Edgar Filing: Hilltop Holdings Inc.

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012

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

200 Crescent Court, Suite 1330
Dallas, Texas		75201
(Address of principal executive offices)		(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 x 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 x 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 x

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 x

The number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding at May 4, 2012 was 56,362,273.

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2012

Item	Description	Page

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

1.	Financial Statements
	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2012 (unaudited) and December 31, 2011	3
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three Months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)	4
	Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the Three Months ended March 31, 2012 (unaudited)	5
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)	6

	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	7

2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	21

3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	29

4.	Controls and Procedures	29

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	30

6.	Exhibits	30

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AS OF MARCH 31, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

	March 31,			December 31,
	2012			2011
Assets
Investments:
Fixed maturities
Available for sale securities, at fair value (amortized cost of $133,122 and $135,166, respectively)	$	142,850		$	144,801
Equity securities
Available for sale securities, at fair value (cost of $18,969 and $16,813, respectively)	20,111			19,022
Other investments
Notes receivable, at fair value (amortized cost of $39,082 and $38,641, respectively)	41,026			38,588
Warrants, at fair value (cost of $12,068 and $12,068, respectively)	15,534			21,789
Total investments	219,521			224,200

Cash and cash equivalents	579,639			578,520
Accrued interest and dividends	1,430			1,576
Premiums receivable	25,197			24,390
Deferred acquisition costs	19,395			19,182
Reinsurance recoverable, net of uncollectible amounts	25,932			25,861
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	4,783			5,056
Income taxes receivable	48			77
Deferred income taxes	10,011			8,354
Goodwill	23,988			23,988
Intangible assets, definite life	5,765			6,074
Intangible assets, indefinite life	3,000			3,000
Property and equipment, net	2,139			2,128
Loan origination costs, net	2,426			2,471
Other assets	1,036			548
Total assets	$	924,310		$	925,425

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities:
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	47,861		$	44,835
Unearned premiums	82,796			80,661
Reinsurance payable	2,830			2,845
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	4,368			8,121
Notes payable	131,450			131,450
Other liabilities	3,708			2,130
Total liabilities	273,013			270,042

Stockholders’ Equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 56,360,846 and 56,500,828 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	564			565
Additional paid-in capital	917,165			918,192
Accumulated other comprehensive income	10,582			13,983
Accumulated deficit	(277,014		)	(277,357		)
Total stockholders’ equity	651,297			655,383
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	924,310		$	925,425

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

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 AND 2011

(in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2012			2011
Revenue:
Net premiums earned	$	35,155		$	30,932
Net investment income	3,259			2,081
Other income	1,711			1,625
Net realized gains on investments
Other realized investment gains, net	21			19
Total realized investment gains, net	21			19
Total revenue	40,146			34,657
Expenses:
Loss and loss adjustment expenses	22,542			16,004
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses	12,915			11,985
General and administrative expenses	1,644			1,873
Depreciation and amortization	360			432
Interest expense	2,139			2,176
Total expenses	39,600			32,470

Income before income tax expense	546			2,187
Income tax expense	(203		)	(777		)

Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	343		$	1,410

Income per share attributable to common stockholders
Basic income per share	$	0.01		$	0.02
Diluted income per share	$	0.01		$	0.02

Weighted average share information
Basic shares outstanding	56,499			56,496
Diluted shares outstanding	56,555			56,496

Other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities	(5,232		)	(631		)
Income tax benefit	1,831			221
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(3,401		)	(410		)

Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to common stockholders	$	(3,058	)	$	1,000

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

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2012

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

									Accumulated
						Additional			Other						Total
	Common Stock					Paid-in			Comprehensive			Accumulated			Stockholders’
	Shares		Amount			Capital			Income (Loss)			Deficit			Equity
Balance, December 31, 2011	56,501		$	565		$	918,192		$	13,983		$	(277,357	)	$	655,383
Net income												343			343
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax benefit of $1,831									(3,401		)				(3,401		)
Common stock issued to board members	1					12									12
Repurchase of common stock	(141	)	(1		)	(1,161		)							(1,162		)
Stock compensation expense						122									122

Balance, March 31, 2012	56,361		$	564		$	917,165		$	10,582		$	(277,014	)	$	651,297

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

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 AND 2011

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net income	$	343		$	1,410
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	360			432
Deferred income taxes	174			837
Increase in unearned premiums	2,135			2,565
Increase in deferred acquisition costs	(213		)	(703		)
Realized gains on investments	(21		)	(19		)
Amortization of loan origination costs	45			49
Stock grant compensation expense	134			17
Decrease in payable to related party	—			(263		)
Increase in income taxes payable	29			81
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	(432		)	(689		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	2,554		$	3,717

Cash flow from investing activities:
Purchases of fixed assets	(62		)	(186		)
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	(2,556		)	(1,072		)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities	995			1,515
Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale securities	1,350			3,303
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	$	(273	)	$	3,560

Cash flow from financing activities:
Repurchase of common stock	(1,162		)	—
Net cash used in financing activities	$	(1,162	)	$	—
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	1,119			7,277
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	578,520			649,439
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	579,639		$	656,716

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

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2012

(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 or effect a business combination. 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, or NLIC, and American Summit Insurance Company, or ASIC. National Lloyds Insurance Company commenced business in 1949 and currently operates in 14 states, with its largest market being the State of Texas. American Summit Insurance Company was formed in 1955 and currently operates in 11 states, with its largest market being the State of Arizona. Both of these insurance companies carry a financial strength rating of “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best, which was confirmed on March 30, 2012, and are regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance. Our products include fire and homeowners insurance to low value dwellings and manufactured homes primarily in Texas and other areas of the south, southeastern and southwestern United States.

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HTH”. 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, 2012 may not be indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2012. 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, 2011.

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.

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2012

(unaudited)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2010, the FASB issued ASU-2010-26 to address the diversity in practice for the accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. This guidance modifies the definition of acquisition costs to specify that a cost must be directly related to the successful acquisition of a new or renewal insurance contract in order to be deferred. If application of this guidance would result in the capitalization of acquisition costs that had not previously been capitalized by a reporting entity, the entity may elect not to capitalize those costs. The updated guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted this guidance prospectively in the quarter ended March 31, 2012, and it had no material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU-2011-04 to clarify ASC 820 and in some instances changed particular principles or requirements for measuring fair value or disclosing information about fair value measurements. The amendments in this update result in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). This updated guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance in the quarter ended March 31, 2012 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU-2011-05, which eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity. The new standard allows companies to report net income and other comprehensive income in a single, continuous statement, or in two separate, but consecutive statements. The statement(s) would need to be presented with equal prominence as the other primary financial statements. This updated guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance in the quarter ended March 31, 2012 changed our current presentation of other comprehensive income; however, it did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU-2011-12, which amended ASU-2011-05 and defers guidance related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income. All other requirements presented in ASU-2011-05 are not affected by this Update. This updated guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance in the quarter ended March 31, 2012 changed our current presentation of other comprehensive income; however, it did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2012

(unaudited)

2. Investments

The amortized cost (original cost for equity securities), gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of available-for-sale and other investments by major security type and class of security at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows (in thousands).

	March 31, 2012
			Gross		Gross
	Cost/Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
	Cost		Gains		Losses			Value

Available-for-sale securities:
Fixed maturities:
Government securities	$	27,743	$	1,301	$	(2	)	$	29,042
Residential mortgage-backed securities	11,112		883		—			11,995
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	2,174		68		—			2,242
Corporate debt securities	92,093		7,524		(46		)	99,571
	133,122		9,776		(48		)	142,850

Equity securities	18,969		1,146		(4		)	20,111
	152,091		10,922		(52		)	162,961

Other investments:
Note receivable	39,082		1,944		—			41,026
Warrants	12,068		3,466		—			15,534
	$	203,241	$	16,332	$	(52	)	$	219,521

	December 31, 2011
			Gross		Gross
	Cost/Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
	Cost		Gains		Losses			Value

Available-for-sale securities:
Fixed maturities:
Government securities	$	27,729	$	1,439	$	(3	)	$	29,165
Residential mortgage-backed securities	11,708		944		—			12,652
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	2,277		36		(10		)	2,303
Corporate debt securities	93,452		7,406		(177		)	100,681
	135,166		9,825		(190		)	144,801

Equity securities	16,813		2,462		(253		)	19,022
	151,979		12,287		(443		)	163,823

Other investments:
Note receivable	38,641		—		(53		)	38,588
Warrants	12,068		9,721		—			21,789
	$	202,688	$	22,008	$	(496	)	$	224,200

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2012

(unaudited)

The following tables summarize the length of time securities with unrealized losses at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 have been in an unrealized loss position (in thousands).

	March 31, 2012
	Less than 12 Months					12 Months or More					Total
	Estimated		Gross			Estimated		Gross			Estimated		Gross
	Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
	Value		Losses			Value		Losses			Value		Losses

Available-for-sale securities:
Fixed maturities:
Government securities	$	723	$	(2	)	$	—	$	—		$	723	$	(2	)
Corporate debt securities	2,683		(46		)	—		—			2,683		(46		)
	3,406		(48		)	—		—			3,406		(48		)

Equity securities	—		—			95		(4		)	95		(4		)
	$	3,406	$	(48	)	$	95	$	(4	)	$	3,501	$	(52	)

	December 31, 2011
	Less than 12 Months					12 Months or More				Total
	Estimated		Gross			Estimated		Gross		Estimated		Gross
	Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized
	Value		Losses			Value		Losses		Value		Losses

Available-for-sale securities:
Fixed maturities:
Government securities	$	1,695	$	(3	)	$	—	$	—	$	1,695	$	(3	)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	487		(10		)	—		—		487		(10		)
Corporate debt securities	5,254		(177		)	—		—		5,254		(177		)
	7,436		(190		)	—		—		7,436		(190		)

Equity securities	8,476		(253		)	—		—		8,476		(253		)
	$	15,912	$	(443	)	$	—	$	—	$	15,912	$	(443	)

Other investments
Note receivable	38,588		(53		)					38,588		(53		)
	$	54,500	$	(496	)	$	—	$	—	$	54,500	$	(496	)

For the quarter ended March 31, 2012, the Company did not record any other-than-temporary impairments. While all of the investments are monitored for potential other-than-temporary impairment, our analysis and experience indicate that these investments generally do not present a greater risk of other-than-temporary impairment, as fair value should recover over time. Factors considered in our analysis include 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 believed to be significant enough to warrant other-than-temporary impairment of the securities. The Company does not intend, nor is it likely that the Company will be required to sell these securities before the recovery of the cost basis; and, therefore, we do not believe any other-than-temporary impairments exist as of March 31, 2012.

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2012

(unaudited)

Gross realized investment gains and losses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are summarized as follows (in thousands).

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012						2011
	Gross		Gross				Gross		Gross
	Gains		Losses		Total		Gains		Losses			Total

Fixed maturities	$	21	$	—	$	21	$	20	$	(1	)	$	19
	$	21	$	—	$	21	$	20	$	(1	)	$	19

Sales of available-for-sale investment securities resulted in the following during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands).

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Proceeds	$	995	$	1,515

Gross gains	$	21	$	20

Gross losses	$	—	$	(1	)

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2012

(unaudited)

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 securities and other investments at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, by contractual maturity are as follows (in thousands).

	March 31, 2012
	Amortized		Fair
	Cost		Value
Available-for-sale fixed maturities:
Due within one year	$	19,065	$	19,555
Due after one year through five years	62,583		66,120
Due six years through ten years	37,275		41,993
Due after ten years	914		945
Mortgage-backed securities	13,285		14,237
	$	133,122	$	142,850

Other investments:
Due after one year through five years	$	51,150	$	56,560
	$	51,150	$	56,560

	December 31, 2011
	Amortized		Fair
	Cost		Value
Available-for-sale fixed maturities:
Due within one year	$	12,608	$	12,942
Due after one year through five years	69,594		73,300
Due six years through ten years	38,065		42,766
Due after ten years	914		838
Mortgage-backed securities	13,985		14,955
	$	135,166	$	144,801

Other investments:
Due after one year through five years	$	50,709	$	60,377
	$	50,709	$	60,377

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2012

(unaudited)

Net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands).

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011			Change
Cash equivalents	$	183		$	617		$	(434	)
Fixed maturities	1,981			1,436			545
Equity securities	191			163			28
Other investments	1,000			—			1,000
	3,355			2,216			1,139

Investment expense	(96		)	(135		)	39

Net investment income	$	3,259		$	2,081		$	1,178

At March 31, 2012, the Company had on deposit in custody for various State Insurance Departments investments with carrying values totaling $9.4 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. It also 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. Based on management’s understanding of the methodologies used by our pricing service, all applicable investments have been valued in accordance with GAAP valuation principles.

· 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 markets were to worsen, there can be no assurance that we will not experience losses on our investments and reductions to earnings.

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2012

(unaudited)

The following tables present the hierarchy used by the Company by asset and liability type to determine their fair value at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (in thousands).

	As of March 31, 2012
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial assets:

Cash and cash equivalents	$	579,639	$	579,639	$	—	$	—
Fixed maturities
Government securities	29,042				29,042
Residential mortgage-backed securities	11,995				11,995
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	2,242				2,242
Corporate debt securities	99,571				99,571
Equity securities
Common stock	17,687		17,687
Non-redeemable preferred stock	2,424		2,424
Other investments
Note receivable	41,026						41,026
Warrants	15,534						15,534
Total	$	799,160	$	599,750	$	142,850	$	56,560

	As of December 31, 2011
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial assets:

Cash and cash equivalents	$	578,520	$	578,520	$	—	$	—
Fixed maturities
Government securities	29,165				29,165
Residential mortgage-backed securities	12,652				12,652
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	2,303				2,303
Corporate debt securities	100,681				100,681
Equity securities
Common stock	18,774		18,774
Non-redeemable preferred stock	248		248
Other investments
Note receivable	38,588						38,588
Warrants	21,789						21,789
Total	$	802,720	$	597,542	$	144,801	$	60,377

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 third party pricing service to determine an estimate of fair value, which is mainly used for its fixed maturity investments, such as private and corporate debt securities, federal agency and municipal bonds, and non-government mortgage and 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 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. Based on management’s understanding of the methodologies used by this pricing service, all applicable investments have been valued in accordance with GAAP valuation principles.

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2012

(unaudited)

Level 3 financial assets

The Company’s Level 3 investments include the term loan issued to SWS Group, Inc., or SWS, and the warrants issued to us by SWS. 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 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 SWS term loan cash flow model utilizes yield estimates based on comparable securities in the market. Interest rate is the most significant unobservable input. An increase or decrease in the discount rate would result in an increase or decrease in the fair value measurement of the term loan.

The warrants are valued utilizing a binomial model. SWS common stock price and its related volatility, an unobservable input, are the most significant inputs into the model and, therefore, increases or decreases to the stock price would result in a significant change in the fair value measurement of the warrants.

The following table is a roll-forward of the amounts at March 31, 2012 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. The Company held no financial instruments classified within Level 3 as of the three months ended March 31, 2011.

	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012

Balance at December 31,	$	60,377

Net transfers in	—
Purchases	—
Sales	—
Realized losses	—
Change in unrealized losses	(3,817		)

Balance at March 31,	$	56,560

All net unrealized losses in the table above are reflected in the accompanying financial statements. The Company had no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 as of March 31, 2012.

The following tables present the carrying value and fair value of liabilities where they differ in value at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (in thousands).

	March 31, 2012								December 31, 2011
	Carrying		Fair						Carrying		Fair
	Value		Value		Level 1	Level 2		Level 3	Value		Value
Financial liabilities
Notes payable	$	131,450	$	129,516		$	129,516		$	131,450	$	129,989

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2012

(unaudited)

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, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands).

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011

Balance at January 1	$	44,835		$	58,882
Less reinsurance recoverables	(25,083		)	(43,773		)
Net balance at January 1	19,752			15,109

Incurred related to:
Current Year	20,393			15,580
Prior Year	2,149			424
Total incurred	22,542			16,004

Payments related to:
Current Year	(10,542		)	(8,679		)
Prior Year	(8,970		)	(5,149		)
Total payments	(19,512		)	(13,828		)

Net balance at March 31	22,782			17,285
Plus reinsurance recoverables	25,079			41,793
Balance at March 31	$	47,861		$	59,078

Incurred amounts related to prior years indicate that we experienced unfavorable development in incurred but not reported reserves as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, resulting in an expense in the quarter ending March 31, 2012 and 2011. The deficiency is a result of development in late reported claims from the 2011 accident year. Primary lines of business contributing to the 2011 accident year development were homeowners and fire and allied claims.

5. Reinsurance Activity

NLASCO, Inc., or NLASCO, our wholly-owned property and casualty insurance holding company, 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, or LAE, 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, 2012, we had reinsurance recoverables of approximately $25.9 million, and no allowance.

NLASCO voluntarily participates as a Write Your Own carrier in the National Flood Insurance Program, or the NFIP. The NFIP is administered and regulated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). NLASCO operates as a fiscal agent of the Federal government in the selling and administering of the Standard Flood Insurance Policy. This involves writing the policy, collecting premiums and paying covered claims. All pricing is set by FEMA and all collections are made by the Company.

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2012

(unaudited)

The Company cedes 100% of the policies written by the Company on the Standard Flood Insurance Policy to FEMA; however, if FEMA were unable to perform, the Company would have a legal obligation to the policyholders. The terms of the reinsurance agreement are standard terms, which require the Company to maintain its rating criteria, determine policyholder eligibility, issue policies on the Company’s paper, endorse and cancel policies, collect from the insureds and process claims. NLASCO receives ceding commissions from NFIP for underwriting administration, claims management, commission and adjuster fees.

The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands).

	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012						March 31, 2011
	Written			Earned			Written			Earned
Premiums from direct business	$	40,741		$	38,685		$	37,241		$	34,696
Reinsurance assumed	1,437			1,359			1,270			1,250
Reinsurance ceded	(4,616		)	(4,889		)	(4,810		)	(5,014		)
Net premiums	$	37,562		$	35,155		$	33,701		$	30,932

The effect of reinsurance on incurred losses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was as follows (in thousands).

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
Loss and loss adjustment expense (LAE) incurred	$	24,071		$	17,946
Reinsurance recoverables	(1,529		)	(1,942		)
Net loss and LAE incurred	$	22,542		$	16,004

Multi-line excess of loss coverage

For all lines of business, the Company has excess of loss reinsurance covering $775,000 in excess of $225,000 retention on losses on any one risk.

Catastrophic coverage

As of January 1, 2012, the Company renewed its catastrophic reinsurance contract for its first and second layers of reinsurance. Per the contract renewal, the Company changed its underlying coverage at ASIC to $6.5 million in excess of $1.5 million retention. The Company has reinsurance for up to $162 million in losses per event in excess of the $8 million retention. The reinsurance from $8 million to $50 million loss is comprised of two layers of protection: $17 million in excess of $8 million loss; $25 million in excess of $25 million loss. The third layer provides coverage for $50 million in excess of $50 million loss; the fourth layer provides coverage of $50 million in excess of $100 million loss and the fifth layer provides coverage of $20 million in excess of $150 million loss. The fifth layer is not fully subscribed, with participants accounting for 79% of the total layer. Accordingly, NLASCO retains 21% of the losses in the fifth layer. NLIC and ASIC do not retain participation in any of the layers, other than the first $8 million and $1.5 million retention, respectively. During 2012, all five layers can be reinstated one time for 100% of the original premium. The third and fourth layer reinsurance contract is expected to renew after June 30, 2012.

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2012

(unaudited)

6. Income Taxes

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011

Current tax expense	$	(29	)	$	(52	)
Deferred tax expense	(174		)	(725		)

Income tax expense	$	(203	)	$	(777	)

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 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 do not utilize 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, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands).

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011

National Lloyds Insurance Company
Capital and surplus	$	95,947	$	97,798
Statutory net income	$	1,128	$	3,650
American Summit Insurance Company
Capital and surplus	$	24,953	$	24,577
Statutory net income	$	93	$	(724	)

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2012

(unaudited)

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, and 100% of net income for such period. At March 31, 2012, the maximum dividends that may be paid to NLASCO in 2012 without regulatory approval is approximately $11.9 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, 2012, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries had statutory surplus in excess of the minimum required.

Also, the NAIC has adopted the risk based calculation (“RBC”) formula (RBC ratio) for insurance companies that establishes minimum capital requirements relating to insurance risk, asset 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, 2012, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries’ RBC ratio exceeded the level at which regulatory action would be required.

9. Equity and Income per share

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Income per share from operations
Income from operations	$	343	$	1,410
Income attributable to common stockholders	$	343	$	1,410

Basic income per share from operations	$	0.01	$	0.02
Diluted income per share from operations	$	0.01	$	0.02

Income per share available to common stockholders:
Income available to common stockholders	$	343	$	1,410

Basic income per share available to common stockholders	$	0.01	$	0.02
Diluted income per share available to common stockholders	$	0.01	$	0.02

Weighted average share information:
Basic shares outstanding	56,499		56,496
Diluted shares outstanding	56,555		56,496

Weighted average equivalent shares excluded from diluted loss per share because they would be anti-dilutive:
Senior exchangeable Notes	6,208		6,718
Stock options	700		100
Total	6,908		6,818

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2012

(unaudited)

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.

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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 of 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;

· 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.

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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 9, 2012. 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. Except to the extent required by law, 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 effect a business combination. In connection with that strategy, we are identifying and evaluating potential targets on an ongoing basis. At March 31, 2012, Hilltop Holdings Inc. had approximately $528 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 14 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 11 states, its largest market being the State of Arizona. ASIC carries a financial strength rating of “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best. 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”.

OVERVIEW OF RESULTS

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, net income attributable to common stockholders was $0.3 million, or $0.01 per share, as compared to a net income of $1.4 million, or $0.02 per share, for the same period in 2011. Net income attributable to common stockholders decreased by $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to the same period in 2011, primarily due to higher loss and loss adjustment expenses of $6.5 million. Offsetting these losses, were increases in net premiums earned of $4.2 million and net investment income of $1.2 million.

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.

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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, 2012 to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011

Revenue. Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $40.1 million and $34.7 million, respectively. Net premiums earned were $35.2 million for the first quarter in 2012, as compared to $30.9 million for the same period in 2011, primarily due to higher volume of earned premiums of $4.0 million and a decrease in the cost of catastrophe reinsurance of $0.2 million. Net investment income was $3.3 million for the first quarter of 2012, as compared to $2.1 million for the same period in 2011, primarily due to SWS investment at HTH parent only and higher yields on cash balances in 2012. Other income was $1.7 million for the first quarter in 2012, as compared to $1.6 million for the first quarter in 2011.

Underwriting Results. The following table shows the components of the Company’s underwriting gain for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. The Company’s underwriting gain or loss consists 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,
	2012			2011			Change			% Change
Direct premiums written	$	40,741		$	37,241		$	3,500		9.4	%
Net premiums written	$	37,562		$	33,701		$	3,861		11.5	%

Net premiums earned	$	35,155		$	30,932		$	4,223		13.7	%
Loss and LAE	22,542			16,004			6,538			40.9	%
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses	12,915			11,985			930			7.8	%
Underwriting (loss) gain	$	(302	)	$	2,943		$	(3,245	)	-110.3	%

Agency expenses	$	(447	)	$	(433	)	$	(14	)	3.2	%
Loss and LAE ratio	64.1		%	51.7		%	12.4		%
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expense less agency expense ratio	35.5		%	37.3		%	-1.8		%
Combined ratio	99.6		%	89.0		%	10.6		%

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 ratios.

Our combined ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2012 is 99.6%, as compared to 89.0% for the same period in 2011. The 10.6% increase was due to an increase in loss and LAE and policy acquisition and underwriting expenses, moderated by an increase in net premiums earned primarily from accident year 2011. Net premiums earned increased 13.7% in the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to the same period in 2011, due to increase in volume of written premiums. Loss and LAE expenses increased 40.9% in the quarter ending March 31, 2012, as compared to 2011, due to increased risk associated with a 13.7% increase in earned premiums, adverse weather development and prior year adverse development. Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses increased 7.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to 2011, which is a direct result of increased direct written premiums, as the underwriting ratio was favorable by 1.8%.

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The Company seeks to consistently generate underwriting profitability. Management evaluates NLASCO’s loss and LAE ratio by bifurcating the losses to derive catastrophic and non-catastrophic loss ratios. The non-catastrophic loss ratio excludes Property Claims Services (PCS) events that exceed $1.0 million of losses to NLASCO. Catastrophic events, including those that do not exceed our reinsurance retention, affect the Company’s loss ratios. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, retained catastrophic events accounted for $1.2 million of the total loss and loss adjustment expense, as compared to $0.7 million for the same period in 2011. Excluding catastrophic events, our combined ratios for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 would have been 96.1% and 87.0%, respectively.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company incurred a benefit related to three catastrophes, Hurricane Ike and Hurricane Dolly and a 2010 Arizona storm, of $0.1 million, as compared to a loss of $1.8 million for the same period in 2011. The benefit in the three months ended March 31, 2012 relates primarily to decreased reserves on previously settled hurricane claims and additional reporting of Arizona claims. These losses have no effect on net loss and LAE incurred because the catastrophic events exceeded our retention and are fully recoverable from reinsurers. The primary financial effect is additional reinstatement premium payable to the affected reinsurers. For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company incurred a benefit from reinstatement premiums of $5 thousand for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, as compared to an expense of $0.4 million in 2011.

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 by accepting only risks that are appropriately priced, while declining risks that are under priced for the level of coverage provided.

Direct premiums written by major product line for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, are presented in the table below (in thousands).

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011		Change		% Change
Direct Premiums Written:
Homeowners	$	17,672	$	16,305	$	1,367	8.4	%
Fire	12,780		12,211		569		4.7	%
Mobile Home	8,110		6,677		1,433		21.5	%
Commercial	2,122		2,008		114		5.7	%
Other	57		40		17		42.5	%
	$	40,741	$	37,241	$	3,500	9.4	%

Total direct premiums written increased for the three months ended March 31, 2012 for all insurance products due to expanded distribution and growth on existing insurance products. Higher value homeowner and commercial insurance products generated $1.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2012. Our existing products increased $2.6 million because of growth in premium production in Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Tennessee and Arizona in the same period in 2012.

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Net premiums written by major product line for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, are presented in the table below (in thousands).

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011		Change		% Change
Net Premiums Written:
Homeowners	$	16,293	$	14,755	$	1,538	10.4	%
Fire	11,783		11,051		732		6.6	%
Mobile Home	7,477		6,042		1,435		23.8	%
Commercial	1,957		1,817		140		7.7	%
Other	52		36		16		44.4	%
	$	37,562	$	33,701	$	3,861	11.5	%

Total net premiums written increased for the three months ended March 31, 2012 for all insurance products directly resulting from higher volume of direct written premiums and a $0.2 million decrease in catastrophe reinsurance costs.

Net premiums earned by major product line for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, are presented in the table below (in thousands).

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011		Change		% Change
Net Premiums Earned:
Homeowners	$	15,249	$	13,542	$	1,707	12.6	%
Fire	11,028		10,143		885		8.7	%
Mobile Home	6,998		5,546		1,452		26.2	%
Commercial	1,831		1,668		163		9.8	%
Other	49		33		16		48.5	%
	$	35,155	$	30,932	$	4,223	13.7	%

Net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2012 increased $4.2 million, as compared to 2011. The increase in net premiums earned directly results from higher net written premiums and a decrease in change in unearned premiums of $0.4 million.

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, 2012 was $22.5 million, as compared to $16.0 million for the same period in 2011. The increase is a result of $4.4 million in more severe storm activity on the 2012 accident year and $2.1 million on late reported claims from the 2011 accident year. The late reported claims contributed to the adverse development on 2011 accident year losses on homeowners, liability and fire and allied claims.

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, 2012 and 2011 was 64.1% and 51.7%, respectively.

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Policy Acquisition and Other Underwriting Expenses. Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (in thousands).

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011			Change			% Change
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	$	9,228		$	8,180		$	1,048		12.8	%
Other underwriting expenses	3,687			3,805			(118		)	-3.1	%
Total policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses	12,915			11,985			930			7.8	%
Agency expenses	(447		)	(433		)	(14		)	3.2	%
Total policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses less agency expenses	$	12,468		$	11,552		$	916		7.9	%
Net premiums earned	$	35,155		$	30,932		$	4,223		13.7	%
Expense ratio	35.5		%	37.3		%	-1.8		%

Total policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses as of March 31, 2012 were $12.9 million, as compared to $12.0 million for the same period in 2011, even though the expense ratio was favorable by 1.8%. Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs increased $1.0 million due to unearned premiums increasing $2.1 million in the three months ending March 31, 2012, as compared to the same period in 2011.

General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $1.6 million, a decrease of $0.2 million as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011, or 12.2%. The decrease was due to lower acquisition expense of $0.4 million, offset by higher salary expense of $0.2 million.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense. Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $0.4 million.

Interest Expense. Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $2.1 million, as compared to $2.2 million for the same period in 2011, due to the reduction of $6.9 million in debt.

Income Taxes. The Company had a $0.2 million income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to $0.8 million expense for the same period in 2011. The expense in 2012 is primarily related to the income from the insurance operations of $2.2 million. The expense in 2011 is primarily related to the income from the insurance operations of $5.2 million. The decrease in income tax expense is a direct result of the decreased income from operations, as the effective tax rate remained substantially unchanged.

Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders. As a result of the foregoing, our net income attributable to common stockholders was $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to net income of $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The principal reasons for the $1.1 million decrease in income in the first quarter of 2012 are higher loss and LAE of $6.5 million and higher policy acquisition and underwriting expenses of $0.9 million, offset by net premiums earned of $4.2 million, $1.2 million increase in investment income, lower general and administrative expense of $0.2 million and lower income tax expense of $0.6 million.

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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 $924 million at March 31, 2012. At March 31, 2012, the Company had invested approximately $580 million in cash and cash equivalents, consisting of approximately $528 million owned by the parent company and $52 million owned by NLASCO and its subsidiaries. These deposits 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 or effect business combinations with its available cash and, if necessary or appropriate, from additional equity or debt financing sources.

At March 31, 2012, we had approximately $580 million of cash and cash equivalents and $220 million of investments, as compared to approximately $578 million of cash and cash equivalents and $224 million of investments as of December 31, 2011.

As of March 31, 2012, our short-term liquidity needs included funds to pay our insurance claims and 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 of the 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, and 100% of net income for such period. At March 31, 2012, the maximum dividends that may be paid in 2012, without regulatory approval, is approximately $11.9 million.

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, 2012, 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.

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.

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Our insurance operating subsidiary, NLASCO, 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 $201.9 million, or 94.5%, of our investments at NLASCO at March 31, 2012. Although there is no intent to dispose of these investments at this time, our bonds are substantially in readily marketable securities.

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 provided by operations was $2.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, primarily due to net income of $0.3 million and an increase in unearned premiums of $2.1 million. Cash provided by operations was $3.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, primarily due to net income of $1.4 million and an increase in unearned premiums of $2.6 million.

Cash used in investing activities was $0.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2012, primarily due to purchases of available-for-sale securities of $2.6 million, offset by proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities of $1.0 million and $1.4 million, respectively. Cash provided by investing activities was $3.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011, due to proceeds received from maturities and sales of available-for-sale securities of $4.8 million, which were offset by purchases of fixed assets of $0.2 million and available-for-sale securities of $1.1 million.

Cash used in financing activities was $1.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2012, due to repurchase of common stock. There were no financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

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 opportunities. 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, 2012 and 2011. 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. 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)

2012	$	23,165
2013	12,396
2014	5,983
2015	3,637
2016	1,771
Thereafter	909
	$	47,861

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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, 2012, we did not have any derivative financial instruments.

As of March 31, 2012, our total debt outstanding was approximately $131 million, comprised of $83.9 million, or 64%, subject to fixed interest rates and $47.5 million, or 36%, 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, 2012 was approximately $129.5 million.

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our indebtedness outstanding as of March 31, 2012 (in thousands).

	Principal Commitments
	Fixed		Variable		Total

2012	$	—	$	—	$	—
2016 and Thereafter	83,950		47,500		131,450
Commitments	$	83,950	$	47,500	$	131,450

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 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table provides information regarding repurchases by us of our common stock during the periods indicated. We repurchased 141,400 shares of the Company in a privately negotiated transaction during the three months ended March 31, 2012, as authorized by the Board of Directors.

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
January 1, 2012 – January 31, 2011	—	—		—	—
February 1, 2012 – February 29, 2012	—	—		—	—
March 1, 2012 – March 31, 2012	141,400	$	8.22	141,400	$	98,837,692
Total	141,400	$	8.22	141,400	$	98,837,692

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a) Exhibits:

See Exhibit Index

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

Date: May 4, 2012

	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.

101.INS		XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document

101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document