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


FORM 10-Q

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


For the quarterly period ended September 30, 20192020


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


Commission File Number:  0-11774
 
INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
North Carolina56-111019956-1110199
(State of incorporation)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
                                        
121 North Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514
(Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)


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


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, no par valueITICThe NASDAQNasdaq Stock Market LLC
Rights to Purchase Series A Junior Participating Preferred StockThe NASDAQNasdaq Stock Market LLC


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 No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes No


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):
Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer
Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.


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


As of October 18, 2019,20, 2020, there were 1,888,6721,892,411 common shares of the registrant outstanding.





INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES


INDEX
 
PART I.FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 20182019
Consolidated Statements of IncomeOperations For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 20192020 and 20182019
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income For the Three and NineMonths Ended September 30, 20192020 and 20182019

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 20192020 and 20182019
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 20192020 and 20182019
PART II.OTHER INFORMATION
Legal Proceedings
Risk Factors
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5.Other Information






PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 1.  Financial Statements


Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 20182019
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
September 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
September 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
Assets   Assets  
Cash and cash equivalents$43,992
 $18,694
Cash and cash equivalents$41,534 $25,949 
Investments:   Investments:  
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: September 30, 2019: $80,947; December 31, 2018: $87,714)85,037
 88,957
Equity securities, at fair value (cost: September 30, 2019: $32,332; December 31, 2018: $31,255)55,785
 48,489
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: September 30, 2020: $92,912; December 31, 2019: $100,667)Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: September 30, 2020: $92,912; December 31, 2019: $100,667)98,428 104,638 
Equity securities, at fair value (cost: September 30, 2020: $34,180; December 31, 2019: $33,570)Equity securities, at fair value (cost: September 30, 2020: $34,180; December 31, 2019: $33,570)58,851 61,108 
Short-term investments21,714
 32,787
Short-term investments22,516 13,134 
Other investments12,689
 12,436
Other investments14,829 13,982 
Total investments175,225
 182,669
Total investments194,624 192,862 
   
Premium and fees receivable12,630
 12,128
Premium and fees receivable17,291 12,523 
Accrued interest and dividends1,161
 946
Accrued interest and dividends1,187 1,033 
Prepaid expenses and other receivables6,676
 7,288
Prepaid expenses and other receivables9,185 5,519 
Property, net9,914
 10,304
Property, net10,669 9,776 
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net10,401
 10,780
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net9,897 10,275 
Operating lease right-of-use assets4,619
 
Operating lease right-of-use assets3,798 4,469 
Other assets1,496
 1,459
Other assets1,560 1,487 
Total Assets$266,114
 $244,268
Total Assets$289,745 $263,893 
   
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity 
  
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity  
Liabilities: 
  
Liabilities:  
Reserve for claims$31,805
 $31,729
Reserve for claims$33,532 $31,333 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities27,530
 27,735
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities31,565 28,318 
Operating lease liabilities4,622
 
Operating lease liabilities3,937 4,502 
Current income taxes payable142
 4,981
Current income taxes payable813 1,340 
Deferred income taxes, net6,125
 4,184
Deferred income taxes, net6,971 7,038 
Total liabilities70,224
 68,629
Total liabilities76,818 72,531 
   
Commitments and Contingencies
 
Commitments and Contingencies0 
   
Stockholders’ Equity: 
  
Stockholders’ Equity:  
Preferred stock (1,000 authorized shares; no shares issued)
 
Common stock – no par value (10,000 authorized shares; 1,889 and 1,887 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, excluding in each period 292 shares of common stock held by the Company)
 
Preferred stock (1,000 authorized shares; 0 shares issued)Preferred stock (1,000 authorized shares; 0 shares issued)0 
Common stock – 0 par value (10,000 authorized shares; 1,892 and 1,889 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, excluding in each period 292 shares of common stock held by the Company)Common stock – 0 par value (10,000 authorized shares; 1,892 and 1,889 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, excluding in each period 292 shares of common stock held by the Company)0 
Retained earnings192,695
 174,690
Retained earnings208,647 188,262 
Accumulated other comprehensive income3,195
 949
Accumulated other comprehensive income4,280 3,100 
Total stockholders' equity195,890
 175,639
Total stockholders' equity212,927 191,362 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity$266,114
 $244,268
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity$289,745 $263,893 


Refer to notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

1



Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of IncomeOperations
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 20192020 and 20182019
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018 2020201920202019
Revenues:        Revenues:
Net premiums written $40,169
 $39,422
 $103,942
 $104,123
Net premiums written$57,205 $40,169 $143,311 $103,942 
Escrow and other title-related fees 2,393
 1,812
 5,616
 5,465
Escrow and other title-related fees2,154 2,393 6,014 5,616 
Non-title services 2,539
 1,795
 7,444
 5,083
Non-title services1,954 2,539 6,476 7,444 
Interest and dividends 1,156
 1,138
 3,605
 3,381
Interest and dividends1,060 1,156 3,342 3,605 
Other investment income 708
 829
 2,044
 2,279
Other investment income1,270 708 2,236 2,044 
Net realized investment gains 423
 188
 1,199
 629
Net realized investment gains186 423 327 1,199 
Changes in the estimated fair value of equity security investments 406
 2,920
 6,218
 2,626
Changes in the estimated fair value of equity security investments3,619 406 (2,867)6,218 
Other 145
 157
 550
 387
Other185 145 443 550 
Total Revenues 47,939
 48,261
 130,618
 123,973
Total Revenues67,633 47,939 159,282 130,618 
        
Operating Expenses:        Operating Expenses:
Commissions to agents 19,928
 18,490
 51,261
 48,942
Commissions to agents29,068 19,928 73,344 51,261 
Provision for claims 987
 997
 3,610
 155
Provision for claims1,552 987 4,452 3,610 
Personnel expenses 11,576
 11,096
 34,871
 33,234
Personnel expenses12,575 11,576 36,632 34,871 
Office and technology expenses 2,350
 2,208
 6,803
 6,603
Office and technology expenses2,456 2,350 7,328 6,803 
Other expenses 3,079
 2,910
 8,821
 8,440
Other expenses3,125 3,079 9,276 8,821 
Total Operating Expenses 37,920
 35,701
 105,366
 97,374
Total Operating Expenses48,776 37,920 131,032 105,366 
        
Income before Income Taxes 10,019
 12,560
 25,252
 26,599
Income before Income Taxes18,857 10,019 28,250 25,252 
        
Provision for Income Taxes 2,067
 1,927
 5,174
 4,873
Provision for Income Taxes3,556 2,067 5,465 5,174 
        
Net Income 7,952
 10,633
 20,078
 21,726
Net Income$15,301 $7,952 $22,785 $20,078 
        
Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests 
 1
 
 31
        
Net Income Attributable to the Company $7,952
 $10,634
 $20,078
 $21,757
        
Basic Earnings per Common Share $4.21
 $5.64
 $10.63
 $11.53
Basic Earnings per Common Share$8.09 $4.21 $12.04 $10.63 
        
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Basic 1,889
 1,887
 1,888
 1,886
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Basic1,892 1,889 1,892 1,888 
        
Diluted Earnings per Common Share $4.20
 $5.61
 $10.59
 $11.47
Diluted Earnings per Common Share$8.07 $4.20 $12.02 $10.59 
        
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Diluted 1,895
 1,897
 1,896
 1,896
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Diluted1,895 1,895 1,896 1,896 


Refer to notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

2



Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 20192020 and 20182019
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
Net income$15,301 $7,952 $22,785 $20,078 
Other comprehensive income, before tax:
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation adjustment0 (41)
Net unrealized gain on investments arising during the period61 431 1,093 2,847 
Reclassification adjustment for sale of securities included in net income0 (30)
Reclassification adjustment for write-down of securities included in net income0 482 
Other comprehensive income, before tax61 431 1,504 2,847 
Income tax benefit related to postretirement health benefits0 (9)
Income tax expense related to net unrealized gain on investments arising during the period11 90 229 601 
Income tax benefit related to reclassification adjustment for sale of securities included in net income0 (6)
Income tax expense related to reclassification adjustment for write-down of securities included in net income0 110 
Net income tax expense on other comprehensive income11 90 324 601 
Other comprehensive income50 341 1,180 2,246 
Comprehensive Income$15,351 $8,293 $23,965 $22,324 
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  2019 2018 2019 2018
Net income $7,952
 $10,633
 $20,078
 $21,726
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:        
Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments arising during the period 431
 (618) 2,847
 (2,536)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax 431
 (618) 2,847
 (2,536)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to net unrealized gain (loss) on investments arising during the period 90
 (131) 601
 (537)
Net income tax expense (benefit) on other comprehensive income (loss) 90
 (131) 601
 (537)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 341
 (487) 2,246
 (1,999)
Comprehensive Income $8,293
 $10,146
 $22,324
 $19,727
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 1
 
 31
Comprehensive Income Attributable to the Company $8,293
 $10,147
 $22,324
 $19,758


Refer to notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

3



Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 20192020 and 20182019
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
 Common StockRetained EarningsAccumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 SharesAmount
Balance, June 30, 20191,889 $$185,441 $2,854 $188,295 
Net income  7,952  7,952 
Dividends paid ($0.40 per share)  (755) (755)
Exercise of stock appreciation rights  
Share-based compensation expense related to stock appreciation rights  57  57 
Net unrealized gain on investments   341 341 
Balance, September 30, 20191,889 $$192,695 $3,195 $195,890 
Balance, June 30, 20201,892 $0 $194,235 $4,230 $198,465 
Net income  15,301  15,301 
Dividends paid ($0.44 per share)  (833) (833)
Exercise of stock appreciation rights0  0  0 
Share-based compensation expense related to stock appreciation rights  38  38 
Net unrealized gain on investments  50 50 
Other(94)(94)
Balance, September 30, 20201,892 $0 $208,647 $4,280 $212,927 



4


 Common Stock Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

 
Noncontrolling
Interests

 
Total
Stockholders’
Equity

 Shares Amount    
Balance, July 1, 20181,887
 $
 $185,252
 $806
 $55
 $186,113
Net income attributable to the Company 
  
 10,634
  
   10,634
Dividends paid ($0.40 per share) 
  
 (755)  
   (755)
Repurchases of common stock
  
 
  
   
Exercise of stock appreciation rights
  
 
  
   
Share-based compensation expense related to stock appreciation rights 
  
 89
  
   89
Cumulative effect adjustment for adoption of new accounting standards    
 
   
Other comprehensive loss 
  
  
 (487)   (487)
Distribution of equity to noncontrolling interests        (52) (52)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests        (1) (1)
Balance, September 30, 20181,887
 $
 $195,220
 $319
 $2
 $195,541
            
Balance, July 1, 20191,889
 $
 $185,441
 $2,854
 $
 $188,295
Net income attributable to the Company 
  
 7,952
  
   7,952
Dividends paid ($0.40 per share) 
  
 (755)  
   (755)
Repurchases of common stock
  
 
  
   
Exercise of stock appreciation rights
  
 
  
   
Share-based compensation expense related to stock appreciation rights 
  
 57
  
   57
Other comprehensive income 
  
  
 341
   341
Balance, September 30, 20191,889
 $
 $192,695
 $3,195
 $
 $195,890
Common StockRetained EarningsAccumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
SharesAmount
Balance, December 31, 20181,887 $$174,690 $949 $175,639 
Net income20,078 20,078 
Dividends paid ($1.20 per share)(2,266)(2,266)
Repurchases of common stock(11)(11)
Exercise of stock appreciation rights
Share-based compensation expense related to stock appreciation rights204 204 
Net unrealized gain on investments2,246 2,246 
Balance, September 30, 20191,889 $$192,695 $3,195 $195,890 
Balance, December 31, 20191,889 $0 $188,262 $3,100 $191,362 
Net income22,785 22,785 
Dividends paid ($1.32 per share)(2,497)(2,497)
Exercise of stock appreciation rights3 (1)(1)
Share-based compensation expense related to stock appreciation rights192 192 
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation adjustment(32)(32)
Net unrealized gain on investments1,212 1,212 
Other(94)(94)
Balance, September 30, 20201,892 $0 $208,647 $4,280 $212,927 




Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity, continued

 Common Stock Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

 
Noncontrolling
Interests

 
Total
Stockholders’
Equity

 Shares Amount    
Balance, January 1, 20181,886
 $
 $161,891
 $15,945
 $85
 $177,921
Net income attributable to the Company 
  
 21,757
  
   21,757
Dividends paid ($1.20 per share) 
  
 (2,264)  
   (2,264)
Repurchases of common stock
  
 (29)  
   (29)
Exercise of stock appreciation rights1
  
 (1)  
   (1)
Share-based compensation expense related to stock appreciation rights 
  
 239
  
   239
Cumulative effect adjustment for adoption of new accounting standards    13,627
 (13,627)   
Other comprehensive loss 
  
  
 (1,999)   (1,999)
Distribution of equity to noncontrolling interests        (52) (52)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests        (31) (31)
Balance, September 30, 20181,887
 $
 $195,220
 $319
 $2
 $195,541
            
Balance, January 1, 20191,887
 $
 $174,690
 $949
 $
 $175,639
Net income attributable to the Company 
  
 20,078
  
   20,078
Dividends paid ($1.20 per share) 
  
 (2,266)  
   (2,266)
Repurchases of common stock
  
 (11)  
   (11)
Exercise of stock appreciation rights2
  
 
  
   
Share-based compensation expense related to stock appreciation rights 
  
 204
  
   204
Other comprehensive income 
  
   2,246
   2,246
Balance, September 30, 20191,889
 $
 $192,695
 $3,195
 $
 $195,890



Refer to notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

5



Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,2019 2020 and 20182019
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 20202019
Operating Activities  
Net income$22,785 $20,078 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  
Depreciation1,320 1,298 
Amortization of investments, net678 492 
Amortization of other intangible assets, net378 379 
Share-based compensation expense related to stock appreciation rights192 204 
Net gain on disposals of property(26)(28)
Net realized investment gains(327)(1,199)
Net change in estimated fair value of equity security investments2,867 (6,218)
Net earnings from other investments(1,764)(1,286)
Provision for claims4,452 3,610 
(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes(391)1,340 
Changes in assets and liabilities:  
Increase in premium and fees receivables(4,768)(502)
(Increase) decrease in other assets(3,893)360 
Decrease (increase) in operating lease right-of-use assets577 (4,619)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities3,206 (205)
(Decrease) increase in operating lease liabilities(565)4,622 
Decrease in current income taxes payable(527)(4,839)
Payments of claims, net of recoveries(2,253)(3,534)
Net cash provided by operating activities21,941 9,953 
Investing Activities  
Purchases of fixed maturities(517)(1,235)
Purchases of equity securities(9,270)(3,921)
Purchases of short-term investments(13,668)(89,519)
Purchases of other investments(1,090)(1,456)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity securities7,139 7,280 
Proceeds from sales of equity securities9,412 4,040 
Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments4,291 100,821 
Proceeds from sales and distributions of other investments2,010 2,490 
Proceeds from sales of other assets22 
Purchases of property(2,245)(1,020)
Proceeds from the sale of property58 140 
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities(3,858)17,622 
Financing Activities  
Repurchases of common stock0 (11)
Exercise of stock appreciation rights(1)
Dividends paid(2,497)(2,266)
Net cash used in financing activities(2,498)(2,277)
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents15,585 25,298 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period25,949 18,694 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period$41,534 $43,992 
6


  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  2019 2018
Operating Activities    
Net income $20,078
 $21,726
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  
  
Depreciation 1,298
 1,234
Amortization of investments, net 492
 617
Amortization of other intangible assets, net 379
 451
Share-based compensation expense related to stock appreciation rights 204
 239
Net (gain) loss on disposals of property (28) 12
Net realized investment gains (1,199) (629)
Net change in estimated fair value of equity security investments (6,218) (2,626)
Net earnings from other investments (1,286) (1,471)
Provision for claims 3,610
 155
Provision for deferred income taxes 1,340
 3,134
Changes in assets and liabilities:  
  
Increase in premium and fees receivables (502) (2,557)
Decrease (increase) in other assets 360
 (69)
Increase in operating lease right-of-use assets (4,619) 
Increase in current income taxes receivable 
 (2,190)
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities (205) (128)
Increase in operating lease liabilities 4,622
 
Decrease in current income taxes payable (4,839) 
Payments of claims, net of recoveries (3,534) (2,581)
Net cash provided by operating activities 9,953
 15,317
     
Investing Activities  
  
Purchases of fixed maturities (1,235) 
Purchases of equity securities (3,921) (2,484)
Purchases of short-term investments (89,519) (44,403)
Purchases of other investments (1,456) (730)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity securities 7,280
 8,155
Proceeds from sales of equity securities 4,040
 1,728
Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments 100,821
 40,697
Proceeds from sales and distributions of other investments 2,490
 2,238
Proceeds from sales of other assets 2
 3
Purchases of property (1,020) (1,580)
Proceeds from the sale of property 140
 53
Net cash provided by investing activities 17,622
 3,677
     
Financing Activities  
  
Repurchases of common stock (11) (29)
Exercise of stock appreciation rights 
 (1)
Distribution of equity for noncontrolling interest 
 (52)
Dividends paid (2,266) (2,264)
Net cash used in financing activities (2,277) (2,346)
     
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents 25,298
 16,648
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period 18,694
 20,214
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period $43,992
 $36,862
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued 
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 20202019
Supplemental Disclosures:  
Cash Paid During the Year for:  
Income tax payments, net$6,889 $9,150 
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Non-cash net unrealized gain on investments, net of deferred tax provision of $(333) and $(601) for September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively$(1,212)$(2,246)
Adjustments to postretirement benefits obligation, net of deferred tax benefit of $9 and $0 for September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively$32 $
Adjustments to operating lease right-of-use assets for September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively$94 $



Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued  
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  2019 2018
Supplemental Disclosures:    
Cash Paid During the Year for:    
Income tax payments, net $9,150
 $5,477
Non Cash Investing and Financing Activities:    
Non cash net unrealized (gain) loss on investments, net of deferred tax (provision) benefit
of $(601) and $537 for September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively
 $(2,246) $1,999


Refer to notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

7



INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 20192020
(unaudited)


Note 1 – Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies


Reference should be made to the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20182019 of Investors Title Company (the “Company”) for a complete description of the Company’s significant accounting policies.


Principles of Consolidation – The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts and operations of Investors Title Company and its subsidiaries, and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") for interim financial information, with the instructions to Form 10-Q and with Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted. Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests in majority-owned title insurance agencies are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.


In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company in the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been included. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20192020 are not necessarily indicative of the financial condition and results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 20192020 or any other interim period.


Use of Estimates and Assumptions – The preparation of the Company’s Consolidated 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 statementsConsolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions used.


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


Recently Adopted Accounting Standards


In FebruaryJune 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 updated guidance to improve financial reporting for leasing transactions. The core principle of the guidance is that lessees will be required to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms of more than twelve months. A lessee will recognize a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use ("ROU") asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. Disclosures are required by lessees 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, lessees are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach, with certain practical expedients available. The update was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this update on January 1, 2019 with no material impact on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income or the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The update did have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, which included the recognition of operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities. Refer to Note 12 and the Significant Accounting Policies section, below, for further information regarding the Company's accounting for leases.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. ASU 2017-08 is intended to enhance the accounting for the amortization of premiums for purchased callable debt securities. Specifically, the ASU shortens the amortization period for certain investments in callable debt securities purchased at a premium by requiring that the premium be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The update was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this update on January 1, 2019 with no impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.



Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326). ASU 2016-13 is intendedupdated guidance to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. The update broadensbroadened the information that an entity must consider in developing its expected credit loss estimates, and iswas meant to better reflect an entity’s current estimate of all expected credit losses. In addition, this update amendsamended the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debtfixed maturity securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The update iswas effective for the Company for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is permitted as of fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating theadopted this update on January 1, 2020 with no material 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. Currently, the Company's potential credit losses under this accounting standard relate to fixed maturity securities. The Company does not believe that the risk of credit losses, based on current fixed maturity securities holdings, is material to the Company's financial statements as a whole.operations. Refer to Note 6 for further information about the Company's investments.


In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350). This update removesremoved the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. As a result, under the ASU, an entity shouldis required to perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and shouldmust recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized shouldmust not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In addition, the ASU clarifiesclarified that an entity shouldis required to consider income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. The update iswas effective for the Company for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted this update on January 1, 2020 with no impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.

8


Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. ASU 2019-12 is intended to reduce the complexity in accounting for income taxes during interim and annual periods and is expected to provide clarity on income tax situations where a diversity in practice has developed. The update is effective for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017.periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. None of these amendments are expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.


In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-01, Investments - Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815). This update clarifies that an entity should consider observable transactions that require it to either apply or discontinue the equity method of accounting for the purposes of applying the measurement alternative immediately before applying or upon discontinuing the equity method. In addition, this update clarifies that, when determining the accounting for certain forward contracts and purchased options, a company should not consider, whether upon settlement or exercise, if the underlying securities would be accounted for under the equity method or fair value option. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is permitted, including early adoption in an interim period, for periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. 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 does not expect it to have a material impact.

Significant Accounting Policies– The Company has updated the following accounting policies due to the adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 842)326):


At inception,Allowance for Credit Losses – Available-for-Sale Securities

For available-for-sale fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company determines ifevaluates the securities to determine whether the decline in the estimated fair value below the amortized cost basis (impairment) is due to credit-related factors or noncredit-related factors. Any impairment that is not credit related is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. Credit-related impairment is recognized as an arrangement is a lease. The Company enters into lease agreements that are primarily usedallowance for office space, and all current leases are accounted for as operating leases. Amounts related to operating leases are included in operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilitiescredit losses (“ACL”) on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Operating lease ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the stated lease term. Operating lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from an operating lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the date of the lease commencement, and are based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. In addition, the Company elected certain practical expedients and therefore (a) chose not to reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are, or contain, leases, (b) chose not to reassess the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, and (c) chose not to reassess initial direct costs for any expired or existing leases. The Company's current leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, thus the Company utilized the average rate over a 10-year term based upon the Moody's seasoned Aaa corporate bond yields in determining the present value of lease payments. A portion of the Company's current leases includes an option to extend or cancel the lease term. The exercise of such an option is solely at the Company's discretion. The operating lease liability recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, includes lease payments relatedlimited to optionsthe amount by which the amortized cost basis exceeds the estimated fair value, with a corresponding adjustment to extend or cancelearnings. Both the lease termACL and the adjustment to the Consolidated Statements of Operations may be reversed if conditions change. However, if the Company determined atintends to sell an impaired available-for-sale fixed maturity security or more likely than not will be required to sell such a security before recovering its amortized cost basis, the dateentire impairment amount must be recognized in earnings with a corresponding adjustment to the security’s amortized cost basis. Because the security’s amortized cost basis is adjusted to estimated fair value, there is no ACL in this situation.

In evaluating available-for-sale fixed maturity securities in unrealized loss positions for impairment and the criteria regarding its intent or requirement to sell such securities, the Company considers the extent to which estimated fair value is less than amortized cost, whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and the results of adoption thatreviews of the lease was expectedissuers’ financial condition, among other factors.

Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the ACL when management believes the uncollectability of an available-for-sale fixed maturity security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to be renewed or extended. A lease expensesell is recognized on a straight-line basis overmet.

Accrued interest receivable is excluded from the lease term. Adjustments for straight-line rental expense for the periods presented are not material and as such, the lease expense recognized was reflected in cash used in operating activities for the respective periods. Refer to Note 12 for further information about the Company's leases.estimate of credit losses.


Note 2 – Reserve for Claims


Activity in the reserve for claims for the nine-month period ended September 30, 20192020 and the year ended December 31, 20182019 are summarized as follows:
 (in thousands)September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
Balance, beginning of period$31,333 $31,729 
Provision charged to operations4,452 3,532 
Payments of claims, net of recoveries(2,253)(3,928)
Balance, end of period$33,532 $31,333 

9

 (in thousands)September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Balance, beginning of period$31,729
 $34,801
Provision (benefit), charged to operations3,610
 (332)
Payments of claims, net of recoveries(3,534) (2,740)
Balance, end of period$31,805
 $31,729




The total reserve for all reported and unreported losses the Company incurred through September 30, 20192020 is represented by the reserve for claims on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company's reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are established using estimated amounts required to settle claims for which notice has been received (reported) and the amount estimated to be required to satisfy claims that have been incurred but not yet reported (“IBNR”). Despite the variability of such estimates, management believes that the total reserve for claims is adequate to cover claim losses which might result from pending and future claims under title insurance policies issued through September 30, 2019.2020. Management continually reviews and adjusts its reserve for claims estimates to reflect its loss experience and any new information that becomes available. Adjustments resulting from such reviews could be significant.


A summary of the Company’s reserve for claims, broken down into its components of known title claims and IBNR, follows:
 (in thousands, except percentages)September 30, 2020%December 31, 2019%
Known title claims$3,993 11.9 $3,799 12.1 
IBNR29,539 88.1 27,534 87.9 
Total reserve for claims$33,532 100.0 $31,333 100.0 
 (in thousands, except percentages)September 30, 2019 % December 31, 2018 %
Known title claims$3,587
 11.3 $3,007
 9.5
IBNR28,218
 88.7 28,722
 90.5
Total reserve for claims$31,805
 100.0 $31,729
 100.0


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


Note 3 – Earnings Per Common Share and Share Awards


Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to the Company by the combination of dilutive potential common stock, comprised of shares issuable under the Company’s share-based compensation plans, and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Dilutive common share equivalents include the dilutive effect of in-the-money share-based awards, which are calculated based on the average share price for each period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, as share-based awards are exercised, (a) the exercise price of a share-based award and (b) the amount of compensation cost, if any, for future services that the Company has not yet recognized, are assumed to be used to repurchase shares in the current period.


The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30:
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in thousands, except per share amounts) 2019 2018 2019 2018(in thousands, except per share amounts)2020201920202019
Net income attributable to the Company $7,952
 $10,634
 $20,078
 $21,757
Net incomeNet income$15,301 $7,952 $22,785 $20,078 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – Basic 1,889
 1,887
 1,888
 1,886
Weighted average common shares outstanding – Basic1,892 1,889 1,892 1,888 
Incremental shares outstanding assuming the exercise of dilutive SARs (share-settled) 6
 10
 8
 10
Incremental shares outstanding assuming the exercise of dilutive SARs (share-settled)3 4 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – Diluted 1,895
 1,897
 1,896
 1,896
Weighted average common shares outstanding – Diluted1,895 1,895 1,896 1,896 
Basic earnings per common share $4.21
 $5.64
 $10.63
 $11.53
Basic earnings per common share$8.09 $4.21 $12.04 $10.63 
Diluted earnings per common share $4.20
 $5.61
 $10.59
 $11.47
Diluted earnings per common share$8.07 $4.20 $12.02 $10.59 
There were 20 thousand and 14 thousand potential shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three- and nine-monththree-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.respectively, due to the out-of-the-money status of the related share-based awards. There were 920 thousand and 414 thousand potential shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018,2020 and 2019, respectively.


The Company historically has adopted employee stock award plans under which restricted stock, options or stock appreciation rights ("SARs") exercisable for the Company's stock may be granted to key employees or directors of the Company. There is currently one active plan from which the Company may grant share-based awards. The awards eligible to be granted under the active plan are limited to SARs, and the maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock of the Company available pursuant to the plan for the grant of SARs is 250 thousand shares.


10


As of September 30, 2019,2020, the only outstanding awards under the plans were SARs, which expire within seven years or less from the date of grant, and all of whichgrant. Most outstanding SARs vest and are exercisable within one year of the date of grant.grant, with the exception of one grant where the SARs vest over five years. All SARs issued to date have been share-settled only. There have been no0 stock options or SARs granted where the exercise price was less than the market price on the date of grant.




There was approximately $205$192 thousand and $239$205 thousand of compensation expense relating to SARs vesting on or before September 30, 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively, included in personnel expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.Operations. As of September 30, 2019,2020, there was $117$246 thousand of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Company’s stock award plans.


A summary of share-based award transactions for all share-based award plans follows:
(in thousands, except weighted average exercise price and average remaining contractual term)Number
Of Shares
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Average Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding as of January 1, 201928 $110.27 3.64$2,019 
SARs granted162.81   
SARs exercised(2)50.50   
Outstanding as of December 31, 201930 $124.13 3.53$1,352 
SARs granted11 135.05   
SARs exercised(8)75.75   
Outstanding as of September 30, 202033 $138.55 4.41$496 
Exercisable as of September 30, 202026 $140.02 3.83$480 
Unvested as of September 30, 20207 $133.21 6.52$16 
(in thousands, except weighted average exercise price and average remaining contractual term)
Number
Of Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
 
Average Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding as of January 1, 201825
 $93.40
 3.98 2,624
SARs granted4
 188.71
    
SARs exercised(1) 41.50
    
Outstanding as of December 31, 201828
 $110.27
 3.64 2,019
SARs granted4
 162.81
    
SARs exercised(2) 50.50
    
Outstanding as of September 30, 201930
 $124.13
 3.78 1,367
        
Exercisable as of September 30, 201928
 $120.99
 3.55 1,367
        
Unvested as of September 30, 20192
 $162.81
 6.63 


During the second quarters of 2019both 2020 and 2018,2019, the Company issued 4 thousand share-settled SARs respectively, to the directors of the Company. During the first quarter of 2020, the Company also issued 7 thousand share-settled SARs to directors and employees of the Company. There were 0 such first quarter issuances in 2019, as all 2019 issuances of share-settled SARs were made in the second quarter. 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 valuesvalue for the SARs issued during 2020 and 2019 were $34.45 and 2018 were $51.88, and $78.61, respectively, and were estimated using the weighted average assumptions shown in the table below.
20202019
Expected Life in Years6.2-7.07.0-7.0
Volatility28.5%30.2%
Interest Rate0.7%2.3%
Yield Rate1.2%1.0%

11
 2019 2018
Expected Life in Years7.0 7.0
Volatility30.2% 39.0%
Interest Rate2.3% 3.1%
Yield Rate1.0% 0.8%





Note 4 – Segment Information


The Company has one1 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.


Provided below is selected financial information about the Company's operations by segment for the periods ended September 30, 20192020 and 2018:2019:
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2020 (in thousands)
Title
Insurance
All
Other
Intersegment
Eliminations
Total
Insurance and other services revenues$61,809 $2,176 $(2,487)$61,498 
Investment income5,627 322 0 5,949 
Net realized (loss) gain on investments(263)449 0 186 
Total revenues$67,173 $2,947 $(2,487)$67,633 
Operating expenses49,260 1,858 (2,342)48,776 
Income before income taxes$17,913 $1,089 $(145)$18,857 
Total assets$213,152 $76,593 $0 $289,745 

Three Months Ended
September 30, 2019 (in thousands)
Title
Insurance
All
Other
Intersegment
Eliminations
Total
Insurance and other services revenues$44,079 $2,851 $(1,684)$45,246 
Investment income1,879 391 2,270 
Net realized gain on investments346 77 423 
Total revenues$46,304 $3,319 $(1,684)$47,939 
Operating expenses37,201 2,269 (1,550)37,920 
Income before income taxes$9,103 $1,050 $(134)$10,019 
Total assets$191,436 $74,678 $$266,114 

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2020 (in thousands)
Title InsuranceAll OtherIntersegment EliminationsTotal
Insurance and other services revenues$154,820 $7,149 $(5,725)$156,244 
Investment income2,525 186 0 2,711 
Net realized gain on investments327 0 0 327 
Total revenues$157,672 $7,335 $(5,725)$159,282 
Operating expenses129,777 6,543 (5,288)131,032 
Income before income taxes$27,895 $792 $(437)$28,250 
Total assets$213,152 $76,593 $0 $289,745 

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2019 (in thousands)
Title InsuranceAll OtherIntersegment EliminationsTotal
Insurance and other services revenues$113,999 $8,373 $(4,820)$117,552 
Investment income9,780 2,087 11,867 
Net realized gain on investments1,102 97 1,199 
Total revenues$124,881 $10,557 $(4,820)$130,618 
Operating expenses102,792 6,991 (4,417)105,366 
Income before income taxes$22,089 $3,566 $(403)$25,252 
Total assets$191,436 $74,678 $$266,114 
12
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands)
Title
Insurance
 
All
Other
 
Intersegment
Eliminations
 Total
Insurance and other services revenues$44,079
 $2,851
 $(1,684) $45,246
Investment income1,879
 391
 
 2,270
Net realized gain on investments346
 77
 
 423
Total revenues$46,304
 $3,319
 $(1,684) $47,939
Operating expenses37,201
 2,269
 (1,550) 37,920
Income before income taxes$9,103
 $1,050
 $(134) $10,019
Total assets$191,436
 $74,678
 $
 $266,114


Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 (in thousands)Title
Insurance
 All
Other
 Intersegment
Eliminations
 Total
Insurance and other services revenues$42,891
 $2,120
 $(1,825) $43,186
Investment income4,247
 640
 
 4,887
Net realized gain on investments141
 47
 
 188
Total revenues$47,279
 $2,807
 $(1,825) $48,261
Operating expenses35,359
 2,033
 (1,691) 35,701
Income before income taxes$11,920
 $774
 $(134) $12,560
Total assets$212,181
 $54,395
 $
 $266,576
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands)Title
Insurance
 All
Other
 Intersegment
Eliminations
 Total
Insurance and other services revenues$113,999
 $8,373
 $(4,820) $117,552
Investment income9,780
 2,087
 
 11,867
Net realized gain on investments1,102
 97
 
 1,199
Total revenues$124,881
 $10,557
 $(4,820) $130,618
Operating expenses102,792
 6,991
 (4,417) 105,366
Income before income taxes$22,089
 $3,566
 $(403) $25,252
Total assets$191,436
 $74,678
 $
 $266,114
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 (in thousands)Title
Insurance
 All
Other
 Intersegment
Eliminations
 Total
Insurance and other services revenues$113,992
 $6,006
 $(4,940) $115,058
Investment income6,986
 1,300
 
 8,286
Net realized gain on investments548
 81
 
 629
Total revenues$121,526
 $7,387
 $(4,940)
$123,973
Operating expenses95,575
 6,337
 (4,538) 97,374
Income before income taxes$25,951
 $1,050
 $(402) $26,599
Total assets$212,181
 $54,395
 $
 $266,576



Note 5 – Retirement Agreements and Other Postretirement Benefits


The Company’s subsidiary, Investors Title Insurance Company ("ITIC"), is a party to employment agreements with key executives that provide for the continuation of certain employee benefits and other payments due under the agreements upon retirement, estimated to total $12.1$12.4 million and $10.9$12.2 million as of September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, respectively. The executive employee benefits include health, dental, vision and life insurance and are unfunded. These amounts are classified as accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following sets forth the net periodic benefit cost for the executive benefits for the periods ended September 30, 20192020 and 2018:2019:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 (in thousands)2020201920202019
Service cost – benefits earned during the year$0 $$0 $
Interest cost on the projected benefit obligation7 23 25 
Amortization of unrecognized losses0 0 
Net periodic benefit cost$7 $$23 $25 

  Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 (in thousands) 2019 20182019 2018
Service cost – benefits earned during the year $
 $
$
 $
Interest cost on the projected benefit obligation 8
 8
25
 24
Amortization of unrecognized losses 
 

 
Net periodic benefit cost $8
 $8
$25
 $24

Note 6 – Investments and Estimated Fair Value


Investments in Fixed Maturity Securities


The estimated fair value, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses and amortized cost for fixed maturity securities by major classification are as follows:
As of September 30, 2020 (in thousands)Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Estimated Fair
Value
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value:    
Government obligations$24,060 $152 $0 $24,212 
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions17,569 1,245 18,814 
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions47,305 3,098 3 50,400 
Corporate debt securities3,978 1,024 5,002 
Total$92,912 $5,519 $3 $98,428 
As of September 30, 2019 (in thousands)
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Estimated Fair
Value
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value:       
Government obligations$1,008
 $
 $2
 $1,006
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions19,946
 859
 
 20,805
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions53,240
 2,626
 13
 55,853
Corporate debt securities6,753
 620
 
 7,373
Total$80,947
 $4,105
 $15
 $85,037

As of December 31, 2019 (in thousands)Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Estimated Fair
Value
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value:    
Government obligations$25,161 $$$25,163 
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions18,887 843 19,730 
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions51,188 2,530 20 53,698 
Corporate debt securities5,431 621 6,047 
Total$100,667 $4,000 $29 $104,638 
As of December 31, 2018 (in thousands)
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated Fair
Value
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value:       
Government obligations$1,023
 $
 $7
 $1,016
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions19,518
 229
 143
 19,604
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions56,675
 1,237
 329
 57,583
Corporate debt securities10,498
 303
 47
 10,754
Total$87,714
 $1,769
 $526
 $88,957


The special revenue category for both periods presented includes approximately 6050 individual fixed maturity securities with revenue sources from a variety of industry sectors.



13



The scheduled maturities of fixed maturity securities at September 30, 20192020 are as follows:
 Available-for-Sale
(in thousands)Amortized
Cost
Estimated Fair
Value
Due in one year or less$31,052 $31,253 
Due one year through five years42,795 46,050 
Due five years through ten years18,250 19,741 
Due after ten years815 1,384 
Total$92,912 $98,428 
 Available-for-Sale
(in thousands)
Amortized
Cost
 Estimated Fair
Value
Due in one year or less$12,677
 $12,728
Due one year through five years34,842
 36,646
Due five years through ten years32,505
 34,274
Due after ten years923
 1,389
Total$80,947
 $85,037


Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities as borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties.


The following table presents the gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity 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 September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 2018:2019:
 Less than 12 Months12 Months or LongerTotal
As of September 30, 2020 (in thousands)Estimated
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Estimated
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Estimated
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions$0 $0 $1,103 $(3)$1,103 $(3)
Total temporarily impaired securities$0 $0 $1,103 $(3)$1,103 $(3)
Less than 12 Months12 Months or LongerTotal
Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer Total
As of September 30, 2019 (in thousands)
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
As of December 31, 2019 (in thousands)As of December 31, 2019 (in thousands)Estimated
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Estimated
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Estimated
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Government obligations$1,006
 $(2) $
 $
 $1,006
 $(2)Government obligations$12,045 $(4)$$$12,045 $(4)
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions2,160
 (12) 1,126
 (1) 3,286
 (13)Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions1,101 (17)1,118 (3)2,219 (20)
Corporate debt securitiesCorporate debt securities413 (5)413 (5)
Total temporarily impaired securities$3,166
 $(14) $1,126
 $(1) $4,292
 $(15)Total temporarily impaired securities$13,559 $(26)$1,118 $(3)$14,677 $(29)
 Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer Total
As of December 31, 2018 (in thousands)
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
Government obligations$1,016
 $(7) $
 $
 $1,016
 $(7)
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions4,888
 (32) 6,469
 (111) 11,357
 (143)
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions12,326
 (100) 9,720
 (229) 22,046
 (329)
Corporate debt securities4,490
 (28) 3,733
 (19) 8,223
 (47)
Total temporarily impaired securities$22,720
 $(167) $19,922
 $(359) $42,642
 $(526)


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 will likely not be compelled to sell them before it can recover its cost basis, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired.


Management evaluates available-for-sale fixed maturity securities in unrealized loss positions to determine whether the impairment is due to credit-related factors or noncredit-related factors. Consideration is given to (1) the extent to which the fair value is less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

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 61 and 516 fixed maturity securities had unrealized losses without an allowance for credit losses at September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, respectively. The Company does not have the intent to sell any of these securities and believes that it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell any such securities before a recovery of cost. The fair value is expected to recover as the securities approach their maturity date or repricing date or if market yields for such investments decline. The Company believes that the unrealized losses detailed in the previous table are due to noncredit-related factors, including changes in interest rates and other market conditions, and therefore the unrealized loss is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.

14


Reviews of the values of fixed maturity 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. The Company recorded no$482 thousand and $0 of other-than-temporary impairment charges related to fixed maturity securities for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, and 2018. In the event the Company determines anrespectively. Expenses related to other-than-temporary impairment charge is necessary, the expense would beimpairments are recorded in net realized investment gains in the Consolidated Statements of IncomeOperations when recognized.




Investments in Equity Securities


The cost and estimated fair value of equity securities are as follows:
As of September 30, 2020 (in thousands)CostEstimated Fair
Value
Equity securities, at fair value:  
Common stocks$34,180 $58,851 
Total$34,180 $58,851 
As of September 30, 2019 (in thousands)Cost Estimated Fair
Value
As of December 31, 2019 (in thousands)As of December 31, 2019 (in thousands)CostEstimated Fair
Value
Equity securities, at fair value: 
  
Equity securities, at fair value:  
Common stocks$32,332
 $55,785
Common stocks$33,570 $61,108 
Total$32,332
 $55,785
Total$33,570 $61,108 
As of December 31, 2018 (in thousands)Cost Estimated Fair
Value
Equity securities, at fair value: 
  
Common stocks$31,255
 $48,489
Total$31,255
 $48,489


Unrealized holding gains and losses are reported in the Consolidated Statements of IncomeOperations as changes in the estimated fair value of equity security investments.


Net Realized Investment Gains


Gross realized gains and losses on sales of investments for the nine-month periodsperiod ended September 30 are summarized as follows:
(in thousands)20202019
Gross realized gains from securities:  
Corporate debt securities$30 $
Common stocks2,520 1,385 
Total$2,550 $1,385 
Gross realized losses from securities:  
Common stocks$(1,768)$(188)
Other-than-temporary impairment of securities(482)
Total$(2,250)$(188)
Net realized gains from securities$300 $1,197 
Gross realized gains (losses) on other investments:
Gains on other investments$32 $
    Losses on other investments(5)
Total$27 $
Net realized investment gains$327 $1,199 
(in thousands)2019 2018
Gross realized gains from securities: 
  
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions$
 $
Corporate debt securities
 
Common stocks1,385
 688
Total$1,385
 $688
Gross realized losses from securities: 
  
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions$
 $
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions
 
Common stocks(188) (63)
Other-than-temporary impairment of securities
 
Total$(188) $(63)
Net realized gains from securities$1,197
 $625
Net realized gains on other investments:   
Gains on other investments$2
 $4
Total$2
 $4
Net realized investment gains$1,199
 $629


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



15



Variable Interest Entities


The Company holds investments in variable interest entities ("VIEs") that are not consolidated in the Company's financial statements as the Company is not the primary beneficiary. These entities are considered VIEs as the equity investors at risk, including the Company, do not have the power over the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entities; this power resides with a third-party general partner or managing member that cannot be removed except for cause. The following table sets forth details about the Company's variable interest investments in VIEs, which are structured either as limited partnerships ("LPs") or limited liability companies ("LLCs"), as of September 30, 2019:2020:
(in thousands) Balance Sheet Classification Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Maximum Potential Loss (a)
Tax credit LPs Other investments $228
 $228
 $1,325
Real estate LLCs or LPs Other investments 5,048
 5,766
 7,075
Small business investment LPs Other investments 5,296
 5,090
 8,955
Total   $10,572
 $11,084
 $17,355
(in thousands)Balance Sheet ClassificationCarrying ValueEstimated Fair ValueMaximum Potential Loss (a)
Tax credit LPsOther investments$267 $267 $1,768 
Real estate LLCs or LPsOther investments5,090 6,680 6,675 
Small business investment LPsOther investments7,125 6,667 12,955 
Total$12,482 $13,614 $21,398 
(a)Maximum potential loss is calculated as the total investment in the LLC or LP, including any capital commitments that may have not yet been called. The Company is not exposed to any loss beyond the total commitment of its investment.


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


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


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


The Level 2 category includes fixed maturity securities such as corporate debt securities, U.S. government obligations, and obligations of U.S. states, territories, and political subdivisions. 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 fair values of the instruments in accordance with ASCAccounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. Generally, quotes obtained from the pricing service for instruments classified as Level 2 are not adjusted and are not binding. As of September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, the Company did not adjust any Level 2 fair values.


A number of the Company’s investment grade corporate debt securities are frequently traded in active markets, and trading prices are consequently available for these securities. However, these securities are classified as Level 2 because the pricing service from which the Company has obtained estimated fair values for these instruments uses valuation models that 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.


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.
 

16



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.
 
Measurement alternative equity investments
 
The measurement alternative method requires investments without readily determinable fair values to be recorded at cost, less impairments, and plus or minus any changes resulting from observable price changes.  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.
 
Accrued interest and dividends
 
The carrying amount for accrued interest and dividends is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term maturity of these assets.


The following table presents, by level, fixed maturity securities carried at estimated fair value measured as of September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 2018:2019:
As of September 30, 2020 (in thousands)Level 1Level 2 *Level 3Total
Fixed maturity securities:    
Obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions$24,212 $69,214 $0 $93,426 
Corporate debt securities0 5,002 0 5,002 
Total$24,212 $74,216 $0 $98,428 
As of September 30, 2019 (in thousands)Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Fixed maturity securities: 
  
  
  
Obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions*$
 $77,664
 $
 $77,664
Corporate debt securities*
 7,373
 
 7,373
Total$
 $85,037
 $
 $85,037
As of December 31, 2019 (in thousands)Level 1Level 2 *Level 3Total
Fixed maturity securities:
Obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions$24,160 $74,431 $$98,591 
Corporate debt securities6,047 6,047 
Total$24,160 $80,478 $$104,638 
As of December 31, 2018 (in thousands)Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Fixed maturity securities:       
Obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions*$
 $78,203
 $
 $78,203
Corporate debt securities*
 10,754
 
 10,754
Total$

$88,957
 $
 $88,957


*Denotes fair market value obtained from pricing services.


The following table presents, by level, estimated fair values of equity investments and other financial instruments as of September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 2018 are presented in the following table:2019:
As of September 30, 2020 (in thousands)Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$41,534 $0 $0 $41,534 
Accrued interest and dividends1,187 0 0 1,187 
Equity securities, at fair value:
Common stocks58,851 0 0 58,851 
Short-term investments: 
Money market funds, Treasury bills and certificates of deposit22,516 0 0 22,516 
Other investments:
Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates, equity method0 0 6,541 6,541 
Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates, measurement alternative0 0 8,288 8,288 
Total$124,088 $0 $14,829 $138,917 
17


As of September 30, 2019 (in thousands)Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
As of December 31, 2019 (in thousands)As of December 31, 2019 (in thousands)Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Financial assets:       Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$43,992
 $
 $
 $43,992
Cash and cash equivalents$25,949 $$$25,949 
Accrued interest and dividends1,161
 
 
 1,161
Accrued interest and dividends1,033 1,033 
Equity securities, at fair value:       Equity securities, at fair value:
Common stocks55,785
 
 
 55,785
Common stocks61,108 61,108 
Short-term investments: 
      Short-term investments:
Commercial paper and money market funds21,714
 
 
 21,714
Money market funds and certificates of depositMoney market funds and certificates of deposit13,134 13,134 
Other investments:       Other investments:
Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates, equity method
 
 5,629
 5,629
Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates, equity method0 6,083 6,083 
Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates, measurement alternative
 
 7,060
 7,060
Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates, measurement alternative0 7,899 7,899 
Total$122,652
 $
 $12,689
 $135,341
Total$101,224 $$13,982 $115,206 



As of December 31, 2018 (in thousands)Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Financial assets:       
Cash and cash equivalents$18,694
 $
 $
 $18,694
Accrued interest and dividends946
 
 
 946
Equity securities, at fair value:       
Common stocks48,489
 


 48,489
Short-term investments:       
Commercial paper and money market funds32,787
 


 32,787
Other investments:       
Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates, equity method
 

5,847
 5,847
Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates, measurement alternative
 

6,589
 6,589
Total$100,916

$

$12,436
 $113,352


The Company did not hold any Level 3 category debt or marketable equity investment securities as of September 30, 20192020 or December 31, 2018.2019.


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


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


Certain equity investments under the measurement alternative are measured at estimated fair value on a non-recurring basis and are reviewed for impairment quarterly. If any such investment is determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired, an impairment charge is recorded against such investment and reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income.Operations. There were no0 impairments of such investments made during the nine-month period ended September 30, 20192020 or the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2018.2019. The following table presents a rollforward of equity investments under the measurement alternative as of September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 2018:2019:

(in thousands)
Balance,
December 31, 2019
Amounts ImpairedObservable ChangesPurchases and
Additional
Commitments
Paid
 Sales, Returns of Capital and Other Reductions
Balance,
September 30, 2020
Other investments:
Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates, measurement alternative$7,899 $0 $0 $642 $(253)$8,288 
Total$7,899 $0 $0 $642 $(253)$8,288 
18



(in thousands)
Balance,
January 1, 2019
 Amounts Impaired Observable Changes 
Purchases and
Additional
Commitments
Paid
 Sales, Returns of Capital and Other Reductions 
Balance,
September 30, 2019

(in thousands)
Balance,
December 31, 2018
Amounts ImpairedObservable ChangesPurchases and
Additional
Commitments
Paid
 Sales, Returns of Capital and Other Reductions
Balance,
December 31, 2019
Other investments:           Other investments:
Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates, measurement alternative$6,589
 $
 $
 $1,306
 $(835) $7,060
Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates, measurement alternative$6,589 $$$2,241 $(931)$7,899 
Total$6,589
 $
 $
 $1,306
 $(835) $7,060
Total$6,589 $$$2,241 $(931)$7,899 




(in thousands)
Balance,
January 1, 2018
 Amounts Impaired Observable Changes 
Purchases and
Additional
Commitments
Paid
 Sales, Returns of Capital and Other Reductions 
Balance,
December 31, 2018
Other investments:           
Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates, measurement alternative$5,439
 $
 $
 $1,486
 $(336) $6,589
Total$5,439
 $
 $
 $1,486
 $(336) $6,589

Note 7 – 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, willis not expected to be, 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, examinations, and inquiries. It is the opinion of management based on its present expectations that findings from these audits, examinations, and inquiries will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of 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, escrowed funds received under escrow agreements, undisbursed amounts received for settlement of mortgage loans and indemnities against specific title risks. These amounts are not considered assets of the Company and, therefore, are excluded from the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets; however, the Company remains contingently liable for the disposition of these deposits.


Like-Kind Exchanges Proceeds – In administering tax-deferred property exchanges, the Company’s subsidiary, Investors Title Exchange Corporation (“ITEC”), serves as a qualified intermediary for exchanges, holding the net sales proceeds from relinquished property to be used for purchase of replacement property. Another Company subsidiary, Investors Title Accommodation Corporation (“ITAC”), serves as exchange accommodation titleholder and, through limited liability companies 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 $197.8$179.5 million and $308.7$214.6 million as of September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, 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 transfers of property, disbursements of proceeds and the return on the proceeds at the agreed upon interest rate. Exchange services revenues include earnings on these deposits; therefore, investment income is included as a component of non-title services on the Consolidated Statements of IncomeOperations rather than other investment income. Like-kind exchange funds are primarily invested in money market and other short-term investments.


COVID-19 – The U.S. and other countries are experiencing an outbreak of a novel coronavirus which causes a disease designated as COVID-19 and, in March 2020, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic.  This contagious disease outbreak has continued to spread across the globe, including in U.S. states where the Company conducts business, and is impacting worldwide economic activity and financial markets. In response, the U.S. government and its agencies have taken a number of significant measures to provide fiscal and monetary stimulus. Such actions include an unscheduled cut to the federal funds rate, the introduction of new programs to preserve market liquidity, extended unemployment and sick leave benefits, low-interest loans for working capital access and payroll assistance, and other relief measures for both workers and businesses. The Company is fully operational and has not had any reductions in workforce during 2020. A large portion of the Company's workforce is performing their job functions remotely.  The Company has not taken stimulus relief funding or incurred any other forms of debt.

19


Note 8 – Related Party Transactions


The Company does business with, and has investments in, unconsolidated limited liability companies that are primarily title insurance agencies. The Company utilizes the equity method to account for its investment in these limited liability companies. The following tables set forth the approximate values by year found within each financial statement classification:
Financial Statement Classification,
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
As of
September 30, 2020
As of
December 31, 2019
Other investments$6,541 $6,083 
Premium and fees receivable$635 $410 
Financial Statement Classification,
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2020201920202019
Net premiums written$6,615 $4,626 $16,725 $11,674 
Non-title services and other investment income$1,104 $779 $2,241 $1,866 
Commissions to agents$4,486 $3,056 $11,279 $7,702 

Financial Statement Classification,
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
As of
September 30, 2019
As of
December 31, 2018
Other investments$5,630
$5,847
Premium and fees receivable$614
$409
 
Financial Statement Classification,
Consolidated Statements of Income
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 2019201820192018
 Net premiums written$4,626
$4,148
$11,674
$10,967
 Non-title services and other investment income$779
$724
$1,866
$1,859
 Commissions to agents$3,056
$2,662
$7,702
$7,192



Note 9 – Intangible Assets, Goodwill and Title Plant


Intangible Assets


The estimated fair values of intangible assets recognized as the result of title insurance agency acquisitions, all Level 3 inputs, are principally based on values obtained from an independent third-party valuation service. In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, management determined that no events or changes in circumstances occurred during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 20192020 and 20182019 that would indicate the carrying amounts may not be recoverable, and therefore determined that no0 identifiable intangible assets were impaired.


Identifiable intangible assets consist of the following:
(in thousands)As of
September 30, 2020
As of
December 31, 2019
Referral relationships$6,416 $6,416 
Non-compete agreements1,406 1,406 
Tradename560 560 
Total8,382 8,382 
Accumulated amortization(2,835)(2,456)
Identifiable intangible assets, net$5,547 $5,926 
(in thousands)As of
September 30, 2019
As of
December 31, 2018
Referral relationships$6,416
$6,416
Non-compete agreements1,406
1,406
Tradename560
560
Total8,382
8,382
Accumulated amortization(2,330)(1,952)
Identifiable intangible assets, net$6,052
$6,430


The following table provides the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years:
Year Ended (in thousands)
2020$126 
2021562 
2022525 
2023525 
2024473 
Thereafter3,336 
Total$5,547 

20

Year Ended (in thousands) 
2019$126
2020569
2021562
2022525
2023525
Thereafter3,745
Total$6,052


Goodwill and Title Plant


As of September 30, 2019,2020, the Company recognized $4.4 million in goodwill and $690 thousand in a title plant, net of impairments, as the result of title insurance agency acquisitions.  The title plant is included with other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair values of goodwill and the title plant as of the date of acquisition, both Level 3 inputs, arewere principally based on values obtained from an independent third-party valuation service as of the date of acquisition.service. In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, management determined that no events or changes in circumstances occurred during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 20192020 and 20182019 that would indicate the carrying amounts may not be recoverable, and therefore determined that neitherthere were 0 goodwill nor theor title plant were impaired.impairments.




Note 10 – 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 September 30, 20192020 and 2018:2019:
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2020 (in thousands)
Unrealized Gains and Losses
On Available-for-Sale
Securities
Postretirement
Benefits Plans
 
Total
Beginning balance at June 30$4,294 $(64)$4,230 
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications50 0 50 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income0 0 
Net current-period other comprehensive income50 0 50 
Ending balance$4,344 $(64)$4,280 
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2019 (in thousands)
Unrealized Gains and Losses
On Available-for-Sale
Securities
Postretirement
Benefits Plans
 
Total
Beginning balance at June 30$2,886 $(32)$2,854 
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications341 341 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
Net current-period other comprehensive income341 341 
Ending balance$3,227 $(32)$3,195 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2020 (in thousands)
Unrealized Gains and Losses
On Available-for-Sale
Securities
Postretirement
Benefits Plans
 
Total
Beginning balance at January 1$3,132 $(32)$3,100 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications864 (32)832 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income348 0 348 
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)1,212 (32)1,180 
Ending balance$4,344 $(64)$4,280 
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2019 (in thousands)
Unrealized Gains and Losses
On Available-for-Sale
Securities
 
Postretirement
Benefits Plans
 
 
Total
Beginning balance at July 1$2,886
 $(32) $2,854
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications341
 
 341
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
 
 
Net current-period other comprehensive income341
 
 341
Ending balance$3,227
 $(32) $3,195
21

Three Months Ended
September 30, 2018 (in thousands)
Unrealized Gains and Losses
On Available-for-Sale
Securities
 
Postretirement
Benefits Plans
 
 
Total
Beginning balance at July 1$875
 $(69) $806
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications(487) 
 (487)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
 
 
Net current-period other comprehensive loss(487) 
 (487)
Ending balance$388
 $(69) $319

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2019 (in thousands)
Unrealized Gains and Losses
On Available-for-Sale
Securities
Postretirement
Benefits Plans
Total
Beginning balance at January 1$981 $(32)$949 
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications2,246 2,246 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
Net current-period other comprehensive income2,246 2,246 
Ending balance$3,227 $(32)$3,195 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2019 (in thousands)
Unrealized Gains and Losses
On Available-for-Sale
Securities
 Postretirement
Benefits Plans
 
 
Total
Beginning balance at January 1$981
 $(32) $949
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications2,246
 
 2,246
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
 
 
Net current-period other comprehensive income2,246
 
 2,246
Ending balance$3,227
 $(32) $3,195

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2018 (in thousands)
Unrealized Gains and Losses
On Available-for-Sale
Securities
 
Postretirement
Benefits Plans
 
 
Total
Beginning balance at January 1$16,003
 $(58) $15,945
Cumulative effect adjustment for adoption of new accounting standards(13,616) (11) (13,627)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications(1,999) 
 (1,999)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
 
 
Net current-period other comprehensive loss(1,999) 
 (1,999)
Ending balance$388
 $(69) $319

There were noThe following table provides significant amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.2020:


Three Months Ended
September 30, 2020 (in thousands)
Details about Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income Components (in thousands)
Amount Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
Affected Line Item in the Consolidated
Statements of Operations
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
Net realized gain on investments$0
Other-than-temporary impairments0
Total$0Net realized investment gains
Tax0Provision for income taxes
Net of Tax$0
Reclassifications for the period$0


Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2020 (in thousands)
Details about Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income Components (in thousands)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeAffected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
Net realized gain on investments$30
Other-than-temporary impairments(482)
Total$(452)Net realized investment gains
Tax104Provision for income taxes
Net of Tax$(348)
Reclassifications for the period$(348)

There were 0 amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income for either the three- or nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019.

22


Note 11 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers


ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) requires that an entity 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. This guidance does not apply to revenue associated with insurance contracts (including title insurance policies), financial instruments and lease contracts; and therefore is primarily applicable to the following Company revenue categories.


Escrow and other title-related fees – The Company’s title segment recognizes commission revenue and fees related to items such as searches, settlements, commitments and other ancillary services. Escrow and other title-related fees are recognized as revenue at the time of the related transactions as the earnings process, or performance obligation, is then considered to be complete.


Non-title services – Through various subsidiaries, the Company offers management services, tax-deferred real property exchange services, investment management and trust services. Nonrefundable exchange fees are recognized as revenue upon receipt of the funds, which is at the time of closing of the initial sale of property. All other non-title service fees are recognized as revenue as performance obligations are completed.


Other – The Company occasionally recognizes revenue from other miscellaneous contracts which can include, but is not limited to seminar and education registration fees and software licensing contracts. These revenue streams are deemed immaterial to the operations of the Company, and revenue is recognized when, or as, performance obligations are completed.


The following table provides a breakdown of the Company’s revenue by major business activity:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 (in thousands)2020201920202019
Revenue from contracts with customers:
Escrow and other title-related fees$2,154 $2,393 $6,014 $5,616 
Non-title services1,954 2,539 6,476 7,444 
Total revenue from contracts with customers4,108 4,932 12,490 13,060 
Other sources of revenue:
Net premiums written57,205 40,169 143,311 103,942 
Investment-related revenue6,135 2,693 3,038 13,066 
Other185 145 443 550 
Total revenues$67,633 $47,939 $159,282 $130,618 
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 (in thousands)2019201820192018
Revenue from contracts with customers:    
Escrow and other title-related fees$2,393
$1,812
$5,616
$5,465
Non-title services2,539
1,795
7,444
5,083
Total revenue from contracts with customers4,932
3,607
13,060
10,548
Other sources of revenue:    
Net premiums written40,169
39,422
103,942
104,123
Investment-related revenue2,693
5,075
13,066
8,915
Other145
157
550
387
Total revenues$47,939
$48,261
$130,618
$123,973


Note 12 – Leases


The Company enters into lease agreements that are primarily used for office space. These leases are accounted for as operating leases, with lease expense recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.


A portion of the Company's current leases include an option to extend or cancel the lease term. The exercise of such an option is solely at the Company's discretion. The operating lease liability recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets includes lease payments related to options to extend or cancel the lease term if the Company determined at the date of adoption that the lease was expected to be renewed or extended. The Company, in determining the present value of lease payments, utilized the average rate over a 10-year term based upon the Moody's seasoned Aaa corporate bond yields, as explicit rates of interest were not readily determinable in the lease contracts. The Company does not carry debt; thus no incremental borrowing rate was available to the Company.



23



Lease expense is included in office and technology expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.Operations. Information regarding the Company’s operating leases follows:
(in thousands)Three Months Ended
September 30, 2019
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2019
Operating leases$312
$944
Short-term leases (b)30
103
Lease expense$342
$1,047
Sub-lease income

Lease cost$342
$1,047
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in thousands)2020201920202019
Operating leases$327 $312 $968 $944 
Short-term leases (b)44 30 110 103 
Lease expense$371 $342 $1,078 $1,047 
Sub-lease income0 0 
Lease cost$371 $342 $1,078 $1,047 
(b)Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


Components of the operating lease liability presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows:
(in thousands)As of
September 30, 2020
As of
December 31, 2019
Current:
Operating lease liabilities$1,097 $1,048 
Non-current:
Operating lease liabilities2,840 3,454 
Total operating lease liabilities$3,937 $4,502 
(in thousands)As of
September 30, 2019
Current: 
Operating lease liabilities$1,045
Non-current: 
Operating lease liabilities3,577
Total operating lease liabilities$4,622


The future minimum lease payments under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of September 30, 2019,2020, are summarized as follows:
Year Ended (in thousands)
2020$324 
20211,195 
2022975 
2023685 
2024515 
Thereafter649 
Total undiscounted payments$4,343 
Less: present value adjustment(406)
Operating lease liabilities$3,937 
Year Ended (in thousands) 
2019$308
20201,208
20211,122
2022893
2023585
Thereafter1,029
Total undiscounted payments$5,145
Less: present value adjustment(523)
Operating lease liabilities$4,622


Supplemental lease information is as follows:
As of
September 30, 2020
As of
December 31, 2019
Weighted average remaining lease term (years)4.404.84
Weighted average discount rate4.6 %4.6 %
As of September 30, 2019
Weighted average remaining lease term (years)5.09
Weighted average discount rate4.2%


The Company does not have any material pending operating or financing lease agreements that become effective in future periods.

24



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


The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20182019 should be read in conjunction with the following discussion since it contains information which is important for evaluating the Company's operating results and financial condition. Forward-looking

In addition, the Company may make forward-looking statements in the following discussion and analysis. 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. See "Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements" at the end of this discussion and analysis, as well as the sections titled "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for factors that could affect forward-looking statements.


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 92.6%95.9% of the Company's revenues for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019.2020. 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. 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.


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 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.


The Company issues title insurance policies through its home and branch offices and 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 the title insurance segment primarily result from purchases of new and existing residential and commercial real estate, mortgage refinance activity and certain other types of mortgage lending such as home equity lines of credit.


Title insurance premiums vary from state to 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.


Volume is a factor in the Company’s profitability due to fixed operating costs that 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 to 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 property sales, mortgage financing and mortgage refinancing.  Real estate activity, home sales and mortgage lending are cyclical in nature. Real estate activity is affected by a number of factors, including the availability of mortgage credit, the cost of real estate, consumer confidence, employment and family income levels, and general United States economic conditions.  Interest rate volatility is also an important factor in the level of residential and commercial real estate activity.


The Company’s title insurance premiums in future periods are likely to fluctuate due to these and other factors which are beyond management’s control.


Historically, the title insurance business tends to be seasonal as well as cyclical. Because home sales are typically strongest in periods of favorable weather, the first calendar quarter tends to have the lowest activity levels, while the spring and summer quarters tend to be more active. Mortgage refinance activity tends to be influenced less by seasonality and more by economic cycles, with activity levels increasing during times of falling interest rates.


25


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




The Company’s exchange services division, consisting of the operations of ITEC and ITAC, provides customer services in connection with tax-deferred real property exchanges. ITEC acts as a qualified intermediary in tax-deferred exchanges of property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment, and its income is derived from fees for handling exchange transactions and interest earned on client deposits held by the Company. 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 time the old property is sold and the new property is purchased, and accepting the formal identification of the replacement property within the required identification period. ITAC provides services as an exchange accommodation titleholder for accomplishing “parking transactions” as set forth in the safe harbor contained in Internal Revenue Procedure 2000-37.  These transactions include reverse exchanges when taxpayers decide to acquire replacement property before selling the relinquished property, or “build to suit” exchanges, when improvements must be made to the replacement property before the taxpayer acquires the improved replacement property. The services provided by the Company’s exchange services 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 services division.


The Company’s trust services 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.


Business Trends and Recent ConditionsConditions; COVID-19 Pandemic
The housing market is heavily influenced by government policies and overall economic conditions.  Regulatory reform and initiatives by various governmental agencies, including the Federal Reserve's monetary policy and other regulatory changes, could impact lending standards or the processes and procedures used by the Company. The current real estate environment, including interest rates and general economic activity, typically influence the demand for real estate. Changes in either of these areas would likely impact the Company's results of operations.


The U.S. and other countries are experiencing an outbreak of a novel coronavirus which causes a disease designated as COVID-19 and, in March 2020, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic.  This contagious disease outbreak has continued to spread across the globe, including in U.S. states where the Company conducts business, and is impacting worldwide economic activity and financial markets. In response, the U.S. government and its agencies have taken a number of significant measures to provide fiscal and monetary stimulus. Such actions include an unscheduled cut to the federal funds rate, the introduction of new programs to preserve market liquidity, extended unemployment and sick leave benefits, low-interest loans for working capital access and payroll assistance, and other relief measures for both workers and businesses. The Company is fully operational and has not had any reductions in workforce during 2020. A large portion of the Company's workforce is performing their job functions remotely.  The Company has not taken stimulus relief funding or incurred any other forms of debt.

The primary impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s first quarter results of operations was a reduction in value of the investment portfolio. In the second and third quarters, the Company recognized income from changes in the estimated fair value of equity securities as the Company's equity holdings partially rebounded. Purchase volume and refinance activity were strong in the third quarter, as lower average mortgage interest rates, a tight real estate supply and pent-up demand spurred real estate activity and prices. It is unclear if real estate activity will remain as resilient in future periods. It is possible that net premiums written could decline in the future due to the pandemic and the economic disruption it is causing. Because of the inherent uncertainty regarding the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the economy, as well as uncertainty regarding the effects of government measures already taken, and which may be taken or continued in the future, to combat the spread of the virus, the Company is currently unable to predict what the ultimate impact of the pandemic on its business will be.

The Company has implemented a number of measures to protect the health of its employees and to provide for the continuity of its business during this unpredictable time of crisis, including moving portions of its workforce to telecommuting and restricting business travel. To help get mortgage transactions closed during the pandemic, temporary guidelines have been issued by several entities allowing certain technologies to be used to facilitate what would otherwise be traditional, in-person paper-based closings. Businesses involved in the real estate industry, including the Company, are expected to continue to evaluate the evolving COVID-19 situation and may take additional measures to adapt as the situation developments.
26



Regulatory Environment


In efforts to provide transparency, theThe Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) of the Federal Reserve issues disclosures on a periodic basis that include projections of the federal funds rate and expected actions. At the December 2015 meeting, the FOMC voted to raise the federal funds rate for the first time since December 2008 to a target range between 0.25% and 0.50%. SinceStarting in December 2015, the FOMC has voted on several occasions to increase the federal funds rate, most recently at the December 2018 meeting to a target range between 2.25% and 2.50%. However, due to developments impacting the economic outlook, as well as muted inflation pressures, at the July 2019 meeting, the FOMC reversed course and decided to lower the target range for the federal funds rate to between 2.00% and 2.25%. At the September and October 2019 meetings, theThe FOMC voted againhas elected to lower the rate, most recently to a target range between 1.50% and 1.75%. Anyrates at subsequent meetings. In normal economic situations, future adjustments to the rate are expected to be based on realized and expected economic developments to achieve maximum employment and inflation near the FOMC's symmetric long-term 2.0% inflation.objective. However, in response to risk posed to economic activity by COVID-19, on March 15, 2020, the FOMC lowered the target range between 0.00% and 0.25%. The FOMC has maintained this target range, and expects to continue to do so until it is confident that the U.S. economy has weathered recent events and is on track to meet its goals.


In 2008, the federal government took control of the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“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 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.


In recent years, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), Office of the Comptroller of Currency and the Federal Reserve have issued memorandums to banks that communicated those agencies’ heightened focus on vetting third-party 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. Although the Company regularly monitors such proposals, 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.


In recent periods, both the President and certain members of Congress have indicated a desire for reform of the CFPB. The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that the structure of the CFPB is unconstitutional, but has allowed the work of the agency to continue. The timing and nature of any reforms are currently unknown; however, any changes to the CFPB could affect the Company and its results of operations.




Real Estate Environment


The Mortgage Bankers Association's ("MBA") September 19, 2019 October 21, 2020 Mortgage Finance Forecast (“MBA Forecast”), which includes COVID-19 considerations, projects 20192020 purchase activity to increase 6.7%15.8% to $1,264$1,418 billion and mortgage refinance activity to increase 46.9%70.9% to $673$1,757 billion, resulting in a net increase in total mortgage originations of 17.9%40.9% to $1,937$3,175 billion, all from 20182019 levels. In 2018,2019, purchase activity accounted for 72.1%54.4% of all mortgage originations and is projected in the MBA Forecast to represent 65.3%44.7% of all mortgage originations in 2019.2020. The MBA's August 2019 Economic and Mortgage Finance Commentary ("MBA Commentary") predicts thatForecast is, however, projecting decreases in mortgage originations will increase in 2019, comparedfor 2021 and 2022. Due to 2018 levels, primarily duethe rapidly changing environment brought on by COVID-19, these projections and the impact of actual future developments on the Company could be subject to increased refinance activity as homeowners take advantage of the drop in mortgage interest rates.material change.


In the MBA Forecast, the MBA projects that mortgage originations will decline in 2020, compared with 2019 levels. Refinance activity is expected to decline, but will be slightly offset by moderate growth in home purchase mortgage originations.

According to data published by Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage interest rates in the United States were 4.0%3.2% and 4.5%4.0% for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, and 2018, respectively. Per the MBA Forecast, mortgage interest rates are projected to be 3.8%3.0% in the fourth quarter of 20192020, and graduallythen increase to 4.0%3.6% by 2021.2022.
    
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.


27


Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies


The preparation of the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of certain assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures regarding contingencies and commitments. Actual results could differ from these estimates. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019,2020, the Company made the following changes to its critical accounting policies as previously disclosed in Management's Discussion and Analysis in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20182019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


The Company has updated the following accounting policies due to the adoption of ASU 2016-02, LeasesAccounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 842)326):


At inception,Allowance for Credit Losses – Available-for-Sale Securities

For available-for-sale fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company determines ifevaluates the securities to determine whether the decline in the estimated fair value below the amortized cost basis (impairment) is due to credit-related factors or noncredit-related factors. Any impairment that is not credit related is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. Credit-related impairment is recognized as an arrangement is a lease. The Company enters into lease agreements that are primarily usedallowance for office space, and all current leases are accounted for as operating leases. Amounts related to operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use ("ROU"credit losses (“ACL”) assets and operating lease liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Operating lease ROU assets representSheets, limited to the Company’s rightamount by which the amortized cost basis exceeds the estimated fair value, with a corresponding adjustment to useearnings. Both the ACL and the adjustment to the Consolidated Statements of Operations may be reversed if conditions change. However, if the Company intends to sell an underlying assetimpaired available-for-sale fixed maturity security or more likely than not will be required to sell such a security before recovering its amortized cost basis, the entire impairment amount must be recognized in earnings with a corresponding adjustment to the security’s amortized cost basis. Because the security’s amortized cost basis is adjusted to estimated fair value, there is no ACL in this situation.

In evaluating available-for-sale fixed maturity securities in unrealized loss positions for impairment and the stated lease term. Operating lease liabilities representcriteria regarding its intent or requirement to sell such securities, the Company’s obligationCompany considers the extent to make lease payments arising from an operating lease. Operating lease ROU assetswhich estimated fair value is less than amortized cost, whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and liabilities are recognized at the dateresults of reviews of the lease commencement, andissuers’ financial condition, among other factors.

Changes in the allowance for credit losses are based onrecorded as provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the present valueACL when management believes the uncollectability of lease payments overan available-for-sale fixed maturity security is confirmed or when either of the lease term. In addition,criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.

Accrued interest receivable is excluded from the Company elected certain practical expedients and therefore (a) chose not to reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are, or contain, leases, (b) chose not to reassess the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, and (c) chose not to reassess initial direct costs for any expired or existing leases. The Company's current leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, thus the Company utilized the average rate over a 10-year term based upon the Moody's seasoned Aaa corporate bond yields in determining the present valueestimate of lease payments. The Company's lease terms may include options to extend or terminate a lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. A lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Adjustments for straight-line rental expense for the periods presented are not material and as such, the lease expense recognized was reflected in cash used in operating activities for the respective periods. Refer to Note 12 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about the Company's leases.credit losses.




28


Results of Operations


The following table presents certain income statementConsolidated Statements of Operations data for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20192020 and 2018:2019:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in thousands)2020201920202019
Revenues:
Net premiums written$57,205 $40,169 $143,311 $103,942 
Escrow and other title-related fees2,154 2,393 6,014 5,616 
Non-title services1,954 2,539 6,476 7,444 
Interest and dividends1,060 1,156 3,342 3,605 
Other investment income1,270 708 2,236 2,044 
Net realized investment gains186 423 327 1,199 
Changes in the estimated fair value of equity security investments3,619 406 (2,867)6,218 
Other185 145 443 550 
Total Revenues67,633 47,939 159,282 130,618 
Operating Expenses:
Commissions to agents29,068 19,928 73,344 51,261 
Provision for claims1,552 987 4,452 3,610 
Personnel expenses12,575 11,576 36,632 34,871 
Office and technology expenses2,456 2,350 7,328 6,803 
Other expenses3,125 3,079 9,276 8,821 
Total Operating Expenses48,776 37,920 131,032 105,366 
Income before Income Taxes18,857 10,019 28,250 25,252 
Provision for Income Taxes3,556 2,067 5,465 5,174 
Net Income$15,301 $7,952 $22,785 $20,078 

29
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in thousands) 2019 2018 2019 2018
Revenues:        
Net premiums written $40,169
 $39,422
 $103,942
 $104,123
Escrow and other title-related fees 2,393
 1,812
 5,616
 5,465
Non-title services 2,539
 1,795
 7,444
 5,083
Interest and dividends 1,156
 1,138
 3,605
 3,381
Other investment income 708
 829
 2,044
 2,279
Net realized investment gains 423
 188
 1,199
 629
Changes in the estimated fair value of equity security investments 406
 2,920
 6,218
 2,626
Other 145
 157
 550
 387
Total Revenues 47,939
 48,261
 130,618
 123,973
         
Operating Expenses:        
Commissions to agents 19,928
 18,490
 51,261
 48,942
Provision for claims 987
 997
 3,610
 155
Personnel expenses 11,576
 11,096
 34,871
 33,234
Office and technology expenses 2,350
 2,208
 6,803
 6,603
Other expenses 3,079
 2,910
 8,821
 8,440
Total Operating Expenses 37,920
 35,701
 105,366
 97,374
         
Income before Income Taxes 10,019
 12,560
 25,252
 26,599
         
Provision for Income Taxes 2,067
 1,927
 5,174
 4,873
         
Net Income Attributable to the Company $7,952
 $10,634
 $20,078
 $21,757





Insurance Revenues


Insurance revenues include net premiums written and escrow and other title-related income that includes escrow fees, commissions and settlement fees. Non-title services revenue, investment-related revenues and other revenues are discussed separately below.


Net Premiums Written


Net premiums written increased 1.9%42.4% and decreased 0.2%37.9% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, respectively,2020 to $57.2 million and $143.3 million, compared with $40.2 million and $103.9 million, compared with $39.4 million and $104.1 million for the same prior year periods. The increaseincreases for the three-monthsthree- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 was2020 were primarily driven by increased refinance activity and strong purchase volume, as lower average mortgage interest rates leadingcontinued to an increase in refinance activity, while purchase transactions remained strong. Net premiums written remained virtually flat for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.spur real estate activity.

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 three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20192020 and 2018:2019:
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in thousands, except percentages)2020%2019%2020%2019%
Home and Branch$15,496 27.1 $11,557 28.8 $38,364 26.8 $29,111 28.0 
Agency41,709 72.9 28,612 71.2 104,947 73.2 74,831 72.0 
Total$57,205 100.0 $40,169 100.0 $143,311 100.0 $103,942 100.0 
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in thousands, except percentages) 2019 % 2018 %2019 % 2018 %
Home and Branch $11,557
 28.8 $11,905
 30.2$29,111
 28.0 $31,258
 30.0
Agency 28,612
 71.2 27,517
 69.874,831
 72.0 72,865
 70.0
Total $40,169
 100.0 $39,422
 100.0$103,942
 100.0 $104,123
 100.0


Home and Branch Office Net Premiums In the Company's home and branch operations, the Company issues a title insurance policy and retains the entire premium, as no commissions are paid in connection with these policies. Net premiums written from home and branch operations decreased 2.9%increased 34.1% and 6.9%31.8% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, respectively,2020, compared with the same prior year periods. The decreasesincreases for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20192020 were primarily attributable to lower volume of mortgageincreased refinance activity and a shift in market mix fromstrong purchase transactionsvolume, as lower average mortgage interest rates continued to refinance transactions.spur real estate activity.


All of the Company's home office operations and the majority of its branch offices are located in North Carolina; as a result, the home and branch office net premiums written are primarily for North Carolina title insurance policies.


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

Agency net premiums written increased 4.0%45.8% and 2.7%40.2% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, respectively,2020, compared with the same prior year periods. The increases for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20192020 were primarily attributable to higherincreased refinance activity due toand strong purchase volume, as lower average mortgage interest rates.rates continued to spur real estate activity.



30



Following is a schedule of net premiums written for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20192020 and 20182019 in select states in which the Company's two insurance subsidiaries, ITIC and NITIC, currently underwrite title insurance:
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
State (in thousands)2020201920202019
North Carolina$21,524 $16,129 $53,565 $40,790 
Texas10,956 7,579 26,935 19,929 
Georgia6,347 4,535 15,751 11,306 
South Carolina4,646 3,212 12,285 9,551 
Virginia2,122 1,686 5,725 4,316 
All Others11,782 7,113 29,421 18,385 
Premiums Written57,377 40,254 143,682 104,277 
Reinsurance Assumed — 3 — 
Reinsurance Ceded(172)(85)(374)(335)
Net Premiums Written$57,205 $40,169 $143,311 $103,942 
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
State (in thousands) 2019 20182019 2018
North Carolina $16,129
 $16,335
$40,790
 $42,533
Texas 7,579
 7,048
19,929
 18,762
Georgia 4,535
 4,286
11,306
 10,326
South Carolina 3,212
 3,785
9,551
 10,770
Virginia 1,686
 1,457
4,316
 4,347
All Others 7,113
 6,589
18,385
 17,633
Premiums Written 40,254
 39,500
104,277
 104,371
Reinsurance Assumed 
 2

 4
Reinsurance Ceded (85) (80)(335) (252)
Net Premiums Written $40,169
 $39,422
$103,942
 $104,123


Escrow and Other Title-Related Fees

Escrow and other title-related fees consists primarily of commission income, escrow and other various fees associated with the issuance of a title insurance policy including settlement, examination and closing fees. Escrow and other title-related fee revenues were $2.4$2.2 million and $5.6$6.0 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019,2020, respectively, compared with $1.8$2.4 million and $5.5$5.6 million for the same prior year periods. The increases in 2019decrease for the three-month period ended September 30, 2020 primarily related to increasedlower commission income. The increase for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020 primarily related to higher fee income associated with other title-related fees.income.


Revenue from Non-Title Services


Revenue from non-title services includes trust services, agency management services and exchange services income. Non-title service revenues were $2.5$2.0 million and $7.4$6.5 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, respectively,2020, compared with $1.8$2.5 million and $5.1$7.4 million for the same prior year period.periods. The increases for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019decreases in 2020 primarily related to increased revenue fromdecreased exchange services.services income due to the impact of changes in the interest rate environment.


Investment-Related Revenues


Investment-related revenues include interest and dividends, other investment income, net realized investment gains and changes in the estimated fair value of equity security investments.


Interest and Dividends


The Company derives a substantial portion of its income from investments in fixed maturity securities, which are primarily municipal and corporate fixed maturity securities, and equity securities. 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.


The Company’s investment strategy emphasizes after-tax income and principal preservation.  The Company’s investments are primarily in fixed maturity securities and, to a lesser extent, equity securities.  The average effective maturity of the majority of the fixed maturity securities is less than 10 years.  The Company’s invested assets are managed to fund its obligations and evaluated to ensure long term stability of capital accounts.



31



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 or tax-exempt fixed maturity securities and equity securities.  The Company also invests in short-term investments that include commercial paper and money market funds.funds, certificates of deposit and Treasury bills. 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.


Interest and dividends were $1.2$1.1 million and $3.6$3.3 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019,2020, respectively, compared with $1.1$1.2 million and $3.4$3.6 million for the same prior year periods. The increasesdecreases in 20192020 were primarily duerelated to increases in dividends received from equity securities due to a higher portfolio balances.lower interest rates on fixed maturity securities.


Other Investment Income


Other investment income consists primarily of income related to investments in unconsolidated affiliates, typically structured as limited liability companies ("LLC's"), accounted for under either the equity method of accounting or the measurement alternative for investments that do not have readily determinable fair values. The measurement alternative method requires investments without readily determinable fair values to be recorded at cost, less impairments, and plus or minus any changes resulting from observable price changes. 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.


Other investment income was $708 thousand$1.3 million and $2.0$2.2 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019,2020, respectively, compared with $829$708 thousand and $2.3$2.0 million for the same prior year periods. Changes in other investment income are impacted by fluctuations in the carrying value of the underlying investment and or distributions received.


Net Realized Investment Gains


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 ofincluded in 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 gain or loss can vary significantly from period to period.


The net realized investment gains were $423$186 thousand and $1.2 million$327 thousand for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019,2020, respectively, compared with $188$423 thousand and $629 thousand$1.2 million for the same prior year periods. The net realized investment gains for the three- and nine-month periodsperiod ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 did not include any2020 included impairment charges.charges of $482 thousand for certain fixed maturity securities the Company determined were other-than-temporarily impaired. There were no impairment charges recorded in 2019. Management believes unrealized losses on the remaining fixed maturity securities at September 30, 20192020 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 fixed maturity 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 sell the fixed maturity security; and the risk that management is making decisions based on misstated information in the financial statements provided by issuers.


Changes in the Estimated Fair Value of Equity Security Investments


Changes in the estimated fair value of equity security investments were $406 thousand$3.6 million and $6.2$(2.9) million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019,2020, respectively, compared with $2.9 million$406 thousand and $2.6$6.2 million for the same prior year periods. Such fluctuations are the result of changes in general market conditions during the respective periods. In the first quarter of 2020, all major U.S. stock market indices substantially declined due to economic slowdowns and uncertainty resulting from COVID-19. The major stock market indices partially recovered the first quarter losses during the second and third quarters of 2020.


32


Other Revenues


Other revenues primarily include state tax credit income, gains and losses on the disposal of fixed assets and miscellaneous revenues. Other revenues were $145$185 thousand and $550$443 thousand for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019,2020, respectively, compared with $157$145 thousand and $387$550 thousand for the same prior year periods. The decrease for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020 primarily related to a decline in state tax credit income.




Expenses


The Company's operating expenses consist primarily of commissions to agents, personnel expenses, office and technology expenses and the provision for claims. Operating expenses increased 6.2%28.6% and 8.2%24.4% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019,2020, respectively, compared with the same prior year periods. The increaseincreases for the three-month periodthree- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 was2020 were primarily due to increases in commissions to agents, and personnel expenses. The increase for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 was primarily due to increases in the provision for claims commissions to agentsexpense and personnel expenses.


Following is a summary of the Company's operating expenses for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20192020 and 2018.2019. Inter-segment eliminations have been netted; therefore, the individual segment amounts will not agree to Note 4 in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in thousands, except percentages)2020%2019%2020%2019%
Title Insurance$46,951 96.3 $35,682 94.1 $124,588 95.1 $98,468 93.5 
All Other1,825 3.7 2,238 5.9 6,444 4.9 6,898 6.5 
Total$48,776 100.0 $37,920 100.0 $131,032 100.0 $105,366 100.0 
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in thousands, except percentages)2019 % 2018 % 2019 % 2018 %
Title Insurance$35,682
 94.1 $33,697
 94.4 $98,468
 93.5 $91,116
 93.6
All Other2,238
 5.9 2,004
 5.6 6,898
 6.5 6,258
 6.4
Total$37,920
 100.0 $35,701
 100.0 $105,366
 100.0 $97,374
 100.0


On a combined basis, after-tax profit margins were 16.6%22.6% and 15.4%14.3% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019,2020, respectively, compared with 22.0%16.6% and 17.5%15.4% for the same prior year periods. The Company continually strives to enhance its competitive strengths and market position, including ongoing initiatives to manage its operating expenses.


Total Company


Personnel Expenses Personnel expenses include base salaries, benefits and payroll taxes, bonuses paid to employees and contract labor expenses. Personnel expenses were $11.6$12.6 million and $34.9$36.6 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019,2020, respectively, compared with $11.1$11.6 million and $33.2$34.9 million for the same prior year periods. On a consolidated basis, personnel expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 24.1%18.6% and 26.7%23.0% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019,2020, respectively, compared with 23.0%24.1% and 26.8%26.7% for the same prior year periods.period. The increases in personnel expenses for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20192020 were primarily the result ofrelated to normal inflationary increases in salaries, benefits and benefits.higher staffing levels to accommodate volume growth and targeted staffing increases to support growth initiatives.


Office and Technology Expenses Office and technology expenses primarily include facilities expenses, software and hardware expenses, depreciation expense, telecommunications expenses, and business insurance. Office and technology expenses were $2.4$2.5 million and $6.8$7.3 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019,2020, respectively, compared with $2.2$2.4 million and $6.6$6.8 million for the same prior year periods. The increases in 2019for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 were primarily related to ongoing investments in software and technology related initiatives.


Other Expenses Other expenses primarily include business development expenses, premium-related taxes and licensing, professional services, title and service fees, amortization of intangible assets and other general expenses. Other expenses were $3.1 million and $8.8$9.3 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019,2020, respectively, compared with $2.9$3.1 million and $8.4$8.8 million for the same prior year periods. The increases in 2019 wereincrease for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020 was primarily related to increases in titlepremium-related taxes and service feeslicensing and other general expenses,professional services, partially offset by a decline in professional services.business development expenses.


33


Title Insurance


Commissions to Agents Agent commissions represent the portion of premiums retained by agents pursuant to the terms of their respective agency contracts. Commissions to agents increased 7.8%45.9% and 4.7%43.1% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019,2020, respectively, compared with the same prior year periods. Commission expense as a percentage of net premiums written by agents was 69.6%69.7% and 68.5%69.9% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019,2020, respectively, compared with 67.2%69.6% and 67.2%68.5% for the same prior year periods. ChangesThe changes in commission expense, and commission expense as a percentage of net premiums written, were primarily related to increased premiums written by agents and changes in geographic mix for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019.2020. Commission rates vary by market due to local practice, competition and state regulations.

Provision for Claims The provision for claims increased 57.2% and 23.3% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020, respectively, compared with the same prior year periods. The provision for claims as a percentage of net premiums written was 2.5%2.7% and 3.5%3.1% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019,2020, respectively, compared with 2.5% and 0.1%3.5% for the same prior year periods. The increaseincreases in the provision for claims expenses for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 were primarily due to additional underwriting risks caused by the increase in premiums written. A reduction in favorable loss development, compared to the prior year period, also impacted the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019, compared with the same prior year period, primarily related to more favorable claims experience in the prior year period.2020.




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 $3.5$2.3 million and $2.6$3.5 million for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively.


At September 30, 2019,2020, the total reserve for claims was $31.8$33.5 million. Of that total, approximately $3.6$4.0 million was reserved for specific claims, and approximately $28.2$29.5 million 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 claims may 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 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.


Income Taxes


The provision for income taxes was $2.1$3.6 million and $5.2$5.5 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019,2020, respectively, compared with $1.9$2.1 million and $4.9$5.2 million for the same prior year periods. Income tax expense, including federal and state taxes, as a percentage of income before income taxes was 20.6%18.9% and 20.5%19.3% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019,2020, compared with 15.3%20.6% and 18.3%20.5% for the same prior year periods. The effective income tax rates for both 20192020 and 20182019 differ from the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21% primarily due to the effect of tax-exempt income and prior year tax settlement adjustments recorded in 2018.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 September 30, 20192020 will be realized. However, this judgment could be impacted by further market fluctuations.


Liquidity and Capital Resources


The Company’s current cash requirements primarily include general operating expenses (including the payment of title claims), income taxes, capital expenditures and dividends on its common stock, and repurchases of its common stock. Cash flows from operations have historically been the primary source of financing for expanding operations, whether through organic growth or outside investments.


The Company evaluates nonorganic growth opportunities, such as mergers and acquisitions, from time to time in the ordinary course of business. Because of the episodic nature of these events, related incremental liquidity and capital resource needs can be difficult to predict.


34


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.


The extent to which COVID-19 impacts the Company's future operations will depend on future developments which cannot be predicted with certainty at this time, including the duration and severity of the pandemic, actions taken to contain the spread of the virus, and regulatory actions taken as a result of the outbreak.  Currently, the Company is fully operational and has not had any reductions in workforce during 2020. A large portion of the Company's workforce is performing their job functions remotely.  The Company has not taken stimulus relief funding or incurred any other forms of debt.

Cash Flows Net cash flows provided by operating activities were $10.0$21.9 million and $15.3$10.0 million for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively. Cash flows provided by operating activities decreasedincreased in 20192020 from 2018,2019, primarily due to net income decliningincreasing when adjusted for non-cash items, such as changes in the estimated fair value of equity security investments, and the timing of income tax and payable disbursements. This was partially offset by an increasechanges in the provision for claims, net of payments of claims,other assets and the timing of premium and fees receivable collections.the collection of receivables.


Cash flows from non-operating activities have historically consisted of purchases and proceeds from investing activities repurchases of common stock and the payment of dividends. Net cash was used in investing activities in 2020, compared with net cash being provided by investing activities increased in 2019, compared with the prior year period, due to the increase inpurchase activity of investments outpacing proceeds received from investments outpacing the increase in purchase activity.investments.


The Company maintains a high degree of liquidity within its investment portfolio in the form of cash, short-term investments and other readily marketable securities. As of September 30, 2019,2020, the Company held cash and cash equivalents of $44.0$41.5 million, short-term investments of $21.7$22.5 million, available-for-sale fixed maturity securities of $85.0$98.4 million and equity securities of $55.8$58.9 million. The net effect of all activities on total cash and cash equivalents was an increase of $25.3$15.6 million in 2019.2020.


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




The Company's significant sources of funds are dividends and distributions from its subsidiaries, primarily its two title insurance subsidiaries. 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 ability of the Company's title insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends to the Company is subject to state regulation from their respective states of domicile. Each state regulates the extent to which title underwriters can pay dividends or make 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 September 30, 2019,2020, both ITIC and NITIC met the minimum capital, surplus and reserve requirements for each state in which they are licensed.


While state regulations 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 the 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 CFPB regulation of the real estate industry.


The Company bases its capitalization levels, in part, on net coverage retained. Since the Company’s geographical focus has been and continues to be concentrated in states with average premium rates typically lower than the national average, capitalization relative to premiums will usually appear higher than industry averages.


35


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, especially with the onset and continued spread of COVID-19, there can be no assurance that future experience will be similar to historical experience, since it is influenced by such factors as the interest rate environment, real estate activity, the Company’s claims-paying ability and its financial strength ratings. In addition to operational and investment considerations, taking advantage of opportunistic external growth opportunities may necessitate obtaining additional capital resources. The Company is unaware ofcarefully monitoring the COVID-19 situation and any trendother trends that isare likely to result in material adverse liquidity changes, butand will continually assessesassess its capital allocation strategy, including decisions relating to payment of dividends, repurchasing the Company’s stock and/or conserving cash.


Purchase of Company Stock – On November 9, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the purchase of an additional 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 the Company’s ongoing purchase program, the Company purchased 660 and 14966 shares for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 20192020 and 2018,2019, 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 werewere approximately $1.0$2.2 million for the nine-month period endedSeptember 30, 2019.2020. In 2019,2020, the Company has plans for various capital improvement projects, including increased investment in a number of technology and system development initiatives and hardware purchases which 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. 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 $197.8$179.5 million and $308.7$214.6 million as of September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, respectively. These exchange deposits are held at third-party financial institutions. Exchange deposits 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 revenue includes earnings on these deposits; therefore, investment income is shown as non-title services rather than investment income. These like-kind exchange funds are primarily invested in money market and other short-term investments.


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


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


Recent Accounting Standards


For a description of recent accounting pronouncements, please refer to Note 1 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.




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Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements


This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as information included in future filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "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 mortgage interest rates and the overall economic environment set forth in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Business Trends and Recent Conditions”Conditions; COVID-19 Pandemic” constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties.

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


the impact of COVID-19, or other pandemics;
changes in interest rates and real estate values;
changes in general economic, business, and political conditions, including the performance of the financial and real estate markets;markets and the impact of the 2020 U.S. presidential election;
potential reform of government sponsored entities;
the level of real estate transaction volumes, the level of mortgage origination volumes (including refinancing), the mix of title insurance between markets with varying real estate values, 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;
the possible inadequacy of the provision for claims to cover actual claim losses;
the incidence of fraud-related losses;
unanticipated adverse changes in securities markets could result in material losses to 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’s reliance upon the North Carolina, Texas and Georgia markets for a significant portion of its premiums;
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 of the Company's service providers, including the application of financial regulation designed to protect consumers;
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 they may pay to the Company without prior regulatory approval;
the desire 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;
difficulty managing growth, whether organic or through acquisitions;
unfavorable economic or other conditions could cause the Company to record impairment charges for all or a portion of its goodwill and other intangible assets;
policies and procedures for the mitigation of risks may be insufficient to prevent losses;
the shareholder rights plan could discourage transactions involving actual or potential changes of control; and
other risks detailed elsewhere in this document and in the Company’s other filings with the SEC.


These and other risks and uncertainties may be described from time to time in the Company's other reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.SEC. For more details on factors that could affect expectations, see the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2019, including under the heading "Risk Factors", as well as the further updated risk factor set forth in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report. The Company is not under any obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) and does not undertake to update or alter any forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made. You should consider the possibility that actual results may differ materially from our forward-looking statements.

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Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk


For the quarter ended September 30, 2019,2020, there were no material changes in the Company’s market risks as described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2019.


Item 4.  Controls and Procedures


Disclosure Controls and Procedures


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


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


Pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 20192020 to provide reasonable assurance that the objectives of disclosure controls and procedures are met.


Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting


During the quarter ended September 30, 2019,2020, there were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company's internal control over financial reporting.




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PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.  Legal Proceedings


See discussion of legal proceedings in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report, which is incorporated by reference into this Part II, Item 1.


Item 1a.    1A. Risk Factors


There have been no material changes in risksThe following updates the risk factors previously disclosed under Item 1A.1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2019.


The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the Company's business, and the duration and extent to which this will impact our future results of operations and financial condition remains uncertain.

The U.S. and other countries are experiencing an outbreak of a novel coronavirus which causes a disease designated as COVID-19 and, in March 2020, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic. This contagious disease outbreak has continued to spread across the globe, including in U.S. states where the Company conducts business, and is impacting worldwide economic activity and financial markets. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts the Company's future operations will depend on uncertain developments; including the duration and severity of the pandemic, actions taken to contain the spread of the virus, regulatory actions taken as a result of the outbreak and any deterioration in economic conditions. COVID-19 could impact the availability of key Company personnel and cause disruptions to the real estate environment, financial markets or the Company's information technology systems. In addition, this situation is continually changing, and additional impacts may arise that the Company is not aware of currently. This pandemic has already had a negative impact on the value of marketable securities, including those held by the Company, and could continue to do so in future periods. It has also impacted the real estate market and could impair the process for showing homes, purchasing and closing on the sale of homes for the foreseeable future. It is not currently possible to predict the extent that COVID-19 will impact the Company's financial position or results of operation, although it is possible that it could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business.

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


The following table provides information about purchases by the Company (and all affiliated purchasers), during the quarter ended September 30, 2020, of equity securities that are registered by the Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act:
(a)None
(b)None
(c)The following table provides information about purchases by the Company (and all affiliated purchasers), during the quarter ended September 30, 2019, of equity securities that are registered by the Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act:
 Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities (unrounded)




 
 
 
 
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 (1)
Beginning of period428,229428,186
July 20191 through July 31, 2020
$

428,229428,186
August 20191 through August 31, 2020


428,229428,186
September 20191 through September 30, 2020


428,229428,186
Total
$

428,229428,186


(1) For the quarter ended September 30, 2019,2020, the Company purchased no shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the Company’s ongoing purchase program that was initially announced on June 5, 2000.  On November 9, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the purchase of an additional 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) have been purchased.  The Company anticipates making further purchases under this plan from time to time in the future, depending on such factors as the prevailing market price of the Company’s common stock, the Company’s available cash and then existing alternative uses for such cash.

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Item 3.     Defaults Upon Senior Securities


None.


Item 4.     Mine Safety Disclosures


Not Applicable.


Item 5.     Other Information


None.On November 9, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved amendments to the Company’s Amended and Restated Bylaws (as amended and restated, the “Restated Bylaws”), effective November 9, 2020.




The Restated Bylaws include certain technical, stylistic, and conforming changes, among other things:

Updating and clarifying provisions relating to the conduct of shareholder meetings, including the means of providing and waiving notice, the posting of shareholder lists, expanding who may preside over such meetings, the role of voting inspectors at the meeting, and the individuals authorized to call a special meeting of shareholders on behalf of the Company; and
Updating and clarifying provisions related to the operations of the Board, including the term of office for directors who have filled vacancies on the Board, the process for establishing an executive committee of the Board, the method for informal action by the Board, and certain operational flexibility permitted in the event of emergencies.

The Restated Bylaws also enhance the Company’s existing exclusive forum provision, including by (i) clarifying that the provision will not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction, (ii) unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, establishing the federal district courts as the exclusive forum for the resolution of any cause of action against the Company or any director, officer, employee or agent of the Company and arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (iii) providing that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the Company shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the exclusive forum provision, and (iv) adding a severability clause.

The foregoing description of the amendments in the Restated Bylaws is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Restated Bylaws, which is filed as Exhibit 3.1 and incorporated by reference herein.

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Item 6.  Exhibits
3.1
31(i)
31(ii)
32
101.INSInline XBRL Instance DocumentDocument*
101.SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CALInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PREInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEFInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
* - The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File as its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document




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SIGNATURE


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY
By:/s/ James A. Fine, Jr.
James A. Fine, Jr., President, Treasurer, Chief
Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and
Director (Principal Financial Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
Dated:  November 7, 20199, 2020



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