HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.
6,718,356 Shares
Common Stock

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        This fourth prospectus supplement amends and supplements the prospectus dated March 31, 2008, the prospectus supplement dated May 9, 2008, the second prospectus supplement dated August 7, 2008 and the third prospectus supplement dated October 10, 2008, relating to the 6,718,356 shares of our common stock that may be issued upon the exchange of the 7¹/2% Senior Exchangeable Notes due 2025, or the Senior Notes, of Affordable Residential Communities LP, held by the selling stockholders. Subject to the conditions described in the prospectus, holders of the Senior Notes may exchange, at any time on or prior to maturity or redemption, any outstanding Senior Notes, or portions thereof, into shares of our common stock, currently at an exchange rate of 73.94998 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the Senior Notes (equivalent to an exchange price of $13.52 per share of our common stock).

        Unless the context otherwise requires, the words "we," "our," "ours," "us" and the "Company" refer to Hilltop Holdings Inc., or Hilltop, Affordable Residential Communities LP, or ARC LP, and their respective subsidiaries, collectively, but not to the selling stockholders. "Selling stockholders" refers to the stockholders identified under the caption "Selling Stockholders" contained in the prospectus.

        The distribution of the shares of common stock by the selling stockholders is not subject to any underwriting agreement. We will receive none of the proceeds from the sale of the shares offered by the prospectus. All expenses of registration incurred in connection with the offering are being borne by us, but all selling and other expenses incurred by the selling stockholders will be borne by the selling stockholder.

        The shares of common stock may be sold by the selling stockholders, from time to time, on The New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, or any other national securities exchange or automated inter-dealer quotation system on which shares of our common stock are then listed, through negotiated transactions or otherwise at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or at negotiated prices.

        Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "HTH." The last reported price of our common stock on November 7, 2008, on the NYSE was $9.04 per share. To preserve our net operating loss carryforwards, or NOLs, our charter limits the amount of common stock that may be owned by any single person or affiliated group to 4.9% of the outstanding shares and restricts the transferability of the shares under certain circumstances.

        The prospectus, together with the prospectus supplement, the second prospectus supplement, the third prospectus supplement and this fourth prospectus supplement, constitutes the prospectus required to be delivered by Section 5(b) of the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to offers and sales of the shares of common stock. All references in the prospectus to "this prospectus" are hereby amended to read "this prospectus (as supplemented and amended)."

        YOU SHOULD READ THE PROSPECTUS, THE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, THE SECOND PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, THE THIRD PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THIS FOURTH PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU INVEST, INCLUDING THE RISK FACTORS THAT COMMENCE ON PAGE 2 OF THE PROSPECTUS.

        NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

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The date of this Prospectus Supplement is November 10, 2008.

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        The prospectus is hereby supplemented to add the following section titled "Third Quarter 2008 Developments."

Third Quarter 2008 Developments

        The information that follows is contained in Hilltop's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2008, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 10, 2008.

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

Commission File Number: 1-31987

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

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

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

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

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

        The number of shares of the Registrant's common stock outstanding at November 10, 2008 was 56,455,515.

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 AND DECEMBER 31, 2007

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

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

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 AND DECEMBER 31, 2007 (Continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

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

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 AND 2007

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

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

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

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

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 AND 2007

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

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

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 AND 2007 (Continued)

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

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

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

(unaudited)

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

Business

        Hilltop Holdings Inc., formerly known as Affordable Residential Communities Inc. ("Hilltop", "HTH", or the "Company"), was organized in July 1998 as a Maryland corporation that was primarily engaged in the acquisition, renovation, repositioning and operation of all-age manufactured home communities, the retail sale and financing of manufactured homes, the rental of manufactured homes and other related businesses.

        On January 31, 2007, we acquired all of the stock of NLASCO, Inc. ("NLASCO"), a privately held property and casualty insurance holding company. NLASCO is a Delaware corporation that specializes in providing fire and homeowners insurance to low value dwellings and manufactured homes primarily in Texas and other areas of the south, southeastern and southwestern United States. NLASCO operates through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, National Lloyds Insurance Company ("NLIC") and American Summit Insurance Company ("ASIC"). Texas comprises approximately 74% of our business, with Arizona (9%), Tennessee (6%), Oklahoma (4%), Louisiana (2%), and the remaining states we do business in makes up the other 5%.

        On July 31, 2007, the Company sold the manufactured home communities, retail sales and financing of manufactured home businesses to American Residential Communities LLC and retained ownership of NLASCO. In conjunction with this sale, the Company transferred the rights to the "Affordable Residential Communities" name, changed its name to Hilltop Holdings Inc., and moved its headquarters to Dallas, Texas. Our insurance operations are headquartered in Waco, Texas.

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

Basis of Presentation

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

        Certain accounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period's presentation. In the opinion of management, these financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows. These adjustments were of a normal, recurring nature. The results of operations for the interim period ended September 30, 2008 are not indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2008. Operating results and cash flows of NLASCO are for the eight months from the date of acquisition, January 31, 2007, through September 30, 2007, as compared to nine months for 2008. These financial statements

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

(unaudited)

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

should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

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

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Restricted Cash

        At September 30, 2008, $18.5 million of cash and cash equivalents is designated as restricted because of a guaranty provided by us with respect to a third-party loan made to a target we were pursuing. The loan of $18.2 million principal amount matures in February 2009 and is secured by auction rate securities pledged by the target. We, however, are no longer pursuing this target. There is sufficient collateral for the guaranty and, therefore, management believes no associated liability is necessary.

Recent Accounting Developments

        In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, "Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities-an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133" (SFAS 161). SFAS 161 requires enhanced disclosures about an entity's derivative and hedging activities and strives to improve the transparency of financial reporting. Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under Statement 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. The scope of this Statement is the same scope as Statement 133. This Statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. This Statement encourages, but does not require, comparative disclosures for earlier periods at initial adoption. The Company currently holds no derivative instruments and has no hedging activities; therefore, there is no impact of adopting SFAS 161 on its financial statements.

        In September 2006, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements" (SFAS 157). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements, but rather, provides enhanced guidance to other pronouncements that require or permit assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value. This Statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and the Company adopted SFAS 157 effective January 1, 2008 for financial assets and liabilities. The adoption of SFAS 157 had no accumulative effects on the Company's retained

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

(unaudited)

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

earnings or accumulated deficit. In February 2008, FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, which delays, for one year, the effective date of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed in the financial statements on at least an annual basis. Accordingly, we deferred the adoption of SFAS 157 as it related to nonfinancial assets and liabilities until January 2009.

        In December 2007, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141(R), "Business Combinations" (SFAS 141(R)). This Statement will significantly change the financial accounting and reporting of business combination transactions. SFAS 141(R) establishes principles for how an acquirer recognizes and measures the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree; recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141(R) is effective for acquisition dates on or after the beginning of an entity's first fiscal year that begins after December 15, 2008. The Company does not expect the implementation of SFAS 141(R) to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

        In December 2007, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, "Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements an Amendment of ARB No. 51" (SFAS 160). This Statement will significantly change the financial accounting and reporting of noncontrolling (or minority) interests in consolidated financial statements. SFAS 160 is effective as of the beginning of an entity's first fiscal year that begins after December 15, 2008, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the implementation of SFAS 160 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

(unaudited)

2.    Investments

        The amortized cost (original cost for equity securities), gross unrealized holding gains and losses, and fair value of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities by major security type and class of security at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 were as follows (in thousands).

 

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

(unaudited)

2.    Investments (Continued)

        The following table summarizes the length of time securities with unrealized losses at September 30, 2008 have been in an unrealized loss position (in thousands).

        In conjunction with the purchase of NLASCO on January 31, 2007, all "available-for-sale" securities were marked to their fair market value at that date. In the first and second quarter of 2008, the Company wrote down the value of equity securities held by HTH to market value, taking a loss of $41.9 million on these securities. These securities were sold and the Company recognized an additional $79,000 realized loss on the sale of the securities in September 2008. Generally, equity securities purchased by HTH are for strategic purposes, rather than investments. For the quarter ended September 30, 2008, the Company wrote down securities owned by NLASCO, Inc. of $1.1 million. While some of the securities held in the investment portfolio of NLASCO have also decreased in value since the date of acquisition, the Company has the ability and intent to hold these securities until maturity or until the value recovers and, therefore, does not feel any other impairments, other than temporary impairments, exist as of September 30, 2008.

        Gross realized investment gains and losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 are summarized as follows (in thousands).

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

(unaudited)

2.    Investments (Continued)

 

        Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties. The schedule of fixed maturities of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 by contractual maturity are as follows (in thousands).

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

(unaudited)

2.    Investments (Continued)

        Net investment income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 is as follows (in thousands).

        At September 30, 2008, the Company had on deposit in custody for various State Insurance Departments investments with carrying values totaling $14.1 million.

3.    Fair Value Measurements

        The Company's estimates of fair value for financial assets and financial liabilities are based on the framework established in SFAS 157. 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 SFAS 157 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

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

(unaudited)

3.    Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs that reflect the Company's significant market assumptions. The three levels of the hierarchy are as follows:

•

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



•

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



•

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

        The capital and credit markets have been experiencing volatility and disruption for more than 12 months. Recently the volatility and disruption has reached unprecedented levels, resulting in dramatic declines. This downward pressure has negatively affected the performance of our investments, which has resulted in the write-down of those investments. These write-downs, when determined to be other than temporary, reduce our earnings for that period. If current levels of market disruption and volatility continue or worsen, there can be no assurance that we will not experience additional losses on our investments and reductions to earnings.

        The following table presents the hierarchy used by the Company by asset and liability type to determine their value at September 30, 2008 (in thousands).

Level 1 financial assets

        The Company's Level 1 investments are limited to cash and cash equivalent balances and actively-traded debt and equity securities. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Fair value of actively traded debt and equity securities are based on unadjusted quoted market prices.

Level 2 financial assets

        Most of the Company's fixed maturity securities are classified in Level 2, including private and corporate debt and equity securities, federal agency and municipal bonds, and non-government mortgage and asset-backed securities. Fair values of inactively traded fixed maturity and equity

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

(unaudited)

3.    Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

securities are based on quoted market prices of identical or similar securities or based on observable inputs, such as interest rates, using either a market or income valuation approach and are generally classified as Level 2.

Level 3 financial assets

        The Company's Level 3 fixed maturity securities include collateralized mortgage obligations and one corporate debt security. Fair values are based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement, and involve management judgment. Inputs used to determine fair market value include market conditions, spread, volatility, structure and cash flows.

        The following table includes a rollforward of the amounts at September 30, 2008 for financial instruments classified within level 3. The classification of a financial instrument within level 3 is based upon the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement.

        All level 3 financial assets transferred in occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2008. There were no level 3 financial assets prior to September 30, 2008. All net unrealized losses in the table above are reflected in the accompanying financial statements. Net unrealized losses relate to those financial instruments held by the Company at September 30, 2008.

        The following table presents the carrying value and fair value of assets and liabilities where they differ in value at September 30, 2008 (in thousands):

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

(unaudited)

4.    Deferred Acquisition Costs

        Policy acquisition expenses, primarily consisting of commissions, premium taxes and underwriting expenses related to issuing a policy, incurred by NLASCO are deferred and charged against income ratably over the terms of the related policies. The activity in deferred acquisition costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 is as follows (in thousands).

5.    Insurance Holding Company Line of Credit

        Our insurance subsidiary has a line of credit with a financial institution. The line allows for borrowings by NLASCO of up to $5.0 million and is secured by substantially all of NLASCO's assets. The line of credit bears interest equal to a base rate less 0.5% (4.50% at September 30, 2008), which is due quarterly. This line is scheduled to mature in October 2009. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the principal balance on this note was paid down $4.0 million. The line of credit balance payable at September 30, 2008 is $18,000.

6.    Reserve for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

        A roll-forward of the reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 is as follows (in thousands).

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

(unaudited)

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

        The reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses includes amounts that may be due to, or payable by, the sellers of NLASCO by January 2010 based on actual losses incurred as compared to the reserve as of the acquisition date. Prior year losses and payments include amounts back to the purchase of NLASCO on January 31, 2007 only, as all other prior losses and payments are the responsibility of the sellers.

7.    Reinsurance Activity

        NLASCO limits the maximum net loss that can arise from large risks or risks in concentrated areas of exposure by reinsuring (ceding) certain levels of risk. Substantial amounts of business are ceded; however, these reinsurance contracts do not relieve NLASCO from its obligations to policyholders. Such reinsurance includes quota share, excess of loss, catastrophe, and other forms of reinsurance on essentially all property and casualty lines of insurance. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to NLASCO; consequently, allowances are established for amounts deemed uncollectible. NLASCO evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentrations of credit risk arising from similar geographic regions, activities, or economic characteristics of the reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. At September 30, 2008, we had reinsurance receivables with no allowance of approximately $104.6 million.

        The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 is as follows (in thousands):

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

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

(unaudited)

7.    Reinsurance Activity (Continued)

Multi-line excess of loss coverage

        For all lines of business, ASIC's retention on any one risk for 2008 is $200,000 and NLIC's is $200,000.

Catastrophic coverage

        NLASCO has five levels of catastrophic excess of loss reinsurance providing for coverage up to $200 million in 2008 above $1.0 million in retention for ASIC and $6.0 million for NLIC. NLASCO has an automatic reinstatement provision after the first loss for each layer to provide coverage in the event of subsequent catastrophes during the year. Coverage will lapse after the second or third event depending on the coverage layer, in which case NLASCO will evaluate the need for a new contract for the remainder of the year. During 2008, the first three layers can be reinstated twice for 100% of the original premium each time and the next two layers can be reinstated one time for 100% of the original premium.

        For the quarter ended September 30, 2008, the Company experienced three significant catastrophes that resulted in losses in excess of retention. As of September 30, 2008, the total loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred associated with Hurricane Dolly was $6.4 million, however, since the losses exceeded retention, net exposure to the Company was $6.0 million retention and $14,000 in reinstatement premiums. Total loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred associated with Hurricane Gustav was $3.9 million, however, since the losses exceeded retention, net exposure to the Company was $1.0 million retention and $36,000 in reinstatement premiums. Total loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred associated with Hurricane Ike was $98.0 million, however, since the losses exceeded retention, net exposure to the Company was $7.0 million retention and $8.2 million in reinstatement premiums.

8.    Income Taxes

        At September 30, 2008, the Company had net operating loss carry-forwards for Federal income tax purposes, subject to certain limitations, of approximately $47.7 million and $49.0 million for regular income tax and alternative minimum tax, respectively. These net operating loss carry-forwards expire in 2018 through 2024. The net operating loss carry-forwards for alternative minimum Federal income taxes generally are limited to offsetting 90% of the alternative minimum taxable earnings for a given period.

        In conjunction with the sale of the Company's manufactured housing business lines that closed on July 31, 2007, approximately $282.6 million of the Company's net operating loss carry forwards were utilized and $175.2 million of temporary taxable differences were recognized.

        As of September 30, 2008, we had a deferred tax asset, net of liabilities, of $16.3 million. Our 35% rate reflects a change from the 40% rate utilized prior to the July 31, 2007 sale transaction as future taxable income of our insurance business will primarily be subject to Federal but not state income taxes. Insurance companies are generally not taxed in most states on income taxes, as they pay premium taxes in states where they generate premium revenue.

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

(unaudited)

8.    Income Taxes (Continued)

        As a result of the allocation of the purchase price for the real estate assets we sold in 2007 by the purchaser, we reallocated $34.1 million of gain recognized to those assets in the quarter ended September 30, 2008, the period in which the purchase price allocation was finalized. This reallocation allowed us to utilize $34.1 million of our net operating loss carry forwards, which reduced our deferred tax asset by $11.9 million and increased our income tax receivable by the same amount. In addition, we were able to utilize $13.2 million of net operating losses that previously were limited under special IRS rules (the "Section 382 Limitations"), resulting in a deferred tax benefit of $4.6 million.

        We allocate income taxes between continuing and discontinued operations in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes ("SFAS No. 109"), particularly paragraph 140. We recognize income tax benefits in continuing operations on the effective rate method and income tax expense in discontinued operations without such pro-ration in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion 28 and ASB Interpretation No. 18.

        Effective January 1, 2007, we adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, which required the measurement of unrecognized tax benefits. Unrecognized tax benefits are the difference between a tax position taken, or expected to be taken, in a tax return and the benefit recognized for accounting purposes. For the period ending September 30, 2008 we had no unrecognized tax benefits.

        We file tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which we operate. We are subject to tax audits in numerous jurisdictions in the U.S. until the applicable statute of limitations expires. The following is a summary of the tax years open to examination:

U.S. Federal—2005 through 2007
U.S. States—2004 through 2007

        As of September 30, 2008, there are no Federal or State tax audits.

        Under special IRS rules (the "Section 382 Limitation"), cumulative stock purchases by 5% shareholders exceeding 50% during a three year period can limit a company's future use of net operating losses (NOL's). We had a Section 382 ownership change in February 2004 at the time of the IPO.

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

(unaudited)

8.    Income Taxes (Continued)

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

 

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

(unaudited)

8.    Income Taxes (Continued)

        The provision for income taxes differs from the amount that would be computed by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes as a result of the following (in thousands):

 

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

(unaudited)

8.    Income Taxes (Continued)

        Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of the assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The tax effects of significant temporary differences that give rise to the net deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):

9.    Statutory Net Income and Capital and Surplus

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

        The Company's insurance subsidiaries' statutory financial statements are presented on the basis of accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Texas Department of Insurance. Texas had adopted the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' (NAIC) statutory accounting practices as the

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

(unaudited)

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

basis of its statutory accounting practices with certain differences, which are not significant to the companies' statutory equity.

        Following is a summary of statutory capital and surplus and statutory net income of each insurance subsidiary for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands).

10.    Capital and Dividend Restrictions

        The funding of the cash requirements (including debt service) of NLASCO is primarily provided by cash dividends from NLASCO's wholly-owned insurance subsidiaries. Dividends paid by the insurance subsidiaries are restricted by regulatory requirements of the Texas Department of Insurance. Under Texas State Insurance Law for property and casualty companies, all dividends must be distributed out of earned surplus only. Furthermore, without the prior approval of the Commissioner, dividends cannot be declared or distributed which exceed the greater of ten percent of NLASCO's surplus, as shown by its last statement on file with the Commissioner, or 100% of net income for such period. The subsidiaries paid $14.0 million in dividends to NLASCO in March 2008. At September 30, 2008, the maximum dividend that may be paid to NLASCO in 2008 without regulatory approval is an additional $7.3 million.

        Regulations of the Texas Department of Insurance require insurance companies to maintain minimum levels of statutory surplus to ensure their ability to meet their obligations to policyholders. At September 30, 2008, the Company's insurance subsidiaries had statutory surplus in excess of the minimum required.

        Also, the NAIC has adopted the risk based calculation formula for insurance companies that establishes minimum capital requirements relating to insurance risk, asset credit risk (RBC ratio), interest rate risk and business risk. The formula is used by the NAIC and certain state insurance regulators as an early warning tool to identify companies that require additional scrutiny or regulatory action. At September 30, 2008, the Company's insurance subsidiaries' RBC ratio exceeded the level at which regulatory action would be required.

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

(unaudited)

11.    Equity and Loss per share

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

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(a)

From June 30, 2006 through June 30, 2007, we redeemed approximately 94,000 OP units. In July 2007, the remaining OP units were redeemed.

(b)

On August 11, 2008, the Company retired 936,745 warrants for total cost of $215,451.

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HILLTOP HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

(unaudited)

11.    Equity and Loss per share (Continued)

        On September 11, 2008, the board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.515625 per share on the Company's Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. The dividend was paid on October 30, 2008 to shareholders of record on October 15, 2008. The Board reviews the payment of dividends on a quarterly basis.

12.    Commitments and Contingencies

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

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

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

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

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this report that address results or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, that are preceded by, followed by or include the words "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "would," "could," "should," "seeks," "approximately," "intends," "plans," "projects," "estimates" or "anticipates" or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases, including such things as our business strategy, our financial condition, our litigation, our efforts to make strategic acquisitions, our liquidity and sources of funding, our capital expenditures, our products, market trends, operations and business, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future performance taking into account all information currently available to us. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations are subject to risks and uncertainties and can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to us. If an event occurs or further changes, our business, business plan, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations may vary materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. Certain factors that could cause actual results to differ include, among others:

•

changes in the acquisition market;



•

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



•

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



•

our corporate debt ratings;



•

the condition of capital markets;



•

actual outcome of the resolution of any conflict;



•

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



•

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



•

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



•

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



•

lack of demand for insurance products;



•

cost or availability of adequate reinsurance;



•

changes in key management;



•

severe catastrophic events in our geographic area;



•

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



•

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

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•

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

        For a further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in our forward-looking statements, please refer to "Risk Factors" in Part II, Item 1A of this report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 17, 2008. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this report are qualified by these cautionary statements and those risk factors, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by us will be realized, or even substantially realized, and that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, us and our business or operations. Forward-looking statements made in this report speak as of the date of this report or as of the date specifically referenced in any such statement set forth in this report. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this report.

        Unless the context otherwise indicates, the words "we," "our," "ours," "us," "HTH" and the "Company" refer to Hilltop Holdings Inc., or Hilltop, and its subsidiaries, collectively.

GENERAL STRUCTURE OF THE COMPANY

        We are a holding company that is endeavoring to make opportunistic acquisitions or a business combination. In connection with that strategy, we are identifying and evaluating potential targets on an ongoing basis. At September 30, 2008, Hilltop and its operating partnership, Affordable Residential Communities LP, had approximately $717 million of available cash and cash equivalents that could be used for this purpose. No assurances, however, can be given that we will be able to identify suitable targets, consummate acquisitions or a combination or, if consummated, successfully integrate or operate the acquired business.

        Hilltop indirectly owns all of the outstanding shares of NLASCO, Inc., or NLASCO. NLASCO, in turn, owns National Lloyds Insurance Company, or NLIC, and American Summit Insurance Company, or ASIC, both of which are licensed property and casualty insurers operating in multiple states. In addition, NLASCO also owns the NALICO General Agency that operates in Texas. NLIC commenced business in 1949 and currently operates in 15 states with its largest market being the state of Texas. NLIC carries a financial strength rating of "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best. ASIC was formed in 1955 and currently operates in 13 states, its largest market being the state of Arizona. ASIC carries a financial strength rating of "A-"(Excellent) by A.M. Best. Both of these companies are regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance.

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

OVERVIEW OF RESULTS

        For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, net loss attributable to common stockholders was $34.7 million, or $0.61 per share, as compared to net income of $272.8 million, or $4.95 per share, for the same period in 2007. Continuing operations accounted for $27.0 million of the net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to $3.8 million of the net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Net loss from continuing operations increased by $30.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, as compared to the same period in 2007, primarily due to the loss on investment of $41.9 million ($27.2 million net of tax) recorded for equity securities held at HTH and $1.4 million of costs associated with acquisition activities being expensed due to the determination that HTH would no longer pursue such target during the second quarter of 2008. Additionally, the net loss increased due to increase in loss and loss adjustment expenses related to Hurricane Dolly, Gustav and Ike of approximately $14.0 million, net of reinsurance recoveries, and the decrease in net premiums earned due to reinstatement premiums related to Hurricane Dolly, Ike and Gustav of

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$8.2 million. Those losses and expenses were partially offset by additional interest income generated on the cash from the sale of the assets related to the manufactured housing business segment that closed on July 31, 2007 and the fact that NLASCO had nine months of revenue in 2008, as compared to eight months in 2007.

BUSINESS OBJECTIVES AND OPERATING STRATEGIES

         Strategic Acquisitions.    Hilltop is seeking to make opportunistic acquisitions with certain of the proceeds from the sale of the manufactured home business and, if necessary or appropriate, from additional equity or debt financing sources.

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

        Many insurance buyers, agents and brokers use the ratings assigned by A.M. Best and other rating agencies to assist them in assessing the financial strength and overall quality of the companies from which they purchase insurance. A.M. Best assigned NLIC a financial strength rating of "A" (Excellent) and ASIC a rating of "A-" (Excellent). An "A" rating is the third highest of 15 rating categories used by A.M. Best, and an "A-" rating is the fourth highest of 15 rating categories. In evaluating a company's financial and operating performance, A.M. Best reviews a company's profitability, leverage and liquidity, as well as its book of business, the adequacy and soundness of its reinsurance, the quality and estimated market value of its assets, the adequacy of its liabilities for losses and LAE, the adequacy of its surplus, its capital structure, the experience and competence of its management and its market presence. This rating is intended to provide an independent opinion of an insurer's ability to meet its obligations to policyholders and is not an evaluation directed at investors. This rating assignment is subject to the ability to meet A.M. Best's expectations as to performance and capitalization on an ongoing basis, including with respect to management of liabilities for losses and LAE, and is subject to revocation or revision at any time at the sole discretion of A.M. Best. NLASCO cannot ensure that NLIC and ASIC will maintain their present ratings.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

        The Company has prepared its consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, which require certain estimates and assumptions that affect the recorded amount of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, however, have been condensed or omitted pursuant to Article 10 of Regulation S-X. A summary of HTH's significant accounting policies has been provided in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. Summarized below are those accounting policies that require the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments and that have the most significant impact on HTH's financial condition and results of operations. Management evaluates these estimates on an ongoing basis. These estimates are based on information currently available to management and on various other assumptions management believes are reasonable.

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         Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses.    The liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses represents estimates of the ultimate unpaid cost of all losses incurred, including losses for claims that have not yet been reported. The amount of loss reserves for reported claims is based primarily on a case-by-case evaluation of the type of risk involved, knowledge of the circumstances surrounding each claim and the insurance policy provisions relating to the type of loss. The amounts of loss reserves for unreported claims and loss adjustment expenses are determined using historical information as adjusted to current conditions.

        When a claim is reported, a "case reserve" is established for the estimated amount of the ultimate payment. This estimate reflects an informed judgment based upon general insurance reserving practices and the experience and knowledge of the Company. The estimate considers the nature and value of the specific claim, the severity of injury or damage, and the policy provisions relating to the type of loss. Case reserves are adjusted as more information becomes available.

        We maintain incurred but not reported, or IBNR, reserves to provide for already incurred claims that have not yet been reported and developments on reported claims. The IBNR reserve is estimated based on the volume of premiums written and is reviewed quarterly by our actuaries.

        Such liabilities are necessarily based on estimates and, while management believes that the amount is adequate, the ultimate liability may be in excess of or less than the amounts provided. The methods for making such estimates and for establishing the resulting liability are continually reviewed, and any adjustments are reflected in earnings currently. The liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses has not been reduced for reinsurance recoverables.

         Investment Securities.    Investment securities consist of U.S. Government, mortgage-backed, corporate debt and equity securities. We classify our fixed maturities in one of three categories: trading, available-for-sale or held-to-maturity; and our equity securities are classified as trading or available-for-sale. Trading securities are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. Held-to-maturity debt securities are those securities in which we have the ability and intent to hold the security until maturity. All securities not included in trading or held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale. Trading and available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value. Held-to-maturity debt securities are recorded at amortized cost, adjusted for the amortization or accretion of premiums or discounts. Unrealized holding gains and losses on trading securities are included in earnings. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate component of other comprehensive income until realized. Realized gains and losses from the sale of trading and available-for-sale securities are determined on a specific identification basis. We regularly review our investment securities to assess whether the amortized cost is impaired and if impairment is other than temporary. A decline in the market value of any available-for-sale or held-to-maturity security below cost that is deemed to be other-than-temporary results in a reduction in carrying amount to fair value. The impairment is charged to earnings and a new cost basis for the security is established. To determine whether impairment is other-than-temporary, we consider whether we have the ability and intent to hold the investment until a market price recovery and consider whether evidence indicating the cost of the investment is recoverable outweighs evidence to the contrary. Evidence considered in this assessment includes the reasons for the impairment, the severity and duration of the impairment, changes in value subsequent to year-end, and forecasted performance of the investee. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related held-to-maturity or available-for-sale security as an adjustment to yield using the effective-interest method. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned.

         Deferred Acquisition Costs.    Commissions and other costs of acquiring insurance that vary with, and are primarily related to, the production of new and renewal business are deferred and amortized over the terms of the policies or reinsurance treaties to which they relate. Proceeds from reinsurance

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transactions that represent recovery of acquisition costs reduce applicable unamortized acquisition costs in such a manner that net acquisition costs are capitalized and charged to expense in proportion to net revenue recognized. Future investment income is considered in determining the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs. We regularly review the categories of acquisition costs that are deferred and assess the recoverability of this asset. A premium deficiency and a corresponding charge to income is recognized if the sum of the expected loss and loss adjustment expenses, unamortized acquisition costs and maintenance costs exceeds related unearned premiums and anticipated investment income.

         Revenue Recognition.    Property and liability premiums are recognized as revenue on a pro rata basis over the policy term. The portion of premiums that will be earned in the future are deferred and reported as unearned premiums. We routinely evaluate the premium receivable balance to determine if an allowance for uncollectible accounts is necessary.

        Other income consists of premium installment charges, which are recognized when earned, and other miscellaneous income.

         Reinsurance.    In the normal course of business, NLASCO seeks to reduce losses that may arise from catastrophes or other events that cause unfavorable underwriting results by reinsuring certain levels of risk in various areas of exposure with other insurance enterprises or reinsurers. Net premiums earned, losses and LAE and policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses are reported net of the amounts related to reinsurance ceded to other companies. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers related to the portions of the liability for losses and LAE are reported as assets. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the reinsured policy.

        The Company accounts for reinsurance contracts under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS"), No. 113, "Accounting and Reporting for Reinsurance on Short-Duration and Long-Duration Contracts." Amounts recoverable from reinsurers related to the portions of the liability for losses and LAE and unearned premiums ceded to them are reported as assets. Reinsurance assumed from other companies, including assumed premiums written and earned and losses and LAE, is accounted for in the same manner as direct insurance written.

         Income Taxes.    Effective January 1, 2007, we adopted FASB Interpretation No. ("FIN") 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 requires that we determine whether the benefits of our tax positions are more likely than not of being sustained upon audit based on the technical merits of the tax position. For tax positions that are more likely than not of being sustained upon audit, we recognize the largest amount of the benefit that is more likely than not of being sustained in our consolidated financial statements. For tax positions that are not likely of being sustained upon audit, we do not recognize any portion of the benefits in our consolidated financial statements. The provisions of FIN 48 also provide guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, and disclosure.

         Goodwill and Other Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets.    Goodwill represents the excess of the cost over fair value of assets or businesses acquired. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment and is tested more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset's fair value. For goodwill, the impairment determination is made at the reporting unit level and consists of two steps. First, we determine the fair value of a reporting unit and compare it to its carrying amount. Second, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting

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unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, in accordance with FASB Statement No. 141, Business Combinations. The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. Other indefinite lived intangible assets consist of $3.0 million, which is estimated fair value of state licenses acquired in the NLASCO purchase.

         Fair Value.    The Company's estimates of fair value for financial assets and financial liabilities are based on the framework established in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements", or SFAS 157. The framework is based on the inputs used in valuation and requires that observable inputs be used in the valuations when available. The disclosure of fair value estimates in the SFAS 157 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. The three levels of the hierarchy are as follows: Level 1—Unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access. Level 2—Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets; or valuations based on models where the significant inputs are observable (e.g., interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severities, etc.) or can be corroborated by observable market data. Level 3—Valuations based on models where significant inputs are not observable. The unobservable inputs reflect the Company's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

         Overview.    For the quarter ended September 30, 2008, the Company experienced three significant catastrophes that resulted in losses in excess of retention. As of September 30, 2008, the total loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred associated with Hurricane Dolly was $6.4 million, however, since the losses exceeded retention, net exposure to the Company was $6.0 million retention and $14,000 in reinstatement premiums. Total loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred associated with Hurricane Gustav was $3.9 million, however, since the losses exceeded retention, net exposure to the Company was $1.0 million retention and $36,000 in reinstatement premiums. Total loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred associated with Hurricane Ike was $98.0 million, however, since the losses exceeded retention, net exposure to the Company was $7.0 million retention and $8.2 million in reinstatement premiums. Additionally, the Company wrote down securities owned by NLASCO, Inc. of $1.1 million.

        As a result of the allocation of the purchase price for the real estate assets we sold in 2007 by the purchaser, we reallocated $34.1 million of gain recognized to those assets in the quarter ended September 30, 2008, the period in which the purchase price allocation was finalized. This reallocation allowed us to utilize $34.1 million of our net operating loss carry forwards, which reduced our deferred tax asset by $11.9 million and increased our income tax receivable by the same amount. In addition, we were able to utilize $13.2 million of net operating losses that previously were limited under special IRS rules (the "Section 382 Limitations"), resulting in a deferred tax benefit of $4.6 million.

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2007

         Revenue.    Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $29.8 million, as compared to $38.0 million for the same period in 2007. Net premiums earned were $22.7 million for the third quarter in 2008, as compared to $26.3 million for 2007. Net investment income was $6.7 million for the third quarter of 2008, as compared to $10.0 million for the same period in 2007, primarily due to higher cash balances and higher yield in 2007. We had a net realized loss on investments of $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2008, due to the write down of securities owned by NLASCO, Inc. Other income was $1.5 million for the third quarter in 2008, as compared to $1.8 million for 2007. Revenues related to the manufactured housing business lines have been

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reclassified to discontinued operations and are presented net in the caption "Loss from discontinued operations."

         Underwriting Results.    The following table shows the components of the Company's underwriting (loss) gain for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007. The Company's underwriting gain or loss consists of net premiums earned, less loss and LAE and policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses. The underwriting results are discussed below (in thousands).

The Company seeks to operate at a combined ratio of no greater than 85.0%. Loss ratios are ratios that express the relationship of losses to premiums. Loss and LAE ratio is loss and LAE expenses divided by net premiums earned for the same period. Policy acquisition and other underwriting expense ratio is policy acquisition and other underwriting expense divided by net premiums earned for the same period. Combined ratio gives you the sum of both previous ratios. The increase in policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses is due to the benefit received in 2007 related to the purchase accounting of $4.3 million.

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

        Direct premiums written by major product line for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, are presented in the table below (in thousands):

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        Total direct premiums written decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2008 for all of the insurance products, except mobile home and other lines, due to the overall soft insurance market.

        Net premiums written by major product line for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, are presented in the table below (in thousands):

        Total net premiums written decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2008 for all insurance products due to the reinstatement premiums related to Hurricane Dolly, Gustav, and Ike totaling $8.2 million.

        Net premiums earned by major product line for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, are presented in the table below (in thousands):

        Net premiums earned for the three months ended September 30, 2008 were down as compared to 2007. The decrease in earned premium is primarily due to the reinstatement premiums related to Hurricane Dolly, Gustav, and Ike totaling $8.2 million. Additionally, net premiums earned for the three months ended September 30, 2007 were reduced by $4.5 million related to purchase accounting. The premium revenue is earned over the life of the policies, generally twelve months. On the date NLASCO was acquired by Hilltop, the unearned premium balance was adjusted to fair market value as required under GAAP.

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         Policy Acquisition and Other Underwriting Expenses.    Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 were as follows (in thousands):

         Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses.    Loss and LAE are recognized based on formula and case basis estimates for losses reported with respect to direct business, estimates of unreported losses based on past experience and deduction of amounts for reinsurance placed with reinsurers. The loss and LAE ratio is calculated by taking the ratio of incurred losses and LAE to net premiums earned. The loss and LAE ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 of 118.1% and 52.4%, respectively, has been adjusted to remove the effect of losses attributable to the prior owner. The increase in the loss and LAE ratio is due to several hurricanes that occurred in July and September 2008. The actual loss related to Hurricane Dolly, Gustav and Ike excluding reinstatement premium is $14.0 million.

         General and Administrative Expense.    General and administrative expense for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $1.8 million, as compared to $2.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, a decrease of $0.4 million, or 18%. This decrease was mainly due to decreases in salaries, benefits and travel costs, which were partially offset by an increase in related party management fees.

         Depreciation and Amortization Expense.    Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $0.5 million, as compared to $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, a decrease of 17%.

         Interest Expense.    Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $2.6 million, as compared to $2.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, a decrease of $0.3 million, or 10%. The decrease in interest expense is due to the pay down of debt in the first quarter of 2008 and lower rates on our variable rate debt.

         Minority Interest.    Minority interest for the three months ended September 30, 2007 was $0.01 million. Minority interest only affected 2007, as all minority interest holders were eliminated in conjunction with the closing of the asset sale on July 31, 2007.

         Income Taxes.    The Company had a $9.1 million income tax benefit for the three months ended September 30, 2008, compared to $77.6 million expense for the same period in 2007. The benefit in 2008 is primarily due to the tax benefit recorded as a result of operating losses of NLASCO and recognizing losses on the impairment of $0.4 million on securities. The expense in 2007 is primarily due to the tax expense related to the gain on sale of discontinued operations of $74.2 million.

         Discontinued Operations.    On July 31, 2007, the Company closed the sale of certain of its assets, including the operating assets of the Company's manufactured home businesses to American

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Residential Communities LLC, an affiliate of Farallon Capital Management, L.L.C., Helix Funds LLC, and GEM Realty Capital, Inc. The Company reclassed all operations included in this sale to discontinued operations and, for the third quarter of 2007, the discontinued loss was $2.2 million and the gain on sale of discontinued operations was $364.3 million.

         Preferred Stock Dividend.    On September 11, 2008, the HTH board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.5156 per share on each of the 5,000,000 outstanding shares of our Series A Preferred Stock, payable October 30, 2008, amounting to $2.6 million. For the quarter ended September 30, 2007, the dividend declared also was $0.5156 per share, or $2.6 million.

         Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders.    As a result of the foregoing, our net loss attributable to common stockholders was $6.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008, as compared to net income of $291.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007. The principal reason for the loss in the third quarter of 2008 is due to an increase in loss and loss adjustment expense of $14.0 million and $8.2 million in reinstatement premium related to Hurricane Dolly, Gustav, and Ike. The principal reason for the income in the third quarter of 2007 is due to the sale of discontinued operations.

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

         Revenue.    Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $66.7 million, as compared to $87.7 million for the same period in 2007. Net premiums earned were $83.0 million for the first nine months in 2008, as compared to $69.5 million for 2007, such increase is primarily due to the fact that 2007 only included eight months of income from NLASCO. Net investment income was $21.9 million for the first nine months of 2008, as compared to $13.3 million for the same period in 2007, such increase is primarily due to the income generated on the net proceeds received from the sale of our manufactured housing businesses. We had a net realized loss on investments of $42.9 million in the first nine months of 2008, due to the write down and subsequent sale of securities primarily owned by HTH. Other income was $4.7 million for the first nine months in 2008, as compared to $4.8 million for 2007, primarily due to the decrease in service revenue due to a soft insurance market, which was partially offset by the fact that 2007 only included eight months of income from NLASCO. Revenues related to the manufactured housing business lines have been reclassified to discontinued operations and are presented net in the caption "Loss from discontinued operations."

         Underwriting Results.    The following table shows the components of the Company's underwriting (loss) gain for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007. The Company's underwriting gain

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

        The Company seeks to operate at a combined ratio of no greater than 85.0%. Loss ratios are ratios that express the relationship of losses to premiums. Loss and LAE ratio is loss and LAE expenses divided by net premiums earned for the same period. Policy acquisition and other underwriting expense ratio is policy acquisition and other underwriting expense divided by net premiums earned for the same period. Combined ratio gives you the sum of both previous ratios. The increase in policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses is due to the benefit received in 2007 related to the purchase accounting of $11.8 million.

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

        Direct premiums written by major product line for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, are presented in the table below (in thousands):

        Total direct premiums written increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 for all of the insurance products, due to the fact that 2007 only includes eight months. Direct premiums are down slightly over the same quarter last year, due to the overall soft insurance market.

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        Net premiums written by major product line for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, are presented in the table below (in thousands):

        Total net premiums written decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 for the homeowners line of business due to the reinstatement premiums related to Hurricane Dolly, Gustav, and Ike totaling $8.2 million. Net written premiums are down slightly over the same period last year, due to the overall soft insurance market.

        Net premiums earned by major product line for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, are presented in the table below (in thousands):

        Net premiums earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were up as compared to 2007 due to the fact that 2007 only included eight months of income from NLASCO compared to nine months of income in 2008. The premium revenue is earned over the life of the policies, generally twelve months. On the date NLASCO was acquired by Hilltop, the unearned premium balance was adjusted to fair market value as required under GAAP.

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         Policy Acquisition and Other Underwriting Expenses.    Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 were as follows (in thousands):

         Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses.    Loss and LAE are recognized based on formula and case basis estimates for losses reported with respect to direct business, estimates of unreported losses based on past experience and deduction of amounts for reinsurance placed with reinsurers. The loss and LAE ratio is calculated by taking the ratio of incurred losses and LAE to net premiums earned. The loss and LAE ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 of 79.7% and 59.4%, respectively, has been adjusted to remove the effect of losses attributable to the prior owner. The increase in the loss and LAE ratio is due to several severe spring storms and several hurricanes that occurred in July and September 2008. The actual loss related to Hurricane Dolly, Gustav and Ike, excluding reinstatement premium, was $14.0 million.

         General and Administrative Expense.    General and administrative expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $7.2 million, as compared to $7.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, a decrease of $0.2 million, or 3%. This decrease was mainly due to a decrease in salaries, benefits, and professional fees, which were offset by $1.4 million in acquisition costs expensed in 2008. The acquisition costs related to expenses incurred in connection with a possible transaction, that, as of the end of second quarter of 2008, we determined no longer to pursue.

         Depreciation and Amortization Expense.    Depreciation and amortization expense was $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007.

         Interest Expense.    Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $7.9 million, as compared to $8.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, a decrease of $0.3 million, or 4%. The decrease in interest expense is due to the pay down of debt in the first quarter of 2008 and lower rates on variable rate debt, partially offset by only eight months of interest expense on the debt of NLASCO.

         Minority Interest.    Minority interest for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $0.1 million. Minority interest only affected 2007, as all minority interest holders were eliminated in conjunction with the closing of the asset sale on July 31, 2007.

         Income Taxes.    The Company had a $21.6 million income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to $78.6 million expense for the same period in 2007. The benefit in 2008 is primarily due to the tax benefit recorded as a result of recognizing losses on the impairment of $15.0 million on securities and operating losses of NLASCO. The expense in 2007 is primarily due to the tax expense related to the gain on sale of discontinued operations of $76.6 million.

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         Discontinued Operations.    On July 31, 2007, the Company closed the sale of certain of its assets, including the operating assets of the Company's manufactured home businesses to American Residential Communities LLC, an affiliate of Farallon Capital Management, L.L.C., Helix Funds LLC, and GEM Realty Capital, Inc. The Company reclassed all operations included in this sale to discontinued operations and, for 2007, the discontinued loss was $11.1 million and the gain on sale of discontinued operations was $363.9 million.

         Preferred Stock Dividend.    On April 9, 2008, the HTH board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.5156 per share on each of the 5,000,000 outstanding shares of our Series A Preferred Stock, payable April 30, 2008, amounting to $2.6 million. On June 12, 2008, the HTH board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 0.5156 per share on each of the 5,000,000 outstanding shares of our Series A Preferred Stock, payable July 30, 2008, amounting to $2.6 million. On September 11, 2008, the HTH board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 0.5156 per share on each of the 5,000,000 outstanding shares of our Series A Preferred Stock, payable October 30, 2008, amounting to $2.6 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the dividends declared were also $1.5468 per share, or $7.7 million.

         Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders.    As a result of the foregoing, our net loss attributable to common stockholders was $34.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, as compared to $272.8 million of net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The principal reason for the loss in the first nine months of 2008 is the write down and subsequent sale of stock held by HTH of $41.9 million, hurricane losses of $14.0 million, and reinstatement premium of $8.2 million, which was partially offset by the additional month of income generated by NLASCO in 2008.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

General

        Hilltop is a holding company whose assets primarily consist of the stock of its subsidiaries and invested assets with a combined value of $1,150 million at September 30, 2008. On July 31, 2007, the Company closed the sale of substantially all of its assets, including the operating assets used in the Company's manufactured home communities business and its manufactured home retail sales and financing businesses, and received gross proceeds of $889.3 million in cash. Of this amount, as of September 30, 2008, the Company had invested approximately $735 million in overnight deposits at JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo. These investments are in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limit, however, the Company does not believe that it is exposed to any significant credit risk on cash.

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

        At September 30, 2008, we had approximately $769.1 million of cash and cash equivalents and $143.7 million of investments, as compared to $783.0 million of cash and cash equivalents and $191.0 million of investments as of December 31, 2007.

        As of September 30, 2008, our short-term liquidity needs included (a) funds for dividend payments on our $125 million Series A cumulative redeemable preferred stock bearing a dividend rate of 8.25% per annum (approximately $10.3 million annually), (b) funds to pay our insurance claims and (c) funds to service our debt.

Restrictions on Dividends and Distributions

        Aside from investment income on Hilltop's invested assets, as a holding company, Hilltop relies on dividends and other permitted distributions from its subsidiaries. The payment of dividends from

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Hilltop's insurance subsidiaries, NLIC and ASIC, are subject to significant limitations under debt agreements, which limit their ability to declare and pay dividends in the event of a default.

        Additionally, under Texas State Insurance Law for property and casualty companies, all dividends must be distributed out of earned surplus only. Furthermore, without the prior approval of the Commissioner of Texas Department of Insurance, dividends cannot be declared or distributed that exceed the greater of ten percent of the company's surplus, as shown by its last statement on file with the Commissioner, or 100% of net income for such period. NLIC and ASIC paid dividends totaling $14.0 million to NLASCO in March 2008. At September 30, 2008, the maximum additional dividends that may be paid to NLASCO in 2008 without regulatory approval is approximately $7.3 million.

        Regulations of the Texas Department of Insurance require insurance companies to maintain minimum levels of statutory surplus to ensure their ability to meet their obligations to policyholders. At September 30, 2008, the Company's insurance subsidiaries had statutory surplus in excess of the minimum required.

        Also, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, or NAIC, has adopted risk-based capital, or "RBC", requirements for insurance companies that establish minimum capital requirements relating to insurance risk, assesses credit risk, interest rate risk and business risk. The formula is used by the NAIC and certain state insurance regulators as an early warning tool to identify companies that require additional scrutiny or regulatory action. At September 30, 2008, the Company's insurance subsidiaries' RBC ratio exceeded the level at which regulatory action would be required.

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

Sources and Uses of Funds

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

        Our primary investment objectives are to preserve capital and manage for a total rate of return in excess of a specified benchmark portfolio. Our strategy is to purchase securities in sectors that represent the most attractive relative value. Bonds, cash and short-term investments constitute $904.6 million, or 99.1%, of our cash and investments at September 30, 2008. Although there is no intent to dispose of these investments at this time, our bonds are substantially in readily marketable securities.

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

        Cash used in operations was $3.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, primarily due to payment of $10.1 million in state income taxes. Cash provided by operations was $9.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, due to the adjustments related to discontinued operations of $277.8 million, which was partially offset by the increase in unearned premiums at NLASCO of $18.1 million.

        Cash used in investing activities was $17.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared with cash provided by investing activities of $795.1 million in the same period in 2007. The

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cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 is primarily due to the designation of $18.5 million as restricted cash. This amount was designated as restricted because of a guaranty provided by us with respect to a third-party loan made to a target we were pursuing. The loan matures in February 2009 and is secured by auction rate securities pledged by the target. We, however, are no longer pursuing this target. Cash provided by investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 is due to proceeds from the sale of assets related to discontinued operations.

        Cash used in financing activities was $11.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared with cash provided by financing activities of $61.4 million in the same period in 2007. The decrease in cash from financing activities for 2008 was due primarily to the repayment of $4.0 million in debt and payment of $7.7 million in preferred dividends. The cash generated in the first nine months of 2007 was due to proceeds received from our common stock rights offering and stock issuances in connection with the NLASCO acquisition.

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

Inflation

        Inflation in the U.S. has been relatively low in recent years and did not have a material impact on our results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007. Although the impact of inflation has been relatively insignificant in recent years, it remains a factor in the United States economy and may increase the cost of acquiring or replacing property and equipment and the costs of labor and utilities.

COMMITMENTS

        NLASCO's loss reserves do not have contractual maturity dates. However, based on historical payment patterns, the following table estimates when management expects the loss reserves to be paid. The timing of claim payments is subject to significant uncertainty. NLASCO maintains a portfolio of investments with varying maturities to provide adequate cash flows for the payment of claims.

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ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

        Our future income, cash flows and fair values relevant to financial instruments are dependent upon market interest rates. Market risk relates to the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and interest rates. We may use some derivative financial instruments to manage, or hedge, interest rate risks related to our borrowings from time to time. We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes and only enter into contracts with major financial institutions based on their credit rating and other factors. As of September 30, 2008, we had no derivative financial instruments.

        As of September 30, 2008, our total debt outstanding was approximately $138.4 million, comprised of approximately $90.9 million, or 65.7%, of indebtedness subject to fixed interest rates and approximately $47.5 million, or 34.3% of our total consolidated debt, subject to variable interest rates.

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

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

        The fair value of debt outstanding as of September 30, 2008 was approximately $151.3 million.

        The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our indebtedness outstanding as of September 30, 2008 (in thousands).

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ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a)

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



(b)

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

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS

        In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or future results.

         Difficult market conditions may adversely affect our investments and business.    The capital and credit markets have been experiencing volatility and disruption for more than 12 months. Recently, the volatility and disruption has reached unprecedented levels, resulting in dramatic declines. This downward pressure has negatively affected the performance of our investments, which has resulted in the write-down of those investments. These write-downs, when determined to be other than temporary, reduce our earnings for that period. If current levels of market disruption and volatility continue or worsen, there can be no assurance that we will not experience additional losses on our investments and reductions to earnings.

        In addition, falling housing prices, increasing home foreclosures, unemployment and under-employment may negatively affect our insurance operations. Combined with the market turmoil described above, these conditions have led to increased levels of commercial and consumer delinquencies, lack of consumer confidence and a widespread reduction of business and consumer activity generally. Resulting effects of these and other conditions may include a decrease in the number of new policies and renewals written or changes in payment patterns or increases in delinquencies or defaults on existing policies. If these conditions continue or worsen, our business and results of operations may be adversely affected.

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ITEM 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

        Hilltop Holdings Inc. held its 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, or Annual Meeting, on July 9, 2008. At the Annual Meeting, the stockholders of Hilltop Holdings Inc. elected Rhodes Bobbitt, W. Joris Brinkerhoff, Charles R. Cummings, Gerald J. Ford, J. Markham Green, William T. Hill, Jr., W. Robert Nichols, C. Clifton Robinson, James R. Staff, Carl B. Webb and Larry D. Willard to serve until our 2009 Annual Meeting.

        The total number of shares entitled to vote at our Annual Meeting was 56,448,098 shares of common stock. A total of 44,969,714 shares of common stock were represented in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting. The following table sets forth, with respect to each of the directors elected, the number of votes cast for or withheld with respect to his election.

        Our stockholders also ratified the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm. There were 44,921,535 votes cast for ratification, 16,755 votes against and 31,424 shares abstained from voting. There were no broker non-votes on this matter.

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ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS

(a)

Exhibits:

See Exhibit Index

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SIGNATURES

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

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EXHIBIT INDEX

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