ITIC_2013.09.30_10Q


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[ X ]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013

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 filer
X
 
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 October 16, 2013, there were 2,066,922 common shares of the registrant outstanding.




INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX
 
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012
(Unaudited)
 
September 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Assets:
 
 
 
Investments in securities:
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2013: $82,077,868; 2012: $75,573,673)
$
86,100,498

 
$
81,936,978

Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: 2013: $22,307,440; 2012: $21,229,114)
33,460,972

 
28,510,933

Short-term investments
15,388,647

 
13,567,648

Other investments
7,311,949

 
6,763,100

Total investments
142,262,066

 
130,778,659

 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
22,868,393

 
20,810,018

Premium and fees receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts: 2013: $2,021,793; 2012: $1,902,581)
9,758,749

 
11,037,714

Accrued interest and dividends
1,041,472

 
1,037,447

Prepaid expenses and other assets
7,314,187

 
4,651,115

Property, net
4,204,506

 
3,603,323

Current income taxes recoverable
1,708,257

 

Total Assets
$
189,157,630

 
$
171,918,276

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 

 
 

Liabilities:
 

 
 

Reserves for claims
$
34,816,000

 
$
39,078,000

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
21,331,255

 
15,477,545

Current income taxes payable

 
1,336,824

Deferred income taxes, net
5,259,773

 
893,156

Total liabilities
61,407,028

 
56,785,525

 
 
 
 
Commitments and Contingencies

 

 
 
 
 
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
512,749

 
493,861

 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ Equity:
 

 
 

Preferred stock (1,000,000 authorized shares; no shares issued)

 

Common stock - no par value (10,000,000 authorized shares; 2,066,922 and 2,043,359 shares issued and outstanding 2013 and 2012, respectively, excluding 291,676 shares for 2013 and 2012 of common stock held by the Company’s subsidiary)
1

 
1

Retained earnings
117,418,431

 
105,820,459

Accumulated other comprehensive income
9,819,421

 
8,818,430

Total stockholders’ equity
127,237,853

 
114,638,890

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
$
189,157,630

 
$
171,918,276


See notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

1



Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums written
$
30,431,560

 
$
29,018,123

 
$
84,787,318

 
$
71,927,113

Investment income - interest and dividends
990,338

 
962,573

 
2,835,870

 
2,949,752

Net realized gain on investments
261,938

 
99,790

 
333,554

 
357,819

Other
1,921,403

 
2,196,922

 
6,190,170

 
5,537,323

Total Revenues
33,605,239

 
32,277,408

 
94,146,912

 
80,772,007

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Commissions to agents
18,142,697

 
16,840,421

 
49,240,917

 
40,683,365

(Benefit) provision for claims
(3,037,101
)
 
2,432,057

 
(2,429,289
)
 
4,424,523

Salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes
7,133,497

 
5,598,722

 
19,533,970

 
16,080,639

Office occupancy and operations
1,165,772

 
984,303

 
3,266,112

 
2,956,470

Business development
606,549

 
472,436

 
1,487,635

 
1,254,691

Filing fees, franchise and local taxes
141,373

 
140,740

 
510,893

 
673,992

Premium and retaliatory taxes
592,717

 
423,626

 
1,563,764

 
1,312,906

Professional and contract labor fees
404,206

 
523,956

 
1,514,749

 
1,620,911

Other
179,006

 
143,232

 
560,170

 
481,755

Total Operating Expenses
25,328,716

 
27,559,493

 
75,248,921

 
69,489,252

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before Income Taxes
8,276,523

 
4,717,915

 
18,897,991

 
11,282,755

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for Income Taxes
2,733,000

 
1,479,000

 
5,944,000

 
3,239,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
5,543,523

 
3,238,915

 
12,953,991

 
8,043,755

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less: Net Income Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
(27,725
)
 
(80,730
)
 
(55,788
)
 
(103,943
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income Attributable to the Company
$
5,515,798

 
$
3,158,185

 
$
12,898,203

 
$
7,939,812

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic Earnings per Common Share
$
2.67

 
$
1.52

 
$
6.26

 
$
3.80

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Basic
2,069,081

 
2,071,605

 
2,059,226

 
2,090,369

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted Earnings per Common Share
$
2.66

 
$
1.50

 
$
6.19

 
$
3.74

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Diluted
2,074,940

 
2,108,526

 
2,083,560

 
2,124,122

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Dividends Paid per Common Share
$
0.08

 
$
0.07

 
$
0.24

 
$
0.21


See notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

2



Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
For the Three and Nine September 30, 2013 and 2012
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Net income
$
5,543,523

 
$
3,238,915

 
$
12,953,991

 
$
8,043,755

Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

(Accretion) amortization related to prior year service cost
(380
)
 
2,349

 
(1,139
)
 
7,047

Amortization of unrecognized loss
1,573

 
171

 
4,720

 
511

Unrealized gains on investments arising during the period
1,115,120

 
2,142,925

 
1,864,591

 
3,677,740

Reclassification adjustment for sale of securities included in net income
(261,938
)
 
(99,790
)
 
(367,624
)
 
(434,358
)
Reclassification adjustment for write-down of securities included in net income

 

 
34,070

 
76,539

Other comprehensive income, before tax
854,375

 
2,045,655

 
1,534,618

 
3,327,479

Income tax expense related to postretirement health benefits
415

 
858

 
1,228

 
2,571

Income tax expense related to unrealized gains on investments arising during the year
385,115

 
737,122

 
645,438

 
1,273,653

Income tax benefit related to reclassification adjustment for sale of securities included in net income
(89,575
)
 
(34,576
)
 
(126,173
)
 
(155,912
)
Income tax expense related to reclassification adjustment for write-down of securities included in net income

 

 
13,134

 
26,265

Net income tax expense on other comprehensive income
295,955

 
703,404

 
533,627

 
1,146,577

Other comprehensive income
558,420

 
1,342,251

 
1,000,991

 
2,180,902

Comprehensive Income
$
6,101,943

 
$
4,581,166

 
$
13,954,982

 
$
10,224,657

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest
(27,725
)
 
(80,730
)
 
(55,788
)
 
(103,943
)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to the Company
$
6,074,218

 
$
4,500,436

 
$
13,899,194

 
$
10,120,714


See notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

3



Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012
(Unaudited)
 
Common Stock
 
Retained Earnings

 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

 
Total
Stockholders’
Equity

 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
Balance, January 1, 2012
2,107,681

 
$
1

 
$
99,003,018

 
$
7,509,165

 
$
106,512,184

Net income attributable to the Company
 

 
 

 
7,939,812

 
 

 
7,939,812

Dividends ($0.21 per share)
 

 
 

 
(438,431
)
 
 

 
(438,431
)
Shares of common stock repurchased and retired
(51,207
)
 
 

 
(2,804,412
)
 
 

 
(2,804,412
)
Stock options and stock appreciation rights exercised
6,130

 
 

 
152,792

 
 

 
152,792

Share-based compensation expense
 

 
 

 
55,857

 
 

 
55,857

Amortization related to postretirement health benefits
 

 
 

 
 

 
4,987

 
4,987

Net unrealized gain on investments
 

 
 

 
 

 
2,175,915

 
2,175,915

Balance, September 30, 2012
2,062,604

 
$
1

 
$
103,908,636

 
$
9,690,067

 
$
113,598,704

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, January 1, 2013
2,043,359

 
$
1

 
$
105,820,459

 
$
8,818,430

 
$
114,638,890

Net income attributable to the Company
 

 
 

 
12,898,203

 
 

 
12,898,203

Dividends ($0.24 per share)
 

 
 

 
(494,903
)
 
 

 
(494,903
)
Shares of common stock repurchased and retired
(26,436
)
 
 

 
(1,881,323
)
 
 

 
(1,881,323
)
Stock options and stock appreciation rights exercised
49,999

 
 

 
75,797

 
 

 
75,797

Share-based compensation expense
 

 
 

 
62,108

 
 

 
62,108

Amortization related to postretirement health benefits
 

 
 

 
 

 
2,353

 
2,353

Net unrealized gain on investments
 

 
 

 
 

 
998,638

 
998,638

Income tax benefit from share-based compensation
 

 
 

 
938,090

 
 

 
938,090

Balance, September 30, 2013
2,066,922

 
$
1

 
$
117,418,431

 
$
9,819,421

 
$
127,237,853


See notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

4



Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012
(Unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
12,953,991

 
$
8,043,755

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 

 
 

Depreciation
444,689

 
348,334

Amortization, net
378,947

 
320,666

Amortization related to postretirement benefits obligation
3,581

 
7,558

Share-based compensation expense related to stock options
62,108

 
55,857

Increase in allowance for doubtful accounts on premiums receivable
119,212

 
494,000

Net loss (gain) on disposals of property
778

 
(23,076
)
Net realized gain on investments
(333,554
)
 
(357,819
)
Net earnings from other investments
(1,050,854
)
 
(1,211,188
)
(Benefit) provision for claims
(2,429,289
)
 
4,424,523

Provision for deferred income taxes
3,833,000

 
1,076,000

Excess tax benefits related to exercise of stock options and SARs
938,090

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 

 
 

Decrease (increase) in receivables
1,159,753

 
(3,892,948
)
Increase in other assets
(2,771,634
)
 
(524,563
)
Increase in current income taxes recoverable
(1,708,257
)
 

Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
5,853,711

 
847,971

Decrease in current income taxes payable
(1,336,824
)
 
(356,938
)
Payments of claims, net of recoveries
(1,832,711
)
 
(3,414,523
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
14,284,737

 
5,837,609

 
 
 
 
Investing Activities
 

 
 

Purchases of available-for-sale securities
(14,833,885
)
 
(14,000,215
)
Purchases of short-term securities
(4,886,789
)
 
(5,434,469
)
Purchases of other investments
(1,330,327
)
 
(2,460,907
)
Investment in/purchase of subsidiary

 
(350,000
)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities
7,321,758

 
11,860,920

Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term securities
3,065,790

 
8,315,618

Proceeds from sales and distributions of other investments
1,761,362

 
1,379,198

Proceeds from sales of other assets
22,808

 
204,750

Purchases of property
(1,063,985
)
 
(373,045
)
Proceeds from disposals of property
17,335

 
51,093

Net cash used in investing activities
(9,925,933
)
 
(807,057
)
 
 
 
 
Financing Activities
 

 
 

Repurchases of common stock
(1,881,323
)
 
(2,804,412
)
Exercise of options
75,797

 
152,792

Dividends paid
(494,903
)
 
(438,431
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(2,300,429
)
 
(3,090,051
)
 
 
 
 
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
2,058,375

 
1,940,501

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
20,810,018

 
18,042,258

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
$
22,868,393

 
$
19,982,759


5




Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
Supplemental Disclosures:
 
 
 
Cash Paid During the Year for:
 
 
 
Income taxes, payments, net
$
4,243,300

 
$
2,523,000

Non Cash Investing and Financing Activities
 
 
 
Non cash net unrealized gain on investments, net of deferred tax provision of $(532,399) and $(1,144,006) for 2013 and 2012, respectively
$
(998,638
)
 
$
(2,175,915
)
Non cash intangible assets acquired from purchase of subsidiary
$

 
$
(1,481,900
)
Non cash contingent liability from purchase of subsidiary
$

 
$
691,250


See notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

6



INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2013
(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, 2012 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's redeemable noncontrolling interest in a majority-owned insurance agency are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The redeemable noncontrolling interest representing the portion of equity not related to the Company's ownership interest is recorded as redeemable equity in a separate section 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 September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013.

Reclassification Certain 2012 amounts in the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2013 classifications. These reclassifications had no effect on stockholders’ equity or net income as previously reported.

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.

The Company’s reserves for claims 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 incurred claims of policyholders which have been incurred but not reported (“IBNR”).  During the third quarter of 2013 certain actuarial inputs were changed  to provide a more refined IBNR reserve estimate. See Note 2 in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding this change in accounting estimate.

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 July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) updated guidance to eliminate diversity in practice relating to the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists. The main provision of the update requires that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to deferred tax assets for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward, except to the extent that a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date to settle any additional income taxes that would result from disallowance of a tax position, or the tax law does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, in which case the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a liability. For public entities, this update becomes effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted, and the Company elected to adopt this new guidance in the third quarter of 2013. This update did not have an impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.


7



In February 2013, the FASB updated guidance to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income.  The main provisions of this guidance require an entity to provide information about the amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component.  In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the footnotes, the amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income if the amount is reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period.  For other amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures providing additional detail about those amounts.  The amendments do not change the requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements.  The Company complied with this update, and it did not have an impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

In June 2011, the FASB updated requirements relating to the presentation of comprehensive income.  The objectives of this accounting update are to facilitate convergence of GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), to improve the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income.  The main provisions of the guidance require that all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements.  For public entities, this update became effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011.  The Company complied with this update, and it did not have an impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

In May 2011, the FASB updated requirements for measuring and disclosing fair value information, resulting in common principles and requirements in accordance with GAAP and IFRS.  For public entities, this guidance became effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  The Company complied with this update, and it did not have an impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

Note 2 - Reserves for Claims

Transactions in the reserves for claims for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012 are summarized as follows:
 
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
Balance, beginning of period
$
39,078,000

 
$
37,996,000

(Benefit) Provision, charged to operations
(2,429,289
)
 
6,072,115

Payments of claims, net of recoveries
(1,832,711
)
 
(4,990,115
)
Ending balance
$
34,816,000

 
$
39,078,000


The total reserve for all reported and unreported losses the Company incurred through September 30, 2013 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 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 policies issued through September 30, 2013.  The Company 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.

During the third quarter of 2013 certain actuarial inputs were changed  to provide a more refined IBNR reserve estimate. The Company considers these modifications in actuarial inputs to be a change in estimate. The Company believes that these changes in actuarial inputs were necessary in response to favorable reserve development and claims experience incurred in several recent reporting periods.  The approximate impact of this change in estimate for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 was a reduction of $2,400,000 to the reserves for claims in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and in the Consolidated Statements of Income a decrease of $2,400,000 to the provision for claims, an increase of $821,000 in the provision for income taxes and an increase of $1,579,000 in net income, or approximately $0.76 per share, compared with the amounts that would have been recorded under the Company’s prior estimate. This change in estimate, coupled with several recent policy years which continued to emerge favorably in comparison with prior expectations, contributed to a benefit in the claims provision this quarter. The change in estimate was primarily driven by the following:

Changing the specific weightings used in performing certain actuarial methods, including weighting between policy years and weighting of title industry loss data; 
Making an adjustment to recognize revenue rate change information and the Company’s improved underwriting efforts related to construction business; and
Increasing the ratios used to estimate projected payments of unallocated loss adjustment expenses to more accurately reflect expected payments.

8



A summary of the Company’s loss reserves, broken down into its components of known title claims and IBNR, follows:
 
September 30, 2013
 
%
 
December 31, 2012
 
%
Known title claims
$
4,474,405

 
12.9
 
$
5,166,370

 
13.2
IBNR
30,341,595

 
87.1
 
33,911,630

 
86.8
Total loss reserves
$
34,816,000

 
100.0
 
$
39,078,000

 
100.0

Claims and losses paid are charged to 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 service that the Company has not yet recognized; and (c) the amount of estimated tax benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital, if any, are assumed to be used to repurchase shares in the current period.  The incremental dilutive potential common shares, calculated using the treasury stock method, were 5,859 and 36,921 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and 24,334 and 33,753 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30:
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Net income attributable to the Company
$
5,515,798

 
$
3,158,185

 
$
12,898,203

 
$
7,939,812

Weighted average common shares outstanding – Basic
2,069,081

 
2,071,605

 
2,059,226

 
2,090,369

Incremental shares outstanding assuming the exercise of dilutive stock options and SARs (share-settled)
5,859

 
36,921

 
24,334

 
33,753

Weighted average common shares outstanding – Diluted
2,074,940

 
2,108,526

 
2,083,560

 
2,124,122

Basic earnings per common share
$
2.67

 
$
1.52

 
$
6.26

 
$
3.80

Diluted earnings per common share
$
2.66

 
$
1.50

 
$
6.19

 
$
3.74


There were no potential shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. There were no potential shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. There were 3,000 potential shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. These potential shares were anti-dilutive because the underlying share awards were out-of-the-money.
 
The Company has adopted employee stock award plans under which restricted stock, and options or stock 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 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.


9



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
Outstanding as of January 1, 2012
101,600

 
$
29.81

 
3.91
 
$
697,780

SARs granted
3,000

 
50.50

 
 
 
 

SARs exercised

 

 
 
 
 

Options exercised
(6,380
)
 
25.17

 
 
 
 

Options/SARs canceled/forfeited/expired
(70
)
 
31.00

 
 
 
 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2012
98,150

 
$
30.74

 
3.17
 
$
2,871,710

SARs granted
3,000

 
71.59

 
 
 
 

SARs exercised
(79,500
)
 
28.77

 
 
 
 

Options exercised
(2,650
)
 
28.63

 
 
 
 

Options/SARs canceled/forfeited/expired

 

 
 
 
 

Outstanding as of September 30, 2013
19,000

 
$
45.74

 
3.68
 
$
557,890

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercisable as of September 30, 2013
17,500

 
$
43.52

 
3.43
 
$
552,625

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unvested as of September 30, 2013
1,500

 
$
71.59

 
6.63
 
$
5,265


During the second quarters of both 2013 and 2012, the Company issued a total of 3,000 share-settled SARs to the directors of the Company.   SARs give the holder the right to receive stock equal to the appreciation in the value of shares of stock from the grant date for a specified period of time, and as a result, are accounted for as equity instruments.  The fair value of each award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with the weighted-average assumptions noted in the table shown below. Expected volatilities are based on both the implied and historical volatility of the Company's stock. The Company uses historical data to project SAR exercises and pre-exercise forfeitures within the valuation model. The expected term of awards represents the period of time that SARs granted are expected to be outstanding. The interest rate assumed for the expected life of the award is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant.  The weighted-average fair values for the SARs issued during 2013 and 2012 were $27.55 and $18.84, respectively, and were estimated using the weighted-average assumptions shown in the table below.
 
2013
 
2012
Expected Life in Years
5.0
 
5.0
Volatility
44.6%
 
44.6%
Interest Rate
1.3%
 
0.8%
Yield Rate
0.5%
 
0.6%

There was approximately $62,000 and $56,000 of compensation expense relating to SARs or options vesting on or before September 30, 2013 and 2012, included in salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  As of September 30, 2013, there was approximately $45,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Company’s stock award plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 5 months.

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.


10



Provided below is selected financial information about the Company's operations by segment for the periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
Title
Insurance
 
All
Other
 
Intersegment
Eliminations
 
Total
Insurance and other services revenues
$
31,343,108

 
$
1,396,309

 
$
(386,454
)
 
$
32,352,963

Investment income
919,819

 
93,854

 
(23,335
)
 
990,338

Net realized gain on investments
250,600

 
11,338

 

 
261,938

Total revenues
$
32,513,527

 
$
1,501,501

 
$
(409,789
)
 
$
33,605,239

Operating expenses
24,212,255

 
1,485,494

 
(369,033
)
 
25,328,716

Income before income taxes
$
8,301,272

 
$
16,007

 
$
(40,756
)
 
$
8,276,523

Total assets
$
151,795,001

 
$
37,362,629

 
$

 
$
189,157,630

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
Title
Insurance
 
All
Other
 
Intersegment
Eliminations
 
Total
Insurance and other services revenues
$
30,429,446

 
$
1,356,733

 
$
(571,134
)
 
$
31,215,045

Investment income
832,241

 
150,749

 
(20,417
)
 
962,573

Net realized gain on investments
85,560

 
14,230

 

 
99,790

Total revenues
$
31,347,247

 
$
1,521,712

 
$
(591,551
)
 
$
32,277,408

Operating expenses
27,086,970

 
1,026,236

 
(553,713
)
 
27,559,493

Income before income taxes
$
4,260,277

 
$
495,476

 
$
(37,838
)
 
$
4,717,915

Total assets
$
132,713,703

 
$
37,296,333

 
$

 
$
170,010,036

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Title
Insurance
 
All
Other
 
Intersegment
Eliminations
 
Total
Insurance and other services revenues
$
88,063,272

 
$
4,004,766

 
$
(1,090,550
)
 
$
90,977,488

Investment income
2,626,642

 
279,231

 
(70,003
)
 
2,835,870

Net realized gain (loss) on investments
341,674

 
(8,120
)
 

 
333,554

Total revenues
$
91,031,588

 
$
4,275,877

 
$
(1,160,553
)
 
$
94,146,912

Operating expenses
71,657,966

 
4,629,241

 
(1,038,286
)
 
75,248,921

Income (loss) before income taxes
$
19,373,622

 
$
(353,364
)
 
$
(122,267
)
 
$
18,897,991

Total assets
$
151,795,001

 
$
37,362,629

 
$

 
$
189,157,630

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
Title
Insurance
 
All
Other
 
Intersegment
Eliminations
 
Total
Insurance and other services revenues
$
74,967,470

 
$
3,635,577

 
$
(1,138,611
)
 
$
77,464,436

Investment income
2,566,875

 
444,129

 
(61,252
)
 
2,949,752

Net realized gain on investments
182,249

 
175,570

 

 
357,819

Total revenues
$
77,716,594

 
$
4,255,276

 
$
(1,199,863
)
 
$
80,772,007

Operating expenses
66,772,534

 
3,820,487

 
(1,103,769
)
 
69,489,252

Income before income taxes
$
10,944,060

 
$
434,789

 
$
(96,094
)
 
$
11,282,755

Total assets
$
132,713,703

 
$
37,296,333

 
$

 
$
170,010,036



11



Note 5 – Retirement Agreements and Other Postretirement Benefits

The Company’s subsidiary, Investors Title Insurance Company, is 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 totaling $6,597,000 and $6,303,000 as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 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 September 30, 2013 and 2012:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Service cost – benefits earned during the year
$
3,946

 
$
3,155

 
$
11,837

 
$
9,463

Interest cost on the projected benefit obligation
7,103

 
6,966

 
21,309

 
20,900

(Accretion) amortization of unrecognized prior service cost
(380
)
 
2,349

 
(1,139
)
 
7,047

Amortization of unrecognized losses
1,573

 
171

 
4,720

 
511

Net periodic benefits costs
$
12,242

 
$
12,641

 
$
36,727

 
$
37,921

 
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurement
 
Valuation of Financial Assets and Liabilities
 
The FASB has established a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to valuation used to measure fair value of financial assets and liabilities, such as securities.  This hierarchy categorizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows.  Level 1 inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.  Level 2 inputs to the valuation methodology 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.

Debt and Equity Securities

The Level 1 category includes equity securities that are measured at fair value using quoted active market prices and money market mutual funds valued at transacted amounts.

The Level 2 category includes fixed maturity investments such as corporate bonds, U.S. government and agency bonds and municipal bonds.  Fair value is principally based on market values obtained from a third party pricing service.  Factors that are used in determining 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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 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 were classified as Level 2 because the pricing service from which the Company has obtained fair values for these instruments uses valuation models which use observable market inputs in addition to traded 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’s investments in student loan auction rate securities (“ARS”) because quoted prices were unavailable due to the failure of auctions.  The Company’s ARS portfolio is comprised entirely of investment grade student loan ARS. The par value of these securities was $1,000,000 as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012,  with approximately 97.0% as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education.

12




Some of the inputs to ARS valuation are unobservable in the market and are significant—therefore, the Company utilizes another third party pricing service to assist in the determination of the fair market value of these securities.  That service uses a proprietary valuation model that considers 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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
 
2013
 
2012
Cumulative probability of earning maximum rate until maturity
—%
 
—%
Cumulative probability of principal returned prior to maturity
95.8%
 
96.1%
Cumulative probability of default at some future point
4.3%
 
3.9%

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 provides a range of values to the Company for its ARS.  The Company records the fair value based on the midpoint of the range and believes that this valuation is the most reasonable estimate of fair value.  In 2013 and 2012, the difference in the low and high values of the ranges was between approximately three and four percent of the carrying value of the Company’s ARS.

The following table presents, by level, the financial assets carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.  The table does not include cash on hand and also does not include assets which are measured at historical cost or any basis other than fair value.  Level 3 assets are comprised solely of ARS.
As of September 30, 2013
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Short-term Investments
$
15,388,647

 
$

 
$

 
$
15,388,647

Equity Securities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Common stock and nonredeemable preferred stock
33,460,972

 

 

 
33,460,972

Fixed Maturities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions*

 
67,185,978

 

 
67,185,978

Corporate debt securities*

 
17,986,320

 
928,200

 
18,914,520

Total
$
48,849,619

 
$
85,172,298

 
$
928,200

 
$
134,950,117

As of December 31, 2012
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Short-term Investments
$
13,567,648

 
$

 
$

 
$
13,567,648

Equity Securities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Common stock and nonredeemable preferred stock
28,510,933

 

 

 
28,510,933

Fixed Maturities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions*

 
62,701,858

 

 
62,701,858

Corporate debt securities*

 
18,302,920

 
932,200

 
19,235,120

Total
$
42,078,581

 
$
81,004,778

 
$
932,200

 
$
124,015,559


*Denotes fair market value obtained from pricing services.

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


13



To help ensure that fair value determinations are consistent with ASC 820 fair value measurements, 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 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 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 market value of the underlying entity.
 
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.
 
Contingent consideration
 
The fair value of contingent consideration was estimated based on the discounted value of future cash flows.  Contingent consideration consists of additional monies the Company may become obligated to pay based on the future performance of a business the Company acquired, as discussed in Note 10.
 
The carrying amounts and fair values of these financial instruments (please note investments are disclosed in a previous table) as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are presented in the following table:
As of September 30, 2013
Carrying Value
 
Estimated Fair
Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Financial Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash
$
22,868,393

 
$
22,868,393

 
$
22,868,393

 
$

 
$

Cost-basis investments
1,895,895

 
2,030,099

 

 

 
2,030,099

Accrued dividends and interest
1,041,472

 
1,041,472

 
1,041,472

 

 

Total Financial Assets
$
25,805,760

 
$
25,939,964

 
$
23,909,865

 
$

 
$
2,030,099

Financial Liabilities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Contingent consideration
$
341,250

 
$
341,250

 
$

 
$

 
$
341,250

Total Financial Liabilities
$
341,250

 
$
341,250

 
$

 
$

 
$
341,250


14



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2012
Carrying Value
 
Estimated Fair
Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Financial Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash
$
20,810,018

 
$
20,810,018

 
$
20,810,018

 
$

 
$

Cost-basis investments
1,871,315

 
1,952,323

 

 

 
1,952,323

Accrued dividends and interest
1,037,447

 
1,037,447

 
1,037,447

 

 

Total Financial Assets
$
23,718,780

 
$
23,799,788

 
$
21,847,465

 
$

 
$
1,952,323

Financial Liabilities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Contingent consideration
$
691,250

 
$
691,250

 
$

 
$

 
$
691,250

Total Financial Liabilities
$
691,250

 
$
691,250

 
$

 
$

 
$
691,250

 
The following table presents a reconciliation of the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are all ARS securities, for the period ended September 30, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012:
Changes in fair value during the period ended:
2013
 
2012
Beginning balance at January 1
$
932,200

 
$
4,552,400

Redemptions and sales

 
(3,900,000
)
Realized gain – included in net realized gain on investments

 
211,061

Unrealized (loss) gain - included in other comprehensive income
(4,000
)
 
68,739

Ending balance, net
$
928,200

 
$
932,200


The following table presents a reconciliation of the Company’s liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), consisting solely of contingent acquisition consideration, for the period ended September 30, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012:
Changes in fair value during the period ended:
2013
 
2012
Beginning balance at January 1
$
691,250

 
$

Addition of contingent consideration

 
691,250

Payment for contingent consideration
(350,000
)
 

Ending balance, net
$
341,250

 
$
691,250

 
Certain cost method investments are measured at estimated fair value on a non-recurring basis, such as investments that are impaired during the period and recorded at estimated fair value in the Consolidated Financial Statements as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

The following table summarizes the corresponding estimated fair value hierarchy of such investments at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and the related impairments recognized.
As of September 30, 2013
Valuation
Method
 
Impaired
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total at
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Impairment
Losses
Cost method investments
Fair Value
 
Yes
 
$

 
$

 
$
31,486

 
$
31,486

 
$
(34,070
)
Total cost method investments
 
 
 
 
$

 
$

 
$
31,486

 
$
31,486

 
$
(34,070
)
 

15



As of December 31, 2012
Valuation
Method
 
Impaired
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total at
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Impairment
Losses
Cost method investments
Fair Value
 
Yes
 
$

 
$

 
$
36,406

 
$
36,406

 
$
(6,504
)
Total cost method investments
 
 
 
 
$

 
$

 
$
36,406

 
$
36,406

 
$
(6,504
)

Note 7 – 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 September 30, 2013
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
$
37,441,654

 
$
2,159,279

 
$
168,826

 
$
39,432,107

Special revenue obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions
26,462,356

 
1,396,079

 
104,564

 
27,753,871

Corporate debt securities
17,254,805

 
812,949

 
81,434

 
17,986,320

Auction rate securities
919,053

 
9,147

 

 
928,200

Total
$
82,077,868

 
$
4,377,454

 
$
354,824

 
$
86,100,498

Equity securities, available-for-sale at fair value-
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Common stocks and nonredeemable preferred stocks
$
22,307,440

 
$
11,421,927

 
$
268,395

 
$
33,460,972

Total
$
22,307,440

 
$
11,421,927

 
$
268,395

 
$
33,460,972

Short-term investments-
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Certificates of deposit and other
$
15,388,647

 
$

 
$

 
15,388,647

Total
$
15,388,647

 
$

 
$

 
$
15,388,647

As of December 31, 2012
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
$
38,658,463

 
$
3,211,445

 
$

 
$
41,869,908

Special revenue obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions
18,933,299

 
1,909,106

 
10,455

 
20,831,950

Corporate debt securities
17,064,697

 
1,252,973

 
14,750

 
18,302,920

Auction rate securities
917,214

 
14,986

 

 
932,200

Total
$
75,573,673

 
$
6,388,510

 
$
25,205

 
$
81,936,978

Equity securities, available-for-sale at fair value-
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Common stocks and nonredeemable preferred stocks
$
21,229,114

 
$
7,373,056

 
$
91,237

 
$
28,510,933

Total
$
21,229,114

 
$
7,373,056

 
$
91,237

 
$
28,510,933

Short-term investments-
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Certificates of deposit and other
$
13,567,648

 
$

 
$

 
$
13,567,648

Total
$
13,567,648

 
$

 
$

 
$
13,567,648



16



The scheduled maturities of fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2013 were as follows:
 
Available-for-Sale
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Due in one year or less
$
9,485,479

 
$
9,662,557

Due after one year through five years
49,733,901

 
52,819,225

Due five years through ten years
15,008,510

 
15,418,411

Due after ten years
7,849,978

 
8,200,305

Total
$
82,077,868

 
$
86,100,498


Realized gains and losses on investments for the nine months ended September 30 are summarized as follows:
 
2013
 
2012
Gross realized gains:
 

 
 

General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions
$

 
$
250

Corporate debt securities

 
2,612

Common stocks and nonredeemable preferred stocks
365,922

 
199,977

Auction rate securities

 
118,336

Total
$
365,922

 
$
321,175

Gross realized losses:
 

 
 

Common stocks and nonredeemable preferred stocks
$
(21,106
)
 
$
(91,975
)
Other than temporary impairment of securities

 
(76,539
)
Total
$
(21,106
)
 
$
(168,514
)
Net realized gain from securities
$
344,816

 
$
152,661

Net realized gains (losses) on other investments:
 
 
 
Impairments of other investments
$
(34,070
)
 
$

Gain on other investments
25,308

 
205,158

Loss on other investments
(2,500
)
 

Total
$
(11,262
)
 
$
205,158

Net Realized Gain
$
333,554

 
$
357,819


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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
As of September 30, 2013
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions
$
959,189

 
$
(168,826
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
959,189

 
$
(168,826
)
Special revenue obligations of U.S. states territories and political subdivisions
2,818,460

 
(104,564
)
 

 

 
2,818,460

 
(104,564
)
Corporate
4,473,175

 
(81,434
)
 

 

 
4,473,175

 
(81,434
)
Total fixed income securities
$
8,250,824

 
$
(354,824
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
8,250,824

 
$
(354,824
)
Equity securities
$
1,751,137

 
$
(230,029
)
 
$
200,746

 
$
(38,366
)
 
$
1,951,883

 
$
(268,395
)
Total temporarily impaired securities
$
10,001,961

 
$
(584,853
)
 
$
200,746

 
$
(38,366
)
 
$
10,202,707

 
$
(623,219
)
 

17



 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
As of December 31, 2012
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions
$
1,236,906

 
$
(10,455
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
1,236,906

 
$
(10,455
)
Corporate debt securities
985,250

 
(14,750
)
 

 

 
985,250

 
(14,750
)
Total fixed income securities
$
2,222,156

 
$
(25,205
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
2,222,156

 
$
(25,205
)
Equity securities
$
2,551,215

 
$
(91,237
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
2,551,215

 
$
(91,237
)
Total temporarily impaired securities
$
4,773,371

 
$
(116,442
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
4,773,371

 
$
(116,442
)

As of September 30, 2013, the Company held $8,250,824 in fixed maturity securities with unrealized losses of $354,824.  As of December 31, 2012, the Company held $2,222,156 in fixed maturity securities with unrealized losses of $25,205.  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 September 30, 2013, the Company held $1,951,883 in equity securities with unrealized losses of $268,395.  As of December 31, 2012, the Company held $2,551,215 in equity securities with unrealized losses of $91,237.  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 19 and 7 securities had unrealized losses at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 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.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded other-than-temporary impairment charges in the amount of $0 and $76,539, respectively, for securities.  For the 2012 fiscal year, the Company recorded other-than-temporary impairment charges in the amount of $93,436 related to securities.  Other-than-temporary impairment charges are included in net realized gain on investments in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

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 Investors Title Insurance Company (“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.


18



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 purchase of replacement property. Another Company subsidiary, Investors Title Accommodation Corporation (“ITAC”), serves as exchange accommodation titleholder and, through limited liability companies (“LLCs”) 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 $60,431,000 and $55,580,000 as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 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.

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 September 30, 2013
 
As of December 31, 2012
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Other investments
$
5,416,000

 
$
4,892,000

Premiums and fees receivable
$
787,000

 
$
1,011,000

 
Financial Statement Classification,
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
Consolidated Statements of Income
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Net premiums written
$
3,328,000

 
$
4,266,000

 
$
10,686,000

 
$
11,473,000

Other income
$
381,000

 
$
655,000

 
$
1,450,000

 
$
1,628,000


During the second quarter of 2013, the Company repurchased 17,524 shares of Company common stock from officers of the Company at a price of $71.50 per share to cover withholding taxes payable by the officers upon the exercise of SARs.

Note 10 – Acquisition

In January 2012, a subsidiary of the Company, 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.  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 not less than 27 months from the closing.

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.  As of September 30, 2013, management’s calculation of the fair value of consideration to be transferred is materially unchanged from its acquisition date amount. During the second quarter of 2013, ITIC paid an additional $350,000 toward the purchase price. The resulting contingent payments of $341,250 and $691,250 are categorized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

The contingent payment arrangement requires that the purchase price for the 70% majority interest be paid over the next two years and 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 will the purchase price for the majority interest exceed $1,041,250.  The fair value of the contingent payment was derived using the Company’s best estimate (Level 3 inputs) of net income of approximately $859,000 during the 24-month period, discounted at a 15% rate, and limited to the contractual maximum. The amounts previously paid will be used to offset contingent payment amounts calculated for final consideration, and is eligible for refunding in part or in its entirety if greater than the final settlement amount.


19



In the event that ITIC purchases the remaining 30% interest, the purchase price of the redeemable noncontrolling interest will be 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 agreement stipulates a minimum purchase price of $1,000,000 for the entire agency should this option be exercised.

As certain provisions of the membership interest purchase and sale agreement place the acquisition of the remaining 30% by ITIC out of ITIC’s control, the noncontrolling interest in United is deemed redeemable.  The redeemable noncontrolling interest is 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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
 
Changes in fair value during the period ended:
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
Beginning balance at January 1
$
493,861

 
$

Redeemable noncontrolling interest resulting from subsidiary purchase

 
446,250

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest
55,788

 
88,411

Distributions to noncontrolling interest
(36,900
)
 
(40,800
)
Balance, net
$
512,749

 
$
493,861


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 acquisition, intangible assets included $645,685 relating to a non-compete contract resulting from the acquisition and $836,215 from referral relationships.  The non-compete contract is being amortized over a 10-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-year period using the straight-line method.  At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, accumulated amortization of intangible assets was $104,526 and $52,263, respectively.  Net intangible assets of $1,377,374 and $1,429,637 are categorized as prepaid expenses and other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.  In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles––Goodwill and Other, the Company completed interim impairment testing and determined that the intangible assets assigned to United were not impaired at September 30, 2013.

In the Consolidated Statements of Income, revenues and expenses include the operations of United since April 2, 2012, which is the acquisition date.  United was formed as a result of the Company’s acquisition, and had no net income prior to the acquisition date.

The Company has not provided historical or pro forma financial information related to the United acquisition because none of the purchase price paid, assets acquired or income of United were significant to the Company under the SEC’s Regulation S-X.


20



Note 11 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following tables illustrates changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, for the periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:

Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
Unrealized Gains and Losses
On Available-for-Sale
Securities
 
Postretirement
Benefits Plans
 
 
Total
Beginning balance at July 1
$
9,361,879

 
$
(100,878
)
 
$
9,261,001

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
730,005

 

 
730,005

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
(172,363
)
 
778

 
(171,585
)
Net current-period other comprehensive income
557,642

 
778

 
558,420

Ending balance
$
9,919,521

 
$
(100,100
)
 
$
9,819,421

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
Unrealized Gains and Losses
On Available-for-Sale
Securities
 
Postretirement
Benefits Plans
 
 
Total
Beginning balance at July 1
$
8,398,867

 
$
(51,051
)
 
$
8,347,816

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
1,405,803

 

 
1,405,803

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
(65,214
)
 
1,662

 
(63,552
)
Net current-period other comprehensive income
1,340,589

 
1,662

 
1,342,251

Ending balance
$
9,739,456

 
$
(49,389
)
 
$
9,690,067

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Unrealized Gains and Losses
On Available-for-Sale
Securities
 
Postretirement
Benefits Plans
 
 
Total
Beginning balance at January 1
$
8,920,883

 
$
(102,453
)
 
$
8,818,430

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
1,219,153

 

 
1,219,153

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
(220,515
)
 
2,353

 
(218,162
)
Net current-period other comprehensive income
998,638

 
2,353

 
1,000,991

Ending balance
$
9,919,521

 
$
(100,100
)
 
$
9,819,421

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
Unrealized Gains and Losses
On Available-for-Sale
Securities
 
Postretirement
Benefits Plans
 
 
Total
Beginning balance at January 1
$
7,563,541

 
$
(54,376
)
 
$
7,509,165

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
2,404,087

 

 
2,404,087

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
(228,172
)
 
4,987

 
(223,185
)
Net current-period other comprehensive income
2,175,915

 
4,987

 
2,180,902

Ending balance
$
9,739,456

 
$
(49,389
)
 
$
9,690,067



21



The following tables provides significant amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income for the periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
 
 
Details about Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income Components
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
$
261,938


 
Other-than-temporary impairments


 
Total
$
261,938


Net realized gain on investment
Tax
(89,575
)

Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax
$
172,363


 
Accretion (amortization) related to postretirement benefit plans:
 

 
 
Prior year service cost
$
380

 
 
Unrecognized loss
(1,573
)
 
 
Total
$
(1,193
)
 
(a)
Tax
415

 
Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax
$
(778
)
 
 
Reclassifications for the period
$
171,585

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
Details about Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income Components
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
$
99,790

 
 
Other-than-temporary impairments

 
 
Total
$
99,790

 
Net realized gain on investment
Tax
(34,576
)
 
Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax
$
65,214

 
 
Amortization related to postretirement benefit plans:
 

 
 
Prior year service cost
$
(2,349
)
 
 
Unrecognized loss
(171
)
 
 
Total
$
(2,520
)
 
(a)
Tax
858

 
Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax
$
(1,662
)
 
 
Reclassifications for the period
$
63,552

 
 

22



Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 

 
Details about Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income Components
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
$
367,624


 
Other-than-temporary impairments
(34,070
)

 
Total
$
333,554


Net realized gain on investment
Tax
(113,039
)

Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax
$
220,515


 
Accretion (amortization) related to postretirement benefit plans:
 


 
Prior year service cost
$
1,139


 
Unrecognized loss
(4,720
)

 
Total
$
(3,581
)

(a)
Tax
1,228


Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax
$
(2,353
)

 
Reclassifications for the period
$
218,162


 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
Details about Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income Components
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
$
434,358

 
 
Other-than-temporary impairments
(76,539
)
 
 
Total
$
357,819

 
Net realized gain on investment
Tax
(129,647
)
 
Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax
$
228,172

 
 
Amortization related to postretirement benefit plans:
 

 
 
Prior year service cost
$
(7,047
)
 
 
Unrecognized loss
(511
)
 
 
Total
$
(7,558
)
 
(a)
Tax
2,571

 
Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax
$
(4,987
)
 
 
Reclassifications for the period
$
223,185

 
 

(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 related to postretirement benefit plans is included in the computation of net periodic pension costs, as discussed in Note 5.

23



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

The Company's 2012 Annual Report on Form l0-K should be read in conjunction with the following discussion since it contains important information 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").  Revenues from the title segment accounted for 96.3% of the Company's insurance and other services revenues in the first nine months of 2013.  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 property owners to purchase title insurance 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 their 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 claim is made against real property, title insurance provides indemnification against insured defects.

The Company issues title insurance policies through issuing agencies and also directly through home and branch offices.  Issuing agents are typically real estate attorneys 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 premiums written.

Revenues for this segment 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 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.  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.

The cyclical nature of the residential and commercial real estate markets, and consequently, the land title industry, has historically caused fluctuations in revenues and profitability, and it is expected to continue to do so in the future.  Additionally, there are seasonal influences in real estate activity and accordingly in revenue levels for title insurers.

Services other than title insurance provided by operating divisions of the Company that are not required to be reported separately are reported 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"), Investors Capital Management Company ("ICMC") and Investors Title Management Services, Inc. ("ITMS").

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.


24



In conjunction with Investors Trust, ICMC 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 United States economy experienced one of the worst economic downturns in history. 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 slowly recovering from this downturn with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing and remaining near an all-time high, housing values rebounding and the unemployment rate lowering. However, in October 2013, the United States government experienced a 16-day partial shutdown. Included in the temporary closing of governmental agencies was the Federal Housing Administration ("FHA"), slowing the loan approval process for some low-to-moderate income and first-time home buyers. A temporary funding measure was approved that will fund the government through January 15, 2014 and lift the debt limit through February 7, 2014. Further government shutdowns could have an adverse impact on the economy and the housing market.

The Mortgage Bankers Association's ("MBA") September 23, 2013 Mortgage Finance Forecast (the “MBA Forecast”) projects 2013 mortgage originations to decrease 8.3% from 2012 levels to $1,605 billion, with purchasing activity increasing 22.5% to $616 billion and refinancing activity decreasing 20.7% to $989 billion. In 2012, refinancing activity accounted for 71.3% of all mortgage originations and is projected to represent 61.6% of mortgage originations in 2013.

According to data published by Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage interest rate in the United States was 3.88% and 3.75% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. According to the MBA Forecast, refinancing is expected to decline through the remainder of 2013 as interest rates climb to a projected 4.8% in the fourth quarter of 2013.

In September 2012, the Federal Reserve (the "Fed") announced Quantitative Easing, “QE 3,” in which it will purchase mortgage backed securities at a rate of $40 billion per month and longer-term Treasury securities at a rate of $45 billion per month. In June 2013, Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke indicated that the level of asset purchases in the months ahead may vary in response to changing economic conditions. However, after the September 2013 meeting, the Fed refrained from slowing the level of asset purchases noting concerns with higher interest rates, tighter financial conditions and uncertainty related to federal lawmakers' ability to pass a budget and raise the debt ceiling. There is no stated end date associated with this round of Quantitative Easing and the program will continue as deemed necessary by the Federal Reserve. The Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) of the Federal Reserve is also issuing disclosures on a periodic basis that include projections of the federal funds rate and expected actions. The FOMC has stated that they intend to keep the federal funds rate exceptionally low, between 0% and 0.25%, until targets of 6.5% for unemployment and 2.5% for inflation are reached.

The September 2013 Economic and Mortgage Finance Commentary (the “MBA Commentary,”) predicts that 2013 will experience relative growth compared to 2012 due to stronger home sales and increases in housing starts, as well as a continuation of recent trends of lower unemployment and real higher gross domestic product.

On January 10, 2013, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, (“CFPB”), which, among other responsibilities, enforces the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (“RESPA”), the primary federal regulatory guidance covering the real estate settlement industry, released final rules requiring a lender to assess each borrower's ability to meet the obligations of the prospective mortgage. Within this rule, there is also a provision that requires the lender to determine if the mortgage is a “Qualified Mortgage” and includes all fees paid to an affiliate of the lender in the points and fees calculation. The key features of a Qualified Mortgage are that it not have excessive upfront points and fees; does not have toxic loan features such as interest only, negative amortization or balloon payment provisions; and that there are limits on the borrower's debt-to-income ratio. The Company and its subsidiaries are not involved in mortgage lending; however, this rule could have an adverse impact on mortgage lending activity and potentially reduce premium volume. This new rule takes effect in January 2014.

The CFPB has also issued a memorandum to banks which has heightened their focus on vetting third party settlement providers, which could impact the Company's agents and approved providers. They may propose additional rules which could potentially impact the business of the Company. Further proposals to change regulations governing insurance holding companies and the title insurance industry are often introduced in Congress, in the state legislatures and before the various insurance regulatory agencies. The Company regularly monitors such proposals, but their likelihood and timing, and the impact they may have on the Company and its subsidiaries cannot be determined at this time.

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.

25





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 surrounding contingencies and commitments.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.  

During the third quarter of 2013 certain actuarial inputs were changed to provide a more refined IBNR reserve estimate. The Company considers these modifications in actuarial inputs to be a change in estimate. The Company believes that these changes in actuarial inputs were necessary in response to favorable reserve development and claims experience incurred in several recent reporting periods.  The approximate impact of this change in estimate for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 was a reduction of $2,400,000 to the reserves for claims in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and in the Consolidated Statements of Income a decrease of $2,400,000 to the provision for claims, an increase of $821,000 in the provision for income taxes and an increase of $1,579,000 in net income, or approximately $0.76 per share, compared with the amounts that would have been recorded under the Company’s prior estimate. This change in estimate, coupled with several recent policy years which continued to emerge favorably in comparison with prior expectations, contributed to a benefit in the claims provision this quarter. The change in estimate was primarily driven by the following:

Changing the specific weightings used in performing certain actuarial methods, including weighting between policy years and weighting of title industry loss data; 
Making an adjustment to recognize revenue rate change information and the Company’s improved underwriting efforts related to construction business; and
Increasing the ratios used to estimate projected payments of unallocated loss adjustment expenses to more accurately reflect expected payments.

Results of Operations

For the quarter ended September 30, 2013, net premiums written increased 4.9% to $30,431,560, other income decreased 12.5% to $1,921,403, total revenues increased 4.1% to $33,605,239 and net income attributable to the Company increased approximately 74.7% to $5,515,798, all compared with the same quarter in 2012.  Net income per basic common share increased from $1.52 for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 to $2.67 in the same quarter of 2013.  Net income per diluted common share increased from $1.50 for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 to $2.66 for the same quarter of 2013.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, net premiums written increased 17.9% to $84,787,318, other income increased 11.8% to $6,190,170, total revenues increased 16.6% to $94,146,912 and net income attributable to the Company increased approximately 62.4% to $12,898,203, all compared with the same period in 2012.  Net income per basic common share increased from $3.80 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $6.26 compared with the same period in 2013.  Net income per diluted common share increased from $3.74 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $6.19 compared with the same period in 2013.

Contributing to the increase in net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was an increase in premiums written due to higher levels of purchase transactions and increases in home values and decreases in operating expenses related to lower claims expenses.

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 Revenues” below.

Title Orders:  Title orders issued increased 4.6% in the first nine months of 2013 to 184,448 compared with 176,301 title orders in the same period in 2012.  The increase in title orders from 2012 is primarily attributable to higher levels of purchase transactions. Title orders did not increase proportionally with premiums due to a higher proportion of purchase transactions. Purchase transactions typically have higher premium rates than refinance transactions.

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 and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:

26



 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2013
 
%
 
2012
 
%
 
2013
 
%
 
2012
 
%
Home and Branch
 
$
6,630,345

 
21.8
 
$
6,559,658

 
22.6
 
$
19,746,738

 
23.3
 
$
17,546,488

 
24.4
Agency
 
23,801,215

 
78.2
 
22,458,465

 
77.4
 
65,040,580

 
76.7
 
54,380,625

 
75.6
Total
 
$
30,431,560

 
100.0
 
$
29,018,123

 
100.0
 
$
84,787,318

 
100.0
 
$
71,927,113

 
100.0

Home and Branch Office Net Premiums:  In the Company's home and branch operations, the Company issues the 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 increased 1.1% and 12.5% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared with the prior year periods.  The increase in 2013 net premiums for home and branch operations primarily reflects increases in purchase transactions and increases in average home values.  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 policies.

Agency Net Premiums:  When a policy is written through a title agency, agents retain the majority of the title premium collected, with the balance remitted to the title underwriter for bearing the risk of loss in the event that a claim is made under the title insurance policy.  Agency net premiums written increased 6.0% and 19.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared with the prior year periods. The increase in 2013 net agency premiums reflects increases in purchase transactions and increases in average home values in many parts of the nation.

Following is a schedule of net premiums written for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 in select states in which the Company's two insurance subsidiaries ITIC and NITIC currently write insurance:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
State
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
North Carolina
 
$
8,419,776

 
$
8,653,839

 
$
25,545,497

 
$
23,044,493

Texas
 
9,154,882

 
7,370,731

 
20,453,991

 
16,196,627

South Carolina
 
2,874,305

 
2,519,351

 
7,549,859

 
6,221,784

Michigan
 
1,224,679

 
1,600,299

 
4,272,132

 
3,756,166

Virginia
 
1,377,122

 
1,484,316

 
4,109,837

 
4,036,494

All Others
 
7,419,595

 
7,455,504

 
22,988,008

 
18,837,624

   Premiums
 
30,470,359

 
29,084,040

 
84,919,324

 
72,093,188

Reinsurance Assumed
 

 

 
3,470

 
15,659

Reinsurance Ceded
 
(38,799
)
 
(65,917
)
 
(135,476
)
 
(181,734
)
Net Premiums Written
 
$
30,431,560

 
$
29,018,123

 
$
84,787,318

 
$
71,927,113


Other Revenues

Other revenues primarily include other fee income, trust income, management services income, exchange services income, and income related to the Company’s equity method investments.  Other revenues were $1,921,403 and $6,190,170 for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared with $2,196,922 and $5,537,323 in the prior year periods.   The decrease for the three months ended September 30, 2013, primarily related to decreases in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates and exchange revenues partially offset by increases in other fee income and income from trust and investment management services. The increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was primarily related to increases in other fee income and income from trust and investment management services partially offset by decreases in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates.

Investment Related Revenues

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

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.

In formulating its investment strategy, the Company has emphasized after-tax income.  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-term stability of capital accounts.

27




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 $990,338 and $2,835,870 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared with $962,573 and $2,949,752 for the same period in 2012.  The decrease in investment income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was due primarily to lower levels of interest earned on fixed maturities and short-term funds, partially offset by an increase in dividends associated with an increase in the portfolio of equity securities.  See Note 7 in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for the major categories of investments, scheduled maturities, amortized cost, fair values of investment securities and earnings by security category.

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' business prospects and tax planning considerations. Additionally, the amounts of net realized investment gains and losses are affected by assessments of securities' valuation for other-than-temporary impairment.  As a result of the interaction of these factors and considerations, net realized investment gains or losses can vary significantly from period to period.

Net realized gain on investments was $261,938 and $333,554 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared with $99,790 and $357,819 for the same period in 2012.  The 2013 year-to-date gain includes impairment charges of $34,070 on certain investments that were deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, offset by net realized gains on the sales of investments and other assets of $367,624.  The 2012 year-to-date gain includes impairment charges of $76,539 on certain investments that were deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, offset by net realized gains on the sales of investments and other assets of $434,358. Management believes unrealized losses on remaining fixed income and equity securities at September 30, 2013 are temporary in nature.

The securities in the Company's 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 are 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's assessment of an issuer'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, provision for claims and office occupancy and operations.  Operating expenses decreased 8.1% and increased 8.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2012. For the three months ended September 30, 2013, expenses decreased primarily due to a decrease in the provision for claims, partially offset by increases in commissions to agents and salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes. For nine months ended September 30, 2013, expenses increased primarily due to increases in commissions to agents and salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes, partially offset by a decline in the provision for claims.

Following is a summary of the Company's operating expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.  Inter-segment eliminations have been netted; therefore, the individual segment amounts will not agree to Note 4 in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

28



 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2013
 
%
 
2012
 
%
 
2013
 
%
 
2012
 
%
Title Insurance
 
$
23,856,076

 
94.2
 
$
26,546,058

 
96.3
 
$
70,658,484

 
93.9
 
$
65,707,068

 
94.6
All Other
 
1,472,640

 
5.8
 
1,013,435

 
3.7
 
4,590,437

 
6.1
 
3,782,184

 
5.4
Total
 
$
25,328,716

 
100.0
 
$
27,559,493

 
100.0
 
$
75,248,921

 
100.0
 
$
69,489,252

 
100.0

On a combined basis, after-tax profit margins were 16.4% and 13.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and 9.8% and 9.8% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.

Commissions:  Agent commissions represent the portion of premiums retained by agents pursuant to the terms of their respective agency contracts.  Commissions to agents increased 7.7% and 21.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared with the prior year period.  This increase was primarily due to increased real estate activity.  Commission expense as a percentage of net premiums written by agents was 76.2% and 75.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared with 75.0% and 74.8% for the same period in 2012.  Commission rates may vary due to geographic locations, different levels of premium rate structures and state regulations.

(Benefit) Provision for Claims:  The (benefit) provision for claims as a percentage of net premiums written was (10.0)% and (2.9)% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared with 8.4% and 6.2% for the same periods in 2012. The benefit in the current year relates to a reduction in the reserves for claims of approximately $2,400,000 reflecting a change in certain actuarial assumptions that stems from improved claims experience in recent post-recession policy years. A more detailed discussion related to this adjustment can be found in Note 2 in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and in the Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies section of this Management's Discussion and Analysis.

The decrease in the loss provision rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 from the 2012 level resulted in approximately $7,645,000 less in reserves than would have been recorded at the higher 2012 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 $1,832,711 and $3,414,523 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Reserves for Claims:  At September 30, 2013, the total reserve for claims was $34,816,000.  Of that total, approximately $4,474,000 was reserved for specific claims, and approximately $30,342,000 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 do 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'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 $7,133,497 and $19,533,970 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 versus $5,598,722 and $16,080,639 in the prior year periods.  The increases for the three and nine month periods in 2013 compared with the same period in 2012 were primarily due to higher staffing levels to support ongoing software development, and increased benefits and incentive compensation.  On a consolidated basis, salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes as a percentage of total revenues were 21.2% and 20.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, as compared with 17.3% and 19.9% for the prior year periods.

Office Occupancy and Operations:  Office occupancy and operations expense as a percentage of total revenues were 3.5% and 3.5% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared with 3.0% and 3.7% for the same prior year periods.  The dollar increase for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared with 2012 primarily relates to increases in depreciation, maintenance and insurance expense.


29



Business Development: Business development expenses, which include marketing and travel-related expenses, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, were $606,549 and $1,487,635, respectively, compared with $472,436 and $1,254,691 for the same periods ended in 2012.  Business development expenses increased 28.4% and 18.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared to the prior year periods primarily due to increases 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.  The year-to-date decrease in 2013 from 2012 primarily relates to a decrease in licensing fees.

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 tax rates vary from state to state; accordingly, the total premium 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% and 1.8% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared with 1.5% and 1.8% for the same periods in 2012.

Professional and Contract Labor Fees:  Professional and contract labor fees were $404,206 and $1,514,749 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared with $523,956 and $1,620,911 for the same periods in 2012.  The decreases for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are the result of replacing contract labor resources with salaried personnel.

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 with transaction volume of the title segment and the trust division.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes was $2,733,000 and $5,944,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared with $1,479,000 and $3,239,000 for the same periods in 2012.  Income tax expense as a percentage of earnings before income taxes was 33.0% and 31.5% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared with 31.3% and 28.7% for the same periods in 2012.  The increase in the effective rate for 2013 from 2012 was primarily due to a higher proportion of taxable to tax-exempt income.  The effective income tax rate for both 2013 and 2012 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.

The Company believes it is more likely than not that the tax benefits associated with recognized impairment and unrecognized losses recorded through September 30, 2013 will be realized. However, this judgment could be impacted by further market fluctuations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net cash flows provided by operating activities were $14,284,737 and $5,837,609 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Cash flows from operating activities increased from 2012 to 2013, primarily due to an increase in net income, an increase in the deferred tax provision, accelerated collection of receivables, the timing of payable disbursements and lower claims payments, partially offset by a benefit in the provision for claims and increases in other assets and taxes receivable.  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 2013, the Company had lower levels of investment sales and maturities and a decrease in the repurchase of shares of common stock compared with the same period in 2012.

The net effect of all activities on total cash and cash equivalents were increases of $2,058,375 in 2013 and $1,940,501 in 2012.  As of September 30, 2013, the Company held cash and cash equivalents of $22,868,393, short-term investments of $15,388,647, fixed maturity securities of $86,100,498 and equity securities of $33,460,972.


30



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 common stock.

In addition to operational liquidity, the Company maintains a high degree of liquidity within its investment portfolio in the form of short-term investments and other readily marketable securities.

The Company’s investment portfolio is considered as available-for-sale.  The Company reviews the status of each of its securities quarterly to determine whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred.

As noted previously, 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.

Receipt of Dividends from Subsidiaries:  The Company believes that all anticipated cash requirements for current operations will be met from internally generated funds, through cash dividends and distributions from subsidiaries and cash generated by investment securities.  The Company’s significant sources of funds are dividends and distributions from its subsidiaries.  The holding company receives cash 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 holding company and its subsidiaries.

The Company's ability to pay dividends and operating expenses is dependent on funds received from the insurance subsidiaries, which are subject to regulation in the states in which they do business.  Each state regulates the extent to which title underwriters can pay dividends or make distributions.  These regulations require prior regulatory approval of the payment of dividends and other intercompany transfers.  The Company believes, however, 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, 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.  Such requirements could be the result of adverse financial results, changes in statutory accounting requirements by regulators, reserve charges or investment losses.

Purchase of Company Stock:  On November 12, 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the purchase of an additional 260,246 shares, such that there was authority remaining under the Company’s ongoing purchase plan program 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 purchased 26,436 shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 51,207 for the same period in 2012 at an average per share price of $71.17 and $54.77, 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 alternative uses for such cash.

Capital Expenditures:  During 2013, the Company has plans for various capital improvement projects, including increased investment in a number of software technology and system development initiatives and hardware purchases that 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.


31



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 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 are held at third-party financial institutions.  Like-kind exchange deposits and reverse exchange property totaled approximately $60,431,000 and $55,580,000 as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  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 and administration by 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, nor is it the policy of the Company to 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, payments due under various agreements with third party service providers and unaccrued obligations pursuant to certain executive employment agreements.

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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 the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 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" 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 the mortgage interest rate and 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:

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;
compliance with government regulation, including pricing regulation, and significant changes to applicable regulations or in their application by regulators;
the possible inadequacy of provisions for claims to cover actual claim losses;
the incidence of fraud-related losses;
heightened regulatory scrutiny and investigations of the title insurance industry;
unanticipated adverse changes in securities markets, including interest rates, could result in material losses on the Company's investments;
the Company's dependence on key management personnel, the loss of whom could have a material adverse affect on the Company's business;
the Company’s ability to develop and offer products and services that meet changing industry standards in a timely and cost-effective manner;
statutory requirements applicable to the Company’s insurance subsidiaries which require them to maintain minimum levels of capital, surplus and reserves and restrict the amount of dividends that they may pay to the Company without prior regulatory approval;
a downgrade from a rating agency could result in a loss of underwriting business;
significant competition that the Company’s operating subsidiaries face;
the Company’s business is concentrated geographically in North Carolina, which comprise approximately 30.1% of our net premiums written; 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, 2012.  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 on any significant scale to hedge these risks.

No material changes in the Company’s market risk or market strategy occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2013.

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 September 30, 2013 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 September 30, 2013, there were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting 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 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this Report, which is incorporated by reference into this Part II, Item 1, as well as Item 3. Legal Proceedings, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Item 1a.    Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

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 September 30, 2013 of equity securities that are registered by the Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act:
 
 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
Beginning of period
 
 
 
 
 
 
461,045

July 2013

 
$

 

 
461,045

August 2013
6,976

 
$
72.13

 
6,976

 
454,069

September 2013

 
$

 

 
454,069

Total:
6,976

 
$
72.13

 
6,976

 
454,069



For the quarter ended September 30, 2013, the Company purchased an aggregate of 6,976 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the Company’s ongoing purchase program that was originally announced publicly on June 5, 2000.  On November 12, 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the purchase of an additional 260,246 shares pursuant to the 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.  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
 
 
32
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
101.INS*
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
101.CAL*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
101.LAB*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
101.PRE*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
101.DEF*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
*  
In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL-related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

36



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:  November 7, 2013


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