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 March 31, 20152016

OR
[   ]TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ___________________  to ___________________

Commission File Number:  0-11774
 
INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 North Carolina 56-1110199 
 (State of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 
                                        
121 North Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514
(Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)

(919) 968-2200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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 (Section 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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):
Large accelerated filer  Accelerated filerX Non-accelerated filer  Smaller reporting company 
      (do not check if a 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   

As of April 15, 20152016, there were 2,007,8951,931,334 common shares of the registrant outstanding.




INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX
 
PART I.FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
   
Item 1.Financial Statements: 
   
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 20152016 and December 31, 20142015
   
 
Consolidated Statements of Income For the ThreeMonths Ended March 31, 20152016 and 20142015
   
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income For the ThreeMonths Ended March 31, 20152016 and 20142015
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity For theThree Months Ended March 31, 20152016 and 20142015
   
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Three Months Ended March 31, 20152016 and 20142015
   
 
   
   
   
   
PART II.OTHER INFORMATION 
   
Legal Proceedings
   
Risk Factors
   
   
   
 




PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of March 31, 20152016 and December 31, 20142015
(Unaudited)
March 31,
2015
 December 31,
2014
March 31,
2016
 December 31,
2015
Assets:      
Investments in securities:      
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2015: $101,229,832; 2014: $104,421,050)$106,134,445
 $109,048,290
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: 2015: $24,349,105; 2014: $24,128,753)39,476,921
 39,254,981
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2016: $101,325,609; 2015: $102,015,826)$106,383,823
 $106,066,384
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: 2016: $23,962,393; 2015: $23,855,873)37,681,569
 37,513,464
Short-term investments4,400,330
 2,576,993
7,520,069
 6,865,406
Other investments7,818,850
 8,530,929
8,814,605
 10,106,828
Total investments157,830,546
 159,411,193
160,400,066
 160,552,082
      
Cash and cash equivalents15,639,072
 15,826,515
21,873,731
 21,790,068
Premium and fees receivable8,239,189
 8,544,183
6,940,127
 8,392,697
Accrued interest and dividends1,313,255
 1,063,837
1,320,942
 1,004,126
Prepaid expenses and other assets8,130,547
 7,732,677
8,267,670
 12,634,105
Property, net5,844,301
 5,460,805
7,502,745
 7,148,951
Current income taxes recoverable1,036,309
 
Total Assets$196,996,910
 $198,039,210
$207,341,590
 $211,522,029
      
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity 
  
 
  
Liabilities: 
  
 
  
Reserves for claims$37,063,000
 $36,677,000
$37,397,000
 $37,788,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities15,480,067
 18,290,819
18,768,195
 25,043,588
Current income taxes payable287,261
 92,192

 210,355
Deferred income taxes, net5,812,694
 5,415,493
7,762,160
 5,703,006
Total liabilities58,643,022
 60,475,504
63,927,355
 68,744,949
      
Commitments and Contingencies
 

 
      
Stockholders’ Equity: 
  
 
  
Preferred stock (1,000,000 authorized shares; no shares issued)
 

 
Common stock - no par value (10,000,000 authorized shares; 2,010,426 and 2,023,270 shares issued and outstanding 2015 and 2014, respectively, excluding 291,676 shares for 2015 and 2014 of common stock held by the Company's subsidiary)1
 1
Common stock – no par value (10,000,000 authorized shares; 1,932,291 and 1,949,797 shares issued and outstanding 2016 and 2015, respectively, excluding 291,676 shares for 2016 and 2015 of common stock held by the Company's subsidiary)1
 1
Retained earnings125,317,641
 124,707,196
131,132,279
 131,186,866
Accumulated other comprehensive income13,036,246
 12,856,509
12,184,336
 11,483,015
Total stockholders’ equity138,353,888
 137,563,706
Total stockholders’ equity attributable to the Company143,316,616
 142,669,882
Noncontrolling interests97,619
 107,198
Total stockholders' equity143,414,235
 142,777,080
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity$196,996,910
 $198,039,210
$207,341,590
 $211,522,029

See notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

1




Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 20152016 and 20142015
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2015 20142016 2015
Revenues:      
Net premiums written$24,962,041
 $24,909,252
$21,508,997
 $24,962,041
Investment income - interest and dividends1,178,039
 1,026,416
Investment income – interest and dividends1,151,011
 1,178,039
Net realized gain on investments14,803
 492,137
149,830
 14,803
Other2,146,926
 2,026,269
2,052,184
 2,146,926
Total Revenues28,301,809
 28,454,074
24,862,022
 28,301,809
      
Operating Expenses: 
   
  
Commissions to agents14,596,539
 15,456,278
11,532,882
 14,596,539
Provision for claims786,612
 2,375,383
15,959
 786,612
Salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes7,277,449
 6,185,761
7,471,951
 7,277,449
Office occupancy and operations1,304,221
 1,180,327
1,493,860
 1,304,221
Business development486,975
 517,894
480,390
 486,975
Filing fees, franchise and local taxes216,643
 189,600
230,054
 216,643
Premium and retaliatory taxes476,591
 294,474
311,831
 476,591
Professional and contract labor fees584,107
 688,058
538,653
 584,107
Other203,548
 209,784
202,981
 203,548
Total Operating Expenses25,932,685
 27,097,559
22,278,561
 25,932,685
      
Income before Income Taxes2,369,124
 1,356,515
2,583,461
 2,369,124
      
Provision for Income Taxes643,000
 371,000
779,000
 643,000
      
Net Income1,726,124
 985,515
1,804,461
 1,726,124
      
Net Loss Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
 923
Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests9,579
 
      
Net Income Attributable to the Company$1,726,124
 $986,438
$1,814,040
 $1,726,124
      
Basic Earnings per Common Share$0.86
 $0.48
$0.94
 $0.86
      
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Basic2,012,738
 2,037,164
1,934,318
 2,012,738
      
Diluted Earnings per Common Share$0.86
 $0.48
$0.93
 $0.86
      
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Diluted2,018,504
 2,043,759
1,940,963
 2,018,504
      
Cash Dividends Paid per Common Share$0.08
 $0.08
$0.16
 $0.08

See notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

2




Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 20152016 and 20142015
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
 March 31,
Three Months Ended
 March 31,
2015 20142016 2015
Net income$1,726,124
 $985,515
$1,804,461
 $1,726,124
Other comprehensive income, before tax:

 



 

Amortization related to prior year service cost1,097
 554

 1,097
Amortization of unrecognized loss879
 
2,235
 879
Unrealized gains on investments arising during the period287,765
 775,640
1,212,525
 287,765
Reclassification adjustment for sales of securities included in net income(8,803) (765,272)(186,079) (8,803)
Reclassification adjustment for write-downs of securities included in net income
 
42,794
 
Other comprehensive income, before tax280,938
 10,922
1,071,475
 280,938
Income tax expense related to postretirement health benefits672
 188
760
 672
Income tax expense related to unrealized gains on investments arising during the period103,538
 269,804
419,586
 103,538
Income tax benefit related to reclassification adjustment for sales of securities included in net income(3,009) (262,537)(64,860) (3,009)
Income tax expense related to reclassification adjustment for write-downs of securities included in net income
 
14,668
 
Net income tax expense on other comprehensive income101,201
 7,455
370,154
 101,201
Other comprehensive income179,737
 3,467
701,321
 179,737
Comprehensive Income$1,905,861
 $988,982
$2,505,782
 $1,905,861
Comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest
 923
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests9,579
 
Comprehensive Income Attributable to the Company$1,905,861
 $989,905
$2,515,361
 $1,905,861

See notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

3




Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 20152016 and 20142015
(Unaudited)
Common Stock Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

 
Total
Stockholders’
Equity

Common Stock Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

 Noncontrolling Interests
 
Total
Stockholders’
Equity

Shares Amount 
Balance, January 1, 20142,037,135
 $1
 $116,714,749
 $11,347,404
 $128,062,154
Net income attributable to the Company 
  
 986,438
  
 986,438
Dividends ($0.08 per share) 
  
 (162,946)  
 (162,946)
Shares of common stock repurchased and retired(500)  
 (39,825)  
 (39,825)
Stock options and stock appreciation rights exercised196
  
 (19)  
 (19)
Share-based compensation expense 
  
 21,572
  
 21,572
Amortization related to postretirement health benefits 
  
  
 366
 366
Net unrealized gain on investments 
  
  
 3,101
 3,101
Income tax benefit from share-based compensation    2,889
   2,889
Balance, March 31, 20142,036,831
 $1
 $117,522,858
 $11,350,871
 $128,873,730
         Shares Amount Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

 Noncontrolling Interests
 
Total
Stockholders’
Equity

Balance, January 1, 20152,023,270
 $1
 $124,707,196
 $12,856,509
 $137,563,706
2,023,270
 $1
 
Net income attributable to the Company 
  
 1,726,124
  
 1,726,124
 
  
 1,726,124
  
   1,726,124
Dividends ($0.08 per share) 
  
 (160,957)  
 (160,957) 
  
 (160,957)  
   (160,957)
Shares of common stock repurchased and retired(15,036)  
 (1,069,185)  
 (1,069,185)(15,036)  
 (1,069,185)  
   (1,069,185)
Stock options and stock appreciation rights exercised2,192
  
 54,988
  
 54,988
2,192
  
 54,988
  
   54,988
Share-based compensation expense 
  
 32,600
  
 32,600
 
  
 32,600
  
   32,600
Amortization related to postretirement health benefits 
  
  
 1,304
 1,304
 
  
  
 1,304
   1,304
Net unrealized gain on investments 
  
  
 178,433
 178,433
 
  
  
 178,433
   178,433
Income tax benefit from share-based compensation 
  
 26,875
  
 26,875
    26,875
     26,875
Balance, March 31, 20152,010,426
 $1
 $125,317,641
 $13,036,246
 $138,353,888
2,010,426
 $1
 $125,317,641
 $13,036,246
 $
 $138,353,888
           
Balance, January 1, 20161,949,797
 $1
 $131,186,866
 $11,483,015
 $107,198
 $142,777,080
Net income attributable to the Company 
  
 1,814,040
  
   1,814,040
Dividends ($0.16 per share) 
  
 (309,104)  
   (309,104)
Shares of common stock repurchased and retired(18,795)  
 (1,626,668)  
   (1,626,668)
Stock options and stock appreciation rights exercised1,289
  
 (200)  
   (200)
Share-based compensation expense 
  
 35,053
  
   35,053
Amortization related to postretirement health benefits 
  
  
 1,475
   1,475
Net unrealized gain on investments 
  
  
 699,846
   699,846
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests        (9,579) (9,579)
Income tax benefit from share-based compensation 
  
 32,292
  
   32,292
Balance, March 31, 20161,932,291
 $1
 $131,132,279
 $12,184,336
 $97,619
 $143,414,235

See notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

4




Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 20152016 and 20142015
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2015 20142016 2015
Operating Activities      
Net income$1,726,124
 $985,515
$1,804,461
 $1,726,124
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 
  
 
  
Depreciation220,321
 202,843
342,590
 220,321
Amortization, net182,230
 272,617
196,875
 182,230
Amortization related to postretirement benefits obligation1,976
 554
2,235
 1,976
Share-based compensation expense related to stock options32,600
 21,572
35,053
 32,600
Net gain on the disposals of property(18,891) 
(3,701) (18,891)
Net realized gain on investments(14,803) (492,137)(149,830) (14,803)
Net earnings from other investments(246,105) (196,406)
Net loss (earnings) from other investments24,263
 (246,105)
Provision for claims786,612
 2,375,383
15,959
 786,612
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes296,000
 (4,000)
Provision for deferred income taxes1,689,000
 296,000
Changes in assets and liabilities: 
  
 
  
Decrease in receivables304,994
 1,269,453
1,452,570
 304,994
(Increase) decrease in other assets(664,709) 46,072
Decrease (increase) in other assets4,032,198
 (664,709)
Increase in current income taxes recoverable
 (309,273)(1,036,309) 
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities(2,810,752) (4,833,772)(6,275,393) (2,810,752)
Increase in current income taxes payable195,069
 
(Increase) decrease in current income taxes payable(210,355) 195,069
Payments of claims, net of recoveries(400,612) (1,270,383)(406,959) (400,612)
Net cash used in operating activities(409,946) (1,931,962)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities1,512,657
 (409,946)
      
Investing Activities 
  
 
  
Purchases of available-for-sale securities(241,882) (2,242,850)(3,583,240) (241,882)
Purchases of short-term investments(2,184,144) (3,117,062)(1,974,677) (2,184,144)
Purchases of other investments(346,693) (556,563)(473,174) (346,693)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities3,056,743
 3,328,386
4,130,767
 3,056,743
Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments360,807
 2,102,435
1,320,014
 360,807
Proceeds from sales and distributions of other investments1,304,877
 241,977
1,741,134
 1,304,877
Proceeds from sales of other assets6,000
 
6,545
 6,000
Purchases of property(610,926) (594,507)(701,184) (610,926)
Proceeds from the sale of property26,000
 
8,501
 26,000
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities1,370,782
 (838,184)
Net cash provided by investing activities474,686
 1,370,782
      
Financing Activities 
  
 
  
Repurchases of common stock(1,069,185) (39,825)(1,626,668) (1,069,185)
Exercises of stock options and SARs54,988
 (19)(200) 54,988
Distributions to noncontrolling interest
 (64,020)
Excess tax benefits related to exercise of stock options and SARs26,875
 2,889
32,292
 26,875
Dividends paid(160,957) (162,946)(309,104) (160,957)
Net cash used in financing activities(1,148,279) (263,921)(1,903,680) (1,148,279)
      
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents(187,443) (3,034,067)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents83,663
 (187,443)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period15,826,515
 23,626,761
21,790,068
 15,826,515
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period$15,639,072
 $20,592,694
$21,873,731
 $15,639,072

5





Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued  
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2015 20142016 2015
Supplemental Disclosures:      
Cash Paid During the Year for:      
Income tax payments, net$125,000
 $681,700
$1,926,400
 $125,000
Non Cash Investing and Financing Activities   
Non cash net unrealized gain on investments, net of deferred tax provision of $(100,529) and $(7,267) for 2015 and 2014, respectively$(178,433) $(3,101)
Non Cash Investing and Financing Activities:   
Non cash net unrealized gain on investments, net of deferred tax benefit of $(369,394) and $(100,529) for 2016 and 2015, respectively$(699,846) $(178,433)

See notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

6




INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 20152016
(Unaudited)

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Reference should be made to the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20142015 of Investors Title Company (the “Company”) for a complete description of the Company’s significant accounting policies.

Principles of Consolidation – The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts and operations of Investors Title Company and its subsidiaries, and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information, with the instructions to Form 10-Q and with Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted. Earnings attributable to the Company'snoncontrolling interests in majority-owned insurance agencies, including redeemable noncontrolling interest in a majority-owned insurance agencyinterests, are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Noncontrolling interests representing the portion of equity not related to the Company's ownership interests are recorded in separate sections of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company in the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been included. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 20152016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015.

Immaterial Classification Correction 2016During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company mistakenly included a transaction within unrealized gains on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.  Accordingly, the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income have been corrected.  The inclusion of this transaction within the Statements of Comprehensive Income was offsetting by line item, and had no impact on the total comprehensive income attributable to the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The correction did result in an increase to previously reported unrealized gains on investments arising during the period of $179,904, net of tax, a decrease to the reclassification adjustment for sales of securities included in net income of $173,628, net of tax, and a decrease to the reclassification adjustment for write-downs of securities included in net income of $6,276, net of tax. There was no impact to the Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Income, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity or to the Company’s cash position..

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts – Company management continually evaluates the collectability of receivables and provides an allowance for doubtful accounts equal to estimated losses expected to be incurred in the collection of premiums and fees receivable.

Use of Estimates and Assumptions – The preparation of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions used.

Subsequent Events – The Company has concluded that there were no material subsequent events requiring adjustment to or disclosure in its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards – In February 2015,March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718). ASU 2016-09 updated guidance to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows.  The amendments of this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is permitted.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the recently issued accounting standard will have on the Company's financial position and results of operations, but does not expect it to have a material impact.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 updated guidance to improve financial reporting for leasing transactions. The core principle of the guidance is that lessees will be required to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms of more than 12 months. A lessee would recognize a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The accounting applied by a lessor is largely unchanged from current GAAP, with some targeted improvements. Disclosures will be required by lessees and lessors to meet the objective of enabling users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. In transition, both lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The amendments of this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating whether or not the recently issued accounting standard will have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.



In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments─Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. ASU 2016-01 updated guidance to enhance the reporting model for financial instruments. Among the main principles of the guidance applicable to the Company are provisions to: require equity investments, except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee, to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; simplify the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment, noting that when a qualitative assessment indicates that impairment exists that an entity is required to measure the investment at fair value; eliminate the requirement to disclose methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value for financial instruments measured at amortized cost; require entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; require separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measuring category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or accompanying notes to the financial statements; and clarify that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. The amendments of this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company will be required to apply the amendments of this update by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, with the amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values being applied prospectively to equity investments that exist as of the date of adoption. The guidance is expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations once effective, primarily resulting from fluctuations in security exchanges or markets.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. ASU 2015-02 updated guidance to change the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. All legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. Specifically, the amendments: modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities ("VIEs") or voting interest entities; eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership; affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships; and provide a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with certain requirements similar to those for registered money market funds. For public entities, this update becomeswas effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating theadopted this update on January 1, 2016 with no impact that the recently issued accounting standard will have onto the Company's financial position andor results of operations but doesoperations. Certain investments previously considered voting interest entities are considered VIEs under this update. However, since the Company is not expect itconsidered the primary beneficiary, none of the investments are consolidated. Refer to have a material impact.Note 7 for additional disclosure.


7



In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2014-09 updated guidance to improve the comparability of revenue recognition practices 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 standards. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize 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. For public entities, this update becomesoriginally became effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. TheIn August 2015, the FASB has issued for public comment a proposal that wouldASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date. ASU 2015-14 updated guidance to defer the effective date of the standard by one year. Early adoption is not permitted, although if the FASB proposal passes, public entities are permitted to elect to adopt the amendments on the original effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the recently issued accounting standard will have on the Company's financial position and results of operations, but does not expect it to have a material impact.

Note 2 - Reserves for Claims

Transactions in the reserves for claims for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 and the year ended December 31, 20142015 are summarized as follows:
March 31, 2015 December 31, 2014March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015
Balance, beginning of period$36,677,000
 $35,360,000
$37,788,000
 $36,677,000
Provision, charged to operations786,612
 5,229,716
15,959
 4,478,494
Payments of claims, net of recoveries(400,612) (3,912,716)(406,959) (3,367,494)
Ending balance$37,063,000
 $36,677,000
$37,397,000
 $37,788,000

The total reserve for all reported and unreported losses the Company incurred through March 31, 20152016 is represented by the reserves for claims. The Company's reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are established using estimated amounts required to settle claims for which notice has been received (reported) and the amount estimated to be required to satisfy claims that


have been incurred but not yet reported (“IBNR”). Despite the variability of such estimates, management believes that the reserves are adequate to cover claim losses which might result from pending and future claims under title insurance policies issued through March 31, 20152016. Management continually reviews and adjusts its reserve estimates to reflect its loss experience and any new information that becomes available. Adjustments resulting from such reviews may be significant.

A summary of the Company’s loss reserves, broken down into its components of known title claims and IBNR, follows:
March 31, 2015 % December 31, 2014 %March 31, 2016 % December 31, 2015 %
Known title claims$5,412,246
 14.6 $5,364,645
 14.6$4,965,800
 13.3 $5,066,469
 13.4
IBNR31,650,754
 85.4 31,312,355
 85.432,431,200
 86.7 32,721,531
 86.6
Total loss reserves$37,063,000
 100.0 $36,677,000
 100.0$37,397,000
 100.0 $37,788,000
 100.0

Claims and losses paid are charged againstto the reserves for claims. Although claims losses are typically paid in cash, occasionally claims are settled by purchasing the interest of the insured or the claimant in the real property. When this event occurs, the Company carries assets at the lower of cost or estimated realizable value, net of any indebtedness on the property.

Note 3 - Earnings Per Common Share and Share Awards

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to the Company by the combination of dilutive potential common stock, comprised of shares issuable under the Company’s share-based compensation plans and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Dilutive common share equivalents include the dilutive effect of in-the-money share-based awards, which are calculated based on the average share price for each period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, when share-based awards are exercised, (a) the exercise price of a share-based award; (b) the amount of compensation cost, if any, for future services that the Company has not yet recognized; and (c) the amount of estimated tax benefits that would be recorded in retained earnings, if any, are assumed to be used to repurchase shares in the current period. The number of incremental dilutive potential common shares, calculated using the treasury stock method, was 5,7666,645 and 6,5955,766 for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, respectively.


8



The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31:
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2015 20142016 2015
Net income attributable to the Company$1,726,124
 $986,438
$1,814,040
 $1,726,124
Weighted average common shares outstanding – Basic2,012,738
 2,037,164
1,934,318
 2,012,738
Incremental shares outstanding assuming the exercise of dilutive stock options and SARs (share-settled)5,766
 6,595
6,645
 5,766
Weighted average common shares outstanding – Diluted2,018,504
 2,043,759
1,940,963
 2,018,504
Basic earnings per common share$0.86
 $0.48
$0.94
 $0.86
Diluted earnings per common share$0.86
 $0.48
$0.93
 $0.86

There were no potential shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, as all share-based awards were "in-the-money."
 
The Company has adopted employee stock award plans under which restricted stock, and options or SARsstock appreciation rights ("SARs") to acquire shares (not to exceed 500,000 shares) of the Company's stock, may be granted to key employees or directors of the Company at a price not less than the market value on the date of grant. SARs and options (which have predominantly been incentive stock options) awarded under the plans thus far generally expire in five to ten years from the date of grant and are exercisable and vest: immediately; within one year; or at 10% to 20% per year beginning on the date of grant. All SARs issued to date have been share-settled only.



A summary of share-based award transactions for all share-based award plans follows:
Number
Of Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Number
Of Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
 
Average Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding as of January 1, 201419,000
 $45.74
 3.43 $669,610
Outstanding as of January 1, 201521,000
 $51.30
 3.64 $453,510
SARs granted4,500
 68.70
    
4,500
 73.00
    
SARs exercised(1,500) 49.04
    
(2,000) 47.88
    
Options exercised(1,000) 27.21
    
(1,500) 36.79
    
Options/SARs canceled/forfeited/expired
 
    
Outstanding as of December 31, 201421,000
 $51.30
 3.64 $453,510
Outstanding as of December 31, 201522,000
 $57.04
 3.93 $945,055
SARs granted
 
    

 
    
SARs exercised(2,000) 47.88
    
(2,000) 32.00
    
Options exercised(1,500) 36.79
    
Options/SARs canceled/forfeited/expired
 
    
Outstanding as of March 31, 201517,500
 $52.94
 4.05 $369,255
Outstanding as of March 31, 201620,000
 $59.55
 4.03 $630,455
          
Exercisable as of March 31, 201517,500
 $52.94
 4.05 $369,255
Exercisable as of March 31, 201620,000
 $59.55
 4.03 $630,455

There was approximately $33,00035,000 and $22,00033,000 of compensation expense relating to SARs or options vesting on or before March 31, 20152016 and 20142015, respectively, included in salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Income. As of March 31, 2015,2016, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Company’s stock award plans.

There have been no stock options or SARs granted where the exercise price was less than the market price on the date of grant.

Note 4 – Segment Information

The Company has one reportable segment, title insurance services. The remaining immaterial segments have been combined into a group called “All Other.”

The title insurance segment primarily issues title insurance policies through approved attorneys from underwriting offices and through independent issuing agents. Title insurance policies insure titles to real estate.

9




Provided below is selected financial information about the Company's operations by segment for the periods ended March 31, 20152016 and 20142015:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
Title
Insurance
 
All
Other
 
Intersegment
Eliminations
 Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Title
Insurance
 
All
Other
 
Intersegment
Eliminations
 Total
Insurance and other services revenues$25,995,525
 $1,464,157
 $(350,715) $27,108,967
$22,391,723
 $1,572,155
 $(402,697) $23,561,181
Investment income1,050,775
 150,598
 (23,334) 1,178,039
1,054,786
 142,893
 (46,668) 1,151,011
Net realized gain on investments14,379
 424
 
 14,803
93,929
 55,901
 
 149,830
Total revenues$27,060,679
 $1,615,179
 $(374,049) $28,301,809
$23,540,438
 $1,770,949
 $(449,365) $24,862,022
Operating expenses24,597,471
 1,668,508
 (333,294) 25,932,685
21,096,917
 1,566,921
 (385,277) 22,278,561
Income (loss) before income taxes$2,463,208
 $(53,329) $(40,755) $2,369,124
Income before income taxes$2,443,521
 $204,028
 $(64,088) $2,583,461
Total assets$150,689,425
 $46,307,485
 $
 $196,996,910
$159,904,411
 $47,437,179
 $
 $207,341,590
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014Title
Insurance
 All
Other
 Intersegment
Eliminations
 Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015Title
Insurance
 All
Other
 Intersegment
Eliminations
 Total
Insurance and other services revenues$25,807,450
 $1,453,301
 $(325,230) $26,935,521
$25,995,525
 $1,464,157
 $(350,715) $27,108,967
Investment income928,512
 121,238
 (23,334) 1,026,416
1,050,775
 150,598
 (23,334) 1,178,039
Net realized gain on investments437,608
 54,529
 
 492,137
14,379
 424
 
 14,803
Total revenues$27,173,570
 $1,629,068
 $(348,564) $28,454,074
$27,060,679
 $1,615,179
 $(374,049) $28,301,809
Operating expenses25,724,928
 1,680,440
 (307,809) 27,097,559
24,597,471
 1,668,508
 (333,294) 25,932,685
Income (loss) before income taxes$1,448,642
 $(51,372) $(40,755) $1,356,515
$2,463,208
 $(53,329) $(40,755) $2,369,124
Total assets$143,241,843
 $42,085,290
 $
 $185,327,133
$150,689,425
 $46,307,485
 $
 $196,996,910



Note 5 – Retirement Agreements and Other Postretirement Benefits

The Company’s subsidiary, Investors Title Insurance Company ("ITIC"), is a party to employment agreements with key executives that provide for the continuation of certain employee benefits and other payments due under the agreements upon retirement, estimated to total $7,570,0008,391,000 and $7,111,0007,818,000 as of March 31, 20152016 and December 31, 20142015, respectively. The executive employee benefits include health insurance, dental, vision and life insurance and are unfunded. These amounts are classified as accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following sets forth the net periodic benefits cost for the executive benefits for the periods ended March 31, 20152016 and 20142015:
Three Months Ended March 31,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2015 20142016 2015
Service cost – benefits earned during the year$4,187
 $3,667
$2,545
 $4,187
Interest cost on the projected benefit obligation7,693
 7,618
8,781
 7,693
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost1,097
 554

 1,097
Amortization of unrecognized losses879
 
2,235
 879
Net periodic benefits costs$13,856
 $11,839
$13,561
 $13,856

Note 6 - Fair Value Measurement
 
Valuation of Financial Assets and Liabilities
 
The FASB has established a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs used to measure estimated fair value of financial assets and liabilities, such as securities. This hierarchy categorizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company’s own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value.

A financial instrument’s classification within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement – consequently, if there are multiple significant valuation inputs that are categorized in different levels of the hierarchy, the instrument’s hierarchy level is the lowest level (with Level 3 being the lowest level) within which any significant input falls.

10




Debt and Equity Securities

The Level 1 category includes equity securities that are measured at estimated fair value using quoted active market prices.

The Level 2 category includes fixed maturity investments such as corporate bonds, U.S. government and agency bonds and municipal bonds. FairEstimated fair value is principally based on market values obtained from a third party pricing service. Factors that are used in determining estimated fair market value include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. The Company receives one quote per security from a third party pricing service, although as discussed below, the Company does consult other pricing resources when confirming that the prices it obtains reflect the fair values of the instruments in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. Generally, quotes obtained from the pricing service for instruments classified as Level 2 are not adjusted and are not binding. As of March 31, 20152016 and December 31, 20142015, the Company did not adjust any Level 2 fair values.

A number of the Company’s investment grade corporate bonds are frequently traded in active markets, and trading prices are consequently available for these securities. However, these securities are classified as Level 2 because the pricing service from which the Company has obtained estimated fair values for these instruments uses valuation models whichthat use observable market inputs in addition to trading prices. Substantially all of the input assumptions used in the service’s model are observable in the marketplace or can be derived or supported by observable market data.

The Level 3 category only includes the Company’sCompany's investments in student loan auction rate securities (“ARS”("ARS") because quoted prices are unavailable due to the failure offailed auctions. The Company’s ARS portfolio, iswhich was comprised entirely of an investment grade student loan ARS.ARS, was sold during the first quarter of 2016. The par value of these securitiesthis security was $1,000,000 as of MarchDecember 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, with approximately 97.0% as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education.



Some of the inputs to ARS valuation are unobservable in the market and are significant – therefore, the Company utilizesutilized another third party pricing service to assist in the determination of the estimated fair market value of these securities. This service usesused a proprietary valuation model that considersconsidered factors such as the following: the financial standing of the issuer; reported prices and the extent of public trading in similar financial instruments of the issuer or comparable companies; the ability of the issuer to obtain required financing; changes in the economic conditions affecting the issuer; pricing by other dealers in similar securities; time to maturity; and interest rates. The following table summarizes some key assumptions the service used to determine fair value as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 2015 2014
Cumulative probability of earning maximum rate until maturity—% —%
Cumulative probability of principal returned prior to maturity95.2% 95.2%
Cumulative probability of default at some future point4.8% 4.8%

Significant increases or decreases in any of the inputs in isolation could result in significant changes to the fair value measurement.  Generally, increases in default probabilities and liquidity risk premiums lower the fair market value while increases in principal being returned and earning maximum rates increase fair market values.

Based upon these inputs and assumptions, the pricing service providesprovided a range of values to the Company for its ARS. The Company recordsrecorded the estimated fair value based on the midpoint of the range and believes that this valuation is the most reasonable estimate of fair value. In 2015 and 2014, the difference in the low and high values of the ranges was approximately zeroone to four percent of the carrying value of the Company’s ARS.

The following table presents, by level, the financial assets carried at estimated fair value measured on a recurring basis as of March 31, 20152016 and December 31, 20142015. The table does not include cash on hand and also does not include assets whichthat are measured at historical cost or any basis other than fair value. Level 3 assets are comprised solely of ARS.


11



As of March 31, 2015Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
As of March 31, 2016Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Short-term investments$4,400,330
 $
 $
 $4,400,330
$7,520,069
 $
 $
 $7,520,069
Equity securities: 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Common stock and nonredeemable preferred stock39,476,921
 
 
 39,476,921
Common stock37,681,569
 
 
 37,681,569
Fixed maturities: 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions*
 83,180,466
 
 83,180,466

 88,650,329
 
 88,650,329
Corporate debt securities*
 22,012,779
 941,200
 22,953,979

 17,733,494
 
 17,733,494
Total$43,877,251
 $105,193,245
 $941,200
 $150,011,696
$45,201,638
 $106,383,823
 $
 $151,585,461
As of December 31, 2014Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
As of December 31, 2015Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Short-term investments$2,576,993
 $
 $
 $2,576,993
$6,865,406
 $
 $
 $6,865,406
Equity securities:              
Common stock and nonredeemable preferred stock39,254,981
 
 
 39,254,981
Common stock37,513,464
 
 
 37,513,464
Fixed maturities:              
Obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions*
 85,780,755
 
 85,780,755

 87,640,140
 
 87,640,140
Corporate debt securities*
 22,328,435
 939,100
 23,267,535

 17,486,344
 939,900
 18,426,244
Total$41,831,974
 $108,109,190
 $939,100
 $150,880,264
$44,378,870
 $105,126,484
 $939,900
 $150,445,254

*Denotes fair market value obtained from pricing services.

There were no transfers into or out of Levels 1, 2 or 3 during the period.

To help ensure that fair value determinations are consistent with FASB ASC 820, prices from our pricing services go through multiple review processes to ensure appropriate pricing. Pricing procedures and inputs used to price each security include, but are not limited to, the following: unadjusted quoted market prices for identical securities such as stock market closing prices; non-binding quoted prices for identical securities in markets that are not active; interest rates; yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals; volatility; prepayment speeds; loss severity; credit risks and default rates. The Company reviews the procedures and inputs used by its pricing services, and verifies a sample of the services’ quotes by comparing them to values obtained from other pricing resources. In the event the Company disagrees with a price provided by its pricing services, the respective service reevaluates the price to corroborate the market information and then reviews inputs to the evaluation in light of potentially new market data. The Company believes that these processes and inputs result in appropriate classifications and fair values consistent with ASC 820.

Other Financial Instruments

The Company uses various financial instruments in the normal course of its business. In the measurement of the estimated fair value of certain financial instruments, other valuation techniques were utilized if quoted market prices were not available. These derived fair value estimates are significantly affected by the assumptions used. Additionally, ASC 820 excludes from its scope certain financial instruments, including those related to insurance contracts, pension and other postretirement benefits, and equity method investments.
 


In estimating the fair value of the financial instruments presented, the Company used the following methods and assumptions:
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
The carrying amount for cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term maturity of these investments.
 
Cost-basis investments
 
The estimated fair value of cost-basis investments is calculated from the book value of the underlying entities, which is not materially different from the fair value of the underlying entity. These items are included in other investments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 

12



Accrued dividends and interest
 
The carrying amount for accrued dividends and interest is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term maturity of these assets.
 
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of these financial instruments (please note investments carried at estimated fair value are disclosed in a previous table) as of March 31, 20152016 and December 31, 20142015 are presented in the following table:
As of March 31, 2015Carrying Value 
Estimated Fair
Value
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
As of March 31, 2016Carrying Value 
Estimated Fair
Value
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Financial assets:                  
Cash$15,639,072
 $15,639,072
 $15,639,072
 $
 $
$21,873,731
 $21,873,731
 $21,873,731
 $
 $
Cost-basis investments2,502,468
 2,881,597
 
 
 2,881,597
3,727,074
 4,135,512
 
 
 4,135,512
Accrued dividends and interest1,313,255
 1,313,255
 1,313,255
 
 
1,320,942
 1,320,942
 1,320,942
 
 
Total Financial Assets$19,454,795
 $19,833,924
 $16,952,327
 $
 $2,881,597
Total$26,921,747
 $27,330,185
 $23,194,673
 $
 $4,135,512
As of December 31, 2014Carrying Value 
Estimated Fair
Value
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
As of December 31, 2015Carrying Value 
Estimated Fair
Value
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Financial assets:                  
Cash$15,826,515
 $15,826,515
 $15,826,515
 $
 $
$21,790,068
 $21,790,068
 $21,790,068
 $
 $
Cost-basis investments2,516,608
 2,675,817
 
 
 2,675,817
3,588,314
 3,684,020
 
 
 3,684,020
Accrued dividends and interest1,063,837
 1,063,837
 1,063,837
 
 
1,004,126
 1,004,126
 1,004,126
 
 
Total Financial Assets$19,406,960
 $19,566,169
 $16,890,352
 $
 $2,675,817
Total$26,382,508
 $26,478,214
 $22,794,194
 $
 $3,684,020

The following table presents a reconciliation of the Company’s assets measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are all ARS securities, for the period ended March 31, 20152016 and the year ended December 31, 20142015:
Changes in fair value during the period ended:2015 20142016 2015
Beginning balance at January 1$939,100
 $935,700
$939,900
 $939,100
Redemptions and sales
 
(1,000,000) 
Realized gain – included in net realized gain on investments
 
74,996
 
Unrealized gain - included in other comprehensive income2,100
 3,400
Unrealized (loss) gain – included in other comprehensive income(14,896) 800
Ending balance, net$941,200
 $939,100
$
 $939,900


Certain cost methodcost-basis investments are measured at estimated fair value on a non-recurring basis, such as investments that are determined to be other-than temporarilyother-than-temporarily impaired during the period and recorded at estimated fair value in the Consolidated Financial Statements as of March 31, 20152016 and December 31, 20142015. The following table summarizes the corresponding estimated fair value hierarchy of such investments at March 31, 20152016 and December 31, 20142015 and the related impairments recognized:
As of March 31, 20152016
Valuation
Method
 Impaired Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Total at
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Impairment
Losses
Cost-basis investmentsFair Value YesNo $
 $
 $
 $
 $
Total cost-basis investments    $
 $
 $
 $
 $
As of December 31, 2014
Valuation
Method
 Impaired Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Total at
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Impairment
Losses
As of December 31, 2015
Valuation
Method
 Impaired Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Total at
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Impairment
Losses
Cost-basis investmentsFair Value Yes $
 $
 $22,682
 $22,682
 $(10,062)Fair Value Yes $
 $
 $163,350
 $163,350
 $(233,069)
Total cost-basis investments    $
 $
 $22,682
 $22,682
 $(10,062)    $
 $
 $163,350
 $163,350
 $(233,069)

13




Note 7 – Investments

Investments in Securities

The aggregate estimated fair value, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses and cost or amortized cost for securities by major security type are as follows:
As of March 31, 2015
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value
As of March 31, 2016
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value:              
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions$33,121,352
 $1,472,862
 $25,389
 $34,568,825
$32,257,800
 $1,110,229
 $13,243
 $33,354,786
Issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions revenue46,113,735
 2,527,991
 30,085
 48,611,641
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions52,061,731
 3,234,721
 909
 55,295,543
Corporate debt securities21,072,010
 940,769
 
 22,012,779
17,006,078
 727,908
 492
 17,733,494
Auction rate securities922,735
 18,465
 
 941,200
Total$101,229,832
 $4,960,087
 $55,474
 $106,134,445
$101,325,609
 $5,072,858
 $14,644
 $106,383,823
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value: 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Common stocks and nonredeemable preferred stocks$24,349,105
 $15,255,747
 $127,931
 $39,476,921
Common stocks$23,962,393
 $13,807,635
 $88,459
 $37,681,569
Total$24,349,105
 $15,255,747
 $127,931
 $39,476,921
$23,962,393
 $13,807,635
 $88,459
 $37,681,569
Short-term investments: 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Money market funds and certificates of deposit$4,400,330
 $
 $
 $4,400,330
$7,520,069
 $
 $
 $7,520,069
Total$4,400,330
 $
 $
 $4,400,330
$7,520,069
 $
 $
 $7,520,069


As of December 31, 2014
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value
As of December 31, 2015
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value:              
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions$35,215,247
 $1,527,794
 $19,542
 $36,723,499
$31,883,439
 $987,595
 $11,734
 $32,859,300
Issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions special revenue46,707,033
 2,405,725
 55,502
 49,057,256
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions52,202,815
 2,604,152
 26,127
 54,780,840
Corporate debt securities21,576,641
 823,133
 71,339
 22,328,435
17,004,985
 539,832
 58,473
 17,486,344
Auction rate securities922,129
 16,971
 
 939,100
924,587
 15,313
 
 939,900
Total$104,421,050
 $4,773,623
 $146,383
 $109,048,290
$102,015,826
 $4,146,892
 $96,334
 $106,066,384
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value: 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Common stocks and nonredeemable preferred stocks$24,128,753
 $15,225,459
 $99,231
 $39,254,981
$23,855,873
 $13,785,968
 $128,377
 $37,513,464
Total$24,128,753
 $15,225,459
 $99,231
 $39,254,981
$23,855,873
 $13,785,968
 $128,377
 $37,513,464
Short-term investments: 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Money market funds and certificates of deposits$2,576,993
 $
 $
 $2,576,993
Money market funds and certificates of deposit$6,865,406
 $
 $
 $6,865,406
Total$2,576,993
 $
 $
 $2,576,993
$6,865,406
 $
 $
 $6,865,406


14



The special revenue category for both periods presented includes at least 50 individual bonds with revenue sources from a variety of industrymunicipal sectors.

The scheduled maturities of fixed maturity securities at March 31, 20152016 were as follows:
Available-for-SaleAvailable-for-Sale
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Due in one year or less$13,053,110
 $13,204,273
$11,488,568
 $11,607,930
Due after one year through five years51,042,282
 53,724,810
43,806,261
 45,722,867
Due five years through ten years35,140,718
 36,642,930
44,039,421
 46,529,077
Due after ten years1,993,722
 2,562,432
1,991,359
 2,523,949
Total$101,229,832
 $106,134,445
$101,325,609
 $106,383,823



Realized gains and losses on investments for the three months ended March 31 are summarized as follows:
2015 20142016 2015
Gross realized gains: 
  
Gross realized gains from securities: 
  
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions$160
 $
Corporate debt securities$999
 $

 999
Common stocks and nonredeemable preferred stocks8,200
 765,272
227,960
 8,200
Auction rate securities74,996
 
Total$9,199
 $765,272
$303,116
 $9,199
Gross realized losses: 
  
Gross realized losses from securities: 
  
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions$(396) $
$
 $(396)
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions(85) 
Common stocks and nonredeemable preferred stocks(116,952) 
Other than temporary impairment of securities(42,794) 
Total$(396) $
$(159,831) $(396)
Net realized gain from securities$8,803
 $765,272
$143,285
 $8,803
Net realized (losses) gains on other investments:   
Impairments of other assets and investments$
 $(10,062)
Net gain on other assets and investments6,000
 
Net loss on other assets and investments
 (263,073)
Net realized gain on other investments:   
Gains on other investments6,545
 6,000
Total$6,000
 $(273,135)$6,545
 $6,000
Net realized gain on investments$14,803
 $492,137
$149,830
 $14,803

Realized gains and losses are determined on the specific identification method.  

The following table presents the gross unrealized losses on investment securities and the fair value of the securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position at March 31, 20152016 and December 31, 20142015:
Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer TotalLess than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer Total
As of March 31, 2015
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
As of March 31, 2016
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions$1,942,803
 $(25,389) $
 $
 $1,942,803
 $(25,389)$1,122,050
 $(143) $1,070,310
 $(13,100) $2,192,360
 $(13,243)
Issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions special revenue3,252,307
 (20,404) 1,209,989
 (9,681) 4,462,296
 (30,085)
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions893,506
 (909) 
 
 893,506
 (909)
Corporate debt securities890,520
 (492) 
 
 890,520
 (492)
Total fixed income securities$5,195,110
 $(45,793) $1,209,989
 $(9,681) $6,405,099
 $(55,474)$2,906,076
 $(1,544) $1,070,310
 $(13,100) $3,976,386
 $(14,644)
Equity securities$1,553,666
 $(86,455) $145,125
 $(41,476) $1,698,791
 $(127,931)$2,123,918
 $(88,459) $
 $
 $2,123,918
 $(88,459)
Total temporarily impaired securities$6,748,776
 $(132,248) $1,355,114
 $(51,157) $8,103,890
 $(183,405)$5,029,994
 $(90,003) $1,070,310
 $(13,100) $6,100,304
 $(103,103)

15



Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer TotalLess than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer Total
As of December 31, 2014
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
As of December 31, 2015
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions$2,113,194
 $(19,542) $
 $
 $2,113,194
 $(19,542)$1,758,345
 $(11,734) $
 $
 $1,758,345
 $(11,734)
Issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions special revenue3,946,977
 (13,453) 1,182,390
 (42,049) 5,129,367
 (55,502)
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions1,672,217
 (5,139) 1,183,963
 (20,989) 2,856,180
 (26,128)
Corporate debt securities6,924,430
 (71,339) 
 
 6,924,430
 (71,339)6,981,275
 (58,472) 
 
 6,981,275
 (58,472)
Total fixed income securities$12,984,601
 $(104,334) $1,182,390
 $(42,049) $14,166,991
 $(146,383)$10,411,837
 $(75,345) $1,183,963
 $(20,989) $11,595,800
 $(96,334)
Equity securities$930,208
 $(71,669) $141,280
 $(27,562) $1,071,488
 $(99,231)$5,533,667
 $(128,377) $
 $
 $5,533,667
 $(128,377)
Total temporarily impaired securities$13,914,809
 $(176,003) $1,323,670
 $(69,611) $15,238,479
 $(245,614)$15,945,504
 $(203,722) $1,183,963
 $(20,989) $17,129,467
 $(224,711)



As of March 31, 20152016, the Company held $6,405,099$3,976,386 in fixed maturity securities with unrealized losses of $55,47414,644. As of December 31, 20142015, the Company held $14,166,99111,595,800 in fixed maturity securities with unrealized losses of $146,38396,334. The decline in fair value of the fixed maturity securities can be attributed primarily to changes in market interest rates and changes in credit spreads over Treasury securities. Because the Company does not have the intent to sell these securities and will likely not be compelled to sell them before it can recover its cost basis, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired.

As of March 31, 20152016, the Company held $1,698,791$2,123,918 in equity securities with unrealized losses of $127,93188,459. As of December 31, 20142015, the Company held $1,071,4885,533,667 in equity securities with unrealized losses of $99,231128,377. The unrealized losses related to holdings of equity securities were caused by market changes that the Company considers to be temporary. Since the Company has the intent and ability to hold these equity securities until a recovery of fair value, the Company does not consider these investments other-than-temporarily impaired.

Factors considered in determining whether a loss is temporary include the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost, the financial condition and prospects of the issuer (including credit ratings and analyst reports) and macro-economic changes. A total of 1611 and 2530 securities had unrealized losses at March 31, 20152016 and December 31, 20142015, respectively. Reviews of the values of securities are inherently uncertain and the value of the investment may not fully recover, or may decline in future periods resulting in a realized loss. DuringThe Company recorded other-than-temporary impairment charges for debt and equity investments in the amount of $42,794 for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 and 2014, the Company recorded no other-than-temporary impairment charges for securities.debt and equity investments for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Other-than-temporary impairment charges are included in net realized gain on investments in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Variable Interest Entities

The Company holds investments in VIEs that are not consolidated in the Company's financial statements as the Company is not the primary beneficiary. These entities are considered VIEs as the equity investors at risk, including the Company, do not have the power over the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entities; this power resides with a third-party general partner or managing member that cannot be removed except for cause. The following table sets forth details about the Company's variable interest investments in VIEs as of March 31, 2016:
Type of Investment Balance Sheet Classification Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Maximum Potential Loss (a)
  Tax credit LP's Other investments $969,153
 $969,153
 $1,325,000
  Real estate LLC's or LP's Other investments 3,481,576
 3,688,921
 6,150,000
  Small business investment LP's Other investments 2,127,376
 2,029,385
 1,800,000
Total   $6,578,105
 $6,687,459
 $9,275,000

(a)Maximum potential loss is calculated as the total investment in the LLC or LP including any capital commitments that may have not yet been called. The Company is not exposed to any loss beyond the total commitment of its investment.

Note 8 – Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings – The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in legal proceedings that are incidental to their business. In the Company’s opinion, based on the present status of these proceedings, any potential liability of the Company or its subsidiaries with respect to these legal proceedings, will not, in the aggregate, be material to the Company’s consolidated financial condition or operations.

Regulation – The Company’s title insurance and trust subsidiaries are regulated by various federal, state and local governmental agencies and are subject to various audits and inquiries. It is the opinion of management based on its present expectations that these audits and inquiries will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or operations.

Escrow and Trust Deposits – As a service to its customers, the Company, through ITIC, administers escrow and trust deposits representing earnest money received under real estate contracts, undisbursed amounts received for settlement of mortgage loans and indemnities against specific title risks. These amounts are not considered assets of the Company and, therefore, are excluded from the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. However, the Company remains contingently liable for the disposition of these deposits.


16




Like-Kind Exchanges Proceeds – In administering tax-deferred property exchanges, the Company’s subsidiary, Investors Title Exchange Corporation (“ITEC”), serves as a qualified intermediary for exchanges, holding the net sales proceeds from relinquished property to be used for the purchase of replacement property. Another Company subsidiary, Investors Title Accommodation Corporation (“ITAC”), serves as exchange accommodation titleholder and, through limited liability companies that are wholly owned subsidiaries of ITAC, holds property for exchangers in reverse exchange transactions. Like-kind exchange deposits and reverse exchange property totaled approximately $103,658,000$172,381,000 and $82,477,000$171,010,000 as of March 31, 20152016 and December 31, 2014,2015, respectively. These amounts are not considered assets of the Company and, therefore, are excluded from the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets; however, the Company remains contingently liable for the disposition of the transfers of property, disbursements of proceeds and the return on the proceeds at the agreed upon rate. Exchange services revenues include earnings on these deposits; therefore, investment income is shown as other revenue rather than investment income. These like-kind exchange funds are primarily invested in money market and other short-term investments.

Agency Relationship – On July 1, 2015, Title Resource Group LLC's wholly owned subsidiary, title insurer Texas American Title Company, acquired the assets of ITCOA, LLC, which does business throughout Texas as Independence Title. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, Independence Title originated 5.5%, 10.3% and 23.6%, respectively, of the net premiums written for the Company. Independence Title is under no legal commitment to remit a minimum amount of premiums to the Company, and could cease doing so at any time. A continued significant decline in business originated by Independence Title for the Company, whether due to that business being diverted to its new title insurer owner or otherwise, could have a material negative impact on the Company's premiums written. Any reduction in premiums would be largely offset by related reductions in commissions, premium and income taxes, the provision for claims and other operating expenses. The Company did not have any ownership interest in Independence Title before or after the July 1, 2015 acquisition by Texas American Title Company.

Note 9 – Related Party Transactions

The Company does business with, and has investments in, unconsolidated limited liability companies that are primarily title insurance agencies. The Company utilizes the equity method to account for its investment in these limited liability companies. The following table sets forth the approximate values by year found within each financial statement classification:
Financial Statement Classification,As of March 31, 2015 As of December 31, 2014As of March 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2015
Consolidated Balance Sheets  
Other investments$5,316,000
 $6,014,000
$5,088,000
 $6,519,000
Premiums and fees receivable$798,000
 $666,000
$71,000
 $719,000

Financial Statement Classification,
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
Consolidated Statements of Income2015 20142016 2015
Net premiums written$3,056,000
 $2,291,000
$2,743,000
 $3,056,000
Other income$403,000
 $349,000
$126,000
 $403,000
Commissions to agents$2,132,000
 $1,677,000
$1,848,000
 $2,132,000

Note 10 – AcquisitionAcquisitions

In January 2012,Effective August 1, 2015, a subsidiary of the Company, ITIC, acquired a 20% ownership interest in 1st Investors Title Agency, LLC ("1st Investors") for a purchase price of $72,600. 1st Investors, a Michigan limited liability company, is an insurance agency doing business in the State of Michigan. Prior to August 1, 2015, the Company had an ownership interest in 1st Investors of 45%. The Company's Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts and operations of 1st Investors, based on the Company's resulting 65% ownership interest at August 1, 2015. ITIC's purchase of 1st Investors was accounted for using the acquisition method required by ASC 805, Business Combinations. There were no intangible assets or goodwill recorded as a result of the acquisition. A reconciliation of the noncontrolling interest equity of 1st Investors is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity.



In January 2012, ITIC entered into a membership interest purchase and sale agreement under which it agreed to acquire a majority ownership interest of United Title Agency Co., LLC (“United”). United, a Michigan limited liability company, is an insurance agency doing business in the State of Michigan. ITIC's purchase of United was accounted for using the acquisition method required by ASC 805, Business Combinations. On April 2, 2012,, ITIC purchased a 70% ownership interest in United, with both ITIC and the seller having the option to require ITIC to purchase the remaining 30% interest at a later date.

The contingent payment arrangement required that ITIC purchased the 70% interest for a purchase price for the 70% majority interest of United was to be paid over a two year period and was determined by multiplying United’s actual GAAP net income for the first full 24 calendar months subsequent to closing by an agreed upon factor.  In no event was the purchase price for the majority interest to exceed $1,041,250. The acquisition date fair value of the total consideration to be transferred was $1,041,250.  This fair value total was equal to $350,000 ITIC had already paid toward the purchase price, as well as $691,250 in estimated contingent payments.  During the second quarter of 2013, ITIC paid an additional $350,000 toward the purchase price. During the second quarter of 2014, ITIC paid the remaining $341,250 of the purchase price. As a result, no contingent payments were included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.


17



On May 21, 2014, ITIC purchased the remaining 30% ownership interest in United for an additional $515,275, making United a wholly owned subsidiary of ITIC. The purchase price of the redeemable noncontrolling interest was calculated by multiplying United’s GAAP net income for the full 24 calendar months immediately preceding the written notice of the option exercise by an agreed upon factor. The calculated purchase price of $515,275 was paid during the second quarter of 2014.

The following table provides the effects of changes in ITIC's ownership interest in United, and the resulting impact on the Company's equity:
 March 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Net income attributable to the Company$1,726,124
 $9,648,975
Transfers from the redeemable controlling interest:   
Decrease in paid-in capital for purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest
 (114,320)
Net transfers from noncontrolling interest
 (114,320)
Change from net income attributable to the Company and transfers from redeemable noncontrolling interest$1,726,124
 $9,534,655

As certain provisions of the membership interest purchase and sale agreement placed the acquisition of the remaining 30% of United by ITIC out of ITIC’s control, the noncontrolling interest in United was deemed redeemable.  The redeemable noncontrolling interest was presented outside of permanent equity, as redeemable equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  On the acquisition date, the fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest was $446,250. The fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest was based on the noncontrolling interest’s share of the value of net assets.

The following table provides a reconciliation of total redeemable equity for the periods ended March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
Changes in carrying value during the period ended:March 31, 2015
December 31, 2014
Beginning balance at January 1$
 $545,489
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest
 23,523
Distributions to noncontrolling interest
 (168,057)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest resulting from subsidiary purchase
 (515,275)
Adjustment to retained earnings for purchase of noncontrolling interest
 114,320
Balance, net$
 $

Fair valuation methods used for the identifiable tangible net assets acquired in the acquisition make use of discounted cash flows using current interest rates.  The fair value of identifiable net tangible assets at the acquisition date was $5,600.  Identifiable assets acquired included cash and fixed assets.  Liabilities assumed consisted of notes payable.

The transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method required by ASC 805, Business Combinations.  Accordingly, the Company recognized the required identifiable intangible assets of United. There was no goodwill recorded as a result of the acquisition. The fair values of intangible assets, all Level 3 inputs, are principally based on values obtained from a third party valuation service. At the closing of the initial acquisition, intangible assets included $645,685$645,685 relating to a non-compete contract resulting from the acquisition and $836,215$836,215 from referral relationships. The non-compete contract is being amortized over a 10-year10-year period using the straight-line method, starting at a future date when the related employment agreement is terminated. The referral relationships are being amortized over a 12-year12-year period using the straight-line method. At March 31, 20152016 and December 31, 2014,2015, accumulated amortization of intangible assets was $209,052$278,736 and $191,631,$261,315, respectively. Net intangible assets of $1,272,848$1,203,164 and $1,290,269$1,220,585 are categorized as prepaid expenses and other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 20152016 and December 31, 2014.2015. In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, management determined that no events or changes in circumstances occurred that would indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable, and therefore determined that the intangible assets assigned to United were not impaired at March 31, 2015.2016.


18



Note 11 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following tables provide changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, for the periods ended March 31, 20152016 and 20142015:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
Unrealized Gains and Losses
On Available-for-Sale
Securities
 
Postretirement
Benefits Plans
 
 
Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Unrealized Gains and Losses
On Available-for-Sale
Securities
 
Postretirement
Benefits Plans
 
 
Total
Beginning balance at January 1$12,934,497
 $(77,988) $12,856,509
$11,597,741
 $(114,726) $11,483,015
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications184,227
 
 184,227
792,939
 
 792,939
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income(5,794) 1,304
 (4,490)(93,093) 1,475
 (91,618)
Net current-period other comprehensive income178,433
 1,304
 179,737
699,846
 1,475
 701,321
Ending balance$13,112,930
 $(76,684) $13,036,246
$12,297,587
 $(113,251) $12,184,336
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
Unrealized Gains and Losses
On Available-for-Sale
Securities
 
Postretirement
Benefits Plans
 
 
Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
Unrealized Gains and Losses
On Available-for-Sale
Securities
 
Postretirement
Benefits Plans
 
 
Total
Beginning balance at January 1$11,395,757
 $(48,353) $11,347,404
$12,934,497
 $(77,988) $12,856,509
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications325,932
 
 325,932
184,227
 
 184,227
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income(322,831) 366
 (322,465)(5,794) 1,304
 (4,490)
Net current-period other comprehensive income3,101
 366
 3,467
178,433
 1,304
 179,737
Ending balance$11,398,858
 $(47,987) $11,350,871
$13,112,930
 $(76,684) $13,036,246



The following tables provide significant amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income for the periods ended March 31, 20152016 and 20142015:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016   
Details about Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income Components
Amount Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
 
 Affected Line Item in the Consolidated
Statements of Income
Amount Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
 
 Affected Line Item in the Consolidated
Statements of Income
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities:      
Net realized gain on investment$8,803
  
Net realized gain on investments$186,079
  
Other-than-temporary impairments
  (42,794)  
Total$8,803
 Net realized gain on investment$143,285
 Net realized gain on investments
Tax(3,009) Provision for Income Taxes(50,192) Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax$5,794
  $93,093
  
Amortization related to postretirement benefit plans: 
   
  
Prior year service cost$(1,097)  
Unrecognized loss(879)  (2,235)  
Total$(1,976) (a)$(2,235) (a)
Tax672
 Provision for Income Taxes760
 Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax$(1,304)  $(1,475)  
Reclassifications for the period$4,490
  $91,618
  

19



Three Months Ended March 31, 2014   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015   
Details about Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income Components
Amount Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
  Affected Line Item in the Consolidated
Statements of Income
Amount Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
  Affected Line Item in the Consolidated
Statements of Income
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities:      
Net realized gain on investment$502,199
  
Net realized gain on investments$8,803
  
Other-than-temporary impairments(10,062)  
  
Total$492,137
 Net realized gain on investment$8,803
 Net realized gain on investments
Tax(169,306) Provision for Income Taxes(3,009) Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax$322,831
  $5,794
  
Amortization related to postretirement benefit plans: 
   
  
Prior year service cost$(554)  $(1,097)  
Unrecognized gain (loss)
  
Unrecognized loss(879)  
Total$(554) (a)$(1,976) (a)
Tax188
 Provision for Income Taxes672
 Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax$(366)  $(1,304)  
Reclassifications for the period$322,465
  $4,490
  

(a)These accumulated other comprehensive income components are not reclassified to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period. The amounts are presented within salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes on the Consolidated Statements of Income as amortized. Amortization and accretion related to postretirement benefit plans is included in the computation of net periodic pension costs, as discussed in Note 5.

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

The Company's 20142015 Annual Report on Form 10-K should be read in conjunction with the following discussion since it contains information which is important for evaluating the Company's operating results and financial condition. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary.

Overview

Investors Title Company (the "Company") is a holding company that engages primarily in issuing title insurance through two subsidiaries, Investors Title Insurance Company ("ITIC") and National Investors Title Insurance Company ("NITIC"). Total revenues from the title segment accounted for 95.1%93.9% of the Company's revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2015.2016. Through ITIC and NITIC, the Company underwrites land title insurance for owners and mortgagees as a primary insurer. Title insurance protects against loss or damage resulting from title defects that affect real property.

There are two basic types of title insurance policies - one for the mortgage lender and one for the real estate owner.  A lender often requires the property owner to purchase a lender'slender’s title insurance policy to protect its position as a holder of a mortgage loan, but the lender’s title insurance policy does not protect the property owner.  The property owner has to purchase a separate owner’s title insurance policy to protect its investment.  When real property is conveyed from one party to another, occasionally there is an undisclosed defect in the title or a mistake or omission in a prior deed, will or mortgage that may give a third party a legal claim against such property.  If a covered claim is made against real property, title insurance provides indemnification against insured defects.
The Company issues title insurance policies through its home and branch offices independent agents and issuing agencies.through a network of agents.  Issuing agents are typically real estate attorneys, independent agents or subsidiaries of community and regional mortgage lending institutions, depending on local customs and regulations and the Company’s marketing strategy in a particular territory.  The ability to attract and retain issuing agents is a key determinant of the Company’s growth in title insurance premiums written.
Revenues for this segment primarily result from purchases of new and existing residential and commercial real estate, refinance activity and certain other types of mortgage lending such as home equity lines of credit.
Volume is a factor in the Company’s profitability due to fixed operating costs which are incurred by the Company regardless of title insurance premium volume.  The resulting operating leverage tends to amplify the impact of changes in volume on the Company’s profitability.  The Company’s profitability also depends, in part, upon its ability to manage its investment portfolio to maximize investment returns and minimize risks such as interest rate changes, defaults and impairments of assets.
The Company’s volume of title insurance premiums is affected by the overall level of residential and commercial real estate activity, which includes sales, mortgage financing and mortgage refinancing.  Real estate activity, home sales and mortgage lending are cyclical in nature. In turn, real estate activity is affected by a number of factors, including the availability of mortgage credit, the cost of real estate, consumer confidence, employment and family income levels and general United States economic conditions.  Interest rate volatility is also an important factor in the level of residential and commercial real estate activity.
Real estate activity, home sales and mortgage lending are cyclical in nature. Title insurance premiums are closely related to the level of real estate activity and the average price of real estate sales. The availability of funds to finance purchases directly affects real estate sales. Other factors include mortgage interest rates, consumer confidence, economic conditions, supply and demand and family income levels. The Company’s title insurance premiums in future periods are likely to fluctuate due to these and other factors which are beyond management’s control.

Historically, the title insurance business tends to be seasonal as well as cyclical. Because home sales are typically strongest in periods of favorable weather, the first calendar quarter tends to have the lowest activity levels, while the spring and summer quarters tend to be more active. Refinance activity is generally less seasonal, but is subject to interest rate fluctuations.

Services other than title insurance provided by operating divisions of the Company that are not required to be reported separately and are reported collectively in a category called “All Other.”  These other services include those offered by the Company and by its wholly owned subsidiaries, Investors Title Exchange Corporation (“ITEC”), Investors Title Accommodation Corporation (“ITAC”), Investors Trust Company (“Investors Trust”), and Investors Title Management Services, Inc. (“ITMS”).

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The Company’s exchange services division, ITEC and ITAC, provides customer services in connection with tax-deferred real property exchanges.  ITEC serves as a qualified intermediary in like-kind exchanges of real or personal property under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  In its role as qualified intermediary, ITEC coordinates the exchange aspects of the real estate transaction, and its duties include drafting standard exchange documents, holding the exchange funds between the sale of the old property and the purchase of the new property, and accepting the formal identification of the replacement property within the required identification period.  ITAC serves as exchange accommodation titleholder in reverse exchanges.  An exchange accommodation offers a vehicle for accommodating a reverse exchange when the taxpayer must acquire replacement property before selling the relinquished property.
The Company'sCompany’s trust services division, Investors Trust, provides investment management and trust services to individuals, companies, banks and trusts.
ITMS offers various consulting services to provide clients with the technical expertise to start and successfully operate a title insurance agency.

Business Trends and Recent Conditions
Beginning in 2008, the
The United States economy experienced a material economic downturn. Events leading to the recession were primarily the collapse of the housing market and frozen credit markets, prompting the federal government to take unprecedented monetary and fiscal action in an attempt to slow the economic rate of decline and instill consumer confidence. The economy has been gradually recovering from thisthe economic downturn withthat began in 2008. Housing values have been rebounding, the Dow Jones Industrial Average setting and remaining near the all-time high, housing values reboundingeconomy is growing and the unemployment rate has been declining. Since the downturn began, many governmental agencies have implemented various initiatives designed to stimulate the economy, to improve consumer confidence and to aid in economic recovery. The following programs still continue to impact the current economic environment.
Current Initiatives
In efforts to stimulate the economy, the Federal Reserve announced in September 2012 Quantitative Easing, “QE3,” in which it would purchase mortgage-backed securitiesprovide transparency and longer-term Treasury securities. Through QE3, the Federal Reserve initially purchased mortgage-backed securities at a rate of $40 billion per month and longer-term Treasury securities at a rate of $45 billion per month. Beginning in 2014,improve market stability, the Federal Open Market Committee ("FOMC") of the Federal Reserve steadily reduced the purchase of securities, and concluded the QE3 program at the end of October 2014.
The FOMC also issues disclosures on a periodic basis that include projections of the federal funds rate and expected actions. At the MarchDecember 2015 meeting, the FOMC reaffirmed its intentvoted to keepraise the federal funds rate exceptionally low,for the first time since December 2008 to a target range between 0%0.25% and 0.25%, so long as progress is made toward its0.50%. The Committee voted at the March 2016 meeting to maintain the rates set in December 2015. Any future adjustments to the rate will be based on realized and expected economic developments to achieve maximum employment and inflation objectives.2 percent inflation. The FOMC further statedanticipates future economic conditions to evolve in ways that an increase inwill warrant gradual increases, and that for some time, the targetfederal funds rate remains unlikely at the April 2015 FOMC meeting.is expected to be below long range levels.
On October 20, 2014, the Federal Housing Finance Agency ("FHFA"), which regulates the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were negotiating guidelines with mortgage lenders that resulted in less strict lending requirements and lower barriers to mortgage loans for borrowers who are seeking access to home loans. The FHFA noted in its announcement that it intended to clarify the rules that allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to require mortgage lenders to repurchase troubled loans. The FHFA also sought to increase the supply of credit available, particularly to creditworthy lower and middle-income families, by collaborating with mortgage lenders to provide guidelines for mortgage loans with down payments as low as three percent. In December 2014, both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac officially approved ninety-seven percent loan-to-value products (three percent down payment mortgages). The Fannie Mae program is targeted forto first-time home buyers and became available to lenders in December 2014. The Freddie Mac program became available to lenders on March 23, 2015 and is available to both first-time home buyers and other qualified borrowers with limited down payment savings.
In an effort to expand home ownership for lower-income buyers, the Federal Housing Authority (“FHA”) announced in January 2015 that it would cut its rates on mortgage insurance premiums. Mortgage insurance premium rates for 30-year FHA insured mortgages with less than a 5% down payment decreased from 1.35% to 0.85%. Mortgage insurance premium rates for 30-year FHA insured mortgages with more than a 5% down payment decreased from 1.30% to 0.80%. The new rates took effect on January 26, 2015 and will not apply to borrowers with existing mortgages, unless refinanced, or to 15-year mortgages.

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Regulation and Reform
In 2008, the federal government took control of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in an effort to keep these government-sponsored entities from failing. The primary functions of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are to provide liquidity to the nation's mortgage finance system by purchasing mortgages on the secondary market, pooling them and selling them as mortgage-backed securities. In order to securitize, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac typically require the purchase of title insurance for loans they acquire. Since taking control,the federal takeover, there have been various discussions and proposals regarding their reform. Changes to these entities could impact the entire mortgage loan process and, as a result, could affect the demand for title insurance.  The timing and results of reform are currently unknown; however, any changes to these entities could affect the Company and its results of operations.


On November 20, 2013, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), which enforces the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (“RESPA”), the primary federal regulatory guidance coveringgoverning the real estate settlement industry, released a final rule to integrate mortgage disclosures under the RESPA and the Truth in Lending Act (“TILA”). The final rule goeswent into effect in Auguston October 3, 2015. Under this rule, the early disclosure forms required by TILA and the good faith estimate required by RESPA have been combined into one form, titled the Loan Estimate. The final disclosure required by TILA and the HUD-1 settlement statement required by RESPA have been combined into one form, titled the Closing Disclosure. The Company is actively preparingprepared for the impact thatany anticipated effect this rule willwould have on both its direct and agency operations, in terms ofwith respect to its processes and procedures, systems and compliance costs. The measures adopted by the Company to comply with the final rule did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.
The CFPB, Office of the Comptroller of Currency and the Federal Reserve have issued memorandums to banks which havethat communicated those agencies’ heightened their focus on vetting third party providers andproviders. Such increased regulatory involvement may affect the Company's agents and approved providers.  Further proposals to change regulations governing insurance holding companies and the title insurance industry are often introduced in Congress, in state legislatures and before various insurance regulatory agencies. TheAlthough the Company regularly monitors such proposals, but the likelihood and timing of passage of any such regulation, and the possible effects of any such regulation on the Company and its subsidiaries, cannot be determined at this time.
Real Estate Environment
Overall, theThe economy as a whole is expanding and there has been recovering from the downturn with positive projections going forward.a steady reduction in unemployment. The Mortgage Bankers Association's (“MBA”) March 201517, 2016 Economic and Mortgage Finance CommentaryForecast predicts 20152016 overall economic growth of approximately 2.7% and a decline2.2% with continued improvement in employment as the unemployment rate is expected to 5.3% by the end of 2015. While recovery in the housing sector remains slow, improvements are predicted with increases in both housing starts and existing home sales, primarily a result of the economic growth and improved employment conditions.trend down to approximately 4.7%.
The MBA March 20, 201517, 2016 Mortgage Finance Forecast (“MBA Forecast”) projects 20152016 purchase activity to increase 14.4%10.4% to $730$973 billion and refinance activity to increase 3.5%decrease 26.6% to $501$550 billion, combining forresulting in a decrease in total mortgage originations of 6.6% to increase 9.7% to $1,231$1,523 billion, all from 20142015 levels. In 2014,2015, refinance activity accounted for 43.1%46.0% of all mortgage originations and is projected to represent 40.7%36.1% of all mortgage originations in 2015.2016.
According to data published by Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage interest rate in the United States was 3.7% and 4.4% for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 and 2014, respectively.2015. According to the MBA Forecast, refinancing activity is expected to be slightly higherlower in 20152016 as a result of lower mortgage interest rates in the current year. Interest rates are projectedcontinue to climb to a projected 4.6% by4.3% in the fourth quarter of 2015.2016.    
Historically, activity in real estate markets has varied over the course of market cycles by geographic region and in response to evolving economic factors. Operating results can vary from year to year based on cyclical market conditions and do not necessarily indicate the Company's future operating results and cash flows.

Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies

The preparation of the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of certain assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures regarding contingencies and commitments. Actual results could differ from these estimates. During the three months ended March 31, 2015,2016, the Company did not make any material changes into its critical accounting policies as previously disclosed in Management's Discussion and Analysis in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014,2015 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


23




Results of Operations

The following table presents certain income statement data for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 and 2014:2015:
 Three Months Ended March 31, 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2015 2014 2016 2015
Revenues:        
Net premiums written $24,962,041
 $24,909,252
 $21,508,997
 $24,962,041
Investment income - interest and dividends 1,178,039
 1,026,416
Investment income – interest and dividends 1,151,011
 1,178,039
Net realized gain on investments 14,803
 492,137
 149,830
 14,803
Other 2,146,926
 2,026,269
 2,052,184
 2,146,926
Total Revenues 28,301,809
 28,454,074
 24,862,022
 28,301,809
        
Operating Expenses:        
Commissions to agents 14,596,539
 15,456,278
 11,532,882
 14,596,539
Provision for claims 786,612
 2,375,383
 15,959
 786,612
Salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes 7,277,449
 6,185,761
 7,471,951
 7,277,449
Office occupancy and operations 1,304,221
 1,180,327
 1,493,860
 1,304,221
Business development 486,975
 517,894
 480,390
 486,975
Filing fees, franchise and local taxes 216,643
 189,600
 230,054
 216,643
Premium and retaliatory taxes 476,591
 294,474
 311,831
 476,591
Professional and contract labor fees 584,107
 688,058
 538,653
 584,107
Other 203,548
 209,784
 202,981
 203,548
Total Operating Expenses 25,932,685
 27,097,559
 22,278,561
 25,932,685
        
Income before Income Taxes 2,369,124
 1,356,515
 2,583,461
 2,369,124
        
Provision for Income Taxes 643,000
 371,000
 779,000
 643,000
        
Net Income Attributable to the Company $1,726,124
 $986,438
 $1,814,040
 $1,726,124
Insurance and Other Services Revenues

Insurance and other services revenues include net premiums written plus other fee income, trust income, management services income and exchange services income. Investment income and realized investment gains and losses are not included in insurance and other services revenues and are discussed separately under “Investment-Related“Investment Related Revenues” below.

Title OrdersPolicies: Title orderspolicies issued increased 13.3%decreased 7.9% in the first three months of 20152016 to 52,10744,535 compared with 45,97148,357 title orderspolicies in the same period in 2014.2015. The increasedecrease in title orderspolicies from 20142015 is primarily attributable to an increase in the number of refinance transactions. Premiums written did not move proportionallylower transaction volume, but with title orders due to an increasing proportion of refinance transactions. Refinance transactions typically have lower premium rates thana mix more heavily weighted toward higher-margin purchase transactions.business.

Title insurance companies typically issue title insurance policies directly through home and branch offices or through title agencies. Following is a breakdown of net premiums generated by home and branch offices and agency operations for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 and 2014:2015:
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2015 20142016 % 2015 %
Home and Branch$5,605,764
 22.5% $4,831,679
 19.4%$5,477,657
 25.5% $5,605,764
 22.5%
Agency19,356,277
 77.5% 20,077,573
 80.6%16,031,340
 74.5% 19,356,277
 77.5%
Total$24,962,041
 100.0% $24,909,252
 100.0%$21,508,997
 100.0% $24,962,041
 100.0%


24




Home and Branch Office Net PremiumsPremiums: In the Company's home and branch operations, the Company issues the title insurance policy and retains the entire premium, as no commissions are paid in connection with these policies. Net premiums written from home and branch operations increasedslightly decreased 16.0%2.3% for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 compared with the prior year period.  The increase in net premiums was primarily attributable to increases in both refinance and purchase activity. Refinance activity increased substantially versus the prior year period as mortgage interest rates dropped to their lowest levels in nearly two years. Premiums from purchase transactions increased as well, due to both increased volume from favorable interest rates and overall economic conditions, and increases in average home prices. All of the Company's home office operations and the majority of its branch offices are located in North Carolina; as a result, the home and branch office net premiums written are primarily for North Carolina title insurance policies.

Agency Net PremiumsPremiums: When a policy is written through a title agency, the premium is shared between the agency and the underwriter. Total premiums include an estimate of premiums for title insurance policies whichthat have been issued, but not reported as of the balance sheet date. To determine the estimated premiums, the Company uses historical experience, as well as other factors, to make certain assumptions about the average elapsed time between the policy effective date and the date the policies are reported. From time to time, the Company adjusts the inputs to the estimation process as agents report transactions and new information becomes available. In addition to estimating revenues, the Company also estimates and accrues agent commissions, claims provision, premium taxes, income taxes, and other expenses associated with the estimated revenues whichthat have been accrued. The Company reflects any adjustments to the accruals in the result of operations in the period in which new information becomes available.
 
Agency net premiums written decreased 3.6%17.2% for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 compared with the prior year period. The declinedecrease in agency premiums was primarily attributable to a decrease in the amount of premiums written from a few larger agents, particularly one agent in the Texas market partially offsetthat was acquired by larger premiums dueanother title insurer in the second quarter of 2015. For further details of this agency relationship, refer to higher average real estate prices and higher levels of real estate activity in most other states in whichNote 8 to the Company operates.  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein.

Following is a schedule of net premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 and 20142015 in select states in which the Company's two insurance subsidiaries, ITIC and NITIC, currently write insurance:
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended March 31,
State 2015 2014 2016 2015
North Carolina $7,320,753
 $7,306,227
Texas $7,504,129
 $11,621,721
 4,453,618
 7,504,129
North Carolina 7,306,227
 6,298,033
South Carolina 2,220,225
 1,503,075
 2,553,741
 2,220,225
Georgia 1,249,569
 1,194,156
 1,878,696
 1,249,569
Virginia 1,227,776
 823,605
 1,255,912
 1,227,776
Michigan 923,936
 817,244
All Others 4,562,954
 2,671,439
 4,037,679
 5,486,890
Premiums
 24,994,816
 24,929,273
 21,500,399
 24,994,816
Reinsurance Assumed 9,994
 28,472
 
 9,994
Reinsurance Ceded (42,769) (48,493) 8,598
 (42,769)
Net Premiums Written $24,962,041
 $24,909,252
 $21,508,997
 $24,962,041

During the quarter ended March 31, 2016, the North Carolina Rating Bureau, of which Investors Title Insurance Company is a member, filed new premium rates that took effect on April 1, 2016.   The new premium rates are expected to result in increased revenues from premiums written in North Carolina, and will likely have a material impact on the Company's results of operations.

Other Revenues

Other revenues primarily include other fee income, trust income, management services income, exchange services income, state tax credit income and income related to the Company’s equity method investments. Other revenues were $2,146,926$2,052,184 for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 compared with $2,026,269 in$2,146,926 for the prior year period. The increasedecrease for the three months ended March 31, 20152016, primarily related to an increase in fee income and management services income, partially offset by a decreasedecreases in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates and trust and investment management services.services revenue, partially offset by increases in revenue from state tax credits and exchange services income.

Investment-RelatedInvestment Related Revenues

Investment income and realized gains and losses from investments are included in investment-relatedinvestment related revenues.


25




Investment Income

The Company derives a substantial portion of its income from investments in municipal and corporate bonds and equity securities. The Company's title insurance subsidiaries are required by statute to maintain minimum levels of investments in order to protect the interests of policyholders. The Company’s investment policy is designed to comply with regulatory requirements and to balance the competing objectives of asset quality and investment returns.  

In formulating its investment strategy, the Company has emphasized after-tax income.income and principal preservation.  The Company’s investments are primarily in bonds and, to a lesser extent, equity securities.  The effective maturity of the majority of the bonds is within 10 years.  The Company’s invested assets are managed to fund its obligations and evaluated to ensure long-termlong term stability of capital accounts.

As the Company generates cash from operations, it is invested in accordance with the Company’s investment policy and corporate goals.  The Company’s investment policy has been designed to balance multiple goals, including the assurance of a stable source of income from interest and dividends, the preservation of principal, and the provision of liquidity sufficient to meet insurance underwriting and other obligations as they become payable in the future.  Securities purchased may include a combination of taxable bonds, tax-exempt bonds and equity securities.  The Company strives to maintain a high quality investment portfolio.  Interest and investment income levels are primarily a function of general market performance, interest rates and the amount of cash available for investment.

Investment income was $1,178,039$1,151,011 for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 compared with $1,026,416 in$1,178,039 for the prior year period. The increasedecrease in investment income for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 was due primarily to higherlower levels of interest and dividends earned in conjunction with a larger portfolio of both fixed maturities and equity securities.  received.

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments

Dispositions of equity securities at a realized gain or loss reflect such factors as industry sector allocation decisions, ongoing assessments of issuers'issuers’ business prospects and tax planning considerations.  Additionally, the amounts of net realized investment gains and losses are affected by assessments of securities'securities’ valuation for other-than-temporary impairment.  As a result of the interaction of these factors and considerations, the net realized investment gainsgain or lossesloss can vary significantly from period to period.

The net realized gain on investments was $14,803$149,830 for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 compared with $492,137 in$14,803 for the prior year period. The 2015 year-to-datenet realized gain did not include any impairment charges.  The 2014 year-to-date gainon investments for the three months ended March 31, 2016 includes impairment charges of $10,062$42,794 on certain investments and other assets that were deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, offset by a net realized gainsgain on the sales of investments and other assets of $502,199.$192,624. There were no impairments for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Management believes unrealized losses on remaining fixed income and equity securities at March 31, 20152016 are temporary in nature.

The securities in the Company'sCompany’s investment portfolio are subject to economic conditions and market risks.  The Company considers relevant facts and circumstances in evaluating whether a credit or interest-related impairment of a security is other-than-temporary.  Relevant facts and circumstances include the extent and length of time the fair value of an investment has been below cost.

There are a number of risks and uncertainties inherent in the process of monitoring impairments and determining if impairments arean impairment is other-than-temporary.  These risks and uncertainties include the risk that the economic outlook will be worse than expected or have more of an impact on the issuer than anticipated, the risk that the Company'sCompany’s assessment of an issuer'sissuer’s ability to meet all of its contractual obligations will change based on changes in the characteristics of that issuer, the risk that information obtained by the Company or changes in other facts and circumstances leads management to change its intent to hold the equity security until it recovers in value or its intent to sell the debt security, and the risk that management is making decisions based on misstated information in the financial statements provided by issuers.

Expenses

The Company's operating expenses consist primarily of commissions to agents, salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes, office occupancy and operations and the provision for claims. Operating expenses decreased 4.3%14.1% for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 compared with the prior year period. For the three months ended March 31, 2015,2016, expenses decreased primarily due to decreasesa decrease in commissions and the provision for claims and commissions to agents, partially offset by an increase in salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes.claims.

Following is a summary of the Company's operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 and 20142015. Inter-segment eliminations have been netted; therefore, the individual segment amounts will not agree to Note 4 in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

26




Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2015 20142016 % 2015 %
Title Insurance$24,285,515
 93.6% $25,437,122
 93.9%$20,723,977
 93.0% $24,285,515
 93.6%
All Other1,647,170
 6.4% 1,660,437
 6.1%1,554,584
 7.0% 1,647,170
 6.4%
Total$25,932,685
 100.0% $27,097,559
 100.0%$22,278,561
 100.0% $25,932,685
 100.0%

On a combined basis, after-tax profit margins were 7.3% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 6.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 3.5% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2014. The Company continually strives to enhance its competitive strengths and market position, including ongoing initiatives to reduce its operating expenses.

Total Company
CommissionsSalaries, Employee Benefits and Payroll Taxes: – Personnel costs include base salaries, benefits and payroll taxes, and bonuses paid to employees. Salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes were $7,471,951 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared with $7,277,449 for the prior year period. On a consolidated basis, salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes as a percentage of total revenues were 30.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared with 25.7% for the prior year period. The increase in payroll expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2016 primarily relate to normal inflationary increases in compensation and benefit costs.

Office Occupancy and Operations: Office occupancy and operations expenses primarily include office rent and utilities, depreciation, maintenance, telecommunications and insurance expenses. Office occupancy and operations expenses were $1,493,860 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared with $1,304,221 for the prior year period. As a percentage of total revenues, office occupancy and operations expenses were 6.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared with 4.6% for the prior year period. The increases in expenses in 2016 primarily related to increases in depreciation and maintenance expenses.

Business Development: Business development expenses primarily include marketing and travel-related expenses. Business development expenses were $480,390 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared with $486,975 for the prior year period. Business development expenses decreased 1.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared with the prior year period. The decrease for the three months ended March 31, 2016 primarily related to a decline in marketing expenses.

Filing Fees, Franchise and Local Taxes: Filing fees, franchise and local tax expenses include insurance filing and licensing fees, franchise taxes, excise taxes, and local taxes. Filing fees, franchise and local tax expenses were $230,054 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared with $216,643 for the prior year period.

Professional and Contract Labor Fees: Professional and contract labor fees were $538,653 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared with $584,107 for the prior year period. The decrease for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was primarily attributable to a decrease in consulting fees associated with the Company's ongoing software initiatives, partially offset by an increase in legal fees.

Other Expenses: Other operating expenses primarily include miscellaneous operating expenses of the trust division and other miscellaneous expenses of the title segment. These amounts typically fluctuate in relation to transaction volume of the title segment and the trust division. Other expenses were $202,981 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared with $203,548 for the prior year period.

Title Insurance
Commissions: Agent commissions represent the portion of premiums retained by agents pursuant to the terms of their respective agency contracts and fluctuate commensurate with agency premium volumes.contracts. Commissions to agents decreased 5.6%21.0% for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 compared with the prior year period. Commission expense as a percentage of net premiums written by agents was 75.4%71.9% for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 compared with 77.0%75.4% infor the prior year period. CommissionsCommission expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016 decreased primarily due to a decrease in premiums written by agents mainly in the Texas market.lower agent premiums. Commission rates may vary due to geographic locations, different levels of premium rate structures and state regulations.

Provision for ClaimsClaims: The provision for claims as a percentage of net premiums written was 3.2%0.1% for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 compared with 9.5%3.2% for the prior year period. The declinedecrease in the provision for claims wasin the current quarter compared with the prior year period primarily related to favorable loss development as well as a reductionexperience in recent policy years. Recent policy years continue to develop favorably, with the Company’s incurred losses incurred, mostly attributable to a few large claims in the prior year period.for policy years 2011 through 2015 being below historical levels.



The decrease in the loss provision rate for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 from the 20142015 level resulted in approximately $1,594,000$662,000 less in reserves than would have been recorded at the higher 20142015 level. Loss provision ratios are subject to variability and are reviewed and adjusted as experience develops.

Title claims are typically reported and paid within the first several years of policy issuance. The provision for claims reflects actual payments of claims, net of recovery amounts, plus adjustments to the specific and incurred but not reported claims reserves, the latter of which are actuarially determined based on historical claims experience. Actual payments of claims, net of recoveries, were $400,612$406,959 and $1,270,383$400,612 for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 and 20142015, respectively.

Reserves for ClaimsClaims:  At March 31, 20152016, the total reserve for claims was $37,063,00037,397,000. Of that total, approximately $5,412,000$4,966,000 was reserved for specific claims, and approximately $31,651,000$32,431,000 was reserved for claims for which the Company had no notice. Because of the uncertainty of future claims, changes in economic conditions and the fact that many claims domay not materialize for several years, reserve estimates are subject to variability.

Changes from prior periods in the expected liability for claims reflect the uncertainty of the claims environment, as well as the limited predictive power of historical data.  The Company continually updates and refines its reserve estimates as current experience develops and credible data emerges.  Such data includes payments on claims closed during the quarter, new details that emerge on still-open cases that cause claims adjusters to increase or decrease the case reserves, and the impact that these types of changes have on the Company'sCompany’s total loss provision. Adjustments may be required as new information develops which often varies from past experience.

Salaries, Employee Benefits and Payroll Taxes Personnel costs include base salaries, benefits and payroll taxes, and bonuses paid to employees.  Salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes were $7,277,449 for the three months endedMarch 31, 2015 compared with $6,185,761 for the prior year period.  On a consolidated basis, salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes as a percentage of total revenues were 25.7% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2015 compared with 21.7% for the prior year period. The increases in expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 primarily related to normal inflationary increases in compensation and benefit costs, and higher staffing levels to support ongoing software development activities.

Office Occupancy and Operations Office occupancy and operations expenses primarily include office rent and utilities, depreciation, maintenance, telecommunications and insurance expenses. Office occupancy and operations expenses were $1,304,221 for the three months endedMarch 31, 2015 compared with $1,180,327 for prior year period. As a percentage of total revenues, office occupancy and operations expenses were 4.6% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2015 compared with 4.1% for the prior year period.  The increases in expenses in 2015 primarily related to increases in maintenance, contract services and depreciation expenses.


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Business Development – Business development expenses primarily include marketing and travel-related expenses. Business development expenses were $486,975 for the three months endedMarch 31, 2015 compared with $517,894 for the prior year period. Business development expenses decreased 6.0% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2015 compared with the prior year period, primarily due to decreased marketing expenses.

Filing Fees, Franchise and Local Taxes – Filing fees, franchise and local tax expenses include insurance filing and licensing fees and franchise, excise and local taxes.  Filing fees, franchise and local tax expenses were $216,643 for the three months endedMarch 31, 2015 compared with $189,600 for prior year period.

Premium and Retaliatory Taxes: Title insurance companies are generally not subject to state income or franchise taxes.  However, in most states they are subject to premium and retaliatory taxes, as defined by statute. Premium and retaliatory tax rates vary from state to state; accordingly, the total premium and retaliatory tax incurred is dependent upon the geographical mix of insurance revenues.  Premium and retaliatory taxes as a percentage of net premiums written were 1.9%1.4% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2015,2016 compared with 1.2%1.9% for the prior year period.

Professional and Contract Labor Fees Professional and contract labor fees were $584,107 for the three months endedMarch 31, 2015 compared with $688,058 for the prior year period.  The decrease for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was primarily attributable to decreases in consulting fees associated with the Company's ongoing software initiatives.

Other Expenses – Other operating expenses primarily include miscellaneous operating expenses of the trust division and other miscellaneous expenses of the title segment.  These amounts typically fluctuate in relation to transaction volume of the title segment and the trust division. Other expenses were $203,548 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared with $209,784 in the prior year period.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes was $643,000$779,000 for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 compared with $371,000$643,000 for the prior year period. Income tax expense as a percentage of earnings before income taxes was 27.1%30.2% for the three months ended March 31, 20152016, compared with 27.3%27.1% for the prior year period. The decreaseincrease in the effective rate for 20152016 fromcompared with 20142015 was primarily due to a lowerhigher proportion of taxable to tax-exempt income. The effective income tax rate for both 20152016 and 20142015 was below the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 34%, primarily due to the effect of tax-exempt income. Tax-exempt income lowers the effective tax rate.

ManagementThe Company believes it is more likely than not that the tax benefits associated with recognized impairment and unrecognized losses recorded through March 31, 20152016 will be realized. However, this judgment could be impacted by further market fluctuations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net cash flows used in operating activities were $409,946 and $1,931,962 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Cash flows used in operating activities decreased in 2015 from 2014, primarily due to the timing of payable disbursements, an increase in net income and lower claim payments, partially offset by a decrease in the provision for claims and a net increase in receivables and other assets.  Cash flows from operations have historically been the primary source of financing for expanding operations, additions to property and equipment, dividends to shareholders and operating requirements.

Cash flows from non-operating activities have historically consisted of purchases and proceeds from investing activities, repurchases of common stock and the issuance of dividends.  In 2015, the Company had a lower level of investment purchase activity, a lower level of of proceeds from sales and maturities of investments, and more repurchases of common stock compared with the prior year.

The net effect of all activities on total cash and cash equivalents was a decrease of $187,443 and $3,034,067 in 2015 and 2014, respectively.  As of March 31, 2015, the Company held cash and cash equivalents of $15,639,072, short-term investments of $4,400,330, fixed maturity securities of $106,134,445 and equity securities of $39,476,921.


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Due to the Company’s historical ability to consistently generate positive cash flows from its consolidated operations and investment income, management believes that funds generated from operations will enable the Company to adequately meet its current operating needs for the foreseeable future.  However, there can be no assurance that future experience will be similar to historical experience, since it is influenced by such factors as the interest rate environment, the Company’s claims-paying ability and its financial strength ratings.  The Company is unaware of any trend that is likely to result in material adverse liquidity changes, but continually assesses its capital allocation strategy, including decisions relating to repurchasing the Company’s stock and/or conserving cash.  The Company’s current cash requirements include general operating expenses, income taxes, capital expenditures, dividends on its common stock declared by the Board of Directors and repurchases of its commoncommons stock. Cash flows from operations have historically been the primary source of financing for expanding operations, whether through organic growth or outside investments.

In additionThe Company evaluates nonorganic growth opportunities, such as mergers and acquisitions, from time to operational liquidity, the Company maintains a high degree of liquidity within its investment portfoliotime in the formordinary course of short-term investmentsbusiness. Because of the episodic nature of these events, related incremental liquidity and other readily marketable securities.

The Company’s investment portfolio is classified as available-for-sale.  The Company reviews the status of each of its securities quarterlycapital resource needs can be difficult to determine whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred.

predict.
The Company’s operating results and cash flows are heavily dependent on the real estate market. The Company’s business has certain fixed costs such as personnel; therefore, changes in the real estate market are monitored closely, and operating expenses such as staffing levels are managed and adjusted accordingly. The Company believes that its significant working capital position and management of operating expenses will aid its ability to manage cash resources through fluctuations in the real estate market.
Cash Flows: Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities were $1,512,657 and $(409,946) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Cash flows from operating activities increased in 2016 from 2015, primarily due to decreases in other assets and receivables, and an increase in the provision for deferred taxes, partially offset by the timing of payable disbursements, an increase in income taxes recoverable, and a lower provision for claims.



ReceiptCash flows from non-operating activities have historically consisted of Dividendspurchases and proceeds from Subsidiariesinvesting activities, repurchases of common stock and the payment of dividends. In 2016, the Company had higher levels of investment purchase activity, proceeds from investing activities, repurchases of common stock and dividends paid compared with the year period.

The Company believes that all anticipatedmaintains a high degree of liquidity within its investment portfolio, classified as available for sale, in the form of cash, requirements for current operations will be met from internally generated funds, throughshort-term investments and other readily marketable securities. As of March 31, 2016, the Company held cash dividends and distributions from subsidiaries and cash generatedequivalents of $21,873,731, short-term investments of $7,520,069, fixed maturity securities of $106,383,823 and equity securities of $37,681,569. The net effect of all activities on total cash and cash equivalents was an increase of $83,663 in 2016 and a decrease of $187,443 in 2015.

Capital Resources: The amount of capital resources the Company maintains is influenced by investment securities.  state regulation, the need to maintain superior financial ratings from third party rating agencies and other marketing and operational considerations.
The Company’sCompany's significant sources of funds are dividends and distributions from its subsidiaries, primarily its two title insurance subsidiaries. The Company receives cashCash is received from its subsidiaries in the form of dividends and as reimbursements for operating and other administrative expenses that it incurs. The reimbursements are executed within the guidelines of management agreements between the Company and its subsidiaries.

The ability of the Company's abilitytitle insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends and operating expensesto the Company is dependent on funds received from the insurance subsidiaries, which are subject to state regulation in thefrom their respective states in which they do business.of domicile. Each state regulates the extent to which title underwriters can pay dividends or make distributions.  These regulations requiredistributions and requires prior regulatory approval of the payment of dividends and other intercompany transfers. The Company believes that amounts available for transfer from its insurance and other subsidiaries are adequate to meet the Company's current operating needs.

The maximum dividend permitted by law is not necessarily indicative of an insurer’s actual ability to pay dividends, which may be constrained by regulatory and business considerations, such as the impact of dividends on surplus, which could affect an insurer’s ratings.  Further, dependingdividends. Depending on regulatory and business conditions, the Company may in the future need to retain cash in its title insurance subsidiaries in order to maintain their ratings or their statutory capital position. SuchAs of March 31, 2016, both ITIC and NTIIC met the minimum capital, surplus and reserve requirements could befor each state in which they are licensed.

While state regulation and the resultneed to cover risks may set a minimum level for capital requirements, other factors necessitate maintaining capital resources in excess of the required minimum amounts. For instance, the Company’s capital resources help it maintain high ratings from insurance company rating agencies. Superior ratings strengthen the Company's ability to compete with larger, well known title insurers with national footprints.

A strong financial position provides necessary flexibility to fund potential acquisition activity, to invest in the Company's core business, and to minimize the financial impact of potential adverse developments. Adverse developments that generally require additional capital include adverse financial results, changes in statutory accounting requirements by regulators, reserve charges, investment losses or investment losses.costs incurred to adapt to a changing regulatory environment, including costs related to emerging CFPB regulation of the real estate industry.

Historically, the Company's geographical focus has been concentrated in states with premium rates that are typically lower than the national average, contributing to the need to maintain higher levels of capital to accommodate risk exposure beyond the industry average.

Due to the Company’s historical ability to consistently generate positive cash flows from its consolidated operations and investment income, management believes that funds generated from operations will enable the Company to adequately meet its current operating needs for the foreseeable future. However, there can be no assurance that future experience will be similar to historical experience, since it is influenced by such factors as the interest rate environment, real estate activity, the Company’s claims-paying ability and its financial strength ratings. In addition to operational and investment considerations, taking advantage of opportunistic external growth opportunities may necessitate obtaining additional capital resources. The Company is unaware of any trend that is likely to result in material adverse liquidity changes, but continually assesses its capital allocation strategy, including decisions relating to repurchasing the Company’s stock and/or conserving cash.
Purchase of Company Stock: On November 12, 2012,9, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the purchase of an additional 260,246163,335 shares pursuant to the Company'sCompany’s repurchase plan, such that there was authority remaining under the plan to purchase up to an aggregate of 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the plan immediately after this approval.  Unless terminated earlier by resolution of the Board of Directors, the plan will expire when all shares authorized for purchase under the plan have been purchased.  Pursuant to this approval,the Company’s ongoing purchase program, the Company has purchased 15,03618,795 shares for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 and 500 shares15,036 for the same period in 20142015 at an average per share price of $71.11$86.55 and $79.65,$71.11, respectively.  The Company anticipates making further purchases under this plan from time to time in the future, depending on such factors as the prevailing market price of the Company’s common stock, the Company’s available cash and then existing alternative uses for such cash.


Capital Expenditures: Capital Expenditures During 2015,were approximately $701,000 for three months ended March 31, 2016. In 2016, the Company has plans for various capital improvement projects, including increased investment in a number of technology and system development initiatives and hardware purchases thatwhich are anticipated to be funded via cash flows from operations. All material anticipated capital expenditures are subject to periodic review and revision and may vary depending on a number of factors.


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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As a service to its customers, the Company, through ITIC, administers escrow and trust deposits representing earnest money received under real estate contracts, undisbursed amounts received for settlement of mortgage loans and indemnities against specific title risks. These amounts are not considered assets of the Company and, therefore, are excluded from the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. However, the Company remains contingently liable for the disposition of these deposits.

In addition, in administering tax-deferred property exchanges, ITEC serves as a qualified intermediary for exchanges, holding the net sales proceeds from relinquished property to be used for the purchase of replacement property. ITAC serves as exchange accommodation titleholder and, through limited liability companies that are wholly owned subsidiaries of ITAC, holds property for exchangers in reverse exchange transactions. Like-kind exchange deposits and reverses exchange property held by the Company for the purpose of completing such transactions totaled approximately $103,658,000172,381,000 and $82,477,000171,010,000 as of March 31, 20152016 and December 31, 20142015, respectively. These exchange deposits are held at third-party financial institutions. These amounts are not considered assets of the Company for accounting purposes and, therefore, are excluded from the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Exchange services revenues include earnings on these deposits; therefore, investment income is shown as exchange services revenue, rather than investment income. The Company remains contingently liable to customers for the transfers of property, disbursements of proceeds, and the return on the proceeds at the agreed upon rate.

External assets under management of Investors Trust Company are not considered assets of the Company and, therefore, are excluded from the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

It is not the general practice of the Company to enter into off-balance sheet arrangements or issue guarantees to third parties. The Company does not have any material source of liquidity or financing that involves off-balance sheet arrangements. Other than items noted above, off-balance sheet arrangements are generally limited to the future payments under noncancelable operating leases and payments due under various agreements with third party service providers.

Recent Accounting Standards

For a description of recent accounting pronouncements, please refer to Note 1 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements herein.



Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as information included in future filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission and information contained in written material, press releases and oral statements issued by or on behalf of the Company, contains, or may contain, “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, that reflect management’s current outlook for future periods. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as “plan,” “expect,” “aim,” “believe,” “project,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “should,” “could,” "would"“would” and other expressions that indicate future events and trends. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including statements about the Company’s strategy for growth, product and service development, market share position, claims, expenditures, financial results and cash requirements, are forward-looking statements. Without limitation, projected developments in mortgage interest rates and the overall economic environment set forth in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Business Trends and Recent Conditions” constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties.

Actual future results and trends may differ materially from historical results or those projected in any such forward-looking statements depending on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the following:


30



the level of real estate transactions, the level of mortgage origination volumes (including refinancing) and changes to the insurance requirements of the participants in the secondary mortgage market, and the effect of these factors on the demand for title insurance;
changes in general economic, business, and political conditions, including the performance of the financial and real estate markets;
the possible inadequacy of provisions for claims to cover actual claim losses;
the incidence of fraud-related losses;
unanticipated adverse changes in securities markets, including interest rates, could result in material losses onto the Company’s investments;
significant competition that the Company’s operating subsidiaries face, including the Company’s ability to develop and offer products and services that meet changing industry standards in a timely and cost-effective manner and expansion into new geographic locations;
the Company reliesCompany’s reliance upon the Texas and North Carolina markets for a significant portion of its premiums;
the Company receives a significant percentage of its net premiums written from a single title agent;
compliance with government regulation, including pricing regulation, and significant changes to applicable regulations or in their application by regulators;
the impact of governmental oversight of compliance by service provider’s compliance with Federal Consumer Financial Laws,providers, including insurance title insurance agents;agents, with federal consumer financial laws;
possible downgrades from a rating agency, which could result in a loss of underwriting business;
the inability of the Company to manage, develop and implement technological advancements and prevent system interruptions or unauthorized system intrusions;
statutory requirements applicable to the Company’s insurance subsidiaries that require them to maintain minimum levels of capital, surplus and reserves and that restrict the amount of dividends that they may pay to the Company without prior regulatory approval;
the desirability to maintain capital above statutory minimum requirements for competitive, marketing and other reasons;
heightened regulatory scrutiny and investigations of the title insurance industry;
the Company’s dependence on key management and marketing personnel, the loss of whom could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business;
reform of government-sponsored entities that could adversely impact the Company;
policies and procedures for the mitigation of risks that may be insufficient to prevent losses;
the shareholder rights plan could discourage transactions involving actual or potential changes of control; and
other risks detailed elsewhere in this document and in the Company’s other filings with the SEC.

These and other risks and uncertainties may be described from time to time in the Company's other reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For more details on factors that could affect expectations, see the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.2015. The Company is not under any obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) and does not undertake to update or alter any forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made. You should consider the possibility that actual results may differ materially from our forward-looking statements.

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Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company’s primary exposure to market risk relates to interest rate risk associated with certain financial instruments. Although the Company monitors its risk associated with fluctuations in interest rates, it does not currently use derivative financial instruments to hedge these risks.

No material changes in the Company’s market risk or market strategy occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 20152016.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company's disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in such reports is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

No system of controls, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the system of controls are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that the system of controls has operated effectively in all cases. The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, however, are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the objectives of disclosure controls and procedures are met.

Pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 20152016 to provide reasonable assurance that the objectives of disclosure controls and procedures are met.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the quarter ended March 31, 2015,2016, the Company implemented changes to its premium accounting system used in financial reporting.  The upgrade was not made in response to any deficiency in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Other than this upgrade, there were no other changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.



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PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

See discussion of legal proceedings in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this Report, which is incorporated by reference into this Part II, Item 1.

Item 1a.    Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in risks previously disclosed under Item 1a. of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 .2015.

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

(a)        None
(b)        None
(c)        The following table provides information about purchases by the Company (and all affiliated purchasers) during the quarter ended March 31, 20152016 of equity securities that are registered by the Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act:
 Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities   Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities  
Period
 
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
 
 
 
Average Price
Paid per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plan
 
Maximum
Number of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plan
 
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
 
 
 
Average Price
Paid per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plan
 
Maximum
Number of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plan
Beginning of period      408,910
      496,580
January 20159,024
 $70.63
 9,024
 399,886
February 2015901
 $72.55
 901
 398,985
March 20155,111
 $71.69
 5,111
 393,874
January 201611,790
 $86.32
 11,790
 484,790
February 20165,669
 $86.61
 5,669
 479,121
March 20161,336
 $88.26
 1,336
 477,785
Total:15,036
 $71.11
 15,036
 393,874
18,795
 $86.55
 18,795
 477,785

For the quarter ended March 31, 20152016, the Company purchased an aggregate of 15,03618,795 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the Company’s ongoing purchase program that was initially announced publicly on June 5, 2000.  On November 12, 2012,9, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the purchase of an additional 260,246163,335 shares pursuant to the Company'sCompany’s repurchase plan, such that there was authority remaining under the plan to purchase up to an aggregate of 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the plan immediately after this approval.  Unless terminated earlier by resolution of the Board of Directors, the plan will expire when all shares authorized for purchase under the plan (as such number may be amended by the Board from time to time) have been purchased.  The Company anticipates making further purchases under this plan from time to time in the future, depending on such factors as the prevailing market price of the Company’s common stock, the Company’s available cash and then existing alternative uses for such cash.


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Item 6.  Exhibits
31(i)Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  
31(ii)Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  
32Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  
101.INS*101.INSXBRL Instance Document
  
101.SCH*101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
  
101.CAL*101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
  
101.LAB*101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
  
101.PRE*101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
  
101.DEF*101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
  

34




SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY
   
 By:/s/ James A. Fine, Jr.
  James A. Fine, Jr.
  President, Principal Financial Officer and
  Principal Accounting Officer
 
 
 
Dated:  May 7, 20156, 2016


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