INDEPENDENCE HOLDING CO - FORM 10-Q

Attached files

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EX-31.1 - IHC Q3 2015 EX 31.1 - INDEPENDENCE HOLDING CO	ihc3q2015_ex31z1.htm
EX-31.1 - IHC Q3 2015 EX 31.1 - INDEPENDENCE HOLDING CO	ihc3q2015_ex31z1.pdf
EX-31.2 - IHC Q3 2015 EX 31.2 - INDEPENDENCE HOLDING CO	ihc3q2015_ex31z2.htm
EX-31.2 - IHC Q3 2015 EX 31.2 - INDEPENDENCE HOLDING CO	ihc3q2015_ex31z2.pdf
EX-32.1 - IHC Q3 2015 EX 32.1 - INDEPENDENCE HOLDING CO	ihc3q2015_ex32z1.htm
EX-32.1 - IHC Q3 2015 EX 32.1 - INDEPENDENCE HOLDING CO	ihc3q2015_ex32z1.pdf
EX-32.2 - IHC Q3 2015 EX 32.2 - INDEPENDENCE HOLDING CO	ihc3q2015_ex32z2.htm
EX-32.2 - IHC Q3 2015 EX 32.2 - INDEPENDENCE HOLDING CO	ihc3q2015_ex32z2.pdf
10-Q - IHC Q3 2015 10Q - INDEPENDENCE HOLDING CO	ihc3q2015_10q.pdf

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

__________________________________________

FORM 10-Q

[X]

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015.

[ ]

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

For the transition period from: ________ to _________

Commission File Number: 001-32244

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware		58-1407235
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

96 CUMMINGS POINT ROAD, STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT 06902

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

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

NOT APPLICABLE

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

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

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

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


Large Accelerated Filer [ ]	Accelerated Filer [ X ]
Non-Accelerated Filer [ ]	Smaller Reporting Company [ ]

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


Class	Outstanding at November 1, 2015
Common stock, $ 1.00 par value	17,263,258 Shares

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY

INDEX


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION				PAGE
					NO.

		Item 1. Financial Statements

			Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	4

			Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income	5

			Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	6

			Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity	7

			Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	8

			Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	9

		Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
			and Results of Operations	32

		Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk		47

		Item 4. Controls and Procedures		47

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

		Item 1. Legal Proceedings		48

		Item 1A. Risk Factors		48

		Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		48

		Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities		48

		Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures		48

		Item 5. Other Information		48

		Item 6. Exhibits		49

	Signatures			51

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

Forward-Looking Statements

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

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

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

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Financial Statements


INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)

						September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
						(Unaudited)
ASSETS:
	Investments:
		Short-term investments			$	50	$	50
		Securities purchased under agreements to resell				11,082		16,790
		Trading securities				8,993		11,095
		Fixed maturities, available-for-sale				435,929		583,880
		Equity securities, available-for-sale				8,748		13,895
		Other investments				24,037		25,251
				Total investments		488,839		650,961

	Cash and cash equivalents					18,730		25,083
	Deferred acquisition costs					524		30,806
	Due and unpaid premiums					68,988		62,628
	Due from reinsurers					481,813		278,242
	Premium and claim funds					24,420		32,553
	Goodwill					53,371		50,318
	Other assets					54,637		57,126

				TOTAL ASSETS	$	1,191,322	$	1,187,717

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
LIABILITIES:
	Policy benefits and claims				$	252,927	$	236,803
	Future policy benefits					270,047		277,041
	Funds on deposit					172,087		186,782
	Unearned premiums					13,448		9,455
	Other policyholders' funds					12,035		18,802
	Due to reinsurers					36,904		47,945
	Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities					68,659		67,641
	Debt					5,189		4,000
	Junior subordinated debt securities					38,146		38,146

				TOTAL LIABILITIES		869,442		886,615

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
IHC STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
	Preferred stock (none issued)					-		-
	Common stock $1.00 par value, 23,000,000 shares authorized;
			18,555,683 and 18,531,158 shares issued; 17,257,630 and
			17,371,040 shares outstanding			18,556		18,531
	Paid-in capital					127,580		127,098
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)					(1,346)		22
	Treasury stock, at cost; 1,298,053 and 1,160,118 shares					(13,890)		(12,141)
	Retained earnings					181,817		157,667

TOTAL IHC STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY						312,717		291,177
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN SUBSIDIARIES						9,163		9,925

				TOTAL EQUITY		321,880		301,102

				TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$	1,191,322	$	1,187,717

See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)

				Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
				September 30,				September 30,
				2015		2014		2015		2014
REVENUES:
	Premiums earned		$	119,038	$	117,705	$	361,595	$	362,110
	Net investment income			3,938		5,439		13,884		16,674
	Fee income			2,826		4,813		11,029		18,013
	Other income			5,792		951		8,356		3,132
	Gain on sale of subsidiary to joint venture			10,161		-		10,161		-
	Net realized investment gains (losses)			(1,109)		844		2,991		6,914
	Other-than-temporary impairment losses:
	Total other-than-temporary impairment losses			(228)		-		(228)		-
	Portion of losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)			-		-		-		-
	Net impairment losses recognized in earnings			(228)		-		(228)		-

				140,418		129,752		407,788		406,843
EXPENSES:
	Insurance benefits, claims and reserves			74,218		74,916		233,218		243,488
	Selling, general and administrative expenses			41,984		44,916		129,835		137,998
	Amortization of deferred acquisitions costs			558		1,416		3,446		3,887
	Interest expense on debt			444		539		1,354		1,357

				117,204		121,787		367,853		386,730

	Income before income taxes			23,214		7,965		39,935		20,113
	Income taxes			8,326		3,141		14,560		7,404

	Net income			14,888		4,824		25,375		12,709
	Less: Income from noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries			(128)		(114)		(364)		(450)

		NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO IHC	$	14,760	$	4,710	$	25,011	$	12,259

Basic income per common share			$	.85	$	.27	$	1.44	$	.70

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING				17,292		17,410		17,331		17,505

Diluted income per common share			$	.85	$	.27	$	1.43	$	.69

WEIGHTED AVERAGE DILUTED SHARES OUTSTANDING				17,457		17,578		17,496		17,665

See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited)
(In thousands)

					Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
					September 30,				September 30,
					2015		2014		2015		2014

Net income				$	14,888	$	4,824	$	25,375	$	12,709
Other comprehensive income (loss):
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, pre-tax				2,948		(2,348)		(2,192)		10,672
	Tax expense (benefit) on unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale
		securities			1,046		(550)		(843)		3,327
	Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes				1,902		(1,798)		(1,349)		7,345

	Cash flow hedge:
	Unrealized gains on cash flow hedge, pre-tax				34		69		62		107
	Tax expense on unrealized gains on cash flow hedge				14		28		25		43
	Unrealized gains on cash flow hedge, net of taxes				20		41		37		64

	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax				1,922		(1,757)		(1,312)		7,409

		COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAX			16,810		3,067		24,063		20,118

Comprehensive income, net of tax, attributable to noncontrolling
		interests:
Income from noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries					(128)		(114)		(364)		(450)
Other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax, attributable to
		noncontrolling interests:
	Unrealized (gain) loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax				(51)		81		(61)		(132)
	Other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax, attributable to
		noncontrolling interests			(51)		81		(61)		(132)

		COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAX,
			ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS		(179)		(33)		(425)		(582)

		COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAX,
			ATTRIBUTABLE TO IHC	$	16,631	$	3,034	$	23,638	$	19,536

See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Unaudited) (In thousands)


									ACCUMULATED								NON-
									OTHER		TREASURY				TOTAL IHC		CONTROLLING
					COMMON		PAID-IN		COMPREHENSIVE		STOCK,		RETAINED		STOCKHOLDERS'		INTERESTS IN		TOTAL
					STOCK		CAPITAL		INCOME (LOSS)		AT COST		EARNINGS		EQUITY		SUBSIDIARIES		EQUITY

BALANCE AT
	DECEMBER 31, 2014			$	18,531	$	127,098	$	22	$	(12,141)	$	157,667	$	291,177	$	9,925	$	301,102

Net income													25,011		25,011		364		25,375
Other comprehensive
	income (loss), net of tax								(1,373)						(1,373)		61		(1,312)
Repurchases of common stock											(1,749)				(1,749)		-		(1,749)
Common stock dividend
		($.045 per share)											(783)		(783)		-		(783)
Acquisition of subsidiary															-		608		608
Purchases of noncontrolling
		interests					112		5						117		(1,851)		(1,734)
Share-based compensation
	expenses and related
			tax benefits		25		265								290		-		290
Other capital transactions							105						(78)		27		56		83

BALANCE AT
	SEPTEMBER 30, 2015			$	18,556	$	127,580	$	(1,346)	$	(13,890)	$	181,817	$	312,717	$	9,163	$	321,880

See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(In thousands)

						Nine Months Ended September 30,
						2015		2014
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED BY) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
	Net income				$	25,375	$	12,709
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net change in cash from
		operating activities:
			Gain on sale of subsidiary to joint venture			(10,161)		-
			Gain on disposition of assets			(5,053)		-
			Amortization of deferred acquisition costs			3,446		3,887
			Net realized investment gains			(2,991)		(6,914)
			Other-than-temporary impairment losses			228		-
			Equity income from equity method investments			(579)		(1,030)
			Depreciation and amortization			2,317		2,971
			Deferred tax expense			(6,313)		4,146
			Other			3,654		7,199
Changes in assets and liabilities:
			Net (purchases) sales of trading securities			160		(4,501)
			Change in insurance liabilities			(17,627)		(106,540)
			Change in deferred acquisition costs			26,827		(4,551)
			Change in amounts due from reinsurers			(203,570)		100,206
			Change in premium and claim funds			(3,556)		(2,156)
			Change in current income tax liability			17,376		5,110
			Change in due and unpaid premiums			(6,360)		(2,385)
			Change in other assets			(6,702)		3,842
			Change in other liabilities			6,973		(6,344)

				Net change in cash from operating activities		(176,556)		5,649

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED BY) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
	Net sales of securities under resale and repurchase agreements					5,708		6,181
	Sales of equity securities					9,187		288
	Purchases of equity securities					(4,423)		(1,228)
	Sales of fixed maturities					601,187		295,964
	Maturities and other repayments of fixed maturities					36,505		32,993
	Purchases of fixed maturities					(491,069)		(338,639)
	Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired					511		-
	Proceeds from deconsolidation of subsidiary, net of cash divested					3,524		-
	Proceeds from sale of assets					8,000		-
	Change in policy loans					10,629		647
	Other investing activities					(1,035)		2,034

				Net change in cash from investing activities		178,724		(1,760)

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED BY) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
		Repurchases of common stock				(1,722)		(3,953)
		Cash paid in acquisitions of noncontrolling interests				(1,734)		-
		Withdrawals of investment-type insurance contracts				(1,756)		(2,286)
		Repayment of debt				(2,137)		(2,000)
		Dividends paid				(1,392)		(1,233)
		Other financing activities				220		(431)

				Net change in cash from financing activities		(8,521)		(9,903)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents						(6,353)		(6,014)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year						25,083		24,229

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period					$	18,730	$	18,215

See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

Note 1.

Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies

(A)

Business and Organization

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

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

(B)

Consolidation

American Independence Corp.

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

Effects of Ownership Changes in Less Than Wholly Owned Subsidiaries

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


		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2015		2014		2015		2014

Changes in IHC’s paid-in capital:
Purchase of AMIC shares	$	-	$	-	$	(199)	$	-
Purchase remaining IPA Family, LLC interests		-		-		311		-

Net transfers from noncontrolling interests	$	-	$	-	$	112	$	-

(C)

Basis of Presentation

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

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

(D)

Reclassifications

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

(E)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

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

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

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

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

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

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

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

Note 2.

Income Per Common Share

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

Note 3.

Investment Securities

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


		September 30, 2015
				GROSS		GROSS
		AMORTIZED		UNREALIZED		UNREALIZED		FAIR
		COST		GAINS		LOSSES		VALUE

FIXED MATURITIES
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:
Corporate securities	$	170,411	$	411	$	(4,575)	$	166,247
CMOs - residential ⁽¹⁾		3,165		45		-		3,210
CMOs - commercial		975		303		-		1,278
U.S. Government obligations		36,269		334		-		36,603
Agency MBS - residential ⁽²⁾		36		1		-		37
GSEs ⁽³⁾		11,901		25		(243)		11,683
States and political subdivisions		209,143		3,300		(1,552)		210,891
Foreign government obligations		1,837		50		-		1,887
Redeemable preferred stocks		4,036		98		(41)		4,093

Total fixed maturities	$	437,773	$	4,567	$	(6,411)	$	435,929


EQUITY SECURITIES
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:
Common stocks	$	4,927	$	-	$	(355)	$	4,572
Nonredeemable preferred stocks		4,004		172		-		4,176

Total equity securities	$	8,931	$	172	$	(355)	$	8,748


		December 31, 2014
				GROSS		GROSS
		AMORTIZED		UNREALIZED		UNREALIZED		FAIR
		COST		GAINS		LOSSES		VALUE

FIXED MATURITIES
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:
Corporate securities	$	264,162	$	1,076	$	(3,314)	$	261,924
CMOs - residential ⁽¹⁾		5,073		55		(22)		5,106
CMOs - commercial		975		-		(22)		953
U.S. Government obligations		22,766		126		-		22,892
Agency MBS - residential ⁽²⁾		65		4		-		69
GSEs ⁽³⁾		14,706		36		(86)		14,656
States and political subdivisions		238,514		3,253		(2,386)		239,381
Foreign government obligations		34,863		136		(299)		34,700
Redeemable preferred stocks		4,036		163		-		4,199

Total fixed maturities	$	585,160	$	4,849	$	(6,129)	$	583,880


EQUITY SECURITIES
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:
Common stocks	$	8,452	$	1,452	$	(147)	$	9,757
Nonredeemable preferred stocks		4,004		134		-		4,138

Total equity securities	$	12,456	$	1,586	$	(147)	$	13,895

(1)

Collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”).

(2)

Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”).

(3)

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

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


		AMORTIZED		FAIR
		COST		VALUE

Due in one year or less	$	3,796	$	3,819
Due after one year through five years		86,666		86,501
Due after five years through ten years		119,483		119,799
Due after ten years		212,745		210,618
CMOs and MBSs		15,083		15,192

	$	437,773	$	435,929

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


		September 30, 2015

		Less than 12 Months				12 Months or Longer				Total

		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized
		Value		Losses		Value		Losses		Value		Losses

Corporate securities	$	96,293	$	2,898	$	33,355	$	1,677	$	129,648	$	4,575
GSEs		5,604		125		5,035		118		10,639		243
States and political subdivisions		36,049		637		32,903		915		68,952		1,552
Redeemable preferred stocks		3,722		41		-		-		3,722		41
Total fixed maturities		141,668		3,701		71,293		2,710		212,961		6,411

Common stocks		4,069		355		-		-		4,069		355
Total equity securities		4,069		355		-		-		4,069		355

Total temporarily impaired
securities	$	145,737	$	4,056	$	71,293	$	2,710	$	217,030	$	6,766

Number of securities in an
unrealized loss position		62				21				83


		December 31, 2014

		Less than 12 Months				12 Months or Longer				Total

		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized
		Value		Losses		Value		Losses		Value		Losses

Corporate securities	$	77,868	$	1,473	$	69,498	$	1,841	$	147,366	$	3,314
CMO’s - residential		2,062		16		1,562		6		3,624		22
CMOs - commercial		-		-		953		22		953		22
GSEs		-		-		9,581		86		9,581		86
States and political subdivisions		58,819		744		67,318		1,642		126,137		2,386
Foreign government obligations		21,148		171		12,229		128		33,377		299
Total fixed maturities		159,897		2,404		161,141		3,725		321,038		6,129

Common stocks		2,007		136		348		11		2,355		147
Total equity securities		2,007		136		348		11		2,355		147

Total temporarily impaired
securities	$	161,904	$	2,540	$	161,489	$	3,736	$	323,393	$	6,276

Number of securities in an
unrealized loss position		70				46				116

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

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


		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2015		2014		2015		2014

Available-for-sale securities:
Fixed maturities	$	122	$	1,536	$	3,536	$	7,027
Common stocks		-		-		1,465		-
Preferred stocks		-		-		-		(5)
Total available-for-sale securities		122		1,536		5,001		7,022

Trading securities		(703)		321		(1,124)		351
Total realized gains (losses)		(581)		1,857		3,877		7,373

Unrealized gains (losses) on trading securities:
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on trading securities		(530)		(1,010)		(882)		(458)
Total unrealized gains (losses) on trading securities		(530)		(1,010)		(882)		(458)

Gain (losses) on other investments		2		(3)		(4)		(1)

Net realized investment gains (losses)	$	(1,109)	$	844	$	2,991	$	6,914

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

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

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Evaluations

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

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


		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2015		2014		2015		2014

Balance at beginning of year	$	473	$	473	$	473	$	473
Additional credit losses for which an other-than-
temporary loss was previously recognized		-		-		-		-
Securities sold		-		-		-		-

Balance at end of period	$	473	$	473	$	473	$	473

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

Note 4.

Cash Flow Hedge

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

Note 5.

Fair Value Disclosures

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

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

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

Level 3 - Instruments where significant value drivers are unobservable.

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

Investments in fixed maturities and equity securities:

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

Trading securities:

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

Interest rate swap:

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

Contingent liabilities:

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

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


		September 30, 2015
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total

FINANCIAL ASSETS:
Fixed maturities available-for-sale:
Corporate securities	$	-	$	166,247	$	-	$	166,247
CMOs - residential		-		3,210		-		3,210
CMOs - commercial		-		-		1,278		1,278
US Government obligations		-		36,603		-		36,603
Agency MBS - residential		-		37		-		37
GSEs		-		11,683		-		11,683
States and political subdivisions		-		208,676		2,215		210,891
Foreign government obligations		-		1,887		-		1,887
Redeemable preferred stocks		4,093		-		-		4,093
Total fixed maturities		4,093		428,343		3,493		435,929

Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stocks		4,572		-		-		4,572
Nonredeemable preferred stocks		4,176		-		-		4,176
Total equity securities		8,748		-		-		8,748

Trading securities - equities		8,993		-		-		8,993
Total trading securities		8,993		-		-		8,993

Total Financial Assets	$	21,834	$	428,343	$	3,493	$	453,670

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:
Interest rate swap	$	-	$	21	$	-	$	21
Contingent liabilities		-		-		2,179		2,179
Total Financial Liabilities		-		21		2,179		2,200


		December 31, 2014
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total

FINANCIAL ASSETS:
Fixed maturities available-for-sale:
Corporate securities	$	-	$	261,924	$	-	$	261,924
CMOs – residential		-		5,106		-		5,106
CMOs – commercial		-		-		953		953
US Government obligations		-		22,892		-		22,892
Agency MBS - residential		-		69		-		69
GSEs		-		14,656		-		14,656
States and political subdivisions		-		237,067		2,314		239,381
Foreign government		-		34,700		-		34,700
Redeemable preferred stocks		4,199		-		-		4,199
Total fixed maturities		4,199		576,414		3,267		583,880

Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stocks		9,757		-		-		9,757
Nonredeemable preferred stocks		4,138		-		-		4,138
Total equity securities		13,895		-		-		13,895

Trading securities - equities		11,095		-		-		11,095
Total trading securities		11,095		-		-		11,095

Total Financial Assets	$	29,189	$	576,414	$	3,267	$	608,870

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:
Interest rate swap	$	-	$	83	$	-	$	83

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


		Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
		Financial Assets:						Financial Liabilities:
				States and		Total				Total
		CMOs-		Political		Level 3		Contingent		Level 3
		Commercial		Subdivisions		Assets		Liabilities		Liabilities

Beginning balance	$	1,233	$	2,248	$	3,481	$	1,000	$	1,000

Gains (losses) included in earnings:
Gain on sale of subsidiary to
joint venture		-		-		-		1,281		1,281
Net investment income		-		-		-		(102)		(102)

Gains (losses) included in other
comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized gains (losses)		45		(11)		34		-		-

Repayments and amortization of
of fixed maturities		-		(22)		(22)		-		-

Balance at end of period	$	1,278	$	2,215	$	3,493	$	2,179	$	2,179


		Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
		Financial Assets:
				States and		Total
		CMOs		Political		Level 3
		Commercial		Subdivisions		Assets

Beginning balance	$	906	$	2,379	$	3,285

Gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized gains (losses)		18		(14)		4

Repayments and amortization of fixed maturities		-		(18)		(18)

Balance at end of period	$	924	$	2,347	$	3,271


		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
		Financial Assets:						Financial Liabilities
				States and		Total				Total
		CMOs		Political		Level 3		Contingent		Level 3
		Commercial		Subdivisions		Assets		Liabilities		Liabilities

Beginning Balance	$	953	$	2,314	$	3,267	$	-	$	-

Assumed in acquisition		-		-		-		1,000		1,000

Gains (losses) included in earnings:
Gain on sale of subsidiary to
joint venture		-		-		-		1,281		1,281
Net investment income		-		-		-		(102)		(102)

Gains (losses) included in other
comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized gains (losses)		325		(36)		289		-		-

Repayments and amortization of
fixed maturities		-		(63)		(63)		-		-

Balance at end of period	$	1,278	$	2,215	$	3,493	$	2,179	$	2,179


		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
		Financial Assets:
				States and		Total
		CMOs		Political		Level 3
		Commercial		Subdivisions		Assets

Beginning balance	$	593	$	2,441	$	3,034

Gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized gains (losses)		331		(45)		286

Repayments and amortization of fixed maturities		-		(49)		(49)

Balance at end of period	$	924	$	2,347	$	3,271

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


		September 30, 2015				December 31, 2014
		Level 2				Level 2
		Fair		Carrying		Fair		Carrying
		Value		Value		Value		Value

FINANCIAL ASSETS:
Policy loans	$	44	$	38	$	13,356	$	10,667

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:
Funds on deposit	$	172,352	$	172,087	$	187,213	$	186,782
Debt and junior subordinated
debt securities	$	43,244	$	43,335	$	42,146	$	42,146

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

(A)

Policy Loans

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

(B)

Funds on Deposit

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

(C)

Debt

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

Note 6.

Acquisition and Deconsolidation of Subsidiaries

Acquisition

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

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

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

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


Cash	$	836
Intangible assets		5,500
Other assets		1,249

Total identifiable assets		7,585

Other liabilities		4,849
Deferred tax liability		2,200
Debt		3,326

Total liabilities		10,375

Net identifiable liabilities assumed	$	2,790

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

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

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

Deconsolidation

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

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

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

Note 7.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

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

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


		September 30, 2015				December 31, 2014
		Gross				Gross
		Carrying		Accumulated		Carrying		Accumulated
		Amount		Amortization		Amount		Amortization

Finite-lived Intangible Assets:
Agent and broker relationships	$	23,706	$	16,548	$	22,725	$	18,567
Trademarks		1,000		52		-		-
Total finite-lived	$	24,706	$	16,600	$	22,725	$	18,567


		September 30,		December 31,
		2015		2014
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets:
Insurance licenses	$	7,977	$	7,977
Total indefinite-lived	$	7,977	$	7,977

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

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

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

Note 8.

Reinsurance

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

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

Note 9.

Debt

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

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

Note 10.

Income Taxes

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

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

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

Note 11.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

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

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


		Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
		Unrealized
		Gains (Losses) on
		Available-for Sale		Cash Flow
		Securities		Hedge		Total

Beginning balance	$	(3,184)	$	(33)	$	(3,217)

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		1,834		20		1,854
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI		68		-		68
Net other comprehensive income (loss)		1,902		20		1,922

Less: Other comprehensive income attributable
to noncontrolling interests		(51)		-		(51)

Ending balance	$	(1,333)	$	(13)	$	(1,346)


		Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
		Unrealized
		Gains (Losses) on
		Available-for Sale		Cash Flow
		Securities		Hedge		Total

Beginning balance	$	(1,420)	$	(99)	$	(1,519)

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(587)		41		(546)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI		(1,211)		-		(1,211)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)		(1,798)		41		(1,757)

Less: Other comprehensive income attributable
to noncontrolling interests		81		-		81

Ending balance	$	(3,137)	$	(58)	$	(3,195)


		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
		Unrealized
		Gains (Losses) on
		Available-for Sale		Cash Flow
		Securities		Hedge		Total

Beginning balance	$	72	$	(50)	$	22

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		1,728		37		1,765
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI		(3,077)		-		(3,077)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)		(1,349)		37		(1,312)

Less: Other comprehensive income attributable
to noncontrolling interests		(61)		-		(61)
Acquired from noncontrolling interests		5		-		5

Ending balance	$	(1,333)	$	(13)	$	(1,346)


		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
		Unrealized
		Gains (Losses) on
		Available-for Sale		Cash Flow
		Securities		Hedge		Total

Beginning balance	$	(10,350)	$	(122)	$	(10,472)

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		12,177		64		12,241
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI		(4,832)		-		(4,832)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)		7,345		64		7,409

Less: Other comprehensive income attributable
to noncontrolling interests		(132)		-		(132)

Ending balance	$	(3,137)	$	(58)	$	(3,195)

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


		Three Months Ended				Nine months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2015		2014		2015		2014

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
reclassified during the period to the following income
statement line items:
Net realized investment gains (losses)	$	122	$	1,535	$	5,001	$	7,022
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings		(228)		-		(228)		-

Income (loss) before income tax		(106)		1,535		4,773		7,022
Tax effect		(38)		324		1,696		2,190

Net income (loss)	$	(68)	$	1,211	$	3,077	$	4,832

Note 12.

Share-Based Compensation

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

A) IHC Share-Based Compensation Plans

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

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


		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
IHC’s Share-based Compensation Plan:
Stock options	$	-	$	66	$	55	$	603
Restricted stock units		23		22		67		64
SARs		(23)		(190)		(80)		(113)

Share-based compensation expense, pre-tax		-		(102)		42		554
Tax benefits		-		(41)		17		221

Share-based compensation expense, net	$	-	$	(61)	$	25	$	333

Stock Options

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


	Shares	Weighted- Average
	Under Option	Exercise Price

December 31, 2014	614,680	$	9.33
Exercised	(17,100)		9.09
September 30, 2015	597,580	$	9.34

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

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


		September 30, 2015
		Outstanding		Exercisable

Number of options		597,580		597,580
Weighted average exercise price per share	$	9.34	$	9.34
Aggregate intrinsic value for all options (in thousands)	$	2,164	$	2,164
Weighted average contractual term remaining		1.6 years		1.6 years

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

Restricted Stock

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


	No. of	Weighted-Average
	Non-vested	Grant-Date
	Shares	Fair Value

December 31, 2014	14,850	$	12.09
Granted	7,425		11.78
Vested	(7,425)		11.44

September 30, 2015	14,850	$	12.26

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

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

SARs

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

B) AMIC Share-Based Compensation Plans

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

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


		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
AMIC’s Share-based Compensation Plans:
Stock options	$	11	$	13	$	32	$	40

Share-based compensation expense, pre-tax		11		13		32		40
Tax benefits		4		4		11		14

Share-based compensation expense, net	$	7	$	9	$	21	$	26

Stock Options

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


	Shares	Weighted- Average
	Under Option	Exercise Price

December 31, 2014	166,616	$	10.50
Exercised	(8,890)		5.81
Forfeited	(26,001)		8.90
Expired	(60,167)		13.82
September 30, 2015	71,558	$	8.88

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


		September 30, 2015
		Outstanding		Exercisable

Number of options		71,558		58,224
Weighted average exercise price per share	$	8.88	$	8.73
Aggregate intrinsic value for all options (in thousands)	$	109	$	96
Weighted average contractual term remaining		4.44 years		3.55 years

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


		September 30,
		2014

Weighted-average risk-free interest rate		2.72%
Annual dividend rate per share	$	-
Weighted-average volatility factor of the Company's common stock		38.27%
Weighted-average expected term of options		5 years

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

Note 13.

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

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

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

Note 14.

Segment Reporting

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


		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30
		2015		2014		2015		2014
Revenues:
Medical Stop-Loss	$	53,965	$	45,734	$	162,205	$	138,821
Fully Insured Health		45,193		57,412		141,356		184,839
Group disability, life, annuities and DBL		24,404		16,948		65,879		50,091
Individual life, annuities and other		7,987		8,764		25,287		26,049
Corporate		45		50		137		129
		131,594		128,908		394,864		399,929
Gain on sale of subsidiary to joint venture		10,161		-		10,161		-
Net realized investment gains (losses)		(1,109)		844		2,991		6,914
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings		(228)		-		(228)		-
Total revenues	$	140,418	$	129,752	$	407,788	$	406,843

Income before income taxes:
Medical Stop-Loss	$	6,523	$	6,339	$	16,430	$	15,730
Fully Insured Health^(A)		2,399		370		5,231		2,325
Group disability, life, annuities and DBL		4,400		4,057		10,774		7,237
Individual life, annuities and other ^(B)		3,623		(1,683)		1,238		(4,903)
Corporate		(2,111)		(1,423)		(5,308)		(5,833)
		14,834		7,660		28,365		14,556
Gain on sale of subsidiary to joint venture		10,161		-		10,161		-
Net realized investment gains (losses)		(1,109)		844		2,991		6,914
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings		(228)		-		(228)		-
Interest expense		(444)		(539)		(1,354)		(1,357)

Income before income taxes	$	23,214	$	7,965	$	39,935	$	20,113

(A)

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

(B)

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

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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

Overview

While management considers a wide range of factors in its strategic planning and decision-making, underwriting profit is consistently emphasized as the primary goal in all decisions as to whether or not to increase our retention in a core line, expand into new products, acquire an entity or a block of business, or otherwise change our business model. Management's assessment of trends in healthcare and morbidity, with respect to medical stop-loss, fully insured medical, disability and DBL; mortality rates with respect to life insurance; and changes in market conditions in general play a significant role in determining the rates charged, deductibles and attachment points quoted, and the percentage of business retained. IHC also seeks transactions that permit it to leverage its vertically integrated organizational structure by generating fee income from production and administrative operating companies as well as risk income for its carriers and profit commissions.

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

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


			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
			2015		2014		2015		2014

Revenues		$	140,418	$	129,752	$	407,788	$	406,843
Expenses			117,204		121,787		367,853		386,730

Income before income taxes			23,214		7,965		39,935		20,113
Income taxes			8,326		3,141		14,560		7,404

Net income			14,888		4,824		25,375		12,709

Less: Income from noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries			(128)		(114)		(364)		(450)

	Net income attributable to IHC	$	14,760	$	4,710	$	25,011	$	12,259

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2015		2014		2015		2014

Premiums Earned	$	52,040	$	44,078	$	157,029	$	133,454
Insurance Benefits, Claims & Reserves		37,369		29,582		115,032		91,378
Expenses		10,097		9,579		30,518		30,031

Loss Ratio^(A)		71.8%		67.1%		73.3%		68.5%
Expense Ratio ^(B)		19.4%		21.7%		19.4%		22.5%
Combined Ratio ^(C)		91.2%		88.8%		92.7%		91.0%

(A)

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

(B)

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

(C)

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

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

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

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

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


		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2015		2014		2015		2014

Premiums Earned	$	42,583	$	52,613	$	130,034	$	166,937
Insurance Benefits, Claims & Reserves		22,331		33,306		71,256		108,864
Expenses		18,672		19,096		52,526		57,343

Loss Ratio		52.4%		63.3%		54.8%		65.2%
Expense Ratio		43.5%		36.3%		40.3%		34.4%
Combined Ratio		95.9%		99.6%		95.1%		99.6%

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

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

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

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

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


			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
Gross Direct and Assumed
	Earned Premiums:		2015		2014		2015		2014

Medical Stop-Loss		$	75,029	$	60,236	$	222,599	$	176,391
Fully Insured Health			47,048		58,972		142,133		184,934
Group disability, life, annuities and DBL			29,124		26,539		86,692		79,607
Individual, life, annuities and other			5,874		6,481		18,286		20,121

		$	157,075	$	152,228	$	469,710	$	461,053


			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
Net Direct and Assumed
	Earned Premiums:		2015		2014		2015		2014

Medical Stop-Loss		$	52,040	$	44,078	$	157,029	$	133,454
Fully Insured Health			42,583		52,613		130,034		166,937
Group disability, life, annuities and DBL			22,701		16,136		62,701		47,572
Individual, life, annuities and other			1,714		4,878		11,831		14,147

		$	119,038	$	117,705	$	361,595	$	362,110

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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

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

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


								Insurance
								Benefits,		Amortization			Selling,
				Net		Fee and		Claims		of Deferred			General
September 30, 2015		Premiums		Investment		Other		and		Acquisition			and
(In thousands)		Earned		Income		Income		Reserves		Costs			Administrative			Total

Medical Stop-Loss		$	52,040	1,298		627		37,369		-			10,073			$	6,523
Fully Insured Health		42,583		488		2,122		22,331		79			20,384				2,399
Group disability,
	life, annuities
	and DBL	22,701		1,611		92		12,950		-			7,054				4,400
Individual life,
	annuities and other	1,714		496		5,777		1,568		479			2,317				3,623
Corporate		-		45		-		-		-			2,156				(2,111)
Sub total		$	119,038	$	3,938	$	8,618	$	74,218		$	558		$	41,984		14,834

Gain on sale of subsidiary to joint venture																	10,161
Net realized investment losses																	(1,109)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings																	(228)
Interest expense on debt																	(444)
Income before income taxes																	23,214
Income taxes																	8,326
Net income																$	14,888


										Insurance
										Benefits,		Amortization		Selling,
				Net			Fee and			Claims		of Deferred		General
September 30, 2014		Premiums		Investment			Other			and		Acquisition		and
(In thousands)		Earned		Income			Income			Reserves		Costs		Administrative		Total

Medical Stop-Loss		$	44,078	1,244			412		29,582			-		9,813		$	6,339
Fully Insured Health		52,613		374			4,425			33,306		123		23,613			370
Group disability,
	life, annuities
	and DBL	16,136		782			30			8,106		-		4,785			4,057
Individual life,
	annuities and other	4,878		2,989			897			3,922		1,293		5,232			(1,683)
Corporate		-		50			-			-		-		1,473			(1,423)
Sub total		$	117,705	$	5,439	$		5,764		$	74,916	$	1,416	$	44,916		7,660

Net realized investment gains																	844
Interest expense on debt																	(539)
Income before income taxes																	7,965
Income taxes																	3,141
Net income																$	4,824

Premiums Earned

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

Net Investment Income

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

Gain on Sale of Subsidiary to Joint Venture

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

Net Realized Investment Gains and Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings

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

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

Fee Income and Other Income

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

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

Insurance Benefits, Claims and Reserves

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

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

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

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

Income Taxes

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

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

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


									Insurance
									Benefits,		Amortization		Selling,
					Net		Fee and		Claims		of Deferred		General
September 30, 2015		Premiums			Investment		Other		and		Acquisition		And
(In thousands)		Earned			Income		Income		Reserves		Costs		Administrative		Total

Medical Stop-Loss		$	157,029	3,335			1,841		115,032		-		30,743		$	16,430
Fully Insured Health		130,034		1,625			9,697		71,256		308		64,561			5,231
Group disability,
	life, annuities
	and DBL	62,701		3,012			166		35,786		-		19,319			10,774
Individual life,
	annuities and other	11,831		5,775			7,681		11,144		3,138		9,767			1,238
Corporate		-		137			-		-		-		5,445			(5,308)
Sub total		$	361,595	$		13,884	$	19,385	$	233,218	$	3,446	$	129,835		28,365

Gain on sale of subsidiary to joint venture																10,161
Net realized investment gains																2,991
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings																(228)
Interest expense on debt																(1,354)
Income before income taxes																39,935
Income taxes																14,560
Net income															$	25,375


									Insurance
									Benefits,		Amortization		Selling,
					Net		Fee and		Claims		of Deferred		General
September 30, 2014		Premiums			Investment		Other		and		Acquisition		And
(In thousands)		Earned			Income		Income		Reserves		Costs		Administrative		Total

Medical Stop-Loss		$	133,454	3,457			1,910		91,378		-		31,713		$	15,730
Fully Insured Health		166,937		1,669			16,233		108,864		392		73,258			2,325
Group disability,
	life, annuities
	and DBL	47,572		2,421			98		28,892		-		13,962			7,237
Individual life,
	annuities and other	14,147		8,998			2,904		14,354		3,495		13,103			(4,903)
Corporate		-		129			-		-		-		5,962			(5,833)
Sub total		$	362,110	$		16,674	$	21,145	$	243,488	$	3,887	$	137,998		14,556

Net realized investment gains																6,914
Interest expense on debt																(1,357)
Income before income taxes																20,113
Income taxes																7,404
Net income															$	12,709

Premiums Earned

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

Net Investment Income

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

Gain on Sale of Subsidiary to Joint Venture

Net Realized Investment Gains and Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings

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

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

Fee Income and Other Income

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

Insurance Benefits, Claims and Reserves

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

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

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

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

Income Taxes

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

LIQUIDITY

Insurance Group

The Insurance Group normally provides cash flow from: (i) operations; (ii) the receipt of scheduled principal payments on its portfolio of fixed maturities; and (iii) earnings on investments. Such cash flow is partially used to fund liabilities for insurance policy benefits. These liabilities represent long-term and short-term obligations.

Corporate

Corporate derives its funds principally from: (i) dividends from the Insurance Group; (ii) management fees from its subsidiaries; and (iii) investment income from Corporate liquidity. Regulatory constraints historically have not affected the Company's consolidated liquidity, although state insurance laws have provisions relating to the ability of the parent company to use cash generated by the Insurance Group. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Insurance Group declared and paid $10.6 million and $10.0 million, respectively, of dividends to Corporate.

Cash Flows

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

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

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

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

BALANCE SHEET

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

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

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

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

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

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


		Policy Benefits and Claims
		September 30,		December 31,
		2015		2014

Medical Stop-Loss	$	103,337	$	80,128
Fully Insured Health		44,553		50,285
Group Disability		98,671		99,310
Individual A&H and Other		6,366		7,080

	$	252,927	$	236,803

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

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

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

Asset Quality and Investment Impairments

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

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

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

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

CAPITAL RESOURCES

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

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

OUTLOOK

For 2015, we anticipate:

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

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

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

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

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

Continued focus on administrative efficiencies.

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

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

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

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

ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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

The Company monitors its investment portfolio on a continuous basis and believes that the liquidity of the Insurance Group will not be adversely affected by its current investments. This monitoring includes the maintenance of an asset-liability model that matches current insurance liability cash flows with current investment cash flows. This is accomplished by first creating an insurance model of the Company's in-force policies using current assumptions on mortality, lapses and expenses. Then, current investments are assigned to specific insurance blocks in the model using appropriate prepayment schedules and future reinvestment patterns.

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

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

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

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

IHC’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer supervised and participated in IHC’s evaluation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in IHC’s periodic reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Based upon that evaluation, IHC’S Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that IHC’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

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

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

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

ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Share Repurchase Program

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


2015
						Maximum Number
				Average Price		Of Shares Which
	Month of	Shares		of Repurchased		Can be
	Repurchase		Repurchased		Shares		Repurchased

	July	33,956		$	13.17	374,504
	August	20,324		$	12.85	354,180
	September	23,897		$	12.65	330,283

ITEM 3.

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

ITEM 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS

3.1

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

3.2

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

3.3

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

10.1

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

10.2

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

10.3

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

10.4

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

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

31.1

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

31.2

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

32.1

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

32.2

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

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document. *

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. *

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. *

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. *

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. *

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. *

* Filed herewith.

SIGNATURES

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

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY

(REGISTRANT)

By:

/s/Roy T. K. Thung

Date:

November 9, 2015

Roy T.K. Thung

Chief Executive Officer, President

and Chairman

By:

/s/Teresa A. Herbert

Date:

November 9, 2015

Teresa A. Herbert

Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING CO Reports

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