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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)    

ý

 

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010

OR

o

 

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

Commission File Number: 1-31987

Hilltop Holdings Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

MARYLAND
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  84-1477939
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)


200 Crescent Court, Suite 1330
Dallas, Texas

(Address of principal executive offices)


 


75201
(Zip Code)

(214) 855-2177
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

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

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

Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer ý   Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a
smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company o

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

        The number of shares of the Registrant's common stock outstanding at May 3, 2010 was 56,491,573.


Table of Contents


HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2010

Item
  Description   Page  
 

  PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION        
 

1.

 

Financial Statements

       
 

     

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2010 (unaudited) and December 31, 2009

    3  
 

     

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (unaudited)

    5  
 

     

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the Three Months ended March 31, 2010 (unaudited)

    6  
 

     

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (unaudited)

    7  
 

     

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

   
8
 
 

2.

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   
23
 
 

3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   
31
 
 

4.

 

Controls and Procedures

   
32
 
 

 

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

       
 

5.

 

Exhibits

   
33
 

2


Table of Contents


HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AS OF MARCH 31, 2010 AND DECEMBER 31, 2009

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 
  March 31,
2010
  December 31,
2009
 

Assets

             

Investments

             
 

Fixed maturities

             
   

Available for sale securities, at fair value (amortized cost of $116,204 and $107,738, respectively)

  $ 122,466   $ 113,157  
   

Held-to-maturity securities, at amortized cost (fair value of $17,301 and $17,244, respectively)

    16,559     16,539  
 

Equity securities

             
   

Available for sale securities, at fair value (cost of $233 and $234, respectively)

    301     272  
           
     

Total investments

    139,326     129,968  

Cash and cash equivalents

   
778,244
   
790,013
 

Accrued interest and dividends

    1,471     1,494  

Premiums receivable

    21,735     20,955  

Deferred acquisition costs

    16,073     15,745  

Reinsurance recoverable, net of uncollectible amounts

    22,933     21,769  

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

    4,535     4,728  

Income taxes receivable

    1,158     2,187  

Deferred income taxes

    9,606     11,531  

Goodwill

    23,988     23,988  

Intangible assets, definite life

    8,823     9,241  

Intangible assets, indefinite life

    3,000     3,000  

Property and equipment, net

    1,891     1,845  

Loan origination costs, net

    3,019     3,068  

Other assets

    1,963     1,220  
           
     

Total Assets

  $ 1,037,765   $ 1,040,752  
           

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

3


Table of Contents


HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AS OF MARCH 31, 2010 AND DECEMBER 31, 2009 (Continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 
  March 31,
2010
  December 31,
2009
 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

             

Liabilities

             
 

Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses

  $ 36,309   $ 33,780  
 

Unearned premiums

    69,428     68,145  
 

Reinsurance payable

    2,044     1,100  
 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    4,914     8,381  
 

Notes payable

    138,350     138,350  
 

Dividends payable

    1,719     1,719  
 

Other liabilities

    2,698     5,500  
           
   

Total liabilities

    255,462     256,975  
           

Stockholders' Equity

             
 

Preferred stock, no par value, 5,750,000 shares authorized, 5,000,000 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009; liquidation preference of $25 per share plus accrued but unpaid dividends

    119,108     119,108  
 

Common stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 56,488,488 and 56,485,405 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively

    565     565  
 

Additional paid-in capital

    917,942     917,896  
 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

    4,114     3,547  
 

Accumulated deficit

    (259,426 )   (257,339 )
           
   

Total stockholders' equity

    782,303     783,777  
           
   

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

  $ 1,037,765   $ 1,040,752  
           

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

4


Table of Contents


HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2010 AND 2009

(in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2010   2009  

Revenue:

             
 

Net premiums earned

  $ 28,131   $ 28,386  
 

Net investment income

    1,635     1,761  
 

Other income

    1,780     1,464  
 

Net realized gains on investments

             
   

Other realized investment gains, net

    109     93  
           
       

Total realized investment gains, net

    109     93  
           
     

Total revenue

    31,655     31,704  
           

Expenses:

             
 

Loss and loss adjustment expenses

    15,300     13,776  
 

Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses

    11,124     11,305  
 

General and administrative expenses

    1,830     1,569  
 

Depreciation and amortization

    463     508  
 

Interest expense

    2,182     2,480  
           
   

Total expenses

    30,899     29,638  
           
   

Income before income tax expense

    756     2,066  

Income tax expense

    (265 )   (710 )
           
   

Net income

    491     1,356  

Preferred stock dividend

    (2,578 )   (2,578 )
           
   

Net loss attributable to common stockholders

  $ (2,087 ) $ (1,222 )
           

Loss per share attributable to common stockholders

             
 

Basic loss per share

  $ (0.04 ) $ (0.02 )
           
 

Diluted loss per share

  $ (0.04 ) $ (0.02 )
           

Weighted average share information

             
   

Basic shares outstanding

    56,488     56,459  
           
   

Diluted shares outstanding

    56,488     56,459  
           

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

5


Table of Contents


HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2010

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 
  Preferred Stock   Common Stock    
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
   
   
 
 
  Additional
Paid-in
Capital
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Total
Stockholders'
Equity
 
 
  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount  

Balance, January 1, 2010

    5,000   $ 119,108     56,485   $ 565   $ 917,896   $ 3,547   $ (257,339 ) $ 783,777  
                                   
 

Net income

                                        491     491  
 

Preferred stock dividends declared

                                        (2,578 )   (2,578 )
 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

                                  567           567  
                                                 
   

Total comprehensive loss

                                              (1,520 )
 

Common stock issued to board members

                3           35                 35  
 

Stock compensation expense

                            11                 11  
                                   

Balance, March 31, 2010

    5,000   $ 119,108     56,488   $ 565   $ 917,942   $ 4,114   $ (259,426 ) $ 782,303  
                                   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

6


Table of Contents


HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2010 AND 2009

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 
  For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
 
  2010   2009  

Cash flow from operating activities:

             

Net income

  $ 491   $ 1,356  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:

             
 

Depreciation and amortization

    463     508  
 

Deferred income taxes

    1,620     681  
 

Increase in unearned premiums

    1,283     169  
 

Increase in deferred acquisition costs

    (328 )   (46 )
 

Realized gains on investments

    (109 )   (93 )
 

Amortization of loan origination costs

    49     49  
 

Stock grant compensation expense

    46     60  
 

(Decrease) increase in payable to related party

    (3,870 )   50  
 

Decrease in income taxes receivable

    1,029     10,399  
 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

    (1,377 )   (2,472 )
           

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

  $ (703 ) $ 10,661  
           

Cash flow from investing activities:

             
 

Purchases of fixed assets

    (91 )   (285 )
 

Restricted cash

        18,500  
 

Purchases of available-for-sale securities

    (12,669 )   (60 )
 

Purchases of held-to-maturity securities

    (1,606 )   (205 )
 

Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities

    1,724     7,367  
 

Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale securities

    2,554     2,853  
 

Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity securities

    1,600     67  
           

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

  $ (8,488 ) $ 28,237  
           

Cash flow from financing activities:

             
 

Payment of preferred dividends

    (2,578 )   (2,578 )
           

Net cash used in financing activities

  $ (2,578 ) $ (2,578 )
           

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

    (11,769 )   36,320  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    790,013     749,376  
           

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $ 778,244   $ 785,696  
           

Supplemental cash flow information:

             
 

Cash paid for interest

  $ 3,892   $ 4,096  
           
 

Cash paid for income taxes

  $   $  
           
 

Dividends declared but unpaid

  $ 1,719   $ 1,719  
           

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

7


Table of Contents


HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2010

(unaudited)

1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Business

        Hilltop Holdings Inc. is a holding company that is endeavoring to make opportunistic acquisitions. In connection with that strategy, we are identifying and evaluating potential targets on an ongoing basis. We also conduct operations in the property and casualty insurance industry through our insurance subsidiaries, National Lloyds Insurance Company and American Summit Insurance Company. National Lloyds Insurance Company commenced business in 1949 and currently operates in 15 states, with its largest market being the State of Texas. National Lloyds Insurance Company carries a financial strength rating of "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best. American Summit Insurance Company was formed in 1955 and currently operates in 12 states, its largest market being the State of Arizona. American Summit Insurance Company carries a financial strength rating of "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best as of April 2010. Both of these insurance companies are regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance.

        Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "HTH". Our Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "HTHPRA". We have no public trading history prior to February 12, 2004.

Basis of Presentation

        The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP"), and in conformity with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, however, have been condensed or omitted pursuant to Article 10 of Regulation S-X. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.

        In the opinion of management, these financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments necessary for the fair statement of the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows. These adjustments were of a normal, recurring nature. The results of operations for the interim period ended March 31, 2010 are not indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2010. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

        We are required by GAAP to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements and our reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. These estimates and assumptions are particularly important in determining revenue recognition, reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses, deferred policy acquisition costs, reinsurance receivables and potential impairment of assets.

8


Table of Contents


HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

MARCH 31, 2010

(unaudited)

1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

        In June 2009, FASB issued new guidance on the accounting for the transfers of financial assets. The new guidance, which was issued as ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing, requires additional disclosures for transfers of financial assets, including securitization transactions, and any continuing exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets. There is no longer a concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity, and the requirements for derecognizing financial assets have changed. The Company has had no transfer of financial assets; therefore, there is no impact of adopting ASC 860 as of January 1, 2010 on its financial statements.

        In June 2009, FASB issued revised guidance on the accounting for variable interest entities. The revised guidance, which was issued as ASC 810, Consolidation, reflects the elimination of the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity and replaces the quantitative-based risks and rewards calculation of the previous guidance for determining which company, if any, has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity. The revised guidance requires an analysis of whether a company has: (1) the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb the losses that could potentially be significant to the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity. An entity is required to be re-evaluated as a variable interest entity when the holders of the equity investment at risk, as a group, lose the power from voting rights or similar rights to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance. Additional disclosures are required about a company's involvement in variable interest entities and an ongoing assessment of whether a company is the primary beneficiary. The Company currently has no interest in a variable interest entity; therefore, there is no impact of adopting ASC 810 as of January 1, 2010 on its financial statements.

        In January 2010, FASB issued new guidance on additional disclosures to fair market values. The new guidance which was issued as ASU 2010-06 and amends ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. ASU 2010-06 requires more robust disclosures and the different classes of assets and liabilities measured at fair value, the valuation technique and inputs used, the activity in Level 3 fair value measurements and the transfers between Levels 1, 2 and 3. The effective date of this ASU is the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the gross presentation of the Level 3 roll forward information, which is required for the annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010 and for interim reporting periods within those years. The Company made the required disclosures as required by this ASU within this form 10Q; and, there is no impact of adoption of this ASU as of January 1, 2010 on its financial statements.

9


Table of Contents


HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

MARCH 31, 2010

(unaudited)

2. Investments

        The amortized cost (original cost for equity securities), gross unrealized holding gains and losses, and fair value of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities by major security type and class of security at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were as follows (in thousands).

 
  March 31, 2010  
 
  Cost
and
Amortized
Cost
  Gross
Unrealized
Holding
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Holding
Losses
  Fair
Value
 

Available-for-sale securities:

                         
 

Fixed maturities:

                         
   

Government securities

  $ 19,962   $ 1,485   $   $ 21,447  
   

Mortgage-backed securities

    12,671     834     (104 )   13,401  
   

Corporate debt securities

    83,571     4,179     (132 )   87,618  
                   

    116,204     6,498     (236 )   122,466  
 

Equity securities

   
233
   
68
   
   
301
 
                   

    116,437     6,566     (236 )   122,767  

Held-to-maturity securities:

                         
 

Fixed maturities:

                         
   

Government securities

    16,559     751     (9 )   17,301  
                   

  $ 132,996   $ 7,317   $ (245 ) $ 140,068  
                   

 

 
  December 31, 2009  
 
  Cost
and
Amortized
Cost
  Gross
Unrealized
Holding
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Holding
Losses
  Fair
Value
 

Available-for-sale securities:

                         
 

Fixed maturities:

                         
   

Government securities

  $ 23,217   $ 1,493   $ (191 ) $ 24,519  
   

Mortgage-backed securities

    10,533     683         11,216  
   

Corporate debt securities

    73,988     3,645     (211 )   77,422  
                   

    107,738     5,821     (402 )   113,157  
 

Equity securities

   
234
   
40
   
(2

)
 
272
 
                   

    107,972     5,861     (404 )   113,429  

Held-to-maturity securities:

                         
 

Fixed maturities:

                         
   

Government securities

    16,539     706     (1 )   17,244  
                   

  $ 124,511   $ 6,567   $ (405 ) $ 130,673  
                   

10


Table of Contents


HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

MARCH 31, 2010

(unaudited)

2. Investments (Continued)

        The following tables summarize the length of time securities with unrealized losses at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 have been in an unrealized loss position (in thousands).

 
  March 31, 2010  
 
  Less than 12 Months   12 Months or More   Total  
 
  Estimated
Fair
Value
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Estimated
Fair
Value
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Estimated
Fair
Value
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 

Available-for-sale securities:

                                     
 

Fixed maturities:

                                     
   

Government securities

  $ 175   $ (32 ) $ 430   $ (72 ) $ 605   $ (104 )
   

Corporate debt securities

    15,774     (94 )   1,818     (38 )   17,592     (132 )
                           

    15,949     (126 )   2,248     (110 )   18,197     (236 )
 

Equity securities

   
   
   
   
   
   
 
                           

    15,949     (126 ) $ 2,248   $ (110 ) $ 18,197   $ (236 )
                           

Held-to-maturity securities:

                                     
 

Fixed maturities:

                                     
   

Government securities

    1,598     (9 )           1,598     (9 )
                           

  $ 17,547   $ (135 ) $ 2,248   $ (110 ) $ 19,795   $ (245 )
                           

 

 
  December 31, 2009  
 
  Less than 12 Months   12 Months or More   Total  
 
  Estimated
Fair
Value
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Estimated
Fair
Value
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Estimated
Fair
Value
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 

Available-for-sale securities:

                                     
 

Fixed maturities:

                                     
   

Government securities

  $ 373   $ (52 ) $ 362   $ (139 ) $ 735   $ (191 )
   

Corporate debt securities

    9,868     (138 )   2,741     (73 )   12,609     (211 )
                           

    10,241     (190 )   3,103     (212 )   13,344     (402 )
 

Equity securities

   
   
   
151
   
(2

)
 
151
   
(2

)
                           

  $ 10,241   $ (190 ) $ 3,254   $ (214 ) $ 13,495   $ (404 )
                           
 

Fixed maturities:

                                     
   

Government securities

                (1 )       (1 )
                           

  $ 10,241   $ (190 ) $ 3,254   $ (215 ) $ 13,495   $ (405 )
                           

        For the quarter ended March 31, 2010, the Company did not record any other-than-temporary impairments. While all of these investments are monitored for potential other-than-temporary impairment, our experience indicated that they generally do not present a great risk of

11


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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

MARCH 31, 2010

(unaudited)

2. Investments (Continued)

other-than-temporary impairment, as fair value recovers over time. Management believes that the analysis of each of these investments support the view that these investments were not other-than-temporarily impaired. Evidence considered in this analysis includes the reasons for the unrealized loss position, the severity and duration of the unrealized loss position, credit worthiness, and forecasted performance of the investee. While some of the securities held in the investment portfolio have decreased in value since the date of acquisition, the severity of loss and the duration of the loss position are not significant enough to warrant other-than-temporary impairment of the securities. The Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is not likely that the Company will be required to sell these securities before the recovery of the cost basis; and, therefore, does not believe any other-than-temporary impairments exist as of March 31, 2010.

        Gross realized investment gains and losses for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 are summarized as follows (in thousands).

 
  Three Months Ended March 31,  
 
  2010   2009  
 
  Gross
Gains
  Gross
Losses
  Total   Gross
Gains
  Gross
Losses
  Total  

Fixed maturities

  $ 144   $ (35 ) $ 109   $ 168   $ (75 ) $ 93  
                           

  $ 144   $ (35 ) $ 109   $ 168   $ (75 ) $ 93  
                           

        Sales of available-for-sale investment securities resulted in the following during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):

 
  Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
 
  2010   2009  

Proceeds

  $ 1,724   $ 7,367  
           

Gross gains

  $ 144   $ 168  
           

Gross losses

  $ (35 ) $ (75 )
           

12


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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

MARCH 31, 2010

(unaudited)

2. Investments (Continued)

        Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties. The schedule of fixed maturities of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, by contractual maturity are as follows (in thousands).

 
  March 31, 2010  
 
  Amortized
Cost
  Fair
Value
 

Available-for-sale fixed maturities:

             
 

Due within one year

  $ 6,203   $ 6,377  
 

Due after one year through five years

    49,344     52,104  
 

Due after six years through ten years

    43,002     45,215  
 

Due after ten years

    7,598     7,990  
 

Mortgage-backed securities

    10,057     10,780  
           

  $ 116,204   $ 122,466  
           

Held-to-maturity debt securities:

             
 

Due within one year

  $ 1,758   $ 1,785  
 

Due after one year through five years

    9,499     9,975  
 

Due after six years through ten years

    5,302     5,541  
           

  $ 16,559   $ 17,301  
           

 

 
  December 31, 2009  
 
  Amortized
Cost
  Fair
Value
 

Available-for-sale fixed maturities:

             
 

Due within one year

  $ 3,416   $ 3,455  
 

Due after one year through five years

    46,945     49,623  
 

Due after six years through ten years

    38,736     40,546  
 

Due after ten years

    8,113     8,322  
 

Mortgage-backed securities

    10,528     11,211  
           

  $ 107,738   $ 113,157  
           

Held-to-maturity debt securities:

             
 

Due within one year

  $ 3,364   $ 3,408  
 

Due after one year through five years

    7,873     8,317  
 

Due after six years through ten years

    5,302     5,519  
           

  $ 16,539   $ 17,244  
           

13


Table of Contents


HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

MARCH 31, 2010

(unaudited)

2. Investments (Continued)

        Net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 is as follows (in thousands).

 
  Three Months
Ended March 31,
   
 
 
  2010   2009   Change  

Cash equivalents

  $ 209   $ 210   $ (1 )

Fixed maturities

    1,541     1,564     (23 )

Equity securities

    3     69     (66 )
               

    1,753     1,843     (90 )

Investment expense

   
(118

)
 
(82

)
 
(36

)
               

Net investment income

  $ 1,635   $ 1,761   $ (126 )
               

        At March 31, 2010, the Company had on deposit in custody for various State Insurance Departments investments with carrying values totaling $16.6 million.

3. Fair Value Measurements

        The Company's estimates of fair value for financial assets and financial liabilities are based on the framework established in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The framework is based on the inputs used in valuation and gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and requires that observable inputs be used in the valuations when available. The disclosure of fair value estimates is based on whether the significant inputs into the valuation are observable. In determining the level of the hierarchy in which the estimate is disclosed, the highest priority is given to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs that reflect the Company's significant market assumptions. The three levels of the hierarchy are as follows:

    Level 1—Unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access.

    Level 2—Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets; or valuations based on models where the significant inputs are observable (e.g., interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severities, etc.) or can be corroborated by observable market data.

    Level 3—Valuations based on models where significant inputs are not observable. The unobservable inputs reflect the Company's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use.

        If the market were to worsen, there can be no assurance that we will not experience additional losses on our investments and reductions to earnings.

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

MARCH 31, 2010

(unaudited)

3. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

        The following table presents the hierarchy used by the Company by asset and liability type to determine their fair value at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 (in thousands).

 
  As of March 31, 2010  
 
  Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  

Financial assets:

                         
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 778,244   $ 778,244   $   $  
 

Fixed maturities

                         
   

Government securities

    21,447           21,447        
   

Mortgage-backed securities

    13,401           13,299     102  
   

Corporate debt securities

    87,618           87,618        
 

Equity securities

                         
   

Common stock

    148     148              
   

Non-redeemable preferred stock

    153     153              
                   
     

Total

  $ 901,011   $ 778,545   $ 122,364   $ 102  
                   

 

 
  As of December 31, 2009  
 
  Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  

Financial assets:

                         
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 790,013   $ 790,013   $   $  
 

Fixed maturities

                         
   

Government securities

    24,404           24,404        
   

Mortgage-backed securities

    11,332           11,217     115  
   

Corporate debt securities

    77,421           77,421        
 

Equity securities

                         
   

Common stock

    121     121              
   

Non-redeemable preferred stock

    151     151              
                   
     

Total

  $ 903,442   $ 790,285   $ 113,042   $ 115  
                   

Level 1 financial assets

        The Company's Level 1 investments include cash and cash equivalent balances and actively-traded equity securities. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Fair value of actively traded debt and equity securities are based on unadjusted quoted market prices. The Company receives the quoted market prices from a third party, nationally recognized pricing service.

Level 2 financial assets

        When quoted market prices are unavailable, the Company utilizes a pricing service to determine an estimate of fair value, which is mainly used for its fixed maturity investments, which include private and corporate debt securities, federal agency and municipal bonds, and non-government mortgage and

15


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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

MARCH 31, 2010

(unaudited)

3. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)


asset-backed securities. The observable inputs utilized by the pricing service include interest rates, using either a market or income valuation approach to determine fair market value. The extent of the use of each market input depends on the asset class and the market conditions; and, for some securities, additional inputs may be necessary.

Level 3 financial assets

        The Company's Level 3 fixed maturity securities include collateralized mortgage obligations. Fair values are based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement, and involve management judgment. Inputs used to determine fair market value include market conditions, spread, volatility, structure and cash flows. The extent of the use of each market input depends on the asset class and the market conditions; and, for some securities, additional inputs may be necessary.

        The following table includes a rollforward of the amounts at March 31, 2010 for financial instruments classified within Level 3. The classification of a financial instrument within Level 3 is based upon the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement.

 
  Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
 
  2010   2009  

Balance at January 1,

  $ 115   $ 315  
 

Net transfers in

        2,506  
 

Purchases

         
 

Sales

         
 

Realized losses

         
 

Change in unrealized losses

    (13 )   (585 )
           

Balance at March 31,

  $ 102   $ 2,236  
           

        All net unrealized losses in the table above are reflected in the accompanying financial statements. Net unrealized losses relate to those financial instruments held by the Company at March 31, 2010. The Company held three securities in level 2 as of March 31, 2010, which were categorized as level 3 as of March 31, 2009. The change in classification was due to the availability of quoted market prices for identical and similar securities. The Company had no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 for the quarter ended March 31, 2010.

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Table of Contents


HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

MARCH 31, 2010

(unaudited)

3. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

        The following table presents the carrying value and fair value of assets and liabilities where they differ in value at March 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 
  March 31, 2010  
 
  Carrying
Value
  Fair
Value
 

Financial assets

             
 

Held to maturity fixed maturities

  $ 16,559   $ 17,301  

Financial liabilities

             
 

Notes payable

  $ 138,350   $ 139,634  

 

 
  December 31, 2009  
 
  Carrying
Value
  Fair
Value
 

Financial assets

             
 

Held to maturity fixed maturities

  $ 16,539   $ 17,244  

Financial liabilities

             
 

Notes payable

  $ 138,350   $ 138,208  

4. Reserve for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

        A roll-forward of the reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 is as follows (in thousands).

 
  Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
 
  2010   2009  

Balance at January 1

  $ 33,780   $ 34,023  
 

Less reinsurance recoverables

    (21,102 )   (14,613 )
           
   

Net balance at January 1

    12,678     19,410  
   

Incurred related to:

             
     

Current Year

    14,548     14,862  
     

Prior Year

    752     (1,086 )
           
   

Total incurred

    15,300     13,776  
   

Payments related to:

             
     

Current Year

    (9,399 )   (5,999 )
     

Prior Year

    (4,702 )   (7,906 )
           
   

Total payments

    (14,101 )   (13,905 )
   

Net balance at March 31

   
13,877
   
19,281
 
 

Plus reinsurance recoverables

    22,432     13,797  
           

Balance at March 31

  $ 36,309   $ 33,078  
           

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Table of Contents


HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

MARCH 31, 2010

(unaudited)

4. Reserve for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Continued)

        The reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses includes amounts that may be due to the sellers of NLASCO by January 2011 based on actual losses incurred applicable to the reserve as of the acquisition date. Prior year losses and payments include amounts back to the purchase of NLASCO on January 31, 2007 only, as all other prior losses and payments are the responsibility of the sellers. Incurred amounts related to prior years indicate that we were slightly deficient in incurred but not reported as of December 31, 2009, resulting in an expense in the quarter ending March 31, 2010. The deficiency is a result of development on 2009 accident year losses on homeowners, fire and allied claims.

5. Reinsurance Activity

        NLASCO limits the maximum net loss that can arise from large risks or risks in concentrated areas of exposure by reinsuring (ceding) certain levels of risk. Substantial amounts of business are ceded; however, these reinsurance contracts do not relieve NLASCO from its obligations to policyholders. Such reinsurance includes quota share, excess of loss, catastrophe, and other forms of reinsurance on essentially all property and casualty lines of insurance. Net premiums earned, losses and loss adjustment expenses and policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses are reported net of the amounts related to reinsurance ceded to other companies. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers related to the portions of the liability for losses and LAE and unearned premiums ceded to them are reported as assets. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to NLASCO; consequently, allowances are established for amounts deemed uncollectible. NLASCO evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentrations of credit risk arising from similar geographic regions, activities, or economic characteristics of the reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. At March 31, 2010, we had reinsurance recoverables with no allowance of approximately $22.9 million.

        The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 is as follows (in thousands):

 
  Three Months Ended  
 
  March 31, 2010   March 31, 2009  
 
  Written   Earned   Written   Earned  

Premiums from direct business

  $ 32,412   $ 32,355   $ 31,471   $ 32,410  

Reinsurance assumed

    1,233     1,214     1,187     1,285  

Reinsurance ceded

    (4,037 )   (5,438 )   (3,969 )   (5,309 )
                   
 

Net premiums

  $ 29,608   $ 28,131   $ 28,689   $ 28,386  
                   

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Table of Contents


HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

MARCH 31, 2010

(unaudited)

5. Reinsurance Activity (Continued)

        The effect of reinsurance incurred losses was as follows (in thousands):

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2010   2009  

Loss and loss adjustment expense (LAE) incurred

  $ 17,836   $ 16,807  

Reinsurance recoverables

    (2,536 )   (3,031 )
           
 

Net loss and LAE incurred

  $ 15,300   $ 13,776  
           

Multi-line excess of loss coverage

        For all lines of business, retention on any one risk for 2010 is $200,000.

Catastrophic coverage

        NLASCO has five levels of catastrophic excess of loss reinsurance providing for coverage up to $170 million through June 30, 2010 above $1.0 million in retention for ASIC and $6.0 million for NLIC. Total retention for any one catastrophe that affects both NLIC and ASIC is limited to $6 million in the aggregate. NLASCO has an automatic reinstatement provision after the first loss for each layer to provide coverage in the event of subsequent catastrophes during the year. Coverage will lapse after the second or third event depending on the coverage layer, in which case NLASCO will evaluate the need for a new contract for the remainder of the year. During 2010, the five layers can be reinstated once for 100% of the original premium.

6. Income Taxes

        The significant components of the provision for income taxes are as follows (in thousands):

 
  Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2010   2009  

Current tax expense

  $ (16 ) $ (30 )

Deferred tax expense

    (249 )   (680 )
           

Income tax expense

  $ (265 ) $ (710 )
           

        The decrease in income tax expense is a direct result of the decreased income from operations as the effective tax rate remained substantially unchanged.

7. Statutory Net Income and Capital and Surplus

        The Company's insurance subsidiaries, which are domiciled in the State of Texas, prepare their statutory financial statements in accordance with accounting principles and practices prescribed or permitted by the Texas Department of Insurance, which Texas recognizes for determining solvency

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Table of Contents


HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

MARCH 31, 2010

(unaudited)

7. Statutory Net Income and Capital and Surplus (Continued)


under Texas State Insurance Law. The Commissioner of the Texas Department of Insurance has the right to permit other practices that may deviate from prescribed practices. Prescribed statutory accounting practices are those practices that are incorporated directly or by reference in state laws, regulations, and general administrative rules applicable to all insurance enterprises domiciled in Texas. Permitted statutory accounting practices encompass all accounting practices that are not prescribed; such practices differ from state to state, may differ from company to company within a state, and may change in the future. The Company's insurance subsidiaries have no such permitted statutory accounting practices.

        The Company's insurance subsidiaries' statutory financial statements are presented on the basis of accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Texas Department of Insurance. Texas had adopted the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' (NAIC) statutory accounting practices as the basis of its statutory accounting practices with certain differences, which are not significant to the companies' statutory equity.

        Following is a summary of statutory capital and surplus and statutory net income of each insurance subsidiary for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands).

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2010   2009  

National Lloyds Insurance Company

             
 

Capital and surplus

  $ 89,389   $ 87,265  
 

Statutory net income

  $ 2,909   $ 2,720  

American Summit Insurance Company

             
 

Capital and surplus

  $ 23,958   $ 25,086  
 

Statutory net income

  $ (341 ) $ 900  

8. Capital and Dividend Restrictions

        The funding of the cash requirements (including debt service) of NLASCO is primarily provided by cash dividends from NLASCO's wholly-owned insurance subsidiaries. Dividends paid by the insurance subsidiaries are restricted by regulatory requirements of the Texas Department of Insurance. Under Texas State Insurance Law for property and casualty companies, all dividends must be distributed out of earned surplus only. Furthermore, without the prior approval of the Commissioner, dividends cannot be declared or distributed which exceed the greater of ten percent of NLASCO's surplus, as shown by its last statement on file with the Commissioner, or 100% of net income for such period. The subsidiaries paid $6.0 million in dividends to NLASCO in March 2010. At March 31, 2010, the maximum additional dividends that may be paid to NLASCO in 2010 without regulatory approval is approximately $6.3 million.

        Regulations of the Texas Department of Insurance require insurance companies to maintain minimum levels of statutory surplus to ensure their ability to meet their obligations to policyholders. At March 31, 2010, the Company's insurance subsidiaries had statutory surplus in excess of the minimum required.

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Table of Contents


HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

MARCH 31, 2010

(unaudited)

8. Capital and Dividend Restrictions (Continued)

        Also, the NAIC has adopted the risk based calculation ("RBC") formula for insurance companies that establishes minimum capital requirements relating to insurance risk, asset credit risk (RBC ratio), interest rate risk and business risk. The formula is used by the NAIC and certain state insurance regulators as an early warning tool to identify companies that require additional scrutiny or regulatory action. At March 31, 2010, the Company's insurance subsidiaries' RBC ratio exceeded the level at which regulatory action would be required.

9. Equity and Loss per share

        The following reflects the calculation of loss per share on a basic and diluted basis (in thousands, except per share information).

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2010   2009  

Loss per share from operations

             
 

Income from operations

  $ 491   $ 1,356  
 

Preferred stock dividends

    (2,578 )   (2,578 )
           
 

Loss attributable to common stockholders

  $ (2,087 ) $ (1,222 )
           
 

Basic loss per share from operations

 
$

(0.04

)

$

(0.02

)
           
 

Diluted loss per share from operations

  $ (0.04 ) $ (0.02 )
           

Loss per share available to common stockholders:

             
 

Loss available to common stockholders

  $ (2,087 ) $ (1,222 )
           
 

Basic loss per share available to common stockholders

 
$

(0.04

)

$

(0.02

)
           
 

Diluted loss per share available to common stockholders

  $ (0.04 ) $ (0.02 )
           

Weighted average share information:

             
 

Basic shares outstanding

    56,488     56,459  
           
 

Diluted shares outstanding

    56,488     56,459  
           
 

Weighted average equivalent shares excluded from diluted loss per share because they would be anti-dilutive:

             
   

Stock warrants

    1     1  
   

Senior exchangeable Notes

    6,718     6,718  
   

Stock options

    100     541  
           
     

Total

    6,819     7,260  
           

        On March 17, 2010, the board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.515625 per share on the Company's Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. The dividend was paid on

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Table of Contents


HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

MARCH 31, 2010

(unaudited)

9. Equity and Loss per share (Continued)


April 30, 2010 to shareholders of record on April 15, 2010. The Board reviews the payment of dividends on a quarterly basis.

10. Commitments and Contingencies

        Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment and/or remediation can be reasonably estimated.

        We are a party to various legal actions resulting from our operating activities. These actions consist of litigation and administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, some of which are covered by liability insurance, and none of which is expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows taken as a whole.

11. Subsequent Events

        Consistent with GAAP for subsequent events, Hilltop Holdings Inc. has evaluated subsequent events through the date of filing its report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 with the SEC, and has no material subsequent events to report.

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Table of Contents

ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated historical financial statements and notes appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the financial information set forth in the tables below.

        Unless the context otherwise indicates, all references in this Management's Discussion and Analysis and Financial Condition and Results for Operations, or MD&A, to the "Company", "Hilltop", "HTH", "we","us", "our" or "ours" or similar words are to Hilltop Holdings Inc. (formerly known as Affordable Residential Communities Inc.) and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes "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, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this report that address results or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, that are preceded by, followed by or include the words "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "would," "could," "should," "seeks," "approximately," "intends," "plans," "projects," "estimates" or "anticipates" or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases, including such things as our business strategy, our financial condition, our litigation, our efforts to make strategic acquisitions, our liquidity and sources of funding, our capital expenditures, our products, market trends, operations and business, are forward-looking statements.

        These forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future performance taking into account all information currently available to us. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations are subject to risks and uncertainties and can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to us. If an event occurs or further changes, our business, business plan, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations may vary materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. Certain factors that could cause actual results to differ include, among others:

    changes in the acquisition market;

    our ability to find and complete strategic acquisitions with suitable merger or acquisition candidates or find other suitable ways in which to invest our capital;

    the adverse impact of external factors, such as changes in interest rates, inflation and consumer confidence;

    the condition of capital markets;

    actual outcome of the resolution of any conflict;

    our ability to use net operating loss carryforwards to reduce future tax payments;

    the impact of the tax code and rules on our financial statements;

    failure of NLASCO, Inc.'s insurance subsidiaries to maintain their respective A.M. Best ratings;

    failure to maintain NLASCO, Inc.'s current agents;

    lack of demand for insurance products;

    cost or availability of adequate reinsurance;

    changes in key management;

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Table of Contents

    severe catastrophic events in our geographic area;

    failure of NLASCO, Inc.'s reinsurers to pay obligations under reinsurance contracts;

    failure of NLASCO, Inc. to maintain sufficient reserves for losses on insurance policies;

    failure to successfully implement NLASCO, Inc.'s new information technology system; and

    failure of NLASCO, Inc. to maintain appropriate insurance licenses.

        For a further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in our forward-looking statements, please refer to "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 11, 2010. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this report are qualified by these cautionary statements and those risk factors, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by us will be realized, or even substantially realized, and that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, us and our business or operations. Forward-looking statements made in this report speak as of the date of this report or as of the date specifically referenced in any such statement set forth in this report. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this report.

GENERAL STRUCTURE OF THE COMPANY

        We are a holding company that is endeavoring to make opportunistic acquisitions or a business combination. In connection with that strategy, we are identifying and evaluating potential targets on an ongoing basis. At March 31, 2010, Hilltop and its operating partnership, Affordable Residential Communities LP, had approximately $733 million of available cash and cash equivalents that could be used for this purpose. No assurances, however, can be given that we will be able to identify suitable targets, consummate acquisitions or a combination or, if consummated, successfully integrate or operate the acquired business.

        Hilltop indirectly owns all of the outstanding shares of NLASCO, Inc., or NLASCO. NLASCO, in turn, owns National Lloyds Insurance Company, or NLIC, and American Summit Insurance Company, or ASIC, both of which are licensed property and casualty insurers operating in multiple states. In addition, NLASCO also owns the NALICO General Agency that operates in Texas. NLIC commenced business in 1949 and currently operates in 15 states with its largest market being the State of Texas. NLIC carries a financial strength rating of "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best. ASIC was formed in 1955 and currently operates in 12 states, its largest market being the State of Arizona. ASIC carries a financial strength rating of "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best as of April 2010. Both of these companies are regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance.

        Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, under the symbol "HTH". Our Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "HTHPRA".

OVERVIEW OF RESULTS

        For the three months ended March 31, 2010, net loss attributable to common stockholders was $2.1 million, or $0.04 per share, as compared to a net loss of $1.2 million, or $0.02 per share, for the same period in 2009. Income from operations accounted for $0.5 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, before the preferred dividend of $2.6 million. Net income from operations decreased by $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, as compared to the same period in 2009, primarily due to the increase in loss and loss adjustment expense of $1.5 million. This was partially offset by higher other income of $0.3 million and lower interest expense of $0.3 million.

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BUSINESS OBJECTIVES AND OPERATING STRATEGIES

        Strategic Acquisitions.    Hilltop is seeking to make opportunistic acquisitions with its cash and, if necessary or appropriate, from additional equity or debt financing sources.

        Insurance Operations.    NLASCO specializes in providing fire and homeowners insurance for low value dwellings and manufactured homes, primarily in Texas and other areas of the south, southeastern and southwestern United States. NLASCO targets underserved markets that require underwriting expertise that many larger carriers have been unwilling to develop given the relatively small volume of premiums produced by local agents. Within these markets, NLASCO attempts to capitalize on its superior local knowledge to identify profitable underwriting opportunities. NLASCO believes that it distinguishes itself from competitors by delivering products that are not provided by many larger carriers, providing a high level of customer service and responding quickly to the needs of its agents and policyholders. NLASCO applies a high level of selectivity in the risks it underwrites and uses a risk-adjusted return approach to capital allocation, which NLASCO believes allows it to consistently generate underwriting profits.

        Many insurance buyers, agents and brokers use the ratings assigned by A.M. Best and other rating agencies to assist them in assessing the financial strength and overall quality of the companies from which they purchase insurance. A.M. Best assigned NLIC and ASIC a financial strength rating of "A" (Excellent). An "A" rating is the third highest of 16 rating categories used by A.M. Best. In evaluating a company's financial and operating performance, A.M. Best reviews a company's profitability, leverage and liquidity, as well as its book of business, the adequacy and soundness of its reinsurance, the quality and estimated market value of its assets, the adequacy of its liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses, or LAE, the adequacy of its surplus, its capital structure, the experience and competence of its management and its market presence. This rating is intended to provide an independent opinion of an insurer's ability to meet its obligations to policyholders and is not an evaluation directed at investors. This rating assignment is subject to the ability to meet A.M. Best's expectations as to performance and capitalization on an ongoing basis, including with respect to management of liabilities for losses and LAE, and is subject to revocation or revision at any time at the sole discretion of A.M. Best. NLASCO cannot ensure that NLIC and ASIC will maintain their present ratings.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009

        Revenue.    Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 was $31.7 million. Net premiums earned were $28.1 million for the first quarter in 2010, as compared to $28.4 million for the same period in 2009. Net investment income was $1.6 million for the first quarter of 2010, as compared to $1.8 million for the same period in 2009, primarily due to higher yields on cash balances in 2009. We had a net realized gain on investments of $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2010 and 2009. Other income was $1.8 million for the first quarter in 2010, as compared to $1.5 million for the first quarter in 2009, due to an increase in service fees from policies that include wind coverage in hurricane prone areas.

        Underwriting Results.    The following table shows the components of the Company's underwriting gain for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009. The Company's underwriting gain consists

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of net premiums earned, less loss and LAE and policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses. The underwriting results are discussed below (in thousands).

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
   
   
 
 
  2010   2009   Change   % Change  

Direct premiums written

  $ 32,412   $ 31,471   $ 941     3.0 %
                   

Net premiums written

  $ 29,608   $ 28,689   $ 919     3.2 %
                   

Net premiums earned

 
$

28,131
 
$

28,386
 
$

(255

)
 
-0.9

%

Loss and LAE

    15,300     13,776     1,524     11.1 %

Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses

    11,124     11,305     (181 )   -1.6 %
                   

Underwriting gain

  $ 1,707   $ 3,305   $ (1,598 )   -48.4 %
                   

Agency Expenses

 
$

(524

)

$

(520

)

$

(4

)
 
-0.8

%
                   

Loss and LAE ratio

    54.4 %   48.5 %   5.9 %      

Policy acquisition and other underwriting expense less agency expense ratio

    37.7 %   38.0 %   -0.3 %      

Combined ratio

    92.1 %   86.5 %   5.6 %      

        The Company seeks to operate at a combined ratio of no greater than 85.0%. The loss and LAE ratio is loss and LAE divided by net premiums earned for the same period. The policy acquisition and other underwriting expense ratio is policy acquisition and other underwriting expense less agency expenses, divided by net premiums earned for the same period. Combined ratio gives you the sum of both previous ratios.

        Premiums.    The property and casualty insurance industry is affected by soft and hard market business cycles. During a soft market, price competition tends to increase as insurers are willing to reduce premium rates in order to maintain growth in premium volume. The soft market makes it more difficult to attract new business, as well as retain exposures that are adequately priced. Although we recognize the need to remain competitive in the marketplace, the Company remains committed to its disciplined underwriting philosophy accepting only risks that are appropriately priced, while declining risks which are under priced for the level of coverage provided.

        Direct premiums written by major product line for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, are presented in the table below (in thousands):

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
   
   
 
 
  2010   2009   Change   % Change  

Direct Premiums Written:

                         

Homeowners

  $ 13,313   $ 12,709   $ 604     4.8 %

Fire

    11,412     11,651     (239 )   -2.1 %

Mobile Home

    6,065     5,576     489     8.8 %

Commercial

    1,580     1,465     115     7.8 %

Other

    42     70     (28 )   -40.0 %
                   

  $ 32,412   $ 31,471   $ 941     3.0 %
                   

        Total direct premiums written increased for the three months ended March 31, 2010 for all insurance products except fire and other due to the development of additional insurance products, new agency relationships and overall improvement of the economy.

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        Net premiums written by major product line for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, are presented in the table below (in thousands):

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
   
   
 
 
  2010   2009   Change   % Change  

Net Premiums Written

                         

Homeowners

  $ 12,159   $ 11,585   $ 574     5.0 %

Fire

    10,425     10,621     (196 )   -1.8 %

Mobile Home

    5,541     5,083     458     9.0 %

Commercial

    1,444     1,336     108     8.1 %

Other

    39     64     (25 )   -39.1 %
                   

  $ 29,608   $ 28,689   $ 919     3.2 %
                   

        Total net premiums written increased for the three months ended March 31, 2010 for all insurance products, except for fire and other, due to the direct result of higher volume of direct written premiums and a minimal decrease in catastrophe reinsurance costs.

        Net premiums earned by major product line for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, are presented in the table below (in thousands):

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
   
   
 
 
  2010   2009   Change   % Change  

Net Premiums Earned:

                         

Homeowners

  $ 11,553   $ 11,463   $ 90     0.8 %

Fire

    9,905     10,509     (604 )   -5.7 %

Mobile Home

    5,264     5,029     235     4.7 %

Commercial

    1,372     1,322     50     3.8 %

Other

    37     63     (26 )   -41.3 %
                   

  $ 28,131   $ 28,386   $ (255 )   -0.9 %
                   

        Net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2010 were down $0.2 million, as compared to 2009. The decrease in earned premium is primarily due to the direct result of lower volume of direct written premiums in 2009 and earned in 2010.

        Policy Acquisition and Other Underwriting Expenses.    Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 were as follows (in thousands):

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
   
   
 
 
  2010   2009   Change   % Change  

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

  $ 7,562   $ 7,552   $ 10     0.1 %

Other underwriting expenses

    3,562     3,753     (191 )   -5.1 %
                     

Total policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses

    11,124     11,305     (181 )   -1.6 %

Agency expenses

    (524 )   (520 )   (4 )   0.8 %
                     

Total policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses less agency expenses

  $ 10,600   $ 10,785   $ (185 )   -1.7 %
                     

Net premiums earned

  $ 28,131   $ 28,386   $ (255 )   -0.9 %
                     

Expense ratio

    37.7 %   38.0 %   -0.3 %      

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        Total policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses as of March 31, 2010 were $11.1 million as compared to $11.3 million for the same period in 2009. Other underwriting expenses decreased $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2010, which is a direct result of the decrease in net premiums earned during the same period.

        Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses.    Loss and LAE are recognized based on formula and case basis estimates for losses reported with respect to direct business, estimates of unreported losses based on past experience and deduction of amounts for reinsurance placed with reinsurers. Loss and LAE for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $15.3 million as compared to $13.8 million for the same period in 2009. The increase of $1.5 million in the first three months of 2010 was due to higher wind and hail losses.

        The loss and LAE ratio is calculated by taking the ratio of incurred losses and LAE to net premiums earned. The loss and LAE ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 was 54.4% and 48.5%, respectively.

        General and Administrative Expense.    General and administrative expense for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $1.8 million, as compared to $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, an increase of $0.2 million, or 12.5%. This increase was due to higher due diligence costs for potential acquisitions.

        Depreciation and Amortization Expense.    Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $463 thousand, as compared to $508 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2009, a decrease of $45 thousand.

        Interest Expense.    Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $2.2 million, as compared to $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, a decrease of $0.3 million, or 12%. The decrease in interest expense is due to lower rates on our variable rate debt.

        Income Taxes.    The Company had a $0.3 million income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared to $0.7 million expense for the same period in 2009. The expense in 2010 is primarily due to the tax expense related to the income from the insurance operations of $4.1 million. The expense in 2009 is primarily due to the tax expense related to the income from the insurance operations of $5.5 million. The decrease is a direct result of the decreased income from operations as the effective tax rate remained substantially unchanged.

        Preferred Stock Dividend.    On March 17, 2010, the HTH board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.5156 per share on each of the 5,000,000 outstanding shares of our Series A Preferred Stock, payable April 30, 2010, amounting to $2.6 million. For the quarter ended March 31, 2009, the dividend declared also was $0.5156 per share, or $2.6 million.

        Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders.    As a result of the foregoing, our net loss attributable to common stockholders was $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, as compared to net loss of $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009. The principal reason for the increase in loss in the first quarter of 2010 is higher wind and hail losses.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

General

        Hilltop is a holding company whose assets primarily consist of the stock of its subsidiaries and invested assets with a combined value of $1,038 million at March 31, 2010. At March 31, 2010, the Company had invested approximately $733 million in overnight deposits at JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo. These investments are in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limit; however, the Company does not believe that it is exposed to any significant credit risk on cash based on the size and financial strength of the financial institutions in which the funds are held.

        Hilltop is seeking to make opportunistic acquisitions with its available cash and, if necessary or appropriate, from additional equity or debt financing sources.

        At March 31, 2010, we had approximately $778.2 million of cash and cash equivalents and $139.3 million of investments, as compared to $790.0 million of cash and cash equivalents and $130.0 million of investments as of December 31, 2009.

        As of March 31, 2010, our short-term liquidity needs included (a) funds for dividend payments on our $125 million Series A cumulative redeemable preferred stock bearing a dividend rate of 8.25% per annum (approximately $10.3 million annually), (b) funds to pay our insurance claims and (c) funds to service our debt.

Restrictions on Dividends and Distributions

        Aside from investment income on Hilltop's invested assets and available cash, as a holding company, Hilltop relies on dividends and other permitted distributions from its subsidiaries. The payment of dividends from Hilltop's insurance subsidiaries, NLIC and ASIC, are subject to significant limitations under debt agreements, which limit their ability to declare and pay dividends in the event of a default.

        Additionally, under Texas State Insurance Law for property and casualty companies, all dividends must be distributed out of earned surplus only. Furthermore, without the prior approval of the Commissioner and Texas Department of Insurance, dividends cannot be declared or distributed that exceed the greater of ten percent of the company's surplus, as shown by its last statement on file with the Commissioner, or 100% of net income for such period. NLIC and ASIC paid dividends totaling $6.0 million to NLASCO in March 2010. At March 31, 2010, the maximum additional dividends that may be paid to NLASCO in 2010 without regulatory approval is approximately $6.3 million.

        Regulations of the Texas Department of Insurance require insurance companies to maintain minimum levels of statutory surplus to ensure their ability to meet their obligations to policyholders. At March 31, 2010, the Company's insurance subsidiaries had statutory surplus in excess of the minimum required.

        Also, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, or NAIC, has adopted risk-based capital, or "RBC", requirements for insurance companies that establish minimum capital requirements relating to insurance risk and assesses credit risk, interest rate risk and business risk. The formula is used by the NAIC and certain state insurance regulators as an early warning tool to identify companies that require additional scrutiny or regulatory action. At March 31, 2010, the Company's insurance subsidiaries' RBC ratio exceeded the level at which regulatory action would be required.

        We believe that restrictions on the payments of dividends by our subsidiary companies will not have a material impact on our ability to carry out our normal business activities, including dividend payments on our Series A cumulative redeemable preferred stock and debt payments on our senior exchangeable notes.

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Sources and Uses of Funds

        Our liquidity requirements are met primarily by positive cash flow from our normal operations, available cash, and investment activity. Primary sources of cash from insurance operations are premiums and other considerations, net investment income and investment sales and maturities. Primary uses of cash include payments of benefits, operating expenses, and purchases of investments.

        Our primary investment objective is to preserve capital. Our strategy is to purchase securities in sectors that represent the most attractive relative value. Bonds, cash and short-term investments constitute $917.3 million, or 99.9%, of our investments at March 31, 2010. Although there is no intent to dispose of these investments at this time, our bonds are substantially in readily marketable securities.

        Our investment committee meets regularly to review the portfolio performance and investment markets in general. Our management generally meets monthly to review the performance of investments and monitor market conditions for investments that would warrant any revision to investment guidelines.

        Cash used in operations was $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, primarily due to net income of $0.5 million, decrease in payable to related party of $2.5 million net of tax and decrease in income taxes receivable of $1.0 million. Cash provided by operations was $10.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, primarily due to receipt of an income tax refund of $10.3 million.

        Cash used in investing activities was $8.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared with cash provided by investing activities of $28.2 million in the same period in 2009. The cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2010 is primarily due to the purchase of available-for-sale securities of $12.7 million to increase our investment yield. The cash provided by investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2009 is primarily due to the repayment of the third party loan for which we provided guaranty and had designated $18.5 million of restricted cash.

        Cash used in financing activities was $2.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, which for both periods reflects the payment of preferred dividends.

        We believe that existing cash and investment balances, when combined with anticipated cash flows from operations and dividends from our insurance companies, will be adequate to meet our expected liquidity needs for the reasonably foreseeable future. We will continue to pursue and investigate possible strategic investments. In regards to strategic acquisitions, we may need to secure external financing. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in obtaining any such financing or in the implementation of our business plan.

Inflation

        Inflation in the U.S. has been relatively low in recent years and did not have a material impact on our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009. Although the impact of inflation has been relatively insignificant in recent years, it remains a factor in the United States economy and may increase the cost of acquiring or replacing property and equipment and the costs of labor and utilities.

COMMITMENTS

        NLASCO's loss reserves do not have contractual maturity dates. However, based on historical payment patterns, the following table estimates when management expects the loss reserves to be paid.

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The timing of claim payments is subject to significant uncertainty. NLASCO maintains a portfolio of investments with varying maturities to provide adequate cash flows for the payment of claims.

 
  Reserves
(in thousands)
 

2010

  $ 15,867  

2011

    9,803  

2012

    5,228  

2013

    3,486  

2014

    1,743  

Thereafter

    182  
       

  $ 36,309  
       

ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

        Our future income, cash flows and fair values relevant to financial instruments are dependent upon market interest rates. Market risk relates to the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and interest rates. We may use some derivative financial instruments to manage, or hedge, interest rate risks related to our borrowings from time to time. We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes and only enter into contracts with major financial institutions based on their credit rating and other factors. As of March 31, 2010, we had no derivative financial instruments.

        As of March 31, 2010, our total debt outstanding was approximately $138.4 million, comprised of approximately $90.9 million, or 65.7%, of indebtedness subject to fixed interest rates and approximately $47.5 million, or 34.3% of our total consolidated debt, subject to variable interest rates.

        If LIBOR and the prime rate were to increase by one eighth of one percent (0.125%), the increase in interest expense on the variable rate debt would decrease future earnings and cash flows by approximately $59,000 annually.

        Interest risk amounts were determined by considering the impact of hypothetical interest rates on our financial instruments. These analyses do not consider the effect of any change in overall economic activity that could occur in that environment. Further, in the event of a change of that magnitude, we may take actions to further mitigate our exposure to the change. However, due to the uncertainty of the specific actions that would be taken and their possible effects, these analyses assume no changes in our financial structure.

        The fair value of debt outstanding as of March 31, 2010 was approximately $139.6 million.

        The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our indebtedness outstanding as of March 31, 2010 (in thousands).

 
  Principal Commitments  
 
  Fixed   Variable   Total  

2010

  $   $   $  

2014 and Thereafter

    90,850     47,500     138,350  
               

Commitments

  $ 90,850   $ 47,500   $ 138,350  
               

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ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

        (a)   Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company's management, with the supervision and participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Accounting Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

        (b)   Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during the quarter covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 5.    EXHIBITS

    (a)
    Exhibits:

      See Exhibit Index

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SIGNATURES

        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.

  HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

Date: May 3, 2010

 

By:

 

/s/ DARREN PARMENTER


Darren Parmenter
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal financial and accounting officer and duly authorized officer)

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number
  Exhibit Title
  31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended.

 

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Accounting Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended.

 

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Hilltop Holdings Inc., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Accounting Officer of Hilltop Holdings Inc., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

35