UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

for the fiscal year ended December 31, ~~2014~~2015

[ ] 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 or other jurisdiction of	(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)	Identification No.)

121 North Columbia Street

Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514

(919) 968-2200

(Address and telephone number of principal executive office)



Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act:	Name of each exchange on which registered:
Common Stock, no par value	The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Rights to Purchase Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock	The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [ ] No [X]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes [ ] No [X]

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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]

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 [ ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company [ ]

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

The aggregate market value of the ~~common~~ shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2015 was ~~$103,384,436~~$106,404,827 based on the closing ~~sales~~ price on the NASDAQ Stock Market ~~LLC on the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter (June 30, 2014).~~LLC.

As of February ~~13, 2015,~~15, 2016, there were ~~2,013,345~~1,936,646 common shares of the registrant outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of Investors Title Company’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May ~~20, 2015~~18, 2016 are incorporated by reference in Part III hereof.

SAFE HARBOR FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as information included in future filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and information contained in written material, press releases and oral statements issued by or on behalf of the Company, contains, or may contain, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, that reflect management’s current outlook for future periods. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as “plan,” “expect,” “aim,” “believe,” “project,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “should,” “could,” “would” 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~~rates and the overall economic environment set forth in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Business Trends and Recent Conditions” constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. For a description of factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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;

the possible inadequacy of provisions for claims to cover actual claim losses;

the incidence of fraud-related losses;

unanticipated adverse changes in securities markets, including interest rates, could result in material losses onto the Company’s investments;

significant competition that the Company’s operating subsidiaries face, including the Company’s ability to develop and offer products and services that meet changing industry standards in a timely and cost-effective manner and expansion into new geographic locations;

the ~~Company relies~~Company’s reliance upon the ~~Texas~~North Carolina and ~~North Carolina~~Texas markets for a significant portion of its premiums, comprising approximately ~~36.5%~~32.8% and ~~28.4%~~22.4% of premiums written, respectively;

the ~~Company receives~~Company’s receipt of a significant percentage of its net premiums written from a single title ~~agent;~~agent, which was recently acquired by another title insurer;

compliance with government regulation, including pricing regulation, and significant changes to applicable regulations or in their application by regulators;

the impact of governmental oversight of compliance by service ~~provider’s compliance with Federal Consumer Financial Laws,~~providers, including insurance title insurance ~~agents;~~agents, with federal consumer financial laws;

possible downgrades from a rating agency, which could result in a loss of underwriting business;

the inability of the Company to manage, develop and implement technological advancements and prevent system interruptions or unauthorized system intrusions;

statutory requirements applicable to the Company’s insurance subsidiaries that require them to maintain minimum levels of capital, surplus and reserves and that restrict the amount of dividends ~~that~~ they may pay to the Company without prior regulatory approval;

the desirability to maintain capital above statutory minimum requirements for competitive, marketing and other reasons;

heightened regulatory scrutiny and investigations of the title insurance industry;

the Company’s dependence on key management and marketing personnel, the loss of whom could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business;

reform of government-sponsored entities that could adversely impact the Company;

policies and procedures for the mitigation of risks that may be insufficient to prevent losses;

the shareholder rights plan could discourage transactions involving actual or potential changes of control; and

other risks detailed elsewhere in this document and in the Company’s other filings with the SEC.

These and other risks and uncertainties may be described from time to time in the Company’s other reports and filings with the SEC. 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.

INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS



PART I			4
ITEM 1.	BUSINESS	4
	EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY	9
ITEM 1A.	RISK FACTORS	9
ITEM 1B.	UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS	1314
ITEM 2.	PROPERTIES	1314
ITEM 3.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	14
ITEM 4.	MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES	14

PART II			15
ITEM 5.	MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES	15
ITEM 6.	SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA	17
ITEM 7.	MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	18
ITEM 7A.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	3133
ITEM 8.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA	3335
ITEM 9.	CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE	6972
ITEM 9A.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	6972
ITEM 9B.	OTHER INFORMATION	6972

PART III			70
ITEM 10.	DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE	7073
ITEM 11.	EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION	7073
ITEM 12.	SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS	7073
ITEM 13.	CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE	7073
ITEM 14.	PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES	7073

PART IV			71
ITEM 15.	EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES	7174

SIGNATURES		7275
INDEX TO EXHIBITS		8184

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

GENERAL

Investors Title Company (the “Company”) is a holding company that operates through its subsidiaries and was incorporated in the state of North Carolina in 1973. The Company became operational in 1976, when it acquired Investors Title Insurance Company (“ITIC”), which had itself been operating since 1972, as a wholly owned subsidiary under a plan of exchange of shares of common stock. In 1983, the Company acquired National Investors Title Insurance Company (“NITIC”), formerly Northeast Investors Title Insurance Company, which had itself been operating since 1973, as a wholly owned subsidiary under a plan of exchange of shares of common stock. The Company’s executive offices are located at 121 North Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514 and its telephone number is (919) 968-2200. The Company maintains a website at www.invtitle.com.

OVERVIEW OF THE BUSINESS

The Company’s primary business activity, and its only reportable operating segment, is the issuance of residential and commercial title insurance through ITIC and NITIC. Additionally, the Company provides tax-deferred real property exchange services through its subsidiaries, Investors Title Exchange Corporation (“ITEC”) and Investors Title Accommodation Corporation (“ITAC”); investment management and trust services to individuals, trusts and other entities through its subsidiary Investors Trust Company (“Investors Trust”); and management services to title insurance agencies through its subsidiary, Investors Title Management Services (“ITMS”). See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information related to the revenues, income and assets attributable to the Company’s primary operating segment.

Title Insurance

Through its two wholly owned title underwriting subsidiaries, ITIC and NITIC, the Company underwrites title insurance for owners and mortgagees as a primary insurer. ITIC and NITIC offer primary title insurance coverage to owners and mortgagees of real estate and assume reinsurance of title insurance risks from other title insurance companies. The commitments and policies are predominantly issued using standard forms approved by the American Land Title Association (“ALTA”).

Title insurance protects against losses resulting from title defects affecting real property. Upon a real estate closing, the seller of real property executes a deed to the new owner, and typically, the property is encumbered with a new mortgage. 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 or mortgage that may give a third party a legal claim against such ~~property.~~property or result in the invalidity or unenforceability of the insured mortgage. If a claim is made against the title to real property, title insurance provides indemnification against covered defects.

Numerous types of defects could jeopardize the property owner’s or mortgagee’s interest in the property for which a title policy may provide coverage. Such risks include title being vested in an individual or entity other than the insured, lack of a right of access to the property, invalidity or unenforceability of the insured mortgage, or other defects, liens, or encumbrances that make the property unmarketable. The policy may provide coverage for defects arising from prior unsatisfied mortgages, tax liens or confirmed assessments, judgments attaching to the property or encumbrances against the property arising through easements, restrictions or other existing covenants. Title insurance may also protect against deeds or mortgages that were forged or improperly acknowledged or delivered, that were executed by spouses without the other spouse’s signature or that were conveyed by minors or ~~incompetents.~~other persons who lack legal capacity.

Title Insurance Policies. The Company issues title insurance policies based on a search of public records. The title search documents the current status of title to the property. There are two basic types of title insurance policies - one for the mortgage lender and one for the real property owner. A lender often requires property owners to purchase title insurance to protect the priority of its mortgage loan, but the lender’s title insurance policy does not protect the property owner. The property owner has to purchase a separate owner’s title insurance policy to protect its investment.

Insured Risk on Policies in Force. Generally, the amount of the insured risk under a title insurance policy is equal to the purchase price, the loan amount or the fair market value of the insured property. If a claim is made against an insured property’s title, the insurer can choose to pay the cost of eliminating the covered title defects or to defend the insured party against covered title defects affecting the property. In the alternative, the insurer may opt to pay the policy limits to the insured or, if the loss is less than policy limits, the amount of the insured’s actual loss due to ~~the~~such title defects, at which time the insurer’s duty to defend the claim and all other obligations of the insurer with respect to the claim are satisfied.

At any given time, the insurer’s actual risk of monetary loss under outstanding policies is only a portion of the aggregate insured risk, or total face amount, of all policies in force. The lower risk results primarily from the reissuance of title insurance policies for the same property by other underwriters over time when ~~the~~such property is subsequently conveyed or refinanced. The coverage on a lender’s title insurance policy is reduced and eventually terminated as the mortgage loan it secures is paid. An owner’s policy is effective as long as the insured has an ownership interest in the property or has liability under warranties of title. Due to the variability of these factors, the aggregate contingent liability of a title underwriter on outstanding policies of the Company and its subsidiaries cannot be determined with precision.

Losses and Reserves. While most other forms of insurance provide for the assumption of risk of loss arising from unforeseen events, title insurance is based upon a process of loss avoidance. Title insurance generally serves to protect the policyholder from the risk of loss from events that predate the issuance of the policy. Losses on policies typically occur when a title defect is not discovered during the examination and settlement process or upon the occurrence of certain hidden risks which cannot be determined from an accurate search of public land records. The maximum amount of liability under a title insurance policy is generally the face amount of the policy plus the cost of defending the insured’s title against an adverse claim, if agreed to by the insurer prior to payment of loss under the policy, and any inflation protection clause associated with the policy. Reserves for claim losses are established from known claims, as well as estimated losses incurred but not yet reported to the Company based upon historical experience and other factors.

Title claims can often be complex, vary greatly in dollar amounts, are affected by economic and market conditions and may involve uncertainties as to ultimate exposure. Therefore, reserve estimates are subject to variability. For a more complete description of the Company’s reserves for claims, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Title Insurance Underwriting Operations. ITIC and NITIC issue title insurance through its home and branch ~~operations~~offices and ~~affiliated~~through a network of agents. Issuing agents are typically real estate attorneys, independent agents or ~~independent title insurance agents.~~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 Company’s title insurance subsidiaries determine the terms and conditions upon which they will insure title to real property according to the Company’s underwriting standards, policies and procedures. Title insurance premiums written reflect a one-time premium payment, with no recurring premiums.

Generally, premiums for title insurance are recorded and recognized as revenue at the closing of the related transaction, when the earnings process is considered complete. When the policy is issued directly through a branch office, the premiums collected are retained by the Company. When the policy is issued through a title insurance agent, the agent retains a majority of the premium as a ~~commission.~~commission and remits the net amount to the Company. Title insurance commissions earned by the Company’s agents are recognized as expenses concurrently with premium recognition. The percentage of the premium retained by agents varies ~~from region to~~by region and is sometimes regulated by the states where the property is located.

For a description of the level of net premiums written by direct and agency operations, refer to “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Geographic Operations. ITIC was incorporated in North Carolina in 1972, and is licensed to write title insurance in 44 states and the District of Columbia. ITIC currently writes title insurance as a primary insurer in 21 states and the District of Columbia, primarily in the eastern half of the United States, and as a reinsurer for NITIC and third party title insurance companies.

NITIC was incorporated in South Carolina in 1973, and is licensed to write title insurance in 20 states and the District of Columbia. In November 2014, NITIC redomesticated to the ~~State of~~ Texas. It currently writes title insurance as a primary insurer in ~~the States of~~ Texas and New York, and as a reinsurer for ITIC.

Premiums from title insurance written on properties located in North Carolina and Texas represent the largest source of revenue for the title insurance segment. In North Carolina, ITIC primarily issues title insurance commitments and policies through branch offices. In Texas and other states, title policies are primarily issued through issuing agents. For a description of the level of net premiums written geographically for significant states, refer to “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Each state license authorizing ITIC or NITIC to write title insurance must be renewed annually. These licenses are necessary for the companies to operate as a title insurer in each state in which they write premiums.

Ratings. The Company’s title insurance subsidiaries are regularly assigned ratings by independent agencies designed to indicate their financial condition and/or their claims paying ability. The rating agencies determine ratings primarily by analyzing financial data.

Reinsurance. The Company assumes and cedes reinsurance with other insurance companies in the normal course of business. Reinsurance is a contractual arrangement whereby one insurer assumes some or all of the risk exposure written by another insurer. Ceded reinsurance is comprised of excess of loss treaties, which outlines the conditions in which the reinsurance company will pay claims and protect the ceding insurer against losses over certain agreed amounts.

In the ordinary course of business, ITIC and NITIC reinsure certain risks with other title insurers to limit their risk exposure and to comply with state insurance regulations. They also assume reinsurance for certain risks of other title insurers for which they receive additional income in the form of reinsurance premiums. For each of the last three years, revenues from reinsurance activities accounted for less than 1% of total premium volume.

Exchange Services, Investment Management and Trust Services, and Management Services

The Company’s other lines of business include services offered by wholly owned subsidiaries ITEC, ITAC, Investors Trust, and ITMS.

In 1988, the Company established ITEC to provide services in connection with tax-deferred exchanges of like-kind property pursuant to Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. ITEC acts as ana qualified intermediary in tax-deferred exchanges of property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investments, and its income is derived from fees for handling exchange transactions and interest earned on client deposits held by the Company. ITAC provides services as an exchange accommodation titleholder for accomplishing reverse exchanges when taxpayers decide to acquire replacement property before selling the relinquished property. The services provided by the Company’s exchange division, ITEC and ITAC, are pursuant to provisions in the Internal Revenue Code. From time to time, these laws are subject to review and changes, which may negatively affect the demand for tax-deferred exchanges in general, and consequently the revenues and profitability of the Company’s exchange division.

Investors Trust provides investment management and trust services to individuals, companies, banks and trusts.

ITMS offers various consulting and management services to provide clients with the technical expertise to start and successfully operate a title insurance agency.

None of these subsidiaries is currently a reportable segment for which separate financial information is presented; instead, they are collectively included and reported in the category “All Other” in the Company’s financial statements.

CYCLICALITY AND SEASONALITY

Real estate activity, home sales and mortgage lending are cyclical in nature. Title insurance premiums are closely related to the level of real estate activity and the average price of real estate sales. The availability of funds to finance purchases directly affects real estate sales. Other factors include mortgage interest rates, consumer confidence, economic conditions, supply and demand and family income levels. The Company’s premiums in future periods are likely to fluctuate due to these and other factors which are beyond management’s control.

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

MARKETING

The Company markets its title insurance services to a broad range of customers in the residential and commercial market sectors of the real estate industry. Issuing agents are typically real estate attorneys, independent agents or subsidiaries of community and regional mortgage lending institutions, depending on local customs and regulations and the Company’s marketing strategy in a particular territory.

ITIC and NITIC strive to provide superior service to their customers and consider this an important factor in attracting and retaining customers. Branch and corporate personnel strive to develop new business and agency relationships to increase market share while ITIC’s Commercial Services Division focuses on services provided to commercial clients.

REGULATION

Title Insurance

The Company is an insurance holding company and therefore it is subject to regulation in the states in which its insurance subsidiaries do business. These regulations, among others, require insurance holding companies to register and file certain reports, and require prior regulatory approval of the payment of extraordinary dividends and other intercompany distributions or transfers.

Title insurance companies are extensively regulated under applicable state laws. All states have requirements for admission to do business as an insurance company, including minimum levels of capital, surplus and reserves. State regulatory authorities monitor the stability and service of insurance companies and possess broad powers with respect to the licensing of title insurers and agents, approving rate schedules and policy forms, financial reporting and accounting practices, reserve requirements, investments and dividend restrictions, approving related party transactions, as well as examining and auditing title insurers. At December 31, ~~2014,~~2015, both ITIC and NITIC met the statutory premium reserve requirements and the minimum capital and surplus requirements of the states ~~in which~~where they are licensed. A substantial portion of the assets of the Company’s title insurance subsidiaries consists of their portfolios of investment securities. Both of these subsidiaries are required by various state laws to maintain assets of a defined minimum quality and amount.

The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to examination at any time by the insurance regulators in the states where they are ~~licensed.~~licensed as well as required examinations every five years. These and other governmental authorities have the power to enforce state and federal laws to which the title insurance subsidiaries are subject. These governmental authorities include, but are not limited to, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), which enforces the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (“RESPA”), the primary federal regulatory guidance covering the real estate settlement industry. The CFPB has the authority to identify and address, through regulation, unfair, deceptive and abusive practices in the mortgage industry and certain other settlement service industries.

On November 20, 2013, the CFPB released a final rule to integrate mortgage disclosures under the RESPA and the Truth in Lending Act (“TILA”). The final rule ~~goes~~went into effect ~~in August~~on October 3, 2015. Under this rule, the early disclosure forms required by TILA and the good faith estimate required by RESPA have been combined into one form, titled the Loan Estimate. The final disclosure required by TILA and the HUD-1 settlement statement required by RESPA have been combined into one form, titled the Closing Disclosure. The Company is actively ~~preparing~~prepared for ~~the impact that~~any anticipated effect this rule ~~will~~would have on both its direct and agency operations, ~~in terms of~~with respect to its processes and procedures, systems and compliance costs. The measures adopted by the Company to comply with the final rule did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.

The CFPB, Office of the Comptroller of Currency and the Federal Reserve have issued memorandums to banks ~~which have~~that communicated those agencies’ heightened ~~their~~ focus on vetting third party ~~providers and~~providers. Such increased regulatory involvement may affect the Company's agents and approved providers. Further proposals to change regulations governing insurance holding companies and the title insurance industry are often introduced in Congress, in state legislatures and before various insurance regulatory agencies. ~~The~~Although the Company regularly monitors such proposals, ~~but~~ the likelihood and timing of passage of any such regulation, and the possible effects of any such regulation on the Company and its subsidiaries, cannot be determined at this time.

Any material change in the Company’s regulatory environment may have an adverse effect on its business.

Exchange Services, Investment Management and Trust Services, and Management Services

Investors Trust is regulated by the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks.

COMPETITION

The title insurance industry is highly competitive. The four largest title insurance companies typically maintain greater than eighty-five percent of the market for title insurance in the United States, with smaller ~~“regional”~~regional companies holding the balance of the market. The number and size of competing companies varies in the respective geographic areas in which the Company conducts business. Key competitive factors in the title insurance industry are the financial strength and size of the insurer, timeliness and quality of service, price and expertise in certain transactions. Title insurance underwriters also compete for agents based upon service and commission levels. Some title insurers currently have greater financial resources, larger distribution networks and more extensive computerized databases of property records and related information than the Company. In addition, there are numerous industry-related regulations and statutes that set out conditions and requirements to conduct business. Changes to or the removal of such regulations and statutes could result in additional competition from alternative title insurance products or new entrants into the industry that could materially affect the Company’s business operations and financial condition.

CUSTOMER, LENDER AND AGENT CONCENTRATION

The Company is not dependent upon any single title insurance customer or a few customers, and the loss of any single customer would not have a material adverse effect on the Company.

~~According to data published by~~Based on information from the Mortgage Daily ~~on March 10, 2014,~~Second Quarter 2015 Mortgage Origination Survey, there are ~~five~~ten lending institutions in the United States that account for ~~over 40%~~approximately 49% of all mortgage originations in the country. These lending institutions benefit from title insurance policies that are purchased by borrowers on the lending institutions’ behalf as a condition to the making of a loan. Refusal by major market lenders to accept our product offerings could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

In 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ and ~~2012,~~2013, the Company had one agent that accounted for ~~23.6%~~10.3%, ~~16.4%,~~23.6% and ~~14.0%~~16.4% of net premiums written, respectively.

INVESTMENT POLICIES

The Company and its subsidiaries derive a substantial portion of their income from investments in municipal government securities and investment grade corporate bonds and equity securities. The Company’s debt and equity securities are classified as available for sale and carried at fair market value. The Company’s investment policy is designed to maintain a high quality portfolio and maximize income. Some state laws impose restrictions upon the types and amounts of investments that can be made by the Company’s insurance subsidiaries. The Company’s investment portfolio is managed internally and via an affiliated entity. The securities in the Company’s portfolio are subject to economic conditions and normal market risks. Equity securities at December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013~~2014 consisted of investments in various industry groups. There were not any significant investments in banks, trust or insurance companies at December 31, ~~2014~~2015 or ~~2013.~~2014. Short-term investments, which consist primarily of money market instruments and certificates of deposit which have an original maturity of one year or less, are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to the short duration to maturity. In addition, at December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013,~~2014, the Company held investments that are accounted for using the equity method (see Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.)

See Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the major categories of investments, scheduled maturities, fair values of investment securities and earnings by category.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

The title insurance policies ITIC and NITIC currently issue exclude any liability for environmental risks and contamination unless a notice of violation relating to an environmental protection law, ordinance or regulation is recorded prior to the date of such policy or the Company issues a specific policy endorsement providing coverage for environmental liens recorded prior to the date of such policy. The Company has not experienced and does not anticipate that it or its subsidiaries will incur any significant expenses related to environmental claims.

In connection with tax-deferred exchanges of like-kind property, ~~ITEC and~~ ITAC may temporarily hold title to property pursuant to an accommodation titleholder agreement. In order for ~~ITEC and~~ ITAC to enter into such arrangements, each person or entity for which title is being held must first (i) execute an indemnification agreement under which it agrees to indemnify ~~ITEC or~~ ITAC for any environmental or other claims which may arise as a result of the arrangement, and (ii) provide due diligence materials regarding any known environmental issues, in the form of an environmental questionnaire and/or applicable environmental engineering studies, if indicated for review by ~~ITEC or~~ ITAC, as applicable.

EMPLOYEES

The Company and its subsidiaries had ~~242~~237 full-time employees and 2128 part-time employees as of December 31, ~~2014.~~2015. None of the employees are covered by any collective bargaining agreements. Management considers its relationship with its employees to be favorable.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Company’s internet address is www.invtitle.com. The contents of the Company’s website are not and shall not be deemed a part of this document or any other Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filing. The Company makes available free of charge through its internet website its annual reports on Form 10-K, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, its current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC, and also makes available the Section 16 reports on Forms 3, 4 and 5 of its insiders no later than the end of the business day following such filings. The information is free of charge and may be reviewed and downloaded from the website at any time. The public may read any material it has filed with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The “Investor Relations” section of the Company’s website also includes its code of business conduct and ethics and the charters of the Audit, Compensation and Nominating Committees of its Board of Directors.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

Following is information regarding the executive officers of the Company as of February 26, ~~2015.~~2016. Each officer is appointed at the annual meeting of the Board of Directors to serve until the next annual meeting of the Board or until his or her respective successor has been elected and qualified.



Name	Age	Position with Registrant
J. Allen Fine	8081	Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
James A. Fine, Jr.	5253	President, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Director
W. Morris Fine	4849	Executive Vice President, Secretary and Director

J. Allen Fine has been Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the Company since its incorporation in 1973. He also served as President of the Company until May 1997. He is the father of James A. Fine, Jr. and W. Morris Fine.

James A. Fine, Jr. was named Vice President of the Company in 1987. In 1997, he was named President and Treasurer and appointed as a Director of the Company. In 2002, he was appointed as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer. He is the son of J. Allen Fine and the brother of W. Morris Fine.

W. Morris Fine was named Vice President of the Company in 1992. In 1993, he was named Treasurer of the Company and served in that capacity until 1997. In 1997, he was named Executive Vice President and Secretary of the Company. In 1999, he was appointed as a Director of the Company. He is the son of J. Allen Fine and the brother of James A. Fine, Jr.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The risk factors listed in this section and other factors noted herein could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements or could result in a significant or material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.

Adverse changes in real estate activity may negatively impact the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

The demand for the Company’s title insurance and other real estate transaction products and services varies from year to year and is dependent upon, among other factors, the volume of residential and commercial real estate transactions and mortgage financing transactions. The volume of these transactions has historically been influenced by factors such as the state of the overall economy, the average price level of real estate sales and the availability and pricing of mortgage financing. During periods of economic uncertainty, or when the availability of mortgage credit is limited or when mortgage interest rates are increasing, real estate activity typically declines. The cyclical nature of the Company’s business has caused volatility in revenue and profitability in the past and could do so in the future.

Demand for title insurance also depends in part upon the requirement by mortgage lenders and other participants in the secondary mortgage market that title insurance policies be obtained on residential and commercial real property.

The Company may experience material losses resulting from fraud, defalcation or misconduct.

Fraud, defalcation and other misconduct by the Company’s agents, approved attorneys and employees are risks inherent in the Company’s business. Agents and approved attorneys typically handle large sums of money in trusts pursuant to the closing of real estate transactions. Misappropriation of funds by any of these parties could result in title claims, some of which could have a material negative impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

~~The~~In recent years, the Company ~~receives~~received a significant portion of its premiums from one agent. This agent was recently acquired by another title insurer. Significant declines in the agent’s business ~~or real estate activity in the agent’s market~~ would have a negative impact on premiums written.

The Company ~~had~~has one agent that accounted for ~~23.6%~~10.3%, ~~16.4%~~23.6% and ~~14.0%~~16.4% of net premiums written for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, ~~and 2012,~~ respectively. ~~A significant decline in premiums received from this agent would have~~On July 1, 2015, a ~~material negative impact on~~competing title insurer acquired the ~~Company’s financial results. Such declines could result from declines in real estate activity in~~assets of the ~~agent’s market, or from the agent using other title insurers.~~agency. The agent is under no legal commitment to remit a minimum amount of premiums to the Company, and could cease doing so at any time. A continued significant decline in business originated by this agent for the Company, whether due to that business being diverted to its new title insurer owner or otherwise, could have a material negative impact on the Company’s premiums written.

The Company relies upon the ~~Texas~~North Carolina and ~~North Carolina~~Texas markets for a significant portion of its premiums. Changes in the economic or regulatory environments in ~~Texas~~North Carolina or ~~North Carolina~~Texas could have an adverse impact on the Company.

~~Texas~~North Carolina and ~~North Carolina~~Texas are the largest sources of premium revenue for the Company’s title insurance subsidiaries. In ~~2014, Texas and~~2015, North Carolina and Texas represented ~~36.5%~~32.8% and ~~28.4%~~22.4% of total premiums written by the Company, respectively. A decrease in the level of real estate activity in either ~~Texas~~North Carolina and/or ~~North Carolina,~~Texas, whether driven by ~~depressed~~weak economic conditions, changes in regulatory environments or other factors that influence demand, could have a negative impact on the Company’s financial results.

Adverse deviation from expected claims experience will result in lower net earnings.

The Company’s net income is affected by the extent to which its actual claims experience differs from the assumptions used in establishing reserves for claims. Reserves for claims are established based on actuarial estimates of future payments for reported claims, as well as claims which have been incurred but not yet reported. In addition, management considers factors such as the Company’s historical claims experience, case reserve estimates on reported claims, large claims and other relevant factors in determining loss provision rates and the aggregate recorded expected liability for claims.

Due to the nature of the underlying risks and the high degree of uncertainty associated with the estimation of reserves for claims, the Company cannot determine precisely the amounts which it will ultimately pay to settle its claims. Factors contributing to the complexity in establishing reserves can include varying loss potentials, timing, unfavorable market or economic conditions and the legal environment. The timing of claims is difficult to estimate as payments may not occur until well into the future. Higher levels of defaults and foreclosures upon insured properties are more prevalent in times of unfavorable economic conditions and can lead to an increase in title insurance claims. The Company may also incur higher than normal claim payment experience or large losses. To the extent that actual claims experience is greater than estimated, the Company could be required to increase reserves.

The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to complex government regulations. Changes in regulations may have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.

The Company’s title insurance subsidiaries are subject to extensive regulations that are intended to protect policyholders and consumers.

The Company’s title insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulations by the CFPB, created by the Dodd-Frank Act. The CFPB has extensive regulatory and enforcement authority over real estate and mortgage markets, including RESPA, the primary federal regulatory guidance covering the real estate settlement industry. The manner and extent to which the CFPB will implement new regulations is not fully known; however, any new regulations implemented could result in changes to internal processes through changes to systems and forms. Additionally, the CFPB has issued extensive regulations for the integration of mortgage disclosures which became effective on October 3, 2015. These new regulations impacted the way in which mortgage market participants create, process and deliver disclosures to consumers; however, implementation did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In addition to federal regulation, title insurance subsidiaries are subject to state regulations. The nature and extent of state regulations, which vary from state to state, typically involve, among other matters, licensing and renewal requirements and trade and marketing practices, including, but not limited to the following:



•	licensing of insurers and agents;
•	capital and surplus requirements;
•	approval, regulation or establishment of premium rates for insurance;
•	limitations on types and amounts of investments;
•	limitations on the size of risks that may be insured by a single company;
•	filing of annual and other reports with respect to financial condition;
•	the amount of dividends and other payments made by insurance subsidiaries;
•	establishing reserves;
•	accounting and financing practices;
•	deposits of securities for the benefit of policyholders;
•	trade and marketing practices;
•	regulation of reinsurance;
•	approval of policy forms; and
•	use of personal information.

Insurance holding companies are subject to periodic examinations and the regulation of acquisitions, intercompany transactions and changes in control, among others, by state regulators.

The Company and its subsidiaries are also subject to certain federal regulations established by the Office of the Comptroller of Currency, the Federal Reserve and various other governmental agencies.

The Company’s other businesses also operate within state and federal guidelines. Any changes in the regulatory environment could restrict its existing or future operations and could possibly make it more burdensome and costly to conduct them.

New regulations, or differing interpretations of existing laws, could change business processes, products and services and have a negative impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

Competition affects the Company’s results of operations.

The title insurance industry is highly competitive. Key competitive factors are quality of service, price within regulatory parameters, expertise, timeliness and the financial strength and size of the insurer. Title insurance underwriters compete for premiums by choosing various distribution channels which may include company-owned operations, independent agents and agency relationships with real estate attorneys, subsidiaries of community and regional lending institutions, realtors, builders and other settlement service providers. Title insurance underwriters compete for agents on the basis of service, technology and commission levels. Some title insurers currently have greater financial resources, larger distribution networks and more extensive computerized databases of property records and information than the Company. The number and size of competing companies varies in the different geographic areas in which the Company operates, and any reductions to current regulatory barriers within any of the different geographic areas could increase the number of competitors entering into the title insurance market. Competition among the major providers of title insurance or the acceptance of alternative products to traditional title products by the regulatory authorities and the marketplace could adversely affect the Company’s operations and financial condition.

Deterioration in financial markets may cause a decline in the performance of the Company’s investments and could have a material adverse impact on net income.

The Company derives a substantial portion of its income from its investment portfolio. The Company’s investment policy is designed to comply with regulatory requirements and to balance the competing objectives of asset quality and investment returns. The Company’s investment portfolio is subject to risk from changes in general economic conditions, interest rates, credit markets, and other external factors. The risk of loss is increased during periods of economic uncertainty and tight credit markets as these factors could limit the ability of some issuers to repay their debt obligations. If the carrying value of the Company’s investments exceeds the fair value, and the decline in fair value is deemed to be other-than-temporary, the Company will be required to write down the value of its investments, which could have a material negative impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

~~Competition affects the Company’s results of operations~~.

The title insurance industry is highly competitive. Key competitive factors are quality of service, price within regulatory parameters, expertise, timeliness and the financial strength and size of the insurer. Title insurance underwriters compete for premiums by choosing various distribution channels which may include company-owned operations, independent agents and issuing agency relationships with real estate attorneys, subsidiaries of community and regional lending institutions, realtors, builders and other settlement service providers. Title insurance underwriters compete for agents on the basis of service, technology and commission levels. Some title insurers currently have greater financial resources, larger distribution networks and more extensive computerized databases of property records and information than the Company. The number and size of competing companies varies in the different geographic areas in which the Company operates, and any reductions to current regulatory barriers within any of the different geographic areas could increase the number of competitors entering into the title insurance market. Competition among the major providers of title insurance or the acceptance of alternative products to traditional title products by the regulatory authorities and the marketplace could adversely affect the Company’s operations and financial condition.

~~The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to complex government regulations. Changes in regulations may have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.~~

~~The Company’s title insurance subsidiaries are subject to extensive regulations that are intended to protect policyholders and consumers.~~

The nature and extent of state regulations, which vary from state to state, typically involve, among other matters, licensing and renewal requirements and trade and marketing practices, including, but not limited to the following:



•	~~licensing of insurers and agents;~~
•	~~capital and surplus requirements;~~
•	~~approval of premium rates for insurance;~~
•	~~limitations on types and amounts of investments;~~
•	~~limitations on the size of risks that may be insured by a single company;~~
•	~~filing of annual and other reports with respect to financial condition;~~
•	~~the amount of dividends and other payments made by insurance subsidiaries;~~
•	~~establishing reserves;~~
•	~~accounting and financing practices;~~
•	~~deposits of securities for the benefit of policyholders;~~
•	~~trade and marketing practices;~~
•	~~regulation of reinsurance;~~
•	~~approval of policy forms; and~~
•	~~use of personal information.~~

~~Insurance holding companies are subject to periodic examinations and the regulation of acquisitions, intercompany transactions and changes in control, among others, by state regulators.~~

The Company and its subsidiaries are also subject to certain federal regulations established by the CFPB, the Office of the Comptroller of Currency, the Federal Reserve and various other governmental agencies. Title insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulations by the CFPB, created by the Dodd-Frank Act. The CFPB has extensive regulatory and enforcement authority over the RESPA, the primary federal regulatory guidance covering the real estate settlement industry. Additionally, the CFPB has issued extensive regulations for the integration of mortgage disclosure which require implementation by August 15, 2015. Extensive efforts by market participants, including the Company, are required to implement these regulations. New regulations, or differing interpretations of existing laws, could have a negative impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

~~Title insurance rate regulation could have an adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations.~~

Rates for title insurance vary by state and are subject to extensive regulation. The process of implementing a rate change in most states involves pre-approval by the applicable state insurance regulator. This regulation could impact the Company’s ability to adjust prices in the face of rapidly changing market conditions, which could adversely affect results of operations.

A downgrade from a rating agency could result in a loss of underwriting business.

The competitive positions of title insurance companies rely partly on ratings published by independent rating services. Government sponsored entities and lending institutions utilize these ratings, among other items, to evaluate a title insurer’s strength and stability. The Company’s title insurance subsidiaries are currently rated by A.M. Best Company, Kroll Bond Agency and Demotech, Inc. The ratings issued by independent rating agencies are not credit ratings, but represent the opinion of the individual rating agency in regards to the title insurance subsidiaries’ financial strength, operating performance, and ability to meet ~~policy holder~~policyholder obligations. These insurer ratings are subject to periodic review and there can be no assurance that the Company’s insurance subsidiaries will maintain their current respective ratings. A significant downgrade in the ratings of either of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries could negatively impact the ability to compete for new business, retain existing business and maintain the necessary licenses to operate as title insurance companies in various states.

Title insurance rate regulation could have an adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations.

Rates for title insurance vary by state and are subject to extensive regulation. Statutes generally provide that rates must not be excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory. The process of implementing a rate change in most states involves pre-approval by the applicable state insurance regulator. This regulation could impact the Company’s ability to adjust prices in the face of rapidly changing market conditions, which could adversely affect results of operations.

Financial institution failures could adversely affect the Company.

The Company has substantial deposits with financial institutions, including fiduciary deposits that are owned by third ~~parties, with financial institutions.~~parties. There is no guarantee the Company, whether through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or otherwise, would recover the funds it has deposited should one or more of the financial institutions at which the Company maintains deposits fail.

The Company may encounter difficulties managing system or technological changes, which could adversely affect its financial and operating results.

Technological changes in the title insurance industry are driven primarily by evolution in technology, competitive factors, and regulatory changes. These changes have resulted in faster information delivery and efficient, highly automated production processes. The inability of the Company to manage, develop or successfully implement new systems or technological changes could negatively impact profitability.

Unauthorized access to the Company’s systems, or other system interruptions, and unauthorized data disclosures may harm the Company’s reputation, disrupt the Company’s operations, or result in monetary losses.

The Company utilizes electronic systems to deliver products and services. These electronic systems are used to, among other things, receive, process, store, and transmit data. Non-public information may include, among other things, names, addresses, social security numbers, and banking information. In addition, the Company utilizes electronic systems to receive and transfer money. While the Company takes normal precautions to minimize the risk of unauthorized access to and disclosure of non-public information, this risk cannot be entirely eliminated. Events beyond control of the Company, including unauthorized system intrusions, fraud, telecommunication failures or natural disasters could disrupt operations both internally and externally, increase the possibility of unauthorized release of proprietary and/or non-public information and increase the possibility of defalcation of corporate or client funds. Additionally, certain laws and contracts to which the Company or its subsidiaries are subject to require notification to various parties, consumers and customers in the event that confidential or personal information may have been or was accessed by unauthorized third parties. Such notifications could result in, among other things, the loss of customers, negative publicity, distraction of management, fines, regulatory inquiries or involvement and a decline in sales. To counter these risks, the Company invests significant resources in maintaining the security of our network and adapting to evolving security threats. In addition, the Company further mitigates the financial risk associated with unauthorized disclosure of non-public information by maintaining cyber liability insurance coverage.

The Company relies on distributions from its insurance subsidiaries.

The Company is an insurance holding company and it has no substantial operations of its own. Its principal assets are investments in its operating subsidiaries, primarily its insurance subsidiaries. The Company’s ability to pay dividends and meet its obligations is dependent, among other factors, on the ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends or repay intercompany loans. The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulations that limit the amount of dividends, loans or advances they ~~can~~may make to the Company. The restriction on these amounts is based on the amount of the insurance subsidiaries’ unassigned surplus and net income, with certain adjustments. Additionally, these subsidiaries are required to maintain minimum amounts of capital, surplus and reserves. As of December 31, ~~2014,~~2015, approximately ~~$90,384,000~~$89,489,000 of consolidated stockholders’ equity ~~represents~~represented the net assets of the Company’s subsidiaries that cannot be transferred in the form of dividends, loans or advances to the Company. In general, dividends in excess of prescribed limits are deemed “extraordinary” and require prior approval by the appropriate regulatory body. These dividend restrictions could limit the Company’s ability to pay dividends to its shareholders or fund growth opportunities.

Regulatory investigations of the title insurance industry by governmental entities could adversely impact the Company’s results of operations.

The title insurance industry is subject to increased scrutiny by both federal and state regulators focusing on violations of state insurance codes, RESPA and similar state and federal laws, among others. The Company’s insurance subsidiaries routinely receive inquiries from regulators involving market conduct. Future inquiries could lead to fines for violations, settlements with regulating authorities that could result in fines or requirements to pay claims and the potential for further regulation, all of which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

The Company depends on its ability to attract and retain key personnel and agents, and its inability to do so could adversely affect its business.

Competition for skilled and experienced personnel in the Company’s industry is high, and the success of the Company is substantially dependent on its ability to attract and retain such personnel. The Company may have difficulty hiring and retaining the necessary marketing and management personnel to support future growth plans. Also, the Company’s results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected if it is unsuccessful in attracting and retaining new agents.

Policies and procedures for the mitigation of risk may not be sufficient.

The Company has policies and procedures in place to help identify, analyze, and measure the risks associated with the issuance of title insurance policies, investment risks, interest rate risks and legal risks, among others. Because a significant degree of judgment is involved with the establishment of policies and processes as well as the measurement of risks, it is possible not all risks have been identified or anticipated. Misidentified or unanticipated risks could adversely impact the Company and its results of operations.

The Company may encounter difficulties managing growth, which could adversely affect its results.

The Company’s future growth plans involve expansion into new geographic locations and further penetration in established markets. Expansion into new markets may subject the Company to associated risks, such as the diversion of management’s attention and other risks related to establishing operations in new territories.

The Company could be adversely affected by the possible reform of government-sponsored enterprises.

The federal government is currently in discussions regarding reform of ~~The~~the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”). Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac often require the purchase of title insurance for home loans they securitize. Changes to these entities could impact the entire mortgage loan process and as a result, could impact the demand for title insurance. The timing and results of reform are currently unknown; however, changes to these entities could adversely impact the Company and its results of operations.

The Company utilizes electronic systems to deliver products and services, and to conduct major aspects of its business. The Company uses electronic systems to receive, process, store, and transmit data, including non-public consumer and financial information. Non-public information may include, among other things, names, addresses, social security numbers, and banking information. In addition, the Company utilizes electronic systems to receive and transfer money. Events beyond control of the Company, including unauthorized system intrusions, fraud, user input errors, telecommunication failures or natural disasters could disrupt operations both internally and externally, release proprietary and/or non-public information, cause significant loss of corporate funds, or damage corporate assets. To counter these risks, the Company invests significant resources in maintaining the security of our network and adapting to evolving security threats. In addition, the Company further mitigates risks by maintaining cyber-liability insurance coverage.

~~The Company may encounter difficulties managing growth, which could adversely affect its results.~~

Certain provisions of the Company’s shareholder rights plan may deter or discourage a takeover of the Company.

The Company has adopted a shareholders rights plan. The rights set forth in the plan are not intended to prevent a takeover of the Company, and we believe the rights would be beneficial to the Company and its shareholders in the event of negotiations with a potential acquirer. However, the shareholder rights plan could discourage transactions involving actual or potential changes of control, including transactions that may involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices to the Company’s common shareholders.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The Company owns two adjacent office buildings and property located on the corner of North Columbia and West Rosemary streets in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, which serve as the Company’s corporate headquarters. The main building contains approximately 23,000 square feet and has on-site parking facilities. The Company’s subsidiaries, principally ITIC and NITIC, lease office space in 3233 locations throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Nebraska. The Company believes that each of the office facilities occupied by the Company and its subsidiaries are in good condition, adequately insured and sufficient for its present operations.

ITEM 3. 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.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Common Stock Data and Dividends

The Common Stock of the Company is traded under the symbol “ITIC” on the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC. The number of record holders of common stock at December 31, ~~2014~~2015 was ~~315.~~309. The number of record holders is based upon the actual number of holders registered on the books of the Company at such date and does not include holders of shares in “street name” or persons, partnerships, associations, corporations or other entities identified in security position listings maintained by securities depositories. The following table shows, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices of the Company’s Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Market, and cash dividends declared.

2014 2013
High Low High Low
First Quarter $ 82.22
$ 73.18
$ 72.96
$ 60.10
Second Quarter $ 76.24
$ 62.53
$ 75.02
$ 66.00
Third Quarter $ 82.08
$ 66.61
$ 77.62
$ 67.97
Fourth Quarter $ 80.00
$ 64.41
$ 83.55
$ 73.31

~~The Company paid cash dividends of $0.08 each quarter in 2014 and 2013, respectively.~~



	2015						2014
	High		Low		Dividend Paid		High		Low		Dividend Paid
First Quarter	$	81.75	$	66.55	$	0.08	$	82.22	$	73.18	$	0.08
Second Quarter	$	77.75	$	69.51	$	0.08	$	76.24	$	62.53	$	0.08
Third Quarter	$	72.50	$	67.25	$	0.08	$	82.08	$	66.61	$	0.08
Fourth Quarter	$	102.41	$	71.00	$	0.16	$	80.00	$	64.41	$	0.08

The Company’s current dividend policy anticipates the payment of quarterly dividends in the future. The declaration and payment of dividends will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will be dependent upon the Company’s future earnings, financial condition and capital requirements. The Company’s ability to pay dividends is also subject to certain regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends by its insurance subsidiaries as described in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section of “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

The following table provides information about purchases by the Company (and all affiliated purchasers) during the quarter ended December 31, ~~2014~~2015 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	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan	Additional Shares Approved For Repurchase Under the Plan	Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan
Beginning of period					414,458						336,866
October 2014	—	$	—	—	414,458
November 2014	2,532	73.35		2,532	411,926
December 2014	3,016	72.08		3,016	408,910
October 2015						201	$	72.66	201	—	336,665
November 2015						—	—		—	163,335	500,000
December 2015						3,420	88.45		3,420	—	496,580
Total	5,548	$	72.66	5,548	408,910	3,621	$	87.58	3,621	163,335	496,580

For the quarter ended December 31, ~~2014,~~2015, the Company purchased an aggregate of ~~5,548~~3,621 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the Company’s ongoing purchase program that was initially announced ~~publicly~~ on June 5, 2000. On November ~~12, 2012,~~9, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the purchase of an additional ~~260,246~~163,335 shares pursuant to the Company’s repurchase plan, such that there was authority remaining under the plan to purchase up to an aggregate of 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the plan immediately after this approval. Unless terminated earlier by resolution of the Board of Directors, the plan will expire when all shares authorized for purchase under the plan (as such number may be amended by the Board from time to time) have been purchased. The Company anticipates making further purchases under this plan from time to time in the future, depending on such factors as the prevailing market price of the Company’s common stock, the Company’s available cash and then existing alternative uses for such cash.

Common Stock Performance Graph

Presented below is a line graph comparing the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total return on the Company’s common stock to the cumulative return of the NASDAQ Composite Index and a peer group consisting of certain companies in the title insurance industry (SIC Code 6361) for the period commencing December 31, ~~2009~~2010 and ending December 31, ~~2014.~~2015. The graph assumes that $100 was invested in the Company’s common stock, the NASDAQ Composite Index and the peer group on December 31, ~~2009~~2010 and that all dividends were reinvested on a quarterly basis. Returns for the companies included in the peer group have been weighted on the basis of the total market capitalization for each company.

The performance graph above and the related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, as amended, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into such filing.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

(amounts in thousands except per share data)


For the Year	2014			2013			2012			2011			2010			2015			2014			2013			2012			2011
Net premiums written	$	109,964		$	113,886		$	102,331		$	81,529		$	61,462		$	112,476		$	109,964		$	113,886		$	102,331		$	81,529
Revenues	123,119			126,251			115,079			90,685			71,309			127,200			123,119			126,251			115,079			90,685
Investment income	4,260			3,895			3,980			3,595			3,671			4,531			4,260			3,895			3,980			3,595
Net income attributable to the Company	9,649			14,708			11,102			6,934			6,373			12,534			9,649			14,708			11,102			6,934

Per Share Data
Basic earnings per common share	$	4.75		$	7.15		$	5.33		$	3.22		$	2.79		$	6.32		$	4.75		$	7.15		$	5.33		$	3.22
Weighted average shares outstanding – Basic	2,032			2,056			2,082			2,151			2,285			1,984			2,032			2,056			2,082			2,151
Diluted earnings per common share	$	4.74		$	7.08		$	5.24		$	3.20		$	2.78		$	6.30		$	4.74		$	7.08		$	5.24		$	3.20
Weighted average shares outstanding – Diluted	2,038			2,077			2,117			2,170			2,290			1,990			2,038			2,077			2,117			2,170
Cash dividends per share	$	0.32		$	0.32		$	0.29		$	0.28		$	0.28		$	0.40		$	0.32		$	0.32		$	0.29		$	0.28

At Year-End
Assets	$	198,039		$	188,306		$	171,918		$	157,958		$	153,485		$	211,522		$	198,039		$	188,306		$	171,918		$	157,958
Investments	159,411			142,764			130,779			125,701			129,998			160,552			159,411			142,764			130,779			125,701
Stockholders’ equity	137,564			128,062			114,639			106,512			103,929
Book value/share	67.99			62.86			56.10			50.54			45.53
Stockholders’ equity attributable to the Company																142,670			137,564			128,062			114,639			106,512
Book value/share attributable to the Company																73.17			67.99			62.86			56.10			50.54

Performance Ratios
Net income attributable to the Company to:
Average stockholders’ equity	7.27		%	12.12		%	10.04		%	6.59		%	6.34		%
Average stockholders’ equity attributable to the Company																8.95		%	7.27		%	12.12		%	10.04		%	6.59		%
Total revenues	7.84		%	11.65		%	9.65		%	7.65		%	8.94		%	9.85		%	7.84		%	11.65		%	9.65		%	7.65		%

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes in this report. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary.

Overview

Investors Title Company (the “Company”) is a holding company that engages primarily in issuing title insurance through two subsidiaries, Investors Title Insurance Company (“ITIC”) and National Investors Title Insurance Company (“NITIC”). Total revenues from the title segment accounted for ~~95.5%~~95.3% of the Company’s revenues in ~~2014~~2015. Through ITIC and NITIC, the Company underwrites land title insurance for owners and mortgagees as a primary insurer. Title insurance protects against loss or damage resulting from title defects that affect real property.

There are two basic types of title insurance policies - one for the mortgage lender and one for the real estate owner. A lender often requires the property owner to purchase a lender’s title insurance policy to protect its position as a holder of a mortgage loan, but the lender’s title insurance policy does not protect the property owner. The property owner has to purchase a separate owner’s title insurance policy to protect its investment. When real property is conveyed from one party to another, occasionally there is an undisclosed defect in the title or a mistake or omission in a prior deed, will or mortgage that may give a third party a legal claim against such property. If a covered claim is made against real property, title insurance provides indemnification against insured defects.

The Company issues title insurance policies through its home and branch offices ~~independent agents,~~ and ~~issuing agencies.~~through a network of agents. Issuing agents are typically real estate attorneys, independent agents or subsidiaries of community and regional mortgage lending institutions, depending on local customs and regulations and the Company’s marketing strategy in a particular territory. The ability to attract and retain issuing agents is a key determinant of the Company’s growth in title insurance premiums written.

Revenues for this segment primarily result from purchases of new and existing residential and commercial real estate, refinance activity and certain other types of mortgage lending such as home equity lines of credit.

Volume is a factor in the Company’s profitability due to fixed operating costs which are incurred by the Company regardless of title insurance premium volume. The resulting operating leverage tends to amplify the impact of changes in volume on the Company’s profitability. The Company’s profitability also depends, in part, upon its ability to manage its investment portfolio to maximize investment returns and minimize risks such as interest rate changes, defaults and impairments of assets.

The Company’s volume of title insurance premiums is affected by the overall level of residential and commercial real estate activity, which includes sales, mortgage financing and mortgage refinancing. Real estate activity, home sales and mortgage lending are cyclical in nature. In turn, real estate activity is affected by a number of factors, including the availability of mortgage credit, the cost of real estate, consumer confidence, employment and family income levels and general United States economic conditions. Interest rate volatility is also an important factor in the level of residential and commercial real estate activity.

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

The Company’s trust services division, Investors Trust, provides investment management and trust services to individuals, companies, banks and trusts. In July 2013, Investors Trust assumed responsibility for the management of all accounts previously managed by ICMC.

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~~a material economic ~~downturns~~downturn, resulting in ~~history.~~a recession. Events leading to the recession were primarily the collapse of the housing market and frozen credit markets, prompting the federal government to take unprecedented monetary and fiscal action in an attempt to slow the economic rate of decline and instill consumer confidence. The economy has been gradually recovering from this downturn with ~~the Dow Jones Industrial Average setting and remaining near the all-time high,~~ housing values rebounding and the unemployment rate declining.

Current Initiatives

In efforts to stimulate the economy, the Federal Reserve announced in September 2012 Quantitative Easing, “QE3,” in which it would purchase mortgage-backed securities and longer-term Treasury securities. Through QE3, the Federal Reserve initially purchased mortgage-backed securities at a rate of $40 billion per month and longer-term Treasury securities at a rate of $45 billion per month. Beginning in 2014, the Federal Open Market Committee ("FOMC") of the Federal Reserve ~~has been~~ steadily ~~tapering~~reduced the ~~purchases~~purchase of securities, and, ~~voted at its October 2014 meeting to conclude the QE3 program~~ at the end of October ~~2014.~~ 2014, the FOMC concluded the QE3 program.

The FOMC is also ~~issuing~~issues disclosures on a periodic basis that include projections of the federal funds rate and expected actions. At the ~~January~~December 2015 meeting, the FOMC ~~reaffirmed its intent~~voted to ~~keep~~raise the federal funds rate ~~exceptionally low,~~for the first time since December 2008 to a target range between 0%0.25% and ~~0.25%, so long as progress is made toward its~~0.50%. Any future adjustments to the rate will be based on realized and expected economic developments to achieve maximum employment and ~~inflation objectives.~~2 percent inflation. The FOMC anticipates future economic conditions to evolve in ways that will only warrant gradual increases, and that for some time, the federal funds rate is expected to be below long range levels.

On October 20, 2014, the Federal Housing Finance Agency ("FHFA"), which regulates the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were negotiating guidelines with mortgage lenders that ~~could result~~resulted in less strict lending requirements and lower barriers to mortgage loans for borrowers who are seeking access to home loans. The FHFA noted in its announcement that it ~~intends~~intended to clarify the rules that allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to require mortgage lenders to repurchase troubled loans. The FHFA also ~~seeks~~sought to increase the supply of credit available, particularly to creditworthy lower and middle-income families, by collaborating with mortgage lenders to provide guidelines for mortgage loans with down payments as low as three percent. In December 2014, both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac officially approved ninety-seven percent loan-to-value products (three percent down payment mortgages). The Fannie Mae program is targeted ~~for~~to first-time home buyers and became available to lenders in December 2014. The Freddie Mac program ~~not~~became available to lenders ~~until~~on March 23, 2015 ~~will be~~and is available to both first-time home buyers and other qualified borrowers with limited down payment savings.

In an effort to expand home ownership for lower-income buyers, the Federal Housing Authority (“FHA”) announced in January 2015 that it would cut its rates on mortgage insurance premiums. AMortgage insurance premium rates for 30-year FHA insured ~~mortgage~~mortgages with a less than a 5% down payment ~~will see mortgage insurance premium rates decrease~~decreased from 1.35% to 0.85%. AMortgage insurance premium rates for 30-year FHA insured ~~mortgage~~mortgages with more than a 5% down payment ~~will see mortgage insurance premium rates decrease~~decreased from 1.30% to 0.80%. The new rates ~~will take~~took effect on January 26, 2015 and will not apply to borrowers with existing mortgages, unless refinanced, or to 15-year mortgages.

Regulation and Reform

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

On November 20, 2013, the ~~Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”),~~CFPB, which enforces the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (“RESPA”), the primary federal regulatory guidance covering the real estate settlement industry, released a final rule to integrate mortgage disclosures under the RESPA and the Truth in Lending Act (“TILA”). The final rule ~~goes~~went into effect ~~in August~~on October 3, 2015. Under this rule, the early disclosure forms required by TILA and the good faith estimate required by RESPA have been combined into one form, titled the Loan Estimate. The final disclosure required by TILA and the HUD-1 settlement statement required by RESPA have been combined into one form, titled the Closing Disclosure. The Company is actively ~~preparing~~prepared for ~~the impact that~~any anticipated effect this rule ~~will~~would have on both its direct and agency operations, ~~in terms of~~with respect to its processes and procedures, systems and compliance costs. The measures adopted by the Company to comply with the final rule did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.

proposals to change regulations governing insurance holding companies and the title insurance industry are often introduced in Congress, in state legislatures and before various insurance regulatory agencies. ~~The~~Although the Company regularly monitors such proposals, ~~but~~ the likelihood and timing of passage of any such regulation, and the possible effects of any such regulation on the Company and its subsidiaries, cannot be determined at this time.

Real Estate Environment

Overall, the economy is expanding and there has been ~~recovering from the downturn with positive projections going forward.~~a steady reduction in unemployment. The Mortgage Bankers Association's (“MBA”) January ~~2015~~2016 Economic and Mortgage Finance Commentary predicts ~~2015~~2016 overall economic growth of approximately ~~2.8% and a decline~~2.0% with continued improvement in the unemployment sector with monthly payrolls growing at over 200,000 jobs per month, the unemployment rate down to ~~5.3% by the end of 2015. While recovery in the housing sector remains slow, improvements are predicted with increases in both housing starts~~approximately 5% and ~~existing home sales, primarily a result of the economic growth and improved employment conditions.~~unemployment claims trending down.

The MBA January 20, ~~2015~~2016 Mortgage Finance Forecast (“MBA Forecast”) projects ~~2015~~2016 purchase activity to increase ~~14.7%~~12.8% to ~~$732~~$926 billion and refinance activity to decrease ~~2.7%~~31.7% to ~~$471~~$454 billion, ~~combining for~~resulting in a decrease in total mortgage originations of 7.1% to ~~increase 7.2% to $1,203~~$1,380 billion, all from ~~2014~~2015 levels. In ~~2014,~~2015, refinance activity accounted for ~~43.1%~~44.8% of all mortgage originations and is projected to represent ~~39.2%~~32.9% of all mortgage originations in ~~2015.~~2016.

According to data published by Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage interest rate in the United States was ~~4.17%~~3.8%, ~~3.98%~~4.2%, and ~~3.66%~~4.0% for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, ~~2013~~ and ~~2012,~~2013, respectively. According to the MBA Forecast, refinancing is expected to be lower in ~~2015~~2016 as mortgage interest rates continue to climb to a projected ~~4.8%~~4.6% in the fourth quarter of ~~2015.~~2016.

Historically, activity in real estate markets has varied over the course of market cycles by geographic region and in response to evolving economic factors. Operating results can vary from year to year based on cyclical market conditions and do not necessarily indicate the Company's future operating results and cash flows.

Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies

This discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations is based upon the Company’s accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The Company’s management makes various estimates and judgments when applying policies affecting the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant accounting policies of the Company are discussed in Note 1 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. Following are the accounting estimates and policies considered critical to the Company.

Reserves for Claim Losses

The Company’s reserves for claims are established using estimates of 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 may be reported in the future (incurred but not reported, or “IBNR”). The total reserve for all losses incurred but unpaid as of December 31, ~~2014~~2015 is represented by the reserve for claims totaling ~~$36,677,000~~$37,788,000 in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Of that total, approximately ~~$5,365,000~~$5,066,000 was reserved for specific claims which have been reported to the Company, and approximately ~~$31,312,000~~$32,722,000 was reserved for IBNR claims.

A provision for estimated future claims payments is recorded at the time the related policy revenue is recorded. The Company records the claims provision as a percentage of net premiums written. This loss provision rate is set to provide for losses on current year policies. By their nature, title claims can often be complex, vary greatly in dollar amounts, vary in number due to economic and market conditions such as an increase in mortgage foreclosures, and involve uncertainties as to ultimate exposure. In addition, some claims may require a number of years to settle and determine the final liability for indemnity and loss adjustment expense. The payment experience may extend for more than 20 years after the issuance of a policy. Events such as fraud, defalcation and multiple property defects can substantially and unexpectedly cause increases in estimates of losses. Due to the length of time over which claim payments are made and regularly occurring changes in underlying economic and market conditions, these estimates are subject to variability.

Management considers factors such as the Company’s historical claims experience, case reserve estimates on reported claims, large claims, actuarial projections and other relevant factors in determining its loss provision rates and the aggregate recorded expected liability for claims. In establishing reserves, actuarial projections are compared with recorded reserves to evaluate the adequacy of such recorded claims reserves and any necessary adjustments are then recorded in the current period’s income statement. As the most recent claims experience develops and new information becomes available, the loss reserve estimate related to prior periods will change to more accurately reflect updated and improved emerging data. The Company reflects any adjustments to reserves in the results of operations in the period in which new information (principally claims experience) becomes available.

The Company initially reserves for each known claim based upon an assessment of specific facts and updates the reserve amount as necessary over the course of administering each claim. Loss ratios for earlier years tend to be more reliable than recent policy years, as those years are more fully developed. In making loss estimates, management determines a loss provision rate, which it then applies to net premiums written.

There are key assumptions that materially affect the reserve estimates. During the third quarter of 2013, certain actuarial inputs were changed to provide a more refined IBNR reserve estimate. The Company considered 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 policy years reported in the 2013 calendar year. The approximate impact of the change in estimate for the year ended December 31, 2013 was a reduction of $2,200,000 to the reserves for claims in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and in the Consolidated Statements of Income, a decrease of $2,200,000 to the provision (benefit) for claims, an increase of ~~approximately~~ $750,000 in the provision for income taxes and an increase of approximately $1,450,000 in net income, or $0.71 per basic share and $0.70 per diluted share, compared with the amounts that would have been recorded under the Company’s prior estimate. This change in estimate, coupled with several historical policy years which continued to emerge favorably in comparison with prior expectations, contributed to a benefit in the claims provision for 2013. The change in estimate was primarily driven by the following:

~~Changing~~changing the specific weightings used in estimating expected loss ratios for use in actuarial methods, including the weighting between policy years and weighting of title industry loss data;

~~Adjusting~~adjusting for premium rate changes and the Company’s improved underwriting efforts related to construction business; and

~~Increasing~~increasing the ratios used to estimate projected payments of unallocated loss adjustment expenses to more accurately reflect expected payments.

The Company assumes the reported liability for known claims and IBNR, in the aggregate, will be comparable to its historical claims experience unless factors, such as loss experience and charged premium rates, change significantly. Also affecting the Company’s assumptions are large losses related to fraud and defalcation, as these can cause significant variances in loss emergence patterns. Management defines a large loss as one where incurred losses exceed $250,000. Due to the small volume of large claims, the long-tail nature of title insurance claims and the inherent uncertainty in loss emergence patterns, large claim activity can vary significantly between policy years. The estimated development of large claims by policy year is therefore subject to significant changes as experience develops. The loss provision rate is set to provide for losses on current year policies and changes in prior year estimates.

Management also considers actuarial analyses in evaluating claims reserves. The actuarial methods used to evaluate reserves are loss development methods, expected loss methods and Cape Cod methods, all of which are accepted actuarial methods for estimating ultimate losses and, therefore, loss reserves. In the loss development method, each policy year’s paid or incurred losses are projected to an “ultimate” level using loss development factors. In the expected loss method, losses for each policy year are estimated based on the loss development results for all policy years, trended to the level of the policy year being estimated. Expected loss methods produce more stable ultimate loss estimates than do loss development methods, which are more responsive to the current loss data but can lead to volatile results. The Cape Cod method, a special case of the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method, blends the results of the loss development and expected loss methods. For more recent policy years, the Cape Cod method gives more weight to the results of the expected loss methods; for older policy years, more weight is given to the loss development method results.

The key actuarial assumptions are principally loss development factors and expected loss ratios. The selected loss development factors are based on a combination of the Company’s historical loss experience and title industry loss experience. Expected loss ratios are estimated for each policy year based on the Company’s own experience and title industry loss ratios. When updated data is incorporated into the actuarial models, the resulting loss development factors and expected loss ratios will likely change from the prior values. Changes in these values from ~~2012~~2013 through ~~2014~~2015 have been the result of actual Company and industry experience during the calendar year in addition to changes in assumptions for 2013.

If one or more of the variables or assumptions used changed such that the Company’s recorded loss ratio, or loss provision as a percentage of net title premiums, increased or decreased three loss ratio percentage points, the impact on after-tax income for the year ended December 31, ~~2014~~2015 would be as follows:


Increase in Loss Ratio of three percentage points	$	2,177,000		$	(2,227,000	)

Decrease in Loss Ratio of three percentage points	$	(2,177,000	)	$	2,227,000

Company management believes that using a sensitivity of three loss percentage points for the loss ratio provides a reasonable benchmark for analysis of the calendar year loss provision of the Company based on historical loss ratios by year.

Despite the variability of such estimates, management believes that, based on historical claims experience and actuarial analysis, the Company’s reserves are adequate to cover claim losses resulting from pending and future claims for policies issued through December 31, ~~2014.~~2015. The ultimate settlement of claims will likely vary from the reserve estimates included in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company continually reviews and adjusts its reserve estimates to reflect its loss experience and any new information that becomes available. There are no known claims that are expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or operating results.

Premiums Written and Commissions to Agents

Title insurance premiums are generally recognized at the time of closing of the related real estate transaction, as the earnings process is then considered complete. Policies or commitments are issued upon receipt of final certificates or preliminary reports with respect to titles. Title insurance commissions earned by the Company’s agents, taxes and a provision for claims losses are recognized as expenses concurrent with recognition of related premium revenue.

Generally, the Company’s premium revenues from certain agency operations include accruals based on estimates. These accruals estimate unreported agency premiums related to transactions which have settled as of the balance sheet date. Accruals for premiums from certain agencies are necessary because of the lag between policy effective dates and the reporting of these transactions to the Company by the agents. The current lag time used in the Company’s estimates typically ranges between 0 and 180 days after the policy effective date, with the majority of agencies reporting within 60 to 90 days. The lag time is reviewed periodically to monitor accruals. To determine the estimated premiums, the Company uses historical experience, as well as other factors, to make certain assumptions about the average elapsed time between the policy effective date and the date the policies are reported. From time to time, the Company adjusts the inputs to the calculation of these estimates as agents report transactions and information on more current trends becomes available. In addition to estimating revenues, the Company also estimates and accrues agent commissions, claims provisions, premium taxes, income taxes, and other expenses associated with the estimated revenues which have been accrued. The Company reflects any adjustments to the accruals in the result of operations in the period in which new information becomes available.

Quarterly, the Company evaluates the collectability of receivables. Premiums not collected within 7 months are fully reserved. Write-offs of receivables have not been material to the Company.

Valuation and Impairment of Investments in Securities

Securities held principally for resale in the near term are classified as trading securities and recorded at fair value. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading securities are included in other income. Securities not classified as either trading or held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale and reported at estimated fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, adjusted for other-than-temporary declines in estimated fair value, reported as accumulated other comprehensive income. As of December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013,~~2014, all of the Company’s invested securities were classified as available-for-sale. Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined using the specific identification method.

Securities are regularly evaluated and reviewed for differences between the cost and estimated fair value of each security for factors that may indicate that a decline in estimated fair value is other-than-temporary. When, in the opinion of management, a decline in the estimated fair value of an investment is considered to be other-than-temporary, such investment is written down to its estimated fair value. Some factors considered in evaluating whether or not a decline in estimated fair value is other-than-temporary include, but are not limited to:

the duration and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost;

with respect to equity securities, whether the Company’s ability and intent to retain the investment for a period of time is sufficient to allow for a recovery in value; and

with respect to fixed maturity securities, whether the Company has the intent to sell or will more likely than not be required to sell a particular security before recovery in value.

These factors are reviewed quarterly and any material degradation in the prospect for recovery will be considered in the other-than-temporary impairment analysis. Such reviews are inherently uncertain and the value of the investment may not fully recover or may decline in future periods resulting in a realized loss. The fair values of the majority of the Company’s investments are based on quoted market prices from independent pricing services. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information onabout the Company’s valuation techniques.

Deferred Taxes

The Company recorded net deferred tax liabilities at December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013.~~2014. The deferred tax liabilities recorded during both periods primarily relates to net unrealized gains on investments and recorded reserves for claims, net of statutory premium reserves. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on the Company’s deferred taxes.

Cyclicality and Seasonality

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

Results of Operations

The following table presents certain income statement data for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ and ~~2012:~~2013:


For the Years Ended December 31,	2014		2013			2012		2015			2014		2013
Revenues:
Net premiums written	$	109,963,556	$	113,886,266		$	102,331,102	$	112,475,686		$	109,963,556	$	113,886,266
Investment income - interest and dividends	4,259,501		3,894,608			3,980,411
Net realized gain on investments	268,294		195,800			1,066,239
Investment income – interest and dividends								4,531,319			4,259,501		3,894,608
Net realized (loss) gain on investments								(116,163		)	268,294		195,800
Other	8,627,935		8,274,823			7,701,340		10,309,230			8,627,935		8,274,823
Total Revenues	123,119,286		126,251,497			115,079,092		127,200,072			123,119,286		126,251,497

Operating Expenses:
Commissions to agents	65,632,353		67,150,810			59,427,070		62,174,301			65,632,353		67,150,810
Provision (benefit) for claims	5,229,716		(571,596		)	6,072,115		4,478,494			5,229,716		(571,596		)
Salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes	25,218,225		25,386,511			21,881,540		28,041,213			25,218,225		25,386,511
Office occupancy and operations	5,049,962		4,430,220			3,994,244		5,885,336			5,049,962		4,430,220
Business development	2,333,491		2,145,639			1,856,848		2,373,270			2,333,491		2,145,639
Filing fees, franchise and local taxes	817,909		681,935			846,168		732,985			817,909		681,935
Premium and retaliatory taxes	1,851,767		2,558,227			1,885,760		2,161,571			1,851,767		2,558,227
Professional and contract labor fees	2,676,483		2,171,606			2,420,387		2,691,411			2,676,483		2,171,606
Other	820,882		755,407			615,053		884,438			820,882		755,407
Total Operating Expenses	109,630,788		104,708,759			98,999,185		109,423,019			109,630,788		104,708,759

Income before Income Taxes	13,488,498		21,542,738			16,079,907		17,777,053			13,488,498		21,542,738

Provision for Income Taxes	3,816,000		6,746,000			4,889,000		5,228,000			3,816,000		6,746,000

Net Income Attributable to the Company	$	9,648,975	$	14,708,210		$	11,102,496	$	12,533,905		$	9,648,975	$	14,708,210

Insurance and Other Services Revenue

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 service revenues and are discussed separately under “Investment-Related Revenues” below. The following is a summary of the Company’s insurance and other services revenues with intersegment eliminations netted with each segment; therefore, the individual segment amounts will not agree to Note 12 in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.


	2014		%		2013		%		2012		%		2015		%		2014		%		2013		%
Title Insurance	$	113,592,742	95.8	%	$	117,522,872	96.2	%	$	105,931,024	96.3	%	$	117,281,588	95.5	%	$	113,592,742	95.8	%	$	117,522,872	96.2	%
All Other	4,998,749		4.2	%	4,638,217		3.8	%	4,101,418		3.7	%	5,503,328		4.5	%	4,998,749		4.2	%	4,638,217		3.8	%
Total	$	118,591,491	100.0	%	$	122,161,089	100.0	%	$	110,032,442	100.0	%	$	122,784,916	100.0	%	$	118,591,491	100.0	%	$	122,161,089	100.0	%

Title Insurance

Net Premiums and Title Orders: Net premiums written increased 2.3% in 2015 to $112,475,686 compared with $109,963,556 in 2014, and decreased 3.4% in 2014 ~~to $109,963,556~~ compared with $113,886,266 in ~~2013, and increased 11.3% in 2013 compared with $102,331,102 in 2012.~~2013. The volume of title orders increased 3.7% in 2015 to 211,200 compared with 203,657 in 2014, and decreased 15.4% in 2014 ~~to 203,657~~ compared with 240,639 in ~~2013,~~2013. The 2015 increase in net premiums and ~~increased 0.2%~~title orders versus the prior year is primarily attributable to an increase in ~~2013 compared with 240,233 in 2012.~~the level of both purchase and refinance transactions. The 2014 decrease in net premiums and title orders versus the prior year is primarily attributable to a decline in the number of refinance transactions. ~~Title orders did~~Premiums written may not move proportionally with ~~premiums~~the level of title orders due to ~~an increasing proportion~~the mix of refinance and purchase ~~transactions. Purchase~~transactions as well as the mix of premiums written by state, as rates vary by state. Refinance transactions typically have ~~higher~~lower premium rates than ~~refinance transactions. The increase in net premiums written and title orders in 2013 compared with 2012 is primarily attributable to an increase in~~ purchase transactions.

Title insurance companies typically issue title insurance policies directly through home and branch offices or through title agencies. Following is a breakdown of premiums generated by branch and agency operations for the years ended December 31:


	2014		%		2013		%		2012		%		2015		%		2014		%		2013		%
Home and Branch	$	24,057,032	21.9	%	$	24,811,602	21.8	%	$	23,762,885	23.2	%	$	28,400,531	25.3	%	$	24,057,032	21.9	%	$	24,811,602	21.8	%
Agency	85,906,524		78.1	%	89,074,664		78.2	%	78,568,217		76.8	%	84,075,155		74.7	%	85,906,524		78.1	%	89,074,664		78.2	%
Total	$	109,963,556	100.0	%	$	113,886,266	100.0	%	$	102,331,102	100.0	%	$	112,475,686	100.0	%	$	109,963,556	100.0	%	$	113,886,266	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 18.1% in 2015 to $28,400,531 compared with $24,057,032 in 2014, and decreased 3.0% in 2014 ~~to $24,057,032~~ compared with $24,811,602 in ~~2013,~~2013. The increase in 2015 net premiums was primarily attributable to increases in both refinance and purchase activity. Refinance activity increased ~~4.4%~~as mortgage interest rates were lower from prior year levels. Premiums from purchase transactions increased as well, due to both increased volume from favorable interest rates and overall economic conditions, and increases in ~~2013 compared with $23,762,885 in 2012.~~average home prices. The decrease in 2014 net premiums for home and branch operations primarily reflects a decrease in refinance transactions, partially offset by an increase in purchase transactions. ~~The increase in 2013 home and branch operations primarily reflects increased purchase transactions and higher average home values.~~ All of the Company’s home office operations and the majority of branch offices are located in North Carolina; as a result, the home and branch office net premiums written are primarily for North Carolina title insurance policies.

Agency Net Premiums: When a policy is written through a title agency, the premium is shared between the agency and the underwriter. Total premiums include an estimate of premiums for policies ~~which~~that have been issued, but not reported as of the balance sheet date. To determine the estimated premiums, the Company uses historical experience, as well as other factors, to make certain assumptions about the average elapsed time between the policy effective date and the date the policies are reported. From time to time, the Company adjusts the inputs to the estimation process as agents report transactions and new information becomes available. In addition to estimating revenues, the Company also estimates and accrues agent commissions, claims ~~provision,~~provisions, premium taxes, income taxes, and other expenses associated with the estimated revenues ~~which~~that have been accrued. The Company reflects any adjustments to the accruals in the ~~results~~result of operations in the period in which new information becomes available.

Agency net premiums written decreased 2.1% in 2015 to $84,075,155 compared with $85,906,524 in 2014, and decreased 3.6% in 2014 ~~to $85,906,524~~ compared with $89,074,664 in ~~2013,~~2013. The decrease in 2015 agency premiums was primarily attributable to a decrease in the amount of premiums written by one agent in the Texas market due to reductions in unreported agency premiums and ~~increased 13.4%~~lower levels of purchase transactions, partially offset by increases in ~~2013 compared with $78,568,217~~most states in ~~2012.~~which the Company operates attributable to higher average real estate prices and higher levels of real estate activity. The decrease in 2014 agency net premiums written compared with 2013 was primarily attributable to a decrease in the number of refinance transactions, partially offset by purchase transactions.

Agency Relationship: The ~~increase in 2013 agency~~Company receives a significant percentage of its net premiums ~~compared with 2012 reflects increases~~written from a single title agent, which was recently acquired by another title insurer. Net premiums written by such agent are for title insurance policies written in ~~purchase transactions and higher average home values in many parts of~~Texas. For further details, refer to Note 11 to the ~~nation.~~Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements herein.

Following is a schedule of net premiums written in select states where the Company’s two insurance subsidiaries, ITIC and NITIC, currently underwrite title insurance:

State 2014 2013 2012
Texas $ 40,139,495
$ 30,618,661
$ 25,451,717
North Carolina 31,264,486
31,274,229
31,309,073
South Carolina 8,462,014
13,059,982
8,772,882
Virginia 4,821,900
5,114,937
5,403,089
Georgia 4,335,216
2,738,214
1,094,854
Michigan 3,673,649
5,254,631
5,098,116
All Others 17,368,821
26,030,803
25,418,395
Premiums Written 110,065,581
114,091,457
102,548,126
Reinsurance Assumed 37,992
6,291
15,659
Reinsurance Ceded (140,017 ) (211,482 ) (232,683 )
Net Premiums Written $ 109,963,556
$ 113,886,266
$ 102,331,102

For the year ended December 31, 2014, Texas premiums written have increased due to an increase in the number of purchase transactions, while the declines in most states primarily related to the decline in the number of refinance transactions.



State	2015			2014			2013
North Carolina	36,921,195			31,264,486			31,274,229
Texas	25,211,496			40,139,495			30,618,661
South Carolina	11,327,702			8,462,014			13,059,982
Georgia	7,682,820			4,335,216			2,738,214
Virginia	5,706,769			4,821,900			5,114,937
Michigan	4,631,176			3,673,649			5,254,631
All Others	21,175,592			17,368,821			26,030,803
Premiums Written	112,656,750			110,065,581			114,091,457
Reinsurance Assumed	33,603			37,992			6,291
Reinsurance Ceded	(214,667		)	(140,017		)	(211,482		)
Net Premiums Written	$	112,475,686		$	109,963,556		$	113,886,266

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 $10,309,230, $8,627,935 and $8,274,823 in 2015, 2014 and ~~$7,701,340~~2013, respectively. Other revenues increased in 2015 compared with 2014 ~~2013~~primarily due to increases in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, title fees and ~~2012, respectively.~~exchange services income, partially offset by a decline in trust and investment management services. Other revenues increased in 2014 compared with 2013 primarily due to increases in management services income, exchange services income, earnings of unconsolidated affiliates and trust and investment management services, partially offset by a decrease in fee income. Other revenues increased in 2013 compared with 2012 primarily due to increases in other fee income and income from trust and investment management services, partially offset by a decline 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 ~~its investment portfolio.~~investments in municipal and corporate bonds and equity securities. The Company's title insurance subsidiaries are required by statute to maintain minimum levels of investments in order to protect the interests of policyholders. The Company’s investment policy is designed to comply with regulatory requirements and to balance the competing objectives of asset quality and investment returns. The Company’s title insurance subsidiaries are required by statute to maintain minimum levels of investments in order to protect the interests of policyholders. Bonds totaling approximately ~~$7,060,000~~$7,159,000 and ~~$7,022,000~~$7,060,000 at December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013,~~2014, respectively, are deposited with the insurance departments of the states in which business is conducted.

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

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

Investment income was $4,531,319 in 2015 compared with $4,259,501 in 2014 and $3,894,608 in 2013. The increase in investment income in 2015 compared with ~~$3,894,608~~2014 was primarily due to higher levels of interest and dividends earned in ~~2013~~conjunction with a higher average portfolio balance for both fixed maturities and ~~$3,980,411 in 2012.~~equity securities during the current year. The increase in investment income in 2014 compared with 2013 was primarily due to higher levels of interest and dividends earned coupled with a larger portfolio of both fixed maturities and equity securities. The decrease in investment income in 2013 compared with 2012 was primarily due to lower levels of interest earned on fixed maturities and short-term funds, partially offset by an increase in dividends associated with a higher portfolio balance of equity securities. See Note 3 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 (Loss) Gain 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, the net realized investment ~~gains~~gain or ~~losses~~loss can vary significantly from period to period.

The net realized (loss) gain on investments was $(116,163) for 2015 compared with $268,294 for 2014 ~~compared with~~and $195,800 for ~~2013 and $1,066,239 for 2012.~~2013. The net realized (loss) gain on investments included impairment charges of $984,128, $24,604, ~~$34,070,~~ and ~~$99,940~~$34,070 on certain investments and other assets that were deemed to be other-than temporarily-impaired in 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ and ~~2012,~~2013, respectively, offset by a net realized ~~gains~~gain on the sales of investments and other assets of $867,965, $292,898 and $229,870 in 2015, 2014, and ~~$1,166,179 in 2014,~~ 2013, ~~and 2012,~~ respectively. Management believes unrealized losses on remaining fixed income and equity securities at December 31, ~~2014~~2015 are temporary in nature.

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

There are a number of risks and uncertainties inherent in the process of monitoring impairments and determining if an impairment is other-than-temporary. These risks and uncertainties include the risk that the economic outlook will be worse than expected or have more of an impact on the issuer than anticipated, the risk that the Company’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 0.2% in 2015 compared with 2014 primarily due to decreases in commissions to agents and the provision for claims, partially offset by increases in salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes and office occupancy and operations. Operating expenses increased 4.7% in 2014 compared with 2013 primarily due to an increase in the provision for claims, partially offset by a decline in commissions to agents. ~~Operating expenses increased 5.8%~~

On a combined basis, the after-tax profit margins were 9.9%, 7.8% and 11.6% in 2015, 2014 and 2013, ~~compared with 2012 primarily due~~respectively. The Company continually strives to ~~increases in commissions~~enhance its competitive strengths and ~~salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes, partially offset by a decline in the provision for claims.~~market position, including ongoing initiatives to reduce its operating expenses.

Following is a summary of the Company’s operating expenses for 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ and ~~2012.~~2013. Intersegment eliminations have been netted; therefore, the individual segment amounts will not agree to Note 12 in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.


	2014		%		2013		%		2012		%		2015		%		2014		%		2013		%
Title Insurance	$	103,850,090	94.7	%	$	98,521,919	94.1	%	$	93,617,230	94.6	%	$	102,895,701	94.0	%	$	103,850,090	94.7	%	$	98,521,919	94.1	%
All Other	5,780,698		5.3	%	6,186,840		5.9	%	5,381,955		5.4	%	6,527,318		6.0	%	5,780,698		5.3	%	6,186,840		5.9	%
Total	$	109,630,788	100.0	%	$	104,708,759	100.0	%	$	98,999,185	100.0	%	$	109,423,019	100.0	%	$	109,630,788	100.0	%	$	104,708,759	100.0	%

Total Company

Salaries, Employee Benefits and Payroll Taxes: Personnel costs include base salaries, benefits and bonuses paid to employees. Salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes were $28,041,213, $25,218,225 and $25,386,511 for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Salaries and related costs increased by approximately 11.2% in 2015 from 2014 and decreased 0.7% in 2014 from 2013. The increase in 2015 compared with 2014 was primarily related to normal inflationary increases in compensation and benefit costs, higher staffing levels to support ongoing software development activities and higher levels of incentive compensation. The decrease in 2014 compared with 2013 primarily relates to a reduction in incentive compensation, partially offset by an increase in salaries. On a ~~combined~~consolidated basis, ~~the after-tax profit margins~~salaries and employee benefits as a percentage of total revenues were ~~7.8%~~22.0%, ~~11.6%~~20.5% and ~~9.6%~~20.1% in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Office Occupancy and Operations: Office occupancy and operations expenses primarily include office rent and utilities, depreciation, maintenance, telecommunications and insurance expenses. Overall office occupancy and operations expenses were $5,885,336, $5,049,962 and $4,430,220 for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As a percentage of total revenues, office occupancy and operations expenses were 4.6%, 4.1% and 3.5% for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The dollar increase in office occupancy and operations expense in 2015 compared with 2014 was primarily related to increases in depreciation, maintenance and telecommunications. The dollar increase in office occupancy and operations expense in 2014 compared with 2013 was primarily related to increases in hardware upgrade projects, depreciation, and ~~2012, respectively. The Company continually strives~~office rent and utilities.

Business Development: Business development expenses primarily include marketing and travel-related expenses. Business development expenses increased to ~~enhance its competitive strengths~~$2,373,270 in 2015 compared with $2,333,491 in 2014 and ~~market position, including ongoing initiatives~~$2,145,639 in 2013, primarily due to ~~reduce its operating~~increases in travel and marketing expenses.

Filing Fees, Franchise and Local Taxes: Filing fees, franchise and local tax expenses include insurance filing and licensing fees, franchise taxes, excise taxes and local taxes. Filing fees, franchise and local tax expenses were $732,985 in 2015 compared with $817,909 in 2014 and $681,935 in 2013.

2627

Professional and Contract Labor Fees: Professional and contract labor fees were $2,691,411 in 2015 compared with $2,676,483 in 2014 and $2,171,606 in 2013. Professional and contract labor fees remained virtually unchanged for 2015 compared with 2014. The increase in 2014 compared with 2013 primarily related to increases in consulting fees associated with the Company's ongoing software initiatives.

Other Expenses: Other operating expenses primarily include miscellaneous operating expenses of the trust division and other miscellaneous expenses of the title segment. These amounts typically fluctuate with transaction volume of the title segment and the trust division. Other expenses increased to $884,438 in 2015, compared with $820,882 in 2014 and $755,407 in 2013.

Title Insurance

Profit Margin: The Company’s title insurance after-tax profit margin varies according to a number of factors, including the volume and type of real estate activity. Profit margins for the title insurance segment were ~~8.5%~~10.9%, 8.5% and 13.0% in 2015, 2014 and ~~10.4%~~2013, respectively. The increase in after-tax profit margin in 2015 compared with 2014 ~~2013~~is primarily related to an increase in premiums written, lower commissions expense and ~~2012, respectively.~~provision for claims, partially offset by an increase in salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes. The decrease in after-tax profit margin in 2014 compared with 2013 is primarily related to a higher provision for claims. The increase in after-tax profit margin in 2013 compared with 2012 is primarily related to an increase in premiums written due to higher levels of purchase transactions and increases in home values and decreases in claims expenses.

Commissions: Agent commissions represent the portion of premiums retained by agents pursuant to the terms of their respective agency ~~contracts and fluctuate commensurate with agency premium volumes.~~contracts. In ~~2014,~~2015, commissions to agents decreased 5.3% to $62,174,301 compared with $65,632,353 in 2014, and decreased 2.3% ~~to $65,632,353~~in 2014 compared with $67,150,810 in ~~2013, and increased 13.0% in 2013 compared with $59,427,070 in 2012.~~2013. Commission expense as a percentage of net premiums written by agents was ~~76.4%~~74.0%, 76.4% and 75.4% in 2015, 2014 and ~~75.6% in 2014,~~ 2013, ~~and 2012,~~ respectively. Commission rates may vary due to geographic locations, different levels of premium rate structures and state regulations.

Provision (Benefit) for Claims: The provision (benefit) for claims as a percentage of net premiums written was ~~4.8%~~4.0%, ~~(0.5)%~~4.8% and ~~5.9%~~(0.5%) in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The decrease in 2015 compared with 2014 was primarily attributable to fewer new claim filings and ~~2012, respectively.~~favorable claims experience. The increase in 2014 compared with 2013 was primarily ~~attributable~~due to a ~~reduction~~change in ~~reserves and favorable claims experience in 2013. The~~estimate that occurred during 2013 ~~reduction in the reserves for claims was approximately $2,200,000, reflecting a change~~related to changes in certain actuarial assumptions ~~that stemmed~~stemming from improved claims experience in recent ~~post-recession~~ policy years. In addition to the change in estimate, claims experience for several recent policy years continued to emerge favorably in comparison with prior period expectations, resulting in further reductions to the claims provision. A more detailed discussion related to the ~~adjustment~~change in actuarial assumptions can be found in the Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies section of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis. The Company continues to benefit from the absence of large claims related to defalcations in recent policy years.

The ~~increase~~decrease in the loss provision rate in ~~2014~~2015 from the ~~2013~~2014 level resulted in approximately ~~$5,782,000 more~~$871,000 less in reserves than would have been recorded at the ~~lower 2013~~higher 2014 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 $3,367,494, $3,912,716 and $3,146,404 in 2015, 2014 and ~~$4,990,115 in 2014,~~ 2013, ~~and 2012,~~ respectively.

Reserves for Claims: At December 31, ~~2014,~~2015, the total reserve for claims was ~~$36,677,000.~~$37,788,000. Of that total, approximately ~~$5,365,000~~$5,066,000 was reserved for specific claims, and approximately ~~$31,312,000~~$32,722,000 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 bonuses paid to employees. Salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes were $25,218,225, $25,386,511 and $21,881,540 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Salaries and related costs decreased by approximately 0.7% in 2014 from 2013 and increased 16.0% in 2013 from 2012. The decrease in 2014 primarily relates to a reduction in incentive compensation, partially offset by an increase in salaries. The increase in 2013 was primarily due to higher staffing levels to support increased business and ongoing software development, and increased benefits and incentive compensation. On a consolidated basis, salaries and employee benefits as a percentage of total revenues were 20.5%, 20.1% and 19.0% in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

~~Office Occupancy and Operations~~: Office occupancy and operations expenses primarily include office rent and utilities, depreciation, maintenance, telecommunications and insurance expenses. Overall office occupancy and operations expenses were $5,049,962, $4,430,220 and $3,994,244 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As a percentage of total revenues, office occupancy and operations expenses were 4.1% in 2014 and 3.5% for both 2013 and 2012. The dollar increase in office occupancy and operations expense in 2014 compared with 2013 was primarily related to increases in hardware upgrade projects, depreciation, and building rent and utilities. The dollar increase in office occupancy and operations expense in 2013 compared with 2012 was primarily related to increases in depreciation, insurance and maintenance expense.

~~Business Development:~~ Business development expenses primarily include marketing and travel-related expenses. Business development expenses increased to $2,333,491 in 2014 compared with $2,145,639 in 2013 and $1,856,848 in 2012, primarily due to increases in travel and marketing expenses.

~~Filing Fees, Franchise and Local Taxes~~: Filing fees, franchise and local tax expenses include insurance filing and licensing fees, franchise taxes, excise taxes and local taxes. Filing fees, franchise and local tax expenses were $817,909 in 2014 compared with $681,935 in 2013, and $846,168 in 2012.

Premium and Retaliatory Taxes: Title insurance companies are generally not subject to state income or franchise taxes. However, in most states they are subject to premium and retaliatory taxes, as defined by statute. Premium and retaliatory tax rates vary from state to state; accordingly, the total premium and retaliatory tax incurred is dependent upon the geographical mix of insurance revenues. Premium and retaliatory taxes as a percentage of net premiums written were ~~1.7%~~1.9%, 1.7% and 2.2% in 2015, 2014 and ~~1.8% in 2014,~~ 2013, ~~and 2012,~~ respectively.

~~Professional and Contract Labor Fees~~: Professional and contract labor fees were $2,676,483 in 2014 compared with $2,171,606 in 2013 and $2,420,387 in 2012. The increase in 2014 primarily related to increases in consulting fees associated with the Company's ongoing software initiatives. The decrease in 2013 compared with 2012 primarily related to replacing contract labor resources with salaried personnel to support ongoing software development initiatives.

~~Other Expenses~~: Other operating expenses primarily include miscellaneous operating expenses of the trust division and other miscellaneous expenses of the title segment. These amounts typically fluctuate with transaction volume of the title segment and the trust division. Other expenses increased to $820,882 in 2014, compared with $755,407 in 2013 and $615,053 in 2012.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes was $5,228,000, $3,816,000 ~~$6,746,000~~ and ~~$4,889,000~~$6,746,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ and ~~2012,~~2013, respectively. Income tax expense as a percentage of earnings before income taxes was ~~28.3%~~29.4%, ~~31.3%~~28.3% and ~~30.4%~~31.3%, for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, ~~and 2012,~~ respectively. The increase in the effective rate in 2015 compared with 2014 was primarily due to a lower proportion of tax-exempt to taxable income. The decrease in the effective rate in 2014 compared with 2013 ~~and 2012~~ was primarily due to a higher proportion of tax-exempt to taxable income. The effective income tax rate for 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ and ~~2012~~2013 was below the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate (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 impairments and unrecognized losses recorded through December 31, ~~2014~~2015 will be realized. However, this judgment could be impacted by further market fluctuations. Information regarding the components of ~~the~~ income tax expense and the items included in the reconciliation of the effective rate with the federal statutory rate can be found in Note 8 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

Net Income Attributable to the Company

The Company reported net income attributable to the Company of $12,533,905, $9,648,975 and $14,708,210, or $6.30, $4.74 and ~~$11,102,496, or $4.74,~~ $7.08 ~~and $5.24~~ per share on a diluted basis in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Net income attributable to the Company in 2015 increased in 2015 compared with 2014 primarily due to a 3.3% increase in total revenues, while operating expenses remained virtually flat. The increase in revenues was attributable to a 2.3% increase in net premiums written due to higher levels of purchase and ~~2012, respectively.~~refinance activity and a 19.5% increase in other income attributable to an increase in earnings from unconsolidated affiliates, title fees and exchange services income, partially offset by a decline in trust and investment management services. The slight decrease in operating expenses was primarily attributable to a 5.3% decrease in commissions due to a favorable mix of direct business and a 14.4% decrease in the provision for claims related to fewer new claims filings and favorable claims experience, partially offset by an 11.2% increase in payroll expenses due to normal inflationary increases in wages and benefits, higher staffing level needs to support ongoing software development activities and higher levels of incentive compensation. Net income attributable to the Company declined in 2014 compared with 2013 primarily due to an increase in operating expenses of 4.7% and a decrease in premiums written of 3.4%. Operating expenses increased primarily as a result of a reduction in the reserves for claims in the prior year period. The prior period reduction reflected a change in estimate related to certain actuarial assumptions stemming from improved claims experience in recent policy years. Office and occupancy expenses, as well as professional fees and contract labor, also increased largely as a result of long-term software development initiatives. The 2014 decrease in premiums written compared with 2013 primarily related to a decline in refinance transactions. Net income attributable to the Company increased in 2013 compared with 2012 primarily due to an increase in premiums written of 11.3%, partially offset by an increase in operating expenses of 5.8%. The increase in revenues and expenses in 2013 compared with 2012 primarily related to higher premiums and commissions associated with higher levels of purchase transactions and increased home values. Additionally, the benefit for claims contributed to net income attributable to the Company.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net cash flows provided by operating activities were $9,683,980, $15,304,485 and $8,685,413 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Cash flows from operating activities decreased from 2013 to 2014 due to the timing of payable disbursements, declines in net income and deferred tax expense, and an increase in claim payments, partially offset by an increase in the provision for claims. Cash flows from operating activities increased from 2012 to 2013, primarily due to increases in net income and 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 payable. 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 2014, the Company had a higher level of investment purchase activity, a comparable level of proceeds from sales and maturities of investments, and a lower level of common stock repurchases compared with 2013. In 2013, the Company had higher levels of investment purchase activity and lower levels of investment sales and maturities compared with 2012.

The net effect of all activities on total cash and cash equivalents was a decrease of $7,800,246 for 2014, an increase of $2,816,743 for 2013, and an increase of $2,767,760 for 2012. As of December 31, 2014, the Company held cash and cash equivalents of $15,826,515, short-term investments of $2,576,993, fixed maturity securities of $109,048,290 and equity securities of $39,254,981.

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 ~~share~~ repurchases of its ~~common~~commons stock. Cash flows from operations have historically been the primary source of financing for expanding operations, whether through organic growth or outside investments.

~~In addition~~The Company evaluates nonorganic growth opportunities, such as mergers and acquisitions, from time to ~~operational liquidity, the Company maintains a high degree of liquidity within its investment portfolio~~time in the ~~form~~ordinary course of ~~short-term investments~~business. Because of the episodic nature of these events, related incremental liquidity and ~~other readily marketable securities.~~capital resource needs can be difficult to predict.

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~~Cash Flows: Net cash flows provided by operating activities were $16,889,631, $9,683,980 and $15,304,485 for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Cash flows from operating activities increased in 2015 from 2014 due to the timing of ~~Dividends~~payable disbursements and an increase in net income, partially offset by an increase in other assets. Cash flows from ~~Subsidiaries~~operating activities decreased from 2013 to 2014 due to the timing of payable disbursements, declines in net income and deferred tax expense, and an increase in claim payments, partially offset by an increase in the provision for claims.:

Cash flows from non-operating activities have historically consisted of purchases and proceeds from investing activities, repurchases of common stock and the issuance of dividends. In 2015, the Company had a lower level of investment purchase activity, a higher level of proceeds from the sales and maturities of investments, and a higher level of common stock repurchases compared with 2014. In 2014, the Company had a higher level of investment purchase activity, a comparable level of proceeds from sales and maturities of investments, and a lower level of common stock repurchases compared with 2013.

The Company ~~believes that all anticipated~~maintains a high degree of liquidity within its investment portfolio, classified as available for sale, in the form of cash, ~~requirements for current operations will be met from internally generated funds, through~~short-term investments, and other readily marketable securities. As of December 31, 2015, the Company held cash ~~dividends and distributions from subsidiaries~~ and cash ~~generated~~equivalents of $21,790,068, short-term investments of $6,865,406, fixed maturity securities of $106,066,384 and equity securities of $37,513,464. The net effect of all activities on total cash and cash equivalents was an increase of $5,963,553 for 2015, a decrease of $7,800,246 for 2014, and an increase of $2,816,743 for 2013.

Capital Resources: The amount of capital resources the Company maintains is influenced by ~~investment securities.~~ state regulation, the need to maintain superior financial ratings from third party rating agencies and other marketing and operational considerations.

The ~~Company’s~~Company's significant sources of funds are dividends and distributions from its subsidiaries, primarily its two title insurance subsidiaries. ~~The Company receives cash~~Cash is received from its subsidiaries in the form of dividends and as reimbursements for operating and other administrative expenses that it incurs. The reimbursements are executed within the guidelines of management agreements between the Company and its subsidiaries.

The ~~Company’s~~ ability of the Company's title insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends ~~and operating expenses~~to the Company is ~~dependent on funds received from the insurance subsidiaries, which are~~ subject to state regulation ~~in the~~from their respective states ~~in which they do business.~~of domicile. Each state regulates the extent to which title underwriters can pay dividends or make ~~distributions.~~distributions and requires prior regulatory approval of the payment of dividends and other intercompany transfers. The maximum dividend permitted by law is not necessarily indicative of an insurer’s actual ability to pay dividends. Depending on regulatory conditions, the Company may in the future need to retain cash in its title insurance subsidiaries in order to maintain their statutory capital position. As of December 31, ~~2014,~~2015, both ITIC and NTIIC met the minimum capital, surplus and reserve requirements for each state in which they are licensed.

As of December 31, 2015, approximately ~~$90,384,000~~$89,489,000 of the consolidated stockholders’ equity represented net assets of the Company’s subsidiaries that cannot be transferred in the form of dividends, loans or advances to the parent company under statutory regulations without prior approval from the respective state insurance department. 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 the 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. During ~~2015,~~2016, the maximum distributions the insurance subsidiaries can make to the Company without prior approval from applicable regulators total approximately $14,352,000.

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

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

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

Due to the Company’s historical ability to consistently generate positive cash flows from its consolidated operations and investment income, management believes that funds generated from operations will enable the Company to adequately meet its current operating needs for the foreseeable future. However, there can be no assurance that future experience will be similar to historical experience, since it is ~~$9,937,000.~~influenced by such factors as the interest rate environment, real estate activity, the Company’s claims-paying ability and its financial strength ratings. In addition to operational and investment considerations, taking advantage of opportunistic external growth opportunities may necessitate obtaining additional capital resources. The Company is unaware of any trend that is likely to result in material adverse liquidity changes, but continually assesses its capital allocation strategy, including decisions relating to repurchasing the Company’s stock and/or conserving cash.

2930

Purchase of Company Stock: On November ~~12, 2012,~~9, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the purchase of an additional ~~260,246~~163,335 shares pursuant to the Company’s repurchase plan, such that there was authority remaining under the plan to purchase up to an aggregate of 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the plan immediately after this approval. Unless terminated earlier by resolution of the Board of Directors, the plan will expire when all shares authorized for purchase under the plan have been purchased. Pursuant to ~~this approval,~~the Company’s ongoing purchase program, the Company has purchased 75,665 shares in the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, 15,372 shares in the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, and 56,223 shares in the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 ~~and 70,702 shares in the twelve months ended December 31, 2012~~ at an average per share price of $72.48, $68.68 ~~$75.81~~ and ~~$56.23,~~$75.81, respectively. The Company anticipates making further purchases under this plan from time to time in the future, depending on such factors as the prevailing market price of the Company’s common stock, the Company’s available cash and then existing alternative uses for such cash.

Capital Expenditures: Capital expenditures were approximately $2,743,000, $2,017,000 ~~$1,420,000~~ and ~~$570,000~~$1,424,000 during 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ and ~~2012,~~2013, respectively. The increases in capital expenditures for ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013~~2014 compared with ~~2012~~2013 primarily relates to capital improvement projects, including increased investment in a number of 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.

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. Cash held by the Company for these purposes was approximately ~~$18,674,000~~$20,510,000 and ~~$11,824,000~~$18,674,000 as of December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013,~~2014, 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 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 and reverse exchange property held by the Company for the purpose of completing such transactions totaled approximately ~~$82,477,000~~$171,010,000 and ~~$76,037,000~~$82,477,000 as of December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013,~~2014, respectively. These exchange deposits are held at third-party financial institutions. These amounts are not considered assets of the Company for accounting purposes and, therefore, are excluded from the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Exchange services revenues include earnings on these deposits; therefore, investment income is shown as exchange services revenue, rather than investment income. The Company remains contingently liable to customers for the transfers of property, disbursements of proceeds, and the return on the proceeds at the agreed upon rate.

External assets ~~administered~~under management by the Investors Trust Company totaled approximately ~~$450,000,000~~$440,000,000 for the years ended December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013, respectively.~~2014. These amounts are not considered assets of the Company and, therefore, are excluded from the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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

The following table summarizes the Company’s future estimated cash payments under existing contractual obligations at December 31, ~~2014,~~2015, including, payments due by period:


			Payments due by period										Payments due by period
Contractual Obligations Including Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements	Total		Less than 1 year		1-3 years		3-5 years		More than 5 years		Total		Less than 1 year		1-3 years		3-5 years		More than 5 years
Operating lease obligations	$	1,497,458	$	625,263	$	729,501	$	142,694	$	—	$	1,627,005	$	658,060	$	684,854	$	202,694	$	81,397
Reserves for claims	36,677,000		5,868,320		10,416,268		7,335,400		13,057,012		37,788,000		6,310,596		10,580,640		7,179,720		13,717,044
Other obligations	1,339,445		866,145		349,550		123,750		—		1,877,477		1,252,338		501,389		123,750		—
Obligations under executive employment plans and agreements	7,950,079		279,204		427,284		29,539		7,214,052		8,274,156		361,662		184,809		42,205		7,685,480
Total	$	47,463,982	$	7,638,932	$	11,922,603	$	7,631,383	$	20,271,064	$	49,566,638	$	8,582,656	$	11,951,692	$	7,548,369	$	21,483,921

3031

As of December 31, ~~2014,~~2015, the Company had claims reserves totaling ~~$36,677,000.~~$37,788,000. The amounts and timing of these obligations are estimated and not set contractually. Nonetheless, based on historical insurance claims experience, the Company anticipates the payments shown in the Contractual Obligations table. Events such as fraud, defalcation, and multiple property title defects can substantially and unexpectedly cause increases in both the amount and timing of estimated title insurance loss payments and loss cost trends whereby increases or decreases in inflationary factors (including the value of real estate) will influence the ultimate amount of title insurance loss payments and could increase total obligations and influence claim payout patterns. Due to the length of time over which claim payments are made and regularly occurring changes in underlying economic and market conditions, claim estimates are subject to variability and future payments could increase or decrease from these estimated amounts in the future.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In February 2016, the FASB updated guidance to improve financial reporting for leasing transactions. The core principle of the guidance is that lessees will be required to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms of more than 12 months. A lessee would recognize a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The accounting applied by a lessor is largely unchanged from current GAAP, with some targeted improvements. Disclosures will be required by lessees and lessors to meet the objective of enabling users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. In transition, both lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The amendments of this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the recently issued accounting standard will have on the Company's financial position and results of operations, and is currently uncertain as to whether it will have a material effect.

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

In February 2015, the FASB updated guidance to change the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. All legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. Specifically, the amendments: modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities ("VIEs") or voting interest entities; eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership; affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships; and provide a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with certain requirements similar to those for registered money market funds. For public entities, this update becomes effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the recently issued accounting standard will have on the Company's financial position and results of operations, but does not expect it to have a material impact.

In May 2014, the ~~Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)~~FASB updated guidance to improve the comparability of revenue recognition practices for entities that either enter into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enter into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets, unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards such as insurance contracts or lease standards. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. For public entities, this update ~~becomes~~originally became effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, ~~2016, including interim periods within that reporting period.~~2016. In August 2015, the FASB updated guidance to defer the effective date of the standard by one year. Early adoption is not ~~permitted.~~permitted, although public entities are permitted to elect to adopt the amendments on the original effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact

that the recently issued accounting standard will have on the Company's financial position and results of operations, but does not expect it to have a material impact.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company’s primary exposure to market risk relates to the impact of adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments as a result of changes in interest rates and equity market prices of its investment portfolio. Increases in interest rates diminish the value of fixed income securities and preferred stock, and decreases in stock market values diminish the value of common stocks held. The fair value of the majority of marketable securities is determined based on quoted market prices.

Although the Company monitors its risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates, it does not currently use derivative financial instruments to hedge these risks.

There were no material changes in the Company’s market risk or market strategy during the year ended December 31, ~~2014~~2015.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk that the Company will incur economic losses due to an issuer’s inability to repay a contractual obligation. The Company’s investment portfolio, primarily municipal and corporate bonds, and to a lesser extent, equity securities, is subject to credit risk. The Company mitigates this risk by actively monitoring changes in credit ratings, security pricing and financial reports.

The Company’s average credit quality for fixed maturity securities is A+, determined by using the using the lower rating reported by the credit reporting agencies.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is the risk that the Company will incur economic losses due to adverse changes in interest rates. This risk arises from the Company’s investments in interest-sensitive debt securities. These securities are primarily fixed-rate municipal bonds and corporate bonds. The Company typically does not purchase such securities for trading purposes. At December 31, ~~2014,~~2015, the Company had approximately ~~$109.0~~$106.1 million in fixed maturities. The Company manages the interest rate risk inherent in its assets by monitoring its liquidity needs and by targeting a specific range for the portfolio’s duration or weighted average maturity.

To determine the potential effect of interest rate risk on interest-sensitive assets, the Company calculates the effect of a 100 basis point shock in prevailing interest rates (“rate shock”) on the fair market value of these securities considering stated interest rates and time to maturity. Based upon the information and assumptions the Company uses in its calculation, management estimates that a 100 basis point increase in prevailing interest rates would decrease the net fair market value of its fixed-rate debt securities by approximately ~~$5.0~~$5.4 million. The selection of a 100 basis point increase in prevailing interest rates should not be construed as a prediction by the Company’s management of future market events, but rather, to illustrate the potential impact of such an event. To the extent that actual results differ from the assumptions utilized, the Company’s rate shock measures could be significantly impacted. Additionally, the Company’s calculation assumes that the current relationship between short-term and long-term interest rates (the term structure of interest rates) will remain constant over time. As a result, these calculations may not fully capture the impact of nonparallel changes in the term structure of interest rates and/or large changes in interest rates.

Equity Price Risk

The Company also holds investments in marketable equity securities, which exposes it to market volatility, as discussed in Note 3 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. The sensitivity analysis presented does not consider the effects that such adverse changes may have on overall economic activity, nor does it consider additional actions the Company may take to mitigate its exposure. Equity price risk is the risk that the Company will incur economic losses due to adverse changes in a particular common stock or stock index. The Company had approximately ~~$39.3~~$37.5 million in equity securities at December 31, ~~2014.~~2015. Equity price risk is addressed in part by varying the specific allocation of equity investments over time pursuant to management’s assessment of market and business conditions and ongoing liquidity needs analysis. The Company’s equity exposure is a decline in market prices. Based upon the information and assumptions the Company used in its calculation, management estimates that an immediate decrease in market prices of 10% would decrease the net fair value of the Company’s assets identified above by approximately ~~$3.9~~$3.8 million in 2~~014.~~015.

The selection of a 10% immediate decrease should not be construed as a prediction by the Company’s management of future market events, but rather, to illustrate the potential impact of such an event. The Company’s exposure will change as a result of changes in its mix of common stocks. Since this calculation is based on historical performance, projecting future price volatility using this method involves an inherent assumption that historical volatility and correlation relationships will remain stable. Therefore, the results noted above may not reflect the Company’s actual experience if future volatility and correlation relationships differ from such historical relationships.

3234

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA


1.	Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	34	Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	36
2.	Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting	35	Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting	37
3.	Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	36	Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	38
4.	Consolidated Balance Sheets	38	Consolidated Balance Sheets	40
5.	Consolidated Statements of Income	39	Consolidated Statements of Income	41
6.	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	40	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	42
7.	Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity	41	Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity	43
8.	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	42	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	44
9.	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	44	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	46

The financial statement schedules meeting the requirements of Regulation S-X are attached hereto as Schedules I, II, III, IV and V.

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)


2015									March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31
Net premiums written									$	24,962,041	$	30,464,581	$	30,945,532	$	26,103,532
Net income									1,726,124		4,120,497		4,495,498		2,206,934
Net income attributable to the Company									1,726,124		4,120,497		4,490,962		2,196,322
Basic earnings per common share									0.86		2.06		2.28		1.13
Diluted earnings per common share									0.86		2.05		2.28		1.12

2014	March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31		March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31
Net premiums written	$	24,909,252	$	29,849,853	$	26,356,835	$	28,847,616	$	24,909,252	$	29,849,853	$	26,356,835	$	28,847,616
Net income	985,515		3,398,044		2,594,490		2,694,449		985,515		3,398,044		2,594,490		2,694,449
Net income attributable to the Company	986,438		3,373,598		2,594,490		2,694,449		986,438		3,373,598		2,594,490		2,694,449
Basic earnings per common share	0.48		1.66		1.28		1.33		0.48		1.66		1.28		1.33
Diluted earnings per common share	0.48		1.65		1.28		1.33		0.48		1.65		1.28		1.33

2013	March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31		March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31
Net premiums written	$	23,925,997	$	30,429,761	$	30,431,560	$	29,098,948	$	23,925,997	$	30,429,761	$	30,431,560	$	29,098,948
Net income	3,386,418		4,024,050		5,543,523		1,842,747		3,386,418		4,024,050		5,543,523		1,842,747
Net income attributable to the Company	3,376,730		4,005,675		5,515,798		1,810,007		3,376,730		4,005,675		5,515,798		1,810,007
Basic earnings per common share	1.65		1.94		2.67		0.88		1.65		1.94		2.67		0.88
Diluted earnings per common share	1.62		1.92		2.66		0.88		1.62		1.92		2.66		0.88

2012	March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31
Net premiums written	$	19,667,420	$	23,241,570	$	29,018,123	$	30,403,989
Net income	1,432,139		3,372,701		3,238,915		3,147,152
Net income attributable to the Company	1,432,139		3,349,488		3,158,185		3,162,684
Basic earnings per common share	0.68		1.60		1.52		1.54
Diluted earnings per common share	0.67		1.57		1.50		1.51

3335

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

Investors Title Company

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Investors Title Company and ~~Subsidiaries~~subsidiaries (the ~~“Company”)~~Company) as of December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013,~~2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the ~~three~~ years in the three-year period ended December 31, ~~2014.~~2015. Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2). These ~~consolidated~~ financial statements and schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these ~~consolidated~~ financial statements and schedules based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the ~~consolidated~~ financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall ~~consolidated~~ financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the ~~consolidated~~ financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013,~~2014, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the ~~three~~ years in the three-year period ended December 31, ~~2014,~~2015, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic ~~consolidated~~ financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, ~~2014,~~2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated March ~~13, 2015,~~11, 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP

High Point, North Carolina

March ~~13, 2015~~11, 2016

3436

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Management of Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(d)~~-15-(f)~~-15(f). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting has been designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the Company’s financial reporting and the preparation of published financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorization of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Because of its inherent limitation, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) and concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, ~~2014.~~2015.

3537

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

Investors Title Company

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

We have audited Investors Title Company’s (the ~~“Company”)~~Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, ~~2014,~~2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

Investors Title Company

March ~~13, 2015~~11, 2016

Page 2

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, ~~2014,~~2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated ~~balance sheets~~financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and ~~2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows~~ for each of the ~~three~~ years in the three-year period ended December 31, ~~2014,~~2015, and our report dated March ~~13, 2015,~~11, 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/ Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP

High Point, North Carolina

March ~~13, 2015~~11, 2016

3739

Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets


As of December 31,	2014		2013		2015		2014
Assets:
Investments in securities:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2014: $104,421,050; 2013: $87,980,160)	$	109,048,290	$	91,445,413
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: 2014: $24,128,753; 2013: $22,200,369)	39,254,981		36,144,065
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2015: $102,015,826; 2014: $104,421,050)					$	106,066,384	$	109,048,290
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: 2015: $23,855,873; 2014: $24,128,753)					37,513,464		39,254,981
Short-term investments	2,576,993		7,926,373		6,865,406		2,576,993
Other investments	8,530,929		7,247,831		10,106,828		8,530,929
Total investments	159,411,193		142,763,682		160,552,082		159,411,193

Cash and cash equivalents	15,826,515		23,626,761		21,790,068		15,826,515
Premium and fees receivable	8,544,183		8,750,224		8,392,697		8,544,183
Accrued interest and dividends	1,063,837		1,006,698		1,004,126		1,063,837
Prepaid expenses and other assets	7,732,677		7,466,141		12,634,105		7,732,677
Property, net	5,460,805		4,325,538		7,148,951		5,460,805
Current income taxes recoverable	—		366,772
Total Assets	$	198,039,210	$	188,305,816	$	211,522,029	$	198,039,210

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities:
Reserves for claims	$	36,677,000	$	35,360,000	$	37,788,000	$	36,677,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	18,290,819		20,324,190		25,043,588		18,290,819
Current income taxes payable	92,192		—		210,355		92,192
Deferred income taxes, net	5,415,493		4,013,983		5,703,006		5,415,493
Total liabilities	60,475,504		59,698,173		68,744,949		60,475,504

Commitments and Contingencies	—		—		—		—

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	—		545,489

Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock (1,000,000 authorized shares; no shares issued)	—		—		—		—
Common stock - no par value (10,000,000 authorized shares; 2,023,270 and 2,037,135 shares issued and outstanding 2014 and 2013, respectively, excluding 291,676 shares for 2014 and 2013 of common stock held by the Company’s subsidiary)	1		1
Common stock – no par value (10,000,000 authorized shares; 1,949,797 and 2,023,270 shares issued and outstanding 2015 and 2014, respectively, excluding 291,676 shares for 2015 and 2014 of common stock held by the Company’s subsidiary)					1		1
Retained earnings	124,707,196		116,714,749		131,186,866		124,707,196
Accumulated other comprehensive income	12,856,509		11,347,404		11,483,015		12,856,509
Total stockholders’ equity attributable to the Company					142,669,882		137,563,706
Noncontrolling interests					107,198		—
Total stockholders’ equity	137,563,706		128,062,154		$	142,777,080	$	137,563,706
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	198,039,210	$	188,305,816	$	211,522,029	$	198,039,210

See notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

3840

Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income


For the Years Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012			2015			2014			2013
Revenues:
Net premiums written	$	109,963,556		$	113,886,266		$	102,331,102		$	112,475,686		$	109,963,556		$	113,886,266
Investment income – interest and dividends	4,259,501			3,894,608			3,980,411			4,531,319			4,259,501			3,894,608
Net realized gain on investments	268,294			195,800			1,066,239
Net realized (loss) gain on investments										(116,163		)	268,294			195,800
Other	8,627,935			8,274,823			7,701,340			10,309,230			8,627,935			8,274,823
Total Revenues	123,119,286			126,251,497			115,079,092			127,200,072			123,119,286			126,251,497

Operating Expenses:
Commissions to agents	65,632,353			67,150,810			59,427,070			62,174,301			65,632,353			67,150,810
Provision (benefit) for claims	5,229,716			(571,596		)	6,072,115			4,478,494			5,229,716			(571,596		)
Salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes	25,218,225			25,386,511			21,881,540			28,041,213			25,218,225			25,386,511
Office occupancy and operations	5,049,962			4,430,220			3,994,244			5,885,336			5,049,962			4,430,220
Business development	2,333,491			2,145,639			1,856,848			2,373,270			2,333,491			2,145,639
Filing fees, franchise and local taxes	817,909			681,935			846,168			732,985			817,909			681,935
Premium and retaliatory taxes	1,851,767			2,558,227			1,885,760			2,161,571			1,851,767			2,558,227
Professional and contract labor fees	2,676,483			2,171,606			2,420,387			2,691,411			2,676,483			2,171,606
Other	820,882			755,407			615,053			884,438			820,882			755,407
Total Operating Expenses	109,630,788			104,708,759			98,999,185			109,423,019			109,630,788			104,708,759

Income before Income Taxes	13,488,498			21,542,738			16,079,907			17,777,053			13,488,498			21,542,738

Provision for Income Taxes	3,816,000			6,746,000			4,889,000			5,228,000			3,816,000			6,746,000

Net Income	9,672,498			14,796,738			11,190,907			12,549,053			9,672,498			14,796,738

Net Income Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	(23,523		)	(88,528		)	(88,411		)
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests										(15,148		)	(23,523		)	(88,528		)

Net Income Attributable to the Company	$	9,648,975		$	14,708,210		$	11,102,496		$	12,533,905		$	9,648,975		$	14,708,210

Basic Earnings per Common Share	$	4.75		$	7.15		$	5.33		$	6.32		$	4.75		$	7.15

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Basic	2,031,760			2,056,169			2,081,703			1,984,360			2,031,760			2,056,169

Diluted Earnings per Common Share	$	4.74		$	7.08		$	5.24		$	6.30		$	4.74		$	7.08

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Diluted	2,037,534			2,076,628			2,116,793			1,989,799			2,037,534			2,076,628

Cash Dividends Paid per Common Share	$	0.32		$	0.32		$	0.29		$	0.40		$	0.32		$	0.32

See notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

3941

Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income


For the Years Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012			2015			2014			2013
Net income	$	9,672,498		$	14,796,738		$	11,190,907		$	12,549,053		$	9,672,498		$	14,796,738
Other comprehensive income, before tax:
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax:
Amortization (accretion) related to prior year service cost	2,217			(1,518		)	9,396			4,390			2,217			(1,518		)
Amortization of unrecognized loss	—			6,293			680			3,514			—			6,293
Accumulated postretirement (benefit) provision obligation adjustment	(47,121		)	77,213			(82,918		)	(63,566		)	(47,121		)	77,213
Unrealized gains on investments arising during the period	2,848,256			3,959,623			3,190,737
Unrealized (losses) gains on investments arising during the period										(2,077,542		)	2,848,256			3,959,623
Reclassification adjustment for sale of securities included in net income	(518,279		)	(229,869		)	(1,166,179		)	(718,837		)	(518,279		)	(229,869		)
Reclassification adjustment for write-down of securities included in net income	14,542			34,070			99,940			751,059			14,542			34,070
Other	—			—			(36,600		)
Other comprehensive income, before tax	2,299,615			3,845,812			2,015,056
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax										(2,100,982		)	2,299,615			3,845,812
Income tax (benefit) expense related to postretirement health benefits	(15,269		)	27,887			(24,764		)	(18,924		)	(15,269		)	27,887
Income tax expense related to unrealized gains on investments arising during the year	974,145			1,354,439			1,122,003
Income tax (benefit) expense related to unrealized (losses) gains on investments arising during the year										(722,226		)	974,145			1,354,439
Income tax benefit related to reclassification adjustment for sale of securities included in net income	(173,403		)	(78,622		)	(426,017		)	(245,200		)	(173,403		)	(78,622		)
Income tax expense related to reclassification adjustment for write-down of securities included in net income	5,037			13,134			34,569			258,862			5,037			13,134
Net income tax expense on other comprehensive income	790,510			1,316,838			705,791
Other comprehensive income	1,509,105			2,528,974			1,309,265
Net income tax (benefit) expense on other comprehensive (loss) income										(727,488		)	790,510			1,316,838
Other comprehensive (loss) income										(1,373,494		)	1,509,105			2,528,974
Comprehensive Income	$	11,181,603		$	17,325,712		$	12,500,172		$	11,175,559		$	11,181,603		$	17,325,712
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	(23,523		)	(88,528		)	(88,411		)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests										(15,148		)	(23,523		)	(88,528		)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to the Company	$	11,158,080		$	17,237,184		$	12,411,761		$	11,160,411		$	11,158,080		$	17,237,184

See notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

4042

Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity


	Common Stock				Retained Earnings				Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income				Total Stockholders’ Equity			Common Stock				Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Shares		Amount					Shares					Total Stockholders’ Equity			Amount				Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Stockholders’ Equity
Balance, January 1, 2012	2,107,681		$	1	Retained Earnings		$	99,003,018	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			$	7,509,165			$	106,512,184
Net income attributable to the Company					11,102,496								11,102,496
Dividends ($0.29 per share)					(603,334		)						(603,334		)
Shares of common stock repurchased and retired	(70,702	)			(3,975,532		)						(3,975,532		)
Stock options and stock appreciation rights exercised	6,380				160,557								160,557
Share-based compensation expense					74,553								74,553
Amortization related to postretirement health benefits									6,648				6,648
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation adjustment									(54,726		)		(54,726		)
Net unrealized gain on investments									1,393,943				1,393,943
Other					58,701				(36,600		)		22,101
Balance, December 31, 2012	2,043,359		$	1	$	105,820,459			$	8,818,430			$	114,638,890
Balance, January 1, 2013																2,043,359		$	1	$	105,820,459		$	8,818,430		$	—		$	114,638,890
Net income attributable to the Company					14,708,210								14,708,210							14,708,210									14,708,210
Dividends ($0.32 per share)					(657,914		)						(657,914		)					(657,914		)							(657,914		)
Shares of common stock repurchased and retired	(56,223	)			(4,262,260		)						(4,262,260		)	(56,223	)			(4,262,260		)							(4,262,260		)
Stock options and stock appreciation rights exercised	49,999				75,797								75,797			49,999				75,797									75,797
Share-based compensation expense					83,852								83,852							83,852									83,852
Amortization related to postretirement health benefits									3,140				3,140										3,140						3,140
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation adjustment									50,961				50,961										50,961						50,961
Net unrealized gain on investments									2,474,873				2,474,873										2,474,873						2,474,873
Income tax benefit from share-based compensation					946,605								946,605							946,605									946,605
Balance, December 31, 2013	2,037,135		$	1	$	116,714,749			$	11,347,404			$	128,062,154		2,037,135		$	1	$	116,714,749		$	11,347,404		$	—		$	128,062,154
Net income attributable to the Company					9,648,975								9,648,975							9,648,975									9,648,975
Dividends ($0.32 per share)					(650,433		)						(650,433		)					(650,433		)							(650,433		)
Shares of common stock repurchased and retired	(15,372	)			(1,055,765		)						(1,055,765		)	(15,372	)			(1,055,765		)							(1,055,765		)
Stock options and stock appreciation rights exercised	1,507				27,100								27,100			1,507				27,100									27,100
Share-based compensation expense					120,891								120,891							120,891									120,891
Amortization related to postretirement health benefits									1,465				1,465										1,465						1,465
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation adjustment									(31,100		)		(31,100		)								(31,100		)				(31,100		)
Net unrealized gain on investments									1,538,740				1,538,740										1,538,740						1,538,740
Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest of subsidiary					(114,320		)						(114,320		)					(114,320		)							(114,320		)
Income tax benefit from share-based compensation					15,999								15,999							15,999									15,999
Balance, December 31, 2014	2,023,270		$	1	$	124,707,196			$	12,856,509			$	137,563,706		2,023,270		$	1	$	124,707,196		$	12,856,509		$	—		$	137,563,706
Net income attributable to the Company																				12,533,905									12,533,905
Dividends ($0.40 per share)																				(789,907		)							(789,907		)
Shares of common stock repurchased and retired																(75,665	)			(5,483,953		)							(5,483,953		)
Stock options and stock appreciation rights exercised																2,192				54,988									54,988
Share-based compensation expense																				137,762									137,762
Amortization related to postretirement health benefits																							5,216						5,216
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation adjustment																							(41,954		)				(41,954		)
Net unrealized loss on investments																							(1,336,756		)				(1,336,756		)
Net effect changes of ownership																										127,050			127,050
Subsidiary return of capital																										(35,000		)	(35,000		)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests																										15,148			15,148
Income tax benefit from share-based compensation																				26,875									26,875
Balance, December 31, 2015																1,949,797		$	1	$	131,186,866		$	11,483,015		$	107,198		$	142,777,080

See notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

4143

Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows


For the Years Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012			2015			2014			2013
Operating Activities
Net income	$	9,672,498		$	14,796,738		$	11,190,907		$	12,549,053		$	9,672,498		$	14,796,738
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	833,104			669,727			486,922			1,105,839			833,104			669,727
Amortization, net	630,782			507,111			468,006			728,510			630,782			507,111
Amortization related to postretirement benefits obligation	2,217			4,765			10,076			7,904			2,217			4,765
Share-based compensation expense related to stock options	120,891			83,852			74,553			137,762			120,891			83,852
Net loss (gain) on disposals of property	24,608			7,831			(28,538		)
Net realized gain on investments	(268,294		)	(195,800		)	(1,066,239		)
Net (gain) loss on disposals of property										(24,867		)	24,608			7,831
Net realized loss (gain) on investments										116,163			(268,294		)	(195,800		)
Net earnings from other investments	(1,450,980		)	(1,257,266		)	(1,674,594		)	(2,002,276		)	(1,450,980		)	(1,257,266		)
Provision (benefit) for claims	5,229,716			(571,596		)	6,072,115			4,478,494			5,229,716			(571,596		)
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes	611,000			1,804,000			(292,000		)
Payments of claims, net of recoveries	(3,912,716		)	(3,146,404		)	(4,990,115		)
Provision for deferred income taxes										1,015,000			611,000			1,804,000
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in receivables	206,041			2,287,489			(4,227,714		)
Decrease in receivables										217,594			206,041			2,287,489
Increase in other assets	(393,359		)	(2,906,224		)	(407,252		)	(4,879,418		)	(393,359		)	(2,906,224		)
Decrease (increase) in current income taxes recoverable	366,772			(366,772		)	—			—			366,772			(366,772		)
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(2,080,492		)	4,923,858			2,372,995
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities										6,689,204			(2,080,492		)	4,923,858
Increase (decrease) in current income taxes payable	92,192			(1,336,824		)	696,291			118,163			92,192			(1,336,824		)
Payments of claims, net of recoveries										(3,367,494		)	(3,912,716		)	(3,146,404		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	9,683,980			15,304,485			8,685,413			16,889,631			9,683,980			15,304,485

Investing Activities
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	(30,899,452		)	(23,466,037		)	(15,899,439		)	(20,164,353		)	(30,899,452		)	(23,466,037		)
Purchases of short-term securities	(911,188		)	(2,638,908		)	(6,347,527		)	(4,593,240		)	(911,188		)	(2,638,908		)
Purchases of other investments	(1,689,950		)	(1,369,210		)	(3,441,412		)	(3,717,978		)	(1,689,950		)	(1,369,210		)
Investment in/purchase of subsidiary	—			—			(350,000		)	(72,600		)	—			—
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities	12,472,817			9,892,634			15,646,381			22,151,408			12,472,817			9,892,634
Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term securities	6,260,568			8,280,183			6,892,141			304,827			6,260,568			8,280,183
Proceeds from sales and distributions of other investments	1,584,337			2,107,675			2,301,647			3,911,286			1,584,337			2,107,675
Proceeds from sales of other assets	38,052			40,366			220,455			149,128			38,052			40,366
Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest of subsidiary	(515,275		)	—			—			—			(515,275		)	—
Purchases of property, equipment and software	(2,017,379		)	(1,424,108		)	(568,728		)	(2,742,619		)	(2,017,379		)	(1,424,108		)
Proceeds from disposals of property	24,400			24,335			65,837			75,060			24,400			24,335
Net cash used in investing activities	(15,653,070		)	(8,553,070		)	(1,480,645		)	(4,699,081		)	(15,653,070		)	(8,553,070		)

Financing Activities
Repurchases of common stock	(1,055,765		)	(4,262,260		)	(3,975,532		)	(5,483,953		)	(1,055,765		)	(4,262,260		)
Exercise of options	27,100			75,797			160,557			54,988			27,100			75,797
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(168,057		)	(36,900		)	(40,800		)	—			(168,057		)	(36,900		)
Subsidiary return of capital										(35,000		)	—			—
Excess tax benefits related to exercise of stock options and SARs	15,999			946,605			22,101			26,875			15,999			946,605
Dividends paid	(650,433		)	(657,914		)	(603,334		)	(789,907		)	(650,433		)	(657,914		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,831,156		)	(3,934,672		)	(4,437,008		)	(6,226,997		)	(1,831,156		)	(3,934,672		)

Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(7,800,246		)	2,816,743			2,767,760
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents										5,963,553			(7,800,246		)	2,816,743
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period	23,626,761			20,810,018			18,042,258			15,826,515			23,626,761			20,810,018
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	$	15,826,515		$	23,626,761		$	20,810,018		$	21,790,068		$	15,826,515		$	23,626,761

4244


Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued
	2014			2013			2012			2015		2014			2013
Supplemental Disclosures:
Cash Paid During the Year for:
Income tax payments, net	$	2,744,100		$	5,724,000		$	4,479,000		$	4,658,000	$	2,744,100		$	5,724,000
Non Cash Investing and Financing Activities
Non cash net unrealized gain on investments, net of deferred tax provision of $(805,779), $(1,288,951) and $(730,555) for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively	$	(1,538,740	)	$	(2,474,873	)	$	(1,393,943	)
Adjustments to postretirement benefits obligation, net of deferred tax provision of $16,021, $(26,252) and $28,192 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively	$	31,100		$	(50,961	)	$	54,726
Non cash intangible assets acquired from purchase of subsidiary	$	—		$	—		$	(1,481,900	)
Non cash contingent liability from purchase of subsidiary	$	—		$	—		$	691,250
Non cash net unrealized loss (gain) on investments, net of deferred tax benefit (provision) of $708,564, $(805,779) and $(1,288,951) for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively										$	1,336,756	$	(1,538,740	)	$	(2,474,873	)
Adjustments to postretirement benefits obligation, net of deferred tax benefit (provision) of $21,612, $16,021 and $(26,252) for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively										$	41,954	$	31,100		$	(50,961	)

See notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

4345

Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business – Investors Title Company’s (the “Company”) primary business, and only reportable segment, is title insurance. The title insurance segment, through its two subsidiaries, Investors Title Insurance Company (“ITIC”) and National Investors Title Insurance Company (“NITIC”), is licensed to insure titles to residential, institutional, commercial and industrial properties. The Company issues title insurance policies primarily through approved attorneys from underwriting offices and through independent issuing agents in 22 states and the District of Columbia, primarily in the eastern half of the United States. The majority of the Company’s business is concentrated in Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation – The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts and operations of Investors Title Company and its subsidiaries, and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted ~~accounting principles~~ in the United States (“GAAP”). Earnings attributable to ~~the~~noncontrolling interests in majority-owned insurance agencies, including redeemable noncontrolling ~~interest~~interests, are recorded onin the Consolidated Statements of ~~Income for majority-owned subsidiaries. The redeemable noncontrolling interest~~Income. Noncontrolling interests representing the portion of equity not related to the ~~Company’s~~Company's ownership ~~interest is~~interests are recorded ~~as redeemable equity~~ in a separate ~~section~~sections of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

~~Immaterial Classification Correction~~ –During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company realized $946,605 and $22,101, respectively, in excess tax benefits associated with the exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”). Such amounts were mistakenly classified as part of operating activities rather than financing activities. Accordingly, the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows have been corrected. The correction resulted in a decrease to previously reported operating cash flows and an increase to financing cash flows in the amount of $946,605 and $22,101 for the years ended December��31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. There was no impact to the Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Income, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity or to the Company’s cash position.

Significant Accounting Policies – The significant accounting policies of the Company are summarized below.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For the purpose of presentation in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, cash equivalents are highly liquid instruments with remaining original maturities of three months or less. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term maturity at purchase of these instruments.

Investments in Securities

Securities for which the Company has the intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and reported at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums or accretion of discounts, and other-than-temporary declines in fair value. Securities held principally for resale in the near term are classified as trading securities and recorded at fair values. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading securities are included in other income. Securities not classified as either trading or held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax and adjusted for other-than-temporary declines in fair value, reported as accumulated other comprehensive income. As of December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013,~~2014, all investments in securities are classified as available-for-sale. Securities are regularly reviewed for differences between the cost and estimated fair value of each security for factors that may indicate that a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary. Some factors considered in evaluating whether or not a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary include the duration and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost and the Company’s ability and intent to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in value. Such reviews are inherently uncertain and the value of the investment may not fully recover or may decline in future periods resulting in a realized loss. Fair values of the majority of investments are based on quoted market prices. Realized gains and losses are determined on the specific identification method. Refer to Note 3 for further information regarding investments in securities and fair value.

Short-term Investments

Short-term investments are comprised of money market accounts which are invested in short-term funds, time deposits with banks and savings and loan associations, and other investments expected to have maturities or redemptions greater than three months and less than twelve months. The Company monitors any events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of these investments.

4446

Other Investments

Other investments consist primarily of investments in title insurance agencies structured as limited liability companies (“LLCs”), which are accounted for under the equity or cost methods of accounting. The aggregate cost of the Company’s cost method investments totaled ~~$2,423,408~~$3,572,914 and ~~$1,834,229~~$2,423,408 at December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013,~~2014, respectively. The Company monitors any events or changes in circumstances that may have had a significant adverse effect on the fair value of these investments and makes any necessary adjustments.

Property Acquired in Settlement of Claims

Property acquired in settlement of claims is held for sale and valued at the lower of cost or market. Adjustments to reported estimated realizable values and realized gains or losses on dispositions are recorded as increases or decreases in claim costs. Properties acquired in settlement of claims are included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated principally under the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives (3 to 25 years) of the respective assets. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expenses and improvements are capitalized.

Reserves for Claims

Total reserves for all reported and unreported losses the Company incurred through December 31, ~~2014 is~~2015 are 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 incurred claims of policyholders which may be reported in the future. Despite the variability of such estimates, management believes that the reserves are adequate to cover claim losses resulting from pending and future claims for policies issued through December 31, ~~2014.~~2015. The Company continually reviews and adjusts its reserve estimates as necessary to reflect its loss experience and any new information that becomes available. Adjustments resulting from such reviews may be significant.

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 acquiring company carries assets at the lower of cost or estimated realizable value, net of any indebtedness on the property.

Income Taxes

The Company makes certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense (benefit) for financial statement purposes. These estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of certain tax assets and liabilities which arise from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes. The Company provides for deferred income taxes (benefits) for the tax consequences in future years of temporary differences between the financial statements’ carrying values and the tax bases of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates. The Company establishes a valuation allowance if it believes that it is more likely than not that some or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. Refer to Note 8 for further information regarding income taxes.

Premiums Written and Commissions to Agents

Generally, title insurance premiums are recognized at the time of closing of the related real estate transaction, as the earnings process is then considered complete. Policies or commitments are issued upon receipt of final certificates or preliminary reports with respect to titles. Title insurance commissions earned by the Company’s agents, taxes and a provision for claims losses are recognized as expenses concurrent with recognition of related premium revenue.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Company management continually evaluates the collectability of receivables and provides an allowance for doubtful accounts equal to estimated losses expected to be incurred in the collection of premiums and fees receivable. During the second quarter of 2014, the Company changed its presentation of gross premiums and fees receivable and related allowance for doubtful accounts and now reports them net of certain commitments not expected to result in issued title insurance policies. The change had no impact to net premium and fees receivable, net premiums written, operating expenses or net income. Changes to the allowance for doubtful accounts are reflected within net premiums written in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Amounts are charged off in the period they are deemed to be uncollectible.

Quarterly, the Company evaluates the collectability of receivables. Premiums not collected within 7 months are fully reserved. Write-offs of receivables have not been material to the Company.

4547

Exchange Services Revenue

Fees are recognized at the signing of a binding agreement and investment earnings are recognized as they are earned. Exchange services revenues are included in other revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, premium and fees receivable, accrued interest and dividends, accounts payable, commissions payable, reinsurance payable and current income taxes recoverable/payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities. ~~Fair~~Estimated fair values for the majority of investment securities are based on quoted market prices. Auction rate securities (“ARS”) are valued using discounted cash flow models to determine the estimated fair value of these investments. Some of the inputs for determining the fair value of ARS are unobservable in the securities markets and are significant. Refer to Note 3 for further information regarding investments in securities and fair value.

Comprehensive Income

The Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income is comprised of unrealized holding gains/losses on available-for-sale securities, net of tax, and unrecognized prior service cost and unrealized gains/losses associated with postretirement benefit liabilities, net of tax.�� Accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2015 consists of $11,597,741 of unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities and $114,726 of unrecognized prior service cost and unrecognized actuarial losses associated with postretirement benefit liabilities. Accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2014 consists of $12,934,497 of unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities and $77,988 of unrecognized prior service cost and unrecognized actuarial losses associated with postretirement benefit liabilities. Accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2013 consists of $11,395,757 of unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities and $48,353 of unrecognized prior service cost and unrecognized actuarial losses associated with postretirement benefit liabilities. Accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2012 consists of $8,920,884 of unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities and $102,454 of unrecognized prior service cost and unrecognized actuarial losses associated with postretirement benefit liabilities.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for share-based compensation in accordance with the fair value based principles required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). Share-based compensation cost is generally measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the employee’s requisite service period.

As the share-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

Other Intangible Assets

The Company’s other intangible assets consist of a non-compete agreement and referral relationships resulting from an agency acquisition and are recorded at the acquisition date fair value. The referral relationships are amortized on a straight-line basis over the useful life and amortization of the non-compete contract will start at a future date when the related employment agreement is terminated. Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment at least quarterly.

Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated and concluded that there were no material subsequent events requiring adjustment or disclosure to its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the FASB updated guidance to improve the comparability of revenue recognition practices for entities that either enter into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enter into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets, unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards such as insurance contracts or lease standards. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. For public entities, this update ~~becomes~~originally became effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, ~~2016, including interim periods within that reporting period.~~2016. In August 2015, the FASB updated guidance to defer the effective date of the standard by one year. Early adoption is not ~~permitted.~~permitted, although public entities are permitted to elect to adopt the amendments on the original effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the recently issued accounting standard will have on the Company's financial position and results of operations, but does not expect it to have a material impact.

Use of Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with 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 and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates and assumptions used. The more significant of these estimates and assumptions include the following:

Claims – 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 may be reported in the future (incurred but not reported, or “IBNR”). A provision for estimated future claims payments is recorded at the time policy revenue is recorded as a percentage of premium income. By their nature, title claims can often be complex, vary greatly in dollar amounts, vary in number due to economic and market conditions such as an increase in mortgage foreclosures, and involve uncertainties as to ultimate exposure. In addition, some claims may require a number of years to settle and determine the final liability for indemnity and loss adjustment expense. The payment experience may extend for more than 20 years after the issuance of a policy. Events such as fraud, defalcation and multiple property defects can substantially and unexpectedly cause increases in estimates of losses. Due to the length of time over which claim payments are made and regularly occurring changes in underlying economic and market conditions, these estimates are subject to variability.

Management considers factors such as the Company’s historical claims experience, case reserve estimates on reported claims, large claims, actuarial projections and other relevant factors in determining loss provision rates and the aggregate recorded expected liability for claims. In establishing reserves, actuarial projections are compared with recorded reserves to evaluate the adequacy of such recorded claims reserves and any necessary adjustments are then recorded in current operations. As the most recent claims experience develops and new information becomes available, the loss reserve estimate related to prior periods will change to more accurately reflect updated and improved emerging data. The Company reflects any adjustments to reserves in the results of operations in the period in which new information (principally claims experience) becomes available.

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 reflect recent trends. See Note 6 in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding this change in accounting estimate.

Premiums written – The Company’s premium revenues from certain agency operations include accruals based on estimates. These accruals estimate unreported agency premiums related to transactions which have settled as of the balance sheet date. Accruals for premiums from certain agencies are necessary because of the lag between policy effective dates and the reporting of these transactions to the Company by the agents. The current lag time used in the Company’s estimates typically ranges between 0 and 180 days after the policy effective date, with the majority of agencies reporting within 60 to 90 days. The lag time is reviewed periodically to monitor accruals. To determine the estimated premiums, the Company uses historical experience, as well as other factors, to make certain assumptions about the average elapsed time between the policy effective date and the date the policies are reported. From time to time, the Company adjusts the inputs to the calculation of these estimates as agents report transactions and information on more current trends becomes available. The Company reflects any adjustments to the accruals in the results of operations in the period in which new information becomes available.

Impairments – Securities are regularly evaluated and reviewed for differences between the cost and estimated fair value of each security for factors that may indicate that a decline in estimated fair value is other-than-temporary. When, in the opinion of management, a decline in the estimated fair value of an investment is considered to be other-than-temporary, such investment is written down to its estimated fair value. Some factors considered in evaluating whether or not a decline in estimated fair value is other-than-temporary include the duration and extent to which the estimated fair value has been less than cost; the probability that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the security; with respect to equity securities, whether the Company’s ability and intent to retain the investment for a period of time is sufficient to allow for a recovery in value; with respect to fixed maturity securities, whether the Company has the intent to sell or will more likely than not be required to sell a particular security before recovery in value; and the financial condition and prospects of the issuer (including credit ratings). These factors are reviewed quarterly and any material degradation in the prospect for recovery will be considered in the other-than-temporary impairment analysis. Such reviews are inherently uncertain and the value of the investment may not fully recover or may decline in future periods resulting in a realized loss. The estimated fair values of the majority of the Company’s investments are based on quoted market prices from independent pricing services.

2. Statutory Accounting and Restrictions on Consolidated Stockholders’ Equity and Investments

The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with ~~accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America~~GAAP which differ in some respects from statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted in the preparation of financial statements for submission to insurance regulatory authorities.

Combined capital and surplus on a statutory basis was ~~$127,314,429~~$133,363,375 and ~~$119,897,974~~$127,314,429 as of December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013,~~2014, respectively. Net income on a statutory basis was $13,621,174, $9,737,634 ~~$11,858,699~~ and ~~$11,035,792~~$11,858,699 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ and ~~2012,~~2013, respectively.

The Company has designated approximately ~~$48,423,000~~$50,508,000 and ~~$47,405,000~~$48,423,000 of retained earnings as of December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013,~~2014, respectively, as appropriated to reflect the required statutory premium and supplemental reserves. See Note 8 for the tax treatment of the statutory premium reserve.

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, approximately $89,489,000 and ~~2013, approximately~~ $90,384,000, ~~and $83,311,000,~~ respectively, of consolidated stockholders’ equity represents net assets of the Company’s subsidiaries that cannot be transferred in the form of dividends, loans or advances to the parent company under statutory regulations without prior insurance department approval. During ~~2015,~~2016, the maximum distributions the insurance subsidiaries can make to the Company without prior approval from applicable regulators istotal approximately ~~$9,937,000.~~$14,352,000.

Bonds totaling approximately ~~$7,060,000~~$7,159,000 and ~~$7,022,000~~$7,060,000 at December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013,~~2014, respectively, are deposited with the insurance departments of the states in which business is conducted.

3. Investments in Securities and Estimated Fair Value

The aggregate estimated fair value, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses, and amortized cost for securities by major security type at December 31 were as follows:


December 31, 2014	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
December 31, 2015									Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value:
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	$	35,215,247	$	1,527,794	$	19,542	$	36,723,499	$	31,883,439	$	987,595	$	11,734	$	32,859,300
Issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions special revenue	46,707,033		2,405,725		55,502		49,057,256
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions									52,202,815		2,604,152		26,127		54,780,840
Corporate debt securities	21,576,641		823,133		71,339		22,328,435		17,004,985		539,832		58,473		17,486,344
Auction rate securities	922,129		16,971		—		939,100		924,587		15,313		—		939,900
Total	$	104,421,050	$	4,773,623	$	146,383	$	109,048,290	$	102,015,826	$	4,146,892	$	96,334	$	106,066,384
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value:
Common stocks and nonredeemable preferred stocks	$	24,128,753	$	15,225,459	$	99,231	$	39,254,981
Common stocks									$	23,855,873	$	13,785,968	$	128,377	$	37,513,464
Total	$	24,128,753	$	15,225,459	$	99,231	$	39,254,981	$	23,855,873	$	13,785,968	$	128,377	$	37,513,464
Short-term investments:
Money market funds and certificates of deposit	$	2,576,993	$	—	$	—	$	2,576,993	$	6,865,406	$	—	$	—	$	6,865,406
Total	$	2,576,993	$	—	$	—	$	2,576,993	$	6,865,406	$	—	$	—	$	6,865,406


December 31, 2013	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
December 31, 2014									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	$	38,449,309	$	1,922,862	$	184,351	$	40,187,820	$	35,215,247	$	1,527,794	$	19,542	$	36,723,499
Issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions special revenue	30,874,571		1,234,130		204,800		31,903,901
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions									46,707,033		2,405,725		55,502		49,057,256
Corporate debt securities	17,736,608		789,840		108,456		18,417,992		21,576,641		823,133		71,339		22,328,435
Auction rate securities	919,672		16,028		—		935,700		922,129		16,971		—		939,100
Total	$	87,980,160	$	3,962,860	$	497,607	$	91,445,413	$	104,421,050	$	4,773,623	$	146,383	$	109,048,290
Equity securities, available-for sale, at fair value:
Common stocks and nonredeemable preferred stocks	$	22,200,369	$	14,052,780	$	109,084	$	36,144,065	$	24,128,753	$	15,225,459	$	99,231	$	39,254,981
Total	$	22,200,369	$	14,052,780	$	109,084	$	36,144,065	$	24,128,753	$	15,225,459	$	99,231	$	39,254,981
Short-term investments:
Money market funds and certificates of deposit	$	7,926,373	$	—	$	—	$	7,926,373	$	2,576,993	$	—	$	—	$	2,576,993
Total	$	7,926,373	$	—	$	—	$	7,926,373	$	2,576,993	$	—	$	—	$	2,576,993

The special revenue category for both periods presented includes over 3050 individual bonds with revenue sources from a variety of industry sectors.

The scheduled maturities of fixed maturity securities at December 31, ~~2014~~2015 were as follows:


	Available-for-Sale				Available-for-Sale
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	13,682,264	$	13,844,384	$	14,677,669	$	14,877,469
Due after one year through five years	52,358,705		54,918,427		41,214,199		42,796,111
Due five years through ten years	36,385,776		37,703,640		42,879,329		44,682,558
Due after ten years	1,994,305		2,581,839		3,244,629		3,710,246
Total	$	104,421,050	$	109,048,290	$	102,015,826	$	106,066,384

Earnings on investments for the years ended December 31 were as follows:


	2014		2013		2012		2015		2014		2013
Fixed maturities	$	3,282,810	$	2,997,901	$	3,154,131	$	3,439,296	$	3,282,810	$	2,997,901
Equity securities	973,419		890,917		815,674		1,086,365		973,419		890,917
Invested cash and other short-term investments	3,202		5,754		10,576		5,605		3,202		5,754
Miscellaneous interest	70		36		30		53		70		36
Investment income	$	4,259,501	$	3,894,608	$	3,980,411	$	4,531,319	$	4,259,501	$	3,894,608

Gross realized gains and losses on sales of investments for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows:


	2014			2013			2012			2015			2014			2013
Gross realized gains:
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	$	—		$	—		$	250
Corporate debt securities	6,670			—			52,396			$	5,417		$	6,670		$	—
Common stocks and nonredeemable preferred stocks	1,021,463			369,673			450,461			1,572,636			1,021,463			369,673
Auction rate securities	—			—			211,061
Total	1,028,133			369,673			714,168			1,578,053			1,028,133			369,673
Gross realized losses:
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions										(12,319		)	—			—
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions										(397		)	—			—
Common stocks and nonredeemable preferred stocks	(509,854		)	(180,169		)	(91,975		)	(846,500		)	(509,854		)	(180,169		)
Other than temporary impairment of securities	(14,542		)	—			(93,436		)	(751,059		)	(14,542		)	—
Total	(524,396		)	(180,169		)	(185,411		)	(1,610,275		)	(524,396		)	(180,169		)
Net realized gain	$	503,737		$	189,504		$	528,757
Net realized (loss) gain										$	(32,222	)	$	503,737		$	189,504
Net realized (loss) gain on other investments:
Impairments of other assets and investments	$	(10,062	)	$	(34,070	)	$	(6,504	)	$	(233,069	)	$	(10,062	)	$	(34,070	)
Net gain on other assets and investments	45,288			48,946			543,986			149,128			45,288			48,946
Net loss on other assets and investments	(270,669		)	(8,580		)	—			—			(270,669		)	(8,580		)
Total	$	(235,443	)	$	6,296		$	537,482		$	(83,941	)	$	(235,443	)	$	6,296
Net realized gain on investments	$	268,294		$	195,800		$	1,066,239
Net realized (loss) gain on investments										$	(116,163	)	$	268,294		$	195,800

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

4952

The following table presents the gross unrealized losses on investment securities and the estimated fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position at December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013:~~2014:


	Less than 12 Months					12 Months or Longer					Total					Less than 12 Months					12 Months or Longer					Total
December 31, 2014	Fair Value		Unrealized Loss			Fair Value		Unrealized Loss			Fair Value		Unrealized Loss
December 31, 2015																Estimated Fair Value		Unrealized Loss			Estimated Fair Value		Unrealized Loss			Estimated Fair Value		Unrealized Loss
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	$	2,113,194	$	(19,542	)	$	—	$	—		$	2,113,194	$	(19,542	)	$	1,758,345	$	(11,734	)	$	—	$	—		$	1,758,345	$	(11,734	)
Issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions special revenue	3,946,977		(13,453		)	1,182,390		(42,049		)	5,129,367		(55,502		)
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions																1,672,217		(5,139		)	1,183,963		(20,989		)	2,856,180		(26,128		)
Corporate debt securities	6,924,430		(71,339		)	—		—			6,924,430		(71,339		)	6,981,275		(58,472		)	—		—			6,981,275		(58,472		)
Total fixed maturity securities	$	12,984,601	$	(104,334	)	$	1,182,390	$	(42,049	)	$	14,166,991	$	(146,383	)	$	10,411,837	$	(75,345	)	$	1,183,963	$	(20,989	)	$	11,595,800	$	(96,334	)
Equity securities	930,208		(71,669		)	141,280		(27,562		)	1,071,488		(99,231		)	5,533,667		(128,377		)	—		—			5,533,667		(128,377		)
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	13,914,809	$	(176,003	)	$	1,323,670	$	(69,611	)	$	15,238,479	$	(245,614	)	$	15,945,504	$	(203,722	)	$	1,183,963	$	(20,989	)	$	17,129,467	$	(224,711	)


December 31, 2013
December 31, 2014
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	$	4,198,012	$	(184,351	)	$	—	$	—		$	4,198,012	$	(184,351	)	$	2,113,194	$	(19,542	)	$	—	$	—		$	2,113,194	$	(19,542	)
Issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions special revenue	11,010,093		(204,800		)	—		—			11,010,093		(204,800		)
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions																3,946,977		(13,453		)	1,182,390		(42,049		)	5,129,367		(55,502		)
Corporate debt securities	5,942,570		(108,456		)	—		—			5,942,570		(108,456		)	6,924,430		(71,339		)	—		—			6,924,430		(71,339		)
Total fixed maturity securities	$	21,150,675	$	(497,607	)	$	—	$	—		$	21,150,675	$	(497,607	)	$	12,984,601	$	(104,334	)	$	1,182,390	$	(42,049	)	$	14,166,991	$	(146,383	)
Equity securities	2,035,971		(72,998		)	244,929		(36,086		)	2,280,900		(109,084		)	930,208		(71,669		)	141,280		(27,562		)	1,071,488		(99,231		)
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	23,186,646	$	(570,605	)	$	244,929	$	(36,086	)	$	23,431,575	$	(606,691	)	$	13,914,809	$	(176,003	)	$	1,323,670	$	(69,611	)	$	15,238,479	$	(245,614	)

As of December 31, 2015, the Company held $11,595,800 in fixed maturity securities with unrealized losses of $96,334. As of December 31, 2014, the Company held $14,166,991 in fixed maturity securities with unrealized losses of $146,383. ~~As of December 31, 2013, the Company held $21,150,675 in fixed maturity securities with unrealized losses of $497,607.~~ The decline in estimated 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 likely will 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 December 31, 2015, the Company held $5,533,667 in equity securities with unrealized losses of $128,377. As of December 31, 2014, the Company held $1,071,488 in equity securities with unrealized losses of $99,231. ~~As of December 31, 2013, the Company held $2,280,900 in equity securities with unrealized losses of $109,084.~~ 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 income 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 2530 and 2625 securities had unrealized losses at December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and December 31, ~~2013,~~2014, 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 2015, the Company recorded other-than-temporary impairment charges in the amount of $751,059 related to securities. During 2014, the Company recorded other-than-temporary impairment charges in the amount of $14,542 related to securities. During 2013, the Company did not record ~~any~~ other-than-temporary impairment charges ~~related to securities. During 2012, 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 (loss) gain on investments in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Valuation of Financial Assets and Liabilities

The FASB has established a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs 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 are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company’s own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value.

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

Debt and Equity Securities

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

The Level 2 category includes fixed maturity investments such as corporate bonds, U.S. government and agency bonds and municipal bonds. ~~Fair~~Estimated fair value is principally based on market values obtained from a third party pricing service. Factors that are used in determining estimated fair market value include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. The Company receives one quote per security from a third party pricing service, although as discussed below, the Company does consult other pricing resources when confirming that the prices it obtains reflect the estimated 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 December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and December 31, ~~2013,~~2014, the Company did not adjust any Level 2 fair values.

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

The Level 3 category only includes the Company’s investments in student loan auction rate securities (“ARS”) because quoted prices are 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 December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and December 31, ~~2013,~~2014, with approximately 97.0% as of December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and December 31, ~~2013,~~2014, guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education.

Some of the inputs to ARS valuation are unobservable in the market and are significant; therefore, the Company utilizes another third party pricing service to assist in the determination of the estimated fair market value of these securities. This 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 key assumptions the service used to determine fair value as of December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013:~~2014:


	2014	2013	2015	2014
Cumulative probability of earning maximum rate until maturity	—%	—%	—%	—%
Cumulative probability of principle returned prior to maturity	95.2%	95.6%	95.2%	95.2%
Cumulative probability of default at some future point	4.8%	4.4%	4.8%	4.8%

Significant increases or decreases in any of the inputs in isolation could result in significant changes to the estimated fair value measurement. Generally, increases in default probabilities and liquidity risk premiums lower the estimated fair market value while increases in principal being returned and earning maximum rates increase estimated 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 estimated fair value based on the midpoint of the range and believes that this valuation is the most reasonable estimate of fair value. In ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013,~~2014, the difference in the low and high values of the ranges was approximately one and four percent of the carrying value of the Company’s ARS.

5154

The following table presents, by level, the financial assets carried at estimated fair value measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013.~~2014. 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 December 31, 2014	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
As of December 31, 2015									Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Short-term investments	$	2,576,993	$	—	$	—	$	2,576,993	$	6,865,406	$	—	$	—	$	6,865,406
Equity securities:
Common stocks and nonredeemable preferred stock	39,254,981		—		—		39,254,981
Common stocks									37,513,464		—		—		37,513,464
Fixed maturities:
Obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions*	—		85,780,755		—		85,780,755		—		87,640,140		—		87,640,140
Corporate debt securities*	—		22,328,435		939,100		23,267,535
Corporate debt securities* and auction rate security									—		17,486,344		939,900		18,426,244
Total	$	41,831,974	$	108,109,190	$	939,100	$	150,880,264	$	44,378,870	$	105,126,484	$	939,900	$	150,445,254


As of December 31, 2013	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
As of December 31, 2014									Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Short-term investments	$	7,926,373	$	—	$	—	$	7,926,373	$	2,576,993	$	—	$	—	$	2,576,993
Equity securities:
Common stocks and nonredeemable preferred stock	36,144,065		—		—		36,144,065		39,254,981		—		—		39,254,981
Fixed maturities:
Obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions*	—		72,091,721		—		72,091,721		—		85,780,755		—		85,780,755
Corporate debt securities*	—		18,417,992		935,700		19,353,692
Corporate debt securities* and auction rate security									—		22,328,435		939,100		23,267,535
Total	$	44,070,438	$	90,509,713	$	935,700	$	135,515,851	$	41,831,974	$	108,109,190	$	939,100	$	150,880,264

*Denotes fair market value obtained from pricing services.

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

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

Other Financial Instruments

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

In estimating the fair value of the financial instruments presented, the Company used the following methods and assumptions:

Cash and cash equivalents

The carrying amount for cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term maturity of these investments.

Cost-basis investments

The estimated fair value of cost-basis investments is calculated from the book value of the underlying entities, which is not materially different from the fair value of the underlying entity. These items are included in other investments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

5255

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 the contingent consideration was estimated based on the discounted value of the 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 17. This item is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The carrying amounts and fair values of these financial instruments (please note investments are disclosed in a previous table) as of December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013~~2014 are presented in the following table:


As of December 31, 2014
As of December 31, 2015
Financial Assets	Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents	$	15,826,515	$	15,826,515	$	15,826,515	$	—	$	—	$	21,790,068	$	21,790,068	$	21,790,068	$	—	$	—
Cost-basis investments	2,516,608		2,675,817		—		—		2,675,817		3,588,314		3,684,020		—		—		3,684,020
Accrued dividends and interest	1,063,837		1,063,837		1,063,837		—		—		1,004,126		1,004,126		1,004,126		—		—
Total	$	19,406,960	$	19,566,169	$	16,890,352	$	—	$	2,675,817	$	26,382,508	$	26,478,214	$	22,794,194	$	—	$	3,684,020


As of December 31, 2013
As of December 31, 2014
Financial Assets	Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents	$	23,626,761	$	23,626,761	$	23,626,761	$	—	$	—	$	15,826,515	$	15,826,515	$	15,826,515	$	—	$	—
Cost-basis investments	1,927,429		2,069,302		—		—		2,069,302		2,516,608		2,675,817		—		—		2,675,817
Accrued dividends and interest	1,006,698		1,006,698		1,006,698		—		—		1,063,837		1,063,837		1,063,837		—		—
Total	$	26,560,888	$	26,702,761	$	24,633,459	$	—	$	2,069,302	$	19,406,960	$	19,566,169	$	16,890,352	$	—	$	2,675,817

Financial Liabilities
Contingent consideration	$	341,250	$	341,250	$	—	$	—	$	341,250
Total	$	341,250	$	341,250	$	—	$	—	$	341,250

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 twelve months ended December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013:~~2014:

Changes in fair value during the year ended December 31: 2014 2013
Beginning balance at January 1 $ 935,700
$ 932,200
Redemptions and sales —
—
Realized gain – included in net realized gain on investments —
—
Realized loss – included in net realized gain on investments —
—
Unrealized gain - included in other comprehensive income 3,400
3,500
Ending balance at December 31 $ 939,100
$ 935,700

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 twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:

Changes in fair value during the period ended: 2014 2013
Beginning balance at January 1 $ 341,250
$ 691,250
Addition of contingent consideration —
—
Payment for contingent consideration (341,250 ) (350,000 )
Ending balance, net $ —
$ 341,250



Changes in fair value during the year ended December 31:	2015		2014
Beginning balance at January 1	$	939,100	$	935,700
Redemptions and sales	—		—
Realized gain – included in net realized (loss) gain on investments	—		—
Realized loss – included in net realized (loss) gain on investments	—		—
Unrealized gain – included in other comprehensive income	800		3,400
Ending balance at December 31	$	939,900	$	939,100

Certain cost-basis investments are measured at estimated fair value on a non-recurring basis, such as investments that are determined to be other-than temporarily impaired during the period and recorded at estimated fair value in the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013.~~2014. The following table summarizes the corresponding estimated fair value hierarchy of such investments at December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013~~2014 and the related impairments recognized:

December 31, 2014
Valuation
Method
Impaired Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Total at
Estimated
Fair
Value

Impairment
Losses
Cost-basis investments Fair Value Yes $ —
$ —
$ 22,682
$ 22,682
$ (10,062 )
Total cost-basis investments and other assets $ —
$ —
$ 22,682
$ 22,682
$ (10,062 )


December 31, 2013	Valuation Method	Impaired	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total at Estimated Fair Value		Impairment Losses
December 31, 2015														Valuation Method	Impaired	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total at Estimated Fair Value		Impairment Losses
Cost-basis investments	Fair Value	Yes	$	—	$	—	$	32,744	$	32,744	$	(34,070	)	Fair Value	Yes	$	—	$	—	$	163,350	$	163,350	$	(233,069	)
Total cost-basis investments and other assets			$	—	$	—	$	32,744	$	32,744	$	(34,070	)			$	—	$	—	$	163,350	$	163,350	$	(233,069	)



December 31, 2014	Valuation Method	Impaired	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total at Estimated Fair Value		Impairment Losses
Cost-basis investments	Fair Value	Yes	$	—	$	—	$	22,682	$	22,682	$	(10,062	)
Total cost-basis investments and other assets			$	—	$	—	$	22,682	$	22,682	$	(10,062	)

4. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment and estimated useful lives at December 31 are summarized as follows:


	2014			2013			2015			2014
Land	$	1,107,582		$	1,107,582		$	1,122,582		$	1,107,582
Office buildings and improvements (25 years)	3,416,096			3,365,699			3,495,338			3,416,096
Furniture, fixtures and equipment (3 to 10 years)	7,159,250			6,201,618			8,948,535			7,159,250
Automobiles (3 years)	847,905			855,018			968,210			847,905
Total	12,530,833			11,529,917			14,534,665			12,530,833
Less accumulated depreciation	(7,070,028		)	(7,204,379		)	(7,385,714		)	(7,070,028		)
Property and equipment, net	$	5,460,805		$	4,325,538		$	7,148,951		$	5,460,805

Included within furniture, fixtures and equipment is software developed by the Company for internal use. Capitalized costs include both direct and indirect costs, such as payroll costs of employees associated with developing software, incurred during the software development stage.

5. Reinsurance

The Company assumes and cedes reinsurance with other insurance companies in the normal course of business. Premiums assumed and ceded were approximately $34,000 and $215,000, respectively, for 2015, $38,000 and $140,000, respectively, for 2014 and $6,000 and $211,000, respectively, for ~~2013 and $16,000 and $233,000, respectively, for 2012.~~2013. Ceded reinsurance is comprised of excess of loss treaties, which outline the conditions in which the reinsurance company will pay claims and protect against losses over certain agreed amounts. The Company remains liable to the insured for claims under ceded insurance policies in the event that the assuming insurance companies are unable to meet their obligations under these contracts. The Company has not paid or recovered any reinsured losses during the three years ended December 31, ~~2014.~~2015.

6. Reserves for Claims

Changes in the reserves for claims for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows based on the year in which the policies were written:


	2014			2013			2012			2015			2014			2013
Balance, beginning of period	$	35,360,000		$	39,078,000		$	37,996,000		$	36,677,000		$	35,360,000		$	39,078,000
Provisions related to:
Provision (benefit) related to:
Current year	6,860,335			7,239,628			7,650,959			7,295,013			6,860,335			7,239,628
Prior year	(1,630,619		)	(7,811,224		)	(1,578,844		)	(2,816,519		)	(1,630,619		)	(7,811,224		)
Total provision charged to operations	5,229,716			(571,596		)	6,072,115
Total provision (benefit) charged to operations										4,478,494			5,229,716			(571,596		)
Claims paid, net of recoveries, related to:
Current year	(102,947		)	(110,240		)	(76,288		)	(97,116		)	(102,947		)	(110,240		)
Prior year	(3,809,769		)	(3,036,164		)	(4,913,827		)	(3,270,378		)	(3,809,769		)	(3,036,164		)
Total claims paid, net of recoveries	(3,912,716		)	(3,146,404		)	(4,990,115		)	(3,367,494		)	(3,912,716		)	(3,146,404		)
Balance, end of year	$	36,677,000		$	35,360,000		$	39,078,000		$	37,788,000		$	36,677,000		$	35,360,000

The Company continually refines its reserve estimates as current loss experience develops and credible data emerges. Movements in the reserves related to prior periods were primarily the result of changes to estimates to better reflect the latest reported loss data. The ~~2014~~2015 calendar year change in the provision relating to prior years resulted mostly from changes to certain actuarial inputs and favorable development in ~~2014~~2015 versus the prior year related primarily to policy years 2009 through ~~2013.~~2014. Due to variances between actual and expected loss payments, loss development is subject to significant variability.

The Company does not recognize claim recoveries until an actual payment has been received by the Company. The Company realized claim recoveries of approximately $467,000, $790,000 and $1,165,000 during 2015, 2014 and ~~$1,324,000 during 2014,~~ 2013, ~~and 2012,~~ respectively.

The provision (benefit) for claims as a percentage of net premiums written was 4.0%, 4.8%, and (0.5)% in 2015, 2014 and ~~5.9% in 2014,~~ 2013, ~~and 2012,~~ respectively.

A large claim is defined as a claim with incurred losses exceeding $250,000. Due to the small volume of large claims, the long-tail nature of title insurance claims and the inherent uncertainty in loss emergence patterns, large claim activity can vary significantly between policy years. The estimated development of large claims by policy year is therefore subject to significant changes as experience develops.

During 2013 certain actuarial inputs were changed to reflect recent trends. 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 year ended December 31, 2013 was a reduction of $2,200,000 to the reserves for claims in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and in the Consolidated Statements of Income a decrease of $2,200,000 to the provision (benefit) for claims, an increase of $750,000 in the provision for income taxes and an increase of $1,450,000 in net income, or $0.71 per basic share and $0.70 per diluted 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 for the 2013 year. The change in estimate was primarily driven by the following:

~~Changing~~changing the specific weightings used in performing certain actuarial methods, including weighting between policy years and weighting of title industry loss data;

~~Adjusting~~adjusting for premium rate changes and the Company’s improved underwriting efforts related to construction business; and

~~Increasing~~increasing the ratios used to estimate projected payments of unallocated loss adjustment expenses to more accurately reflect expected payments.

A summary of the Company’s loss reserves, broken down into its components of known title claims and IBNR, follows:


	2014		%	2013		%	2015		%	2014		%
Known title claims	$	5,364,645	14.6	$	4,670,809	13.2	$	5,066,469	13.4	$	5,364,645	14.6
IBNR	31,312,355		85.4	30,689,191		86.8	32,721,531		86.6	31,312,355		85.4
Total loss reserves	$	36,677,000	100.0	$	35,360,000	100.0	$	37,788,000	100.0	$	36,677,000	100.0

In management’s opinion, the reserves are adequate to cover claim losses which might result from pending and future claims.

7. 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 5,439, 5,774 ~~20,459~~ and ~~35,090~~20,459 for ~~2014~~2015, ~~2013~~2014 and ~~2012,~~2013, respectively.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31:


For the Years Ended December 31,	2014		2013		2012		2015		2014		2013
Net income attributable to the Company	$	9,648,975	$	14,708,210	$	11,102,496	$	12,533,905	$	9,648,975	$	14,708,210
Weighted average common shares outstanding – Basic	2,031,760		2,056,169		2,081,703		1,984,360		2,031,760		2,056,169
Incremental shares outstanding assuming the exercise of dilutive stock options and SARs (share-settled)	5,774		20,459		35,090		5,439		5,774		20,459
Weighted average common shares outstanding – Diluted	2,037,534		2,076,628		2,116,793		1,989,799		2,037,534		2,076,628
Basic earnings per common share	$	4.75	$	7.15	$	5.33	$	6.32	$	4.75	$	7.15
Diluted earnings per common share	$	4.74	$	7.08	$	5.24	$	6.30	$	4.74	$	7.08

There were no potential shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share in ~~2014~~2015, ~~2013~~2014 and ~~2012.~~2013.

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 from the date of grant and are exercisable and ~~vest (1)~~vest: immediately; ~~(2)~~ within one year; or ~~(3)~~ at 10% to 20% per year beginning on the date of grant. All SARs issued to date have been share-settled only.

A summary of share-based award transactions for all share-based award plans follows:


	Number Of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Number Of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding as of January 1, 2012	101,600		$	29.81	3.91	$	697,780
SARs granted	3,000		50.50
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
Outstanding as of January 1, 2013								98,150		$	30.74	3.17	$	2,871,710
SARs granted	3,000		71.59					3,000		71.59
SARs exercised	(79,500	)	28.77					(79,500	)	28.77
Options exercised	(2,650	)	28.63					(2,650	)	28.63
Options/SARs canceled/forfeited/expired	—		—
Outstanding as of December 31, 2013	19,000		$	45.74	3.43	$	669,610	19,000		$	45.74	3.43	$	669,610
SARs granted	4,500		68.70					4,500		68.70
SARs exercised	(1,500	)	49.04					(1,500	)	49.04
Options exercised	(1,000	)	27.21					(1,000	)	27.21
Options/SARs canceled/forfeited/expired	—		—
Outstanding as of December 31, 2014	21,000		$	51.30	3.64	$	453,510	21,000		$	51.30	3.64	$	453,510
SARs granted								4,500		73.00
SARs exercised								(2,000	)	47.88
Options exercised								(1,500	)	36.79
Outstanding as of December 31, 2015								22,000		$	57.04	3.93	$	945,055

Exercisable as of December 31, 2014	19,875		$	50.32	3.49	$	448,785
Exercisable as of December 31, 2015								20,875		$	56.18	3.80	$	914,680

Unvested as of December 31, 2014	1,125		$	68.70	6.39	$	4,725
Unvested as of December 31, 2015								1,125		$	73.00	6.39	$	30,375

The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying awards and the quoted price of the Company’s common stock at December 31, ~~2014.~~2015. The intrinsic values of options exercised during 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ and ~~2012~~2013 were approximately $104,000, $82,000 and $3,486,000, ~~and $153,000,~~ respectively.

There were no options outstanding at December 31, 2015. The following tables summarize information about ~~fixed stock options~~SARs outstanding at December 31, ~~2014:~~2015:

Options Outstanding at Year-End Options Exercisable at Year-End
Range of Exercise Prices
Number
Outstanding

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Number
Exercisable

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
$ 36.79
— $ 36.79
1,500
0.38 $ 36.79
1,500
$ 36.79
$ 36.79
— $ 36.79
1,500
0.38 $ 36.79
1,500
$ 36.79


					SARs Outstanding at Year-End				SARs Exercisable at Year-End							SARs Outstanding at Year-End				SARs Exercisable at Year-End
Range of Exercise Prices	Range of Exercise Prices				Number Outstanding	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Number Exercisable	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Range of Exercise Prices				Number Outstanding	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Number Exercisable	Weighted Average Exercise Price
$	32.00	—	$	33.30	2,000	1.39	$	32.00	2,000	$	32.00	32.00	—	$	32.00	2,000	0.39	$	32.00	2,000	$	32.00
33.31	33.31	—	41.49		2,500	2.38	33.31		2,500	33.31		33.31	—	33.31		2,500	1.38	33.31		2,500	33.31
41.50		—	71.59		15,000	4.48	58.33		13,875	57.49
36.80												36.80	—	73.00		17,500	4.70	63.30		16,375	62.63
$	32.00	—	$	71.59	19,500	3.89	$	52.42	18,375	$	51.43	32.00	—	$	73.00	22,000	3.93	$	57.05	20,875	$	56.18

In ~~2014, 4,125 options and~~2015, 4,500 SARs vested with a fair value of ~~$118,462.~~$137,762.

During the second quarters of 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ and ~~2012,~~2013, the Company issued 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 2015, 2014 and 2013 ~~and 2012~~ were $31.16, $28.98, ~~$27.55~~ and ~~$18.84,~~$27.55, respectively, and were estimated using the weighted average assumptions shown in the table below.


	2014	2013	2012	2015	2014	2013
Expected Life in Years	6.9	5.0	5.0	7.0	6.9	5.0
Volatility	39.9%	44.6%	44.6%	40.7%	39.9%	44.6%
Interest Rate	2.1%	1.3%	0.8%	2.0%	2.1%	1.3%
Yield Rate	0.4%	0.5%	0.6%	0.4%	0.4%	0.5%

There was approximately $~~121,000~~138,000, $~~84,000~~121,000 and ~~$75,000~~$84,000 of compensation expense relating to SARs or options vesting on or before December 31, ~~2014~~2015, ~~2013~~2014 and ~~2012,~~2013, respectively, included in salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Income. As of December 31, ~~2014~~2015, there was approximately $~~33,000~~35,000 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 3 months.

The estimated weighted average grant-date fair value of SARs granted for the years ended December 31 was as follows:


For the Years Ended December 31,	2014		2013		2012		2015		2014		2013
Exercise price equal to market price on date of grant:
Weighted average market price	$	68.70	$	71.59	$	50.50	$	73.00	$	68.70	$	71.59
Weighted average grant-date fair value	$	28.98	$	27.55	$	18.84	$	31.16	$	28.98	$	27.55

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

8. Income Taxes

The components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows:


For the Years Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012			2015		2014			2013
Current:
Federal	$	3,121,000		$	4,873,000		$	5,018,000		$	4,179,000	$	3,121,000		$	4,873,000
State	84,000			69,000			163,000			34,000		84,000			69,000
Total current	3,205,000			4,942,000			5,181,000			4,213,000		3,205,000			4,942,000
Deferred:
Federal	620,156			1,805,215			(305,525		)	976,624		620,156			1,805,215
State	(9,156		)	(1,215		)	13,525			38,376		(9,156		)	(1,215		)
Total deferred	611,000			1,804,000			(292,000		)	1,015,000		611,000			1,804,000
Total	$	3,816,000		$	6,746,000		$	4,889,000		$	5,228,000	$	3,816,000		$	6,746,000

For state income tax purposes, ITIC and NITIC generally pay only a gross premium tax found in premium and retaliatory taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

At December 31, the approximate tax effect of each component of deferred income tax assets and liabilities is summarized as follows:


For the Years Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2015			2014
Deferred income tax assets:
Accrued benefits and retirement services	$	3,061,144		$	3,074,164		$	3,262,719		$	3,061,144
Allowance for doubtful accounts	1,033,624			883,426			1,199,777			1,033,624
Other-than-temporary impairment of assets	323,089			319,962			428,614			323,089
Excess of book over tax depreciation	90,409			171,504			—			90,409
Postretirement benefit obligation	40,183			24,914			59,108			40,183
Reinsurance and commission payable	15,668			21,953			13,752			15,668
Net operating loss carryforward	25,000			5,000			22,000			25,000
Other	305,119			256,309			426,463			305,119
Total	4,894,236			4,757,232			5,412,433			4,894,236
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Net unrealized gain on investments	6,781,994			5,976,215			6,073,431			6,781,994
Recorded reserves for claims, net of statutory premium reserves	2,871,114			2,467,798			3,322,336			2,871,114
Excess of tax over book depreciation							986,422			—
Other	656,621			327,202			733,250			656,621
Total	10,309,729			8,771,215			11,115,439			10,309,729
Net deferred income tax liabilities	$	(5,415,493	)	$	(4,013,983	)	$	(5,703,006	)	$	(5,415,493	)

At December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013,~~2014, no valuation allowance was recorded. Based upon the Company’s historical results of operations, the existing financial condition of the Company and management’s assessment of all other available information, management believes that it is more likely than not that the benefit of these deferred income tax assets will be realized.

A reconciliation of income tax as computed for the years ended December 31 at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 34.4% for 2015, 34.3% for 2014 and 34.1% for 2013, ~~and 34.0% for 2012,~~ respectively, to income tax expense follows:


For the Years Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012			2015			2014			2013
Anticipated income tax expense	$	4,626,555		$	7,346,074		$	5,467,168		$	6,115,306		$	4,626,555		$	7,346,074
Increase (decrease) related to:
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	55,188			45,471			107,580			22,304			55,188			45,471
Tax-exempt interest income (net of amortization)	(876,365		)	(772,545		)	(757,005		)	(981,712		)	(876,365		)	(772,545		)
Other, net	10,622			127,000			71,257			72,102			10,622			127,000
Provision for income taxes	$	3,816,000		$	6,746,000		$	4,889,000		$	5,228,000		$	3,816,000		$	6,746,000

In accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, the Company is required to recognize in its financial statements the impact of a tax position if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on an audit, based on the technical merits of the position. In this regard, an uncertain tax position represents the Company’s expected treatment of a tax position taken in a filed tax return, or planned to be taken in a future tax return, that has not been reflected in measuring income tax expense for financial reporting purposes. There were no unrecognized tax benefits or liabilities as of December 31, ~~2014.~~2015.

The amount of unrecognized tax benefit or liability may increase or decrease in the future for various reasons, including adding amounts for current tax year positions, expiration of open income tax returns due to the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, changes in management’s judgment about the level of uncertainty, status of examinations, litigation and legislative activity and the additions or eliminations of uncertain tax positions.

The Company’s policy is to report interest and penalties related to income taxes in the other line item in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company, or one of its subsidiaries, files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal or state and local examinations by taxing authorities for years before ~~2011.~~2012.

9. Leases

The Company leases certain office facilities and equipment under operating leases. Rental expense also includes occasional rental of automobiles. Rent expense totaled approximately $793,000, $766,000, and $699,000 in 2015, 2014 and ~~$692,000 in 2014,~~ 2013, ~~and 2012,~~ respectively. The future minimum lease payments under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, ~~2014,~~2015, are summarized as follows:


Year Ended:
2015	$	625,263
2016	455,145		$	658,060
2017	274,356		448,792
2018	128,808		236,062
2019	13,886		107,124
2020			95,570
Thereafter	—		81,397
Total	$	1,497,458	$	1,627,005

10. Retirement Agreements and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan

The Company has a 401(k) savings plan. In order to participate in the plan, individuals must have worked at the Company for at least 3 months. In order to be eligible for employer contributions, individuals must be employed for one full year and work at least 1,000 hours annually. The Company makes a 3% Safe Harbor contribution and also has the option annually to make a discretionary profit share contribution. Individuals may elect to make contributions up to the maximum deductible amount as determined by the Internal Revenue Code. Expenses related to the 401(k) plan were approximately $741,000, $676,000 and $579,000 for 2015, 2014 and ~~$518,000 for 2014,~~ 2013, ~~and 2012,~~ respectively.

In November 2003, ITIC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into employment agreements with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of ITIC. These individuals also serve as the Chairman, President and Executive Vice President, respectively, of the Company. The agreements provide compensation and life, health, dental and vision benefits upon the occurrence of specific events, including death, disability, retirement, termination without cause or upon a change in control. The employment agreements also prohibit each of these executives from competing with ITIC and its parent, subsidiaries and affiliates in the ~~State of~~ North Carolina while employed by ITIC and for a period of two years following termination of their employment.

In addition, during the second quarter of 2004, ITIC entered into nonqualified deferred compensation plan agreements with these executives. The amount accrued for all agreements at December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013~~2014 was approximately ~~$7,111,000~~$7,818,000 and ~~$6,580,000,~~$7,111,000, respectively, which includes postretirement compensation and health benefits, and was calculated based on the terms of the contract. Both the ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013~~2014 accruals are included in the accounts payable and accrued liabilities line item of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These executive contracts are accounted for on an individual contract basis. On December 24, 2008, the executive contracts were amended effective January 1, 2009 to bring them into compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, and were amended and restated to provide for an annual cash payment to the officers equal to the amounts the Company would have contributed to their accounts under its 401(k) plan if such contributions were not limited by the federal tax laws, less the amount of any contributions that the Company actually makes to their accounts under the Company’s 401(k) plan.

On November 17, 2003, ITIC entered into employment agreements with key executives that provide for the continuation of certain employee benefits upon retirement. The executive employee benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance and life insurance. The benefits are unfunded. Estimated future benefit payouts expected to be paid for each of the next five years are ~~$4,478 in 2015, $4,885~~$9,119 in 2016, ~~$9,056~~$13,456 in 2017, ~~$13,962~~$18,511 in 2018, ~~$15,577~~$20,198 in 2019, $22,007 in 2020 and ~~$147,312~~$192,134 in the next five years thereafter.

Cost of the Company’s postretirement benefits included the following components:


	2014		2013			2012		2015		2014		2013
Net periodic benefit cost
Service cost – benefits earned during the year	$	14,667	$	15,782		$	12,617	$	16,748	$	14,667	$	15,782
Interest cost on the projected benefit obligation	30,472		28,412			27,867		30,772		30,472		28,412
Amortization (accretion) of unrecognized prior service cost	2,217		(1,518		)	9,396		4,390		2,217		(1,518		)
Amortization of unrecognized loss	—		6,293			680		3,514		—		6,293
Net periodic benefits cost at end of year	$	47,356	$	48,969		$	50,560	$	55,424	$	47,356	$	48,969

The Company is required to recognize the funded status (i.e., the difference between the fair value of the assets and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligations of its postretirement benefits) in its Consolidated Balance Sheet, with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. The net amount in accumulated other comprehensive income is $(173,812), $(114,726) net of tax, for December 31, 2015, and $(118,150), $(77,988) net of tax, for December 31, 2014, ~~and $(73,246), $(48,353) net of tax, for December 31, 2013,~~ and represents the net unrecognized actuarial losses and unrecognized prior service costs. The effects of the funded status on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013~~2014 are presented in the following table:


	2014			2013			2015			2014
Funded status
Actuarial present value of future benefits:
Fully eligible active employee	$	(409,492	)	$	(377,838	)	$	(483,985	)	$	(409,492	)
Non-eligible active employees	(362,045		)	(301,439		)	(398,638		)	(362,045		)
Plan assets	—			—			—			—
Funded status of accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, recognized in other liabilities	$	(771,537	)	$	(679,277	)	$	(882,623	)	$	(771,537	)

Development of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for the years ended December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013~~2014 includes the following:


	2014			2013			2015			2014
Accrued postretirement benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	(679,277	)	$	(712,296	)	$	(771,537	)	$	(679,277	)
Service cost – benefits earned during the year	(14,667		)	(15,782		)	(16,748		)	(14,667		)
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	(30,472		)	(28,412		)	(30,772		)	(30,472		)
Actuarial (loss) gain	(47,121		)	77,213
Actuarial loss							(63,566		)	(47,121		)
Accrued postretirement benefit obligation at end of year	$	(771,537	)	$	(679,277	)	$	(882,623	)	$	(771,537	)

The changes in amounts related to accumulated other comprehensive income, pre-tax, are as follows:


	2014			2013			2015			2014
Balance at beginning of year	$	73,246		$	155,234		$	118,150		$	73,246
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income:
Unrecognized prior service (cost) credit	(2,217		)	1,518
Unrecognized prior service cost							(4,390		)	(2,217		)
Amortization of loss, net	—			(6,293		)	(3,514		)	—
Actuarial loss (gain)	47,121			(77,213		)
Actuarial loss							63,566			47,121
Balance at end of year	$	118,150		$	73,246		$	173,812		$	118,150

The amounts currently in accumulated other comprehensive income, pre-tax, that will be reclassified to the Consolidated Statements of Income and recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs in 2015 are:


	Projected 2015		Projected 2016
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost	$	4,390	$	—
Amortization of unrecognized loss	3,514		8,941
Net periodic benefit cost at end of year	$	7,904	$	8,941

Assumed health care cost trend rates do have an effect on the amounts reported for the postretirement benefit obligations. The following illustrates the effects on the net periodic postretirement benefit cost (“NPPBC”) and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (“APBO”) of a one percentage point increase and one percentage point decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate as of December 31, ~~2014:~~2015:


	One Percentage Point Increase		One Percentage Point Decrease			One Percentage Point Increase		One Percentage Point Decrease
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost
Effect on the service cost component	$	4,386	$	(3,344	)	$	2,600	$	(1,989	)
Effect on interest cost	6,819		(5,267		)	7,339		(5,721		)
Total effect on the net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$	11,205	$	(8,611	)	$	9,939	$	(7,710	)
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (including active employees who are not fully eligible)
Effect on those currently receiving benefits (retirees and spouses)	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—
Effect on active fully eligible	75,677		(59,919		)	81,657		(65,192		)
Effect on actives not yet eligible	94,798		(72,309		)	101,813		(77,845		)
Total effect on the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	$	170,475	$	(132,228	)	$	183,470	$	(143,037	)

11. Commitments and Contingencies

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

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

Escrow and Trust Deposits. As a service to its customers, the Company, through ITIC, administers escrow and trust deposits representing earnest money received under real estate contracts, undisbursed amounts received for settlement of mortgage loans and indemnities against specific title risks. Cash held by the Company for these purposes was approximately ~~$18,674,000~~$20,510,000 and ~~$11,824,000~~$18,674,000 as of December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013,~~2014, 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 these deposits.

Like-Kind ~~Exchanges~~Exchange 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 ~~$82,477,000~~$171,010,000 and ~~$76,037,000~~$82,477,000 as of December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013,~~2014, respectively. These amounts are not considered assets of the Company and, therefore, are excluded from the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets; however, the Company remains contingently liable for the disposition of the transfers of property, disbursements of proceeds and the return on the proceeds at the agreed upon rate. Exchange services revenues include earnings on these deposits; therefore, investment income is shown as other revenue rather than investment income. These like-kind exchange funds are primarily invested in money market and other short-term investments.

Agency Relationship. On July 1, 2015, Title Resource Group LLC's wholly owned subsidiary, title insurer Texas American Title Company, acquired the assets of ITCOA, LLC, which does business throughout Texas as Independence Title. In 2015, 2014 and 2013 Independence Title originated 10.3%, 23.6% and 16.4%, respectively, of the net premiums written for the Company. Independence Title is under no legal commitment to remit a minimum amount of premiums to the Company, and could cease doing so at any time. A continued significant decline in business originated by Independence Title for the Company, whether due to that business being diverted to its new title insurer owner or otherwise, could have a material negative impact on the Company's premiums written. Any reduction in premiums would be largely offset by related reductions in commissions, premium and income taxes, the provision for claims and other operating expenses. The Company did not have any ownership interest in Independence Title before or after the July 1, 2015 acquisition by Texas American Title Company.

12. 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.

6265

Provided below is selected financial information about the Company’s operations by segment for the periods ended December 31, ~~2014~~2015, ~~2013~~2014 and ~~2012:~~2013:


2014	Title Insurance		All Other		Intersegment Eliminations			Total
2015										Title Insurance			All Other			Intersegment Eliminations			Total
Insurance and other services revenues	$	114,279,532	$	5,904,059	$	(1,592,100	)	$	118,591,491	$	118,144,981		$	6,479,484		$	(1,839,549	)	$	122,784,916
Investment income	3,835,209		517,628		(93,336		)	4,259,501		4,073,857			574,132			(116,670		)	4,531,319
Net realized gain on investments	213,709		54,585		—			268,294
Net realized loss on investments										(13,603		)	(102,560		)	—			(116,163		)
Total revenues	$	118,328,450	$	6,476,272	$	(1,685,436	)	$	123,119,286	$	122,205,235		$	6,951,056		$	(1,956,219	)	$	127,200,072
Operating expenses	105,290,627		5,862,577		(1,522,416		)	109,630,788		104,594,829			6,598,055			(1,769,865		)	109,423,019
Income before income taxes	$	13,037,823	$	613,695	$	(163,020	)	$	13,488,498	$	17,610,406		$	353,001		$	(186,354	)	$	17,777,053
Total assets	$	153,072,950	$	44,966,260	$	—		$	198,039,210	$	163,582,898		$	47,939,131		$	—		$	211,522,029


2013	Title Insurance		All Other			Intersegment Eliminations			Total
2014											Title Insurance		All Other		Intersegment Eliminations			Total
Insurance and other services revenues	$	118,153,904	$	5,507,069		$	(1,499,884	)	$	122,161,089	$	114,279,532	$	5,904,059	$	(1,592,100	)	$	118,591,491
Investment income	3,599,106		388,838			(93,336		)	3,894,608		3,835,209		517,628		(93,336		)	4,259,501
Net realized gain (loss) on investments	225,661		(29,861		)	—			195,800
Net realized gain on investments											213,709		54,585		—			268,294
Total revenues	$	121,978,671	$	5,866,046		$	(1,593,220	)	$	126,251,497	$	118,328,450	$	6,476,272	$	(1,685,436	)	$	123,119,286
Operating expenses	99,899,804		6,239,155			(1,430,200		)	104,708,759		105,290,627		5,862,577		(1,522,416		)	109,630,788
Income (loss) before income taxes	$	22,078,867	$	(373,109	)	$	(163,020	)	$	21,542,738
Income before income taxes											$	13,037,823	$	613,695	$	(163,020	)	$	13,488,498
Total assets	$	146,110,146	$	42,195,670		$	—		$	188,305,816	$	153,072,950	$	44,966,260	$	—		$	198,039,210


2012	Title Insurance		All Other		Intersegment Eliminations			Total
2013										Title Insurance		All Other			Intersegment Eliminations			Total
Insurance and other services revenues	$	106,496,802	$	4,931,574	$	(1,395,934	)	$	110,032,442	$	118,153,904	$	5,507,069		$	(1,499,884	)	$	122,161,089
Investment income	3,492,998		571,999		(84,586		)	3,980,411		3,599,106		388,838			(93,336		)	3,894,608
Net realized gain on investments	430,495		635,744		—			1,066,239
Net realized gain (loss) on investments										225,661		(29,861		)	—			195,800
Total revenues	$	110,420,295	$	6,139,317	$	(1,480,520	)	$	115,079,092	$	121,978,671	$	5,866,046		$	(1,593,220	)	$	126,251,497
Operating expenses	94,909,649		5,433,207		(1,343,671		)	98,999,185		99,899,804		6,239,155			(1,430,200		)	104,708,759
Income before income taxes	$	15,510,646	$	706,110	$	(136,849	)	$	16,079,907
Income (loss) before income taxes										$	22,078,867	$	(373,109	)	$	(163,020	)	$	21,542,738
Total assets	$	136,042,848	$	35,875,428	$	—		$	171,918,276	$	146,110,146	$	42,195,670		$	—		$	188,305,816

13. Stockholders’ Equity

On November 12, 2002, the Company’s Board of Directors amended the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, creating a series of Class A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (the “Class A Preferred Stock”). The Class A Preferred Stock is senior to common stock in dividends or distributions of assets upon liquidations, dissolutions or winding up of the Company. Dividends on the Class A Preferred Stock are cumulative and accrue from the quarterly dividend payment date. Each share of Class A Preferred Stock entitles the holder thereof to 100 votes on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Company. These shares were reserved for issuance under the Shareholder Rights Plan (the “Plan”), which was adopted on November 21, 2002, by the Company’s Board of Directors. Under the terms of the Plan, the Company’s common stock acquired by a person or a group buying 15% or more of the Company’s common stock would be diluted, except in transactions approved by the Board of Directors.

In connection with the Plan, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend distribution of one right (a “Right”) for each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock paid on December 16, 2002, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 2, 2002. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company a unit (a “Unit”) consisting of one one-hundredth of a share of Class A Preferred Stock. Under the Plan, the Rights detach and become exercisable upon the earlier of (a) ten (10) days following public announcement that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, or (b) ten (10) business days following the commencement of, or first public announcement of the intent of a person or group to commence, a tender offer or exchange offer that would result in a person or group beneficially owning 15% or more of such outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock. The exercise price, the kind and the number of shares covered by each right are subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events described in the Plan.

6366

If any person or group of affiliated or associated persons acquires beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding common stock, each holder of a Right (other than the acquiring person or group) will have the right to buy, at the exercise price, common stock of the Company having a market value of twice the exercise price. If the Company is acquired in a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving corporation, or the Company engages in a merger or consolidation in which the Company is the surviving corporation and the Company’s common stock is changed or exchanged, or more than 50% of the Company’s assets or earning power is sold or transferred, the Rights entitle a holder (other than the acquiring person or group) to buy, at the exercise price, stock of the acquiring company having a market value equal to twice the exercise price. At any time after a person or group of affiliated or associated persons has acquired beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding common stock and prior to the acquisition by such person or group of 50% or more of the outstanding common stock, the Company’s Board of Directors may exchange the Rights (other than the Rights owned by such person or group), in whole or in part, at an exchange ratio of one share of the Company’s common stock, or one one-hundredth of a share of Preferred Stock, per Right.

The Rights are redeemable upon action by the Board of Directors at a price of $0.01 per right at any time before they become exercisable. Until the Rights become exercisable, they are evidenced only by the common stock certificates and are transferred with and only with such certificates.

On October 31, 2012, the Plan was amended to, among other things, extend the expiration date of the plan from November 11, 2012 to October 31, 2022 and increase the exercise price of the stock purchase rights from $80 per unit to $220 per unit. In connection with the amendments to the shareholders’ rights plan, the Board of Directors of the Company also amended the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of shares designated under the rights plan as Series A Participating Preferred Stock from 100,000 shares to 200,000 shares. There were 1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock authorized as of December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013,~~2014, with 200,000, being designated Class A Junior Participating Preferred Stock.

14. Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. The Company invests its cash and cash equivalents into high credit quality security instruments. Deposits which exceed $250,000 at each institution are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). Of the $21.8 million in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2015, $21.3 million was not insured by the FDIC. Of the $15.8 million in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2014, $15.3 million was not insured by the FDIC. OfThe Company mitigates the ~~$23.6 million in~~risk of having cash and cash equivalents ~~at December 31, 2013, $23.1 million was~~ not insured by the ~~FDIC.~~FDIC by monitoring the credit quality of the financial institutions in which the funds are held.

15. Business Concentration

The Company generates a significant amount of title insurance premiums in Texas, North Carolina and South Carolina. In 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ and ~~2012,~~2013, Texas accounted for ~~36.5%~~22.4%, ~~26.8%~~36.5% and ~~24.8%~~26.8% of total title premiums, respectively. In 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ and ~~2012,~~2013, North Carolina accounted for ~~28.4%~~32.8%, ~~27.4%~~28.4% and ~~30.5%~~27.4% of total title premiums, respectively. In 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ and ~~2012,~~2013, South Carolina accounted for ~~7.7%~~10.1%, ~~11.4%~~7.7% and ~~8.6%~~11.4% of total title premiums, respectively.

In 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ and ~~2012,~~2013, the Company had one agent that accounted for ~~23.6%~~10.3%, ~~16.4%~~23.6% and ~~14.0%~~16.4% of net premiums written, respectively. This agent was acquired by another title insurer during 2015. Refer to Note 11 for further information.

16. 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 investments in these limited liability companies. The following table sets forth the approximate values by year found within each financial statement classification:


Financial Statement Classification,	2014		2013		2015		2014
Consolidated Balance Sheets	2014		2013		2015		2014
Other investments	$	6,014,000	$	5,320,000	$	6,519,000	$	6,014,000
Premiums and fees receivable	$	666,000	$	657,000	$	719,000	$	666,000


Financial Statement Classification,
Consolidated Statements of Income	2014		2013		2012		2015		2014		2013
Net premiums written	$	11,783,000	$	12,442,000	$	15,558,000	$	14,015,000	$	11,783,000	$	12,442,000
Other income	$	2,043,000	$	1,839,000	$	2,238,000	$	2,618,000	$	2,043,000	$	1,839,000
Commissions to agents	$	8,049,000	$	8,465,000	$	10,923,000	$	9,700,000	$	8,049,000	$	8,465,000

6467

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. During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company repurchased 28,130 shares of Company common stock from officers of the Company at a price of $80.01 per share.

17. Acquisition

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

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

~~The contingent payment arrangement required that~~ ITIC purchased the 70% interest for a purchase price for the 70% majority interest was to be paid over a two year period and was determined by multiplying United’s actual GAAP net income for the first full 24 calendar months subsequent to closing by an agreed upon factor. In no event was the purchase price for the majority interest to exceedof $1,041,250. The acquisition date fair value of the total consideration to be transferred was $1,041,250. This fair value total was equal to $350,000 ITIC had already paid toward the purchase price, as well as $691,250 in estimated contingent payments. During the second quarter of 2013, ITIC paid an additional $350,000 toward the purchase price. During the second quarter of 2014, ITIC paid the remaining $341,250 of the purchase price. The resulting contingent payments of $0 and $341,250 are categorized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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

~~The following table provides the effects of changes in ITIC's ownership interest in United, and the resulting impact on the Company's equity:~~

December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013
Net income attributable to the Company $ 9,648,975
$ 14,708,210
Transfers from the redeemable controlling interest:
Decrease in paid-in capital for purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest (114,320 ) —
Net transfers from noncontrolling interest (114,320 ) —
Change from net income attributable to the Company and transfers from redeemable noncontrolling interest $ 9,534,655
$ 14,708,210

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

The ~~following table provides a reconciliation of total redeemable equity for the periods ended~~ ~~December 31, 2014, 2013 and~~ ~~2012~~:

Changes in carrying value during the period ended: 2014 2013 2012
Beginning balance at January 1 $ 545,489
$ 493,861
$ —
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest 23,523
88,528
88,411
Distributions to noncontrolling interest (168,057 ) (36,900 ) (40,800 )
Redeemable noncontrolling interest resulting from subsidiary purchase (515,275 ) —
446,250
Adjustment to retained earnings for purchase of noncontrolling interest 114,320
—
—
Balance, net $ —
$ 545,489
$ 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 closing of the initial 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 December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013,~~2014, accumulated amortization of intangible assets was $~~191,631~~261,315 and $~~121,947~~191,631, respectively. Net intangible assets of $~~1,290,269~~1,220,585 and $~~1,359,953~~1,290,269 are categorized as prepaid expenses and other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013.~~2014. In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, management determined that no events or changes in circumstances occurred that would indicate the ~~Company completed interim impairment testing~~carrying amount may not be recoverable, and therefore determined that the intangible assets assigned to United were not impaired at December 31, ~~2014~~2015.

The amortization of the non-compete contract will start at a future date when the related employment agreement is terminated. There are currently no plans to terminate the employment agreement, and the Company does not believe it is probable that termination of the employment agreement will occur within the calendar year. Assuming that the amortization of the non-complete agreement begins on the first day of ~~2016,~~2017, estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years are as follows:


Year Ended:
2015	$	69,685
2016	134,253		$	69,685
2017	134,253		134,253
2018	134,253		134,253
2019	134,253		134,253
2020			134,253
Thereafter	683,572		613,888
Total	$	1,290,269	$	1,220,585

A reconciliation of the noncontrolling interest equity of 1st Investors is presented in the Consolidated Statements of ~~Income, revenues and expenses include the operations~~Stockholders’ Equity. The following table provides a reconciliation of total redeemable equity of United ~~since April 2, 2012, which is~~for the ~~acquisition date. United was formed as a result of the Company’s acquisition,~~periods ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and ~~had no net income prior to the acquisition date.~~2013:

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.



Changes in carrying value during the period ended:	2015		2014			2013
Beginning balance at January 1	$	—	$	545,489		$	493,861
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	—		23,523			88,528
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	—		(168,057		)	(36,900		)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest resulting from subsidiary purchase	—		(515,275		)	—
Adjustment to retained earnings for purchase of noncontrolling interest	—		114,320			—
Balance, net	$	—	$	—		$	545,489

18. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following tables provide changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, for the periods ended December 31, ~~2014~~2015, ~~2013~~2014 and ~~2012:~~2013:



2015	Unrealized Gains and Losses On Available-for-Sale Securities			Postretirement Benefits Plans			Total
Beginning balance at January 1	$	12,934,497		$	(77,988	)	$	12,856,509
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(1,355,316		)	(41,954		)	(1,397,270		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	18,560			5,216			23,776
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	(1,336,756		)	(36,738		)	(1,373,494		)
Ending balance	$	11,597,741		$	(114,726	)	$	11,483,015



2014	Unrealized Gains and Losses On Available-for-Sale Securities			Postretirement Benefits Plans			Total
Beginning balance at January 1	$	11,395,757		$	(48,353	)	$	11,347,404
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1,874,111			(31,100		)	1,843,011
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(335,371		)	1,465			(333,906		)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	1,538,740			(29,635		)	1,509,105
Ending balance	$	12,934,497		$	(77,988	)	$	12,856,509



2013	Unrealized Gains and Losses On Available-for-Sale Securities			Postretirement Benefits Plans			Total
Beginning balance at January 1	$	8,920,884		$	(102,454	)	$	8,818,430
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	2,605,184			50,961			2,656,145
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(130,311		)	3,140			(127,171		)
Net current-period other comprehensive income	2,474,873			54,101			2,528,974
Ending balance	$	11,395,757		$	(48,353	)	$	11,347,404

6669

2013
Unrealized Gains and Losses
On Available-for-Sale
Securities

Postretirement
Benefits Plans

Total
Beginning balance at January 1 $ 8,920,884
$ (102,454 ) $ 8,818,430
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 2,605,184
50,961
2,656,145
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (130,311 ) 3,140
(127,171 )
Net current-period other comprehensive income 2,474,873
54,101
2,528,974
Ending balance $ 11,395,757
$ (48,353 ) $ 11,347,404

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 (loss) before reclassifications 2,032,134
(54,726 ) 1,977,408
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (674,791 ) 6,648
(668,143 )
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 1,357,343
(48,078 ) 1,309,265
Ending balance $ 8,920,884
$ (102,454 ) $ 8,818,430

The following tables provide significant amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income for the periods ended December 31, ~~2014~~2015, ~~2013~~2014 and ~~2012:~~2013:


2014
2015
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Income	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Income
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities:
Net realized gain on investment	$	518,279			$	718,837
Other-than-temporary impairments	(14,542		)		(751,059		)
Total	$	503,737		Net realized gain on investment	$	(32,222	)	Net realized (loss) gain on investment
Tax	(168,366		)	Provision for Income Taxes	13,662			Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax	$	335,371			$	(18,560	)
Amortization related to postretirement benefit plans:
Prior year service cost	$	(2,217	)		$	(4,390	)
Unrecognized gain (loss)	—
Unrecognized loss					(3,514		)
Total	$	(2,217	)	(a)	$	(7,904	)	(a)
Tax	752			Provision for Income Taxes	2,688			Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax	$	(1,465	)		$	(5,216	)
Reclassifications for the period	$	333,906			$	(23,776	)



2014
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	$	518,279
Other-than-temporary impairments	(14,542		)
Total	$	503,737		Net realized (loss) gain on investment
Tax	(168,366		)	Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax	$	335,371
Amortization related to postretirement benefit plans:
Prior year service cost	$	(2,217	)
Unrecognized loss	—
Total	$	(2,217	)	(a)
Tax	752			Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax	$	(1,465	)
Reclassifications for the period	$	333,906

6770

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 $ 229,869

Other-than-temporary impairments (34,070 )
Total $ 195,799
Net realized gain on investment
Tax (65,488 ) Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax $ 130,311

Accretion (amortization) related to postretirement benefit plans:

Prior year service cost $ 1,518

Unrecognized loss (6,293 )
Total $ (4,775 ) (a)
Tax 1,635
Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax $ (3,140 )
Reclassifications for the period $ 127,171


2012
2013
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Income	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Income
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities:
Net realized gain on investment	$	1,166,179			$	229,869
Other-than-temporary impairments	(99,940		)		(34,070		)
Total	$	1,066,239		Net realized gain on investment	$	195,799		Net realized (loss) gain on investment
Tax	(391,448		)	Provision for Income Taxes	(65,488		)	Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax	$	674,791			$	130,311
Amortization related to postretirement benefit plans:
Accretion (amortization) related to postretirement benefit plans:
Prior year service cost	$	(9,396	)		$	1,518
Unrecognized loss	(680		)		(6,293		)
Total	$	(10,076	)	(a)	$	(4,775	)	(a)
Tax	3,428			Provision for Income Taxes	1,635			Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax	$	(6,648	)		$	(3,140	)
Reclassifications for the period	$	668,143			$	127,171

(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 10.

6871

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None

ITEM 9A. 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 December 31, ~~2014~~2015 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 December 31, ~~2014,~~2015, 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.

Reports of Management and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management has assessed, and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP, has audited, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, ~~2014.~~2015. The reports of management and Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP thereon are included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and are incorporated by reference herein.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

There was no information required to be disclosed in a report on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of the year that has not been reported.

6972

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information called for by this item is incorporated by reference to the material under the captions “Proposals Requiring Your Vote – Proposal 1 – Election of Directors,” “General Information - Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Corporate Governance – Board of Directors and Committees – The Audit Committee” and “Corporate Governance – Code of Business Conduct and Ethics” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May ~~20, 2015.~~18, 2016. Other information with respect to the executive officers of the Company is included at the end of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the separate caption “Executive Officers of the Company.”

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information called for by this item is set forth under the captions “Executive Compensation” and “Compensation of Directors” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May ~~20, 2015~~18, 2016 and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information pertaining to securities ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is set forth under the caption “Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May ~~20, 2015~~18, 2016 and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The following table provides information about the Company’s compensation plans under which equity securities are authorized for issuance as of December 31, ~~2014.~~2015. The Company does not have any equity compensation plans that have not been approved by its shareholders.

Equity Compensation Plan Information


Plan Category	Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights	Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights		Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans	Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights	Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights		Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders	21,000	$	51.30	236,500	22,000	$	57.04	232,000
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders	—	—		—	—	—		—
Total	21,000	$	51.30	236,500	22,000	$	57.04	232,000

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information called for by this item is set forth under the captions “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,” “Corporate Governance – Independent Directors” and “Proposals Requiring Your Vote – Proposal 1 – Election of Directors” set forth in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May ~~20, 2015~~18, 2016 and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information pertaining to principal accountant fees and services is set forth under the caption “Proposals Requiring Your Vote – Proposal 23 – Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May ~~20, 2015~~18, 2016 and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

7073

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)(1) Financial Statements

The following financial statements are filed under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, ~~2014~~2015 and ~~2013~~2014

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ and ~~2012~~2013

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ and ~~2012~~2013

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ and ~~2012~~2013

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ and ~~2012~~2013

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules

The following is a list of financial statement schedules filed as part of this Form 10-K Annual Report:



Schedule Number		Description
I		Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties
II		Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
III		Supplementary Insurance Information
IV		Reinsurance
V		Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

All other schedules are omitted, as the required information either is not applicable, is not required, or is presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the notes thereto.

(a)(3) Exhibits

The exhibits filed as a part of this report and incorporated herein by reference to other documents are listed in the Index to Exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

7174

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



	INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY
	(Registrant)

	By:	/s/ J. Allen Fine
		J. Allen Fine, Chairman and Chief Executive
		Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

March ~~13, 2015~~11, 2016

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on the ~~13th~~11th day of March, ~~2015.~~2016.



/s/ J. Allen Fine		/s/ R. Horace Johnson
J. Allen Fine, Chairman of the Board and		R. Horace Johnson, Director
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ James A. Fine, Jr.		/s/ H. Joe King, Jr.
James A. Fine, Jr., President, Treasurer and		H. Joe King, Jr., Director
Director (Principal Financial Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/ W. Morris Fine		/s/ James R. Morton
W. Morris Fine, Executive Vice President,		James R. Morton, Director
Secretary and Director

/s/ David L. Francis		/s/ James H. Speed, Jr.
David L. Francis, Director		James H. Speed, Jr., Director

/s/ Richard M. Hutson, II
Richard M. Hutson, II, Director

7275

SCHEDULE I

INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS - OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES

AS OF DECEMBER 31, ~~2014~~2015


Type of Investment	Cost (1)		Market Value		Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet (2)		Cost (1)		Market Value		Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet (2)

Fixed maturities:
Bonds:
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	$	35,215,247	$	36,723,499	$	36,723,499	$	31,670,491	$	32,648,914	$	32,648,914
Issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions special revenue	46,707,033		49,057,256		49,057,256
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions							40,563,639		42,452,224		42,452,224
Public utilities							11,852,124		12,539,002		12,539,002
Corporate debt securities	21,576,641		22,328,435		22,328,435		17,004,985		17,486,344		17,486,344
Auction rate securities	922,129		939,100		939,100		924,587		939,900		939,900
Total fixed maturities	104,421,050		109,048,290		109,048,290		102,015,826		106,066,384		106,066,384

Equity securities:
Common stocks:
Public utilities	961,094		1,402,159		1,402,159		563,857		778,908		778,908
Banks, trust and insurance companies	2,573,154		4,033,101		4,033,101
Banks, trusts and insurance companies							4,839,060		6,242,784		6,242,784
Industrial, miscellaneous and all other	18,503,498		29,248,520		29,248,520		15,988,095		25,916,387		25,916,387
Technology	1,896,007		4,319,201		4,319,201		2,464,861		4,575,385		4,575,385
Nonredeemable preferred stocks	195,000		252,000		252,000
Total equity securities	24,128,753		39,254,981		39,254,981		23,855,873		37,513,464		37,513,464

Other investments:
Short-term investments	2,576,993		2,576,993		2,576,993		6,865,406		6,865,406		6,865,406
Other investments	7,284,583		7,284,583		7,284,583		9,217,947		9,217,947		9,217,947
Total other investments	9,861,576		9,861,576		9,861,576		16,083,353		16,083,353		16,083,353

Total investments (3)	$	138,411,379	$	158,164,847	$	158,164,847	$	141,955,052	$	159,663,201	$	159,663,201

(1) Fixed maturities are shown at amortized cost and equity securities are shown at original cost.

(2) ~~Bonds of states, municipalities~~All fixed maturities presented are classified as available-for-sale and ~~political subdivisions are~~ shown at ~~amortized cost for held-to-maturity bonds and~~estimated fair ~~value for available-for-sale bonds.~~value. Equity securities are shown at fair value.

(3) The above summary of investments does not include investments in related parties accounted for under the cost and equity methods of accounting in the amount of ~~$1,246,346.~~$888,881.

7376

SCHEDULE II

INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY (PARENT COMPANY)

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

BALANCE SHEETS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, ~~2014~~2015 AND ~~2013~~2014


	2014		2013		2015		2014
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	7,942,481	$	7,210,956	$	8,347,004	$	7,942,481
Investments in fixed maturities, available-for-sale	24,358,323		19,202,320		21,779,123		24,358,323
Investments in equity securities, available-for-sale	2,529,982		2,265,136		2,638,330		2,529,982
Short-term investments	284,069		2,213,496		3,005,647		284,069
Investments in affiliated companies	96,395,352		90,570,724		99,951,433		96,395,352
Other investments	1,578,236		737,378		3,089,550		1,578,236
Premium and fees receivable	56,428		135,669		43,690		56,428
Other receivables	2,220,330		1,456,037		3,080,245		2,220,330
Income taxes recoverable	1,876,242		3,230,977		1,733,314		1,876,242
Accrued interest and dividends	128,221		103,571		120,369		128,221
Property, net	2,371,078		2,504,969		2,288,776		2,371,078
Total Assets	$	139,740,742	$	129,631,233	$	146,077,481	$	139,740,742

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	2,074,347	$	1,558,095	$	3,267,274	$	2,074,347
Deferred income taxes, net	102,689		10,984		140,325		102,689
Total liabilities	2,177,036		1,569,079		3,407,599		2,177,036

Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock (1,000,000 authorized shares; no shares issued)	—		—		—		—
Common stock - no par value (10,000,000 authorized shares; 2,023,270 and 2,037,135 shares issued and outstanding 2014 and 2013, respectively, excluding 291,676 shares for 2014 and 2013 of common stock held by the Company’s subsidiary)	1		1
Common stock - no par value (10,000,000 authorized shares; 1,949,797 and 2,023,270 shares issued and outstanding 2015 and 2014, respectively, excluding 291,676 shares for 2015 and 2014 of common stock held by the Company’s subsidiary)					1		1
Retained earnings	124,707,196		116,714,749		131,186,866		124,707,196
Accumulated other comprehensive income	12,856,509		11,347,404		11,483,015		12,856,509
Total stockholders’ equity	137,563,706		128,062,154		142,669,882		137,563,706
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	139,740,742	$	129,631,233	$	146,077,481	$	139,740,742

See notes to Condensed Financial Statements.

7477

SCHEDULE II

INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY (PARENT COMPANY)

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

STATEMENTS OF INCOME

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ AND ~~2012~~2013


	2014			2013			2012			2015			2014			2013
Revenues:
Investment income – interest and dividends	$	482,711		$	348,933		$	520,511		$	535,963		$	482,711		$	348,933
Net realized gain (loss) on investments	9,169			(50,778		)	616,001
Net realized (loss) gain on investments										(152,026		)	9,169			(50,778		)
Rental income	772,256			748,764			736,159			765,134			772,256			748,764
Miscellaneous income (loss)	59,569			68,966			(62,253		)
Miscellaneous income										385,058			59,569			68,966
Total	1,323,705			1,115,885			1,810,418			1,534,129			1,323,705			1,115,885

Operating Expenses:
Salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes	673,729			576,429			459,248			651,957			673,729			576,429
Office occupancy and operations	270,881			408,373			390,227			239,176			270,881			408,373
Business development	49,059			45,022			25,909			76,684			49,059			45,022
Taxes – other than payroll and income	200,718			188,314			240,607			213,466			200,718			188,314
Professional and contract labor fees	192,064			351,093			245,398			378,265			192,064			351,093
Other expenses	193,681			177,810			161,937			198,788			193,681			177,810
Total	1,580,132			1,747,041			1,523,326			1,758,336			1,580,132			1,747,041

Equity in Net Income of Affiliated Companies	9,777,925			15,164,894			10,992,815			12,640,260			9,777,925			15,164,894

Income before Income Taxes	9,521,498			14,533,738			11,279,907			12,416,053			9,521,498			14,533,738

(Benefit) Provision for Income Taxes	(151,000		)	(263,000		)	89,000
Income Tax Benefit										(133,000		)	(151,000		)	(263,000		)

Net Income	9,672,498			14,796,738			11,190,907			12,549,053			9,672,498			14,796,738

Net Income Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	(23,523		)	(88,528		)	(88,411		)
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests										(15,148		)	(23,523		)	(88,528		)

Net Income Attributable to the Company	$	9,648,975		$	14,708,210		$	11,102,496		$	12,533,905		$	9,648,975		$	14,708,210

Basic Earnings per Common Share	$	4.75		$	7.15		$	5.33		$	6.32		$	4.75		$	7.15

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Basic	2,031,760			2,056,169			2,081,703			1,984,360			2,031,760			2,056,169

Diluted Earnings per Common Share	$	4.74		$	7.08		$	5.24		$	6.30		$	4.74		$	7.08

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Diluted	2,037,534			2,076,628			2,116,793			1,989,799			2,037,534			2,076,628

Cash Dividends Paid per Common Share	$	0.32		$	0.32		$	0.29		$	0.40		$	0.32		$	0.32

See notes to Condensed Financial Statements.

7578

SCHEDULE II

INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY (PARENT COMPANY)

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ AND ~~2012~~2013


	2014			2013			2012			2015			2014			2013
Operating Activities
Net income	$	9,672,498		$	14,796,738		$	11,190,907		$	12,549,053		$	9,672,498		$	14,796,738
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	(9,777,925		)	(15,164,894		)	(10,992,815		)	(12,640,260		)	(9,777,925		)	(15,164,894		)
Depreciation	136,369			136,031			133,334			112,690			136,369			136,031
Amortization, net	210,768			69,969			51,111			192,654			210,768			69,969
Issuance of common stock in payment of bonuses and fees	164,730			76,110			54,041			137,759			164,730			76,110
Net loss on disposals of property	2,722			—			—			1,683			2,722			—
Net realized (gain) loss on investments	(19,231		)	50,778			(616,001		)
Net loss (earnings) from other investments	322			(32,499		)	91,256
(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes	(40,000		)	(93,000		)	48,000
(Increase) decrease in receivables	(685,052		)	(146,247		)	368,574
Net realized loss (gain) on investments										152,026			(19,231		)	50,778
Net (earnings) loss from other investments										(237,686		)	322			(32,499		)
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes										13,000			(40,000		)	(93,000		)
Increase in receivables										(847,177		)	(685,052		)	(146,247		)
Decrease (increase) in income taxes recoverable	1,354,735			(1,646,373		)	(398,445		)	142,928			1,354,735			(1,646,373		)
(Increase) decrease in other assets	(24,650		)	(101		)	20,224
Decrease (increase) in other assets										7,852			(24,650		)	(101		)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	516,252			(8,118		)	(124,799		)	1,192,927			516,252			(8,118		)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	1,511,538			(1,961,606		)	(174,613		)	777,449			1,511,538			(1,961,606		)

Investing Activities
Capital contribution to subsidiaries	—			—			(250,000		)
Dividends received from subsidiaries	5,051,664			9,252,919			5,609,489			7,630,835			5,051,664			9,252,919
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	(6,883,612		)	(10,360,919		)	(4,960,208		)	(260,044		)	(6,883,612		)	(10,360,919		)
Purchases of short-term securities	(104,207		)	(58,283		)	(3,565		)	(2,721,578		)	(104,207		)	(58,283		)
Purchases of and net earnings from other investments	(964,197		)	(49,485		)	(94,881		)	(2,007,798		)	(964,197		)	(49,485		)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities	1,631,987			3,027,896			5,033,298			2,475,557			1,631,987			3,027,896
Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term securities	2,033,634			2,748,876			3,641,978			—			2,033,634			2,748,876
Proceeds from sales and distributions of other investments	123,017			45,384			505,832			734,170			123,017			45,384
Proceeds from sales of other assets	—			4,832			176,815			—			—			4,832
Purchases of property	(5,200		)	(24,820		)	(98,722		)	(32,071		)	(5,200		)	(24,820		)
Proceeds from disposals of property	—			7,200			—			—			—			7,200
Net cash provided by investing activities	883,086			4,593,600			9,560,036			5,819,071			883,086			4,593,600

Financing Activities
Repurchases of common stock	(1,055,765		)	(4,262,260		)	(3,975,532		)	(5,483,953		)	(1,055,765		)	(4,262,260		)
Exercise of options	27,100			75,797			160,557			54,988			27,100			75,797
Excess tax benefit	15,999			9,042			—			26,875			15,999			9,042
Dividends paid	(650,433		)	(657,914		)	(603,334		)	(789,907		)	(650,433		)	(657,914		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,663,099		)	(4,835,335		)	(4,418,309		)	(6,191,997		)	(1,663,099		)	(4,835,335		)

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	731,525			(2,203,341		)	4,967,114			404,523			731,525			(2,203,341		)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period	7,210,956			9,414,297			4,447,183			7,942,481			7,210,956			9,414,297
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	$	7,942,481		$	7,210,956		$	9,414,297		$	8,347,004		$	7,942,481		$	7,210,956

Supplemental Disclosures:
Income tax payments, net	$	2,699,000		$	5,583,000		$	4,392,000		$	4,598,000		$	2,699,000		$	5,583,000

See notes to Condensed Financial Statements.

7679

SCHEDULE II

INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY (PARENT COMPANY)

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ AND ~~2012~~2013


1.	The accompanying Condensed Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries.


2.	Cash dividends paid to Investors Title Company by its wholly owned subsidiaries were as follows:


Subsidiaries	2014		2013		2012		2015		2014		2013
Investors Title Insurance Company, net*	$	4,906,664	$	9,102,919	$	5,169,489	$	7,134,823	$	4,906,664	$	9,102,919
Investors Title Exchange Corporation	50,000		50,000		10,000		245,000		50,000		50,000
Investors Title Accommodation Corporation	10,000		—		30,000		12,000		10,000		—
Investors Title Management Services, Inc.	—		—		—
Investors Capital Management Company	40,000		—		50,000		9,012		40,000		—
Investors Trust Company	—		100,000		350,000		—		—		100,000
Investors Title Commercial Agency, LLC	45,000		—		—		230,000		45,000		—
Total	$	5,051,664	$	9,252,919	$	5,609,489	$	7,630,835	$	5,051,664	$	9,252,919

* Total dividends of $7,251,493, $5,000,000 ~~$9,196,255~~ and ~~$5,254,075~~$9,196,255 paid to the Parent Company in 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ and ~~2012,~~2013, respectively, netted with dividends of ~~$93,336,~~$116,670, $93,336 and ~~$84,586~~$93,336 received from the Parent Company in 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ and ~~2012,~~2013, respectively.

7780

SCHEDULE III

INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ AND ~~2012~~2013


Segment	Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost		Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expenses		Unearned Premiums		Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable		Premium Revenue		Net Investment Income		Benefits, Claims. Losses and Settlement Expenses			Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs		Other Operating Expenses		Premiums Written	Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost		Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expenses		Unearned Premiums		Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable		Premium Revenue		Net Investment Income		Benefits, Claims. Losses and Settlement Expenses			Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs		Other Operating Expenses		Premiums Written
Year Ended December 31, 2015																					Year Ended December 31, 2015
Title Insurance																					$	—	$	37,788,000	$	—	$	341,191	$	112,475,686	$	3,957,187	$	4,478,494		$	—	$	98,417,207	N/A
All Other																					—		—		—		—		—		574,132		—			—		6,527,318		N/A
																					$	—	$	37,788,000	$	—	$	341,191	$	112,475,686	$	4,531,319	$	4,478,494		$	—	$	104,944,525	N/A

Year Ended December 31, 2014
Title Insurance	$	—	$	36,677,000	$	—	$	236,401	$	109,963,556	$	3,741,873	$	5,229,716		$	—	$	98,620,374	N/A	$	—	$	36,677,000	$	—	$	236,401	$	109,963,556	$	3,741,873	$	5,229,716		$	—	$	98,620,374	N/A
All Other	—		—		—		—		—		517,628		—			—		5,780,698		N/A	—		—		—		—		—		517,628		—			—		5,780,698		N/A
	$	—	$	36,677,000	$	—	$	236,401	$	109,963,556	$	4,259,501	$	5,229,716		$	—	$	104,401,072	N/A	$	—	$	36,677,000	$	—	$	236,401	$	109,963,556	$	4,259,501	$	5,229,716		$	—	$	104,401,072	N/A

Year Ended December 31, 2013
Title Insurance	$	—	$	35,360,000	$	—	$	389,807	$	113,886,266	$	3,505,770	$	(571,596	)	$	—	$	99,093,515	N/A	$	—	$	35,360,000	$	—	$	389,807	$	113,886,266	$	3,505,770	$	(571,596	)	$	—	$	99,093,515	N/A
All Other	—		—		—		—		—		388,838		—			—		6,186,840		N/A	—		—		—		—		—		388,838		—			—		6,186,840		N/A
	$	—	$	35,360,000	$	—	$	389,807	$	113,886,266	$	3,894,608	$	(571,596	)	$	—	$	105,280,355	N/A	$	—	$	35,360,000	$	—	$	389,807	$	113,886,266	$	3,894,608	$	(571,596	)	$	—	$	105,280,355	N/A

Year Ended December 31, 2012
Title Insurance	$	—	$	39,078,000	$	—	$	461,566	$	102,331,102	$	3,408,412	$	6,072,115		$	—	$	87,545,115	N/A
All Other	—		—		—		—		—		571,999		—			—		5,381,955		N/A
	$	—	$	39,078,000	$	—	$	461,566	$	102,331,102	$	3,980,411	$	6,072,115		$	—	$	92,927,070	N/A

7881

SCHEDULE IV

INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

REINSURANCE

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ AND ~~2012~~2013


											Gross Amount		Ceded to Other Companies		Assumed from Other Companies		Net Amount		Percentages of Amount Assumed to Net
Year Ended December 31, 2015											Year Ended December 31, 2015
Title Insurance											$	112,656,750	$	214,667	$	33,603	$	112,475,686	0.03	%
	Gross Amount		Ceded to Other Companies		Assumed from Other Companies		Net Amount		Percentages of Amount Assumed to Net
Year Ended December 31, 2014
Title Insurance	$	110,065,581	$	140,017	$	37,992	$	109,963,556	0.03	%	$	110,065,581	$	140,017	$	37,992	$	109,963,556	0.03	%

Year Ended December 31, 2013
Title Insurance	$	114,091,457	$	211,482	$	6,291	$	113,886,266	0.01	%	$	114,091,457	$	211,482	$	6,291	$	113,886,266	0.01	%

Year Ended December 31, 2012
Title Insurance	$	102,548,126	$	232,683	$	15,659	$	102,331,102	0.02	%

7982

SCHEDULE V

INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 ~~2013~~ AND ~~2012~~2013


Description	Balance at Beginning of Period		Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses			Additions Charge to Other Accounts - Describe		Deductions - Describe				Balance at End of Period		Balance at Beginning of Period		Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses			Additions Charge to Other Accounts - Describe		Deductions - Describe				Balance at End of Period
2015														2015
Premiums Receivable:
Valuation Provision														$	3,022,731	$	6,267,911		$	—	$	(5,737,863	)	(a)	$	3,552,779
Reserves for Claims														$	36,677,000	$	4,478,494		$	—	$	(3,367,494	)	(b)	$	37,788,000

2014
Premiums Receivable:
Valuation Provision	$	2,620,903	$	6,287,694		$	—	$	(5,885,866	)	(a)	$	3,022,731	$	2,620,903	$	6,287,694		$	—	$	(5,885,866	)	(a)	$	3,022,731
Reserves for Claims	$	35,360,000	$	5,229,716		$	—	$	(3,912,716	)	(b)	$	36,677,000	$	35,360,000	$	5,229,716		$	—	$	(3,912,716	)	(b)	$	36,677,000

2013
Premiums Receivable:
Valuation Provision	$	1,902,581	$	7,536,381		$	—	$	(6,818,059	)	(a)	$	2,620,903	$	1,902,581	$	7,536,381		$	—	$	(6,818,059	)	(a)	$	2,620,903
Reserves for Claims	$	39,078,000	$	(571,596	)	$	—	$	(3,146,404	)	(b)	$	35,360,000	$	39,078,000	$	(571,596	)	$	—	$	(3,146,404	)	(b)	$	35,360,000

2012
Premiums Receivable:
Valuation Provision	$	1,218,000	$	6,008,281		$	—	$	(5,323,700	)	(a)	$	1,902,581
Reserves for Claims	$	37,996,000	$	6,072,115		$	—	$	(4,990,115	)	(b)	$	39,078,000


(a)	Canceled premiums


(b)	Payments of claims, net of recoveries

8083

INDEX TO EXHIBITS



Exhibit Number	Description	Location

3.1(a)	Articles of Incorporation dated January 22, 1973	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form S-8 filed August 10, 2009, File No. 333-161209

3.1(b)	Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, dated February 8, 1973	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Form S-8 filed August 10, 2009, File No. 333-161209

3.1(c)	Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated May 14, 1987	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Form S-8 filed August 10, 2009, File No. 333-161209

3.1(d)	Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated May 15, 2002	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, File No. 11774

3.1(e)	Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated November 2, 2002	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003, File No. 11774

3.1(f)	Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated October 31, 2012	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed on October 31, 2012, File No. 11774

3.2	Amended and Restated By-laws, dated ~~August~~November 9, ~~2010~~2015	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form ~~8-K~~10-Q filed on ~~August 12, 2010,~~November 9, 2015, File No. 11774

4.1	Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated October 31, 2012, between the Company and Broadridge Issuer Solutions, Inc., as Rights Agent, dated October 31, 2012	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed on November 2, 2012, File No. 11774

10.1(a)*	2001 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan, as amended and restated effective May 17, 2006	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on May 23, 2006, File No. 11774

10.1(b)*	Form of ~~Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement to Non-employee Directors under the 2001 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan~~	~~Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, File No. 11774~~

10.1(c)*	~~Form of~~ Stock Appreciation Rights Award Agreement under 2001 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed on May 23, 2006, File No. 11774

~~10.1(d)~~10.1(c)*	Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement under 2001 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on March 6, 2009, File No. 11774

10.2*	Amended and Restated Employment Agreement effective January 1, 2009 for J. Allen Fine	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 11774

10.3*	Amended and Restated Employment Agreement effective January 1, 2009 for James A. Fine, Jr.	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 11774

10.4*	Amended and Restated Employment Agreement effective January 1, 2009 for W. Morris Fine	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 11774

10.5*	Amended and Restated Death Benefit Plan Agreement effective January 1, 2009 for J. Allen Fine	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 11774

10.6*	Amended and Restated Death Benefit Plan Agreement effective January 1, 2009 for James A. Fine, Jr.	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 11774

10.7*	Death Benefit Plan Agreement effective January 1, 2009 for W. Morris Fine	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 11774



10.8*	Amended and Restated Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan effective January 1, 2009	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 11774

10.9*	Amended and Restated Nonqualified Supplemental Retirement Benefit Plan effective January 1, 2009	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 11774




10.10(a)*	2009 Stock Appreciation Right Plan effective March 2, 2009	Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Proxy Statement dated May 26, 2009, File No. 11774

10.10(b)*	Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement under 2009 Stock Appreciation Right Plan	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011, File No. 11774

21	Subsidiaries of Registrant	Filed herewith

23	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	Filed herewith

31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	Filed herewith

31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	Filed herewith

32	Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	~~Filed~~Furnished herewith

101.INS	XBRL Instance Document	Filed herewith

101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document	Filed herewith

101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document	Filed herewith

101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document	Filed herewith

101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document	Filed herewith

101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document	Filed herewith



*	Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

8285



					Options Outstanding at Year-End				Options Exercisable at Year-End
Range of Exercise Prices					Number Outstanding	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Number Exercisable	Weighted Average Exercise Price
$	36.79	—	$	36.79	1,500	0.38	$	36.79	1,500	$	36.79
$	36.79	—	$	36.79	1,500	0.38	$	36.79	1,500	$	36.79