American Equity Investment Holding Co. reported third-quarter operating income of $22.2 million, or 34 cents per share, compared to third quarter 2011 operating income of $41.5 million, or 67 cents per share. Operating income for the third quarter of 2012 was primarily impacted due to revised assumptions used to determine deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements, the company said in a release. Annuity sales for the third quarter of 2012 were $982 million, compared to second quarter 2012 annuity sales of $917 million. American Equity is based in West Des Moines. click here to read a related article.