INVESTORS TITLE CO - Quarter Report: 2017 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q



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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017



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

For the transition period from ___________________ to ___________________

Commission File Number: 0-11774

INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



	North Carolina		56-1110199
	(State of incorporation)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

121 North Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(919) 968-2200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes X No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, 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 filer	Accelerated filer	X

Non-accelerated filer	(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

	Smaller 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 X

As of October 17, 2017, there were 1,887,026 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, 2017 and December 31, 2016	1

	Consolidated Statements of Income For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016	2

	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016	3

	Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016	4

	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016	5

	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	7

Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	24

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	36

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	36

PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	37

Item 1a.	Risk Factors	37

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	37

Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	37

Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	37

Item 5.	Other Information	38

Item 6.	Exhibits	39


SIGNATURE		40

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016

(Unaudited)



	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
Assets:
Investments in securities:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: September 30, 2017: $97,840,656; December 31, 2016: $100,162,357)	$	100,730,446	$	101,934,077
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: September 30, 2017: $25,927,969; December 31, 2016: $24,836,032)	45,116,461		41,179,259
Short-term investments	20,692,763		6,558,840
Other investments	11,514,780		11,181,531
Total investments	178,054,450		160,853,707

Cash and cash equivalents	30,890,785		27,928,472
Premium and fees receivable	10,260,167		8,654,161
Accrued interest and dividends	1,323,598		1,035,152
Prepaid expenses and other assets	9,211,784		9,456,523
Property, net	10,029,847		8,753,466
Goodwill and other intangible assets	11,785,945		12,256,641
Current income taxes receivable	1,641,144		—
Total Assets	$	253,197,720	$	228,938,122

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities:
Reserves for claims	$	35,207,000	$	35,305,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	31,462,305		26,146,480
Current income taxes payable	—		1,232,432
Deferred income taxes, net	14,397,180		11,118,256
Total liabilities	81,066,485		73,802,168

Commitments and Contingencies	—		—

Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock (1,000,000 authorized shares; no shares issued)	—		—
Common stock – no par value (10,000,000 authorized shares; 1,887,026 and 1,884,283 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, excluding in each period 291,676 shares of common stock held by the Company)	1		1
Retained earnings	157,675,541		143,283,621
Accumulated other comprehensive income	14,375,694		11,761,447
Total stockholders’ equity attributable to the Company	172,051,236		155,045,069
Noncontrolling interests	79,999		90,885
Total stockholders' equity	172,131,235		155,135,954
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	253,197,720	$	228,938,122

See notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016			2017		2016
Revenues:
Net premiums written	$	36,612,558		$	36,306,522		$	102,918,454	$	87,357,972
Investment income – interest and dividends	1,087,054			1,160,983			3,297,634		3,478,999
Net realized gain on investments	803,938			439,326			990,118		574,328
Other	4,633,915			3,094,874			13,864,170		8,280,139
Total Revenues	43,137,465			41,001,705			121,070,376		99,691,438

Operating Expenses:
Commissions to agents	17,641,272			18,739,151			50,569,972		45,946,379
Provision (benefit) for claims	1,854,493			(1,067,853		)	2,714,717		(403,982		)
Salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes	9,820,578			8,300,823			29,464,824		22,945,972
Office occupancy and operations	2,309,575			1,496,948			6,445,880		4,526,710
Business development	639,923			608,532			1,987,028		1,695,180
Filing fees, franchise and local taxes	203,912			191,574			935,476		688,731
Premium and retaliatory taxes	673,126			673,551			1,918,951		1,559,631
Professional and contract labor fees	447,651			523,504			1,375,291		1,599,603
Other	630,320			157,308			1,944,419		629,539
Total Operating Expenses	34,220,850			29,623,538			97,356,558		79,187,763

Income before Income Taxes	8,916,615			11,378,167			23,713,818		20,503,675

Provision for Income Taxes	2,990,000			3,249,000			7,647,000		6,040,000

Net Income	5,926,615			8,129,167			16,066,818		14,463,675

Net (Gain) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	(158		)	(2,228		)	10,886		6,684

Net Income Attributable to the Company	$	5,926,457		$	8,126,939		$	16,077,704	$	14,470,359

Basic Earnings per Common Share	$	3.14		$	4.30		$	8.52	$	7.55

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Basic	1,887,103			1,888,870			1,886,474		1,915,468

Diluted Earnings per Common Share	$	3.13		$	4.29		$	8.48	$	7.53

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Diluted	1,896,229			1,895,592			1,895,957		1,921,999

Cash Dividends Paid per Common Share	$	0.40		$	0.20		$	0.95	$	0.52

See notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

For the Three and Nine Months September 30, 2017 and 2016

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016			2017			2016
Net income	$	5,926,615		$	8,129,167		$	16,066,818		$	14,463,675
Other comprehensive income, before tax:
Amortization of unrecognized loss	2,153			2,235			6,459			6,705
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments arising during the period	1,878,509			(769,328		)	4,940,599			3,518,286
Reclassification adjustment for sales of securities included in net income	(803,938		)	(545,925		)	(976,888		)	(785,517		)
Reclassification adjustment for write-downs of securities included in net income	—			118,703			—			233,941
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	1,076,724			(1,194,315		)	3,970,170			2,973,415
Income tax expense related to postretirement health benefits	732			759			2,194			2,279
Income tax expense (benefit) related to unrealized gains (losses) on investments arising during the period	642,992			(280,327		)	1,687,783			1,193,241
Income tax benefit related to reclassification adjustment for sales of securities included in net income	(274,419		)	(185,316		)	(334,054		)	(268,548		)
Income tax expense related to reclassification adjustment for write-downs of securities included in net income	—			40,555			—			79,900
Net income tax expense (benefit) on other comprehensive income (loss)	369,305			(424,329		)	1,355,923			1,006,872
Other comprehensive income (loss)	707,419			(769,986		)	2,614,247			1,966,543
Comprehensive Income	$	6,634,034		$	7,359,181		$	18,681,065		$	16,430,218
Comprehensive (gain) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(158		)	(2,228		)	10,886			6,684
Comprehensive Income Attributable to the Company	$	6,633,876		$	7,356,953		$	18,691,951		$	16,436,902

See notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016

(Unaudited)



	Common Stock				Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		Noncontrolling Interests			Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Shares		Amount		Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		Noncontrolling Interests			Total Stockholders’ Equity
Balance, January 1, 2016	1,949,797		$	1	$	131,186,866		$	11,483,015	$	107,198		$	142,777,080
Net income attributable to the Company					14,470,359								14,470,359
Dividends paid ($0.52 per share)					(993,534		)						(993,534		)
Repurchases of common stock	(66,803	)			(6,219,670		)						(6,219,670		)
Exercise of stock appreciation rights	1,289				(200		)						(200		)
Share-based compensation expense related to stock appreciation rights					99,755								99,755
Amortization related to postretirement health benefits								4,426					4,426
Net unrealized gain on investments								1,962,117					1,962,117
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests										(6,684		)	(6,684		)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest of subsidiary										(8,646		)	(8,646		)
Additional paid-in capital from purchase of noncontrolling interest of subsidiary					(496		)						(496		)
Income tax benefit from share-based compensation					32,292								32,292
Balance, September 30, 2016	1,884,283		$	1	$	138,575,372		$	13,449,558	$	91,868		$	152,116,799

Balance, January 1, 2017	1,884,283		$	1	$	143,283,621		$	11,761,447	$	90,885		$	155,135,954
Net income attributable to the Company					16,077,704								16,077,704
Dividends paid ($0.95 per share)					(1,792,430		)						(1,792,430		)
Repurchases of common stock	(300	)			(49,604		)						(49,604		)
Exercise of stock appreciation rights	3,043				(737		)						(737		)
Share-based compensation expense related to stock appreciation rights					156,987								156,987
Amortization related to postretirement health benefits								4,265					4,265
Net unrealized gain on investments								2,609,982					2,609,982
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests										(10,886		)	(10,886		)
Balance, September 30, 2017	1,887,026		$	1	$	157,675,541		$	14,375,694	$	79,999		$	172,131,235

See notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016

(Unaudited)



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Operating Activities
Net income	$	16,066,818		$	14,463,675
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	1,054,830			994,619
Amortization of investments, net	572,781			624,882
Amortization related to postretirement benefits obligation	6,459			6,705
Amortization of other intangible assets, net	707,696			—
Share-based compensation expense related to stock appreciation rights	156,987			99,755
Excess tax benefits related to exercise of stock appreciation rights	142,280			32,292
Net gain on disposals of property	(15,828		)	(10,677		)
Net realized gain on investments	(990,118		)	(574,328		)
Net earnings from other investments	(1,251,871		)	(1,120,640		)
Provision (benefit) for claims	2,714,717			(403,982		)
Provision for deferred income taxes	1,923,000			4,040,000
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase in receivables	(1,606,006		)	(965,873		)
(Increase) decrease in other assets	(43,707		)	1,265,172
Increase in current income taxes recoverable	(1,641,144		)	(1,261,289		)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	5,253,825			(337,935		)
Decrease in current income taxes payable	(1,374,712		)	(210,355		)
Payments of claims, net of recoveries	(2,812,717		)	(1,848,018		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	18,863,290			14,794,003

Investing Activities
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	(12,953,436		)	(15,066,182		)
Purchases of short-term investments	(15,667,715		)	(1,890,826		)
Purchases of other investments	(1,223,853		)	(1,974,275		)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest of subsidiary	—			(9,142		)
Purchase of subsidiary	(175,000		)	—
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities	14,585,324			10,711,195
Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments	1,535,773			4,830,935
Proceeds from sales and distributions of other investments	2,142,854			2,594,042
Proceeds from sales of other assets	13,230			10,647
Purchases of property	(2,342,583		)	(1,742,225		)
Proceeds from the sale of property	27,200			64,155
Net cash used in investing activities	(14,058,206		)	(2,471,676		)

Financing Activities
Repurchases of common stock	(49,604		)	(6,219,670		)
Exercise of stock appreciation rights	(737		)	(200		)
Dividends paid	(1,792,430		)	(993,534		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,842,771		)	(7,213,404		)

Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	2,962,313			5,108,923
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period	27,928,472			21,790,068
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	$	30,890,785		$	26,898,991



Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued
	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Supplemental Disclosures:
Cash Paid During the Year for:
Income tax payments, net	$	9,236,200		$	3,736,100
Non Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Non cash net unrealized gain on investments, net of deferred tax provision of $(1,353,729) and $(1,004,593) for September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively	$	(2,609,982	)	$	(1,962,117	)

See notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2017

(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, 2016 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. Noncontrolling interests representing the portion of equity not related to the Company's ownership interests are recorded in separate sections of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company in the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been included. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017.

Immaterial Classification Corrections – In previous periods, certain commission revenue was improperly classified as net premiums written. The issue was identified in the 2nd quarter of 2017 and, accordingly, the Consolidated Statements of Income have been corrected beginning with the June 30, 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements. The correction resulted in a decrease to previously reported net premiums written and an increase to other revenues of $1,342,905 and $452,630 for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The immaterial classification correction had no impact to the Company’s financial position or results of operations as previously reported.

In the 2nd quarter of 2017, certain net premiums written amounts were improperly classified as other revenues. The issue was identified in the 3rd quarter of 2017 and, accordingly, the Consolidated Statements of Income have been corrected beginning with the September 30, 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements. The correction resulted in an increase to previously reported net premiums written and a decrease to other revenues of $556,996 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017. The immaterial classification correction had no impact to the Company’s financial position or results of operations as previously reported.

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 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 subsequent to the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements at September 30, 2017.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards –In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update ("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 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the recently issued accounting standard will have on the Company's financial position and results of operations, but does not expect it to have a material impact.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). This update requires entities to (1) disaggregate the current service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost (the "other components") and present it with other current compensation costs for related employees in the income statement and (2) present the other components elsewhere in the income statement and outside of income from operations if that subtotal is presented. In addition, the ASU requires entities to disclose the income statement lines that contain the other components if they are not presented on appropriately described separate lines. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period for which financial statements (interim or annual) have not been issued or made available for issuance. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the recently issued accounting standard will have on the Company's financial position and results of operations, but does not expect it to have a material impact.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350). This update removes 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 should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In addition, the ASU clarifies that an entity should 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 is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. None of these amendments will have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326). ASU 2016-13 is intended 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 broadens the information that an entity must consider in developing its expected credit loss estimates, and is meant to better reflect an entity’s current estimate of all expected credit losses. In addition, this update amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The update is effective 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 the impact that the recently issued accounting standard will have on the Company's financial position and results of operations, but does not expect it to have a material impact. Currently, the Company's potential credit losses under this accounting standard relate to available-for-sale securities. The Company does not believe that the risk of credit losses, based on current available-for-sale security holdings, is material to the Company's financial statements as a whole. Please refer to Note 6 for further information about the Company's investments.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718). ASU 2016-09 updated guidance to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. The update was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company adopted this update on January 1, 2017 with no material impact to the Company's financial position or results of operations. All excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are now recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition, a reclassification was made on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, as companies are now required to present excess tax benefits as an operating activity on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows rather than as a financing activity. The Company began recording all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as an income tax expense or benefit on a prospective basis. The amendments relating to the presentation of excess tax benefits within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows were adopted by the Company retrospectively.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 updated guidance to improve financial reporting for leasing transactions. The core principle of the guidance is that lessees will be required to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms of more than twelve months. A lessee would recognize a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The accounting applied by a lessor is largely unchanged from current GAAP, with some targeted improvements. Disclosures will be required by lessees and lessors to meet the objective of enabling users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. In transition, both lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption was permitted for all entities upon issuance. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the recently issued accounting standard will have on the Company's financial position and results of operations, but does not expect it to have a material impact. As of December 31, 2016, future minimum lease payments with terms of more than twelve months were approximately $2.5 million.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. ASU 2016-01 updated guidance to enhance the reporting model for financial instruments. Among the main principles of the guidance applicable to the Company are provisions to: require equity investments, except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee, to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; simplify the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment, noting that when a qualitative assessment indicates that impairment exists that an entity is required to measure the investment at fair value; eliminate the requirement to disclose methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value for financial instruments measured at amortized cost; require entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; require separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measuring category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or accompanying notes to the financial statements; and clarify that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for the provision requiring entities to recognize the fair value change from instrument-specific credit risk in other comprehensive income for financial liabilities measured using the fair value option in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 825, and can be early adopted for financial statements of annual or interim periods that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. The Company will be required to apply the update by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, with the amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values being applied prospectively to equity investments that exist as of the date of adoption. The guidance is expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations once effective, primarily resulting from fluctuations in security exchanges or markets.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2014-09 updated guidance to improve the comparability of revenue recognition practices for entities that either enter into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enter into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets, unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards such as insurance contracts or lease standards. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. For public entities, this update originally became effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date. ASU 2015-14 updated guidance to defer the effective date of the standard by one year. Early adoption is not permitted, although public entities are permitted to elect to adopt the amendments on the original effective date. Currently, the Company's only revenue streams potentially impacted by the issued accounting standard are like-kind exchange services revenue produced by the Company's subsidiaries, Investors Title Exchange Corporation ("ITEC") and Investors Title Accommodation Corporation (“ITAC”), and certain management service fees generated by the Company's subsidiary, Investors Title Management Services, Inc. (“ITMS”). Neither like-kind exchange proceeds nor management service fees are material to the Company's financial condition and results of operations.

Note 2 – Reserves for Claims

Transactions in the reserves for claims for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:



	September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
Balance, beginning of period	$	35,305,000		$	37,788,000
Provision, charged to operations	2,714,717			242,953
Payments of claims, net of recoveries	(2,812,717		)	(2,725,953		)
Balance, end of period	$	35,207,000		$	35,305,000

The total reserve for all reported and unreported losses the Company incurred through September 30, 2017 is represented by the reserves for claims. The Company's reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are established using estimated amounts required to settle claims for which notice has been received (reported) and the amount estimated to be required to satisfy claims that have been incurred but not yet reported (“IBNR”). Despite the variability of such estimates, management believes that the reserves are adequate to cover claim losses which might result from pending and future claims under title insurance policies issued through September 30, 2017. Management continually reviews and adjusts its reserve estimates to reflect its loss experience and any new information that becomes available. Adjustments resulting from such reviews may be significant.

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



	September 30, 2017		%	December 31, 2016		%
Known title claims	$	4,875,038	13.8	$	4,405,343	12.5
IBNR	30,331,962		86.2	30,899,657		87.5
Total loss reserves	$	35,207,000	100.0	$	35,305,000	100.0

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

Note 3 – Earnings Per Common Share and Share Awards

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to the Company by the combination of dilutive potential common stock, comprised of shares issuable under the Company’s share-based compensation plans and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Dilutive common share equivalents include the dilutive effect of in-the-money share-based awards, which are calculated based on the average share price for each period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, when share-based awards are exercised, (a) the exercise price of a share-based award; 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,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
Net income attributable to the Company	$	5,926,457	$	8,126,939	$	16,077,704	$	14,470,359
Weighted average common shares outstanding – Basic	1,887,103		1,888,870		1,886,474		1,915,468
Incremental shares outstanding assuming the exercise of dilutive SARs (share-settled)	9,126		6,722		9,483		6,531
Weighted average common shares outstanding – Diluted	1,896,229		1,895,592		1,895,957		1,921,999
Basic earnings per common share	$	3.14	$	4.30	$	8.52	$	7.55
Diluted earnings per common share	$	3.13	$	4.29	$	8.48	$	7.53

There were 4,500 potential shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017. There were no potential shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016.

The Company historically has adopted employee stock award plans under which restricted stock, and options or stock appreciation rights ("SARs") of the Company's stock may be granted to key employees or directors of the Company at a price not less than the market value on the date of grant. 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 250,000 shares.

As of September 30, 2017, the only outstanding awards under the plans were SARs, which expire in seven years from the date of grant, and all of which vest and are exercisable within one year of the date of grant. All SARs issued to date have been share-settled only. There have been no stock options or SARs granted where the exercise price was less than the market price on the date of grant.

There was approximately $157,000 and $100,000 of compensation expense relating to SARs vesting on or before September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, included in salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Income. As of September 30, 2017, there was $125,000 of unrecognized compensation cost 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:



	Number Of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding as of January 1, 2016	22,000		$	57.04	3.93	$	945,055
SARs granted	4,500		93.87
SARs exercised	(2,000	)	32.00
Outstanding as of December 31, 2016	24,500		$	65.85	3.85	$	836,640
SARs granted	4,500		192.71
SARs exercised	(4,000	)	36.38
Outstanding as of September 30, 2017	25,000		$	93.40	4.23	$	2,203,100

Exercisable as of September 30, 2017	22,750		$	83.58	4.00	$	2,203,100

Unvested as of September 30, 2017	2,250		$	192.71	6.63	$	—

During the second quarters of both 2017 and 2016, the Company issued 4,500 share-settled SARs to the directors of the Company. SARs give the holder the right to receive stock equal to the appreciation in the value of shares of stock from the grant date for a specified period of time, and as a result, are accounted for as equity instruments. The fair value of each award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with the weighted average assumptions noted in the table shown below. Expected volatilities are based on both the implied and historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The Company uses historical data to project SAR exercises and pre-exercise forfeitures within the valuation model. The expected term of awards represents the period of time that SARs granted are expected to be outstanding. The interest rate assumed for the expected life of the award is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The weighted average fair values for the SARs issued during 2017 and 2016 were $55.40 and $28.75, respectively, and were estimated using the weighted average assumptions shown in the table below.



	2017	2016
Expected Life in Years	7.0	7.0
Volatility	26.2%	28.9%
Interest Rate	2.0%	1.7%
Yield Rate	1.0%	1.0%

Note 4 – Segment Information

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

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

Provided below is selected financial information about the Company's operations by segment for the periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:



Three Months Ended September 30, 2017	Title Insurance		All Other		Intersegment Eliminations			Total
Insurance and other services revenues	$	41,095,694	$	1,985,959	$	(1,835,180	)	$	41,246,473
Investment income	1,067,565		136,159		(116,670		)	1,087,054
Net realized gain on investments	749,396		54,542		—			803,938
Total revenues	$	42,912,655	$	2,176,660	$	(1,951,850	)	$	43,137,465
Operating expenses	34,127,244		1,911,366		(1,817,760		)	34,220,850
Income before income taxes	$	8,785,411	$	265,294	$	(134,090	)	$	8,916,615
Total assets	$	201,137,770	$	52,059,950	$	—		$	253,197,720



Three Months Ended September 30, 2016	Title Insurance		All Other			Intersegment Eliminations			Total
Insurance and other services revenues	$	38,285,551	$	1,666,214		$	(550,369	)	$	39,401,396
Investment income	1,079,118		140,201			(58,336		)	1,160,983
Net realized gain (loss) on investments	439,501		(175		)	—			439,326
Total revenues	$	39,804,170	$	1,806,240		$	(608,705	)	$	41,001,705
Operating expenses	28,487,268		1,669,217			(532,947		)	29,623,538
Income before income taxes	$	11,316,902	$	137,023		$	(75,758	)	$	11,378,167
Total assets	$	180,436,004	$	42,672,325		$	—		$	223,108,329



Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017	Title Insurance		All Other		Intersegment Eliminations			Total
Insurance and other services revenues	$	115,573,247	$	5,495,136	$	(4,285,759	)	$	116,782,624
Investment income	3,168,384		406,342		(277,092		)	3,297,634
Net realized gain on investments	893,554		96,564		—			990,118
Total revenues	$	119,635,185	$	5,998,042	$	(4,562,851	)	$	121,070,376
Operating expenses	95,818,759		5,771,296		(4,233,497		)	97,356,558
Income before income taxes	$	23,816,426	$	226,746	$	(329,354	)	$	23,713,818
Total assets	$	201,137,770	$	52,059,950	$	—		$	253,197,720



Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016	Title Insurance		All Other		Intersegment Eliminations			Total
Insurance and other services revenues	$	92,055,531	$	5,137,268	$	(1,554,688	)	$	95,638,111
Investment income	3,206,093		424,578		(151,672		)	3,478,999
Net realized gain on investments	513,624		60,704		—			574,328
Total revenues	$	95,775,248	$	5,622,550	$	(1,706,360	)	$	99,691,438
Operating expenses	75,766,983		4,923,205		(1,502,425		)	79,187,763
Income before income taxes	$	20,008,265	$	699,345	$	(203,935	)	$	20,503,675
Total assets	$	180,436,004	$	42,672,325	$	—		$	223,108,329

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 $9,538,000 and $8,487,000 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The executive employee benefits include health insurance, dental, vision and life insurance and are unfunded. These amounts are classified as accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following sets forth the net periodic benefits cost for the executive benefits for the periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
Service cost – benefits earned during the year	$	—	$	2,545	$	—	$	7,635
Interest cost on the projected benefit obligation	9,217		8,781		27,651		26,343
Amortization of unrecognized losses	2,153		2,235		6,459		6,705
Net periodic benefits costs	$	11,370	$	13,561	$	34,110	$	40,683

Note 6 – Investments and Estimated Fair Value

Investments in Securities

The aggregate estimated fair value, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses and cost or amortized cost for securities by major security type are as follows:



As of September 30, 2017	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value:
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	$	25,534,763	$	480,036	$	50,347	$	25,964,452
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	59,050,028		2,074,655		179,303		60,945,380
Corporate debt securities	13,255,865		567,850		3,101		13,820,614
Total	$	97,840,656	$	3,122,541	$	232,751	$	100,730,446
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value:
Common stocks	$	25,927,969	$	19,221,955	$	33,463	$	45,116,461
Total	$	25,927,969	$	19,221,955	$	33,463	$	45,116,461
Short-term investments:
Commercial paper, money market funds and certificates of deposit	$	20,692,763	$	—	$	—	$	20,692,763
Total	$	20,692,763	$	—	$	—	$	20,692,763



As of December 31, 2016	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value:
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	$	29,374,774	$	440,628	$	298,533	$	29,516,869
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	57,459,818		1,619,444		502,135		58,577,127
Corporate debt securities	13,327,765		512,316		—		13,840,081
Total	$	100,162,357	$	2,572,388	$	800,668	$	101,934,077
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value:
Common stocks	$	24,836,032	$	16,392,210	$	48,983	$	41,179,259
Total	$	24,836,032	$	16,392,210	$	48,983	$	41,179,259
Short-term investments:
Money market funds and certificates of deposit	$	6,558,840	$	—	$	—	$	6,558,840
Total	$	6,558,840	$	—	$	—	$	6,558,840

The special revenue category for both periods presented includes approximately 60 individual bonds with revenue sources from a variety of industry sectors.

The scheduled maturities of fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2017 were as follows:



	Available-for-Sale
	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	17,774,970	$	17,870,218
Due one year through five years	27,079,300		27,792,150
Due five years through ten years	50,998,490		52,546,163
Due after ten years	1,987,896		2,521,915
Total	$	97,840,656	$	100,730,446

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

Gross realized gains and losses on sales of investments for the nine-month periods ended September 30 are summarized as follows:



	2017			2016
Gross realized gains from securities:
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	$	139		$	161
Corporate debt securities	—			20
Common stocks and nonredeemable preferred stocks	1,232,330			880,647
Auction rate securities	—			74,996
Total	$	1,232,469		$	955,824
Gross realized losses from securities:
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	$	—		$	(533	)
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	(100		)	(1,085		)
Common stocks and nonredeemable preferred stocks	(255,481		)	(168,688		)
Other-than-temporary impairment of securities	—			(233,941		)
Total	$	(255,581	)	$	(404,247	)
Net realized gain from securities	$	976,888		$	551,577
Net realized gain on other investments:
Gains on other investments	$	13,230		$	22,751
Total	$	13,230		$	22,751
Net realized gain on investments	$	990,118		$	574,328

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

The following table presents the gross unrealized losses on investment securities and the estimated fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:



	Less than 12 Months					12 Months or Longer					Total
As of September 30, 2017	Estimated Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	$	8,356,815	$	(50,347	)	$	—	$	—		$	8,356,815	$	(50,347	)
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	12,694,205		(115,937		)	1,666,125		(63,366		)	14,360,330		(179,303		)
Corporate	2,018,260		(3,101		)	—		—			2,018,260		(3,101		)
Total fixed income securities	$	23,069,280	$	(169,385	)	$	1,666,125	$	(63,366	)	$	24,735,405	$	(232,751	)
Equity securities	$	1,229,320	$	(33,463	)	$	—	$	—		$	1,229,320	$	(33,463	)
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	24,298,600	$	(202,848	)	$	1,666,125	$	(63,366	)	$	25,964,725	$	(266,214	)



	Less than 12 Months					12 Months or Longer				Total
As of December 31, 2016	Estimated Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	$	13,884,808	$	(298,533	)	$	—	$	—	$	13,884,808	$	(298,533	)
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	16,161,906		(502,135		)	—		—		16,161,906		(502,135		)
Total fixed income securities	$	30,046,714	$	(800,668	)	$	—	$	—	$	30,046,714	$	(800,668	)
Equity securities	$	380,400	$	(48,983	)	$	—	$	—	$	380,400	$	(48,983	)
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	30,427,114	$	(849,651	)	$	—	$	—	$	30,427,114	$	(849,651	)

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.

The unrealized losses related to holdings of equity securities were caused by market changes that the Company considers to be temporary. Since the Company has the intent and ability to hold these equity securities until a recovery of fair value, the Company does not consider these investments other-than-temporarily impaired.

Factors considered in determining whether a loss is temporary include the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost, the financial condition and prospects of the issuer (including credit ratings and analyst reports) and macro-economic changes. A total of 26 and 36 securities had unrealized losses at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Reviews of the values of securities are inherently uncertain and the value of the investment may not fully recover, or may decline in future periods resulting in a realized loss. The Company recorded no other-than-temporary impairment charges for debt and equity investments for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 and $233,941 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016. Other-than-temporary impairment charges are included in net realized gain on investments in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Variable Interest Entities

The Company holds investments in 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, 2017:



Type of Investment	Balance Sheet Classification	Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value		Maximum Potential Loss (a)
Tax credit LPs	Other investments	$	905,179	$	905,179	$	1,325,000
Real estate LLCs or LPs	Other investments	4,907,741		5,438,088		7,200,000
Small business investment LPs	Other investments	3,699,694		3,612,437		9,400,000
Total		$	9,512,614	$	9,955,704	$	17,925,000



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

Valuation of Financial Assets and Liabilities

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

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

Debt and Equity Securities

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

The Level 2 category includes fixed maturity investments such as corporate bonds, U.S. government and agency bonds and municipal bonds. 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 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, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company did not adjust any Level 2 fair values.

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

The Company did not hold any Level 3 category debt or equity investment securities as of September 30, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

The following table presents, by level, the financial assets carried at estimated fair value measured on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The table does not include cash on hand and also does not include assets that are measured at historical cost or any basis other than fair value.



As of September 30, 2017	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Short-term investments	$	20,692,763	$	—	$	—	$	20,692,763
Equity securities:
Common stock	45,116,461		—		—		45,116,461
Fixed maturities:
Obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions*	—		86,909,832		—		86,909,832
Corporate debt securities*	—		13,820,614		—		13,820,614
Total	$	65,809,224	$	100,730,446	$	—	$	166,539,670



As of December 31, 2016	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Short-term investments	$	6,558,840	$	—	$	—	$	6,558,840
Equity securities:
Common stock	41,179,259		—		—		41,179,259
Fixed maturities:
Obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions*	—		88,093,996		—		88,093,996
Corporate debt securities*	—		13,840,081		—		13,840,081
Total	$	47,738,099	$	101,934,077	$	—	$	149,672,176

*Denotes fair market value obtained from pricing services.

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

To help ensure that 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.

Other Financial Instruments

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

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

Cash and cash equivalents

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

Cost-basis investments

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

Accrued dividends and interest

The carrying amount for accrued dividends and interest is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term maturity of these assets.

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of other financial instruments (see previous table for investments carried at estimated fair value) as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are presented in the following table:



As of September 30, 2017	Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial assets:
Cash	$	30,890,785	$	30,890,785	$	30,890,785	$	—	$	—
Cost-basis investments	5,342,495		5,698,667		—		—		5,698,667
Accrued interest and dividends	1,323,598		1,323,598		1,323,598		—		—
Total	$	37,556,878	$	37,913,050	$	32,214,383	$	—	$	5,698,667



As of December 31, 2016	Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial assets:
Cash	$	27,928,472	$	27,928,472	$	27,928,472	$	—	$	—
Cost-basis investments	4,244,402		4,497,665		—		—		4,497,665
Accrued interest and dividends	1,035,152		1,035,152		1,035,152		—		—
Total	$	33,208,026	$	33,461,289	$	28,963,624	$	—	$	4,497,665

Certain cost-basis investments are measured at estimated fair value on a non-recurring basis, such as investments that are determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired during the period and recorded at estimated fair value in the Consolidated Financial Statements as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. There were no impairments of such investments made during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 or the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2016.

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, will not, in the aggregate, be material to the Company’s consolidated financial condition or operations.

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

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

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 $213,917,000 and $202,184,000 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. These amounts are not considered assets of the Company and, therefore, are excluded from the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets; however, the Company remains contingently liable for the disposition of the transfers of property, disbursements of proceeds and the return on the proceeds at the agreed upon rate. Exchange services revenues include earnings on these deposits; therefore, investment income is shown as other revenue rather than investment income. These like-kind exchange funds are primarily invested in money market and other short-term investments.

Note 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 table sets forth the approximate values by year found within each financial statement classification:



Financial Statement Classification,	As of September 30, 2017		As of December 31, 2016
Consolidated Balance Sheets	As of September 30, 2017		As of December 31, 2016
Other investments	$	6,172,000	$	6,437,000
Premiums and fees receivable	$	809,000	$	56,000



Financial Statement Classification,	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
Consolidated Statements of Income	2017		2016		2017		2016
Net premiums written	$	3,705,000	$	4,513,000	$	11,036,000	$	10,993,000
Other income	$	642,000	$	809,000	$	1,689,000	$	1,541,000
Commissions to agents	$	2,501,000	$	3,062,000	$	7,457,000	$	7,465,000

Note 9 – Business Combinations, Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Recent Business Combinations

In October 2016, National Investors Holdings, LLC ("NIH"), a subsidiary of the Company, acquired all of the outstanding shares of a title insurance agency doing business in Texas. NIH paid $10 million plus a $918,000 adjustment for the title insurance agency’s net cash position at closing.

Intangible Assets

The 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 a third-party valuation service. In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, management determined that no events or changes in circumstances occurred that would indicate the carrying amounts may not be recoverable, and therefore determined that no identifiable intangible assets were impaired at September 30, 2017.

Identifiable intangible assets consist of the following as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:



	2017			2016
Referral relationships	$	6,498,215		$	6,416,215
Non-compete agreements	1,405,685			1,405,685
Tradename	560,000			560,000
Searcher network	126,000			—
Total	8,589,900			8,381,900
Accumulated amortization	(1,182,806		)	(475,110		)
Identifiable intangible assets, net	$	7,407,094		$	7,906,790

The following table provides the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years:



Year Ended:
2017	$	208,989
2018	683,857
2019	610,524
2020	610,524
2021	603,191
Thereafter	4,690,009
Total	$	7,407,094

Goodwill and Title Plant

The Company has recognized $4,378,851 in goodwill and $690,000 in a title plant as the result of title insurance agency acquisitions. The title plant is included with prepaid expenses and other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair values of goodwill and the title plant, both Level 3 inputs, are principally based on values obtained from a third-party valuation service. In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, management determined that no events or changes in circumstances occurred that would indicate the carrying amounts may not be recoverable, and therefore determined that goodwill and the title plant were not impaired at September 30, 2017.

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, 2017 and 2016:



Three Months Ended September 30, 2017	Unrealized Gains and Losses On Available-for-Sale Securities			Postretirement Benefits Plans			Total
Beginning balance at July 1	$	13,774,631		$	(106,356	)	$	13,668,275
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	1,235,517			—			1,235,517
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(529,519		)	1,421			(528,098		)
Net current-period other comprehensive income	705,998			1,421			707,419
Ending balance	$	14,480,629		$	(104,935	)	$	14,375,694



Three Months Ended September 30, 2016	Unrealized Gains and Losses On Available-for-Sale Securities			Postretirement Benefits Plans			Total
Beginning balance at July 1	$	14,331,320		$	(111,776	)	$	14,219,544
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(489,001		)	—			(489,001		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(282,461		)	1,476			(280,985		)
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	(771,462		)	1,476			(769,986		)
Ending balance	$	13,559,858		$	(110,300	)	$	13,449,558



Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017	Unrealized Gains and Losses On Available-for-Sale Securities			Postretirement Benefits Plans			Total
Beginning balance at January 1	$	11,870,647		$	(109,200	)	$	11,761,447
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	3,252,816			—			3,252,816
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(642,834		)	4,265			(638,569		)
Net current-period other comprehensive income	2,609,982			4,265			2,614,247
Ending balance	$	14,480,629		$	(104,935	)	$	14,375,694



Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016	Unrealized Gains and Losses On Available-for-Sale Securities			Postretirement Benefits Plans			Total
Beginning balance at January 1	$	11,597,741		$	(114,726	)	$	11,483,015
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	2,325,045			—			2,325,045
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(362,928		)	4,426			(358,502		)
Net current-period other comprehensive income	1,962,117			4,426			1,966,543
Ending balance	$	13,559,858		$	(110,300	)	$	13,449,558

The following tables provide significant amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income for the periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:



Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Income
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities:
Net realized gain on investments	$	803,938
Other-than-temporary impairments	—
Total	$	803,938		Net realized gain on investments
Tax	(274,419		)	Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax	$	529,519
Amortization related to postretirement benefit plans:
Prior year service cost	$	—
Unrecognized loss	(2,153		)
Total	$	(2,153	)	(a)
Tax	732			Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax	$	(1,421	)
Reclassifications for the period	$	528,098



Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Income
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities:
Net realized gain on investments	$	545,925
Other-than-temporary impairments	(118,703		)
Total	$	427,222		Net realized gain on investments
Tax	(144,761		)	Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax	$	282,461
Amortization related to postretirement benefit plans:
Prior year service cost	$	—
Unrecognized loss	(2,235		)
Total	$	(2,235	)	(a)
Tax	759			Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax	$	(1,476	)
Reclassifications for the period	$	280,985



Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Income
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities:
Net realized gain on investments	$	976,888
Other-than-temporary impairments	—
Total	$	976,888		Net realized gain on investments
Tax	(334,054		)	Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax	$	642,834
Amortization related to postretirement benefit plans:
Prior year service cost	$	—
Unrecognized loss	(6,459		)
Total	$	(6,459	)	(a)
Tax	2,194			Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax	$	(4,265	)
Reclassifications for the period	$	638,569



Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Income
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities:
Net realized gain on investments	$	785,517
Other-than-temporary impairments	(233,941		)
Total	$	551,576		Net realized gain on investments
Tax	(188,648		)	Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax	$	362,928
Amortization related to postretirement benefit plans:
Prior year service cost	$	—
Unrecognized loss	(6,705		)
Total	$	(6,705	)	(a)
Tax	2,279			Provision for Income Taxes
Net of Tax	$	(4,426	)
Reclassifications for the period	$	358,502

(a)

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

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, 2016 should be read in conjunction with the following discussion since it contains information which is important for evaluating the Company's operating results and financial condition. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary.

Overview

Investors Title Company (the “Company”) is a holding company that engages primarily in issuing title insurance through two subsidiaries, Investors Title Insurance Company (“ITIC”) and National Investors Title Insurance Company (“NITIC”). Total revenues from the title segment accounted for 95.7% of the Company's revenues for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 serves as a qualified intermediary in like-kind exchanges of real or personal property under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. In its role as qualified intermediary, ITEC coordinates the exchange aspects of the real estate transaction, and its duties include drafting standard exchange documents, holding the exchange funds between the sale of the old property and the purchase of the new property, and accepting the formal identification of the replacement property within the required identification period. ITAC serves as exchange accommodation titleholder in reverse exchanges. An exchange accommodation offers a vehicle for accommodating a reverse exchange when the taxpayer must acquire replacement property before selling the relinquished property.

The Company’s trust services division, Investors Trust, provides investment management and trust services to individuals, companies, banks and trusts.

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

Business Trends and Recent Conditions

The housing market is heavily influenced by overall economic conditions and government policies. Factors that could impact the Company include, but are not limited to: initiatives by various governmental agencies, including the Federal Reserve's monetary policy; regulatory changes and reform of government-sponsored entities that could impact lending standards or the processes and procedures used by the Company; and the current real estate environment, including interest rates and general economic activity that typically influence the demand for real estate. Any one or a combination of these factors would likely impact the Company's results of operations.

Initiatives

In efforts to provide transparency, the 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%. The FOMC voted to increase the federal funds rate three additional times, at the December 2016 meeting to a target range between 0.50% and 0.75%, at the March 2017 meeting to a target range between 0.75% and 1.00%, and again at the June 2017 meeting to a target range between 1.00% and 1.25%. Any future adjustments to the rate are expected to be based on realized and expected economic developments to achieve maximum employment and 2.0% inflation. The FOMC anticipates future economic conditions to evolve in ways that will warrant gradual increases and that for some time, the federal funds rate is expected to be below long range levels. At the September 2017 meeting, the FOMC voted to keep rates unchanged and announced that the reduction of securities held on the Federal Reserve's balance sheet, also known as normalization, will begin in October 2017.

On October 20, 2014, the Federal Housing Finance Agency ("FHFA"), which regulates the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were negotiating guidelines with mortgage lenders that once completed, resulted in less strict lending requirements and lower barriers to mortgage loans for borrowers who are seeking access to home loans. The FHFA noted in its announcement that it intended to clarify the rules that allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to require mortgage lenders to repurchase troubled loans. The FHFA also sought to increase the supply of credit available, particularly to creditworthy lower and middle-income families, by collaborating with mortgage lenders to provide guidelines for mortgage loans with down payments as low as 3.0%. In December 2014, both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac officially approved 97.0% loan-to-value products (3.0% down payment mortgages). The Fannie Mae program is targeted to first-time home buyers and became available to lenders in December 2014. The Freddie Mac program became available to lenders on March 23, 2015 and is available to both first-time home buyers and other qualified borrowers with limited down payment savings.

In an effort to expand home ownership for lower-income buyers, the Federal Housing Authority (“FHA”) announced in January 2015 that it would cut its rates on mortgage insurance premiums. Mortgage insurance premium rates for 30-year FHA insured mortgages with less than a 5.0% down payment decreased from 1.35% to 0.85%. Mortgage insurance premium rates for 30-year FHA insured mortgages with more than a 5.0% down payment decreased from 1.30% to 0.80%. The new rates took effect on January 26, 2015 and do not apply to borrowers with existing mortgages, unless refinanced, or to 15-year mortgages.

Regulation and Reform

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

On July 7, 2017, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) released final amendments to federal mortgage disclosure requirements under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and the Truth in Lending Act that are implemented in Regulation Z. The final rules were published in the Federal Register on August 11, 2017. The amendments reinforce the CFPB’s informal guidance on various issues and include clarifications and technical amendments. The CFPB rule creates tolerances for the total of payments; adjusts a partial exemption that mainly affects housing finance agencies and nonprofits; provides a uniform rule regarding application of the integrated mortgage disclosure requirements to cooperative units; and provides guidance on sharing the disclosures with various parties involved in the mortgage origination process. While the Company is still analyzing the final rules, they are not expected to have a material impact on the Company.

In recent years, the 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 months, both the President and certain members of Congress have questioned the CFPB's constitutionality and have indicated a desire for reform. The timing and results of reform are currently unknown; however, any changes to the CFPB could affect the Company and its results of operations.

Recently, there have been discussions of reforming current tax law by members of Congress and the President, including revisions to individual and corporate taxes as well as the possibility of eliminating or limiting tax-deferred exchanges currently permitted under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. The timing and results of implementation of any such changes are currently unknown; however any changes to tax laws could affect the Company and its results of operations.

Real Estate Environment

Overall, the economy is expanding and there has been a steady reduction in unemployment in recent years. The Mortgage Bankers Association's (“MBA”) September 2017 Economic and Mortgage Finance Commentary predicts 2017 overall growth in the housing purchase market driven by higher demand from economic and job market strength. The unemployment rate is projected to decrease to 4.2% and wage rates are projected to increase in the medium-term as job openings continue to outpace hiring. Interest rates are likely to rise as the FOMC is projected to raise rates one more time in 2017.

The MBA September 12, 2017 Mortgage Finance Forecast (“MBA Forecast”) projects 2017 purchase activity to increase 9.9% to $1,088 billion and refinance activity to decrease 36.6% to $571 billion, resulting in a decrease in total mortgage originations of 12.3% to $1,659 billion, all from 2016 levels. In 2016, purchase activity accounted for 52.4% of all mortgage originations and is projected to represent 65.6% of all mortgage originations in 2017.

According to data published by Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage interest rates in the United States were 4.0% and 3.6% for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Per the MBA Forecast, refinancing is expected to be lower in 2017 as mortgage interest rates are projected to climb to 4.2% in the fourth quarter of 2017.

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.

Acquisition of Title Insurance Agency

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, 2017, the Company did not make any material 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, 2016 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Results of Operations

The following table presents certain income statement data for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016			2017		2016
Revenues:
Net premiums written	$	36,612,558	$	36,306,522		$	102,918,454	$	87,357,972
Investment income – interest and dividends	1,087,054		1,160,983			3,297,634		3,478,999
Net realized gain on investments	803,938		439,326			990,118		574,328
Other	4,633,915		3,094,874			13,864,170		8,280,139
Total Revenues	43,137,465		41,001,705			121,070,376		99,691,438

Operating Expenses:
Commissions to agents	17,641,272		18,739,151			50,569,972		45,946,379
Provision (benefit) for claims	1,854,493		(1,067,853		)	2,714,717		(403,982		)
Salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes	9,820,578		8,300,823			29,464,824		22,945,972
Office occupancy and operations	2,309,575		1,496,948			6,445,880		4,526,710
Business development	639,923		608,532			1,987,028		1,695,180
Filing fees, franchise and local taxes	203,912		191,574			935,476		688,731
Premium and retaliatory taxes	673,126		673,551			1,918,951		1,559,631
Professional and contract labor fees	447,651		523,504			1,375,291		1,599,603
Other	630,320		157,308			1,944,419		629,539
Total Operating Expenses	34,220,850		29,623,538			97,356,558		79,187,763

Income before Income Taxes	8,916,615		11,378,167			23,713,818		20,503,675

Provision for Income Taxes	2,990,000		3,249,000			7,647,000		6,040,000

Net Income Attributable to the Company	$	5,926,457	$	8,126,939		$	16,077,704	$	14,470,359

Insurance and Other Services Revenues

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

Title insurance companies typically issue title insurance policies directly through home and branch offices or through title agencies. Following is a breakdown of net premiums generated by home and branch offices and agency operations for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:



	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		%		2016		%		2017		%		2016		%
Home and Branch	$	10,871,775	29.7	%	$	10,672,619	29.4	%	$	30,296,701	29.4	%	$	24,303,104	27.8	%
Agency	25,740,783		70.3	%	25,633,903		70.6	%	72,621,753		70.6	%	63,054,868		72.2	%
Total	$	36,612,558	100.0	%	$	36,306,522	100.0	%	$	102,918,454	100.0	%	$	87,357,972	100.0	%

Home and Branch Office Net Premiums: In the Company's home office and branch operations, the Company retains the entire premium for all title insurance policies issued, as no commissions are paid in connection with these policies. Net premiums written from home and branch operations increased 1.9% and 24.7% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the prior year periods. The slight increase for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017 was primarily attributable to an increase in purchase transactions with variations in the market mix of business that resulted in a slightly lower average premium per policy. The increase for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 was primarily attributable to growth in premium volume stemming from higher levels of homes sales and average real estate values and revised premium rates filed in North Carolina, partially offset by lower refinance activity.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2016, the North Carolina Title Insurance Rating Bureau, which establishes premium rates for title insurance in North Carolina, and of which Investors Title Insurance Company is a member, filed updated premium rates that took effect on April 1, 2016. The revised rates positively impacted the Company's branch and agency premiums by approximately $3,047,000 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, compared with $2,400,000 for the same prior year period.

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 result of operations in the period in which new information becomes available.

Agency net premiums written increased 0.4% and 15.2% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the prior year periods. The increases for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 were primarily attributable to the addition of new title insurance agents in the Company's Texas and southeast markets, higher levels of real estate activity from existing agents and overall higher home prices, partially offset by lower refinance activity.

Following is a schedule of net premiums written for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 in select states in which the Company's two insurance subsidiaries, ITIC and NITIC, currently write insurance:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
State	2017			2016			2017			2016
North Carolina	$	14,128,480		$	13,782,187		$	39,502,056		$	31,540,890
Texas	7,294,401			7,069,431			20,153,555			17,367,044
South Carolina	3,698,254			3,541,902			10,357,916			8,312,574
Georgia	3,493,075			3,498,742			9,160,373			8,013,787
Virginia	1,614,801			1,756,468			4,486,593			4,745,121
All Others	6,460,531			6,686,540			19,448,956			17,437,969
Premiums	36,689,542			36,335,270			103,109,449			87,417,385
Reinsurance Assumed	—			—			2,756			10,946
Reinsurance Ceded	(76,984		)	(28,748		)	(193,751		)	(70,359		)
Net Premiums Written	$	36,612,558		$	36,306,522		$	102,918,454		$	87,357,972

Other Revenues

Other revenues primarily include commission income, title fee income, trust income, management services income, exchange services income, state tax credit income and income related to the Company’s equity method investments. Other revenues were $4,633,915 and $13,864,170 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with $3,094,874 and $8,280,139 for the same prior year periods. The increase for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 primarily related to increases in revenue from title fees and commission income from title agencies.

Investment Related Revenues

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

Investment Income

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

The Company’s investment strategy emphasizes after-tax income and principal preservation. The Company’s investments are primarily in bonds and, to a lesser extent, equity securities. The average effective maturity of the majority of the bonds 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.

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

Investment income was $1,087,054 and $3,297,634 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with $1,160,983 and $3,478,999 for the same prior year periods. The decrease in investment income for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 was primarily due to a lower level of investments in fixed income securities, partially offset by an increase in equity securities.

Net Realized Gain on Investments

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

The net realized gain on investments was $803,938 and $990,118 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with $439,326 and $574,328 for the same prior year periods. The net realized gain on investments for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 did not include any impairment charges. The net realized gain on investments for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016 included impairment charges of $233,941 on certain investments and other assets that were deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, offset by a net realized gain on the sales of investments and other assets of $808,269. Management believes unrealized losses on remaining fixed income and equity securities at September 30, 2017 are temporary in nature.

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

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

Expenses

The Company's operating expenses consist primarily of commissions to agents, salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes, office occupancy and operations and the provision for claims. Operating expenses increased 15.5% and 22.9% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same prior year periods. The increase for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017 was primarily due to increases in the provision for claims, salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes and office and occupancy expenses, partially offset by a decrease in commissions. The increase for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 was primarily due to increases in salaries, employees benefits and payroll taxes, commissions, the provision for claims and office occupancy and operations. In addition, the inclusion of expenses for a title agency acquired in the fourth quarter of 2016 contributed to the higher expense levels for the three- and nine- month periods ended September 30, 2017.

Following is a summary of the Company's operating expenses for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. 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,
	2017		%		2016		%		2017		%		2016		%
Title Insurance	$	32,332,682	94.5	%	$	27,967,210	94.4	%	$	91,654,372	94.1	%	$	74,302,399	93.8	%
All Other	1,888,168		5.5	%	1,656,328		5.6	%	5,702,186		5.9	%	4,885,364		6.2	%
Total	$	34,220,850	100.0	%	$	29,623,538	100.0	%	$	97,356,558	100.0	%	$	79,187,763	100.0	%

On a combined basis, after-tax profit margins were 13.7% and 13.3% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and 19.8% and 14.5% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016, respectively. The Company continually strives to enhance its competitive strengths and market position, including ongoing initiatives to reduce its operating expenses.

Total Company

Salaries, Employee Benefits and Payroll Taxes: Personnel costs include base salaries, benefits and payroll taxes, and bonuses paid to employees. Salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes were $9,820,578 and $29,464,824 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with $8,300,823 and $22,945,972 for the same prior year periods. On a consolidated basis, salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes as a percentage of total revenues were 22.8% and 24.3% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with 20.2% and 23.0% for the same prior year periods. The increases in payroll expenses for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017 primarily related to increases in salaries, benefits and payroll expenses associated with the acquisition of a title agency that was acquired in the fourth quarter of 2016 and other staffing and inflationary increases. The increase for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 was primarily attributable to the same factors as the three-month period ended September 30, 2017, in addition to higher levels of incentive compensation.

Office Occupancy and Operations: Office occupancy and operations expenses primarily include office rent and utilities, depreciation, maintenance, telecommunications and insurance expenses. Office occupancy and operations expenses were $2,309,575 and $6,445,880 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with $1,496,948 and $4,526,710 for the same prior year periods. The increases in expenses in 2017 primarily related to increases in office equipment, contract services and facilities.

Business Development: Business development expenses primarily include marketing and travel-related expenses. Business development expenses were $639,923 and $1,987,028 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with $608,532 and $1,695,180 for the same prior year periods. The increase for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 primarily related to an increase in marketing expenses.

Filing Fees, Franchise and Local Taxes: Filing fees, franchise and local tax expenses include insurance filing and licensing fees, franchise taxes, excise taxes, and local taxes. Filing fees, franchise and local tax expenses were $203,912 and $935,476 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with $191,574 and $688,731 for the same prior year periods.

Professional and Contract Labor Fees: Professional and contract labor fees were $447,651 and $1,375,291 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with $523,504 and $1,599,603 for the same prior year periods. The decrease for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017 was primarily attributable to a decline in consulting fees. The decrease for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 was primarily attributable to a decline in consulting and legal fees.

Other Expenses: Other operating expenses primarily include amortization of intangible assets, miscellaneous expenses of the title segment and miscellaneous operating expenses of the trust division. These amounts typically fluctuate in relation to transaction volume of the title segment and the trust division. Other expenses were $630,320 and $1,944,419 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with $157,308 and $629,539 for the same prior year periods. The increases for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 were primarily attributable to increases in amortization of intangible assets attributable to the acquisition of a title insurance agency and miscellaneous title expenses.

Title Insurance

Commissions: Agent commissions represent the portion of premiums retained by agents pursuant to the terms of their respective agency contracts. Commissions to agents decreased 5.9% and increased 10.1% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with the same prior year periods. Commission expense as a percentage of net premiums written by agents was 68.5% and 69.6% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with 73.1% and 72.9% for the same prior year periods. The lower commission expense as a percentage of net premiums written in 2017 and the lower commission expense for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017 were primarily due to the elimination of intercompany commissions for affiliated agents upon consolidation and changes in geographic mix. The increase in commission expense for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 was primarily attributable to higher agent premium volume. Commission rates vary by market due to local practice, competition and state regulations.

Provision for Claims: The provision for claims as a percentage of net premiums written was 5.1% and 2.6% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with (2.9)% and (0.5)% for the same prior year periods. The increase in the provision for claims for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same prior year periods primarily related to favorable loss development in 2016 for policy years 2009 through 2015.

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 is actuarially determined based on historical claims experience. Actual payments of claims, net of recoveries, were $2,812,717 and $1,848,018 for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Reserves for Claims: At September 30, 2017, the total reserve for claims was $35,207,000. Of that total, approximately $4,875,000 was reserved for specific claims, and approximately $30,332,000 was reserved for claims for which the Company had no notice. Because of the uncertainty of future claims, changes in economic conditions and the fact that 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.

Premium and Retaliatory Taxes: Title insurance companies are generally not subject to state income or franchise taxes. However, in most states they are subject to premium and retaliatory taxes, as defined by statute. Premium and retaliatory tax rates vary from state to state; accordingly, the total premium and retaliatory tax incurred is dependent upon the geographical mix of insurance revenues. Premium and retaliatory taxes as a percentage of net premiums written were 1.8% and 1.9% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with 1.9% and 1.8% for the same prior year periods.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes was $2,990,000 and $7,647,000 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with $3,249,000 and $6,040,000 for the same prior year periods. Income tax expense as a percentage of earnings before income taxes was 33.5% and 32.2% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with 28.6% and 29.5% for the same prior year periods. The effective income tax rate for both 2017 and 2016 was below the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 34%, primarily due to the effect of tax-exempt income. Tax-exempt income lowers the effective tax rate.

The Company believes it is more likely than not that the tax benefits associated with recognized impairment and unrecognized losses recorded through September 30, 2017 will be realized. However, this judgment could be impacted by further market fluctuations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s current cash requirements include general operating expenses, income taxes, capital expenditures, dividends on its common stock and repurchases of its commons 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.

The Company’s operating results and cash flows are heavily dependent on the real estate market. The Company’s business has certain fixed costs such as personnel; therefore, changes in the real estate market are monitored closely, and operating expenses such as staffing levels are managed and adjusted accordingly. The Company believes that its significant working capital position and management of operating expenses will aid its ability to manage cash resources through fluctuations in the real estate market.

Cash Flows: Net cash flows provided by operating activities were $18,863,290 and $14,794,003 for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Cash flows from operating activities increased in 2017 from 2016, primarily due to an increases in accounts payable, the provision for claims and net income, partially offset by a decrease in the provision for deferred taxes.

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. In 2017, the Company had higher levels of investment purchase activity, payment of dividends and purchases of property, partially offset by lower repurchases of common stock compared with the prior year period.

The Company maintains a high degree of liquidity within its investment portfolio, classified as available-for-sale, in the form of cash, short-term investments and other readily marketable securities. As of September 30, 2017, the Company held cash and cash equivalents of $30,890,785, short-term investments of $20,692,763, fixed maturity securities of $100,730,446 and equity securities of $45,116,461. The net effect of all activities on total cash and cash equivalents was an increase of $2,962,313 in 2017.

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, 2017, 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 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.

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

Purchase of Company Stock: On November 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 has purchased 300 shares for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 and 66,803 shares for the same period in 2016 at an average per share price of $165.35 and $93.10, respectively. The Company anticipates making further purchases under this plan from time to time in the future, depending on such factors as the prevailing market price of the Company’s common stock, the Company’s available cash and then existing alternative uses for such cash.

Capital Expenditures: Capital Expenditures were approximately $2,343,000 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017. In 2017, 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 $213,917,000 and $202,184,000 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. These exchange deposits are held at third-party financial institutions. These amounts are not considered assets of the Company for accounting purposes and, therefore, are excluded from the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Exchange services revenues include earnings on these deposits; therefore, investment income is shown as exchange services revenue, rather than investment income. The Company remains contingently liable to customers for the transfers of property, disbursements of proceeds, and the return on the proceeds at the agreed upon rate.

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

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

Recent Accounting Standards

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

Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as information included in future filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission and information contained in written material, press releases and oral statements issued by or on behalf of the Company, contains, or may contain, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, that reflect management’s current outlook for future periods. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as “plan,” “expect,” “aim,” “believe,” “project,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” "may," “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” constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties.

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


•	the level of real estate transactions, the level of mortgage origination volumes (including refinancing) and changes to the insurance requirements of the participants in the secondary mortgage market, and the effect of these factors on the demand for title insurance;


•	changes in general economic, business, and political conditions, including the performance of the financial and real estate markets;


•	the possible inadequacy of the claims reserve to cover actual claim losses;


•	the incidence of fraud-related losses;


•	unanticipated adverse changes in securities markets, including interest rates, could result in material losses 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 and Texas 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 by service providers, including title insurance agents, with federal consumer financial laws;


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


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


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


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


•	heightened regulatory scrutiny and investigations of the title insurance industry;


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


•	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;


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


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


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


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

These and other risks and uncertainties may be described from time to time in the Company's other reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For more details on factors that could affect expectations, see the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. 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.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

For the quarter ended September 30, 2017, 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, 2016.

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, 2017 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, 2017, 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.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

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

Item 1a. Risk Factors

The following supplements the risk factors previously disclosed under Item 1a. of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

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.

As a result of acquisition activity, the Company has goodwill and other intangible assets that are approximately 4.7% of total assets as of September 30, 2017. Quarterly, the Company performs an impairment analysis that reviews changes in events or circumstances that could lead to the carrying value not being recoverable. Economic downturns or poor performance of the acquisitions could result in the Company recognizing an impairment of a portion or all of the goodwill and intangible assets on the Company’s books and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.

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

(a) None

(b) None

(c) The following table provides information about purchases by the Company (and all affiliated purchasers) during the quarter ended September 30, 2017 of equity securities that are registered by the Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act:



	Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan	Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan
Beginning of period					429,707
July 2017	—	$	—	—	429,707
August 2017	230	$	176.60	230	429,477
September 2017	—	$	—	—	429,477
Total:	230	$	176.60	230	429,477

For the quarter ended September 30, 2017, the Company purchased 230 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.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits



31(i)	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31(ii)	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

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

101.INS	XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

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 6, 2017