UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 001-05270 |
AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE CORP.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
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DELAWARE |
11-1817252 |
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(State of Incorporation) |
(I. R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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485 Madison Avenue, New York, New York |
10022 |
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices) |
(Zip Code) |
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Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 355-4141 |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: COMMON STOCK, $0.01 PER SHARE
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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.) Yes [X ] No [ ].
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, as of June 30, 2004 was $83,644,000.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class
Outstanding at March 15, 2005Common Stock, $0.01 par value 8,438,889
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Proxy Statement for Registrant's 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Part III)
FORM 10-K CROSS REFERENCE INDEX
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PART I |
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Item 1. |
Business |
2 |
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Item 2. |
Properties |
8 |
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Item 3. |
Legal Proceedings |
9 |
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Item 4. |
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders |
9 |
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PART II |
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Item 5. |
Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related |
10 |
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Stockholder Matters |
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Item 6. |
Selected Financial Data |
11 |
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Item 7. |
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition |
12 |
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and Results of Operations |
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Item 7A. |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk |
30 |
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Item 8. |
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data |
31 |
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Item 9. |
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting |
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and Financial Disclosure |
66 |
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Item 9A. |
Controls and Procedures |
66 |
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PART III |
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Item 10. |
Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant |
67 |
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Item 11. |
Executive Compensation |
67 |
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Item 12. |
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and |
67 |
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Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
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Item 13. |
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions |
67 |
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Item 14 |
Principal Accountant Fees and Services |
67 |
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PART IV |
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Item 15. |
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K |
68 |
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PART I
Item 1. Business
Since November 2002, the Company has been a holding company engaged in the insurance and reinsurance business through its wholly-owned insurance company, Independence American Insurance Company ("Independence American"), and its managing general underwriter subsidiaries: IndependenceCare Holdings L.L.C. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as "(IndependenceCare"); Risk Assessment Strategies, Inc. ("RAS"), Marlton Risk Group LLC ("Marlton") and its investment in Majestic Underwriters LLC ("Majestic"). IndependenceCare, RAS and Marlton are collectively referred to as the "MGU Subsidiaries." Prior to its current operations, AMIC was an Internet service provider known as SoftNet Systems, Inc.
Principal Products and Services
Independence American Insurance Company
Independence American, which is domiciled in Delaware, is licensed to write property and/or casualty insurance in 33 states and the District of Columbia, and has a B+ (Very Good) rating from A.M. Best Company, Inc. ("A.M. Best"). An A.M. Best rating is assigned after an extensive quantitative and qualitative evaluation of a company's financial condition and operating performance, and is also based upon factors relevant to policyholders, agents, and intermediaries, and is not directed towards protection of investors. A.M. Best ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold securities of the Company.
Independence American primarily acts as a reinsurer. Reinsurance is an arrangement in which an insurance company (the "reinsurer") agrees to indemnify another insurance company (the "ceding company") against all or a portion of the insurance risks underwritten by the ceding company under one or more insurance contracts. Reinsurance provides a ceding company with additional underwriting capacity by permitting it to accept larger risks and write more business than would be possible without an accompanying increase in capital and surplus. There are two basic types of reinsurance arrangements: treaty and facultative reinsurance. In treaty reinsurance, the ceding company is obligated to cede and the reinsurer is obligated to assume a specified portion of a type of category of risks insured by the ceding company. Treaty reinsurers do not separately evaluate each of the individual risks assumed under their treaties and, consequently, after a review of the ceding company's underwriting pra ctices, are largely dependent on the original risk underwriting decisions made by the ceding company. In facultative reinsurance, the ceding company cedes and the reinsurer assumes all or part of the risk under a single insurance contract. Independence American currently only participates in treaty reinsurance. Both treaty and facultative reinsurance can be written on either a pro rata basis or an excess of loss basis. Under pro rata reinsurance, the ceding company and the reinsurer share the premiums as well as the losses and expenses in an agreed proportion. Under excess of loss reinsurance, the reinsurer indemnifies the ceding company against all or a specified portion of losses and expenses in excess of a specified dollar amount, known as the ceding company's retention or reinsurer's attachment point, generally subject to a negotiated reinsurance contract limit. Premiums paid by the ceding company to a reinsurer for excess of loss reinsurance are not directly proportional to the premiums that the ce ding company receives because the reinsurer does not assume a proportionate risk. In pro rata reinsurance, the reinsurer generally pays the ceding company a ceding commission. The ceding commission generally is based on the ceding company's cost of acquiring and managing the business being reinsured (commissions, premium taxes, assessments and miscellaneous administrative expenses). Independence American primarily participates in pro rata reinsurance.
In 2004, Independence American primarily reinsured employer Medical Stop-Loss insurance for self-insured group medical plans. Self-insured plans permit employers flexibility in designing employee health coverages at a cost that may be lower than that available through other health care plans provided by an insurer or Health Maintenance Organization ("HMO"). Employer Medical Stop-Loss insurance allows self-insured employers to manage the risk of excessive health insurance costs under self funded plans by limiting the employer's health care expenses to a predetermined amount. This stop-loss coverage is available on either a "specific" or a "specific and aggregate" basis. Specific stop-loss coverage reimburses employers for large claims incurred by an individual employee or dependent. When an employee or dependent's covered claims exceed the specific stop-loss deductible, covered amounts in excess of the deductible are reimbursable to the employer under the specific stop-loss policy. The specific stop-loss deductible is selected based on the number of covered employees, the employer's capacity to assume some of the risk, and the medical claim experience of the plan. Aggregate stop-loss coverage protects the employer against fluctuations due to claim frequency. The employer's overall claim liability is limited to a certain dollar amount, often referred to as the attachment point. An aggregate stop-loss policy usually provides reimbursement when coverage claims for the plan as a whole exceed the aggregate attachment point. Many of the stop-loss policies Independence American reinsures cover specific claims only.
In 2002, Independence American entered into pro rata reinsurance treaties with Standard Security Life Insurance Company of New York ("Standard Life") and Madison National Life Insurance Company, Inc. ("Madison Life") pursuant to which Standard Life and Madison Life, respectively, will cede, at treaty renewals, at least 15% of their Medical Stop-Loss business to Independence American. Standard Life and Madison Life are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Independence Holding Company ("IHC"), which is a 40% shareholder of the Company. These treaties were subsequently amended such that Standard Life and Madison Life can now cede up to 30% to Independence American under most of IHC's Medical Stop-Loss programs. For 2004, Standard Life and Madison Life ceded an average of 19.3% of their Medical Stop-Loss business to Independence American. The reinsurance treaties between Independence American and Standard Life and Independence American and Madison Life terminate December 31, 2014, un less terminated sooner by Independence American. Standard Life, which is domiciled in New York, has an A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best, and is licensed as an insurance company in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Madison Life, which is domiciled in Wisconsin, has an A- (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best, is licensed to sell insurance products in 46 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands, and is an accredited reinsurer in New York. Standard Life and Madison Life market employer Medical Stop-Loss insurance nationally through a network of managing general underwriters ("MGUs"), which are non-salaried contractors that receive administrative fees. Standard Life currently markets this product through 13 MGUs, including IndependenceCare, RAS, Marlton and Majestic. Madison Life currently markets through four MGUs, including IndependenceCare - MidAtlantic. MGUs are responsible for establishing an employer's conditions for coverage in accordance with guidelines formulated and approved by Standard Life and Madison Life, billing and collecting premiums from the employers, paying commissions to third party administrators ("TPAs") and/or brokers, and adjudicating claims. Standard Life and Madison Life are responsible for selecting MGUs, establishing underwriting guidelines, maintaining approved policy forms and reviewing and medically managing employers' claims for reimbursement, as well as establishing appropriate accounting procedures and reserves. Independence American also reinsures risk on employer Medical Stop-Loss business written by unaffiliated carriers on eight other programs. For 2004, Independence American received between 15% and 25% of the premium on these programs from these carriers. In addition, Independence American is currently licensed to write employer Medical Stop-Loss in 24 states.
Since 2002, Independence American has issued and/or reinsured managed care excess coverages, including provider excess loss insurance and HMO Reinsurance. Independence American issues and reinsures provider excess loss insurance on a specific loss basis only. This product is marketed to providers, managed care organizations, including provider hospital organizations, hospital groups, physician groups and individual practice associations (collectively "MCOs") that have assumed risk (through capitation by an HMO or otherwise) and desire to reduce their risk assumption and/or are required to purchase coverage by contract or regulation. Independence American is currently approved to write provider excess loss insurance in 13 states. This product is written through IndependenceCare and another MGU in which IHC has a 50% interest. These MGUs are responsible for marketing, underwriting, billing and collection of premiums, and medically managing, administering and adjudicating claims. Indepen dence American also reinsures provider excess loss insurance written through IndependenceCare and this other MGU and issued by Standard Life on a specific loss basis only. Independence American reinsures HMO Reinsurance coverage written by Standard Life and marketed through IndependenceCare. This coverage protects HMOs against excess losses incurred under an HMO health plan and is marketed to HMOs that desire to reduce their risk assumption and/or are required to purchase coverage by contract or regulation.
Commencing in July 2004, Independence American began reinsuring 20% of Standard Life's short-term statutory disability benefit product in New York State ("DBL"). All companies with more than one employee in New York State are required to provide DBL insurance for their employees. DBL coverage provides temporary cash payments to replace wages lost as a result of disability due to non-occupational injury or illness. The DBL policy provides for (i) payment of 50% of salary to a maximum of $170 per week; (ii) a maximum of 26 weeks in a consecutive 52 week period; and (iii) benefit commencement on the eighth consecutive day of disability. Policies covering fewer than 50 employees have fixed rates approved by the New York State Insurance Department. Policies covering 50 or more employees are individually underwritten. The DBL business is marketed primarily through independent general agents.
For 2005, Independence American has agreed to reinsure up to 10% of the following new lines of business which will be written by Standard Life and Madison Life: employer-sponsored group major medical, short-term medical, dental and vision.
Madison Life began selling high deductible employer-sponsored group major medical ("Major Medical") products to small and medium size employers in one state in the fourth quarter of 2004. This is fully insured major medical coverage designed to work with health retirement accounts (HRA) and health savings accounts (HSA) which are implemented by employers that wish to provide this benefit as part of an employee welfare benefit plan. These plans are offered primarily as Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO) plans, and provide a variety of cost-sharing options, including deductibles, coinsurance and co-payments. Standard Life and Madison Life are preparing to market this product in 36 states, and anticipate initial sales in many of these states by mid - 2005. Standard Life has entered into an agreement with an unaffiliated carrier to 100% co-insure as of January 1, 2005, and subsequently assume, a block of major medical policies which had approximately $50,000,000 of collected prem iums in 2004. This block is marketed and administered by Insurers Administrative Corporation ("IAC"). IAC is a leading third party administrator of individually underwritten and group plans, which is unaffiliated with the Company. In addition, a telemarketing joint venture in which IHC is an investor, will market Madison Life's Major Medical, dental, vision and other insurance products. Independence American will reinsure up to 10% of each of these products.
Standard Life and Madison Life will begin selling individual short-term medical products ("Short-Term") by mid- 2005. Short Term is designed specifically for people with transient needs for health coverage. Typically, Short Term products are written as major medical coverage with a defined duration, which is normally twelve months or less. Among the typical purchasers of Short-Term products would be self-employed professionals, recent college graduates, individuals between jobs, employed individuals not currently eligible for group insurance, and others who need insurance for a specified period of time. Standard Life and Madison Life anticipate marketing this product in 46 states through their affiliate, Health Plan Administrators, Inc. ("HPA"), which was founded in 1939. HPA markets nationally through 39,000 insurance agents and brokers. Independence American will reinsure up to 10% of this product. In addition, Independence American will become the issuing carrier on "continUc are," a program to market Short-Term to parents of graduating college seniors through targeted mailings. The Company expects to commence its first mailing in April 2005 in at least 16 states.
Standard Life and Madison Life will begin selling dental and vision products along with their Major Medical products in 2005. In addition, the Company is evaluating other opportunities to market dental and/or vision through other distribution sources, including HPA and CA Services. The dental would provide indemnity and PPO coverage to both small and large employer and affinity groups. These plans would be available in a variety of deductibles and co-insurance percentages in three coverage categories: Diagnostics/Preventative, Simple Restorative and Prosthodontics. Vision benefits would pay a specified amount toward eye exams and the purchase of eye glasses and contact lenses. Independence American would reinsure up to 10% of any dental or vision business written by Standard Life and Madison Life.
Managing General Underwriters
IndependenceCare and RAS are the two MGU Subsidiaries acquired as part of the November 2002 transaction with IHC. IndependenceCare markets and underwrites employer Medical Stop-Loss, provider excess loss and HMO Reinsurance products for Standard Life, Madison Life, Independence American and another carrier. IndependenceCare currently has four operating subsidiaries, IndependenceCare Underwriting Services - Minneapolis L.L.C., IndependenceCare Underwriting Services - Tennessee L.L.C., IndependenceCare Underwriting Services - Southwest L.L.C. and IndependenceCare Underwriting Services - MidAtlantic LLC. IndependenceCare's 35 employees are responsible for marketing, underwriting, billing and collecting premiums and medically managing, administering and adjudicating claims. RAS markets and underwrites employer Medical Stop-Loss and group life for Standard Life and another carrier. RAS, which is based in South Windsor, Connecticut, has 13 marketing, underwriting and claims personnel. < /P>
The Company acquired on February 10, 2003, but effective as of January 1, 2003, 80% of the business of two affiliated employer Medical Stop-Loss MGUs (the "Acquired MGUs"). The acquisition was accomplished by the formation of Marlton Risk Group LLC ("Marlton") into which the Acquired MGUs contributed all of their assets, and the Company contributed $16,000,000 cash for an 80% ownership interest. The Company's cash contribution was then distributed to the Acquired MGUs together with the remaining 20% interest in Marlton, and Marlton assumed all of the liabilities of the Acquired MGUs. Marlton is an MGU for employer Medical Stop-Loss and group life for Standard Life, Madison Life and two other carriers. Marlton, which is based in Voorhees, New Jersey, has 31 marketing, underwriting, medical management and claims employees.
On July 13, 2004, the Company acquired a 23% interest in Majestic Underwriters LLC ("Majestic"), an employer Medical Stop-Loss MGU. IHC owns 52% of Majestic and Majestic's management owns the remaining 25%. The purchase price for AMIC's interest in Majestic was $1,610,000. Majestic, which is headquartered in Troy, Michigan, has 28 marketing, underwriting, medical management and claims employees.
Federal Net Operating Loss Carryforwards
At the close of 2004, AMIC had consolidated net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") of approximately $280 million for federal income tax purposes. Some or all of the NOL carryforwards may be available to offset, for federal income tax purposes, the future taxable income, if any, of AMIC described in more detail in Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has not audited any of AMIC's tax returns for any of the years during the carryforward period, including those returns for the years in which the losses giving rise to the NOL carryforward were reported.
AMIC's ability to utilize its NOL's would be substantially reduced if AMIC were to undergo an "ownership change" within the meaning of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Generally, an "ownership change" occurs if one or more "5% Stockholders" (which generally includes any stockholder who owns five percent or more in value of a company's capital stock) increase their aggregate percentage ownership by more than 50 percentage points over the lowest percentage of stock owned by such stockholders over the preceding three-year period. For this purpose, all holders who each own less than five percent of a company's capital stock generally are treated together as a single "5% Stockholder." In addition, certain attribution rules, which generally attribute ownership of stock to the ultimate beneficial owner thereof without regard to ownership by nominees, trusts, corporations, partnerships, or other entities, are applied to determine the level of stock ownership of a particular stockholder. Transactions in the public markets among stockholders owning less than five percent of the equity securities are generally not included in the calculation, but acquisitions by a person causing that person to become a five percent or more stockholder may be treated as a five percentage (or more) point change in ownership, regardless of the size of the purchase that caused the purchase that caused the threshold to be exceeded.
In order to reduce the risk of an ownership change, in November 2002, AMIC's stockholders approved an amendment to its Certificate of Incorporation restricting transfers of shares of its common stock that could result in the imposition of limitations on the use, for federal, state and city income tax purposes, of AMIC's carryforwards of net operating losses and certain federal income tax credits. The Certificate of Incorporation generally restricts any person from attempting to sell, transfer or dispose, or purchase or acquire any AMIC stock, if such transfer would affect the percentage of AMIC stock owned by a 5% stockholder. Any person attempting such a transfer will be required, prior to the date of any proposed transfer, to request in writing that the board of directors review the proposed transfer and authorize or not authorize such proposed transfer. Any transfer attempted to be made in violation of the stock transfer restrictions will be null and void. In the event of an attempt ed or purported transfer involving a sale or disposition of capital stock in violation of stock transfer restrictions, the transferor shall remain the owner of such shares. Notwithstanding such transfer restrictions, there could be circumstances under which an issuance by AMIC of a significant number of new shares of Common Stock or other new class of equity security having certain characteristics (for example, the right to vote or convert into Common Stock) might result in an ownership change under the Code.
Investments and Reserves
Independence American's securities portfolio is managed by employees of IHC and its affiliates, and ultimate investment authority rests with Independence American's Board of Directors. As a result of the nature of its insurance liabilities, Independence American endeavors to maintain a significant percentage of its assets in investment grade securities, cash and cash equivalents. At December 31, 2004, 99% of the fixed maturities were investment grade. The internal investment group provides a summary of the investment portfolio and the performance thereof at the meetings of the Company's board of directors.
Liabilities for insurance reserves on short-term medical and disability coverages were computed using completion factors and expected loss ratios derived from actual historical premium and claim data. These methods are widely used in the health insurance industry to estimate the liabilities for insurance reserves. Inherent in these calculations are management and actuarial judgments and estimates which could significantly impact the ending reserve liabilities and, consequently, operating results. Actual results may differ, and these estimates are subject to interpretation and change. Management believes that the Company's method of estimating the liabilities for insurance reserves provides an adequate level of reserves.
Under Delaware insurance law, there are restrictions relating to the percentage of an insurer's admitted assets that may be invested in a specific issuer or in the aggregate in a particular type of investment. In addition, there are qualitative investment restrictions.
Competition and Regulation
Independence American competes with many larger insurance and reinsurance companies and managed care organizations. The MGU Subsidiaries compete with many other managing general underwriters, insurance companies, HMOs and other managed care organizations.
The Company is an insurance holding company; as such, it is subject to regulation and supervision by the insurance supervisory agencies of Delaware. Independence American is also subject to regulation and supervision in all jurisdictions in which it is licensed to transact business. These supervisory agencies have broad administrative powers with respect to the granting and revocation of licenses to transact business, the licensing of agents, the approval of policy forms, the approval of commission rates, the form and content of mandatory financial statements, reserve requirements and the types and maximum amounts of investments which may be made. Such regulation is primarily designed for the benefit of policyholders rather than the stockholders of an insurance company or holding company.
Certain transactions within the holding company system are also subject to regulation and supervision by such regulatory agencies. All such transactions must be fair and equitable. Notice to or prior approval by the insurance department is required with respect to transactions affecting the ownership or control of an insurer and of certain material transactions, including dividend declarations, between an insurer and any person in its holding company system. Under Delaware insurance laws, "control" is defined as the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a person, and is presumed to exist if any person, directly or indirectly, owns, controls or holds with the power to vote ten percent or more of the voting securities of any other person. An agreement to acquire control of an insurer domiciled in Delaware must be approved by the Commissioner of Insurance of Delaware. In addition, periodic disclosure is req uired concerning the operations, management and financial condition of the insurer within the holding company system. An insurer is also required to file detailed annual statements with each supervisory agency, and its affairs and financial conditions are subject to periodic examination.
Risk-based capital requirements are imposed on property and casualty insurance companies. The risk-based capital ratio is determined by dividing an insurance company's total adjusted capital, as defined, by its authorized control level risk-based capital. Companies that do not meet certain minimum standards require specified corrective action. The risk-based capital ratio for Independence American exceeds such minimum ratios.
Discontinued Operations
Prior to becoming an insurance holding company in November 2002, the Company (then known as SoftNet Systems, Inc.) was a holding company principally engaged in providing Internet services. As of September 30, 2002, the Company had discontinued the businesses of Intelligent Communications, Inc. ("Intellicom"), Aerzone Corporation ("Aerzone"), ISP Channel, Inc. ("ISP Channel"), Kansas Communications, Inc. ("KCI"), and Micrographic Technology Corporation ("MTC"). Due to difficult and deteriorating conditions in that market, the Company wound down these businesses. In December 2000, the Company's board of directors approved a plan to discontinue the operations of its subsidiary, ISP Channel, Inc., which had provided cable-based Internet access and related services, and the operations of another subsidiary, Aerzone Corporation, which provided Internet and related services at airports. In April 2002, the Company ceased operations of its remaining operating subsidiary, Intelligent Communications, Inc., following the disposition of its key assets. In connection with the Company's exit from the Internet provider business, it undertook a process of consideration of strategic alternatives for the Company.
On July 30, 2002, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire First Standard Holdings Corp. ("FSHC") from SSH Corp. and Independence Holding Company ("IHC") for $31.92 million in cash. As described below, FSHC was the holding company for an insurance company and two managing general underwriters ("MGUs"). Subsequently, at the Special Meeting of Stockholders on November 14, 2002, the Company's stockholders approved the stock purchase agreement between the Company, SSH Corp. and IHC (the "Purchase Agreement"), and approved the Company's name change to American Independence Corp. Also on November 14, 2002, the Company consummated the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement and FSHC changed its name to Independence American Holdings Corp. ("IAHC"). Following this acquisition, the Company closed its offices in San Francisco, terminated all but two of its employees, and entered into a services agreement with IHC pursuant to which the Company's operations are primar ily directed by IHC's management and employees.
In a separate transaction, on July 30, 2002, IHC acquired Pacific Century Cyberworks Limited's ("PCCW") entire interest in the Company consisting of 1,666,666 shares of common stock at $9.00 per share for a total value of $15 million. As a result of this transaction, PCCW's two appointees resigned from the Company's Board of Directors, and Edward Netter, Chairman of IHC, and Roy T.K. Thung, President and Chief Executive Officer of IHC, were appointed to the Company's Board of Directors. On April 22, 2003, a wholly-owned subsidiary of IHC completed its tender for one million shares of the common stock of the Company at $9.00 per share for a total value of $9,000,000. On December 22, 2003, IHC purchased 613,401 shares in the market and through private transactions. As a result of these transactions, IHC and its subsidiary own 39% of the Company. During 2004, IHC purchased an additional 1% interest in the Company, which aggregates a 40% interest in the Company.
The operating results of these discontinued operations have been segregated from continuing operations and are reported as a gain (loss) from discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of operations. Although it is difficult to predict the final results, the loss on disposition from discontinued operations includes management's estimates of costs to wind down the business and costs to settle its outstanding liabilities. The actual results could differ from these estimates. The estimated loss on disposition reserve of all discontinued operations is reflected in net liabilities associated with discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Discontinued Operations of Intelligent Communications, Inc. ("Intellicom")
On March 29, 2002, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Intellicom, entered into an agreement to sell its operating business and certain assets to Loral Cyberstar, Inc. Following the sale of its operating business and certain assets to Loral Cyberstar, Inc., the Company's Board of Directors unanimously agreed to cease the operations of Intellicom on April 3, 2002. Principally due to the Company's guaranty of Intellicom's lease for its facility in Livermore, California, the Company has reserves for discontinued operations of Intellicom of $879,000 for this liability at December 31, 2004.
Discontinued Operations of Aerzone Corporation ("Aerzone")
On January 24, 2000, the Company founded Aerzone (formerly SoftNet Zone, Inc.) to provide high-speed Internet access to global business travelers. As part of the Aerzone business, the Company acquired Laptop Lane, on April 21, 2000. On December 19, 2000, the Company decided to discontinue the Aerzone business in light of significant long-term capital needs and the difficulty of securing the necessary financing because of the current state of the financial markets. The Company has a remaining reserve for discontinued operations of Aerzone of $27,000 at December 31, 2004.
Discontinued Operations of ISP Channel, Inc. ("ISP Channel")
On December 7, 2000, the Company's Board of Directors approved a plan to discontinue providing cable-based Internet services through its ISP Channel subsidiary by December 31, 2000, because consolidation in the cable television industry made it difficult for ISP Channel to achieve the economies of scale necessary to provide such services profitably, and the Company was no longer able to bear the costs of maintaining the ISP Channel. The Company does not have a reserve for ISP Channel at December 31, 2004.
Discontinued Operations of Micrographic Technology Corporation ("MTC")
As a result of arbitration decision related to the sale of MTC to Global Information Distribution GmbH ("GID"), which was sold on December 31, 1999 the Company has a remaining reserve of $30,000 relating to the loss on disposition of MTC at December 31, 2004.
Discontinued Operations of Kansas Communications, Inc ("KCI")
As a result of the February 12, 1999 sale of the assets of the telecommunications segment, KCI, to Convergent Communications Services, Inc., the Company discontinued this segment. The Company has no remaining reserve for KCI at December 31, 2004.
Employees
The Company has 81 employees as of February 28, 2005. We consider our relationship with our employees to be satisfactory.
Item 2. Properties
IndependenceCare leases 6,500 square feet of office space in Minneapolis, Minnesota; 1,500 square feet in Franklin, Tennessee; and 3,100 square feet in Austin, Texas. RAS leases 4,200 square feet of office space in South Windsor, Connecticut, which expires on January 31, 2006. Marlton leases 6,000 square feet of office space in Voorhees, New Jersey, which expires on February 28, 2006.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
There are various lawsuits pending against the Company in the normal course of its insurance business. The Company's management is of the opinion that the ultimate liabilities arising from such litigation, if any, would not have a material effect on the financial position of the Company.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
Since November 15, 2002, the Company's common stock has been listed and traded on the Nasdaq National Market ("Nasdaq") under the symbol "AMIC". From April 14, 1999 through November 14, 2002, the Company's common stock was traded and listed on Nasdaq under the symbol "SOFN". The per share range of high and low sale prices for the Company's common stock, as reported on Nasdaq, for the following periods are as follows:
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Quarter Ended: |
High |
Low |
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December 31, 2004 |
$ |
15.12 |
$ |
14.50 |
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September 30, 2004 |
$ |
17.25 |
$ |
14.95 |
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June 30, 2004 |
$ |
16.70 |
$ |
14.81 |
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March 31, 2004 |
$ |
16.42 |
$ |
11.89 |
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Quarter Ended: |
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December 31, 2003 |
$ |
12.25 |
$ |
9.89 |
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September 30, 2003 |
$ |
12.30 |
$ |
10.50 |
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June 30, 2003 |
$ |
10.85 |
$ |
7.50 |
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March 31, 2003 |
$ |
8.67 |
$ |
6.60 |
|
At February 28, 2005, there were 83 record holders of the Company's common stock. The closing price for the Company's common stock at December 31, 2004 was $14.61.
AMIC's ability to utilize its Federal Net Operating Loss Carrryforwards ("NOLs") would be substantially reduced if AMIC were to undergo an "ownership change" within the meaning of Section 382(g)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code. AMIC will be treated as having had an "ownership change" if there is more than a 50% increase in stock ownership during a three year '"testing period" by "5% stockholders". In order to reduce the risk of an ownership change, in November 2002, AMIC's stockholders approved an amendment to its Certificate of Incorporation restricting transfers of shares of its common stock that could result in the imposition of limitations on the use, for federal, state and city income tax purposes, of AMIC's carryforwards of net operating losses and certain federal income tax credits. The Certificate of Incorporation generally restricts any person from attempting to sell, transfer or dispose, or purchase or acquire any AMIC stock, if such transfer would affect the percentage of AMIC stock owned by a 5% stockholder. Any person attempting such a transfer will be required, prior to the date of any proposed transfer, to request in writing that the board of directors review the proposed transfer and authorize or not authorize such proposed transfer. Any transfer attempted to be made in violation of the stock transfer restrictions will be null and void. In the event of an attempted or purported transfer involving a sale involving a sale or disposition of capital stock in violation of stock transfer restrictions, the transferor shall remain the owner of such shares. Notwithstanding such transfer restrictions, there could be circumstances under which an issuance by AMIC of a significant number of new shares of Common Stock or other new class of equity security having certain characteristics (for example, the right to vote or convert into Common Stock) might result in an ownership change under the Code.
The Company does not have any legal restriction on paying dividends.
The Company's website is www.americanindependencecorp.com.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
Through September 30, 2001, the Company granted stock options to seven separate consultants to purchase an aggregate of 180,500 common stock shares. The stock options were granted as partial consideration for services rendered, and had exercise prices ranging from $7.375 to $23.8125. Of the 180,500 options issued, 116,194 were exercised, and at December 31, 2003, the remaining 64,306 consultant stock options had expired unexercised. These stock options for common stock shares were granted in a nonpublic offering pursuant to transactions exempt under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The following is a summary of selected consolidated financial data of the Company for each of the last five years. The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto and "Management's Discussions and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. (In thousands, except per share data)
|
Year Ended |
Quarter Ended |
Year Ended |
||||||||||||
|
December 31, |
December 31, |
September 30, |
||||||||||||
|
2004 |
2003 |
2002 (a) |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
|||||||||
|
Income Data: |
||||||||||||||
|
Total revenues |
$ |
80,378 |
$ |
55,553 |
$ |
2,688 |
$ |
1,730 |
$ |
6,530 |
$ |
21,471 |
||
|
Net income (loss) applicable to common |
||||||||||||||
|
shares from continuing operations |
$ |
5,664 |
$ |
12,561 |
$ |
(5,577) |
$ |
(8,830) |
$ |
(24,518) |
$ |
(7,607) |
||
|
Balance Sheet Data: |
||||||||||||||
|
Total investments |
$ |
44,469 |
$ |
38,258 |
$ |
37,010 |
$ |
40,910 |
$ |
60,494 |
$ |
135,137 |
||
|
Total assets |
124,395 |
112,868 |
83,489 |
70,814 |
84,500 |
190,809 |
||||||||
|
Insurance liabilities |
38,042 |
33,623 |
16,114 |
- |
- |
- |
||||||||
|
Long-term debt |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
4,104 |
||||||||
|
Stockholders' equity |
76,467 |
70,128 |
57,267 |
63,665 |
76,446 |
139,914 |
||||||||
|
Per Share Data: |
||||||||||||||
|
Basic income (loss) per common share |
||||||||||||||
|
from continuing operations |
$ |
.67 |
$ |
1.50 |
$ |
(.66) |
$ |
(1.05) |
$ |
(2.94) |
$ |
(.97) |
||
|
Diluted income (loss) per common |
||||||||||||||
|
share from continuing operations |
$ |
.66 |
$ |
1.49 |
$ |
(.66) |
$ |
(1.05) |
$ |
(2.94) |
$ |
(.97) |
||
|
Book value per common share |
$ |
9.06 |
$ |
8.33 |
$ |
6.82 |
$ |
7.58 |
$ |
9.11 |
$ |
14.93 |
||
Notes:
Reflects all Internet service segments as discontinued operations.
All per share data has been restated to show the effect of the Company's one for three reverse split (see Note 2).
(a) In the fourth quarter of 2002, the Company changed its fiscal year end from September 30 to December 31; accordingly, results have been separately disclosed for the three - month transition period ended December 31, 2002.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following is a summary of the results of operations for the Company (in thousands):
|
Year Ended |
Three Months Ended |
Year Ended |
||||||||
|
December 31, |
December 31, |
September 30, |
||||||||
|
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2002 |
|||||||
|
Revenues |
$ |
80,378 |
$ |
55,553 |
$ |
2,688 |
$ |
1,730 |
||
|
Expenses |
71,145 |
45,985 |
8,264 |
10,560 |
||||||
|
Income (loss) from continuing operations, |
||||||||||
|
before income tax |
9,233 |
9,568 |
(5,576) |
(8,830) |
||||||
|
(Provision) benefit for income taxes |
(3,569) |
2,993 |
(1) |
- |
||||||
|
Gain (loss) from disposition, net of tax |
||||||||||
|
from discontinued operations |
240 |
110 |
(1,475) |
(5,926) |
||||||
|
Net income (loss) |
$ |
5,904 |
$ |
12,671 |
$ |
(7,052) |
$ |
(14,756) |
||
Overview
The Company is an insurance holding company engaged in the insurance and reinsurance business through its wholly-owned insurance company, Independence American Insurance Company ("Independence American") and its managing general underwriter subsidiaries (the "MGUs") that currently specialize in Medical Stop-Loss and managed care. Since November 2002, AMIC has been affiliated with Independence Holding Company ("IHC"), which currently owns 40% of AMIC's stock, and IHC's senior management has provided direction to the Company through a service agreement between the Company and IHC. IHC has also entered into long-term reinsurance treaties to cede Medical Stop-Loss and other business to Independence American.
While management considers a wide range of factors in its strategic planning, the overriding consideration is underwriting profitability. Management's assessment of trends in healthcare and in the Medical Stop-Loss market play a significant role in determining whether to expand Independence American's reinsurance participation percentage or the number of programs it reinsures. Since Independence American reinsures a portion of all of the business produced by the MGUs, and since the MGUs are also eligible to earn profit sharing commissions based on the profitability of the business they write, the MGUs also emphasize underwriting profitability. In addition, management focuses on controlling operating costs. By sharing employees with IHC and sharing resources among the MGUs and Independence American, AMIC strives to maximize its earnings.
The following are highlights in 2004 for the Company:
Independence American Insurance Company
MGU Division (IndependenceCare, Marlton, RAS)
History
Until April 2002, the Company (then known as SoftNet Systems, Inc.) was an Internet service provider. Due to difficult and deteriorating conditions in that market, the Company discontinued this business. In December 2000, the Company's board of directors approved a plan to discontinue the operations of its subsidiary, ISP Channel, Inc., which had provided cable-based Internet access and related services, and the operations of another subsidiary, Aerzone Corporation, which provided Internet and related services at airports. In April 2002, the Company ceased operations of its remaining operating subsidiary, Intelligent Communications, Inc., following the disposition of its key assets. In connection with the Company's exit from the Internet provider business, it undertook a process of consideration of strategic alternatives for the Company.
On July 30, 2002, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire First Standard Holdings Corp. ("FSHC") from SSH Corp. and Independence Holding Company ("IHC") for $31,920,000 in cash. As described below, FSHC was the holding company for an insurance company and two managing general underwriters ("MGUs"). Subsequently at the Special Meeting of Stockholders on November 14, 2002, the Company's stockholders approved the stock purchase agreement between the Company, SSH Corp. and IHC (the "Purchase Agreement"), and approved the Company's name change to American Independence Corp. Also on November 14, 2002, the Company consummated the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement and FSHC changed its name to Independence American Holdings Corp. ("IAHC"). Following this acquisition, the Company closed its offices in San Francisco, terminated all but two of its employees, and entered into a services agreement with IHC pursuant to which the Company's operations are directed by I HC's management and employees.
In a separate transaction on July 30, 2002, IHC acquired Pacific Century Cyberworks Limited's ("PCCW") entire interest in the Company consisting of 1,666,666 shares of common stock at $9.00 per share for a total value of $15,000,000. As a result of this transaction, PCCW's two appointees resigned from the Company's Board of Directors, and Edward Netter, Chairman of IHC, and Roy T.K. Thung, President and Chief Executive Officer of IHC, were appointed to the Company's Board of Directors. On April 22, 2003, a wholly-owned subsidiary of IHC completed its tender for one million shares of the common stock of the Company at $9.00 per share for a total value of $9 million. On December 22, 2003, IHC purchased an aggregate of 613,401 shares in the market and private transactions. During 2004, IHC purchased an additional 1% interest in the Company. At December 31, 2004, IHC owned a 40% interest in AMIC.
On February 10, 2003, but effective as of January 1, 2003, the Company acquired 80% of the business of an employer Medical Stop-Loss MGU and an affiliated entity (the "Acquired MGUs"). The acquisition was accomplished by the formation of Voorhees Risk Management LLC d.b.a. Marlton Risk Group ("Marlton") into which the Acquired MGUs contributed all of their assets, and the Company contributed $16,000,000 cash for an 80% ownership interest. The Company's cash contribution was then distributed to the Acquired MGUs together with the remaining 20% interest in Marlton, and Marlton assumed all of the liabilities of the Acquired MGUs. Under certain circumstances set forth in the Limited Liability Company Agreement of Marlton, the Company has the right and/or obligation to purchase some or all of the minority interests in Marlton.
On April 16, 2004, the Company expanded its business through the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of an employer Medical Stop-Loss managing general underwriter, which had a block of approximately $13 million of annualized premium, for a purchase price of $600,000. The assets were acquired by IndependenceCare Underwriting Services-MidAtlantic LLC ("ICH-MidAtlantic"), which is a subsidiary of IndependenceCare Holdings. ICH-MidAtlantic, which is based in Baltimore, Maryland, retained the key marketing personnel of the former MGU. This acquisition resulted in goodwill in the amount of $486,000 and intangible assets in the amount of $114,000.
Effective July 1, 2004, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company acquired a 23% interest in Majestic Underwriters LLC ("Majestic"), a Medical Stop-Loss managing general underwriter which had a block of approximately $41 million of annualized premium, for a purchase price of $1,610,000. Concurrently, wholly-owned subsidiaries of IHC acquired a 52% interest in Majestic. The senior management of Majestic owns the remaining 25% interest. The Company accounts for this investment using the equity method of accounting. This acquisition resulted in a $522,000 reduction of valuation allowance related to the deferred tax assets, with the effect being an increase to deferred tax asset and a corresponding decrease in other investments. Under certain circumstances set forth in the Limited Liability Agreement of Majestic, the Company and/or IHC have the right and/or obligation to purchase some or all of the minority interest in Majestic.
As of December 31, 2004, the Company had substantially completed the wind down of all of its Internet services related subsidiaries, ISP Channel, Intellicom, and Aerzone, as well as its other subsidiaries, MTC and KCI.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The preparation of consolidated financials statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of the revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company believes the following critical accounting policies are significantly affected by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in preparation of its consolidated financial statements. For a detailed discussion on the application of these and other accounting policies, see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company included in Item 8 of this annual report on Form 10-K. Management has identified the accounting policies described below as those that, due to the judgments, estimates and as sumptions inherent in those policies, are critical to an understanding of the Company's consolidated financial statements and management's discussion and analysis.
Insurance Reserves
The Company maintains insurance reserves to cover its estimated liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, including legal and other fees as well as a portion of the Company's general expenses, for reported and unreported claims incurred as of the end of each accounting period. Liabilities for insurance reserves on short-term medical and disability coverages were computed using completion factors and expected loss ratios derived from actual historical premium and claim data. These methods are widely used in the health insurance industry to estimate the liabilities for insurance reserves. Inherent in these calculations are management and actuarial judgments and estimates which could significantly impact the ending reserve liabilities and, consequently, operating results. Actual results may differ, and these estimates are subject to interpretation and change. Management believes that the Company's method of estimating the liabilities for insurance reserves provides reasonably accurate levels of reserves at December 31, 2004 and 2003; however, changes in the Company's reserves estimates, if any, will be recorded through a charge or credit to its earnings.
Income Taxes
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the period in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Management believes that although sufficient uncertainty exists regarding the future realization of deferred tax assets, the valuation allowance has been adjusted to account for the expected utilization of net operating losses against future taxable income.
The Company has net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes available to reduce future income subject to income taxes. The net operating loss carryforwards expire between 2018 and 2023.
U.S. federal and California tax laws impose substantial restrictions on the utilization of net operating loss and credit carryforwards in the event of an "ownership change" for tax purposes, as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. For tax purposes, an ownership change occurred during 1999 and, as a result, utilization of the net operating losses arising prior to 1999 will be subject to an annual limitation in future years (see Note 16).
Premium and MGU Fee Income Revenue Recognition
Direct and assumed premiums from short-duration contracts will be recognized as revenue over the period of the contracts in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided. The Company records MGU fee income as policy premium payments are earned. MGUs are compensated in two ways. They earn fee income based on the volume of business produced, and collect profit-sharing commissions if such business exceeds certain profitability benchmarks. Profit-sharing commissions are accounted for beginning in the period in which the Company believes they are reasonably estimable. Profit-sharing commissions are a function of an MGU attaining certain profitability thresholds and could greatly vary from quarter to quarter.
Investments
The Company accounts for its investments in debt and equity securities under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115 ("SFAS 115"), Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. The Company has classified all of its investments as available-for-sale or trading securities. These investments are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices with unrealized gains and losses reported in either accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets for available-for-sale securities or as unrealized gains or losses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for trading securities. Net realized gains and losses on investments are computed using the specific identification method and are reported in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary are determined based on the specific identification method and are reported in the accompanying C onsolidated Statements of Operations as net realized losses. The factors considered by management in determining when a decline is other than temporary include but are not limited to: the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; adverse changes in ratings announced by one or more rating agencies; whether the issuer of a debt security has remained current on principal and interest payments; whether the decline in fair value appears to be issuer specific or, alternatively, a reflection of general market or industry conditions; and the Company's intent and ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in fair value. For securities within the scope of Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 99-20, such as purchased interest-only securities, an impairment loss is recognized when there has been a decrease in expected cash flows combined with a decline in the security's fair value below cost.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles
The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, effective July 1, 2002. Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives, which consist of licenses, are not amortized but are tested for impairment, on a reporting unit basis, at the end of the third quarter of each fiscal year, or more frequently if indicators arise. The Company defines its reporting units on a segment basis.
The Company's intangible assets consisting of broker/third party relationships are amortized over five years.
Discontinued Operations
The Company accounts for discontinued operations in accordance to Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30 ("APB 30"), Reporting the Results of Operations - - Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions. Under APB 30, the Company accrued estimates of expected liabilities related to discontinued operations through its eventual discharge. The estimated remaining liabilities related to discontinued operations include contract terminations, litigation and loss from operations subsequent to September 30, 2002. The Company reviews the estimated closure costs liability on a quarterly basis to determine changes in the costs of the discontinued operations activities.
Results of Operations for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2004, Compared to the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2003
Premiums Earned
. Premiums earned increased $22,386,000 to $60,203,000 for the fiscal 2004, compared to $37,817,000 for fiscal 2003, an increase of 59.2%. This is primarily due to a combination of a higher percentage of Medical Stop-Loss business assumed from, as well as increased volume of business written by, Independence Holding Company in 2004. The average percentage of Medical Stop-Loss business ceded from IHC to Independence American for fiscal years 2004 and 2003 was 19.3% and 13.1%, respectively. Beginning in the 2004 third quarter, IHC also ceded 20% of its DBL premiums to Independence American.Net Investment Income. Net investment income increased $324,000 to $2,291,000 for fiscal 2004, compared to $1,967,000 for fiscal 2003, due to a higher invested asset base in 2004, offset by a slightly lower return on investments. The return on investments of the Company was 5.15% in fiscal 2004 and 5.58% in fiscal 2003.
Net Realized Gains. Net realized gains decreased $108,000 to $222,000 for fiscal 2004, compared to $330,000 for fiscal 2003. The Company's decision as to whether to sell securities is based on cash flow needs, investment opportunities, and economic market conditions, thus creating fluctuations in realized gains or losses from period to period. Offsetting net realized gains for fiscal 2004 is a realized loss of $134,000 from unrealized losses on securities that the Company deemed to be other than temporary in nature. For fiscal 2003, there was no realized loss from unrealized losses on securities that the Company deemed to be other than temporary in nature.
MGU Fee Income. The Company earned $17,597,000 of fee income from its MGUs for fiscal 2004 as compared to $15,427,000 for fiscal 2003, an increase of $2,170,000. Included in fee income is $2,749,000 and $2,619,000 of MGU profit commissions in 2004 and 2003, respectively. Profit commissions for a given year are typically based on the performance of business written during portions of the two preceding years. Therefore, profit commissions for 2005 will be based on business written during portions of 2003 and 2004. Since certain of the MGUs experienced higher loss ratios in those years, profit commissions for the 2005 fiscal year and future years may be adversely affected.
Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $9,448,000 to $29,172,000 for fiscal 2004, compared to $19,724,000 for fiscal 2003. The increase is primarily due to commission expense recorded by Independence American and operating expenses from the MGUs. Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the MGUs were $8,629,000 and commission expense for Independence American was $18,152,000 for fiscal 2004. Selling, general, and administrative expenses for MGUs, were $10,732,000 and commission expense for Independence American was $8,902,000 for fiscal 2003.
Insurance Benefits, Claims and Reserves. Insurance benefits, claims and reserves amounted to $39,173,000 for fiscal 2004 as compared to $23,312,000 for fiscal 2003, an increase of $15,861,000, or 68%. The increase is mainly due to additional claims relating to increased earned premium volume from Independence American in 2004. Additionally, 2004 was negatively impacted by higher than expected claims from certain of Independence American's 2003 Medical Stop-Loss programs. Insurance benefits, claims and reserves for 2004 includes a charge of $1,730,000 to reflect loss development from prior treaty years and a corresponding increase in reserves for the current treaty year. While management sets reserves based on its best estimate of ultimate claim settlement cost, the Company adjusts reserves as claims mature, approach settlement or are otherwise resolved.
Amortization and Depreciation. Amortization and depreciation expense decreased $345,000 to $1,666,000 for fiscal 2004, compared to $2,011,000 for fiscal 2003. The expense primarily relates to the amortization of the intangible assets for the value of broker/TPA relationships of the MGUs. These intangible assets were acquired as part of acquisitions made by the Company. Amortization expense for these intangible assets will decline over the useful lives of the assets.
Non-Cash Compensation Expense Related to Stock Options. The Company recognized non-cash compensation expense related to stock options of $456,000 for fiscal 2004. This expense relates to the fair value of options issued and accounted for under SFAS No. 123. The expense for fiscal 2003 was $141,000.
Restructuring Expense. The Company recognized an expense of $152,000 for fiscal 2003 and no related expense for fiscal 2004. At December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, a restructuring accrual of $300,000 and $866,000, respectively, remained outstanding.
Minority Interest. The Company recorded $678,000 for fiscal 2004 and $645,000 for fiscal 2003 of expense related to the 20% minority interest in Marlton.
Income Taxes. The income tax expense was $3,569,000 for fiscal 2004 as compared to a tax benefit of $2,993,000 for fiscal 2003, an increase of $6,562,000. In 2003, the Company further reduced the valuation allowance relating to the deferred tax asset, which caused a corresponding increase in such deferred tax asset. The valuation allowance relates to the possibility that AMIC might not be able to fully utilize its prior tax year federal net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs"). AMIC reviews the valuation allowance quarterly to determine the reasonableness of the amount, and previously reduced it in connection with the Company's acquisitions in 2002, 2003 and 2004. Based upon AMIC's profitability in 2003 and projected continuing profitable results, it was management's view that it was appropriate to further reduce the valuation allowance in the fourth quarter of 2003 which resulted in an increase in net income and income from continuing operations. There was no such adjustment in 2004.
Gain on Discontinued Operations. Gain on discontinued operations was $240,000 for fiscal 2004, compared to a gain of $110,000 for fiscal 2003, an increase of $130,000. The gain in 2004 is primarily attributable to lower than expected expenses related to Intellicom, MTC, ISP Channel and KCI.
Net Income. The Company had net income of $5,904,000, or $.69 diluted per share, for fiscal 2004, compared to net income of $12,671,000, or $1.50 per share diluted, for fiscal year 2003.
Results of Operations for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2003, Compared to the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2002
Premiums Earned
. The Company earned $37,817,000 of premiums on insurance business of Independence American for fiscal 2003.Net Investment Income. Net investment income increased $237,000 to $1,967,000 for fiscal 2003, compared to $1,730,000 for fiscal 2002, mainly due to a higher yield from investments in fixed maturities in 2003. Investment income in 2002, although based on greater assets, was at a lower yield due to the shorter duration of the investments.
Net Realized Gains. The Company realized net gains of $330,000 from sales of its investments for fiscal 2003. Decisions to sell securities are based on cash flow needs, investment opportunities, and economic and market conditions, thus creating fluctuations in gains or losses from period to period.
MGU Fee Income. The Company earned $15,427,000 of fee income from its MGUs for fiscal 2003. Of this amount $2,619,000 relates to MGU profit commissions.
Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $12,406,000 to $19,724,000 for fiscal 2003, compared to $7,318,000 for fiscal 2002. The increase is primarily due to commission expense recorded by Independence American and operating expenses from the MGUs. Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the 3 MGUs were $7,882,000 and commission expense for Independence American was $10,660,000 for fiscal 2003.
Insurance Benefits, Claims and Reserves.
Insurance benefits, claims and reserves amounted to $23,312,000 related to the premiums earned by Independence American for fiscal 2003.Amortization and Depreciation. Amortization and depreciation expense increased $1,822,000 to $2,011,000 for fiscal 2003, compared to $189,000 for fiscal 2002. The expense for fiscal 2003 mainly relates to the amortization of the intangible assets for the value of broker/TPA relationships of the MGUs. These intangible assets were acquired as part of the acquisitions of IAHC and Marlton.
Non-Cash Compensation Expense Related to Stock Options. The Company recognized non-cash compensation expense related to stock options of $141,000 for fiscal 2003. This expense relates to the fair value of options issued in 2003 accounted for under SFAS No. 123. The expense for fiscal 2002 of $1,466,000 relates to options accounted for under APB 25.
Minority Interest. The Company's share of minority interest expense for fiscal 2003 was $645,000 for its share of its investment in Voorhees.
Income Taxes. The Company had a benefit of income taxes of $2,993,000 for fiscal 2003. This includes a benefit of $4,466,000 due to a reduction of the valuation allowance. In 2003, the Company further reduced the valuation allowance relating to the deferred tax asset, which caused a corresponding increase in such deferred tax asset. The valuation allowance relates to the possibility that AMIC might not be able to fully utilize its prior tax year federal net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs"). AMIC reviews the valuation allowance quarterly to determine the reasonableness of the amount, and previously reduced it in connection with the Company's acquisitions in 2002 and 2003. Based upon AMIC's profitability in 2003 and projected continuing profitable results, it was management's view that it was appropriate to further reduce the valuation allowance quarterly in the fourth quarter of 2003, which resulted in an increase in net income and income from continuing operations . There was no such adjustment in 2002.
The Company's tax year end is September 30, and, for the first nine months of 2003, AMIC had a recovery for federal income taxes arising from losses in the fourth quarter of 2002. These losses were fully applied, and the Company began to utilize its NOLs, in the fourth quarter of 2003. As long as AMIC utilizes these NOLs, it will not pay any income taxes, except for federal alternative minimum taxes and state income taxes. In the first nine months of 2003, AMIC did not have any provision for federal income taxes on its income statement due to losses arising in the fourth quarter of 2002. Starting in the fourth quarter of 2003, the Company had a provision for federal income taxes of $920,000 on its income statement, and the utilization of its NOLs reduced the deferred tax asset on its balance sheet. The Company also had a provision for state income taxes of $504,000 for fiscal 2003.
Provision for Impaired Assets. The Company recognized a charge of $352,000 for the year ended September 30, 2002, as a result of writing off its accounting software. In light of its reduced operations, the Company changed to an off-the-shelf accounting software.
Restructuring Expense. The Company recognized a restructuring charge for the year ended September 30, 2001, related to the downsizing of its corporate headquarters' staff. The charge in the amount of $3,900,000 was recognized as restructuring expense and primarily consisted of termination payments for affected employees. The Company increased the restructuring reserve by $152,000 for fiscal 2003 and $502,000 for the year ended September 30, 2002, respectively, as a result of additional estimated lease termination costs associated with Company's headquarters. At December 31, 2003 and September 30, 2002, a restructuring accrual of $866,000 and $1,446,000 respectively, remained outstanding.
Loss on Equity Investments. The Company recognized a loss on disposition of equity investments of $733,000 or fiscal 2002, consisting of $253,000 related to 1,000,000 SkyNet Global Limited common stock shares and $480,000 related to the 400,000 SkyNet Global Limited preference stock shares.
Gain (Loss) Attributed to Discontinued Operations. The Company recognized a $110,000 gain on discontinued operations for fiscal 2003, compared to a $5,926,000 loss attributed to discontinued operations for fiscal 2002. For the year ended September 30, 2002, the loss attributed to discontinued operations consisted of a $3,120,000 loss on disposition of Interlace, a $1,829,000 loss from operations of Intellicom, a $1,127,000 loss on disposition of Micrographic Technology Corporation ("MTC"), as a result of a preliminary arbitration decision related to a dispute with Applications Informatiques Multimedia and a dispute related to the sale of MTC to Global Information Distribution GmbH, a $900,000 gain on disposition of ISP Channel, resulting from the lower than anticipated costs of closing ISP Channel, and a $750,000 loss on disposition of Aerzone, resulting from a court decision related to a breach of contract and other legal matters. The gain of $110,000 in 2003 is primarily attributable to lower than expected interest and expenses with regard to an arbitration award, substantially offset by additional reserves on Intellicom related to the lease obligations of the Livermore facility due to difficulty in subletting the facility as compared to original expectations.
Net Income/Loss. The Company had net income of $12,671,000 or $1.50 per share, diluted, for fiscal 2003, compared to a net loss of $14,756,000 or a net loss per share of $1.76, diluted, for the year ended September 30, 2002.
TRANSITION PERIOD ANALYSIS
Result of Operations for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2002, Compared to the Quarter Ended December 31, 2001
Due to the acquisition of the insurance operations of IAHC, certain line items do not appear in the quarter ended December 31, 2001 Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Premiums Earned. The Company earned $1,636,000 of premiums on insurance business of Independence American for the six weeks ended December 31, 2002.
Net Investment Income. Interest income decreased $324,000 to $292,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2002, compared to $616,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2001, as a result of lower interest rates, and a decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and investments, available-for-sale due to the funding of losses from the Internet operations and the purchase of IAHC.
MGU Fee Income. The Company earned $713,000 of fee income from its MGUs for the six weeks ended December 31, 2002 of this amount, $6,000 was from MGU profit sharing revenues.
Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $3,451,000 to $4,865,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2002, compared to $1,414,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2001. The increase is primarily due to estimated final expenses resulting from staff reductions associated with the December 28, 2000 corporate restructuring plan, the closing of the corporate headquarters in San Francisco and expenses related to corporate legal settlements and arbitration awards.
Insurance Benefits, Claims and Reserves. Insurance benefits, claims and reserves amounted to $989,000 related to the premium earned by Independence American for the six weeks ended December 31, 2002.
Loss on Equity Investments. The Company recognized a loss on equity investment of $1,000,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2002 as a result of the write-off of a preferred stock investment. The Company did not incur a net loss on its equity investments in investee companies for the quarter ended December 31, 2001.
Amortization and Depreciation. Amortization and depreciation expense increased $175,000 to $240,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2002, compared to $65,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2001. The expense for December 31, 2002 relates to the amortization of the intangible asset for the value of third party administrators of the MGUs. This asset was part of the purchase accounting adjustments for the acquisition of IAHC.
Non-Cash Compensation Expense (Benefit) Related to Stock Options. The Company recognized a non-cash compensation expense related to stock options of $632,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2002. This expense is broken up into two components: an expense of $570,000 relating to the fair value of options issued for the three months ended December 31, 2002 accounted for under SFAS No. 123. (SFAS No. 123 was adopted as of October 1, 2002); and an expense of $62,000 for options issued prior to October 1, 2002 accounted for under the intrinsic value method of Accounting Principles Board #25 ("APB 25"). The expense for the three months ended December 31, 2001 of $405,000 relates to options accounted for under APB 25.
Restructuring Expense. The Company recognized a restructuring expense of $538,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2002, related to the plan to close its corporate headquarters in San Francisco, California.
Income Taxes. The Company made no provision for federal income taxes for the quarter ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, as a result of the Company's continuing losses. For the quarter ended December 31, 2002, the Company recorded a $1,000 provision for state and local taxes attributed to IAHC.
Loss from Discontinued Operations. As a result of the decision by the Board of Directors to discontinue the operations of Intellicom on March 29, 2002, the loss on operations for the quarter ended December 31, 2001 of $928,000 has been reclassified as loss from discontinued operations.
Loss on Disposition. Loss on disposition increased $885,000 to $1,475,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2002, compared to $590,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2001. The loss is primarily attributable to an arbitration award on MTC, a settlement on Aerzone, and additional reserves on Intellicom related to the lease obligations of the Livermore facility.
Net Loss. The Company had a net loss of $7,052,000 or a net loss per share of $0.84, for the quarter ended December 31, 2002, compared to a net loss of $2,780,000 or a net loss per share of $0.33, for the three months ended December 31, 2001. There was no gain or loss from discontinued operations for the quarter ended December 31, 2001.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As of December 31, 2004, the Company had $47,499,000 in cash, cash equivalents, and investments, net of amounts due to brokers compared with $40,498,000 as of December 31, 2003.
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 was $8,447,000. Net cash flows benefited from premium volume and fees from MGUs, partially offset by higher than expected claims and losses.
Net cash used by investing activities of continuing operations for fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 was $7,577,000. This use of cash results from purchases of fixed maturities, equity securities, and short-term investments, net of sales of all such securities. The Company also acquired ICH-MidAtlantic and a 23% equity interest in Majestic.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 was $198,000, resulting from the exercise of common stock options.
The Company believes it has sufficient cash to meet its presently anticipated business requirements over the next twelve months including the funding of discontinued operations, working capital requirements, and capital investments.
LIQUIDITY
Independence American
IAIC principally derives cash flow from: (i) operations; (ii) the receipt of scheduled principal payments on its portfolio of fixed income securities; and (iii) earnings on investments. Such cash flow is partially used to finance liabilities for insurance policy benefits and reinsurance obligations.
IAIC maintains a revolving Letter of Credit ("LOC") with a financial