,000 in Specialty Health reserves, $10,132,000 in the group disability reserves, $1,291,000 in the other individual life, annuities and other reserves, and $157,000 in Medical Stop-Loss reserves. Specialty Health net favorable development occurred primarily in the fixed indemnity limited benefit, short-term medical, occupational accident and dental lines of business.  Group Disability net favorable development was primarily due to favorable claim experience in the New York short-term disability (“DBL”) and group long-term disability ("LTD") lines of business. The net favorable development of the DBL line is mainly due to the reversal of potential policyholders’ premium refund for prior years for better than expected claim experience.  The Company settled the Paid Family Leave (“PFL”) risk adjustment payment for the 2018 year with no adjustment to the DBL line of business. The overall net favorable development of $19,152,000 in 2018 related to prior years primarily consists of favorable developments of $9,729,000 in the Specialty Health reserves, $7,862,000 in the group disability reserves, $1,346,000 in the other individual life, annuities and other reserves, and $215,000 in Medical Stop-Loss reserves. Specialty Health had net favorable development primarily from: (i) the release of reserves due to emerging favorable experience on hospital indemnity plan business written in 2017 on increased sales volume of this product; (ii) short-term medical business as inventory levels decreased during 2018 and paid claim activity was below the levels anticipated; and, (iii) favorable development in other lines of Specialty Health business. Group disability had net favorable development primarily as a result of a lower number of expected claims and greater number of expected terminations in our LTD business. The overall net favorable development of $9,236,000 in 2017 related to prior years primarily consists of favorable developments of $2,420,000 in the Medical Stop-Loss reserves, $5,406,000 in the group disability reserves, and $2,714,000 in the other individual life, annuities and other reserves, partially offset by an unfavorable development of $1,304,000 in Specialty Health reserves.

 



 

Included in the preceding rollforward of the Company’s liability for policy benefits and claims are the policy benefits and claims activity associated with the Company’s health insurance lines. These are embedded within the Specialty Health segment. The table below summarizes the components of the change in the liability for policy benefits and claims that are specific to health insurance claims for the periods indicated (in thousands).

 

 

 

Specialty Health Segment

 

Specialty Health Segment

 

Health Insurance Claims

 

Health Insurance Claims

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

$

32,904  

 

$

27,183  

$

26,068  

 

$

32,904  

Less: reinsurance recoverable

 

762  

 

 

1,179  

 

851  

 

 

762  

Net balance at beginning of year

 

32,142  

 

 

26,004  

 

25,217  

 

 

32,142  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount incurred, related to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current year

 

37,099  

 

 

40,836  

 

38,950  

 

 

37,099  

Prior years

 

(8,266) 

 

 

1,144  

 

(2,370) 

 

 

(8,266) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total incurred

 

28,833  

 

 

41,980  

 

36,580  

 

 

28,833  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount paid, related to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current year

 

14,880  

 

 

13,528  

 

15,630  

 

 

14,880  

Prior years

 

19,507  

 

 

23,797  

 

15,357  

 

 

19,507  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total paid

 

34,387  

 

 

37,325  

 

30,987  

 

 

34,387  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net balance at end of period

 

26,588  

 

 

30,659  

Net balance at end of year

 

30,810  

 

 

26,588  

Plus: reinsurance recoverable

 

865  

 

 

814  

 

919  

 

 

865  

Balance at end of period

$

27,453  

 

$

31,473  

Balance at end of year

$

31,729  

 

$

27,453  

 

 

The liability for the IBNR plus expected development on reported claims associated with the Company’s health insurance claims is $27,453,000$30,810,000 at September 30, 2018.2019.

 

Note 10.12.Stockholders’ Equity 

 

Treasury Stock

In 2018, the Company repurchased 129,521 shares of its common stock for an aggregate cost of $3,817,000. In 2018 all shares were purchased in the open market. In 2017, the Company repurchased 2,211,629 shares of its common stock for an aggregate cost of $44,442,000. Of that amount, 703,000 shares were repurchased in private transactions for an aggregate cost of $13,975,000, 1,385,118 shares were repurchased for an aggregate cost of $27,702,000 pursuant to the terms of a tender offer; and the remaining shares were repurchased in the open market.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company reissued 38,908 and 12,671 shares, respectively, that were previously held in treasury. In 2017, the 12,671 shares were reissued to satisfy net-share settlements of option exercises during the period. 



 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) includes 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. In 2018, investment securities available-for-sale consist of only fixed maturities. Prior to January 1, 2018, the Company classified certain equity securities as available-for-sale. Changes to the fair value of those equity securities classified as available-for-sale were recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) for the corresponding periods in 2017 and prior. Upon the adoption of new accounting guidance on January 1, 2018, the Company: (i) recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment to reclassify the existing amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income on that date for equity securities previously classified as available-for-sale, to retained earnings; and (ii) recorded the subsequent changes in the fair value of those equity securities in net income.



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

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

$

(11,237) 

$

(2,504) 

$

(4,598)

$

(6,964) 

$

2,298 

$

(11,237) 

$

(8,310) 

$

(4,598) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative-effect of new accounting principles

 

 

 

 

 

(350)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(350) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 

(922) 

 

627  

 

(7,364)

 

5,305  

 

1,995  

 

(922) 

 

13,072  

 

(7,364) 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI

 

196  

 

(467) 

 

349 

 

(685) 

 

(706) 

 

196  

 

(1,175) 

 

349  

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(726) 

 

160  

 

(7,015)

 

4,620  

Net other comprehensive income

 

1,289  

 

(726) 

 

11,897  

 

(7,015) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ending balance

$

(11,963) 

$

(2,344) 

$

(11,963)

$

(2,344) 

$

3,587  

$

(11,963) 

$

3,587  

$

(11,963) 

 

 

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,

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  reclassified during the period to the following income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  statement line items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Net investment gains (losses)

$

(247) 

$

719 

$

(442) 

$

1,062 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Income (loss) before income tax

 

(247) 

 

719 

 

(442) 

 

1,062 

     Tax effect

 

(51) 

 

252 

 

(93) 

 

377 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Net income (loss)

$

(196) 

$

467 

$

(349) 

$

685 



 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  reclassified during the period to the following income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  statement line items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Net investment gains (losses)

$

895  

$

(247) 

$

2,144  

$

(442) 

     Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

 

- 

 

- 

 

(646) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Income (loss) before income tax

 

895  

 

(247) 

 

1,498  

 

(442) 

     Tax effect

 

189  

 

(51) 

 

323  

 

(93) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Net income (loss)

$

706  

$

(196) 

$

1,175  

$

(349) 

 

 

Note 11.13.Share-Based Compensation 

 

Under the terms of IHC’s share-based compensation plans: (i) the exercise price of an option may not be less than the fair market value of an IHC share on the grant date, and the terms of an option may not exceed 10 years from the grant date; and (ii) the exercise price of a SAR may not be less than the fair market value of an IHC share on the grant date and SAR terms may not exceed 10 years from the date of grant.

The fair value of an option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. In general, the vesting period for an option grant is 3 years. Restricted share units are valued at the quoted market price of the shares at the date of grant and generally vest over 3 years. Compensation costs for options and restricted share units are recognized over the stated vesting periods on a straight-line basis. The fair value of a SAR 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 the fair value of a SAR continue to be recognized as compensation expense in the period of the change until settlement. The Company accounts for forfeitures of share-based compensation awards in the period that they occur.

At September 30, 2018, there were 846,300 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,

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

IHC’s Share-based Compensation Plan:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options

$

189 

$

36 

$

558 

$

106 

Restricted stock units

 

39 

 

23 

 

129 

 

81 

SARs

 

93 

 

305 

 

218 

 

359 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share-based compensation expense, pre-tax

 

321 

 

364 

 

905 

 

546 

Tax benefits

 

86 

 

145 

 

281 

 

218 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share-based compensation expense, net

$

235 

$

219 

$

624 

$

328 

Stock Options

The IHC’s stock option activity during 2018the first nine months of 2019 was as follows:

 

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted- Average

 

Shares

 

Weighted- Average

 

Under Option

 

Exercise Price

 

Under Option

 

Exercise Price

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

692,380   

 

$

16.62

December 31, 2018

 

567,384  

 

$

19.40

Granted

 

13,000  

 

 

31.30

 

424,380  

 

 

37.38

Exercised

 

(36,433) 

 

 

9.79

 

(197,383) 

 

 

9.69

September 30, 2018

 

668,947  

 

$

17.28

Forfeited

 

(4,000) 

 

 

22.20

September 30, 2019

 

790,381  

 

$

31.46



 

The weighted average grant date fair valuesvalue of options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were $9.77 and $7.01, respectively. The assumptions set forth in the table below were used to value the stock options granted during the periods indicated:2019 was $8.31.

 

 

2018

2017

 

 

 

Weighted-average risk-free interest rate

2.64% 

1.71% 

Expected annual dividend rate per share

0.95% 

0.79% 

Expected volatility factor of the Company's common stock

35.80% 

37.57% 

Weighted-average expected term of options

4.5 years

4.5 years

In 2018,2019, IHC received $357,000$163,000 in cash from the exercise of stock options with an aggregate intrinsic value of $886,000$5,091,000 and recognized $165,000$748,000 of tax benefits. In 2017, IHC received no cash from the exercise of stock options, as option exercises were net settledCash outflows in IHC shares. As part of the net-share settlements in 2017, cash outflows2019 to satisfy employees’ income tax withholding obligations amounted to $303,000. Stock options exercised in 2017 had an aggregate intrinsic value of $621,000 and IHC realized $180,000 of tax benefits.

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

 

 

September 30, 2018

 

 

Outstanding

 

Exercisable

 

 

 

 

 

Number of options

 

668,947

 

363,612

Weighted average exercise price per share

$

17.28

$

10.99

Aggregate intrinsic value for all options (in thousands)

$

12,458

$

9,057

Weighted average contractual term remaining

 

2.2 years

 

0.8 years

At September 30, 2018, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to IHC’s non-vested stock options was $1,473,000 and it is expected to be recognized as compensation expense over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.

Restricted Stock$2,397,000.

The following table summarized restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2018: 

No. Of

Weighted-Average

Non-vested

Grant-Date

Shares

Fair Value

December 31, 2017

18,975 

$

22.91

Vested

(2,475)

11.78

September 30, 2018

16,500 

$

24.58

The total fair value of restricted stock that vested during the first nine months of 2018 and 2017 was $92,000 and $94,000, respectively. IHC granted no restricted stock awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

At September 30, 2018, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock



unit awards was $269,000 and is expected to be recognized as compensation expense over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.

SARs

IHC had 64,900 SAR awards outstanding at both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 with corresponding liabilities of $240,000 and $22,000 for those periods, respectively, that are included in Other Liabilities in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Note 12.14.Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information 

 

Net cash payments for income taxes were $1,169,000$783,000 and $292,000$1,169,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017.respectively.

 

 

Note 13.15.Contingencies

Third Party Administrator 

 

A third party administrator with whom we formerly did business (“Plaintiff” or “TPA”)) filed a Complaint dated May 17, 2017 in the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, naming IHC, Madison National Life, Standard Security Life, and IHC Carrier Solutions, Inc. (collectively referred to as “Defendants”). “Plaintiff” and “Defendants” are collectively referred to herein as the “Parties”. The Complaint concernsconcerned agreements entered into by Standard Security Life and Madison National Life with Plaintiff, as well as other allegations made by Plaintiff against Defendants. The Complaint seekssought injunctive relief and damages in an amount exceeding $50,000,000, profit share payments allegedly owed to Plaintiff under the agreements totaling at least $3,082,000 through 2014, plus additional amounts for 2015 and 2016, and exemplary and punitive damages as allowed by law and fees and costs.  Defendants believe these claims to be without merit. Defendants moved to Compel Arbitration and Dismiss or Stay the original Complaint. Plaintiff filed an Amended Complaint on August 18, 2017.  Defendants filed a Motion to Compel Arbitration or Stay the Amended Complaint. The Parties agreed to enter into an Order staying the action filed in Texas. The Parties’ disputed claims have moved in part to arbitration.

Standard Security Life and Madison National Life will strongly pursuedemanded arbitration against this TPA. The Arbitration Panel issued an Order splitting the hearing into two phases.  Standard Security Life and Madison National Life successfully presented their claims in Phase I on September 25 through September 28, 2018. The TPA’s counterclaims were heard during Phase II held on February 11, 2019 through February 15, 2019. Standard Security Life and vigorously opposeMadison National Life successfully opposed the counterclaims asserted by the TPA.TPA as the Arbitration Panel denied all claims against Standard Security Life and Madison National Life.Standard Security Life and Madison National Life filed the Petition to Confirm the Arbitration Award. The TPA opposed this Motion. On June 17, 2019, the Court entered its Final Judgment and Order Confirming the Arbitration Award (the “Final Judgment”). On July 15, 2019, Plaintiff filed a Notice of Appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit from the judgment entered on June 17, 2019.  

Since the arbitration will likely concludeis complete, the stay in the first halfTexas litigation was lifted, and Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss. On October 16, 2019, the Court granted in part and denied in part Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss.  The Court found that an arbitration agreement, including an arbitration provision, exists between the parties and therefore, the parties were directed to proceed with arbitration.  In light of 2019.this holding, the Court stayed and administratively closed the action pending the outcome of another arbitration. On October 29, 2019, the Plaintiff demanded arbitration against Standard Security Life, Madison National Life, and Independence Holding Company seeking a declaration by a new arbitration panel that the claims alleged in the complaint in the dismissed Texas litigation are not arbitrable.  This demand for a new arbitration has no impact on the Final Judgment.

Multistate Market Conduct Examination

As previously disclosed, our subsidiaries Standard Security Life, Madison National Life and Independence American have been selected for a multistate market conduct exam ("MCE") related to our short term medical, limited medical and fixed indemnity health insurance products for the period of January 1, 2014 through September 30, 2017. The insurance departments of five jurisdictions (Delaware, Wisconsin, District of Columbia, Kansas and South Dakota) are serving as leads, and the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking and the Delaware Department of Insurance are serving as the managing lead states of the MCE.  In addition to the five lead states, 36 other states are participating in the MCE.  Each of Standard Security Life, Madison National Life and Independence American responded to inquiries and



document production requests in the MCE and has proactively communicated and cooperated with the applicable regulatory agencies for the MCE.  Each of these subsidiaries has also provided a detailed action plan to regulators that summarizes its enhanced compliance and control mechanisms.

On July 18, 2019, each of Standard Security Life, Madison National Life and Independence American received a proposed Regulatory Settlement Agreement ("RSA") to resolve the MCE with respect to such company.  The proposed RSAs provide for monetary penalties as well as requirements related to such subsidiaries' marketing activities and periodic reporting to regulators.Standard Security Life, Madison National Life and Independence American have preliminarily responded to the proposed RSAs and anticipate entering into confidential discussions with the insurance departments of the lead jurisdictions once they have reviewed. At this time, the Company is not able to reasonably estimate any settlement amount or range of settlement amounts that may result from such discussions.

 

 

Note 14.16.Segment Reporting 

 

The Insurance Group principally engages in the life and health insurance business. Interest expense, taxes,Taxes and general expenses associated with parent company activities are included in Corporate. Identifiable assets by segment are those assets that are utilized in each segment and are allocated based upon the mean reserves and liabilities of each such segment. Corporate assets are composed principally of cash equivalents, resale agreements, fixed maturities, equity securities, partnership interests and certain other investments.  Effective January 1, 2018, Standard Security Life began selling a new rider (“Paid Family Leave” or “PFL”) as part of our New York short-term disability (“DBL”) policies.  

 

Information by business segment is presented below for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty Health

$

53,108  

$

55,502  

$

152,959  

$

152,292  

$

48,237  

$

53,108  

$

149,419  

$

152,959  

Group disability, life, DBL and PFL

 

35,599  

 

26,112  

 

107,280  

 

78,985  

 

44,025  

 

35,599  

 

127,068  

 

107,280  

Individual life, annuities and other (A)

 

520  

 

455  

 

1,432  

 

1,494  

 

457  

 

520  

 

1,279  

 

1,432  

Medical Stop-Loss (A)

 

13  

 

576  

 

36  

 

2,549  

 

 

 

13  

 

 

 

36  

Corporate

 

678  

 

392  

 

1,755  

 

1,522  

 

1,514  

 

678  

 

4,787  

 

1,755  

 

89,918  

 

83,037  

 

263,462  

 

236,842  

 

94,235  

 

89,918  

 

282,559  

 

263,462  

Net investment gains (losses)

 

17  

 

715  

 

(335) 

 

987  

 

930  

 

17  

 

2,556  

 

(335) 

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

 

 

 

 

 

(646) 

 

- 

Total revenues

$

89,935  

$

83,752  

$

263,127  

$

237,829  

$

95,165  

$

89,935  

$

284,469  

$

263,127  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty Health (B)

$

10,595  

$

5,238  

$

23,319  

$

9,412  

$

1,127 

$

10,595  

$

13,608  

$

23,319  

Group disability, life, DBL and PFL

 

4,267  

 

5,144  

 

14,912  

 

12,777  

 

9,985  

 

4,267  

 

19,187  

 

14,912  

Individual life, annuities and other (A) (C)

 

(63) 

 

(385) 

 

(357) 

 

(532) 

 

(607) 

 

(63) 

 

(1,374) 

 

(357) 

Medical Stop-Loss (A)

 

(64) 

 

(538) 

 

100  

 

2,752  

 

(33) 

 

(64) 

 

252  

 

100  

Corporate

 

(1,849) 

 

(2,295) 

 

(6,188) 

 

(6,042) 

 

(1,983) 

 

(1,849) 

 

(5,124) 

 

(6,188) 

 

12,886  

 

7,164  

 

31,786  

 

18,367  

 

8,489  

 

12,886  

 

26,549  

 

31,786  

Net investment gains (losses)

 

17  

 

715  

 

(335) 

 

987  

 

930  

 

17  

 

2,556  

 

(335) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

 

 

 

-  

 

(646) 

 

- 

Income before income taxes

$

12,903  

$

7,879  

$

31,451  

$

19,354  

$

9,419  

$

12,903  

$

28,459  

$

31,451  

 

(A)Substantially all of the business in the segment is coinsured. Activity in this segment primarily reflects income or expenses related to the coinsurance and the run-off of any remaining blocks that were not coinsured.  

 

(B)The Specialty Health segment includes amortization of intangible assets. Total amortization expense was $381,000$308,000 and $393,000$381,000 for the three months ended September 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively, and was $1,124,000$976,000 and $941,000, respectively,$1,124,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017.respectively. 



 

(C)The Individual life, annuities and other segment includes amortization of deferred charges in connection with the assumptions of certain ceded life and annuity policies of $220,000$198,000 and $368,000$220,000 for the three months ended September 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively, and $675,000$600,000 and $937,000$675,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 and 2017,, respectively. 

 



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, 2017,2018, 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"), and Independence American Insurance Company (“Independence American”); and (ii) its marketing and administrative companies, including IHC Specialty Benefits Inc., IHC Carrier Solutions, Inc., My1HR, Inc. (“My1HR”) and a majority interest in PetPartners, Inc. (“PetPartners”). IHC also owns a significant equity interest in Ebix Health Exchange Holdings, LLC (“Ebix Health Exchange”), an administration exchange for health insurance. 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”.   

 

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 specialty health, disability, New York short-term disability (“DBL”) and Paid Family Leave (“PFL”), 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.Management has always focused on managing the costs of its operations.



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

 

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

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

$

89,935  

$

83,752  

$

263,127  

$

237,829  

Revenues

$

95,165  

$

89,935  

$

284,469  

$

263,127  

Expenses

 

77,032  

 

75,873  

 

231,676  

 

218,475  

Expenses

 

85,746  

 

77,032  

 

256,010  

 

231,676  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

12,903  

 

7,879  

 

31,451  

 

19,354  

Income before income taxes

 

9,419  

 

12,903  

 

28,459  

 

31,451  

Income taxes (benefits)

 

2,860  

 

2,666  

 

7,518  

 

(5,175) 

Income taxes

Income taxes

 

3,248  

 

2,860  

 

6,482  

 

7,518  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

10,043  

 

5,213  

 

23,933  

 

24,529  

Net income

 

6,171  

 

10,043  

 

21,977  

 

23,933  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Income) loss from noncontrolling interests

 

(108) 

 

16  

 

(280) 

 

(33) 

(Income) from noncontrolling interests

(Income) from noncontrolling interests

 

(29) 

 

(108) 

 

(261) 

 

(280) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to IHC

$

9,935  

$

5,229  

$

23,653  

$

24,496  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to IHC

$

6,142  

$

9,935  

$

21,716  

$

23,653  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations of $.66$.41 per share, diluted, for the three months ended September 30, 20182019 compared to $.34$.66 per share, diluted, for the same period in 2017.2018. Income from operations of $1.57$1.45 per share, diluted, for the nine months ended September 30, 20182019 compared to $1.50$1.57 per share, diluted for the same period in 2017.2018. 

 

oIncome taxesNet income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 include2019 includes $2.6 million of gain, net of tax, related to the sale of an equity investment. 

oNet income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 includes additional tax benefitexpense of $11.6$1.6 million onassociated with the reduction of estimated tax basis in an unrecovered investment in a subsidiary.benefits from the expected current year utilization of AMIC’s net operating loss carryforwards.   

 

Consolidated investment yields (on an annualized basis) of 2.8% and 2.7%3.1% for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively,2019, compared to 3.6%2.8% and 3.2%2.7% for the comparable periods in 2017.2018, respectively; 

 

Book value of $29.92$31.90 per common share at September 30, 20182019 compared to $28.98$30.16 at December 31, 2017.2018.  

 

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

 

The Specialty Health segment reported $10.6$1.1 million of income before taxes for the three months ended September 30, 20182019 as compared to $5.2$10.6 million for the comparable period in 2017;2018; and reported $23.3$13.6 million of income before taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 20182019 compared to $9.4$23.3 million for the same period in 2017.2018. The increasedecrease in income before taxes2019 when compared to 2018 is primarily due to better claims experience on 2018lower premium volume in the fixed indemnity limited benefit line, less favorable prior year loss development in the short-term medical and fixed indemnity limited benefit lines of business and bad debt expense. Results for comparable 2018 periods included more favorable development from prior periods mostly on 2017 reserves primarily related to hospital indemnity and short term medical business. In addition, 2017 results included unfavorable developments related to 2016 reserves.and fixed indemnity limited benefit business; 

 

oPremiums earned decreased $3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 over the comparable period in 2017 and increased $.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 over the comparable period in 2017. Hospital indemnity premiums increased $2.1$3.6 million and $24.3$3.5 million respectively, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 primarily due to increased demand for this product as a result of2019, respectively, compared with the federal regulation limitingsame periods in 2018. Increased premiums from the duration of short-term medical (“STM”) products from April 1,pet business were more than offset by decreased premiums in fixed indemnity limited benefit business.   



2017 through September 30, 2018 offset by a corresponding decrease in STM  premium during this period as a result of the shorter duration and reduced premiums in occupational accident and other lines of business in run-off.  

oUnderwriting experience, as indicated by its U.S. GAAP Combined Ratios, for the Specialty Health segment are as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands): 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums Earned

$

48,111   

$

51,390   

$

136,960   

$

136,539   

$

44,462   

$

48,111   

$

133,467   

$

136,960   

Insurance Benefits, Claims & Reserves

 

15,382   

 

22,162   

 

44,975   

 

64,935   

 

19,585   

 

15,382   

 

56,334   

 

44,975   

Expenses

 

22,285   

 

25,354   

 

70,045   

 

67,134   

 

20,972   

 

22,285   

 

62,424   

 

70,045   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss Ratio (A)

 

32.0% 

 

43.1% 

 

32.8% 

 

47.6% 

 

44.0% 

 

32.0% 

 

42.2% 

 

32.8% 

Expense Ratio (B)

 

46.3% 

 

49.3% 

 

51.1% 

 

49.2% 

 

47.2% 

 

46.3% 

 

46.8% 

 

51.1% 

Combined Ratio (C)

 

78.3% 

 

92.4% 

 

83.9% 

 

96.8% 

 

91.2% 

 

78.3% 

 

89.0% 

 

83.9% 

 

(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. 

 

oThe higher loss ratioratios in 2018 was lower2019 were as a result of less favorable prior period development than in 2017 due to better experience on 2018 business and favorable development on 2017 reserves primarily related to hospital indemnity and short term medical business. In addition, 2017 included unfavorable developments related to 2016 reserves. 

o2018. The lower expense ratio is higher for the first nine months of 20182019 is primarily due to changes in the mix of products withinin the Specialty Health segment as hospital indemnity and accident medical premiums tend to have lower loss ratios and higher expense ratios than STM policies.segment. 

 

Income before taxes from the Group disability, life, DBL and PFL segment was $4.3$10.0 million and $14.9$19.2 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018,2019, respectively, compared to $5.1$4.3 million and $12.8$14.9 million for the same periods in 2017,2018, respectively. The increase in 2018the results for the first nine months is primarily reflects the new Paid Family Leave or “PFL” rider on New Yorkdue a decrease in DBL policies and lower claims in the LTD line of business, partially offset by higher losses and other expenses in the DBL line of business;claim reserves; 

 

The Individual life, annuities and other segment in run-off reported losses before income taxes of $.6 million and $1.4 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, compared with losses of $.1 million and $.4 million for the three months and the nine months ended September 30, 2018 respectively, compared with lossesrespectively.   

The Medical Stop-Loss segment reported an insignificant amount of $.4 million and $.5 millionincome before taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively; 

The Medical Stop-Loss segment reported a loss before taxes of $.1 million for the three months ended September 30,2019 and 2018, and income before taxes of $.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to a loss of $.5 million and income of $2.8 million, respectively, for the comparable periods in 2017.respectively. Amounts recorded for investment income, and benefits, claims and reserves in the



Medical Stop-Loss segment represent the activity of the remaining blocksreserves of medical stop-loss business in run-off due to the sale of this segment in 2016 ;run-off; 

 

Losses before tax from theThe Corporate segment (decreased) by $(.5)reported losses before taxes of $2.0 million and increased by $.2$5.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, compared with losses of $1.8 million in the three months and $6.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, over the comparable periods of 2017 primarily due to changes in compensation2018; and related expenses; and 



 

Premiums by principal product for the periods indicated are as follows (in thousands): 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

Gross Direct and Assumed

Gross Direct and Assumed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Direct and Assumed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned Premiums:

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

Earned Premiums:

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty Health

Specialty Health

$

48,741 

$

52,888 

$

138,652 

$

141,730 

Specialty Health

$

46,203 

$

48,741 

$

137,476 

$

138,652 

Group disability, life, DBL and PFL

Group disability, life, DBL and PFL

 

41,845 

 

31,299 

 

126,097 

 

95,211 

Group disability, life, DBL and PFL

 

49,073 

 

41,845 

 

142,217 

 

126,097 

Individual life, annuities and other

Individual life, annuities and other

 

5,574 

 

6,306 

 

17,587 

 

19,911 

Individual life, annuities and other

 

4,862 

 

5,574 

 

15,984 

 

17,587 

Medical Stop-Loss

 

- 

 

371 

 

- 

 

10,683 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

96,160 

$

90,864 

$

282,336 

$

267,535 

$

100,138 

$

96,160 

$

295,677 

$

282,336 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

Net Direct and Assumed

Net Direct and Assumed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Direct and Assumed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned Premiums:

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

Earned Premiums:

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty Health

Specialty Health

$

48,111  

$

51,390  

$

136,960 

$

136,539 

Specialty Health

$

44,462 

$

48,111  

$

133,467 

$

136,960 

Group disability, life, DBL and PFL

Group disability, life, DBL and PFL

 

33,631  

 

24,296  

 

101,605 

 

73,713 

Group disability, life, DBL and PFL

 

41,977 

 

33,631  

 

120,683 

 

101,605 

Individual life, annuities and other

Individual life, annuities and other

 

15 

 

(45) 

 

18 

 

8 

Individual life, annuities and other

 

14 

 

15  

 

39 

 

18 

Medical Stop-Loss

 

 

 

(2) 

 

- 

 

247 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

81,757  

$

75,639  

$

238,583 

$

210,507 

$

86,453 

$

81,757  

$

254,189 

$

238,583 

 

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, 2017.2018. Management has identified the accounting policies related to Insurance Premium Revenue Recognition and Policy Charges, Insurance Liabilities, 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, 2017.2018.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2018,2019, there were no additions to or changes in the critical accounting policies disclosed in the 20172018 Form 10-K except for the recently adopted accounting standards discussed in Note 1(E) of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 



 

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 20182019 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 20172018

 

Information by business segment for the periods indicated is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits,

Selling,

 

 

 

Net

Fee and

Claims

General

 

September 30, 20182019

Premiums

Investment

Other

and

and

 

(In thousands)

Earned

Income

Income

Reserves

Administrative

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty Health

$

48,111 44,462 

7731,132 

4,2242,643  

15,38219,585  

27,13127,525  

$

10,5951,127  

Group disability,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   life, DBL and PFL

 

33,631 41,977 

1,7881,928 

180120  

20,21621,396  

11,11612,644  

 

4,2679,985  

Individual life,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   annuities and other

 

15 14 

402367 

10376  

186411  

397653  

 

(63)(607) 

Medical Stop-Loss

 

- 

122 

1- 

227 

(150)29  

 

(64)(33) 

Corporate

 

- 

636535 

42979  

 

2,5273,497  

 

(1,849)(1,983) 

Sub total

$

81,75786,453 

$

3,6113,964 

$

4,5503,818  

$

36,01141,398  

$

41,02144,348  

 

8,489 12,886 

 

 

 

Net investment gains

 

17930  

Income before income taxes

 

12,9039,419  

Income taxes

 

2,8603,248  

Net incomeIncome

$

10,0436,171  

 

 

 

 

Benefits,

Selling,

 

 

 

Net

Fee and

Claims

General

 

September 30, 2018

Premiums

Investment

Other

and

and

 

(In thousands)

Earned

Income

Income

Reserves

Administrative

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty Health

$

48,111  

1,109  

3,888 

15,382 

27,131  

$

10,595  

Group disability,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   life, DBL and PFL

 

33,631  

1,788  

180 

20,216 

11,116  

 

4,267  

Individual life,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   annuities and other

 

15  

402  

103 

186 

397  

 

(63) 

Medical Stop-Loss

 

 

12  

1 

227 

(150) 

 

(64) 

Corporate

 

 

511  

167 

2,527  

 

(1,849) 

Sub total

$

81,757 

$

3,822  

$

4,339 

$

36,011

$

41,021  

 

12,886  

 

 

 

Net investment gains

 

17  

Income before income taxes

 

12,903  

Income taxes

 

2,860  

Net Income

$

10,043  

Premiums Earned

In the third quarter of 2019, premiums earned increased $4.7 million over the comparable period of 2018. The increase in earned premiums is primarily due to: (i) an $8.3 million increase in earned premiums from the Group disability, life, DBL and PFL segment as a result of $5.1 million in increased PFL and DBL premiums, $2.1 million in increased group long-term disability ("LTD") and short-term disability ("STD") business and $1.1 million in increased group term and other life business; partially offset by (ii) a $3.6 million decrease in premiums from the Specialty Health segment primarily as a result of decreased premiums in the fixed indemnity limited benefit business line of $6.3 million and a $.3 million decrease in earned premiums from the dental line, partially offset by increases of $2.5 million and $.6 million, respectively, in the pet and short term medical lines of business. 

Net Investment Income

Total net investment income increased $.2 million. The overall annualized investment yields were 3.1% in both the third quarter of 2019 and 2018. 

The annualized investment yields on bonds, equities and short-term investments were 3.1% in the third quarter of 2019 and 3.2% for the comparable 2018 period.



Net Investment Gains

The Company had net investment gains of $.9 million in the three-month period ended September 30, 2019. Net investment gains were insignificant in 2018.  These amounts include gains and losses from sales of fixed maturities available-for-sale, equity securities 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.

Fee Income and Other Income

Fee income decreased $1.5 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019 compared to the three-month period ended September 30, 2018. The decrease is primarily due to more business being written on IHC carrier paper in 2019. 

Other income increased $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 from the comparable period in 2018 due to higher income from equity partnerships in 2019.

Insurance Benefits, Claims and Reserves

In the third quarter of 2019, insurance benefits, claims and reserves increased $5.4 million over the comparable period in 2018. The increase is primarily attributable to: (i) an increase of $1.2 million in benefits, claims and reserves in the Group disability, life, DBL and PFL segment, primarily as a result of an increase of $3.2 million in the PFL line due to increased premiums, $1.8 million in the combined LTD and STD lines due to higher loss ratios, partially offset by a decrease of $3.6 million in DBL claim reserves; and (ii) an increase of $4.2 million in the Specialty Health segment, primarily from an increase of $2.1 million in the short term medical line due to less favorable prior year loss development in 2019, an increase of $1.3 million in the pet line due to increased premium volume, and an increase of $.7 million in the fixed indemnity limited benefit line due to less favorable prior year loss development in 2019 than in the prior year.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Total selling, general and administrative expenses increased $3.3 million over the comparable period in 2018. The increase is primarily a result of: (i) an increase of $1.5 million in the Group disability, life, DBL and PFL segment primarily due to increased commission expense and other general expenses due to increased premium volume; (ii) an increase of $.4 million in the Specialty Health segment primarily due to an increase in commissions, administrative fees and other general expenses in the pets business due to increased premium volume, as well as increased lead generation, compensation, system development related expenses and bad debt expense in our marketing and administrative companies, partially offset by a decrease in commission and administrative expenses related to decreased premium volume in the fixed indemnity limited benefit line of business; and (iii) an increase of $1.0 million in the Corporate segment due to compensation associated expenses. 

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was 34.5% compared to 22.2% for the three months ended 2018. The higher effective tax rate in 2019 is primarily due to tax provisions associated with the reduction of estimated tax benefits from the expected current year utilization of AMIC’s net operating loss carryforwards. 



Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

Information by business segment for the periods indicated is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits,

Selling,

 

 

 

Net

Fee and

Claims

General

 

September 30, 20172019

Premiums

Investment

Other

and

and

 

(In thousands)

Earned

Income

Income

Reserves

Administrative

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty Health

$

51,390 133,467 

1,2993,116 

2,81312,836 

22,16256,334  

28,10279,477  

$

5,23813,608  

Group disability,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   life, DBL and PFL

 

24,296 120,683 

1,7295,958 

87427 

11,24971,664  

9,71936,217  

 

5,14419,187  

Individual life,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   annuities and other

 

(45)39 

4051,002 

95238 

(149)932  

9891,721  

 

(385)(1,374) 

Medical Stop-Loss

 

(2)- 

5786 

- 

274 (3) 

840(243) 

 

(538)252  

Corporate

 

- 

3922,012 

-2,775 

 

2,6879,911  

 

(2,295)(5,124) 

Sub total

$

75,639254,189 

$

4,40312,094 

$

2,99516,276 

$

33,536128,927 

$

42,337127,083  

 

7,16426,549  

 

 

 

Net investment gains

 

715 2,556 

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

(646) 

Income before income taxes

 

7,87928,459  

Income taxes

 

2,6666,482  

Net incomeIncome

$

5,21321,977  

Premiums Earned

In the third quarter of 2018, premiums earned increased $6.1 million over the comparable period of 2017. The increase is primarily due to: (i) a $9.3 million increase in earned premiums from the Group disability, life, DBL and PFL segment primarily due to $8.2 million in premiums from the new PFL rider on DBL policies, an increase of $.5 million in DBL premiums and $.5 million increase in LTD premiums; partially offset by (ii) a decrease of $3.3 million in the Specialty Health segment primarily as a result of decreases of $6.8 million in the STM line of business, $.7 million in the dental line of business, and $.8 million in occupational accident and $1.0 million in the international medical business premiums both due to run-off, partially offset by a $2.1 million increase in premiums from the hospital indemnity line as a result of higher demand for this product, a $2.6 million increase in the group gap line of business, and a $1.0 million increase in pet insurance premiums. 

Net Investment Income

Total net investment income decreased $.8 million. The overall annualized investment yields were  



2.8% and 3.6% in the third quarter of 2018 and 2017, respectively. The overall decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in partnership returns.

The annualized investment yields on bonds, equities and short-term investments were 3.2% in both the third quarter of 2018 and 2017, respectively. IHC has approximately $140.8 million in highly rated shorter duration securities earning on average 1.9%. 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.

Net Investment Gains

Net investment gains were insignificant in 2018 compared to $.7 million in 2017. These amounts include gains and losses from sales of fixed maturities available-for-sale, equity securities 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.

Fee Income and Other Income

Fee income increased $1.8 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018 compared to the three-month period ended September 30, 2017 primarily from the Specialty Health segment, due to increased premium produced by Specialty Benefits. 

Other income was not significant in the third quarter of 2018 or 2017.

Insurance Benefits, Claims and Reserves

In the third quarter of 2018, insurance benefits, claims and reserves increased $2.5 million over the comparable period in 2017. The increase is primarily attributable to: (i) a increase of $9.0 million in benefits, claims and reserves in the Group disability, life, DBL and PFL segment, primarily due to $7.1 million of reserves associated with the new PFL rider, an increase of $2.2 million in DBL reserves due to state mandates and an increase of $.8 million in Group Term life due to increased loss ratios, partially offset by a decrease of $1.3 million in LTD reserves primarily due to lower loss ratios in 2018; and (ii) an increase of $.3 million in the individual life, annuities and other segment; partially offset by (iii) a decrease of $6.8 million in the Specialty Health segment, as a result of a decrease of $6.0 million in the STM line of business due to decreased premium volume and lower loss ratios, a decrease of $2.4 million in the hospital indemnity line  due to lower loss ratios, a decrease in benefits, claims and reserves related to the run-off of certain occupational accident and international lines of business of $1.1 million and $.5 million, respectively; partially offset by an increase of $.9 million in the dental line, an increase of $.8 million in the pets line and an increase of $1.5 million in the group gap lines of business due to increased premium volume.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Total selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $1.3 million over the comparable period in 2017. The decrease is primarily attributable to: (i) a decrease of $1.0 million in the Specialty Health line of business due to a decrease in commissions and administrative fees in the STM line on lower premium volume and decreases in group major medical and certain occupational accident and international lines of business in run-off; partially offset by an increase in administrative and commission expenses related  to increased premium volume in hospital indemnity and group gap lines of business; (ii) a $1.0 million decrease in expenses related to the Medical Stop Loss segment as a result of the exit from this line of business; and (iii) a decrease of $.6 million in the individual life, annuities and other segment from lower expenses in discontinued lines;  



partially offset by (iv) an increase of $1.4 million in the Group disability, life, DBL and PFL segment primarily due to increased commission expense and premium taxes on PFL, DBL and LTD lines of business.  

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was 22.2% compared to an effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2017 of 33.8%. The lower tax rate is primarily due to the reduction in the federal corporate tax rate from 35% in 2017 to a 28% blended tax rate through the first six months of 2018, and further to a 21% tax rate beginning with the third quarter of 2018, as a result of the 2017 Tax Act, partially offset by an increase in state taxes as a percentage of income.  

Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

Information by business segment for the periods indicated is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits,

Selling,

 

 

 

Net

Fee and

Claims

General

 

September 30, 2018

Premiums

Investment

Other

and

and

 

(In thousands)

Earned

Income

Income

Reserves

Administrative

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty Health

$

136,960 

2,1803,290 

13,81912,709 

44,975  

84,665 

$

23,319  

Group disability,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   life, DBL and PFL

 

101,605 

5,203 

472 

60,278  

32,090 

 

14,912  

Individual life,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   annuities and other

 

18 

1,130 

284 

585  

1,204 

 

(357) 

Medical Stop-Loss

 

- 

35 

1 

(219) 

155 

 

100  

Corporate

 

- 

1,6661,532 

89223 

 

7,943 

 

(6,188) 

Sub total

$

238,583 

$

10,21411,190 

$

14,66513,689 

$

105,619 

$

126,057 

 

31,786  

 

 

 

Net investment losses

 

(335) 

Income before income taxes

 

31,451  

Income taxestax benefits

 

7,518  

Net Income

$

23,933  

 

Benefits,

Selling,

Net

Fee and

Claims

General

September 30, 2017

Premiums

Investment

Other

and

and

(In thousands)

Earned

Income

Income

Reserves

Administrative

Total

Specialty Health

$

136,539

3,725

12,028

64,935 

77,945

$

9,412 

Group disability,

   life, DBL and PFL

73,713

4,921

351

40,146 

26,062

12,777 

Individual life,

   annuities and other

8

1,188

298

172 

1,854

(532)

Medical Stop-Loss

247

1,058

1,244

(2,182)

1,979

2,752 

Corporate

-

1,522

-

7,564

(6,042)

Sub total

$

210,507

$

12,414

$

13,921

$

103,071

$

115,404

18,367 

Net investment gains

987 

Income before income taxes

19,354 

Income tax benefits

(5,175)

Net Income

$

24,529 

Premiums Earned

 

In the first nine months of 2018,2019, premiums earned increased $28.1$15.6 million over the comparable period of 2017.2018. The increase in earned premiums is primarily due to: (i) a $27.9$19.1 million increase in earned premiums from the Group disability, life, DBL and PFL segment primarily due to premiums from the new PFL rider on DBL policies;  



and (ii) an increase of $.4 million in the Specialty Health segment principally as a result of $11.1 million in increased DBL and PFL premiums, a $24.3$4.6 million increase in combined LTD/STD premiums primarily from the hospital indemnity linenew STD business and increased retentions, a $2.8 million increase in group term life premiums as a result of higher demand; a $6.0increased retentions, and $.6 million increase in theof other group gap line oflife business due to new distribution, $.7 million in increased pet premiums, and $.5 million in increased premiums from other ancillary lines;product sales; partially offset by decreases(ii) a $3.5 million decrease in Specialty Health segment premiums, principally due to decreased premiums of $16.6$13.5 million in the STM line offixed indemnity limited benefit business $2.7and $1.2 million in the dental line partially offset by increased premium volume of business, and $5.1$6.4 million from pet lines, $2.1 million in group gap lines, $1.1 million in occupational accident business and $6.8$.6 million in the internationalshort term medical business premiums both due to run-off; partially offset by (iii) a decrease of $.2 million in the Medical Stop Loss segment as a result of the exit from this line of business.

 

Net Investment Income

 

Total net investment income decreased $2.2increased $.9 million. The overall annualized investment yields were 2.7%3.1% and 3.2% in3.0% for the first nine months of 2019 and 2018, and 2017, respectively. The overall decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in partnership returns. 

 

The annualized investment yields on bonds, equities and short-term investments were 3.1%3.2% in both the first



nine months of 2019 and 3.1% for the comparable 2018 and 2017. IHC has approximately $140.8 million in highly rated shorter duration securities earning on average 1.9%. 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.period.

 

Net Investment Gains (Losses) and Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings

 

The Company had net investment lossesgains of $2.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $.3 million of investment losses for the same period in 2018 compared to net investment gains of $1.0 million in 2017.2018.  These amounts include gains and losses from sales of fixed maturities available-for-sale, equity securities 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 $.6 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities available-for-sale securities in 2019, as the Company determined that it was more likely than not that we would sell the securities before the recovery of their amortized cost basis.

Fee Income and Other Income

 

Fee income increased $2.6decreased $3.4 million for the nine-month periodnine months ended September 30, 20182019 compared to the nine-month periodnine months ended September 30, 20172018. The decrease is primarily due to increased fee income from the Specialty Health segment, including Pet Partners which was acquiredmore business being written on IHC carrier paper in late March of 2017.2019. 

 

Other income decreased $1.9increased $5.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from the comparable period in 2018 primarily due to $3.6 million in the first nine months of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 as a result of fees received in 2017 related topretax gain on the sale of an equity investment in Pets Best and exit of the Medical Stop-Loss business with no comparable amountshigher income from equity partnerships in 2018.2019.

 

Insurance Benefits, Claims and Reserves

 

In the first nine months of 2018,2019, insurance benefits, claims and reserves increased $2.5$23.3 million over the comparable period in 2017.2018. The increase is primarily attributable to: (i) an increase of $20.1$11.4 million in benefits, claims and reserves in the Group disability, life, DBL and PFL segment primarily as a result of an $8.7 million increase in PFL line due to $21.2increased premium volume, a $5.1 million increase in reserves associated with the new PFL rider, as well as $2.7 million in increased DBL reservescombined LTD/STD line due to state mandates,higher loss ratios on certain LTD business and increased retention on STD business, an increase of $1.0 million in group term life business due to higher premium volume and increased Group Term Life incurred benefits on higherretention partially offset by lower loss ratios;ratios, and an increase of $.4 million in other group term life lines due to new business, partially offset by a decrease of $4.9$3.8 million in LTD reservesDBL claim reserves; and (ii) an increase of $11.3 million in the Specialty Health segment, primarily from an increase of $6.2 million in the short term medical line due to less favorable prior year loss development, an increase of $3.3 million and $2.6 million in the pet and group gap lines, respectively, due to increased premium volume, partially offset by a decrease of $.5 million in the fixed indemnity limited benefit line due to lower premium volume, and $.6 million in dental due to lower loss ratios in 2018; (ii)ratios; and (iii) an increase of $2.0$.2 million in the Medical Stop Loss segment as a result of better experience on the run-out business in 2017 with no corresponding amount in 2018; and (iii) an increase of $.4 million in the individual life, annuities and other lines; partially offset by (iv) a decrease of $20.0 million in the Specialty Health segment primarily as a result of a decrease of $15.7 million in the STM line of business due to decreased premiumlower positive reserve run-off volume and lower loss ratios, a decrease in benefits, claims and reserves relatedwhen compared to the run-off of



certain occupational accident and international lines of business of $4.8 million and $4.3 million, respectively, and a decrease of $1.3 millionsame period in the dental line due to lower premiums; partially offset by increases of $3.5 million in the group gap lines of business due to increased premium volume and $1.8 million in the hospital indemnity and $.4 million in the pet lines.2018.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Total selling, general and administrative expenses increased $10.7$1.0 million over the comparable period in 2017.2018. The increase is primarily attributableprincipally due to: (i) an increase of $6.7 million in the Specialty Health line of business due to an increase in administrative and commission expenses related  to increased premium volume in hospital indemnity and group gap lines of business, increased agency expenses from PetPartners with only three months of comparable expenses in 2017, and increased expenses at IHC Specialty Benefits Inc. related to call center expansion costs; partially offset by a decrease in commissions and administrative fees in the STM line on lower premium volume and in certain occupational accident and international lines of business in run-off; (ii) an increase of $6.0$4.1 million in the Group disability, life, DBL and PFL segment primarily due to increased commission expense and other general expenses due to increased premium taxes on PFL, DBLvolume; and LTD lines of business; and (iii) an(ii) a $2.0 million increase of $.4 million in the Corporate segment largely due to changes in compensation and relatedassociated expenses; partially offset by (iv)(iii) a $1.8decrease of $5.2 million in the Specialty Health line of business due to a decrease in commission and administrative expenses related  to the Medical Stop Loss segment as a result of exiting this line of businessdecreased premium volume in fixed indemnity limited benefit and a decrease of (v) $.6lower administrative fees and loss adjustment expenses in the individual life, annuitiesshort term medical line, partially offset by an increase in commissions and administrative fees and other segment.general expenses in the pets and group gap lines due to increased premium volume as well as increased lead generation, compensation and system development related expenses and bad debt expense in our marketing and administrative companies. 



Income Taxes

 

The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 20182019 was 23.9%. In 2017, the Company wound down the operations and dissolved a subsidiary recognizing an estimated $11.6 million income tax benefit on a worthless stock deduction of $33.1 million, representing the Company’s tax basis related22.8% compared to its unrecovered investment in that subsidiary. Excluding these tax benefits, the effective tax rate23.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 33.1%.2018. The lowereffective tax rate in 20182019 is primarily due to tax provisions associated with the reduction inof estimated tax benefits from the federal corporateexpected current year utilization of AMIC’s net operating loss carryforwards partially offset by tax ratebenefits resulting from 35% in 2017 to a 28% blended tax rate through the first six monthsexercises of 2018, and further to a 21% tax rate beginning with the third quarter of 2018, ascertain shared based compensation. As a result of the 2017 Tax Act, partially offsetthe Company’s tax rate in 2018 reflects a blended 28% tax rate for the first six months of 2018 followed by an increasea 21% tax rate beginning in state taxes as a percentagethe third quarter of income.2018.  

 

 

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. No cash dividends were declared or paid by the Insurance Group during the nine months ended September 30, 20182019 or 2017.2018.  



 

Cash Flows

 

The Company had $30.4$21.9 million and $32.2$30.8 million of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as of September 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, respectively.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018,2019, operating activities provided $20.6$31.4 million of cash and investment activities utilized $13.8$22.8 million of cash, primarily for netthe result of purchases of investment securities, and financing$8.0 million utilized for business acquisitions. Financing activities utilized $8.6$17.6 million of cash, primarily for purchases of treasury shares andwhich $ 5.2 million related to common stock dividend payments.payments, $4.4 million was utilized to acquire noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries, $3.9 million was utilized for treasury share purchases, and $2.4 million related to payments for tax withholdings on sharebased compensation. 

 

The Company had $367.8$365.6 million of liabilities for future policy benefits and policy benefits and claims as of September 30, 20182019 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, 2018,2019, cash received from the maturities and other repayments of fixed maturities was $22.0$57.1 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 receivables due from reinsurers of $371.5$364.7 million at September 30, 20182019 compared to $380.6$368.7 million at December 31, 2017.2018. All of such reinsurance receivables are from highly rated companies  



or are adequately secured. No allowance for doubtful accounts was necessary at September 30, 2018.2019.

 

 

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

 

 

Policy Benefits and Claims

 

Policy Benefits and Claims

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

2018

 

2017

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty Health

$

40,060 

$

53,531 

$

41,682

$

38,114

Group Disability

 

107,925 

 

103,948 

 

110,709

 

112,616

Individual A&H and Other

 

8,608 

 

8,650 

 

8,727

 

8,954

Medical Stop-Loss

 

1,575 

 

2,554 

 

311

 

431

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

158,168 

$

168,683 

$

161,429

$

160,115

 

Policy claims and reserves inFor the Specialty Health segment decreased since December 31, 2017. During the first nine months of 2018, pending inventory levels have come down causing morebusiness, IBNR claims to be known rather than estimatedliabilities plus expected development on reported claims are calculated using standard actuarial methods and this has revealed more favorable experience than previously expected.  This has changed some of our thoughts around experience expectations and has resulted in some favorable reserve adjustments.practices. The primary“primary” assumption in the determination of Specialty Health reserves is that historical claim development patternsClaim Development Patterns are representative of future claim development patterns.Claim Development Patterns. Factors that may affect this assumption include changes in claim payment processing times and procedures, changes in time delay in submission of claims, and the incidence of unusually large claims. Liabilities for policy benefits and claims for specialty healthSpecialty Health medical and disability coverage are computed using completion factors and expected Net Loss Ratios derived from actual historical premium and claim data.  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 not material. The Company has business that is serviced by third-party



administrators.  From time to time, there are changes in the timing of claims processing due to any number of factors including, but not limited to, system conversions and staffing changes during the year.  These changes are monitored by the Company and the effects of these changes are taken into consideration during the claim reserving process.  Other than these considerations, there have been no significant changes to methodologies and assumptions from the prior year.

While these calculations are based on standard methodologies, they are estimates based on historical patterns.  To the extent that actual claim payment patterns differ from historical patterns, such estimated reserves may be redundant or inadequate.  The effects of such deviations are evaluated by considering claim backlog statistics and reviewing the reasonableness of projected claim ratios.  Other factors which may affect the accuracy of policy benefits and claim estimates include the proportion of large claims which may take longer to adjudicate, changes in billing patterns by providers and changes in claim management practices such as hospital bill audits.

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.

 

The Company’s disability business is comprised of group disability, DBL and PFL.  The two “primary” assumptions on which disability policy benefits and claims are based are: (i) morbidity levels; and (ii) recovery rates. If morbidity levels increase, for example due to an epidemic or a recessionary environment, the Company would increase reserves because there would be more new claims than expected.  In regard to the assumed recovery rate, if disabled lives recover more quickly than anticipated then the existing claims reserves would be reduced; if less quickly, the existing claims reserves would be increased. Advancements in medical treatments could affect future recovery, termination, and mortality rates. The Company does not believe that reasonably likely changes in its “primary” assumptions would have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

 

The $11.3$25.2 million increase in IHC’s stockholders' equity in the first nine months of 20182019 is primarily due to $23.7$21.7 million of net income attributable to IHC reduced by $7.0and $11.9 million of other comprehensive income attributable to IHC reduced by $3.8 million of treasury stock purchases and by $2.2$3.0 million of common stock dividends declared in 2018.and $3.9 million for treasury



stock purchases.

 

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'sThe Company has gross unrealized gains of $6.6 million and gross unrealized losses of $2.0 million on its fixed maturities available-for-sale securities totaled $15.8 million at September 30, 2018, 99.3%2019. All of the Company’s fixed maturities were investment grade and continue to be rated on average AA. The Company marks all of its fixed maturities available-for-sale 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. The Company did not have any non-performing fixed maturities at September 30, 2018.2019.  

 

The Company reviews its investments regularly and monitors its investments continually for impairments. The Company recognized $.6 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses on certain fixed maturities available for sale during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the company would sell the securities before the recovery of their amortized cost basis. The Company did not record any other-than-temporary impairment losses in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 or 2017.

The Company does not have any2018. There were no securities with fair values less than 80% of their amortized cost at September 30, 2018.2019.

 

The unrealized losses on fixed maturities available-for-sale were evaluated in accordance with the Company's impairment policy and were determined to be temporary in nature at September 30, 2018.2019. 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, imbalances in liquidity that exist in the marketplace, a worsening of the current economic conditions,recession, or 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 which may cause the Company to 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, 2018, is not materially different from that reported in the schedule of such obligations at December 31, 2017 which was included in Item 7of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.  

OUTLOOK

 

For the remainder of 2018,2019, the Company anticipates that:that it will:

 

Continue to expand our direct to consumer (D2C) owned call center and career agent channels. Our STMD2C channels have grown to nearly 200 agents, and ancillary sales will increase aswe expect robust growth to continue into 2020.  This is a result of: (i) Open Enrollment, which begins November 1, 2018 and ends December 15, 2018 in most states; (ii) expected sales by IHC’s carriershighly scalable model subject to continued generation of STM with durations of 364 days in 16 states, and STM with durations of 6 months in 12 additional states, as of November 15, 2018; and (iii) beginning January 1, 2019, there will no longer be a tax penalty for individuals who do not have ACA compliant plans,  which will make purchasesquality leads at an affordable price.  One of our products more attractive during this Open Enrollment.  Because STM policies are medically underwritten and do not cover all essential health benefits, they are often significantly less expensive than Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) plans. For these reasons and the expected continuing increase in the pricing of ACA policies, we are very optimistic that our STM sales will increase materially. In addition, we believe that we will realize an increase in sales of our bundled offerings, including: MetalGap (affordable coverage for claims due to both accidents and critical illnesses), dental, vision, Rx discount card and telemedicine.  We are particularly excited about the opportunity to increase sales of our Fusion product, coupling a hospital indemnity policy with a high deductible STM product, which provides both first dollar coverage for hospitalizations and peace of mind for large expenditures.   We also recently introduced Connect Plus, whichcall center’s key relationships is a first-of-its-kind temporary medical plan providing coverage for certain pre-existing conditions up to $25,000 to consumers who qualify, subject to a deductible and coinsurance. 

IHC is recognized for our development of medical insurance packages, including STM and hospital indemnity products that provide affordable coverage alternatives for consumers who cannot afford ACA policies or need our supplemental products to cover their high deductibles on their ACA plans. Since adoption of an executive order in 2017, consumers have only been able under federal law to purchase STM policies with durations up to 90 days. On August 1, 2018, the departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury (the “Agencies”) issued an order (the “Order”) that, effective October 1, 2018, returns the duration of STM policies to a period of up to 364 days, subject to state law; the Order also allows for extensions so long as the maximum duration is not longer than 36 months in total.  The Order validates the importance of temporary coverage as an affordable alternative for many Americans who cannot afford expensive, high deductible ACA plans by once again allowing states the ability to approve policy durations of up to 364 days or longer with extensions.



In October 2018, Agencies proposed a rule that, if adopted, will provide a new way for employers to provide health insurance to their employees using health reimbursement arrangements (“HRA”). The proposal would allow employers of any size to utilize a tax-advantaged HRA to relieve the administrative burden of offering group benefits to employees. Employees could use the funds to purchase individual medical coverage, including STM.  In addition, the federal government has provided guidance that grants state governments more freedom, as a result of the expansion of the 1332 waiver programs, to implement new coverages that are alternatives to ACA plans. IHC’s insurance companies are very well positioned to capture additional market share as a result both of the proposal to allow HRA funds to be used to purchase STM policies and the guidance on expansion of 1332 waivers.  We have expertise both in STM and in the small group space as well as multiple distribution sources, including our Healthedeals call centers and over 5,000 advisors and contracted producers nationally who can assist consumers in determining which coverage is best for them.  In addition, we look forward to working with state regulators to use STM or develop new IHC products to meet the innovative ideas arisingsupporting inquiries received from the expanded 1332 waiver process. 

In October 2018, the HealtheDeals division of IHC Specialty Benefits began supporting the members of USAA, an insurance, banking, and investment services provider serving millions of military members and their families, in selecting amongfamilies.  We are also ramping up our organic lead generation capabilities and sources of paid leads, and making inroads into large affinity groups that will make our products available to their members.  In each case, our D2C agents are able to offer a number of quality health insurance choices. In order to support USAA members, HealtheDeals has opened a new call center with licensed agents in Minneapolis, Minnesotachoices, including STM, hospital indemnity (“HIP”), dental and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. USAA will direct its members seeking either ACA or alternative health coverages to this call center. This arrangement generates leads for Independence American Insurance Company’s alternative coveragesgap plans underwritten by IHC’s carriers as well as generating commission income for HealtheDeals.Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) and other products available through nationally recognized insurance companies. 

 

In additionEnter the senior market, which covers approximately 60 million people, and is estimated to our two newly openedbe growing by  



10,000 people per day, and by 2040 is expected to cover 87 million people. Given the expansion of call centers, we have enhanced our Direct-to-Consumer transactional website, www.HealtheDeals.com, and significantly increased our lead generation capabilities. We will continue to emphasize lead generation for our direct-to-consumercenter representatives and career advisor distribution initiatives through hiring additional management experiencedagents, we will expand our offerings to serve the rapidly expanding senior market.  Initially, we will import Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, term life and final expense products from other carriers to supplement dental, vision and HIP products underwritten by IHC’s insurance companies. During the first quarter of 2020, we anticipate being in organicthe market with a portfolio of timely and acquired lead generation.  We are striving to maximize organic leads through our numerous owned domains.  We are also seeking to recruit additional HealtheDeals career advisors as many consumers prefer to meet with an agentcompetitive Medicare Supplement plans in person rather than over the phone or via the web. We expect that a growing percentagelight of our sales will be produced by our owned distribution channels. regulatory changes taking effect January 1, 2020

 

We continueIncorporate our new cloud-based technology platforms and quoting and enrollment tools into our various distribution channels. In January 2019, we acquired My1HR, a state-of-the-art quoting and cloud-based enrollment platform utilized by approximately 4,000 active users to manage the health insurance needs of their clients. As a web-based entity, this includes quoting and enrolling individuals in ACA plans as well as ancillary coverages.  In addition, My1HR is in the final stage of launching a cloud-based quoting and enrollment tool that is specifically designed for producers in the small group employer market. This new quoting and enrollment system will support group products for all IHC carriers as well as select group ACA and level funded health coverages from leading national health plans. It also positions us to take advantage of the expansion of Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) effective January 1, 2020 as a result of new federal regulations.  

Continue to diversify our sources of pet insurance premium through (i) the expansion of marketing efforts by our subsidiary, PetPartners, (ii) increased white-label distribution opportunities (such as a result of our acquisition of Pet Partners, Inc.arrangement with growing focus on the veterinarianAmerican Kennel Club) where PetPartners acts as administrator and independent agent channels. We’ve also partnered with a new pet marketing company, Toto Pet Insurance,Independence American is the risk taker, and we began underwriting(iii) increased premium for Independence American through our relationships as an underwriter for PetFirst, a company focused on shelters, rescues and animal welfare marketing space. Further, we’ve expanded our partnership withspace, Pets Best, utilizing our acquisition of PetPlace.com to grow our block of business with them through a cooperative marketing initiative.which excels on affiliate and veterinarian sales channels, and Figo Pet Insurance, an insuretech brand in the pet insurance space focused on D2C, referral partners, and employer benefits channels. 

 

In 2020, IHC will be uniquely situated, through its vertically integrated structure, to better serve the growing demand for health insurance options by delivering an end-to-end experience to the consumer, including a broad base of products across the entire spectrum of age groups and needs.  We will provide state-of-the-art on-line and mobile tools linking individuals and families in need of insurance coverage to highly rated insurance companies.  Our enterprise will include: (i) digital marketing and website domains that will drive exclusive lead traffic for ancillary health and pet insurance, (ii) exchanges that will permit individuals to perform side-by-side comparisons of various employee benefit and pet insurance coverages, (iii) sales and customer service centers with licensed employee agents available to respond to consumer questions; (iv) a wholly owned insurance company, licensed in all 50 states, which will have the broadest mix of ancillary health and pet insurance in the country, and (v) access to other highly rated insurers for life, senior and P&C products. 

Continue to increase our DBL/PFL premiums. Effective January 1, 2018, Standard Security Life began selling a new PFL rider (“Paid Family Leave” or “PFL”) as part of our New York DBL policies.  This is a result of New York State requiring employers to provide PFL, which would cover job-protected paid leave to care for a new child or sick family member or to assist when someone is called to active military service.  Standard Security Life anticipates that the implementation of this coverage willThis has more than doubledoubled our current $30 million DBL block. The rates for PFL areproduct rate is set by the New York State. As thisState Department of Financial Services and provides for a potential risk adjustment payment in the event the company has better experience than the industry.The PFL rate is scheduled to increase by 76% for 2020.  This increase, along with a modest increase in new product, with no historical experience, therepremium writings, is no certainty asexpected to the adequacy of the rate and therefore underwriting profitability.increase our combined DBL/PFL premium by approximately 46%. 

 

ExperienceAchieve increases in both long-term and short-term disability premiums in 2018 generated from new distribution relationships. 

Accomplish increases in life and disability premium by developing additional strategic functional and  



distribution partnerships, broaden worksite portfolio, and enhance Business to Business and Business to Consumer website functionality.

 

Continue to evaluate strategic transactions. We plan to deploy some of our cash to make additional investments and acquisitions that will bolster existing or new lines of business.  



 

Continue to focus on administrative efficiencies. 

 

Subject to making additional repurchases, acquisitions and investments, the Company will remain highly liquid in 2018 as a result of the continuing shorter duration of the portfolio. IHC has approximately $140.8 million in highly rated shorter duration securities earning on average 1.9%; 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.

 

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 increased rate review scrutiny to effect timely rate changes and will need to stay focused on the management of medical cost drivers in the event medical trend levels cause margin pressures.  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.

 

 

ITEM 3.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 

 

The Company is notNot required to provide the information required by this Item as it is a "smallerfor smaller reporting company".companies.

 

 

ITEM 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and procedures

 

IHC’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) 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 CEO and CFO concluded that IHC’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

Management, including the CEO and CFO, identified no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our fiscal quarter ended September 30, 20182019 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

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.



 

Third Party Administrator

A third party administrator with whom we formerly did business (“Plaintiff” or “TPA”)) filed a Complaint dated May 17, 2017 in the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, naming IHC, Madison National Life, Standard Security Life, and IHC Carrier Solutions, Inc. (collectively referred to as “Defendants”). “Plaintiff” and “Defendants” are collectively referred to herein as the “Parties”. The Complaint concernsconcerned agreements entered into by Standard Security Life and Madison National Life with Plaintiff, as well as other allegations made by Plaintiff against Defendants. The Complaint seekssought injunctive relief and damages in an amount exceeding $50,000,000, profit share payments allegedly owed to Plaintiff under the agreements totaling at least $3,082,000 through 2014, plus additional amounts for 2015 and 2016, and exemplary and punitive damages as allowed by law and fees and costs.  Defendants believe these claims to be without merit.   Defendants moved to Compel Arbitration and Dismiss or Stay the original Complaint. Plaintiff filed an Amended Complaint on August 18, 2017.  Defendants filed a Motion to Compel Arbitration or Stay the Amended Complaint. The Parties agreed to enter into an Order staying the action filed in Texas. The Parties’ disputed claims have moved in part to arbitration.

Standard Security Life and Madison National Life will strongly pursuedemanded arbitration against this TPA. The Arbitration Panel issued an Order splitting the hearing into two phases.  Standard Security Life and Madison National Life successfully presented their claims in Phase I on September 25 through September 28, 2018. The TPA’s counterclaims were heard during Phase II held on February 11, 2019 through February 15, 2019. Standard Security Life and vigorously opposeMadison National Life successfully opposed the counterclaims asserted by the TPA.TPA as the Arbitration Panel denied all claims against Standard Security Life and Madison National Life. Standard Security Life and Madison National Life filed the Petition to Confirm the Arbitration Award. The TPA opposed this Motion. On June 17, 2019, the Court entered its Final Judgment and Order Confirming the Arbitration Award (the “Final Judgment”).  On July 15, 2019, Plaintiff filed a Notice of Appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit from the judgment entered on June 17, 2019.  

Since the arbitration will likely concludeis complete, the stay in the first halfTexas litigation was lifted, and Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss. On October 16, 2019, the Court granted in part and denied in part Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss.  The Court found that an arbitration agreement, including an arbitration provision, exists between the parties and therefore, the parties were directed to proceed with arbitration.  In light of 2019.this holding, the Court stayed and administratively closed the action pending the outcome of another arbitration. On October 29, 2019, the Plaintiff demanded arbitration against Standard Security Life, Madison National Life, and Independence Holding Company seeking a declaration by a new arbitration panel that the claims alleged in the complaint in the dismissed Texas litigation are not arbitrable.  This demand for a new arbitration has no impact on the Final Judgment.

Multistate Market Conduct Examination

As previously disclosed, our subsidiaries Standard Security Life, Madison National Life and Independence American have been selected for a multistate market conduct exam ("MCE") related to our short term medical, limited medical and fixed indemnity health insurance products for the period of January 1, 2014 through September 30, 2017. The insurance departments of five jurisdictions (Delaware, Wisconsin, District of Columbia, Kansas and South Dakota) are serving as leads, and the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking and the Delaware Department of Insurance are serving as the managing lead states of the MCE.  In addition to the five lead states, 36 other states are participating in the MCE.  Each of Standard Security Life, Madison National Life and Independence American responded to inquiries and document production requests in the MCE and has proactively communicated and cooperated with the applicable regulatory agencies for the MCE.  Each of these subsidiaries has also provided a detailed action plan to regulators that summarizes its enhanced compliance and control mechanisms.

On July 18, 2019, each of Standard Security Life, Madison National Life and Independence American



received a proposed Regulatory Settlement Agreement ("RSA") to resolve the MCE with respect to such company. The proposed RSAs provide for monetary penalties as well as requirements related to such subsidiaries' marketing activities and periodic reporting to regulators. Standard Security Life, Madison National Life and Independence American have preliminarily responded to the proposed RSAs and anticipate entering into confidential discussions with the insurance departments of the lead jurisdictions once they have reviewed. At this time, the Company is not able to reasonably estimate any settlement amount or range of settlement amounts that may result from such discussions.

 

 

ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS 

 

Not applicable.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, 2018 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 2016, the Board of Directors increased the number of shares that can be repurchased to 3,000,000 shares of IHC common stock. As of September 30, 2018, 1,861,5372019, 1,750,638 shares were still authorized to be repurchased.

 

Share repurchases during the third quarter of 20182019 are summarized as follows:

 

2018

2019

2019

 

 

Maximum Number

 

 

Maximum Number

 

Average Price

of Shares Which

 

Average Price

of Shares Which

Month of

 Shares

of Repurchased

Can be

 Shares

of Repurchased

Can be

Repurchase

 

Repurchased

 

Shares

 

Repurchased

 

Repurchased

 

Shares

 

Repurchased

 

 

 

 

 

 

July

6,171

$

33.86

1,874,924

15,934

$

37.66

1,796,558

August

-

$

-

1,874,924

31,642

$

37.51

1,764,916

September

 

13,387

$

34.37

1,861,537

 

14,278

$

37.23

1,750,638

 

 

ITEM 3.   DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES 

 

Not applicable.



 

ITEM 4.   MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

ITEM 5.   OTHER INFORMATION 

 

Not applicable.  



ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS  

 

 

Exhibit Number

 

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 filed with the SEC on May 12, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.5  Retirement Benefit Agreement, dated as of September 30, 1991, between Independence Holding Company and Mr. Roy T.K. Thung, as amended. (Filed as an Exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference; Amendment No. 1 filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(4a) to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference;

Amendment No. 2 filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(4)(b) to our



Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 22, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference; Amendment No. 3 filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 7, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.6  Purchase Agreement, made and entered into on June 15, 2015, by and among Madison National Life Insurance Company, Inc., Standard Security Life Insurance Company of New York and National Guardian Life Insurance Company (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 16, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference)

10.7  Sale Bonus Agreement, dated November 7, 2016, by and between Independence American Holdings Corp. and David T. Kettig (Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference)



10.8  Officer Employment Agreement, made as of May 25, 2011, by and among Independence Holding Company, Standard Security Life and Mr. Gary J. Balzofiore (Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).  

10.9Officer Employment Agreement, made as of June 22, 2015, by and among Independence Holding Company, Standard Security Life and Mr. Vincent Furfaro, as amended by the Assignment and Assumption with Novation and Amendment of Officer Employment Agreement dated January 1, 2017 by and among Standard Security Life, AMIC Holdings, Inc. and Mr. Vincent Furfaro (Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.10Sale Bonus Agreement, dated July 25, 2018, by and between Independence American Holdings Corp. and Vincent Furfaro (Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.11Assignment and Assumption with Novation and Amendment of Officer Employment Agreement dated January 1, 2017 by and among Standard Security Life, AMIC Holdings, Inc. and Mr. David T. Kettig (Filed as Exhibit 10.11 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 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 2002.2002.

 

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. The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. 

 

101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. * 

 

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.



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 8, 20182019      

Roy T.K. Thung

Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman

 of the Board of Directors

 

 

 

 

By:/s/Teresa A. Herbert                                    Date:November 8, 20182019   

            Teresa A. Herbert

Senior Vice President and

    Chief Financial Officer 


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