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 endedMarch 31,June 30, 2005

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

For the transition period from: ________ to _________

Commission File Number:0-10306

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

 

58-1407235

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

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

 

96 CUMMINGS POINT ROAD, STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT                                                06902

(Address of principal executive offices)                                                                                                 (Zip Code)

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

NOT APPLICABLE

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

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

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

 

Class

Outstanding at May 9,August 8, 2005

Common stock, $ 1.00 par value

                       13,912,15713,898,777 Shares

  

 

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

PAGE

  

NO.

  
 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 
   
  

Consolidated Balance Sheets -

 
  

March 31,June 30, 2005 (unaudited) and December 31, 2004

3

  
  

Consolidated Statements of Operations -

 
  

Three Months and Six Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2005 and 2004 (unaudited)

4

  
  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -

 
  

ThreeSix Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2005 and 2004 (unaudited)

5

  
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

6

  
 

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

1314

  

and Results of Operations

 
  
 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

2129

  
 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

2230

  

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 
  
 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

2230

   
 

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

2230

   
 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

2231

   
 

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

2231

   
 

Item 5. Other Information

2231

  
 

Item 6. Exhibits

2331

  
 

Signatures

2432

    

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

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

(unaudited)

    

(unaudited)

  

ASSETS:

ASSETS:

    

ASSETS:

    

Investments:

    

Investments:

    

Short-term investments

 

$

14,765

 

$

21,470

Short-term investments

 

$

21,333

 

$

21,470

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

 

12,437

 

93,544

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

 

56,437

 

93,544

Fixed maturities

 

684,640

 

546,384

Fixed maturities

 

555,516

 

546,384

Equity securities

 

48,101

 

12,099

Equity securities

 

23,174

 

12,099

Other investments

 

56,080

 

48,679

Other investments

 

46,286

 

48,679

    
    

Total investments

 

816,023

 

722,176

Total investments

 

702,746

 

722,176

    
    

Cash and cash equivalents

 

10,293

 

13,196

Cash and cash equivalents

 

13,051

 

13,196

Due from securities brokers

 

29,715

 

4,795

Due from securities brokers

 

16,746

 

4,795

Investment in American Independence Corp. ("AMIC")

 

33,255

 

30,626

Investment in American Independence Corp. ("AMIC")

 

30,968

 

30,626

Deferred acquisition costs

 

56,358

 

37,386

Deferred acquisition costs

 

43,007

 

37,386

Due and unpaid premiums

 

10,463

 

7,100

Due and unpaid premiums

 

7,786

 

7,100

Due from reinsurers

 

116,484

 

121,987

Due from reinsurers

 

119,992

 

121,987

Notes and other receivables

 

9,611

 

7,172

Notes and other receivables

 

7,871

 

7,172

Goodwill

 

13,625

 

5,901

Other assets

 

37,349

 

24,055

Other assets

 

25,466

 

18,154

         

Total assets

 

$

979,516

 

$

968,493

Total assets

 

$

1,121,293

 

$

968,493

         

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

    

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

    

LIABILITIES:

LIABILITIES:

    

LIABILITIES:

    

Insurance reserves-health

 

$

158,556

 

$

166,087

Insurance reserves-health

 

$

149,032

 

$

166,087

Insurance reserves-life and annuity

 

181,450

 

171,365

Insurance reserves-life and annuity

 

258,024

 

171,365

Funds on deposit

 

314,725

 

308,465

Funds on deposit

 

359,909

 

308,465

Unearned premiums

 

19,583

 

17,468

Unearned premiums

 

19,559

 

17,468

Policy claims-life

 

6,701

 

6,590

Policy claims-life

 

6,473

 

6,590

Policy claims-health

 

3,197

 

2,495

Policy claims-health

 

3,112

 

2,495

Other policyholders' funds

 

9,455

 

8,859

Other policyholders' funds

 

11,919

 

8,859

Due to securities brokers

 

23,112

 

14,760

Due to securities brokers

 

27,342

 

14,760

Due to reinsurers

 

6,261

 

6,957

Due to reinsurers

 

6,933

 

6,957

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

 

19,056

 

25,948

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

 

29,181

 

25,948

Debt

 

12,500

 

12,500

Debt

 

12,500

 

12,500

Junior subordinated debt securities

 

38,146

 

38,146

Junior subordinated debt securities

 

38,146

 

38,146

         

Total liabilities

 

792,742

 

779,640

Total liabilities

 

922,130

 

779,640

         

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

    

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

    

Preferred stock (none issued)

 

-

 

-

Preferred stock (none issued)

 

-

 

-

Common stock $1.00 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized;

    

Common stock $1.00 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized;

    

14,235,066 shares issued; 13,973,017 and 14,102,766

14,235

14,235

14,235,066 shares issued; 13,903,607 and 14,102,766

shares outstanding, respectively

shares outstanding, respectively

14,235

14,235

Paid-in capital

 

77,957

 

78,033

Paid-in capital

 

77,629

 

78,033

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(7,333)

 

(1,976)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

1,125

 

(1,976)

Treasury stock, at cost; 262,049 and 132,300 shares,

    

Treasury stock, at cost; 331,459 and 132,300 shares,

    
 

respectively

 

(4,774)

 

(2,376)

 

respectively

 

(6,033)

 

(2,376)

Retained earnings

 

106,689

 

100,937

Retained earnings

 

112,207

 

100,937

Total stockholders' equity

 

186,774

 

188,853

Total stockholders' equity

 

199,163

 

188,853

           

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 

$

979,516

 

$

968,493

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 

$

1,121,293

 

$

968,493

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

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

March 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

        
             

REVENUES:

REVENUES:

    

REVENUES:

        

Health premiums earned

$

46,490

$

37,057

$

86,198

$

69,993

Health premiums earned

 

$

39,708

$

32,936

Life and annuity premiums earned

 

9,291

 

8,382

 

19,011

 

15,783

Life and annuity premiums earned

 

9,720

 

7,401

Net investment income

 

9,037

 

11,283

 

18,536

 

21,266

Net investment income

 

9,499

 

9,983

Net realized and unrealized gains

 

836

 

425

 

1,084

 

1,320

Net realized and unrealized gains

 

248

 

895

Equity income from AMIC

 

509

 

525

 

986

 

1,146

Equity income from AMIC

 

477

 

621

MGU fee income

 

1,872

 

191

 

4,329

 

384

Other income

 

6,021

 

596

Other income

 

947

 

250

 

4,511

 

653

      

68,982

 

58,113

 

134,655

 

110,545

 

65,673

 

52,432

        
             

EXPENSES:

EXPENSES:

    

EXPENSES:

        

Insurance benefits, claims and reserves - health

 

25,757

 

20,957

Insurance benefits, claims and reserves -

        

Insurance benefits, claims and reserves - life and

     

health

 

25,567

 

23,127

 

51,324

 

44,084

 

annuity

 

10,904

 

8,974

Insurance benefits, claims and reserves -

        

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

 

2,651

 

1,379

 

life and annuity

 

10,220

 

8,750

 

21,124

 

17,724

Interest expense on debt

 

845

 

560

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

 

2,673

 

2,762

 

5,324

 

4,141

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

16,508

 

12,117

Interest expense on debt

 

865

 

502

 

1,710

 

1,062

    

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

21,028

 

14,381

 

37,536

 

26,498

 

56,665

 

43,987

        
      

60,353

 

49,522

 

117,018

 

93,509

Income before income taxes

 

9,008

 

8,445

Income tax expense

 

3,256

 

2,945

Income before income taxes

 

8,629

 

8,591

 

17,637

 

17,036

    

Income tax expense

 

2,763

 

3,041

 

6,019

 

5,986

Net income

 

$

5,752

$

5,500

        
    

Net income

$

5,866

$

5,550

$

11,618

$

11,050

        

Basic income per common share

Basic income per common share

 

$

.41

$

.39

Basic income per common share

$

.42

$

.40

$

.83

$

.79

             

Weighted average shares outstanding

Weighted average shares outstanding

 

14,009

 

13,927

Weighted average shares outstanding

 

13,916

 

13,997

 

13,962

 

13,962

             

Diluted income per common share

Diluted income per common share

 

$

.40

$

.38

Diluted income per common share

$

.41

$

.39

$

.82

$

.77

             

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding

 

14,332

 

14,341

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding

14,200

14,340

14,255

14,281

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

March 31,

 

June 30,

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

   

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net income

$

5,752

 

$

5,500

Net income

$

11,618

 

$

11,050

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from

    

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from

    

operating activities:

operating activities:

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

 

2,651

 

1,379

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

 

5,324

 

4,141

Net realized and unrealized gains

 

(248)

 

(895)

Net realized and unrealized gains

 

(1,084)

 

(1,320)

Equity income from AMIC

 

(477)

 

(621)

Equity income from AMIC

 

(986)

 

(1,146)

Depreciation and amortization

 

378

 

201

Depreciation and amortization

 

764

 

397

Deferred tax expense

 

2,261

 

6

Deferred tax expense

 

4,015

 

1,329

Other

 

(554)

 

47

Other

 

(864)

 

62

Changes in assets and liabilities:

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Net sales of trading securities

 

201

 

122

Net sales of trading securities

 

329

 

327

Change in insurance liabilities

 

3,692

 

2,152

Change in insurance liabilities

 

(5,899)

 

(3,633)

Additions to deferred acquisition costs

 

(6,565)

 

(1,967)

Additions to deferred acquisition costs

 

(11,085)

 

(5,822)

Change in net amounts due from and to reinsurers

 

1,299

 

4,543

Change in net amounts due from and to reinsurers

 

9,323

 

5,638

Change in income tax liability

 

(504)

 

1,449

Change in income tax liability

 

(502)

 

474

Change in due and unpaid premiums

 

(685)

 

351

Change in due and unpaid premiums

 

(1,205)

 

364

Other

 

(7,925)

 

(3,811)

Other

 

(5,778)

 

(2,344)

         

Net cash from operating activities

 

(724)

 

8,456

Net cash from operating activities

 

3,970

 

9,517

         

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Change in net amount due from and to securities brokers

 

(3,598)

 

29,917

Change in net amount due from and to securities brokers

 

(12,338)

 

11,015

Net (purchase) sale of short-term investments

 

36

 

(123)

Net proceeds of (payments for) short-term investments

 

6,718

 

(832)

Net sales of securities under resale and repurchase agreements

37,107

11,498

Net sales of securities under resale and repurchase agreements

81,107

13,363

Sales of equity securities

 

3,229

 

8,366

Sales of equity securities

 

4,675

 

10,193

Purchases of equity securities

 

(14,400)

 

(4,716)

Purchases of equity securities

 

(40,993)

 

(6,853)

Sales of fixed maturities

 

143,918

 

399,065

Sales of fixed maturities

 

425,229

 

620,424

Maturities of fixed maturities

 

3,915

 

-

Maturities of fixed maturities

 

615

 

4,000

Purchases of fixed maturities

 

(166,984)

 

(518,784)

Purchases of fixed maturities

 

(557,405)

 

(723,249)

Proceeds of sales of other investments

 

4,214

 

1,805

Proceeds of sales of other investments

 

5,447

 

1,873

Additional investments in other investments, net of distributions

 

(976)

 

(2,424)

Additional investments in other investments, net of distributions

 

(1,274)

 

(2,276)

Purchase of subsidiary

 

(10,200)

 

-

Cash received in purchases of policy blocks

 

89,283

 

25,785

Investment in AMIC

 

(69)

 

-

Purchase of subsidiary

 

(10,200)

 

-

Change in notes and other receivables

 

(1,927)

 

5,110

Investment in AMIC

 

(2,215)

 

(1,464)

Other

 

586

 

(1,137)

Change in notes and other receivables

 

(1,816)

 

5,434

    

Other

 

(1,549)

 

(2,591)

Net cash from investing activities

(5,149)

(71,423)

    

Net cash from investing activities

(14,716)

(45,178)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Repurchase of common stock

 

(2,656)

 

-

Repurchases of common stock

 

(4,744)

 

(3,579)

Exercise of common stock options

 

92

 

149

Exercises of common stock options

 

350

 

1,938

Proceeds of investment-type insurance contracts

 

8,645

 

5,255

Proceeds of investment-type insurance contracts

 

12,590

 

9,051

Dividends paid

 

(353)

 

(386)

Dividends paid

 

(353)

 

(737)

         

Net cash from financing activities

 

5,728

 

5,018

Net cash from financing activities

 

7,843

 

6,673

         

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(145)

 

(57,949)

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(2,903)

 

(28,988)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

 

13,196

 

60,547

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

 

13,196

 

60,547

         

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

13,051

 

$

2,598

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

10,293

 

$

31,559

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

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies and Practices

(A) Business and Organization

Independence Holding Company ("IHC") is a holding company principally engaged in the life and health insurance business through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Standard Security Life Insurance Company of New York ("Standard Security Life"Security") and Madison National Life Insurance Company, Inc. ("Madison Life") and their subsidiaries (collectively, the "Insurance Group"), and at March 31, 2005, a 40%42% equity interest in the common stock of American Independence Corp. ("AMIC"). at June 30, 2005. IHC and its subsidiaries (including the Insurance Group) are collectively referred to as the "Company."

Geneve Corporation, a diversified financial holding company, and its affiliated entities (collectively, "Geneve") held 58.4%58.7% of IHC's outstanding common stock at March 31,June 30, 2005.

(B) Principles of Consolidation and Preparation of Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and include the accounts of IHC and its consolidated subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect: (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities; (ii) the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements; and (iii) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. IHC's annual report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) that are necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position and results of operations for the interim periods have been included. The consolidated results of operations for the three months and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be anticipated for the entire year.

On June 8, 2004, IHC declared a special 80% stock dividend, payable to shareholders of record on June 18, 2004 with a distribution date of July 2, 2004. The stock distribution was accounted for as a stock split effected in the form of a dividend. All share and per share data for the three months ended March 31, 2004 has been adjusted to reflect such dividend.

(C) Reclassifications

Certain amounts in prior years' consolidated financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements and Notesnotes thereto have been reclassified to conform to the 2005 presentation.

(D) Stock-Based Compensation

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

SFAS No. 123 establishes a fair value based method of accounting for stock-based compensation plans as an alternative to APB Opinion No. 25. Under SFAS No. 123, the compensation cost for options is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award, and such cost is recognized as an expense over the vesting period of the options. Compensation cost for stock appreciation rights ("SARs") is recognized over the service period of the award under both APB Opinion No. 25 and SFAS No. 123. Had the Company applied SFAS No. 123 in accounting for stock-based compensation awards, net income and net income per share for the three months and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2005 and 2004 would have been as follows:

Three Months Ended

March 31,

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

2005

2004

June 30,

June 30,

(In thousands, except per share data)

2005

2004

2005

2004

Net income, as reported

Net income, as reported

$

5,752

$

5,500

Net income, as reported

$

5,866

$

5,550

$

11,618

$

11,050

Add SAR expense included in reported

Add SAR expense included in reported net income,

Add SAR expense included in reported net income,

        

net income, net of tax

-

106

net of tax

 

-

 

47

 

-

 

153

Deduct SAR and stock option expense

Deduct SAR and stock option expense under

Deduct SAR and stock option expense under

        

under SFAS No. 123, net of tax

(175)

(360)

SFAS No. 123, net of tax

 

(165)

 

(125)

 

(340)

 

(485)

Pro forma net income

Pro forma net income

$

5,577

$

5,246

Pro forma net income

$

5,701

$

5,472

$

11,278

$

10,718

        

Basic income per common share:

Basic income per common share:

Basic income per common share:

        

As reported

$

.41

$

.39

As reported

$

.42

$

.40

$

.83

$

.79

Pro forma

$

.40

$

.38

Pro forma

$

.41

$

.39

$

.81

$

.77

        

Diluted income per common share:

Diluted income per common share:

Diluted income per common share:

        

As reported

$

.40

$

.38

As reported

$

.41

$

.39

$

.82

$

.77

Pro forma

$

.39

$

.37

Pro forma

$

.40

$

.38

$

.79

$

.75

A tax benefitTax benefits of $116,000$110,000 and $169,000 was$51,000 were reflected in the pro forma expense under SFAS No. 123No.123 for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and $226,000 and $220,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

As discussed in Note 10,11, the Company is required to adopt a fair-value-based method of accounting for stock options, beginning January 1, 2006, which will result in the recognition of compensation expense.expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Note 2. American Independence Corp.

AMIC is an insurance holding company engaged in the insurance and reinsurance business. AMIC does business with the Insurance Group, including reinsurance treaties under which Standard LifeSecurity and Madison Life cede a portion of their medical stop-loss, New York Statutory Disability ("DBL"), small group major medical, and short-term medical business.

At March 31, During the first and second quarter of 2005, the Company owned 40%purchased 172,130 additional shares of AMIC's outstandingAMIC common stock for $2,215,000, increasing its ownership in AMIC to 42% at June 30, 2005 compared to 40% at both December 31, 2004 and accountedJune 30, 2004.

The Company accounts for its investment underin AMIC using the equity method of accounting. The carrying value of the Company's investment in AMIC, including goodwill of $2,731,000,$3,361,000, was $33,699,000$36,616,000 at March 31,June 30, 2005, and its equity income was $477,000$509,000 and $986,000 for the three and six months ended March 31, 2005. At March 31, 2004, the Company owned 39% of AMIC's outstanding common stock.June 30, 2005, respectively. The Company's equity income was $621,000$525,000 and $1,146,000 for the three months and six months ended March 31, 2004. Subsequent to March 31, 2005, the Company increased its ownership in AMIC to 42%. In March and April 2005, the Company purchased 172,130 additional shares of AMIC for $2,215,000.June 30, 2004, respectively.

The Company ceded premiums to AMIC of $13,059,000$14,504,000 and $10,898,000$11,994,000 for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and $26,981,000 and $22,155,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Standard LifeSecurity earned $61,000$63,000 and $55,000$54,000 for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and $124,000 and $110,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, from its service agreement with Independence American Insurance Company (a subsidiary of AMIC). The Company earned $107,000$76,000 and $77,000$82,000 for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and $182,000 and $159,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, from its service agreement with AMIC.

Note 3. Income Per Common Share

Included in the diluted earningsincome per share calculationcalculations are 284,000 and 343,000 shares for the three months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, are 323,000 and 414,000293,000 and 319,000 shares for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, from the assumed exercise of options using the treasury stock method. Net income does not change as a result of the assumed dilution of options.

Note 4. Investments

The following tables summarize, for all securities in an unrealized loss position at March 31,June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time those securities had continuously been in an unrealized loss position:

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

March 31, 2005

Value

Losses

Value

Losses

Value

Losses

June 30, 2005

June 30, 2005

Value

Losses

Value

Losses

Value

Losses

 

(In thousands)

 

(In thousands)

                         

Corporate securities

Corporate securities

 

$

138,049

 

$

6,654

 

$

25,306

 

$

2,289

 

$

163,355

$

8,943

Corporate securities

 

$

95,254

 

$

1,227

 

$

42,758

 

$

3,277

 

$

138,012

$

4,504

CMOs and ABS(1)

CMOs and ABS(1)

 

48,182

 

1,430

 

35,012

  

1,137

 

83,194

2,567

CMOs and ABS(1)

 

33,142

 

541

 

42,560

  

1,169

 

75,702

1,710

US Government and

US Government and

            

US Government and

            

agencies

 

36,450

 

1,440

 

-

  

-

 

36,450

1,440

agencies

 

9,440

 

21

 

21,986

  

88

 

31,426

109

Agency MBS(2)

Agency MBS(2)

 

31,293

 

364

 

2

  

-

 

31,295

364

Agency MBS(2)

 

18,053

 

59

 

2

  

-

 

18,055

59

GSE(3)

GSE(3)

60,215

1,229

8,229

106

68,444

1,335

GSE(3)

42,659

480

-

-

42,659

480

States and political

States and political

             

States and political

             

subdivisions

 

47,550

 

1,443

 

-

  

-

 

47,550

 

1,443

subdivisions

 

13,849

 

111

 

-

  

-

 

13,849

 

111

Total fixed

Total fixed

             

Total fixed

             

maturities

 

361,739

 

12,560

 

68,549

  

3,532

 

430,288

16,092

maturities

 

212,397

 

2,439

 

107,306

  

4,534

 

319,703

6,973

Common stock

Common stock

 

820

 

57

 

-

  

-

 

820

57

Common stock

 

540

 

84

 

97

  

10

 

637

94

Preferred stock

Preferred stock

 

10,713

 

192

 

-

  

-

 

10,713

 

192

Preferred stock

 

29,670

 

663

 

-

  

-

 

29,670

 

663

Total temporarily

Total temporarily

            

Total temporarily

            

impaired securities

$

373,272

$

12,809

$

68,549

$

3,532

$

441,821

$

16,341

impaired securities

$

242,607

$

3,186

$

107,403

$

4,544

$

350,010

$

7,730

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

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

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

Less than 12 Months

12 Months or Longer

Total

Fair

Unrealized

Fair

Unrealized

Fair

Unrealized

December 31, 2004

Value

Losses

Value

Losses

Value

Losses

   

(In thousands)

                 

Corporate securities

 

$

163,517

 

$

5,060

 

$

2,608

 

$

215

 

$

166,125

$

5,275

CMOs and ABS

  

74,076

  

2,046

  

30,664

  

718

  

104,740

2,764

US Government

                
 

and agencies

  

40,630

  

691

  

-

  

-

  

40,630

691

Agency MBS

  

15,568

  

71

  

2

  

-

  

15,570

 

71

GSE

  

44,584

  

522

  

-

  

-

  

44,584

 

522

Total fixed

                 
 

maturities

  

338,375

  

8,390

  

33,274

  

933

  

371,649

9,323

Common stock

  

726

  

56

  

-

  

-

  

726

56

Preferred stock

  

1,143

  

2

  

-

  

-

  

1,143

 

2

Total temporarily

                

impaired securities

$

340,244

$

8,448

$

33,274

$

933

$

373,518

$

9,381

Substantially all of the unrealized losses at March 31,June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 relate to investment grade securities and are attributable to changes in market interest rates subsequent to purchase.  There were no securities with unrealized losses that were individually significantdollar amounts at March 31,June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004. At March 31,June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, a total of 7657 and 63 securities,respectively, were in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and 1420 and 6 securities, respectively, had continuous unrealized losses for 12 months or longer. For fixed maturities, there are no securities past due or securities for which the Company currently believes it is not probable that it will collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the investment.  Because the Company has the ability to h oldhold securities with unrealized losses until a market price recovery (which, for fixed maturities, may be until maturity) the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31,June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004.

Note 5. Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes shown in the consolidated statementsConsolidated Statements of operationsOperations was computed based on the Company's estimate of the effective tax ratesrate expected to be applicable for the current tax year.

The deferred income tax benefitexpense for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2005 allocated to stockholders' equity (principally for net unrealized lossesgains on investment securities) was $2,998,000,$1,719,000, representing the change to a net deferred tax liability of $608,000 at June 30, 2005 versus a net deferred asset of $4,109,000 at March 31, 2005 versus $1,111,000 at December 31, 2004.

Note 6. Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

Cash payments for income taxes were $1,501,000$2,511,000 and $1,500,000$2,503,000 for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Cash payments for interest were $933,000$1,729,000 and $266,000$832,000 for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Note 7. Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The components of comprehensive income (loss) income include (i) net income or loss reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, and (ii) after-tax net unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale (net of deferred acquisition costs) and a cash flow hedge which are reported directly in stockholders' equity. Comprehensive income (loss) income for the three months and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2005 and 2004 is as follows:

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

March 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

(In thousands)

 

(In thousands)

        
             

Net income

Net income

$

5,752

$

5,500

Net income

$

5,866

$

5,550

 

$

11,618

$

11,050

Unrealized (losses) gains:

    

Unrealized gains (losses):

        

Securities available-for-sale

 

(5,466)

 

5,662

Securities available-for-sale

 

8,495

 

(14,143)

 

3,029

 

(9,192)

Cash flow hedge

 

109

 

(201)

Cash flow hedge

 

(37)

 

(201)

 

72

 

309

Comprehensive income

$

395

$

10,961

Comprehensive income (loss)

Comprehensive income (loss)

$

14,324

$

(8,794)

 

$

14,719

$

2,167

Note 8. Acquisition of Subsidiary

On January 5, 2005, Strategic Health Associates Inc. ("SHA") acquired a 100% interest in Health Plan Administrators, Inc. ("HPA"), an administrator of short-term and temporary medical insurance products based in Rockford, Illinois and Tampa, Florida, for $12 million cash. IHC owns 80% of SHA with the remainder owned by Insurers Administrative Corporation ("IAC"), a leading individual and group health insurance administrator. Beginning in the first quarter of 2005, HPA offered short-term medical insurance in certain jurisdictions through Standard Life.Security.

IHC acquired its 80% interest for $10,200,000 which includes $600,000 of direct costs associated with the acquisition. In addition, IHC loaned $1,800,000 to IAC in the form of a note receivable to fund IAC's portion of the acquisition. The loan has a 5% interest rate and is due in six equal annual installments commencing January 3, 2006. IHC recorded $7,071,000 of goodwill and $2,960,000 of other intangible assets in connection with the acquisition.

Note 9. Purchases of Policy Blocks

The Company has grown its life and annuity business primarily through acquisitions of blocks of business. Effective June 9, 2005, IHC acquired a block of life insurance policies with approximately $120 million in reserves, consisting of approximately $77 million of traditional life reserves, approximately $40 million of universal life and interest sensitive life reserves and approximately $3 million of other reserves. In the second quarter of 2004, IHC acquired a block of individual annuity policies through an assumption reinsurance agreement.

A summary of the amounts recorded by the Company as of the effective dates is as follows:

2005

2004

(In thousands)

 

Liabilities:

Insurance reserves - life

$

76,791

$

-

Funds on deposit

40,419

26,585

Other policyholders' funds

2,573

-

Other

224

-

120,007

26,585

Non-cash assets:

Other investments (policy loans)

10,539

-

Deferred acquisition costs

14,183

800

Due and unpaid premiums

2,158

-

Due from reinsurers

3,844

-

30,724

800

Cash received

$

89,283

$

25,785

Note 9.10. Segment Reporting

The Insurance Group principally engages in the life and health insurance business. Interest expense, taxes, and general expenses associated with parent company activities are included in Corporate. Certain allocations of items within segments have been reclassified in the 2004 information to reflect how management analyzes these segments currently. Information by business segment for the three months and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2005 and 2004 is presented below:

Three Months Ended

March 31,

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

2005

2004

June 30,

June 30,

(In thousands)

2005

2004

2005

2004

(In thousands)

Revenues:

Medical stop-loss

$

31,247

$

23,262

$

33,785

$

26,763

$

65,032

$

50,024

Strategic health

4,350

-

3,732

-

8,082

-

Group disability, life, annuities and DBL

11,950

11,437

12,674

12,118

24,625

23,555

Individual life, annuities and other

12,204

11,008

12,128

12,817

24,332

23,826

Credit life and disability

5,364

4,972

5,542

5,387

10,907

10,360

Corporate

310

858

285

603

593

1,460

65,425

51,537

68,146

57,688

133,571

109,225

Net realized and unrealized gains

248

895

836

425

1,084

1,320

$

65,673

$

52,432

$

68,982

$

58,113

$

134,655

$

110,545

Income (loss) before income taxes:

Medical stop-loss

$

9,286

$

5,607

$

6,810

$

4,958

$

16,096

$

10,564

Strategic health

(737)

-

(411)

-

(1,148)

-

Group disability, life, annuities and DBL

418

670

1,988

1,716

2,406

2,386

Individual life, annuities and other

951

2,055

1,132

2,140

2,083

4,196

Credit life and disability

232

(53)

111

945

343

893

Corporate

(545)

(169)

(972)

(1,091)

(1,517)

(1,261)

9,605

8,110

8,658

8,668

18,263

16,778

Interest expense

(845)

(560)

(865)

(502)

(1,710)

(1,062)

Net realized and unrealized gains

248

895

836

425

1,084

1,320

$

9,008

$

8,445

$

8,629

$

8,591

$

17,637

$

17,036

Note 10.11. New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 154, "Accounting Changes and Error Corrections," which replaces APB Opinion No. 20, "Accounting Changes," and SFAS No. 3, "Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements," and changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle. SFAS No. 154 applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle and to changes required by an accounting pronouncement when the pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. SFAS No. 154 requires retrospective application of changes in accounting principle to prior periods' financial statements unless it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. APB Opinion No. 20 previously required that most voluntary changes in accounting principle be recognized by including the cumulative effect of the change in net income for the period of the change in accounting principle. SFAS No. 154 carries forward without change the guidance contained in APB Opinion No. 20 for reporting the correction of an error in previously issued financial statements and a change in accounting estimate. SFAS No. 154 also carries forward the guidance in APB Opinion No. 20 requiring justification of a change in accounting principle on the basis of preferability. SFAS No. 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005, with early adoption permitted. The Company's adoption of SFAS No. 154 is not expected to affect its financial condition or results of operations.

On September 30, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")FASB issued Staff Position No. EITF Issue 03-1-1, "Effective Date of Paragraphs 10-20 of EITF Issue No. 03-1, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Itsits Application to Certain Investments," which delaysdelayed the effective date forof the measurement and recognition guidance contained in Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue No. 03-1. As originally issued, EITF Issue No. 03-1 providesprovided guidance for evaluating whether an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired and was originally to be effective for other-than-temporary impairment evaluations made in reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2004 (July 1, 2004 for the Company). The delayOn June 29, 2005, the FASB directed its staff to issue Staff Position No. FAS 115-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary-Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments," which will supersede EITF Issue No. 03-1 and be effective for impairment analyses conducted in periods beginning after September 15, 2005. Staff Position No. F AS 115-1 will replace the effective date for the measurement and recognition guidance contained in EITF Issue No. 03-1 with references to existing authoritative literature concerning other-than-temporary impairments and clarify that an investor should recognize an impairment loss no later than when the impairment is deemed other-than-temporary, even if a decision to sell the investment has not be made. The Company does not suspend the requirement to recognize other-than-temporary impairments as required by existing authoritative literature. Subsequent toexpect that the issuance of Staff Position No. EITF Issue 03-1-1, the FASB announced plans forFAS 115-1 will have a full reconsiderationmaterial effect on its financial condition or results of existing authoritative literature concerning other-than-temporary impairment of securities. The outcome of this reconsideration and the impact, if any, on the Company's impairment recognition cannot be predicted at this time.

operations.

In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004) ("SFAS 123(R)"), "Share-Based Payment", which supercedessupersedes SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123") and APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." SFAS 123(R) addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions with employees and other third parties; eliminates the ability to account for share-basedcompensation transactions using APB 25; and requires that the compensation costs relating to such transactions be recognized in the statement of operations. In accordance with a rule issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission in April 2005, the compliance date for SFAS 123(R) is now the beginning of the first fiscal year beginning after June 15, 2005 and, therefore, the Company will adopt SFAS 123(R) on January 1, 2006, as required. SFAS 123(R) applies to all awards granted after the adoption date and to awards modifie d, repurchased,modified, repur chased, or cancelled after that date. Additionally, beginning on the required adoption date, compensation expense will be recognized for the portion of outstanding awards for which the requisite service (vesting) has not yet been rendered, based on the grant-date fair value of those awards calculated under SFAS 123 for pro forma disclosures. The impact of adoption cannot be predicted at this time because it will depend, in part, on levels of share-based payments granted in the future. However, had the Company adopted SFAS 123(R) in prior periods, the impact of that standard would have approximated the impact of SFAS 123 as described in the pro forma disclosure included in Note 1(D).

Note 12. Subsequent Event

On July 1, 2005, the Company, through its 80% owned subsidiary SHA, acquired a 75% interest in GroupLink, Inc. ("GroupLink"), an administrator of dental benefits based in Indianapolis, Indiana and its wholly-owned subsidiary, GroupLink Reinsurance Ltd., for $1.875 million in cash. A member of GroupLink's current management will continue to own the remaining 25% interest. Starting in the fourth quarter of 2005, it is anticipated that GroupLink will begin offering dental insurance in certain jurisdictions through Standard Security and Madison Life. GroupLink Reinsurance Ltd. solely reinsures dental business produced by GroupLink, Inc.

ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OFFINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The actual consolidated results of Independence Holding Company. ("IHC") and Subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Company") could differ significantly from those set forth herein. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in "Factors Affecting the Company's Operating Results" as set forth in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" as well as those discussed elsewhere in this quarterly report. Statements contained herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbor created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "believes", "anticipates", "expe cts", "intends", "estimates", "likelihood", "unlikelihood", "assessment", and "foreseeable" and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. A number of important factors could cause the Company's actual results for the year ending December 31, 2005, and beyond to differ materially from past results and those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by the Company, or on its behalf. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of the Company should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the related Notes thereto appearing in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this quarterly report.

Overview

TheSince its inception the Company ishas been a life and health insurance holding company principallycompany. In recent years, IHC has been primarily engaged in health insurance throughout the United States and isas a leader in the medical stop-loss industry nationally.market nationally and in niche health products, including short-term medical, high-deductible small group major medical and specialized long-term and short-term disability products. In addition, IHC has grown its life and annuity business primarily through acquisitions of blocks of business. The Company operates through (i) its (i) two insurance carriers (Standard Security Life and Madison Life), (ii) its 42% ownership interest in American Independence Corp. ("AMIC"), which owns medical stop-loss managing general underwriters (MGUs)("MGUs") and Independence American Insurance Company; and (iii) its other MGUs, third party administrators, and marketing affiliates..affiliates. Through its ownership of AMIC and other MGUs, IHC controls approximately 74%71% of the production sourcessour ces for its core product medical stop-loss business, while maintaining profitability through disciplined underwriting. Through its ownership of Health Plan Administrators Inc. ("HPA"), IHC controls the distribution of its short-term medical products. Through its ownership interest in CA Insurance Services ("CA Services") and its contractual relationship with Insurers Administrative Corporation ("IAC"), the Company controls the distribution of its group major medical products. Through its ownership, as of July 1, 2005, of GroupLink, Inc. ("GroupLink") the Company controls the distribution of its dental and vision products. IHC also writes group disability/DBL, group life and annuities, individual life and annuities, and credit life and disability.disability and vision.These lines of business are targeted to niche markets. The majority of group life and disability business is focused in the upper Midwest school and public entity markets. The DBL business is written in New York State and administeredadm inistered through Standard Security Life'sSecurity's web-based back office. Individual life and annuities are written under a nation-wide program for volunteer emergency service, military and civilian government personnel. The credit life and disability business is marketed through a select group of producers. In addition, the Company's acquisition group assesses opportunities to acquire blocks of business based on the amount of reserves transferred and current interest rates.

While management considers a wide range of factors in its strategic planning and decision-making, underwriting profit is consistently emphasized as the primary goal in all decisions as to whether or not to increase our retention in a core line, expand into new products, acquire an entity or a block of business, or otherwise change our business model. Management's assessment of trends in healthcare and morbidity, with respect to medical stop-loss, major medical, short-term medical, dental, vision, disability and DBL; mortality rates with respect to life insurance; and changes in market conditions in general play a significant role in determining the rates charged, deductibles and attachment points quoted, and the percentage of business retained. Finally, management focuses on managing the costs of IHC's operations, which contributes to the Company's consistent profitability.

The following is a summary of key performance information and events for the three months and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2005:

As disclosed in the Company's 2004 Form 10-K, Madison NationalLife and Independence American entered into a reinsurance agreement to protect Independence American against certain losses from Medical Stop-Lossmedical stop-loss business occurring during the period from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005. Subsequent to the filing of the Company's Form 10-K, the parties mutually agreed to terminate the agreement as of its effective date of January 1, 2005. The parties made this determination after considering the development of Independence American's block of Medical Stop-Lossmedical stop-loss business to date.

The Medical Stop-Lossmedical stop-loss market is generally cyclical in nature. When a product experiences several consecutive years of underwriting profitability, it is not unusual for there to be more competitors entering that line which can increase pressure on pricing and create a "softer" market. The Medical Stop-Lossmedical stop-loss market began to "soften" in 2003, and less favorable conditions continued through 2004. Despite these market conditions, the Company produced profitable results in 2003 and 2004, and expects continued profitability in 2005. As a result of these market conditions, the rate IHC is able to charge for Medical Stop-Lossmedical stop-loss increased at a lesser rate in recent years, however, increases in medical trend have also been held in check to a greater extent and deductibles and attachment points have increased. This reduces IHC's overall risk exposure. The Company remains optimistic that it will continue to produce profitable results, however, its ability to grow the Medical Stop-Lossmedical stop-loss line in 2005 may be somewhat limited, although the Company intends to appoint new MGUs which would generate additional premiums. IHC's new lines of business (major medical, short-term medical, dental and vision) are less volatile than Medical Stop-Loss.medical stop-loss. The Company remains optimistic that these lines will yield profitable results while producing significant growth.

Information pertaining to the Company's business segments is provided in Note 910 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. A summary of the Company's significant accounting policies is provided in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004. Management has identified the accounting policies described below as those that, due to the judgments, estimates and assumptions inherent in those policies, are critical to an understanding of the Company's consolidated financial statements and management's discussion and analysis.

Premium Revenue Recognition and Policy Charges

Life

Traditional life insurance products consist principally of products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits, primarily term and whole life insurance products. Premiums from these products are recognized as revenue when due.

Annuities and interest-sensitive life contracts, such as universal life and interest sensitive whole life, are contracts whose terms are not fixed and guaranteed. Premiums from these policies are reported as funds on deposit. Policy charges consist of fees assessed against the policyholder for cost of insurance (mortality risk), policy administration and early surrender. These revenues are recognized when assessed against the policyholder account balance.

Policies that do not subject the Company to significant risk arising from mortality or morbidity are considered investment contracts. Deposits received for such contracts are reported as other policyholder funds. Policy charges for investment contracts consist of fees assessed against the policyholder account for maintenance, administration and surrender of the policy prior to contractually specified dates, and are recognized when assessed against the policyholder account balance.

Health

Premiums from short-duration medical insurance contracts are intended to cover expected claim costs resulting from insured events that occur during a fixed period of short duration. The Company has the ability to cancel the annual contract or to revise the premium rates at the beginning of each annual contract period to cover future insured events. Insurance premiums from annual health contracts are collected monthly and are recognized as revenue evenly as insurance protection is provided.

Premiums related to long-term and short-term disability contracts are recognized on a pro rata basis over the applicable contract term.

Insurance Reserves

The Company maintains loss reserves to cover its estimated liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, including legal, and other fees as well asand a portion of the Company's general expenses, for reported and unreported claims incurred as of the end of each accounting period. These loss reserves are based on actuarial assumptions and are maintained at levels that are in accordance with GAAP. Many factors could affect these reserves, including economic and social conditions, inflation, healthcare costs, changes in doctrines of legal liability and damage awards in litigation. Therefore, the Company's reserves are necessarily based on estimates, assumptions and analysis of historical experience. The Company's results depend upon the variation between actual claims experience and the assumptions used in determining reserves and pricing products. Reserve assumptions and estimates require significant judgment and, therefore, are inherently uncertain. The Company cannot determine with precision the ultimate amounts that will be paid for actual claims or the timing of those payments.

Insurance reserves differ for short-duration and long-duration insurance policies and for annuities. Reserves are based on approved actuarial methods, but necessarily include assumptions about expenses, mortality, morbidity, lapse rates and future yield on related investments.

All of the Company's short-duration contracts are generated from our accident and health business, and are accounted for based on actuarial estimates of the amount of loss inherent in that period's claims, including losses incurred for which claims have not been reported. Short-duration contract loss estimates rely on actuarial observations of ultimate loss experience for similar historical events.

Health

Liabilities for insurance reserves on certain short-term medical coverages, such as medical stop-loss, are computed using completion factors and expected loss ratios derived from actual historical premium and claim data. Reserves for medical stop-loss insurance are more volatile in nature than those for fully insured medical insurance.  This is primarily due to the excess nature of medical stop-loss, with very high deductibles applying to specific claims on any individual claimant and in the aggregate for a given group.  The level of these deductibles makes it more difficult to predict the amount and payment pattern of such claims.  Furthermore, these excess claims are highly sensitive to changes in factors such as medical trend, provider contracts and medical treatment protocols, adding to the difficulty in predicting claim values and estimating reserves.  Also, because medical stop-loss is in excess of an underlying benefit plan, there is an additional layer of cl aim reporting and processing that can affect claim payment patterns.  Finally, changes in the distribution of business by effective month can affect reserve estimates due to the time required to accumulate claims against the stop-loss deductible, unlike fully insured medical.

Reserves for fully insured medical business are established to provide for the liability for incurred but not paid claims.  Reserves are calculated using standard actuarial methods and practices.  Historical paid claim patterns are reviewed and estimated development factors applied to immature incurred months to calculate these reserves.

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 reserve 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.

The Company's long term disability reserves are developed using actuarial principles and assumptions that consider, among other things, future offsets and recoveries, elimination periods, interest rates, probability of rehabilitation or mortality, incidence and termination rates based on the Company's experience. The loss reserve is made up of case reserves, incurred but not reported reserves, reopen reserves, and loss adjustment expense. Incurred but not reported and reopen reserves are calculated by a hind-sight study, which takes historical experience and develops the reserve as a percentage of premiums from prior years.

Life

For traditional life insurance products, the Company computes insurance reserves primarily using the net premium method based on anticipated investment yield, mortality, (morbidity on health insurance) and withdrawals. Liabilities for insurance reserves on certain short-term medical coverages were computed using completion factors and expected loss ratios derived from actual historical premium and claim data. These methods are widely used in the life and health insurance industry to estimate the liabilities for insurance reserves. Inherent in these calculations are management and actuarial judgments and estimates whichthat could significantly impact the ending reserve liabilities and, consequently, operating results. Actual results may differ, and these estimates are subject to interpretation and change.

Policyholder funds represent interest-bearing liabilities arising from the sale of products, such as universal life, interest-sensitive life and annuities. Policyholder funds are comprised primarily of deposits received and interest credited to the benefit of the policyholder less surrenders and withdrawals, mortality charges and administrative expenses.

Interest Credited

Interest credited to policyholder funds represents interest accrued or paid on interest-sensitive life policies and investment policies. Amounts charged to operations (including interest credited and benefit claims incurred in excess of related policyholder account balances) are reported as insurance benefits, claims and reserves-life and annuity. Credit rates for certain annuities and interest-sensitive life policies are adjusted periodically by the Company to reflect current market conditions, subject to contractually guaranteed minimum rates.

Management believes that the Company's methodmethods of estimating the liabilities for insurance reserves provided appropriate levels of reserves at March 31,June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004. Changes in the Company's reservesreserve estimates are reco rdedrecorded through a charge or credit to its earnings.

Premium Revenue RecognitionDeferred Acquisition Costs

Premiums from short-durationCosts that vary with and are primarily related to acquiring insurance policies and investment type contracts are recognizeddeferred and recorded as revenuedeferred policy acquisition costs ("DAC"). These costs are principally broker fees, agent commissions, and the purchase prices of acquired blocks of business. DAC is amortized to expense and reported separately in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Life

For traditional life insurance and other premium-paying policies, amortization of DAC is recognized over the periodlife of the contractsbusiness and charged to expense in proportion to premium revenues. Assumptions used in the amountamortization of DAC are determined based upon the conditions as of the date of policy issue and are not generally revised during the life of the policy. Generally, the amortization period for these contracts approximates the estimated lives of the policies.

For investment type contracts such as annuities and interest-sensitive life business, amortization of DAC is based on the present value of the estimated gross profits ("EGPs"), which consists of margins of mortality, investment interest spreads, and other expected revenues and expenses. Adjustments are made every quarter to reflect actual gross margins experienced. Once a year, the Company reviews the underlying assumptions that produced the prospective EGP's on a best-estimate basis. Prospective unlocking occurs only when the Company determines that the current assumptions underlying the EGP's are no longer a best-estimate for the future. Factors of the best-estimate that may lead to prospective unlocking are changes in actual versus expected mortality, persistency, investment interest spreads, or other sources of the EGP.

Health

For health insurance protection provided. Premiums from long-duration contracts arepolicies, amortization of DAC is recognized as revenue when due from policyholders.over the life of the business and charged to expense in proportion to premium revenues.

Investments

The Company accounts for its investments in debt and equity securities under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115 ("SFAS 115"),Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. The Company has classified all of its investments as available-for-sale or trading securities. These investments are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices with unrealized gains and losses reported in either accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets for available-for-sale securities or as unrealized gains or losses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for trading securities. The Company has approximately $8.0 million and $7.5 million in trading accounts at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. Net realized gains and losses on investments are computed using the specific identification method and are reported in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary are determined based on the specific identification method and are reported in the accompanyi ngaccompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations as net realized losses. The factors considered by management in determining when a decline is other than temporary include but are not limited to: the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; adverse changes in ratings announced by one or more rating agencies; whether the issuer of a debt security has remained current on principal and interest payments; whether the decline in fair value appears to be issuer specific or, alternatively, a reflection of general market or industry conditions; and the Company's intent and ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in fair value. For securities within the scope of Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 99-20, such as purchased interest-only securities, an impairmentimpa irment loss is recognized when there has been a decrease in expected cash flows combined with a decline in the security's fair value b elowbelow cost.

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2005 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2004

Net income was $5.8$5.9 million, or $.40$.41 per share, diluted, for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2005 compared to $5.5$5.6 million, or $.38$.39 per share, diluted, for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2004. The Company's income before taxes increased $.6was $8.6 million to $9.0 million for both the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2005 from $8.4 million forand 2004. The Company had net realized and unrealized gains of $.2$.8 million in the firstsecond quarter of 2005 compared to $.9$.4 million in the second quarter of 2004. Income tax expense increaseddecreased $.3 million to $3.2$2.8 million in the firstsecond quarter of 2005, an effective rate of 36.1%32%, from $2.9$3.1 million in 2004, an effective rate of 34.9%35%, primarily reflecting the increase in income before taxes.tax advantaged securities in the portfolio. Information by business segment for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2005 and March 31, 2004 is as follows:

    

Benefits,

Amortization

Selling,

     

Benefits,

Amortization

Selling,

 
 

Net

  

Claims

of Deferred

General

   

Net

 

Fee and

Claims

of Deferred

General

 

Premiums

Investment

Equity

Other

and

Acquisition

and

 

Premiums

Investment

Equity

Other

and

Acquisition

and

 

March 31, 2005

Earned

Income

Income

Income

Reserves

Costs

Administrative

Total

June 30, 2005

June 30, 2005

Earned

Income

Income

Income

Reserves

Costs

Administrative

Total

(In thousands)

(In thousands)

      

(In thousands)

     
            

Medical stop-loss

Medical stop-loss

$

25,136

1,385

477

4,249

16,026

-

5,935

$

9,286

Medical stop-loss

$

31,602

714

509

960

17,444

-

9,531

$

6,810

Strategic health

Strategic health

2,964

11

-

1,375

2,173

150

2,764

(737)

Strategic health

2,216

4

-

1,512

1,330

150

2,663

(411)

Group disability,

Group disability,

      

Group disability,

     

life annuities

      

life, annuities

     

and DBL

9,802

2,032

-

116

7, 855

36

3,641

418

and DBL

10,402

2,179

-

93

6,750

39

3,897

1,988

Individual life,

Individual life,

      

Individual life,

     

annuities

      

annuities

     

and other

6,426

5,592

-

186

8,400

1,317

1,536

951

and other

6,269

5,678

-

181

7,825

1,345

1,826

1,132

Credit life and

Credit life and

      

Credit life and

     

disability

 

5,100

 

219

 

-

 

45

 

2,207

 

1,148

 

1,777

 

232

disability

 

5,292

 

227

 

-

 

23

 

2,438

 

1,139

 

1,854

 

111

Corporate

Corporate

 

-

 

260

 

-

 

50

 

-

 

-

 

855

 

(545)

Corporate

 

-

 

235

 

-

 

50

 

-

 

-

 

1,257

 

(972)

Sub total

Sub total

$

49,428

 

9,499

 

477

 

6,021

 

36,661

 

2,651

 

16,508

 

9,605

Sub total

$

55,781

 

9,037

 

509

 

2,819

 

35,787

 

2,673

 

21,028

 

8,658

Realized and un-

Realized and un-

      

Realized and un-

     

realized gains

     

248

realized gains

    

836

Interest expense

Interest expense

      

(845)

Interest expense

     

(865)

Income before

Income before

      

Income before

     

income taxes

     

9,008

income taxes

    

8,629

Income taxes

Income taxes

      

3,256

Income taxes

     

2,763

Net income

Net income

     

$

5,752

Net income

    

$

5,866

            
    

Benefits,

Amortization

Selling,

     

Benefits,

Amortization

Selling,

 
 

Net

  

Claims

of Deferred

General

   

Net

 

Fee and

Claims

of Deferred

General

 

March 31, 2004

Premiums

Investment

Equity

Other

and

Acquisition

and

 

June 30, 2004

June 30, 2004

Premiums

Investment

Equity

Other

and

Acquisition

and

 

(In thousands)

(In thousands)

Earned

Income

Income

Income

Reserves

Costs

Administrative

Total

(In thousands)

Earned

Income

Income

Income

Reserves

Costs

Administrative

Total

      

     

Medical stop-loss

Medical stop-loss

$

21,841

753

621

47

13,669

-

3,986

$

5,607

Medical stop-loss

$

25,347

427

525

464

15,771

-

6,034

 

4,958

Group disability,

Group disability,

      

Group disability,

     

life annuities

      

life, annuities

     

and DBL

9,309

1,996

-

132

7,077

31

3,659

670

and DBL

9,651

2,470

-

(3)

7,280

36

3,086

1,716

Individual life,

Individual life,

      

Individual life,

     

annuities and

      

annuities and

     

other

4,459

6,266

-

283

6,881

388

1,684

2,055

other

5,376

7,597

-

(156)

6,968

1,703

2,006

2,140

Credit life and

Credit life and

      

Credit life and

     

disability

 

4,728

 

233

 

-

 

11

 

2,304

 

960

 

1,761

 

(53)

disability

 

5,065

 

287

 

-

 

35

 

1,858

 

1,023

 

1,561

 

945

Corporate

Corporate

 

-

 

735

 

-

 

123

 

-

 

-

 

1,027

 

(169)

Corporate

 

-

 

502

 

-

 

101

 

-

 

-

 

1,694

 

(1,091)

Sub total

Sub total

$

40,337

9,983

621

596

29,931

1,379

12,117

8,110

Sub total

$

45,439

11,283

525

441

31,877

2,762

14,381

8,668

Realized and un-

Realized and un-

      

Realized and un-

     

realized gains

     

895

realized gains

    

425

Interest expense

Interest expense

      

(560)

Interest expense

     

(502)

Income before

Income before

      

Income before

     

income taxes

               

8,445

income taxes

               

8,591

Income taxes

Income taxes

               

2,945

Income taxes

               

3,041

Net income

Net income

              

$

5,500

Net income

              

$

5,550

 

Premiums Earned

Total premiums earned grew $9.1$10.3 million to $49.4$55.8 million in 2005 from $40.3$45.5 million in 2004. The increase is due to: (i) the Medical Stop-Loss segment which increased $3.3$6.3 million due to $2.9$5.8 million from increased retentions and $.4$.5 million in premiums earned on an aggregate excess of loss retrocession reinsurance agreement ("Excess of Loss Agreement"), effective as of January 1, 2005, with a reinsurer for the prospective portion of its 2004 treaty year business; partially offset by a decrease from HMO Reinsurance; (ii) the new Strategic Health segment which had $3.0$2.2 million of premiums in the firstsecond quarter of 2005; (iii) the GroupIndividual and Other segment which increased $.5 million due to increased retention in GTL, and new business in Group A&H; partially offset by the 20% coinsurance agreement with Independence American entered into in July of 2004 on the DBL line; (iv) the individual and other segment which increased $2.0$.9 million primarily from an increase in VFD due to increased writi ngsblanket accident and sickness policy premium, policy acquisitions of Ordinary Life lines primarily due toblocks and growth in the military and civilian government employee division; (iv) an increase of $.7 million in the group segment due to an increase in retentions in group life and new business in group A&H, partially offset by a dec rease in DBL due to the 20% reinsurance agreement with Independence American effective July 1, 2004; and (v) a $.3$.2 million increase in the credit life and disability segment.segment due to new business.

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains

The Company experienced a decreasean increase in realized and unrealized gains of $.6$.4 million. Decisions to sell securities are based on cash flow needs, investment opportunities and economic and market conditions, thus creating fluctuations in gains and losses from period to period.

Net Investment Income

Total net investment income decreased $.5$2.2 million primarily due to a move toward higher grade securities which provide lower yields and municipal securities which also provide lower yields, but will result in income tax advantaged earnings. In addition, the Company maintained a higher level of liquid assets which yield a lesser return. The annualized return on investments was 5.1%4.9% in the firstsecond quarter of 2005 versus 6.1%6.7% in the firstsecond quarter of 2004.

Equity Income

Equity income from AMIC was comparable to the second quarter of 2004, as lower income earned by AMIC was offset by an increase in IHC's ownership to 42% in the second quarter of 2005 from 40% a year ago.

MGU Fee Income and Other Income

MGU fee income increased $1.7 million due to the acquisitions of both Majestic and Health Plan Administrators ("HPA") in July 2004 and January 2005, respectively.

Total other income increased $.7 million primarily generated by the Stop-Loss line business.

Insurance Benefits, Claims and Reserves

Benefits, claims and reserves increased $3.9 million. The increase is due to: (i) $1.7 million in the Medical Stop-Loss segment resulting from an increase in retention partially offset by a decrease in loss ratios in 2005 as compared to the prior year; (ii) an increase of $1.3 million in the Strategic Health segment for which there were no comparable results in 2004; (iii) a $.8 million increase in the individual and other segment due to higher losses on the assumed block of annuity and life business in run-off status, and higher losses on the ordinary life line due to the acquisition and (iv) an increase of $.6 million in the credit line due to increased premiums and high loss ratios. These increases were partially offset by a $.5 million decrease in the Group segment due to the previously mentioned DBL reinsurance agreement, partially offset by an increase in retentions in the Group Life line.

Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs decreased $.1 million.

Interest Expense on Debt

Interest expense increased $.4 million primarily due to the issuance of $15.5 million of fixed rate junior subordinated debt during the fourth quarter of 2004. The Company has $38.2 million of fixed rate debt (including $25.7 million of junior subordinated debt) and $12.4 million of floating rate junior subordinated debt. The floating rate debt carried an interest rate of 7.0% in 2005 as compared to 5.0% in 2004.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Total selling, general and administrative expenses increased $6.6 million in the second quarter of 2005 as compared to the second quarter of 2004. The increase is primarily due to (i) $2.7 million in expenses from subsidiaries acquired after the second quarter of 2004, including expenses associated with the commencement of the Strategic Health segment; (ii) a $3.5 million increase in commissions and other general expenses in the Medical Stop-Loss segment due to a higher level of premiums earned; and (iii) $.4 million in other general expenses.

Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2004

Net income was $11.6 million, or $.82 per share, diluted, for the six months ended June 30, 2005 compared to $11.1 million, or $.77 per share, diluted, for the six months ended June 30, 2004. The Company's income before taxes increased $.6 million to $17.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005 from $17.0 million for the first six months of 2004. The Company had net realized and unrealized gains of $1.1 million in the first six months of 2005 compared to $1.3 million in the first six months of 2004. Income tax expense remained substantially unchanged at $6.0 million, an effective rate of 34% for the six months ended June 30, 2005, and an effective rate of 35% for the six months ended June 30, 2004, primarily reflecting the increase in tax advantaged securities in the portfolio. Information by business segment for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 is as follows:

     

Benefits,

Amortization

Selling,

 
  

Net

 

Fee and

Claims

of Deferred

General

 
 

Premiums

Investment

Equity

Other

and

Acquisition

and

 

June 30, 2005

Earned

Income

Income

Income

Reserves

Costs

Administrative

Total

(In thousands)

        
         

Medical stop-loss

$

56,740

2,098

986

5,208

33,470

-

15,466

$

16,096

Strategic health

5,180

16

-

2,886

3,503

298

5,429

(1,148)

Group disability,

        
 

life, annuities

        
 

and DBL

20,203

4,211

-

211

14,606

75

7,538

2,406

Individual life,

        
 

annuities

        
 

and other

12,694

11,271

-

367

16,224

2,661

3,364

2,083

Credit life and

        
 

disability

 

10,392

 

447

 

-

 

68

 

4,645

 

2,290

 

3,629

 

343

Corporate

 

-

 

493

 

-

 

100

 

-

 

-

 

2,110

 

(1,517)

Sub total

$

105,209

 

18,536

 

986

 

8,840

 

72,448

 

5,324

 

37,536

 

18,263

Realized and un-

        
 

realized gains

       

1,084

Interest expense

        

(1,710)

Income before

        
 

income taxes

       

17,637

Income taxes

        

6,019

Net income

       

$

11,618

         
     

Benefits,

Amortization

Selling,

 
  

Net

 

Fee and

Claims

of Deferred

General

 

June 30, 2004

Premiums

Investment

Equity

Other

and

Acquisition

and

 

(In thousands)

Earned

Income

Income

Income

Reserves

Costs

Administrative

Total

        

Medical stop-loss

$

47,187

1,180

1,146

511

29,440

-

10,020

$

10,564

Group disability,

        
 

life, annuities

        
 

and DBL

18,960

4,466

-

129

14,357

67

6,745

2,386

Individual life,

        
 

annuities and

        
 

other

9,835

13,864

-

127

13,849

2,091

3,690

4,196

Credit life and

        
 

disability

 

9,794

 

520

 

-

 

46

 

4,162

 

1,983

 

3,322

 

893

Corporate

 

-

 

1,236

 

-

 

224

 

-

 

-

 

2,721

 

(1,261)

Sub total

$

85,776

21,266

1,146

1,037

61,808

4,141

26,498

16,778

Realized and un-

        
 

realized gains

       

1,320

Interest expense

        

(1,062)

Income before

        
 

income taxes

               

17,036

Income taxes

               

5,986

Net income

              

$

11,050

Premiums Earned

Total premiums earned grew $19.4 million to $105.2 million in 2005 from $85.8 million in 2004. The increase is due to: (i) the Medical Stop-Loss segment which increased $9.5 million due to $9.3 million of increased retentions and $.8 million in premiums earned on the previously mentioned Excess of Loss Agreement, partially offset by decreased premium of $.6 million from HMO Reinsurance and Provider Excess; (ii) the new Strategic Health segment which had $5.2 million of premiums in the first half of 2005; (iii) the Individual and Other segment which increased $2.8 million comprised of an increase in retention in blanket accident and sickness policies, an increase in the Ordinary Life line primarily due to acquisitions and growth in the military and civilian government employee division; (iv) the Credit segment which increased $.6 million; and (v) a $1.3 million increase in the group line due to a $3.0 million increase in group LTD and group life, partially offset by a $1.7 mill ion decrease in DBL due to the 20% reinsurance agreement with Independence American as of July 1, 2004.

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains

The Company experienced a decrease in realized and unrealized gains of $.2 million. Decisions to sell securities are based on cash flow needs, investment opportunities and economic and market conditions, thus creating fluctuations in gains and losses from period to period.

Net Investment Income

Total net investment income decreased $2.7 million primarily due to a move toward higher grade securities which provide lower yields and municipal securities which also provide lower yields, but result in income tax advantaged earnings. In addition, the Company maintained a higher level of liquid assets which yield a lesser return. The annualized return on investments was 5.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2005 versus 6.4% for the comparable period of 2004.

Equity Income

Equity income from AMIC decreased $.2 million due to a decrease in earnings of AMIC, partially offset by an increase in IHC's ownership to 42% at June 30, 2005.

MGU Fee Income and Other Income

MGU fee income increased $3.9 million due to the acquisitions of Majestic and HPA in July 2004 and January 2005, respectively.

Total other income increased $5.4$3.9 million due primarily to (i) a $2.1 million increase from a commutation agreement, pursuant to which, effective as of January 1, 2005, the reinsurer will return 94% of the net premium collected to date with respect to the 2003 Medical Stop-Loss business ceded to such reinsurer, and the Company will release most future liabilities of such reinsurer with respect to such business; (ii) a $1.4 million increase from the Excess of Loss Agreement related to the expired portion of the 2004 treaty year business,business; and (iii) a $1.9$.4 million increase in fee income due togenerated primarily from the acquisitions of Majestic and HPA in July 2004 and January 2005, respectively.Stop-Loss business.

Insurance Benefits, Claims and Reserves

Benefits, claims and reserves increased $6.7$10.6 million. The increase is due to: (i) $2.3$4.0 million in the Medical Stop-Loss segment primarily resulting from an increase in retention and an increase in loss reserves in 2005 as compared to 2004;2005; (ii) an increase of $2.2$3.5 million in the Strategic Health segment for which there were no comparable results inwas not formed until after the third quarter of 2004; (iii) an increase of $.8 million in the Group segment due to increased claims experience in the GTL and LTD lines and increased business in the Group A&H lines; partially offset by the 20% DBL coinsurance agreement previously mentioned; and (iv) a $1.5$2.4 million increase in the individual and other segment due to higher losses on the assumed block of annuity and life business in run-off status, and higher losses on the ordinary life line due to acquisitions. These increases were partially offset byacquisitions; (iv) a $.1$.5 million decreaseincrease in credit claims and reserves.reserves due to the increase in premiums; and (v) an increase of $.2 million in the Group segment due to increased claims experience in the GTL line, and increased business in the Group A&H lines, partially offset by lower loss ratios in the LTD line and lower reserves in the DBL line due to the 20% coinsurance agreement previously mentioned.

Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs increased $1.3$1.2 million due to amortization of expenses related to acquisitions, the addition of thenew Strategic Health business and increased production in the military line.acquisitions of policy blocks.

Interest Expense on Debt

Interest expense increased $.3$.6 million primarily due primarily to the issuance of $15.5 million of juniorfixed rate subordinated debt during the fourth quarter of 2004. The Company has $12.4 million of floating rate junior subordinated debt which carried an interest rate of 6.7% in 2005 as compared to 5.1% in 2004.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Total selling,Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $4.4$11.0 million in the first quarter of 2005 as compared to the first quarter of 2004. The increase is primarily due to (i) $2.8$5.4 million in commissions and other general expenses in the Medical Stop-Loss line of expenses from subsidiaries acquired afterbusiness which corresponds with the first quarter of 2004, includingincrease in premiums; (ii) $5.4 million in consulting and general expenses associated with the commencement of the Strategic Health segment; (ii) a $1.7 million increase in commissions due to a higher level of premiums earned;HPA and Majestic acquisitions; and (iii) higher audit fees for compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. These higher costs were partially offset by a reduction of$.2 million in other expenses.

LIQUIDITY

Insurance Group

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

Asset Quality

The nature and quality of insurance company investments must comply with all applicable statutes and regulations, which have been promulgated primarily for the protection of policyholders. Of the aggregate carrying value of the Insurance Group's investment assets, approximately 94.5%90.0% was invested in investment grade fixed income securities, resale agreements, policy loans and cash and cash equivalents at March 31,June 30, 2005. Also at such date, approximately 99.2%96.5% of the Insurance Group's fixed maturities were investment grade. These investments carry less risk and, therefore, lower interest rates than other types of fixed maturity investments. At March 31,June 30, 2005, approximately .8%3.5% of the carrying value of fixed maturities was invested in diversified non-investment grade fixed income securities (investments in such securities have different risks than investment grade securities, including greater risk of loss upon default, and thinner trading markets). The Company does not have any mortgage loans or non-performing fixed maturities at March 31,June 30, 2005.

Investment Impairments

The Company reviews its investments regularly and monitors its investments continually for impairments. For the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2005, the Company did not record any losses for other than temporary impairments. For the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2004, the Company recorded a realized loss for other than temporary impairments of $.6$0.6 million onrelated to certain interest only securities ("IO Securities") resulting from expected prepaymentsprepayment of the mortgage obligations underlying the IO Securities due to falling interest rates. At March 31,June 30, 2005, the Company had a negligible amount invested in IO Securities.

The Company's gross unrealized losses on fixed maturities totaled $16.1$7.0 million at March 31,June 30, 2005. Substantially all of these securities were investment grade. The unrealized losses have been evaluated in accordance with the Company's policy and were determined to be temporary in nature at March 31,June 30, 2005. The Company holds all fixed maturities as available-for-sale securities and, accordingly, marks all of its fixed maturities to market through accumulated other comprehensive income or loss.

Balance Sheet

Total investments decreased $19.4increased $93.8 million to $702.7$816.0 million at March 31,June 30, 2005. The decreaseincrease is primarily due to the utilizationinvestment of the cash for thereceived in an acquisition of Health Plan Administrators, Inc. in Januarya block of life and annuity policies effective June 9, 2005. Total stockholders' equity decreased $2.1increased $10.3 million to $186.8$199.2 million at March 31,June 30, 2005, primarily due to an$11.6 million in net income for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and a $3.1 million increase in net unrealized lossesgains on fixed maturity investments, andpartially offset by net repurchases of the Company's common stock partially offset by net income for the three months ended March 31, 2005.stock.

The Company had net receivables from reinsurers of $113.7$109.6 million at March 31,June 30, 2005. Substantially all of the business ceded to such reinsurers is of short duration. All of these receivables are either due either from its affiliate, Independence American Insurance Company, highly rated companies or are adequately secured. Accordingly, no allowance for doubtful accounts was necessary at March 31,June 30, 2005. As of March 31,June 30, 2005, the balance due from Independence American was $16.1$13.8 million.

Corporate

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

Total Corporate liquidity (cash, cash equivalents, resale agreements, short-term investments, marketable securities and partnership interests) amounted to $34.5$30.0 million at March 31,June 30, 2005.

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.

In accordance with SFAS No. 115, the Company may carry its portfolio of fixed income securities either as held to maturityheld-to-maturity (carried at amortized cost), as trading securities (carried at fair market value) or as available-for-sale (carried at fair market value). The Company has chosen to carry all of its debt securities as available-for-sale. The Company experienced a $5.3$3.1 million increase in unrealized lossesgains on securities available-for-sale, net of deferred taxes and deferred policy acquisition costs, in accumulated other comprehensive loss,income (loss), reflecting net unrealized lossesgains of $7.3$1.1 million at March 31,June 30, 2005 compared to net unrealized losses of $2.0 million at December 31, 2004. From time to time, as warranted, the Company employs investment strategies to mitigate interest rate and other market exposures. However, the portfolio will always have interest rate exposure given the matching of its liabilities, and therefore portfolio valuations will fluctuate with market interest rates.rate s.

The Company's contractual obligations and their expected maturities at March 31,June 30, 2005 are not materially different from the schedule of such obligations at December 31, 2004 which was included in Item 7 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Share Repurchase Program

IHC has a program, initiated in 1991, under which it repurchases shares of its common stock. In June 2004, the Board of Directors authorized an additional 450,000 shares to be repurchased under the 1991 plan. As of March 31,June 30, 2005, 275,637159,837 shares were still authorized to be repurchased under the plan.

2005

2005

  

Maximum Number

2005

  

Maximum Number

 

Number of

 

Average Price

 

of Shares Which

 

Number of

 

Average Price

 

of Shares Which

Month of

 

Shares

 

of Repurchased

 

Can be

 

Shares

 

of Repurchased

 

Can be

Repurchase

 

Repurchased

 

Shares

 

Repurchased

 

Repurchased

 

Shares

 

Repurchased

            

January

 

100,000

 

$

18.54

 

320,037

 

100,000

 

$

18.54

 

320,037

February

 

-

 

-

 

320,037

 

-

 

-

 

320,037

March

 

44,400

 

18.07

 

275,637

 

44,400

 

18.07

 

275,637

April

 

53,600

 

18.10

 

222,037

May

 

46,000

 

18,10

 

176,037

June

 

16,200

 

17.60

 

159,837

OUTLOOK

The Company continues to anticipate favorable operating performance in 2005. During the first six months of this year, IHC advanced its new strategic health initiatives, appointed a new Medical Stop-Loss MGU to increase distribution while implementing stricter underwriting guidelines in order to improve profitability, and completed a significant block acquisition.

Standard Life has received approval to assume, as of January 1, 2005, a $50 million block of employer-sponsored group major medical business, and is currently awaiting approval of the assumption certificates in certain states. IHC has already begun distributing this product in several states through distribution sources including CA Services, in which the Company has an equity interest. Ultimately, IHC anticipates marketing this product in 36 states. As a result of its acquisition of Health Plan Administrators ("HPA"), IHC has begun writing short-term medical in 36 states, and hopes to have this product approved in 46 states by January 2006. In addition to HPA's distribution sources, some of the Company's Medical Stop-Loss MGUs will market this product through their distribution channels. As a consequence of its acquisition of GroupLink, Inc. the Company will significantly enlarge its dental and vision business through the filing of new products in 43 states. Previously, dental and vision was only written as a rider to a health insurance policy. Finally, IHC will begin filing a limited medical policy in selected states, which the Company expects to begin marketing in the first quarter of 2006.

With respect to its core business of Medical Stop-Loss, the Company has experienced a decrease in gross premiums due to its tightened underwriting guidelines, but has increased net premiums due to its increased retention percentage. The Company increased its average retention on Medical Stop-Loss written by Standard Life and Madison Life from 30% to 34% from 2003 to 2004 and to 41% and 46.3% for the six months and three months ended June 30, 2005, respectively. In 2004, approximately 71% of the Company's Medical Stop-Loss business was underwritten by MGUs in which the Company or its affiliates have significant equity interests. The Company anticipates that these MGUs will continue to contribute a high percentage of the Insurance Group's premiums in the Medical Stop-Loss line of business in 2005. IHC appointed a new MGU, which is expected to partially offset the decrease in gross written premiums. The Medical Stop-Loss market is generally cyclical in nature. When a product experiences sever al consecutive years of underwriting profitability, it is not unusual for there to be more competitors entering that line which can increase pressure on pricing and create a "softer" market. The Medical Stop-Loss market began to "soften" in 2003, and less favorable conditions continued through 2004 and has remained "soft" in 2005. Despite these market conditions, the Company produced profitable results in 2003 and 2004, and expects continued profitability in 2005. As a result of these market conditions, the rate IHC is able to charge for Medical Stop-Loss increased at a lesser rate in recent years, however, increases in medical trend have also been held in check to a greater extent and deductibles and attachment points have increased. This reduces IHC's overall risk exposure. The Company remains optimistic that it will continue to produce profitable results, however, its ability to grow the Medical Stop-Loss line in the balance of 2005 may be somewhat limited. IHC's new lines of business (major medical, shor t-term medical, dental and vision) are less volatile than Medical Stop-Loss. The Company is optimistic that these lines will yield profitable results while producing significant growth.

The Company's acquisitions group closed its most significant transaction since 1999 with the acquisition of a block of life insurance policies with approximately $120 million of reserves, consisting of approximately $77 million of traditional life reserves, approximately $40 million of universal life and interest sensitive life reserves and approximately $3 million of other reserves. Madison National Life will be adding about 50,000 new policyholders with this acquisition.

ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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

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

The expected change in fair value as a percentage of the Company's fixed income portfolio at March 31,June 30, 2005 given a 100 to 200 basis point rise or decline in interest rates is not materially different than the expected change at December 31, 2004 included in Item 7 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the Company's analysis of the asset-liability model, a 100 to 200 basis point change in interest rates on the Insurance Group's liabilities would not be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company. With respect to its liabilities, if interest rates were to increase, the risk to the Company is that policies would be surrendered and assets would need to be sold. This is not a material exposure to the Company since a large portion of the Insurance Group's interest sensitive policies are burial policies that are not subject to the typical surrender patterns of other interest sensitive policies, and many of the Insurance Group's universal life and annuity policies were iss uedissu ed by liquidated companies and therefore tend to exhibit lower surrender rates than such policies of continuing companies. Additionally, there are charges to help offset the benefits being surrendered. If interest rates were to decrease substantially, the risk to the Company is that some of its investment assets would be subject to early redemption. This is not a material exposure because the Company would have additional gains in its portfolio to help offset the future reduction of investment income. With respect to its investments, the Company employs (from time to time as warranted) investment strategies to mitigate interest rate and other market exposures.

ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

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

 

There have not been any changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended March 31,June 30, 2005 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of its businesses. The Company has established reserves that it believes are sufficient given information presently available related to its outstanding legal proceedings and claims. The Company believes the results of the other pending legal proceedings and claims are not expected to have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.flows, although there could be such an effect on its results of operations for a particular period.

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

Not applicable

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

Not applicable

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

Not applicableAt its Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on June 17, 2005, the following 7 nominees were re-elected for one-year terms on the Board of Directors:

Larry R. Graber, Allan C. Kirkman, Steven B. Lapin, Edward Netter, Robert P. Ross, Jr., James G. Tatum and Roy T.K. Thung.

The vote on the election of the above nominees was:

For: At least 13,021,463 shares

Against: No more than 338,233 shares

The appointment of KPMG LLP as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for 2005 was ratified by a vote of 13,304,457 shares, 49,820 shares against, and 5,419 shares abstaining. There were no broker non-votes.

Item 5.Other Information

Not applicable

Item 6. Exhibits

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

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

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

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

 

SIGNATURES

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

 

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY

(REGISTRANT)

 

 

By:/s/Roy T. K. Thung                                                                                             Date:May 13,August 9, 2005

Roy T.K. Thung

Chief Executive Officer and President

 

 

 

By:/s/Teresa A. Herbert                                                                                          Date:May 13,August 9, 2005

Teresa A. Herbert

Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer