UNITED STATES


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549





FORM 10-K/A


Amendment No. 1


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


For The Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2015


Or


oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the Transition Period from                             to


Commission file number- 001-32638


TAL International Group, Inc.


(Exact name of registrant as specified in the charter) Delaware(State or other jurisdiction ofincorporation or organization)20-1796526(I.R.S. EmployerIdentification Number)100 Manhattanville Road, Purchase, New York(Address of principal executive office)10577-2135(Zip Code)(914) 251-9000(Registrant's telephone number including area code)


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


Title of Each ClassName of Exchange On Which RegisteredCommon stock, $0.001 par value per shareThe New York Stock Exchange


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ý No o


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No ý


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 requirement for the past 90 days. Yes ý No o


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


Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ý


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large Accelerated FilerýAccelerated FileroNon-accelerated fileroSmaller reporting companyo(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)


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


As of June 30, 2015, the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second quarter, the aggregate market value of the registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $1,031.8 million.


The number of outstanding shares of the registrant's common stock, par value $0.001 per share, as of April 20, 2016 was 33,395,291.







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Table of Contents


Page No.PART IIItem 7.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations4PART IIIItem 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance26Item 11.Executive Compensation33Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters48Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence50Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services51PART IVItem 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules52Signatures57








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EXPLANATORY NOTE


This Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A (this "Amendment No. 1") amends the Annual Report on Form 10-K of TAL International Group, Inc. (the "Company") for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, which the Company originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on February 29, 2016 (the "Original Filing"). The Company is filing this Amendment No. 1 to provide the information required pursuant to instruction G(3) to Form 10-K for Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 of the Original Filing. The Company is also amending Part II, Item 7 of the Original Filing in Critical Accounting Policies, Goodwill to include the discount rate and perpetual growth rate used in the Company's goodwill impairment analysis. Part IV of the Original Filing has been amended to contain currently dated certifications as required by Rules 12b-15, 15d-14(a), and 15d-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") with respect to this Amendment No. 1.


This Amendment No. 1 speaks as of the original filing date of the Original Filing and reflects only the changes to the cover page, Items 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 of Part III and Critical Accounting Policies, Goodwill in Part II, Item 7. No other information included in the Original Filing, including the information set forth in Part I, Part II except as noted and Part IV has been modified or updated in any way. The Company has made no attempt in this Amendment No. 1 to modify or update the disclosures presented in the Original Filing other than as noted above. Also, this Amendment No. 1 does not reflect events occurring after the filing of the Original Filing. Accordingly this Amendment No. 1 should be read in conjunction with Original Filing.





CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS





This annual report on Form 10-K/A contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Exchange Act that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. In addition, we, or our executive officers on our behalf, may from time to time make forward-looking statements in reports and other documents we file with the SEC, or in connection with oral statements made to the press, potential investors or others. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. The words "expect," "estimate," "anticipate," "predict," "believe," "think," "plan," "will," "should," "intend," "seek," "potential" and similar expressions and variations are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.





Forward-looking statements in this report are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in this report as well as in the other documents we file with the SEC from time to time, and such risks and uncertainties are specifically incorporated herein by reference.





Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made. Except as required under the federal securities laws and rules and regulations of the SEC, we undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information. We caution you not to unduly rely on the forward-looking statements when evaluating the information presented in this report.
































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PART II


ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


The statements in this discussion regarding industry outlook, our expectations regarding our future performance, liquidity and capital resources and other non-historical statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described under "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" as discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Our actual results may differ materially from those contained in or implied by any forward-looking statements.


Our Company


We are one of the world's largest and oldest lessors of intermodal containers and chassis. Intermodal containers are large, standardized steel boxes used to transport freight by ship, rail or truck. Because of the handling efficiencies they provide, intermodal containers are the primary means by which many goods and materials are shipped internationally. Chassis are used for the transportation of containers domestically.


We operate our business in one industry, intermodal transportation equipment, and have two business segments:


|  |                                                                                                                                                            
|- | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|• | Equipment leasing—we own, lease and ultimately dispose of containers and chassis from our lease fleet, as well as manage containers owned by third parties.




|  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
|- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|• | Equipment trading—we purchase containers from shipping line customers, and other sellers of containers, and resell these containers to container retailers and users of containers for storage or one-way shipment.

Operations


Our consolidated operations include the acquisition, leasing, re-leasing and subsequent sale of multiple types of intermodal containers and chassis. As of December 31, 2015, our total fleet consisted of 1,531,387 containers and chassis, representing 2,512,667 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). We have an extensive global presence, offering leasing services through 17 offices in 11 countries and approximately 230 third party container depot facilities in approximately 40 countries as of December 31, 2015. Our customers are among the largest shipping lines in the world. For the year ended December 31, 2015, our twenty largest customers accounted for 82% of our leasing revenues, our five largest customers accounted for 55% of our leasing revenues, and our largest customer, CMA CGM, accounted for 16% of our leasing revenues. NYK Line accounted for 12% of our leasing revenues in 2015.





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The following tables provide the composition of our equipment fleet (owned and managed) as of the dates indicated (in units, TEU and cost-equivalent units, or "CEU"):


Equipment Fleet in Units (1)Equipment Fleet in TEU(1)December 31, 2015December 31, 2014December 31, 2013December 31, 2015December 31, 2014December 31, 2013Dry1,351,1701,189,7071,105,4332,190,9401,928,4821,790,975Refrigerated70,50565,01064,030134,204123,342122,579Special56,11856,18056,761102,081102,065101,954Tank11,2439,2828,10011,2439,2828,100Chassis21,21619,11613,72438,21033,87724,505Equipment leasing fleet1,510,2521,339,2951,248,0482,476,6782,197,0482,048,113Equipment trading fleet21,13532,44840,37435,98952,57165,102Total1,531,3871,371,7431,288,4222,512,6672,249,6192,113,215


Equipment Fleet in CEU(1)December 31, 2015December 31, 2014December 31, 2013Operating leases2,801,6072,475,5182,290,636Finance leases197,225197,537211,365Equipment trading fleet107,079105,229138,742Total3,105,9112,778,2842,640,743


_____________________


|    |                                                                                                                         
|--- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|(1) | As of December 31, 2015, the Company had 1.0%, 1.0%, and 0.7% of managed equipment in units, TEU, and CEU, respectively.

In the equipment fleet tables above, we have included total fleet count information based on CEU. CEU is a ratio used to convert the actual number of containers in our fleet to a figure based on the relative purchase prices of our various equipment types to that of a 20 foot dry container. For example, the CEU ratio for a 40 foot standard height dry container is 1.6, and a 40 foot high cube refrigerated container is 10.0. The CEU ratios used in this calculation are from our debt agreements and may differ slightly from CEU ratios used by others in the industry.


We lease five types of equipment: (1) dry freight containers, which are used for general cargo such as manufactured component parts, consumer staples, electronics and apparel, (2) refrigerated containers, which are used for perishable items such as fresh and frozen foods, (3) special containers, which are used for heavy and over-sized cargo such as marble slabs, building products and machinery, (4) tank containers, which are used to transport bulk liquid products such as chemicals, and (5) chassis, which are used for the transportation of containers domestically. Our in-house equipment sales group manages the sale process for our used containers and chassis from our equipment leasing fleet and buys and sells used and new containers and chassis acquired from third parties.














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The percentage of our equipment fleet by equipment type as of December 31, 2015 and the percentage of our leasing revenues by equipment type for the year ended December 31, 2015 are as follows: Equipment TypePercent oftotal fleetin unitsPercent of total fleet in CEUPercent ofleasingrevenuesDry88.2%61.6%65.4%Refrigerated4.622.119.8Special3.74.46.7Tank0.75.83.4Chassis1.42.73.1Equipment leasing fleet98.696.698.4Equipment trading fleet1.43.41.6Total100.0%100.0%100.0%


We generally lease our equipment on a per diem basis to our customers under three types of leases: long-term leases, finance leases and service leases. Long-term leases, typically with initial contractual terms ranging from three to eight years, provide us with stable cash flow and low transaction costs by requiring customers to maintain specific units on-hire for the duration of the lease. Finance leases, which are typically structured as full payout leases, provide for a predictable recurring revenue stream with the lowest cost to the customer as customers are generally required to retain the equipment for the duration of its useful life. Service leases command a premium per diem rate in exchange for providing customers with a greater level of operational flexibility by allowing the pick-up and drop-off of units during the lease term. We also have expired long-term leases whose fixed terms have ended but for which the related units remain on-hire and for which we continue to receive rental payments pursuant to the terms of the initial contract. Some leases have contractual terms that have features reflective of both long-term and service leases and we classify such leases as either long-term or service leases, depending upon which features we believe are predominant.


The following table provides a summary of our equipment leasing fleet portfolio by lease type, based on CEU as of the dates indicated below: Lease PortfolioDecember 31, 2015December 31, 2014December 31, 2013Long-term leases68.7%68.9%68.0%Finance leases7.78.09.2Service leases15.717.718.0Expired long-term leases (units remaining on-hire)7.95.44.8Total100.0%100.0%100.0%


As of December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, our long-term and finance leases combined had average remaining contractual term of approximately 42 months, 41 months, and 44 months, respectively, assuming no leases are renewed.





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Operating Performance


Our profitability is primarily determined by the extent to which our leasing and other revenues exceed our ownership, operating and administrative expenses. Our profitability is also impacted by the gains or losses that we realize on the sale of our used equipment and the net sales margins on our equipment trading activities.


Our leasing revenues are primarily driven by the size of our owned fleet, our equipment utilization and the average lease rates in our lease portfolio. Our leasing revenues also include ancillary fees driven by container pick-up and drop-off volumes. Leasing revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased 2.4% from 2014.


Fleet size. As of December 31, 2015, our owned fleet included 3,082,839 CEU, an increase of 12.0% from December 31, 2014. The increase in our owned fleet size in 2015 was primarily due to our purchases of new containers and the completion of several large sale-leaseback transactions.  In 2015, we invested approximately $625 million in our owned fleet, purchasing approximately 138,000 TEU of new containers and approximately 266,000 TEU of used containers through sale-leaseback transactions. Most of TAL's new container purchases were made in the first few months of the year, and we completed several large sale-leaseback transactions throughout the year. In general, market forecasters had expected global containerized trade growth to be in the range of 5-6% in 2015, and the initial expectation for solid trade growth supported leasing demand early in the year. However, global containerized trade growth has been less than expected this year, and we did not benefit from a traditional summer peak season for dry containers. Container pick-ups on our early lease commitments have proceeded slowly, and our investments in new containers have been limited during the second half of the year.


Utilization. Our average utilization was 96.0% during 2015, a decrease from 97.6% in 2014, and our ending utilization was 93.0%, down from 98.1% at the end of 2014.  Weaker than expected trade growth in 2015 has led to increased drop-off volumes, decreased pick-up volumes and lower utilization. Drop-off volumes in our sale-leaseback portfolio have been particularly high since these leases are generally structured to provide maximum redelivery flexibility. We expect our utilization will continue to trend down during the first quarter of 2016 as the first quarter typically represents the weakest season for dry containers. However, our utilization remains at a high level and continues to be supported by the high percentage of our units that are on-hire to customers on long-term or finance leases. New container production has also been limited since the middle of 2015, and we expect that our utilization will rebound in 2016 if trade growth is at least moderately positive.


The following tables set forth our equipment fleet utilization (1) for the periods indicated below:


Quarter EndedAverage UtilizationYear Ended December 31,December 31,September 30,June 30,March 31,201596.0%93.7%95.8%97.1%97.9%201497.6%98.1%97.9%97.3%97.1%201397.4%97.0%97.3%97.5%97.7%


Quarter EndedEnding UtilizationDecember 31,September 30,June 30,March 31,201593.0%94.7%96.6%97.7%201498.1%98.1%97.7%96.9%201397.2%97.0%97.5%97.6%


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|--- | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|(1) | Utilization is computed by dividing our total units on lease (in CEU) by the total units in our fleet (in CEU) excluding new units not yet leased and off-hire units designated for sale.




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Average lease rates. Average lease rates for our dry container product line decreased by 6.4% in 2015 compared to 2014.  New container prices have decreased significantly over the last several years and this decrease accelerated in 2015 due to a significant drop in steel prices in China. Very low long-term interest rates and aggressive competition for new leasing transactions has combined with falling container prices to push market lease rates to historical low levels and market lease rates for dry containers are currently well below our portfolio average. Low market lease rates negatively impact our overall average lease rates as we add new containers to our fleet and as leases covering existing containers expire and are re-priced. If market lease rates remain near their current low level, we expect the decrease in our average dry container lease rates will accelerate in 2016 and 2017 due to the large number of leases with high lease rates that are scheduled to expire in those years.


Average lease rates for refrigerated containers decreased by 3.0% in 2015 compared to 2014. For several years our average lease rates for refrigerated containers have been negatively impacted by the addition of new refrigerated containers placed on lease at rates lower than our portfolio average. The cost of refrigerated containers has trended down over the last few years, which has led to lower market lease rates. Lease rates for new refrigerated containers are also being negatively impacted by aggressive pricing from new entrants seeking to build market share.


The average lease rates for special containers decreased by 0.7% in 2015 compared to 2014. This decrease is mainly the result of certain lease renegotiations.


Equipment disposals. During 2015, we recognized a $13.6 million loss on the sale of our used containers compared to a gain of $7.0 million in 2014.  This decrease is primarily due to lower average sale prices.  Average used container selling prices in 2015 decreased approximately 19% from our average prices in 2014 due to the impact of lower new container prices and increased disposal volumes by leasing companies and shipping lines in response to the weaker containerized trade volumes.


Our disposal losses in 2015 included impairment charges taken against our inventory of containers held for sale. We regularly assess the market value of our containers held for sale and mark the containers to the lower of cost or market. The decrease in container prices during 2015 resulted in impairment losses of $14.0 million in 2015 compared to impairment losses of $4.3 million in 2014 for these assets.  The size of the impairment losses was driven by an increase in the number of containers held for sale.  Lower demand and higher drop off volumes has resulted in the sales inventory growing from approximately 22,200 units at the end of 2014 to approximately 50,100 units at the end of 2015.


Equipment ownership expenses. Our ownership expenses, which consist of depreciation and interest expense, increased by $26.7 million or 8.0% in 2015 as compared to 2014.  There was a one-time $1.3 million charge to interest expense in 2015 related to an early buyout of equipment financed under capital leases.  Excluding this charge, ownership costs increased 7.6% from 2014, which is generally in line with the 7.2% growth in the average net book value of our revenue earning assets.


Credit performance. We recorded a $0.1 million provision for doubtful accounts during 2015, compared to a provision of $0.2 million in 2014. While our credit performance during 2015 was strong, our overall concern about credit risk remains heightened due to the difficult market conditions facing our customers. Many of the major shipping lines have reported modest or negative profitability over the last several years due to persistent excess vessel capacity and weak freight rates.  Several shipping lines are also currently undertaking significant financial restructurings due to high current financial leverage and ongoing sizable losses.  In addition, it is anticipated that the volume of new vessels entering service over the next several years will cause the global container vessel fleet to grow at a higher rate than global containerized trade.  As a result, we expect freight rates and our customers' financial performance to remain under pressure.


Operating expenses. Our direct operating expenses were $48.9 million in 2015, compared to $33.1 million in 2014, an increase of 47.7%. This increase was driven by higher storage costs of $7.6 million resulting from an increase in the number of idle units and higher redelivery and repair related costs of $7.5 million due to a higher volume of redeliveries.


Administrative expenses. Our administrative expenses were $51.2 million in 2015 compared to $45.4 million in 2014, an increase of 12.8%. The increase was mainly due to $7.5 million of transaction costs related to the pending merger with Triton.





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Dividends


We paid the following quarterly dividends during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 on our issued and outstanding common stock: Record DatePayment DateAggregatePaymentPer SharePaymentDecember 2, 2015December 23, 2015$14.8 Million$0.45September 2, 2015September 23, 2015$23.7 Million$0.72June 3, 2015June 24, 2015$23.7 Million$0.72March 3, 2015March 24, 2015$23.7 Million$0.72December 2, 2014December 23, 2014$23.8 Million$0.72September 3, 2014September 24, 2014$24.2 Million$0.72June 3, 2014June 24, 2014$24.2 Million$0.72March 3, 2014March 24, 2014$24.2 Million$0.72


Historically, most of our dividends have been treated as a non-taxable return of capital, and we believe that 100% of our dividends paid in 2015 will also be treated as a return of capital to TAL shareholders. The taxability of the dividends to TAL shareholders does not impact TAL's corporate tax position. Investors should consult with a tax adviser to determine the proper tax treatment of these distributions.


Merger


On  November 9, 2015, TAL and Triton announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which the companies will combine in an all-stock merger. Under the terms of the Transaction Agreement, TAL and Triton will combine under a newly-formed holding company, Triton International Limited (“Holdco”), which will be domiciled in Bermuda and is expected to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. TAL International shareholders will receive one common share of Holdco for each share of TAL International stock owned. TAL International shareholders will also receive a special dividend of $0.54 per share upon closing of the transaction.  The transaction is subject to the approval of TAL's shareholders.  A special meeting is anticipated to be held in the second quarter of 2016.


Treasury Stock & Stock Repurchase Program


During 2015, TAL repurchased 81,915 shares at an average price of $41.40, and in 2014, TAL repurchased 818,085 shares at an average price of $42.01. As part of the joint announcement of the TAL and Triton transaction on November 9, 2015, a share repurchase program of up to $250 million was announced, which supplants all prior stock repurchase programs, and is expected to be initiated upon the close of the transaction.








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Results of Operations


The following table summarizes our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 (in thousands of dollars):


Year Ended December 31,201520142013Leasing revenues:Operating leases$591,665$573,778$552,640Finance leases15,19218,35514,728Other revenues1,1471,8732,485Total leasing revenues608,004594,006569,853Equipment trading revenues62,19556,43673,004Equipment trading expenses(58,001)(49,246)(62,726)Trading margin4,1947,19010,278Net (loss) gain on sale of leasing equipment(13,646)6,98726,751Operating expenses:Depreciation and amortization242,538224,753205,073Direct operating expenses48,90233,07627,142Administrative expenses51,15445,39944,197Provision for doubtful accounts1332122,827Total operating expenses342,727303,440279,239Operating income255,825304,743327,643Other expenses:Interest and debt expense118,280109,265111,725Write-off of deferred financing costs8955,1924,000Net loss (gain) on interest rate swaps205780(8,947)Total other expenses119,380115,237106,778Income before income taxes136,445189,506220,865Income tax expense48,23365,46177,699Net income$88,212$124,045$143,166





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Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2015 to Year Ended December 31, 2014


Leasing revenues. The principal components of our leasing revenues are presented in the following table. Per diem revenue represents revenue earned under operating lease contracts. Fee and ancillary lease revenue represent fees billed for the pick-up and drop-off of containers in certain geographic locations and billings of certain reimbursable operating costs such as repair and handling expenses. Finance lease revenue represents interest income earned under finance lease contracts. Year Ended December 31,20152014(in thousands)Leasing revenues:Operating lease revenues:Per diem revenue$553,155$545,561Fee and ancillary lease revenue38,51028,217Total operating lease revenue591,665573,778Finance lease revenue15,19218,355Other revenues1,1471,873Total leasing revenues$608,004$594,006


Total leasing revenues were $608.0 million in 2015, compared to $594.0 million in 2014, an increase of $14.0 million, or 2.4%.


Per diem revenue increased by $7.6 million, or 1.4%, compared to 2014. The primary reasons for this increase are as follows:


|  |                                                                                                                                                            
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|• | $31.9 million increase due to an increase of approximately 149,700 CEU in the average number of units on-hire under operating leases; partially offset by a

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|• | $24.3 million decrease due to a 5.3% decrease in average CEU per diem rates.

Fee and ancillary lease revenue increased by $10.3 million in 2015, compared to 2014 primarily due to a 95% increase in drop-off volumes.


Finance lease revenue decreased by $3.2 million in 2015, compared to 2014 due to a decrease in the average size of our finance lease portfolio and a decrease in the average interest rate.





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Equipment Trading Activities. Equipment trading revenues represent the proceeds on the sale of equipment purchased for resale. Equipment trading expenses represent the cost of equipment sold, including costs associated with the acquisition, maintenance and selling of trading inventory, such as positioning, repairs, handling and storage costs, and estimated direct selling and administrative costs. Year Ended December 31,20152014(in thousands)Equipment trading revenues$62,195$56,436Equipment trading expenses(58,001)(49,246)Equipment trading margin$4,194$7,190


The equipment trading margin was $4.2 million in 2015 compared to $7.2 million in 2014, a decrease of $3.0 million.  The trading margin decreased $3.4 million due to lower per unit margins on equipment sold partially offset by an increase of $0.4 million due to an increase in sales volume.


Net (loss) gain on sale of leasing equipment. Loss on sale of equipment was $13.6 million in 2015 compared to a gain on sale of equipment of $7.0 million in 2014, a decrease of $20.6 million. The decrease in sales results was mainly due to a 19% decrease in used dry container selling prices.


Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization was $242.5 million in 2015, compared to $224.8 million in 2014, an increase of $17.7 million or 7.9%. Depreciation expense increased by $24.1 million due to the net increase in the size of our depreciable fleet, partially offset by a decrease of $6.4 million due to equipment becoming fully depreciated.


Direct operating expenses. Direct operating expenses primarily consist of our costs to repair equipment returned off lease, store the equipment when it is not on lease and reposition equipment that has been returned to locations with weak leasing demand.


Direct operating expenses were $48.9 million in 2015, compared to $33.1 million in 2014, an increase of $15.8 million.  This increase was driven by higher storage costs of $7.6 million resulting from an increase in the number of idle units, and higher redelivery and repair related costs of $7.5 million due to a higher volume of redeliveries.


Administrative expenses. Administrative expenses were $51.2 million in 2015 compared to $45.4 million in 2014, an increase of $5.8 million or 12.8%.  This increase was mainly due to an increase in transaction costs of $7.5 million related to the pending merger with Triton.


Provision for doubtful accounts. Our provision for doubtful accounts was $0.1 million in 2015 compared to a provision of $0.2 million in 2014.


Interest and debt expense. Interest and debt expense was $118.3 million in 2015, compared to $109.3 million in 2014, an increase of $9.0 million or 8.2%. Interest and debt expense increased $9.0 million due to a higher average debt balance of $3,158.2 million in 2015, compared to $2,916.9 million in 2014.  Interest and debt expense also increased $1.3 million in 2015 due to an early buyout on certain capital lease obligations.  This increase was partially offset by a decrease of $1.3 million due to a lower average effective interest rate of 3.65% in 2015 compared to 3.69% in 2014.





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Net loss on interest rate swaps. Net loss on interest rate swaps was $0.2 million in 2015, compared to a loss of $0.8 million in 2014. While the large majority of our interest rate swap agreements have been designated as hedges and generally do not impact the income statement as their market value changes, a small portion of our interest rate swaps are not designated as hedges and thus are subject to revaluation. The fair value of these non-designated interest rate swap agreements decreased during 2015 due to a decrease in long-term interest rates. Under the majority of our interest rate swap agreements, we make interest payments based on fixed interest rates and receive payments based on the applicable prevailing variable interest rate. As long-term interest rates decreased during 2015, the current market rate on interest rate swap agreements with similar terms decreased relative to our existing interest rate swap agreements, which caused the fair value of our existing interest rate swap agreements to decrease.


Income tax expense. Income tax expense was $48.2 million in 2015, compared to $65.5 million in 2014. The effective tax rate was 35.3% in 2015 and 34.5% in 2014.  Our effective tax rate in 2014 includes changes in state apportionment factors for several states that required an adjustment to the deferred tax balance.


While we record income tax expense, we do not currently pay any significant federal, state or foreign income taxes due to the availability of net operating loss carryovers and accelerated tax depreciation for our equipment. The majority of the expense recorded for income taxes is recorded as a deferred tax liability on the balance sheet. We anticipate that the deferred income tax liability will continue to grow for the foreseeable future.


Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2014 to Year Ended December 31, 2013


Leasing revenues. The principal components of our leasing revenues are presented in the following table. Per diem revenue represents revenue earned under operating lease contracts; fee and ancillary lease revenue represent fees billed for the pick-up and drop-off of containers in certain geographic locations and billings of certain reimbursable operating costs such as repair and handling expenses; and finance lease revenue represents interest income earned under finance lease contracts. Year Ended December 31,20142013(in thousands)Leasing revenues:Operating lease revenues:Per diem revenue$545,561$528,499Fee and ancillary lease revenue28,21724,141Total operating lease revenue573,778552,640Finance lease revenue18,35514,728Other revenues1,8732,485Total leasing revenues$594,006$569,853


Total leasing revenues were $594.0 million in 2014, compared to $569.9 million in 2013, an increase of $24.1 million, or 4.2%.


Per diem revenue increased by $17.1 million, or 3.2%, compared to 2013. The primary reasons for this increase are as follows:


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|• | $37.6 million increase due to an increase of approximately 156,300 CEU in the average number of units on-hire under operating leases; partially offset by a

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|• | $20.5 million decrease due a 4.5% decrease in lower average CEU per diem rates.

Fee and ancillary lease revenue increased by $4.1 million in 2014, compared to 2013 primarily due to a $3.2 million increase in reimbursable costs and an increase of $1.1 million in fee revenue due to higher pick-up and drop-off volumes.


Finance lease revenue increased by $3.6 million in 2014, compared to 2013 due to an increase in the average size of our finance lease portfolio, partially offset by a decrease in the average interest rate.





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Equipment Trading Activities. Equipment trading revenues represent the proceeds on the sale of equipment purchased for resale. Equipment trading expenses represent the cost of equipment sold, including costs associated with the acquisition, maintenance and selling of trading inventory, such as positioning, repairs, handling and storage costs, and estimated direct selling and administrative costs. Year Ended December 31,20142013(in thousands)Equipment trading revenues$56,436$73,004Equipment trading expenses(49,246)(62,726)Equipment trading margin$7,190$10,278


The equipment trading margin was $7.2 million in 2014 compared to $10.3 million in 2013, a decrease of $3.1 million.  The trading margin decreased $2.0 million due to lower per unit margins on equipment sold and decreased by $0.9 million due to lower sales volume.


Net gain on sale of leasing equipment. Gain on sale of equipment was $7.0 million in 2014 compared to $26.8 million in 2013, a decrease of $19.8 million. The primary reasons for this decrease are as follows:


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|• | $20.1 million decrease due to a decrease of approximately 23% in used dry container selling prices;

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|• | $2.5 million decrease due to larger gains in 2013 related to units declared lost by one of our customers, which was not repeated in 2014, partially offset by a

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|• | $2.6 million increase due to an increase in sales volume.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization was $224.8 million in 2014, compared to $205.1 million in 2013, an increase of $19.7 million or 9.6%. Depreciation expense increased by $23.9 million due to the net increase in the size of our depreciable fleet, partially offset by a decrease of $4.2 million due to equipment becoming fully depreciated.


Direct operating expenses. Direct operating expenses primarily consist of our costs to repair equipment returned off lease, store the equipment when it is not on lease and reposition equipment that has been returned to locations with weak leasing demand.


Direct operating expenses were $33.1 million in 2014, compared to $27.1 million in 2013, an increase of $6.0 million primarily driven by the following:


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|• | $1.8 million increase in repair expense due to larger drop-off volume of dry containers;

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|• | $1.8 million increase in operating, handling and repositioning expenses resulting from a larger volume of pick-up and drop-off activity;

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|• | $1.6 million increase in storage costs due to an increase in the number of idle units, mainly an increase in the number of containers held for sale; and a

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|• | $0.6 million increase in survey costs due to increased procurement activity.

Administrative expenses. Administrative expenses were $45.4 million in 2014 compared to $44.2 million in 2013, an increase of $1.2 million or 2.7%.  This increase was mainly due to increased employment costs and greater foreign exchange losses on Euro and GBP denominated assets.


Provision for doubtful accounts. Our provision for doubtful accounts was $0.2 million in 2014 compared to a provision of $2.8 million in 2013. In 2013, we recorded a provision related to payment defaults and estimated recovery costs for several small regional shipping lines.  We made no such provisions for defaults in 2014.


Interest and debt expense. Interest and debt expense was $109.3 million in 2014, compared to $111.7 million in 2013, a decrease of $2.4 million or 2.1%. The decrease in interest and debt expense was mainly driven by a $9.2 million decrease due to a lower average effective interest rate of 3.69% in 2014 compared to 4.01% in 2013. This was primarily offset by an increase of $6.8 million due to a higher average debt balance of $2,916.9 million in 2014, compared to $2,750.1 million in 2013.





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Net loss (gain) on interest rate swaps. Net loss on interest rate swaps was $0.8 million in 2014, compared to a gain of $8.9 million in 2013. While the large majority of our interest rate swap agreements have been designated as hedges and generally do not impact the income statement as their market value changes, a small portion of our interest rate swaps are not designated as hedges and thus are subject to revaluation. The fair value of these non-designated interest rate swap agreements decreased during 2014 due to a decrease in long-term interest rates. Under the majority of our interest rate swap agreements, we make interest payments based on fixed interest rates and receive payments based on the applicable prevailing variable interest rate. As long-term interest rates decreased during 2014, the current market rate on interest rate swap agreements with similar terms decreased relative to our existing interest rate swap agreements, which caused the fair value of our existing interest rate swap agreements to decrease.


Income tax expense. Income tax expense was $65.5 million in 2014, compared to $77.7 million in 2013. The effective tax rate was 34.5% in 2014 and 35.2% in 2013.  Our effective tax rate decreased due to changes in state apportionment factors for several states which lowered our state effective tax rate.


While we record income tax expense, we do not currently pay any significant federal, state or foreign income taxes due to the availability of net operating loss carryovers and accelerated tax depreciation for our equipment. The majority of the expense recorded for income taxes is recorded as a deferred tax liability on the balance sheet. We anticipate that the deferred income tax liability will continue to grow for the foreseeable future.


Business Segments


We operate our business in one industry, intermodal transportation equipment, and in two business segments, Equipment leasing and Equipment trading.


Equipment leasing


We own, lease and ultimately dispose of containers and chassis from our leasing fleet, as well as manage containers owned by third parties. Equipment leasing segment revenues represent leasing revenues from operating and finance leases, fees earned on managed container leasing activities, as well as other revenues. Expenses related to equipment leasing include direct operating expenses, administrative expenses, depreciation expense and interest expense. The Equipment leasing segment also includes gains and losses on the sale of owned leasing equipment.


Equipment trading


We purchase containers from shipping line customers and other sellers of containers, and resell these containers to container retailers and users of containers for storage or one-way shipment. Equipment trading segment revenues represent the proceeds on the sale of containers purchased for resale. Expenses related to equipment trading include the cost of containers purchased for resale that were sold and related selling costs, as well as direct operating expenses, administrative expenses and interest expense.


Segment income before income taxes


The following table lists the income before income taxes for the Equipment leasing and Equipment trading segments for the periods indicated:


Year Ended December 31,% Change Between2015201420132015 and 20142014 and 2013(in thousands)Income before income taxes(1)Equipment leasing segment$128,259$180,356$198,210(28.9)%(9.0)%Equipment trading segment9,28615,12217,708(38.6)%(14.6)%Total$137,545$195,478$215,918
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|--- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|(1) | Income before income taxes excludes net losses on interest rate swaps and the write-off of deferred financing costs.

Equipment leasing income before income taxes. Income before income taxes for the Equipment leasing segment was $128.3 million in 2015 compared to $180.4 million in 2014, a decrease of $52.1 million.  This decrease was mainly due to the following:


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|• | a $20.6 million year over year decline on the sale of leasing equipment mainly driven by lower selling prices;




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|• | an increase in direct operating expenses of $16.0 million mainly due to higher storage costs resulting from an increase in the number of idle units and higher redelivery and repair related costs due to higher volume of redeliveries;

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|• | Leasing margin (leasing revenues net of depreciation and amortization and interest and debt expense) decreased $10.2 million mainly due to lower average per diem rates and an increase in our average debt balance.  This decrease was partially offset by an increase in the fleet size and average number of units on hire; and

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|• | an increase in administrative expenses of $5.3 million mainly due to costs related to the pending merger.

Income before income taxes for the Equipment leasing segment was $180.4 million in 2014 compared to $198.2 million in 2013, a decrease of $17.8 million.  This decrease was mainly due to a decrease in the gain on the sale of leasing equipment of $19.8 million mostly due to lower selling prices.  In addition, direct operating expenses increased $5.8 million.  This decrease was partially offset by an increase in the leasing margin (leasing revenues net of depreciation and amortization and interest and debt expense) of $6.5 million due to an increase in the fleet size and average number of units on-hire and a reduction in our average effective interest rate.


Equipment trading income before income taxes. Income before income taxes for the Equipment trading segment was $9.3 million in 2015, compared to $15.1 million in 2014, a decrease of $5.8 million.  This decrease was primarily due to a decline in the equipment trading margin due to lower per unit margins on equipment sold offset by higher sales volume.  This decrease was also due to a decrease in the leasing margin.


Income before income taxes for the Equipment trading segment was $15.1 million in 2014, compared to $17.7 million in 2013, a decrease of $2.6 million.  This decrease was primarily due to a decline in the equipment trading margin due to lower per unit margins on equipment sold and lower sales volume.


Liquidity and Capital Resources


Our principal sources of liquidity are cash flows provided by operating activities, proceeds from the sale of our leasing equipment, principal payments on finance lease receivables and borrowings under our credit facilities. Our cash in-flows and borrowings are used to finance capital expenditures, meet debt service requirements and pay dividends.


We continue to have sizable cash in-flows. For the year ended December 31, 2015, cash provided by operating activities, together with the proceeds from the sale of our leasing equipment and principal payments on our finance leases, was $568.9 million. In addition, as of December 31, 2015 we had $58.9 million of unrestricted cash and $243.1 million of additional borrowing capacity under our current credit facilities (excluding deferred financing costs).


As of December 31, 2015, major committed cash outflows in the next 12 months include $346.4 million of scheduled principal payments on our existing debt facilities and $87.0 million of committed but unpaid capital expenditures.


We believe that cash provided by operating activities and existing cash, proceeds from the sale of our leasing equipment, principal payments on our finance lease receivables and availability under our borrowing facilities will be sufficient to meet our obligations over the next 12 months.


At December 31, 2015, our outstanding indebtedness was comprised of the following (amounts in millions): CurrentAmountOutstandingCurrentMaximumBorrowingLevelAsset backed securitization (ABS) term notes$1,151.5$1,151.5Term loan facilities973.11,071.2Asset backed warehouse facility610.0650.0Revolving credit facilities445.0550.0Capital lease obligations62.162.1Total Debt3,241.73,484.8Deferred financing costs(25.2)—Debt, net of unamortized deferred financing costs$3,216.5$3,484.8


The maximum commitment levels depicted in the chart above may not reflect the actual availability under all of the credit facilities. Certain of these facilities are governed by borrowing bases that limit borrowing capacity to an established percentage of relevant assets.





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As of December 31, 2015, we had $1,314.5 million of total debt outstanding on facilities with fixed interest rates.  These fixed rate facilities are scheduled to mature between 2016 and 2024, and had a weighted average effective interest rate of 3.65% as of December 31, 2015.


As of December 31, 2015, we had $1,927.2 million of total debt outstanding on facilities with interest rates based on floating rate indices (primarily LIBOR).  These floating rate facilities are scheduled to mature between 2016 and 2021, and had a weighted average effective interest rate of 2.04% as of December 31, 2015.  Including the impact of our interest rate swaps, the weighted average effective interest rate on our floating rate facilities was 2.96% as of December 31, 2015.


We economically hedge the risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates on a portion of our floating rate borrowings by entering into interest rate swap agreements that convert a portion of our floating rate debt to a fixed rate basis, thus reducing the impact of interest rate changes on future interest expense. As of December 31, 2015, we had interest rate swaps in place with a net notional amount of $1,123.0 million to fix the floating interest rates on a portion of our floating rate debt obligations, with a weighted average fixed leg interest rate of 2.00% and a weighted average remaining term of 6.6 years.


As of December 31, 2015, the Company had a combined $2,437.5 million of total debt on facilities with fixed interest rates or floating interest rates that have been synthetically fixed through interest rate swap contracts.  This accounts for 75.2% of total debt.  These facilities had a weighted average remaining term of 5.2 years.


Asset Backed Securitization Term Notes


Our Asset Backed Securitization ("ABS") facilities have been the largest funding source used to finance our existing container fleet and new container purchases. Under these facilities, our indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries issue asset backed notes. The issuance of asset backed notes is the primary business objective of those subsidiaries.


Our borrowings under the ABS facilities amortize in monthly installments. The borrowing capacity under the ABS facilities is determined by applying an advance rate against the sum of the net book values of designated eligible containers and accounts receivable for sold containers not aged more than 60 days plus 100% of restricted cash.  Advance rates under the ABS facilities range from 82% to 87%. We are required to maintain restricted cash balances on deposit in designated bank accounts equal to five to nine months of interest expense depending on the type of facility.


Term Loan Facilities


We utilize our term loan facilities as an important funding source for the purchase of containers and other equipment. The term loan facilities amortize in monthly or quarterly installments.


The borrowing capacity under the term loan facilities is determined by applying an advance rate in the range of 80% to 90% against the net book values of designated eligible containers, which is determined under the terms of each facility.


Asset Backed Warehouse Facility


The asset backed warehouse facility had a maximum borrowing capacity of $650 million as of December 31, 2015 (the maximum borrowing capacity increased to $750 million on January 20, 2016). Under the amended facility effective as of October 10, 2014, funds are available on a revolving basis until October 10, 2017, after which if the facility is not refinanced, the notes will convert to term notes with a maturity date of October 10, 2021. We primarily use the proceeds of this facility to finance the acquisition of equipment.


The borrowing capacity under the asset backed warehouse facility is determined by applying the advance rate of 81% against the sum of the net book values of designated eligible containers and accounts receivable for sold containers not outstanding more than 60 days plus 100% of restricted cash.  The Company is required to maintain restricted cash balances on deposit in a designated bank account equal to three months of interest expense.


Revolving Credit Facilities


We have two revolving credit facilities which have a maximum borrowing capacity of $100 million and $450 million and maturity dates of November 30, 2016 and March 12, 2018, respectively. These facilities generally provide for an advance rate against eligible assets defined by the terms of their respective agreements.


Capital Lease Obligations


We have entered into a series of lease transactions with various financial institutions to finance chassis and containers. Each lease is accounted for as a capital lease, with interest expense recognized on a level yield basis over the period preceding early purchase options, if any, which is generally five to ten years from the transaction date.


Deferred Financing Costs


Deferred financing costs represent the fees incurred in connection with the Company's debt obligations, and are amortized using the effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the related obligation, depending on the type of





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debt obligation to which they relate. Unamortized deferred financing costs are written off when the related debt obligations are refinanced or extinguished prior to maturity, and are determined to be an extinguishment of debt.


Debt Covenants


We are subject to certain financial covenants under our debt agreements. As of December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all such covenants. Below are the primary financial covenants to which we are subject:


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|• | Minimum Earnings Before Interest and Taxes ("Covenant EBIT") to Cash Interest Expense;

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|• | Minimum Tangible Net Worth ("TNW"); and

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|- | ----------------------------
|• | Maximum Indebtedness to TNW.

Non-GAAP Measures


We primarily rely on our results measured in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") in evaluating our business. Covenant EBIT, Cash Interest Expense, TNW, and Indebtedness are non-GAAP financial measures defined in our debt agreements that are used to determine our compliance with certain covenants contained in our debt agreements and should not be used as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. However, we believe that the inclusion of this non-GAAP information provides additional information to investors regarding our debt covenant compliance.


Minimum Covenant EBIT to Cash Interest Expense


For the purpose of this covenant, Covenant EBIT is calculated based on the cumulative sum of our earnings for the last four quarters (excluding income taxes, interest expense, amortization, net gain or loss on interest rate swaps and certain non-cash charges). Cash Interest Expense is calculated based on interest expense adjusted to exclude interest income, amortization of deferred financing costs, and the difference between current and prior period interest expense accruals.


Minimum Covenant EBIT to Cash Interest Expense is calculated on a consolidated basis and for our wholly-owned special purpose entities ("SPEs"), whose primary activity is to issue asset backed notes. Covenant EBIT for each of our SPEs is calculated based on the net earnings generated by the assets pledged as collateral for the underlying debt issued. The actual Covenant EBIT to Cash Interest Expense ratio for each SPE may differ depending on the specific net earnings associated with those pledged assets. As of December 31, 2015, the minimum and actual consolidated Covenant EBIT to Cash Interest Expense ratio and Covenant EBIT to Cash Interest Expense ratio for each of the issuers of our debt facilities whose initial borrowing capacity was approximately $200 million or greater were as follows: Entity/IssuerMinimumCovenant EBIT toCash InterestExpense RatioActualCovenant EBIT toCash InterestExpense RatioConsolidated1.102.36TAL Advantage I, LLC1.104.70TAL Advantage III, LLC1.302.59TAL Advantage V, LLC1.102.35*


*Reflects the weighted average for all series of notes issued by TAL Advantage V, LLC.  Each series of notes must comply separately with this covenant, and as of December 31, 2015, each series is in compliance.


Minimum TNW and Maximum Indebtedness to TNW Covenants


We are required to meet consolidated Minimum TNW and Maximum Indebtedness to TNW covenants. For the purpose of calculating these covenants, all amounts are based on the consolidated balance sheet of TAL International Group, Inc. TNW is calculated as total tangible assets less total indebtedness, which includes equipment purchases payable and, in certain cases, the fair value of derivative instruments liability.


For the majority of our debt facilities, the Minimum TNW is calculated as $321.4 million plus 50% of cumulative net income or loss since January 1, 2006, which as of December 31, 2015 was $742.0 million.  As of December 31, 2015, the actual Consolidated TNW for each of our SPEs and for the $450 million revolving credit facility was $1,092.6 million. As of December 31, 2015, the maximum and actual Indebtedness to TNW ratios for each of the issuers of our debt facilities whose





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initial borrowing capacity was approximately $200 million or greater was as follows: Entity/IssuerMaximumIndebtednessto TNW RatioActualIndebtednessto TNW RatioConsolidated4.753.07TAL Advantage I, LLC4.753.01TAL Advantage III, LLC4.752.99TAL Advantage V, LLC4.752.99


As of December 31, 2015, our outstanding debt on facilities whose initial borrowing capacity was approximately $200 million or greater was approximately $2.8 billion.  Outstanding debt on the remaining facilities of $0.4 billion have various other debt covenants, all of which the Company is in compliance with as of December 31, 2015.


Failure to comply with these covenants could result in a default under the related credit agreements and/or could result in the acceleration of our outstanding debt if we were unable to obtain a waiver from the creditors.


Cash Flow


The following table sets forth certain cash flow information for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 (in thousands): Year Ended December 31,201520142013Net cash provided by operating activities$400,478$398,807$366,688Cash flows from investing activities:Purchases of leasing equipment and investments in finance leases$(704,178)$(670,529)$(660,492)Proceeds from sale of equipment, net of selling costs125,525165,990140,724Cash collections on finance lease receivables, net of income earned42,86047,60739,470Other(101)(253)84Net cash (used in) investing activities$(535,894)$(457,185)$(480,214)Net cash provided by financing activities$115,191$68,635$116,558


Operating Activities


Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $1.7 million to $400.5 million in 2015, compared to $398.8 million in 2014.  The majority of this increase is comprised of the following:


• Earnings excluding non-cash expenses decreased by $15.5 million;


• in 2014, we paid $5.0 million to terminate certain interest rate swap agreements and replaced them with new interest rate swap contracts that have a longer duration.  In 2015, we did not terminate any interest rate swap agreements;


• we had fewer net purchases of equipment bought for resale in 2015, for a net increase to cash provided by operating activities of $1.8 million; and


• accounts payable and other accruals increased $8.8 million mainly due to higher repair and storage costs from increased drop-off activity and lower utilization.


Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $32.1 million to $398.8 million in 2014, compared to $366.7 million in 2013.  The majority of this increase is comprised of the following:


• Earnings excluding non-cash expenses increased by $19.8 million;


• in 2014, we paid $5.0 million to terminate certain interest rate swap agreements and replaced them with new interest rate swap contracts that have a longer duration, while in 2013, we paid $24.2 million for such terminations.  This resulted in an increase in operating cash flows of $19.2 million; and


• we had fewer net purchases of equipment bought for resale in 2014, for a net increase to cash provided by operating activities of $4.5 million.





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• This increase in net cash provided by operating activities was partially offset by increases in our accounts receivable and customer deferred revenue which decreased operating cash flows by $12.8 million compared to 2013.  In addition, we received more cash in advance of amounts due in 2013 than in 2014.


Investing Activities


Net cash used in investing activities increased by $78.7 million to $535.9 million in 2015 compared to $457.2 million in 2014. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the purchase of leasing equipment of $33.6 million related to payments for equipment ordered at the end of 2014, but paid for in 2015. In addition, we had lower proceeds from the sale of equipment of $40.5 million due to lower selling prices on equipment sold and a decrease in cash collections on finance lease receivables of $4.7 million due to a smaller portfolio.


Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $23.0 million to $457.2 million in 2014 compared to $480.2 million in 2013 primarily due to an increase in proceeds from the sale of equipment due to higher disposal volumes and an increase in principal payment on finance leases partially offset by an increase in purchases of leasing equipment.


Financing Activities


Net cash provided by financing activities increased by $46.6 million to $115.2 million in 2015 compared to $68.6 million in 2014. This increase was primarily due to a decrease in purchases of treasury stock of $29.9 million, a decrease in dividends paid of $10.6 million, and a decrease of $11.8 million of restricted cash requirements.  This increase was partially offset by a decrease in net borrowings under our various debt facilities of $6.2 million.


Net cash provided by financing activities decreased by $48.0 million to $68.6 million in 2014 compared to $116.6 million in 2013. This decrease was primarily due to purchases of treasury stock of $34.4 million, an increase in dividends paid of $6.7 million, and a net increase in restricted cash of $13.2 million in 2014 partially offset by an increase in net borrowings under our various debt facilities of $9.2 million.





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Contractual Obligations


We are party to various operating and capital leases and are obligated to make payments related to our long-term borrowings. We are also obligated under various commercial commitments, including obligations to our equipment manufacturers. Our equipment manufacturer obligations are in the form of conventional accounts payable, and are satisfied by cash flows from operations and long-term financing activities.


The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of December 31, 2015:


Contractual Obligations by PeriodContractual Obligations:Total20162017201820192020 and thereafter(dollars in millions)Principal debt obligations$3,179.9$319.1$294.3$751.6$527.7$1,287.2Interest on debt obligations(1)481.1100.893.280.064.0143.1Capital lease obligations(2)66.529.918.817.8——Operating leases (mainly facilities)6.31.81.31.12.00.1Purchase obligations:Equipment purchases payable20.020.0————Equipment purchase commitments67.067.0————Total contractual obligations$3,820.8$538.6$407.6$850.5$593.7$1,430.4
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|(1) | Amounts include actual for fixed interest debt and estimated interest for floating rate debt based on December 31, 2015 rates and the net effect of our interest rate swaps.

|    |                          
|--- | -------------------------
|(2) | Amounts include interest.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements


As of December 31, 2015, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, which are often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements. We are, therefore, not exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.





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Critical Accounting Policies


Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles, which require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts and disclosures reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Our estimates are based on historical experience and currently available information. Actual results could differ from such estimates.  The following paragraphs summarize our critical accounting policies.  Additional accounting policies are discussed in the notes to our historical financial statements contained elsewhere in this Form 10-K.


Revenue Recognition


Operating Leases with Customers


We enter into long-term leases and service leases with ocean carriers, principally as lessor in operating leases, for marine cargo equipment. Long-term leases provide our customers with specified equipment for a specified term. Our leasing revenues are based upon the number of equipment units leased, the applicable per diem rate and the length of the lease. Long-term leases typically have initial contractual terms ranging from three to eight years. Revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the respective lease. Advance billings are deferred and recognized in the period earned. Service leases do not specify the exact number of equipment units to be leased or the term that each unit will remain on-hire, but allow the lessee to pick-up and drop-off units at various locations specified in the lease agreement. Under a service lease, rental revenue is based on the number of equipment units on-hire for a given period. Revenue for customers considered to be non-performing is deferred and recognized when the amounts are received.


In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") Accounting Standards Codification No. 605, Revenue Recognition ("ASC 605"), we recognize billings to customers for damages and certain other operating costs as leasing revenue as it is earned based on the terms of the contractual agreements with the customer. As principal, we are responsible for fulfillment of the services, supplier selection and service specifications, and have ultimate responsibility to pay the supplier for the services whether or not it collects the amount billed to the lessee.


Finance Leases with Customers


We enter into finance leases as lessor for some of the equipment in our fleet. The net investment in finance leases represents the receivables due from lessees, net of unearned income. Unearned income is recognized on a level yield basis over the lease term and is recorded as leasing revenue. Finance leases are usually long-term in nature, typically ranging for a period of four to eight years and typically include an option to purchase the equipment at the end of the lease term for an amount determined to be a bargain.


Equipment Trading Revenues and Expenses


Equipment trading revenues represent the proceeds from the sale of equipment purchased for resale and are recognized as units are sold and delivered to the customer. The related expenses represent the cost of equipment sold as well as other selling costs that are recognized as incurred and are reflected as equipment trading expenses in the consolidated statements of income.





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Leasing Equipment


In general, we purchase new equipment from equipment manufacturers for the purpose of leasing such equipment to customers. We also purchase used equipment with the intention of selling such equipment in one or more years from the date of purchase. Used units are typically purchased with an existing lease in place or were previously owned by one of our third party owner investors.


Leasing equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated to an estimated residual value on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The estimated useful lives and residual values of our leasing equipment are based on historical disposal experience and our expectations for future used container prices. We review our depreciation policies on a regular basis to determine whether changes have taken place that would suggest that a change in depreciation policies, useful lives of equipment or the assigned residual values is warranted.


In 2012, after conducting our regular depreciation policy review, we decided to increase the estimated residual values used in our equipment depreciation policy. The new residual value estimates were put into effect beginning October 1, 2012.  The estimated useful lives and residual values for the majority of our leasing equipment purchased new from the factory are as follows:


Residual Values ($)Useful Lives (Years)Effective October 1, 2012Dry containers20 foot13$1,00040 foot13$1,20040 foot high cube13$1,400Refrigerated containers20 foot12$2,50040 foot high cube12$3,500Special containers40 foot flat rack14$1,50040 foot open top14$2,300Tank containers20$3,000Chassis20$1,200


Depreciation on leasing equipment starts on the date of initial on-hire.


For leasing equipment acquired through sale-leaseback transactions, we often adjust our estimates for remaining useful life and residual values based on current conditions in the sale market for older containers and our expectations for how long the equipment will remain on-hire to the current lessee.


Costs incurred to place new equipment into service, including costs to transport the equipment to its initial on-hire location, are capitalized. We charge to expense inspection costs on new equipment and repair and maintenance costs that do not extend the lives of the assets at the time the costs are incurred, and include these costs in direct operating expenses.


If indicators of impairment are present, a determination is made as to whether the carrying value of our fleet exceeds its estimated future undiscounted cash flows. Leasing equipment is tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recovered. Key indicators of impairment on leasing equipment include, among other factors, a sustained decrease in operating profitability, a sustained decrease in utilization, or indications of technological obsolescence.


When testing for impairment, leasing equipment is generally grouped by equipment type, and is tested separately from other groups of assets and liabilities. Some of the significant estimates and assumptions used to determine future undiscounted cash flows and the measurement for impairment are the remaining useful life, expected utilization, expected future lease rates and expected disposal prices of the equipment. We consider the assumptions on expected utilization and the remaining useful life to have the greatest impact on our estimate of future undiscounted cash flows. These estimates are principally based on our historical experience and management's judgment of market conditions.





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An allowance is recorded in the provision for doubtful accounts for equipment on lease to customers considered to be non-performing. The allowance is based on a percentage of the net book value of equipment on-hire to those customers that, based on historical experience, we believe will ultimately not be recovered.


Equipment Held for Sale


When leasing equipment is returned off lease, we make a determination of whether to repair and re-lease the equipment or sell the equipment. At the time we determine that equipment will be sold, we reclassify the appropriate amounts previously recorded as leasing equipment to equipment held for sale. In accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 360, Property, Plant and Equipment ("ASC 360"), equipment held for sale is carried at the lower of its estimated fair value, based on current transactions, less costs to sell, or carrying value; depreciation on such assets is halted and disposals generally occur within 90 days. Subsequent changes to the fair value of those assets, either increases or decreases, are recorded as adjustments to the carrying value of the equipment held for sale; however, any such adjustments may not exceed the respective equipment's carrying value at the time it was initially classified as held for sale. Initial write downs of assets held for sale are recorded as an impairment charge and are included in net gain on sale of leasing equipment. Realized gains and losses resulting from the sale of equipment held for sale are recorded as net gain on sale of leasing equipment, and cash flows associated with the disposal of equipment held for sale are classified as cash flows from investing activities.


Equipment purchased for resale and included in the Equipment Trading Segment is reported as equipment held for sale when the time frame between when equipment is purchased and when it is sold is expected to be short, less than one year.


Allowance for Doubtful Accounts


Our allowance for doubtful accounts is provided based upon a review of the collectability of our receivables. This review is based on the risk profile of the receivables, credit quality indicators such as the level of past-due amounts, and economic conditions. Generally, we do not require collateral on accounts receivable balances. An account is considered past due when a payment has not been received in accordance with the contractual terms. Accounts are generally charged off after an analysis is completed which indicates that collection of the full principal balance is in doubt. Changes in economic conditions or other events may necessitate additions or deductions to the allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is intended to provide for losses inherent in the receivables, and requires the application of estimates and judgments as to the outcome of collection efforts and the realization of collateral, among other things. We believe our allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate to provide for credit losses inherent in existing receivables.  The Company does not maintain a general reserve against the possibility of lost equipment and recovery expenses for customers currently not in default.


Income Taxes


We account for income taxes in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 740, Income Taxes ("ASC 740") using the asset and liability method, which requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for expected future tax consequences of temporary differences that currently exist between the tax basis and financial reporting basis of our assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. In assessing our ability to realize deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.


If applicable, we accrue income tax liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions by evaluating whether the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained in an audit and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Potential interest and penalties associated with such uncertain tax positions are recorded as a component of income tax expense.





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Deferred Financing Costs


Deferred financing costs represent the fees incurred in connection with our debt obligations, and are amortized using the effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the related obligation, depending on the type of debt obligation to which they relate. Unamortized deferred financing costs are written off when the related debt obligations are refinanced or extinguished prior to maturity, and are determined to be an extinguishment of debt.


Goodwill


We account for goodwill in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other ("ASC 350"). ASC 350 requires goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives to be reviewed for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate a possible impairment. In connection with the acquisition that occurred in 2004, we recorded $71.9 million of goodwill.  Effective July 1, 2013, the Company acquired the assets and business of Martec Leasing (a worldwide supplier of rolltrailers) where we recorded $2.6 million of goodwill. Management determined that the Company has two reporting units, Equipment leasing and Equipment trading, and allocated $73.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively, to each reporting unit. We have elected to bypass the qualitative approach permitted under ASC 350 for testing goodwill for impairment, but may elect to perform the qualitative approach to test goodwill for impairment in future periods.


The annual impairment test is conducted by comparing fair value of the reporting units as compared with its carrying amount. The Company considers its market capitalization as a corroboration. Given the recent decline in the Company's market capitalization, the Company also assessed the fair value of its reporting units based on a discounted cash flow valuation model. The key assumptions applied to the cash flow projections were a discount rate of 12.0%, new container prices, near-term revenue growth rates, and a perpetual growth rate of 1.5%. These assumptions contemplated business, market and overall economic conditions. Based on the results of this testing, the Company determined that the fair values of each of its reporting units exceeded their respective carrying amounts. Furthermore, management performed sensitivity analyses on the fair values resulting from the discounted cash flow valuation models utilizing more conservative assumptions that reflect reasonably likely future changes in the discount rates and perpetual growth rates in each of the reporting units. The discount rates were increased by 100 basis points with no impairment indicated. The perpetual growth rates were decreased by 100 basis points with no impairment indicated. The above sensitivity analyses, while useful, should not be used as a sole predictor of future potential impairment. A thorough analysis of all the facts and circumstances existing at that time would need to be performed to determine if recording an impairment loss would be appropriate.


If the carrying value of the entity exceeds its fair value, then a second step would be performed that compares the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of goodwill. The determination of the implied fair value of goodwill would require management to compare the estimated fair value of the reporting units to the estimated fair value of the assets and liabilities of the reporting units. Any excess fair value represents the implied fair value of goodwill. To the extent that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss would be recorded. Based on our annual review of goodwill, conducted in the fourth quarter of 2015, no impairment of goodwill existed.











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PART III


ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE


DIRECTORS


The names of the directors, their ages as of December 31, 2015 , and certain other information about them are set forth below: NameAgePositionDirector SinceMalcolm P. Baker(1)(3)46DirectorSeptember 2006Claude Germain(1)(2)48DirectorFebruary 2009Kenneth Hanau(1)50DirectorOctober 2012Helmut Kaspers(2)(3)50DirectorDecember 2011Frederic H. Lindeberg(1)(2)(3)75DirectorOctober 2005Brian M. Sondey48Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer and DirectorNovember 2004


|    |                              
|--- | -----------------------------
|(1) | Member of the Audit Committee

|    |                                     
|--- | ------------------------------------
|(2) | Member of the Compensation Committee

|    |                                                            
|--- | -----------------------------------------------------------
|(3) | Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

Malcolm P. Baker has served as a director of our company since September 2006 . Mr. Baker is the Robert G. Kirby Professor and the head of the finance unit of the Harvard University Graduate School of Business, the director of the corporate finance program at the National Bureau of Economic Research, and a consultant for Acadian Asset Management. Mr. Baker holds a BA in applied mathematics and economics from Brown University, a M.Phil. in finance from Cambridge University, and a Ph.D. in business economics from Harvard University.


As a result of these professional and other experiences, we believe Mr. Baker possesses particular knowledge and experience in a variety of areas including corporate finance, capital markets, and economics that strengthens the Board’s collective knowledge, capabilities, and experience.


Claude Germain has served as a director of our company since February 2009 . Since 2010 Mr. Germain has been a principal in Rouge River Capital, an investment firm focused on acquiring controlling stakes in private midmarket transportation and manufacturing companies. From 2011 to 2013, Mr. Germain was also President and CEO of SMTC Corporation (NSDQ: SMTX), a global manufacturer of electronics based in Markham, Ontario. From 2005 to 2010, Mr. Germain was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Schenker of Canada Ltd., an affiliate of DB Schenker, where he was accountable for Schenker’s Canadian business. DB Schenker is one of the largest logistics service providers in the world. As the former President of a Texas-based third-party logistics firm and a management consultant specializing in distribution for The Boston Consulting Group, Mr. Germain has extensive experience in global logistics. In 2002 and 2007, Mr. Germain won Canadian Executive of the Year in Logistics. Mr. Germain holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Engineering Physics (Nuclear) from Queen’s University.


As a result of these professional and other experiences, we believe Mr. Germain possesses particular knowledge and experience in a variety of areas including logistics, transportation, distribution, and strategic planning that strengthens the Board’s collective knowledge, capabilities, and experience.


Kenneth Hanau has been a director of our Company since October 2012. Mr. Hanau is a Managing Director at Bain Capital Private Equity, a unit of Bain Capital, one of the world’s foremost private investment firms with approximately $75 billion in assets under management. He has significant experience in private equity investing, with specialized focus in the industrial and business services sectors, and currently leads Bain Capital Private Equity’s North American industrials team. Prior to joining Bain Capital in 2015, Mr. Hanau was the Managing Partner of 3i’s private equity business in North America. Mr. Hanau played an active role in investments in the industrial and business services sectors, including Mold Masters, a leading supplier of specialty components to the plastic industry, and Hilite, a global manufacturer of automotive solutions. Previously, Mr. Hanau held senior positions with Weiss, Peck & Greer and Halyard Capital. Before that, Mr. Hanau worked in investment banking at Morgan Stanley and at K&H Corrugated Case Corporation, a family-owned packaging business. Mr. Hanau is a CPA and started his career with Coopers & Lybrand. Mr. Hanau received his B.A. with honors from Amherst College and his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.





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As a result of these professional and other experiences, we believe Mr. Hanau possesses particular knowledge and experience in a variety of areas including corporate finance, capital markets, distribution, and strategic planning that strengthens the Board’s collective knowledge, capabilities, and experience.





Helmut Kaspers has served as a director of our Company since December 2011. Mr. Kaspers is Chief Operating Officer, Global Air & Ocean Freight, for CEVA Logistics, one of the world's leading non-asset based supply-chain management companies. Prior to CEVA Logistics, he was the managing owner of Kaspers Consulting + Investments and a member of the Board of GreenCarrier AB, one of the Nordic region’s largest privately owned companies specializing in global transport solutions. Mr. Kaspers was also the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of ADI Consult GmbH, a globally operating consulting and placement company specializing in the transport and logistics industry. Mr. Kaspers has held leadership positions in a number of global transportation companies, serving as the Chief Commercial Officer Europe of the Damco Group, one of the world’s leading providers of freight forwarding and supply chain management services. Prior to Damco, he was a member of the Executive Committee and Chief Operating Officer, Air + Ocean of Logwin AG, Luxembourg from 2006 until 2013. From 2001 to 2006, Mr. Kaspers was Regional Director for Kuehne & Nagel, Germany, one of the leading transportation and logistics providers in the world. From 1996 to 2001, he was the Executive Vice President Seafreight at Schenker AG, Germany, one of the largest logistics service providers in the world. After studying in Germany, Mr. Kaspers has worked his entire career within the logistics and transportation industry, including extensive international assignments in North America and Asia.


As a result of these professional and other experiences, we believe Mr. Kaspers possesses particular knowledge and experience in a variety of areas including logistics, transportation, distribution and strategic planning that strengthens the Board’s collective knowledge, capabilities, and experience.


Frederic H. Lindeberg has served as a director of our company since October 2005 . Mr. Lindeberg has had a consulting practice providing taxation, management and investment counsel since 1991, focusing on finance, real estate, manufacturing and retail industries. Mr. Lindeberg retired in 1991 as Partner-In-Charge of various KPMG tax offices after 24 years of service where he provided both accounting and tax counsel to various clients. Mr. Lindeberg was formerly an adjunct professor at Penn State Graduate School of Business. Mr. Lindeberg is currently a director of Safety Insurance Group, Inc. (NSDQ: SAFT), serving as chairman of its nominating and governance committee and as a member of its audit and compensation committees. Mr. Lindeberg was formerly a trustee of Provident Senior Living Trust. Mr. Lindeberg received a BS in Business Administration from Drexel University and a JD from Temple University School of Law. Mr. Lindeberg is a certified public accountant.


As a result of these professional and other experiences, Mr. Lindeberg has been determined to be an Audit Committee Financial Expert under the SEC rules and regulations, possesses particular knowledge and experience in a variety of areas including accounting and tax, and has public company board experience that strengthens the Board’s collective knowledge, capabilities, and experience.


Brian M. Sondey is our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and has served as a director of our company since November 2004 . Mr. Sondey joined our former parent, Transamerica Corporation, in April 1996 as Director of Corporate Development. He then joined TAL International Container Corporation in November 1998 as Senior Vice President of Business Development. In September 1999, Mr. Sondey became President of TAL International Container Corporation. Prior to his work with Transamerica Corporation and TAL International Container Corporation, Mr. Sondey worked as a Management Consultant at the Boston Consulting Group and as a Mergers & Acquisitions Associate at J.P. Morgan. Mr. Sondey holds an MBA from The Stanford Graduate School of Business and a BA degree in Economics from Amherst College.


As a result of these professional and other experiences, we believe Mr. Sondey possesses particular knowledge and experience in a variety of areas including corporate finance, intermodal equipment leasing, logistics, marketing, people management and strategic planning and strengthens the Board’s collective knowledge, capabilities, and experience.





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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS


The following table sets forth certain information regarding our executive officers for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 : NameAgePositionBrian M. Sondey48Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer and DirectorJohn Burns55Senior Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerAdrian Dunner51Senior Vice President, Asia PacificKevin Valentine50Senior Vice President, Trader and Global OperationsMarc Pearlin60Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary


Brian M. Sondey is our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and has served as a director of our company since November 2004. Mr. Sondey joined our former parent, Transamerica Corporation, in April 1996 as Director of Corporate Development. He then joined TAL International Container Corporation in November 1998 as Senior Vice President of Business Development. In September 1999, Mr. Sondey became President of TAL International Container Corporation. Prior to his work with Transamerica Corporation and TAL International Container Corporation, Mr. Sondey worked as a Management Consultant at the Boston Consulting Group and as a Mergers & Acquisitions Associate at J.P. Morgan. Mr. Sondey holds an MBA from The Stanford Graduate School of Business and a BA degree in Economics from Amherst College.


John Burns is our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He is responsible for overseeing our Finance & Accounting, Audit, IT, Legal, and HR departments. Mr. Burns was formerly our Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, where he was responsible for the execution of our corporate development strategy. Mr. Burns joined our former parent, Transamerica Corporation, in April 1996 as Director of Internal Audit and subsequently transferred to TAL International Container Corporation in April 1998 as Controller. Prior to joining Transamerica Corporation, Mr. Burns spent 10 years with Ernst & Young LLP in their financial audit practice. Mr. Burns holds a BA in Finance from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota and is a certified public accountant.


Adrian Dunner is our Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific. Mr. Dunner is responsible for managing operations and marketing for the Asia Pacific area. Mr. Dunner was previously our Senior Vice President for Marketing and Sales, where he was responsible for the execution of our global marketing strategy for all product lines, fleet operations, global logistics, and our used equipment sales efforts. Mr. Dunner joined TAL International Container Corporation in 1988 as Manager, Marketing, and has held positions as General Manager, US East Coast, Marketing Manager, and Vice President, located at various times in Cranford, NJ; Savannah, GA; Jacksonville, FL; and Purchase, NY. Prior to his employment with TAL International Container Corporation, Mr. Dunner worked as a Sales Representative for Container Transport International and as a Trade Specialist at the Center for International Trade. Mr. Dunner received a BS degree in Finance/Economics from Spring Hill University, and an MBA in Business from Jacksonville University.


Kevin Valentine is our Senior Vice President, Trader and Global Operations. Mr. Valentine is responsible for the execution of our global container sales and trading activities and for overseeing our global fleet operations, our tank and chassis leasing product lines and our regional leasing activities in the Americas. Mr. Valentine joined TAL International Container Corporation in 1994 as Marketing Manager, UK following our acquisition of his previous employer, Tiphook Container Rental. Since joining TAL, Mr. Valentine has held positions in our London office as General Manager UK, Area Director Europe and Vice President, Trader Container Sales & Trading. Mr. Valentine relocated to our Headquarters in 2008. Prior to joining TAL International Container Corporation, Mr. Valentine held positions with Tiphook Container Rental from 1990 as Marketing Manager, Indian Subcontinent and Middle East based in London and Marketing Manager, Benelux based in Antwerp, Belgium. Mr. Valentine received a BA (Hons) degree in Business from Middlesex University, London, England.


Marc Pearlin is our Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, and is responsible for overseeing all legal matters. Mr. Pearlin joined TAL International Container Corporation in October 1986 as an Associate General Counsel, and has held positions as our Secretary and Assistant General Counsel. Mr. Pearlin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law and a BA in Economics and Spanish from Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut.





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Corporate Governance and Related Matters


We are required to have a majority of independent directors on our Board of Directors and to have our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee be composed entirely of independent directors. The Board of Directors has adopted a formal policy to assist it in determining whether a director is independent in accordance with the applicable rules of the New York Stock Exchange. The Director Independence Standards are available on our corporate website at www.talinternational.com .  From our main web page, scroll over “Investors” on the left side of the page and click on “Corporate Governance” from the drop down menu. Next, click on “Director Independence Standards” in the middle of the page. Applying these standards, our Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Baker , Germain , Hanau , Kaspers and Lindeberg qualify as independent, and constitute a majority of our Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has adopted formal Corporate Governance Principles and Guidelines which are available on our website at www.talinternational.com . From our main web page, scroll over “Investors” on the left side of the page and click on “Corporate Governance” from the drop down menu. Next, click on “Corporate Governance Principles and Guidelines” in the middle of the page.


Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance


Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's officers and directors, and holders of more than 10% of a registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file reports of ownership of such securities with the SEC. Officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners are required by applicable regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.


Based on a review of the copies of Forms 3, 4 and 5 furnished to the Company, the Company believes that all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors and 10% holders were filed in a timely manner during fiscal year 2015 .





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Risk Management


As a general matter, the Board of Directors has oversight responsibility with respect to risk management for the Company and its subsidiaries. Day-to-day risk management is the responsibility of senior management. The Board of Directors focuses on and discusses with senior management key areas of risk in the Company’s business and corporate functions such as capital expenditures, capital management, corporate debt, and customer credit and collection issues at its regular meetings.


Meetings and Committees of our Board of Directors


During 2015 , our Board of Directors held seventeen meetings and took action by unanimous written consent on one occasion. All of the directors attended 75% or more of the meetings of the Board of Directors and committees of the Board of Directors on which they served. Directors are expected to make every effort to attend all meetings of the Board and the committees on which they serve, and to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. All directors who stood for election at the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders attended that meeting.


The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.


Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is comprised of four independent directors, Messrs. Lindeberg (Chairman), Baker , Germain , and Hanau , each of whom also is independent under Rule10A-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Audit Committee met four times during 2015 . Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Lindeberg qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as such term is been defined by the SEC regulations.


The Audit Committee is responsible for (1) selecting the independent auditor and reviewing the fees proposed by the independent auditor for the coming year and approving in advance, all audit, audit-related and tax permissible non-audit services to be performed by the independent auditors, (2) approving the overall scope of the audit, (3) discussing the annual audited financial statements, quarterly financial statements, and Forms 10-K and 10-Q, including matters required to be reviewed under applicable legal, regulatory or New York Stock Exchange requirements, with management and the independent auditor, (4) discussing earnings press releases, guidance provided to analysts and other financial information provided to the public, with management and the independent auditor, as appropriate, (5) discussing our risk assessment and risk management policies, (6) reviewing our internal system of audit, financial and disclosure controls and the results of internal audits, (7) setting hiring policies for employees or former employees of the independent auditors, (8) establishing procedures concerning the treatment of complaints and concerns regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or audit matters, (9) handling such other matters that are specifically delegated to the Audit Committee by our Board of Directors from time to time, (10) reporting regularly to the full Board of Directors, and (11) performing the other related responsibilities that are set forth in its formal charter adopted by our Board of Directors.


The Audit Committee acts pursuant to a formal charter, which is available on our corporate website at www.talinternational.com . The charter may be found on our website as follows: From our main web page, scroll over “Investors” on the left side of the page and click on “Corporate Governance” from the drop down menu. Next, click on “Audit Committee” in the middle of the page. A written copy of the Audit Committee charter may be obtained free of charge by sending a request in writing to Marc Pearlin, our Secretary at TAL International Group, Inc., 100 Manhattanville Road, Purchase, New York 10577.


Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee is comprised of three independent directors: Messrs. Germain (Chairman), Kaspers and Lindeberg . The Compensation Committee met three times during 2015 , and took action by unanimous consent on one occasion. The Compensation Committee is responsible for (1) reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our chief executive officer and annually evaluating the chief executive officer’s performance in light of these goals, (2) reviewing and approving the compensation and incentive opportunities of our executive officers, (3) reviewing and approving employment contracts, severance arrangements, incentive arrangements, change-in-control arrangements and other similar arrangements between us and our executive officers, (4) receiving periodic reports on our compensation programs as they affect all employees, (5) reviewing executive succession plans for business and staff organizations, (6) reviewing the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and approving it for inclusion in our Proxy Statement and (7) such other matters that are specifically delegated to the Compensation Committee by our Board of Directors from time to time.


The Compensation Committee acts pursuant to a formal charter, which is available on our corporate website at www.talinternational.com . The charter may be found on our website as follows: From our main web page, scroll over “Investors” on the left side of the page and click on “Corporate Governance” from the drop down menu. Next, click on





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“Compensation Committee” in the middle of the page. A written copy of the Compensation Committee charter may be obtained free of charge by sending a request in writing to Marc Pearlin, our Secretary at TAL International Group, Inc., 100 Manhattanville Road, Purchase, New York 10577.


Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is comprised of three independent directors: Messrs. Baker (Chairman), Kaspers and Lindeberg . The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met twice during 2015 . The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s purpose is to assist our board in identifying individuals qualified to become members of our Board of Directors, assess the effectiveness of the board and develop our corporate governance principles. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for (1) identifying and recommending for election individuals who meet the criteria the Board has established for board membership, (2) recommending nominees to be presented at the Annual Meeting of stockholders, (3) reviewing the Board’s committee structure and recommending to the Board the composition of each committee, (4) annually reviewing director compensation and benefits, (5) establishing a policy for considering stockholder nominees for election to our Board, (6) developing and recommending a set of corporate governance guidelines and reviewing them on an annual basis and (7) developing and recommending an annual self-evaluation process of the Board and its committees and overseeing such self-evaluations.


The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee acts pursuant to a formal charter, which is available on our corporate website at www.talinternational.com . The charter may be found on our website as follows: From our main web page, scroll over “Investors” on the left side of the page and click on “Corporate Governance” from the drop down menu. Next, click on “Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee” in the middle of the page. A written copy of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee charter may be obtained free of charge by sending a request in writing to Marc Pearlin, our Secretary at TAL International Group, Inc., 100 Manhattanville Road, Purchase, New York 10577.


Executive Sessions


To promote open discussion among the non-executive directors, our non-executive directors, who are all independent, meet occasionally in executive sessions without management participation. For purposes of such executive sessions, our “non-executive” directors are those directors who are not executive officers of the Company. Although the Board of Directors has not designated a lead independent director, Mr. Lindeberg presides at such executive sessions.


Interested parties, including stockholders, may communicate directly with our non-executive directors by writing to the non-executive directors in care of Marc Pearlin, Secretary at TAL International Group, Inc., 100 Manhattanville Road, Purchase, New York 10577. Correspondence received by the Secretary will be forwarded to the appropriate person or persons in accordance with the procedures adopted by the non-executive directors.


Director Nomination Process


The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee makes recommendations to our Board of Directors regarding the size and composition of our Board of Directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews annually with our Board of Directors the composition of our Board of Directors as a whole and recommends, if necessary, measures to be taken so that our Board of Directors reflects the appropriate balance of knowledge, experience, skills, expertise and diversity required for our Board of Directors as a whole and contains at least the minimum number of independent directors required by the New York Stock Exchange and other applicable laws and regulations. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for ensuring that the composition of our Board of Directors accurately reflects the needs of the Company's business and, in accordance with the foregoing, proposing the addition of members and the necessary resignation of members for purposes of obtaining the appropriate members and skills. In evaluating a director candidate, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers factors that are in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, including the knowledge, experience, integrity and judgment of each candidate; the potential contribution of each candidate to the diversity of backgrounds, experience and competencies which our Board of Directors desires to have represented; each candidate’s ability to devote sufficient time and effort to his or her duties as a director; and any other criteria established by our Board of Directors and any core competencies or technical expertise necessary to staff committees.


The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider director candidates recommended by stockholders. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not intend to alter the manner in which it evaluates candidates, including the minimum qualifications set forth above, based on whether or not the candidate was recommended by a stockholder.





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Stockholders who wish to recommend individuals for consideration by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to become nominees for election to our Board of Directors may do so by delivering a written recommendation to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee at 100 Manhattanville Road, Purchase, New York 10577 not later than one hundred and twenty (120) days prior to the anniversary date of the proxy statement for the immediately preceding Annual Meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the Annual Meeting is called for a date that is not, within thirty (30) days before or after the anniversary date of the immediately preceding Annual Meeting, notice by the Stockholder in order to be timely received must be so received not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public disclosure of the date of the Annual Meeting was first made, and otherwise in compliance with our bylaws. Submission must include the full name, age, business address and residence address of the proposed nominee, a description of the proposed nominee's principal occupation and business experience for at least the previous five years, complete biographical information, a description of the proposed nominee's qualifications as a director, the class or series and number of shares of the Company stock that is owned beneficially or of record by the proposed nominee, the name and record address of such nominating stockholder, the class or series and number of shares of the Company stock that is owned beneficially or of record by such nominating stockholder, a description of all arrangements or understandings between such nominating stockholder and each proposed nominee and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which the nomination(s) are to be made by such stockholder, a representation that the nominating stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the 2017 annual meeting to nominate the person(s) named in its written notice of recommendation and such other information as required by Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act. Any such submission must be accompanied by the written consent of the proposed nominee to be named as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected.


Code of Ethics


We have adopted the Company's Code of Ethics, which applies to all officers, directors and employees. The Code of Ethics is available on our corporate website at www.talinternational.com and may be found on our website as follows: From our main web page, scroll over “Investors” on the left side of the page and click on “Corporate Governance” from the drop down menu. Next, click on “Code of Ethics/Conduct” in the middle of the page. A written copy of the Code of Ethics may be obtained free of charge by sending a request in writing to Marc Pearlin, our Secretary at TAL International Group, Inc., 100 Manhattanville Road, Purchase, New York 10577.


Additionally we have adopted the Company's Code of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers, which applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Controller. The Code of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers is available on our corporate website at www.talinternational.com and may be found on our website as follows: From our main web page, scroll over “Investors” on the left side of the page and click on “Corporate Governance” from the drop down menu. Next, click on “Code of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers” in the middle of the page. A written copy of the Code of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers may be obtained free of charge by sending a request in writing to Marc Pearlin, our Secretary at TAL International Group, Inc., 100 Manhattanville Road, Purchase, New York 10577.


If we make any substantive amendment to, or grant a waiver from, a provision of the Company's Code of Ethics or the Company's Code of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers, which applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller or persons performing similar functions, we will promptly disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver on our website at www.talinternational.com .


Communications with Directors


Stockholders may communicate with our Board of Directors as a group, the non-executive (independent) directors as a group or an individual director directly by submitting a letter in a sealed envelope labeled accordingly. This letter should be placed in a larger envelope and mailed to TAL International Group, Inc., 100 Manhattanville Road, Purchase, New York 10577, Attention: Marc Pearlin, Secretary.























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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


The following table sets forth information regarding the compensation earned by our directors in 2015 :


DIRECTOR COMPENSATION TABLE


NameFees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) (A)Common Stock Awards ($) (B)All Other Compensation ($)Total ($)Malcolm P. Baker45,000144,340—189,340Claude Germain55,000144,340—199,340Kenneth J. Hanau40,000144,340—184,340Helmut Kaspers40,000144,340—184,340Frederic H. Lindeberg55,000144,340—199,340Total235,000721,700—956,700


|    |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
|--- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|(A) | In2015, directors received a $35,000 annual retainer, $5,000 for serving on one or more Committees, and an additional $5,000 for serving as the Chair of a Committee, except that the Chair of the Audit Committee and the Chair of the Compensation Committee received an additional $15,000 for serving as Chair.

|    |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
|--- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|(B) | OnJanuary 15, 2015, Messrs. Baker, Germain, Hanau, Kaspers, and Lindeberg were each granted3,500shares of Common Stock.  These shares of stock were granted to these independent directors at a price of$41.11per share and were fully vested upon grant.

For Mr. Sondey ’s compensation, please see the 2015 Summary Compensation Table.


All directors are reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with their attendance at Board of Directors and committee meetings.


COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


This compensation discussion and analysis describes the material elements of the Company's compensation program for its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and three other most highly compensated executive officers (the "Named Executive Officers"). Additional details are provided for each element of compensation in the tables and narratives which follow.


Compensation Objectives and Philosophy


The Company seeks to provide its senior executives with compensation packages that fairly reward the executives for their contributions to the Company and allow the Company to recruit and retain high quality individuals. The Company seeks to structure its compensation plans so that they are straightforward for the executives and stockholders to understand and value, and relatively easy for the Company to administer. The Company links a portion of overall compensation to near-term and long-term measures of performance to motivate its executives and align their interests with those of our stockholders.


We believe that our compensation policies and practices do not promote excessive risk taking and therefore are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.  As described above under "Risk Management", the Board of Directors has oversight responsibility with respect to risk management.  The Compensation Committee oversees the Company's compensation and employee benefit plans and practices, including its executive compensation program and equity-based grant plan and in doing so, reviews each to see that they do not encourage excessive risk taking.  The Company also has a policy prohibiting employees from engaging in speculative transactions involving Company stock, including hedging or pledging transactions.  See "Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging Policy" below.


The stockholder’s approval in 2015 , on an advisory basis, of the overall compensation of the Named Executive Officers was taken into consideration in maintaining the general design of TAL’s executive compensation program.





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Compensation Programs


The Company’s executive compensation programs include the following elements:


|  |                                                                                                                                      
|- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|• | A base salary and a package of employee benefits that strives to be competitive with those offered to senior executives by our peers;

|  |                                                                               
|- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|• | Annual incentive compensation based on individual and company performance; and

|  |                                               
|- | ----------------------------------------------
|• | Share-based, long-term incentive compensation.

Roles and Responsibilities


The Compensation Committee (the "Committee") is comprised of three independent directors: Claude Germain (Chairman), Helmut Kaspers and Frederic H. Lindeberg.  In accordance with its written charter, the Committee is responsible for establishing and overseeing the Company's compensation and benefit philosophies, plans and practices, including its executive annual base compensation, annual incentive compensation program and equity-based compensation plan.





Compensation for the Chief Executive Officer and all senior executives is established by the Committee. The Committee makes all compensation decisions with respect to our Chief Executive Officer and reviews and considers our Chief Executive Officer’s recommendations with respect to compensation decisions for our other Named Executive Officers. The Committee has the authority under its charter to retain compensation consultants to assist it in setting executive compensation.


In establishing annual executive compensation, the Committee utilizes the following:


|  |                                
|- | -------------------------------
|• | Executive compensation history;

|  |                                     
|- | ------------------------------------
|• | Comparable company compensation; and

|  |                                                                   
|- | ------------------------------------------------------------------
|• | Executive and Company performance relative to established targets.

Benchmarking


The Company regularly reviews the compensation practices and the level of executive compensation at selected peer companies.  Historically, this peer compensation analysis has been conducted annually, alternating between an analysis conducted in one year by the Company and then in the following year by an outside compensation consulting firm.  As part of this review, the Company assesses the overall target and actual compensation levels and analyzes the mix of base salary, annual incentive compensation and long-term and equity-linked compensation of the Named Executive Officers at the peer companies.  The Company does not specifically link the target or actual compensation levels of its Named Executive Officers to those at the identified peer companies, but rather uses the peer analysis as a point of reference when determining appropriate overall compensation levels and mix of compensation for its Named Executive Officers.


During 2015 , the Committee was presented with a Company prepared review of the Named Executive Officers’ compensation, with benchmarking against compensation practices of a Company identified peer group. This review supplemented a 2014 formal compensation benchmark analysis completed by Compensia, a compensation consultant that reviewed the Named Executive Officers’ compensation and performed benchmarking against compensation practices at a broad range of companies with revenue less than $1.1 billion as well as against a group of peer companies constructed by Compensia with input from Company management.


The peer group companies used in the 2015 benchmarking survey were:


•   Aircastle Limited•   Hub Group•   CAI International•   Matson•   Forward Air•   McGrath Rentcorp•   GATX•   Mobile Mini•   H&E Equipment Services





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The companies selected are either direct competitors of TAL or companies that operate in similar or adjacent industries.


The 2015 benchmarking survey considered base salary, total cash compensation, and long term equity grants. The 2015 survey found that the Company’s total compensation for the Chief Executive Officer was slightly above the mean indicated by the identified peer companies and was approaching the middle of the range indicated by the identified peer companies for the remaining executives. The information provided by the survey was considered in establishing executive compensation levels for 2016 .


Elements of Compensation


The Company’s executive compensation program consists of the following principal elements:


|  |             
|- | ------------
|• | Base salary;

|  |                                                                                                                                           
|- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|• | Annual cash-based incentive compensation based on the achievement of individual and Company performance goals, which are equally weighted;

|  |                                         
|- | ----------------------------------------
|• | Equity‐based long-term compensation; and

|  |                   
|- | ------------------
|• | Employee benefits.

Base Salary


The Committee believes that competitive base salaries are necessary to attract and retain managerial talent. Base salaries are set at levels considered to be appropriate for the scope of the job function, the level of responsibility of the individual, the skills and qualifications of the individual, and the amount of time spent in the position. Base salaries are also established to be competitive with amounts paid to employees and executive officers with comparable qualifications, experience and responsibilities at the peer group companies.


The Committee reviews the performance and sets the salary for the Chief Executive Officer on an annual basis. The Chief Executive Officer makes salary recommendations to the Committee concerning the other Named Executive Officers, and the Committee reviews the Chief Executive Officer’s recommendations and may approve or change the recommendations for the other Named Executive Officers. Recommendations are based on individual performance, peer group data, and published survey data detailing average salary increases across various industries and company sizes.


The following is a summary of the Named Executive Officers’ base salaries: 2014 Base Salary2015 Base SalaryIncreaseBrian M. Sondey(1)$698,000$725,0003.9%John Burns(2)$330,000$375,00013.6%Adrian Dunner$337,000$355,0005.3%Kevin Valentine$280,000$295,0005.4%Marc Pearlin$285,000$300,0005.3%


|    |                                                                                                                        
|--- | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|(1) | In December2015, the Committee approved an increase to Mr. Sondey’s salary for2016to$750,000, effective January 1,2016.

|    |                                                                                                                      
|--- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|(2) | In December2015, the Committee approved an increase to Mr. Burns’ salary for2016to$390,000, effective January 1,2016.

Annual Incentive Compensation


The Committee provides for annual incentive compensation in order to tie a portion of senior executives’ compensation to our short-term performance. Each year the Committee sets the target incentive compensation amount and the target incentive compensation range for the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer makes target incentive compensation recommendations to the Committee concerning the other Named Executive Officers, and the Committee reviews the Chief Executive Officer’s recommendations and may approve or change the recommendations for the other Named Executive Officers. Incentive compensation targets and ranges are expressed as a percentage of base salary. Targets are based on peer





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group levels, and generally referenced to benchmark data. Each year, the Committee also establishes the performance criteria to be used as a guideline for the incentive compensation calculation, and other terms and conditions of awards under the incentive compensation program.


Each year the Board of Directors, with input from the Company’s senior management, sets the operating and financial plan for the Company, which includes the plan level for Adjusted Pre-tax Earnings per Share (“APEPS”). The Company focuses on adjusted pre-tax results since it considers gains and losses on interest rate swaps and the write-off of deferred financing costs to be unrelated to operating performance and since it does not expect to pay any significant income taxes for a number of years due to the availability of accelerated tax depreciation on its existing container fleet and anticipated future equipment purchases. The Compensation Committee uses this financial plan to establish the target level of APEPS for the APEPS component of annual incentive compensation.  The Compensation Committee also establishes a payout matrix that determines how the actual level of the APEPS component will vary based on different levels of achieved APEPS.  For 2015 , it was determined that executives would receive 100% of the APEPS component of their annual incentive compensation if actual APEPS equaled the plan level, and that actual payouts for the APEPS component would range from 0% of target if actual APEPS was less than 70% of plan APEPS to 200% of target if actual APEPS was more than 120% of plan APEPS. For 2015 , target APEPS was $5.57 and actual APEPS was $4.40 resulting in a payout of 62% of the Incentive Compensation Target for the APEPS component of annual incentive compensation.


For the individual performance component of annual incentive compensation, each of the executive officers are evaluated based on a number of qualitative and quantitative metrics that the Compensation Committee believes are important measures of the Company’s and the executive officers’ performance.  These criteria vary among the Company’s executive officers depending on their roles.  Assessment criteria include strategic considerations such as how the Company’s operating and financial performance compared to the performance of its peers, how the Company’s growth rate compared to growth in the Company’s market, and how the Company’s market share changed with key customers.  Performance on additional financial metrics such as leasing revenues and EBITDA are also considered as are changes in key operating metrics such as container utilization and average lease rates. The individual performance component is not determined by a formula comparing actual performance and target performance on these criteria.  The Committee discusses the Company’s performance with reference to these criteria, and evaluates the strategic, operating and financial success of the Company as well as the perceived strength and importance of the contribution of each of the executive officers to the Company’s performance.


The following table shows the annual incentive compensation targets, ranges and actual incentive compensation awards for the most recent three years paid to our Named Executive Officers (in percentages): Annual Incentive Compensation Target % of SalaryAnnual Incentive Compensation Range % of SalaryAnnual Incentive Compensation Actual % of Salary201520142013Brian M. Sondey - 20151000 - 200115N/AN/ABrian M. Sondey - 2014 & 2013 (1)650 - 130N/A7274John Burns600 - 120646057Adrian Dunner600 - 120496059Kevin Valentine - 2015 & 2014600 - 1204963N/AKevin Valentine - 2013 (2)500 - 100N/AN/A52Marc Pearlin400 - 80374039


|    |                                                                                                                                               
|--- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|(1) | In December2014, the Committee increased Mr. Sondey's annual incentive compensation target amount to 100% of salary, effective January 1,2015.

|    |                                                                                                                                                   
|--- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|(2) | In December 2013, the Committee increased Mr. Valentine's annual incentive compensation target amount to 60% of salary, effective January 1, 2014.

Long-Term Equity Compensation


The Company utilizes long-term equity compensation to retain key employees, motivate them to achieve long-range goals and align their compensation with the growth of long-term value for our stockholders. The Committee administers the plans and determines the individuals eligible to receive awards, the types and number of shares of stock subject to the awards, the price and timing of awards and the other terms, conditions, performance criteria and restrictions on the awards.





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Restricted Stock Grants


The Compensation Committee considers individual performance, the importance of each executive officer to the Company’s current performance, each executive officer’s tenure in the position, relative experience and future leadership potential and how the executive officer’s total and long-term equity-linked compensation compares to levels at the identified peer companies in determining how many shares of restricted stock to award each of the executive officers. In considering the individual performance of each executive officer, the Committee considers many of the same factors considered in determining the individual performance component of annual incentive compensation, and similarly, the Committee exercises discretion in its assessment and in allocating shares of restricted stock.


In 2015 , the Committee approved the issuance of 141,250 shares of restricted stock to the Named Executive Officers and other management employees. Individual grants were set based on peer group levels and the Committee’s assessment of individual performance. The shares of restricted stock granted in 2015 have a cliff vesting date of January 1, 2018 contingent on continued employment as of the vesting date. The 2013 and 2014 restricted stock grants have cliff vesting as of the dates set forth in the table below and are contingent on continued employment as of the vesting date. There were no other restricted stock grants issued to the Named Executive Officers or other management employees in 2015 .


The following table lists the restricted stock grants outstanding for the Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2015 : Restricted Stock Issued 2013Vest Date for 2013 GrantRestricted Stock Issued 2014Vest Date for 2014 GrantRestricted Stock Issued 2015Vest Date for 2015 GrantBrian M. Sondey28,000Jan. 1, 201628,000Jan. 1, 201731,000Jan. 1, 2018John Burns10,500Jan. 1, 201610,500Jan. 1, 201710,500Jan. 1, 2018Adrian Dunner10,500Jan. 1, 201610,500Jan. 1, 201710,500Jan. 1, 2018Kevin Valentine7,500Jan. 1, 20168,000Jan. 1, 20178,500Jan. 1, 2018Marc Pearlin6,000Jan. 1, 20166,000Jan. 1, 20176,000Jan. 1, 2018


Employee Benefits


For all Named Executive Officers, the Company provides health and welfare benefits and an employee funded tax-qualified 401(k) plan with the Company matching employee contributions up to 3% of the employee’s salary, subject to IRS regulations and plan contribution limits. These are the same plans offered to all U.S. employees. All Named Executive Officers also receive a car allowance. Mr. Dunner receives a housing allowance in the amount of $12,500 per month related to the additional housing costs he incurs while on assignment in Hong Kong.


Deferred Compensation Plan


The Company does not offer a deferred compensation plan to its Named Executive Officers.


Pension Plan


The Company does not offer a pension plan to its Named Executive Officers.


Change of Control


The 2013 and 2014 restricted stock grants under the Company’s 2005 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan and the 2015 restricted stock grants under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan provide that the awards shall vest in the event of a Change of Control (as defined in the applicable award agreement). Otherwise, there are no change of control agreements with our Named Executive Officers.


Employment Agreement with Mr. Sondey


In November 2004, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Sondey, whereby he agreed to serve as our Chief Executive Officer. The agreement currently provides for automatically renewing successive one-year terms subject to at least 90 days’ advance notice by either party of a decision not to renew the employment agreement. Mr. Sondey’s base salary for 2016 is $750,000 , and under the terms of the employment agreement, is increased annually to reflect his performance and increases in the consumer price index. Mr. Sondey is also entitled to certain perquisites, as well as other benefits that are provided to other employees, which include health and disability insurance and paid vacations. Mr. Sondey is entitled to





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severance pay if his employment is terminated by us without cause (as defined by the employment agreement), if he terminates his employment for good reason (as defined by the employment agreement) or if he dies or becomes disabled. Upon a termination without cause or for good reason, Mr. Sondey is entitled to severance pay equal to his base salary and incentive compensation for 18 months. Upon termination of Mr. Sondey’s employment for any reason or no reason, subject to our election to continue to pay to Mr. Sondey his base salary for a one-year period following such termination, unless such termination is for cause, Mr. Sondey will be restricted from competing with us for a period of one year following such termination.


Non-Compete Agreements


We do not have any employment agreements with any other Named Executive Officers. However, all of our Named Executive Officers are bound by non-compete agreements, which provide that upon the termination of a Named Executive Officer's employment for any reason or no reason, subject to our election to continue to pay to that Named Executive Officer his base salary for a one year period following such termination, unless such termination is for cause, the Named Executive Officer will be restricted from competing with us for a period of one year following such termination. Our Named Executive Officers are also prohibited from disclosing any of our confidential information.


Executive Severance Plan


As previously announced, the Company and Triton Container International Limited ("Triton") have entered into a transaction agreement (the "Transaction Agreement") providing for the combination of the Company and Triton under a new holding company named Triton International Limited (the "Mergers"). In 2015, in connection with the execution of the Transaction Agreement, we adopted the TAL International Group, Inc. Executive Severance Plan (the "Executive Severance Plan") effective for the period beginning on November 9, 2015, and ending on the first anniversary of the closing date of the Mergers. Upon a qualifying termination of employment under the terms of the Executive Severance Plan, the Named Executive Officers employed in the United States (other than the Company's Chief Executive Officer, whose severance is governed by the terms of his employment agreement, as described below) will be eligible to receive severance payments under the Executive Severance Plan, with payment amounts depending upon the nature of the termination.


Under the terms of the Executive Severance Plan, if a participant is involuntarily terminated for performance reasons (as determined by the plan administrator), and provided that such termination is not the result of willful misconduct or gross negligence and is not for cause, the participant will receive the following severance payments (the "Category One Severance Payments"): (i) one week of base salary for one but less than five years of service; (ii) two weeks of base salary for five but less than ten years of service; and (iii) three weeks of base salary for ten or more years of service.


The Executive Severance Plan further provides that, if a participant’s employment is either (A) involuntarily terminated by the Company in connection with (i) a workforce reduction due to economic conditions or a decrease in company performance, (ii) a reorganization causing the discontinuance of jobs or resulting in changed job aptitude or skill requirements, (iii) being unable to locate another position after returning from a disability leave of absence because the prior position was filled or eliminated during the leave or (iv) a transfer of job functions to a third party or (B) terminated by the participant for good reason (as defined in the Executive Severance Plan), and provided in each case that the participant does not voluntarily resign or abandon his or her job, the participant does not accept a position within the Company or with a third party to which the Company transfers job functions or sells assets, the participant does not decline an offer of a comparable position with the Company or a third party to which the Company transfers job functions or sells assets, and the termination is not for cause (as defined in the U.S. Executive Severance Plan), then the participant will be eligible to receive a payment equal to eighteen months of base salary and target bonus (the "Category Two Severance Payments").


Severance payments under the Executive Severance Plan will be made in a lump sum within forty-five days of the participant’s termination date, subject to the participant’s prior execution of a waiver and release of claims. The Executive Severance Plan does not provide for any tax gross-up payments. In the event that any severance payment under the Executive Severance Plan would result in a participant being subject to any excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), such severance payments will be reduced to the extent necessary to make such payments not subject to the excise tax.


Executive Retention Bonus Plan


In 2015, in connection with the execution of the Transaction Agreement, we adopted the TAL International Group, Inc. Executive Retention Bonus Plan (the "Executive Retention Bonus Plan"), which provides for a retention bonus equal to six months of a participant's base salary upon the earliest to occur of (i) the first anniversary of the effective time of the Mergers,





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provided that the participant remains continuously employed through, and has not tendered a notice of resignation prior to, such date, (ii) the termination of the participant's employment without cause or by the participant for good reason (each as defined in the Executive Retention Bonus Plan), (iii) the participant’s death or disability and (iv) June 30, 2017, provided that the participant remains continuously employed through, and has not tendered a notice of resignation prior to, such date. The retention bonus will be paid in a lump sum no later than sixty days following the applicable vesting date. Each of the Named Executive Officers participates in the Executive Retention Bonus Plan.


The Executive Retention Bonus Plan does not provide for any tax gross-up payments. In the event that any retention bonus payable under the Executive Retention Bonus Plan would result in the Named Executive Officer being subject to any excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code, such retention bonus will be reduced to the extent necessary to make such payment not subject to the excise tax.


Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging Policy


Hedging and similar monetization transactions by a director or an executive officer can lead to a misalignment between the objectives of that director or executive officer and the objectives of our stockholders.  The Company has a policy prohibiting employees, including officers, and directors from engaging in speculative transactions involving Company stock, including purchasing Company stock on margin, pledging Company stock to secure a loan, trading in options on the Company's stock, or short sales of Company stock.


Tax Deductibility of Compensation


Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) generally imposes a $1 million limit on the amount that a public company may deduct for compensation paid to the chief executive officer as well as any of the Company’s three other most highly compensated officers (other than the chief financial officer). Qualifying performance-based compensation is not subject to this deduction limit.  While it is the Committee’s objective to avoid the deduction limitations of Section 162(m), compensation paid may not be deductible because it exceeds the limitations or does not meet the “performance-based” or other requirements for deductibility under Section 162(m).


For a complete summary of all Named Executive Officers’ compensation, please see the Summary Compensation Table below.


Merger-Related Compensation For Named Executive Officers


​





As previously announced, the Company and Triton have entered into the Transaction Agreement providing for the Mergers. Each of the Named Executive Officers are eligible to receive certain compensation that is based on or otherwise relates to the Mergers.


At the effective time of the Mergers, all restricted shares held by the Named Executive Officers that were granted in 2014 and 2015 will automatically vest as a result of the completion of the Mergers. Restricted shares held by the Named Executive Officers granted in January 2016 do not automatically vest as a result of the completion of the Mergers and will be converted at the effective time of the Mergers into restricted shares of Triton International Limited.


As described above, each of the Named Executive Officers is also entitled to certain "double-trigger" severance payments upon certain terminations of employment, in the case of Mr. Sondey, under the terms of his employment agreement, and in the case of the other Named Executive Officers, under the terms of the Executive Severance Plan, and each Named Executive Officer is eligible to receive a retention bonus under the Executive Retention Bonus Plan.


Assuming that the Mergers were completed and the employment of each of the Named Executive Officers was involuntarily terminated without cause or for good reason on December 31, 2015, each Named Executive Officer would receive approximately the amounts set forth in the table below. The amounts reported below are estimates based on multiple assumptions that may or may not actually occur and do not reflect certain compensation actions that may occur prior to the completion of the Mergers (such as any merit-based salary increases). As a result, the actual amounts, if any, to be received by a Named Executive Officer may materially differ from the amounts set forth below.











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Golden Parachute Compensation


Name​Cash ($)(1)Equity ($)(2)Other ($)(3)Total ($)Brian M. Sondey​2,175,0002,149,450362,500​4,686,950John Burns​900,000781,305187,500​1,868,805Adrian Dunner​852,000781,305177,500​1,810,805Kevin Valentine​708,000592,500147,500​1,488,000Marc Pearlin​630,000446,460150,000​1,226,460


​





(1)    These amounts represent double-trigger cash severance amounts. For Mr. Sondey, this amount represents the continued payment of his base salary and annual incentive compensation for eighteen months following his termination date under the terms of his employment agreement. For the other Named Executive Officers, these amounts represent eighteen months of base salary and target bonus paid in a lump sum within forty-five days of the Named Executive Officer's termination date, subject to his prior execution of a waiver and release of claims and the terms and conditions of the Executive Severance Plan.





​


(2)    These amounts represent the aggregate value of the fully vested Triton International Limited common shares that each Named Executive Officer will receive in respect of his outstanding restricted shares granted in 2013, 2014 and 2015, assuming the single-trigger vesting of all such outstanding restricted shares as a result of the completion of the Mergers, as well as the value of accrued dividends that will be paid to each Named Executive Officer upon vesting of their restricted shares. In accordance with the applicable SEC disclosure rules, the aggregate value of the fully vested Triton International Limited common shares has been calculated based on an implied share price of TAL common stock of  $19.38 per share, which is the average closing market price of the Company's common stock over the first five business days following November 9, 2015, the date of the first public announcement of the transaction agreement. Restricted shares granted in January 2016 do not automatically vest as a result of the completion of the Mergers and will be converted at the effective time of the Mergers into restricted shares of Triton International Limited as set forth above. The following table summarizes the amounts set forth in this column:


​


​





Name​Restricted TAL Shares (#)​Total Value of Resulting Consideration ($)​Total Value of Dividends that Accrued During Vesting Period ($)​Total ($)Brian M. Sondey​87,0001,686,060463,3902,149,450John Burns​31,500610,470170,835781,305Adrian Dunner​31,500610,470170,835781,305Kevin Valentine​24,000465,120127,380592,500Marc Pearlin​18,000348,84097,620446,460





(3)    These amounts represent the cash retention bonuses equal to six months of each Named Executive Officer's base salary that are payable under the Executive Retention Bonus Plan. These amounts are single-trigger payments that are generally payable within 60 days of (i) the first anniversary of the effective time of the Mergers or (ii) June 30, 2017, whichever occurs first, subject to continued employment through the applicable date, provided that payment of the retention bonus will be accelerated upon a termination of the Named Executive Officer's employment without cause or good reason or the Named Executive Officer's death or disability prior to such dates.


Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation


The Board of Directors has established a Compensation Committee, consisting of Messrs. Germain, Lindeberg and Kaspers. No members of the Compensation Committee are officers, employees or former officers of the Company. No executive officer of the Company served as a member of the compensation committee (or other committee performing equivalent functions) or board of directors of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Compensation Committee or as a director of the Company.











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Report of the Compensation Committee


The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this annual report on Form 10-K/A.


THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE


Claude Germain, Chairman


Helmut Kaspers


Frederic H. Lindeberg








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SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE


The following table summarizes the compensation of the Named Executive Officers for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . The “Named Executive Officers” are the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and three other most highly compensated executive officers ranked by their total compensation in the table below: Name and Principal PositionYearSalary ($)Stock Awards ($)(A)Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(B)All Other Compensation ($)(C)Total ($)Brian M. Sondey2015725,0001,274,410831,93816,9792,848,327Chairman, President,Chief ExecutiveOfficer, Director2014698,0001,236,480499,07016,5232,450,0732013672,5251,175,720500,00016,3272,364,572John Burns2015375,000431,655238,50017,5241,062,679Senior Vice President,Chief FinancialOfficer2014330,000463,680198,00016,1311,007,8112013320,000440,895183,36015,950960,205Adrian Dunner2015355,000431,655172,530166,5261,125,711Senior VicePresident, AsiaPacific2014337,000463,680202,500166,1491,169,3292013322,500440,895189,630165,7001,118,725Kevin Valentine2015295,000349,435143,37016,326804,131Senior Vice President,Trader and GlobalOperations2014280,000353,280176,40015,772825,4522013265,000314,925136,47515,595731,995Marc Pearlin2015300,000246,660112,20017,900676,760Vice President,General Counsel andSecretary2014285,000264,960114,00016,569680,5292013275,000251,940107,80016,367651,107


(A)    The stock award values shown in this column represent the grant date fair value as calculated in accordance with FASB ASC 718 - " Compensation - Stock Compensation." For further discussion regarding the assumptions used in valuing the stock awards, please refer to TAL's Form 10-K (Footnote 6 - "Capital Stock and Stock Options") filed on February 29, 2016 .  These stock awards have three-year cliff vesting. Information concerning the stock awards is shown in the table below: Grant DateGrant PriceVesting DateJanuary 15, 2015$41.11January 1, 2018January 29, 2014$44.16January 1, 2017January 29, 2013$41.99January 1, 2016


|    |                                                                               
|--- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|(B) | Represents cash awards earned under our annual incentive compensation program.

(C)    In 2015 , all other compensation consisted of the following: NameHousing Allowance ($)Savings Plan Company Match ($)Other Compensation(1) ($)Total ($)Brian M. Sondey—7,9509,02916,979John Burns—7,9509,57417,524Adrian Dunner150,000(2)7,9508,576166,526Kevin Valentine—7,9508,37616,326Marc Pearlin—7,9509,95017,900





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|    |                                                                                                                                 
|--- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|(1) | Other compensation includes Company paid car allowances and Company paid life insurance premiums for coverage exceeding $50,000.

|    |                                                                                                                                                                                        
|--- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|(2) | Mr. Dunner was paid a monthly housing allowance of$12,500. Mr. Dunner’s housing allowance amount is related to the additional housing costs he incurs while on assignment in Hong Kong.

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS TABLE FOR 2015


The following table includes certain information with respect to the non-equity incentive compensation plan awards and equity awards for the Named Executive Officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 : 2015 Range of Incentive Compensation2015 Target Incentive Compensation2015 Actual Incentive Compensation2015 Restricted Stock Issued% of Salary$% of Salary$% of Salary$# of shares(1)Grant DateGrant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards ($)(2)(3)Brian M. Sondey0 - 2000 - 1,450,000100725,000115831,93831,000January 15, 20151,274,410John Burns0 - 1200 - 450,00060225,00064238,50010,500January 15, 2015431,655Adrian Dunner0 - 1200 - 426,00060213,00049172,53010,500January 15, 2015431,655Kevin Valentine0 - 1200 - 354,00060177,00049143,3708,500January 15, 2015349,435Marc Pearlin0 - 800 - 240,00040120,00037112,2006,000January 15, 2015246,660


(1)        Represents shares of restricted stock that cliff-vest on January 1, 2018 .





(2)       The grant date fair value of the restricted stock awards reported in this column is the grant date value of the awards as determined under FASB ASC 718 - " Compensation - Stock Compensation" .





|    |                                                                
|--- | ---------------------------------------------------------------
|(3) | The Company's closing market price on the grant date was$41.11.

OPTIONS EXERCISED AND STOCK VESTED IN 2015


The following table includes shares of common stock received in 2015 by the Named Executive Officers due to the vesting of restricted stock awards granted to them on January 18, 2012 that vested on January 1, 2015 : Shares Received Due to Stock Option ExercisesRestricted Stock Awards Granted on January 18, 2012 and Vested on January 1, 2015Value Realized on Vesting ($) (1)Brian M. Sondey—25,0001,089,250John Burns—10,500457,485Adrian Dunner—10,500457,485Kevin Valentine—7,500326,775Marc Pearlin—6,000261,420


|    |                                                                                                                                                      
|--- | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|(1) | The dollar amount represents the number of shares acquired on vesting multiplied by the market closing price of our common stock on the vesting date.




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OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR END FOR 2015


The following table includes certain information with respect to restricted stock awards held by each of the Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2015 .  None of the Named Executive Officers had unexercised stock options as of December 31, 2015 .


Stock AwardsName(A)Number of Shares That Have Not Vested (#)(A)Market Value of Shares That Have Not Vested ($)(B)Brian M. Sondey87,0001,383,300John Burns31,500500,850Adrian Dunner31,500500,850Kevin Valentine24,000381,600Marc Pearlin18,000286,200


|    |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
|--- | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|(A) | Mr. Sondey’s restricted shares vest as follows:28,000shares on January 1,2016,28,000shares on January 1,2017and31,000shares on January 1,2018. The restricted shares held by Mr. Burns and Mr. Dunner vest as follows:10,500shares on January 1,2016,10,500shares on January 1,2017and10,500shares on January 1,2018. Mr. Valentine’s restricted shares vest as follows:7,500shares on January 1,2016,8,000shares on January 1,2017and8,500shares on January 1,2018. Mr. Pearlin’s restricted shares vest as follows:6,000shares on January 1,2016,6,000shares on January 1,2017and6,000shares on January 1,2018.

|    |                                                                                     
|--- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|(B) | The closing market price of the Company’s common stock on December 31,2015was$15.90.

Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment Obligations


Under the terms of his employment contract, Mr. Sondey is entitled to a minimum guaranteed payment of his base salary and incentive compensation for 18 months after termination of his employment (without cause by the Company or for good reason by Mr. Sondey). Assuming a qualifying termination of his employment occurred on December 31, 2015 , Mr. Sondey would have been entitled to receive $2,250,000 under the terms of his employment agreement. All of the Named Executive Officers are also bound by a non-compete agreement, which states that when employment terminates, the Company may exercise the non-compete arrangement for a period of one year, with the Named Executive Officers entitled to a payment of one year's salary.


Under the terms of the Executive Severance Plan, assuming a qualifying termination of employment resulting in the payment of Category One Severance Benefits occurred on December 31, 2015 , each of the Named Executive Officers participating in such plan would be eligible to receive the following payments: Mr. Burns: $21,635; Mr. Dunner: $20,481; Mr. Valentine: $17,019; and Mr. Pearlin: $17,308. For each Named Executive Officer, these amounts represent three weeks of base salary. Assuming a qualifying termination of employment resulting in the payment of Category Two Severance Benefits occurred on December 31, 2015 , each of the Named Executive Officers participating in such plan would be eligible to receive the following payments: Mr. Burns: $900,000; Mr. Dunner: $852,000; Mr. Valentine: $708,000; and Mr. Pearlin: $630,000. For each Named Executive Officer, these amounts represent eighteen months of base salary and target bonus.


Under the terms of the Executive Retention Bonus Plan, assuming a qualifying termination of employment resulting in the payment of a retention bonus occurred on December 31, 2015 , each of the Named Executive Officers participating in such plan would be eligible to receive the following payments: Mr. Sondey: $362,500; Mr. Burns: $187,500; Mr. Dunner: $177,500; Mr. Valentine: $147,500; and Mr. Pearlin: $150,000. For each Named Executive Officer, these amounts represent six months of base salary.


For all of the Named Executive Officers, in the event their employment is terminated due to death, disability, or by the Company for any reason other than Cause (as such terms are defined in the award agreement or the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan or 2005 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan, whichever is applicable), all unvested restricted shares which were not granted during the year in which such termination of employment occurs will vest. For grants under the 2005 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan or the 2015 grants under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, in the event their employment is terminated due to their retirement, provided they are above the age of 60, all unvested restricted shares will vest as of the Named Executive Officer's termination of employment. Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined in the applicable award agreement), all unvested restricted shares will vest as of the date of such Change of Control.





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Maximum shares eligible for accelerated vesting are shown above in the table "Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End for 2015 ".


Description of Equity Compensation Plans


Our Board of Directors adopted the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Stock Plan”) which was approved by stockholders at our 2014 Annual Meeting on April 22, 2014.  The 2014 Stock Plan replaced our 2005 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan.  No further grants of awards will be made under the 2005 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan but the terms of the 2005 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan will continue to apply to awards previously issued under that plan.


2014 Stock Plan


We established our 2014 Stock Plan so that we and our subsidiaries could (i) attract and retain persons eligible to participate in the Plan; (ii) motivate persons eligible to participate, by means of appropriate incentives, to achieve long-range goals; (iii) provide incentive compensation opportunities that are competitive with those of other similar companies; and (iv) further align the interests of the persons eligible to participate with those of the Company’s other stockholders through compensation that is based on the Company’s common stock; and thereby promote the long-term financial interest of the Company and its subsidiaries, including the growth in value of the Company’s equity and enhancement of long-term stockholder return.


Shares reserved for issuance. The maximum number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which awards may be granted under the 2014 Stock Plan is 3,000,000. To the extent that any shares subject to awards have been canceled, expired, not issued or forfeited for any reason (in whole or in part), such shares will again be available for awards under the 2014 Stock Plan. Shares subject to awards that have been retained by the Company or delivered to the Company in payment or satisfaction of the purchase price or tax withholding obligations will again be available for grant under the 2014 Stock Plan on a one-to-one basis. The Compensation Committee may make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in Awards to reflect stock splits and other similar events, or in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the Company or the financial statements of the Company or changes in applicable laws, regulations or accounting principles, as the Compensation Committee determines appropriate in its discretion whenever the Compensation Committee determines that such adjustments are appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the 2014 Stock Plan.


Administration. The 2014 Stock Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors, which has the power to determine the eligibility of individuals to receive awards, the types and number of shares of stock subject to awards, the pricing and timing of awards and to establish the terms, conditions, performance criteria and restrictions on awards.


Participants. Any of our employees, consultants, directors or any other person providing services to us or our subsidiaries, as determined by the Committee, may be selected to participate in the 2014 Stock Plan. The granting of awards under the 2014 Stock Plan is discretionary and therefore, the Company cannot now determine the number or type of awards to be granted in the future to any particular person or group. These participants may receive one or more of the following awards:


Stock Options. Stock options may be granted under our 2014 Stock Plan, including incentive stock options, as defined under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and nonqualified stock options. The exercise price of all stock options granted under the 2014 Stock Plan will be determined by the Compensation Committee, except that the exercise price cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value on the date of the grant (or not less than 110% of fair market value in the case of incentive stock options granted to a participant who, immediately after such grant, owns more than 10% of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of our capital stock).


Upon the exercise of a stock option, the purchase price must be paid in full in either cash or its equivalent by tendering previously acquired shares of our Common Stock with a fair market value at the time of exercise equal to the exercise price, provided such shares have been held for at least six months prior to tender.  The Committee may also allow a broker-assisted cashless exercise, the retention of shares by the Company of shares otherwise to be delivered upon the exercise of the stock option or exercise by any other means that it determines to be consistent with the purpose of the 2014 Stock Plan and as permitted under applicable law.


No stock options were granted to the Named Executive Officers or other management employees during 2015 .


Stock Appreciation Rights (SAR). A SAR entitles a participant to receive a payment equal in value to the difference between the fair market value of a share of stock on the date of exercise of the SAR over the exercise price of the





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SAR, which shall be payable in cash or shares of our Common Stock. The grant price in respect of a SAR shall equal the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant. The terms and conditions of any SAR will be determined by the Compensation Committee at the time of the grant of award and will be reflected in the award agreement.


No stock appreciation rights were granted to the Named Executive Officers or other management employees during 2015 .


Restricted Stock. A restricted stock award is the grant of shares of our Common Stock on a date determined by the Committee, and is subject to substantial risk of forfeiture until specific conditions or goals are met. Restricted stock awards are subject to such conditions, restrictions and contingencies as the Compensation Committee shall determine.


In 2015 , the Compensation Committee approved the issuance of 141,250 shares of restricted stock to the Named Executive Officers and other management employees for the 2015 benefit year. The restricted stock granted in 2015 have a cliff vesting date of January 1, 2018 contingent upon continued employment as of the date of vesting. No other restricted stock was granted to the Named Executive Officers or other management employees during 2015 .


Dividend Equivalent Rights. The award of Dividend Equivalent Rights permits the Participant to earn an amount equal to the dividends or other distributions payable with respect to shares of our Common Stock.  The terms and conditions of any Dividend Equivalent Rights will be determined by the Compensation Committee at the time of the grant of the award and will be reflected in the award agreement.


No Dividend Equivalent Rights were granted to the Named Executive Officers or other management during 2015 .


Change in Control. In the event of a Change in Control (as defined below), unless otherwise specifically prohibited under applicable laws, or by the rules and regulations of any governing governmental agencies or national securities exchanges or agreed otherwise in writing by the participants (a) any and all Options and SARs granted under the 2014 Stock Plan shall become immediately exercisable and (b) any restriction periods and restrictions imposed on Restricted Shares shall lapse .


“Change in Control” means (1) a sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or (2) a merger, consolidation or other business combination transaction of the Company with or into another corporation, entity or person; provided however, none of the following shall be considered a Change in Control: (a) a merger effected exclusively for the purpose of changing the domicile of the Company, (b) an equity financing in which the Company is the surviving corporation, or (c) a transaction in which the holders of at least 50% of the shares of voting capital stock of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such transaction continue to hold (either by such shares remaining outstanding or by their being converted into shares of voting capital stock of the surviving entity) 50% or more of the total voting power represented by the shares of voting capital stock of the Company (or surviving entity) outstanding immediately after such transaction.


Termination of Service. Each award agreement shall set forth the extent to which the participant shall have the right to exercise Options and SARs, receive unvested shares of Restricted Stock and unvested Dividend Equivalent Rights, following Termination of Service with the Company. Such provisions will be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, shall be included in the award agreement entered into with each participant, need not be uniform among all awards issued pursuant to the 2014 Stock Plan, and may reflect distinctions based on the reasons for Termination of Service.


Amendment and Termination.  The Board of Directors of the Company may at any time and from time to time, alter, amend, suspend or terminate the 2014 Stock Plan or any Award thereunder in whole or in part; provided, however, that no amendment which requires stockholder approval in order for the 2014 Stock Plan to continue to comply with any applicable tax or securities laws or regulations or the rules of any securities exchange on which the securities of the Company are listed, shall be effective unless such amendment shall be approved by the requisite vote of stockholders of the Company entitled to vote thereon; provided further that no such alteration, amendment, suspension or termination shall adversely affect any Award thereunder without the consent of the participant to whom such Award shall have been made. Notwithstanding the foregoing (and without the consent of any participant), the Board of Directors of the Company may amend the 2014 Stock Plan as it determines appropriate to conform to the requirements of Code Section 409A and applicable guidance of general applicability issued thereunder.





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2005 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan.


The Company has frozen the 2005 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan and will not issue any additional grants under this plan. We established our 2005 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan so that we and our subsidiaries could attract and retain certain employees, motivate eligible participants to achieve long-range goals and to provide incentive compensation opportunities to eligible participants that are competitive with those of similar companies. The omnibus incentive plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors, which has the power to determine the ability of an eligible individual to receive awards, the types and number of shares of stock subject to the awards, the price and timing of awards and to establish the terms, conditions, performance criteria and restrictions on the awards.  Any of our employees, consultants, directors or any other person providing services to us or our subsidiaries, as determined by the Committee, were eligible to be selected to participate in the 2005 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan. The plan provides for one or more of the following awards:


Stock Options. Stock options granted under our 2005 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan, included incentive stock options, as defined under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and nonqualified stock options. The exercise price of all stock options granted under the omnibus incentive plan was determined by the Committee, except that the exercise price could not be less than 100% of the fair market value on the date of the grant (or not less than 110% of fair market value in the case of incentive stock options granted to a participant who, immediately after such grant, owns more than 5% of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of our capital stock).


Upon the exercise of a stock option, the purchase price must be paid in full in either cash or its equivalent by tendering previously acquired shares of our Common Stock with a fair market value at the time of exercise equal to the exercise price, provided such shares have been held for at least six months prior to tender. The Committee may also allow a broker‐assisted cashless exercise, the retention by the Company of shares otherwise to be delivered upon the exercise of the stock options, exercise by the delivery of a promissory note containing terms established by the Committee or exercise by any other means that it determines to be consistent with the purpose of the omnibus incentive plan and as permitted under applicable law.


No stock options under the 2005 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan were granted to the Named Executive Officers or other management employees during 2015 . The options granted from the 2005 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan expired on October 17, 2015.


Stock Appreciation Rights (SAR). A SAR entitles a participant to receive a payment equal in value to the difference between the fair market value of a share of stock on the date of exercise of the SAR over the exercise price of the SAR, which shall be payable in shares of our Common Stock. The grant price in respect of a SAR shall equal the fair market value of the stock on the date of the grant. The terms and conditions of any SAR would be determined by the Committee at the time of the grant of the award and reflected in the award agreement.


No stock appreciation rights were granted to the Named Executive Officers or other management employees under the 2005 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan during 2015 .


Restricted Stock. A restricted stock award is the grant of shares of our Common Stock on a date determined by the Committee, and is subject to such conditions, restrictions and contingencies as the Committee shall determine, including risk of forfeiture.


Shares reserved for issuance. The maximum number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which awards may be granted under this Omnibus Incentive Plan was 2,500,000 . As of December 31, 2015 , 1,167,071 shares of Common Stock were outstanding under this omnibus incentive plan. The Company has frozen the 2005 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan and will not issue any additional grants under this plan.


Vesting upon a change of control. If, while any award granted under this Omnibus Incentive Plan remains outstanding, a change of control occurs, then all of the stock options and SARs outstanding at the time of such change of control will become immediately exercisable in full and all restrictions with respect to restricted stock awards shall lapse.


Amendment and termination. The Board of Directors may terminate, amend or modify the 2005 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan at any time; however, the approval of any affected participant must be obtained to amend or terminate the stock option plan to the extent the proposed amendment or termination would adversely affect the rights of any participant or any beneficiary of any award granted under the plan.





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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS





The following tables show the beneficial ownership of our Common Stock on March 31, 2016:


|  |                                                                                                           
|- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|• | our directors and Named Executive Officers and all of our directors and executive officers as a group; and

|  |                                                                            
|- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
|• | each person who we know beneficially owns more than 5% of our Common Stock.

Beneficial ownership, which is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC, means the sole or shared power to vote or direct the voting or to dispose or direct the disposition of our Common Stock. The number of shares of our Common Stock beneficially owned by a person includes shares of Common Stock issuable with respect to options and convertible securities held by the person which are exercisable or convertible within 60 days. The percentage of our Common Stock beneficially owned by a person assumes that the person has exercised all options and converted all convertible securities the person holds which are exercisable or convertible within 60 days, and that no other persons exercised any of their options or converted any of their convertible securities. Except as otherwise indicated, the business address for each of the following persons is 100 Manhattanville Road, Purchase, New York 10577-2135. Except as otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table or in cases where community property laws apply, we believe that each person identified in the table possesses sole voting and investment power over all shares of Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by the person.


The percentages of beneficial ownership are based on 33,395,291 shares of Common Stock outstanding, together with the individual’s options to purchase shares of our Common Stock outstanding which are fully vested as of March 31, 2016 and restricted stock granted and not yet vested. The beneficial ownership of The Vanguard Group , Dimensional Fund Advisors LP , Blackrock, Inc. , and LSV Asset Management are as of December 31, 2015 . Shares Beneficially OwnedName of Beneficial OwnerNumberPercentDirectors and Named Executive OfficersBrian M. Sondey(1)257,470*John Burns(1)113,907*Adrian Dunner(1)102,976*Kevin Valentine(1)46,500*Marc Pearlin(1)40,026*Malcolm P. Baker28,300*Claude Germain19,330*Kenneth Hanau12,500*Helmut Kaspers16,500*Frederic H. Lindeberg30,100*All directors and executive officers as a group667,6092.00%


|  |                                                                                                                     
|- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|* | None of the directors or Named Executive Officers beneficially owned 1% or more of the Company's outstanding shares.

|    |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
|--- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|(1) | For each Named Executive Officer, number of shares beneficially owned include shares of restricted stock granted in2014,2015and2016as follows: Mr. Sondey (90,000 shares); Mr. Burns (31,500 shares); Mr. Dunner (31,500 shares); Mr. Valentine (25,000 shares); and Mr. Pearlin (18,000 shares).







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Shares Beneficially OwnedName of Beneficial OwnerNumberPercentFive Percent and Greater StockholdersThe Vanguard Group(1)2,265,6776.78%Dimensional Fund Advisors LP(2)1,842,4385.52%Blackrock, Inc.(3)1,796,9985.38%LSV Asset Management(4)1,716,6475.14%


|    |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
|--- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|(1) | Based on the Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC onFebruary 11, 2016byThe Vanguard Group.The Vanguard Grouphad sole voting power over42,623shares of Common Stock, sole dispositive power over2,221,854shares of Common Stock, and shared dispositive power over43,823shares of Common Stock it beneficially owned as of December 31,2015. The principal business office address for The Vanguard Group is 100 Vanguard Boulevard, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355.

|    |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
|--- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|(2) | Based on the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC onFebruary 9, 2016byDimensional Fund Advisors LP.Dimensional Fund Advisors LPhad sole voting power over1,774,408shares of Common Stock and sole dispositive power over1,842,438shares of Common Stock it beneficially owned as of December 31, 2015. The principal business office address forDimensional Fund Advisors LPis Building One, 6300 Bee Cave Road, Austin, Texas, 78746.

|    |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
|--- | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|(3) | Based on the Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC onJanuary 27, 2016byBlackrock, Inc.Blackrock, Inc.had sole voting power over1,717,960shares of Common Stock and sole dispositive power over1,796,998shares of Common Stock it beneficially owned as of December 31,2015. The principal business office address for Blackrock, Inc. is 55 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10055.

|    |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
|--- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|(4) | Based on the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC onFebruary 12, 2016byLSV Asset Management.LSV Asset Managementhad sole voting power over1,030,477shares of Common Stock and sole dispositive power over1,716,647shares of Common Stock if beneficially owned as of December 31,2015. The principal business office address for LSV Asset Management is 155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4600, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

Equity Compensation Plan Information


The following table summarizes our equity compensation plan information as of December 31, 2015 with respect to outstanding awards and shares remaining available for issuance under the Company's existing equity compensation plan. Information is included in the table as to Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to the Company's equity compensation plan. Plan categoryNumber of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rightsWeighted‐average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rightsNumber of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))(a)(b)(c)2005 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan251,500$43.11—2014 Equity Incentive Plan138,750$41.112,861,250Equity compensation plans not approved by our stockholders———Totals390,250$42.402,861,250





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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE


Certain Relationships and Related Transactions


All facts and circumstances of any transactions between the Company and any executive officer, director or other related person must be fully disclosed to the chair of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, and prior written approval of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors must be obtained.


Tax Sharing Agreement


We have entered into a tax sharing agreement with our U.S. subsidiaries. Under the agreement, our subsidiaries consent to filing consolidated U.S. federal income tax returns with us for any taxable year for which a consolidated return can be filed and each taxable year thereafter. For each taxable year during which a subsidiary is included in a consolidated federal income tax return, each subsidiary will pay us an amount equal to its allocated federal tax liability for that taxable year and all prior years, with certain adjustments as set forth in the agreement.


Employment Agreement s


We have entered into an employment agreement with Brian M. Sondey , our Chief Executive Officer, as described in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Employment Contract.”


Director Independence


For a discussion of the independence of directors on our Board of Directors, see "Corporate Governance and Related Matters" under Item 10 above.














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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES


Audit and Other Fees


The following table sets forth the fees billed to or incurred by the Company for professional services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Type of Fees20152014Audit Fees$895,000$891,000Audit‐Related Fees71,667131,333Tax Fees—77,190All Other Fees514,640—Total Fees$1,481,307$1,099,523


In accordance with the SEC’s definitions and rules, “audit fees” are fees the Company incurred for professional services in connection with the audit of the Company's consolidated financial statements included in Form 10-K and the review of financial statements included in Forms 10-Q, and for services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements; “audit‐related fees” are fees for assurance and related services principally in connection with securitized debt financings; “tax fees” are fees for tax compliance and tax advice; and “all other fees” are fees for any services not included in the first three categories.


Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures


The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by Ernst & Young LLP. These services may include audit services, audit‐related services, tax services and other services. Pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year and any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is generally subject to a specific budget. Ernst & Young LLP and management are required to periodically report to the Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided by Ernst & Young LLP in accordance with this pre-approval, and the fees for the services performed to date. The Audit Committee may also pre-approve particular services on a case-by-case basis. All of the services relating to the fees set forth on the above table were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.


The independent auditors did not provide any financial information systems design and implementation services during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The Audit Committee did consider whether the provision of such services, tax services and all other services is compatible with the independent auditor’s independence.














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PART IV


ITEM 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules


(a)(1) Financial Statements. See Index to Financial Statements beginning on page F-1 on our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 29, 2016, which are incorporated by reference herein.


(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules. See Index to Financial Statements beginning on page F-1 on our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 29, 2016. All other financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or not required, or the information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto.


(a)(3) Exhibits. The following exhibits are filed (or incorporated by reference herein) as part of this Amendment No. 1.


Exhibit No.Description3.1Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of TAL International Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on March 20, 2006)3.2Amended and Restated Bylaws of TAL International Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed on November 10, 2015)4.1Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 3 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form S-1 filed on October 5, 2005, file number 333-126317)4.2Amended and Restated Indenture dated as of April 12, 2006 by and between TAL Advantage I LLC and U. S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.35 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on May 12, 2006)4.3First Supplemental Indenture between TAL Advantage I LLC and U.S. Bank National Association dated June 26, 2007 to the Amended and Restated Indenture dated as of April 12, 2006 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.58 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2008)4.4Second Supplemental Indenture between TAL Advantage I LLC and U.S. Bank National Association dated November 19, 2007 to the Amended and Restated Indenture dated as of April 12, 2006 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.59 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2008)4.5Amended and Restated Series 2005-1 Supplement dated as of April 12, 2006 between Advantage I LLC and U. S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.40 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on May 12, 2006)4.6Amended and Restated Management Agreement dated as of April 12, 2006 by and between TAL International Container Corporation and TAL Advantage I LLC (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.36 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on May 12, 2006)4.7Amended and Restated Contribution and Sale Agreement dated as of April 12, 2006 by and between TAL International Container Corporation and TAL Advantage I LLC (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.37 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on May 12, 2006)4.8Amended and Restated Series 2005-1 Note Purchase Agreement dated as of April 7, 2006 by and between TAL Advantage I LLC, the Noteholders from time to time party thereto and the other financial institutions from time to time party thereto (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.41 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on May 12, 2006)4.9Series 2006-1 Supplement dated as of April 12, 2006 by and between TAL Advantage I LLC and U. S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.38 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on May 12, 2006)





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4.10Series 2006-1 Note Purchase Agreement dated as of April 7, 2006 by and between TAL Advantage I LLC, TAL International Container Corporation, and Fortis Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.39 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on May 12, 2006)4.11Intercreditor Agreement Dated April 12, 2006 by and among TAL International Container Corporation, TAL Advantage I LLC, U. S. Bank National Association and Fortis Capital Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.11 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on March 3, 2009)4.12Credit Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2006, by and among TAL International Container Corporation, Fortis Capital Corp. and the Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.43 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed on August 4, 2006)4.13Amendment No. 1 dated July 13, 2007 to Credit Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2006, by and among TAL International Container Corporation, Fortis Capital Corp. and the Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.47 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed on July 17, 2007)4.14Security Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2006, by and among TAL International Container Corporation and Fortis Capital Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.44 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed on August 4, 2006)4.15Pledge Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2006, by and among TAL International Container Corporation and Fortis Capital Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.45 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed on August 4, 2006)4.16Guaranty, dated as of July 31, 2006, made by TAL International Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.46 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed on August 4, 2006)4.17Third Supplemental Indenture between TAL Advantage I LLC and U.S. Bank National Association dated June 23, 2008 to the Amended and Restated Indenture dated as of April 12, 2006 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.61 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2008)4.18Management Agreement dated as of October 23, 2009 between TAL International Container Corporation and TAL Advantage III LLC (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.33 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2010)4.19Contribution and Sale Agreement dated as of October 23, 2009 between TAL International Container Corporation and TAL Advantage III LLC (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.34 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2010)4.20Amendment No. 1 dated as of July 16, 2010 to the Management Agreement dated as of October 23, 2009 by and between TAL Advantage III LLC and TAL International Container Corporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.54 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on July 30, 2010)4.21Amended and Restated Indenture dated as of August 12, 2011 by and between TAL Advantage III LLC and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.65 to TAL International Group Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on October 28, 2011)4.22Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated November 30, 2011, by and among TAL International Container Corporation, The Royal Bank of Scotland PLC as Administrative Agent and as Collateral Agent, RBS Securities, Inc. as Sole Arranger, and the Lenders from time to time party thereto (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.45 to TAL International Group Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on February 22, 2012)4.23Amended and Restated Security Agreement dated November 30, 2011, by and among TAL International Container Corporation and The Royal Bank of Scotland PLC as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.46 to TAL International Group Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on February 22, 2012)





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4.24Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement dated November 30, 2011, by and among TAL International Container Corporation, as Pledgor in favor of The Royal Bank of Scotland PLC in its capacity as Collateral Agent, as Pledgee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.47 to TAL International Group Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on February 22, 2012)4.25Amended and Restated Guaranty dated November 30, 2011 made by TAL International Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.48 to TAL International Group Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on February 22, 2012)4.26Amendment No. 2 dated December 22, 2011 to the Credit Agreement dated July 31, 2006, by and among TAL International Container Corporation, Fortis Bank NA/SV, assignee of Fortis Capital Corp. and the Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.49 to TAL International Group Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on February 22, 2012)4.27Indenture, dated as of February 27, 2013, by and between TAL Advantage V, LLC and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Indenture Trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.52 to TAL International Group Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on April 30, 2013)4.28Series 2013-1 Supplement dated as of February 27, 2013, by and between TAL Advantage V, LLC and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Indenture Trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.53 to TAL International Group Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on April 30, 2013)4.29Management Agreement dated as of February 27, 2013, by and between TAL International Container Corporation and TAL Advantage V LLC (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.54 to TAL International Group Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on April 30, 2013)4.30Contribution and Sale Agreement dated as of February 27, 2013 by and between TAL International Container Corporation and TAL Advantage V LLC (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.55 to TAL International Group Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on April 30, 2013)4.31Transition Agent Agreement dated as of February 27, 2013 by and between Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, TAL International Container Corporation and TAL Advantage V LLC (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.56 to TAL International Group Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on April 30, 2013)4.32Series 2013-1 Note Purchase Agreement dated as of February 20, 2013 by and between TAL Advantage V LLC, TAL International Container Corporation, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, RBS Securities Inc. and RBC Capital Markets, LLC (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.57 to TAL International Group Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on April 30, 2013)4.33Credit Agreement, dated as of March 12, 2013, by and among TAL International Container Corporation, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, Bank of America N.A. as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and RBC Capital Markets, as Joint Lead Arrangers (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.58 to TAL International Group Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on April 30, 2013)4.34Security Agreement dated March 12, 2013, by and among TAL International Container Corporation and Bank of America N.A. as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.59 to TAL International Group Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on April 30, 2013)4.35Guaranty dated March 12, 2013 made by TAL International Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.60 to TAL International Group Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on April 30, 2013)4.36Omnibus Amendment No. 1 dated July 2, 2013 to the Amended and Restated Indenture, Series 2009-1 Supplement and Series 2009-1 Note Purchase Agreement by and between TAL Advantage III LLC and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, and the other Noteholders from time to time party thereto and the other financial institutions from time to time party thereto (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.63 to TAL International Group Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on July 30, 2013)





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4.37Fourth Supplemental Indenture between TAL Advantage I LLC and U.S. Bank National Association dated July 5, 2013 to the Amended and Restated Indenture dated as of April 12, 2006 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.64 to TAL International Group Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on July 30, 2013)4.38Series 2013-2 Note Purchase Agreement dated as of October 31, 2013 by and between TAL Advantage V LLC, TAL International Container Corporation, and Nomura Securities International, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.60 to TAL International Group Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on February 20, 2014)4.39Series 2013-2 Supplement dated as of November 7, 2013, by and between TAL Advantage V, LLC and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Indenture Trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.61 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on February 20, 2014)4.40Amendment No. 1 dated November 8, 2013 to the 2013-1 Supplement dated February 27, 2013, by and among TAL Advantage V LLC and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Indenture Trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.62 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on February 20, 2014)4.41Amendment No. 2 dated as of February 26, 2014, to the Indenture dated as of February 27, 2013 between TAL Advantage V LLC, as the Issuer and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as the Indenture Trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.63 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on April 29, 2014)4.42Series 2014-1 Supplement dated as of February 27, 2014 by and between TAL Advantage V LLC as the Issuer and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as the Indenture Trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.64 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on April 29, 2014)4.43Series 2014-1 Note Purchase Agreement dated as of February 19, 2014 by and between TAL Advantage V LLC, as Issuer, TAL International Container Corporation, as Manager, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as Initial Purchasers (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.65 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on April 29, 2014)4.44Term Loan Agreement dated as of April 2, 2014 by and between TAL International Container Corporation, as Borrower, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, as Lenders, Suntrust Bank, as Administrative Agent and as Collateral Agent, Suntrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc., as Lead Arranger, and ING Belgium SA/NV, as Syndication Agent (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.66 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on April 29, 2014)4.45Security Agreement dated as of April 2, 2014, by and among TAL International Container Corporation and Suntrust Bank as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.67 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on April 29, 2014)4.46Guaranty dated as of April 2, 2014, made by TAL International Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.68 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on April 29, 2014)4.47Series 2014-2 Supplement dated as of May 19, 2014 by and between TAL Advantage V LLC, as Issuer and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as the Indenture Trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.69 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on July 30, 2014)4.48Series 2014-2 Note Purchase Agreement dated as of May 8, 2014 by and between TAL Advantage V LLC, as Issuer, TAL International Container Corporation, as Manager, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, and RBC Capital Markets, LLC as Initial Purchasers (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.70 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on July 30, 2014)4.49Amendment No. 2 dated October 10, 2014 to the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of August 12, 2011, by and between TAL Advantage III LLC, as Issuer and Wells Fargo Bank, National. Association, as Indenture Trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.71 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on October 29, 2014)





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4.50Second Amended and Restated 2009-1 Supplement dated as of October 10, 2014 by and between TAL Advantage III LLC, as Issuer and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Indenture Trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.72 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on October 29, 2014)4.51Second Amended and Restated Series 2009-1 Note Purchase Agreement dated as of October 10, 2014 by and between TAL Advantage III LLC, as Issuer and the Noteholders from time to time party thereto and the other financial institutions from time to time party hereto (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.73 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on October 29, 2014)4.52Amendment No. 2 dated October 10, 2014 to the Management Agreement dated October 23, 2009 by and between TAL Advantage III LLC, as Issuer and TAL International Container Corporation, as Manager (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.74 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on October 29, 2014)4.53Credit Agreement dated as of November 7, 2014 by and between TAL International Container Corporation, as Borrower, the Lenders from time to time party hereto, as Lenders, First Niagara Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, as Collateral Agent, and as Joint Lead Arranger and Joint Bookrunner, ING Belgium SA/NV, as Syndication Agent, Joint Lead Arranger and Joint Bookrunner, and Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc. and PNC Bank, National Association, as Co-documentation Agents (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.60 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on February 19, 2015)4.54Security Agreement dated as of November 7, 2014, by and among TAL International Container Corporation and First Niagara Bank, N.A. as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.61 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on February 19, 2015)4.55Guaranty dated as of November 7, 2014, made by TAL International Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.62 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on February 19, 2015)4.56Series 2014-3 Supplement dated as of November 25, 2014 by and between TAL Advantage V LLC, as Issuer and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as the Indenture Trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.63 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on February 19, 2015)4.57Series 2014-3 Note Purchase Agreement dated as of November 18, 2014 by and between TAL Advantage V LLC, as Issuer, TAL International Container Corporation, as Manager, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, ABN Amro Securities (USA) LLC, Nomura Securities International, Inc., and Mizuho Securities USA Inc. as Initial Purchasers (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.64 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on February 19, 2015)4.58***Modification of Term Loan Agreement dated as of February 5, 2016 by and between TAL International Container Corporation, as Borrower, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, as Lenders, Suntrust Bank, as Administrative Agent and as Collateral Agent, Suntrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc., as Lead Arranger, and ING Belgium SA/NV, as Syndication Agent10.1Amended and Restated Management Subscription Agreement, dated as of October 11, 2005, by and among TAL International Group, Inc., Brian M. Sondey, Chand Khan, Frederico Baptista, Adrian Dunner, John C. Burns, Bernd Schackier and John Pearson (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.9 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on March 20, 2006)10.2Amended and Restated Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of August 1, 2005, by and among TAL International Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries named therein (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.12 to Amendment No. 1 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form S-1 filed on August 26, 2005, file number 333-126317)10.3+Employment Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2004, by and between TAL International Group, Inc. and Brian M. Sondey (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.13 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form S-1 filed on June 30, 2005, file number 333-126317)





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10.4+Form of Indemnity Agreement between TAL International Group, Inc., certain of its subsidiaries, each of their respective current directors and certain of their respective current officers (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.22 to Amendment No. 2 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form S-1 filed on September 20, 2005, file number 333-126317)10.5+2005 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.33 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on March 20, 2006)10.6+2014 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.4 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form S-8 filed on July 30, 2014)14.1Code of Ethics (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 14.1 to the TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed on April 3, 2006)21.1***List of Subsidiaries23.1***Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm24.1***Powers of Attorney (included on the signature page to this Annual Report on Form 10-K)31.1*Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended31.2*Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended32.1*Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 135032.2*Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350





+     Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.


*     Filed herewith.


**     Furnished herewith.


***     Previously filed as a like-numbered exhibit to the Original Filing and incorporated herein by reference.











SIGNATURES





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





TAL International Group, Inc.Dated: April 22, 2016By:/s/ John BurnsName:John BurnsTitle:Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer











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