UNITED STATES

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

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

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) August 9, 2017

 

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

001-32244

58-1407235

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(Commission File Number)

(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

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13a-4(c))

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

 

The information set forth under this Item 2.02 (Results of Operations and Financial Condition) is intended to be furnished. Such information, including the Exhibit attached hereto, shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 

On August 9, 2017, Independence Holding Company issued a news release reporting its 2017 second-quarter and six-month results, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 99.1.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

(c)   Exhibits: 

 

Exhibit 99.1 News Release of Independence Holding Company dated August 9, 2017: Independence Holding Company Announces Second-Quarter and Six-Month Results. 

 

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

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: Teresa A. Herbert

 

 

 

/s/ Teresa A. Herbert

Teresa A. Herbert

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

Date:

 

August 10, 2017

 




INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY

CONTACT:  Loan Nisser

96 CUMMINGS POINT ROAD

(646) 509-2107

STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT 06902

www.IHCGroup.com

NYSE: IHC

 

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

 

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY ANNOUNCES

2017 SECOND-QUARTER AND SIX-MONTH RESULTS

 

 

Stamford, Connecticut, August 9, 2017. Independence Holding Company (NYSE: IHC) today reported 2017 second-quarter and six-month results.  

Financial Results

Income from continuing operations after tax increased to $.86 per share, diluted, or $14,307,000, for the three months ended June 30, 2017 compared to $.25 per share, diluted, or $4,495,000, for the three months ended June 30, 2016, primarily due to $11,589,000 of tax benefits from a worthless stock deduction recognized as a result of the winding down and dissolution of a subsidiary in the second quarter of 2017. Income from continuing operations after tax increased to $1.15 per share, diluted, or $19,316,000, for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to $.58 per share, diluted, or $10,391,000, for the three months ended June 30, 2016. Net income attributable to IHC of $14,331,000, or $.86 per share diluted, for the three months ended June 30, 2017 increased from $4,436,000, or $.26 per share diluted, in the same period of 2016.

On March 31, 2016, IHC completed the sale of IHC Risk Solutions LLC (“Risk Solutions”), exited the medical stop-loss business and realized an after tax gain of approximately $99,934,000, net of noncontrolling interest in the six-month period ended June 30, 2016.  In addition, under the purchase and sale agreement, all of IHC’s in-force medical stop-loss business produced by Risk Solutions was 100% co-insured as of January 1, 2016 and will be run out in 2017 as evidenced by the decrease in income from the stop-loss segment in 2017.  Net income attributable to IHC of $19,267,000, or $1.15 per share diluted, for the six months ended June 30, 2017 decreased from $110,446,000, or $6.34 per share diluted, in the same period of 2016 primarily due to the gain on sale of Risk Solutions in 2016 partially offset by the aforementioned tax benefit recorded in 2017.

The Company reported revenues of $82,237,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2017 compared to revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2016 of $77,696,000.  The Company reported revenues of $154,077,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2016 of $153,591,000.  Revenues increased only slightly primarily due to significant increases in specialty health premiums largely offset by a reduction in premiums from the exit of the Company’s stop-loss business.  

Chief Executive Officer’s Comments

Roy T. K. Thung, Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are pleased with our second quarter and six-month results, particularly when considering that the second quarter and six months of 2016 included $1.4 million and $8.5 million, respectively, more in earnings from the medical stop-loss segment than did the comparable periods in 2017.  These decreases were largely offset by increased earnings from the specialty health segment and an increase in corporate investment income on the proceeds from the sale of Risk Solutions. The sale of Risk Solutions and exiting the medical stop-loss segment generated significant liquidity and excess capital. We have redeployed some of this excess to purchase equity stakes in several companies that distribute our products (including the recent acquisition of PetPartners, Inc.), to repurchase IHC stock, and to pay off all of our debt.

 

We are now one of the fastest growing providers of specialty health products in the United States, and several of the largest health insurers and e-brokers in the country are now distributing a significant amount of our products. There is a growing need for our products as a result of the turmoil surrounding Affordable Care Act plans on and off the exchanges, with consumers experiencing enormous




rate increases and lack of products to choose from in many counties.  As a result, we are expecting to have a significant increase in sales during open enrollment.   In anticipation of this growth we have begun to make material enhancements to our systems and infrastructure and will contribute additional capital to Independence American Insurance Company if needed from our excess liquidity. For these reasons, we believe that we will have solid sales growth for the balance of 2017, and will report significantly higher earned premiums and income in this segment in 2018.”

 

Mr. Thung continued, “During the first six months of 2017, the Company repurchased an aggregate 2,109,887 shares of our common stock at a total cost of $42.1 million primarily through a tender offer at a price per share of $20.00, and through private purchases. Our parent company’s balance sheet is very strong, we have no debt, and we still have substantial cash and un-deployed capital.  Our stock is trading at a significant discount to book value of $27.89 per share at June 30, 2017 compared to $25.53 per share at December 31, 2016, and $18.73 per share at December 31, 2015. Our overall investment portfolio continues to be very highly rated (on average, AA) and has a duration of approximately five years.”  

 

About The IHC Group

Independence Holding Company (NYSE:IHC) is a holding company that is principally engaged in underwriting, administering and/or distributing group and individual specialty benefit products, including disability, supplemental health, pet, and group life insurance through its subsidiaries since 1980.  The IHC Group owns three insurance companies (Standard Security Life Insurance Company of New York, Madison National Life Insurance Company, Inc. and Independence American Insurance Company), and IHC Specialty Benefits, Inc., a technology-driven insurance sales and marketing company that creates value for insurance producers, carriers and consumers (both individuals and small businesses) through a suite of proprietary tools and products (including ACA plans and small group medical stop-loss).  All products are placed with highly rated carriers.

 

Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements and information contained in this release may be considered “forward-looking statements,” such as statements relating to management's views with respect to future events and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical experience or from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic conditions in the markets in which IHC operates, new federal or state governmental regulation, IHC’s ability to effectively operate, integrate and leverage any past or future strategic acquisition, and other factors which can be found in IHC’s other news releases and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. IHC expressly disclaims any duty to update its forward-looking statements unless required by applicable law.




INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

June 30, 2017

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$

71,927  

$

65,627  

$

134,868  

$

128,189  

Net investment income

 

4,100  

 

4,260  

 

8,011  

 

8,696  

Fee income

 

5,697  

 

3,412  

 

8,922  

 

8,491  

Other income

 

413  

 

3,379  

 

2,004  

 

6,637  

Net realized investment gains

 

100  

 

1,018  

 

272  

 

1,578  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

82,237  

 

77,696  

 

154,077  

 

153,591  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance benefits, claims and reserves

 

37,324  

 

40,477  

 

69,535  

 

71,220  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

40,985  

 

29,897  

 

73,067  

 

65,124  

Interest expense on debt

 

 

 

473  

 

 

 

926  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

78,309  

 

70,847  

 

142,602  

 

137,270  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

3,928  

 

6,849  

 

11,475  

 

16,321  

Income taxes (benefits)

 

(10,379) 

 

2,354  

 

(7,841) 

 

5,930  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

 

14,307  

 

4,495  

 

19,316  

 

10,391  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations, before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

117,636  

 

Income taxes (benefits) on discontinued operations

 

 

 

(142) 

 

 

 

7,724  

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

 

142  

 

 

 

109,912  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

14,307  

 

4,637  

 

19,316  

 

120,303  

Less: (Income) loss from noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

 

24  

 

(201) 

 

(49) 

 

(9,857) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO IHC

$

14,331  

$

4,436  

$

19,267  

$

110,446  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic income per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

$

.88  

$

.25  

$

1.17  

$

.59  

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

 

 

.01  

 

 

 

5.83  

 

Basic income per common share

$

.88  

$

.26  

$

1.17  

$

6.42  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING

 

16,349  

 

17,204  

 

16,524  

 

17,223  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted income per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

$

.86  

$

.25  

$

1.15  

$

.58  

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

 

 

.01  

 

 

 

5.76  

 

Diluted income per common share

$

.86  

$

.26  

$

1.15  

$

6.34  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE DILUTED SHARES OUTSTANDING

 

16,628  

 

17,417  

 

16,802  

 

17,433  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of August 4, 2017, there were 14,980,761 common shares outstanding, net of treasury shares.




INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands, Except Share Data)

 

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments

 

$

50  

 

$

6,912  

 

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

 

 

14,479  

 

 

28,962  

 

Trading securities

 

 

520  

 

 

592  

 

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale

 

 

434,545  

 

 

449,487  

 

Equity securities, available-for-sale

 

 

5,455  

 

 

5,333  

 

Other investments

 

 

17,665  

 

 

23,534  

 

Total investments

 

 

472,714  

 

 

514,820  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

22,070  

 

 

22,010  

 

Due and unpaid premiums

 

 

33,830  

 

 

42,896  

 

Due from reinsurers

 

 

395,779  

 

 

440,285  

 

Premium and claim funds

 

 

10,035  

 

 

17,952  

 

Goodwill

 

 

50,697  

 

 

41,573  

 

Other assets

 

 

62,445  

 

 

54,928  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

1,047,570  

 

$

1,134,464  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy benefits and claims

 

$

181,565  

 

$

219,113  

 

Future policy benefits

 

 

218,291  

 

 

219,450  

 

Funds on deposit

 

 

146,702  

 

 

145,749  

 

Unearned premiums

 

 

8,742  

 

 

9,786  

 

Other policyholders' funds

 

 

10,265  

 

 

9,769  

 

Due to reinsurers

 

 

7,115  

 

 

35,796  

 

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

 

 

51,856  

 

 

55,477  

 

Liabilities attributable to discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

68  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

 

624,536  

 

 

695,208  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

 

 

2,018  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock (none issued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

 

18,625  

 

 

18,620  

 

Paid-in capital

 

 

126,590  

 

 

126,468  

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(2,504) 

 

 

(6,964) 

 

Treasury stock, at cost

 

 

(59,588) 

 

 

(17,483) 

 

Retained earnings

 

 

335,185  

 

 

315,918  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL IHC STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

418,308  

 

 

436,559  

NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

2,708  

 

 

2,697  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL EQUITY

 

 

421,016  

 

 

439,256  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

$

1,047,570  

 

$

1,134,464