SEC Form 10-Q filed by Investors Title Company

5/8/24 3:50:02 PM ET

$ITIC

Specialty Insurers

Finance

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itic-20240331

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q


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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2024


☐			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)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

Title of each class

Trading symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, no par value

ITIC

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Rights to Purchase Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

☐

Accelerated filer

☒

Non-accelerated filer

☐

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 ☒

As of April 24, 2024, there were 1,883,860 common shares of the registrant outstanding.

INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY

AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX


PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Financial Statements (unaudited):

	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023	1

	Consolidated Statements of Operations For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023	2

	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023	3

	Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023	4

	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023	5

	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	7

Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	22

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	34

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	34

PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	35

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	35

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	35

Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	35

Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	35

Item 5.	Other Information	35

Item 6.	Exhibits	36

SIGNATURE		37

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023

(in thousands)

(unaudited)


	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	21,613	$	24,031
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: March 31, 2024: $62,277; December 31, 2023: $63,106)	62,647		63,847
Equity securities, at fair value (cost: March 31, 2024: $22,647; December 31, 2023: $22,981)	36,708		37,212
Short-term investments	113,379		110,224
Other investments	21,758		17,385
Total investments	234,492		228,668

Premiums and fees receivable	12,911		13,338
Accrued interest and dividends	1,090		978
Prepaid expenses and other receivables	8,843		13,525
Property, net	25,325		23,886
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net	15,910		16,249
Lease assets	6,679		6,303
Other assets	2,631		2,500
Current income taxes recoverable	—		1,081
Total Assets	$	329,494	$	330,559

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities:
Reserve for claims	$	37,316	$	37,147
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	27,732		31,864
Lease liabilities	6,828		6,449
Current income taxes payable	282		—
Deferred income taxes, net	3,374		3,546
Total liabilities	75,532		79,006

Commitments and Contingencies	—		—

Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock (1,000 authorized shares; no shares issued)	—		—
Common stock – no par value (10,000 authorized shares; 1,884 and 1,891 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, excluding in each period 292 shares of common stock held by the Company)	—		—
Retained earnings	253,616		250,915
Accumulated other comprehensive income	346		638
Total stockholders' equity	253,962		251,553
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	329,494	$	330,559

Refer to notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Revenues:
Net premiums written	$	40,180	$	38,966
Escrow and other title-related fees	3,723		3,655
Non-title services	4,304		5,312
Interest and dividends	2,520		2,074
Other investment income	111		753
Net investment gains	2,422		443
Other	199		140
Total Revenues	53,459		51,343

Operating Expenses:
Commissions to agents	19,870		19,326
Provision for claims	910		1,068
Personnel expenses	18,582		20,820
Office and technology expenses	4,465		4,400
Other expenses	3,835		4,168
Total Operating Expenses	47,662		49,782

Income before Income Taxes	5,797		1,561

Provision for Income Taxes	1,272		380

Net Income	$	4,525	$	1,181

Basic Earnings per Common Share	$	2.40	$	0.62

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Basic	1,888		1,897

Diluted Earnings per Common Share	$	2.40	$	0.62

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Diluted	1,889		1,897

Refer to notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023

(in thousands)

(unaudited)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Net income	$	4,525	$	1,181
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before income tax:
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation adjustment	—		141
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments arising during the period	(424)		233
Reclassification adjustment for write-down of securities included in net income	53		82
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before income tax	(371)		456
Income tax expense related to postretirement health benefits	—		30
Income tax (benefit) expense related to net unrealized (losses) gains on investments arising during the period	(91)		47
Income tax expense related to reclassification adjustment for write-down of securities included in net income	12		19
Net income tax (benefit) expense on other comprehensive (loss) income	(79)		96
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(292)		360
Comprehensive Income	$	4,233	$	1,541

Refer to notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)


	Common Stock			Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Shares	Amount
Balance, December 31, 2022	1,897	$	—	$	240,811	$	200	$	241,011
Net income				1,181				1,181
Dividends paid ($0.46 per share)				(873)				(873)
Exercise of stock appreciation rights	1			—				—
Share-based compensation expense related to stock appreciation rights				159				159
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation adjustment						111		111
Net unrealized gain on investments						249		249
Balance, March 31, 2023	1,898	$	—	$	241,278	$	560	$	241,838

Balance, December 31, 2023	1,891	$	—	$	250,915	$	638	$	251,553
Net income				4,525				4,525
Dividends paid ($0.46 per share)				(867)				(867)
Shares of common stock repurchased and retired	(7)			(1,053)				(1,053)
Share-based compensation expense related to stock appreciation rights				96				96
Net unrealized loss on investments						(292)		(292)
Balance, March 31, 2024	1,884	$	—	$	253,616	$	346	$	253,962

Refer to notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023

(in thousands)

(unaudited)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Operating Activities
Net income	$	4,525	$	1,181
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation	787		639
Accretion of investments, net	(1,232)		(865)
Amortization of other intangible assets, net	339		332
Share-based compensation expense related to stock appreciation rights	96		159
Net (gain) loss on disposals of property	(13)		50
Net investment gains	(2,422)		(443)
Net losses (earnings) from other investments	14		(568)
Provision for claims	910		1,068
Benefit for deferred income taxes	(92)		(1,910)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease in premium and fees receivable	427		2,220
Decrease (increase) in other assets	3,354		(265)
(Increase) decrease in lease assets	(376)		36
Decrease in current income taxes receivable	1,081		1,174
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(5,881)		(15,693)
Increase (decrease) in lease liabilities	379		(13)
Increase in current income taxes payable	282		1,148
Payments of claims, net of recoveries	(741)		(1,342)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	1,437		(13,092)

Investing Activities
Purchases of fixed maturity securities	(757)		(2,705)
Purchases of equity securities	(2,470)		(3,627)
Purchases of short-term investments	(32,751)		(18,800)
Purchases of other investments	(5,178)		(970)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity securities	1,625		4,712
Proceeds from sales of equity securities	5,323		13,090
Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments	31,107		17,654
Proceeds from sales and distributions of other investments	3,379		913
Purchases of property	(2,230)		(2,301)
Proceeds from the sale of property	17		243
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(1,935)		8,209

Financing Activities
Repurchases of common stock	(1,053)		—
Dividends paid	(867)		(873)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,920)		(873)

Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(2,418)		(5,756)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period	24,031		35,311
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	$	21,613	$	29,555


Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Supplemental Disclosures:
Cash Paid During the Year for:
Income tax payments (refunds), net	$	1	$	(32)
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Non-cash net unrealized loss (gain) on investments, net of deferred tax benefit (provision) of $79 and $(66) for March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively	$	292	$	(249)
Adjustments to postretirement benefits obligation, net of deferred tax expense of $0 and $(30) for March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively	$	—	$	(111)

Refer to notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2024

(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, 2023 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 consolidated financial statements have been condensed or omitted. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company in the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been included. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the financial condition and results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2024 or any other interim period.

Reclassifications – Certain amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current period presentation. The reclassifications were between revenue lines of the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations. These reclassifications are not considered an accounting change and had no effect on the reported results of operations.

Use of Estimates and Assumptions – The preparation of the Company’s unaudited 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 unaudited Consolidated 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 through the date of this filing and concluded that there were no material subsequent events requiring adjustment or disclosure to its unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Note 2 – Reserve for Claims

Activity in the reserve for claims for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2023 is summarized as follows:


(in thousands)	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Balance, beginning of period	$	37,147	$	37,192
Provision charged to operations	910		4,762
Payments of claims, net of recoveries	(741)		(4,807)
Balance, end of period	$	37,316	$	37,147

The total reserve for all reported and unreported losses the Company incurred through March 31, 2024 is represented by the reserve for claims on the unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company's reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are established using estimated amounts required to settle claims for which notice has been received (reported) and the amount estimated to be required to satisfy claims that have been incurred but not yet reported (“IBNR”). Despite the variability of such estimates, management believes that the total reserve for claims is adequate to cover claim losses which might result from pending and future claims under title insurance policies issued through March 31, 2024. Management continually reviews and adjusts its reserve for claims estimates to reflect its loss experience and any new information that becomes available. Adjustments resulting from such reviews could be significant.

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


(in thousands, except percentages)	March 31, 2024		%	December 31, 2023		%
Known title claims	$	3,216	8.6	$	2,855	7.7
IBNR	34,100		91.4	34,292		92.3
Total reserve for claims	$	37,316	100.0	$	37,147	100.0

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

Note 3 – Earnings Per Common Share and Share Awards

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income 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 assumed to be 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-month periods ended March 31:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2024		2023
Net income	$	4,525	$	1,181
Weighted average common shares outstanding – Basic	1,888		1,897
Incremental shares outstanding assuming the exercise of dilutive SARs (share-settled)	1		—
Weighted average common shares outstanding – Diluted	1,889		1,897
Basic earnings per common share	$	2.40	$	0.62
Diluted earnings per common share	$	2.40	$	0.62

There were 23 thousand and 24 thousand potential shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, due to the out-of-the-money status of the related share-based awards.

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

As of March 31, 2024, the only outstanding awards under the plans were SARs, which expire within seven years or less from the date of grant. All outstanding SARs vest and are exercisable within five years or less from the date of grant, and 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.

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


(in thousands, except weighted average exercise price and average remaining contractual term)	Number Of Shares	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding as of January 1, 2023	39	$	159.39	4.10	$	243
SARs granted	5	142.88
SARs exercised	(2)	93.87
Outstanding as of December 31, 2023	42	$	160.83	3.69	$	428
SARs granted	—	—
SARs exercised	—	—
Outstanding as of March 31, 2024	42	$	160.83	3.44	$	451

Exercisable as of March 31, 2024	36	$	163.77	3.22	$	331

Unvested as of March 31, 2024	6	$	143.79	4.70	$	120

During the first quarter of 2024, the Company did not issue share-settled SARs to key employees or directors of the Company. During the first quarter of 2023, there was an issuance of 1 thousand share-settled SARs to a director of the Company. The fair value of each SAR is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. 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.

There was approximately $96 thousand and $159 thousand of compensation expense relating to SARs vesting on or before March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, included in personnel expenses in the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of March 31, 2024, there was $311 thousand of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Company’s stock award plans.

Note 4 – Segment Information

The Company has two reportable segments, title insurance and exchange 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.

The tax-deferred exchange services segment acts as an intermediary in tax-deferred exchanges of property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investments and serves as exchange accommodation titleholder, holding property for exchangers in reverse exchange transactions.

Provided below is selected financial information about the Company's operations by segment for the periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:


Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 (in thousands)	Title Insurance		Exchange Services		All Other		Intersegment Eliminations		Total
Insurance and other services revenues	$	47,728	$	2,780	$	1,910	$	(4,012)	$	48,406
Net investment income	3,652		68		1,333		—		5,053
Total revenues	$	51,380	$	2,848	$	3,243	$	(4,012)	$	53,459
Operating expenses	48,560		670		2,272		(3,840)		47,662
Income before income taxes	$	2,820	$	2,178	$	971	$	(172)	$	5,797
Total assets	$	215,375	$	7,523	$	106,596	$	—	$	329,494


Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 (in thousands)	Title Insurance		Exchange Services		All Other		Intersegment Eliminations		Total
Insurance and other services revenues	$	46,166	$	3,854	$	1,889	$	(3,836)	$	48,073
Net investment income	2,527		34		709		—		3,270
Total revenues	$	48,693	$	3,888	$	2,598	$	(3,836)	$	51,343
Operating expenses	50,724		608		2,115		(3,665)		49,782
(Loss) income before income taxes	$	(2,031)	$	3,280	$	483	$	(171)	$	1,561
Total assets	$	231,894	$	5,903	$	86,000	$	—	$	323,797

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 $15.2 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The executive employee benefits include health, dental, vision and life insurance and are unfunded. These amounts are classified as accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following sets forth the net periodic benefit cost for the executive benefits for the periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)	2024		2023
Service cost – benefits earned during the year	$	—	$	—
Interest cost on the projected benefit obligation	11		10
Amortization of unrecognized gain	—		(7)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	11	$	3

Note 6 – Investments and Estimated Fair Value

Investments in Fixed Maturity Securities

The estimated fair value, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses and amortized cost for fixed maturity securities by major classification are as follows:


As of March 31, 2024 (in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value:
Government obligations	$	738	$	—	$	—	$	738
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	9,389		17		(55)		9,351
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	24,833		100		(67)		24,866
Corporate debt securities	27,317		430		(55)		27,692
Total	$	62,277	$	547	$	(177)	$	62,647


As of December 31, 2023 (in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value:
Government obligations	$	2,220	$	2	$	(2)	$	2,220
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	9,419		64		(24)		9,459
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	24,908		145		(66)		24,987
Corporate debt securities	26,559		655		(33)		27,181
Total	$	63,106	$	866	$	(125)	$	63,847

The special revenue category for both periods presented includes approximately 30 individual fixed maturity securities with revenue sources from a variety of industry sectors.

The scheduled maturities of fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2024 are as follows:


	Available-for-Sale
(in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	8,180	$	8,202
Due one year through five years	27,601		27,617
Due five years through ten years	18,216		18,306
Due after ten years	8,280		8,522
Total	$	62,277	$	62,647

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

The following table presents the gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities and the estimated fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively:


	Less than 12 Months				12 Months or Longer				Total
As of March 31, 2024 (in thousands)	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	$	3,276	$	(18)	$	2,692	$	(37)	$	5,968	$	(55)
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	11,709		(26)		2,844		(41)		14,553		(67)
Corporate debt securities	5,832		(46)		1,230		(9)		7,062		(55)
Total	$	20,817	$	(90)	$	6,766	$	(87)	$	27,583	$	(177)


	Less than 12 Months				12 Months or Longer				Total
As of December 31, 2023 (in thousands)	Estimated Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Government obligations	$	1,488	$	(2)	$	—	$	—	$	1,488	$	(2)
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	5,925		(23)		101		(1)		6,026		(24)
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	7,124		(16)		3,085		(50)		10,209		(66)
Corporate debt securities	6,052		(29)		296		(4)		6,348		(33)
Total	$	20,589	$	(70)	$	3,482	$	(55)	$	24,071	$	(125)

Management evaluates available-for-sale fixed maturity securities in unrealized loss positions to determine whether the impairment is due to credit-related factors or noncredit-related factors. 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.

Factors considered in determining whether a loss is credit-related include the financial condition and prospects of the issuer (including credit ratings and analyst reports) and macro-economic changes. A total of 59 and 51 fixed maturity securities had unrealized losses at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The Company does not intend to sell any of these securities and believes that it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell any such securities before a recovery of cost. The fair value is expected to recover as the securities approach their maturity date or repricing date or if market yields for such investments decline. The Company believes that the unrealized losses detailed in the previous table are due to noncredit-related factors, including changes in market interest rates and other market conditions, and therefore the unrealized loss is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Reviews of the values of fixed maturity securities are inherently uncertain and the value of the investment may not fully recover, or may decline in future periods, resulting in a realized loss. The Company recorded $53 thousand and $82 thousand in impairment charges related to fixed maturity securities for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively. Expenses related to impairments are recorded in net investment gains in the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations when recognized.

Investments in Equity Securities

The cost and estimated fair value of equity securities are as follows:


As of March 31, 2024 (in thousands)	Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Equity securities, at fair value:
Common stocks	$	22,647	$	36,708
Total	$	22,647	$	36,708


As of December 31, 2023 (in thousands)	Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Equity securities, at fair value:
Common stocks	$	22,981	$	37,212
Total	$	22,981	$	37,212

Unrealized holding gains and losses are reported in the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations as net investment gains.

Net Investment Gains

Gross investment gains and losses for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 are summarized as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)	2024		2023
Gross realized gains from securities:
Common stocks	$	2,807	$	7,483
Total	$	2,807	$	7,483
Gross realized losses from securities:
Common stocks	$	(162)	$	(121)
Write-down of securities	(53)		(82)
Total	$	(215)	$	(203)
Net realized gains from securities	$	2,592	$	7,280
Gross realized losses on other investments:
Losses on other investments	$	—	$	(47)
Total	$	—	$	(47)
Net realized investment gains	$	2,592	$	7,233
Changes in the estimated fair value of equity security investments	$	(170)	$	(6,790)
Net investment gains	$	2,422	$	443

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

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 and no participation rights exist. 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 March 31, 2024:


(in thousands)	Balance Sheet Classification	Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value		Maximum Potential Loss (a)
Real estate LLCs or LPs	Other investments	$	12,751	$	14,000	$	18,060
Small business investment LPs	Other investments	197		197		80
Total		$	12,948	$	14,197	$	18,140


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

Valuation of Financial Assets

The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("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 intended to represent market participant assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value.

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

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

The Level 2 category includes fixed maturity securities such as corporate debt securities, U.S. government obligations, and obligations of U.S. states, territories, and political subdivisions. Estimated fair value is principally based on market values obtained from a third-party pricing service. Factors that are used in determining estimated fair market value include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. The Company receives one quote per security from a third-party pricing service, although as discussed below, the Company does consult other pricing resources when confirming that the prices it obtains reflect the fair values of the instruments in accordance with GAAP. Generally, quotes obtained from the pricing service for instruments classified as Level 2 are not adjusted and are not binding. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company did not adjust any Level 2 fair values.

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

In the measurement of the estimated fair value of certain financial instruments, other valuation techniques were utilized if quoted market prices were not available. These derived fair value estimates are significantly affected by the assumptions used. Additionally, certain financial instruments, including those related to insurance contracts, pension and other postretirement benefits, and equity method investments are excluded from the scope of disclosures.

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

Cash and cash equivalents

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

Measurement alternative equity investments

The measurement alternative method requires investments without readily determinable fair values to be recorded at cost, less impairments, and plus or minus any changes resulting from observable price changes. The Company monitors any events or changes in circumstances that may have had a significant adverse effect on the fair value of these investments and makes any necessary adjustments.

Notes receivable

Notes receivable are recorded at amortized cost and are included in prepaid expenses and other receivables in the unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amortized cost is the amount at which a receivable is originated and adjusted for applicable accrued interest, accretion, or amortization of premium, discount, and net deferred fees or costs, collection of cash, writeoffs, foreign exchange, and fair value hedge accounting adjustments. The Company monitors any events or changes in circumstances that may have had a significant adverse effect on the fair value of these investments and makes any necessary adjustments.

Accrued interest and dividends

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

The following table presents, by level, fixed maturity securities carried at estimated fair value as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:


As of March 31, 2024 (in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2 *		Level 3		Total
Fixed maturity securities:
Obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	$	738	$	34,217	$	—	$	34,955
Corporate debt securities	—		27,692		—		27,692
Total	$	738	$	61,909	$	—	$	62,647


As of December 31, 2023 (in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2 *		Level 3		Total
Fixed maturity securities:
Obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions	$	2,220	$	34,446	$	—	$	36,666
Corporate debt securities	—		27,181		—		27,181
Total	$	2,220	$	61,627	$	—	$	63,847

*Denotes fair market value obtained from pricing services.

The following table presents, by level, estimated fair values of equity investments and other financial instruments as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:


As of March 31, 2024 (in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	21,613	$	—	$	—	$	21,613
Accrued interest and dividends	1,090		—		—		1,090
Equity securities, at fair value:
Common stocks	36,708		—		—		36,708
Short-term investments:
Money market funds and U.S. Treasury bills	113,379		—		—		113,379
Total	$	172,790	$	—	$	—	$	172,790


As of December 31, 2023 (in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	24,031	$	—	$	—	$	24,031
Accrued interest and dividends	978		—		—		978
Equity securities, at fair value:
Common stocks	37,212		—		—		37,212
Short-term investments:
Money market funds and U.S. Treasury bills	110,224		—		—		110,224
Total	$	172,445	$	—	$	—	$	172,445

The Company did not hold any Level 3 category debt or marketable equity investment securities as of March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023.

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

To help ensure that estimated fair value determinations are consistent with GAAP, 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.

Certain measurement alternative equity investments and notes receivable are measured at estimated fair value on a non-recurring basis and are reviewed for impairment quarterly. If any such investment is determined to be impaired, an impairment charge is recorded against such investment and reflected in the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations. There were no impairments of such investments made during the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 or the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2023. The following table presents assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:


As of March 31, 2024 (in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Financial assets:
Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates, measurement alternative	$	—	$	—	$	9,316	$	9,316
Notes receivable	—		—		641		641
Total	$	—	$	—	$	9,957	$	9,957


As of December 31, 2023 (in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Financial assets:
Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates, measurement alternative	$	—	$	—	$	9,300	$	9,300
Notes receivable	—		—		2,201		2,201
Total	$	—	$	—	$	11,501	$	11,501

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 is not expected to, 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, escrowed funds received under escrow agreements, undisbursed amounts received for settlement of mortgage loans and indemnities against specific title risks. These amounts are not considered assets of the Company and, therefore, are excluded from the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets; however, the Company remains contingently liable for the disposition of these deposits.

Like-Kind Exchange Proceeds: In administering tax-deferred like-kind exchanges pursuant to § 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Investors Title Exchange Corporation (“ITEC”), serves as a qualified intermediary, holding the net sales proceeds from relinquished property to be used for purchase of replacement property. Another wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, Investors Title Accommodation Corporation (“ITAC”), serves as exchange accommodation titleholder and, through LLCs that are wholly owned subsidiaries of ITAC, holds property in reverse exchange transactions. Like-kind exchange deposits and reverse exchange property totaled approximately $220.6 million and $263.7 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. These amounts are not considered assets of the Company and, therefore, are excluded from the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets; however, the Company remains contingently liable for the disposition of the transfers of property, disbursements of proceeds and the return on the proceeds at the agreed upon rate. Exchange services revenue includes earnings on these deposits; therefore, investment income is shown as non-title services rather than investment income. These like-kind exchange funds are primarily invested in money market funds and other short-term investments.

Note 8 – Related Party Transactions

The Company does business with, and has investments in, unconsolidated LLCs that are primarily title insurance agencies. The Company utilizes the equity method to account for its investment in these LLCs. The following table sets forth the approximate values by year found within each financial statement classification:


Financial Statement Classification, Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) (in thousands)	As of March 31, 2024		As of December 31, 2023
Other investments	$	4,934	$	5,561
Premium and fees receivable	$	3,227	$	627


Financial Statement Classification, Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) (in thousands)	Three Months Ended March 31,
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Net premiums written	$	5,207	$	4,133
Non-title services and other investment income	$	196	$	750
Commissions to agents	$	3,687	$	2,753

Note 9 – Intangible Assets, Goodwill and Title Plants

Intangible Assets

The estimated fair values of intangible assets recognized as the result of title insurance agency acquisitions are principally based on values obtained from an independent third-party valuation service and are all Level 3 inputs. Management determined that no events or changes in circumstances occurred during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 that would indicate the carrying amounts may not be recoverable, and therefore, determined that no identifiable intangible assets were impaired.

Identifiable intangible assets consist of the following:


(in thousands)	As of March 31, 2024		As of December 31, 2023
Referral relationships	$	8,898	$	8,898
Non-compete agreements	3,155		3,155
Tradename	747		747
Total	12,800		12,800
Accumulated amortization	(6,514)		(6,176)
Identifiable intangible assets, net	$	6,286	$	6,624

The following table provides the estimated aggregate amortization expense, as of March 31, 2024, for each of the five succeeding fiscal years:


Year Ended (in thousands)
2024	$	840
2025	1,095
2026	1,095
2027	679
2028	650
Thereafter	1,740
Total	$	6,099

Goodwill and Title Plants

As of March 31, 2024, the Company recognized $9.6 million in goodwill and $1.6 million in title plants, net of impairments, as the result of title insurance agency acquisitions. The title plants are included with other assets in the unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair values of goodwill and the title plants as of the date of acquisition, both Level 3 inputs, were principally based on values obtained from an independent third-party valuation service. In accordance with FASB's Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 350, the Company determined that no events or changes in circumstances occurred during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 that would indicate the carrying amounts may not be recoverable, and therefore, determined that there were no goodwill or title plant impairments.

Note 10 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following table provides changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:


Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 (in thousands)	Unrealized Gains and Losses On Available-for-Sale Securities		Postretirement Benefits Plans		Total
Beginning balance at January 1	$	583	$	55	$	638
Other comprehensive (loss) income before calculations	(333)		—		(333)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	41		—		41
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	(292)		—		(292)
Ending balance	$	291	$	55	$	346


Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 (in thousands)	Unrealized Gains and Losses On Available-for-Sale Securities		Postretirement Benefits Plans		Total
Beginning balance at January 1	$	164	$	36	$	200
Other comprehensive income before calculations	186		111		297
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	63		—		63
Net current-period other comprehensive income	249		111		360
Ending balance	$	413	$	147	$	560

The following table provides significant amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:


Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 (in thousands)
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities:
Net realized gain on investments	$	—
Write-down of securities	(53)
Total	$	(53)	Net investment gains
Tax	12		Provision for income taxes
Net of Tax	$	(41)
Reclassifications for the period	$	(41)


Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 (in thousands)
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities:
Net realized gain on investments	$	—
Write-down of securities	(82)
Total	$	(82)	Net investment gains
Tax	19		Provision for income taxes
Net of Tax	$	(63)
Reclassifications for the period	$	(63)

Note 11 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers

ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, requires that an entity recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance does not apply to revenue associated with insurance contracts (including title insurance policies), financial instruments and lease contracts; and therefore is primarily applicable to the following Company revenue categories.

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

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

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

The following table provides a breakdown of the Company’s revenue by major business activity:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)	2024		2023
Revenue from contracts with customers:
Escrow and other title-related fees	$	3,723	$	3,655
Non-title services	4,304		5,312
Total revenue from contracts with customers	8,027		8,967
Other sources of revenue:
Net premiums written	40,180		38,966
Investment-related revenue	5,053		3,270
Other	199		140
Total revenues	$	53,459	$	51,343

Note 12 – Leases

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

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

Lease expense is included in office and technology expenses in the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations. Information regarding the Company’s leases follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)	2024		2023
Operating leases	$	658	$	731
Finance leases:
Amortization of lease assets	71		54
Lease expense	$	729	$	785
Sub-lease income	(52)		—
Lease cost	$	677	$	785


(b)						Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Components of the lease liability presented on the unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows:


(in thousands)	As of March 31, 2024		As of December 31, 2023
Current:
Operating lease liabilities	$	1,755	$	2,201
Finance lease liabilities	177		170
Non-current:
Operating lease liabilities	4,299		3,792
Finance lease liabilities	597		286
Total lease liabilities	$	6,828	$	6,449

The future minimum lease payments for leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of March 31, 2024, are summarized as follows:


Year Ended (in thousands)	Operating Leases		Finance Leases		Total
2024	$	1,904	$	199	$	2,103
2025	2,179		241		2,420
2026	1,332		203		1,535
2027	424		136		560
2028	183		56		239
Thereafter	433		—		433
Total undiscounted payments	$	6,455	$	835	$	7,290
Less: present value adjustment	(401)		(61)		(462)
Lease liabilities	$	6,054	$	774	$	6,828

Supplemental lease information is as follows:


	As of March 31, 2024		As of December 31, 2023
Weighted average remaining lease term (years)
Operating Leases	3.34		3.07
Finance Leases	3.49		2.93
Weighted average discount rate
Operating Leases	3.9	%	3.8	%
Finance Leases	4.3	%	3.7	%

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

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

Investors Title Company's (the "Company") Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the "2023 Form 10-K") as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") 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.

In addition, the Company may make forward-looking statements in the following discussion and analysis. Forward looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary. See "Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements" at the end of this discussion and analysis, as well as the sections titled "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A of the 2023 Form 10-K for factors that could affect forward-looking statements.

Overview

Title Insurance

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”). Through ITIC and NITIC, the Company underwrites land title insurance for owners and mortgagees as a primary insurer. Total revenues from the title segment accounted for 89.2% of the Company's revenues for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024.

Title insurance protects against loss or damage resulting from title defects that affect real property and customarily arising prior to the policy date. When real property is conveyed from one party to another, occasionally there is an undisclosed defect in the title or a mistake or omission in a prior deed, will or mortgage that may give a third party a legal claim against such property. If a covered claim is made against real property, title insurance provides indemnification against insured defects.

There are two basic types of title insurance policies – one for the mortgage lender and one for the real property owner. A lender often requires the property owner to purchase a lender’s title insurance policy to protect its position as a holder of a mortgage loan, but the lender’s title insurance policy does not protect the property owner. The property owner has to purchase a separate owner’s title insurance policy to protect its investment.

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

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

Title insurance premiums vary from state to state and are subject to extensive regulation. Statutes generally provide that rates must not be excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory. The process of implementing a rate change in most states involves pre-approval by the applicable state insurance regulator.

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

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

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

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

Exchange Services

The Company’s exchange services division, consisting of the operations of Investors Title Exchange Corporation (“ITEC”) and Investors Title Accommodation Corporation (“ITAC”), provides customer services in connection with tax-deferred real property exchanges. ITEC acts as a qualified intermediary in tax-deferred exchanges of real property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment, and its income is derived from fees for handling exchange transactions and a portion of the interest earned on client deposits held by the Company. In its role as qualified intermediary, ITEC coordinates the exchange aspects of the real estate transaction, and its duties include drafting standard exchange documents, holding the exchange funds between the time the old property is sold and the new property is purchased, and accepting the formal identification of the replacement property within the required identification period. ITAC provides services as an exchange accommodation titleholder for accomplishing “parking transactions” as set forth in the safe harbor contained in Internal Revenue Procedure 2000-37. These transactions include reverse exchanges when taxpayers decide to acquire replacement property before selling the relinquished property, or “build to suit” exchanges, when improvements must be made to the replacement property before the taxpayer acquires the improved replacement property. The services provided by the Company’s exchange services division, ITEC and ITAC, are pursuant to provisions in the Internal Revenue Code. From time to time, these laws are subject to review and changes, which may negatively affect the demand for tax-deferred exchanges in general, and consequently, the revenues and profitability of the Company’s exchange services division.

Management Services, Investment Management and Trust Services

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

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

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

Business Trends and Recent Conditions

The housing market is heavily influenced by government policies and overall economic conditions. Regulatory reform and initiatives by various governmental agencies, including the Federal Reserve's monetary policy and other regulatory changes, could impact lending standards or the processes and procedures used by the Company. The current real estate environment, including interest rates and general economic activity, typically influence the demand for real estate. Changes in either of these areas, in addition to any inventory constraints or volatility in the cost and availability of building materials, could impact the Company's results of operations in future periods.

A recent period of inflation, as well as ongoing geopolitical and military conflicts, have created additional volatile market conditions and uncertainties in the global economy. These events have impacted and could continue to impact the Company in a number of ways including, but not limited to, future fluctuations in the Company's investment portfolio and potential decreases in net premiums written. The Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) of the Federal Reserve has been highly attentive to the risks that these events have created, and in response raised the target federal funds rate at several meetings held during 2022 and 2023. Although the federal funds rate does not directly impact mortgage interest rates, it can have a significant influence as lenders pass on the costs of rate increases to consumers. Higher mortgage interest rates have impacted the demand and pricing of real estate.

Regulatory Environment

The FOMC issues disclosures on a periodic basis that include projections of the federal funds rate and expected actions. The FOMC maintained a target range between 0.00% and 0.25% from March 2020 until March 2022. Starting at the March 2022 meeting of the FOMC, the FOMC consistently raised the target federal funds rate range through July 2023, when the FOMC increased the target range to between 5.25% and 5.50%. No additional changes to the target federal funds rate have been made since the July 2023 meeting. In normal economic situations, future adjustments to the FOMC’s stance of monetary policy are expected to be based on realized and expected economic developments to achieve maximum employment and inflation near the FOMC 's symmetric long-term 2.0% objective.

Real Estate Environment

The Mortgage Bankers Association's ("MBA") April 18, 2024 Mortgage Finance Forecast (“MBA Forecast”) projects 2024 purchase activity to increase 5.1% to $1,393 billion and mortgage refinance activity to increase 34.4% to $422 billion, resulting in a net increase in total mortgage originations of 10.7% to $1,815 billion, all from 2023 levels. In 2023, purchase activity accounted for 80.8% of all mortgage originations and is projected in the MBA Forecast to represent 76.7% of all mortgage originations in 2024. According to data published by Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage interest rates in the United States were 6.7% and 6.4% for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Per the MBA Forecast, mortgage interest rates are projected to decrease in subsequent periods, reaching 5.5% in 2026. Due to the rapidly changing environment brought on by inflationary pressures, inventory constraints, and geopolitical and military conflicts, these projections and the impact of actual future developments on the Company could be subject to material change.

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

Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies

The preparation of the Company's unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of certain assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures regarding contingencies and commitments. Actual results could differ from these estimates. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, the Company did not make any material changes to its critical accounting policies as previously disclosed in Management's Discussion and Analysis in the 2023 Form 10-K.

Results of Operations

The following table presents certain unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations data for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)	2024		2023
Revenues:
Net premiums written	$	40,180	$	38,966
Escrow and other title-related fees	3,723		3,655
Non-title services	4,304		5,312
Interest and dividends	2,520		2,074
Other investment income	111		753
Net investment gains	2,422		443
Other	199		140
Total Revenues	53,459		51,343

Operating Expenses:
Commissions to agents	19,870		19,326
Provision for claims	910		1,068
Personnel expenses	18,582		20,820
Office and technology expenses	4,465		4,400
Other expenses	3,835		4,168
Total Operating Expenses	47,662		49,782

Income before Income Taxes	5,797		1,561

Provision for Income Taxes	1,272		380

Net Income	$	4,525	$	1,181

Certain amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current period presentation. The reclassifications were between revenue lines of the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations. These reclassifications are not considered an accounting change and had no effect on the reported results of operations.

Title Insurance Revenues

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

Net Premiums Written

Net premiums written increased 3.1% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 to $40.2 million, compared with $39.0 million for the same prior year period. The increase for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 is attributable to higher activity levels in some of our key markets.

Total premiums include an estimate of premiums for policies that have been issued directly and 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 reported transactions and new information becomes available. In addition to estimating revenues, the Company also estimates and accrues agent commissions, claims provision, premium taxes, income taxes, and other expenses associated with the estimated revenues that have been accrued. The Company reflects any adjustments to the accruals in the results of operations in the period in which new information becomes available.

Title insurance companies typically issue title insurance policies directly or through title agencies. Following is a breakdown of premiums generated by direct and agency operations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands, except percentages)	2024		%	2023		%
Direct	$	13,321	33.2	$	12,714	32.6
Agency	26,859		66.8	26,252		67.4
Total	$	40,180	100.0	$	38,966	100.0

Direct Net Premiums – The Company's direct business consists of operations at the home office, branch offices, and wholly owned title insurance agencies. In the Company's direct operations, the Company issues a title insurance policy and retains the entire premium, as no commissions are recognized in connection with these policies. Net premiums written from direct operations increased 4.8% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared with the same prior year period. The increase for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 is attributable to higher activity levels in some of our key markets.

Agency Net Premiums – When a policy is written through a non-wholly owned title agency, the premium is shared between the agency and the underwriter. The agent retains a majority of the premium as a commission and remits the net amount to the Company. Title insurance commissions earned by the Company’s agents are recognized as expenses concurrently with premium recognition. Agency net premiums written increased 2.3% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared with the same prior year period. The increase for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 is attributable to higher activity levels in some of our key markets.

Following is a schedule of net premiums written for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 in select states in which the Company's two insurance subsidiaries, ITIC and NITIC, currently underwrite title insurance:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
State (in thousands)	2024		2023
North Carolina	$	14,777	$	13,783
Texas	11,099		10,951
South Carolina	3,351		4,229
Georgia	2,459		3,547
All Others	8,413		6,627
Premiums Written	40,099		39,137
Reinsurance Assumed	—		—
Reinsurance Ceded	81		(171)
Net Premiums Written	$	40,180	$	38,966

Escrow and Other Title-Related Fees

Escrow and other title-related fees consists primarily of commission income, escrow and other various fees associated with the issuance of a title insurance policy including settlement, examination and closing fees. Escrow and other title-related fee revenues were virtually unchanged at $3.7 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

Revenue from Non-Title Services

Revenue from non-title services includes trust services, agency management services and exchange services income. Non-title service revenues were $4.3 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared with $5.3 million for the same prior year period. The decrease for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 was primarily related to a decrease in like-kind exchange revenues.

Investment-Related Revenues

Investment-related revenues include interest and dividends, other investment income, and net investment gains.

Interest and Dividends

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

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

As the Company generates cash from operations, it is invested in accordance with the Company’s investment policy and corporate goals. The Company’s investment policy has been designed to balance multiple goals, including the assurance of a stable source of income from interest and dividends, the preservation of principal, and the provision of liquidity sufficient to meet insurance underwriting and other obligations as they become payable in the future. Securities purchased may include a combination of taxable or tax-exempt fixed maturity securities and equity securities. The Company also invests in short-term investments that typically include money market funds, U.S. Treasury bills, commercial paper and certificates of deposit. The Company strives to maintain a high quality investment portfolio. Since 2022, the Company has been purchasing higher levels of short-term investments to take advantage of elevated short-term interest rates during this period of uncertainty in the investment market.

Interest and dividends were $2.5 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared with $2.1 million for the same prior year period. Interest and dividend income levels are primarily a function of general market performance, interest rates and the amount of cash available for investments that meet the Company's investment policy. The increase for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 was primarily related to an increase in interest received due to higher interest rates and levels of short-term investments and fixed maturity securities.

Other Investment Income

Other investment income consists primarily of income related to investments in unconsolidated affiliates, typically structured as limited liability companies ("LLCs"), accounted for under either the equity method of accounting or the measurement alternative for investments that do not have readily determinable fair values. The measurement alternative method requires investments without readily determinable fair values to be recorded at cost, less impairments, and plus or minus any changes resulting from observable price changes. The Company monitors any events or changes in circumstances that may have had a significant adverse effect on the fair value of these investments and makes any necessary adjustments.

Other investment income was $111 thousand for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared $753 thousand for the same prior year period. Changes in other investment income are impacted by fluctuations in the carrying value of the underlying investment and/or distributions received.

Net Investment Gains

Net investment gains include realized gains and losses on the sale of investment securities and changes in the estimated fair value of equity security investments. Net investment gains were $2.4 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared with $443 thousand for the same prior year period.

Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses – 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 included in net investment gains are affected by assessments of securities’ valuation for impairment. As a result of the interaction of these factors and considerations, the net realized investment gain or loss can vary significantly from period to period.

The net realized investment gains were $2.6 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared with $7.2 million for the same prior year period. The Company recorded impairment charges of $53 thousand and $82 thousand on certain fixed maturity securities where the intent to hold had changed in the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Management believes unrealized losses on the remaining fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2024 are not credit related.

The securities in the Company’s investment portfolio are subject to economic conditions and market risks. The Company considers relevant facts and circumstances in evaluating whether a credit or interest-related impairment of a fixed maturity security has occurred. 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 exists. These risks and uncertainties include the risk that the economic outlook will be worse than expected or have more of an impact on the issuer than anticipated; the risk that the Company’s assessment of an issuer’s ability to meet all of its contractual obligations will change based on changes in the characteristics of that issuer; the risk that information obtained by the Company or changes in other facts and circumstances leads management to change its intent to sell the fixed maturity security; and the risk that management is making decisions based on inaccurate information in the financial statements provided by the issuers.

Changes in the Estimated Fair Value of Equity Security Investments – Changes in the estimated fair value of equity security investments were $(169) thousand for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared with $(6.8) million for the same prior year period. Such fluctuations are the result of changes in general market conditions during the respective periods, however, the sale of appreciated investment securities can result in a reduction in unrealized gains as they are reclassified to net realized investment gains, which is not indicative of a decline in estimated fair value.

Other Revenues

Other revenues primarily include miscellaneous income and gains and losses on the disposal of fixed assets and real estate and rental income. Other revenues were $199 thousand for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared with $140 thousand for the same prior year period.

Expenses

The Company's operating expenses consist primarily of commissions to agents, personnel expenses, office and technology expenses and the provision for claims. Operating expenses decreased 4.3% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared with the same prior year period. The decrease for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to a decline in personnel expenses and other expenses, partially offset by an increase in commissions to agents.

Following is a summary of the Company's operating expenses for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. Inter-segment eliminations have been netted; therefore, the individual segment amounts will not agree to Note 4 to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands, except percentages)	2024		%	2023		%
Title Insurance	$	44,774	93.9	$	47,118	94.6
Exchange Services	647		1.4	579		1.2
All Other	2,241		4.7	2,085		4.2
Total	$	47,662	100.0	$	49,782	100.0

On a combined basis, the after-tax profit margin was 8.5% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared with 2.3% for the same prior year period. The increase for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to increases in premiums and net investment gains and decreases in personnel costs and other overhead expense categories. The Company continually strives to enhance its competitive strengths and market position, including ongoing initiatives to manage its operating expenses.

Total Company

Personnel Expenses – Personnel expenses include base salaries, benefits and payroll taxes, bonuses paid to employees and contract labor expenses. Personnel expenses were $18.6 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared with $20.8 million for the same prior year period. On a consolidated basis, personnel expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 34.8% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared with 40.6% for the same prior year period. The decrease in personnel expenses for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to reduced staffing levels.

Office and Technology Expenses – Office and technology expenses primarily include facilities expenses, software and hardware expenses, depreciation expense, telecommunications expenses, and business insurance. Office and technology expenses were $4.5 million and $4.4 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Other Expenses – Other expenses primarily include business development expenses, premium-related taxes and licensing, professional services, title and service fees, amortization of intangible assets and other general expenses. Other expenses were $3.8 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared with $4.2 million for the same prior year period. The decrease for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 was primarily related to decreases in title and service fees, technology expenses and miscellaneous expenses.

Title Insurance

Commissions to Agents – Agent commissions represent the portion of premiums retained by agents pursuant to the terms of their respective agency contracts. Commissions to agents increased 2.8% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared with the same prior year period. Commission expense as a percentage of net premiums written by agents was 74.0% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared with 73.6% for the same prior year period. The change in commission expense was primarily related to the increase in agent premium volume. Commission rates vary by market due to local practice, competition and state regulations.

Provision for Claims – The provision for claims decreased $158 thousand for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared with the same prior year period. The provision for claims as a percentage of net premiums written was 2.3% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared with 2.7% for the same prior year period. The decrease in the provision for claims for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to a higher level of favorable loss development and less incurred claims losses in the current year period.

Title claims are typically reported and paid within the first several years of policy issuance. The provision for claims reflects actual payments of claims, net of recovery amounts, plus adjustments to the specific and incurred but not reported claims reserves, the latter of which are actuarially determined based on historical claims experience. Actual payments of claims, net of recoveries, were $741 thousand and $1.3 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

At March 31, 2024, the total reserve for claims was $37.3 million. Of that total, approximately $3.2 million was reserved for specific claims, and approximately $34.1 million was reserved for claims for which the Company had no notice. Because of the uncertainty of future claims, changes in economic conditions and the fact that claims may not materialize for several years, reserve estimates are subject to variability.

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

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes was $1.3 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared with $380 thousand for the same prior year period. Income tax expense, including federal and state taxes, as a percentage of income before income taxes was 21.9% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared with 24.3% for the same prior year period. The effective income tax rates for both 2024 and 2023 differ from the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21% primarily due to the effects of state taxes and tax-exempt income. Tax-exempt income lowers the effective tax rate.

The Company believes it is more likely than not that the tax benefits associated with recognized impairments and unrecognized losses recorded through March 31, 2024 will be realized. However, this judgment could be impacted by further market fluctuations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s material cash requirements include general operating expenses, contractual and other obligations for the future payment of title claims, employment agreements, lease agreements, income taxes, capital expenditures, dividends on its common stock and other contractual commitments for goods and services needed for operations. All other arrangements entered into by the Company are not reasonably likely to have a material effect on liquidity or the availability of capital resources. Cash flows from operations have historically been the primary source of financing for expanding operations, whether through organic growth or outside investments. The Company believes its balances of cash, short-term investments and other readily marketable securities, along with cash flows generated by ongoing operations, will be sufficient to satisfy its cash requirements over the next 12 months and thereafter, including the funding of operating activities and commitments for investing and financing activities. There are currently no known trends that the Company believes will materially impact the Company’s capital resources, nor is the Company anticipating any material changes in the mix or relative cost of such resources except as otherwise disclosed in the Business Trends and Recent Conditions section of this Management's Discussion and Analysis.

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 (used in) operating activities were $1.4 million and $(13.1) million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities differ from net income due to adjustments for non-cash items, such as changes in the estimated fair value of equity security investments, gains and losses on investments and property, the timing of disbursements for taxes, claims and other accrued liabilities, and collections or changes in receivables and other assets.

Cash flows from non-operating activities have historically consisted of purchases and proceeds from investing activities, the issuance of dividends and repurchases of common stock. Net cash was used in investing activities for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared with net cash being provided by investing activities in the prior year period.

The Company maintains a high degree of liquidity within its investment portfolio in the form of cash, short-term investments and other readily marketable securities. As of March 31, 2024, the Company held cash and cash equivalents of $21.6 million, short-term investments of $113.4 million, available-for-sale fixed maturity securities of $62.6 million and equity securities of $36.7 million. The net effect of all activities on total cash and cash equivalents was a decrease of $2.4 million in 2024. Beginning in late 2022, ongoing evaluation of changing business and financial market conditions led to portions of cash flow from operations, and certain amounts resulting from sales and maturities in the company’s investment portfolio, to be invested in short term investments to take advantage of elevated short-term interest rates.

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 March 31, 2024, both ITIC and NITIC met the minimum capital, surplus and reserve requirements for each state in which they are licensed.

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

A strong financial position provides the necessary flexibility to fund potential acquisition activity, to invest in the Company's core business, and to minimize the financial impact of potential adverse developments. Adverse developments that generally require additional capital include adverse financial results, changes in statutory accounting requirements by regulators, reserve charges, investment losses or costs incurred to adapt to a changing regulatory environment, including costs related to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 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, given inflationary pressures and geopolitical and military conflicts, 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 carefully monitoring inflation, geopolitical and military conflicts, and other trends that could potentially result in material adverse liquidity changes, and will continually assess its capital allocation strategy, including decisions relating to payment of dividends, repurchasing the Company’s common 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. The Company purchased 6,763 shares in the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and no shares in the same prior year period. The Company anticipates making further purchases under this plan from time to time in the future, depending on such factors as the prevailing market prices of the Company's common stock, the Company's available cash and the existing alternative uses for such cash.

Capital Expenditures – Capital expenditures were approximately $2.2 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024. In 2024, 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.

Contractual Obligations - As of March 31, 2024, the Company had a claims reserve totaling $37.3 million. The amounts and timing of these obligations are estimated and not set contractually. Events such as fraud, defalcation, and multiple property title defects can substantially and unexpectedly cause increases in both the amount and timing of estimated title insurance loss payments and loss cost trends whereby increases or decreases in inflationary factors (including the value of real estate) will influence the ultimate amount of title insurance loss payments and could increase total obligations and influence claim payout patterns. Due to the length of time over which claim payments are made and regularly occurring changes in underlying economic and market conditions, claim estimates are subject to variability and future payments could increase or decrease from these estimated amounts in the future.

ITIC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, has entered into employment agreements with certain executive officers. The amounts accrued for these agreements at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, were $15.2 million, which includes postretirement compensation and health benefits, and were calculated based on the terms of the contracts. These executive contracts are accounted for on an individual contract basis. As payments are based upon the occurrence of specific events, including death, disability, retirement, termination without cause or upon a change in control, payment periods are currently uncertain. Information regarding retirement agreements and other postretirement benefit plans can be found in Note 5 to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

The Company enters into lease agreements that are primarily used for office space. These leases are accounted for as operating leases, with lease expense recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The Company occasionally assumes equipment lease agreements through business acquisitions. These leases are accounted for as finance leases. Included in a portion of the Company's current leases is an option to extend or cancel the lease term, and the exercise of such an option is solely at the Company's discretion. The total of undiscounted future minimum lease payments under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year after 2024 is $5.2 million, which includes lease payments related to options to extend or cancel the lease term if the Company determined at the date of adoption that the lease was expected to be renewed or extended. Information about leases can be found in Note 12 to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into other contractual commitments for goods and services needed for operations. Such commitments are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity.

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 unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets. However, the Company remains contingently liable for the disposition of these deposits.

In addition, in administering tax-deferred like-kind exchanges pursuant to § 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, 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 LLCs 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 $220.6 million and $263.7 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. These exchange deposits are held at third-party financial institutions. Exchange deposits are not considered assets of the Company and, therefore, are excluded from the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets; however, the Company remains contingently liable for the disposition of the transfers of property, disbursements of proceeds and the return on the proceeds at the agreed upon rate. Exchange services revenue includes earnings on these deposits; therefore, investment income is shown as non-title services rather than investment income. These like-kind exchange funds are primarily invested in money market funds and other short-term investments.

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

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

Recent Accounting Standards

No recent accounting pronouncements are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations. Please refer to Note 1 to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further information regarding the Company’s basis of presentation and significant accounting policies.

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 SEC and information contained in written material, press releases and oral statements issued by or on behalf of the Company, contains, or may contain, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), that reflect management’s current outlook for future periods. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as “plan,” “expect,” “aim,” “believe,” “project,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “should,” “could,” “would” and other expressions that indicate future events and trends. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including statements about the Company’s strategy for growth, product and service development, market share position, claims, expenditures, financial results and cash requirements, are forward-looking statements. Without limitation, projected developments in mortgage interest rates and the overall economic environment set forth in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Business Trends and Recent Conditions” 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:

•changes in interest rates and real estate values;

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

•the impact of inflation;

•the impact of ongoing geopolitical and military conflicts;

•potential reform of government sponsored entities;

•the level of real estate transaction volumes, the level of mortgage origination volumes (including refinancing), the mix of title insurance between markets with varying real estate values, changes to the insurance requirements of the participants in the secondary mortgage market, and the effect of these factors on the demand for title insurance;

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

•the incidence of fraud-related losses;

•the impact of cyberattacks (including ransomware attacks) and other cybersecurity events, including damage to the Company's reputation in the event of a serious IT breach or failure;

•the impact of pandemics, climate change, severe weather conditions or the occurrence of another catastrophic event;

•unanticipated adverse changes in securities markets that could result in material losses to the Company’s investments;

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

•the Company’s reliance upon the North Carolina, Texas, South Carolina and Georgia markets for a significant portion of its premiums;

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

•the impact of governmental oversight of compliance of the Company’s service providers, including the application of financial regulation designed to protect consumers;

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

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

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

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

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

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

•difficulty managing growth, whether organic or through acquisitions;

•unfavorable economic or other conditions could cause the Company to record impairment charges for all or a portion of its goodwill and other intangible assets;

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

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

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

These and other risks and uncertainties may be described from time to time in the Company's other reports and filings with the SEC. For more details on factors that could affect expectations, see the 2023 Form 10-K, including under the heading "Risk Factors." 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

Item not required for smaller reporting companies.

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 Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in such reports is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

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

Pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2024 to provide reasonable assurance that the objectives of disclosure controls and procedures are met.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the quarter ended March 31, 2024, 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 Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated by reference into this Part II, Item 1.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in the risk factors previously disclosed under Item 1A of the Company’s 2023 Form 10-K.

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

The following table provides information about purchases by the Company (and all affiliated purchasers), during the quarter ended March 31, 2024, of equity securities that are registered by the Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act:


	Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities (unrounded)
Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan	Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan (1)
Beginning of period					420,216
January 1 through January 31, 2024	—	$	—	—	420,216
February 1 through February 29, 2024	—	—		—	420,216
March 1 through March 31, 2024	6,763	155.63		6,763	413,453
Total	6,763	$	155.63	6,763	413,453

(1) 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. During the quarter ended March 31, 2024, the Company purchased a total of 6,763 shares of the Company's common stock under the repurchase plan. As of March 31, 2024, there was authority remaining under the plan to purchase up to an aggregate of 413,453 shares of the Company’s common stock. Unless terminated earlier by resolution of the Board of Directors, the plan will expire when all shares authorized for purchase under the plan (as such number may be amended by the Board from time to time) have been purchased. The Company anticipates making further purchases under this plan from time to time in the future, depending on such factors as the prevailing market price of the Company’s common stock, the Company’s available cash and the existing alternative uses for such cash.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

During the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, none of the Company's directors or executive officers adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or a “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K.

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

101.INS			Inline XBRL Instance Document*

101.SCH			Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL			Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB			Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE			Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF			Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

104			Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

* - The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File as its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document

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: May 8, 2024

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