National General Holdings Corp
Annual Report 2015

Plain-text annual report

ANNUAL REPORT’15 BUILDING OUR FUTURE ON OUR PROVEN PAST National General Holdings Corp., headquartered in New York City, is a specialty personal lines insurance holding company. National General traces its roots to 1939, has a financial strength rating of A– (excellent) from A.M. Best, and provides personal and commercial automobile, homeowners, umbrella, recreational vehicle, motorcycle, supplemental health, and other niche insurance products. Shareholder Message NATIONAL GENERAL HAD A GREAT YEAR IN 2015, OUR SECOND YEAR AS A PUBLICLY TRADED COMPANY, AS WE TOOK NUMEROUS MEANINGFUL STEPS TO ENHANCE OUR PERSONAL LINES FRANCHISE AND BUILT A FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH THAT WILL BENEFIT US FOR YEARS TO COME. My fellow shareholders, Our key accomplishments during 2015 included: is a dominant player in a unique and complementary numerous changes have been enacted throughout • We closed on four acquisitions during the year niche market. The transaction provided a valuable the industry. We expect to be able to leverage the that significantly increased the value of our fran- stream of fee income which we believe can grow in the existing infrastructure of our auto and homeowners chise, gave National General a position of leader- years to come, increased geographic diversification, book to support the business, and are working tire- ship in the profitable lender-placed insurance and facilitated our expansion into a new product line. lessly to win new business in the marketplace. space, enhanced scale in our A&H operations, and We now expect an even larger benefit as we will be We remained active on the acquisition front in continued to expand our personal lines division writing ARS business on our paper beginning in 2016. early 2016, announcing agreements to acquire • We made substantial progress integrating all of In October, we acquired certain business lines Century-National Insurance Company (CNIC) and our recent acquisitions, most importantly complet- and assets from Assurant Health, including the small Standard Mutual Insurance Company (SMIC) in ing the addition of the homeowners product to our group self-funded and supplemental product lines as January. CNIC is a California-based underwriter of state-of-the-art policy administration system well as North Star Marketing, a proprietary small homeowners and personal and commercial auto • We delivered excellent results at our underlying group sales channel. These businesses together pro- predominantly on the West Coast. The company has P&C and A&H operations, with each reporting vide access to up to approximately $220 million of a strong track record of growth, a diverse business meaningful organic growth and improved under- potential A&H premium, making us a more important mix, and a complementary geographic footprint, and writing profitability compared to the prior year player in a growing and changing marketplace which the transaction supports our expansion of standard • We considerably strengthened our balance sheet, we believe presents a sizable opportunity. and preferred homeowners and personal auto lines completing four separate capital raises that added In October, we acquired the Lender-Placed and enhances our ability to bundle these products over $565 million of aggregate net proceeds Insurance business of QBE, which was subsequently and improve customer retention. SMIC is an Illinois- In January, we acquired Healthcare Solutions renamed National General Lender Services. The pur- based underwriter of personal auto and homeowners Team or HST, an Illinois-based healthcare insurance chase included the acquisition of certain assets, in Illinois and Indiana. The transaction provides us managing general agency. HST has a strong track including loan-tracking systems and technology, entry into these states for both homeowners and record of growth and profitability in products similar client servicing accounts, intellectual property, and package products, and adds to our expansion of to our existing A&H portfolio, and provides a broad vendor relationships, as well as the assumption of all standard and preferred lines. The SMIC transaction distribution platform of approximately 500 indepen- related insurance liabilities in a reinsurance trans- is our first demutualization, but we see substantial dent agents which we have already leveraged to action. This acquisition facilitated our entry into the opportunities for additional demutualization deals in grow our existing business. lender-placed insurance segment for auto and home- the future. We expect to realize sizable benefits from In April, we acquired Assigned Risk Solutions or owners risks with an industry leading platform and moving both companies to our state-of-the-art tech- ARS, a New-Jersey-based managing general agency management team, and provides access to a book of nology system, advanced analytics, comprehensive that services assigned risk, personal auto, and com- approximately $475 million of premium with a low reinsurance structure, and shared services platform, mercial lines. ARS has a solid track record of profit- loss ratio and significant growth potential. While and expect both transactions will be immediately ability, managed over $100 million in premium in the lender-placed business has had prior difficulties, accretive to earnings and close by the end of the 2014 across a multi-state distribution platform, and we believe it is an area of great opportunity after second quarter. 1. National General Holdings Corp. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT  Acquisitions are a core competency of National performed very well. The homeowners line has been We remain well capitalized with an extremely General, and we plan to continue to build the com- a valuable addition to our business, and we have strong balance sheet. During the year, we completed pany through both organic growth and opportunistic gained significant traction bundling homeowners and a number of capital raising activities, including: a acquisitions that add value to our franchise. Our deal auto products together, which increases retention. $165 million preferred stock offering in March, a pipeline remains robust, and we will consider deals Although there were a few notable events such as follow-on offering in August of 11.5 million common of various types and sizes across the full spectrum of inclement Northeast winter weather in the first shares priced at $19 that generated $211 million of our product portfolio, including auto, homeowners, quarter and Dallas-area tornadoes in the fourth net proceeds, a $100 million subordinated notes lender-placed insurance, and A&H lines. We ideally quarter, the year was otherwise relatively mild from offering in August, and a private issuance of $100 search for an acquisition that has solid underwriting a catastrophe loss perspective. Our Accident & million in senior notes in October. At year-end 2015, results but inefficient expense management and a Health segment had a vastly improved year in 2015, we had more than $1.5 billion in shareholders’ equity lack of scale, as we can take the necessary steps to posting strong premium growth and improved under- and nearly $2.0 billion in total capital. Additionally, in make these unprofitable businesses profitable by writing profitability, and contributed a positive January 2016 we increased the size of our credit leveraging our leading technology and lower oper- underwriting result versus a modest loss in 2014. An facility to $225 million. We believe that our current ating cost structure. We exert a great deal of effort increase in gross written premiums of nearly 80% capital position will enable us to support our current ensuring that we properly integrate each of our was driven by continued organic growth, additions business plan and our expected organic growth acquisitions, with a particular focus on reducing from recent M&A transactions, and steady progress projections for 2016. excess costs and improving operational efficiencies. transferring business that was previously written by We continue to build National General into a Integration efforts for all of our recent transac- third parties onto National General paper, while premier personal lines franchise, and we took tions continue to progress well. The Tower Personal improved profitability was driven by increased scale, several steps during 2015 to both grow our business Lines transaction closed in September 2014, and our intense focus on disciplined expense manage- and enhance shareholder value. Our excellent results integration is mostly complete at this point. Other ment, and further maturation of our business. over the past few years are evidence that our model transactions that closed during 2014 (including We continue to make strides through both organic is working. We have constructed a solid foundation Imperial and Personal Express) have been fully growth and M&A to gain scale in a business seg- for future profitable growth, and after all of the heavy integrated and are now seamlessly operating within ment that we view as a phenomenal opportunity lifting, I expect 2016 to be a breakout year. On behalf our P&C division. Integrations for transactions that in the current healthcare landscape, and we believe of the National General team, I would like to thank were completed during 2015 are also well under way. we are taking the right steps to build a meaningful each and every one of you for your investment, trust, National General Lender Services and Assurant A&H franchise for years to come. and continued support. Health both closed on October 1, and we expect both National General is a company built on tech- integration processes will be substantially com- nology, which we leverage to create operational Sincerely, pleted by the third quarter of 2016. Our two most efficiencies that reduce expenses and increase recent deals, Century-National and Standard Mutual, profitability. We believe our expense ratio is among are expected to close by the end of the second quar- the best in the industry. During the 2015, we made ter 2016, and we expect integrations to be principally significant progress further enhancing NPS, our completed near the end of 2016. single-policy administration system for auto and While M&A remained a key topic of discussion homeowners business. We substantially finished and focus throughout 2015, we also delivered excel- adding the homeowners’ product to this state-of- lent results at our underlying P&C and A&H opera- the-art policy administration system during 2015 tions, with each reporting premium growth and and realized significant cost savings from retiring improved underwriting profitability compared to several legacy systems inherited from Tower. NPS the prior year. Within Property & Casualty, results in enables us to reduce our operating expenses while 2015 were strong across the board, as our core auto simultaneously competing more effectively in the lines continue to post solid growth and profitability marketplace, given the ease of doing business and metrics, and recently acquired businesses also user friendly interface that the system offers. 2. Michael Karfunkel Chairman & Chief Executive Officer STABILITY We have a strong balance sheet with a conservative investment portfolio, stable loss reserves, and a solid capital position 06 01 LEADERSHIP We have proven leadership with an experienced management team that has a history of creating shareholder value in previous ventures FLEXIBILITY We have a sizable fee income stream that increases our capital flexibility and is expected to continue to grow 05 THE NATIONAL GENERAL ADVANTAGE 02 TECHNOLOGY We have a technology- driven infrastructure which utilizes a state-of- the-art platform and creates operational efficiencies that result in reduced expenses and increased profitability GROWTH We have grown both organically and through selective M&A, and will continue to pursue opportunistic acquisitions to augment our organic growth strategy 04 PROFITABILITY We have an intense focus on profitable underwriting and disciplined expense management 03 3. National General Holdings Corp. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT  National General At-A-Glance We continue to focus on profitably growing our business both organically and through additional accretive M&A opportunities, enhancing our geo- graphic footprint, maintaining an intense emphasis on disciplined expense management, integrating acquisitions, and delivering strong returns to our shareholders. P&C GWP by State 4. $100,000,000–$500,000,000 $10,000,000–$99,999,999 $5,000,000–$9,999,999 $1,000,000–$4,999,999 $200,000–$999,999 Gross Written Premiums ($ in billions) Net Written Premiums ($ in billions) Net Earned Premiums ($ in billions) Net Written Premiums ($ in billions) Gross Written Premiums Investment Income ($ in billions) $2.3 $2.1 $1.3 $2.1 $1.8 $2.0 $1.6 $0.7 $0.7 2013 2014 2015 2013 2014 2015 2013 2014 2015 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Underwriting Income ($ in millions) Net Investment Income ($ in millions) Net Income ($ in millions) Net Earned Premium ($ in billions) Underwritting Income ($ in millions) Net Income ($ in millions) $160 $117 $66 $51 $128 $100 $33 2013 2014 2015 2013 2014 2015 $31 $40 2013 2014 2015 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 Diluted Operating EPS Fully Diluted Book Value Per Share Operating Return on Average Equity Diluted Operating EPS Operating Return on Average Equity Fully Diluted Book Value Per Share $1.64 $1.35 $7.90 $11.98 $10.51 14.7% 14.6% 9.8% $0.69 2013 2014 2015 2013 2014 2015 2013 2014 2015 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 150 120 90 60 30 0 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 200 150 100 50 0 15 12 9 6 3 0 2015 GWP by Product* 2015 P&C GWP by State 53.7% Personal Auto 14.3% Homeowners 8.1% Commercial Auto 6.7% RV/Packaged 5.5% Lender-Placed 10.9% A&H 0.8% Other *Note: 2015 GWP by Product includes only one quarter of GWP for QBE Lender-Placed Insurance (Lender-Placed) and Assurant Health (A&H), as these transactions closed on October 1, 2015. 20.0% North Carolina 15.7% California 10.9% New York 6.6% Florida 4.9% Louisiana 4.9% Michigan 4.6% Texas 4.3% Virginia 3.3% Washington 2.5% Connecticut 1.9% Massachusetts 1.8% New Jersey 18.5% Other 5. National General Holdings Corp. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT  Growth from A Solid Foundation Since acquiring GMAC Insurance in 2010, we have completed multiple acquisitions which have built National General into the well diversified personal lines insurer it is today. We will continue to pursue opportunistic acquisitions to augment our organic growth strategy, in an effort to both grow our business and enhance shareholder value. July 2011: Renewal Rights to American Modern September 2011: Acquisition of Agent Alliance December 2011: Acquisition of ClearSide General 2011 February 2012: Acquisition of VelaPoint / America’s Health Care Plan (AHCP) September 2012: Acquisition of TABS companies November 2012: Acquisition of National Health Insurance Company (NHIC) 2012 2013: Form European life and non-life insurers April 2013: Acquisition of Euro Accident 2013 March 2010: NGHC purchases GMAC Insurance 2010 6.  $24 $22 $20 $18 $16 $14 $12 $24 $22 $20 $18 $16 $14 $12 4 1 - 2 h t n o M 4 1 - 3 h t n o M 4 1 - 4 h t n o M 4 1 - 5 h t n o M 4 1 - 6 h t n o M 4 1 - 7 h t n o M 4 1 - 8 h t n o M 4 1 - 9 h t n o M 4 1 - 0 1 h t n o M 4 1 - 1 1 h t n o M 4 1 - 2 1 h t n o M 5 1 - 1 h t n o M 5 1 - 2 h t n o M 5 1 - 3 h t n o M 5 1 - 4 h t n o M 5 1 - 5 h t n o M 5 1 - 6 h t n o M 5 1 - 7 h t n o M 5 1 - 8 h t n o M 5 1 - 9 h t n o M 5 1 - 0 1 h t n o M 5 1 - 1 1 h t n o M 5 1 - 2 1 h t n o M 6 1 - 1 h t n o M 6 1 - 2 h t n o M National General Holdings Corp. Stock Performance (From 2013 to 2015) National General Holdings Corp. Stock Performance (From 2014–Present) $24 22 20 18 16 14 12 4 1 0 2 / b e F 4 1 0 2 / r a M 4 1 0 2 / r p A 4 1 0 2 / y a M 4 1 0 2 / n u J 4 1 0 2 / l u J 4 1 0 2 / g u A 4 1 0 2 / p e S 4 1 0 2 / t c O 4 1 0 2 / v o N 4 1 0 2 / c e D 5 1 0 2 / n a J 5 1 0 2 / b e F 5 1 0 2 / r a M 5 1 0 2 / r p A 5 1 0 2 / y a M 5 1 0 2 / n u J 5 1 0 2 / l u J 5 1 0 2 / g u A 5 1 0 2 / p e S 5 1 0 2 / t c O 5 1 0 2 / v o N 5 1 0 2 / c e D 6 1 0 2 / n a J 6 1 0 2 / b e F $24 22 20 18 16 14 12 4 1 / 2 4 1 / 3 4 1 / 4 4 1 / 5 4 1 / 6 4 1 / 7 4 1 / 8 4 1 / 9 4 1 / 0 1 4 1 / 1 1 4 1 / 2 1 5 1 / 1 5 1 / 2 5 1 / 3 5 1 / 4 5 1 / 5 5 1 / 6 5 1 / 7 5 1 / 8 5 1 / 9 5 1 / 0 1 5 1 / 1 1 5 1 / 2 1 6 1 / 1 6 1 / 2 April 2014: Acquisition of Personal Express June 2014: Acquisition of Imperial July 2014: Acquisition of Agent Alliance Insurance Company September 2014: Tower Group Personal Lines Transaction closes 2014 NATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY January 2015: Acquisition of Healthcare Solutions Team April 2015: Acquisition of Assigned Risk Solutions October 2015: Acquisition of Certain Businesses from Assurant Health October 2015: Acquisition of QBE Lender- Placed Insurance January 2016: Agreement to acquire Century-National Insurance Company January 2016: Agreement to acquire Standard Mutual Insurance Company 2016 Healthcare Solutions Team Logo Style Guide Color Palette: Pantone Solid Matte: 660 C: 90% - M: 50% - Y: 0% - K: 0% Hexachrome: #026CB6 Pantone Solid Matte: 362 C: 70% - M: 0% - Y: 100% - K: 9% Hexachrome: #49A942 Pantone Solid Matte: 1375 C: 0% - M: 40% - Y: 90% - K: 0% Hexachrome: #FAA634 Pantone Solid Matte: 366 C: 20% - M: 0% - Y: 44% - K: 0% Hexachrome: #D0E4A6 Pantone Solid Matte: 368 C: 57% - M: 0% - Y: 100% - K: 0% Hexachrome: #7AC143 Pantone Solid Matte: 424 C: 0% - M: 0% - Y: 0% - K: 61% Hexachrome: #7E8083 Pantone Solid Matte: 429 C: 3% - M: 0% - Y: 0% - K: 32% Hexachrome: #B0B7BC Pantone Solid Matte: 656 C: 10% - M: 4% - Y: 0% - K: 1% Hexachrome: #DEE6F3 Complimentary TypeFace: To be determined Guidelines: • Logo and elements should never be manipulated • color • shapes • sizes or proportions • Logo with rays should always be used on a white background • Logo without rays should only be utilized when printing does not allow for accurate gradient printing • embroidery • textile printing • pad printing SM An Adirondack Business 2015 Vertical Format // with Rays Horizontal Format // with Rays Horizontal Format // One Color Vertical Format // without Rays Horizontal Format // without Rays Horizontal Format // without Rays 7. National General Holdings Corp. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT Financial Highlights SUMMARY INCOME STATEMENT NGHC RECIPROCAL EXCHANGES (1) CONSOLIDATED NGHC RECIPROCAL EXCHANGES CONSOLIDATED Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014 Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015 RE V ENUES : Gross written premium Net written premium Net earned premium Ceding commission income Service, fees, and other income Net investment income Net realized gain/(loss) on investments Other than temporary impairment losses Other revenue $ 2,065,065 1,816,948 1,585,598 7,643 178,333 50,627 (648) (2,244) (1,660) $70,042 53,076 47,622 4,787 139 1,799 0 0 0 $2,135,107 1,870,024 1,633,220 12,430 168,571(A) 52,426 (648) (2,244) (1,660) $ 2,309,756 2,060,155 1,995,101 (2,510) 300,114 66,429 4,594 (15,247) (788) $283,582 126,091 134,709 46,300 13,226 8,911 346 0 0 $2,589,748(E) 2,186,246 2,129,810 43,790 273,548(F) 75,340 4,940 (15,247) (788) Total revenues 1,817,649 54,347 1,862,095(B) 2,347,693 203,492 2,511,393(G) E XPENSES : Loss and loss adjustment expense Acquisition and other underwriting costs General and administrative Interest expense Total expenses Pre-tax income Provision for income taxes Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries Net income Less: Net income attributable to Non-controlling interest Net income attributable to NGHC Less: dividends on preferred shares Net income available to common stockholders Operating earnings (2) NOTES: 1,026,346 308,822 346,696 12,012 1,693,876 123,773 22,712 1,180 102,241 (2) 102,243 2,291 26,719 6,267 11,967 5,724 50,677 3,670 1,164 0 2,506 2,506 0 0 1,053,065 315,089 348,762(C) 17,736 1,284,080 378,066 504,672 24,229 97,561 27,972 65,359 4,656 1,381,641 405,930(H) 530,347(I) 28,885 1,734,652(D) 2,191,047 195,548 2,346,803(J) 127,443 23,876 1,180 104,747 2,504 102,243 2,291 156,646 24,905 10,643 142,384 132 142,252 14,025 7,944 (5,949) 0 13,893 13,893 0 0 164,590 18,956 10,643 156,277 14,025 142,252 14,025 $ 99,952 $ 0 $ 99,952 $ 128,227 $ 0 $ 128,227 $ 126,507 $ 165,457 (1) Results for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 include only 107 days of results of the Reciprocal Exchanges (as the Attorneys-in-Fact were acquired with the closing of the Tower Personal Lines transaction on September 15, 2014). (2) Non-GAAP financial measure. Please see the Non-GAAP Reconciliation information within our attached form 10-K for the reconciliation of Non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Consolidated column includes eliminations as follows: (A) $(9,901), (B) $(9,901), (C) $(9,901), (D) $(9,901), (E) $(3,590), (F) $(39,792), (G) $(39,792), (H) $(108), (I) $(39,684) and (J) $(39,792). 8. BAL ANCE SHEE T ASSE TS Cash and investments Premiums and other receivables, net Deferred acquisition costs Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses Prepaid reinsurance premiums Premises and equipment, net Notes receivable from related party Goodwill & intangible assets Other assets Total assets LIABILITIES Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves Unearned premiums & other service revenue Reinsurance & accounts payable Securities under repurchase Notes payable (reciprocal exchanges owed to related party) Other liabilities Total liabilities December 31, 2014 NGHC RECIPROCAL EXCHANGES CONSOLIDATED NGHC December 31, 2015 RECIPROCAL EXCHANGES CONSOLIDATED $1,753,237 699,553 121,514 888,215 75,837 30,583 125,000 308,168 65,765 $245,483 58,238 4,485 23,583 26,924 0 0 11,433 1,969 $1,998,720 757,791 125,999 911,798 102,761 30,583 125,000 319,601 67,734 $ 2,699,052 702,439 136,728 794,091 66,613 42,599 125,057 456,487 88,622 $250,935 56,194 23,803 39,085 61,730 332 0 4,825 14,800 $2,949,987 758,633 160,531 833,176 128,343 42,931 125,057 461,312 103,422 4,067,872 372,115 4,439,987 5,111,688 451,704 5,563,392 1,450,305 111,848 1,562,153 1,623,232 132,392 1,755,624 752,965 397,608 46,804 255,631 104,779 119,998 31,502 0 48,374 46,723 872,963 429,110 46,804 304,005 151,502 1,058,817 319,872 52,484 446,061 97,201 146,186 34,202 0 45,476 70,829 1,205,003 354,074 52,484 491,537 168,030 3,008,092 358,445 3,366,537 3,597,667 429,085 4,026,752 S TOCK HOL DERS’ EQUIT Y 1,059,780 13,670 1,073,450 1,514,021 22,619 1,536,640 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $4,067,872 $372,115 $4,439,987 $ 5,111,688 $451,704 $5,563,392 9. National General Holdings Corp. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT Office Locations CORPORATE National General Corporate Headquarters 59 Maiden Lane, 38th Floor New York, NY 10038 Winston Salem Operational Center 5630 University Parkway Winston Salem, NC 27105 Cleveland Operational Center 800 Superior Avenue Cleveland, OH 44114 National General Bermuda Purvis House, 29 Victoria Street Hamilton Bermuda HM10 National General Luxembourg ZI Am Bann, Bâtiment Elise 21 rue Léon Laval L-3372 Leudelange PROPERTY & CASUALTY National General Preferred—Buffalo 550 Essjay Road Williamsville, NY 14221 National General Preferred—Chicago 30 North LaSalle Chicago, IL 60602 National General Preferred—Quincy Batterymarch Park III Quincy, MA 02169 Personal Express 5301 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93309 Imperial Fire and Casualty 4670 I-49 North Service Road Opelousas, LA 70570 Imperial Fire and Casualty Operational Center 14800 Quorum Drive Dallas, TX 75254 RAC Insurance Partners 6161 Blue Lagoon Drive Miami, FL 33126 National General Lender Services—Arizona 827 West Grove Mesa, AZ 85210 National General Lender Services—California 9800 Muirlands Boulevard Irvine, CA 92618 National General Lender Services—Texas 5001 North Riverside Drive Fort Worth, TX 76137 Seattle Specialty Insurance Services 332 SW Everett Mall Way Everett, WA 98204 Assigned Risk Solutions—New York 999 Stewart Avenue Bethpage, NY Assigned Risk Solutions—New Jersey Park 80 West Plaza Two—8th Floor Saddle Brook, NJ California Branch Office 3800 East Concours Drive Ontario, CA 91764 St. Louis Branch Office 5757 Phantom Drive Hazelwood, MO 63042 ACCIDENT & HEALTH Accident & Health Operational Center 501 W. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53203 VelaPoint 1100 Northwest Compton Drive Hillsboro, Oregon 97006 Healthcare Solutions Team 1900 South Highland Avenue Lombard, IL 60148 EuroAccident Svardvagen 5 182 33 Danderyd Sweden 10. UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, DC 20549 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2015 OR TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Transition Period from to Commission File Number: 001-36311 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) Delaware (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) 59 Maiden Lane, 38th Floor New York, New York (Address of Principal Executive Offices) 27-1046208 (IRS Employer Identification No.) 10038 (Zip Code) (212) 380-9500 (Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered Common Shares, $0.01 par value per share Series A Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share Series B Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes No Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes No Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.Yes No Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically 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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).Yes No Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): Large Accelerated Filer Accelerated Filer Non-Accelerated Filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller Reporting Company Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).Yes No As of June 30, 2015, the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second quarter, the aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates was $993,681,215. As of February 24, 2016, the number of common shares of the registrant outstanding was 105,554,501. Documents incorporated by reference: Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Registrant to be filed subsequently with the SEC are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report. NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. TABLE OF CONTENTS Business Risk Factors Unresolved Staff Comments Properties Legal Proceedings Mine Safety Disclosures Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Selected Financial Data Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Financial Statements and Supplementary Data PART I Item 1. Item 1A. Item 1B. Item 2. Item 3. Item 4. PART II Item 5. Item 6. Item 7. Item 7A. Item 8. Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure Item 9A. Controls and Procedures Item 9B. Other Information PART III Item 10. Item 11. Item 12. Item 13. Item 14. PART IV Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance Executive Compensation Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence Principal Accounting Fees and Services Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules Page 1 25 42 42 42 42 43 45 47 91 92 92 92 95 96 96 96 96 97 97 i Note on Forward-Looking Statements PART I This Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements that are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When we use words such as “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” or similar expressions, we do so to identify forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include the plans and objectives of management for future operations, including those relating to future growth of our business activities and availability of funds, and are based on current expectations that involve assumptions that are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond our control. There can be no assurance that actual developments will be those anticipated by us. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements as a result of significant risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, non-receipt of expected payments from insureds or reinsurers, changes in interest rates, a downgrade in the financial strength ratings of our insurance subsidiaries, the effect of the performance of financial markets on our investment portfolio, our ability to accurately underwrite and price our products and to maintain and establish accurate loss reserves, estimates of the fair value of our life settlement contracts, development of claims and the effect on loss reserves, accuracy in projecting loss reserves, the cost and availability of reinsurance coverage, the effects of emerging claim and coverage issues, changes in the demand for our products, our degree of success in integrating acquired businesses, the effect of general economic conditions, state and federal legislation, regulations and regulatory investigations into industry practices, risks associated with conducting business outside the United States, developments relating to existing agreements, disruptions to our business relationships with AmTrust Financial Services, Inc., ACP Re Ltd., Maiden Holdings, Ltd., or third party agencies, breaches in data security or other disruptions with our technology, heightened competition, changes in pricing environments, and changes in asset valuations. Additional information about these risks and uncertainties, as well as others that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, is contained in Item 1A, "Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The projections and statements in this report speak only as of the date of this report and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Item 1. Business Legal Organization National General Holdings Corp., a Delaware corporation, is a specialty personal lines insurance holding company. Shares of our common stock began trading on the NASDAQ Global Market on February 20, 2014. References to “National General,” “the Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other statements and information publicly disseminated by National General Holdings Corp. refer to National General Holdings Corp. (formerly known as American Capital Acquisition Corporation) and all of its consolidated subsidiaries unless the context requires otherwise. Business Overview We are a specialty personal lines insurance holding company. Through our subsidiaries, we provide a variety of insurance products, including personal and commercial automobile, homeowners, umbrella, recreational vehicle, supplemental health, lender- placed and other niche insurance products. We sell insurance products with a focus on underwriting profitability through a combination of our customized and predictive analytics and our technology driven low cost infrastructure. Our automobile insurance products protect our customers against losses due to physical damage to their motor vehicles, bodily injury and liability to others for personal injury or property damage arising out of auto accidents. Our homeowners and umbrella insurance products protect our customers against losses to dwellings and contents from a variety of perils, as well as coverage for personal liability. We offer our property and casualty ("P&C") insurance products through a network of approximately 22,000 independent agents, a number of affinity partners and through direct-response marketing programs. We have approximately 2.8 million P&C policyholders. We added lender-placed insurance to our P&C platform in 2015 through the acquisition of QBE's lender-placed insurance business to offer a full suite of lender-placed insurance products, including fire, home and flood products, as well as collateral protection insurance and guaranteed asset protection products for automobiles, to our customers. We launched our accident and health (“A&H”) business in 2012 to provide accident and non-major medical health insurance products targeting our existing P&C policyholders and the anticipated emerging market of employed persons who are uninsured or underinsured. In 2015, we acquired certain business lines from Assurant Health, including small group self-funded and 1 supplemental product lines. We market our and other carriers’ A&H insurance products through a multi-pronged distribution platform that includes a network of over 19,800 independent agents, direct-to-consumer marketing, wholesaling and worksite marketing. We are licensed to operate in 50 states and the District of Columbia, but focus on underserved niche markets. Approximately 84% of our P&C premium written is originated in twelve core states: New York, North Carolina, California, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Texas, New Jersey, Virginia, Washington, Connecticut and Massachusetts. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, our gross premium written was $2,590 million, $2,135 million and $1,339 million, net premium written was $2,186 million, $1,870 million and $679 million and total consolidated revenues were $2,511 million, $1,862 million and $932 million, respectively. Our company (formerly known as American Capital Acquisition Corporation) was formed in 2009 to acquire the private passenger auto business of the U.S. consumer property and casualty insurance segment of General Motors Acceptance Corporation (“GMAC,” now known as Ally Financial), which operations date back to 1939. We acquired this business on March 1, 2010. Our wholly-owned subsidiaries include fifteen regulated domestic insurance companies, of which fourteen write primarily P&C insurance and one writes solely A&H insurance. Our insurance subsidiaries have been assigned an “A-” (Excellent) group rating by A.M. Best Company, Inc. (“A.M. Best”). Two of our wholly-owned subsidiaries that we acquired on September 15, 2014 are management companies that act as attorneys- in-fact for Adirondack Insurance Exchange, a New York reciprocal insurer, and New Jersey Skylands Insurance Association, a New Jersey reciprocal insurer (together, the “Reciprocal Exchanges”). We do not own the Reciprocal Exchanges but manage their business operations through our wholly-owned management companies. Business Segments We are a specialty national carrier with regional focuses. We manage our business through two segments: • Property and Casualty (“P&C”) - Our P&C segment operates its business through two primary distribution channels: agency and affinity. Our agency channel focuses primarily on writing standard, preferred and nonstandard auto coverage and homeowners and umbrella coverage through our network of approximately 22,000 independent agents. In our affinity channel, we partner with a number of affinity groups and membership organizations to deliver insurance products tailored to the needs of our affinity partners’ members or customers under our affinity partners’ brand name or label, which we refer to as selling on a “white label” basis. A primary focus of a number of our affinity relationships is providing recreational vehicle coverage, of which we believe we are one of the top writers in the U.S. In addition, we operate our lender-placed services through long-term distribution agreements with certain mortgage lenders. • Accident and Health (“A&H”) - Our A&H segment was formed in 2012 to provide accident and non-major medical health insurance products targeting our existing insureds and the anticipated emerging market of uninsured or underinsured employees. Through a number of recent acquisitions of both carriers and general agencies, including VelaPoint, LLC, our call center general agency, National Health Insurance Company, a life and health insurance carrier established in 1979, Euro Accident Health & Care Insurance Aktiebolag (“EHC”), our European group life and health insurance managing general agent, Healthcare Solutions Team, LLC, a healthcare insurance managing general agency, and North Star Marketing, a proprietary small group sales channel, we have assembled a multi-pronged distribution platform that includes direct-to- consumer marketing through our call center agency, selling through independent agents, wholesaling insurance products through large general agencies/program managers and, through our affinity relationships, worksite marketing through employers. For our gross premium written and net income attributable to NGHC by segment, see Note 26, "Segment Information" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements. 2 P&C Segment Distribution and Marketing Agency Distribution Channel Our agency channel focuses on writing automobile insurance, including standard, preferred and nonstandard, as well as preferred homeowners and umbrella insurance, through independent insurance agents and brokers. We have established a broad geographic presence throughout the country and have a significant market presence in our twelve largest states of New York, North Carolina, California, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Texas, New Jersey, Virginia, Washington, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Relationships with our Independent Agents. We have built a strong network of approximately 22,000 insurance agents and brokers, many of whom are loyal, highly motivated and productive agents, by providing competitive compensation, a user-friendly technology platform and superior service for our core markets. In order to provide quick and responsive service to our agents, we operate an agency customer service call center staffed by experienced and highly-trained employees. Before being employed in our agency customer service call center, our representatives must pass a rigorous selection and training program to ensure that they understand the independent agency and brokerage business and can provide outstanding service. We believe that the strong relationships we have developed with our agents and brokers over time is a testament to the value proposition we provide to our producers and policyholders. Our focus on building and maintaining a strong agency network has created an effective variable cost distribution platform and is central to the long-term success of our agency channel. We have also developed an innovative program for select agents, known as our agent captive program, which allows select agents to participate in the underwriting profits on business they produce. We believe this program encourages the participants to produce more profitable business and increases their loyalty to us. Our North Carolina Business. We are the largest writer of nonstandard auto insurance sold through independent agents in North Carolina, with over 50% market share. For the year ended December 31, 2015, in North Carolina, we generated $411.5 million of gross premium written. The North Carolina nonstandard auto insurance market is serviced by a small number of carriers with most liability insurance ceded to the state-controlled North Carolina Reinsurance Facility, the NCRF. We are not subject to any underwriting risk on the NCRF business written because losses are incurred by the NCRF. As a servicing carrier to the state facility, we receive a ceding commission from the NCRF to help offset operating expenses for providing the coverage to North Carolina residents. See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Reinsurance.” Affinity Distribution Channel Through the affinity distribution channel of our P&C insurance business we are a leader in affinity marketing and have been in operation since 1953, relying on best-in-class marketing strategies and analytics to maximize the value of our longstanding relationships. Our affinity channel has a longstanding client base and benefits from strong product design and analytical capabilities. In general, an affinity partner relationship consists of a partnership between a sponsoring organization and an insurance company entered into to address the specific insurance needs of the sponsor organization’s members or customers. Through the affinity relationship, the insurance company receives an endorsement that positions it favorably among the sponsoring organizations’ members or customers. In exchange for the endorsement, the affinity customer receives access to a quality insurer, advantageous pricing and customized products. A primary focus of our affinity channel is providing recreational vehicle, or RV, coverage, of which we are one of the largest writers in the U.S. Pursuant to a marketing agreement with our affinity partner Good Sam Enterprises, LLC and its affiliates ("Good Sam"), Good Sam has agreed to operate an insurance program through which Good Sam Club members and Camping World customers may purchase insurance and insurance products, and we have the right to market white-labeled P&C insurance products under the Good Sam name to such members and customers on an exclusive basis, with a focus on RV insurance. This agreement was entered into effective January 1, 2012, and has a 20 year term. We pay marketing fees to Good Sam for access to its insurance program based on a percentage of business produced, which fees range from the low single digits to the low double digits for the various products sold through this program. In the event of a material breach of contract that remains uncured 30 days after notice thereof, the agreement is terminable by the non-breaching party. In 2015, we had net premium written of $151.3 million under this agreement. We maintain a diversified base of affinity relationships. Our affinity relationships are generally long-term in nature. Our top ten affinity relationships based on net earned premium have been in place for over ten years and are characterized by a mutual desire to deliver a high quality insurance product to the buyer. It has been our experience that termination of affinity partner relationships 3 is infrequent because we generally own the renewal rights to the relationship business and a terminating affinity partner would lose its rights to promotion fees and commissions on the underlying policies following termination. We generally target potential affinity partners with strong brands, actively managed mailing lists, high traffic websites and active membership bases. We develop new affinity relationships primarily through our employee sales force. We believe that employing a dedicated employee sales force results in higher quality affinity relationships with better profitability. In certain cases, we may also use unaffiliated brokers to develop affinity partner relationships. Lender-placed Services In connection with our recent acquisition of lender-placed insurance business (“LPI Business”) from QBE Investments (North America), Inc. (“QBE Parent”) and its subsidiary, QBE Holdings, Inc. (together with QBE Parent, “QBE”), we also acquired relationships with certain mortgage lenders. We offer lender-placed products and related services to such mortgage lenders and servicers. Product Overview In our P&C segment, we operate in niche businesses and offer a broad range of products employing multiple channels of distribution. Through our agency channel, we primarily sell nonstandard automobile insurance through independent agents and brokers and also offer standard and preferred auto, motorcycle, commercial vehicle, homeowners and umbrella products. Through our affinity channel, we primarily underwrite and market standard and preferred auto and RV insurance. • Standard and preferred automobile insurance. These policies provide coverage designed for drivers with greater financial resources and a less risky driving and claims history and are renewed with greater frequency than nonstandard policies. • Nonstandard automobile insurance. These policies provide coverage for liability and physical damage and are designed for drivers who represent a higher-than-normal level of risk as a result of factors such as their driving record, limited driving experience and claims history. Because these individuals often have limited financial resources and a greater tendency to miss payments or to make late payments, their premiums are generally higher than those for drivers who qualify for standard or preferred coverage. A significant part of our profits from these policies results from fees paid by our customers, which include origination fees, installment fees relating to installment payment plans, late payment fees, policy cancellation fees and reinstatement fees. For the year ended December 31, 2015, our P&C segment generated $174.7 million in revenue from policy service fees. • Homeowners insurance. Our homeowners policies are generally multiple-peril policies, providing property and liability coverages for one- and two-family, owner-occupied residences. We also provide additional coverage to the homeowner for personal umbrella. • Recreational vehicle insurance. Unlike many of our competitors, our policies carry RV-specific endorsements tailored to these vehicles, including automatic personal effects coverage, optional replacement cost coverage, RV storage coverage and full-time liability coverage. We also bundle coverage for RVs and passenger cars in a single policy for which the customer is billed on a combined statement. • Commercial automobile insurance. These policies include coverage for liability and physical damage caused by light- to-medium duty commercial vehicles, focused on artisan vehicles, with an average of two vehicles per policy. • Motorcycle insurance. We provide coverage for most types of motorcycles, as well as golf carts and all-terrain vehicles. Our policy coverage offers flexibility to permit the customer to select the type (e.g., liability) and limit of insurance (e.g., $100,000/$250,000/$500,000), and to include other risks, such as add-on equipment and towing. • Lender-placed insurance. Through the lender-placed insurance platform, we offer a full suite of lender-placed insurance products to customers, including fire, home and flood products, as well as collateral protection insurance and guaranteed asset protection products for automobiles. Fee Income In addition to traditional insurance premiums, we generate revenue by charging policy service fees to policyholders. These fees include service fees for installment or renewal policies and fees for non-sufficient funds, late payments, cancellations and various financial responsibility filing fees. The fee income we generate varies depending on the type of policy and state regulations. We also collect management fees in connection with our management of the Reciprocal Exchanges. 4 Geographic Distribution We are licensed to operate in 50 states and the District of Columbia. We believe that our geographic and product mix creates limited exposure to catastrophic events. For the year ended December 31, 2015 our top twelve states represented 83.7% of our gross premium written. The following table sets forth the distribution of our P&C gross premium written by state as a percent of total gross premium written for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013: (amounts in thousands) New York North Carolina California Florida Louisiana Michigan Texas New Jersey Virginia Washington Connecticut Massachusetts Other States Total 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 $ 456,828 411,456 322,045 136,562 101,638 99,736 94,918 88,445 87,987 67,685 52,007 38,140 19.5% $ 17.6% 13.8% 5.8% 4.3% 4.3% 4.1% 3.8% 3.8% 2.9% 2.2% 1.6% 406,445 378,475 306,292 85,017 60,838 101,353 62,180 93,460 58,480 58,383 66,455 47,753 20.4% $ 19.0% 15.4% 180,663 352,556 178,317 13.8% 27.0% 13.7% 4.3% 3.0% 5.1% 3.1% 4.7% 2.9% 2.9% 3.3% 2.4% 95,573 12,929 85,931 31,943 863 83,850 52,570 1,771 — 7.3% 1.0% 6.6% 2.4% 0.1% 6.4% 4.0% 0.1% —% 380,379 16.3% 269,577 13.5% 228,288 17.6% $ 2,337,826 100.0% $ 1,994,708 100.0% $ 1,305,254 100.0% Underwriting and Claims Management Philosophy We believe that proactive and prompt claims management is essential to reducing losses and lowering loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") and enables us to more effectively and accurately measure reserves. To this end, we utilize our technology and extensive database of loss history in order to appropriately price and structure policies, maintain lower levels of loss, enhance our ability to accurately predict losses, and maintain lower claims costs. We believe a strong underwriting foundation is best accomplished through careful risk selection and continuous evaluation of underwriting guidelines relative to loss experience. We are committed to a consistent and thorough review of new underwriting opportunities and our portfolio and product mix as a whole. Underwriting, Pricing and Risk Management, and Actuarial Capabilities We establish premium rates for insurance products based upon an analysis of expected losses using historical experience and anticipated future trends. Our product team develops the product and manages our underwriting tolerances. Our actuarial team uses a detailed actuarial analysis to establish the necessary rate level for a given product and territory to achieve our targeted return. For risks which fall within our underwriting tolerances, we establish a price by matching rate to risk at a detailed level of segmentation. We determine the individual risk using predictive modeling developed by our analytics team with a level of precision that we believe is superior to the traditional loss cost pricing used by many of our competitors. We believe that effective collaboration among the product, analytics and actuarial teams enhances our ability to price risks appropriately and achieve our targeted rates of return. To assist us in profitably underwriting our P&C products, our predictive analytics team has developed our RAD 5.0 underwriting pricing tool. The RAD 5.0 underwriting pricing tool offers significant advantages over our prior pricing tools by employing numerous additional components and pricing strategies such as supplemental risk and improved credit modeling. We believe the RAD 5.0 underwriting pricing tool facilitates better pricing over the lifetime of a policy by employing lifetime value modeling, elasticity modeling and optimized pricing. We believe that RAD 5.0 provides us with a competitive advantage for pricing our products relative to other auto insurers of our size. Our actuarial group is central to the pricing and risk management process. The group carries out a number of functions including developing, tracking, and reporting on accident year loss results, monitoring and addressing national, state and channel- specific profit trends and establishing actuarial rate level needs and indications. Our actuarial group also helps ensure the integrity of reported accident year results. We also engage an independent third-party actuary to perform an annual actuarial review. 5 Claims Claims can be submitted by telephone, email or smartphone app by policyholders, producers or other parties directly to our claims department. Upon notification of a claim, our claims call center creates a loss notice based on policy information in our claims system, EPIC. The claim is then automatically assigned to a claim handler and to a field adjuster for a vehicle inspection, if necessary. An initial reserve is established based on the type and location of the exposure and data from actuarial tables. A notice to the adjuster is automatically generated immediately after a claim has been assigned. The claim handler’s manager receives a status assignment 24 hours later to ensure the claim is being investigated in a timely manner. The claim handler evaluates coverage and loss participants and investigates the loss. If the claim represents a loss exceeding $50,000, the claim handler will establish a case-specific reserve based on the potential exposure. Claims with potential losses exceeding $75,000 are referred to the large loss unit and handled by employees specially trained to handle these claims. Every claims employee is granted authority to reserve and pay up to a specified claim level. If the potential claim amount exceeds the employee’s authority level, the request is automatically forwarded through EPIC to the manager with the appropriate authority level. As part of the investigation, claim handlers contact the parties to the loss and complete their investigations. Claim handlers record all investigation activities in EPIC, which are reviewed periodically by the managers in the department to ensure proper claims handling. Once the claim investigation has been completed, the claim handler works to close the claim as soon as possible. As of December 31, 2015, our Claims department includes approximately 1,530 individuals. We carefully monitor our claim performance to ensure efficient handling. Management teams perform weekly reviews of open and aged claim reports. Through a combination of peer reviews, supervisor audits and monthly management information system reports, we have established several mechanisms designed to maintain and improve our level of claim handling performance. Competition The property and casualty insurance market in the United States is highly competitive. We believe that our primary competition comes not only from national companies or their subsidiaries, such as The Progressive Corporation, The Allstate Corporation, The Travelers Companies, Inc., The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., Selective Insurance Group, Inc., State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, Farmers Insurance Group, Assurant, Inc. and GEICO, but also from nonstandard insurers such as Mercury General Corporation, Infinity Property & Casualty Corporation and Direct General Corporation and independent agents that operate in a specific region or single state in which we operate. We rely heavily on technology and extensive data gathering and analysis to segment markets and price accurately according to risk potential. We have remained competitive by refining our risk measurement and price segmentation skills, closely managing expenses, and achieving operating efficiencies. Superior customer service and fair and accurate claims adjusting are also important factors in our competitive strategy. With the implementation of our new policy administration system and our RAD 5.0 underwriting pricing tool, we believe we will continue to operate well in the competitive environment. See “-Technology” for more information regarding our new policy administration system and RAD 5.0 pricing tool. Recent P&C Acquisitions Since we acquired our P&C insurance business in 2010, we have made several acquisitions. These additional operations have increased our presence in our target markets and broadened our distribution capabilities. We believe that merger and acquisition transactions and their effective integration represent a core competency and provide continued growth opportunities. • • • In April 2014, we purchased Personal Express Insurance Company (“Personal Express”), a California domiciled personal auto and home insurer from Sequoia Insurance Company, an affiliate of AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. (“AmTrust”). The purchase price was approximately $21.5 million, subject to certain adjustments. In June 2014, we purchased certain assets of Imperial Management Corporation ("Imperial"), including its underwriting subsidiaries Imperial Fire & Casualty Insurance Company and National Automotive Insurance Company, its retail agency subsidiary ABC Insurance Agencies, and its managing general agency subsidiary RAC Insurance Partners. The purchase price was approximately $20.0 million. In connection with the Imperial transaction, we assumed certain debt of Imperial and Imperial Fire & Casualty Insurance Company (see Note 15, "Debt" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements). In July 2014, we reacquired Agent Alliance Insurance Company (“AAIC”), an Alabama-domiciled insurer focused on private passenger auto business in North Carolina, which is also licensed as a surplus lines carrier in over 30 states, from ACP Re Ltd. ("ACP Re") for a purchase price equal to AAIC’s capital and surplus of approximately $17.3 million. After initially acquiring AAIC in September 2011, we then sold AAIC to ACP Re in 2012, at which time we had continued to reinsure 100% of its existing and renewal private passenger auto insurance. 6 • • • In September 2014, ACP Re, a Bermuda reinsurer that is a subsidiary of the Michael Karfunkel Family 2005 Trust (the “Karfunkel Family Trust”), completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding stock of Tower Group International, Ltd. ("Tower") and caused its subsidiary to merge into Tower (the "Merger") pursuant to a merger agreement, dated January 3, 2014, by and between ACP Re and Tower. In connection with the Merger, we acquired two management companies from ACP Re for $7.5 million. The management companies are the attorneys-in-fact for the Reciprocal Exchanges. We also agreed to pay ACP Re contingent consideration in the form of a three year earnout of 3% of the gross premium written of the Tower personal lines business written or assumed by us following the merger, capped at $30.0 million over the three year period. We estimated the fair value of the ACP Re Contingent Payments to be approximately $26.1 million at the acquisition date. In April 2015, we closed on the acquisition of Assigned Risk Solutions Ltd. ("ARS"), a New Jersey based managing general agency that services assigned risk, personal auto, and commercial lines of business, for a purchase price of approximately $48.0 million in cash and potential future earnout payments ("ARS Contingent Payments"). The fair value of the ARS Contingent Payments was estimated to be $4.1 million at December 31, 2015. In October 2015, we closed on a master transaction agreement with QBE, pursuant to which we acquired QBE’s LPI Business, including certain of QBE’s affiliates engaged in the LPI Business. The transaction included the acquisition of certain assets, including loan-tracking systems and technology, client servicing accounts, intellectual property, and vendor relationships, as well as the assumption of the related insurance liabilities in a reinsurance transaction through which we received the loss reserves, unearned premium reserves, and invested assets. The aggregate consideration for the transaction was approximately $95.7 million, subject to certain adjustments. A&H Segment Established in 2012, our A&H segment provides supplemental accident and health insurance products. The key to our overall strategy revolves around distribution. We have multiple ways to reach the consumer through established channels, including: • • directly to the consumer through our in-house general agency; to independent agents through our in-house general agency; • wholesaling through other general agents and Managing General Underwriters (MGUs); and • through employers in the worksite. We believe that our distribution is unique because it is not driven by “company stores” - outlets that only sell products underwritten by us. In the markets where we choose not to underwrite, such as traditional individual major medical, we still sell these products on behalf of third party carriers. This means that we can match the consumer to the product that the consumer needs, whether it’s a product underwritten by us or a third party carrier. This one-stop shopping element makes our distribution outlets attractive for both consumers and agents and allows us to promote our supplemental/ancillary products in a single sale environment. Our product focus in our A&H segment is offering solutions not covered by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("PPACA"), as well as economical and quality alternatives to the traditional group and individual insurance markets. PPACA has created more access for the consumer by mandating individual coverage, eliminating underwriting barriers and providing subsidies. Consumers are now compelled to purchase coverage. While individuals or groups who traditionally may have had issues in obtaining coverage will benefit, a significant portion of the market still has challenges in obtaining health insurance that balances depth of coverage with affordability. Because of our far-reaching distribution capability and focused product portfolio, we believe we are uniquely positioned to offer value to our consumers. Our products fall into three broad categories: (1) supplemental/ancillary healthcare policies that mitigate exposure to high out-of-pocket costs with some major medical policies; (2) specialty accident policies and short term individual major medical policies specifically not regulated by PPACA that help a consumer obtain affordable healthcare as a bridge to more traditional forms of insurance; and (3) self-insurance programs for small employers to assist employers who find self-insurance to be a more cost effective solution to the group healthcare needs. A&H Acquisitions Principally through the following acquisitions in our A&H segment, we have built a platform to market our and other carriers’ A&H products. This platform consists of the following operations: • In November 2012, we acquired National Health Insurance Company (“NHIC”), a Texas-domiciled life and health insurer currently licensed in 48 states and the District of Columbia to write our A&H risks. NHIC was established as a life and health insurer in 1979. NHIC offers a significant number of A&H insurance products for individuals and groups, which 7 • • • • • • • include life, accident, limited medical/hospital indemnity, short term disability, short term recovery care, short-term medical, cancer/critical illness, and stop loss. In February 2012, we acquired VelaPoint, LLC, a general agency that operates a call center with approximately 127 licensed agents selling a full range of supplemental medical insurance products, as well as individual major medical policies underwritten through a wide range of third-party insurance companies. For the year ended December 31, 2015, VelaPoint produced approximately $183.0 million in premium on behalf of third parties. In February 2012, we acquired America’s HealthCare Plan (“AHCP”), a managing general agent/program manager. AHCP works with over 4,300 independent agents and general agents across the country to provide an array of insurance products, including those offered by third-party insurers, and serves as a significant method of distribution for NHIC’s products. In September 2012, we acquired from the Coca-Cola Bottlers’ Association a health insurance administration company that administers specialty self-insurance arrangements, offering ERISA qualified self-insured plans to employers in affinity associations or trade groups and selling medical stop loss coverage to employers (collectively, the “TABS” companies). We have subsequently expanded our distribution beyond the initial affinities and now also market using NHIC products. In January 2013, we assumed 100% of an in-force book of A&H business from an affiliate of AmTrust. This business also focuses on smaller group stop loss programs. In April 2013, we acquired EHC, a European group life and health insurance managing general agent. The agency distributes life and health insurance to groups as well as individuals. Distribution predominantly takes place through broker channels and affinity partners. For the year ended December 31, 2015, EHC produced approximately $88.3 million in premium on behalf of third parties. Commencing January 1, 2014, our European insurance subsidiary began reinsuring all business placed by EHC (the "EHC Business"). Commencing April 1, 2014, all new and renewal policies placed by EHC are underwritten by our European insurance subsidiaries. In January 2015, we closed on the acquisition of Healthcare Solutions Team, LLC (“HST”), an Illinois-based healthcare insurance general agency. We paid approximately $15.0 million on the acquisition date and agreed to pay potential future earnout payments ("HST Contingent Payments") based on the overall profitability of HST and the business underwritten by our insurance subsidiaries which is produced by HST. The fair value of the HST Contingent Payments was estimated to be $4.5 million at December 31, 2015. In October 2015, we closed our acquisition of certain business lines and assets from Assurant Health, which is a business segment of Assurant, Inc. As part of the transaction, we acquired the small group self-funded and supplemental product lines, as well as North Star Marketing, a proprietary small group sales channel. The purchase price was an aggregate cash payment of $14.0 million. A&H Product Overview We focus on products that will be sold outside of the PPACA framework to the emerging uninsured or underinsured individual and group worksite markets, who we expect will consist largely of people with incomes above the level that qualify for government subsidies. This emerging market includes groups and individuals who are seeing their out-of-pocket health insurance costs rise under PPACA, and part-time employees and full-time employees who work for employers with fewer than 50 employees. Our products include products packaged with other coverages or services to enhance the overall value proposition to the consumer, as well as standalone products either purchased alone or as a supplement to major medical coverage. Target products for groups (through employers) and individuals include: • Accident/AD&D. This coverage pays a stated benefit to the insured or his/her beneficiary in the event of bodily injury or death due to accidental means (other than natural causes). For our targeted young and uninsured population, accident policies can provide basic insurance protection for those without coverage. These policies also serve as supplemental policies underneath high deductible major medical plans. • Hospital Indemnity. These plans serve as supplements to high deductible plans, helping mitigate high catastrophic individual out of pocket expenses. They can also be sold as standalone programs to groups, offering basic insurance for those that cannot afford or do not wish to pay for more expensive major medical coverage. • • Short Term Recovery Care. These plans are designed to provide short term coverage post discharge from acute care/ rehab center to the nursing home setting. Short-Term Medical. These plans offer comprehensive coverage to individuals for a prescribed short duration, generally six months, but can be up to a year. • Cancer/Critical Illness. Critical illness policies can provide coverage for many costs that are not covered by traditional health insurance. This coverage can be sold on a guarantee and simplified issue (health questionnaire) basis either as a standalone product or packaged with other products. 8 • Stop Loss. We expect that increases in health insurance costs will cause an increase in the number of employers offering self-insured plans. NHIC offers a wide array of stop loss programs for small and large employers, as permitted by state law. We also package our non-major medical coverages with stop loss programs. • Dental/Vision. These policies provide basic dental or vision coverage and can be sold on a stand-alone basis or packaged with other products. They are frequently matched with discount plans. Ratings Financial strength ratings are an important factor in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies and are important to our ability to market and sell our products. Rating organizations continually review the financial positions of insurers, including us. A.M. Best has currently assigned our insurance subsidiaries a group rating of “A-” (Excellent) which is the fourth highest out of fifteen ratings. According to A.M. Best, “A-” ratings are assigned to insurers that have an excellent ability to meet their ongoing financial obligations to policyholders. This rating reflects A.M. Best’s opinion of our ability to pay claims and is not an evaluation directed to investors regarding an investment in our common stock. This rating is subject to periodic review by, and may be revised downward or revoked at the sole discretion of, A.M. Best. There can be no assurance that we will maintain our current ratings. Future changes to our rating may adversely affect our competitive position. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors-Risks Relating to our Business Generally-A downgrade in the A.M. Best rating of our insurance subsidiaries would likely reduce the amount of business we are able to write and could materially adversely impact the competitive positions of our insurance subsidiaries.” Loss Reserves We record loss reserves for estimated losses under the insurance policies that we write and for LAE related to the investigation and settlement of policy claims. Our reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses represent the estimated cost of all reported and unreported loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred and unpaid at any given point in time based on known facts and circumstances. The process of establishing the liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses is complex and imprecise as it must take into consideration many variables that are subject to the outcome of future events. As a result, informed subjective estimates and judgments as to our ultimate exposure to losses are an important component of our loss reserving process. Loss reserves include statistical reserves and case estimates for individual claims that have been reported and estimates for claims that have been incurred but not reported at the balance sheet date as well as estimates of the expenses associated with processing and settling all reported and unreported claims, less estimates of anticipated salvage and subrogation recoveries. Estimates are based upon past loss experience modified for current trends as well as economic, legal and social conditions. Loss reserves, except life reserves, are not discounted to present value, which would involve recognizing the time value of money and offsetting estimates of future payments by future expected investment income. Incurred but not reported ("IBNR") reserve estimates are generally calculated by first projecting the ultimate cost of all claims that have occurred and then subtracting reported losses and loss expenses. Reported losses include cumulative paid losses and loss expenses plus case reserves. The IBNR reserve includes a provision for claims that have occurred but have not yet been reported, some of which are not yet known to the insured, as well as a provision for future development on reported claims. We regularly review our loss reserves using a variety of actuarial methods and available information. We update the reserve estimates as historical loss experience develops, additional claims are reported and settled or as new information becomes available. Any changes in estimates are reflected in financial results in the period in which the estimates are changed. Our loss reserves are reviewed quarterly by internal actuaries and at least annually by our external actuaries. The actuarial review may include an actual to expected loss analysis or more detailed reserve indications for segments with changes, as well as the actuary’s reasonable reserve range compared to carried reserves. We review available actuarial indications and review carried reserves compared to the reasonable reserve range to determine whether any reserve adjustments are warranted. There is no one specific industry standard for determining reasonable reserve ranges. The internal actuarial reserve ranges are established by considering projections using variations in the underlying actuarial assumptions, projections based on different weightings of the individual actuarial methods, projections by statistical variability analysis, or by other appropriate reserve considerations. Our internal actuarial analysis of the historical data provides the factors we use in our actuarial analysis in estimating our loss and LAE reserves. These factors are implicit measures over time of claims reported, average case incurred amounts, case development, severity and payment patterns. However, these factors cannot be directly used as they do not take into consideration 9 changes in business mix, claims management, regulatory issues, medical trends, and other subjective factors. We generally use a combination of actuarial factors and subjective assumptions in the development of up to seven of the following actuarial methodologies: • • • • • • Paid Development Method - uses historical, cumulative paid losses by accident year and develops those actual losses to estimated ultimate losses based upon the assumption that each accident year will develop to estimated ultimate cost in a manner that is analogous to prior years. Paid Generalized Cape Cod Method - combines the Paid Development Method with the expected loss method, where the expected loss ratios are estimated from exposure and claims experience weighted across multiple accident periods. The selected expected loss ratio for a given accident year is derived by giving some weight to all of the accident years in the experience history rather than treating each accident year independently. Paid Bornhuetter-Ferguson (“BF”) Method - a combination of the Paid Development Method and the Expected Loss Method, the Paid BF Method estimates ultimate losses by adding actual paid losses and projected future unpaid losses. The amounts produced are then added to cumulative paid losses to produce the final estimates of ultimate incurred losses. Incurred Development Method - uses historical, cumulative incurred losses by accident year and develops those actual losses to estimated ultimate losses based upon the assumption that each accident year will develop to estimated ultimate cost in a manner that is analogous to prior years. Incurred Generalized Cape Cod Method - combines the Incurred Development Method with the expected loss method, where the expected loss ratios are estimated from exposure and claims experience weighted across multiple accident periods. The selected expected loss ratio for a given accident year is derived by giving some weight to all of the accident years in the experience history rather than treating each accident year independently. Incurred Bornhuetter-Ferguson (“BF”) Method - a combination of the Incurred Development Method and the Expected Loss Method, the Incurred BF Method estimates ultimate losses by adding actual incurred losses and projected future unreported losses. The amounts produced are then added to cumulative incurred losses to produce an estimate of ultimate incurred losses. • Expected Loss Method - utilizes an expected ultimate loss ratio based on historical experience adjusted for trends multiplied by earned premium to project ultimate losses. For each method, losses are projected to the ultimate amount to be paid. We then analyze the results and may emphasize or deemphasize some or all of the outcomes to reflect actuarial judgment regarding their reasonableness in relation to supplementary information and operational and industry changes. These outcomes are then aggregated to produce a single selected point estimate that is the basis for the internal actuary’s point estimate for loss reserves. In determining the level of emphasis that may be placed on some or all of the methods, internal actuaries periodically review statistical information as to which methods are most appropriate, whether adjustments are appropriate within the particular methods, and if results produced by each method include inherent bias reflecting operational and industry changes. This supplementary information may include: • • • • • • • open and closed claim counts; statistics related to open and closed claim count percentages; claim closure rates; changes in average case reserves and average loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred on open claims; reported and ultimate average case incurred changes; reported and projected ultimate loss ratios; and loss payment patterns. When reviewing reserves described in this section, we analyze historical data and estimate the impact of numerous factors such as (1) individual claim information; (2) industry and the historical loss experience; (3) legislative enactments, judicial decisions, legal developments in the imposition of damages, and changes in political attitudes; and (4) trends in general economic conditions, including the effects of inflation. This process assumes that past experience, adjusted for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends, is an appropriate basis for predicting future events. There is no precise method for subsequently evaluating the impact of any specific factor on the adequacy of reserves, because the eventual deficiency or redundancy is affected by multiple factors. The key assumptions we use in our determination of appropriate reserve levels include the underlying actuarial methodologies, consideration of pricing and underwriting initiatives, an evaluation of reinsurance costs and retention levels, and consideration of any claims handling impact on paid and incurred loss data trends embedded in the traditional actuarial methods. 10 With respect to estimating ultimate losses and LAE, the key assumptions remained consistent for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and our approach in establishing such assumptions remained consistent for newly underwritten lines. If circumstances bear out our assumptions, losses incurred in 2015 should develop similarly to losses incurred in 2014 and prior years. Thus, if for example, the Net Loss Ratio for auto insurance premiums written in a given accident year is 65.0%, we expect that the Net Loss Ratio for auto insurance premiums written in that same accident year evolving in Year 2 would also be 65.0%. However, due to the inherent uncertainty in the loss development factors, our actual liabilities may differ significantly from our original estimates. The reserve range below provides a sensitivity analysis regarding a range of reserve estimates considered to be reasonable based on current information and normal variations in actual losses and assumptions. This range was developed based on actuarial judgment of the potential variance in key loss reserve factors which influence ultimate frequency and severity that can cause favorable or unfavorable development in loss reserves. However, due to the inherent uncertainty involved with projecting future loss events, the reserve range does not include all possible outcomes, and our actual liabilities may differ significantly from our original reserve estimates. Our analysis does not anticipate any extraordinary changes in the legal, social or economic environments that could affect the ultimate outcome of claims, or the emergence of claims from causes not currently recognized in the historical data. Such extraordinary changes or claim emergence may impact the level of required reserves in ways that are not presently quantifiable. Thus, while we believe our reserve estimates are reasonable given the information currently available, it must be recognized that actual emergence of losses could deviate, perhaps significantly, from our estimates and the amounts recorded by us. As of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, our reserves, net of reinsurance recoverables, were $922.4 million, $650.4 million and $308.4 million, respectively. In calendar year 2015, unpaid loss reserves increased by $272.1 million, or 41.8% of the $650.4 million beginning net loss and LAE reserves at December 31, 2014, primarily due to growth caused by: (i) acquisition of our lender- placed insurance business from QBE; (ii) the Assurant Transaction; and (iii) A&H reserve strengthening predominantly with respect to business subject to the EHC Reinsurance Agreement. In calendar year 2014, unpaid loss reserves increased by $341.9 million, or 110.9% of the $308.4 million beginning net loss and LAE reserves at December 31, 2013. There were no significant changes in the methodologies or key assumptions utilized in the analysis and calculations of our loss reserves during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Irrespective of whether the exposure type was underwritten during the entire three year period, our estimation methodologies and approaches to establishing key assumptions are reasonably consistent from year to year for any given line of business. NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Net Loss Reserves evaluated as of December 31, 2015 (amounts in thousands) Range of Net Reserve Estimates Low Carried High $ $ 775,845 92,840 868,685 $ $ 829,141 93,307 922,448 $ $ 923,712 102,637 1,026,349 The resulting range derived from this sensitivity analysis would have increased net reserves by approximately $103.9 million or decreased net reserves by approximately $53.8 million, at December 31, 2015. The increase would have reduced net income and stockholders’ equity by approximately $67.5 million. The decrease would have increased net income and stockholders equity by approximately $35.0 million. A change in our reserves for net losses and loss adjustment expenses would not have an immediate impact on our liquidity, but would affect cash flow in future periods as the losses are paid. Given the numerous factors and assumptions used in our estimates of net reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses, and consequently this sensitivity analysis, we do not believe that it would be meaningful to provide more detailed disclosure regarding specific factors and assumptions and the individual effects of these factors and assumptions on our net reserves. Furthermore, there is no precise method for subsequently reevaluating the impact of any specific factor or assumption on the adequacy of reserves because the eventual deficiency or redundancy is affected by multiple interdependent factors. 11 Reconciliation of Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves The table below shows the reconciliation of loss reserves on a gross and net basis for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, reflecting changes in losses incurred and paid losses: (amounts in thousands) Years Ended December 31, 2015 Reciprocal Exchanges NGHC Total NGHC 2014 Reciprocal Exchanges 2013 Total Total Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the year Less: Reinsurance recoverables at beginning of the year Net balance at beginning of the year Incurred losses and LAE related to: Current year Prior year Total incurred Paid losses and LAE related to: Current year Prior year Total paid Acquired outstanding loss and loss adjustment reserve Effect of foreign exchange rates Net balance at end of the year Plus reinsurance recoverables at end of the year Gross balance at end of the year $1,450,305 $ 111,848 $1,562,153 $1,259,241 $ — $1,259,241 $1,286,533 (888,215) (23,583) (911,798) (950,828) 562,090 88,265 650,355 308,413 — — (950,828) (991,447) 308,413 295,086 1,265,702 100,255 1,365,957 1,008,406 25,382 1,033,788 456,039 18,378 (2,694) 15,684 17,941 1,336 19,277 6,085 1,284,080 97,561 1,381,641 1,026,347 26,718 1,053,065 462,124 (835,854) (347,912) (1,183,766) (37,018) (55,501) (92,519) (872,872) (403,413) (1,276,285) (645,826) (187,010) (832,836) (20,715) (12,429) (33,144) (666,541) (199,439) (865,980) (265,907) (182,890) (448,797) 169,257 (2,520) — — 169,257 66,066 94,691 160,757 (2,520) (5,900) — (5,900) — — 829,141 93,307 922,448 562,090 88,265 650,355 308,413 794,091 39,085 833,176 888,215 23,583 911,798 950,828 $1,623,232 $ 132,392 $1,755,624 $1,450,305 $ 111,848 $1,562,153 $1,259,241 12 For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, our gross reserves for loss and LAE were $1,755.6 million, $1,562.2 million and $1,259.2 million, respectively, of which our case reserves and our reserves for estimated losses that have been incurred but not reported (IBNR) were broken down as follows: (amounts in thousands) December 31, 2015 Reciprocal Exchanges NGHC Total NGHC 2014 Reciprocal Exchanges 2013 Total Total Case reserves for unpaid losses and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverable Incurred but not reported (IBNR) reserves for unpaid losses and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverable* Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverable Case reserves for unpaid losses and LAE, net of related reinsurance recoverable Incurred but not reported (IBNR) reserves for unpaid losses and LAE, net of related reinsurance recoverable Unpaid losses and LAE, net of related reinsurance recoverable $ 523,356 $ 68,092 $ 591,448 $ 470,862 $ 73,689 $ 544,551 $ 342,254 1,099,876 64,300 1,164,176 979,443 38,159 1,017,602 916,987 $1,623,232 $ 132,392 $1,755,624 $1,450,305 $ 111,848 $1,562,153 $1,259,241 $ 412,244 $ 50,664 $ 462,908 $ 320,849 $ 56,569 $ 377,418 $ 163,844 416,897 42,643 459,540 241,241 31,696 272,937 144,569 $ 829,141 $ 93,307 $ 922,448 $ 562,090 $ 88,265 $ 650,355 $ 308,413 _________________ * Includes total reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses as respects business subject to the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association ("MCCA") and the North Carolina Reinsurance Facility ("NCRF"). For additional information regarding reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses from MCCA and NCRF, see Item 7, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Reinsurance." Prior Year Loss Development Changes in loss reserve estimates are unavoidable because such estimates are subject to the outcome of future events. Loss trends vary and time is required for changes in trends to be recognized and confirmed. Reserve changes that increase previous estimates of ultimate cost are referred to as unfavorable or adverse development or reserve strengthening. Reserve changes that decrease previous estimates of ultimate cost are referred to as favorable development or reserve releases. The table below shows the net loss development for business written for each period presented. The table reflects the changes in our loss and LAE reserves in subsequent years from the prior loss estimates based on experience as of the end of each succeeding year on a general accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) basis. The next section of the table sets forth the re-estimates in later years of incurred losses, including payments, for the years indicated. The next section of the table shows, by year, the cumulative amounts of loss and LAE payments, net of amounts recoverable from reinsurers, as of the end of each succeeding year. The “cumulative redundancy (deficiency)” represents, as of December 31, 2015, the difference between the latest re-estimated liability and the amounts as originally estimated. A redundancy or favorable development means that the original estimate was higher than the current estimate. A deficiency or unfavorable development means that the current estimate is higher than the original estimate. 13 Analysis of Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserve Development (amounts in thousands) Gross Basis Gross of Reinsurance Loss and LAE Reserve As Originally Estimated Liability re-estimated as of: One year later Two years later Three years later Four years later Five years later Cumulative deficiency (redundancy) Cumulative amount paid as of: One year later Two years later Three years later Four years later Five years later Re-estimated Liability as % of Original as of: One year later Two years later Three years later Four years later Five years later Period from March 1, 2010 (Inception) to December 31, Years Ended December 31, 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 $ 1,081,630 $ 1,218,412 $ 1,286,533 $ 1,259,241 $ 1,562,153 $ 1,755,624 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 1,190,512 1,272,311 1,227,800 1,212,021 1,223,873 142,243 324,931 463,252 539,092 578,216 628,501 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 1,236,164 1,211,144 1,202,737 1,223,347 4,935 298,463 460,278 526,243 593,415 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 1,284,001 1,293,020 1,301,356 14,823 386,048 517,373 621,139 $ $ $ $ $ 1,265,935 $ 1,565,327 1,261,694 2,453 342,214 517,531 $ $ 3,174 582,297 110.1% 117.6% 113.5% 112.1% 113.2% 101.5% 99.4% 98.7% 100.4% 99.8% 100.5% 101.2% 100.5% 100.2% 100.2% Cumulative deficiency (redundancy) on gross reserve 13.2% 0.4% 1.2% 0.2% 0.2% Loss and LAE cumulative paid as a percentage of Originally Estimated Liability: One year later Two years later Three years later Four years later Five years later 30.0% 42.8% 49.8% 53.5% 58.1% 24.5% 37.8% 43.2% 48.7% 30.0% 40.2% 48.3% 27.2% 41.1% 37.3% 14 (amounts in thousands) Net Basis Net of Reinsurance Loss and LAE Reserve As Originally Estimated Net Liability re-estimated as of: One year later Two years later Three years later Four years later Five years later Cumulative deficiency (redundancy) Cumulative amount paid as of: One year later Two years later Three years later Four years later Five years later Re-estimated Liability as % of Original as of: One year later Two years later Three years later Four years later Five years later Period from March 1, 2010 (Inception) to December 31, Years Ended December 31, $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 386,607 364,678 396,514 384,464 390,973 391,234 $ $ $ $ $ 297,693 298,991 305,447 310,389 310,767 $ $ $ $ 295,086 301,171 308,605 310,827 $ $ $ 308,413 327,690 328,408 $ $ 650,355 $ 922,448 666,039 4,627 $ 13,074 $ 15,741 $ 19,995 $ 15,684 198,970 277,463 326,373 336,693 344,627 $ $ $ $ 136,447 231,703 266,135 280,509 $ $ $ 182,890 251,355 279,295 $ $ 199,439 $ 403,413 273,488 94.3% 102.6% 99.4% 101.1% 101.2% 100.4% 102.6% 104.3% 104.4% 102.1% 104.6% 105.3% 106.3% 106.5% 102.4% Cumulative deficiency (redundancy) on net reserve 1.2% 4.4% 5.3% 6.5% 2.4% Loss and LAE cumulative paid as a percentage of Originally Estimated Liability: One year later Two years later Three years later Four years later Five years later 51.5% 71.8% 84.4% 87.1% 89.1% 45.8% 77.8% 89.4% 94.2% 62.0% 85.2% 94.6% 64.7% 88.7% 62.0% Revisions to reserve estimates are generally the result of ongoing analysis of recent loss development trends and emerging historical experience. Original estimates are increased or decreased as additional information becomes known regarding individual claims. The 2014 cumulative deficiency of $15.7 million ($18.4 million excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges) was primarily related to $17.2 million of reserve strengthening in the A&H segment predominantly with respect to business subject to the EHC Reinsurance Agreement, which was effective at the beginning of 2014, and $1.2 million of unfavorable development in the P&C segment predominantly with respect to higher than expected loss emergence from commercial auto liability combined single limit insurance policies. 15 Technology We rely heavily on technology and extensive data gathering and analysis to evaluate and price our products accurately according to risk exposure. In order to provide our policyholders and producers with superior service and realize profitable growth, we have substantially upgraded our information technology capabilities in recent years. In 2010, we started development on our new P&C policy administration system named “NPS.” On a limited basis, we launched NPS in January 2011 and as of February 2014, all of our P&C policies are administered on the system. NPS is based on advanced server-based technology allowing quicker processing and the ability for enhanced scalability. This new system reduced cost by eliminating our three costly legacy mainframe based systems and allows for increased straight-through automated processing, removing the need for expensive back office processes as well as providing enhanced self-service functionality. Since inception, we have reduced our information technology operating expenses significantly. We have integrated our new policy administration system across all lines of our P&C business, retired the three legacy systems and have significantly incorporated our RAD 5.0 underwriting pricing tool into this system. Our goal is to continue to make strategic investments in technology in order to develop sophisticated tools that enhance our customer service, product management and data analysis capabilities. RAD 5.0 is an underwriting pricing tool that more accurately prices specific risk exposures to assist us in profitably underwriting our P&C products. Our RAD 5.0 technology offers significant advantages over our prior underwriting pricing system by employing numerous additional components and pricing strategies such as supplemental risk and improved credit modeling. We believe the RAD 5.0 underwriting pricing tool will facilitate better pricing over the lifetime of a policy by employing lifetime value modeling, elasticity modeling and optimized pricing. See “-P&C Segment-Underwriting, Pricing and Risk Management, and Actuarial Capabilities.” In our lender-placed insurance business, we use a proprietary insurance-tracking system to monitor the customers' mortgage portfolios to verify the existence of insurance on each mortgaged property. We believe we can leverage our technology expertise to operate the business under a more efficient cost structure. Consistent with our niche, technology-driven focus, we have an arrangement with a managing general agency that has developed advanced vehicle telematics technology that monitors miles driven and other driver behavior, enabling us to leverage this technology to offer lower cost, low mileage products with less exposure. Regulation General We are subject to extensive regulation in the United States and to a lesser extent in Bermuda, Luxembourg and Sweden. As of December 31, 2015, we had fifteen operating insurance subsidiaries domiciled in the United States: Integon Casualty Insurance Company, Integon General Insurance Corporation, Integon Indemnity Corporation, Integon National Insurance Company (“Integon National”), Integon Preferred Insurance Company, New South Insurance Company, MIC General Insurance Corporation, National General Insurance Company, National General Assurance Company, National General Insurance Online, Inc., National Health Insurance Company, Personal Express Insurance Company, Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, National Automotive Insurance Company and Agent Alliance Insurance Company. State Insurance Regulation Insurance companies are subject to regulation and supervision by the department of insurance in the jurisdiction in which they are domiciled and, to a lesser extent, other jurisdictions in which they are authorized to conduct business. The primary purpose of such regulatory powers is to protect individual policyholders. State insurance authorities have broad regulatory, supervisory and administrative powers, including, among other things, the power to (a) grant and revoke licenses to transact business, including individual lines of authority, (b) set the standards of solvency to be met and maintained, (c) determine the nature of, and limitations on, investments and dividends, (d) approve policy rules, rates and forms prior to issuance, (e) regulate and conduct specific examinations regarding marketing, unfair trade, claims and fraud prevention and investigation practices, and (f) conduct periodic comprehensive examinations of the financial condition of insurance companies domiciled in their state. In particular, commercial policy rates and forms are closely regulated in all states. 16 Financial Oversight Reporting Requirements Our insurance subsidiaries are required to file detailed financial statements prepared in accordance with statutory accounting principles and other reports with the departments of insurance in all states in which they are licensed to transact business. These reports include details concerning claims reserves held by the insurer, specific investments held by the insurer, and numerous other disclosures about the insurer’s financial condition and operations. These financial statements are subject to periodic examination by the department of insurance in each state in which they are filed. Investments State insurance laws and insurance departments also regulate investments that insurers are permitted to make. Limitations are placed on the amounts an insurer may invest in a particular issuer, as well as the aggregate amount an insurer may invest in certain types of investments. Certain investments (such as real estate) are prohibited by certain jurisdictions. Each of our domiciliary states has its own regulations and limitations on the amounts an insurer may invest in a particular issuer and the aggregate amount an insurer may invest in certain types of investments. In general, investments may not exceed a certain percentage of surplus, admitted assets or total investments. For example, the investments of Integon National, domiciled in North Carolina, in stocks shall not exceed twenty-five percent of Integon National’s admitted assets and the stock of any one corporation may not exceed three percent of their admitted assets. To ensure compliance in each state, we review our investment portfolio quarterly based on each states regulations and limitations. State Insurance Department Examinations As part of their regulatory oversight process, state insurance departments conduct periodic detailed financial examinations of insurance companies domiciled in their states, generally once every three to five years. Examinations are generally carried out in cooperation with the insurance departments of other states under guidelines promulgated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC"). A second type of regulatory oversight examination of insurance companies involves a review by an insurance department of an authorized company’s market conduct, which entails a review and examination of a company’s compliance with laws governing marketing, underwriting, rating, policy-issuance, claims-handling and other aspects of its insurance business during a specified period of time. The results of these examinations can give rise to regulatory orders requiring remedial, injunctive or other corrective action on the part of the company that is the subject of the examination or assessing fines or other penalties against that company. Risk-Based Capital Regulations Our insurance subsidiaries are required to report their risk-based capital based on a formula developed and adopted by the NAIC that attempts to measure statutory capital and surplus needs based on the risks in the insurer’s mix of products and investment portfolio. The formula is designed to allow insurance regulators to identify weakly-capitalized companies. Under the formula, a company determines its “risk-based capital” by taking into account certain risks related to the insurer’s assets (including risks related to its investment portfolio and ceded reinsurance) and the insurer’s liabilities (including underwriting risks related to the nature and experience of its insurance business). The departments of insurance in our domiciliary states generally require a minimum total adjusted risk-based capital equal to 200% of an insurance company’s authorized control level risk-based capital. Each of our insurance subsidiaries had total adjusted risk-based capital substantially in excess of 200% of the authorized control level as of December 31, 2015. Insurance Regulatory Information System Ratios The NAIC Insurance Regulatory Information System, or IRIS, is part of a collection of analytical tools designed to provide state insurance regulators with an integrated approach to screening and analyzing the financial condition of insurance companies operating in their respective states. IRIS is intended to assist state insurance regulators in targeting resources to those insurers in greatest need of regulatory attention. IRIS consists of two phases: statistical and analytical. In the statistical phase, the NAIC database generates key financial ratio results based on financial information obtained from insurers’ annual statutory statements. The analytical phase is a review of the annual statements, financial ratios and other automated solvency tools. The primary goal of the analytical phase is to identify companies that appear to require immediate regulatory attention. A ratio result falling outside the usual range of IRIS ratios is not considered a failing result; rather, unusual values are viewed as part of the regulatory early monitoring system. Furthermore, in some years, it may not be unusual for financially sound companies to have several ratios with results outside the 17 usual ranges. An insurance company may fall out of the usual range for one or more ratios because of specific transactions that are in themselves immaterial or because of certain reinsurance or pooling structures or changes in such structures. In 2015, three of our insurance subsidiaries had more than four ratios departing from the usual range of values. Integon Casualty Insurance Company had five ratios with deviations primarily as a result of a dividend and return of capital paid during 2015 which was approved by the North Carolina Department of Insurance. Integon Preferred Insurance Company had six ratios with deviations primarily as a result of a dividend paid during 2015 which was approved by the North Carolina Department of Insurance. National Health Insurance Company had seven ratios with deviations primarily as a result of new business initiatives entered into during 2015 which increased premium over the prior year. All of the remaining insurance subsidiaries had four or less ratios outside of the usual ranges. The insurance subsidiaries will respond to these variances with no further inquiry expected from the NAIC. See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources.” Statutory Accounting Principles Statutory accounting principles, or SAP, is a basis of accounting developed to assist insurance regulators in monitoring and regulating the solvency of insurance companies. SAP is primarily concerned with measuring an insurer’s solvency. Statutory accounting focuses on valuing assets and liabilities of insurers at financial reporting dates in accordance with appropriate insurance law and regulatory provisions applicable in each insurer’s domiciliary state. Generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, is concerned with a company’s solvency, but is also concerned with other financial measurements, principally income and cash flows. Accordingly, GAAP gives more consideration to appropriately matching revenue and expenses and accounting for management’s stewardship of assets than does SAP. As a direct result, different assets and liabilities and different amounts of assets and liabilities will be reflected in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP as compared to SAP. Some principal differences in SAP as compared to GAAP that relate to our operations are as follows: (a) Admitted assets - the term admitted assets means the assets are stated at values that are permitted by the insurance departments of the states of domicile. The increase or decrease in non-admitted assets is charged directly to unassigned surplus. Under GAAP, the assets would be included in the balance sheet, net of any valuation allowances. (b) Investments - are valued in accordance with the laws of the States of Domicile and the valuations prescribed by the Securities Valuation Office (“SVO”) of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Market values of certain investments in bonds are based on values specified by the NAIC rather than on actual or estimated fair values under GAAP. (c) Policy acquisition costs - costs of acquiring and renewing business are expensed when incurred under SAP rather than capitalized and amortized over the terms of the related policies under GAAP. (d) Reinsurance - commissions and allowances on reinsurance ceded are recognized in operations when incurred under SAP, to the extent the amount does not exceed actual acquisition costs, rather than being deferred and amortized over the terms of the respective reinsurance agreements under GAAP. Reserves for losses and LAE and unearned premiums are reported net of the impact of reinsurance rather than reporting the gross amounts and recording assets for the amounts related to reinsurance ceded as required by Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 944. (e) Unauthorized reinsurance - SAP require a liability for unauthorized reinsurance to be recorded representing reinsurance recoverable on paid losses and LAE, unearned premiums and unpaid losses and LAE in excess of funds held, letters of credit and trust accounts on business reinsured with insurance companies not qualified to do business in the state of domicile. Changes in this liability are charged directly to unassigned surplus. Under GAAP, an allowance for amounts deemed uncollectible would be established through a charge to earnings. (f) Goodwill - under SAP, goodwill is calculated as the difference between the costs of acquiring the entity and the reporting entity’s share of the historical book value of the acquired entity. In addition, goodwill is subject to certain limitations and is amortized over 10 years or less, with a change to unrealized capital loss. Goodwill under GAAP is calculated as the difference between the cost of the acquiring the entity and fair value of the assets received and liabilities assumed and are not amortized. (g) Income taxes - under SAP, deferred tax assets are specifically limited to (1) the amount of federal income taxes paid in prior years that can be recovered through loss carrybacks for existing temporary differences that reverse by the end of the subsequent calendar year, plus (2) the lesser of the remaining gross deferred tax assets expected to be realized within one year of the balance sheet date or 10% of capital and surplus excluding any net deferred tax assets, plus (3) the amount of remaining gross deferred tax assets that can be offset against existing gross deferred tax liabilities. The remaining deferred tax assets 18 are non-admitted. The change in net admitted deferred income tax is credited or charged directly to surplus. Under GAAP, the amount is charged or credited to income tax expense. (h) Equalization reserve - Luxembourg domiciled insurance companies are allowed to record a catastrophe reserve in excess of required reserves determined by a formula based on the volatility of the business ceded to the company. Under U.S. GAAP this formula based catastrophe reserve is not recognized. (i) Surplus notes - under SAP, surplus notes payable are recognized in capital and surplus, rather than debt as under GAAP. Additionally, accrued interest is not recognized under SAP. Credit for Reinsurance State insurance laws permit U.S. insurance companies, as ceding insurers, to take financial statement credit for reinsurance that is ceded, so long as the assuming reinsurer satisfies the state’s credit for reinsurance laws. The Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act (“NRRA”) contained in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act ("Dodd-Frank Act") provides that if the state of domicile of a ceding insurer is an NAIC accredited state, or has financial solvency requirements substantially similar to the requirements necessary for NAIC accreditation, and recognizes credit for reinsurance for the insurer’s ceded risk, then no other state may deny such credit for reinsurance. Because all states are currently accredited by the NAIC, the Dodd-Frank Act prohibits a state in which a U.S. ceding insurer is licensed but not domiciled from denying credit for reinsurance for the insurer’s ceded risk if the cedant’s domestic state regulator recognizes credit for reinsurance. The ceding company in this instance is permitted to reflect in its statutory financial statements a credit in an aggregate amount equal to the ceding company’s liability for unearned premium (which are that portion of premiums written which applies to the unexpired portion of the policy period), loss reserves and loss expense reserves to the extent ceded to the reinsurer. Holding Company Regulation We qualify as a holding company system under state-enacted legislation that regulates insurance holding company systems. Each insurance company in a holding company system is required to register with the insurance regulatory agency of its state of domicile and periodically furnish information concerning its operations and transactions, particularly with other companies within the holding company system that may materially affect its operations, management or financial condition. Transactions with Affiliates The insurance laws in most of those states provide that all transactions among members of an insurance holding company system must be fair and reasonable. These laws require disclosure of material transactions within the holding company system and, in some cases, prior notice of or approval for certain transactions, including, among other things, (a) the payment of certain dividends, (b) cost sharing agreements, (c) intercompany agency, service or management agreements, (d) acquisition or divestment of control of or merger with domestic insurers, (e) sales, purchases, exchanges, loans or extensions of credit, guarantees or investments if such transactions are equal to or exceed certain thresholds, and (f) reinsurance agreements. All transactions within a holding company system affecting an insurer must have fair and reasonable terms and are subject to other standards and requirements established by law and regulation. Dividends Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to statutory requirements as to maintenance of policyholders’ surplus and payment of dividends. In general, the maximum amount of dividends that the insurance subsidiaries may pay in any 12-month period without regulatory approval is the greater of adjusted statutory net income or 10% of statutory policyholders’ surplus as of the preceding calendar year end. Adjusted statutory net income is generally defined for this purpose to be statutory net income, net of realized capital gains, for the calendar year preceding the date of the dividend. Also, most states restrict an insurance company’s ability to pay dividends in excess of its statutory unassigned surplus or earned surplus. In addition, state insurance regulators may limit or restrict an insurance company’s ability to pay stockholder dividends or as a condition to issuance of a certificate of authority, as a condition to a change of control approval or for other regulatory reasons. Enterprise Risk and Other New Developments In December 2010, the NAIC adopted amendments to the Model Insurance Holding Company System Regulation Act and Regulation (the “Amended Model Act and Regulation”) to introduce the concept of “enterprise risk” within an insurance company holding system. “Enterprise risk” is defined as any activity, circumstance, event or series of events involving one or more affiliates of an insurer that, if not remedied promptly, is likely to have a material adverse effect upon the financial condition or the liquidity of the insurer or its insurance holding company system as a whole. The Amended Model Act and Regulation imposes more extensive 19 informational requirements on an insurance holding company system in order to protect the licensed insurance companies from enterprise risk, including requiring it to prepare an annual enterprise risk report that identifies the material risks within the insurance company holding system that could pose enterprise risk to the licensed insurer. In addition, the Amended Model Act and Regulation requires any controlling person of a domestic insurer seeking to divest its controlling interest in the domestic insurer to file a notice of its proposed divestiture, which may be subject to approval by the insurance commissioner. To date, a number of states have adopted some or all of the changes in the Amended Model Act and Regulation, including California and Texas, where some of our insurance companies are domiciled or commercially domiciled. The NAIC has made certain sections of the amendments part of its accreditation standards for state solvency regulation, which may motivate more states to adopt the amendments promptly. In September 2012, the NAIC adopted the Risk Management and Own Risk and Solvency Assessment ("ORSA") Model Act, which requires insurers to maintain a framework for identifying, assessing, monitoring and reporting on the "material and relevant risks" associated with the insurer's current business plans. Under the ORSA Model Act, an insurer must perform at least annually a self-assessment of its current and future risks and must file a confidential report with the insurer's lead insurance regulator. The ORSA report was filed in 2015 with the Company's lead insurance regulator, as well as with certain other state regulators, and describes our process for assessing our own solvency. Change of Control State insurance holding company laws require prior approval by the respective state insurance departments of any change of control of an insurer. “Control” is generally defined as the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the company, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. Control is generally presumed to exist through the direct or indirect ownership of 10% or more of the voting securities of a domestic insurance company or any entity that controls a domestic insurance company. In addition, two of our insurance subsidiaries are currently deemed to be commercially domiciled in Florida and, as such, are subject to regulation by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (“OIR”). Florida insurance law prohibits any person from acquiring 5% or more of our outstanding voting securities or those of any of our insurance subsidiaries without the prior approval of the Florida OIR. However, a party may acquire less than 10% of our voting securities without prior approval if the party files a disclaimer of affiliation and control. Any person wishing to acquire control of us or of any substantial portion of our outstanding shares would first be required to obtain the approval of the domestic regulators (including those asserting “commercial domicile”) of our insurance subsidiaries or file appropriate disclaimers. Any future transactions that would constitute a change of control, including a change of control of us and/or any of our domestic insurance subsidiaries, would generally require the party acquiring or divesting control to obtain the prior approval of the department of insurance in the state in which the insurance company being acquired is domiciled (and in any other state in which the company may be deemed to be commercially domiciled by reason of concentration of its insurance business within such state) and may also require pre-notification in certain other states. Obtaining these approvals may result in the material delay of, or deter, any such transaction. In addition, insurance laws in many states contain provisions that require pre- and post-notification to the insurance departments of a change of control of certain non-domestic insurance companies licensed in those states, as well as post-notification of a change of control of certain agencies and third-party administrators. These laws may discourage potential acquisition proposals and may delay, deter or prevent a change of control of us, including through transactions, and in particular unsolicited transactions, that some or all of our stockholders might consider to be desirable. Market Conduct Regulation of Insurance Rates and Approval of Policy Forms The insurance laws of most states in which we conduct business require insurance companies to file insurance rate schedules and insurance policy forms for review and approval. If, as permitted in some states, we begin using new rates before they are approved, we may be required to issue refunds or credits to the policyholders if the new rates are ultimately deemed excessive or unfair and disapproved by the applicable state regulator. In other states, prior approval of rate changes is required and there may be long delays in the approval process or the rates may not be approved. Accordingly, our ability to respond to market developments or increased costs in that state can be adversely affected. 20 Underwriting The use of credit in underwriting and rating is the subject of significant regulatory and legislative activity. Regulators and legislators have expressed a number of concerns related to the use of credit, including: questions regarding the accuracy of credit reports, perceptions that credit may have a disparate effect on the poor and certain minority groups, the perceived lack of a demonstrated causal relationship between credit and insurance risk, the treatment of persons with limited or no credit, the impact on credit of extraordinary life events (e.g., catastrophic injury or death of a spouse), and the credit attributes applied in the credit scoring models used by insurers. A number of state insurance departments have issued bulletins, directives, or regulations that regulate or prohibit the use of credit by insurers. In addition, a number of states are considering or have passed legislation to regulate insurers’ use of credit information. The use of credit information continues to be a regulatory and legislative issue, and it is possible that the U.S. Congress or one or more states may enact further legislation affecting its use in underwriting and rating limitations on the ability to charge policy fees. Unfair Claims Practices Generally, insurance companies, adjusting companies and individual claims adjusters are prohibited by state statutes from engaging in unfair claims practices on a flagrant basis or with such frequency to indicate a general business practice. Unfair claims practices include: • misrepresenting pertinent facts or insurance policy provisions relating to coverages at issue; • • • • • • • failing to acknowledge and act reasonably promptly upon communications with respect to claims arising under insurance policies; failing to adopt and implement reasonable standards for the prompt investigation and settlement of claims arising under its policies; failing to affirm or deny coverage of claims within a reasonable time after proof of loss statements have been completed; attempting to settle a claim for less than the amount to which a reasonable person would have believed such person was entitled; attempting to settle claims on the basis of an application that was altered without notice to or knowledge or consent of the insured; compelling insureds to institute suits to recover amounts due under policies by offering substantially less than the amounts ultimately recovered in suits brought by them; refusing to pay claims without conducting a reasonable investigation; • making claim payments to an insured without indicating the coverage under which each payment is being made; • • • delaying the investigation or payment of claims by requiring an insured, claimant or the physician of either to submit a preliminary claim report and then requiring the subsequent submission of formal proof of loss forms, both of which submissions contains substantially the same information; failing, in the case of claim denials or offers of compromise or settlement, to promptly provide a reasonable and accurate explanation of the basis for such actions; and not attempting in good faith to effectuate prompt, fair and equitable settlements of claims in which liability has become reasonably clear. Guaranty Fund Assessments Most, if not all, of the states where we are licensed to transact business require that property and casualty insurers doing business within the state participate in a guaranty association, which is organized to pay contractual benefits owed pursuant to insurance policies issued by impaired, insolvent or failed insurers. These associations levy assessments, up to prescribed limits, on all member insurers in a particular state on the basis of the proportionate share of the premiums written by the member insurers in the lines of business in which the impaired, insolvent or failed insurer is engaged. Some states permit member insurers to recover assessments paid through full or partial premium tax offsets. Property and casualty insurance company insolvencies or failures may result in additional guaranty association assessments to our insurance subsidiaries at some future date. At this time, we are unable to determine the impact, if any, that such assessments may have on their financial positions or results of their operations. As of December 31, 2015, each of our insurance subsidiaries has established accruals for guaranty fund assessments with respect to insurers that are currently subject to insolvency proceedings. 21 Assigned Risks Many states in which we conduct business require automobile liability insurers to sell BI liability, property damage liability, medical expense, and uninsured motorist coverage to a proportionate number (based on the insurer’s share of the state’s automobile casualty insurance market) of those drivers applying for placement as “assigned risks.” Drivers seek placement as assigned risks because their driving records or other relevant characteristics make them difficult to insure in the voluntary market. Restrictions on Withdrawal, Cancellation, and Nonrenewal In addition, many states have laws and regulations that limit an insurer’s ability to withdraw from a particular market. For example, states may limit an insurer’s ability to cancel or not renew policies. Furthermore, certain states prohibit an insurer from withdrawing from one or more lines of business written in the state, except pursuant to a plan that is approved by the state insurance department. The state insurance department may disapprove any proposed plan that may lead to market disruption. Laws and regulations that limit cancellation and non-renewal and that subject program withdrawals to prior approval requirements may restrict the ability of our insurance subsidiaries to exit unprofitable markets. Required Licensing Our insurance subsidiaries operate under licenses issued by the department of insurance in the states in which they sell insurance. If a regulatory authority denies or delays granting a new license, our ability to offer new insurance products in that market may be substantially impaired. In addition, if the department of insurance in any state in which one of our insurance subsidiaries currently operates suspends, non-renews, or revokes an existing license, we would not be able to offer affected products in the state. In addition, insurance agencies, producers, third-party administrators, claims adjusters and service contract providers and administrators are subject to licensing requirements and regulation by insurance regulators in various states in which they conduct business. Certain of our subsidiaries engage in these functions and are subject to licensing requirements and regulation by insurance regulators in various states. Federal and State Legislative and Regulatory Changes From time to time, various regulatory and legislative changes have been proposed in the insurance industry. Among the proposals that have in the past been or are at present being considered are the possible introduction of federal regulation in addition to, or in lieu of, the current system of state regulation of insurers and proposals in various state legislatures (some of which have been enacted) to conform portions of their insurance laws and regulations to various model acts adopted by the NAIC. The NAIC has undertaken a Solvency Modernization Initiative focused on updating the U.S. insurance solvency regulation framework, including capital requirements, governance and risk management, group supervision, accounting and financial reporting and reinsurance. The Amended Model Act and Regulation (discussed above) is a result of these efforts. Additional requirements are also expected. For example, the NAIC has adopted the Risk Management and ORSA Model Act, which when adopted by the states, will require insurers to perform an ORSA and, upon request of a state, file an ORSA Summary Report with the state. The ORSA report was filed in 2015 with the Company's lead insurance regulator, as well as with certain other state regulators, and describes our process for assessing our own solvency. On July 21, 2010, the President signed into law the Dodd-Frank Act that established a Federal Insurance Office ("FIO") within the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The Federal Insurance Office initially is charged with monitoring all aspects of the insurance industry (other than health insurance, certain long-term care insurance and crop insurance), gathering data, and conducting a study on methods to modernize and improve the insurance regulatory system in the United States. On December 12, 2013, the FIO issued a report (as required under the Dodd-Frank Act) entitled “How to Modernize and Improve the System of Insurance Regulation in the United States” (the “Report”), which stated that, given the “uneven” progress the states have made with several near-term state reforms, should the states fail to accomplish the necessary modernization reforms in the near term, “Congress should strongly consider direct federal involvement.” The FIO continues to support the current state-based regulatory regime, but will consider federal regulation should the states fail to take steps to greater uniformity (e.g., federal licensing of insurers). The Report also appears to signal greater activity by the federal government in dealing with non-U.S. regulators and regulatory regimes, using the authority expressly given by the Dodd-Frank Act to Treasury and the United States Trade Representative to negotiate “covered agreements” with foreign authorities. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act gives the Federal Reserve supervisory authority over a number of financial services companies, including insurance companies, if they are designated by a two-thirds vote of a Financial Stability Oversight Council as “systemically important.” If an insurance company is designated as systemically important, the Federal Reserve’s supervisory authority could 22 include the ability to impose heightened financial regulation upon that insurance company and could impact requirements regarding its capital, liquidity and leverage as well as its business and investment conduct. The Dodd-Frank Act also incorporates the NRRA, which became effective on July 21, 2011. Among other things, the NRRA establishes national uniform standards on how states may regulate and tax surplus lines insurance and sets national standards concerning the regulation of reinsurance. In particular, the NRRA gives regulators in the home state of an insured exclusive authority to regulate and tax surplus lines insurance transactions, and regulators in a ceding insurer’s state of domicile the sole responsibility for regulating the balance sheet credit that the ceding insurer may take for reinsurance recoverables. As noted above, new guidance and regulations continue to be issued under PPACA. If we are unable to adapt our A&H business to current and/or future requirements of PPACA, or if significant uncertainty continues with respect to implementation of PPACA, our A&H business could be materially adversely affected. Furthermore, should Congress extend the scope of PPACA to include some or all of our current and proposed A&H products, such a development could have a material adverse effect on our A&H business. Other possible federal regulatory developments include the introduction of legislation in Congress that would repeal the McCarran-Ferguson Act antitrust exemption for the insurance industry. The antitrust exemption allows insurers to compile and share loss data, develop standard policy forms and manuals and predict future loss costs with greater reliability, among other things. The ability of the industry, under the exemption permitted in the McCarran-Ferguson Act, to collect loss cost data and build a credible database as a means of predicting future loss costs is an important part of cost-based pricing. If the ability to collect this data were removed, the predictability of future loss costs and the reliability of pricing could be undermined. In recent years, the lender-placed insurance business has been subject to class action litigation and investigations by state insurance regulators and federal regulatory agencies, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Litigation and regulatory proceedings have included allegations of excessive premium rates and inappropriate business transactions. Unfavorable outcomes of litigation or regulatory investigations or significant problems in our relationships with regulators could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition, reputation, and ability to continue to do business. They could also expose us to further investigations or litigation. In addition, certain of our customers in the mortgage industry are the subject of various regulatory investigations and/or litigation regarding mortgage lending practices, which could indirectly affect agreements with these clients and our business. Privacy Regulations In 1999, Congress enacted the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which, among other things, protects consumers from the unauthorized dissemination of certain personal information. Subsequently, states have implemented additional regulations to address privacy issues. Certain aspects of these laws and regulations apply to all financial institutions, including insurance and finance companies, and require us to maintain appropriate policies and procedures for managing and protecting certain personal information of our policyholders. We may also be subject to future privacy laws and regulations, which could impose additional costs and impact our results of operations or financial condition. In 2000, the NAIC adopted the Privacy of Consumer Financial and Health Information Model Regulation, which assisted states in promulgating regulations to comply with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. In 2002, to further facilitate the implementation of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the NAIC adopted the Standards for Safeguarding Customer Information Model Regulation. Several states have now adopted similar provisions regarding the safeguarding of policyholder information. Telephone Sales Regulations The United States Congress, the Federal Communications Commission and various states have promulgated and enacted rules and laws that govern telephone solicitations. There are numerous state statutes and regulations governing telephone sales activities that do or may apply to our operations, including the operations of our call center insurance agencies. For example, some states place restrictions on the methods and timing of calls and require that certain mandatory disclosures be made during the course of a telephone sales call. Federal and state “Do Not Call” regulations must be followed for us to engage in telephone sales activities. Offices Our principal executive offices are located at 59 Maiden Lane, 38th Floor, New York New York 10038, and our telephone number at that location is (212) 380-9500. Our website is www.nationalgeneral.com. Our Internet website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated by reference into the Annual Report on Form 10-K. 23 Employees As of December 31, 2015, we have approximately 4,630 employees, including part-time employees, none of whom are covered by collective bargaining arrangements. Available Information We file our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements on Schedule 14A and all amendments to those reports as required by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). You may read or obtain copies of these documents by visiting the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 or by accessing the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Our Internet website address is www.nationalgeneral.com. You can also obtain on our website’s Investor Relations page, free of charge, a copy of our annual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such reports or amendments with, or furnish them to, the SEC. Also available at the “Corporate Governance” section of the Investor Relations page of our website, free of charge, are copies of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and the charters for our Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees. Copies of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and Charters are also available in print free of charge, upon request by any shareholder. You can obtain such copies in print by contacting Investor Relations by mail at our corporate office. We intend to disclose on our website any amendment to, or waiver of, any provision of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to our directors and executive officers that would otherwise be required to be disclosed under the rules of the SEC or NASDAQ. 24 Item 1A. Risk Factors You should carefully consider the following risks and all of the other information set forth in this report, including our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto. The following discussion of risk factors includes forward-looking statements and our actual results may differ substantially from those discussed in such forward-looking statements. See “Note on Forward-Looking Statements.” Risks Relating to Our Business If we are unable to accurately underwrite risks and charge competitive yet profitable rates to our policyholders, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected. In general, the premiums for our insurance policies are established at the time a policy is issued and, therefore, before all of our underlying costs are known. Like other insurance companies, we rely on estimates and assumptions in setting our premium rates. Establishing adequate premiums is necessary, together with investment income, to generate sufficient revenue to offset losses, loss adjustment expenses and other underwriting costs and to earn a profit. If we do not accurately assess the risks that we assume, we may not charge adequate premiums to cover our losses and expenses, which would negatively affect our results of operations and our profitability. Alternatively, we could set our premiums too high, which could reduce our competitiveness and lead to lower revenues. Pricing involves the acquisition and analysis of historical loss data, and the projection of future trends, loss costs and expenses, and inflation trends, among other factors, for each of our products in multiple risk tiers and many different markets. In order to accurately price our policies, we: • • • • collect and properly analyze a substantial volume of data from our insureds; develop, test and apply appropriate actuarial projections and rating formulas; closely monitor and timely recognize changes in trends; and project both frequency and severity of our insureds’ losses with reasonable accuracy. We seek to implement our pricing accurately in accordance with our assumptions. Our ability to undertake these efforts successfully and, as a result, accurately price our policies, is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including: • • • • • • • • insufficient or unreliable data; incorrect or incomplete analysis of available data; uncertainties generally inherent in estimates and assumptions; our failure to implement appropriate actuarial projections and rating formulas or other pricing methodologies; regulatory constraints on rate increases; unexpected escalation in the costs of ongoing medical treatment; our failure to accurately estimate investment yields and the duration of our liability for loss and LAE; and unanticipated court decisions, legislation or regulatory action. If we are unable to establish and maintain accurate loss reserves, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected. Our financial statements include loss reserves, which represent our best estimate of the amounts that our insurance subsidiaries ultimately will pay on claims that have been incurred, and the related costs of adjusting those claims, as of the date of the financial statements. There is inherent uncertainty in the process of establishing insurance loss reserves. As a result of these uncertainties, the ultimate paid loss and loss adjustment expenses may deviate, perhaps substantially, from the point-in-time estimates of such losses and expenses, as reflected in the loss reserves included in our financial statements. To the extent that loss and LAE exceed our estimates, we will be required to immediately recognize the unfavorable development and increase loss reserves, with a corresponding reduction in our net income in the period in which the deficiency is identified. Consequently, ultimate losses paid could materially exceed reported loss reserves and have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. 25 Ongoing economic uncertainty could materially and adversely affect our business, our liquidity and financial condition. In recent years, global economies and financial markets have experienced significant volatility and disruption including, relatively high and sustained unemployment, reduced consumer spending, lower residential and commercial real estate prices, U.S. debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns, and the relatively low availability of credit. Such conditions may potentially affect (among other aspects of our business) the demand for and claims made under our products, the ability of customers, counterparties and others to establish or maintain their relationships with us, our ability to access and efficiently use internal and external capital resources and our investment performance. In the event that these conditions persist and result in a prolonged period of economic uncertainty, our results of operations, our financial condition and/or liquidity, our prospects and competitor landscape could be materially and adversely affected. Our business is dependent on the efforts of our executive officers and other personnel. If we are unsuccessful in our efforts to attract, train and retain qualified personnel, our business may be materially adversely affected. Our success is dependent on the efforts of our executive officers because of their industry expertise, knowledge of our markets, and relationships with our independent agents. Should any of our executive officers cease working for us, we may be unable to find acceptable replacements with comparable skills and experience in the specialty P&C and A&H sectors that we target. In addition, our business is also dependent on skilled underwriters and other skilled employees. We cannot assure you that we will be able to attract, train and retain, on a timely basis and on anticipated economic and other terms, experienced and capable senior management, underwriters and support staff. We intend to pay competitive salaries, bonuses and equity-based rewards in order to attract and retain such personnel, but we may not be successful in such endeavors. The loss of key personnel, or the inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel in the future, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results. We do not currently maintain life insurance policies with respect to our executive officers or other employees. Revenues and operating profits from our P&C segment depend on our production in several key states and adverse developments in these key states could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For the year ended December 31, 2015, our P&C segment derived 84% of its gross premium written from the following twelve states: New York (19.5%); North Carolina (17.6%); California (13.8%); Florida (5.8%); Louisiana (4.3%); Michigan (4.3%); Texas (4.1%); New Jersey (3.8%); Virginia (3.8%); Washington (2.9%); Connecticut (2.2%) and Massachusetts (1.6%). As a result, our financial results are subject to prevailing regulatory, legal, economic, demographic, competitive, and other conditions in these states. Adverse developments relating to any of these conditions could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we cannot sustain our business relationships, including our relationships with independent agents, agencies and other parties, we may be unable to compete effectively and operate profitably. We market our P&C segment products primarily through a network of approximately 22,000 independent agents. Our relationships with our agents are generally governed by agreements that may be terminated on short notice. Independent agencies generally are not obligated to promote our products and may sell insurance offered by our competitors. As a result, our ability to compete and remain profitable depends, in part, on our maintaining our business relationship with our independent agents and agencies, the marketing efforts of our independent agents and agencies and on our ability to offer insurance products and maintain financial strength ratings that meet the requirements and preferences of our independent agents and agencies and their policyholders. In connection with our lender-placed insurance business, we also have relationships with certain mortgage lenders and servicers, and we insure properties securing mortgages serviced by the mortgage loan servicers with whom we do business. If such lenders terminate important business arrangements with us, or renew contracts on terms less favorable to us, our cash flows, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. For example, in our lender-placed insurance business, restrictions imposed by state regulators on us or by federal regulators on our customers could affect our ability to do business with certain mortgage loan servicers or the volume or profitability of such business. Furthermore, the transfer by mortgage servicer clients of loan portfolios to other carriers or the new participation by other carriers in insuring or reinsuring lender-placed insurance risks could materially reduce our revenues and profits from this business. Any failure on our part to be effective in any of these areas could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. 26 Our affinity channel depends on a relatively small number of affinity partner relationships for a significant percentage of the net premium revenue that it generates, and the loss of one of these significant affinity partner relationships could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our affinity channel operates primarily through relationships with affinity partners, which include major retailers and membership organizations. See Item 1, “Business-P&C Segment-Distribution and Marketing-Affinity Distribution Channel.” Our top five affinity relationships collectively represent 82.6% of our affinity channel written premium. Although our relationships with these and most of our other affinity partners are long-standing, in the event of the termination of any of our significant affinity partner relationships, our net earned premium could be adversely affected. If we, together with our affiliates and the other third parties that we contract with, are unable to maintain our technology platform or our technology platform fails to operate properly, or meet the technological demands of our customers with respect to the products and services we offer, our business and financial performance could be significantly harmed. In 2010, we engaged AmTrust to develop a new policy administration system to replace our three legacy mainframe systems. This system is now integrated across all lines of our P&C business. In addition, we developed our RAD 5.0 underwriting pricing tool, which allows us to more accurately evaluate specific risk exposures in order to assist us in profitably underwriting our P&C products. If we are unable to properly maintain our policy administration system and our technology systems or if our technology systems otherwise fail to perform in the manner we currently contemplate, our ability to effectively underwrite and issue policies, process claims and perform other business functions could be significantly impaired and our business and financial performance could be significantly harmed. In addition, the success of our business is dependent on our ability to resolve any issues identified with our technology arrangements during operations and make any necessary improvements in a timely manner. Further, we will need to match or exceed the technological capabilities of our competitors over time. We cannot predict with certainty the cost of such maintenance and improvements, but failure to make such improvements could have an adverse effect on our business. See Item 1, "Business-Technology". Also, we use e-commerce and other technology to provide, expand and market our products and services. Accordingly, we believe that it will be essential to continue to invest resources in maintaining electronic connectivity with customers and, more generally, in e-commerce and technology. Our business may suffer if we do not maintain these arrangements or keep pace with the technological demands of customers. If we experience security breaches or other disruptions involving our technology, our ability to conduct our business could be adversely affected, we could be liable to third parties and our reputation could suffer, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Our business is dependent upon the uninterrupted functioning of our information technology and telecommunication systems. We rely upon our systems, as well as the systems of our vendors, for all our business operations, including underwriting and issuing policies, processing claims, providing customer service, complying with insurance regulatory requirements and performing actuarial and other analytical functions necessary for underwriting, pricing and product development. Our operations are dependent upon our ability to timely and efficiently maintain and improve our information and telecommunications systems and protect them from physical loss, telecommunications failure or other similar catastrophic events, as well as from security breaches. A shut- down of, or inability to access, one or more of our facilities, a power outage or a failure of one or more of our information technology, telecommunications or other systems could significantly impair our ability to perform such functions on a timely basis. In the event of a disaster such as a natural catastrophe, terrorist attack or industrial accident, or due to a computer virus, our systems could be inaccessible for an extended period of time. While we have implemented business contingency plans and other reasonable and appropriate internal controls to protect our systems from interruption, loss or security breaches, a sustained business interruption or system failure could adversely impact our ability to process our business, provide customer service, pay claims in a timely manner or perform other necessary business functions. Our operations depend on the reliable and secure processing, storage and transmission of confidential and other information in our computer systems and networks. Computer viruses, hackers, employee misconduct and other external hazards could expose our data systems to security breaches, cyber-attacks or other disruptions. In addition, we routinely transmit and receive personal, confidential and proprietary information by electronic means. We have implemented security measures designed to protect against breaches of security and other interference with our systems and networks resulting from attacks by third parties, including hackers, and from employee or advisor error or malfeasance. We also assess and monitor the security measures of our third-party business partners, who in the provision of services to us are provided with or process information pertaining to our business or our customers. Despite these measures, we cannot assure that our systems and networks will not be subject to breaches or interference. Any such 27 event may result in operational disruptions as well as unauthorized access to or the disclosure or loss of our proprietary information or our customers’ information, which in turn may result in legal claims, regulatory scrutiny and liability, reputational damage, the incurrence of costs to eliminate or mitigate further exposure, the loss of customers or affiliated advisors or other damage to our business. In addition, the trend toward broad consumer and general public notification of such incidents could exacerbate the harm to our business, financial condition and results of operations. Even if we successfully protect our technology infrastructure and the confidentiality of sensitive data, we could suffer harm to our business and reputation if attempted security breaches are publicized. We cannot be certain that advances in criminal capabilities, discovery of new vulnerabilities, attempts to exploit vulnerabilities in our systems, data thefts, physical system or network break-ins or inappropriate access, or other developments will not compromise or breach the technology or other security measures protecting the networks and systems used in connection with our business. We may not be able to successfully acquire or integrate additional businesses or manage the growth of our operations, which could make it difficult for us to compete and could adversely affect our profitability. Since our formation in 2009, we have grown our business primarily through a number of acquisitions of insurance companies, agencies or books of business. Part of our growth strategy is to continue to grow our business through acquisitions. This strategy of growing through acquisitions subjects us to numerous risks, including risks associated with: • • • • • • • • • • • our ability to identify profitable geographic markets for entry; our ability to identify potential acquisition targets and successfully acquire them on acceptable terms and in a timely manner; our ability to integrate acquired businesses smoothly and efficiently; our ability to achieve expected synergies, profitability and return on our investment; the diversion of management’s attention from the day-to-day operations of our business; our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel for expanded operations; encountering unforeseen operating difficulties or incurring unforeseen costs and liabilities; our ability to manage risks associated with entering into geographic and product markets with which we are less familiar; our ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals; our ability to expand existing agency relationships; and our ability to augment our financial, administrative and other operating systems to accommodate the growth of our business. Due to any of the above risks, we cannot assure you that (i) we will be able to successfully identify and acquire additional businesses on acceptable terms or at all, (ii) we will be able to successfully integrate any business we acquire, (iii) we will be able effectively manage our growth or (iv) any new business that we acquire or enter into will be profitable. Our failure in any of these areas could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We have diversified our insurance business by expanding into the A&H segment through several acquisitions. The A&H insurance business is a relatively new business for us, and we have a limited operating history in this market. As a result, the risks described above with respect to growing our business by expanding into new product markets are particularly relevant with respect to our A&H business. Our inability to successfully continue to implement our business plan for our A&H segment could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. If our businesses, including businesses we have acquired, do not perform well, we may be required to recognize an impairment of our goodwill or other intangible assets, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. As of December 31, 2015, we had $112.4 million of goodwill recorded on our balance sheet. Goodwill represents the excess of the amounts we paid to acquire subsidiaries and other businesses over the fair value of their net assets at the date of acquisition. We are required to perform goodwill impairment tests at least annually and whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable from estimated future cash flows. If we determine that the goodwill has been impaired, we would be required to write down the goodwill by the amount of the impairment, with a corresponding charge to net income. Such write-downs could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. As of December 31, 2015, we had $348.9 million aggregate amount of intangible assets, excluding goodwill, recorded on our balance sheet. Intangible assets represent the amount of fair value assigned to certain assets when we acquire a subsidiary or 28 a book of business. Intangible assets are classified as having either a finite or an indefinite life. We test the recoverability of our intangible assets at least annually. We test the recoverability of finite life intangibles whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a finite life intangible may not be recoverable. We recognize an impairment if the carrying value of an intangible asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value, in which circumstances we must write down the intangible asset by the amount of the impairment with a corresponding charge to net income. In connection with the Tower Transaction, we acquired two management companies that are attorneys-in-fact for two reciprocal exchanges. If the reciprocal business does not perform well or the reciprocal exchanges are downgraded, we may be required to recognize an impairment of our intangible assets. Such write downs could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Our relationship with AmTrust and its subsidiaries may present, and make us vulnerable to, difficult conflicts of interest, related party transactions, business opportunity issues and legal challenges. AmTrust is a publicly-traded insurance holding company controlled by Michael Karfunkel, Leah Karfunkel ( a trustee of the Karfunkel Family Trust), George Karfunkel, Michael Karfunkel’s brother, and Barry Zyskind. AmTrust beneficially owns or controls approximately 11.6% of our outstanding shares of common stock. Mr. Zyskind is the chief executive officer of AmTrust, the son-in-law of Michael Karfunkel and is a member of our board of directors. Also, AmTrust (through a subsidiary) was a reinsurer under our quota share reinsurance treaty (“Personal Lines Quota Share”) pursuant to which we historically ceded 50% of our P&C gross premium written and related losses (excluding premium ceded to state-run reinsurance facilities) to our quota share reinsurers. AmTrust received 10% of such ceded premium and assumed 10% of the related losses solely with respect to policies in effect as of July 31, 2013. We are party to a number of other arrangements with AmTrust and its affiliates, including, among others, an asset management agreement pursuant to which a subsidiary of AmTrust provides investment management services to us; a master services agreement pursuant to which AmTrust provides us and our affiliates with information technology development services in connection with the development and licensing of our policy administration system; a consulting and marketing agreement pursuant to which a subsidiary of AmTrust provides certain consulting and marketing services to promote our captive insurance program; joint investments in entities owning life settlement contracts; joint investments in entities owning office buildings in Ohio, Texas and Illinois; and an aircraft timeshare agreement with a subsidiary of AmTrust. Conflicts of interest could arise with respect to any of our contractual arrangements with AmTrust and its affiliates, as well as any other business opportunities that could be advantageous to AmTrust or its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and disadvantageous to us or our subsidiaries, on the other hand. AmTrust’s interests may be different from the interests of our company and the interests of our other stockholders. Our relationship with Maiden and its subsidiaries may present, and make us vulnerable to, difficult conflicts of interest, related party transactions, business opportunity issues and legal challenges. Maiden Holdings, Ltd. ("Maiden") is a publicly-held Bermuda insurance holding company of which Michael Karfunkel, our founder, major stockholder and chairman and chief executive officer, was a founding stockholder. As of December 31, 2015, Michael Karfunkel, Leah Karfunkel (a trustee of the Karfunkel Family Trust), George Karfunkel and Barry Zyskind owned or controlled approximately 6.1%, 7.5%, 2.3% and 4.4%, respectively, of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Maiden. Mr. Zyskind serves as the non-executive chairman of Maiden’s board of directors. Maiden Insurance Company, Ltd. (“Maiden Insurance”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Maiden, is a Bermuda reinsurer. Maiden Insurance was the primary reinsurer under the Personal Lines Quota Share pursuant to which we historically ceded 50% of our P&C gross premium written and related losses (excluding premium ceded to state-run reinsurance facilities) from our P&C business to our quota share reinsurers. Maiden Insurance received 25% of the ceded premium and assumed 25% of the related losses solely with respect to policies in effect as of July 31, 2013. Conflicts of interest could arise with respect to matters relating to the Personal Lines Quota Share, as well as business opportunities that could be advantageous to Maiden or its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and disadvantageous to us or our subsidiaries, on the other hand. Our relationship with ACP Re may present, and make us vulnerable to, difficult conflicts of interest, related party transactions, business opportunity issues and legal challenges. ACP Re is a Bermuda reinsurer that is a subsidiary of the Karfunkel Family Trust. ACP Re was a reinsurer under the Personal Lines Quota Share pursuant to which we historically ceded 50% of our P&C gross premium written and related losses (excluding premium ceded to state-run reinsurance facilities) to our quota share reinsurers. ACP Re received 15% of the ceded premium and assumed 15% of the related losses under this agreement solely with respect to policies in effect as of July 31, 2013. We also provide management services to ACP Re pursuant to a services agreement we entered into effective November 1, 2012. In addition, we acquired the renewal rights of the personal lines insurance operations of Tower Group International, Ltd., following ACP Re’s acquisition of Tower. As part of the Tower Transaction, we and AmTrust provided ACP Re with financing in an aggregate amount 29 of up to $250 million ($125 million each). In addition, as part of the Tower Transaction, we and AmTrust issued a $250 million aggregate stop loss reinsurance agreement to Tower pursuant to which we each, as reinsurers, provide, severally, $125 million of stop loss coverage. This stop loss coverage indemnifies Tower to the extent Tower’s ultimate paid net losses on insurance policies covered thereunder exceed its reserves as of the consummation of the Tower Transaction, up to the liability limit ($125 million for each of us and AmTrust). ACP Re entered into a retrocession agreement with us and AmTrust pursuant to which ACP Re will reimburse any payments that we or AmTrust make to Tower under the stop loss reinsurance agreement. Conflicts of interest could arise with respect to any of the contractual arrangements between us and ACP Re, as well as business opportunities that could be advantageous to ACP Re, on the one hand, and disadvantageous to us or our subsidiaries, on the other hand. There can be no assurance that ACP Re will have sufficient assets or liquidity to pay its obligations under the terms of the financing and the terms of the reinsurance provided to us and AmTrust with respect to the stop-loss coverage. ACP Re may need to liquidate assets to fulfill these obligations. The majority of ACP Re's assets currently consist of publicly traded equity securities. As a result of the Tower Transaction, we, through our subsidiary, have significant credit exposure to ACP Re. Although ACP Re must reimburse us for any payments made by us pursuant to the stop loss agreement with Tower, this agreement nonetheless exposes us to Tower’s historical commercial and personal lines business. We did not underwrite this business and the risks we are exposed to as a result of the Tower Transaction may differ from those we typically face in the operation of our business. A downgrade in the A.M. Best rating of our insurance subsidiaries would likely reduce the amount of business we are able to write and could materially adversely impact the competitive positions of our insurance subsidiaries. Rating agencies evaluate insurance companies based on their ability to pay claims. A.M. Best Company, Inc. has currently assigned our insurance subsidiaries a group rating of “A-” (Excellent), which is the fourth highest out of fifteen ratings. The ratings of A.M. Best are subject to periodic review using, among other things, proprietary capital adequacy models, and are subject to revision or withdrawal at any time. Our competitive position relative to other companies is determined in part by the A.M. Best rating of our insurance subsidiaries. A.M. Best ratings are directed toward the concerns of policyholders and insurance agencies and are not intended for the protection of investors or as a recommendation to buy, hold or sell securities. There can be no assurances that our insurance subsidiaries will be able to maintain their current ratings or, in the case of NHIC, obtain a favorable rating. Any downgrade in ratings would likely adversely affect our business through the loss of certain existing and potential policyholders and the loss of relationships with independent agencies that might move to other companies with higher ratings. We are not able to quantify the percentage of our business, in terms of premiums or otherwise, that would be affected by a downgrade in our A.M. Best ratings. Performance of our investment portfolio is subject to a variety of investment risks that may adversely affect our financial results. Our results are affected, in part, by the performance of our investment portfolio. Our investment portfolio contains interest rate sensitive investments, such as fixed-income securities. As of December 31, 2015, our investment in fixed-income securities was approximately $2,357.4 million, or 86.7% of our total investment portfolio, including cash and accrued interest. Increases in market interest rates may have an adverse impact on the value of our investment portfolio by decreasing the value of fixed-income securities. Conversely, declining market interest rates could have an adverse impact on our investment income as we invest positive cash flows from operations and as we reinvest proceeds from maturing and called investments in new investments that could yield lower rates than our investments have historically generated. Defaults in our investment portfolio may produce operating losses and adversely impact our results of operations. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions, and other factors beyond our control. We may not be able to manage interest rate sensitivity effectively. Despite our efforts to maintain a high quality portfolio and manage the duration of the portfolio to reduce the effect of interest rate changes, a significant change in interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the performance of our investment portfolio generally is subject to other risks, including the following: the risk of decrease in value due to a deterioration in the financial condition, operating performance or business prospects of one or more issuers of our fixed-income securities; the risk that our portfolio may be too heavily concentrated in the securities of one or more issuers, sectors or industries; the risk that we will not be able to convert investment securities into cash on favorable terms and on a timely basis; and general movements in the values of securities markets. • • • • 30 If our investment portfolio were to suffer a substantial decrease in value due to market, sector or issuer-specific conditions, our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. A decrease in value of an insurance subsidiary’s investment portfolio could also put the subsidiary at risk of failing to satisfy regulatory minimum capital requirements and could limit the subsidiary’s ability to write new business. Our holding company structure and certain regulatory and other constraints, including adverse business performance, could affect our ability to satisfy our obligations. We are a holding company and conduct our business operations through our various subsidiaries. Our principal sources of funds are dividends and other payments from our insurance subsidiaries, income from our investment portfolio and funds that may be raised from time to time in the capital markets. We will be largely dependent on amounts from our insurance subsidiaries to pay principal and interest on any indebtedness that we may incur, to pay holding company operating expenses, to make capital investments in our other subsidiaries and to pay dividends on our common stock. In addition, our credit agreement contains covenants that limit our ability to pay cash dividends to our stockholders under certain circumstances. See “-The covenants in our credit agreement limit our financial and operational flexibility, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition.” Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to statutory and regulatory restrictions imposed on insurance companies by their states of domicile, which limit the amount of cash dividends or distributions that they may pay to us unless special permission is received from the insurance regulator of the relevant domiciliary state. In general, the maximum amount of dividends that the insurance subsidiaries may pay in any 12-month period without regulatory approval is the greater of adjusted statutory net income or 10% of statutory policyholders’ surplus as of the preceding calendar year end. Adjusted statutory net income is generally defined for this purpose to be statutory net income, net of realized capital gains, for the calendar year preceding the date of the dividend. In addition, other states may limit or restrict our insurance subsidiaries’ ability to pay stockholder dividends generally or as a condition to issuance of a certificate of authority. The aggregate amount of ordinary dividends that could be paid by our insurance subsidiaries without prior approval by the various domiciliary states of our insurance subsidiaries was approximately $360.1 million as of December 31, 2015, taking into account dividends paid in the prior twelve month period. Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to minimum capital and surplus requirements. Our failure to meet these requirements could subject us to regulatory action. The laws of the states of domicile of our insurance subsidiaries impose risk-based capital standards and other minimum capital and surplus requirements. Failure to meet applicable risk-based capital requirements or minimum statutory capital requirements could subject us to further examination or corrective action imposed by state regulators, including limitations on our writing of additional business, state supervision or liquidation. Any changes in existing risk-based capital requirements or minimum statutory capital requirements may require us to increase our statutory capital levels, which we may be unable to do. See Item 1, “Business-Regulation-State Insurance Regulation-Financial Oversight-Risk-Based Capital Regulations.” The insurance industry is subject to extensive regulation, which may affect our ability to execute our business plan and grow our business. We are subject to comprehensive regulation and supervision by government agencies in each of the 8 states in which our insurance subsidiaries are domiciled or commercially domiciled, as well as all states in which they are licensed, sell insurance products, issue policies, or handle claims. Some states impose restrictions or require prior regulatory approval of specific corporate actions, which may adversely affect our ability to operate, innovate, obtain necessary rate adjustments in a timely manner or grow our business profitably. These regulations provide safeguards for policyholders and are not intended to protect the interests of stockholders. Our ability to comply with these laws and regulations, and to obtain necessary regulatory action in a timely manner is, and will continue to be, critical to our success. Some of these regulations include: • Required Licensing. We operate under licenses issued by the insurance department in the states in which we sell insurance. If a regulatory authority denies or delays granting a new license, our ability to enter that market quickly or offer new insurance products in that market may be substantially impaired. In addition, if the insurance department in any state in which we currently operate suspends, non-renews, or revokes an existing license, we would not be able to offer affected products in that state. • Transactions Between Insurance Companies and Their Affiliates. Transactions between us or other of our affiliates and our insurance companies generally must be disclosed, and prior approval is required before any material or extraordinary transaction may be consummated. Approval may be refused or the time required to obtain approval may delay some transactions, which may adversely affect our ability to innovate or operate efficiently. 31 • Regulation of Insurance Rates and Approval of Policy Forms. The insurance laws of most states in which we conduct business require insurance companies to file insurance rate schedules and insurance policy forms for review and approval. If, as permitted in some states, we begin using new rates before they are approved, we may be required to issue refunds or credits to the policyholders if the new rates are ultimately deemed excessive or unfair and disapproved by the applicable insurance department. In other states, prior approval of rate changes is required and there may be long delays in the approval process or the rates may not be approved. Accordingly, our ability to respond to market developments or increased costs in that state could be adversely affected. • Restrictions on Cancellation, Non-Renewal or Withdrawal. Many of the states in which we operate have laws and regulations that limit our ability to exit a market. For example, some states limit a private passenger auto insurer’s ability to cancel and refuse to renew policies and some prohibit insurers from withdrawing one or more lines of insurance business from the state unless prior approval is received. In some states, these regulations extend to significant reductions in the amount of insurance written, not just to a complete withdrawal. Laws and regulations that limit our ability to cancel and refuse to renew policies in some states or locations and that subject withdrawal plans to prior approval requirements may restrict our ability to exit unprofitable markets, which may harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. • Lender-placed insurance products. State departments of insurance and regulatory authorities may choose to review the appropriateness of our premium rates for our lender-placed insurance products. If the reviews by state departments of insurance lead to significant decreases in premium rates for our lender-placed insurance products, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected. • Other Regulations. We must also comply with regulations involving, among other matters: • • • • • • • • • the use of non-public consumer information and related privacy issues; the use of credit history in underwriting and rating policies; limitations on the ability to charge policy fees; limitations on types and amounts of investments; restrictions on the payment of dividends by our insurance subsidiaries; the acquisition or disposition of an insurance company or of any company controlling an insurance company; involuntary assignments of high-risk policies, participation in reinsurance facilities and underwriting associations, assessments and other governmental charges; reporting with respect to financial condition; and periodic financial and market conduct examinations performed by state insurance department examiners. The failure to comply with these laws and regulations may also result in regulatory actions, fines and penalties, and in extreme cases, revocation of our ability to do business in a particular jurisdiction. In the past we have been fined by state insurance departments for failing to comply with certain laws and regulations. In addition, we may face individual and class action lawsuits by insured and other parties for alleged violations of certain of these laws or regulations. Our failure to accurately and timely pay claims could adversely affect our business, financial results and liquidity. We must accurately and timely evaluate and pay claims that are made under our policies. Many factors affect our ability to pay claims accurately and timely, including the training and experience of our claims representatives, our claims organization’s culture and the effectiveness of our management, our ability to develop or select and implement appropriate procedures and systems to support our claims functions and other factors. Our failure to pay claims accurately and timely could lead to material litigation, undermine our reputation in the marketplace and materially adversely affect our financial results and liquidity. In addition, if we do not train new claims employees effectively or lose a significant number of experienced claims employees, our claims department’s ability to handle an increasing workload could be adversely affected. In addition to potentially requiring that growth be slowed in the affected markets, our business could suffer from decreased quality of claims work which, in turn, could lower our operating margins. Regulation may become more extensive in the future, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Compliance with applicable laws and regulations is time-consuming and personnel-intensive, and changes in these laws and regulations may materially increase our direct and indirect compliance and other expenses of doing business, thus adversely affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations. 32 In the future, states may make existing insurance laws and regulation more restrictive or enact new restrictive laws. In such event, we may seek to reduce our business in, or withdraw entirely from, these states. Additionally, from time to time, the United States Congress and certain federal agencies investigate the current condition of the insurance industry to determine whether federal regulation is necessary. Currently, the U.S. federal government does not directly regulate the P&C insurance business. However, The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”) established a Federal Insurance Office (“FIO”) within the Department of the Treasury. The duties of the FIO include studying and reporting on how to modernize and improve the system of insurance regulation in the United States considering the ability of any federal regulation or a federal regulator to “provide robust consumer protection for policyholders” as well as “the potential consequences of subjecting insurers to a federal resolution authority.” In December 2013, the FIO issued a report on proposals to modernize and improve the system of insurance regulation in the United States. We cannot predict whether any of these proposals will be adopted, or what impact, if any, these proposals or, if enacted, these laws may have on our business, financial condition and results of operations. See Item 1, “Business-Regulation.” Reform of the health insurance industry could materially reduce the profitability of our A&H segment. In March 2010, President Obama signed The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("PPACA") into law. Provisions of PPACA and related reforms have and will continue to become effective at various dates over the next several years and will make significant changes to the U.S. health care system that are expected to significantly affect the health insurance industry. For more information on PPACA and its impact on our A&H segment, see Item 1, “Business-A&H Segment.” We continue to review our product offerings and make changes to adapt to the new environment and the opportunities presented. However, we could be adversely affected if our plans for operating in the new environment are unsuccessful or if there is less demand than we expect for our A&H products in the new environment. Uncertainty remains with respect to a number of provisions of PPACA, including the mechanics of the public and private exchanges required by PPACA, the application of PPACA’s requirements to various types of health insurance plans and the timing of the implementation of certain of PPACA’s requirements. New guidance and regulations continue to be issued under PPACA and implementation dates for parts of PPACA have been adjusted and may continue to be adjusted. If we are unable to adapt our A&H business to current and/or future requirements of PPACA, or if significant uncertainty continues with respect to implementation of PPACA, our A&H business could be materially adversely affected. Furthermore, should Congress extend the scope of PPACA to include some or all of our current and proposed A&H products, such a development could have a material adverse effect on our A&H business. Assessments and other surcharges for guaranty funds, second-injury funds, catastrophe funds, and other mandatory pooling arrangements for insurers may reduce our profitability. Virtually all states require insurers licensed to do business in their state to bear a portion of the loss suffered by some insured parties as the result of impaired or insolvent insurance companies. These losses are funded by assessments that are levied by state guaranty associations, up to prescribed limits, on all member insurance companies in the state based on their proportionate share of premiums written in the lines of business in which the impaired or insolvent insurance companies are engaged. The assessments levied on us may increase as we increase our written premium. In addition, as a condition to the ability to conduct business in various states, our insurance subsidiaries must participate in mandatory property and casualty shared market mechanisms or pooling arrangements, which provide various types of insurance coverage to individuals or entities that otherwise are unable to purchase that coverage from private insurers. The effect of these assessments and mandatory shared-market mechanisms or changes in them could reduce our profitability in any given period or limit our ability to grow our business. We will require additional capital in the future and such additional capital may not be available to us, or may only be available to us on unfavorable terms. To support our current and future policy writings or potential acquisitions, we may raise substantial additional capital using a combination of debt and equity. Our future capital requirements depend on many factors, including our ability to write new business successfully and to establish premium rates and reserves at levels sufficient to cover losses. To the extent that the funds generated by our ongoing operations and initial capitalization are insufficient to fund future operating requirements, we may need to raise additional funds through financings or curtail our growth and reduce our assets. We cannot be sure that we will be able to raise equity or debt financing on terms favorable to us and our stockholders and in the amounts that we require, or at all. If we cannot obtain adequate capital, our business and financial condition could be adversely affected. Issuances of stock may result in dilution of our existing stockholders or a decrease in the per share price of our common stock. In addition, the terms of a capital raising transaction could require us to agree to stringent financial and operating covenants and to grant security interests on our assets to lenders or holders of our debt securities that could limit our flexibility in operating 33 our business or our ability to pay dividends on our common stock and could make it more difficult for us to obtain capital in the future. The covenants in our credit agreement limit our financial and operational flexibility, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition. Our credit agreement contains covenants that limit our ability, among other things, to borrow money, sell assets, merge or consolidate and make particular types of investments or other restricted payments, including the payment of cash dividends if an event of default has occurred and is continuing or if we are out of compliance with our financial covenants. These covenants could restrict our ability to achieve our business objectives, and therefore, could have an adverse effect on our financial condition. In addition, this agreement also requires us to maintain specific financial ratios. If we fail to comply with these covenants or meet these financial ratios, the lenders under our credit agreement could declare a default and demand immediate repayment of all amounts owed to them, cancel their commitments to lend and/or issue letters of credit, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial condition and business in general. Our operations and business activities outside of the United States are subject to a number of risks, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We currently conduct a limited amount of business outside the United States, primarily in Bermuda, Luxembourg and Sweden. In these jurisdictions, we are subject to a number of significant risks in conducting such business. These risks include restrictions such as price controls, capital controls, exchange controls and other restrictive government actions, which could have an adverse effect on our business and our reputation. Investments outside the United States also subject us to additional domestic and foreign laws and regulations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar laws in other countries that prohibit the making of improper payments to foreign officials. In addition, some countries have laws and regulations that lack clarity and, even with local expertise and effective controls, it can be difficult to determine the exact requirements of the local laws. Failure to comply with local laws in a particular market could have a significant and negative effect not only on our business in that market but also on our reputation generally. We may be subject to taxes on our Luxembourg affiliates’ equalization reserves. In 2012, we formed a Luxembourg holding company and acquired a Luxembourg-domiciled reinsurance company. In connection with the acquisition, we acquired a licensed Luxembourg reinsurer together with its cash and associated equalization reserves. An “equalization reserve” is a compulsory volatility or catastrophe reserve in excess of ordinary reserves determined by a formula based on the volatility of the business ceded to the reinsurance company. Equalization reserves are required to be established for Luxembourg statutory and tax purposes, but are not recognized under U.S. GAAP. Equalization reserves are calculated on a line of business basis and are subject to a theoretical maximum amount, or cap, based on the expected premium volume described in the business plan of the reinsurance company as approved by the Luxembourg regulators, which cap is reassessed every five years. At the time we acquired our first Luxembourg reinsurer for a purchase price of approximately $125 million, it had cash of approximately $135 million, established equalization reserves of approximately $129.6 million, and was subject to an equalization reserve cap of approximately $211 million. Each year, the Luxembourg reinsurer is required to adjust its equalization reserves by an amount equal to its statutory net income or net loss, determined based on premiums and investment income less incurred losses and other operating expenses. The yearly adjustment of the equalization reserve generally results in zero pretax income on a Luxembourg statutory and tax basis, as follows: in a year in which the reinsurer’s operations result in a statutory loss, the equalization reserves are taken down in an amount to balance the income statement to zero pretax income, and in a year in which the operations result in a gain, the equalization reserves are increased in an amount to balance the income statement to zero pretax income. If the reinsurer were to produce underwriting income in excess of the equalization reserve cap, or if the cap were to be reduced below the amount of the carried equalization reserves, the reinsurer would incur Luxembourg tax on the amount of such excess income or the amount by which the reserves exceeded the reduced cap, as applicable. We have entered into a stop loss reinsurance agreement with the Luxembourg reinsurer under which we pay reinsurance premiums and cede losses and expenses in excess of the attachment point to the reinsurer. Provided that we are able to cede losses to the reinsurance company through this intercompany reinsurance agreement that are sufficient to utilize all of the reinsurance company’s equalization reserves, Luxembourg would not, under laws currently in effect, impose any income, corporation or profits tax on the reinsurance company. However, if the reinsurance company were to cease reinsuring business without exhausting the equalization reserves, it would recognize income in the amount of the unutilized equalization reserves that would be taxed by Luxembourg at a rate of approximately 30%. We must establish a deferred tax liability on our financial statements equal to approximately 30% of the unutilized equalization reserves. We adjust the deferred tax liability each reporting period based on premiums and investment income less losses and other expenses ceded to the Luxembourg reinsurer under the intercompany reinsurance agreement. As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately $45.9 million of unutilized equalization reserves and an 34 associated deferred tax liability of approximately $13.8 million relating to our three Luxembourg reinsurers. Under our business plan currently in effect, we expect that the ceded losses and expenses net of reinsurance premiums paid under the intercompany reinsurance agreement will cause the equalization reserve to be fully utilized in three to five years at which point the deferred tax liability relating to the equalization reserves will be extinguished. The effects of this intercompany reinsurance agreement are appropriately eliminated in consolidation. A portion of our financial assets consists of life settlement contracts that are subject to certain risks. As of December 31, 2015, we have a 50% ownership interest in entities that hold certain life settlement contracts (the “LSC Entities”), and the fair value of these contracts owned by the LSC Entities is $264.0 million, with our proportionate interest being $132.0 million. Estimates of fair value of the life settlement contracts held by the LSC Entities are subjective and based upon estimates of, among other factors: (i) the life expectancy of the insured person, (ii) the projected premium payments on the contract, including projections of possible rate increases from the related insurance carrier, (iii) the projected costs of administration relating to the contract and (iv) the projected risk of non-payment, including the financial health of the related insurance carrier, the possibility of legal challenges from such insurance carrier or others and the possibility of regulatory changes that may affect payment. The actual value of any life settlement contract cannot be determined until the policy matures (i.e., the insured has died and the insurance carrier has paid out the death benefit to the holder). A significant negative difference between the estimated fair value of a contract and actual death benefits received at maturity for any life settlement contract could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Some of the critical factors considered in determining the fair value of a life settlement contract are related to the discounted value of future cash flows from death benefits and the discounted value of future premiums due on the contract. If the rate used to discount the future death benefits or the future premiums changes, the value of the life settlement contract will also change. Generally, if discount rates increase, the fair value of a life settlement contract decreases. If a life settlement contract is sold or otherwise disposed of in the future under a relatively higher interest rate environment, the contract may have a lower value than the value it had when it was acquired. The life expectancy of an insured under a life insurance policy is a key element in determining the anticipated cash flow associated with the policy and, ultimately, its value. For example, if an insured under a life insurance policy lives longer than estimated, premiums on that policy will be required to be paid for a longer period of time than anticipated (and in a greater total amount) in order to maintain the policy in force. Estimating life expectancies is inherently inexact and imprecise. Past mortality experience is not an accurate indicator of future mortality rates, and it is possible for insureds under life insurance policies to experience lower mortality rates in the future than those historically experienced by other persons having similar traits. The process of developing an estimate of life expectancy may include, but is not necessarily limited to, subjective interpretation of lifestyle, medical history, ancestry, educational background, improvements in mortality rates, wealth and access to and impact of changes in medical techniques. Subjective interpretation of these and other variables leads to vast complexities which ultimately present a degree of imprecision. In addition, the types of individuals who are insured under substantial life insurance policies may have longer life expectancies than the general population as a result of such factors as better access to medical care and healthier lifestyles. These factors may make it harder to correctly estimate their life expectancies. Life expectancy providers have historically changed, and may in the future change, from time to time their respective underwriting methodologies in an effort to improve the precision of their life expectancy estimates. For example, certain changes effected by several leading life expectancy providers in 2008 and 2009 resulted in significantly longer life expectancies for many insureds under policies in the life settlement market, which led to a meaningful reduction in the fair value of those policies. Future changes by one or more life expectancy providers could similarly lengthen or shorten the life expectancy estimates of the insureds under life insurance policies in which the LSC Entities have an interest and significantly impact the market value and/or liquidity of the affected policies. Developments of this nature could have a material adverse effect on the value of our investment in the LSC Entities holding the life settlements contracts. In addition, our results of operations and earnings may fluctuate depending on the number of life settlement contracts held by the LSC Entities in a given period and the fair value of those assets at the end of the applicable period. Any reduction in the fair value of these assets will impact our income in the period in which the reduction occurs and could adversely affect our financial results for that period. Finally, the market for life settlement contracts is relatively illiquid when compared to that for other asset classes, and there is currently no established trading platform or market by which investors in the life settlement market buy and sell life settlement contracts. If any of the LSC Entities need to sell significant numbers of life settlement contracts in the secondary life settlement 35 market, it is possible that the lack of liquidity at that time could make the sale of such life settlement contract difficult or impossible. Therefore, we bear the risks of any of the LSC Entities having to sell life settlement contracts at substantial discounts or not being able to sell life settlement contracts in a timely manner or at all which may result in a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Changes in accounting standards issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) or other standard-setting bodies may adversely affect our financial statements. Our financial statements are subject to the application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which is periodically revised and/or expanded. Accordingly, from time to time we are required to adopt new or revised accounting standards issued by recognized authoritative bodies, including the FASB. The impact of accounting pronouncements that have been issued but not yet implemented is disclosed in our reports filed with the SEC. See Note 2 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. An assessment of proposed standards, including standards on insurance contracts and accounting for financial instruments, is not provided as such proposals are subject to change through the exposure process and official positions of the FASB are determined only after extensive due process and deliberations. Therefore, the effects on our financial statements cannot be meaningfully assessed. The required adoption of future accounting standards could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations, including on our net income. Risks Relating to Our Insurance Operations The insurance industry is highly competitive, and we may not be able to compete effectively against larger companies. The insurance industry is highly competitive and, except for regulatory considerations, there are relatively few barriers to entry. We compete with both large national insurance providers and smaller regional companies on the basis of price, coverages offered, claims handling, customer service, agent commissions, geographic coverage and financial strength ratings. Some of our competitors have more capital, higher ratings and greater resources than we have, and may offer a broader range of products than we offer. Many of our competitors invest heavily in advertising and marketing efforts and/or expanding their online service offerings. Many of these competitors have better brand recognition than we have and have a significantly larger market share than we do. As a result, these larger competitors may be better able to offer lower rates to consumers, to withstand larger losses, and to more effectively take advantage of new marketing opportunities. Our ability to compete against these larger competitors depends on our ability to deliver superior service and maintain our relationships with independent agents and affinity groups. In our lender-placed insurance business, we use a proprietary insurance-tracking system to monitor the clients’ mortgage portfolios to verify the existence of insurance on each mortgaged property and identify those that are uninsured. If, in addition to our current competitors, others in this industry develop a competing system or equivalent administering capabilities, this could adversely affect our business and results of operations. We may undertake strategic marketing and operating initiatives to improve our competitive position and drive growth. If we are unable to successfully implement new strategic initiatives or if our marketing campaigns do not attract new customers, our competitive position may be harmed, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We write a significant amount of business in the nonstandard auto insurance market, which could make us more susceptible to unfavorable market conditions which have a disproportionate effect on that customer base. A significant amount of our P&C premium currently is written in the nonstandard auto insurance market. As a result, adverse developments in the economic, competitive or regulatory environment affecting the nonstandard customer base or the nonstandard auto insurance industry in general may have a greater effect on us as compared to a more diversified auto insurance carrier with a larger percentage of its business in other types of auto insurance products. Adverse developments of this type may have a material adverse effect on our business. We generate significant revenue from service fees generated from our P&C and A&H policyholders, which could be adversely affected by additional insurance or consumer protection regulation. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we generated $273.5 million in service and fee revenue from our P&C and A&H policyholders, which included origination fees, installment fees relating to installment payment plans, late payment fees, policy cancellation fees and reinstatement fees. The revenue we generate from these service fees could be reduced by changes in consumer protection or insurance regulation that restrict or prohibit our ability to charge these fees. If our ability to charge fees for these services were to be restricted or prohibited, there can be no assurance that we would be able to obtain rate increases or take other 36 action to offset the lost revenue and the direct and indirect costs associated with providing the services, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. The rates we charge under the policies we write are subject to prior regulatory approval in most of the states in which we operate. In most of the states in which we operate, we must obtain prior regulatory approval of insurance rates charged to our customers, including any increases in those rates. If we are unable to receive approval for the rate changes we request, or if such approval were delayed, our ability to operate our business in a profitable manner may be limited and our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity may be adversely affected. The property and casualty insurance industry is cyclical in nature, which may affect our overall financial performance. Historically, the financial performance of the property and casualty insurance industry has tended to fluctuate in cyclical periods of price competition and excess capacity (known as a soft market) followed by periods of high premium rates and shortages of underwriting capacity (known as a hard market). The profitability of most property and casualty insurance companies tends to follow this cyclical market pattern. We cannot predict with certainty the timing or duration of changes in the market cycle because the cyclicality is due in large part to the actions of our competitors and general economic factors beyond our control. These cyclical patterns, the actions of our competitors, and general economic factors could cause our revenues and net income to fluctuate, which may adversely affect our business. Catastrophic losses or the frequency of smaller insured losses may exceed our expectations as well as the limits of our reinsurance, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Our P&C insurance business is subject to claims arising from catastrophes, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, windstorms, floods, earthquakes, hailstorms, severe winter weather, and fires, or other events, such as explosions, terrorist attacks, riots, and hazardous material releases. The incidence and severity of such events are inherently unpredictable, and our losses from catastrophes could be substantial. Longer-term weather trends are changing and new types of catastrophe losses may be developing due to climate change, a phenomenon that may be associated with extreme weather events linked to rising temperatures, including effects on global weather patterns, sea, land and air temperature, sea levels, rain and snow. Climate change could increase the frequency and severity of catastrophe losses we experience in both coastal and non-coastal areas. In addition, it is possible that we may experience an unusual frequency of smaller losses in a particular period. In either case, the consequences could be substantial volatility in our financial condition or results of operations for any fiscal quarter or year, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations and our ability to write new business. Although we believe that our geographic and product mix creates limited exposure to catastrophic events and we attempt to manage our exposure to these types of catastrophic and cumulative losses, including through the use of reinsurance, catastrophic events are inherently unpredictable and the severity or frequency of these types of losses may exceed our expectations as well as the limits of our reinsurance coverage. We rely on the use of credit scoring in pricing and underwriting our auto insurance policies and any legal or regulatory requirements which restrict our ability to access credit score information could decrease the accuracy of our pricing and underwriting process and thus lower our profitability. We use credit scoring as a factor in pricing and underwriting decisions where allowed by state law. Consumer groups and regulators have questioned whether the use of credit scoring unfairly discriminates against some groups of people and are calling for laws and regulations to prohibit or restrict the use of credit scoring in underwriting and pricing. Laws or regulations that significantly curtail or regulate the use of credit scoring, if enacted in a large number of states in which we operate, could impact the integrity of our pricing and underwriting process, which could, in turn, adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and make it harder for us to be profitable over time. If market conditions cause our reinsurance to be more costly or unavailable, we may be required to bear increased risks or reduce the level of our underwriting commitments. As part of our overall risk and capacity management strategy, we purchase excess of loss catastrophic and casualty reinsurance for protection against catastrophic events and other large losses. Market conditions beyond our control, in terms of price and available capacity, may affect the amount of reinsurance we acquire and our profitability. 37 We may be unable to maintain our current reinsurance arrangements or to obtain other reinsurance in adequate amounts and at favorable rates. Increases in the cost of reinsurance would adversely affect our profitability. In addition, if we are unable to renew our expiring arrangements or to obtain new reinsurance on favorable terms, either our net exposure to risk would increase, which would increase our costs, or, if we are unwilling to bear an increase in net risk exposures, we would have to reduce the amount of risk we underwrite, which would reduce our revenues. We have reduced our dependence on reinsurance and will retain a greater percentage of our premium writings, which increases our exposure to the underlying policy risks. We historically utilized quota share reinsurance arrangements with other insurance carriers to be able to generate a larger premium volume, and larger resulting infrastructure, than otherwise would have been possible given our capital position. Effective August 1, 2013, we terminated our cession of P&C premium to our quota share reinsurers and now retain 100% of such P&C gross premium written and related losses with respect to all new and renewal P&C policies bound after August 1, 2013. The increase in the percentage of premium writings retained provides us the opportunity to realize greater underwriting income and investment income from our premium writing base. However, it also increases the risks to our business through greater exposure to policy claims. In the event our actual product experience varies adversely from the assumptions we used to price our products, our increased exposure to the underlying policy risks could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We may not be able to recover amounts due from our reinsurers, which would adversely affect our financial condition. Reinsurance does not discharge our obligations under the insurance policies we write; it merely provides us with a contractual right to seek reimbursement on certain claims. We remain liable to our policyholders even if we are unable to make recoveries that we are entitled to receive under our reinsurance contracts. As a result, we are subject to credit risk with respect to our reinsurers. Losses are recovered from our reinsurers after underlying policy claims are paid. The creditworthiness of our reinsurers may change before we recover amounts to which we are entitled. Therefore, if a reinsurer is unable to meet its obligations to us, we would be responsible for claims and claim settlement expenses for which we would have otherwise received payment from the reinsurer. If we were unable to collect these amounts from our reinsurers, our costs would increase and our financial condition would be adversely affected. As of December 31, 2015, we had an aggregate amount of approximately $833.2 million of recoverables from third-party reinsurers for unpaid losses. Our largest reinsurance recoverables are from the NCRF and the MCCA. The NCRF is a non-profit organization established to provide automobile liability reinsurance to those insurance companies that write automobile insurance in North Carolina. The MCCA is a Michigan reinsurance mechanism that covers no-fault first party medical losses of retentions in excess of $545,000 in 2015. At December 31, 2015, the amount of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses from the NCRF and the MCCA was approximately $86.9 million and $656.9 million, respectively. In addition, at December 31, 2015, the amount of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses from Maiden Insurance, ACP Re, Technology Insurance and other reinsurers was approximately $21.1 million, $12.6 million, $8.4 million and $8.1 million, respectively. If any of our principal reinsurers were unable to meet its obligations to us, our financial condition and results of operations would be materially adversely affected. For additional information, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Reinsurance.” The effects of emerging claim and coverage issues on our business are uncertain and negative developments in this area could have an adverse effect on our business. As industry practices and legal, judicial, social and other environmental conditions change, unexpected and unintended issues related to claims and coverage may emerge. These issues may adversely affect our business by either extending coverage beyond our underwriting intent or by increasing the number or size of claims. In some instances, these changes may not become apparent until after we have issued insurance policies that are affected by the changes. As a result, the full extent of our liability under an insurance policy may not be known until many years after the policy is issued. For example, medical costs associated with permanent and partial disabilities may increase more rapidly or be higher than we currently expect. Changes of this nature may expose us to higher claims than we anticipated when we wrote the underlying policy. Unexpected increases in our claim costs many years after policies are issued may also result in our inability to recover from certain of our reinsurers the full amount that they would otherwise owe us for such claims costs because certain of the reinsurance agreements covering our business include commutation clauses that permit the reinsurers to terminate their obligations by making a final payment to us based on an estimate of their remaining liabilities. In addition, the potential passage of new legislation designed to expand the right to sue, to remove limitations on recovery, to deem by statute the existence of a covered occurrence, to extend the statutes of limitations or otherwise repeal or weaken tort reforms could have an adverse impact on our business. The effects of these and other unforeseen emerging 38 claim and coverage issues are extremely hard to predict and could be harmful to our business and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. The effects of litigation on our business are uncertain and could have an adverse effect on our business. Although we are not currently involved in any material litigation with our customers, other members of the insurance industry are the target of class action lawsuits and other types of litigation, some of which involve claims for substantial or indeterminate amounts, and the outcomes of which are unpredictable. This litigation is based on a variety of issues, including insurance and claim settlement practices. We cannot predict with any certainty whether we will be involved in such litigation in the future or what impact such litigation would have on our business. Changing climate conditions may adversely affect our financial condition or profitability. There is an emerging scientific consensus that the earth is getting warmer. Climate change, to the extent it produces rising temperatures and changes in weather patterns, may affect the frequency and severity of storms and other weather events, the affordability, availability and underwriting results of homeowners and property insurance, and, if frequency and severity patterns increase, could negatively affect our financial results. Risks Related to an Investment in our Common Stock Our revenues and results of operations may fluctuate as a result of factors beyond our control, which may cause volatility in the price of our shares of common stock. Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market ("NASDAQ") under the symbol “NGHC.” Our performance, as well as the risks discussed herein, government or regulatory action, tax laws, interest rates and general market conditions could have a significant impact on the future market price of our common stock. The market price for shares of our common stock may be subject to low volume and may be highly volatile and you may not be able to resell your shares of our common stock at or above the price you paid to purchase the shares or at all. Some of the factors that could negatively affect our share price or result in fluctuations in the price of our common stock include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • our operating results in any future quarter not meeting or being anticipated not to meet the expectations of market analysts or investors; reductions in our earnings estimates by us or market analysts; publication of negative research or other unfavorable publicity or speculation in the press or investment community about our company, related companies or the insurance industry in general; rising level of claims costs, changes in the frequency or severity of claims or new types of claims and new or changing judicial interpretations relating to the scope of insurance company liability; the financial stability of our third-party reinsurers, changes in the level of reinsurance capacity, termination of reinsurance arrangements and changes in our capital capacity; increases in interest rates causing investors to demand a higher yield or return on investment than an investment in our common stock may be projected to provide; changes in market valuations of other insurance companies; adverse market reaction to any increased indebtedness we incur in the future; fluctuations in interest rates or inflationary pressures and other changes in the investment environment that affect returns on invested assets; additions or departures of key personnel; reaction to the sale or purchase of company stock by our principal stockholders or our executive officers; changes in the economic or regulatory environment in the markets in which we operate; changes in tax law; and general market, economic and political conditions. Our principal stockholders have the ability to control our business, which may be disadvantageous to other stockholders. Michael Karfunkel, Leah Karfunkel, the wife of Michael Karfunkel (a trustee of the Karfunkel Family Trust), and AmTrust, collectively, beneficially own or control approximately 54.7% of our outstanding shares of common stock. As a result, these holders 39 have the ability to control all matters requiring approval by our stockholders, including the election and removal of directors, amendments to our certificate of incorporation (other than changes to the rights of the common stock) and bylaws, any proposed merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets and other corporate transactions. These individuals may have interests that are different from those of other stockholders. In addition, we are a “controlled company” pursuant to NASDAQ Listing Rule 5615(c) because Michael Karfunkel, Leah Karfunkel (a trustee of the Karfunkel Family Trust), and AmTrust collectively own approximately 54.7% of our voting power. Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market. Therefore, we are exempt from the NASDAQ listing requirements with respect to having a majority of the members of the board of directors be independent; having our Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee be composed solely of independent directors; the compensation of our executive officers determined by a majority of our independent directors or a Compensation Committee composed solely of independent directors; and director nominees being selected or recommended for selection, either by a majority of our independent directors or by a nominating committee composed solely of independent directors. We rely on these exemptions. In addition, Michael Karfunkel, through entities that he controls, has entered into transactions with us and may from time to time in the future enter into other transactions with us. As a result, he may have interests that are different from, or are in addition to, his interest as a stockholder in our company. Such transactions may adversely affect our results or operations or financial condition. Our officers, directors and principal stockholders could delay or prevent an acquisition or merger of our company even if the transaction would benefit other stockholders. Moreover, this concentration of share ownership makes it impossible for other stockholders to replace directors and management without the consent of Michael Karfunkel, Leah Karfunkel and AmTrust. In addition, this significant concentration of share ownership may adversely affect the price at which prospective buyers are willing to pay for our common stock because investors often perceive disadvantages in owning stock in companies with controlling stockholders. In order to comply with the requirements of being a public company we are enhancing certain of our corporate processes, which require significant company resources and management attention. As a relatively recent public company with listed equity securities, we need to comply with new laws, regulations and requirements, certain corporate governance provisions of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX”), periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and other regulations of the SEC and the requirements of the NASDAQ Global Market, which we were not required to comply with as a private company. In order to comply with these laws, rules and regulations, we have to enhance certain of our corporate processes, which require us to incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses. These efforts also require a significant amount of time from our board of directors and management, possibly diverting their attention from the implementation of our business plan and growth strategy. We have made, and will continue to make, changes to our corporate governance standards, disclosure controls, financial reporting and accounting systems to meet our obligations as a public company. We cannot assure you that the changes we have made and will continue to make to satisfy our obligations as a public company will be successful, and any failure on our part to do so could subject us to delisting of our common stock, fines, sanctions and other regulatory action and potential litigation. Failure to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting may have an adverse effect on our stock price. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the related rules and regulations of the SEC require an annual management assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting, as such standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the related rules and regulations of the SEC. If we cannot in the future favorably assess the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, investor confidence in the reliability of our financial reports may be adversely affected, which could have a material adverse effect on our common stock prices. Future sales and issuances of shares of our capital stock may depress our share price. We may in the future issue our previously authorized and unissued securities. We have an authorized capitalization of 150 million shares of common stock and 10 million shares of preferred stock with such designations, preferences and rights as are contained in our charter or bylaws and as determined by our board of directors. Issuances of stock may result in dilution of our existing stockholders or a decrease in the per share price of our common stock. It is not possible to state the actual effect of the 40 issuance of any shares of our preferred stock on the rights of holders of our common stock until our board of directors determines the specific rights attached to that class or series of preferred stock. We cannot predict what effect, if any, future sales of our common stock, or the availability of shares for future sale, will have on the price prospective buyers are willing to pay for our common stock. Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock by us or our principal stockholders, or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect the price prospective buyers are willing to pay for our common stock and may make it more difficult for you to sell your shares at a time and price that you determine appropriate. Applicable insurance laws may make it difficult to effect a change of control of our company. State insurance holding company laws require prior approval by the respective state insurance departments of any change of control of an insurer. “Control” is generally defined as the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the company, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. Control is generally presumed to exist through the direct or indirect ownership of 10% or more of the voting securities of a domestic insurance company or any entity that controls a domestic insurance company. In addition, two of our insurance subsidiaries are currently deemed to be commercially domiciled in Florida and, as such, are subject to regulation by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (“OIR”). Florida insurance law prohibits any person from acquiring 5% or more of our outstanding voting securities or those of any of our insurance subsidiaries without the prior approval of the Florida OIR. However, a party may acquire less than 10% of our voting securities without prior approval if the party files a disclaimer of affiliation and control. Any person wishing to acquire control of us or of any substantial portion of our outstanding shares would first be required to obtain the approval of the domestic regulators (including those asserting “commercial domicile”) of our insurance subsidiaries or file appropriate disclaimers. These laws may discourage potential acquisition proposals and may delay, deter or prevent a change of control of us, including through transactions, and in particular unsolicited transactions, that some or all of our stockholders might consider to be desirable. Future issuance of debt or preferred stock, which would rank senior to our common stock upon our liquidation, and future offerings of equity securities, which would dilute our existing stockholders, may adversely affect the market value of our common stock. In the future, we may attempt to increase our capital resources by issuing debt or making additional offerings of equity securities, including bank debt, commercial paper, medium-term notes, senior or subordinated notes and classes of shares of preferred stock. Upon liquidation, holders of our debt securities and preferred stock and lenders with respect to other borrowings will receive a distribution of our available assets prior to the holders of shares of our common stock. Additional equity offerings may dilute the holdings of our existing stockholders or reduce the market value of our common stock, or both. Future issuances of preferred stock could have a preference on liquidating distributions or a preference on dividend payments that would limit amounts available for distribution to holders of shares of our common stock. Because our decision to issue securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings. Thus, holders of shares of our common stock bear the risk of our future offerings reducing the market value of our common stock and diluting their stockholdings in us. 41 Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments None. Item 2. Properties We lease an aggregate of approximately 1,014,590 square feet of office space in 83 locations. We have an ownership interest in the entities that own the buildings in which we lease space at two of these locations, which represent an aggregate of approximately 178,000 square feet. Item 3. Legal Proceedings We are routinely involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, in particular in connection with claims adjudication with respect to our policies. We believe we have recorded adequate reserves for these liabilities and that there is no individual case pending that is likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures None. 42 PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Shareholders Our common shares began trading on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “NGHC” on February 20, 2014. We have one class of authorized common stock for 150,000,000 shares at a par value of $0.01 per share. As of February 24, 2016 there were approximately 295 registered record holders of our common shares. This figure does not include beneficial owners who hold shares in nominee name. Price Range of Common Stock The following table shows the high and low sales prices per share for our common shares and cash dividends declared with respect to such shares: 2015 First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter 2014 First quarter (from February 20, 2014) Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter High Low Dividends Declared 19.19 21.14 23.88 22.61 $ $ $ $ High Low 30.00 (1) $ $ 18.69 19.45 19.71 $ $ 17.25 17.41 17.52 18.52 13.58 13.63 16.59 16.59 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.03 Dividends Declared 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.02 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ (1) Represents opening trading price of 100 shares on February 20, 2014. High closing price for the first quarter of 2014 was $14.25. On February 24, 2016, the closing price per share of our common stock was $19.89. Dividend Policy Our board of directors currently intends to continue to authorize the payment of a nominal quarterly cash dividend to our stockholders of record. Any declaration and payment of dividends by our board of directors will depend on many factors, including general economic and business conditions, our strategic plans, our financial results and condition, legal and regulatory requirements and other factors that our board of directors deems relevant. National General Holdings Corp. is a holding company and has no direct operations. Our ability to pay dividends in the future depends on the ability of our operating subsidiaries, including our insurance subsidiaries, to pay dividends to us. The laws of the jurisdictions in which our insurance subsidiaries are organized regulate and restrict, under certain circumstances, their ability to pay dividends to us. The aggregate amount of dividends that could be paid to us by our insurance subsidiaries without prior approval by the various domiciliary states of our insurance subsidiaries was approximately $360.1 million as of December 31, 2015, taking into account dividends paid in the prior twelve month period. Under the terms of our credit agreement, we are not prohibited from paying cash dividends so long as no event of default has occurred and is continuing and we are not out of compliance with our financial covenants. We may, however, enter into credit agreements or other debt arrangements in the future that will restrict our ability to declare or pay cash dividends on our common stock. 43 Common Stock Performance Graph Set forth below is a line graph comparing the cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock for the period beginning February 20, 2014 and ending on December 31, 2015 with the cumulative total return on the NASDAQ Global Market Index and a peer group comprised of the NASDAQ Insurance Index. The graph shows the change in value of an initial $100 investment on February 20, 2014. The stock price performance of the following graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance. Comparative Cumulative Total Returns Since February 20, 2014 for National General Holdings Corp., NASDAQ Composite Index and NASDAQ Insurance Index National General Holdings NASDAQ Composite Index NASDAQ Insurance Index National General Holdings NASDAQ Composite Index NASDAQ Insurance Index March 31, 2015 June 30, 2015 September 30, 2015 December 31, 2015 $ $ $ $ $ $ 131.72 114.84 113.74 March 31, 2014 98.32 98.39 103.90 $ $ $ $ $ $ 146.81 116.86 115.21 $ $ $ 136.14 108.26 116.09 $ $ $ 154.39 117.34 121.10 June 30, 2014 September 30, 2014 December 31, 2014 122.25 103.30 105.97 $ $ $ 118.74 105.29 101.06 $ $ $ 130.95 110.98 113.76 February 20, 2014 $ $ $ 100.00 100.00 100.00 This information is not deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any of our filings under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act. 44 Item 6. Selected Financial Data The following tables set forth our selected historical consolidated financial and operating information for the periods ended and as of the dates indicated. The income statement data for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are derived from our audited financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report. These historical results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected from any future period. You should read the following selected consolidated financial information together with the other information contained in this annual report, including “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this annual report. Selected Income Statement Data(1) Gross premium written Ceded premiums(2) Net premium written Change in unearned premium Net earned premium Ceding commission income Service and fee income Net investment income Net realized gain (loss) on investments Bargain purchase gain and other revenue (expense) Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 (Amounts in Thousands, Except Percentages and per Share Data) $ 2,589,748 $ 2,135,107 $ 1,338,755 $ 1,351,925 $ 1,178,891 (403,502) (265,083) (659,439) (719,431) (640,655) $ 2,186,246 $ 1,870,024 $ 679,316 $ 632,494 $ 538,236 (56,436) (236,804) 8,750 (58,242) (40,026) $ 2,129,810 $ 1,633,220 $ 688,066 $ 574,252 $ 498,210 43,790 273,548 75,340 (10,307) (788) 12,430 168,571 52,426 (2,892) (1,660) 87,100 127,541 30,808 (1,669) 16 89,360 93,739 30,550 16,612 3,728 77,475 66,116 28,355 4,775 — Total revenues $ 2,511,393 $ 1,862,095 $ 931,862 $ 808,241 $ 674,931 Loss and loss adjustment expense Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses(3) General and administrative expenses(4) Interest expense Total expenses Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries Provision for income taxes Income before equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries 1,381,641 1,053,065 405,930 530,347 28,885 315,089 348,762 17,736 $ 2,346,803 $ 1,734,652 $ 164,590 $ 127,443 18,956 23,876 $ 145,634 $ 103,567 Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries 10,643 1,180 Net income $ 156,277 $ 104,747 Less: Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest (14,025) (2,504) Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. Dividends on preferred stock Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. common stockholders Basic earnings per share(5) Weighted average shares outstanding - basic Diluted earnings per share Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted Insurance Ratios Net loss ratio(6) Net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP)(7)(8) Net combined ratio (non-GAAP)(7)(9) $ $ $ $ $ 142,252 (14,025) 128,227 1.31 98,242 1.27 100,724 $ $ $ $ $ 102,243 (2,291) 99,952 1.09 91,499 1.07 93,515 462,124 134,887 280,552 2,042 879,605 52,257 11,140 41,117 1,274 42,391 (82) 42,309 (2,158) 40,151 0.62 65,018 0.59 71,802 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 402,686 110,771 246,644 1,787 761,888 46,353 12,309 34,044 (1,338) 32,706 — 32,706 (4,674) 28,032 0.62 45,555 0.56 58,287 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 340,152 75,191 208,939 1,994 626,276 48,655 28,301 20,354 23,760 44,114 (14) 44,100 (4,328) 39,772 0.87 45,555 0.75 58,469 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 64.5% 29.6% 94.1% 67.2% 29.2% 96.4% 70.1% 30.4% 100.5% 68.3% 28.2% 96.5% 64.9% 29.1% 94.0% 45 Selected Balance Sheet Data Investments Cash and cash equivalents Premiums and other receivables, net Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses Goodwill and Intangibles assets, net Total assets As of December 31, 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 (Amounts in Thousands) $ 2,667,710 $ 1,866,105 $ 1,042,884 $ $ $ $ 282,277 758,633 833,176 461,312 $ $ $ $ 132,615 647,443 911,798 319,601 $ $ $ $ 73,823 449,252 950,828 156,915 $ $ $ $ $ 951,928 39,937 450,140 991,447 112,935 $ $ $ $ $ 949,733 11,695 387,558 920,719 77,433 $ 5,563,392 $ 4,324,716 $ 2,837,515 $ 2,713,323 $ 2,524,891 Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves $ 1,755,624 $ 1,562,153 $ 1,259,241 $ 1,286,533 $ 1,218,412 Unearned premiums Deferred tax liability Notes payable Common stock and Additional paid-in capital Preferred stock Total stockholders' equity $ 1,192,499 $ $ $ $ 12,247 491,537 901,170 220,000 $ $ $ $ $ 864,436 67,535 299,082 691,670 55,000 $ 1,536,640 $ 1,073,450 $ $ $ $ $ $ 476,232 24,476 81,142 437,803 $ $ $ $ 488,598 34,393 70,114 158,470 — $ 53,054 642,867 $ 413,042 $ $ $ $ $ $ 449,598 17,262 85,550 159,940 53,054 361,596 (1) Results for a number of periods were affected by our various acquisitions from 2011 to 2015. (2) Premiums ceded to related parties were $1,578, $44,936, $501,067, $561,434 and $491,689 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. (3) Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses include policy acquisition expenses, commissions paid directly to producers, premium taxes and assessments, salary and benefits and other insurance general and administrative expenses which represent other costs that are directly attributable to insurance activities. (4) General and administrative expenses is composed of all other operating expenses, including various departmental salaries and benefits expenses for employees that are directly involved in the maintenance of policies, information systems, and accounting for insurance transactions, and other insurance expenses such as federal excise tax, postage, telephones and Internet access charges, as well as legal and auditing fees and board and bureau charges. In addition, general and administrative expenses include those charges that are related to the amortization of tangible and intangible assets and non- insurance activities in which we engage. (5) No effect is given to the dilutive effect of outstanding stock options or restricted stock units during the relevant period. (6) Net loss ratio is calculated by dividing the loss and loss adjustment expense by net earned premiums. (7) Net operating expense ratio and net combined ratio are considered non-GAAP financial measures under applicable SEC rules because a component of those ratios, net operating expense, is calculated by offsetting acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses and general and administrative expenses by ceding commission income and service and fee income. Management uses net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP) and net combined ratio (non-GAAP) to evaluate financial performance against historical results and establish targets on a consolidated basis. Other companies may calculate these measures differently, and, therefore, their measures may not be comparable to those used by the Company’s management. For a reconciliation showing the total amounts by which acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses and general and administrative expenses were offset by ceding commission income and service and fee income, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation-Results of Operations- Consolidated Results of Operations”. (8) Net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP) is calculated by dividing the net operating expense by net earned premium. Net operating expense consists of the sum of acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses and general and administrative expenses less ceding commission income and service and fee income. (9) Net combined ratio (non-GAAP) is calculated by adding net loss ratio and net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP) together. 46 Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements that are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. See “Note on Forward-Looking Statements.” Overview We are a specialty personal lines insurance holding company. Through our subsidiaries, we provide a variety of insurance products, including personal and commercial automobile, homeowners and umbrella, supplemental health, lender-placed and other niche insurance products. We sell insurance products with a focus on underwriting profitability through a combination of our customized and predictive analytics and our technology driven low cost infrastructure. We manage our business through two segments: P&C and A&H. As of December 31, 2015, we transact business primarily through our fifteen regulated domestic insurance subsidiaries: Integon Casualty Insurance Company, Integon General Insurance Corporation, Integon Indemnity Corporation, Integon National Insurance Company (“Integon National”), Integon Preferred Insurance Company, New South Insurance Company, MIC General Insurance Corporation, National General Insurance Company, National General Assurance Company, National General Insurance Online, Inc., National Health Insurance Company, Personal Express Insurance Company, Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, National Automotive Insurance Company and Agent Alliance Insurance Company. Our insurance subsidiaries have been assigned an "A-" (Excellent) group rating by A.M. Best. The operating results of property and casualty insurance companies are subject to quarterly and yearly fluctuations due to the effect of competition on pricing, the frequency and severity of losses, the effect of weather and natural disasters on losses, general economic conditions, the general regulatory environment in states in which an insurer operates, state regulation of premium rates, changes in fair value of investments, and other factors such as changes in tax laws. The property and casualty industry has been highly cyclical with periods of high premium rates and shortages of underwriting capacity followed by periods of severe price competition and excess capacity. While these cycles can have a large impact on a company’s ability to grow and retain business, we have sought to focus on niche markets and regions where we are able to maintain premium rates at generally consistent levels and maintain underwriting discipline throughout these cycles. We believe that the nature of our P&C insurance products, including their relatively low limits, the relatively short duration of time between when claims are reported and when they are settled, and the broad geographic distribution of our customers, have allowed us to grow and retain our business throughout these cycles. In addition, we have limited our exposure to catastrophe losses through reinsurance. With regard to seasonality, we tend to experience higher claims and claims expense in our P&C segment during periods of severe or inclement weather. We evaluate our operations by monitoring key measures of growth and profitability, including net loss ratio, net combined ratio (non-GAAP) and operating leverage. We target a net combined ratio (non-GAAP) between 90% and 95% while seeking to maintain optimal operating leverage in our insurance subsidiaries commensurate with our A.M. Best rating objectives. To achieve our targeted net combined ratio (non-GAAP) we continually seek ways to reduce our operating costs and lower our expense ratio. For the year ended December 31, 2015, our operating leverage (the ratio of net earned premium to average total stockholders’ equity) was 1.6x, which was within our planned target operating leverage of between 1.5x and 2.0x. Investment income is also an important part of our business. Because we often do not settle claims until several months or longer after we receive the original policy premiums, we are able to invest cash from premiums for significant periods of time. We invest our capital and surplus in accordance with state and regulatory guidelines. Our net investment income was $75.3 million, $52.4 million and $30.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We held 9.6% and 6.6%, of total invested assets in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Our most significant balance sheet liability is our unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) reserves. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, our reserves, net of reinsurance recoverables, were $922.4 million and $650.4 million, respectively. We record reserves for estimated losses under insurance policies that we write and for LAE related to the investigation and settlement of policy claims. Our reserves for loss and LAE represent the estimated cost of all reported and unreported loss and LAE incurred and unpaid at any time based on known facts and circumstances. Our reserves, excluding life reserves, for loss and LAE incurred and unpaid are not discounted using present value factors. Our loss reserves are reviewed quarterly by internal actuaries and at least annually by our external actuaries. Reserves are based on estimates of the most likely ultimate cost of individual claims. These estimates are inherently uncertain. Judgment is required to determine the relevance of our historical experience and industry information under current facts and circumstances. The interpretation of this historical and industry data can be impacted by external forces, principally frequency and severity of future claims, the length of time needed to achieve 47 ultimate settlement of claims, inflation of medical costs, insurance policy coverage interpretations, jury determinations and legislative changes. Accordingly, our reserves may prove to be inadequate to cover our actual losses. If we change our estimates, these changes would be reflected in our results of operations during the period in which they are made, with increases in our reserves resulting in decreases in our earnings. Recent Acquisitions Since we acquired our P&C insurance business in 2010, we have made several acquisitions. These additional operations have increased our presence in our target markets and broadened our distribution capabilities. We believe that merger and acquisition transactions and their effective integration represent a core competency and provide continued growth opportunities. • • • • • In April 2014, we purchased Personal Express Insurance Company (“Personal Express”), a California domiciled personal auto and home insurer from Sequoia Insurance Company, an affiliate of AmTrust. The purchase price was approximately $21.5 million, subject to certain adjustments. In June 2014, we purchased certain assets of Imperial Management Corporation ("Imperial"), including its underwriting subsidiaries Imperial Fire & Casualty Insurance Company and National Automotive Insurance Company, its retail agency subsidiary ABC Insurance Agencies, and its managing general agency subsidiary RAC Insurance Partners. The purchase price was approximately $20.0 million. In connection with the Imperial transaction, we assumed certain debt of Imperial and Imperial Fire & Casualty Insurance Company (see Note 15, "Debt" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements). In September 2014, ACP Re, a Bermuda reinsurer that is a subsidiary of the Michael Karfunkel Family 2005 Trust (the “Karfunkel Family Trust”), completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding stock of Tower Group International, Ltd. ("Tower") and caused its subsidiary to merge into Tower (the "Merger") pursuant to a merger agreement, dated January 3, 2014, by and between ACP Re and Tower. In connection with the Merger, we acquired two management companies from ACP Re for $7.5 million. The management companies are the attorneys-in-fact for Adirondack Insurance Exchange, a New York reciprocal insurer, and New Jersey Skylands Insurance Association, a New Jersey reciprocal insurer (together with their subsidiaries, the “Reciprocal Exchanges”). We also agreed to pay ACP Re contingent consideration in the form of a three year earnout of 3% of the gross premium written of the Tower personal lines business written or assumed by us following the Merger. We estimated the fair value of the ACP Re Contingent Payments to be approximately $26.1 million at the acquisition date. In April 2015, we closed on the acquisition of Assigned Risk Solutions Ltd. ("ARS"), a New Jersey based managing general agency that services assigned risk, personal auto, and commercial lines of business, for a purchase price of approximately $48.0 million in cash and potential future earnout payments ("ARS Contingent Payments"). The fair value of the ARS Contingent Payments was estimated to be $4.1 million at December 31, 2015. In October 2015, we closed on a master transaction agreement with QBE Investments (North America), Inc. (“QBE Parent”) and its subsidiary, QBE Holdings, Inc. (together with QBE Parent, “QBE”), pursuant to which we acquired QBE’s lender-placed insurance business (“LPI Business”), including certain of QBE’s affiliates engaged in the LPI Business. The transaction included the acquisition of certain assets, including loan-tracking systems and technology, client servicing accounts, intellectual property, and vendor relationships, as well as the assumption of the related insurance liabilities in a reinsurance transaction through which we received the loss reserves, unearned premium reserves, and invested assets. The aggregate consideration for the transaction was approximately $95.7 million, subject to certain adjustments. Principally through the following acquisitions in our A&H segment, we have built a platform to market our and other carriers’ A&H products. This platform consists of the following operations: • • In November 2012, we acquired National Health Insurance Company (“NHIC”), a Texas-domiciled life and health insurer currently licensed in 48 states and the District of Columbia, to write our A&H risks. NHIC was established as a life and health insurer in 1979. NHIC offers a significant number of A&H insurance products for individuals and groups, which include life, accident, limited medical/hospital indemnity, short-term medical, cancer/critical illness, stop loss, travel accident/trip cancellation and dental/vision coverages. In February 2012, we acquired VelaPoint, LLC ("VelaPoint"), a general agency that operates a call center with approximately 127 licensed agents selling a full range of supplemental medical insurance products, as well as individual major medical policies underwritten through a wide range of third-party insurance companies. For the year ended December 31, 2015, VelaPoint produced approximately $183.0 million in premium on behalf of third parties. 48 • • • • • • In February 2012, we acquired America’s HealthCare Plan (“AHCP”), a managing general agent/program manager. AHCP works with over 4,300 independent agents and general agents across the country to provide an array of insurance products, including those offered by third-party insurers, and serves as a significant method of distribution for NHIC’s products. In September 2012, we acquired from the Coca-Cola Bottlers’ Association a health insurance administration company that administers specialty self-insurance arrangements, offering ERISA qualified self-insured plans to employers in affinity associations or trade groups and selling medical stop loss coverage to employers (collectively, the “TABS” companies). We believe the TABS companies, which wrote approximately $34.6 million in stop loss premium in 2015, have significant growth potential. In January 2013, we assumed 100% of an in-force book of A&H business from Wesco Insurance Company, an affiliate of AmTrust. In connection therewith, we acquired certain operating assets and hired the related program development personnel who work with outside insurers and wholesalers/program managers to create programs for specialty A&H products like travel, student and international business. In April 2013, we acquired Euro Accident Health & Care Insurance Aktiebolag (“EHC”), a European group life and health insurance managing general agent. The agency distributes life and health insurance to groups as well as individuals. Distribution predominantly takes place through broker channels and affinity partners. For the year ended December 31, 2015, EHC produced approximately $88.3 million in premium on behalf of third parties. We have received the necessary licenses and approvals to enable us to write these products on our own behalf through two European insurance companies. In January 2015, we closed on the acquisition of Healthcare Solutions Team, LLC (“HST”), an Illinois-based healthcare insurance general agency. We paid approximately $15.0 million on the acquisition date and agreed to pay potential future earnout payments ("HST Contingent Payments") based on the overall profitability of HST and the business underwritten by our insurance subsidiaries which is produced by HST. The fair value of the HST Contingent Payments was estimated to be $4.5 million at December 31, 2015. In October 2015, we closed our acquisition of certain business lines and assets from Assurant Health, which is a business segment of Assurant, Inc. As part of the transaction, we acquired the small group self-funded and supplemental product lines, as well as North Star Marketing, a proprietary small group sales channel. The purchase price was an aggregate cash payment of $14.0 million. In January 2014, in connection with the agreement by ACP Re to acquire Tower, Integon National Insurance Company, our wholly-owned subsidiary (“Integon National”), entered into a reinsurance agreement (the “Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement”) with several Tower subsidiaries. Under the Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement, Integon National reinsured on a 100% quota share basis with a cut-through endorsement all of Tower’s new and renewal personal lines business and assumed 100% of Tower’s unearned premium reserves with respect to in-force personal lines policies, in each case, net of reinsurance already in effect. The agreement was effective solely with respect to losses occurring on or after January 1, 2014. We paid a 20% ceding commission with respect to unearned premium assumed and a 22% ceding commission with respect to new and renewal business after January 1, 2014 and up to a 4% claims handling expense reimbursement to Tower on all Tower premium subject to the Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement. This Agreement remained in effect until the closing of the Tower Transaction on September 15, 2014, and is currently in run-off. Integon National entered into the Personal Lines Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement (the "PL Reinsurance Agreement"), with Tower’s ten statutory insurance companies (collectively, the “Tower Companies”), pursuant to which Integon National reinsures 100% of all losses under the Tower Companies’ new and renewal personal lines business written after September 15, 2014. The ceding commission payable by Integon National under the PL Reinsurance Agreement is equal to the sum of (i) reimbursement of the Tower Companies’ acquisition costs in respect of the business covered, including commission payable to National General Insurance Marketing, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company (“NGIM”), pursuant to the PL MGA Agreement (as defined below), and premium taxes and (ii) 2% of gross written premium (net of cancellations and return premiums) collected pursuant to the PL MGA Agreement. NGIM produces and manages all new and renewal personal lines business of the Tower Companies pursuant to a Personal Lines Managing General Agency Agreement (the "PL MGA Agreement"). As described above, all post-September 15, 2014 personal lines business written by the Tower Companies is reinsured by Integon National pursuant to the PL Reinsurance Agreement. The Tower Companies pay NGIM a 10% commission on all business written pursuant to the PL MGA Agreement. All payments by the Tower Companies to NGIM pursuant to the PL MGA Agreement are netted out of the ceding commission payable by Integon National to the Tower Companies pursuant to the PL Reinsurance Agreement. National General Re, Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company (“NG Re Ltd.”), along with AmTrust International Insurance, Ltd., an affiliate of the Company (“AII”), as reinsurers, entered into a $250.0 million Aggregate Stop Loss Reinsurance Agreement (the "Stop-Loss Agreement") with an affiliated company, CastlePoint Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (“CP Re”). NG Re Ltd. and AII also 49 entered into an Aggregate Stop Loss Retrocession Contract (the "Retrocession Agreement") with ACP Re pursuant to which ACP Re is obligated to reinsure the full amount of any payments that NG Re Ltd. and AII are obligated to make to CP Re under the Stop-Loss Agreement. Pursuant to the Stop-Loss Agreement, each of NG Re Ltd. and AII provide, severally, $125.0 million of stop loss coverage with respect to the run-off of the Tower business written on or before September 15, 2014. The reinsurers’ obligation to indemnify CP Re under the Stop-Loss Agreement will be triggered only at such time as CP Re’s ultimate paid net loss related to the run-off of the pre-September 15, 2014 Tower business exceeds a retention equal to the Tower Companies’ loss and loss adjustment reserves and unearned premium reserves as of September 15, 2014, which, the parties to the Loss Portfolio Transfer Agreement have agreed will be established upon reevaluation as of December 31, 2015. CP Re will pay AII and NG Re Ltd. total premium of $56.0 million on the five-year anniversary of the Stop-Loss Agreement. The premium payable by NG Re Ltd. and AII to ACP Re pursuant to the Retrocession Agreement will be $56.0 million in the aggregate, less a ceding commission of 5.5% to be retained by NG Re Ltd. and AII. In September 2014, NG Re Ltd. entered into a credit agreement (the “ACP Re Credit Agreement”) by and among AmTrust, as Administrative Agent, ACP Re and London Acquisition Company Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of ACP Re, as the borrowers (collectively, the “Borrowers”), ACP Re Holdings, LLC, as Guarantor, and AII and NG Re Ltd., as Lenders, pursuant to which the Lenders made a $250.0 million loan ($125.0 million made by each Lender) to the Borrowers on the terms and conditions contained within the ACP Re Credit Agreement. The ACP Re Credit Agreement has a maturity date of September 15, 2021. Outstanding principal under the ACP Re Credit Agreement bears interest at a fixed annual rate of seven percent (7%), payable semi-annually on the last day of January and July. The obligations of the Borrowers are secured by (i) a first-priority pledge of 100% of the stock of ACP Re and ACP Re’s U.S. subsidiaries and 65% of the stock of certain of ACP Re’s foreign subsidiaries and (ii) a first-priority lien on all of the assets of the Borrowers and Guarantor and certain of the assets of ACP Re’s subsidiaries (other than the Tower Companies). Principal Revenue and Expense Items Gross premium written. Gross premium written represents premium from each insurance policy that we write, including as a servicing carrier for assigned risk plans, during a reporting period based on the effective date of the individual policy, prior to ceding reinsurance to third parties. Net premium written. Net premium written is gross premium written less that portion of premium that we cede to third-party reinsurers under reinsurance agreements. The amount ceded under these reinsurance agreements is based on a contractual formula contained in the individual reinsurance agreement. Change in unearned premium. Change in unearned premium is the change in the balance of the portion of premium that we have written but have yet to earn during the relevant period because the policy is unexpired. Net earned premium. Net earned premium is the earned portion of our net premium written. We generally earn insurance premium on a pro rata basis over the term of the policy. At the end of each reporting period, premium written that is not earned is classified as unearned premium, which is earned in subsequent periods over the remaining term of the policy. Our policies typically have a term of six months or one year. For a six-month policy written on January 1, 2015, we would earn half of the premium in the first quarter of 2015 and the other half in the second quarter of 2015. Ceding commission income. Ceding commission income is a commission we receive based on the earned premium ceded to third-party reinsurers to reimburse us for our acquisition, underwriting and other operating expenses. We earn commissions on reinsurance premium ceded in a manner consistent with the recognition of the earned premium on the underlying insurance policies, generally on a pro rata basis over the terms of the policies reinsured. The portion of ceding commission income which represents reimbursement of successful acquisition costs related to the underlying policies is recorded as an offset to acquisition and other underwriting expenses. The ceding commission ratio is equal to ceding commission income divided by net earned premium. Service and fee income. We currently generate policy service and fee income from installment fees, late payment fees, and other finance and processing fees related to policy cancellation, policy reinstatement, and non-sufficient fund check returns. These fees are generally designed to offset expenses incurred in the administration of our insurance business, and are generated as follows. Installment fees are charged to permit a policyholder to pay premiums in installments rather than in a lump sum. Late payment fees are charged when premiums are remitted after the due date and any applicable grace periods. Policy cancellation fees are charged to policyholders when a policy is terminated by the policyholder prior to the expiration of the policy’s term or renewal term, as applicable. Reinstatement fees are charged to reinstate a policy that has lapsed, generally as a result of non-payment of premiums. Non-sufficient fund fees are charged when the customer’s payment is returned by the financial institution. 50 All fee income is recognized as follows. An installment fee is recognized at the time each policy installment bill is due. A late payment fee is recognized when the customer’s payment is not received after the listed due date and any applicable grace period. A policy cancellation fee is recognized at the time the customer’s policy is cancelled. A policy reinstatement fee is recognized when the customer’s policy is reinstated. A non-sufficient fund fee is recognized when the customer’s payment is returned by the financial institution. The amounts charged are primarily intended to compensate us for the administrative costs associated with processing and administering policies that generate insurance premium; however, the amounts of fees charged are not dependent on the amount or period of insurance coverage provided and do not entail any obligation to return any portion of those funds. The direct and indirect costs associated with generating fee income are not separately tracked. We also collect service fees in the form of commissions and general agent fees by selling policies issued by third-party insurance companies. We also collect management fees in connection with our management of the Reciprocal Exchanges. We do not bear insurance underwriting risk with respect to these policies. Commission income and general agent fees are recognized, net of an allowance for estimated policy cancellations, at the date the customer is initially billed or as of the effective date of the insurance policy, whichever is later. The allowance for estimated third-party cancellations is periodically evaluated and adjusted as necessary. Net investment income and realized gains and (losses). We invest our statutory surplus funds and the funds supporting our insurance liabilities primarily in cash and cash equivalents, fixed-maturity and equity securities. Our net investment income includes interest and dividends earned on our invested assets. We report net realized gains and losses on our investments separately from our net investment income. Net realized gains occur when we sell our investment securities for more than their costs or amortized costs, as applicable. Net realized losses occur when we sell our investment securities for less than their costs or amortized costs, as applicable, or we write down the investment securities as a result of other-than-temporary impairment loss. We classify equity securities and our fixed-maturity securities as available-for-sale. We report net unrealized gains (losses) on those securities classified as available-for-sale separately within other comprehensive income. Loss and loss adjustment expenses. Loss and LAE represent our largest expense item and, for any given reporting period, include estimates of future claim payments, changes in those estimates from prior reporting periods and costs associated with investigating, defending and servicing claims. These expenses fluctuate based on the amount and types of risks we insure. We record loss and LAE related to estimates of future claim payments based on case-by-case valuations and statistical analyses. We seek to establish all reserves at the most likely ultimate exposure based on our historical claims experience. It is typical for our more serious bodily injury claims to take several years to settle, and we revise our estimates as we receive additional information about the condition of claimants and the costs of their medical treatment. Our ability to estimate loss and LAE accurately at the time of pricing our insurance policies is a critical factor in our profitability. Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses. Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses consist of policy acquisition and marketing expenses, salaries and benefits expenses. Policy acquisition expenses comprise commissions directly attributable to those agents, wholesalers or brokers that produce premiums written on our behalf and promotional fees directly attributable to our affinity relationships. Acquisition costs also include costs that are related to the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts including comprehensive loss underwriting exchange reports, motor vehicle reports, credit score checks, and policy issuance costs. General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses is composed of all other operating expenses, including various departmental salaries and benefits expenses for employees that are directly involved in the maintenance of policies, information systems, and accounting for insurance transactions, and other insurance expenses such as federal excise tax, postage, telephones and Internet access charges, as well as legal and auditing fees and board and bureau charges. In addition, general and administrative expenses include those charges that are related to the amortization of tangible and intangible assets and non-insurance activities in which we engage. Interest expense. Interest expense represents amounts we incur on our outstanding indebtedness at the then-applicable interest rates. Income tax expense. We incur federal, state and local income tax expenses as well as income tax expenses in certain foreign jurisdictions in which we operate. Net operating expense. These expenses consist of the sum of general and administrative expenses and acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses less ceding commission income and service and fee income. Underwriting income. Underwriting income is a measure of an insurance company’s overall operating profitability before items such as investment income, interest expense and income taxes. Underwriting income is calculated as net earned premium 51 plus ceding commission income and service and fee income less loss and LAE, acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses, and general and administrative expenses. Equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated subsidiaries. This represents primarily our share in earnings or losses of our investment in four companies that own life settlement contracts, which includes the gain realized upon a mortality event and the change in fair value of the investments in life settlements as evaluated at the end of each reporting period. These unconsolidated subsidiaries determine the fair value of life settlement contracts based upon an estimate of the discounted cash flow of the anticipated death benefits incorporating a number of factors, such as current life expectancy assumptions, expected premium payment obligations and increased cost assumptions, credit exposure to the insurance companies that issued the life insurance policies and the rate of return that a buyer would require on the policies. The gain realized upon a mortality event is the difference between the death benefit received and the recorded fair value of that particular policy. Insurance Ratios Net loss ratio. The net loss ratio is a measure of the underwriting profitability of an insurance company’s business. Expressed as a percentage, this is the ratio of loss and LAE incurred to net earned premiums. Net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP). The net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP) is one component of an insurance company’s operational efficiency in administering its business. Expressed as a percentage, this is the ratio of net operating expense to net earned premium. Net combined ratio (non-GAAP). The net combined ratio (non-GAAP) is a measure of an insurance company’s overall underwriting profit. This is the sum of the net loss and net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP). If the net combined ratio (non- GAAP) is at or above 100 percent, an insurance company cannot be profitable without investment income, and may not be profitable if investment income is insufficient. Net operating expense ratio and net combined ratio are considered non-GAAP financial measures under applicable SEC rules because a component of those ratios, net operating expense, is calculated by offsetting acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses and general and administrative expenses by ceding commission income and service and fee income, and is therefore a non-GAAP measure. Management uses net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP) and net combined ratio (non-GAAP) to evaluate financial performance against historical results and establish targets on a consolidated basis. Other companies may calculate these measures differently, and, therefore, their measures may not be comparable to those used by the Company’s management. For a reconciliation showing the total amounts by which acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses and general and administrative expenses were offset by ceding commission income and service and fee income in the calculation of net operating expense, see “Results of Operations - Consolidated Results of Operations” below. Personal Lines Quota Share Effective March 1, 2010, Integon National entered into a 50% quota share reinsurance treaty (the “Personal Lines Quota Share”), pursuant to which Integon National ceded 50% of the gross premium written of its P&C business (excluding premium ceded to state-run reinsurance facilities) to a group of affiliated reinsurers consisting of a subsidiary of AmTrust, ACP Re and Maiden Insurance. Quota share reinsurance refers to reinsurance under which the insurer (the “ceding company,” which under the Personal Lines Quota Share is Integon National) transfers, or cedes, a fixed percentage of liabilities, premium and related losses for each policy covered on a pro rata basis in accordance with the terms and conditions of the relevant agreement. The reinsurer pays the ceding company a ceding commission on the premiums ceded to compensate the ceding company for various expenses, such as underwriting and policy acquisition expenses, that the ceding company incurs in connection with the ceded business. The Personal Lines Quota Share provided that the reinsurers, severally, in accordance with their participation percentages, received 50% of our P&C gross premium written (excluding premium ceded to state-run reinsurance facilities) and assumed 50% of the related losses and allocated LAE. The participation percentages were: Maiden Insurance, 25%; ACP Re, 15%; and AmTrust, 10%. The Personal Lines Quota Share provided that the reinsurers pay a provisional ceding commission equal to 32.0% of ceded earned premium, net of premiums ceded by Integon National for inuring third-party reinsurance, subject to adjustment to a maximum of 34.5% if the loss ratio for the reinsured business is 60.0% or less and a minimum of 30.0% if the loss ratio is 64.5% or higher. The Personal Lines Quota Share provides for the net settlement of claims and the provisional ceding commission on a quarterly basis during the month following the end of each quarter. The net payments are based on earned premiums less paid losses and 52 LAE less the provisional ceding commission for the quarter. The adjustment to the provisional ceding commission is calculated at the end of, and with respect to, each calendar year during the term of the Quota Share (an “adjustment period”), with the final adjustment period following termination of the Quota Share ending at the end of the run-off period. The adjusted commission rate, which is calculated and reported by the reinsurers to the Company within 30 days after the end of each adjustment period, is calculated by first determining the “actual loss ratio” for the adjustment period, which loss ratio is calculated in the same manner as the net loss ratio as disclosed in this filing. The adjusted commission rate is set based on the actual loss ratio within a range between 30.0% and 34.5%, and varies inversely with a range of actual loss ratios between 60.0% and 64.5%, such that the adjusted commission rate will be higher than 32.0% if the actual loss ratio is lower than 62.5%, and lower than 32.0% if the actual loss ratio is higher than 62.5%, subject to the caps described above. The Company accrues any adjustments to the provisional ceding commission based on the loss experience of the ceded business on a quarterly basis. Remittance of any positive difference between the adjusted commission rate over the provisional ceding commission is paid by the reinsurer to the Company, and any negative difference is paid by the Company to the reinsurer within 12 months after the end of the final adjustment period (other than with respect to the initial year of the agreement with respect to which initial remittance was made 24 months after the end of the first adjustment period). Effective August 1, 2013, as permitted by the Personal Lines Quota Share, we terminated our cession of P&C premium to our quota share reinsurers and now retain 100% of such P&C gross premium written and related losses with respect to all new and renewal P&C policies bound after August 1, 2013. We continued to cede 50% of P&C gross premium written and related losses with respect to policies in effect as of July 31, 2013 to the quota share reinsurers until the expiration of such policies, which was completed as of July 1, 2014. This retention of our P&C premium will provide us the opportunity to substantially increase our underwriting and investment income, while also increasing our exposure to losses. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors-Risks Relating to Our Insurance Operations-We have reduced our dependence on reinsurance and will retain a greater percentage of our premium writings, which increases our exposure to the underlying policy risks.” Critical Accounting Policies It is important to understand our accounting policies in order to understand our financial statements. These policies require us to make estimates and assumptions. Our management has reviewed our financial policies and results. These reviews affect the reported amounts of our assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the related disclosures. Some of the estimates result from judgments that can be subjective and complex, and, consequently, actual results in future periods might differ significantly from these estimates. We believe that the most critical accounting policies relate to the reporting of reserves for loss and LAE, including losses that have occurred but have not been reported prior to the reporting date, amounts recoverable from third-party reinsurers, assessments, deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred income taxes, the impairment of investment securities, goodwill and other intangible assets. The following is a description of our critical accounting policies. Premium. We recognize earned premium on a pro rata basis over the terms of the policies, generally periods of six or twelve months. Unearned premium represents the portion of premiums written applicable to the unexpired terms of the policies. Net premium receivables represent premium written and not yet collected, net of an allowance for uncollectible premium. We regularly evaluate premium and other receivables and adjust for uncollectible amounts as appropriate. Receivables specifically identified as uncollectible are charged to expense in the period the determination is made. Service and fee income. We currently generate policy service and fee income from installment fees, late payment fees, and other finance and processing fees related to policy cancellation, policy reinstatement, and non-sufficient fund check returns. These fees are generally designed to offset expenses incurred in the administration of our insurance business, and are generated as follows. Installment fees are charged to permit a policyholder to pay premiums in installments rather than in a lump sum. Late payment fees are charged when premiums are remitted after the due date and any applicable grace periods. Policy cancellation fees are charged to policyholders when a policy is terminated by the policyholder prior to the expiration of the policy’s term or renewal term, as applicable. Reinstatement fees are charged to reinstate a policy that has lapsed, generally as a result of non-payment of premiums. Non-sufficient fund fees are charged when the customer’s payment is returned by the financial institution. All fee income is recognized as follows. An installment fee is recognized at the time each policy installment bill is due. A late payment fee is recognized when the customer’s payment is not received after the listed due date and any applicable grace period. A policy cancellation fee is recognized at the time the customer’s policy is cancelled. A policy reinstatement fee is recognized when the customer’s policy is reinstated. A non-sufficient fund fee is recognized when the customer’s payment is returned by the 53 financial institution. The amounts charged are primarily intended to compensate us for the administrative costs associated with processing and administering policies that generate insurance premium; however, the amounts of fees charged are not dependent on the amount or period of insurance coverage provided and do not entail any obligation to return any portion of those funds. The direct and indirect costs associated with generating fee income are not separately tracked. The Company estimates an allowance for doubtful accounts based on a percentage of fee income. We also collect service fees in the form of commissions and general agent fees by selling policies issued by third-party insurance companies. We do not bear insurance underwriting risk with respect to these policies. Commission income and general agent fees are recognized, net of an allowance for estimated policy cancellations, at the date the customer is initially billed or as of the effective date of the insurance policy, whichever is later. The allowance for estimated third-party cancellations is periodically evaluated and adjusted as necessary. Management fees earned by the management companies for services provided to the Reciprocal Exchanges are eliminated in consolidation. Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses. We record reserves for estimated losses under insurance policies that we write and for LAE related to the investigation and settlement of policy claims. Our reserves for loss and LAE represent the estimated cost of all reported and unreported loss and LAE incurred and unpaid at any given point in time based on known facts and circumstances. Loss reserves include statistical reserves and case estimates for individual claims that have been reported and estimates for claims that have been incurred but not reported at the balance sheet date as well as estimates of the expenses associated with processing and settling all reported and unreported claims, less estimates of anticipated salvage and subrogation recoveries. Estimates are based upon past loss experience modified for current trends as well as economic, legal and social conditions. Loss reserves, except life reserves, are not discounted to present value, which would involve recognizing the time value of money and offsetting estimates of future payments by future expected investment income. In establishing these estimates, we make various assumptions regarding a number of factors, including frequency and severity of claims, the length of time needed to achieve ultimate settlement of claims, inflation of medical costs, insurance policy coverage interpretations, jury determinations and legislative changes. Due to the inherent uncertainty associated with these estimates, and the cost of incurred but unreported claims, our actual liabilities may be different from our original estimates. On a quarterly basis, we review our reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses to determine whether further adjustments are required. Any resulting adjustments are included in the current period’s results. Additional information regarding the judgments and uncertainties surrounding our estimated reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses can be found in Item 1, “Business-Loss Reserves.” Reinsurance. We account for reinsurance premiums, losses and LAE ceded to other companies on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Earned premiums and losses and LAE incurred ceded to other companies have been recorded as a reduction of premium revenue and losses and LAE. Commissions allowed by reinsurers on business ceded have been recorded as ceding commission revenue. Ceding commission is a commission we receive based on the earned premium ceded to third party reinsurers to reimburse us for our unallocated LAE and other operating expenses. We earn commissions on reinsurance premiums ceded in a manner consistent with the recognition of the earned premium on the underlying insurance policies, on a pro rata basis over the terms of the policies reinsured. In connection with the Personal Lines Quota Share, the amount we received is based on a contractual formula contained in the reinsurance agreements and is based on the ceded losses as a percentage of ceded premium. Reinsurance recoverables are reported based on the portion of reserves and paid losses and LAE that are ceded to other companies. Assessing whether or not a reinsurance contract meets the condition for risk transfer requires judgment. The determination of risk transfer is critical to reporting premiums and losses, and is based, in part, on the use of actuarial and pricing models and assumptions. If we determine that a reinsurance contract does not transfer sufficient risk, we account for the contract under deposit accounting. Deferred policy acquisition costs. Deferred acquisition costs include commissions, premium taxes, payments to affinity partners, promotional fees, and other direct sales costs that vary and are directly related to the successful acquisition of insurance policies. These costs are deferred and amortized to the extent recoverable over the policy period in which the related premiums are earned. We consider anticipated investment income in determining the recoverability of these costs. Management believes that these costs are recoverable in the near term. If management determined that these costs were not recoverable, then we could not continue to record deferred acquisition costs as an asset and would be required to establish a liability for a premium deficiency reserve. 54 Assessments related to insurance premiums. We are subject to a variety of insurance-related assessments, such as assessments by state guaranty funds used by state insurance regulators to cover losses of policyholders of insolvent insurance companies and for the operating expenses of such agencies. A typical obligating event would be the issuance of an insurance policy or the occurrence of a claim. These assessments are accrued in the period in which they have been incurred. We use estimated assessment rates in determining the appropriate assessment expense and accrual. We use estimates derived from state regulators and/or National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) Tax and Assessments Guidelines. Unearned premium reserves. Unearned premium reserves represent the portion of premiums written applicable to the unexpired terms of the policies. Cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are presented at cost, which approximates fair value. We consider all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. We maintain our cash balances at several financial institutions. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insures accounts up to $250,000 at these institutions. Management monitors balances in excess of insured limits and believes these balances do not represent a significant credit risk to us. Investments. We account for investments in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 320, “Investments - Debt and Equity Securities”, which requires that fixed-maturity and equity securities that have readily determinable fair values be segregated into categories based upon our intention for those securities. Except for our equity investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries, we have classified our investments as available-for-sale and may sell our available-for-sale securities in response to changes in interest rates, risk/reward characteristics, liquidity needs or other factors. Available-for-sale securities are reported at their estimated fair values based on a recognized pricing service, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax effects, reported as a separate component of other comprehensive income in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Purchases and sales of investments are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses are determined based on the specific identification method. Net investment income is recognized when earned and includes interest and dividend income together with amortization of market premiums and discounts using the effective yield method and is net of investment management fees and other expenses. For mortgage-backed securities and any other holdings for which there is a prepayment risk, prepayment assumptions are evaluated and revised as necessary. Any adjustments required due to the change in effective yields and maturities are recognized on a prospective basis through yield adjustments. We use a set of quantitative and qualitative criteria to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than- temporary declines in fair value. These criteria include: • • • the current fair value compared to amortized cost; the length of time that the security’s fair value has been below its amortized cost; specific credit issues related to the issuer such as changes in credit rating or non-payment of scheduled interest payments; • whether management intends to sell the security and, if not, whether it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; • • • the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer of the security, including any specific events that may affect its operations or earnings; the occurrence of a discrete credit event resulting in the issuer defaulting on a material outstanding obligation or the issuer seeking protection under bankruptcy laws; and other items, including management, media exposure, sponsors, marketing and advertising agreements, debt restructurings, regulatory changes, acquisitions and dispositions, pending litigation, distribution agreements and general industry trends. Impairment of investment securities results in a charge to operations when a market decline below cost is deemed to be other-than-temporary. We immediately write down investments that we consider to be impaired based on the foregoing criteria collectively. In the event of the decline in fair value of a debt security, a holder of that security that does not intend to sell the debt security and for whom it is not more likely than not that such holder will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis is required to separate the decline in fair value into (a) the amount representing the credit loss and (b) the amount related to other factors. The amount of total decline in fair value related to the credit loss shall be recognized in earnings as an other-than- temporary impairment (“OTTI”) with the amount related to other factors recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income 55 or loss, net of tax. OTTI credit losses result in a permanent reduction of the cost basis of the underlying investment. The determination of OTTI is a subjective process, and different judgments and assumptions could affect the timing of the loss realization. Our investments include the following: short-term investments; fixed maturities and equity securities; mortgage and asset- backed securities; limited partnership interests; securities sold under agreements to repurchase (repurchase agreements); securities purchased under agreements to resell (reverse repurchase agreements); and securities sold but not yet purchased. Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are used to earn spread income, borrow funds, or to facilitate trading activities. Securities repurchase and resale agreements are generally short-term, and therefore, the carrying amounts of these instruments approximate fair value. Equity investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries. We use the equity method of accounting for investments in subsidiaries in which our ownership interest enables us to influence operating or financial decisions of the subsidiary, but our interest does not require consolidation. In applying the equity method, we record our investment at cost, and subsequently increase or decrease the carrying amount of the investment by our proportionate share of the net earnings or losses and other comprehensive income of the investee. Any dividends or distributions received are recorded as a decrease in the carrying value of the investment. Our proportionate share of net income is reported in our consolidated statement of income. Goodwill and intangible assets. We account for goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other.” A purchase price paid that is in excess of net assets (“goodwill”) arising from a business combination is recorded as an asset and is not amortized. Intangible assets with a finite life are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset. Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized. Goodwill and intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the goodwill or intangible asset is impaired, it is written down to its realizable value with a corresponding expense reflected in the consolidated statement of income. Use of estimates and assumptions. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Our principal estimates include unpaid losses and LAE reserves; deferred acquisition costs; reinsurance recoverables, including the provision for uncollectible premiums; recording of impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in fair value; determining the fair value of investments; determining the fair value of share-based awards for stock compensation; the valuation of intangibles and the determination of goodwill; and income taxes. In developing the estimates and assumptions, management uses all available evidence. Because of uncertainties associated with estimating the amounts, timing and likelihood of possible outcomes, actual results could differ from estimates. Business combinations. We account for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting, which requires us to record assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at their respective fair values as of the acquisition date. We account for the insurance and reinsurance contracts under the acquisition method as new contracts, which requires us to record assets and liabilities at fair value. We adjust the fair value loss and LAE reserves by recording the acquired loss reserves based on our existing accounting policies and then discounting them based on expected reserve payout patterns using a current risk-free rate of interest. This risk free interest rate is then adjusted based on different cash flow scenarios that use different payout and ultimate reserve assumptions deemed to be reasonably possible based upon the inherent uncertainties present in determining the amount and timing of payment of such reserves. The difference between the acquired loss and LAE reserves and our best estimate of the fair value of such reserves at the acquisition date is recorded as either an intangible asset or another liability, as applicable and is amortized proportionately to the reduction in the related loss reserves (i.e., over the estimated payout period of the acquired loss and LAE reserves). We assign fair values to intangible assets acquired based on valuation techniques including the income and market approaches. We record contingent consideration at fair value based on the terms of the purchase agreement with subsequent changes in fair value recorded through earnings. The determination of fair value may require management to make significant estimates and assumptions. The purchase price is the fair value of the total consideration conveyed to the seller and we record the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the acquired net assets, where applicable, as goodwill. We expense costs associated with the acquisition of a business in the period incurred. Non-controlling Interest. The ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries of non-controlling interests is reflected as non- controlling interest. Our consolidation principles also consolidate entities in which the Company is deemed a primary beneficiary. Non-controlling interest income or loss represents such non-controlling interests in the earnings of that entity. We consolidate the Reciprocal Exchanges as we have determined that these are variable interest entities and that we are the primary beneficiary. 56 Fair value of financial instruments. Our 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 in the ASC 820 hierarchy 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 our significant market assumptions. Additionally, valuation of fixed-maturity investments is more subjective when markets are less liquid due to lack of market-based inputs, which may increase the potential that the estimated fair value of an investment is not reflective of the price at which an actual transaction could occur. Fair values of other financial instruments approximate their carrying values. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 clarifies that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. Additionally, ASC 820 requires an entity to consider all aspects of nonperformance risk, including the entity’s own credit standing, when measuring the fair value of a liability. ASC 820 establishes a three-level hierarchy to be used when measuring and disclosing fair value. An instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of significant input to its valuation. Following is a description of the three hierarchy levels: Level 1-Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the measurement date. Additionally, the entity must have the ability to access the active market and the quoted prices cannot be adjusted by the entity. Level 2-Inputs are other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in inactive markets for identical or similar assets or liabilities; or inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3-Unobservable inputs are supported by little or no market activity. The unobservable inputs represent management’s best assumptions of how market participants would price the assets or liabilities. Generally, Level 3 assets and liabilities are valued using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques that require significant judgment or estimation. The availability of observable inputs can vary from financial instrument to financial instrument and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires significantly more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by management in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. We use prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition could cause an instrument to be reclassified between levels. For investments that have quoted market prices in active markets, we use the quoted market prices as fair value and include these prices in the amounts disclosed in the Level 1 hierarchy. We receive the quoted market prices from nationally recognized third-party pricing services (“pricing service”). When quoted market prices are unavailable, we utilize the pricing service to determine an estimate of fair value. This pricing method is used, primarily, for fixed maturities. The fair value estimates provided by the pricing services are included in the Level 2 hierarchy. The pricing service utilizes evaluated pricing models that vary by asset class and incorporate available trade, bid and other market information and for structured securities, cash flow and, when available, loan performance data. The pricing service’s evaluated pricing applications apply available information as applicable through processes such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing, to prepare evaluations. In addition, the pricing service uses model processes, such as the Option Adjusted Spread model, to assess interest rate impact and develop prepayment scenarios. The market inputs that the pricing service normally seeks for evaluations of securities, listed in approximate order of priority, include: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data including market research publications. We typically utilize the fair values received from the pricing service. If we determine that the fair value estimate provided by the pricing service does not represent fair value or if quoted market prices and an estimate from the pricing service are unavailable, we produce an estimate of fair value based on dealer quotations for recent activity in positions with the same or similar characteristics to that being valued or through consensus pricing of a pricing service. Depending on the level of observable inputs, we will then 57 determine if the estimate is Level 2 or Level 3 hierarchy. In the past we have not adjusted any pricing provided by the pricing services based on the review performed by our investment managers. To validate prices, we compare the fair value estimates to our knowledge of the current market and will investigate prices that we consider not to be representative of fair value. In addition, our process to validate the market prices obtained from the pricing service includes, but is not limited to, periodic evaluation of model pricing methodologies and analytical reviews of certain prices. We also periodically perform testing, as appropriate, of the market to determine trading activity, or lack of trading activity, as well as evaluating the variability of market prices. The following describes the valuation techniques we used to determine the fair value of financial instruments held as of December 31, 2015: • Equity Securities - For publicly traded common and preferred stocks, we received prices from a nationally recognized pricing service that were based on observable market transactions and included these estimates in the amount disclosed in Level 1. When current market quotes in active markets are unavailable for certain non-redeemable preferred stocks held by us, we receive an estimate of fair value from the pricing service that provided fair value estimates for our fixed-maturity securities because the pricing service utilizes some of the same methodologies to price the non-redeemable preferred stocks as it does for the fixed- maturity securities. We include the estimate of the fair value of the non-redeemable preferred stock in the amount disclosed in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. We also hold certain equity securities that are issued by privately-held entity or direct equity investments that do not have an active market. We estimate the fair value of these securities primarily based on inputs such as third party broker quote, issuers' book value, market multiples, and other inputs. These equity securities are classified as Level 3 due to significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation. • U.S. Treasury and Federal Agencies - These investments are comprised primarily of bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury, the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Government National Mortgage Association and the Federal National Mortgage Association. The fair values of U.S. government securities are based on quoted market prices in active markets, and are included in the Level 1 fair value hierarchy. We believe the market for U.S. Treasury securities is an actively traded market given the high level of daily trading volume. The fair values of U.S. government agency securities are priced using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. As the yields for the risk-free yield curve and the spreads for these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of U.S. government agency securities are included in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. • States and Political Subdivision Bonds - These investments are comprised of bonds and auction rate securities issued by U.S. state and municipal entities or agencies. The fair values of municipal bonds are generally priced by pricing services. The pricing services typically use spreads obtained from broker-dealers, trade prices and the new issue market. As the significant inputs used to price the municipal bonds are observable market inputs, these are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Municipal auction rate securities are reported in our consolidated balance sheets at cost, which approximates their fair value. • Foreign Government Comprised of bonds issued by foreign governments, and are generally priced by pricing services. As the significant inputs used to price foreign government bonds are observable market inputs, the fair values of foreign government bonds are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy. • Corporate Bonds - These investments are comprised of bonds issued by corporations and are generally priced by pricing services. The fair values of short-term corporate bonds are priced, by the pricing services, using the spread above the London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) yield curve and the fair value of long-term corporate bonds are priced using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. The spreads are sourced from broker-dealers, trade prices and the new issue market. Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, we obtain non-binding quotes from broker-dealers. As the significant inputs used to price corporate bonds are observable market inputs, the fair values of corporate bonds are included in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. • Mortgage, Asset-backed and Structured Securities - These securities are comprised of commercial and residential mortgage-backed and structured securities. These securities are priced by independent pricing services and brokers. The pricing provider applies dealer quotes and other available trade information, prepayment spreads, yield curves and credit spreads to the valuation. As the significant inputs used to price these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of these securities are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy. • Premiums and Other Receivables - The carrying values reported in the accompanying balance sheets for these financial instruments approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these assets. • Notes Payable - The amount reported in the accompanying balance sheets for this financial instrument represents the carrying value of the debt. The fair value of our 7.625% Notes which are publicly traded was determined using quoted market 58 prices in active markets and is classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of our 6.75% Notes was determined using market-based metrics and the magnitude and timing of contractual interest and principal payments while the Imperial Surplus Notes were valued using the Black Derman-Toy interest rate lattice model. The fair value of the Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes was determined by discounting the estimated interest and principal payments by an appropriate yield. The Company's 6.75% Notes, Imperial Surplus Notes and Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Stock Compensation Expense. We recognize compensation expense for our share-based awards over the estimated vesting period based on estimated grant date fair value. Share-based payments include stock option grants and restricted stock units ("RSU") under our 2010 Equity Incentive Plan and our 2013 Equity Incentive Plan. Earnings per Share. Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Dilutive earnings per share are computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period adjusted for the dilutive impact of share options and convertible preferred stock using the treasury stock method. Income Taxes. We join our subsidiaries in the filing of a consolidated federal income tax return and are party to federal income tax allocation agreements. Under the tax allocation agreements, we pay to or receive from our subsidiaries the amount, if any, by which the group’s federal income tax liability was affected by virtue of inclusion of the subsidiary in the consolidated federal return. The Reciprocal Exchanges are not party to federal income tax allocation agreements but file separate tax returns annually. Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amount of our assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such amounts as measured by tax laws and regulations. The deferred tax asset and liability primarily consists of book versus tax differences for earned premiums, loss and LAE reserve discounting, deferred acquisition costs, earned but unbilled premiums, and unrealized holding gains and losses on fixed maturities. We record changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with components of other comprehensive income, primarily unrealized investment gains and losses, directly to other comprehensive income. We include changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities as a component of income tax expense. In assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that we will generate future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning strategies and projected future taxable income in making this assessment. If necessary, we establish a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amounts that are more likely than not to be realized. We recognize tax benefits only for tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. Our policy is to prospectively classify accrued interest and penalties related to any unrecognized tax benefits in our income tax provision. We file our consolidated tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which we and our subsidiaries operate. 59 Results of Operations Consolidated Results of Operations 2015 2014 Year Ended December 31, NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Eliminations Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Eliminations Total (Amounts in Thousands) 2013 Total Gross premium written $ 2,309,756 $ 283,582 Ceded premiums (249,601) (157,491) Net premium written $ 2,060,155 $ 126,091 Change in unearned premium (65,054) 8,618 Net earned premium $ 1,995,101 $ 134,709 $ $ $ (3,590) $ 2,589,748 $ 2,065,065 3,590 (403,502) (248,117) — $ 2,186,246 $ 1,816,948 — (56,436) (231,350) — $ 2,129,810 $ 1,585,598 $ $ $ 70,042 (16,966) 53,076 (5,454) 47,622 Ceding commission income (loss) Service and fee income Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses General and administrative expenses (2,510) 300,114 46,300 13,226 — (39,792) 43,790 273,548 7,643 178,333 4,787 139 1,284,080 97,561 — 1,381,641 1,026,346 26,719 378,066 27,972 (108) 405,930 308,822 6,267 504,672 65,359 (39,684) 530,347 346,696 Total underwriting expenses $ 2,166,818 $ 190,892 Underwriting income $ 125,887 $ Net investment income Net realized gain (loss) on investments 66,429 (10,653) Other revenue (expense) (788) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries Interest expense Income before provision (benefit) for income taxes Less: Provision (benefit) for income taxes 10,643 (24,229) $ 167,289 $ 7,944 24,905 (5,949) Net income $ 142,384 $ 13,893 3,343 8,911 346 — — (4,656) $ $ $ $ $ $ 11,967 44,953 7,595 1,799 — — — (39,792) $ 2,317,918 $ 1,681,864 — $ 129,230 $ 89,710 75,340 50,627 (10,307) (2,892) (788) (1,660) — — — — — 10,643 (28,885) 1,180 (12,012) (5,724) — $ 175,233 $ 124,953 — 18,956 22,712 — $ 156,277 $ 102,241 $ $ 3,670 1,164 2,506 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ — $ 2,135,107 $ 1,338,755 — (265,083) (659,439) — $ 1,870,024 $ 679,316 — (236,804) 8,750 — $ 1,633,220 $ 688,066 — (9,901) 12,430 168,571 87,100 127,541 — — 1,053,065 462,124 315,089 134,887 (9,901) 348,762 280,552 (9,901) $ 1,716,916 $ 877,563 — $ 97,305 $ 25,144 — — — — — 52,426 30,808 (2,892) (1,669) (1,660) 16 1,180 (17,736) 1,274 (2,042) — $ 128,623 $ 53,531 — 23,876 11,140 — $ 104,747 $ 42,391 Less: Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest (132) (13,893) — (14,025) 2 (2,506) — (2,504) (82) Net income attributable NGHC $ 142,252 $ — $ — $ 142,252 $ 102,243 $ — $ — $ 102,243 $ 42,309 Net loss ratio 64.4% 72.4% 64.9% 64.7% 56.1% 64.5% 67.2% Net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP) Net combined ratio (non- GAAP) 29.3% 25.1% 29.1% 29.6% 27.9% 29.6% 29.2% 93.7% 97.5% 94.0% 94.3% 84.0% 94.1% 96.4% Reconciliation of net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP): 2015 2014 Year Ended December 31, NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Eliminations Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Eliminations Total (Amounts in Thousands) 2013 Total Total expenses $ 2,191,047 $ 195,548 $ (39,792) $ 2,346,803 $ 1,693,876 $ 50,677 $ (9,901) $ 1,734,652 $ 879,605 Less: Loss and loss adjustment expense Less: Interest expense Less: Ceding commission income (loss) Less: Service and fee income 1,284,080 24,229 (2,510) 300,114 97,561 4,656 46,300 13,226 — — — (39,792) 1,381,641 1,026,346 28,885 12,012 43,790 273,548 7,643 178,333 Net operating expense $ 585,134 $ 33,805 Net earned premium $ 1,995,101 $ 134,709 $ $ — $ 618,939 $ 469,542 — $ 2,129,810 $ 1,585,598 $ $ 26,719 5,724 4,787 139 13,308 47,622 — — — (9,901) 1,053,065 462,124 17,736 2,042 12,430 168,571 87,100 127,541 $ $ — $ 482,850 $ 200,798 — $ 1,633,220 $ 688,066 Net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP) 29.3% 25.1% 29.1% 29.6% 27.9% 29.6% 29.2% 60 During 2013, we terminated the Personal Lines Quota Share on a run-off basis (the "Quota Share Runoff") pursuant to which we historically ceded 50% of our P&C gross premium written and related losses (excluding premium ceded to state-run reinsurance facilities) to our quota share reinsurers. Effective July 31, 2014, no additional premium is being ceded under the Personal Lines Quota Share. Effective January 1, 2014, we entered into the Tower Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement and effective September 15, 2014 we entered into the PL Reinsurance Agreement (such reinsurance agreements collectively, the "Tower Reinsurance Agreements") under which during the year ended December 31, 2014, we assumed unearned premium relating to in-force personal lines business and reinsured new and renewal personal lines policies written after January 1, 2014 by the Tower companies. In addition, as of September 15, 2014, in connection with the acquisition of the Management Companies for the Reciprocal Exchanges, the financial position and results of operations of the Reciprocal Exchanges are consolidated into our financial statements under U.S. GAAP. On June 27, 2014, we purchased certain assets of Imperial Management Corporation ("Imperial"), including its underwriting subsidiaries Imperial Fire & Casualty Insurance Company and National Automotive Insurance Company, its retail agency subsidiary ABC Insurance Agencies, and its managing general agency subsidiary RAC Insurance Partners. On October 1, 2015, we closed on a master transaction agreement with QBE Investments (North America), Inc. (“QBE Parent”) and its subsidiary, QBE Holdings, Inc. (together with QBE Parent, “QBE”), pursuant to which we acquired QBE’s lender- placed insurance business (“LPI Business”), including certain of QBE’s affiliates engaged in the LPI Business. Our A&H segment, established in 2012, provides accident and health insurance through a number of businesses. In April 2013, we acquired Euro Accident Health and Care Insurance Aktiebolag (“EHC”), a Swedish group life and health insurance provider focused on health. EHC operates as a Managing General Agent, which means that it is a registered insurance intermediary and as such operates as a non-risk bearing insurer. Commencing January 1, 2014, our European insurance subsidiary began reinsuring all business placed by EHC (the "EHC Business"). Commencing April 1, 2014, all new and renewal policies placed by EHC are underwritten by our European insurance subsidiaries. On October 1, 2015, we closed our acquisition of certain business lines and assets from Assurant Health, which is a business segment of Assurant, Inc. As part of the transaction, we acquired the small group self-funded and supplemental product lines, as well as North Star Marketing, a proprietary small group sales channel (the "Assurant Transaction"). As a result of the Quota Share Runoff, the Tower Reinsurance Agreements, the Imperial and QBE acquisitions, the Assurant Transaction, the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges and the financial impact of the EHC Business, comparisons between the applicable yearly results will be less meaningful. Consolidated Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2014 Gross premium written. Gross premium written increased by $454.6 million from $2,135.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $2,589.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 due to an increase of $343.1 million in premiums received from the P&C segment primarily as a result of an increase in Imperial premium (increase of $61.0 million), the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges (increase of $209.9 million), acquisition of our LPI Business (increase of $126.6 million) and organic growth (increase of $75.5 million), partially offset by a decrease in our Tower business (decrease of $131.9 million) which included a large one-time unearned premium reserve assumption of $158.8 million in 2014. Premiums received from the A&H segment increased $111.5 million primarily as a result of premium from the Assurant Transaction (increase of $55.7 million) and organic growth (increase of $66.6 million), partially offset by a decrease in our EHC business (decrease of $10.8 million) which included a one-time unearned premium reserve assumption of $15.2 million in 2014. Net premium written. Net premium written increased by $316.2 million from $1,870.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $2,186.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Net premium written for the P&C segment increased by $240.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 primarily as a result of an increase in Imperial premium (increase of $50.2 million), the Quota Share Runoff (increase of $42.8 million), the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges (increase of $73.0 million), acquisition of our LPI Business (increase of $125.7 million) and organic growth (increase of $89.1 million), partially offset by a decrease in our Tower business (decrease of $140.6 million) which included a large one-time unearned premium reserve assumption of $158.8 million in 2014. Net premium written for the A&H segment increased by $76.0 million, primarily as a result of premium from the Assurant Transaction (increase of $55.7 million) and organic growth (increase of $31.0 million), partially offset by a decrease in our EHC business (decrease of $10.8 million) which included a one-time unearned premium reserve assumption of $15.2 million in 2014. 61 Net earned premium. Net earned premium increased by $496.6 million, or 30.4%, from $1,633.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $2,129.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase by segment was: P&C - $405.8 million and A&H - $90.8 million. The increase in the P&C segment was primarily attributable to an increase in Tower premium retention (increase of $39.0 million), the Quota Share Runoff (increase of $42.8 million), Imperial premium (increase of $50.8 million), the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges (increase of $87.1 million), acquisition of our LPI Business (increase of $123.3 million) and organic growth (increase of $62.8 million). The increase in the A&H segment was primarily due to earned premium from the Assurant Transaction (increase of $55.8 million) and organic growth (increase of $34.9 million). Ceding commission income. Ceding commission income increased from $12.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $43.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, reflecting the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges, partially offset by a decrease from the Quota Share Runoff (including a sliding scale adjustment to our terminated third party quota share in 2015). Our consolidated ceding commission ratio, which includes the Reciprocal Exchanges, increased from 0.8% to 2.1%. Excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges, the ceding commission ratio was (0.1)% and 0.5% for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Reciprocal Exchanges' ceding commission ratio was 34.4% and 10.1% for the year ended December 31, 2015 and for the period ended December 31, 2014, respectively. Service and fee income. Service and fee income increased by $105.0 million, or 62.3%, from $168.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $273.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily attributable to: (i) an increase of $40.4 million in service and fee income related to our A&H segment resulting from the Assurant Transaction and A&H organic growth and (ii) and an increase of $64.6 million related to our P&C segment resulting from the LPI Business acquisition and P&C organic growth. The components of service and fee income are as follows: (amounts in thousands) Installment fees Commission revenue General agent fees Late payment fees Group health administrative fees Finance and processing fees Lender service fees Other Total Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Change $ 32,404 $ 30,323 $ 58,807 76,855 12,210 29,622 52,865 4,364 6,421 52,597 45,637 11,658 4,358 13,569 — 10,429 $ 273,548 $ 168,571 $ 2,081 6,210 31,218 552 25,264 39,296 4,364 (4,008) 104,977 Loss and loss adjustment expense; net loss ratio. Loss and LAE increased by $328.6 million, or 31.2%, from $1,053.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $1,381.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily reflecting the Quota Share Runoff, the Imperial acquisition, the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges, the LPI Business acquisition, the Assurant Transaction and loss experience in our domestic stop loss programs. The changes by segment were: P&C - increased $243.1 million and A&H - increased $85.4 million. Loss and LAE for the year ended December 31, 2015 included $15.7 million of unfavorable development on prior accident year loss and LAE reserves ($18.4 million excluding $2.7 million of favorable development for the Reciprocal Exchanges) primarily caused by $17.2 million of A&H reserve strengthening predominantly with respect to business subject to the EHC Reinsurance Agreement and $1.2 million of unfavorable development in the P&C segment predominantly with respect to higher than expected loss emergence from commercial auto liability combined single limit insurance policies. Our consolidated net loss ratio, which includes the Reciprocal Exchanges, increased from 64.5% for the year ended December 31, 2014 to 64.9% for the year ended December 31, 2015 with a higher A&H segment net loss ratio resulting from higher loss experience in our domestic stop loss programs, partially offset by a lower P&C segment net loss ratio driven by product mix changes. Excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges, the net loss ratio was 64.4% and 64.7% for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Reciprocal Exchanges' net loss ratio was 72.4% and 56.1% for the year ended December 31, 2015 and for the period ended December 31, 2014, respectively, including $2.7 million of favorable development on prior accident year loss and LAE reserves for the year ended December 31, 2015 and $1.3 million of unfavorable development on prior accident year loss and LAE reserves for the period ended December 31, 2014. Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses. Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses increased by $90.8 million, or 28.8% from $315.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $405.9 million for the year ended December 31, 62 2015 primarily due to an increase in Tower premium retention, the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges, an increase resulting from the LPI Business acquisition, an increase resulting from the Assurant Transaction and as a result of organic growth, partially offset by the consolidation of our EHC business as all new and renewal policies placed by EHC after April 1, 2014 are underwritten by our European insurance subsidiaries. General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by $181.6 million, or 52.1%, from $348.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $530.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily as a result of an increase in Tower premium retention, the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges, an increase resulting from the LPI Business acquisition, an increase resulting from the Assurant Transaction and higher organic growth. Net operating expense; net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP). Net operating expense increased by $136.1 million, or 28.2% from $482.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $618.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The consolidated net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP), which includes the Reciprocal Exchanges, decreased to 29.1% in the year ended December 31, 2015 from 29.6% in the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily as a result of increased service and fee income and maturation of the A&H business, partially offset by increased general and administrative expenses, and increased acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses. Excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges, the net operating expense ratio was 29.3% and 29.6% for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Reciprocal Exchanges' net operating expense ratio was 25.1% and 27.9% for the year ended December 31, 2015 and for the period ended December 31, 2014, respectively. Net investment income. Net investment income increased by $22.9 million, or 43.7%, from $52.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $75.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily due to an increase in average invested assets as a result of our (i) capital raising activities in the first half of 2014 and (ii) issuances of Series B preferred stock, debt and common stock during the year ended December 31, 2015. Net realized gain (loss) on investments. Net realized losses on investments increased by $7.4 million from a loss of $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to a $10.3 million loss for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily due to the recognition of a $15.2 million OTTI charge in the year ended December 31, 2015 relating to certain investments in the energy and natural resources sectors based on our qualitative and quantitative OTTI review as compared to a $2.2 million OTTI charge in the year ended December 31, 2014. These losses resulting from OTTI charges were partially offset by net realized gains on the sale of investments of $4.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to net realized losses on the sale of investments of $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries. Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries, which primarily relates to our 50% interest in life settlement entities, increased $9.5 million, from $1.2 million in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $10.6 million in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2015, due to the change in fair market value of the life settlement contracts. Interest expense. Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $28.9 million and $17.7 million, respectively, increasing primarily due to our (i) May 2014 issuance of $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.75% Notes; (ii) August 2015 issuance of $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.625% Notes; (iii) October 2015 issuance of $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of additional 6.75% Notes and (iv) the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges. Provision for income taxes. Consolidated income tax expense, which includes the Reciprocal Exchanges, decreased by $4.9 million, or 20.6%, from $23.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, reflecting an effective tax rate of 18.7%, to $19.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, reflecting an effective tax rate of 11.5%. The primary driver of the decrease in consolidated income tax expense was an increase in tax exempt foreign income. Income tax expense included a tax benefit of $27.1 million and $21.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, attributable to the reduction of the deferred tax liability associated with the equalization reserves of our Luxembourg reinsurers. The effect of this tax benefit reduced the effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 by 16.5% and 16.7%, respectively. NGHC, excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges, had income tax expense of $24.9 million and $22.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, reflecting effective tax rates of 15.9% and 18.3%, respectively. 63 The Reciprocal Exchanges had pre-tax income of $7.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 and pre-tax income of $3.7 million for the period ended December 31, 2014, respectively. A full valuation allowance is recorded on the Reciprocal Exchanges. The Reciprocal Exchanges' valuation allowance as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $17.3 million and $21.5 million, respectively. Consolidated Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2013 Gross premium written. Gross premium written increased by $796.4 million from $1,338.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $2,135.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, due to an increase of $689.5 million in premiums received from the P&C segment primarily as a result of the Tower Reinsurance Agreements (increase of $447.9 million), the Imperial acquisition (increase of $108.3 million), the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges (increase of $70.0 million) and an increase of $106.9 million in premiums received from the A&H segment primarily as a result of the EHC Business. Net premium written. Net premium written increased by $1,190.7 million from $679.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $1,870.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Net premium written for the P&C segment increased by $1,083.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to the Tower Reinsurance Agreements (increase of $434.2 million), the Imperial acquisition (increase of $87.3 million), the Quota Share Runoff (increase of $457.0 million) and the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges (increase of $53.1 million). Primarily as a result of the EHC Business, net premium written for the A&H segment increased by $106.8 million. Net earned premium. Net earned premium increased by $945.2 million, or 137.4%, from $688.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $1,633.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase by segment was: P&C - $857.9 million and A&H - $87.3 million. The increase was primarily attributable to the Tower Reinsurance Agreements (increase of $272.0 million), the Quota Share Runoff (increase of $457.0 million), the Imperial acquisition (increase of $66.9 million) and the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges (increase of $47.6 million). Primarily as a result of the EHC Business, net earned premium for the A&H segment increased by $87.3 million. Ceding commission income. Ceding commission income decreased from $87.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $12.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, reflecting the Quota Share Runoff. Our consolidated ceding commission ratio, which includes the Reciprocal Exchanges, decreased from 12.7% to 0.8%. Excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges, the ceding commission ratio was 0.5% for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Reciprocal Exchanges' ceding commission ratio was 10.1% for the period ended December 31, 2014. Service and fee income. Service and fee income increased by $41.0 million, or 32.2%, from $127.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $168.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase of $13.7 million in service and fee income related to our A&H segment as a result of organic growth and the EHC Business and an increase of $27.4 million related to our P&C segment as a result of higher general agent fees and organic P&C segment growth. The components of service and fee income are as follows: (amounts in thousands) Installment fees Commission revenue General agent fees Late payment fees Group health administrative fees Finance and processing fees Other Total Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 Change $ 30,323 $ 30,666 $ 52,597 45,637 11,658 4,358 13,569 10,429 43,716 21,526 11,240 3,321 11,727 5,345 (343) 8,881 24,111 418 1,037 1,842 5,084 $ 168,571 $ 127,541 $ 41,030 Loss and loss adjustment expense; net loss ratio. Loss and LAE increased by $590.9 million, or 127.9%, from $462.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $1,053.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily reflecting the Quota Share Runoff as well as the Tower Reinsurance Agreements and reinsurance of business previously placed by EHC. The changes by segment were: P&C - increased $531.2 million and A&H - increased $59.8 million. Loss and LAE for 2014 included $19.3 64 million ($17.9 million excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges) of unfavorable development on prior accident year loss and LAE reserves caused by loss emergence primarily attributable to the A&H segment (including $6.8 million as a result of a loss portfolio transfer where we assumed business previously placed by EHC and $6.0 million related to our domestic stop loss business) and the remaining $5.1 million related to higher than expected P&C losses attributable to claims for private passenger automobile bodily injury liability and personal injury protection. Loss and LAE for 2013 included $6.1 million of unfavorable development on prior accident year loss and LAE reserves primarily caused by higher than expected losses attributable to claims for private passenger automobile bodily injury liability and personal injury protection. Our consolidated net loss ratio, which includes the Reciprocal Exchanges, decreased from 67.2% for the year ended December 31, 2013 to 64.5% for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily due to a lower loss ratio experienced with respect to business assumed under the Tower Reinsurance Agreements. Excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges, the net loss ratio was 64.7% for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Reciprocal Exchanges' net loss ratio was 56.1% for the period ended December 31, 2014, including $1.3 million of unfavorable development on prior accident year loss and LAE reserves. Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses. Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses increased by $180.2 million, or 133.6%, from $134.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $315.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily due to the Tower Reinsurance Agreements, Quota Share Runoff, A&H growth expenses and the EHC Business. General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by $68.2 million, or 24.3%, from $280.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $348.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily as a result of the Tower Reinsurance Agreements, organic growth and the EHC Business. Net operating expense; net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP). Net operating expense increased by $282.1 million, or 140.5% from $200.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $482.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The consolidated net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP), which includes the Reciprocal Exchanges, increased to 29.6% in the year ended December 31, 2014 from 29.2% in the year ended December 31, 2013 primarily as a result of A&H expansion expenses. Excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges, the net operating expense ratio was 29.6% for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Reciprocal Exchanges' net operating expense ratio was 27.9% for the period ended December 31, 2014. Net investment income. Net investment income increased by $21.6 million, or 70.2%, from $30.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $52.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily due to an increase in average invested assets as a result of our February 2014 common stock issuance, our May 2014 issuance of $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.75% notes, our June 2014 $55.0 million preferred stock issuance and an increase in cash flow provided by operating activities. Net realized losses on investments. Net realized losses on investments increased by $1.2 million from a $1.7 million loss for the year ended December 31, 2013 to a $2.9 million loss for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily due to net realized losses on the sale of investments for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to net realized gains on the sale of investments for the year ended December 31, 2013. Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries. Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries, which primarily relates to our 50% interest in life settlement entities, decreased $0.1 million, from $1.3 million in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $1.2 million in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2014, due to the change in fair market value of the life settlement contracts. Interest expense. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $17.7 million and $2.0 million, respectively, increasing primarily due to our May 2014 issuance of $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.75% notes. Provision for income taxes. Consolidated income tax expense, which includes the Reciprocal Exchanges, increased by $12.7 million, or 114.3%, from $11.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, reflecting an effective tax rate of 21.3%, to $23.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, reflecting an effective tax rate of 18.7%. Income tax expense included a tax benefit of $21.2 million attributable to the reduction of the deferred tax liability associated with the equalization reserves of our Luxembourg reinsurers. The effect of this tax benefit reduced the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014 by 16.7%. NGHC, excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges, had income tax expense of $22.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, reflecting an effective tax rate of 18.3%. The Reciprocal Exchanges had pre-tax income of $3.7 million for the period ended December 31, 2014. A full valuation allowance is recorded on the Reciprocal Exchanges. The Reciprocal Exchanges' valuation allowance as of December 31, 2014 was $21.5 million. 65 P&C Segment - Results of Operations 2015 2014 Year Ended December 31, NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Eliminations Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Eliminations Total (Amounts in Thousands) 2013 Total Gross premium written $ 2,057,834 $ 283,582 Ceded premiums (213,632) (157,491) Net premium written $ 1,844,202 $ 126,091 Change in unearned premium (60,402) 8,618 Net earned premium $ 1,783,800 $ 134,709 $ $ $ (3,590) $ 2,337,826 $ 1,924,666 3,590 (367,533) (247,720) — $ 1,970,293 $ 1,676,946 — (51,784) (211,824) — $ 1,918,509 $ 1,465,122 $ $ $ 70,042 (16,966) 53,076 (5,454) 47,622 Ceding commission income (loss) Service and fee income Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses General and administrative expenses (3,601) 201,304 46,300 13,226 — (39,792) 42,699 174,738 7,643 119,876 4,787 139 1,112,758 97,561 — 1,210,319 940,457 26,719 312,067 27,972 (108) 339,931 254,130 6,267 422,561 65,359 (39,684) 448,236 290,079 Total underwriting expenses $ 1,847,386 $ 190,892 Underwriting income $ 134,117 $ 3,343 $ $ (39,792) $ 1,998,486 $ 1,484,666 — $ 137,460 $ 107,975 Net loss ratio 62.4% 72.4% 63.1% 64.2% $ $ 11,967 44,953 7,595 56.1% $ $ $ $ $ — $ 1,994,708 $ 1,305,254 — (264,686) (659,154) — $ 1,730,022 $ 646,100 — (217,278) 8,749 — $ 1,512,744 $ 654,849 — (9,901) 12,430 110,114 87,100 82,752 — — 967,176 435,989 260,397 110,509 (9,901) 292,145 252,345 (9,901) $ 1,519,718 $ 798,843 — $ 115,570 $ 25,858 63.9% 66.6% Net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP) Net combined ratio (non- GAAP) 30.1% 25.1% 29.7% 28.4% 27.9% 28.4% 29.5% 92.5% 97.5% 92.8% 92.6% 84.0% 92.3% 96.1% Reconciliation of net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP): 2015 2014 Year Ended December 31, NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Eliminations Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Eliminations Total (Amounts in Thousands) 2013 Total Total underwriting expenses $ 1,847,386 $ 190,892 $ (39,792) $ 1,998,486 $ 1,484,666 $ 44,953 $ (9,901) $ 1,519,718 $ 798,843 Less: Loss and loss adjustment expense Less: Ceding commission income (loss) Less: Service and fee income 1,112,758 97,561 (3,601) 201,304 46,300 13,226 — — (39,792) Net operating expense $ 536,925 $ 33,805 Net earned premium $ 1,783,800 $ 134,709 $ $ — $ 570,730 $ 416,690 — $ 1,918,509 $ 1,465,122 1,210,319 940,457 26,719 42,699 174,738 7,643 119,876 — — (9,901) 967,176 435,989 12,430 110,114 87,100 82,752 $ $ — $ 429,998 $ 193,002 — $ 1,512,744 $ 654,849 4,787 139 13,308 47,622 $ $ Net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP) 30.1% 25.1% 29.7% 28.4% 27.9% 28.4% 29.5% P&C Segment Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2014 Gross premium written. Gross premium written increased by $343.1 million, or 17.2%, from $1,994.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $2,337.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily as a result of an increase in Imperial premium (increase of $61.0 million), the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges (increase of $209.9 million), acquisition of the LPI Business (increase of $126.6 million) and organic growth (increase of $75.5 million), partially offset by a decrease in our Tower business (decrease of $131.9 million) which included a large one-time unearned premium reserve assumption of $158.8 million in 2014. Net premium written. Net premium written increased by $240.3 million from $1,730.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $1,970.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily as a result of an increase in Imperial premium (increase of $50.2 million), the Quota Share Runoff (increase of $42.8 million), the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges (increase of $73.0 million), acquisition of the LPI Business (increase of $125.7 million) and organic growth (increase of $89.1 66 million), partially offset by a decrease in our Tower business (decrease of $140.6 million) which included a large one-time unearned premium reserve assumption of $158.8 million in 2014. Net earned premium. Net earned premium increased by $405.8 million, or 26.8%, from $1,512.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $1,918.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily as a result of an increase in Tower premium retention (increase of $39.0 million), the Quota Share Runoff (increase of $42.8 million), Imperial premium (increase of $50.8 million), the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges (increase of $87.1 million), acquisition of the LPI Business (increase of $123.3 million) and organic growth (increase of $62.8 million). Ceding commission income. Our ceding commission income increased by $30.3 million from $12.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $42.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 reflecting the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges, partially offset by a decrease from the Quota Share Runoff (including a sliding scale adjustment to our terminated third party quota share in 2015). Our P&C segment ceding commission ratio, which includes the Reciprocal Exchanges, increased from 0.8% for the year ended December 31, 2014 to 2.2% for the year ended December 31, 2015. Excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges, the ceding commission ratio was (0.2)% and 0.5% for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Reciprocal Exchanges' ceding commission ratio was 34.4% and 10.1% for the year ended December 31, 2015 and for the period ended December 31, 2014, respectively. Service and fee income. Service and fee income increased by $64.6 million, or 58.7%, from $110.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $174.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily resulting from the acquisition of the LPI Business and organic growth. Loss and loss adjustment expense; net loss ratio. Loss and LAE increased by $243.1 million, or 25.1%, from $967.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $1,210.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily reflecting the Quota Share Runoff, the Imperial acquisition, the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges and the acquisition of the LPI Business. Our P&C segment net loss ratio, which includes the Reciprocal Exchanges, decreased from 63.9% for the year ended December 31, 2014 to 63.1% for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily due to product mix changes. Excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges, the net loss ratio was 62.4% and 64.2% for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Reciprocal Exchanges' net loss ratio was 72.4% and 56.1% for the year ended December 31, 2015 and for the period ended December 31, 2014, respectively. Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses. Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses increased by $79.5 million from $260.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $339.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily due to an increase in Tower premium retention, the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges, an increase resulting from our LPI Business and as a result of organic growth. General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by $156.1 million from $292.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $448.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily as a result of an increase in Tower premium retention, the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges, an increase resulting from our LPI Business and higher organic growth. Net operating expense; net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP). Net operating expense increased by $140.7 million, or 32.7%, from $430.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $570.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The P&C segment net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP), which includes the Reciprocal Exchanges, increased from 28.4% for the year ended December 31, 2014 to 29.7% for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily as a result of increased general and administrative expenses, and increased acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses, partially offset by increased service and fee income. Excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges, the net operating expense ratio was 30.1% and 28.4% for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Reciprocal Exchanges' net operating expense ratio was 25.1% and 27.9% for the year ended December 31, 2015 and for the period ended December 31, 2014, respectively. Underwriting income. Underwriting income increased from $115.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $137.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily as a result of an increase resulting from our LPI Business and higher organic growth. The P&C segment combined ratio, which includes the Reciprocal Exchanges, for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased to 92.8% compared to 92.3% for the same period in 2014 primarily as a result of a higher net operating expense ratio, partially offset by the improved net loss ratio. Excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges, the combined ratio was 92.5% and 92.6% for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Reciprocal Exchanges' combined ratio was 97.5% and 84.0% for the year ended December 31, 2015 and for the period ended December 31, 2014, respectively. 67 P&C Segment Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2013 Gross premium written. Gross premium written increased by $689.5 million, or 52.8%, from $1,305.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $1,994.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily as a result of the Tower Reinsurance Agreements (increase of $447.9 million), the Imperial acquisition (increase of $108.3 million) and the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges (increase of $70.0 million). Net premium written. Net premium written increased by $1,083.9 million from $646.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $1,730.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily due to the Tower Reinsurance Agreements (increase of $434.2 million), the Quota Share Runoff (increase of $457.0 million), the Imperial acquisition (increase of $87.3 million) and the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges (increase of $53.1 million). Net earned premium. Net earned premium increased by $857.9 million, or 131.0%, from $654.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $1,512.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily as a result of the Tower Reinsurance Agreements (increase of $272.0 million), the Quota Share Runoff (increase of $457.0 million), the Imperial acquisition (increase of $66.9 million) and the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges (increase of $47.6 million). Ceding commission income. Our ceding commission income decreased by $74.7 million, or 85.7%, from $87.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $12.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 reflecting the Quota Share Runoff. Our P&C segment ceding commission ratio, which includes the Reciprocal Exchanges, decreased from 13.3% for the year ended December 31, 2013 to 0.8% for the year ended December 31, 2014. Excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges, the ceding commission ratio was 0.5% for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Reciprocal Exchanges' ceding commission ratio was 10.1% for the period ended December 31, 2014. Service and fee income. Service and fee income increased by $27.4 million, or 33.1%, from $82.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $110.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as a result of higher general agent fees and organic P&C segment growth. Loss and loss adjustment expense; net loss ratio. Loss and LAE increased by $531.2 million, or 121.8%, from $436.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $967.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily reflecting the Quota Share Runoff as well as the Tower Reinsurance Agreements. Our P&C segment net loss ratio, which includes the Reciprocal Exchanges, decreased from 66.6% for the year ended December 31, 2013 to 63.9% for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily due to a lower loss ratio experienced on policies reinsured under the Tower Reinsurance Agreements. Excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges, the net loss ratio was 64.2% for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Reciprocal Exchanges' net loss ratio was 56.1% for the period ended December 31, 2014. Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses. Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses increased by $149.9 million from $110.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $260.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase was primarily due to the Tower Reinsurance Agreements and Quota Share Runoff. General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by $39.8 million from $252.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $292.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily as a result of the Tower Reinsurance Agreements and P&C segment organic growth. Net operating expense; net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP). Net operating expense increased by $237.0 million, or 122.8%, from $193.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $430.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The P&C segment net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP), which includes the Reciprocal Exchanges, decreased from 29.5% for the year ended December 31, 2013 to 28.4% for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily due to the lower expense ratio on policies reinsured under the Tower Reinsurance Agreements. Excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges, the net operating expense ratio was 28.4% for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Reciprocal Exchanges' net operating expense ratio was 27.9% for the period ended December 31, 2014. Underwriting income. Underwriting income increased from $25.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $115.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily as a result of the Tower Reinsurance Agreements and the Quota Share Runoff. The P&C segment combined ratio, which includes the Reciprocal Exchanges, for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased to 92.3% compared to 96.1% for the same period in 2013 primarily as the result of our lower net loss ratio and net operating expense ratio experienced on policies reinsured under the Tower Reinsurance Agreements. Excluding the Reciprocal 68 Exchanges, the combined ratio was 92.6% for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Reciprocal Exchanges' combined ratio was 84.0% for the period ended December 31, 2014. A&H Segment - Results of Operations Gross premium written Ceded premiums Net premium written Change in unearned premium Net earned premium Ceding commission income Service and fee income Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses General and administrative expenses Total underwriting expenses Underwriting income loss Net loss ratio Net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP) Net combined ratio (non-GAAP) Reconciliation of net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP): Total underwriting expenses Less: Loss and loss adjustment expense Less: Ceding commission income Less: Service and fee income Net operating expense Net earned premium Net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP) Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Amounts in Thousands) $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 251,922 (35,969) 215,953 (4,652) 211,301 1,091 98,810 171,322 65,999 82,111 $ $ $ 140,399 (397) 140,002 (19,526) 120,476 — 58,457 85,889 54,692 56,617 319,432 (8,230) $ $ 197,198 (18,265) $ $ 81.1% 22.8% 103.9% 71.3% 43.9% 115.2% 33,501 (285) 33,216 1 33,217 — 44,789 26,135 24,378 28,207 78,720 (714) 78.7% 23.5% 102.2% Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Amounts in Thousands) $ 319,432 $ 197,198 $ 171,322 1,091 98,810 48,209 211,301 $ $ 85,889 — 58,457 52,852 120,476 $ $ $ $ 78,720 26,135 — 44,789 7,796 33,217 22.8% 43.9% 23.5% A&H Segment Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2014 Gross premium written. Gross premium written increased by $111.5 million, from $140.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $251.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily as a result of premium from the Assurant Transaction (increase of $55.7 million) and organic growth (increase of $66.6 million), partially offset by a decrease in our EHC business (decrease of $10.8 million) which included a one-time unearned premium reserve assumption of $15.2 million in 2014. Net premium written. Net premium written increased by $76.0 million, from $140.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $216.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily as a result of premium from the Assurant Transaction (increase of $55.7 million) and organic growth (increase of $31.0 million), partially offset by a decrease in our EHC business (decrease of $10.8 million) which included a one-time unearned premium reserve assumption of $15.2 million in 2014. Net earned premium. Net earned premium increased by $90.8 million, from $120.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $211.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily due to earned premium from the Assurant Transaction (increase of $55.8 million) and organic growth (increase of $34.9 million). 69 Service and fee income. Service and fee income increased by $40.4 million, or 69.0%, from $58.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $98.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 as a result of the Assurant Transaction and A&H organic growth. Loss and loss adjustment expense; net loss ratio. Loss and LAE increased by $85.4 million, from $85.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $171.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Our net loss ratio increased from 71.3% for the year ended December 31, 2014 to 81.1% for the year ended December 31, 2015. The loss ratio increase in the year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily driven by higher loss experience in our domestic stop loss programs. Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses. Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses increased by $11.3 million from $54.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $66.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily due to an increase resulting from the Assurant Transaction and as a result of organic growth, partially offset by the consolidation of our EHC business as all new and renewal policies placed by EHC after April 1, 2014 are underwritten by our European insurance subsidiaries. General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by $25.5 million from $56.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $82.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 as a result of an increase resulting from the Assurant Transaction and higher organic growth. Net operating expense; net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP). Net operating expense decreased $4.6 million from $52.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $48.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP) decreased from 43.9% for the year ended December 31, 2014 to 22.8% for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily as a result of increased A&H premiums and higher service and fee income. Underwriting loss. Underwriting loss decreased from a loss of $18.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to a loss of $8.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 due to maturation of the A&H business. The combined ratio for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased to 103.9% compared to 115.2% for the same period in 2014. The combined ratio was lower due to improved profitability driven by a reduced expense ratio reflecting continued maturation of the A&H business and higher service and fee income, partially offset by a higher net loss ratio. A&H Segment Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2013 Gross premium written. Gross premium written increased by $106.9 million, from $33.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $140.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily as a result of the EHC Business. Net premium written. Net premium written increased by $106.8 million, from $33.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $140.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily as a result of the EHC Business. Net earned premium. Net earned premium increased by $87.3 million, from $33.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $120.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily as a result of the EHC Business. Service and fee income. Service and fee income increased by $13.7 million, or 30.5%, from $44.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $58.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as a result of the EHC Business and organic growth. Loss and loss adjustment expense; net loss ratio. Loss and LAE increased by $59.8 million, from $26.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $85.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Our net loss ratio decreased from 78.7% for the year ended December 31, 2013 to 71.3% for the year ended December 31, 2014. The loss ratio in the year ended December 31, 2014 was positively affected by the EHC Business. Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses. Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses increased by $30.3 million from $24.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $54.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily as a result of A&H expansion expenses and the EHC Business. General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by $28.4 million from $28.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $56.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily as a result of A&H expansion expenses and the EHC Business. 70 Net operating expense; net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP). Net operating expense increased by $45.1 million from $7.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $52.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The net operating expense ratio (non-GAAP) increased from 23.5% for the year ended December 31, 2013 to 43.9% for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily as a result of the A&H expansion expenses. Underwriting loss. Underwriting loss increased from a loss of $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to a loss of $18.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 due to the A&H expansion. The combined ratio for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased to 115.2% compared to 102.2% for the same period in 2013. The combined ratio was higher due to increased premium volume in connection with organic growth. Investment Portfolio Our investment strategy emphasizes, first, the preservation of capital and, second, maximization of an appropriate risk- adjusted return. We seek to maximize investment returns using investment guidelines that stress prudent allocation among cash and cash equivalents, fixed-maturity securities and, to a lesser extent, equity securities. Cash and cash equivalents include cash on deposit, commercial paper, pooled short-term money market funds and certificates of deposit with an original maturity of 90 days or less. Our fixed-maturity securities include obligations of the U.S. Treasury or U.S. government agencies, obligations of U.S. and Canadian corporations, mortgages guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Government National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Federal Farm Credit entities, and asset-backed securities and commercial mortgage obligations. Our equity securities include preferred stock of U.S. and Canadian corporations. The average yield on our investment portfolio was 3.3% and 3.8% and the average duration of the portfolio was 5.31 and 5.35 years for the years ended at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The cost or amortized cost, fair value, and gross unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities were as follows: December 31, 2015 Equity securities: Common stock Preferred stock Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury Federal agencies States and political subdivision bonds Foreign government Corporate bonds Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Structured securities Total Less: Securities pledged Total net of Securities pledged NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Cost or Amortized Cost Gross Gross Unrealized Unrealized Gains Losses (amounts in thousands) Fair Value $ 53,356 $ 11,448 $ 569 377 (6,960) $ — 46,965 11,825 19,348 1,945 193,017 31,383 1,375,336 419,293 135,134 205,024 2,445,284 54,955 2,390,329 2,199,714 245,570 2,445,284 $ $ $ $ 1,052 7 4,516 31 22,224 6,254 720 15 35,765 439 35,326 34,773 992 35,765 $ $ $ $ (48) — (609) (352) (47,902) (978) (3,649) (4,347) (64,845) $ — (64,845) $ (58,826) $ (6,019) (64,845) $ 20,352 1,952 196,924 31,062 1,349,658 424,569 132,205 200,692 2,416,204 55,394 2,360,810 2,175,661 240,543 2,416,204 $ $ $ $ 71 December 31, 2014 Equity securities: Common stock Preferred stock Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury Federal agencies States and political subdivision bonds Foreign government Corporate bonds Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Asset-backed securities Total Less: Securities pledged Total net of Securities pledged NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Cost or Amortized Cost Gross Gross Unrealized Unrealized Losses Gains (amounts in thousands) Fair Value $ $ 47,269 7,755 $ 1,004 65 (7,349) $ (125) 40,924 7,695 37,446 98 172,617 6,194 839,436 459,596 79,579 5,461 1,655,451 47,546 1,607,905 1,430,578 224,873 1,655,451 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 1,536 — 4,961 — 36,525 11,132 1,602 — 56,825 1,910 54,915 55,031 1,794 56,825 $ $ $ $ (3) — (169) (658) (8,699) (92) (189) (91) (17,375) $ — (17,375) $ (16,264) $ (1,111) (17,375) $ 38,979 98 177,409 5,536 867,262 470,636 80,992 5,370 1,694,901 49,456 1,645,445 1,469,345 225,556 1,694,901 The increase in gross unrealized losses from $17.4 million at December 31, 2014 to $64.8 million at December 31, 2015 resulted primarily from fluctuations in market interest rates. The tables below summarize the credit quality of our fixed maturities, securities pledged and preferred securities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, as rated by Standard & Poor’s. NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Cost or Amortized Cost $ 13,416 343,128 379,560 501,409 634,250 274,594 Fair Value $ 14,448 348,073 383,888 508,884 623,742 249,660 Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities Cost or Amortized Cost Fair Value Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities (amounts in thousands) $ 0.7% $ 16.4% 18.0% 23.9% 29.3% 11.7% 5,932 39,724 36,866 50,612 82,417 30,020 5,904 38,888 36,934 50,153 80,322 28,343 2.5% 16.2% 15.4% 20.8% 33.4% 11.7% $2,146,357 $2,128,695 100.0% $ 245,571 $ 240,544 100.0% December 31, 2015 U.S. Treasury AAA AA, AA+, AA- A, A+, A- BBB, BBB+, BBB- BB+ and lower Total 72 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Cost or Amortized Cost $ 19,068 359,424 275,905 300,789 328,594 99,529 Fair Value $ 20,475 370,058 282,443 318,955 335,745 100,745 Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities (amounts in thousands) Cost or Amortized Cost Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities Fair Value 1.4% $ 25.9% 19.8% 22.3% 23.5% 7.1% 18,378 24,956 — 99,754 48,440 33,345 $ 18,504 25,027 — 100,412 48,486 33,127 8.2% 11.1% —% 44.5% 21.5% 14.7% $1,383,309 $1,428,421 100.0% $ 224,873 $ 225,556 100.0% December 31, 2014 U.S. Treasury AAA AA, AA+, AA- A, A+, A- BBB, BBB+, BBB- BB+ and lower Total The tables below summarize the investment quality of our corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. December 31, 2015 AAA AA+, AA, AA- A+,A,A- BBB+, BBB, BBB- (amounts in thousands) BB+ or Lower % of Corporate Bonds Portfolio Fair Value Corporate Bonds: Financial Institutions Industrials Utilities/Other Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total — % — % 0.4 % 0.4% 0.4 % — % 0.4% 2.8 % 3.9 % — % 6.7% 6.1 % 0.6 % 6.7% 21.2 % 15.4 % 0.4 % 37.0% 33.9 % 3.1 % 37.0% 12.7 % 32.3 % 3.4 % 48.4% 42.7 % 5.7 % 48.4% 2.1 % $ 524,250 4.6 % 757,907 0.8 % 67,501 7.5% $1,349,658 6.3 % $1,206,442 143,216 1.2 % 7.5% $1,349,658 38.8 % 56.2 % 5.0 % 100.0% 89.4 % 10.6 % 100.0% December 31, 2014 AAA AA+, AA, AA- A+,A,A- BBB+, BBB, BBB- (amounts in thousands) BB+ or Lower % of Corporate Bonds Portfolio Fair Value Corporate Bonds: Financial Institutions Industrials Utilities/Other Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total 1.4 % — % — % 1.4% 1.4 % — % 1.4% 3.6 % 2.4 % — % 6.0% 6.0 % — % 6.0% 26.9 % 9.4 % 2.2 % 38.5% 34.0 % 4.5 % 38.5% 8.9 % 31.7 % 3.1 % 43.7% 38.6 % 5.1 % 43.7% 2.5 % $ 376,236 5.9 % 427,592 63,434 2.0 % 10.4% $ 867,262 8.3 % $ 762,822 2.1 % 104,440 10.4% $ 867,262 43.3 % 49.4 % 7.3 % 100.0% 88.3 % 11.7 % 100.0% 73 The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturities and securities pledged, held as of December 31, 2015, by contractual maturity, are shown in the table below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because some borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. December 31, 2015 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Cost or Amortized Cost Fair Value Cost or Amortized Cost Fair Value Cost or Amortized Cost Fair Value (amounts in thousands) Due in one year or less $ 28,272 $ 27,853 $ 175 $ 178 $ 28,447 $ 28,031 Due after one year through five years Due after five years through ten years Due after ten years Mortgage-backed securities Total 244,834 1,031,918 246,342 1,017,146 330,244 501,143 321,985 505,119 35,145 109,946 45,519 53,284 34,281 107,655 45,200 51,655 279,979 1,141,864 280,623 1,124,801 375,763 554,427 367,185 556,774 $2,136,411 $2,118,445 $ 244,069 $ 238,969 $2,380,480 $2,357,414 Gross Unrealized Losses. The tables below summarize the gross unrealized losses on equity securities and fixed maturities by the length of time the security had continuously been in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2015 and 2014: Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total December 31, 2015 Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses No. of Positions Held Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses No. of Positions Held Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Common stock $ 39,490 $ (6,932) 7,141 17,674 21,322 (48) (501) (352) 684,613 (37,919) (amounts in thousands) 5 5 22 4 229 $ 130 $ — 4,878 — 32,121 (28) — (108) — (9,983) 2 — 10 — 38 $ 39,620 $ 7,141 22,552 21,322 716,734 (6,960) (48) (609) (352) (47,902) 102,889 (919) 23 1,655 (59) 9 104,544 (978) U.S. Treasury States and political subdivision bonds Foreign government Corporate bonds Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities 66,222 (3,472) Structured securities Total 153,042 $1,092,393 (4,347) $ (54,490) NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 988,188 $ (50,599) 104,205 $1,092,393 (3,891) $ (54,490) 30 65 383 284 99 383 $ $ $ 2,364 — 41,148 28,691 (177) — $ (10,355) (8,227) $ 12,457 41,148 (2,128) $ (10,355) 2 — 61 34 27 61 68,586 153,042 $1,133,541 $1,016,879 (3,649) (4,347) $ (64,845) $ (58,826) 116,662 $1,133,541 (6,019) $ (64,845) 74 December 31, 2014 Common stock Preferred stock U.S. Treasury States and political subdivision bonds Foreign government Corporate bonds Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Asset-backed securities Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses No. of Positions Held Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses No. of Positions Held Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses $ 33,717 $ (7,349) — 6,343 16,320 5,536 116,880 — (3) (92) (658) (5,594) 15,598 (34) 33,735 (189) 4,869 $ 232,998 (91) $ (14,010) $ 142,313 $ (12,899) 90,685 $ 232,998 (1,111) $ (14,010) (amounts in thousands) $ — $ 4,878 — 8,341 — 23,592 — (125) — (77) — (3,105) — $ 33,717 $ 1 — 8 — 10 4,878 6,343 24,661 5,536 140,472 (7,349) (125) (3) (169) (658) (8,699) 1,975 (58) 3 17,573 (92) — — — 38,786 38,786 — 38,786 $ $ $ $ $ $ — (3,365) (3,365) — (3,365) — — 22 22 — 22 33,735 (189) 4,869 $ 271,784 $ 181,099 (91) $ (17,375) $ (16,264) 90,685 $ 271,784 (1,111) $ (17,375) 3 — 5 39 1 108 17 10 3 186 97 89 186 There were 444 and 208 securities at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, that account for the gross unrealized loss, none of which are deemed by us to be an OTTI. At December 31, 2015, we have determined that the unrealized losses on fixed maturities were primarily due to market interest rate movements since their date of purchase. Significant factors influencing our determination that none of these securities were OTTI included the magnitude of unrealized losses in relation to cost, the nature of the investment and management’s intent not to sell these securities and it being more likely than not that we will not be required to sell these investments before anticipated recovery of fair value to our cost basis. As of December 31, 2015, of the $10.4 million of unrealized losses related to securities in unrealized loss positions for a period of twelve or more consecutive months, $8.5 million of those unrealized losses were related to securities in unrealized loss positions greater than or equal to 20% of amortized cost or cost. Those unrealized losses were evaluated based on factors such as discounted cash flows and near-term and long-term prospects of the issue or issuer and were determined to have adequate resources to fulfill contractual obligations. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we recognized an OTTI loss of $15.2 million, $2.2 million and $2.9 million, respectively, on investments based on our qualitative and quantitative review. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the OTTI loss of $15.2 million related to certain investments in the energy and natural resources sectors and was based on the severity of the decline in relation to their amortized cost or cost. Restricted Cash and Investments. In order to conduct business in certain states, we are required to maintain letters of credit or assets on deposit to support state-mandated regulatory requirements and certain third party agreements. We also utilize trust accounts to collateralize business with our reinsurance counterparties. Assets held on deposit or in trust accounts are primarily in the form of cash or certain high-grade securities. The fair values of our restricted assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: December 31, Restricted cash Restricted investments - fixed maturities at fair value Total restricted cash and investments 75 2015 2014 (amounts in thousands) $ $ 13,776 40,174 53,950 $ $ 7,937 56,049 63,986 Other. We enter into reverse repurchase and repurchase agreements, which are accounted for as either collateralized lending or borrowing transactions and are recorded at contract amounts which approximate fair value. For the collateralized borrowing transactions (i.e., repurchase agreements), we receive cash or securities that we invest or hold in short-term or fixed income securities. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had no collateralized lending transaction principal outstanding. Interest income associated with lending agreements for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $0.0 million, $0.0 million and $0.1 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, we had collateralized borrowing transaction principal outstanding of $52.5 million at an interest rate of 0.80%. As of December 31, 2014, we had collateralized borrowing transaction principal outstanding of $46.8 million at interest rates between 0.30% and 0.35%. Interest expense associated with the repurchase borrowing agreements for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively. We had approximately $55.4 million and $49.5 million of collateral pledged in support for these agreements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Investment in Entities Holding Life Settlement Contracts A life settlement contract is a contract between the owner of a life insurance policy and a third party who obtains the ownership and beneficiary rights of the underlying life insurance policy. During 2010, we formed Tiger Capital LLC (“Tiger”) with a subsidiary of AmTrust for the purpose of acquiring certain life settlement contracts. In 2011, we formed AMT Capital Alpha, LLC (“AMT Alpha”) with a subsidiary of AmTrust for the purpose of acquiring additional life settlement contracts. In the first quarter of 2013, we acquired a 50% interest in AMT Capital Holdings, S.A. (“AMTCH”), the other 50% of which is owned by AmTrust. Additionally, in December 2013, we formed AMT Capital Holdings II, S.A. ("AMTCH II") with AmTrust for the purpose of acquiring additional life settlement contracts. We have a 50% ownership interest in each of Tiger, AMT Alpha, AMTCH and AMTCH II (collectively, the “LSC Entities”). The LSC Entities may also acquire premium finance loans made in connection with the borrowers’ purchase of life insurance policies that are secured by the policies. The LSC Entities acquire the underlying policies securing the loan through the borrowers’ voluntary surrender of the policy in satisfaction of the loan or foreclosure. A third party serves as the administrator for two of the life settlement contract portfolios, for which it receives an administrative fee. The third-party administrator is eligible to receive a percentage of profits after certain time and performance thresholds have been met. The LSC Entities account for investments in life settlements in accordance with ASC 325-30, "Investments in Insurance Contracts", which states that an investor shall elect to account for its investments in life settlement contracts by using either the investment method or the fair value method. The election is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable. The LSC Entities have elected to account for these investments using the fair value method. As no comparable market pricing is available, the LSC Entities determine fair value based upon their estimate of the discounted cash flow related to policies (net of the reserves for improvements in mortality, the possibility that the high net worth individuals represented in the portfolio may have access to better health care, the volatility inherent in determining the life expectancy of insureds with significant reported health impairments, the possibility that the issuer of the policy or a third party will contest the payment of the death benefit payable to the LSC Entities, and the future expenses related to the administration of the portfolio), which incorporates current life expectancy assumptions, premium payments, the credit exposure to the insurance company that issued the life settlement contracts and the rate of return that a buyer would require on the contracts. As of December 31, 2015, we have a 50% ownership interest in the LSC Entities that hold certain life settlement contracts, and the fair value of these contracts owned by the LSC Entities is $264.0 million, with our proportionate interest being $132.0 million. Total capital contributions of approximately $1.1 million and $36.1 million were made to the LSC Entities during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, for which we contributed approximately $0.6 million and $18.1 million, respectively, in those same periods. The LSC Entities used the contributed capital to pay premiums and purchase policies. As of December 31, 2015, the face value amounts of the 255 life insurance policies disclosed in the table below was approximately $1.6 billion. As of December 31, 2015, the LSC Entities owned no premium finance loans. The following table describes details of our investment in LSC Entities as of December 31, 2015. This table shows the gross amounts for the portfolio of life insurance policies owned by the LSC Entities, in which we and AmTrust each own a 50% interest. 76 (amounts in thousands, except number of life settlement contracts) Expected Maturity Term in Years As of December 31, 2015 Number of Life Settlement Contracts Fair Value(1) Face Value 0 - 1 1 - 2 2 - 3 3 - 4 4 - 5 Thereafter Total — $ — — $ — 8 8 4 235 255 31,261 20,117 6,760 205,863 — — 70,500 46,500 20,000 1,481,313 $ 264,001 $ 1,618,313 (1) The LSC Entities determined the fair value as of December 31, 2015 based on 213 policies out of 255 policies, as the LSC Entities assigned no value to 42 of the policies as of December 31, 2015. The LSC Entities estimated the fair value of a life insurance policy using a cash flow model with an appropriate discount rate. In some cases, the cash flow model calculates the value of an individual policy to be negative, and therefore the fair value of the policy is zero as no liability exists when a negative value is calculated. The LSC Entities are not contractually bound to pay the premium on its life settlement contracts and, therefore, would not pay a willing buyer to assume title of these contracts. Additionally, certain of the LSC Entities' acquired policies were structured to have low premium payments at inception of the policy term, which later escalate greatly towards the tail end of the policy term. At the current time, the LSC Entities expense all premiums paid, even on policies with zero fair value. Once the premium payments escalate, the LSC Entities may allow the policies to lapse. In the event that death benefits are realized in the time frame between initial acquisition and premium escalation, it is a benefit to cash flow of the LSC Entities. For the contracts where the LSC Entities determined the fair value to be negative and therefore assigned a fair value of zero, the table below details the amount of premiums paid and the death benefits received for the year ended December 31, 2015: (amounts in thousands, except number of life settlement contracts) December 31, 2015 Number of policies with a negative value from discounted cash flow model Premiums paid for the year ended Death benefit received $ $ 42 4,971 — Premiums to be paid by the LSC Entities, in which we have 50% ownership interests, for each of the five succeeding fiscal years to keep the life insurance policies in force as of December 31, 2015, are as follows: (amounts in thousands) 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Premiums Due on Life Settlement Contracts $ $ 54,540 53,002 41,409 41,385 38,627 487,107 716,070 For additional information about the fair value of the life settlement contracts, see Note 6, "Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements. For additional information about the risks inherent in determining the fair value of the portfolio of life insurance policies, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors-Risks Relating to Our Business Generally-A portion of our financial assets consists of life settlement contracts that are subject to certain risks.” 77 Liquidity and Capital Resources We are organized as a holding company with fifteen domestic insurance company subsidiaries, various foreign insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries, as well as various other non-insurance subsidiaries. Our principal sources of operating funds are premiums, service and fee income, investment income and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments. The primary sources of cash for the management companies of the Reciprocal Exchanges are management fees for acting as the attorneys-in-fact for the exchanges. Our primary uses of operating funds include payments of claims and operating expenses. Currently, we pay claims using cash flow from operations and invest our excess cash primarily in fixed-maturity and, to a lesser extent, equity securities. Except as set forth below, we expect that projected cash flows from operations, as well as the net proceeds from our debt and equity issuances, will provide us with sufficient liquidity to fund our anticipated growth by providing capital to increase the surplus of our insurance subsidiaries, as well as to pay claims and operating expenses, and to pay interest and principal on debt and debt facilities and other holding company expenses for the foreseeable future. However, if our growth attributable to potential acquisitions, internally generated growth, or a combination of these factors, exceeds our expectations, we may have to raise additional capital. If we cannot obtain adequate capital on favorable terms or at all, we may be unable to support future growth or operating requirements and, as a result, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. To support our current and future policy writings, we have recently raised substantial capital using a combination of debt and equity, and we may raise additional capital over the next twelve months. We may generate liquidity through the issuance of debt or equity securities or financing through borrowings under credit facilities, or a combination thereof. During 2015, we issued 6,000,000 depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of our 7.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B (equivalent to 165,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock). The total net proceeds we received from the issuance was approximately $159.6 million, after deducting the issuance expenses payable by us. In addition, during 2015, we issued 11,500,000 shares of common stock in a public offering at $19.00 per share. The total net proceeds we received from the issuance was approximately $210.6 million, after deducting the issuance expenses payable by us. Also, during 2015, we sold $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.625% Notes in a public offering. The net proceeds we received from the issuance was approximately $96.9 million, after deducting the underwriting discount and commissions, but before expenses. Further, during 2015, we sold an additional $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 6.75% Notes to certain purchasers in a private placement. The net proceeds we received from the issuance was approximately $98.9 million, after deducting the estimated issuance expenses payable by us. We also had a $135.0 million credit agreement under which there were no amounts outstanding as of December 31, 2015. The proceeds of borrowings under the credit agreement may be used for working capital, acquisitions and general corporate purposes. See "7.625% Subordinated Notes due 2055", "Common Stock", "Preferred Stock", "6.75% Notes due 2024" and "Revolving Credit Agreement" below. Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to statutory and regulatory restrictions imposed on insurance companies by their place of domicile which limit the amount of cash dividends or distributions that they may pay to us unless special permission is received from the insurance regulator of the relevant domicile. The aggregate limit imposed by the various domiciliary regulatory authorities of our insurance subsidiaries was approximately $360.1 million and $286.3 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, taking into account dividends paid in the prior twelve month periods. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, there were $23.8 million, $12.0 million and $24.0 million, respectively, of dividends and return of capital paid by the insurance subsidiaries to National General Management Corp. ("Management Corp.") or the Company. We forecast claim payments based on our historical experience. We seek to manage the funding of claim payments by actively managing available cash and forecasting cash flows on both a short-term and long-term basis. Cash payments for claims were $1,276.3 million, $866.0 million and $448.8 million in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Historically, we have funded claim payments from cash flow from operations (principally premiums), net of amounts ceded to our third party reinsurers. We presently expect to maintain sufficient cash flow from operations to meet our anticipated claim obligations and operating and capital expenditure needs. Our cash and investment portfolio has increased from $1,116.7 million at December 31, 2013 to $1,998.7 million at December 31, 2014 and increased to $2,950.0 million at December 31, 2015. We do not anticipate selling securities in our investment portfolio to pay claims or to fund operating expenses. Should circumstances arise that would require us to do so, we may incur losses on such sales, which would adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition and could reduce investment income in future periods. Pursuant to an amended and restated management services agreement dated as of January 1, 2012 between Management Corp., on one hand, and certain of our other direct and indirect subsidiaries, on the other hand, such subsidiaries have delegated to Management Corp. underwriting duties, claims services, actuarial services, policyholder services, accounting, information technology and certain other administrative functions. The subsidiaries that are party to this agreement pay to Management Corp. a quarterly fee calculated as a percentage of the premium written by each such subsidiary, plus reimbursement for certain expenses. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, Management Corp. was paid approximately $38.2 million, $22.3 million and $26.2 million, respectively, in management fees. 78 Pursuant to a tax allocation agreement by and among us and certain of our direct and indirect subsidiaries, we compute and pay federal income taxes on a consolidated basis. Each subsidiary party to this agreement computes and pays to us its respective share of the federal income tax liability primarily based on separate return calculations. The LSC Entities in which we own a 50% interest also purchase life settlement contracts that require the LSC Entities to make premium payments on individual life insurance policies in order to keep the policies in force. We presently expect to maintain sufficient cash flow to make future capital contributions to the LSC Entities to permit them to make future premium payments. The following table is a summary of our statement of cash flows: (amounts in thousands) Cash and Cash equivalents provided by (used in): Operating activities Investing activities Financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 2015 $ $ 316,064 (720,647) 554,588 (343) 149,662 $ $ 388,731 (656,484) 324,758 1,787 58,792 $ $ 10,503 (153,311) 176,694 — 33,886 Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $316.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared with $388.7 million provided by operating activities for the same period in 2014. For the year ended December 31, 2015, net cash provided by operating activities decreased $72.7 million from the comparable period in 2014, primarily as a result of an increase in premiums and other receivables driven by Tower premium retention, the LPI Business acquisition and the Assurant Transaction. Net cash used in investing activities was $720.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared with net cash used in investing activities of $656.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. For the year ended December 31, 2015, net cash used in investing activities increased primarily due to an increase of $84.9 million in the purchases of short term investments and an increase of $564.2 million in the purchases of fixed-maturity investments, partially offset by the change in loans to a related party (notes receivable) of $125.0 million, an increase of $185.6 million in the proceeds from the sale and maturity of fixed- maturity investments, a $92.0 million increase in the proceeds from the sale of short-term investments and an increase of $198.8 million in cash from acquisitions. Net cash provided by financing activities was $554.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared with net cash provided by financing activities of $324.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. For the year ended December 31, 2015, cash provided by financing activities increased versus the comparable period in 2014 primarily due to our: (a) issuance of 7.50% Non-Cumulative Series B Preferred Stock in the first half of 2015; (b) August 2015 sale of $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.625% Notes; (c) August 2015 issuance of common stock; and (d) October 2015 sale of $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of additional 6.75% Notes, partially offset by (i) the issuance of common stock in our February 2014 private placement; (ii) the May 2014 sale of our $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.75% Notes; and (iii) the June 2014 issuance of 2,200,000 shares of 7.50% Non-Cumulative Series A Preferred Stock. Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $388.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared with $10.5 million provided by operating activities for the same period in 2013. For the year ended December 31, 2014, net cash provided by operating activities increased $378.2 million from the comparable period in 2013, primarily as a result of the Tower Reinsurance Agreements and the Quota Share Runoff. Net cash used in investing activities was $656.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared with net cash used in investing activities of $153.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. For the year ended December 31, 2014, net cash used in investing activities increased primarily due to a $131.2 million decrease in the proceeds from the sale of short-term investments, an increase of $306.7 million in the purchases of fixed-maturity investments, a decrease in cash of $125.0 million related to a loan made to ACP Re under the ACP Re Credit Agreement, an increase of $41.2 million in the purchases of equity 79 securities and an increase of $17.6 million in cash used for acquisitions, partially offset by a decrease of $57.1 million in the purchases of short term investments and an increase of $48.3 million in the proceeds from the sale and maturity of fixed-maturity investments. Net cash provided by financing activities was $324.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared with net cash provided by financing activities of $176.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. For the year ended December 31, 2014, cash provided by financing activities increased versus the comparable period in 2013 primarily due to: (i) the May 2014 sale of our $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.75% Notes; and (ii) the June 2014 issuance of 2,200,000 shares of 7.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, partially offset by a lower amount of proceeds from the issuance of common stock in 2014 as compared to 2013. 80 Consolidating Balance Sheet Information The following tables present the consolidating balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (amounts in thousands): Investments: ASSETS Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value $ 2,063,051 $ 238,969 $ 2,302,020 December 31, 2015 Reciprocal Exchanges Total NGHC Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value Short-term investments Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries Other investments Securities pledged Total investments Cash and cash equivalents Accrued investment income Premiums and other receivables, net Deferred acquisition costs Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses Prepaid reinsurance premiums Income tax receivable Notes receivable from related party Due from affiliate Premises and equipment, net Intangible assets, net Goodwill Prepaid and other assets Total assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities: Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves Unearned premiums Unearned service contract and other revenue Reinsurance payable Accounts payable and accrued expenses Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value Deferred tax liability Income tax payable Notes payable Other liabilities Total liabilities Stockholders’ equity: Common stock Preferred stock Additional paid-in capital Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Retained earnings Total National General Holdings Corp. Stockholders' Equity Non-controlling interest Total stockholders’ equity 57,216 1,528 234,948 13,031 55,394 1,574 1,999 — — — 58,790 3,527 234,948 13,031 55,394 2,425,168 242,542 2,667,710 273,884 18,055 702,439 136,728 794,091 66,613 — 125,057 29,476 42,599 344,073 112,414 41,091 8,393 2,347 56,194 23,803 39,085 61,730 300 — 12,060 332 4,825 — 93 282,277 20,402 758,633 160,531 833,176 128,343 300 125,057 41,536 42,931 348,898 112,414 41,184 $ $ 5,111,688 $ 451,704 $ 5,563,392 1,623,232 $ 1,046,313 132,392 $ 146,186 1,755,624 1,192,499 12,504 54,815 265,057 52,484 (20,477) 5,593 446,061 112,085 3,597,667 1,056 220,000 900,114 (19,414) 412,044 1,513,800 221 1,514,021 — 14,357 19,845 — 32,724 — 45,476 38,105 429,085 — — — — — — 22,619 22,619 12,504 69,172 284,902 52,484 12,247 5,593 491,537 150,190 4,026,752 1,056 220,000 900,114 (19,414) 412,044 1,513,800 22,840 1,536,640 5,563,392 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 5,111,688 $ 451,704 $ 81 ASSETS Investments: Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value Short-term investments Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries Other investments Securities pledged Total investments Cash and cash equivalents Accrued investment income Premiums and other receivables, net Deferred acquisition costs Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses Prepaid reinsurance premiums Notes receivable from related party Due from affiliate Premises and equipment, net Intangible assets, net Goodwill Prepaid and other assets Total assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities: Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves Unearned premiums Unearned service contract and other revenue Reinsurance payable Accounts payable and accrued expenses Due to affiliate Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value Deferred tax liability Income tax payable Notes payable Other liabilities Total liabilities Stockholders’ equity: Common stock Preferred stock Additional paid-in capital Accumulated other comprehensive income Retained earnings Total National General Holdings Corp. Stockholders' Equity Non-controlling interest Total stockholders’ equity December 31, 2014 Reciprocal Exchanges Total NGHC $ 1,374,087 $ 222,739 $ 1,596,826 45,802 50 155,900 4,764 49,456 2,817 10,490 — — — 48,619 10,540 155,900 4,764 49,456 1,630,059 236,046 1,866,105 123,178 12,553 589,205 121,514 888,215 75,837 125,000 5,129 30,583 237,404 70,764 43,160 9,437 1,898 58,238 4,485 23,583 26,924 — — — 11,433 — 71 132,615 14,451 647,443 125,999 911,798 102,761 125,000 5,129 30,583 248,837 70,764 43,231 $ $ 3,952,601 $ 372,115 $ 4,324,716 1,450,305 $ 111,848 $ 1,562,153 744,438 8,527 97,830 189,430 — 46,804 29,133 29,532 250,708 46,114 2,892,821 934 55,000 690,736 20,192 292,832 1,059,694 86 1,059,780 119,998 — 13,811 17,691 1,552 — 38,402 1,059 48,374 5,710 358,445 — — — — — — 13,670 13,670 864,436 8,527 111,641 207,121 1,552 46,804 67,535 30,591 299,082 51,824 3,251,266 934 55,000 690,736 20,192 292,832 1,059,694 13,756 1,073,450 4,324,716 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 3,952,601 $ 372,115 $ 82 Other Material Changes in Financial Position (amounts in thousands) Selected Assets: Premiums and other receivables, net Deferred acquisition costs Prepaid reinsurance premiums Goodwill and Intangible assets, net Selected Liabilities: Unearned premiums Reinsurance payable Other liabilities December 31, 2015 2014 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 758,633 160,531 128,343 461,312 1,192,499 69,172 150,190 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 647,443 125,999 102,761 319,601 864,436 111,641 51,824 During the year ended December 31, 2015, premiums and other receivables, net increased $111.2 million compared to December 31, 2014 primarily due to the increase in Tower premium retention, the LPI Business acquisition and the Assurant Transaction. Deferred acquisition costs increased $34.5 million compared to December 31, 2014 primarily due to the increase in Tower premium retention and the LPI Business acquisition. Prepaid reinsurance premiums increased $25.6 million compared to December 31, 2014 primarily due to the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges. Goodwill and Intangible assets, net increased $141.7 million compared to December 31, 2014 primarily due to the LPI Business acquisition, the Assurant Transaction, and our HST and ARS acquisitions. During the year ended December 31, 2015, unearned premiums increased $328.1 million compared to December 31, 2014 primarily due to the increase in Tower premium retention, the LPI Business acquisition and organic growth. Reinsurance payable decreased $42.5 million compared to December 31, 2014 primarily due to the Tower Reinsurance Agreements and the EHC business. Other liabilities increased $98.4 million compared to December 31, 2014 primarily due to deferred revenue for ARS, the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges and an increase in outstanding in process disbursements driven by growth in the business. Reinsurance Our insurance subsidiaries utilize reinsurance agreements to transfer portions of the underlying risk of the business we write to various affiliated and third-party reinsurance companies. Reinsurance does not discharge or diminish our obligation to pay claims covered by the insurance policies we issue; however, it does permit us to recover certain incurred losses from our reinsurers and our reinsurance recoveries reduce the maximum loss that we may incur as a result of a covered loss event. We believe it is important to ensure that our reinsurance partners are financially strong and they generally carry at least an A.M. Best rating of ‘‘A-’’ (Excellent) at the time we enter into our reinsurance agreements. We also enter reinsurance relationships with third-party captives formed by agents as a mechanism for sharing risk and profit. The total amount, cost and limits relating to the reinsurance coverage we purchase may vary from year to year based upon a variety of factors, including the availability of quality reinsurance at an acceptable price and the level of risk that we choose to retain for our own account. We assume and cede insurance risks under various reinsurance agreements, on both a pro rata basis and an excess of loss basis. We purchase reinsurance to mitigate the volatility of direct and assumed business, which may be caused by the aggregate value or the concentration of written exposures in a particular geographic area or business segment and may arise from catastrophes or other events. As part of our overall risk and capacity management strategy, we purchase excess of loss catastrophic and casualty reinsurance for protection against catastrophic events and other large losses. The property catastrophe program provides a total of $450 million in coverage in excess of a $50 million retention, with one reinstatement. We also purchased drop-down coverage to reduce the retention to $35 million for Texas and Louisiana. The casualty program provides $45 million in coverage in excess of a $5 million retention. We pay a premium as consideration for ceding the risk. Our reinsurance transactions include premiums written under state-mandated involuntary plans for commercial vehicles and premiums ceded to state-provided reinsurance facilities such as the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (the “MCCA”), and the North Carolina Reinsurance Facility (the “NCRF”) (collectively, “State Plans”), for which we retain no loss indemnity 83 risk. Prepaid reinsurance premiums are earned on a pro rata basis over the period of risk, based on a daily earnings convention, which is consistent with premiums written. All automobile insurers doing business in Michigan are required to participate in the MCCA. The MCCA is a reinsurance mechanism that covers no-fault first party medical losses of retentions in excess of a set limit. Insurers are reimbursed for their covered losses in excess of a $545,000 threshold, which was increased from $460,000 to $480,000 on July 1, 2010, was increased to $500,000 in 2011 and remained at the $500,000 level through June 30, 2013. Policies effective after July 1, 2013 have a threshold of $530,000. For policies effective after July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2017, the retention will be $545,000. We currently have claims with retentions ranging from $250,000 to $545,000. Funding for the MCCA comes from assessments against automobile insurers based upon their share of insured automobiles in the state. Insurers are allowed to pass along this cost to Michigan automobile policyholders. The following is a summary of premium and related losses ceded to the MCCA for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013: Year Ended December 31, (amounts in thousands) Ceded earned premiums Ceded Loss and LAE 2015 2014 2013 $ $ 12,146 15,482 $ 12,968 12,529 12,882 9,037 Reinsurance recoverables from the MCCA as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: December 31, (amounts in thousands) Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 2015 2014 $ 6,986 $ 656,904 8,482 689,202 The NCRF is a non-profit organization established to provide automobile liability reinsurance to those insurance companies that write automobile insurance in North Carolina. Companies licensed to write automobile insurance in the state must be members of the NCRF and must offer liability coverage to any eligible North Carolina resident applicant for coverages and limits which may be ceded to the NCRF. The NCRF accepts cession of liability for bodily injury and property damage, medical payments, uninsured and combined uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages. Funding for the NCRF comes from premiums collected from automobile insurers based upon the amounts of coverage provided with respect to insured automobiles in the state. North Carolina law provides that cumulative losses incurred by the NCRF are recoverable either through direct surcharges to North Carolina motorists or indirectly by assessments of member companies, which recoup the costs from individual policyholders. The following is a summary of premium and related losses ceded to the NCRF for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013: Year Ended December 31, (amounts in thousands) Ceded earned premiums Ceded Loss and LAE 2015 2014 2013 $ 158,613 $ 151,744 $ 138,473 144,350 130,265 111,185 Reinsurance recoverables from the NCRF as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: December 31, (amounts in thousands) Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 2015 2014 $ 26,228 $ 86,941 22,050 84,152 We believe that we are unlikely to incur any material loss as a result of non-payment of amounts owed to us by the MCCA and the NCRF because the payment obligations are extended over many years, resulting in relatively small current payment 84 obligations; both the MCCA and the NCRF are supported by assessments permitted by statute; and we have not historically incurred losses as a result of non-payment by either MCCA or NCRF. Accordingly, we believe that we have no significant exposure to uncollectible reinsurance balances from these entities. In addition to the reinsurance programs described above, until July 31, 2013, we used the Personal Lines Quota Share reinsurance arrangement to limit our maximum loss, provide greater diversification of risk and minimize exposure on larger risks. For further discussion on the Personal Lines Quota Share arrangement, see Note 16, “Related Party Transactions” in the notes to our consolidated financial statements. We have a concentration of credit risk associated with the MCCA, the NCRF and the reinsurance under the Personal Lines Quota Share arrangement. Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses from these entities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: December 31, (amounts in thousands) MCCA NCRF Maiden Insurance ACP Re Technology Insurance Company, Inc. Other reinsurers' balances - each less than 5% of total Subtotal Reciprocal Exchanges Total A.M. Best Rating N/R N/R A- A- A 2015 656,904 $ 2014 689,202 $ 86,941 21,075 12,645 8,430 8,096 $ $ 794,091 39,085 833,176 $ $ 84,152 44,205 26,523 17,682 26,451 888,215 23,583 911,798 We also have reinsurance with ACP Re and Maiden Insurance that requires the reinsurers to provide collateral to mitigate any risk of default. As of December 31, 2015, ACP Re and Maiden Insurance had provided collateral in the amounts of $18.7 million and $30.8 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, ACP Re and Maiden Insurance had provided collateral in the amounts of $31.0 million and $58.5 million, respectively. As of July 1, 2015, a reinsurance property catastrophe excess of loss program went into effect protecting the Reciprocal Exchanges against accumulations of losses resulting from a catastrophic event. The program provides a total of $355 million in coverage in excess of a $20 million retention, with one reinstatement. 7.625% Subordinated Notes due 2055 On August 18, 2015, we sold $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.625% subordinated notes due 2055 (the “7.625% Notes”) in a public offering. The net proceeds we received from the issuance was approximately $96.6 million, after deducting the underwriting discount, commissions and expenses. The 7.625% Notes bear interest at a rate equal to 7.625% per year, payable quarterly in arrears on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on December 15, 2015. The 7.625% Notes are our subordinated unsecured obligations and rank (i) senior in right of payment to any future junior subordinated debt, (ii) equal in right of payment with any unsecured, subordinated debt that we incur in the future that ranks equally with the 7.625% Notes, and (iii) subordinate in right of payment to any of our existing and future senior debt, including amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility, our 6.75% Notes and certain of our other obligations. In addition, the 7.625% Notes are structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness, liabilities and other obligations of our subsidiaries. The 7.625% Notes mature on September 15, 2055, unless earlier redeemed or purchased by us. Interest expense on the 7.625% Notes for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $3.0 million. The indenture contains customary covenants, such as reporting of annual and quarterly financial results, and restrictions on certain mergers and consolidations. The indenture also includes covenants relating to the incurrence of debt if our consolidated leverage ratio would exceed 0.35 to 1.00, a limitation on liens, a limitation on the disposition of stock of certain of our subsidiaries and a limitation on transactions with certain of our affiliates. We were in compliance with all of the covenants contained in the indenture as of December 31, 2015. 85 6.75% Notes due 2024 On May 23, 2014, we sold $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 6.75% notes due 2024 (the “6.75% Notes”) to certain purchasers in a private placement. The net proceeds we received from the issuance was approximately $245.0 million, after deducting the issuance expenses. The 6.75% Notes bear interest at a rate equal to 6.75% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning on November 15, 2014. The 6.75% Notes are our general unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with our other existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness and senior in right of payment to any of our indebtedness that is contractually subordinated to the 6.75% Notes. The 6.75% Notes are also effectively subordinated to any of our existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness and are structurally subordinated to the existing and future indebtedness of our subsidiaries (including trade payables). The 6.75% Notes mature on May 15, 2024, unless earlier redeemed or purchased by us. On October 8, 2015, we sold an additional $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 6.75% Notes to certain purchasers in a private placement. The additional 6.75% Notes bear interest at a rate equal to 6.75% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning on November 15, 2015. The additional 6.75% Notes mature on May 15, 2024, unless earlier redeemed or purchased by us. The net proceeds we received from the issuance was approximately $98.9 million, after deducting the estimated issuance expenses payable by us. We intend to use the net proceeds from the issuance for general corporate purposes, including strategic acquisitions and to support our current and future policy writings. The additional 6.75% Notes were issued under the same indenture as the original 6.75% Notes. Interest expense on the 6.75% Notes, including the additional issuance, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $18.4 million and $10.2 million, respectively. The indenture contains customary covenants, such as reporting of annual and quarterly financial results, and restrictions on certain mergers and consolidations. The indenture also includes covenants relating to the incurrence of debt if our consolidated leverage ratio would exceed 0.35 to 1.00, a limitation on liens, a limitation on the disposition of stock of certain of our subsidiaries and a limitation on transactions with certain of our affiliates. We were in compliance with all of the covenants contained in the indenture as of December 31, 2015. Revolving Credit Agreement On May 30, 2014, we entered into a $135.0 million credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), among JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, KeyBank National Association as Syndication Agent, and Associated Bank, National Association and First Niagara Bank, N.A., as Co-Documentation Agents. The credit facility is a revolving credit facility with a letter of credit sublimit of $10.0 million and an expansion feature not to exceed $50.0 million. The Credit Agreement contains certain restrictive covenants customary for facilities of this type (subject to negotiated exceptions and baskets), including restrictions on indebtedness, liens, acquisitions and investments, restricted payments and dispositions. There are also financial covenants that require us to maintain a minimum consolidated net worth, a maximum consolidated leverage ratio, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, a minimum risk-based capital and a minimum statutory surplus. The Credit Agreement also provides for customary events of default, with grace periods where customary, including failure to pay principal when due, failure to pay interest or fees within three business days after becoming due, failure to comply with covenants, breaches of representations and warranties, default under certain other indebtedness, certain insolvency or receivership events affecting us and our subsidiaries, the occurrence of certain material judgments, or a change in control of the Company. Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default, the administrative agent, upon the request of the requisite percentage of the lenders, may terminate the obligations of the lenders to make loans and to issue letters of credit under the Credit Agreement, declare the Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement to become immediately due and payable and/or exercise any and all remedies and other rights under the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement had a maturity date of May 30, 2018. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at either the Alternate Base Rate ("ABR") or LIBOR. ABR borrowings (which are borrowings bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the ABR) under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at (x) the greatest of (a) the prime rate in effect on such day, (b) the federal funds effective rate on such day plus 0.5 percent or (c) the adjusted LIBOR for a one-month interest period on such day plus 1 percent, plus (y) a margin that is adjusted on the basis of our consolidated leverage ratio. Eurodollar borrowings under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at the adjusted LIBOR for the interest period in effect plus a margin that is adjusted on the basis of our consolidated leverage ratio. Fees payable by us under the Credit Agreement include a letter of credit participation fee (the margin applicable to Eurodollar borrowings), a letter 86 of credit fronting fee with respect to each letter of credit (0.125%) and a commitment fee on the available commitments of the lenders (a range of 0.20% to 0.30% based on our consolidated leverage ratio, and which rate was 0.25% as of December 31, 2015). As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, there was no outstanding balance on the line of credit. Interest expense for our existing and repaid lines of credit for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $0.0 million, $1.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively. We were in compliance with all of the covenants under the Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2015. See also Note 28, "Subsequent Events" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for information on the New Credit Agreement. Imperial-related Debt Our subsidiary, Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company is the issuer of $5.0 million principal amount of Surplus Notes due 2034 ("Imperial Surplus Notes"). The notes bear interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 4.05%, payable quarterly. The notes are redeemable by us at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount. Interest expense on the Imperial Surplus Notes for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, was $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively. (See Note 7, "Acquisitions" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements). Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes ACP Re (or subsidiaries thereof), a related party, holds the surplus notes issued by the Reciprocal Exchanges ("Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes") when they were originally capitalized. The obligation to repay principal and interest on these surplus notes is subordinated to the Reciprocal Exchanges’ other liabilities, including obligations to policyholders and claimants for benefits under insurance policies. Principal and interest on these surplus notes are payable only with regulatory approval. Interest expense on the Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes for the year ended December 31, 2015 and for the period ended December 31, 2014, was $4.7 million and $5.7 million, respectively, which includes amortization of $(2.0) million and $3.8 million, respectively. (See Note 16, "Related Party Transactions" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements). Common Stock On June 5, 2013, we converted the then issued and outstanding 53,054 shares of Series A Preferred Stock into 12,295,430 shares of common stock (giving effect to a 286.22 to 1 stock split). On June 6, 2013, we sold 21,850,000 shares of common stock in a private placement in reliance on exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. The shares of common stock were sold to investors at a price of $10.50 per share, except for 485,532 shares that were sold to FBR Capital Markets & Co. (“FBR”) and an affiliate of FBR, which were sold at a price of $9.765 per share representing the offering price per share sold to other investors less the amount of the initial purchaser discount or placement agent fee per share in the private placement. The cost of issuance of stock of approximately $1.1 million was charged directly to additional paid-in capital. The net proceeds to us after expenses were approximately $213.3 million. On February 19, 2014, we sold an additional 13,570,000 shares of common stock in a private placement in reliance on exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 at a price of $14.00 per share, subject to a placement fee of $0.840 per share. We recorded the cost of obtaining new capital as a reduction of the related proceeds. The cost of issuance of stock of approximately $12.1 million was charged directly to additional paid-in capital. The net proceeds to us after expenses were approximately $177.8 million. On August 18, 2015, we issued 11,500,000 shares of common stock in a public offering, including 1,500,000 shares issued pursuant to the underwriters' over-allotment option. The common stock offering was priced to the public at $19.00 per share, resulting in net proceeds of $210.9 million, after deducting underwriting discount, but before expenses. The cost of issuance of stock of approximately $7.9 million was charged directly to additional paid-in capital. The net proceeds to us after underwriting discount, commissions and expenses were approximately $210.6 million. 87 Preferred Stock Series A Preferred Stock On June 25, 2014, we issued 2,200,000 shares of 7.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock") in a public offering. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock when, as and if declared by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") or a duly authorized committee of the Board, will be payable on the liquidation preference amount of $25.00 per share, on a non-cumulative basis, quarterly in arrears on the 15th day of January, April, July and October of each year (each, a "dividend payment date"), commencing on October 15, 2014, at an annual rate of 7.50%. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are not cumulative. Accordingly, in the event dividends are not declared on the Series A Preferred Stock for payment on any dividend payment date, then those dividends will not accumulate and will not be payable. If the Company has not declared a dividend before the dividend payment date for any dividend period, the Company will have no obligation to pay dividends for that dividend period, whether or not dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are declared for any future dividend payment. The net proceeds we received from the issuance was approximately $53.2 million, after deducting the underwriting discount and issuance expenses. Series B Preferred Stock On March 27, 2015, we completed a public offering of 6,000,000 of our depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of our 7.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B, $0.01 par value per share (the "Series B Preferred Stock"), with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share). Each depositary share entitles the holder to a proportional fractional interest in all rights and preferences of the Series B Preferred Stock represented thereby (including any dividend, liquidation, redemption and voting rights). Dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock represented by the depositary shares will be payable on the liquidation preference amount, on a non-cumulative basis, when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors, at a rate of 7.50% per annum, quarterly in arrears, on January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15 of each year, beginning on July 15, 2015, from and including the date of original issuance. The Series B Preferred Stock represented by the depositary shares is not redeemable prior to April 15, 2020. After that date, we may redeem at our option, in whole or in part, the Series B Preferred Stock represented by the depositary shares at a redemption price of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share) plus any declared and unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods and accrued but unpaid dividends (whether or not declared) for the then current dividend period. A total of 6,000,000 depositary shares (equivalent to 150,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock) were issued. Net proceeds from this offering were $145.3 million. We incurred $5.0 million in underwriting discount and commissions and expenses, which were recognized as a reduction to additional paid-in capital. On April 6, 2015, the underwriters exercised their over-allotment option with respect to an additional 600,000 depositary shares (equivalent to 15,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock), on the same terms and conditions as the original March 27, 2015 issuance. Net proceeds from this additional offering were $14.5 million. We incurred an additional $0.5 million in underwriting discount and commissions, which were recognized as a reduction to additional paid-in capital. Securities Sold (Purchased) Under Agreements to Repurchase (Sell), at Contract Value We enter into reverse repurchase and repurchase agreements, which are accounted for as either collateralized lending or borrowing transactions and are recorded at contract amounts which approximate fair value. For the collateralized borrowing transactions (i.e., repurchase agreements), we receive cash or securities that we invest or hold in short-term or fixed income securities. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had no collateralized lending transaction principal outstanding. Interest income associated with lending agreements for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $0.0 million, $0.0 million and $0.1 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, we had collateralized borrowing transaction principal outstanding of $52.5 million at an interest rate of 0.80%. As of December 31, 2014, we had collateralized borrowing transaction principal outstanding of $46.8 million at interest rates between 0.30% and 0.35%. Interest expense associated with the repurchase borrowing agreements for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively. We had approximately $55.4 million and $49.5 million of collateral pledged in support for these agreements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 88 Contractual Obligations and Commitments The following table sets forth certain of our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2015: (amounts in thousands) Payment Due by Period Loss and LAE(1) Operating lease obligations Employment agreement obligations Contributions to LSC Entities related to life settlement contracts(2) Debt and interest(3) Contingent payments(4) Total Total $ 1,755,624 103,301 Less than 1 Year 636,223 16,147 $ 1 – 3 Years 412,879 $ 30,502 3 – 5 Years 195,347 $ 24,425 More than 5 Years $ 511,175 32,227 5,631 3,653 1,449 529 — 358,037 959,883 26,195 27,270 31,487 13,583 47,206 62,973 12,612 40,007 62,973 — 243,554 802,450 — $ 3,208,671 $ 728,363 $ 567,621 $ 323,281 $ 1,589,406 (1) The loss and LAE payments due by period in the table above are based upon the loss and LAE estimates as of December 31, 2015 and actuarial estimates of expected payout patterns and are not contractual liabilities with finite maturities. Our contractual liability is to provide benefits under the policy. As a result, our calculation of loss and LAE payments due by period is subject to the same uncertainties associated with determining the level of loss and LAE generally and to the additional uncertainties arising from the difficulty of predicting when claims (including claims that have not yet been reported to us) will be paid. For a discussion of our loss and LAE estimate process, see Item 1, “Business-Loss Reserves.” Actual payments of loss and LAE by period will vary, perhaps materially, from the table above to the extent that current estimates of loss and LAE vary from actual ultimate claims amounts and as a result of variations between expected and actual payout patterns. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors-Risks Relating to Our Business Generally-If we are unable to establish and maintain accurate loss reserves, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected” for a discussion of the uncertainties associated with estimating loss and LAE. (2) As of December 31, 2015, we had a 50% ownership interest in the LSC Entities which in turn owned 255 life settlement contracts with a carrying value of $264.0 million. In order to derive the economic benefit of the face value of these policies, the LSCs are required to make these premium payments. (3) The debt and interest contractual obligations of the Reciprocal Exchanges are excluded from the table since we do not own the Reciprocal Exchanges. The interest related to our debt by period as of December 31, 2015 was as follows: $31.5 million - less than 1 year, $63.0 million - 1 - 3 years, $63.0 million - 3 - 5 years and $347.5 million - more than 5 years. (4) On July 23, 2014, we and ACP Re entered into the Amended and Restated Personal Lines Master Agreement (the "Master Agreement"). The Master Agreement provides for the implementation of the various transactions associated with the acquisition of Tower by ACP Re. In addition, the Master Agreement requires us to pay ACP Re contingent consideration in the form of a three-year earnout (the "ACP Re Contingent Payments") of 3% of gross premium written of the Tower personal lines business written or assumed by us following the Merger. The ACP Re Contingent Payments are subject to a maximum of $30.0 million, in the aggregate, over the three-year period. The expected remaining ACP Re Contingent Payments as of December 31, 2015 are $17.6 million. (See Note 16, "Related Party Transactions" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements). On April 1, 2015, we closed on the acquisition of ARS, a New Jersey-based managing general agency that services assigned risk, personal auto, and commercial lines of business, for a purchase price of approximately $48.0 million in cash and potential future earnout payments ("ARS Contingent Payments"). The fair value of the ARS Contingent Payments was estimated to be $4.1 million at December 31, 2015. On January 23, 2015, we closed on the acquisition of HST, an Illinois-based healthcare insurance general agency. The Company paid approximately $15.0 million on the acquisition date and agreed to pay potential future earnout payments ("HST Contingent Payments") based on the overall profitability of HST and the business underwritten by the Company's insurance subsidiaries which is produced by HST. The fair value of the HST Contingent Payments was estimated to be $4.5 million at December 31, 2015. 89 Inflation We establish property and casualty insurance premiums before we know the amount of losses and LAE or the extent to which inflation may affect such amounts. We attempt to anticipate the potential impact of inflation in establishing our reserves, especially as it relates to medical and hospital rates where historical inflation rates have exceeded the general level of inflation. Inflation in excess of the levels we have assumed could cause loss and LAE to be higher than we anticipated, which would require us to increase reserves and reduce earnings. Fluctuations in rates of inflation also influence interest rates, which in turn impact the market value of our investment portfolio and yields on new investments. Operating expenses, including salaries and benefits, are also usually affected by inflation. 90 Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk represents our potential inability to meet all payment obligations when they become due. We maintain sufficient cash and marketable securities to fund claim payments and operations. We purchase reinsurance coverage to mitigate the risk of an unexpected rise in claims severity or frequency from catastrophic events or a single large loss. The availability, amount and cost of reinsurance depend on market conditions and may vary significantly. Credit Risk. Credit risk is the potential loss arising principally from adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuers of our fixed-maturity securities and the financial condition of our third party reinsurers. Additionally, we have counter-party credit risk with our repurchase agreement counter-parties. We address the credit risk related to the issuers of our fixed-maturity securities by investing primarily in fixed-maturity securities that are rated “BBB-” or higher by Standard & Poor’s. We also independently monitor the financial condition of all issuers of our fixed-maturity securities. To limit our risk exposure, we employ diversification policies that limit the credit exposure to any single issuer or business sector. We are subject to credit risk with respect to our third party reinsurers. Although our third party reinsurers are obligated to reimburse us to the extent we cede risk to them, we are ultimately liable to our policyholders on all risks we have ceded. As a result, reinsurance contracts do not limit our ultimate obligations to pay claims covered under the insurance policies we issue and we might not collect amounts recoverable from our reinsurers. We address this credit risk by selecting reinsurers that have an A.M. Best rating of “A-” (Excellent) or better at the time we enter into the agreement and by performing, along with our reinsurance broker, periodic credit reviews of our reinsurers. If one of our reinsurers suffers a credit downgrade, we may consider various options to lessen the risk of asset impairment, including commutation, novation and letters of credit. See Item 7, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Reinsurance.” Counter-party credit risk with our repurchase agreement counter-parties is mitigated by obtaining collateral. We obtain collateral in the amount of 105-110% of the value of the securities we have sold with agreement to repurchase. Additionally, repurchase agreements are only transacted with pre-approved counter-parties. Market Risk. Market risk is the risk of potential economic loss principally arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments. The major components of market risk affecting us are interest rate risk and equity price risk. Interest Rate Risk. We had fixed-maturity securities and preferred stock with a fair value of $2,369.2 million and an amortized cost of $2,391.9 million as of December 31, 2015 that are subject to interest rate risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that we may incur losses due to adverse changes in interest rates. Fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the market valuation of our fixed-maturity securities. We manage our exposure to interest rate risk through a disciplined asset and liability matching and capital management process. In the management of this risk, the characteristics of duration, credit and variability of cash flows are critical elements. These risks are assessed regularly and balanced within the context of our liability and capital position. The table below summarizes the interest rate risk by illustrating the sensitivity of the fair value and carrying value of our fixed-maturity securities as of December 31, 2015 to selected hypothetical changes in interest rates, and the associated impact on our stockholders’ equity. We anticipate that we will continue to meet our obligations out of income. We classify our fixed-maturity and equity securities as available-for-sale. Temporary changes in the fair value of our fixed-maturity securities impact the carrying value of these securities and are reported in our stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of deferred taxes. 91 The selected scenarios with our fixed-maturity securities, excluding $11.8 million of preferred stock, in the table below are not predictions of future events, but rather are intended to illustrate the effect such events may have on the fair value and carrying value of our fixed-maturity securities and on our stockholders’ equity, each as of December 31, 2015. Hypothetical Change in Interest Rates 200 basis point increase 100 basis point increase No change 100 basis point decrease 200 basis point decrease Fair Value $ 2,171,178 2,289,049 2,357,414 2,543,650 2,687,452 Estimated Change in Fair Value Hypothetical Percentage Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders’ Equity $ (Amounts in Thousands) (186,236) (68,365) — 186,236 330,038 (7.9)% (2.9) — 7.9 14.0 Changes in interest rates would affect the fair market value of our fixed-rate debt instruments but would not have an impact on our earnings or cash flow. We currently have $500.5 million principal amount of debt instruments of which $450.0 million are fixed-rate debt instruments. A fluctuation of 100 basis points in interest on our variable-rate debt instruments, which are tied to LIBOR, would affect our earnings and cash flows by $0.5 million before income tax, on an annual basis, but would not affect the fair market value of the variable-rate debt. Off-Balance Sheet Risk. As of December 31, 2015 we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are likely to have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data The financial statements and financial statement schedules required to be filed pursuant to this Item 8 are listed in the accompanying Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules at page F-1 and are filed as part of this report. Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure Not applicable. Item 9A. Controls and Procedures Disclosure Controls and Procedures Our management, with participation and under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15 (e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is timely recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 92 Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting We, as management of the Company, are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC, internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by our Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that: • • • Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree or compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Management, with participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the control criteria established in a report entitled Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on such evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2015. Management excluded from its design and assessment of internal control over financial reporting certain lines of business which were acquired from Assurant Health on October 1, 2015, and the lender-placed insurance business which was acquired from QBE Holdings, Inc. on October 1, 2015 (collectively “the acquired businesses”). The acquired businesses combined constituted approximately 3.4% of total assets as of December 31, 2015 and 8.2% of revenues for the year then ended. Management did not assess the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of the acquired businesses because of the timing of the acquisitions which were completed in the fourth quarter of 2015. Companies are allowed to exclude acquisitions from their assessment of internal control over financial reporting during the first year of an acquisition while integrating the acquired company under guidelines established by the SEC. Our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 has been audited by BDO USA, LLP, our external auditors, who also audited our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015. As stated in their report, BDO expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. 93 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Board of Directors and Stockholders National General Holdings Corp. New York, New York We have audited National General Holdings Corp.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). National General Holdings Corp.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Item 9A, Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. As indicated in the accompanying Item 9A, Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management’s assessment and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of certain lines of business which were acquired from Assurant Health on October 1, 2015, and the lender-placed insurance business which was acquired from QBE Holdings, Inc. on October 1, 2015 (collectively “the acquired businesses”), and which are included in the consolidated balance sheet of National General Holdings Corp. as of December 31, 2015 and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended. The acquired businesses combined constituted approximately 3.4% of total assets as of December 31, 2015 and 8.2% of revenues for the year then ended. Management did not assess the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of the acquired businesses because of the timing of the acquisitions which were completed in the fourth quarter of 2015. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of National General Holdings Corp. also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of the acquired businesses. In our opinion, National General Holdings Corp. maintained in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the COSO criteria. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of National General Holdings Corp. as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 and our report dated February 29, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. /s/ BDO USA, LLP New York, New York February 29, 2016 94 Item 9B. Other Information None. 95 Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance PART III The information required by Item 10 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the information contained in our Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 9, 2016 (the “Proxy Statement”) under the captions “Proposal 1: Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers,” “Corporate Governance — Code of Business Conduct and Ethics,” “Corporate Governance — Board Committees — Audit Committee” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.” The Proxy Statement, or an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K containing the information, will be filed with the SEC on or before April 29, 2016. Item 11. Executive Compensation The information required by Item 11 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the information contained in our Proxy Statement under the captions “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation of Directors,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Compensation Committee Report.” The Proxy Statement, or an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K containing the information, will be filed with the SEC on or before April 29, 2016. Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters A portion of the information required by Item 12 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the information contained in our Proxy Statement under the captions “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Security Ownership of Management.” The Proxy Statement, or an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K containing the information, will be filed with the SEC on or before April 29, 2016. Equity Compensation Plan Information The table below shows information regarding awards outstanding and shares of common stock available for issuance as of December 31, 2015 under our 2010 Equity Incentive Plan and 2013 Equity Incentive Plan. Plan Category Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Security Holders Total Number of Securities to Be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights(1) Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights(2) Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans 4,486,483 $ — 4,486,483 $ 9.31 — 9.31 1,768,870 — 1,768,870 (1) Includes restricted stock unit awards that, upon vesting, provide the holder with the right to receive common shares on a one- to-one basis. For further discussion of these awards, see Note 24, “Share-Based Compensation” in the notes to our consolidated financial statements. (2) Only applies to outstanding options, as restricted stock units do not have exercise prices. Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence The information required by Item 13 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the information contained in our Proxy Statement under the captions “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Corporate Governance — Independence of Directors.” The Proxy Statement, or an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K containing the information, will be filed with the SEC on or before April 29, 2016. 96 Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services The information required by Item 14 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the information contained in our Proxy Statement under the caption “Proposal 2: Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.” The Proxy Statement, or an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K containing the information, will be filed with the SEC on or before April 29, 2016. Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules PART IV (a) Documents filed as part of this report: The financial statements and financial schedules listed in the accompanying Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules are filed as part of this report. The exhibits listed in the accompanying Index to Exhibits are filed as part of this report. (b) Exhibits: See Item 15(a). (c) Schedules: See Item 15(a). All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted. 97 Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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. SIGNATURES February 29, 2016 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. By: /s/ Michael Weiner Name: Michael Weiner Title: Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated: Signature /s/ Michael Karfunkel Michael Karfunkel Title Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ Michael Weiner Michael Weiner Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) Date February 29, 2016 February 29, 2016 /s/ Donald Bolar Donald Bolar Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) February 29, 2016 /s/ Barry Karfunkel President Barry Karfunkel /s/ Barry Zyskind Barry Zyskind Director /s/ Donald DeCarlo Director Donald DeCarlo /s/ Patrick Fallon Patrick Fallon /s/ Barbara Paris Barbara Paris Director Director /s/ Ephraim Brecher Director Ephraim Brecher 98 February 29, 2016 February 29, 2016 February 29, 2016 February 29, 2016 February 29, 2016 February 29, 2016 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES Audited Annual Financial Statements Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements Schedules required to be filed under the provisions of Regulation S-X Article 7: Summary of Investments — Other than Investments in Related Parties (Schedule I) Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Schedule II) Supplementary Insurance Information (Schedule III) Reinsurance (Schedule IV) Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Schedule V) Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations (Schedule VI) Page F-2 F-3 F-5 F-6 F-7 F-8 F-10 S-1 S-2 S-5 S-6 S-7 S-8 F-1 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Board of Directors and Stockholders National General Holdings Corp. New York, New York We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of National General Holdings Corp. as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. In connection with our audits of the financial statements, we have also audited the financial statement schedules listed in the accompanying index. These financial statements and schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedules based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and schedules. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of National General Holdings Corp. at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), National General Holdings Corp.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated February 29, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. /s/ BDO USA, LLP New York, New York February 29, 2016 F-2 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Par Value per Share) Investments - NGHC ASSETS Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $2,081,456 and $1,330,760) $ 2,063,051 $ 1,374,087 December 31, 2015 2014 Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost $63,303 and $52,272) Short-term investments Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries Other investments Securities pledged (amortized cost $54,955 and $47,546) Investments - Exchanges Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $244,069 and $222,121) Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost $1,501 and $2,752) Short-term investments Total investments Cash and cash equivalents (Exchanges - $8,393 and $9,437) Accrued investment income (Exchanges - $2,347 and $1,898) Premiums and other receivables, net (Related parties $62,306 and $168,134) (Exchanges - $56,194 and $58,238) Deferred acquisition costs (Exchanges - $23,803 and $4,485) Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses (Related parties - $42,774 and $88,970) (Exchanges - $39,085 and $23,583) Prepaid reinsurance premiums (Exchanges - $61,730 and $26,924) Income tax receivable (Exchanges - $300 and $0) Notes receivable from related party Due from affiliate (Exchanges - $12,060 and $0) Premises and equipment, net (Exchanges - $332 and $0) Intangible assets, net (Exchanges - $4,825 and $11,433) Goodwill Prepaid and other assets (Exchanges - $93 and $71) 57,216 1,528 234,948 13,031 55,394 238,969 1,574 1,999 45,802 50 155,900 4,764 49,456 222,739 2,817 10,490 2,667,710 1,866,105 282,277 20,402 758,633 160,531 833,176 128,343 300 125,057 41,536 42,931 348,898 112,414 41,184 132,615 14,451 647,443 125,999 911,798 102,761 — 125,000 5,129 30,583 248,837 70,764 43,231 Total assets Liabilities: LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 5,563,392 $ 4,324,716 Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (Exchanges - $132,392 and $111,848) $ 1,755,624 $ 1,562,153 Unearned premiums (Exchanges - $146,186 and $119,998) Unearned service contract and other revenue Reinsurance payable (Related parties - $31,923 and $41,965) (Exchanges - $14,357 and $13,811) Accounts payable and accrued expenses (Related parties - $51,755 and $68,096) (Exchanges - $19,845 and $17,691) Due to affiliate (Exchanges - $0 and $1,552) Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value Deferred tax liability (Exchanges - $32,724 and $38,402) Income tax payable (Exchanges - $0 and $1,059) Notes payable (Exchanges owed to related party - $45,476 and $48,374) Other liabilities (Exchanges - $38,105 and $5,710) Total liabilities Commitments and contingencies (Note 18) 1,192,499 12,504 69,172 864,436 8,527 111,641 284,902 207,121 — 52,484 12,247 5,593 491,537 150,190 1,552 46,804 67,535 30,591 299,082 51,824 4,026,752 3,251,266 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-3 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Par Value per Share) Stockholders’ equity: Common stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 105,554,331 shares - 2015; authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 93,427,382 shares - 2014 1,056 934 Preferred stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,365,000 shares - 2015; authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,200,000 shares - 2014. Aggregate liquidation preference $220,000 - 2015, $55,000 - 2014 Additional paid-in capital Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments Unrealized gains (losses) on investments Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Retained earnings Total National General Holdings Corp. Stockholders' Equity Non-controlling interest (Exchanges - $22,619 and $13,670) Total stockholders’ equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity 220,000 900,114 55,000 690,736 (3,780) (15,634) (19,414) 412,044 1,513,800 22,840 (4,806) 24,998 20,192 292,832 1,059,694 13,756 1,536,640 1,073,450 $ 5,563,392 $ 4,324,716 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-4 NATONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) Revenues: Premium income: Gross premium written Ceded premiums (related parties - $1,578, $44,936 and $501,067 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively) Net premium written Change in unearned premium Net earned premium Ceding commission income Service and fee income Net investment income Net realized loss on investments Other revenue (expense) Total revenues Expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses General and administrative expenses Interest expense Total expenses Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries Provision for income taxes Income before equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries Net income Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. ("NGHC") Dividends on preferred stock Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders Earnings per common share: Basic earnings per share Diluted earnings per share Dividends declared per common share Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic Diluted Net realized gain (loss) on investments: Other-than-temporary impairment loss Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income Net impairment losses recognized in earnings Other net realized gain (loss) on investments Net realized loss on investments Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 $ 2,589,748 $ 2,135,107 $ 1,338,755 (403,502) 2,186,246 (56,436) 2,129,810 43,790 273,548 75,340 (10,307) (788) (265,083) 1,870,024 (236,804) 1,633,220 12,430 168,571 52,426 (2,892) (1,660) 2,511,393 1,862,095 1,381,641 1,053,065 405,930 530,347 28,885 315,089 348,762 17,736 2,346,803 1,734,652 164,590 18,956 145,634 10,643 156,277 (14,025) 142,252 (14,025) 128,227 1.31 1.27 0.09 $ $ $ $ $ 127,443 23,876 103,567 1,180 104,747 (2,504) 102,243 (2,291) 99,952 1.09 1.07 0.05 $ $ $ $ $ (659,439) 679,316 8,750 688,066 87,100 127,541 30,808 (1,669) 16 931,862 462,124 134,887 280,552 2,042 879,605 52,257 11,140 41,117 1,274 42,391 (82) 42,309 (2,158) 40,151 0.62 0.59 0.01 98,241,904 100,723,936 91,499,122 93,515,417 65,017,579 71,801,613 (15,247) $ (2,244) $ (2,869) — (15,247) 4,940 — (2,244) (648) (10,307) $ (2,892) $ — (2,869) 1,200 (1,669) $ $ $ $ $ $ $ See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-5 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (In Thousands) Net income Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustment Gross unrealized holding gain (loss) on securities, net of tax of ($27,621), $10,059 and $(16,242) in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively Reclassification adjustments for investment gain/loss included in net income: Other-than-temporary impairment loss, net of tax of $5,336, $785 and $1,004 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively Other net realized (gain) loss on investments, net of tax of ($1,729), $(818) and $1,554 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Comprehensive income Less: Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 $ 156,277 $ 104,747 $ 42,391 1,026 (5,171) 365 (51,296) 18,681 (30,164) 9,911 1,459 1,865 (3,211) (43,570) 112,707 (10,061) (1,520) 13,449 118,196 (3,186) 2,885 (25,049) 17,342 (82) Comprehensive income attributable to NGHC $ 102,646 $ 115,010 $ 17,260 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-6 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (In Thousands, Except Shares) Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 Common Stock Preferred Stock Shares $ Shares $ Additional Paid-in Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Non- controlling Interest Balance December 31, 2012 45,554,570 $ 455 53,054 $ 53,054 $ 158,015 $ 169,039 $ 32,474 $ Net income Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax Change in unrealized loss on investments, net of tax Preferred stock dividends Common stock dividends — — — — — Conversion of preferred stock 12,295,430 Issuance of common stock 21,881,800 Capital contributions Stock-based compensation — — Balance December 31, 2013 79,731,800 Net income Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax Change in unrealized gain on investments, net of tax Reciprocal Exchanges' equity on September 15, 2014, date of consolidation Preferred stock dividends Common stock dividends — — — — — — — — — — — 123 219 — — 797 — — — — — — Issuance of common stock 13,570,000 136 — — — — — — — — — — (53,054) (53,054) — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 2,200,000 55,000 — — — — — — — — — — — 52,931 213,058 10,275 2,727 437,006 — — — — — — 177,697 (1,836) 74,215 795 2,859 42,309 — — (12,202) (1,594) — — — — 197,552 102,243 — — — (2,291) (4,672) — — — — — — 365 (25,414) — — — — — — 7,425 — (5,171) 17,938 — — — — — — — — Total $ 413,042 42,391 365 (25,414) (12,202) (1,594) — 213,277 10,275 2,727 642,867 104,747 (5,171) 17,938 11,165 (2,291) (4,672) 177,833 53,164 74,215 796 2,859 5 82 — — — — — — — — 87 2,504 — — 11,165 — — — — — — — Issuance of preferred stock Capital contributions Exercises of stock options Stock-based compensation — — 125,582 — Balance December 31, 2014 93,427,382 Net income Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax Change in unrealized loss on investments, net of tax Change in non-controlling interest Preferred stock dividends Common stock dividends — — — — — — Issuance of common stock 11,500,000 Issuance of preferred stock — Common stock issued under employee stock plans and exercises of stock options Stock-based compensation 626,949 — — 1 — 934 — — — — — — 115 — 7 — 2,200,000 55,000 690,736 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 165,000 165,000 — — — — — — 210,527 (5,448) — — — — (1,638) 5,937 292,832 142,252 20,192 13,756 1,073,450 — 14,025 156,277 — — — (14,025) (9,015) — — — — 1,026 — 1,026 (40,632) (3,964) (44,596) — — — — — — — (977) — — — — — — (977) (14,025) (9,015) 210,642 159,552 (1,631) 5,937 Balance December 31, 2015 105,554,331 $1,056 2,365,000 $220,000 $ 900,114 $ 412,044 $ (19,414) $ 22,840 $1,536,640 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-7 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In Thousands) Cash flows from operating activities: Net income Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 $ 156,277 $ 104,747 $ 42,391 Depreciation, amortization and goodwill impairment Net amortization of premium on fixed maturities Net amortization of discount on debt Stock compensation expense Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries Other net realized loss (gain) on investments Other-than-temporary impairment loss Realized loss (gain) on premise and equipment disposals Bad debt expense Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax Changes in assets and liabilities: Accrued investment income Premiums and other receivables Deferred acquisition costs, net Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses Prepaid reinsurance premiums Prepaid expenses and other assets Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves Unearned premiums Unearned service contract and other revenue Reinsurance payable Accounts payable Income tax payable Deferred tax liability Other liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries Purchases of other investments Acquisition of consolidated subsidiaries, net of cash Notes receivable from related party Purchases of equity securities Proceeds from sale of equity securities Purchases of short term investments Proceeds from sale of short-term investments Purchases of premises and equipment Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment Purchases of fixed maturities Proceeds from sale and maturity of fixed maturities Net cash used in investing activities 49,628 5,008 (2,681) 5,937 (8,113) (4,940) 15,247 — 23,810 278 (5,649) 45,340 (34,532) 79,343 (25,582) 27,177 23,004 79,731 (1,553) (42,469) (99,049) (25,306) (34,677) 89,835 316,064 (68,975) (10,477) 162,569 43,905 2,596 3,774 2,859 (1,180) 648 2,244 (271) 29,133 (1,655) (2,591) (236,128) (65,626) 78,578 13,095 (33,663) 133,531 212,577 1,208 21,536 3,870 — 2,727 (1,274) (2,645) 2,869 96 22,484 365 (245) (12,980) 122 40,619 3,617 963 (27,289) (12,366) 3,147 (17,147) (41,426) 148,456 30,116 (65,507) 5,032 388,731 (21,647) (14,604) (36,200) (440) (5,960) (10,712) (18,966) 10,503 (47,729) (2,193) (18,555) — — (125,000) (11,824) (45,970) (4,808) 3,951 (84,939) 91,952 (22,669) — 2,829 — — (15,307) 1,046 — (57,068) 131,197 (10,873) — (1,310,560) (746,338) (439,673) 530,325 344,707 296,391 (720,647) (656,484) (153,311) See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-8 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In Thousands) Cash flows from financing activities: Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, net Securities sold but not yet purchased, net Notes payable repayments Proceeds from notes payable Issuance of common stock, net (fees $7,858 - 2015, $12,146 - 2014 and $1,093 - 2013) Issuance of preferred stock, net (fees $5,448- 2015, $1,836 - 2014 and $0 - 2013) Exercises of stock options Dividends paid to preferred shareholders Dividends paid to common shareholders Net cash provided by financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Cash paid for income taxes Cash paid for interest Non-cash capital contributions Unsettled investment security purchases Accrued preferred stock dividends Accrued common stock dividends 5,680 — (631) 195,400 210,642 159,552 2,595 (10,931) (7,719) 554,588 (343) 149,662 132,615 282,277 77,000 21,222 — 16,670 4,125 3,167 $ $ (62,825) — (84,427) 245,077 177,833 53,164 796 (1,260) (3,600) 324,758 1,787 58,792 73,823 132,615 54,031 17,144 74,215 — 1,031 1,870 $ $ 22,885 (56,700) (58,435) 69,463 213,277 — — (12,202) (1,594) 176,694 — 33,886 39,937 73,823 24,500 1,256 10,275 — — 797 $ $ See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-9 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) 1. Organization National General Holdings Corp. (the “Company” or “NGHC”) is an insurance holding company formed under the laws of the state of Delaware. The Company provides, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, a variety of insurance products, including personal and commercial automobile, homeowners, umbrella, recreational vehicle, supplemental health, lender-placed and other niche insurance products. The insurance is sold through a network of independent agents, relationships with affinity partners, and direct-response marketing programs. The Company is licensed to operate throughout the fifty states and the District of Columbia as well as the European Union. 2. Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Reporting The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 also include the accounts and operations of Adirondack Insurance Exchange, a New York reciprocal insurer, and New Jersey Skylands Insurance Association, a New Jersey reciprocal insurer (together with their subsidiaries, the "Reciprocal Exchanges" or "Exchanges"), following the Company's acquisition on September 15, 2014 of two management companies that are the attorneys-in-fact for the Reciprocal Exchanges. The Company does not own the Reciprocal Exchanges but manages their business operations through its wholly-owned management companies. The results of the Reciprocal Exchanges and the management companies are included in the Company's Property and Casualty segment. Use of Estimates and Assumptions The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company’s principal estimates include unpaid losses and loss adjustment expense reserves; deferred acquisition costs; reinsurance recoverables, including the provision for uncollectible premiums; recording of impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in fair value; determining the fair value of investments; determining the fair value of share-based awards for stock compensation; the valuation of intangibles and the determination of goodwill; and income taxes. In developing the estimates and assumptions, management uses all available evidence. Because of uncertainties associated with estimating the amounts, timing and likelihood of possible outcomes, actual results could differ from estimates. Premiums and Other Receivables The Company recognizes earned premiums on a pro rata basis over the terms of the policies, generally periods of six or twelve months. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written applicable to the unexpired terms of the policies. Net premium receivables represent premiums written and not yet collected, net of an allowance for uncollectible premiums. The Company regularly evaluates premiums and other receivables and adjusts its allowance for uncollectible amounts as appropriate. Receivables specifically identified as uncollectible are charged to expense in the year the determination is made. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investment securities with original maturities of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. Certain securities with original maturities of 90 days or less that are held as a portion of longer-term investment portfolios are classified as short-term investments. The Company maintains cash balances at Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured institutions. FDIC insures accounts up to $250 at these institutions. Management monitors balances in excess of insured limits and believes that these balances do not represent a significant credit risk to the Company. F-10 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) Deferred Acquisition Costs Deferred acquisition costs include commissions, premium taxes, payments to affinity partners, promotional fees, and other direct sales costs that vary with and are directly related to successful contract acquisition of insurance policies. These costs are deferred and amortized to the extent recoverable, over the policy period in which the related premiums are earned. The Company considers anticipated investment income in determining the recoverability of these costs. Management believes that these costs are recoverable in the near term. Ceding Commission Revenue Commissions on reinsurance premiums ceded are earned in a manner consistent with the recognition of the direct acquisition costs of underlying insurance policies, generally on a pro rata basis over the terms of the policies reinsured. Certain reinsurance agreements contain provisions whereby the ceding commission rates vary based on the loss experience under the agreements. The Company records ceding commission revenue based on its current estimate of subject losses. The Company records adjustments to the ceding commission revenue in the period that changes in the estimated losses are determined. Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses Loss and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) represent the estimated ultimate net costs of all reported and unreported losses incurred through the period end. The reserves for unpaid losses and LAE represent the accumulation of estimates for both reported losses and those incurred but not reported relating to direct insurance and assumed reinsurance agreements. Estimates for salvage and subrogation recoverables are recognized at the time losses are incurred and netted against the provision for losses. Reserves are established for each business at the lowest meaningful level of homogeneous data. Insurance liabilities are based on estimates, and the ultimate liability may vary from such estimates. These estimates are regularly reviewed and adjustments, which can potentially be significant, are included in the period in which they are deemed necessary. Business Combinations The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting, which requires the Company to record assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at their respective fair values as of the acquisition date. The Company accounts for the insurance and reinsurance contracts under the acquisition method as new contracts, which requires the Company to record assets and liabilities at fair value. The Company adjusts the fair value loss and LAE reserves by recording the acquired loss reserves based on the Company’s existing accounting policies and then discounting them based on expected reserve payout patterns using a current risk-free rate of interest. This risk free interest rate is then adjusted based on different cash flow scenarios that use different payout and ultimate reserve assumptions deemed to be reasonably possible based upon the inherent uncertainties present in determining the amount and timing of payment of such reserves. The difference between the acquired loss and LAE reserves and the Company’s best estimate of the fair value of such reserves at the acquisition date is recorded as either an intangible asset or another liability, as applicable and is amortized proportionately to the reduction in the related loss reserves (i.e., over the estimated payout period of the acquired loss and LAE reserves). The Company assigns fair values to intangible assets acquired based on valuation techniques including the income and market approaches. The Company records contingent consideration at fair value based on the terms of the purchase agreement with subsequent changes in fair value recorded through earnings. The determination of fair value may require management to make significant estimates and assumptions. The purchase price is the fair value of the total consideration conveyed to the seller and the Company records the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the acquired net assets, where applicable, as goodwill. The Company expenses costs associated with the acquisition of a business in the period incurred. Goodwill and Intangible Assets The Company accounts for goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), Accounting Standards of Codification (“ASC”) 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other.” A purchase price paid that is in excess of net assets (“goodwill”) arising from a business combination is recorded as an asset and is not amortized. Intangible assets with a finite life are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset. Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized. Goodwill and intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the goodwill or intangible asset is impaired, it is written down to its realizable value with a corresponding expense reflected in the consolidated statement of income. F-11 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) Equalization Reserves The Company owns several Luxembourg-domiciled reinsurance entities. In connection with these entities, the Company acquires cash and statutory equalization reserves of the reinsurance companies. An equalization reserve is a catastrophe reserve established in excess of required reserves as required by the laws of Luxembourg. The equalization reserves were originally established by the seller of the reinsurance entities, and under Luxembourg law allowed the reinsurance company to reduce its income tax paid. Equalization reserves are required to be established for Luxembourg statutory and tax purposes, but are not recognized under U.S. GAAP. The Company establishes a deferred tax liability equal to approximately 30% of the unutilized statutory equalization reserves. The deferred tax liability is adjusted each reporting period based primarily on amounts ceded to the Luxembourg reinsurer under the intercompany reinsurance agreement. Investments The Company accounts for its investments in accordance with ASC 320, “Investments - Debt and Equity Securities”, which requires that fixed maturities and equity securities that have readily determined fair values be segregated into categories based upon the Company’s intention for those securities. The Company has classified its investments as available-for-sale. The Company may sell its available-for-sale securities in response to changes in interest rates, risk/reward characteristics, liquidity needs or other factors. Available-for-sale securities are reported at their estimated fair values based on a recognized pricing service, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax effects, reported as a separate component of other comprehensive income in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Purchases and sales of investments are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses are determined based on the specific identification method. Net investment income is recognized when earned and includes interest and dividend income together with amortization of market premiums and discounts using the effective yield method and is net of investment management fees and other expenses. For mortgage-backed securities and any other holdings for which there is a prepayment risk, prepayment assumptions are evaluated and revised as necessary. Any adjustments required due to the change in effective yields and maturities are recognized on a prospective basis through yield adjustments. The Company uses a set of quantitative and qualitative criteria to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in fair value. These criteria include: • • • • • • • the current fair value compared to amortized cost; the length of time the security’s fair value has been below its amortized cost; specific credit issues related to the issuer such as changes in credit rating or non-payment of scheduled interest payments; whether management intends to sell the security and, if not, whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer of the security, including any specific events that may affect its operations or earnings; the occurrence of a discrete credit event resulting in the issuer defaulting on a material outstanding obligation or the issuer seeking protection under bankruptcy laws; and other items, including management, media exposure, sponsors, marketing and advertising agreements, debt restructurings, regulatory changes, acquisitions and dispositions, pending litigation, distribution agreements and general industry trends. Impairment of investment securities results in a charge to operations when a market decline below cost is deemed to be other- than-temporary. The Company immediately writes down investments that it considers to be impaired based on the above criteria collectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $15,247, $2,244, and $2,869, respectively. In the event of the decline in fair value of a debt security, a holder of that security that does not intend to sell the debt security and for whom it is more likely than not that such holder will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis is required to separate the decline in fair value into (a) the amount representing the credit loss and (b) the amount related to other factors. The amount of total decline in fair value related to the credit loss shall be recognized in earnings as an other-than- temporary impairment (“OTTI”) with the amount related to other factors recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income F-12 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) or loss, net of tax. OTTI credit losses result in a permanent reduction of the cost basis of the underlying investment. The determination of OTTI is a subjective process, and different judgments and assumptions could affect the timing of the loss realization. The following are the types of investments the Company has: (i) (ii) Short-term investments - Short-term investments are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value, and includes investments with maturities between 91 days and less than one year at the date of acquisition. Short-term investments consist primarily of money market investments and securities purchased under agreements to resell (reverse purchase agreements). Fixed maturities and equity securities - Fixed maturities and equity securities (common stock, mutual funds, non-redeemable preferred stock) are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value. Unrealized gains or losses on available-for- sale securities are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. (iii) Mortgage and asset-backed securities - For mortgage and asset-backed securities, the Company recognizes income using the retrospective adjustment method based on prepayments and the estimated economic lives of the securities. The effective yield reflects actual payments to date plus anticipated future payments. These investments are recorded as fixed maturities on the consolidated balance sheets. (iv) Limited partnerships - The Company uses the equity method of accounting for investments in limited partnerships in which its ownership interest enables the Company to influence the operating or financial decisions of the investee company, but the Company’s interest in the limited partnership does not require consolidation. The Company’s proportionate share of equity in net income of these limited partnerships is reported in net investment income, or equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries, as applicable. (v) (vi) Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (repurchase agreements), at contract value are accounted for as collateralized borrowing and lending transactions and are recorded at their contracted repurchase amounts, plus accrued interest. The Company minimizes the credit risk that counterparties might be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations by monitoring exposure and collateral value and generally requiring additional collateral to be deposited with the Company when necessary. Under repurchase agreements, the Company borrows cash from a counterparty at an agreed-upon interest rate for an agreed- upon time frame and the Company transfers either corporate debt securities or U.S. government and government agency securities (pledged collateral). For securities repurchase agreements, the cash received is typically invested in cash equivalents, short-term investments or fixed maturities, with the offsetting obligation to repay the loan included as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets. At the end of the agreement, the counterparty returns the collateral to the Company, and the Company, in turn, repays a loan amount along with the agreed-upon interest. Securities purchased under agreements to resell (reverse repurchase agreements) at contract value are generally treated as collateralized receivables. The Company reports receivables arising from reverse repurchase agreements in short-term investments in the consolidated balance sheets. These reverse repurchase agreements are recorded at the contracted resale amounts plus accrued interest. The Company’s policy is to take possession of the securities purchased under agreements to resell. The Company minimizes the risk that counterparties to transactions might be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations by monitoring the counterparty credit exposure and collateral value and generally requiring additional collateral to be deposited with the Company when necessary. Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are used to earn spread income, borrow funds, or to facilitate trading activities. Securities repurchase and resale agreements are generally short-term, and therefore, the carrying amounts of these instruments approximate fair value. (vii) Securities sold but not yet purchased - Securities sold but not yet purchased are accounted for as liabilities and are recorded at prevailing market prices. These transactions result in off-balance sheet risk because the ultimate cost to deliver the securities sold is uncertain. Fair Value of Financial Instruments 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 in the ASC 820 hierarchy 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. Additionally, valuation of fixed-maturity investments is more subjective when markets are less liquid due to lack of F-13 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) market-based inputs, which may increase the potential that the estimated fair value of an investment is not reflective of the price at which an actual transaction could occur. Fair values of other financial instruments approximate their carrying values. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 clarifies that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. Additionally, ASC 820 requires an entity to consider all aspects of nonperformance risk, including the entity’s own credit standing, when measuring the fair value of a liability. ASC 820 establishes a three-level hierarchy to be used when measuring and disclosing fair value. An instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of significant input to its valuation. Following is a description of the three hierarchy levels: Level 1 - Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the measurement date. Additionally, the entity must have the ability to access the active market and the quoted prices cannot be adjusted by the entity. Level 2 - Inputs are other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in inactive markets for identical or similar assets or liabilities; or inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 - Unobservable inputs are supported by little or no market activity. The unobservable inputs represent management’s best assumptions of how market participants would price the assets or liabilities. Generally, Level 3 assets and liabilities are valued using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques that require significant judgment or estimation. Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries The Company uses the equity method of accounting for investments in subsidiaries in which its ownership interest enables the Company to influence operating or financial decisions of the subsidiary, but the Company’s interest does not require consolidation. In applying the equity method, the Company records its investment at cost, and subsequently increases or decreases the carrying amount of the investment by its proportionate share of the net earnings or losses and other comprehensive income of the investee. Any dividends or distributions received are recorded as a decrease in the carrying value of the investment. The Company’s proportionate share of net income is reported in the consolidated statement of income. Stock Compensation Expense The Company recognizes compensation expense for its share-based awards over the estimated vesting period based on estimated grant date fair value. Share-based payments include stock option grants and restricted stock units ("RSU") under the Company’s 2010 and 2013 Equity Incentive Plans. Advertising Costs The Company expenses the cost of advertising as incurred. Advertising expense is included as a component of General and administrative expense in the Company's consolidated statements of income. Advertising expense was $38,263, $31,198 and $31,596 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Dilutive earnings per share are computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period adjusted for the dilutive impact of share options, RSUs and convertible preferred stock using the treasury stock method. Impairment of Long-lived Assets The carrying value of long-lived assets is evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable from the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying F-14 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) amount of an asset to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value as estimated by discounted cash flows. No impairment was recognized in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. Income Taxes The Company joins its subsidiaries in the filing of a consolidated Federal income tax return and is party to Federal income tax allocation agreements. Under the tax allocation agreements, the Company pays to or receives from its subsidiaries the amount, if any, by which the group’s Federal income tax liability was affected by virtue of inclusion of the subsidiary in the consolidated Federal return. The Reciprocal Exchanges are not party to federal income tax allocation agreements but file separate tax returns annually. Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such amounts as measured by tax laws and regulations. The deferred tax asset and liability primarily consists of book versus tax differences for earned premiums, loss and LAE reserve discounting, deferred acquisition costs, earned but unbilled premiums, and unrealized holding gains and losses on fixed maturities. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with components of other comprehensive income, primarily unrealized investment gains and losses, are recorded directly to other comprehensive income. Otherwise, changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included as a component of income tax expense. In assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that the Company will generate future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. The Company considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning strategies and projected future taxable income in making this assessment. If necessary, the Company establishes a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amounts more likely than not to be realized. The Company recognizes tax benefits only for tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The Company’s policy is to prospectively classify accrued interest and penalties related to any unrecognized tax benefits in its income tax provision. The Company files its tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates. Reinsurance The Company cedes insurance risk under various reinsurance agreements. The Company seeks to reduce the loss that may arise from catastrophes or other events that cause unfavorable underwriting results by reinsuring certain levels of risk with other insurance enterprises. The Company remains liable with respect to any insurance ceded if the assuming companies are unable to meet their obligations under these reinsurance agreements. Reinsurance premiums, losses and LAE ceded to other companies are accounted for on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Earned premiums and losses and LAE incurred ceded to other companies have been recorded as a reduction of premium revenue and losses and LAE. Commissions allowed by reinsurers on business ceded have been recorded as ceding commission revenue. Reinsurance recoverables are reported based on the portion of reserves and paid losses and LAE that are ceded to other companies. Assessing whether or not a reinsurance contract meets the condition for risk transfer requires judgment. The determination of risk transfer is critical to reporting premiums and losses, and is based, in part, on the use of actuarial and pricing models and assumptions. If the Company determines that a reinsurance contract does not transfer sufficient risk, it accounts for the contract under deposit accounting. F-15 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) Premises and Equipment Premises and equipment are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows: Buildings and improvements Leasehold improvements Hardware and software Furniture and equipment 30 years Remaining lease term 3 to 5 years 3 to 10 years The Company capitalizes costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use that is specifically identifiable, has determinable lives and relates to future use. Assessments Insurance-related assessments are accrued in the period in which they have been incurred. A typical obligating event would be the issuance of an insurance policy or the occurrence of a claim. The Company is subject to a variety of assessments, such as assessments by state guaranty funds used by state insurance regulators to cover losses of policyholders of insolvent insurance companies and for the operating expenses of such agencies. The Company uses estimated assessment rates in determining the appropriate assessment expense and accrual. The Company uses estimates derived from state regulators and/or National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) Tax and Assessments Guidelines. Assessment expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $11,631, $6,267 and $6,866, respectively. Non-controlling Interest and Variable Interest Entities The ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries of non-controlling interests is reflected as non-controlling interest. The Company’s consolidation principles also consolidates entities in which the Company is deemed a primary beneficiary. Non- controlling interest income or loss represents such non-controlling interests in the earnings of that entity. The Company consolidates the Reciprocal Exchanges as it has determined that these are variable interest entities and that the Company is the primary beneficiary (see Note 3, "Reciprocal Exchanges"). All significant transactions and account balances between the Company and its subsidiaries are eliminated during consolidation. Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk are primarily cash and cash equivalents, investments and premiums and other receivables. Investments are diversified through many industries and geographic regions through the use of an investment manager who employs different investment strategies. The Company limits the amount of credit exposure with any one financial institution and believes that no significant concentration of credit risk exists with respect to cash and investments. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the outstanding premiums and other receivables balance was generally diversified due to the Company’s diversified customer base. To reduce credit risk, the Company performs ongoing evaluations for uncollectible amounts. The Company also has receivables from its reinsurers. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. The Company periodically evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. It is the policy of management to review all outstanding receivables at period end as well as the bad debt write-offs experienced in the past and establish an allowance for uncollectible accounts, if deemed necessary. Reclassifications Certain accounts in the prior years’ consolidated financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes to conform to the current year’s presentation. The Company adopted ASU 2015-03 on April 1, 2015 which resulted in the reclassification of $4,923 of debt issuance costs from Prepaid and other assets to Notes payable in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014 (see Note 15, "Debt"). In addition, balances of $110,348 were reclassified from Accounts payable and accrued expenses to Premiums and other receivables, net with the right of offset in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014. This did not have any impact on the net income of the Company. F-16 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) Foreign Currency Transactions The functional currency of the Company and many of its subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. For these companies, the Company translates monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at year-end exchange rates, with the resulting foreign exchange gains and losses recognized in the consolidated statements of income. Revenues and expenses in foreign currencies are converted at average exchange rates during the year. Monetary assets and liabilities include investments, cash and cash equivalents, reinsurance balances receivable, reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses and accrued expenses and other liabilities. Accounts that are classified as non-monetary, such as deferred commission and other acquisition expenses and unearned premiums, are not revalued. Service and Fee Income The Company currently generates policy service and fee income from installment fees, late payment fees, and other finance and processing fees related to policy cancellation, policy reinstatement and non-sufficient funds check returns. These fees are generally designed to offset expenses incurred in the administration of the Company’s insurance business, and are generated as follows. Installment fees are charged to permit a policyholder to pay premiums in installments rather than in a lump sum. Late payment fees are charged when premiums are remitted after the due date and any applicable grace periods. Policy cancellation fees are charged to policyholders when a policy is terminated by the policyholder prior to the expiration of the policy’s term or renewal term, as applicable. Reinstatement fees are charged to reinstate a policy that has lapsed, generally as a result of non- payment of premiums. Non-sufficient fund fees are charged when the customer’s payment is returned by the financial institution. All fee income is recognized as follows. An installment fee is recognized at the time each policy installment bill is due. A late payment fee is recognized when the customer’s payment is not received after the listed due date and any applicable grace period. A policy cancellation fee is recognized at the time the customer’s policy is cancelled. A policy reinstatement fee is recognized when the customer’s policy is reinstated. A non-sufficient fund fee is recognized when the customer’s payment is returned by the financial institution. The amounts charged are primarily intended to compensate the Company for the administrative costs associated with processing and administering policies that generate insurance premium; however, the amounts of fees charged are not dependent on the amount or period of insurance coverage provided and do not entail any obligation to return any portion of those funds. The direct and indirect costs associated with generating fee income are not separately tracked. The Company estimates an allowance for doubtful accounts based on a percentage of fee income. The Company also collects service fees in the form of commission and general agent fees by selling policies issued by third- party insurance companies. The Company does not bear insurance underwriting risk with respect to these policies. Commission income and general agent fees are recognized, net of an allowance for estimated policy cancellations, at the date the customer is initially billed or as of the effective date of the insurance policy, whichever is later. The allowance for estimated third-party cancellations is periodically evaluated and adjusted as necessary. Management fees earned by the management companies for services provided to the Reciprocal Exchanges are eliminated in consolidation. The following table summarizes service and fee income by category: F-17 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) Year Ended December 31, Installment fees Commission revenue General agent fees Late payment fees Group health administrative fees Finance and processing fees Lender service fees Other Total Recent Accounting Literature 2015 2014 2013 $ 32,404 $ 30,323 $ 58,807 76,855 12,210 29,622 52,865 4,364 52,597 45,637 11,658 4,358 13,569 — 30,666 43,716 21,526 11,240 3,321 11,727 — 6,421 273,548 $ 10,429 168,571 $ 5,345 127,541 $ In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity", to reduce diversity in practice for reporting discontinued operations. Under the previous guidance, any component of an entity that was a reportable segment, an operating segment, a reporting unit, a subsidiary, or an asset group was eligible for discontinued operations presentation. The revised guidance only allows disposals of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift (e.g., disposal of a major geographical area, a major line of business, a major equity method investment, or other major parts of an entity) and that have a major effect on a reporting entity’s operations and financial results to be reported as discontinued operations. The revised guidance also requires expanded disclosure in the financial statements for discontinued operations as well as for disposals of significant components of an entity that do not qualify for discontinued operations presentation. The updated guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years. The Company adopted ASU 2014-08 on January 1, 2015 and the implementation of the standard did not have an impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-11, "Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures." The new guidance aligns the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions and repurchase agreements executed as a repurchase financing with the accounting for other typical repurchase agreements. Going forward, these transactions would all be accounted for as secured borrowings. The guidance eliminates sale accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions and supersedes the guidance under which a transfer of a financial asset and a contemporaneous repurchase financing could be accounted for on a combined basis as a forward agreement, which has resulted in outcomes referred to as off-balance-sheet accounting. ASU No. 2014-11 requires new disclosures for certain transactions comprised of (1) a transfer of a financial asset accounted for as a sale and (2) an agreement with the same transferee entered into in contemplation of the initial transfer that results in the transferor retaining substantially all of the exposure to the economic return on the transferred financial asset throughout the term of the transaction. Such disclosures include: (a) the carrying amount of assets derecognized (sold) as of the date of derecognition; (b) the amount of gross proceeds received by the transferor at the time of derecognition for the assets derecognized; (c) the information about the transferor’s ongoing exposure to the economic return on the transferred financial assets; and (d) the amounts that are reported in the statement of financial position arising from the transaction, such as those represented by derivative contracts. ASU No. 2014-11 also requires expanded disclosures about the nature of collateral pledged in repurchase agreements and similar transactions accounted for as secured borrowings. Such disclosures include: (i) a disaggregation of the gross obligation by the class of collateral pledged; (ii) the remaining contractual time to maturity of the agreements; and (iii) a discussion of the potential risks associated with the agreements and the related collateral pledged including obligations arising from a decline in the fair value of the collateral pledged and how those risks are managed. For public entities, the disclosure for repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions, and repurchase-to-maturity transactions accounted for as secured borrowings is required to be presented for all annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and for interim periods beginning after March 15, 2015. All other amendments in this Update are effective for public entities for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2014. The disclosure requirements are not required to be presented for comparative periods before the effective date. The Company adopted ASU 2014-11 on April 1, 2015 and the effects of adoption were limited to the expanded disclosure requirements about the nature of collateral pledged in the Company's repurchase agreements which are accounted for as secured borrowings. The implementation of the standard did not have an impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. F-18 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, "Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”, as part of its initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards. ASU 2015-03 amends the current practice where debt issuance costs were recognized as separate assets (i.e., deferred charges) on the balance sheet and were not deducted from the carrying value of the debt liability. ASU 2015-03 amends the current practice and requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in ASU 2015-03. The amendments in ASU 2015-03 are effective for public business entities for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of the amendments in ASU 2015-03 is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. An entity should apply the new guidance on a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet of each individual period presented should be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. The Company adopted ASU 2015-03 on April 1, 2015 which resulted in the reclassification of $4,923 of debt issuance costs from Prepaid and other assets to Notes payable in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014 (see Note 15, "Debt"). Recently Issued Accounting Standards Update - Not Yet Adopted In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on recognizing revenue in contracts with customers. The objective of the new guidance as issued by the FASB in ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, is to remove inconsistencies and weaknesses in revenue requirements, provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, improve comparability of revenue recognition practices, and provide for improved disclosure requirements. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. To achieve that core principle, an entity applies the following five steps: (1) identifies the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identifies the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determines the transaction price; (4) allocates the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognizes revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies the performance obligations. The new guidance also includes a comprehensive set of qualitative and quantitative disclosure requirements including information about: (i) contracts with customers- including revenue and impairments recognized, disaggregation of revenue, and information about contract balances and performance obligations; (ii) significant judgments in determining the satisfaction of performance obligations, determining the transaction price, and amounts allocated to performance obligations; and (iii) assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. For a public entity, the amendments in this Update were originally effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. However, in August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date" which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)" for all entities by one year. Public business entities are to apply the guidance in ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. While the guidance specifically excludes revenues from insurance contracts, investments and financial instruments from the scope of the new guidance, the guidance will be applicable to the Company’s other forms of revenue not specifically exempted from the guidance. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures and is currently unable to estimate the impact of adopting this guidance. In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-16, "Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share is More Akin to Debt or Equity (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)", to reduce diversity in practice in the accounting for hybrid financial instruments issued in the form of a share. The amendments in ASU 2014-16 do not change the current criteria in GAAP for determining when separation of certain embedded derivative features in a hybrid financial instrument is required. An entity will continue to evaluate whether the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded derivative feature are clearly and closely related to those of the host contract, among other relevant criteria. ASU 2014-16 clarifies how current GAAP should be interpreted in evaluating the economic characteristics and risks of a host contract in a hybrid financial instrument that is issued in the form of a share. Specifically, ASU 2014-16 clarifies that an entity should consider all relevant terms and features-including the embedded derivative feature being evaluated for bifurcation-in evaluating the nature of the host contract. Furthermore, ASU 2014-16 clarifies that no single term or feature would necessarily determine the economic characteristics and risks of the host contract. Rather, the nature of the host contract depends upon the economic characteristics and risks of the entire hybrid financial instrument. In addition, the amendments in this Update clarify that, in evaluating the nature of a host contract, an entity should assess the substance of the relevant terms and features (that is, the relative strength of the debt- like or equity-like terms and features given the facts and circumstances) when considering how to weight those terms and features. The effects of initially adopting the amendments in ASU 2014-16 are to be applied on a modified retrospective basis to existing F-19 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) hybrid financial instruments issued in the form of a share as of the beginning of the fiscal year for which the amendments are effective. Retrospective application is permitted to all relevant prior periods. The amendments in ASU 2014-16 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption, including adoption in an interim period, is permitted. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments are to be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The adoption of ASU 2014-16 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, "Income Statement-Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20) (simplifying income statement presentation by eliminating the concept of extraordinary items)”, as part of its initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards. ASU No. 2015-01 eliminates from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. Subtopic 225-20, Income Statement-Extraordinary and Unusual Items, required that an entity separately classify, present, and disclose extraordinary events and transactions. Previously, an event or transaction was presumed to be an ordinary and usual activity of the reporting entity unless evidence clearly supports its classification as an extraordinary item. If an event or transaction met the criteria for extraordinary classification, an entity was required to segregate the extraordinary item from the results of ordinary operations and show the item separately in the income statement, net of tax, after income from continuing operations. The entity also was required to disclose applicable income taxes and either present or disclose earnings-per-share data applicable to the extraordinary item. An entity has a choice of transition methods. It may apply the amendments in ASU 2015-01 either prospectively or retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The amendments in ASU 2015-01 are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. An entity has the option to adopt the changes earlier provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, "Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis" to address concerns that GAAP might require a reporting entity to consolidate another legal entity in situations in which the reporting entity's contractual rights do not give it the ability to act primarily on its own behalf, the reporting entity does not hold a majority of the legal entity's voting rights, or the reporting entity is not exposed to a majority of the legal entity's economic benefits or obligations. Specifically, the amendments: (1) modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities ("VIEs") or voting interest entities; (2) eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership; (3) affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships; and (4) provide a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in legal entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with requirements that are similar to those in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for registered money market funds. ASU 2015-02 amends certain areas in the consolidation analysis including: (i) the effect of related parties on the primary beneficiary determination; (ii) the evaluation of fees paid to a decision maker or a service provider as a variable interest; (iii) the effect of fee arrangements on the primary beneficiary determination; and (iv) certain investment funds. The amendments in ASU 2015-02 are effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. A reporting entity may apply the amendments in ASU 2015-02 using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption or may apply the amendments retrospectively. The adoption of ASU 2015-02 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)", which provides guidance that removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient as well as limits certain disclosure requirements only to investments for which the entity elects to measure the fair value using that practical expedient. The updated guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and should be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-09, "Financial Services—Insurance (Topic 944): Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts" to expand existing GAAP disclosure requirements for short-duration contracts regarding the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses. The amendments in ASU 2015-09 are intended to increase the transparency of significant estimates made in measuring those liabilities, improve comparability by requiring consistent disclosure of information, and provide financial statement users with additional information to facilitate analysis of the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from contracts issued by insurance entities and the development of loss reserve estimates. Specifically, the amendments require the F-20 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) following information for annual reporting periods about the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses: (1) incurred and paid claims development information by accident year, on a net basis after risk mitigation through reinsurance, for the number of years for which claims incurred typically remain outstanding; (2) a reconciliation of incurred and paid claims development information to the aggregate carrying amount of the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, with separate disclosure of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims for each period presented in the statement of financial position; (3) the total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims included in the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses for each accident year presented of incurred claims development information, accompanied by a description of reserving methodologies (as well as any changes to those methodologies); (4) quantitative information about claim frequency (unless it is impracticable to do so) for each accident year presented of incurred claims development information, accompanied by a qualitative description of methodologies used for determining claim frequency information (as well as any changes to these methodologies); and (5) the average annual percentage payout of incurred claims by age (that is, history of claims duration) for the same number of accident years as presented in (3) and (4) above for all claims except health insurance claims. The amendments also require insurance entities to disclose information about significant changes in methodologies and assumptions used to calculate the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, including reasons for the change and the effects on the financial statements. Additionally, the amendments require insurance entities to disclose for annual and interim reporting periods a roll forward of the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses. For health insurance claims, the amendments require the disclosure of the total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims included in the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses. Additional disclosures about liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses reported at present value include the following: (1) the aggregate amount of discount for the time value of money deducted to derive the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses for each period presented in the statement of financial position; (2) the amount of interest accretion recognized for each period presented in the statement of income; and (3) the line item(s) in the statement of income in which the interest accretion is classified. The amendments in ASU 2015-09 are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In the year of initial application of the amendments in ASU 2015-09, an insurance entity need not disclose information about claims development for a particular category that occurred earlier than five years before the end of the first financial reporting year in which the amendments are first applied if it is impracticable to obtain the information required to satisfy the disclosure requirement. For each subsequent year following the year of initial application, the minimum required number of years will increase by at least 1 but need not exceed 10 years, including the most recent period presented in the statement of financial position. Early application of the amendments in ASU 2015-09 is permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively by providing comparative disclosures for each period presented, except for those requirements that apply only to the current period. The adoption of ASU 2015-09 is limited to disclosure requirements and will not have an effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, "Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments" which applies to all entities that have reported provisional amounts for items in a business combination for which the accounting is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs and during the measurement period have an adjustment to provisional amounts recognized. The amendments in ASU 2015-16 require that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The amendments in ASU 2015-16 require that the acquirer record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The amendments in ASU 2015-16 require an entity to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. The amendments in ASU 2015-16 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and should be applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date with earlier application permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. The only disclosures required at transition will be the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle. An entity should disclose that information in the first annual period of adoption and in the interim periods within the first annual period if there is a measurement-period adjustment during the first annual period in which the changes are effective. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures and is currently unable to estimate the impact of adopting this guidance. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, "Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities" to provide users of financial statements with more useful information on the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The amendments in ASU 2016-01 affect F-21 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) all entities that hold financial assets or owe financial liabilities and make targeted improvements to existing GAAP by: (1) requiring equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. However, an entity may choose to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer; (2) simplifying the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment. When a qualitative assessment indicates that impairment exists, an entity is required to measure the investment at fair value; (3) eliminating the requirement to disclose the fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost for entities that are not public business entities; (4) eliminating the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet; (5) requiring public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; (6) requiring an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income ("OCI") the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk (also referred to as "own credit") when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments; (7) requiring separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset (that is, securities or loans and receivables) on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements; and (8) clarifying that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. The amendments in ASU 2016-01 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application of the following provisions in ASU 2016-01 is permitted as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption: (i) the "own credit" provision, in which an organization should present separately in OCI the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk if the organization has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments; and (ii) the provision that exempts entities that are not public business entities from the requirement to apply the fair value of financial instruments disclosure guidance. Except for the early application guidance discussed above, early adoption of the amendments in ASU 2016-01 is not permitted. The amendments should be applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values (including disclosure requirements) should be applied prospectively to equity investments that exist as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures and is currently unable to estimate the impact of adopting this guidance. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)” to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The new standard establishes a right-of-use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures and is currently unable to estimate the impact of adopting this guidance. 3. Reciprocal Exchanges As of September 15, 2014, through its wholly-owned management companies, the Company manages the business operations of the Reciprocal Exchanges and has the ability to direct their activities. The Reciprocal Exchanges are insurance carriers organized as unincorporated associations. Each policyholder insured by the Reciprocal Exchanges shares risk with the other policyholders. In the event of dissolution, policyholders would share any residual unassigned surplus in the same proportion as the amount of insurance purchased but are not subject to assessment for any deficit in unassigned surplus of the Reciprocal Exchanges. The Company receives management fee income for the services provided to the Reciprocal Exchanges. The assets of the Reciprocal Exchanges can be used only to settle the obligations of the Reciprocal Exchanges and general creditors to their liabilities have no recourse to the Company. F-22 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) Subsidiaries of ACP Re Ltd. ("ACP Re"), a related party, hold the surplus notes that were issued by the Reciprocal Exchanges when they were originally capitalized. The obligation to repay principal and interest on the surplus notes is subordinated to the Reciprocal Exchanges’ other liabilities including obligations to policyholders and claimants for benefits under insurance policies. Principal and interest on the surplus notes are payable only with regulatory approval. The Company has no ownership interest in the Reciprocal Exchanges. The Company determined that it holds a variable interest in each of the Reciprocal Exchanges because of the significance of the management fees paid by the Reciprocal Exchanges to the wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company as the Reciprocal Exchanges' decision-maker and the relevance of these fees to the economic performance of the Reciprocal Exchanges. Each of the Reciprocal Exchanges qualifies as a Variable Interest Entity ("VIE") because the policyholders of the Reciprocal Exchanges lack the ability to direct the activities of the Reciprocal Exchanges that have a significant impact on the Reciprocal Exchanges' economic performance. The Company is the primary beneficiary because it, through its wholly-owned management companies, has both the power to direct the activities of the Reciprocal Exchanges that most significantly impact their economic performance and the right to economic benefits that could be potentially significant. Accordingly, the Company consolidates these Reciprocal Exchanges and eliminates all intercompany balances and transactions with the Company. The following table presents the opening balance sheet of the Reciprocal Exchanges as of September 15, 2014: September 15, 2014 Assets: Cash and investments Accrued investment income Premiums receivables Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses Prepaid reinsurance premiums Intangible assets, net Income tax receivable Other assets Total assets Liabilities: Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves Unearned premiums Reinsurance payable Accounts payable and accrued expenses Deferred tax liability Notes payable Due to affiliate Other liabilities Total liabilities Stockholders’ equity: Non-controlling interest Total stockholders’ equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 235,684 1,975 62,412 19,137 27,166 13,901 819 124 361,218 113,828 114,786 5,167 10,120 39,238 44,600 17,808 4,506 350,053 11,165 11,165 361,218 $ $ $ For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Reciprocal Exchanges recognized total revenues, total expenses and net income of $203,492, $189,599 and $13,893, respectively. For the period from September 15, 2014 to December 31, 2014, the Reciprocal Exchanges recognized total revenues, total expenses and net income of $54,347, $51,841 and $2,506, respectively. F-23 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) For the year ended December 31, 2015 and for the period from September 15, 2014 to December 31, 2014, the Company earned service and fee income from the Reciprocal Exchanges in the amount of $39,792 and $9,901, respectively. Such amounts are eliminated in our consolidated earnings. 4. Investments (a) Available-for-Sale Securities The cost or amortized cost, fair value, and gross unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities were as follows: December 31, 2015 Equity securities: Common stock Preferred stock Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury Federal agencies States and political subdivision bonds Foreign government Corporate bonds Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Structured securities Total Less: Securities pledged Total net of Securities pledged NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Cost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value $ $ 53,356 11,448 $ 569 377 (6,960) $ — 46,965 11,825 19,348 1,945 193,017 31,383 1,375,336 419,293 135,134 205,024 2,445,284 54,955 2,390,329 2,199,714 245,570 2,445,284 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 1,052 7 4,516 31 22,224 6,254 720 15 35,765 439 35,326 34,773 992 35,765 $ $ $ $ (48) — (609) (352) (47,902) (978) (3,649) (4,347) (64,845) $ — (64,845) $ (58,826) $ (6,019) (64,845) $ 20,352 1,952 196,924 31,062 1,349,658 424,569 132,205 200,692 2,416,204 55,394 2,360,810 2,175,661 240,543 2,416,204 F-24 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) December 31, 2014 Equity securities: Common stock Preferred stock Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury Federal agencies States and political subdivision bonds Foreign government Corporate bonds Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Asset-backed securities Total Less: Securities pledged Total net of Securities pledged NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Cost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value $ 47,269 $ 1,004 $ 7,755 65 (7,349) $ (125) 40,924 7,695 37,446 98 172,617 6,194 839,436 459,596 79,579 5,461 1,655,451 47,546 1,607,905 1,430,578 224,873 1,655,451 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 1,536 — 4,961 — 36,525 11,132 1,602 — 56,825 1,910 54,915 55,031 1,794 56,825 $ $ $ $ (3) — (169) (658) (8,699) (92) (189) (91) (17,375) $ — (17,375) $ (16,264) $ (1,111) (17,375) $ 38,979 98 177,409 5,536 867,262 470,636 80,992 5,370 1,694,901 49,456 1,645,445 1,469,345 225,556 1,694,901 The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturities and securities pledged, held as of December 31, 2015, by contractual maturity, are shown in the table below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because some borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total December 31, 2015 Due in one year or less Due after one year through five years Cost or Amortized Cost 28,272 $ 244,834 Fair Value 27,853 246,342 $ Due after five years through ten years 1,031,918 1,017,146 Due after ten years Mortgage-backed securities Total 330,244 501,143 321,985 505,119 Cost or Amortized Cost Fair Value $ 175 $ 178 Cost or Amortized Cost 28,447 $ Fair Value 28,031 280,623 $ 35,145 109,946 45,519 53,284 34,281 279,979 107,655 1,141,864 1,124,801 45,200 51,655 375,763 554,427 367,185 556,774 $2,136,411 $2,118,445 $ 244,069 $ 238,969 $2,380,480 $2,357,414 F-25 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) (b) Investment Income The components of net investment income consisted of the following: Interest Cash and short term investments Equity securities Fixed maturities Reverse Repurchase Agreements Investment Income Investment expense Repurchase Agreements interest expense Other Income (1) Net Investment Income NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Net Investment Income Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 2015 $ $ $ $ $ 186 277 $ 114 349 69,310 — 69,773 (3,529) (213) 9,309 75,340 66,429 8,911 75,340 $ $ $ 52,008 — 52,471 (2,629) (236) 2,820 52,426 50,627 1,799 52,426 $ $ $ 14 — 33,936 61 34,011 (2,927) (276) — 30,808 30,808 — 30,808 (1) Includes interest income of approximately $8,701 and $2,601 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, under the ACP Re Credit Agreement (see Note 16, "Related Party Transactions"). (c) Realized Gains and Losses Proceeds from sales of equity securities and fixed maturities during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $180,412, $218,496 and $296,391, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized an OTTI loss of $15,247, $2,244 and $2,869, respectively, on investments based on our qualitative and quantitative review. The tables below indicate the gross realized gains and losses (including any OTTI loss) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. Year Ended December 31, 2015 Equity securities Fixed maturities OTTI Total gross realized gains and losses NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total gross realized gains and losses Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) $ $ $ $ 5 $ 8,245 — 8,250 7,005 1,245 8,250 $ $ $ (1,608) $ (1,702) (15,247) (18,557) $ (17,658) $ (899) (18,557) $ (1,603) 6,543 (15,247) (10,307) (10,653) 346 (10,307) F-26 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) Year Ended December 31, 2014 Equity securities Fixed maturities OTTI Total gross realized gains and losses NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total gross realized gains and losses Year Ended December 31, 2013 Fixed maturities OTTI Total gross realized gains and losses (d) Unrealized Gains and Losses Gross Gains 34 $ Gross Losses $ 151 — 185 185 — 185 $ $ $ $ $ $ Net Gains (Losses) (579) (69) (2,244) (2,892) (2,892) — (2,892) (613) $ (220) (2,244) (3,077) $ (3,077) $ — (3,077) $ Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) $ $ 8,865 — 8,865 $ $ (7,665) $ (2,869) $ (10,534) $ 1,200 (2,869) (1,669) Unrealized gains (losses) on investments as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following: Net unrealized loss on common stock Net unrealized gain (loss) on preferred stock Net unrealized gain (loss) on fixed maturities Net unrealized gain (loss) on other Deferred income tax Net unrealized gain (loss), net of deferred income tax NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Net unrealized gain (loss), net of deferred income tax Non-controlling interest NGHC net unrealized gain (loss), net of deferred income tax Year Ended December 31, NGHC change for the year in net unrealized gain (loss), net of deferred income tax Non-controlling interest change for the year in net unrealized loss, net of deferred income tax 2015 December 31, 2014 2013 (6,391) $ 377 (23,066) (20) 10,185 (18,915) $ (15,634) $ (3,281) (18,915) 3,281 (15,634) $ (6,345) $ (60) 45,855 18 (13,787) 25,681 24,998 683 25,681 (683) 24,998 $ $ $ — (652) 10,310 — (2,598) 7,060 7,060 — 7,060 — 7,060 (40,632) $ 17,938 $ (25,414) (3,964) $ — $ — $ $ $ $ $ $ F-27 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) (e) Gross Unrealized Losses The tables below summarize the gross unrealized losses on equity securities and fixed maturities by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2015 and 2014: Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total 66,222 (3,472) Structured securities Total 153,042 $1,092,393 (4,347) $ (54,490) December 31, 2015 Common stock U.S. Treasury States and political subdivision bonds Foreign government Corporate bonds Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total December 31, 2014 Common stock Preferred stock U.S. Treasury States and political subdivision bonds Foreign government Corporate bonds Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Asset-backed securities Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Fair Market Value 39,490 7,141 $ Unrealized Losses $ (6,932) (48) No. of Positions Held Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses No. of Positions Held $ 5 5 $ 130 — (28) — 17,674 21,322 (501) (352) 684,613 (37,919) 22 4 229 4,878 — 32,121 (108) — (9,983) Fair Market Value 39,620 7,141 $ Unrealized Losses $ (6,960) (48) 22,552 21,322 716,734 (609) (352) (47,902) 2 — 10 — 38 102,889 (919) 23 1,655 (59) 9 104,544 (978) 30 65 383 284 99 383 No. of Positions Held 3 — 5 39 1 $ 988,188 $ (50,599) 104,205 $1,092,393 (3,891) $ (54,490) Less Than 12 Months Fair Market Value 33,717 $ Unrealized Losses $ (7,349) — 6,343 16,320 5,536 116,880 — (3) (92) (658) (5,594) 108 15,598 (34) 33,735 (189) 4,869 $ 232,998 (91) $ (14,010) $ 142,313 $ (12,899) 90,685 $ 232,998 (1,111) $ (14,010) 17 10 3 186 97 89 186 2,364 — 41,148 28,691 (177) — $ (10,355) (8,227) $ 12,457 41,148 (2,128) $ (10,355) 2 — 61 34 27 61 68,586 153,042 $1,133,541 $1,016,879 (3,649) (4,347) $ (64,845) $ (58,826) 116,662 $1,133,541 (6,019) $ (64,845) 12 Months or More Total Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses No. of Positions Held — $ 4,878 — 8,341 — 23,592 — (125) — (77) — (3,105) — $ 1 — 8 — 10 Fair Market Value 33,717 4,878 6,343 24,661 5,536 140,472 Unrealized Losses $ (7,349) (125) (3) (169) (658) (8,699) 1,975 (58) 3 17,573 (92) — — — 38,786 38,786 — 38,786 $ $ $ — (3,365) (3,365) — (3,365) — — 22 22 — 22 33,735 (189) 4,869 $ 271,784 $ 181,099 (91) $ (17,375) $ (16,264) 90,685 $ 271,784 (1,111) $ (17,375) $ $ $ $ $ $ $ F-28 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) There were 444 and 208 securities at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, that account for the gross unrealized loss, none of which are deemed by the Company to be an OTTI. At December 31, 2015, we have determined that the unrealized losses on fixed maturities were primarily due to market interest rate movements since their date of purchase. Significant factors influencing the Company’s determination that none of these securities were OTTI included the magnitude of unrealized losses in relation to cost, the nature of the investment and management’s intent not to sell these securities and it being more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell these investments before anticipated recovery of fair value to the Company’s cost basis. As of December 31, 2015, of the $10,355 of unrealized losses related to securities in unrealized loss positions for a period of twelve or more consecutive months, $8,466 of those unrealized losses were related to securities in unrealized loss positions greater than or equal to 20% of amortized cost or cost. Those unrealized losses were evaluated based on factors such as discounted cash flows and near-term and long-term prospects of the issue or issuer and were determined to have adequate resources to fulfill contractual obligations. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized an OTTI loss of $15,247, $2,244 and $2,869, respectively, on investments based on our qualitative and quantitative review. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the OTTI loss of $15,247 related to certain investments in the energy and natural resources sectors and was based on the severity of the decline in relation to their amortized cost or cost. (f) Credit Quality of Investments The tables below summarize the credit quality of our fixed maturities, securities pledged and preferred securities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, as rated by Standard & Poor’s. December 31, 2015 U.S. Treasury AAA AA, AA+, AA- A, A+, A- BBB, BBB+, BBB- BB+ and lower Total December 31, 2014 U.S. Treasury AAA AA, AA+, AA- A, A+, A- BBB, BBB+, BBB- BB+ and lower Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Cost or Amortized Cost Fair Value Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities Cost or Amortized Cost Fair Value Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities $ 13,416 $ 14,448 0.7% $ 5,932 $ 343,128 379,560 501,409 634,250 348,073 383,888 508,884 623,742 16.4% 18.0% 23.9% 29.3% 39,724 36,866 50,612 82,417 5,904 38,888 36,934 50,153 80,322 274,594 $2,146,357 249,660 $2,128,695 11.7% 30,020 100.0% $ 245,571 28,343 $ 240,544 2.5% 16.2% 15.4% 20.8% 33.4% 11.7% 100.0% NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Cost or Amortized Cost Fair Value Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities Cost or Amortized Cost Fair Value Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities $ 19,068 $ 20,475 1.4% $ 18,378 $ 359,424 275,905 300,789 328,594 99,529 370,058 282,443 318,955 335,745 100,745 25.9% 19.8% 22.3% 23.5% 7.1% 24,956 — 99,754 48,440 33,345 18,504 25,027 — 100,412 48,486 33,127 8.2% 11.1% —% 44.5% 21.5% 14.7% $ 1,383,309 $1,428,421 100.0% $ 224,873 $ 225,556 100.0% F-29 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) The tables below summarize the investment quality of our corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. December 31, 2015 Corporate Bonds: Financial Institutions Industrials Utilities/Other Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total December 31, 2014 Corporate Bonds: Financial Institutions Industrials Utilities/Other Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total AA+, AA, AA- BBB+, BBB, BBB- A+,A,A- AAA BB+ or Lower Fair Value — % — % 0.4 % 0.4% 0.4 % — % 0.4% 2.8 % 3.9 % — % 6.7% 6.1 % 0.6 % 6.7% 21.2 % 15.4 % 0.4 % 37.0% 33.9 % 3.1 % 37.0% 12.7 % 32.3 % 3.4 % 48.4% 42.7 % 5.7 % 48.4% 2.1 % $ 524,250 757,907 4.6 % 0.8 % 67,501 7.5% $1,349,658 6.3 % $1,206,442 1.2 % 143,216 7.5% $1,349,658 AA+, AA, AA- BBB+, BBB, BBB- A+,A,A- AAA BB+ or Lower Fair Value 1.4 % — % — % 1.4% 1.4 % — % 1.4% 3.6 % 2.4 % — % 6.0% 6.0 % — % 6.0% 26.9 % 9.4 % 2.2 % 38.5% 34.0 % 4.5 % 38.5% 8.9 % 31.7 % 3.1 % 43.7% 38.6 % 5.1 % 43.7% 2.5 % $ 376,236 5.9 % 427,592 63,434 2.0 % 10.4% $ 867,262 8.3 % $ 762,822 104,440 2.1 % 10.4% $ 867,262 % of Corporate Bonds Portfolio 38.8 % 56.2 % 5.0 % 100.0% 89.4 % 10.6 % 100.0% % of Corporate Bonds Portfolio 43.3 % 49.4 % 7.3 % 100.0% 88.3 % 11.7 % 100.0% (g) Restricted Cash and Investments The Company, in order to conduct business in certain states, is required to maintain letters of credit or assets on deposit to support state mandated regulatory requirements and certain third party agreements. The Company also utilizes trust accounts to collateralize business with its reinsurance counterparties. These assets held are primarily in the form of cash or certain high grade securities. The fair values of our restricted assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: December 31, Restricted cash Restricted investments - fixed maturities at fair value Total restricted cash and investments (h) Other 2015 2014 $ $ 13,776 40,174 53,950 $ $ 7,937 56,049 63,986 The Company enters into reverse repurchase and repurchase agreements, which are accounted for as either collateralized lending or borrowing transactions and are recorded at contract amounts, which approximate fair value. For the collateralized borrowing transactions (i.e., repurchase agreements), the Company receives cash or securities that it invests or holds in short-term or fixed income securities. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had no collateralized lending transaction principal outstanding. Interest income associated with lending agreements for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $0, $0 and $61, respectively. F-30 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) As of December 31, 2015, the Company had collateralized borrowing transaction principal outstanding of $52,484 at an interest rate of 0.80%. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had collateralized borrowing transaction principal outstanding of $46,804 at interest rates between 0.30% and 0.35%. Interest expense associated with the repurchase borrowing agreements for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $213, $236 and $276, respectively. The Company had approximately $55,394 and $49,456 of collateral pledged in support for these agreements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The table below summarizes the remaining contractual maturity of the Company's repurchase agreements as of December 31, 2015. December 31, 2015 Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Repurchase Agreements Overnight and Continuous Up to 30 days 30 - 90 days Greater Than 90 days Total Repurchase agreements: Residential mortgage-backed securities Total Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value $ $ — $ 52,484 — $ 52,484 $ $ — $ — $ — $ 52,484 — $ 52,484 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (repurchase agreements), at contract value are accounted for as collateralized borrowing transactions and are recorded at their contracted repurchase amounts, plus accrued interest. Under repurchase agreements, the Company borrows cash from a counterparty at an agreed-upon interest rate for an agreed-upon time frame and the Company transfers either corporate debt securities or U.S. government or government agency securities (pledged collateral). For securities repurchase agreements, the cash received is typically invested in cash equivalents, short-term investments or fixed maturities, with the offsetting obligation to repay the loan included as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets. At the end of the agreement, the counterparty returns the collateral to the Company, and the Company, in turn, repays the loan amount along with the agreed- upon interest. There are potential risks associated with repurchase agreements and the related collateral pledged, including obligations arising from a decline in the market value of the collateral pledged. The Company is generally required to maintain collateral in the amount of 105.0% to 110.0% of the value of the securities we have sold with agreement to repurchase, which are subject to daily mark-to-market margining (i.e., if the collateral falls in value, a margin call can be triggered requiring the Company to pay cash or post extra securities to maintain the 105.0% to 110.0% threshold). Conversely, if the value of the Company’s collateral pledged appreciates in value there is credit risk in that the lending counterparty could default and not return/sell the securities back. The Company minimizes the credit risk that counterparties might be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations by monitoring its counterparty exposure and related collateral pledged. Additionally, repurchase agreements are only transacted with pre-approved counter-parties. 5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, provides a definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and requires expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. The standard applies when GAAP requires or allows assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value; therefore, it does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstance. The Company utilized a pricing service to estimate fair value measurements for approximately 100.0% of its fixed maturities. For investments that have quoted market prices in active markets, the Company uses the quoted market prices as fair value and includes these prices in the amounts disclosed in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company receives the quoted market prices from nationally recognized third-party pricing services (“pricing services”). When quoted market prices are unavailable, the Company utilizes a pricing service to determine an estimate of fair value. This pricing method is used, primarily, for fixed maturities. The fair value estimates provided by the pricing service are included in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. If the Company determines that the fair value estimate provided by the pricing service does not represent fair value or if quoted market F-31 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) prices and an estimate from pricing services are unavailable, the Company produces an estimate of fair value based on dealer quotations of the bid price for recent activity in positions with the same or similar characteristics to that being valued or through consensus pricing of a pricing service. Depending on the level of observable inputs, the Company will then determine if the estimate is in Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The following describes the valuation techniques used by the Company to determine the fair value of financial instruments held as of December 31, 2015. Equity Securities The Company utilized a pricing service to estimate the fair value of the majority of its available for sale and trading equity securities. The pricing service utilizes market quotations for equity securities that have quoted market prices in active markets and their respective quoted prices are provided as fair value. The Company classifies the values of these equity securities as Level 1. The pricing service also provides fair value estimates for certain equity securities whose fair value is based on observable market information rather than market quotes. The Company classifies the value of these equity securities as Level 2. The Company also holds certain equity securities that are issued by privately-held entity or direct equity investments that do not have an active market. The Company estimates the fair value of these securities primarily based on inputs such as third party broker quote, issuers' book value, market multiples, and other inputs. These equity securities are classified as Level 3 due to significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation. U.S. Treasury and Federal Agencies Comprised of primarily bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury, the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Government National Mortgage Association and the Federal National Mortgage Association. The fair values of U.S. government securities are based on quoted market prices in active markets, and are included in the Level 1 fair value hierarchy. The Company believes the market for U.S. Treasury securities is an actively traded market given the high level of daily trading volume. The fair values of U.S. government agency securities are priced using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. As the yields for the risk-free yield curve and the spreads for these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of U.S. government agency securities are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy. States and Political Subdivision Bonds Comprised of bonds and auction rate securities issued by U.S. state and municipal entities or agencies. The fair values of municipal bonds are generally priced by pricing services. The pricing services typically use spreads obtained from broker-dealers, trade prices and the new issue market. As the significant inputs used to price the municipal bonds are observable market inputs, these are classified within Level 2. Municipal auction rate securities are reported in the consolidated balance sheets at cost which approximates their fair value. Foreign Government Comprised of bonds issued by foreign governments, and are generally priced by pricing services. As the significant inputs used to price foreign government bonds are observable market inputs, the fair values of foreign government bonds are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy. Corporate Bonds Comprised of bonds issued by corporations and are generally priced by pricing services. The fair values of short-term corporate bonds are priced, by the pricing services, using the spread above the London Interbank Offering Rate ("LIBOR") yield curve and the fair value of long-term corporate bonds are priced using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. The spreads are sourced from broker-dealers, trade prices and the new issue market. Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, the Company obtains non-binding quotes from broker-dealers. As the significant inputs used to price corporate bonds are observable market inputs, the fair values of corporate bonds are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy. Mortgage, Asset-backed and Structured Securities Comprised of commercial and residential mortgage-backed and structured securities. These securities are priced by independent pricing services and brokers. The pricing provider applies dealer quotes and other available trade information, prepayment speeds, yield curves and credit spreads to the valuation. As the significant inputs used to price are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy. Notes Payable - The amount reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets for these financial instruments represents the carrying value of the debt. As of December 31, 2015, the current fair value of the Company's 7.625% Notes, which are publicly traded, was $98,240 and is classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. As of December 31, 2015, the current fair value of the Company's 6.75% Notes and Imperial Surplus Notes, which are not publicly traded, were $350,000 and $4,979, respectively. The fair value of the Company’s 6.75% Notes at December 31, 2015 was determined using the direct transaction method of the Market Approach. The Company executed an arm’s length private market transaction in the 6.75% Notes in the fourth quarter of 2015 which provided reasonably supportable indication of fair value for the 6.75% Notes as of December 31, 2015. Non-direct market-based metrics and the magnitude and timing of contractual interest and principal payments were analyzed F-32 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) to support the indication of fair value provided by the direct transaction method of the Market Approach as of December 31, 2015. The fair value of the Company’s 6.75% Notes at December 31, 2014 was determined using market-based metrics and the magnitude and timing of contractual interest and principal payments. The fair value of the Company's 6.75% Notes as of December 31, 2015 includes an additional $100,000 aggregate principal amount sold on October 8, 2015. The Imperial Surplus Notes were valued using the Black Derman-Toy interest rate lattice model. In addition, as of December 31, 2015, the current fair value of the Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes, which are not publicly traded, was $50,300. The fair value of the Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes was determined by discounting the estimated interest and principal payments by an appropriate yield. As of December 31, 2014, the current fair value of the Company's 6.75% Notes and Imperial Surplus Notes, which are not publicly traded, were $276,014 and $4,982, respectively. In addition, as of December 31, 2014, the current fair value of the Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes, which are not publicly traded, was $42,000. The Company's 6.75% Notes, Imperial Surplus Notes and Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. See Note 15, "Debt" for the carrying value of the Company's debt instruments. Contingent payments - represents the fair value of the contingent payments based on discounted cash flows under the Personal Lines Master Agreement (see Note 16, "Related Party Transactions") and the ARS and HST contingent payments (see Note 18, "Commitments and Contingencies"). In accordance with ASC 820, assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows: December 31, 2015 Recurring Fair Value Measures Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Equity securities: Common stock Preferred stock Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury Federal agencies States and political subdivision bonds Foreign government Corporate bonds Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Structured securities Short term investments Total assets NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total assets Liabilities Contingent payments Total liabilities NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total liabilities $ 46,965 $ — $ — $ — 11,825 — — — — — — — — — — — $ — $ — — $ 46,965 11,825 20,352 1,952 196,924 31,062 1,349,658 424,569 132,205 200,692 3,527 2,419,731 2,177,189 242,542 2,419,731 24,652 24,652 24,652 — 24,652 — $ — $ — $ — — $ 24,652 24,652 24,652 — 24,652 $ $ $ $ — — 196,924 31,062 1,349,658 424,569 132,205 200,692 3,527 2,350,462 2,115,776 234,686 2,350,462 $ $ $ 20,352 1,952 — — — — — — — 69,269 61,413 7,856 69,269 $ $ $ — $ — $ — $ — — $ F-33 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) December 31, 2014 Recurring Fair Value Measures Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Equity securities: Common stock Preferred stock Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury Federal agencies States and political subdivision bonds Foreign government Corporate bonds Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Asset-backed securities Short term investments Total assets NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total assets Liabilities Contingent payments Total liabilities NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total liabilities $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 6,535 — — $ 7,695 $ 34,389 — 38,979 — — — — — — — — 98 177,409 5,536 867,262 470,636 80,992 5,370 — 45,514 45,514 — 45,514 $ $ $ 10,540 1,625,538 1,389,492 236,046 1,625,538 $ $ $ — $ — $ — $ — — $ — $ — $ — $ — — $ — — — — — — — — — 34,389 34,389 — 34,389 23,499 23,499 23,499 — 23,499 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 40,924 7,695 38,979 98 177,409 5,536 867,262 470,636 80,992 5,370 10,540 1,705,441 1,469,395 236,046 1,705,441 23,499 23,499 23,499 — 23,499 The following tables provide a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 financial assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014: Balance as of January 1, 2015 Net income / loss Other comprehensive income (loss) Purchases and issuances Payments, sales and settlements Net transfers into (out of) Level 3 Balance as of December 31, 2015 Common stock Total assets Contingent payments Total liabilities $ $ $ $ 34,389 34,389 $ $ — $ — $ 2,526 2,526 $ $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (36,915) $ (36,915) $ — — 23,499 $ 2,357 23,499 $ 2,357 $ $ — $ — $ 8,581 8,581 $ $ (9,785) $ (9,785) $ — $ — $ 24,652 24,652 F-34 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) Balance as of January 1, 2014 Net income / loss Other comprehensive income (loss) Purchases and issuances Payments, sales and settlements Net transfers into (out of) Level 3 Balance as of December 31, 2014 Common stock Total assets Contingent payments Total liabilities $ $ $ $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (7,328) $ (7,328) $ 41,717 41,717 — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 26,100 26,100 $ $ $ $ — $ — $ (2,601) $ (2,601) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 34,389 34,389 23,499 23,499 As of December 31, 2014, the fair value measurement for the Company's Level 3 common stock investment of $34,389 was valued based on a non-binding quote received from a third-party valuation service where the inputs have not been corroborated to be market observable. The Company does not develop the unobservable inputs used in measuring fair value and uses the third- party pricing information without adjustment. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the fair value measurement for the Company's Level 3 ACP Re Contingent Payments of $16,071 and $23,499, respectively, were valued based on discounted cash flows. As of December 31, 2015, the fair value measurement for the Company's Level 3 ARS Contingent Payments and HST Contingent Payments of $4,081 and $4,500, respectively, were valued based on estimated earnings and projected payouts. See Note 18, "Commitments and Contingencies." During the year ended December 31, 2015, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company transferred $36,915 out of Level 3 and into Level 1 due to the public offering of a previously privately-placed common stock investment. During the year ended December 31, 2014, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, or Level 2 and Level 3. The Company's policy is to recognize transfers between levels as of the end of each reporting period, consistent with the date of determination of fair value. Other than goodwill, the Company does not measure any assets or liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2015 and 2014. Goodwill is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. See Note 8, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net" for additional information on how the Company tested goodwill for impairment. The carrying value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, premiums and other receivables, accrued interest and accounts payable and accrued expenses approximates fair value given the short-term nature of such items and are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The carrying value of the Company’s securities sold under agreements to repurchase approximates fair value given the short-term nature of the agreements and are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. 6. Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries In 2010, the Company and AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. (“AmTrust”) formed Tiger Capital LLC (“Tiger”) for the purposes of acquiring certain life settlement contracts whereby each holds a 50% ownership interests in Tiger. In 2011, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, American Capital Acquisition Investments, Ltd. (“ACAI”), formed AMT Capital Alpha, LLC (“AMT Alpha”) with AmTrust for the purposes of acquiring additional life settlement contracts. In March 2013, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with ACP Re to acquire 50% of the issued and outstanding shares of AMT Capital Holdings S.A. (“AMTCH”), a Luxembourg Societe Anonyme, for a cash contribution in the amount of $12,136. ACP Re and the Company are majority owned and controlled by a common parent and the transaction was accounted for as between entities under common control. AMTCH’s primary purpose is to acquire certain life settlement contracts. AmTrust owns the remaining 50% of AMTCH. The Company accounts for AMTCH using the equity method of accounting. The Company’s 50% equity interest in AMTCH at the acquisition date was approximately $22,411. The difference between the equity interest and consideration paid was recorded as additional paid-in capital of $10,275. In December 2013, ACAI and AmTrust formed AMT Capital Holdings II S.A. (“AMTCH II”). The company is equally owned by both parties and was established for the purpose of acquiring additional life settlement contracts. A life settlement contract is a contract between the owner of a life insurance policy and a third party who obtains the ownership and beneficiary rights of the underlying life insurance policy. The Company, along with AmTrust, is obligated to pay premiums on these life insurance policies as they come due. A third party serves as the administrator for two of the life settlement contract F-35 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) portfolios, for which it receives an administrative fee. The third-party administrator is eligible to receive a percentage of profits after certain time and performance thresholds have been met. Tiger, AMT Alpha, AMTCH and AMTCH II (collectively “LSC Entities”) are considered to be VIEs, for which the Company is not a primary beneficiary. In determining whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, the Company considered qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but not limited to, activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and which party controls such activities. The Company does not have the ability to direct the activities of the LSC Entities that most significantly impact its economic performance. The Company’s maximum exposure to a loss as a result of its involvement with the unconsolidated VIE is limited to its recorded investment plus additional capital commitments. The Company uses the equity method of accounting to account for its investments in the LSC Entities. The Company currently has a fifty percent ownership interest in the LSC Entities. AmTrust owns the remaining fifty percent interest in the LSC Entities. The following tables present the investment activity in the LSC Entities. Year Ended December 31, Balance at beginning of year Distributions Contributions Acquisition of interest Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries Change in equity method investments Balance at end of year 2015 2014 2013 $ 146,089 (1,923) 565 — 8,930 7,572 $ 126,186 $ 66,484 — 18,056 — 1,847 19,903 — 35,391 22,411 1,900 59,702 $ 153,661 $ 146,089 $ 126,186 The following tables summarize total assets and total liabilities as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and the results of operations for the Company’s unconsolidated equity method investment in the LSC Entities for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. Condensed balance sheet data As of December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Investments in life settlement contracts at fair value $ 264,001 $ 264,517 $ 233,024 Total assets Total liabilities Members' equity NGHC's 50% ownership interest Condensed results of operations Year Ended December 31, Revenue, net of commission Total expenses Net income NGHC's 50% ownership interest 334,026 26,704 307,322 318,598 26,420 292,178 270,758 18,387 252,371 $ 153,661 $ 146,089 $ 126,186 2015 2014 2013 $ $ $ 66,435 48,575 17,860 8,930 $ $ $ 50,447 46,753 3,694 1,847 $ $ $ 7,828 4,029 3,799 1,900 The LSC Entities account for investments in life settlements in accordance with ASC 325-30, "Investments in Insurance Contracts", which states that an investor shall elect to account for its investments in life settlement contracts by using either the investment method or the fair value method. The election is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable. The LSC Entities have elected to account for these policies using the fair value method. F-36 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) The fair value of life settlement contracts as well as life settlement profit commission liability is based on information available to the LSC Entities at the end of the reporting period. The LSC Entities consider the following factors in their fair value estimates: cost at date of purchase, recent purchases and sales of similar investments (if available and applicable), financial standing of the issuer, changes in economic conditions affecting the issuer, maintenance cost, premiums, benefits, standard actuarially developed mortality tables and life expectancy reports prepared by nationally recognized and independent third party medical underwriters. The LSC Entities estimate the fair value of a life insurance policy by applying an investment discount rate based on the cost of funding their life settlement contracts as compared to returns on investments in asset classes with comparable credit quality, which the LSC Entities have determined to be 7.5% to the expected cash flow generated by the policies in the life settlement portfolio (death benefits less premium payments), net of policy specific adjustments and reserves. In order to confirm the integrity of their calculation of fair value, the LSC Entities, quarterly, retain an independent third-party actuary to verify that the actuarial modeling used by the LSC Entities to determine fair value was performed correctly and that the valuation, as determined through the LSC Entities’ actuarial modeling, is consistent with other methodologies. The LSC Entities consider this information in their assessment of the reasonableness of the life expectancy and discount rate inputs used in the valuation of these investments. The LSC Entities adjust the standard mortality for each insured for the insured’s life expectancy based on reviews of the insured’s medical records and the independent life expectancy report based thereon. The LSC Entities establish policy specific reserves for the following uncertainties: improvements in mortality, the possibility that the high net worth individuals represented in their portfolios may have access to better health care, the volatility inherent in determining the life expectancy of insureds with significant reported health impairments, the possibility that the issuer of the policy or a third party will contest the payment of the death benefit payable to the LSC Entities, and the future expenses related to the administration of the portfolio. The application of the investment discount rate to the expected cash flow generated by the portfolio, net of the policy specific reserves, yields the fair value of the portfolio. The effective discount rate reflects the relationship between the fair value and the expected cash flow gross of these reserves. The following summarizes data utilized in estimating the fair value of the portfolio of life insurance policies as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and, only includes data for policies to which the LSC Entities assigned value at those dates: Average age of insured Average life expectancy, months(1) Average face amount per policy Effective discount rate(2) December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 81.2 years 114 6,564 $ 13.7% 81.1 years 121 6,624 14.0% $ (1) Standard life expectancy as adjusted for specific circumstances. (2) Effective Discount Rate ("EDR") is the LSC Entities' estimated internal rate of return on its life settlement contract portfolio and is determined from the gross expected cash flows and valuation of the portfolio. The valuation of the portfolio is calculated net of all reserves using a 7.5% discount rate. The EDR is inclusive of the reserves and the gross expected cash flows of the portfolio. The LSC Entities anticipate that the EDR's range is between 12.5% and 17.5% and reflects the uncertainty that exists surrounding the information available as of the reporting date. As the accuracy and reliability of information improves (declines), the EDR will decrease (increase). The change in the EDR from December 31, 2014 to December 31, 2015 resulted from routine updating of life expectancies and other factors relating to operational risk. The LSC Entities' assumptions are, by their nature, inherently uncertain and the effect of changes in estimates may be significant. The fair value measurements used in estimating the present value calculation are derived from valuation techniques generally used in the industry that include inputs for the asset that are not based on observable market data. The extent to which the fair value could reasonably vary in the near term has been quantified by evaluating the effect of changes in significant underlying assumptions used to estimate the fair value amount. If the life expectancies were increased or decreased by 4 months and the discount factors were increased or decreased by 1% while all other variables were held constant, the carrying value of the investment in life insurance policies would increase or (decrease) by the unaudited amounts summarized below as of December 31, 2015 and 2014: F-37 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) Investment in life policies: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Investment in life policies: Change in life expectancy Plus 4 Months Minus 4 Months $ $ (37,697) $ (34,686) $ 40,997 36,486 Change in discount rate(1) Plus 1% Minus 1% December 31, 2015 29,644 December 31, 2014 25,456 (1) Discount rate is a present value calculation that considers legal risk, credit risk and liquidity risk and is a component of EDR. (26,558) $ (22,705) $ $ $ The Company and AmTrust are committed to providing additional capital support to the LSC Entities to keep the life settlement policies in-force. The Company and AmTrust, each, are committed to provide 50% of the additional required capital. Below is a summary of total premiums to be paid for each of the five succeeding fiscal years to keep the existing life insurance policies in force as of December 31, 2015. The actual capital commitment may differ from the amounts shown based on policy lapses and terminations, death benefits received and other operating cash flows of the LSC Entities: 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Total Premiums Due on Life Settlement Contracts $ $ 54,540 53,002 41,409 41,385 38,627 487,107 716,070 In August 2011, the Company formed 800 Superior, LLC with AmTrust, for the purposes of acquiring an office building in Cleveland, Ohio. The cost of the building was approximately $7,500. AmTrust has been appointed managing member of 800 Superior, LLC. The Company and AmTrust each have a 50% ownership interest in 800 Superior, LLC for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary. Additionally, in 2012, the Company entered into an office lease with 800 Superior, LLC for approximately 134,000 square feet. The lease period is for 15 years and the Company paid 800 Superior, LLC $2,655, $2,243 and $2,143 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company’s equity interest in 800 Superior, LLC as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $1,720 and $2,140, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from 800 Superior, LLC of $(420), $(737), and $(558), respectively. (See Note 16, "Related Party Transactions"). In September 2012, the Company formed East Ninth & Superior, LLC and 800 Superior NMTC Investment Fund II, LLC with AmTrust (collectively “East Ninth & Superior”). The Company and AmTrust each have a 50% ownership interest in East Ninth and Superior, LLC and a 24.5% ownership interest in 800 Superior NMTC Investment Fund II, LLC for which the Company is not a primary beneficiary. The Company’s equity interest in East Ninth & Superior as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $4,139 and $4,079, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from East Ninth & Superior of $60, $70, and $(57), respectively. F-38 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) In February 2015, the Company invested $9,714 in North Dearborn Building Company, L.P. (“North Dearborn”), a limited partnership that owns an office building in Chicago, Illinois. AmTrust is also a limited partner in North Dearborn, and the general partner is NA Advisors GP LLC (“NA Advisors”), an entity controlled by Michael Karfunkel and managed by an unrelated third party. The Company and AmTrust each received a 45% limited partnership interest in North Dearborn for their respective $9,714 investments, while NA Advisors invested approximately $2,200 and holds a 10% general partnership interest and a 10% profit interest, which NA Advisors pays to the unrelated third party manager. North Dearborn appointed NA Advisors as the general manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the office building. North Dearborn is considered to be a VIE, for which the Company is not a primary beneficiary. The Company accounts for North Dearborn using the equity method of accounting. The Company's total exposure to loss is limited to its equity investment. The Company’s equity interest in North Dearborn as of December 31, 2015 was $9,862. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from North Dearborn of $756. The Company received distributions of $607 for the year ended December 31, 2015. (See Note 16, "Related Party Transactions"). In August 2015, the Company formed 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC with AmTrust, for the purposes of acquiring an office building in Dallas, Texas. The cost of the building was approximately $21,000. AmTrust has been appointed managing member of 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC. The Company and AmTrust each have a 50% ownership interest in 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC. The Company accounts for 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC using the equity method of accounting. The Company’s equity interest in 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC as of December 31, 2015 was $10,559. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC of $28. (See Note 16, "Related Party Transactions"). In August 2015, the Company invested $53,715 in Illinois Center Building, L.P. (“Illinois Center”), a limited partnership that owns an office building in Chicago, Illinois. AmTrust and ACP Re Group, Inc. ("ACP Re Group") are also limited partners in Illinois Center and the general partner is NA Advisors. The Company and AmTrust each received a 37.5% limited partnership interest in Illinois Center for their respective $53,715 investments, while ACP Re Group invested $21,486 for its 15.0% limited partnership interest. NA Advisors invested $14,324 and holds a 10.0% general partnership interest and a 10.0% profit interest, which NA Advisors pays to the unrelated third party manager. Illinois Center appointed NA Advisors as the general manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the office building. Illinois Center is considered to be a VIE, for which the Company is not a primary beneficiary. The Company accounts for Illinois Center using the equity method of accounting. The Company's total exposure to loss is limited to its equity investment. The Company’s equity interest in Illinois Center as of December 31, 2015 was $55,007. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from Illinois Center of $1,292. (See Note 16, "Related Party Transactions"). 7. Acquisitions On October 1, 2015, the Company closed on a master transaction agreement with QBE Investments (North America), Inc. (“QBE Parent”) and its subsidiary, QBE Holdings, Inc. (together with QBE Parent, “QBE”), pursuant to which the Company acquired QBE’s lender-placed insurance business (“LPI Business”), including certain of QBE’s affiliates engaged in the LPI Business. The transaction included the acquisition of certain assets, including loan-tracking systems and technology, client servicing accounts, intellectual property, and vendor relationships, as well as the assumption of the related insurance liabilities in a reinsurance transaction through which the Company received the loss reserves, unearned premium reserves, and invested assets. The aggregate consideration for the transaction was approximately $95,726, subject to certain adjustments. F-39 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: October 2015 Assets Cash and invested assets Premium receivable Premises and equipment Intangible assets Other assets Total Assets Liabilities Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves Accounts payable and accrued expenses Unearned premiums Total Liabilities Net assets purchased Purchase price Goodwill recorded $ $ 290,262 129,878 1,752 61,645 1,538 485,075 102,913 60,335 245,827 409,075 76,000 95,726 19,726 The goodwill and intangible assets related to the acquisition of LPI Business were assigned to the Property and Casualty segment. Goodwill of $19,726 is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. Intangible assets acquired in the acquisition of the LPI Business consisted of Agent/Customer relationships of $50,000, Proprietary technology of $10,000 and Other of $1,645, with weighted average amortization lives of 15, 10 and 7 years, respectively. As a result of this acquisition, the Company recorded approximately $126,570 of gross premium written and $8,584 of service and fee income related to LPI Business in 2015. On October 1, 2015, the Company closed its acquisition of certain business lines and assets from Assurant Health, which is a business segment of Assurant, Inc. As part of the transaction, the Company acquired the small group self-funded and supplemental product lines, as well as North Star Marketing, a proprietary small group sales channel. The purchase price was an aggregate cash payment of $14,000. F-40 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: October 2015 Assets Cash and invested assets Premium receivable Intangible assets Total Assets Liabilities Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves Accounts payable and accrued expenses Unearned premiums Deferred tax liability Other liabilities Total Liabilities Net assets purchased Purchase price Goodwill recorded $ $ 43,448 18,645 10,493 72,586 66,344 281 2,505 3,887 678 73,695 (1,109) 14,000 15,109 The goodwill and intangible assets related to the acquisition of the business lines and assets from Assurant Health were assigned to the Accident and Health segment. Goodwill of $7,288 is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. As a result of this acquisition, the Company recorded approximately $55,693 of gross premium written and $17,881 of service and fee income in 2015. On April 1, 2015, the Company closed on the acquisition of Assigned Risk Solutions Ltd. ("ARS"), a New Jersey based managing general agency that services assigned risk, personal auto, and commercial lines of business, for a purchase price of approximately $48,000 in cash and potential future earnout payments ("ARS Contingent Payments"). The fair value of the ARS Contingent Payments was estimated to be $4,081 at December 31, 2015. Goodwill recorded on the acquisition of ARS was $14,600. No goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. On January 23, 2015, the Company closed on the acquisition of Healthcare Solutions Team, LLC (“HST”), an Illinois-based healthcare insurance general agency. The Company paid approximately $15,000 on the acquisition date and agreed to pay potential future earnout payments ("HST Contingent Payments") based on the overall profitability of HST and the business underwritten by the Company's insurance subsidiaries which is produced by HST. The fair value of the HST Contingent Payments was estimated to be $4,500 at December 31, 2015. Goodwill recorded on the acquisition of HST was $4,555. The goodwill of $4,555 is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. On September 15, 2014, ACP Re, a Bermuda reinsurer that is a subsidiary of the Michael Karfunkel Family 2005 Trust (the “Karfunkel Family Trust”), completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding stock of Tower Group International, Ltd. ("Tower") and caused its subsidiary to merge into Tower (the "Merger") pursuant to a merger agreement, dated January 3, 2014, by and between ACP Re and Tower. In connection with the Merger, the Company acquired two management companies from ACP Re for $7,500. The management companies (together, the “Management Companies”) are the attorneys-in-fact for Adirondack Insurance Exchange, a New York reciprocal insurer, and New Jersey Skylands Insurance Association, a New Jersey reciprocal insurer. The Company also agreed to pay ACP Re contingent consideration in the form of a three year earnout (the "ACP Re Contingent Payments") of 3% of the gross premium written of the Tower personal lines business written or assumed by the Company following the Merger, capped at payments in the amount of $30,000 in the aggregate. The fair value of the ACP Re Contingent Payments was estimated to be $26,100 at the acquisition date. As the Company purchased the Management Companies and renewal rights from a commonly controlled company, the excess of carryover basis of net assets acquired over the purchase price was recorded as a capital contribution. F-41 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: September 2014 Assets Cash Fee receivable Intangible assets Total Assets Liabilities Due to related party Deferred tax liability Total Liabilities Net assets purchased Purchase price Additional paid-in capital $ $ 70 3,010 144,700 147,780 26,100 39,965 66,065 81,715 7,500 74,215 The intangible assets related to the acquisition of the Management Companies were assigned to the Property and Casualty segment. Intangible assets acquired in the acquisition of the Management Companies consisted of Management Contracts of $118,600, with indefinite lives, and Renewal rights of $26,100 with a weighted average amortization life of 7 years. On July 1, 2014, the Company reacquired Agent Alliance Insurance Company (“AAIC”), an Alabama-domiciled insurer focused on private passenger auto business in North Carolina which is also licensed as a surplus lines carrier in over 30 states, from ACP Re for a purchase price equal to AAIC’s capital and surplus of approximately $17,343. Following the Company's 2012 sale of AAIC to ACP Re, the Company had continued to reinsure 100% of its existing and renewal private passenger auto insurance. The following table summarizes the carrying value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: July 2014 Assets Cash and invested assets Accrued interest Premium receivable Reinsurance recoverable Prepaid reinsurance Intangible assets Goodwill Income tax receivable Total Assets Liabilities Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves Accounts payable and accrued expenses Unearned premiums Reinsurance payable Notes payable Deferred tax Total Liabilities Net assets purchased F-42 $ $ 15,535 138 992 6,966 1,608 900 1,005 84 27,228 6,867 323 1,608 397 350 340 9,885 17,343 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) The goodwill and intangible assets related to the acquisition of AAIC were assigned to the Property and Casualty segment. No goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. On June 27, 2014, the Company purchased certain assets of Imperial Management Corporation ("Imperial"), including its underwriting subsidiaries Imperial Fire & Casualty Insurance Company and National Automotive Insurance Company, its retail agency subsidiary ABC Insurance Agencies, and its managing general agency subsidiary RAC Insurance Partners. The purchase price was approximately $20,000. In connection with the Imperial transaction, the Company assumed certain debt of Imperial and Imperial Fire & Casualty Insurance Company (see Note 15, "Debt"). The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: June 2014 Assets Cash and invested assets Accrued interest Premium receivable Reinsurance recoverable Prepaid reinsurance Premises and equipment Intangible assets Income tax receivable Other Total Assets Liabilities Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves Accounts payable and accrued expenses Unearned premiums Reinsurance payable Notes payable Total Liabilities Net assets purchased Purchase price Goodwill recorded $ $ 61,011 484 37,348 13,445 36,203 1,893 15,100 104 214 165,802 42,796 17,253 50,178 29,223 8,916 148,366 17,436 20,000 2,564 The goodwill and intangible assets related to the Imperial acquisition were assigned to the Property and Casualty segment. No goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. On April 1, 2014, the Company purchased Personal Express Insurance Company (“Personal Express”), a California domiciled personal auto and home insurer from Sequoia Insurance Company, an affiliate of AmTrust. The purchase price was $21,496. F-43 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: April 2014 Assets Cash and invested assets Premium receivable Deferred tax Intangible assets Other assets Total Assets Liabilities Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves Unearned premiums Reinsurance payable Accounts payable and accrued expenses Total Liabilities Net assets purchased Purchase price Goodwill recorded $ $ 28,725 2,915 119 2,700 729 35,188 4,472 8,352 816 3,186 16,826 18,362 21,496 3,134 The goodwill and intangible assets related to the Personal Express acquisition were assigned to the Property and Casualty segment. No goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. On January 16, 2014, the Company through its wholly-owned subsidiary, National General Holdings Luxembourg, acquired a 100% equity interest of a Luxembourg reinsurer, Anticemex Reinsurance S.A., for approximately $62,973. The entity was renamed National General Beta Re (“Beta”). Beta is a reinsurer incorporated in Luxembourg that allows the Company to obtain the benefits of its capital and utilization of its existing and future loss reserves through a series of reinsurance agreements with one of the Company’s subsidiaries. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: January 2014 Assets Cash and invested assets Prepaid assets Loan receivable Intangible assets Total Assets Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses Deferred tax liability Total Liabilities Net assets purchased Purchase price Goodwill recorded $ $ 6,393 1 62,973 132 69,499 20 19,123 19,143 50,356 62,973 12,617 The goodwill and intangible assets related to the Beta acquisition were assigned to the Accident and Health segment. No goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. F-44 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) No individual acquisition or acquisitions in the aggregate were materially significant that required any pro forma financial information during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. The goodwill associated with the Company's acquisitions relates to the additional benefit (i.e., expected cash flow or earnings, customer relationships) of the acquisition in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired. 8. Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net Goodwill Goodwill is calculated as the excess of purchase price over the net fair value of assets acquired. The Company performs an annual impairment analysis to identify potential goodwill impairment and measures the amount of a goodwill impairment loss to be recognized. This annual test is performed during the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently, if events or circumstances change in a way that requires the Company to perform the impairment analysis on an interim basis. Goodwill impairment testing requires an evaluation of the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. An impairment charge is recorded if the estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount of the reporting unit. Intangible Assets Intangible assets consist of finite and indefinite life assets. Finite life intangible assets include customer and producer relationships and trademarks. Insurance company licenses and managements contracts are considered indefinite life intangible assets subject to annual impairment testing. The composition of goodwill and intangible assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 Trademarks Loss reserve discount Agent/Customer relationships Affinity partners Renewal rights Proprietary technology Management contracts State licenses Goodwill Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Gross Balance Accumulated Amortization $ 8,200 $ 6,744 $ 15,089 148,419 800 26,100 11,800 118,600 65,165 112,414 506,587 501,187 5,400 506,587 $ $ $ $ $ $ 12,779 18,562 436 6,375 379 — — — 45,275 44,700 575 45,275 $ $ $ Net Value Useful Life 1,456 2,310 5 years 7 years 129,857 11 - 17 years 11 years 7 years 3 - 10 years indefinite life indefinite life indefinite life 364 19,725 11,421 118,600 65,165 112,414 461,312 456,487 4,825 461,312 F-45 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) December 31, 2014 Trademarks Loss reserve discount Agent/Customer relationships Affinity partners Non-compete Value in policies-in-force Renewal rights Management contracts State licenses Goodwill Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Gross Balance Accumulated Amortization $ 8,200 $ 5,737 $ 12,451 43,652 800 2,500 8,501 26,100 118,600 62,165 70,764 353,733 339,831 13,902 353,733 $ $ $ $ $ $ 12,071 9,602 363 2,417 2,468 1,474 — — — 34,132 31,663 2,469 34,132 $ $ $ Net Value Useful Life 5 years 7 years 11 - 17 years 11 years 5 years 1 year 7 years indefinite life indefinite life indefinite life 2,463 380 34,050 437 83 6,033 24,626 118,600 62,165 70,764 319,601 308,168 11,433 319,601 The increase of $41,650 and $100,061, in goodwill and intangibles, respectively, from December 31, 2014 to December 31, 2015 was primarily due to the LPI Business acquisition, the Assurant Transaction, and the Company's HST and ARS acquisitions. Goodwill and intangible assets are subject to annual impairment testing or on an interim basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit may not be recoverable. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized under the straight-line method, except for loss reserve discounts, which the Company amortizes using an accelerated method, which approximates underlying claim payments. The Company also uses the accelerated method of amortization for affinity partners and agents’ relationships based on the estimated attrition of those relationships. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company amortized approximately $20,389, $13,791, and $6,420, respectively, related to its intangible assets with a finite life, which includes amortization relating to intangibles owned by the Reciprocal Exchanges of $4,380 and $2,468 for the year ended December 31, 2015 and for the period ended December 31, 2014, respectively. Included in the Company’s amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, is an impairment charge of $574 and $812, respectively, related to certain agent and customer relationship intangible assets. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the next five years and thereafter is: Year ending 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 20,634 $ 19,083 14,586 13,598 11,839 83,668 $ 230 230 230 230 230 575 20,864 19,313 14,816 13,828 12,069 84,243 $ 163,408 $ 1,725 $ 165,133 F-46 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows: Balance as of January 1, 2013 Goodwill additions Impairment Balance as of January 1, 2014 Goodwill additions Foreign currency adjustments Impairment Balance as of January 1, 2015 Goodwill additions Impairment Balance as of December 31, 2015 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Total $ $ $ $ 28,074 $ 12,125 $ 6,169 (1,445) 32,798 6,703 — (9,419) 30,082 39,455 (11,222) 58,315 $ $ $ 25,428 — 37,553 12,819 (3,317) (6,373) 40,682 19,661 (6,244) 54,099 $ $ $ 40,199 31,597 (1,445) 70,351 19,522 (3,317) (15,792) 70,764 59,116 (17,466) 112,414 As of December 31, 2015 the Company's gross goodwill, accumulated impairment loss and goodwill were $151,800, $39,386 and $112,414, respectively. As of December 31, 2014 the Company's gross goodwill, accumulated impairment loss and goodwill were $92,684, $21,920 and $70,764, respectively. The Company performs an impairment analysis at the reporting unit level using a two-step impairment test. In evaluating goodwill for potential impairment, management compares the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value, the goodwill is considered impaired, and a second test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss. In the case of each Luxembourg reporting unit (“RU”), a step 1 analysis was performed to determine whether impairment existed using a December 31 measurement date. Since Luxembourg reinsurers are regularly bought and sold between third parties and the transaction data information is available, the Guideline Transactions Method of the Market Approach was utilized to determine the fair value of the RU. The Guideline Transactions Method is based on valuation multiples derived from actual transactions for comparable companies and were used to develop an estimate of value for the subject company. In applying this method, valuation multiples are derived from historical data of selected transactions, then evaluated and adjusted, if necessary, based on the strengths and weaknesses of the subject company relative to the derived market data. In the case of the RU, the most appropriate multiple to utilize was determined to be a Price to Invested Assets (“P/IA”) multiple, since invested assets and the corresponding regulatory reserves are metrics utilized by market participants to negotiate the purchase price of the transaction. These P/IA multiples are then applied to the appropriate invested assets of the subject company to arrive at an indication of fair value. Step 1 of the impairment test indicated that RU’s carrying value exceeded its fair value. Accordingly the Company performed a Step 2 impairment test and recorded in General and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income, non-cash goodwill impairment charges of $17,466, $15,792 and $1,445 as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, approximately $8,434 and $25,900, respectively, of the Company's goodwill balance was related to the Company's Luxembourg reinsurer subsidiaries. F-47 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) 9. Premiums and Other Receivables, Net Premiums and other receivables, net at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following: December 31, Premiums receivable (Related parties - $46,565 and $153,654) Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses and loss adjustment expenses (Related parties - $15,715 and $13,459) Commission receivables Investment receivables Other receivables (Related parties - $26 and $1,021) Allowance for uncollectible amounts Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total 10. Premises and Equipment, Net 2015 2014 $ 652,400 $ 543,574 64,056 20,337 — 35,273 (13,433) 758,633 702,439 56,194 758,633 $ $ $ 59,318 14,234 19,072 20,973 (9,728) 647,443 589,205 58,238 647,443 $ $ $ The composition of premises and equipment as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 Land Buildings Leasehold improvements Furniture and equipment Hardware and software Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total December 31, 2014 Land Buildings Leasehold improvements Furniture and equipment Hardware and software Work-in-process systems and software Total Cost $ 2,935 Accumulated Depreciation $ — $ 11,390 7,343 3,656 84,880 $ 110,204 109,479 725 $ 110,204 $ $ 313 1,529 1,303 64,128 67,273 66,880 393 67,273 $ $ Net Value 2,935 11,077 5,814 2,353 20,752 42,931 42,599 332 42,931 $ Cost 287 4,013 4,505 581 70,104 2,091 Accumulated Depreciation $ — $ 208 228 133 50,429 — Net Value 287 3,805 4,277 448 19,675 2,091 $ 81,581 $ 50,998 $ 30,583 Depreciation and amortization expense related to premises and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $12,065, $14,457 and $13,685, respectively. F-48 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) 11. Income Taxes The Company files a consolidated Federal income tax return. The Reciprocal Exchanges are not included in the Company's consolidated tax return as the Company does not have an ownership interest in the Reciprocal Exchanges, and they are not a part of the consolidated tax sharing agreement. Federal income tax expense attributable to income from continuing operations consisted of the following: Current expense (benefit) Federal Foreign Total current tax expense Deferred expense (benefit) Federal Foreign Total deferred tax expense (benefit) Provision for income taxes Year Ended December 31, 2015 Reciprocal Exchanges NGHC Total NGHC 2014 Reciprocal Exchanges 2013 Total Total $ 55,018 — $ 55,018 $ (1,059) $ 53,959 — $ (1,059) $ 53,959 — $ 86,250 — $ 86,250 $ $ 1,020 $ 87,270 $ 18,446 — 1,020 — $ 87,270 — $ 18,446 $ (3,019) $ (4,890) $ (7,909) $ (42,301) $ (27,094) (30,113) $ 24,905 — (27,094) (35,003) $ (5,949) $ 18,956 (4,890) (21,237) (63,538) $ 22,712 $ 144 — (21,237) (63,394) 144 $ 23,876 $ (42,157) $ (5,519) (1,787) (7,306) $ 11,140 1,164 The domestic and foreign components of income before taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows: Domestic Foreign Total 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Reciprocal Exchanges 7,944 $ NGHC $ 225,708 (69,062) $ 156,646 $ 7,944 Total $ 233,652 — (69,062) $ 164,590 NGHC $ 195,148 (71,375) $ 123,773 Reciprocal Exchanges 3,670 $ $ 3,670 Total $ 198,818 — (71,375) $ 127,443 2013 Total $ 33,873 18,384 $ 52,257 F-49 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) Deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the net deferred tax liability are presented below: 2015 Reciprocal Exchanges NGHC December 31, Total NGHC 2014 Reciprocal Exchanges Total Deferred tax assets: Accrued expenses Unearned premiums Bad debt Investments Depreciation Contingent commissions Loss reserve discounting Suspended Subpart F losses Net operating loss carryforwards Capital loss carryforwards Partnership activity Impairments Goodwill Unearned revenue Unrealized capital losses Foreign translation APIC stock compensation Alternative minimum tax credits Other Gross deferred tax assets Less: Valuation allowance Total deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred acquisition costs Investments items Intangible assets Premises and equipment Statutory equalization reserves Unrealized capital gains Surplus note interest Other $ 27,675 68,902 3,692 760 1,725 10,529 7,244 7,364 3,309 1,241 — 6,122 968 6,540 8,418 2,035 1,808 — 897 $ $ 1,551 6,033 576 — — — 1,393 — 17,758 — — 15 — — 1,767 — — 611 104 159,229 — 159,229 29,808 (17,295) 12,513 47,931 — 71,878 4,759 13,778 — — 406 8,093 255 2,398 — — — 34,491 — 29,226 74,935 4,268 760 1,725 10,529 8,637 7,364 21,067 1,241 — 6,137 968 6,540 10,185 2,035 1,808 611 1,001 189,037 (17,295) 171,742 56,024 255 74,276 4,759 13,778 — 34,491 406 $ $ 24,772 50,128 $ 1,915 6,611 26,687 56,739 3,212 — 982 9,102 7,310 34,309 3,042 1,247 706 786 539 2,662 — — 2,204 1,112 2,174 144,287 — 144,287 42,830 1,366 69,267 4,759 40,872 13,848 — 478 90 — — — 1,233 — 15,159 62 — — — — — — — 611 562 26,243 (21,518) 4,725 1,525 364 2,908 — — 2,256 36,074 — 3,302 — 982 9,102 8,543 34,309 18,201 1,309 706 786 539 2,662 — — 2,204 1,723 2,736 170,530 (21,518) 149,012 44,355 1,730 72,175 4,759 40,872 16,104 36,074 478 Gross deferred tax liabilities 138,752 45,237 183,989 173,420 43,127 216,547 Deferred tax (asset) liability, net $ (20,477) $ 32,724 $ 12,247 $ 29,133 $ 38,402 $ 67,535 F-50 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) Excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges, there were no deferred tax asset valuation allowances at December 31, 2015 and 2014. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Management believes that it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax assets. For the Reciprocal Exchanges, the Company has recorded a full valuation allowance against the net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and no tax benefit from consolidated pre-tax losses generated for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was recognized. Negative evidence in the form of a multi-year history of net operating losses for tax purposes supported the determination that the realized net deferred tax asset should be fully reserved. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, in considering the need for the full valuation allowance, the Company concluded that retaining a deferred tax liability of $32,724 and $38,402, respectively, associated with the indefinite long-lived intangibles was appropriate considering this liability cannot be used to offset our net deferred tax asset when determining the amount of valuation allowance required. In light of the historic and current year losses for tax purposes, we will continue to recognize a full valuation allowance until substantial positive evidence supports its reversal in future periods. The earnings of certain of the Company's foreign subsidiaries have been indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. Therefore, no provision has been made for any U.S. taxes or foreign withholding taxes that may be applicable upon any repatriation or disposition. At December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign affiliates were approximately $23,637, $9,966 and $8,417, respectively. It should be noted that the total cumulative earnings for the Company’s foreign subsidiaries was negative for 2015, 2014 and 2013. The determination of any unrecognized deferred tax liability for temporary differences related to investments in certain of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is not practicable. Excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges, the Company has net operating carryforwards of $9,453, $8,693 and $9,517 available for tax purposes for the years December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The net operating loss carryforwards expire between December 31, 2029 and December 31, 2034. Total income tax expense is different from the amount determined by multiplying earnings before income taxes by the statutory Federal tax rate of 35.00%. The reasons for such differences are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries Tax rate Computed "expected" tax expense Increase (decrease) in actual tax reported resulting from: Tax-exempt interest Non-deductible meals and entertainment Exempt foreign income Equity method income Goodwill impairment Statutory equalization reserves State tax Change in valuation allowance Other permanent items Total income tax reported $ $ $ NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Tax Rate 156,646 35.00% 54,826 $ $ 7,944 35.00% 2,780 $ $ 164,590 35.00% 57,606 (165) — — — — — — (4,025) (4,539) (5,949) $ (1,519) 336 (11,393) 3,726 6,113 (27,094) 1,754 (4,025) (6,548) 18,956 (1,354) 336 (11,393) 3,726 6,113 (27,094) 1,754 — (2,009) 24,905 F-51 $ 35.00% (0.92) 0.20 (6.92) 2.26 3.71 (16.46) 1.07 (2.45) (3.97) 11.52% NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) Year Ended December 31, 2014 Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries Tax rate Computed "expected" tax expense Increase (decrease) in actual tax reported resulting from: Tax-exempt interest Non-deductible meals and entertainment Exempt foreign income Goodwill impairment Statutory equalization reserves State tax Other permanent items Total income tax reported Year Ended December 31, 2013 $ $ $ NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Tax Rate 123,773 35.00% 43,321 $ $ 3,670 35.00% 1,285 $ $ 127,443 35.00% 44,606 (978) 273 (4,304) 5,527 (21,237) 2,453 (2,343) 22,712 $ (86) — — — — — (35) 1,164 (1,064) 273 (4,304) 5,527 (21,237) 2,453 (2,378) 23,876 35.00% (0.83) 0.21 (3.38) 4.34 (16.66) 1.92 (1.86) 18.74% Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries Tax rate Computed "expected" tax expense Increase (decrease) in actual tax reported resulting from: Tax-exempt interest Non-deductible meals and entertainment Exempt foreign income Goodwill impairment Statutory equalization reserves State tax Return to provision Other permanent items Total income tax reported $ $ $ $ Total Tax Rate 52,257 35.00% 18,290 (903) 129 (4,201) 413 (1,787) 3,309 (2,479) (1,631) 11,140 35.00% (1.73) 0.25 (8.04) 0.79 (3.42) 6.33 (4.74) (3.12) 21.32% In 2013, the Company recorded a return to provision (RTP) adjustment of $(2,479), of which $(2,011) was related to a true up of estimated permanent items on the Company’s separate company federal tax return for its subsidiary National Health Insurance Company. The Company acquired additional information with regard to these permanent items following the completion of its 2012 financial statements. These adjustments were not material to the 2013 or 2012 financial statements. The Company owns a number of Luxembourg licensed reinsurers. Luxembourg reinsurers record a statutory equalization reserve which is a compulsory volatility or catastrophe reserve in excess of ordinary reserves determined by a formula based on the volatility of the business ceded to the reinsurance company. Equalization reserves are required to be established for Luxembourg statutory and tax purposes, but are not recognized under U.S. GAAP. Each year, the Luxembourg reinsurer is required to adjust its equalization reserves by an amount equal to statutory net income or loss, determined based on premiums and investment income less incurred losses and operating expenses. The yearly adjustment of the equalization reserve generally results in zero pretax income on a Luxembourg statutory and tax basis. Luxembourg does not, under laws currently in effect, impose any income, corporation or profits tax on the reinsurance company. However, if the reinsurance company were to cease reinsuring business F-52 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) without exhausting the equalization reserves, it would recognize income in the amount of the unutilized equalization reserves that would be taxed by Luxembourg at a rate of approximately 30%. The Company establishes deferred tax liabilities equal to approximately 30% of the unutilized statutory equalization reserves carried at its Luxembourg reinsurance companies. The deferred tax liability is adjusted each reporting period based primarily on amounts ceded to the Luxembourg reinsurer under the intercompany reinsurance agreements. As the income or loss of the Luxembourg entity is primarily from intercompany activity, the impact on the consolidated pre-tax income for the consolidated group is generally zero. Accordingly, the reduction of the deferred tax liability for the utilization of equalization reserves creates a deferred tax benefit reflected in the income tax provision in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. As there is no net effect on the consolidated pre-tax income from the intercompany reinsurance activity, the impact of these transactions reduces the worldwide effective tax rate of the Company. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had approximately $45,927 and $134,975 of unutilized equalization reserves and an associated deferred tax liability of approximately $13,778 and $40,493, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, income tax expense included a tax benefit of $27,094, $21,237, and $1,787, respectively, attributable to the reduction of the deferred tax liability associated with the utilization of equalization reserves of our Luxembourg reinsurers. The effect of this tax benefit reduced the effective tax rate by 16.46%, 16.66% and 3.42% for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As permitted by ASC 740, "Income Taxes", the Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in its income tax provision. The Company does not have any unrecognized tax benefits and, therefore, has not recorded any unrecognized tax benefits, or any related interest and penalties, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. No interest or penalties have been recorded by the Company for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. The Company does not anticipate any significant changes to its total unrecognized tax benefits in the next 12 months. All tax liabilities are payable to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and various state and local taxing agencies. Excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges, the Company’s subsidiaries are currently open to audit by the IRS for the years ended December 31, 2012 and thereafter for Federal tax purposes. Excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges, for state and local tax purposes, the Company is open to audit for tax years ended December 31, 2010 forward, depending on jurisdiction. 12. Reinsurance The Company's insurance subsidiaries utilize reinsurance agreements to transfer portions of the underlying risk of the business the Company writes to various affiliated and third-party reinsurance companies. Reinsurance does not discharge or diminish the Company's obligation to pay claims covered by the insurance policies it issues; however, it does permit the Company to recover certain incurred losses from its reinsurers and the Company's reinsurance recoveries reduce the maximum loss that it may incur as a result of a covered loss event. The Company believes it is important to ensure that its reinsurance partners are financially strong and they generally carry at least an A.M. Best rating of ‘‘A-’’ (Excellent) at the time it enters into the Company's reinsurance agreements. The Company also enters reinsurance relationships with third-party captives formed by agents as a mechanism for sharing risk and profit. The total amount, cost and limits relating to the reinsurance coverage the Company purchases may vary from year to year based upon a variety of factors, including the availability of quality reinsurance at an acceptable price and the level of risk that the Company chooses to retain for its own account. The Company assumes and cedes insurance risks under various reinsurance agreements, on both a pro rata basis and excess of loss basis. The Company purchases reinsurance to mitigate the volatility of direct and assumed business, which may be caused by the aggregate value or the concentration of written exposures in a particular geographic area or business segment and may arise from catastrophes or other events. The Company pays a premium as consideration for ceding the risk. The following is a summary of effects of reinsurance on premiums and losses for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013: F-53 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) Premium: Direct Assumed 2015 2014 2013 Written Earned Written Earned Written Earned Year Ended December 31, $ 2,234,976 $ 2,052,880 $ 1,558,612 $ 1,496,709 $ 1,315,162 $ 1,325,251 354,772 454,851 576,495 414,410 23,593 25,870 Total Gross Premium Ceded Net Premium 2,589,748 (403,502) $ 2,186,246 2,507,731 (377,921) $ 2,129,810 2,135,107 (265,083) $ 1,870,024 1,911,119 (277,899) $ 1,633,220 1,338,755 (659,439) 679,316 $ 1,351,121 (663,055) 688,066 $ Loss and LAE Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Assumed $ 283,568 $ Ceded 254,924 Assumed $ 229,013 $ Ceded 211,433 Assumed $ 14,154 $ Ceded 442,251 Unpaid Loss and LAE reserves Unearned premiums As of December 31, 2015 2014 Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded $ 252,661 $ 833,176 $ 106,568 $ 911,798 309,202 128,343 160,984 102,761 The Company’s reinsurance transactions include premiums written under state-mandated involuntary plans for commercial vehicles and premiums ceded to state-provided reinsurance facilities such as Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (“MCCA”) and North Carolina Reinsurance Facility (“NCRF” or “the Facility”) (collectively, “State Plans”), for which it retains no loss indemnity risk. Prepaid reinsurance premiums are earned on a pro rata basis over the period of risk, based on a daily earnings convention, which is consistent with premiums written. MCCA is a reinsurance mechanism that covers no-fault first party medical losses of retentions in excess of $545 in 2015. The Company currently has claims with retentions from $250 to $545. All automobile insurers doing business in Michigan are required to participate in MCCA. Insurers are reimbursed for their covered losses in excess of this threshold, which increased from $460 to $480 on July 1, 2010, and increased to $500 in 2011 and remained at this amount until June 30, 2013. Policies effective after July 1, 2013 have a threshold of $530. For policies effective after July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2017, the retention will be $545. Funding for MCCA comes from assessments against automobile insurers based upon their share of insured automobiles in the state. Insurers are allowed to pass along this cost to Michigan automobile policyholders. The following is a summary of premiums and losses ceded to MCCA for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013: Ceded earned premiums Ceded Loss and LAE Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 $ 12,146 $ 15,482 12,968 $ 12,529 12,882 9,037 F-54 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) Reinsurance recoverables from MCCA as of December 31, 2015, and 2014 are as follows: Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses As of December 31, 2015 2014 $ $ 6,986 656,904 8,482 689,202 NCRF is a mechanism for pooling of insurance risks for insureds who cannot obtain coverage by ordinary methods. Under the Facility law, licensed and writing carriers and agents must accept and insure any eligible applicant for coverages and limits which may be ceded to the Facility. The Facility accepts cession of bodily injury and property damage liability, medical payments, and uninsured and combined uninsured/underinsured motorist's coverages. Funding for the NCRF comes from collected premiums from automobile insurers based upon the provided coverage of the insured automobiles in the state. The following is a summary of premiums and losses ceded to NCRF for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013: Ceded earned premiums Ceded Loss and LAE Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 $ 158,613 $ 144,350 151,744 $ 130,265 138,473 111,185 Reinsurance recoverables from NCRF as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: As of December 31, 2015 2014 Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses $ 26,228 $ 86,941 22,050 84,152 The Company believes that it is unlikely to incur any material loss as a result of non-payment of amounts owed to the Company by MCCA and NCRF because (i) the payment obligations are extended over many years, resulting in relatively small current payment obligations, (ii) both MCCA and NCRF are supported by assessments permitted by statute, and (iii) the Company has not historically incurred losses as a result of non-payment. Because MCCA and NCRF are supported by assessments permitted by statute, and there have been no significant and uncollectible balances from NCRF and MCCA, the Company believes that it has no significant exposure to uncollectible reinsurance balances from these entities. In addition to the reinsurance programs described above, until July 31, 2013, the Company used the Personal Lines Quota Share reinsurance arrangement to limit maximum loss, provide greater diversification of risk and minimize exposure on larger risks. For further discussion on the Personal Lines Quota Share arrangement (see Note 16, “Related Party Transactions”). F-55 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) The Company has a concentration of credit risk associated with MCCA and NCRF, related to risks ceded in accordance with Michigan insurance law and the Company’s market share in North Carolina, respectively, and the reinsurance under the Personal Lines Quota Share arrangement. Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: MCCA NCRF Maiden Insurance Company ACP Re Technology Insurance Company, Inc. Other reinsurers' balances - each less than 5% of total Subtotal Reciprocal Exchanges Total As of December 31, 2015 2014 656,904 $ 86,941 21,075 12,645 8,430 8,096 794,091 39,085 833,176 $ $ 689,202 84,152 44,205 26,523 17,682 26,451 888,215 23,583 911,798 $ $ $ The Company also has unauthorized reinsurance with ACP Re and Maiden Insurance Company Ltd. ("Maiden Insurance Company") that requires the reinsurers to provide collateral to mitigate any risk of default. As of July 1, 2015, the Company's new reinsurance program went into effect with respect to excess of loss catastrophic and casualty reinsurance for protection against catastrophic and other large losses. The property catastrophe program provides a total of $450,000 in coverage in excess of a $50,000 retention, with one reinstatement. The Company also purchased drop-down coverage to reduce the retention to $35,000 for Texas and Louisiana. The casualty program provides $45,000 in coverage in excess of a $5,000 retention. As of July 1, 2015, a reinsurance property catastrophe excess of loss program went into effect protecting the Reciprocal Exchanges against accumulations of losses resulting from a catastrophic event. The program provides a total of $355,000 in coverage in excess of a $20,000 retention, with one reinstatement. 13. Other Liabilities Other liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following: December 31, Bank overdrafts Advance premiums Deferred revenue Premium and other taxes and assessments Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 2015 57,971 9,242 65,186 17,791 $ 150,190 $ 112,085 38,105 $ 150,190 2014 29,265 8,046 11,354 3,159 51,824 46,114 5,710 51,824 $ $ $ $ F-56 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) 14. Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Accounts payable and accrued expenses at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following: December 31, Escheats payable Accrued expenses related to employees Accounts payable related to commissions Premiums payable Information technology payable Payable to carrier Deferred purchase price Dividends payable Marketing accruals Refundable tax credits Loss reserve fair value Investments payable Interest payable Other Subtotal Related Parties: Accounts payable related to commissions License fee payable Information technology payable Printing fee payable Renewal rights Other Subtotal Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total 15. Debt 7.625% Subordinated Notes due 2055 2015 2014 $ 10,982 30,224 36,160 — 16,570 34,460 8,581 7,292 4,918 — 1,785 16,670 10,907 54,598 8,720 16,029 6,824 3,324 1,190 — 15,325 2,901 1,153 3,360 4,013 33,517 3,834 38,835 233,147 139,025 — 12,905 16,622 3,892 16,071 2,265 51,755 284,902 265,057 19,845 284,902 $ $ $ 30,229 9,148 1,312 3,100 23,499 808 68,096 207,121 189,430 17,691 207,121 $ $ $ $ On August 18, 2015, the Company sold $100,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 7.625% subordinated notes due 2055 (the “7.625% Notes”) in a public offering. The net proceeds the Company received from the issuance was approximately $96,550, after deducting the underwriting discount, commissions and expenses. The 7.625% Notes bear interest at a rate equal to 7.625% per year, payable quarterly in arrears on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on December 15, 2015. The 7.625% Notes are the Company’s subordinated unsecured obligations and rank (i) senior in right of payment to any future junior subordinated debt, (ii) equal in right of payment with any unsecured, subordinated debt that the Company incurs in the future that ranks equally with the 7.625% Notes, and (iii) subordinate in right of payment to any of the Company’s existing and future senior debt, including amounts outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility, the Company’s 6.75% Notes and certain of the Company’s other obligations. In addition, F-57 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) the 7.625% Notes are structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness, liabilities and other obligations of the Company’s subsidiaries. The 7.625% Notes mature on September 15, 2055, unless earlier redeemed or purchased by the Company. Interest expense on the 7.625% Notes for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $2,967. The indenture contains customary covenants, such as reporting of annual and quarterly financial results, and restrictions on certain mergers and consolidations. The indenture also includes covenants relating to the incurrence of debt if the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio would exceed 0.35 to 1.00, a limitation on liens, a limitation on the disposition of stock of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and a limitation on transactions with certain of the Company’s affiliates. The Company was in compliance with all of the covenants contained in the indenture as of December 31, 2015. 6.75% Notes due 2024 On May 23, 2014, the Company sold $250,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 6.75% notes due 2024 (the “6.75% Notes”) to certain purchasers in a private placement. The net proceeds the Company received from the issuance was approximately $245,000, after deducting the issuance expenses. The 6.75% Notes bear interest at a rate equal to 6.75% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning on November 15, 2014. The 6.75% Notes are the Company’s general unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with its other existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness and senior in right of payment to any of its indebtedness that is contractually subordinated to the 6.75% Notes. The 6.75% Notes are also effectively subordinated to any of the Company’s existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness and are structurally subordinated to the existing and future indebtedness of the Company’s subsidiaries (including trade payables). The 6.75% Notes mature on May 15, 2024, unless earlier redeemed or purchased by the Company. On October 8, 2015, the Company sold an additional $100,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 6.75% Notes to certain purchasers in a private placement. The additional 6.75% Notes bear interest at a rate equal to 6.75% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning on November 15, 2015. The additional 6.75% Notes mature on May 15, 2024, unless earlier redeemed or purchased by the Company. The net proceeds the Company received from the issuance was approximately $98,850, after deducting the estimated issuance expenses payable by the Company. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the issuance for general corporate purposes, including strategic acquisitions and to support its current and future policy writings. The additional 6.75% Notes were issued under the same indenture as the original 6.75% Notes. Interest expense on the 6.75% Notes, including the additional issuance, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $18,428 and $10,218, respectively. The indenture contains customary covenants, such as reporting of annual and quarterly financial results, and restrictions on certain mergers and consolidations. The indenture also includes covenants relating to the incurrence of debt if the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio would exceed 0.35 to 1.00, a limitation on liens, a limitation on the disposition of stock of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and a limitation on transactions with certain of the Company’s affiliates. The Company was in compliance with all of the covenants contained in the indenture as of December 31, 2015. Revolving Credit Agreement On May 30, 2014, the Company entered into a $135,000 credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), among JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, KeyBank National Association as Syndication Agent, and Associated Bank, National Association and First Niagara Bank, N.A., as Co-Documentation Agents. The credit facility is a revolving credit facility with a letter of credit sublimit of $10,000 and an expansion feature not to exceed $50,000. The Credit Agreement contains certain restrictive covenants customary for facilities of this type (subject to negotiated exceptions and baskets), including restrictions on indebtedness, liens, acquisitions and investments, restricted payments and dispositions. There are also financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a minimum consolidated net worth, a maximum consolidated leverage ratio, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, a minimum risk-based capital and a minimum statutory surplus. The Credit Agreement also provides for customary events of default, with grace periods where customary, including failure to pay principal when due, failure to pay interest or fees within three business days after becoming due, failure to comply with covenants, breaches of representations and warranties, default under certain other indebtedness, certain insolvency or receivership events affecting the Company and its subsidiaries, the occurrence of certain material judgments, or a change in control of the Company. Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default, the administrative agent, upon F-58 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) the request of the requisite percentage of the lenders, may terminate the obligations of the lenders to make loans and to issue letters of credit under the Credit Agreement, declare the Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement to become immediately due and payable and/or exercise any and all remedies and other rights under the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement had a maturity date of May 30, 2018. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at either the Alternate Base Rate ("ABR") or LIBOR. ABR borrowings (which are borrowings bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the ABR) under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at (x) the greatest of (a) the prime rate in effect on such day, (b) the federal funds effective rate on such day plus 0.5 percent or (c) the adjusted LIBOR for a one-month interest period on such day plus 1 percent, plus (y) a margin that is adjusted on the basis of the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. Eurodollar borrowings under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at the adjusted LIBOR for the interest period in effect plus a margin that is adjusted on the basis of the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. Fees payable by the Company under the Credit Agreement include a letter of credit participation fee (the margin applicable to Eurodollar borrowings), a letter of credit fronting fee with respect to each letter of credit (0.125%) and a commitment fee on the available commitments of the lenders (a range of 0.20% to 0.30% based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio, and which rate was 0.25% as of December 31, 2015). As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, there was no outstanding balance on the line of credit. Interest expense for the Company's existing and repaid lines of credit for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $0, $1,162 and $1,254, respectively. The Company was in compliance with all of the covenants under the Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2015. See also Note 28, "Subsequent Events" for information on the New Credit Agreement. Imperial-related Debt The Company's subsidiary, Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company is the issuer of $5,000 principal amount of Surplus Notes due 2034 ("Imperial Surplus Notes"). The notes bear interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 4.05%, payable quarterly. The notes are redeemable by the Company at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount. Interest expense on the Imperial Surplus Notes for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, was $220 and $110, respectively. (See Note 7, "Acquisitions"). Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes ACP Re (or subsidiaries thereof), a related party, holds the surplus notes issued by the Reciprocal Exchanges ("Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes") when they were originally capitalized. The obligation to repay principal and interest on these surplus notes is subordinated to the Reciprocal Exchanges’ other liabilities, including obligations to policyholders and claimants for benefits under insurance policies. Principal and interest on these surplus notes are payable only with regulatory approval. Interest expense on the Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes for the year ended December 31, 2015 and for the period ended December 31, 2014, was $4,656 and $5,724, respectively, which includes amortization of $(2,023) and $3,774, respectively. (See Note 16, "Related Party Transactions"). Maturities of the Company's debt for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2015 are as follows: December 31, 7.625% Notes 6.75% Notes Imperial Surplus Notes Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — — — — — — — — — — — Thereafter — $ 100,000 Total $ 100,000 — 350,000 350,000 — — 5,000 45,476 5,000 45,476 Total principal amount of debt $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 500,476 $ 500,476 Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized discount Carrying amount of debt (8,939) $ 491,537 F-59 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of approximately $0 and $12,142, respectively. 16. Related Party Transactions The founding and significant shareholder of the Company has an ownership interest in AmTrust, Maiden Holdings Ltd. (“Maiden”) and ACP Re. The Company provides and receives services from these related entities as follows: Agreements with AmTrust and Affiliated Entities Asset Management Agreement Pursuant to an Asset Management Agreement among NGHC and AII Insurance Management Limited (“AIIM”), a subsidiary of AmTrust, the Company pays AIIM a fee for managing the Company’s investment portfolio. Pursuant to the asset management agreement, AIIM provides investment management services for a quarterly fee of 0.05% of the average value of assets under management if the average value of the account for the previous calendar quarter is less than or equal to $1 billion, and 0.0375% of the average value of assets under management if the average value of the account for the previous calendar quarter is greater than $1 billion. Following the initial one-year term, the agreement may be terminated upon 30 days written notice by either party. The amounts charged for such expenses were $2,384, $1,916 and $1,612 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, there was a payable to AIIM related to these services in the amount of $1,909 and $564, respectively. Master Services Agreement AmTrust provides postage and billing services to the Company for premiums written on the Company’s new policy system pursuant to a Master Services Agreement with National General Management Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The agreement is effective for ten years from the acceptance of all phases of the initial work statement and can be automatically renewed thereafter for subsequent five-year terms. The agreement is cancellable for material breach of contract that is not cured within thirty days, if either party fails to perform obligations under contract, if either party is declared bankrupt or insolvent, and in the event of a proposed change of control by either party to a competitor. The services are charged on a work-per-piece basis and are billed to the Company at cost. The Company has the right to audit the books and records as appropriate. AmTrust also provides the Company information technology development services in connection with the development of a policy management system at cost pursuant to a Master Services Agreement with National General Management Corp. In addition, as consideration for a license for the Company to use that system, AmTrust receives a license fee in the amount of 1.25% of gross premium of NGHC and its affiliates written on the system plus the costs for support services. In 2014, AmTrust also began providing the Company services in managing the premium receipts from its lockbox facilities at a fixed cost per item processed. The Company recorded expenses and capitalized costs related to the Master Services Agreement of $36,742, $27,072 and $22,598 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, there was a payable related to the services received under this agreement in the amount of $30,122 and $13,621, respectively. Reinsurance Agreements On July 1, 2012, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, Integon National, entered into an agreement with an AmTrust subsidiary, Risk Services, LLC (“RSL”). RSL provides certain consulting and marketing services to promote the Company’s captive insurance program to potential agents. RSL receives 1.5% of all net premiums written generated to the program. The amounts charged for such fees for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $145, $99 and $134, respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, there was a payable for these services in the amount of $34 and $31, respectively. On March 22, 2012, Integon National entered into a reinsurance agreement with an AmTrust subsidiary, Agent Alliance Reinsurance Company (“AARC”), whereby the Company cedes 25% of the business written by certain agents who are members of the Company’s captive agent program along with 25% of any related losses. The Company receives a ceding commission of 25% of the associated ceded premiums. Each party may terminate the agreement by providing 90 days written notice. F-60 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) On January 1, 2013, the Company entered into a quota share agreement with Wesco Insurance Company (“Wesco”), a subsidiary of AmTrust, to assume 100% of the accident and health business written before January 1, 2013. The Company reinsures 100% of the existing obligations with respect to the accident and health program, including a loss portfolio transfer of 100% of loss and LAE reserves and unearned premium as of the effective date in exchange for an amount equal to 100% of the loss and LAE reserves and unearned premium reserves related to the existing contracts and 100% of the business fronted by Wesco on behalf of the Company after the effective date less the fronted ceded commission of 5% of premiums written, plus the related fronting acquisition costs and fronting inuring reinsurance costs, both meaning the actual costs paid by Wesco to the third parties with respect to those transactions. On November 9, 2012, Integon National entered into a reinsurance agreement with an affiliated company, AAIC, whereby AAIC cedes 100% of the total written premiums, acquisition costs and incurred losses and LAE on business with effective dates before and after November 9, 2012. The agreement had an indefinite term. In July 2014, the Company reacquired AAIC from ACP Re. The amounts related to these reinsurance treaties are as follows: December 31, 2015 Wesco AARC December 31, 2014 Wesco AARC Year Ended December 31, 2015 Wesco AARC Year Ended December 31, 2014 Wesco AARC Year Ended December 31, 2013 AAIC Wesco AARC NGHC Quota Share Agreement Recoverable (Payable) on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE Commission Receivable Premium Receivable (Payable) $ (45) $ 829 — $ 107 — (395) Recoverable (Payable) on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE Commission Receivable Premium Receivable (Payable) $ $ $ $ (3,987) $ 706 — $ 94 (638) (350) Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums Commission Income (Expense) Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE $ 69 (1,504) $ 212 470 (414) (814) Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums Commission Income (Expense) Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE $ 17,843 (1,317) (4,134) $ 369 14,852 (811) Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums Commission Income (Expense) Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE 4,103 $ (631) $ 14,681 (1,197) (4,175) 390 2,445 8,556 (750) The Company participated in a quota share reinsurance treaty with the related entities listed below whereby it ceded 50% of the total net earned premiums and net incurred losses and LAE on business with effective dates after March 1, 2010 (“NGHC Quota Share”). On August 1, 2013, the Company provided notice to parties of the NGHC Quota Share agreement that it was terminating the agreement. The Company no longer cedes any net earned premiums and net incurred losses and LAE on business with effective dates after July 31, 2013. The termination was on a run-off basis, meaning the Company continued to cede 50% of the net premiums F-61 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) and the related net losses with respect to policies in force as of July 31, 2013 through the expiration of such policies, the last of which expired on July 31, 2014. The NGHC Quota Share provided that the reinsurers pay a provisional ceding commission equal to 32.5% of ceded earned premium, net of premiums ceded by the Company for inuring reinsurance, subject to adjustment. The ceding commission is subject to adjustment to a maximum of 34.5% if the loss ratio for the reinsured business is 60.0% or less and a minimum of 30.5% if the loss ratio is 64.5% or greater. Effective October 1, 2012, the parties amended the NGHC Quota Share to decrease the provisional ceding commission from 32.5% to 32.0% of ceded earned premium, net of premiums ceded by the Company for inuring reinsurance, subject to adjustment. The ceding commission is subject to adjustment to a minimum of 30.0% (changed from 30.5%), if the loss ratio is 64.5% or greater. The Company believes that the terms, conditions and pricing of the NGHC Quota Share were determined by arm's length negotiations and reflect market terms and conditions. The percentage breakdown by reinsurer of such 50% is as follows: Name of Insurer ACP Re Maiden Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Maiden Technology Insurance Company, Inc., a subsidiary of AmTrust The amounts related to this reinsurance treaty are as follows: Quota Share Percentage 15% 25% 10% Year Ended December 31, 2015 ACP Re Maiden Insurance Company Technology Insurance Company, Inc. Total Year Ended December 31, 2014 ACP Re Maiden Insurance Company Technology Insurance Company, Inc. Total Year Ended December 31, 2013 ACP Re Maiden Insurance Company Technology Insurance Company, Inc. Total Ceded Earned Premiums Ceding Commission Income (Expense) Ceded Losses and LAE $ $ — $ — — — $ (1,226) $ (2,057) (804) (4,087) $ 3,657 6,109 2,425 12,191 Ceded Earned Premiums Ceding Commission Income Ceded Losses and LAE $ $ $ $ 12,850 $ 3,703 $ 21,416 8,567 6,115 2,455 42,833 $ 12,273 $ 11,486 19,130 7,671 38,287 Ceded Earned Premiums Ceding Commission Income Ceded Losses and LAE 149,954 $ 46,943 $ 249,924 99,970 78,224 31,181 94,802 158,004 63,201 499,848 $ 156,348 $ 316,007 Included in ceding commission income was $0, $5,076 and $86,514 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which represented recovery of successful acquisition cost of the reinsured contracts. These amounts have been netted against acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. F-62 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) December 31, 2015 ACP Re Maiden Insurance Company Technology Insurance Company, Inc. Total December 31, 2014 ACP Re Maiden Insurance Company Technology Insurance Company, Inc. Total Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE Ceded Commission Payable Ceded Premium Payable $ $ 17,298 $ — $ 28,830 11,532 — — 57,660 $ — $ 9,025 15,041 6,016 30,082 Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE Ceded Commission Payable Ceded Premium Payable $ $ 30,517 50,861 20,345 101,723 $ $ 3 5 2 10 $ $ 7,792 12,987 5,195 25,974 The Company nets the ceded commission receivable against ceded premium payable in the consolidated balance sheets as the NGHC Quota Share Agreement allows for net settlement. The agreement also stipulates that if the Company would be denied full statutory credit for reinsurance ceded pursuant to the credit for reinsurance laws or regulations in any applicable jurisdiction, the reinsurers will secure an amount equal to that obligation through a letter of credit; assets held in trust for the benefit of the Company or cash. ACP Re and Maiden Insurance Company held assets in trust in the amount of $18,677 and $30,797, respectively, as of December 31, 2015 and $31,044 and $58,513, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. The Company and AmTrust have formed the LSC Entities for the purposes of acquiring certain life settlement contracts. For further discussion on the LSC Entities' arrangements (see Note 6, “Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries”). 800 Superior, LLC As described in Note 6, "Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries", the Company formed 800 Superior, LLC along with AmTrust, whereby each entity owns a 50% interest. In 2012, the Company also entered into a lease agreement with 800 Superior, LLC for a period of 15 years whereby the Company leased approximately 134,000 square feet. The Company paid 800 Superior, LLC $2,655, $2,243 and $2,143 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company’s equity interest in 800 Superior, LLC as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $1,720 and $2,140, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from 800 Superior, LLC of $(420), $(737), and $(558), respectively. In September 2012, 800 Superior, LLC received $19,400 in net proceeds from a financing transaction the Company and AmTrust entered into with Key Community Development Corporation (“KCDC”) related to a capital improvement project for the office building in Cleveland, Ohio owned by 800 Superior, LLC. The Company, AmTrust and KCDC collectively made capital contributions (net of allocation fees) and loans to 800 Superior NMTC Investment Fund II and 800 Superior NMTC Investment Fund I LLC (collectively, the “Investment Funds”) under a qualified New Markets Tax Credit (“NMTC”) program. The NMTC program was provided for in the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000 (the “Act”) and is intended to induce capital investment in qualified lower income communities. The Act permits taxpayers to claim credits against their Federal income taxes for up to 39% of qualified investments in the equity of community development entities (“CDEs”). CDEs are privately managed investment institutions that are certified to make qualified low-income community investments (“QLICIs”). In addition to the capital contributions and loans from the Company, AmTrust and KCDC, as part of the transaction, the Investment Funds received, directly and indirectly, proceeds of approximately $8,000 through two loans originating from state and local governments of Ohio. These loans are each for a period of 15 years and have an average interest rate of 1.7% per annum. The Investment Funds then contributed the loan proceeds and capital contributions of $19,400 to two CDEs, which, in turn, loaned the funds on similar terms to 800 Superior, LLC. The proceeds of the loans from the CDEs (including loans representing F-63 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) the capital contribution made by KCDC, net of allocation fees) will be used to fund the capital improvement project. As collateral for these loans, the Company has granted a security interest in the assets acquired with the loan proceeds. The Company and AmTrust are each entitled to receive an equal portion of 49% of the benefits derived from the NMTCs generated by 800 Superior Investment Fund II LLC, while KCDC is entitled to the remaining 51%. The NMTC is subject to 100% recapture for a period of seven years as provided in the Internal Revenue Code. During this seven years compliance period, the entities involved are required to be in compliance with various regulations and contractual provisions that apply to the NMTC arrangement. Non-compliance with applicable requirements could result in the projected tax benefits not being realized and, therefore, could require the Company to indemnify KCDC for any loss or recapture of NMTCs related to the financing until such time as the obligation to deliver tax benefits is relieved. The Company does not anticipate any credit recaptures will be required in connection with this arrangement. In addition, this transaction includes a put/call provision whereby the Company may be obligated or entitled to repurchase KCDC's interest in the Investment Funds in September 2019 at the end of the recapture period. Management believes that KCDC will exercise its put option and, therefore, attributed an insignificant value to the put/call. East Ninth & Superior, LLC In September 2012, the Company formed East Ninth & Superior. The Company and AmTrust each have a 50% ownership interest in East Ninth and Superior, LLC and a 24.5% ownership interest in 800 Superior NMTC Investment Fund II, LLC for which the Company is not a primary beneficiary. The Company’s equity interest in East Ninth & Superior as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $4,139 and $4,079, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from East Ninth & Superior of $60, $70, and $(57), respectively. North Dearborn Building Company, L.P. In February 2015, the Company invested $9,714 in North Dearborn, a limited partnership that owns an office building in Chicago, Illinois. AmTrust is also a limited partner in North Dearborn, and the general partner is NA Advisors, an entity controlled by Michael Karfunkel and managed by an unrelated third party. The Company and AmTrust each received a 45% limited partnership interest in North Dearborn for their respective $9,714 investments, while NA Advisors invested approximately $2,200 and holds a 10% general partnership interest and a 10% profit interest, which NA Advisors pays to the unrelated third party manager. North Dearborn appointed NA Advisors as the general manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the office building. North Dearborn is considered to be a VIE, for which the Company is not a primary beneficiary. The Company accounts for North Dearborn using the equity method of accounting. The Company's total exposure to loss is limited to its equity investment. The Company’s equity interest in North Dearborn as of December 31, 2015 was $9,862. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from North Dearborn of $756. The Company received distributions of $607 for the year ended December 31, 2015. 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC In August 2015, the Company formed 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC with AmTrust, for the purposes of acquiring an office building in Dallas, Texas. The cost of the building was approximately $21,000. AmTrust has been appointed managing member of 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC. The Company and AmTrust each have a 50% ownership interest in 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC. The Company accounts for 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC using the equity method of accounting. The Company’s equity interest in 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC as of December 31, 2015 was $10,559. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC of $28. Illinois Center Building, L.P. In August 2015, the Company invested $53,715 in Illinois Center, a limited partnership that owns an office building in Chicago, Illinois. AmTrust and ACP Re Group are also limited partners in Illinois Center and the general partner is NA Advisors. The Company and AmTrust each received a 37.5% limited partnership interest in Illinois Center for their respective $53,715 investments, while ACP Re Group invested $21,486 for its 15.0% limited partnership interest. NA Advisors invested $14,324 and holds a 10.0% general partnership interest and a 10.0% profit interest, which NA Advisors pays to the unrelated third party manager. F-64 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) Illinois Center appointed NA Advisors as the general manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the office building. Illinois Center is considered to be a VIE, for which the Company is not a primary beneficiary. The Company accounts for Illinois Center using the equity method of accounting. The Company's total exposure to loss is limited to its equity investment. The Company’s equity interest in Illinois Center as of December 31, 2015 was $55,007. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from Illinois Center of $1,292. Agreements with ACP Re and Affiliated Entities In connection with the acquisition of Tower by ACP Re, the Company entered into the agreements described below. Personal Lines Master Agreement On July 23, 2014, the Company and ACP Re entered into the Amended and Restated Personal Lines Master Agreement (the "Master Agreement"). The Master Agreement provided for the implementation of the various transactions associated with the acquisition of Tower by ACP Re. In addition, the Master Agreement requires the Company to pay ACP Re contingent consideration in the form of a three-year earnout (the "ACP Re Contingent Payments") of 3% of gross premium written of the Tower personal lines business written or assumed by the Company following the Merger. The ACP Re Contingent Payments are subject to a maximum of $30,000, in the aggregate, over the three-year period. During the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the ACP Re Contingent Payments made by the Company were $9,785 and $2,601, respectively. The expected remaining ACP Re Contingent Payments as of December 31, 2015 are $17,614. The fair value of the ACP Re Contingent Payments as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $16,071 and $23,499, respectively. PL Reinsurance Agreement and the Personal Lines Cut-Through Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement Integon National entered into the Personal Lines Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement (the "PL Reinsurance Agreement"), with Tower’s ten statutory insurance companies (collectively, the “Tower Companies”), pursuant to which Integon National reinsures 100% of all losses under the Tower Companies’ new and renewal personal lines business written after September 15, 2014. The ceding commission payable by Integon National under the PL Reinsurance Agreement is equal to the sum of (i) reimbursement of the Tower Companies’ acquisition costs in respect of the business covered, including commission payable to National General Insurance Marketing, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company (“NGIM”), pursuant to the PL MGA Agreement (as defined below), and premium taxes and (ii) 2% of gross premium written (net of cancellations and return premiums) collected pursuant to the PL MGA Agreement. In connection with the execution of the PL Reinsurance Agreement, the Personal Lines Cut- Through Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement, dated January 3, 2014, by and among the Tower Companies and Integon National (the “Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement”), was terminated on a run-off basis, with the reinsurance of all policies reinsured under such agreement remaining in effect. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, there was a net receivable due from the Tower Companies of $46,565 and $43,998, respectively. As a result of the PL Reinsurance Agreement and the Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company assumed $144,497 and $439,578, respectively, of premium from the Tower Companies and recorded $38,550 and $110,490, respectively, of ceding commission expense. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company earned premium of $248,544 and $284,480, respectively, under these reinsurance agreements. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses of $159,814 and $154,577, respectively, under these reinsurance agreements. PL MGA Agreement NGIM produces and manages all new and renewal personal lines business of the Tower Companies pursuant to a Personal Lines Managing General Agency Agreement (the "PL MGA Agreement"). As described above, all post-September 15, 2014 personal lines business written by the Tower Companies is reinsured by Integon National pursuant to the PL Reinsurance Agreement. The Tower Companies pay NGIM a 10% commission on all business written pursuant to the PL MGA Agreement. All payments by the Tower Companies to NGIM pursuant to the PL MGA Agreement are netted out of the ceding commission payable by Integon National to the Tower Companies pursuant to the PL Reinsurance Agreement. The Company recorded $12,428 and $8,826, respectively, of commission income for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 as a result of the PL MGA Agreement. F-65 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) PL Administrative Services Agreement National General Management Corp., a subsidiary of the Company ("NGMC"), the Tower Companies and an affiliated company, CastlePoint Reinsurance Company, Ltd (“CP Re”), entered into the Personal Lines LPTA Administrative Services Agreement (the "PL Administrative Agreement"), pursuant to which NGMC administers the run-off of CP Re’s and the Tower Companies’ personal lines business written prior to September 15, 2014 at cost. CP Re and the Tower Companies reimburse NGMC for its actual costs, including costs incurred in connection with claims operations, out-of-pocket expenses, costs incurred in connection with any required modifications to NGMC's claims systems and an allocated portion of the claims service expenses paid by Integon National to the Tower Companies pursuant to the Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement. As a result of the PL Administrative Agreement, the Company was reimbursed $3,379 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, there was a receivable related to the PL Administrative Agreement of $11,795 and $1,546, respectively. Stop-Loss and Retrocession Agreements National General Re, Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company (“NG Re Ltd.”), along with AmTrust International Insurance, Ltd., an affiliate of the Company (“AII”), as reinsurers, entered into a $250,000 Aggregate Stop Loss Reinsurance Agreement (the "Stop- Loss Agreement") with CP Re. NG Re Ltd. and AII also entered into an Aggregate Stop Loss Retrocession Contract (the "Retrocession Agreement") with ACP Re pursuant to which ACP Re is obligated to reinsure the full amount of any payments that NG Re Ltd. and AII are obligated to make to CP Re under the Stop-Loss Agreement. Pursuant to the Stop-Loss Agreement, each of NG Re Ltd. and AII provide, severally, $125,000 of stop loss coverage with respect to the run-off of the Tower business written on or before September 15, 2014. The reinsurers’ obligation to indemnify CP Re under the Stop-Loss Agreement will be triggered only at such time as CP Re’s ultimate paid net loss related to the run-off of the pre-September 15, 2014 Tower business exceeds a retention equal to the Tower Companies’ loss and loss adjustment reserves and unearned premium reserves as of September 15, 2014, which, the parties to the Loss Portfolio Transfer Agreement have agreed will be established upon reevaluation as of December 31, 2015. CP Re will pay AII and NG Re Ltd. total premium of $56,000 on the fifth anniversary of the Stop-Loss Agreement. The premium payable by NG Re Ltd. and AII to ACP Re pursuant to the Retrocession Agreement will be $56,000 in the aggregate, less a ceding commission of 5.5% to be retained by NG Re Ltd. and AII. The Company will record this reinsurance transaction under the deposit method of accounting. Credit Agreement On September 15, 2014, NG Re Ltd. entered into a credit agreement (the “ACP Re Credit Agreement”) by and among AmTrust, as Administrative Agent, ACP Re and London Acquisition Company Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of ACP Re, as the borrowers (collectively, the “Borrowers”), ACP Re Holdings, LLC, as Guarantor, and AII and NG Re Ltd., as Lenders, pursuant to which the Lenders made a $250,000 loan ($125,000 made by each Lender) to the Borrowers on the terms and conditions contained within the ACP Re Credit Agreement. The ACP Re Credit Agreement has a maturity date of September 15, 2021. Outstanding principal under the ACP Re Credit Agreement bears interest at a fixed annual rate of seven percent (7%), payable semi-annually on the last day of January and July. The obligations of the Borrowers are secured by (i) a first-priority pledge of 100% of the stock of ACP Re and certain of ACP Re’s U.S. subsidiaries and 65% of the stock of certain of ACP Re’s foreign subsidiaries and (ii) a first-priority lien on the assets of the Borrowers and Guarantor and certain of the assets of ACP Re’s subsidiaries (other than the Tower Companies). The Company recorded interest income of approximately $8,701 and $2,601 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, under the ACP Re Credit Agreement. Surplus Notes of the Reciprocal Exchanges ACP Re, an affiliate of the Company, holds the surplus notes carried at $45,476 and $48,374 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, issued by the Reciprocal Exchanges. The obligation to repay principal and interest on the Reciprocal Exchanges’ Surplus Notes is subordinated to the Reciprocal Exchanges’ other liabilities. Principal and interest on the Reciprocal Exchanges’ Surplus Notes are payable only with regulatory approval (see Note 15, “Debt”). F-66 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) Investments In the fourth quarter of 2015, NG Re Ltd. purchased from Tower entities two investments in limited partnership interests for an aggregate amount of approximately $5,115. AIBD Health Plan On September 1, 2012 the Company purchased The Association Benefits Solution companies , a group of companies affiliated with the accident and health insurance industry. As part of the purchase, the Company is now affiliated with AIBD Health Plan which is a welfare benefit plan for several member groups. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had a receivable of $5,418 and $5,377, respectively. Also, as part of this plan, the Company utilizes an employer trust to administer additional claims. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had a receivable to the employer trust in the amount of $2,950 and $605, respectively. 17. Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Activity in the reserves for unpaid losses and LAE is presented below: Year Ended December 31, 2015 Reciprocal Exchanges NGHC Total NGHC 2014 Reciprocal Exchanges Total 2013 Total $1,450,305 $ 111,848 $1,562,153 $1,259,241 $ — $1,259,241 $1,286,533 (888,215) (23,583) (911,798) (950,828) 562,090 88,265 650,355 308,413 — — (950,828) (991,447) 308,413 295,086 1,265,702 100,255 1,365,957 1,008,406 25,382 1,033,788 456,039 18,378 (2,694) 15,684 17,941 1,336 19,277 6,085 1,284,080 97,561 1,381,641 1,026,347 26,718 1,053,065 462,124 Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the year Less: Reinsurance recoverables at beginning of the year Net balance at beginning of the year Incurred losses and LAE related to: Current year Prior year Total incurred Paid losses and LAE related to: Current year Prior year Total paid (835,854) (347,912) (1,183,766) (37,018) (55,501) (92,519) (872,872) (403,413) (1,276,285) (645,826) (187,010) (832,836) (20,715) (12,429) (33,144) (666,541) (199,439) (865,980) (265,907) (182,890) (448,797) Acquired outstanding loss and loss adjustment reserve Effect of foreign exchange rates Net balance at end of the year Plus reinsurance recoverables at end of the year Gross balance at end of the year 169,257 (2,520) — — 169,257 66,066 94,691 160,757 (2,520) (5,900) — (5,900) — — 829,141 93,307 922,448 562,090 88,265 650,355 308,413 794,091 39,085 833,176 888,215 23,583 911,798 950,828 $1,623,232 $ 132,392 $1,755,624 $1,450,305 $ 111,848 $1,562,153 $1,259,241 F-67 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) These revised reserve estimates are generally the result of ongoing analysis of recent loss development trends and emerging historical experience. Original estimates are increased or decreased as additional information becomes known regarding individual claims. In setting its reserves, the Company reviews its loss data to estimate expected loss development. Management believes that its use of sound actuarial methodology applied to its analyses of its historical experience provides a reasonable estimate of future losses. However, actual future losses may differ from the Company’s estimate, and future events beyond the control of management, such as changes in law, judicial interpretations of law and inflation, may favorably or unfavorably impact the ultimate settlement of the Company’s loss and LAE. The anticipated effect of inflation is implicitly considered when estimating liabilities for losses and LAE. In addition to inflation, the average severity of claims is affected by a number of factors that may vary by types and features of policies written. Future average severities are projected from historical trends, adjusted for implemented changes in underwriting standards and policy provisions, and general economic trends. These estimated trends are monitored and revised as necessary based on actual development. 18. Commitments and Contingencies Lease Commitments The Company is obligated under approximately 49 leases for office space expiring at various dates through 2026. The lease expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $14,310, $12,131, and $11,958, respectively. Future minimum lease commitments as of December 31, 2015 under non-cancellable operating leases for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows: Year Ending December 31, 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Total Litigation $ 16,147 15,744 14,758 13,860 10,565 32,227 $ 103,301 The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are named as defendants in various legal actions arising principally from claims made under insurance policies and contracts. Those actions are considered by the Company in estimating the loss and LAE reserves. The Company’s management believes the resolution of those actions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. F-68 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) Employment Agreements The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain individuals. The employment agreements provide for option awards, executive benefits and severance payments under certain circumstances. Amounts payable under these agreements for the next five years are as follows: Year Ending December 31, 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Total Personal Lines Master Agreement $ 3,653 949 500 500 29 $ 5,631 On July 23, 2014, the Company and ACP Re entered into the Amended and Restated Personal Lines Master Agreement (the "Master Agreement"). The Master Agreement provides for the implementation of the various transactions associated with the acquisition of Tower by ACP Re. In addition, the Master Agreement requires the Company to pay ACP Re contingent consideration in the form of a three-year earnout (the "ACP Re Contingent Payments") of 3% of gross premium written of the Tower personal lines business written or assumed by the Company following the Merger. The ACP Re Contingent Payments are subject to a maximum of $30,000, in the aggregate, over the three-year period. During the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the ACP Re Contingent Payments made by the Company were $9,785 and $2,601, respectively. The expected remaining ACP Re Contingent Payments as of December 31, 2015 are $17,614. (See Note 16, "Related Party Transactions"). ARS Contingent Payments On April 1, 2015, the Company closed on the acquisition of ARS, a New Jersey based managing general agency that services assigned risk, personal auto, and commercial lines of business, for a purchase price of approximately $48,000 in cash and potential future earnout payments ("ARS Contingent Payments"). The fair value of the ARS Contingent Payments was estimated to be $4,081 at December 31, 2015. HST Contingent Payments On January 23, 2015, the Company closed on the acquisition of HST, an Illinois based healthcare insurance general agency. The Company paid approximately $15,000 on the acquisition date and agreed to pay potential future earnout payments ("HST Contingent Payments") based on the overall profitability of HST and the business underwritten by the Company's insurance subsidiaries which is produced by HST. The fair value of the HST Contingent Payments was estimated to be $4,500 at December 31, 2015. 19. Stockholders' Equity In 2010, the Company issued to AmTrust for an initial purchase consideration of approximately $53,053, which was equal to 25% of the capital initially required by the Company, 53,054 shares of Series A Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”). The Preferred Stock provided an 8% cumulative dividend, was non-redeemable and was convertible, at the holders’ option, into 21.25% of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Company. On June 5, 2013, the Company converted the issued and outstanding 53,054 shares of Series A Preferred Stock into 12,295,430 shares of common stock (giving effect to a 286.22 to 1 stock split). Upon the conversion of the Preferred Stock, the Company paid AmTrust all undeclared cumulative dividends totaling $12,202. On June 6, 2013, the Company sold 21,850,000 shares of common stock in a private placement in reliance on exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. The shares of common stock were sold to investors at a price of $10.50 per share, except for 485,532 shares that were sold to FBR Capital Markets & Co. (“FBR”) and an affiliate of FBR, which were sold F-69 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) at a price of $9.765 per share representing the offering price per share sold to other investors less the amount of the initial purchaser discount or placement agent fee per share in the private placement. The cost of issuance of stock of approximately $1,093 was charged directly to additional paid-in capital. The net proceeds to the Company after expenses were approximately $213,277. On February 19, 2014, the Company sold an additional 13,570,000 shares of common stock in a private placement in reliance on exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 at a price of $14.00 per share, subject to a placement fee of $0.840 per share. The Company recorded the cost of obtaining new capital as a reduction of the related proceeds. The cost of issuance of stock of approximately $12,146 was charged directly to additional paid-in capital. The net proceeds to the Company after expenses were approximately $177,833. On June 25, 2014, the Company issued 2,200,000 shares of 7.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock") in a public offering. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock when, as and if declared by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") or a duly authorized committee of the Board, will be payable on the liquidation preference amount of $25.00 per share, on a non-cumulative basis, quarterly in arrears on the 15th day of January, April, July and October of each year (each, a "dividend payment date"), commencing on October 15, 2014, at an annual rate of 7.50%. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are not cumulative. Accordingly, in the event dividends are not declared on the Series A Preferred Stock for payment on any dividend payment date, then those dividends will not accumulate and will not be payable. If the Company has not declared a dividend before the dividend payment date for any dividend period, the Company will have no obligation to pay dividends for that dividend period, whether or not dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are declared for any future dividend payment. The net proceeds the Company received from the issuance was approximately $53,164, after deducting the underwriting discount and issuance expenses. On March 27, 2015, the Company completed a public offering of 6,000,000 of its depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of its 7.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B, $0.01 par value per share (the "Series B Preferred Stock"), with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share). Each depositary share entitles the holder to a proportional fractional interest in all rights and preferences of the Series B Preferred Stock represented thereby (including any dividend, liquidation, redemption and voting rights). Dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock represented by the depositary shares will be payable on the liquidation preference amount, on a non-cumulative basis, when, as and if declared by the Company’s Board of Directors, at a rate of 7.50% per annum, quarterly in arrears, on January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15 of each year, beginning on July 15, 2015, from and including the date of original issuance. The Series B Preferred Stock represented by the depositary shares is not redeemable prior to April 15, 2020. After that date, the Company may redeem at its option, in whole or in part, the Series B Preferred Stock represented by the depositary shares at a redemption price of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share) plus any declared and unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods and accrued but unpaid dividends (whether or not declared) for the then current dividend period. A total of 6,000,000 depositary shares (equivalent to 150,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock) were issued. Net proceeds from this offering were $145,275. The Company incurred $4,975 in underwriting discount, commissions and expenses, which were recognized as a reduction to additional paid-in capital. On April 6, 2015, the underwriters exercised their over-allotment option with respect to an additional 600,000 depositary shares (equivalent to 15,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock), on the same terms and conditions as the original March 27, 2015 issuance. Net proceeds from this additional offering were $14,527. The Company incurred an additional $473 in underwriting discount and commissions, which were recognized as a reduction to additional paid-in capital. On August 18, 2015, the Company issued 11,500,000 shares of common stock in a public offering, including 1,500,000 shares issued pursuant to the underwriters' over-allotment option. The common stock offering was priced to the public at $19.00 per share, resulting in net proceeds of $210,853, after deducting underwriting discount, but before expenses. The cost of issuance of stock of approximately $7,858 was charged directly to additional paid-in capital. The net proceeds to the Company after underwriting discount, commissions and expenses were approximately $210,642. 20. Benefits Plan A significant number of the Company’s employees participate in a defined contribution plan. Employer contributions vary based on criteria specific to the plan. Contribution expense was $3,729, $2,265 and $1,816 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. F-70 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) 21. Statutory Financial Data Applicable insurance department regulations require the Company’s insurance subsidiaries to prepare statutory financial statements in accordance with Statutory Accounting Practices ("SAP") prescribed or permitted by the Department of Insurance of the state of domicile. Statutory net income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and statutory capital and surplus as per the annual financial statements of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries as of December 31 were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 Integon Indemnity Corporation National General Insurance Company Integon Preferred Insurance Company Integon National Insurance Company MIC General Insurance Corporation National General Assurance Company Integon Casualty Insurance Company New South Insurance Company Integon General Insurance Corporation National General Insurance Company Online, Inc. National Health Insurance Company Personal Express Insurance Company Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company National Automotive Insurance Company Agent Alliance Insurance Company National General Re Ltd. National General Insurance Luxembourg, S.A. National General Life Insurance Europe, S.A. Required Statutory Capital and Surplus 2,759 $ $ 450 126 123,839 451 255 54 71 160 67 746 167 366 100 681 298,795 26,491 21,571 Statutory Net Income (Loss) (2,195) 378 324 (9,995) (52) 130 120 203 493 218 893 667 3,021 544 387 163,872 925 7,346 Statutory Capital and Surplus 37,316 26,294 6,769 448,339 19,042 16,819 6,269 7,632 6,305 11,340 13,796 16,155 40,572 7,103 48,811 601,276 32,922 28,770 $ F-71 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) Year Ended December 31, 2014 Integon Indemnity Corporation National General Insurance Company Integon Preferred Insurance Company Integon National Insurance Company MIC General Insurance Corporation National General Assurance Company Integon Casualty Insurance Company New South Insurance Company Integon General Insurance Corporation National General Insurance Company Online, Inc. National Health Insurance Company Personal Express Insurance Company Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company National Automotive Insurance Company Agent Alliance Insurance Company National General Re Ltd. National General Insurance Luxembourg, S.A. National General Life Insurance Europe, S.A. Year Ended December 31, 2013 Integon Indemnity Corporation National General Insurance Company Integon Preferred Insurance Company Integon National Insurance Company MIC General Insurance Corporation National General Assurance Company Integon Casualty Insurance Company New South Insurance Company Integon General Insurance Corporation National General Insurance Company Online, Inc. National Health Insurance Company National General Re Ltd. $ Statutory Capital and Surplus 32,879 27,923 9,324 332,405 19,800 17,490 11,453 6,890 11,310 10,878 11,536 15,520 41,018 7,013 16,464 442,400 14,638 15,000 Required Statutory Capital and Surplus 2,228 $ $ 261 173 98,974 222 891 178 101 261 106 161 65 6,599 487 321 112,810 2,500 3,700 Statutory Net Income (Loss) 18 527 (66) 11,397 50 195 135 321 353 (53) 1,169 789 178 1,502 (147) 54,688 402 (354) Statutory Capital and Surplus Required Statutory Capital and Surplus Statutory Net Income (Loss) $ 32,767 $ 2,787 $ 25,800 8,394 159,752 20,234 15,764 10,256 15,621 10,555 9,939 10,340 370 127 61,897 369 183 192 288 246 49 698 133,088 40,389 2,967 4,498 1,482 (33,202) 1,086 2,017 1,550 4,091 4,895 1,294 (1,246) 4,232 For the Company's U.S. insurance subsidiaries, the required statutory capital and surplus amount is equal to 1.5 times of authorized control level of risk based capital as defined by NAIC or the minimum amount required to avoid regulatory oversight. For National General Re Ltd., the required statutory capital and surplus (known as the "Target Capital Level") amount is equal to 1.2 times the enhanced Capital Requirement based on a level of risk based capital compared to 2014. The Company maintained the minimum capital required by the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Reciprocal Exchanges The Reciprocal Exchanges prepare their statutory basis financial statements in accordance with SAP. F-72 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Reciprocal Exchanges had combined SAP net income (loss) of $23,346 and $(3,646), respectively. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Reciprocal Exchanges had combined statutory capital and surplus of $119,330 and $74,952, respectively. The Reciprocal Exchanges are required to maintain minimum capital and surplus in accordance with regulatory requirements. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the capital and surplus levels of the Reciprocal Exchanges exceeded such required levels. The Reciprocal Exchanges are not owned by the Company, but managed through management agreements. Accordingly, the Reciprocal Exchanges’ net assets are not available to the Company. In addition, no dividends can be paid from the Reciprocal Exchanges to the Company. 22. Dividend Restrictions The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to statutory and regulatory restrictions, applicable to insurance companies, imposed by the states of domicile, which limit the amount of cash dividends or distributions that they may pay unless special permission is received from the state of domicile. This limit was approximately $360,070 and $286,346 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, there were $23,751, $12,000 and $24,015 of dividends and return of capital paid by the insurance subsidiaries to the parent company, respectively. The Company obtained permission from the states of domicile before the dividends were paid. Thereafter, the parent company paid $160,300, $141,566 and $54,105 in the form of a capital contribution to its subsidiary, Integon National Insurance Company as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. During 2013, National Health Insurance Company received a capital contribution from its parent Integon Indemnity Corporation of $3,000. 23. Risk-Based Capital Property and casualty insurance companies in the United States are subject to certain risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements as specified by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Under such requirements, the amount of capital and surplus maintained by a property and casualty insurance company is to be determined on various risk factors. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the capital and surplus of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries exceeded the RBC requirements. 24. Share-Based Compensation The Company currently has two equity incentive plan (the “Plans”). The Plans authorize up to an aggregate of 7,435,000 shares of Company stock for awards of options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSU"), unrestricted stock and other performance awards. The aggregate number of shares of common stock for which awards may be issued may not exceed 7,435,000 shares, subject to the authority of the Company’s Board of Directors to adjust this amount in the event of a consolidation, reorganization, stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization or similar transaction affecting the Company’s common stock. As of December 31, 2015, approximately 1,768,870 shares of Company common stock remained available for grants under the Plans. The Company recognizes compensation expense under ASC 718-10-25 for its share-based payments based on the fair value of the awards. The Company grants stock options at exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the dates the options are granted. The options have a maximum term of ten years from the date of grant and vest primarily in equal annual installments over a range of one to five years period following the date of grant for employee options. If a participant’s employment relationship ends, the participant’s vested awards will remain exercisable for the shorter of a period of 30 days or the period ending on the latest date on which such award could have been exercisable. The fair value of each option grant is separately estimated for each grant date. The fair value of each option is amortized into compensation expense on a straight-line basis between the grant date for the award and each vesting date. The Company has estimated the fair value of all stock option awards as of the date of the grant by applying the Black-Scholes-Merton multiple-option pricing valuation model. The application of this valuation model involves assumptions that are judgmental and highly sensitive in the determination of compensation expense. The Company grants RSUs with a grant date value equal to the closing stock price of the Company’s stock on the dates the units are granted and the RSUs generally vest over a period of three or four years. F-73 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) The fair value for stock options was estimated at the date of grant with the following assumptions for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013: 2015 (1) Low-End High End 2014 Low-End High End 2013 Low-End High End Volatility Risk-free interest rate Weighted average expected life in years Forfeiture rate —% —% 0.00 —% —% —% 0.00 —% Dividend rate —% (1) There were no options granted for the year ended December 31, 2015. —% 27.00% 1.74% 5.50 10.00% 0.40% 35.00% 2.26% 7.00 10.00% 0.40% 36.00% 0.95% 6.25 19.00% —% 39.00% 2.27% 6.50 19.20% —% Expected Price Volatility - this is a measure of the amount by which a price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. For the year ended December 31, 2013, it was not possible to use actual experience to estimate the expected volatility of the price of the common shares in estimating the value of the options granted because the Company's common shares were not traded on a public exchange. As a substitute for such estimate, the Company used a set of comparable companies in the industry in which the Company operates. Risk-Free Interest Rate - this is the U.S. Treasury rate for the week of the grant having a term equal to the expected life of the option. An increase in the risk-free interest rate will increase compensation expense. Expected Lives - this is the period of time over which the options granted are expected to remain outstanding giving consideration to vesting schedules, historical exercise and forfeiture patterns. The Company uses the simplified method outlined in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 to estimate expected lives for options granted during the period as historical exercise data is not available and the options meet the requirements set out in the Bulletin. Options granted have a maximum term of ten years. An increase in the expected life will increase compensation expense. Forfeiture Rate - this is the estimated percentage of options granted that are expected to be forfeited or cancelled before becoming fully vested. An increase in the forfeiture rate will decrease compensation expense. Dividend Yield - this is calculated by dividing the expected annual dividend by the share price of the Company at the valuation date. An increase in the dividend yield will decrease compensation expense. A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is shown below: 2015 Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares Year Ended December 31, 2014 Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares 2013 Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares Outstanding at beginning of year 5,110,593 $ 8.88 5,058,363 $ 8.48 2,339,601 $ Granted Exercised Forfeited Withheld (1) Outstanding at end of year — (584,296) (30,759) (371,729) 4,123,809 $ — 6.31 8.26 6.97 9.31 195,000 (125,582) (17,188) — 17.63 2,990,353 6.43 7.52 — — (271,591) — 5,110,593 $ 8.88 5,058,363 $ 5.89 10.33 — 6.69 — 8.48 (1) Represents shares withheld by the Company to satisfy income tax withholding liability and exercise price in connection with certain exercises. The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted was $0.00, $6.76 and $4.20 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. F-74 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) The Company had approximately $9,069 and $5,999 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, all option grants outstanding had an approximate weighted average remaining life of 6.8 and 7.9 years, respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, options exercisable had an approximate weighted average remaining life of 6.7 and 7.5 years, respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were approximately 2,686,762 and 2,347,412 exercisable shares with a weighted-average exercise price of $8.31 and $7.81, respectively. The intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $7,973, $1,325 and $0, respectively. The intrinsic value of stock options that were outstanding as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $52,261 and $49,727, respectively. The intrinsic value of stock options that were exercisable as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $36,396 and $20,736, respectively. Cash received from options exercised was $2,595, $796 and $0 during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The excess tax benefit from award exercises was approximately $0, $0 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. A summary of the Company's RSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is shown below: 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value RSUs Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value RSUs Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value RSUs Non-vested at beginning of year 327,555 $ Granted Vested Forfeited Withheld (1) Non-vested at end of year 216,910 (42,653) (115,551) (23,587) 362,674 $ 17.44 20.34 17.31 17.57 17.30 19.16 — $ 330,555 — (3,000) — — 17.45 — 18.02 — — $ — — — — 327,555 $ 17.44 — $ — — — — — — (1) Represents shares withheld by the Company to satisfy income tax withholding liability and exercise price in connection with RSU vesting. Compensation expense for all share-based compensation under ASC 718-10-30 was $5,937, $2,859 and $2,727 during 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. F-75 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) 25. Earnings Per Share The following is a summary of the elements used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share: Net income attributable to common NGHC stockholders - basic Effect of potentially dilutive securities: Convertible preferred stock dividends Net income attributable to common NGHC stockholders - diluted Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic Potentially dilutive securities: Share options Restricted stock units Convertible preferred stock Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted Basic earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders Diluted earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders $ $ $ $ Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 2015 128,227 $ 99,952 $ 40,151 — — 128,227 $ 99,952 $ 2,158 42,309 98,241,904 91,499,122 65,017,579 2,119,358 362,674 — 100,723,936 1,868,171 148,124 — 93,515,417 1,495,315 — 5,288,719 71,801,613 1.31 1.27 $ $ 1.09 1.07 $ $ 0.62 0.59 As of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 2,432,421, 2,674,014 and 3,643,552 share options, respectively, were excluded from diluted earnings per common share as they were anti-dilutive. F-76 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) 26. Segment Information The Company currently operates two business segments, Property and Casualty and Accident and Health. The “Corporate and Other” column represents the activities of the holding company, as well as income from the Company’s investment portfolio. The Company evaluates segment performance based on segment profit separately from the results of our investment portfolio. Other operating expenses allocated to the segments are called General and Administrative expenses which are allocated on an actual basis except salaries and benefits where management’s judgment is applied. In determining total assets by segment, the Company identifies those assets that are attributable to a particular segment such as deferred acquisition cost, reinsurance recoverable, goodwill, intangible assets and prepaid reinsurance while the remaining assets are allocated to Corporate and Other. The Property and Casualty segment, which includes the Reciprocal Exchanges and the Management Companies, reports the management fees earned by NGHC from the Reciprocal Exchanges for underwriting, investment management and other services as service and fee income for the Company. The effects of these management fees between NGHC and the Reciprocal Exchanges are eliminated in consolidation to derive consolidated net income. The following tables summarize the underwriting results of the Company’s operating segments: Year Ended December 31, 2015 Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written Ceded premiums Net premium written Change in unearned premium Net earned premium Ceding commission income Service and fee income Total underwriting revenue Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses General and administrative expenses Total underwriting expenses Underwriting income (loss) Net investment income Net realized loss on investments Other revenue (expense) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries Interest expense Provision for income taxes Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC $ $ $ $ Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total $ — $ — — — — — — — — — — — — 75,340 (10,307) (788) 10,643 (28,885) (18,956) (14,025) 13,022 16,365 (3,343) 13,022 $ $ $ 2,589,748 (403,502) 2,186,246 (56,436) 2,129,810 43,790 273,548 2,447,148 1,381,641 405,930 530,347 2,317,918 129,230 75,340 (10,307) (788) 10,643 (28,885) (18,956) (14,025) 142,252 142,252 — 142,252 $ 2,337,826 (367,533) 1,970,293 (51,784) 1,918,509 42,699 174,738 2,135,946 1,210,319 339,931 448,236 1,998,486 137,460 — — — — — — 251,922 (35,969) 215,953 (4,652) 211,301 1,091 98,810 311,202 171,322 65,999 82,111 319,432 (8,230) — — — — — — — 137,460 134,117 3,343 137,460 $ $ $ — (8,230) $ (8,230) $ — (8,230) $ F-77 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total $ — $ — Year Ended December 31, 2014 Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written Ceded premiums Net premium written Change in unearned premium Net earned premium Ceding commission income Service and fee income Total underwriting revenue Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses General and administrative expenses Total underwriting expenses Underwriting income (loss) Net investment income Net realized loss on investments Other revenue (expense) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries Interest expense Provision for income taxes Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC $ $ $ $ 2,135,107 (265,083) 1,870,024 (236,804) 1,633,220 12,430 168,571 1,814,221 1,053,065 315,089 348,762 1,716,916 97,305 52,426 (2,892) (1,660) 1,180 (17,736) (23,876) (2,504) 102,243 94,648 7,595 102,243 — — — — — — — — — — — 52,426 (2,892) (1,660) 1,180 (17,736) (23,876) (2,504) 4,938 4,938 — 4,938 $ $ $ $ 1,994,708 (264,686) 1,730,022 (217,278) 1,512,744 12,430 110,114 1,635,288 967,176 260,397 292,145 1,519,718 115,570 — — — — — — 140,399 (397) 140,002 (19,526) 120,476 — 58,457 178,933 85,889 54,692 56,617 197,198 (18,265) — — — — — — — 115,570 107,975 7,595 115,570 $ $ $ — (18,265) $ (18,265) $ — (18,265) $ F-78 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) Year Ended December 31, 2013 Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written Ceded premiums Net premium written Change in unearned premium Net earned premium Ceding commission income Service and fee income Total underwriting revenue Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses General and administrative expenses Total underwriting expenses Underwriting income (loss) Net investment income Net realized loss on investments Other revenue (expense) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries Interest expense Provision for income taxes Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total $ $ 1,305,254 (659,154) 646,100 8,749 654,849 87,100 82,752 824,701 435,989 110,509 252,345 798,843 25,858 — — — — — — — $ 25,858 $ 33,501 (285) 33,216 1 33,217 — 44,789 78,006 26,135 24,378 28,207 78,720 (714) — — — — — — $ — $ — — — — — — — — — — — — 30,808 (1,669) 16 1,274 (2,042) (11,140) — (714) $ (82) 17,165 $ 1,338,755 (659,439) 679,316 8,750 688,066 87,100 127,541 902,707 462,124 134,887 280,552 877,563 25,144 30,808 (1,669) 16 1,274 (2,042) (11,140) (82) 42,309 The following tables summarize the financial position of the Company's operating segments as of December 31, 2015 and 2014: December 31, 2015 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Premiums and other receivables, net $ 684,857 $ 73,776 $ — $ Deferred acquisition costs Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses Prepaid reinsurance premiums Goodwill and Intangible assets, net Corporate and other assets Total assets 153,767 832,593 128,343 366,021 — 6,764 583 — 95,291 — — — — — 758,633 160,531 833,176 128,343 461,312 3,221,397 3,221,397 $ 2,165,581 $ 176,414 $ 3,221,397 $ 5,563,392 F-79 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) December 31, 2014 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Premiums and other receivables, net $ 576,980 $ 70,463 $ — $ Deferred acquisition costs Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses Prepaid reinsurance premiums Goodwill and Intangible assets, net Corporate and other assets Total assets 119,167 911,790 102,761 260,739 6,832 8 — 58,862 — — — — 647,443 125,999 911,798 102,761 319,601 — 1,971,437 $ $ — 136,165 $ 2,217,114 2,217,114 $ 2,217,114 4,324,716 The following table shows an analysis of the Company's gross and net premiums written and net earned premium by geographical location for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013: Year Ended December 31, 2015 Reciprocal Exchanges NGHC Total NGHC 2014 Reciprocal Exchanges 2013 Total Total Gross premium written - North America Gross premium written - Europe $2,217,844 $ 283,582 $2,501,426 $1,965,942 $ 70,042 $2,035,984 $1,338,755 88,322 — 88,322 99,123 — 99,123 — Total $2,306,166 $ 283,582 $2,589,748 $2,065,065 $ 70,042 $2,135,107 $1,338,755 Net premium written - North America Net premium written - Bermuda Net premium written - Europe $ 922,386 $ 126,091 $1,048,477 $ 927,760 $ 53,076 $ 980,836 $ 382,358 1,009,447 — 1,009,447 750,065 128,322 — 128,322 139,123 — — 750,065 267,263 139,123 29,695 Total $2,060,155 $ 126,091 $2,186,246 $1,816,948 $ 53,076 $1,870,024 $ 679,316 Net earned premium - North America Net earned premium - Bermuda Net earned premium - Europe $ 862,034 $ 134,709 $ 996,743 $ 715,906 $ 47,622 $ 763,528 $ 391,108 1,009,447 — 1,009,447 750,065 123,620 — 123,620 119,627 — — 750,065 267,263 119,627 29,695 Total $1,995,101 $ 134,709 $2,129,810 $1,585,598 $ 47,622 $1,633,220 $ 688,066 F-80 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) The following tables show an analysis of the Company's gross premium written, net premium written and net earned premium by product type for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013: Gross Premium Written Property and Casualty Personal Auto Homeowners RV/Packaged Commercial Auto Lender-placed insurance Other Property and Casualty Total Accident and Health Total NGHC Total Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto Homeowners Other Reciprocal Exchanges Total Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 2015 $ 1,240,224 $ 1,241,575 $ 1,016,728 327,299 154,929 187,686 126,570 17,536 366,997 153,553 146,124 — 16,417 1,389 158,300 116,774 — 12,063 $ 2,054,244 251,922 $ 1,924,666 140,399 $ 1,305,254 33,501 $ 2,306,166 $ 2,065,065 $ 1,338,755 $ 88,494 $ 32,436 $ 168,015 27,073 33,028 4,578 $ 283,582 $ 70,042 $ — — — — Total $ 2,589,748 $ 2,135,107 $ 1,338,755 Net Premium Written Property and Casualty Personal Auto Homeowners RV/Packaged Commercial Auto Lender-placed insurance Other Property and Casualty Total Accident and Health Total NGHC Total Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto Homeowners Other Reciprocal Exchanges Total Total Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 2015 $ 1,070,852 $ 1,047,795 $ 487,311 309,775 153,501 170,720 125,693 13,661 333,586 148,456 132,002 — 15,107 $ 1,844,202 $ 1,676,946 215,953 140,002 $ 2,060,155 $ 1,816,948 $ $ $ 50,686 $ 32,075 $ 58,012 17,393 17,127 3,874 $ 126,091 $ 53,076 $ 2,186,246 $ 1,870,024 $ $ 1,389 88,553 61,163 — 7,684 646,100 33,216 679,316 — — — — 679,316 F-81 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) Net Earned Premium Property and Casualty Personal Auto Homeowners RV/Packaged Commercial Auto Lender-placed insurance Other Property and Casualty Total Accident and Health Total NGHC Total Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto Homeowners Other Reciprocal Exchanges Total Total Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 2015 $ 1,054,529 $ 979,082 $ 502,160 286,920 150,290 154,565 123,274 204,285 147,587 118,759 — 14,222 $ 1,783,800 15,409 $ 1,465,122 211,301 120,476 $ 1,995,101 $ 1,585,598 $ $ $ 74,477 $ 28,405 $ 45,354 14,878 15,779 3,438 $ 134,709 $ 47,622 $ 2,129,810 $ 1,633,220 $ $ 444 88,494 54,913 — 8,838 654,849 33,217 688,066 — — — — 688,066 27. Condensed Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) The following tables summarize the Company's quarterly financial data: Total revenues Net income Net income attributable to NGHC common shareholders Comprehensive income (loss) - attributable to NGHC shareholders Basic earnings per common share attributable to NGHC shareholders Diluted earnings per common share attributable to NGHC shareholders 2015 March 31, June 30, $ 557,695 $ 553,653 September 30, 590,039 $ December 31, 810,006 $ 42,928 41,737 36,326 33,783 55,259 20,837 44,701 38,988 30,566 $ $ 0.45 0.43 $ $ 0.36 0.35 $ $ 0.39 0.38 $ $ 32,322 13,719 (4,016) 0.13 0.13 F-82 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) 2014 March 31, June 30, Total revenues Net income Net income attributable to NGHC common shareholders Comprehensive income - attributable to NGHC shareholders Basic earnings per common share attributable to NGHC shareholders Diluted earnings per common share attributable to NGHC shareholders $ $ $ 409,149 26,424 26,392 34,566 0.31 0.30 $ $ $ 28. Subsequent Events Century-National Purchase Agreement September 30, 496,463 $ 32,550 December 31, 513,553 $ 15,477 442,930 30,296 30,334 46,597 32,060 22,330 0.32 0.32 $ $ 0.34 0.33 $ $ 11,166 11,517 0.12 0.12 On January 22, 2016, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with Kramer- Wilson Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation, pursuant to which, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to purchase all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock (the "Century- National Transaction") of Century-National Insurance Company, a California domiciled property and casualty company ("Century- National") and Western General Agency, Inc., a California corporation ("Western General," and together with Century-National, the "Acquired Companies"). The aggregate purchase price (the "Purchase Price") for the Century-National Transaction is equal to the sum of the tangible book value of the Acquired Companies as of the closing date ("TBV") and a $50,000 premium (the "Premium"). On the closing date of the Century-National Transaction, the Company will make an initial payment of the Purchase Price that is an estimate of one-third of the TBV (subject to adjustment upon receipt of a closing audit of the Acquired Companies by independent auditors) plus the Premium. With respect to the remainder of the Purchase Price, the Company will enter into a promissory note upon closing, payable over a period of two years. On January 22, 2016, the Company deposited $10,000 into an escrow account, refundable in the event that regulatory approval of the Century-National Transaction is not received. The Century-National Transaction is subject to approval of governmental authorities and other customary closing conditions. The Century-National Transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2016. New Credit Agreement On January 25, 2016, the Company entered into a $225,000 credit agreement (the “New Credit Agreement”), among JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, KeyBank National Association as Syndication Agent, and Associated Bank, National Association and First Niagara Bank, N.A., as Co-Documentation Agents, and the various lending institutions party thereto. The credit facility is a revolving credit facility with a letter of credit sublimit of $25,000 and an expansion feature not to exceed $50,000. Proceeds of borrowings under the New Credit Agreement may be used for working capital, acquisitions and general corporate purposes. The New Credit Agreement has a maturity date of January 25, 2020. All of the commitments to extend credit under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of May 30, 2014, by and between the Company, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, were terminated pursuant to the terms of the New Credit Agreement. Standard Mutual Insurance Company Purchase Agreement On January 27, 2016, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Standard Mutual Insurance Company, an Illinois based property and casualty insurance underwriter (“SMIC”), following the completion of the conversion of SMIC to a stock company from a mutual company (the “SMIC Transaction”). The SMIC Transaction is subject to approval of governmental authorities and other customary closing conditions. The SMIC Transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2016. F-83 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES (In Thousands) December 31, 2015 Cost(1) Value Schedule I Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet Fixed Maturities: Bonds: U.S. government and government agencies and authorities States, municipalities and political subdivisions $ Foreign governments Public utilities Convertibles and bonds with warrants attached All other corporate bonds (2) Certificates of deposit Redeemable preferred stock Total Fixed Maturities Equity Securities: Common stock: $ 21,293 193,017 31,383 71,244 — 2,063,543 — — $ 22,304 196,924 31,062 62,222 — 2,044,902 — — 22,304 196,924 31,062 62,222 — 2,044,902 — — 2,380,480 2,357,414 2,357,414 Public utilities, banks, trust and insurance companies Industrial, miscellaneous and all other Nonredeemable preferred stocks Total Equity Securities Other Investments (3) Other Short-term Investments (3) Total Investments (other than investments in related parties) 244 53,112 11,448 64,804 13,031 3,527 255 46,710 11,825 58,790 13,031 3,527 255 46,710 11,825 58,790 13,031 3,527 $ 2,461,842 $ 2,432,762 $ 2,432,762 (1) Original cost of equity securities and, as to fixed maturities, original cost reduced by repayments and adjusted for amortization of premiums or accrual of discounts. (2) Includes structured securities, residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities. (3) Approximates market value. S-1 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT BALANCE SHEETS — PARENT COMPANY ONLY (In Thousands, Except Shares and Par Value per Share) Schedule II Assets Investments: Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $229,405 and $15,427) Other investments Equity investments in subsidiaries Total investments Cash and cash equivalents Accrued interest Premiums and other receivables, net Deferred tax asset Income tax receivable Due from affiliates Total Assets Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities: Due to affiliates Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value Notes payable Income tax payable Other liabilities Total Liabilities Stockholders' Equity: Common stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 105,554,331 shares - 2015; authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 93,427,382 shares - 2014 Preferred stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,365,000 shares - 2015; authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,200,000 shares - 2014. Aggregate liquidation preference $220,000 - 2015, $55,000 - 2014 Additional paid-in capital Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Retained earnings Total National General Holdings Corp. Stockholders' Equity Non-controlling interest Total Stockholders' Equity Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity S-2 December 31, 2015 2014 $ 230,952 $ 15,844 4,139 1,782,748 2,017,839 — 1,339,161 1,355,005 16,642 858 445 7,992 19,931 1,843 1,282 163 — 9,575 — — $ 2,065,550 $ 1,366,025 $ — $ 52,484 441,061 — 35,365 528,910 9,266 — 245,077 6,616 31,616 292,575 1,056 934 220,000 900,114 (19,414) 412,044 55,000 690,736 20,192 292,832 1,513,800 1,059,694 22,840 1,536,640 2,065,550 $ 13,756 1,073,450 1,366,025 $ NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME — PARENT COMPANY ONLY (In Thousands) Schedule II Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 2015 Income: Investment income Net realized loss on investments Other-than-temporary impairment loss Equity in undistributed net income of consolidated subsidiaries and partially-owned companies Total income Expenses: Interest expense Benefit for income taxes Other Total expenses Net income Less: Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest Net income attributable to NGHC Dividends on preferred stock Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Changes in: Foreign currency translation adjustment Net unrealized holding gain (loss) on securities Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Comprehensive income $ $ $ $ $ 3,813 (534) — $ 3,416 (2,489) — 160,396 163,675 24,065 (16,988) 321 7,398 156,277 (14,025) 142,252 (14,025) 128,227 $ $ $ 112,850 113,777 11,753 (2,996) 273 9,030 104,747 (2,504) 102,243 (2,291) 99,952 $ $ $ 1,026 (44,596) (43,570) 112,707 (5,171) 18,620 13,449 118,196 Less: Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to non- controlling interest Comprehensive income attributable to NGHC (10,061) 102,646 $ (3,186) 115,010 $ $ 1,842 (2,830) (2,869) 46,826 42,969 1,916 (1,981) 643 578 42,391 (82) 42,309 (2,158) 40,151 365 (25,414) (25,049) 17,342 (82) 17,260 S-3 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS — PARENT COMPANY ONLY (In Thousands) Schedule II Cash Flows From Operating Activities: Net income Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries Net amortization of premium (discount) on fixed maturities Other net realized loss on investments Other-than-temporary impairment loss Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax Stock compensation expense Changes in assets and liabilities: Accrued interest Other assets Due to/from affiliates Deferred tax asset Income tax receivable/payable Other liabilities Net Cash Provided By (Used in) Operating Activities Cash Flows From Investing Activities: Purchases of fixed maturities Proceeds from sale of fixed maturities Purchase of other investments Investment in consolidated subsidiaries Net Cash Used In Investing Activities Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, net Issuances of common and preferred stock, net of fees Notes payable repayments Exercises of stock options Proceeds from notes payable Dividends paid to common and preferred shareholders Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 2015 $ 142,252 $ 102,243 $ 42,309 (199,263) (296) 534 — (139) 5,937 (111) (445) (11,109) 1,187 (26,548) (4,869) (92,870) (569,632) 355,576 (4,139) (275,598) (493,793) 52,484 370,194 — 2,595 195,400 (18,650) 602,023 15,360 1,282 (116,366) 2,596 2,489 — (1,655) 2,859 25 — 25,533 (19,537) 6,754 28,714 33,655 (102,191) 173,804 — (517,953) (446,340) — 230,997 (59,200) 796 245,077 (4,860) 412,810 125 1,157 (46,744) (62) 2,830 2,869 — 2,727 (188) — (25,986) (448) (138) 867 (21,964) (200,587) 102,279 — (89,583) (187,891) — 213,277 (57,570) — 68,700 (13,796) 210,611 756 401 1,157 Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year $ 16,642 $ 1,282 $ S-4 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION (In Thousands) Schedule III Years Ended December 31, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves Unearned Premiums Net Earned Premium Net Investment Income Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Incurred Deferred Acquisition Costs Amortization Other Operating Expenses Net Written Premium Segment 2015 Property and casualty $ 153,767 $ 1,612,346 $1,172,516 $1,918,509 $ — $ 1,210,319 $ 302,126 $ 37,805 $ 1,970,293 Accident and health Corporate and other 6,764 — 143,278 19,983 211,301 — 171,322 — — — 75,340 — Total 2014 $ 160,531 $ 1,755,624 $1,192,499 $2,129,810 Property and casualty $ 119,167 $ 1,521,134 $ 851,875 $1,512,744 Accident and health Corporate and other 6,832 — 41,019 12,561 120,476 — — — Total 2013 $ 125,999 $ 1,562,153 $ 864,436 $1,633,220 Property and casualty $ 59,048 $ 1,253,516 $ 476,220 $ 654,849 $ $ $ $ 75,340 $ 1,381,641 — $ 967,176 — 85,889 52,426 — 52,426 $ 1,053,065 — $ 435,989 — 26,135 $ $ $ $ Accident and health Corporate and other 1,064 — 5,725 — 12 — 33,217 — 30,808 — 31,857 — 333,983 171,693 32,624 — 204,317 64,694 425 — $ $ $ $ 34,142 215,953 — — 71,947 $ 2,186,246 88,704 $ 1,730,022 22,068 140,002 — — 110,772 $ 1,870,024 45,815 $ 646,100 23,953 33,216 — — Total $ 60,112 $ 1,259,241 $ 476,232 $ 688,066 $ 30,808 $ 462,124 $ 65,119 $ 69,768 $ 679,316 S-5 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. REINSURANCE (In Thousands) Schedule IV Years Ended December 31, 2015 Premiums 2014 Premiums 2013 Premiums Gross Amount Ceded to Other Companies Assumed Other Companies Net Amount Percent of Amount Assumed to Net $ 2,052,880 $ 1,496,709 $ 1,325,251 $ $ $ (377,921) $ 454,851 $ 2,129,810 21.4% (277,899) $ 414,410 $ 1,633,220 25.4% (663,055) $ 25,870 $ 688,066 3.8% S-6 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (In Thousands) Schedule V Years Ended December 31, Description 2015 Premiums and other receivables: Allowance for uncollectible accounts 2014 Premiums and other receivables: Allowance for uncollectible accounts 2013 Premiums and other receivables: Allowance for uncollectible accounts Additions Balance at beginning of the year Charged to costs and expenses Charged to other accounts Deductions Balance at end of the year $ $ $ 9,728 $ 23,810 $ — $ (20,105) $ 13,433 6,064 $ 29,133 $ — $ (25,469) $ 9,728 6,573 $ 22,484 $ — $ (22,993) $ 6,064 S-7 NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS (In Thousands) Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Schedule VI Paid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Prior Years 15,684 19,277 6,085 $ $ $ 1,276,285 865,980 448,797 Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Current Year 1,365,957 $ $ $ 1,033,788 456,039 $ $ $ S-8 INDEX TO EXHIBITS The following documents are filed as exhibits to this report: Exhibit No. Description 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.10 4.11 10.1 10.2 Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of National General Holdings Corp. (the "Company") (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-190454) filed on August 7, 2013) Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-190454) filed on August 7, 2013) Certificate of Designations for 7.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 2014) Certificate of Designations of 7.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 27, 2015) Form of Common Stock Certificate of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-190454) filed on August 7, 2013) Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 16, 2009, by and among the Company, The Michael Karfunkel 2005 Grantor Retained Annuity Trust, Michael Karfunkel and AmTrust International Insurance, Ltd., as assignee of AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-190454) filed on August 7, 2013) Form of Stock Certificate evidencing 7.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 2014) Indenture, dated as of May 23, 2014, by and between the Company, as Issuer, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 28, 2014) First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 23, 2014, by and between the Company, as Issuer, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 28, 2014) Form of 6.750% Notes due 2024 (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.5) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 28, 2014) Deposit Agreement, dated March 27, 2015, among National General Holdings Corp., American Stock Transfer & Company, LLC and the holders from time to time of the depositary receipts described therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 27, 2015) Form of depositary receipt (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.7) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 27, 2015) Form of stock certificate evidencing 7.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 27, 2015) Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 18, 2015, by and between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 18, 2015) Form of 7.625% Subordinated Notes due 2055 (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.10) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 18, 2015) Personal and Commercial Automobile Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement between Integon National Insurance Company and Technology Insurance Company, Inc., Maiden Insurance Company Ltd., and ACP Re, Ltd., effective March 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-190454) filed on August 7, 2013) Addendum No. 1 to Personal and Commercial Automobile Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement between Integon National Insurance Company and Technology Insurance Company, Inc., Maiden Insurance Company Ltd., and ACP Re, Ltd., effective October 1, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-190454) filed on August 7, 2013) Exhibit No. 10.3 10.4* 10.5* 10.6* 10.7* 10.8* 10.9* 10.10* 10.11* 10.12* 10.13 10.14 10.15 10.16 10.17 Description Master Services Agreement between AmTrust North America, Inc. and National General Management Corp., dated February 22, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-190454) filed on August 7, 2013) American Capital Acquisition Corporation 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-190454) filed on August 7, 2013) Form of Statutory Time-Based Stock Option Agreement for the American Capital Acquisition Corporation 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-190454) filed on August 7, 2013) Amendment to Form of Statutory Time-Based Stock Option Agreement for the American Capital Acquisition Corporation 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-190454) filed on August 7, 2013) 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-190454) filed on August 7, 2013) Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award Agreement for the NGHC 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-190454) filed on August 7, 2013) Form of Incentive Stock Option Award Agreement for the NGHC 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-190454) filed on August 7, 2013) Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for the NGHC 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 2014) Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors and Certain Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-190454) filed on August 7, 2013) Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2013, by and between National General Management Corp. and Michael Weiner (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-190454) filed on August 7, 2013) Amended and Restated Marketing Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2012, by and among Good Sam Enterprises, LLC, Camping World, Inc., CWI, Inc. and National General Insurance Marketing, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-190454) filed on September 24, 2013) (confidential treatment granted under Rule 24b-2 as to certain portions which are omitted and filed separately with the SEC) Amended and Restated Personal Lines Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement, effective as of April 8, 2014, by and between ACP Re, Ltd and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-195262) filed on April 30, 2014) Credit Agreement, dated May 30, 2014, among the Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, KeyBank National Association as Syndication Agent, and Associated Bank, National Association and First Niagara Bank, N.A., as Co-Documentation Agents (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 2, 2014) Amended and Restated Personal Lines Master Agreement, dated as of July 23, 2014, by and between ACP Re Ltd. and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 2014) Credit Agreement, dated September 15, 2014, among AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. as Administrative Agent, ACP Re Ltd. and London Acquisition Company Limited as Borrowers, ACP Re Holdings, LLC as Guarantor, and AmTrust International Insurance, Ltd. and National General Re Ltd. as Lenders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 17, 2014) Exhibit No. 10.18 10.19 10.20 10.21 12.1 21.1 23.1 31.1 31.2 32.1 32.2 101.1 Description Personal Lines Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement, dated as of September 15, 2014, by and among Tower Insurance Company of New York, CastlePoint National Insurance Company, Tower National Insurance Company, Hermitage Insurance Company, Castle Point Florida Insurance Company, North East Insurance Company, York Insurance Company of Maine, Massachusetts Homeland Insurance Company, Preserver Insurance Company and Castle Point Insurance Company, as Ceding Companies, and Integon National Insurance Company, as Reinsurer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 17, 2014) Master Transaction Agreement, dated as of July 15, 2015, by and among the QBE Investments (North America), Inc., QBE Holdings, Inc. and National General Holdings Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 16, 2015) Amendment No. 1, dated December 3, 2015, to the Credit Agreement among AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. as Administrative Agent, ACP Re Ltd. and London Acquisition Company Limited as Borrowers, ACP Re Holdings, LLC as Guarantor, and AmTrust International Insurance, Ltd. and National General Re Ltd. as Lenders (filed herewith) Credit Agreement, dated January 25, 2016, among the Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, KeyBank National Association as Syndication Agent, and Associated Bank, National Association and First Niagara Bank, N.A., as Co-Documentation Agents, and the various lending parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 26, 2016) Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (filed herewith) List of subsidiaries of the Company (filed herewith) Consent of BDO USA, LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, relating to the Financial Statements of the Company (filed herewith) Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith) Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith) Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.SC. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith) Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.SC. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith) The following materials from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013; (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013; and (vi) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (submitted electronically herewith) * Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. National General Holdings Corp. Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (Amounts in Thousands) EXHIBIT 12.1 Earnings Pretax income from continuing operations before adjustment for income or loss from equity investees Fixed charges Less: Interest capitalized Non-controlling interest in pre-tax income of subsidiaries that have not incurred fixed charges Total Earnings Fixed Charges: 2015 2014 Fiscal Year Ended 2013 2012 2011 $ 164,590 $ 127,443 28,885 17,736 $ 193,475 $ 145,179 $ $ 52,257 2,042 54,299 $ $ 46,353 1,787 48,140 $ $ 48,655 1,994 50,649 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 132 132 $ 193,343 (2) (2) $ 145,181 82 82 — — $ 54,217 $ 48,140 $ 50,635 — 14 14 Interest expensed and capitalized, and amortized premiums, discounts and capitalized expenses related to indebtedness Expense of the interest within rental expense(1) Total Fixed Charges 28,885 17,736 — — 2,042 — 1,787 — $ 28,885 $ 17,736 $ 2,042 $ 1,787 $ Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 6.69 8.19 26.55 26.94 1,994 — 1,994 25.39 (1) Deemed to be immaterial EXHIBIT 21.1 SUBSIDIARIES Entity Name Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Formation 1100 Compton, LLC ABC Agency Network, Inc. ABC Agency Network of Texas Adirondack AIF, LLC Agent Alliance Insurance Company AIBD Insurance Company IC Alliance of Professional Service Organizations, LLC Allied Producers Reinsurance Company, Ltd American Auto Insurance Agency, Inc. American Capital Acquisition Investments S.A. America’s Health Care/RX Plan Agency, Inc. Association of Independent Beverage Distributors, LLC Assigned Risk Solutions Ltd. Care Financial of Texas, LLC Clearside General Insurance Services, LLC Distributor Innovations and Benefit Savings Solutions, LLC Distributors Insurance Company PCC Euro Accident Health and Care Insurance Aktiebolag GM Motor Club, Inc. Healthcare Solutions Team, LLC Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company Imperial General Agency of Texas, Inc. Imperial Insurance Managers, LLC Imperial Marketing Corporation Integon Casualty Insurance Company Integon General Insurance Corporation Integon Indemnity Corporation Integon National Insurance Company Integon Preferred Insurance Company Integrity Underwriters, Inc. John Alden Financial Corp. Louisiana General Agency, Inc. Mortgage & Auto Solutions, Inc. MIC General Insurance Corporation National Automotive Insurance Company National General Alpha Re National General Assurance Company National General Beta Re National General Holdings BM, Ltd National General Holdings Luxembourg, s.a.r.l. National General Insurance Company Delaware Louisiana Texas Delaware Alabama Delaware Delaware Bermuda Louisiana Luxembourg Delaware Delaware New Jersey Texas California Delaware Delaware Sweden North Carolina Illinois Louisiana Texas Texas Louisiana North Carolina North Carolina North Carolina North Carolina North Carolina Louisiana Delaware Louisiana Texas Michigan Louisiana Luxembourg Missouri Luxembourg Bermuda Luxembourg Missouri Entity Name Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Formation National General Insurance Luxembourg, S.A Luxembourg National General Insurance Management Ltd National General Insurance Marketing, Inc. National General Insurance Online, Inc. National General Lender Services, Inc. National General Life Insurance Europe, S.A. National General Lux RE I S.A. National General Management Corp. National General Re, Ltd National General Reinsurance Broker, Ltd National Health Insurance Company New Jersey Skylands Management, LLC New South Insurance Company Newport Management Corporation NGLS Insurance Services, Inc. North Star Marketing Corporation NSM Sales Corporation Personal Express Insurance Company Personal Express Insurance Services, Inc. Professional Services Captive Corporation IC RAC Insurance Partners, LLC Red Partners Operating Solutions, LLC Reliant Financial Group, LLC Seattle Specialty Insurance Services, Inc. The Association Benefits Solution, LLC Velapoint, LLC Bermuda Missouri Missouri Delaware Luxembourg Luxembourg Delaware Bermuda Bermuda Texas Delaware North Carolina California California Ohio Nevada California California Delaware Florida Delaware Oregon Washington Delaware Washington EXHIBIT 23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm National General Holdings Corp. New York, New York We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (No. 333-194493), Form S-3 (No. 333-202637), and Form S-3ASR (No. 333-204903) of National General Holdings Corp. of our reports dated February 29, 2016, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules, and the effectiveness of National General Holdings Corp.’s internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form10-K. /s/ BDO USA, LLP New York, New York February 29, 2016 EXHIBIT 31.1 CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 I, Michael Karfunkel, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of National General Holdings Corp.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: (a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; (b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; (c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and (d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Dated: February 29, 2016 By: /s/ Michael Karfunkel Michael Karfunkel Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) EXHIBIT 31.2 CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 I, Michael Weiner, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of National General Holdings Corp.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: (a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; (b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; (c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and (d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of the annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Dated: February 29, 2016 By: /s/ Michael Weiner Michael Weiner Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) EXHIBIT 32.1 CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I, Michael Karfunkel, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) of National General Holdings Corp. (the “Company”), hereby certify, that, to my knowledge: 1. The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the “Report”) of the Company fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. Date: February 29, 2016 By: /s/ Michael Karfunkel Michael Karfunkel Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) EXHIBIT 32.2 CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I, Michael Weiner, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) of National General Holdings Corp. (the “Company”), hereby certify, that, to my knowledge: 1. The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the “Report”) of the Company fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. Date: February 29, 2016 By: /s/ Michael Weiner Michael Weiner Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) Corporate Information SENIOR MANAGEMENT Michael Karfunkel Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael Weiner Executive Vice President Chief Financial Officer Tom Newgarden Executive Vice President Chief Product/Analytics Officer Doug Hanes Executive Vice President Product Management Brenda Castellano Executive Vice President Sales & Strategy BOARD OF DIRECTORS Michael Karfunkel Chairman and Chief Executive Officer National General Holdings Corp. Barry Karfunkel President National General Holdings Corp. Barry Zyskind Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WEBSITE www.NationalGeneral.com REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC Operations Center 6201 15th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11219 Michael Murphy Executive Vice President Accident and Health Art Castner President National General Lender Services Barry Karfunkel President National General Holdings Corp. Robert Karfunkel Executive Vice President Strategy and Development Jeffrey Weissmann Executive Vice President General Counsel and Secretary Peter Rendall Executive Vice President Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer George Hall Senior Vice President Chief Claims Officer Leslie Leb Senior Vice President Chief Information Officer Don Bolar Senior Vice President Chief Accounting Officer Dave Koegel Senior Vice President Chief Actuary INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS: Ephraim Brecher Former Vice President— Taxes and Tax Counsel AT&T Donald DeCarlo Former Chairman and Commissioner New York State Insurance Fund Patrick Fallon Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer CSG Partners Barbara Paris, M.D. Vice-Chair, Medicine and Director of Division of Geriatrics Maimonides Medical Center INDEPENDENT AUDITORS BDO USA, LLP 100 Park Avenue New York, NY 10017 INVESTOR CONTACT Dean Evans Director of Investor Relations (212) 380-9462 Dean.Evans@NGIC.com Designed by Curran & Connors, Inc. www.curran-connors.com 59 Maiden Lane, 38th floor New York, NY 10038 

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