8-K
INVESTORS TITLE CO (ITIC)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
| February 13, 2025 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) | |||||
| Investors Title Company | |||||
| (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) | |||||
| North Carolina | 0-11774 | 56-1110199 | |||
| (State or Other Jurisdiction of | (Commission | (I.R.S. Employer | |||
| Incorporation or Organization) | File Number) | Identification No.) | |||
| 121 North Columbia Street | |||||
| Chapel Hill, | North Carolina | 27514 | |||
| (Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) | ||||
| (919) | 968-2200 | ||||
| (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) |
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
|---|---|---|
| Common Stock, no par value | ITIC | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
| Rights to Purchase Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition
Attached as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference is a copy of the press release of Investors Title Company, dated February 13, 2025, reporting Investors Title Company's financial results for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2024.
The information in this Current Report is being furnished and shall not be deemed "filed" for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section, nor shall it be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d) Exhibits. The following exhibit accompanies this Report:
Exhibit 99.1 - Press Release of Investors Title Company dated February 13, 2025
Exhibit 104 - Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date: | February 13, 2025 | By: | /s/ James A. Fine, Jr. |
| James A. Fine, Jr. | |||
| President, Principal Financial Officer and | |||
| Principal Accounting Officer |
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. Description
99.1 Press release issued by Investors Title Company on February 13, 2025
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
Document
INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY ANNOUNCES
FOURTH QUARTER AND FISCAL YEAR 2024 RESULTS
Contact: Elizabeth B. Lewter
February 13, 2025
Telephone: (919) 968-2200
Nasdaq Symbol: ITIC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Chapel Hill, NC – Investors Title Company (Nasdaq: ITIC) today announced results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024. The Company reported net income of $8.4 million, or $4.41 per diluted share, compared with $5.8 million, or $3.09 per diluted share, for the prior year period.
Revenues increased 31.6% to $70.6 million, compared to $53.7 million in the prior year period, primarily due to increases in net premiums written and escrow and title-related fees, partially offset by a decline in net investment gains. The increase in net premiums written and escrow and title-related fees was mainly driven by increased activity levels, which were influenced by ongoing expansion initiatives and lower average mortgage interest rates, and appreciation in average home prices. The decrease in net investment gains was mostly due to the impact of changes in the estimated fair value of equity security investments and reduced sales activity during the current year quarter.
Operating expenses increased 26.0% to $59.8 million, compared to $47.5 million in the prior year period. The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to higher agent commissions, commensurate with the increase in agent premium volume, partially offset by a decrease in personnel expenses resulting from lower staffing levels. Other categories of operating expenses were generally in line with the prior year period.
Income before income taxes increased to $10.8 million for the current year quarter, versus $6.2 million in the prior year period. Excluding the impact of net investment gains, adjusted income before income taxes (non-GAAP) increased to $10.8 million for the current year quarter, versus $3.5 million in the prior year period (see Appendix A for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure).
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, net income increased $9.4 million to $31.1 million, or $16.43 per diluted share, versus $21.7 million, or $11.45 per diluted share, for the prior year period. Revenues increased 14.9% to $258.3 million, compared with $224.8 million for the prior year period. Operating expenses increased 10.2% to $218.8 million, compared to $198.5 million for the prior year period. Income before income taxes increased to $39.5 million for the current year, versus $26.2 million in the prior year period. Excluding the impact of net investment gains, adjusted income before income taxes (non-GAAP) increased to $34.8 million for the current year, versus $22.8 million in the prior year period (see Appendix A for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure). Overall results for the full year period have been shaped predominantly by the same factors that affected the fourth quarter. Positive changes in the estimated fair value of equity security investments resulted in higher net investment gains compared to the prior year period.
Chairman J. Allen Fine commented, "We are pleased to report growth in both revenue and net income for the fourth quarter in comparison to the same period last year. The Company achieved a solid gain in revenue, taking it to the highest level in over two years. Profitability was aided by ongoing cost control measures which kept overhead costs flat when compared to the prior year.
"Although conditions in the real estate market remain challenging, we made solid progress against our operational goals. The overall economy remains strong and supportive of real estate activity despite record low levels of affordability in residential housing. Although the volume of home sales during 2024 hovered at a 30-year low, demand remained fairly steady over the course of the year. Any stabilization or decrease in mortgage interest rates along with ongoing improvement in the supply of homes available for sale should be supportive of increased activity. We continue to seek opportunities to expand our distribution network, make prudent investments in capital improvement projects, and maintain a disciplined approach to expense control while real estate activity remains subdued."
Investors Title Company’s subsidiaries issue and underwrite title insurance policies. The Company also provides investment management services and services in connection with tax-deferred exchanges of like-kind property.
Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained herein constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as “plan,” expect,” “aim,” “believe,” “project,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “should,” “could,” “would,” and other expressions that indicate future events and trends. Such statements include, among others, any statements regarding the Company’s expected performance for this year, future home price fluctuations, changes in home purchase or refinance demand, activity and the mix thereof, interest rate changes, expansion of the Company’s market presence, enhancing competitive strengths, executing on expense management strategies, development in housing affordability, wages, unemployment or overall economic conditions or statements regarding our actuarial assumptions and the application of recent historical claims experience to future periods. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated and historical results. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: the cyclical demand for title insurance due to changes in the residential and commercial real estate markets; the occurrence of fraud, defalcation or misconduct; variances between actual claims experience and underwriting and reserving assumptions, including the limited predictive power of historical claims experience; declines in the performance of the Company’s investments; changes in government regulations and policy, including as a result of the recent change in presidential administrations and balance of power in Congress; changes in the economy; the impact of inflation and responses by government regulators, including the Federal Reserve, such as changes in interest rates; loss of agency relationships, or significant reductions in agent-originated business; difficulties managing growth, whether organic or through acquisitions and other considerations set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and in subsequent filings.
# #
Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Three and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
| Three Months Ended<br>December 31, | Twelve Months Ended<br>December 31, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||
| Net premiums written | $ | 57,813 | $ | 38,365 | $ | 204,264 | $ | 171,158 |
| Escrow and other title-related fees | 4,856 | 4,167 | 17,954 | 17,109 | ||||
| Non-title services | 4,280 | 4,724 | 17,193 | 19,237 | ||||
| Interest and dividends | 2,833 | 2,518 | 10,657 | 9,055 | ||||
| Other investment income | 604 | 837 | 2,600 | 3,752 | ||||
| Net investment gains | 43 | 2,728 | 4,683 | 3,448 | ||||
| Other | 199 | 344 | 947 | 991 | ||||
| Total Revenues | 70,628 | 53,683 | 258,298 | 224,750 | ||||
| Operating Expenses: | ||||||||
| Commissions to agents | 31,834 | 19,639 | 107,343 | 83,374 | ||||
| Provision for claims | 1,047 | 865 | 4,530 | 4,762 | ||||
| Personnel expenses | 17,720 | 18,255 | 72,513 | 76,706 | ||||
| Office and technology expenses | 4,344 | 4,237 | 17,505 | 17,359 | ||||
| Other expenses | 4,872 | 4,474 | 16,944 | 16,319 | ||||
| Total Operating Expenses | 59,817 | 47,470 | 218,835 | 198,520 | ||||
| Income before Income Taxes | 10,811 | 6,213 | 39,463 | 26,230 | ||||
| Provision for Income Taxes | 2,449 | 377 | 8,390 | 4,544 | ||||
| Net Income | $ | 8,362 | $ | 5,836 | $ | 31,073 | $ | 21,686 |
| Basic Earnings per Common Share | $ | 4.44 | $ | 3.09 | $ | 16.48 | $ | 11.45 |
| Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Basic | 1,885 | 1,891 | 1,885 | 1,893 | ||||
| Diluted Earnings per Common Share | $ | 4.41 | $ | 3.09 | $ | 16.43 | $ | 11.45 |
| Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Diluted | 1,896 | 1,891 | 1,892 | 1,893 |
Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
| December 31,<br>2024 | December 31,<br>2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assets | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 24,654 | $ | 24,031 |
| Investments: | ||||
| Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value | 112,972 | 63,847 | ||
| Equity securities, at fair value | 39,893 | 37,212 | ||
| Short-term investments | 59,101 | 110,224 | ||
| Other investments | 20,578 | 17,385 | ||
| Total investments | 232,544 | 228,668 | ||
| Premiums and fees receivable | 16,054 | 13,338 | ||
| Accrued interest and dividends | 1,469 | 978 | ||
| Prepaid expenses and other receivables | 7,033 | 13,525 | ||
| Property, net | 27,935 | 23,886 | ||
| Goodwill and other intangible assets, net | 15,071 | 16,249 | ||
| Lease assets | 6,156 | 6,303 | ||
| Other assets | 2,655 | 2,500 | ||
| Current income taxes recoverable | — | 1,081 | ||
| Total Assets | $ | 333,571 | $ | 330,559 |
| Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | ||||
| Liabilities: | ||||
| Reserve for claims | $ | 37,060 | $ | 37,147 |
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 34,011 | 31,864 | ||
| Lease liabilities | 6,356 | 6,449 | ||
| Current income taxes payable | 276 | — | ||
| Deferred income taxes, net | 4,095 | 3,546 | ||
| Total liabilities | 81,798 | 79,006 | ||
| Stockholders’ Equity: | ||||
| Common stock – no par value (10,000 authorized shares; 1,886 and 1,891 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, excluding in each period 292 shares of common stock held by the Company's subsidiary) | — | — | ||
| Retained earnings | 251,418 | 250,915 | ||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | 355 | 638 | ||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 251,773 | 251,553 | ||
| Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | $ | 333,571 | $ | 330,559 |
Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries
Direct and Agency Net Premiums Written
For the Three and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
| Three Months Ended December 31, | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | % | 2023 | % | 2024 | % | 2023 | % | |||||
| Direct | $ | 15,507 | 26.8 | $ | 12,088 | 31.5 | $ | 60,626 | 29.7 | $ | 58,063 | 33.9 |
| Agency | 42,306 | 73.2 | 26,277 | 68.5 | 143,638 | 70.3 | 113,095 | 66.1 | ||||
| Total | $ | 57,813 | 100.0 | $ | 38,365 | 100.0 | $ | 204,264 | 100.0 | $ | 171,158 | 100.0 |
Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries
Appendix A
Non-GAAP Measures Reconciliation
For the Three and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Management uses various financial and operational measurements, including financial information not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), to analyze Company performance. This includes adjusting revenues to remove the impact of net investment gains and losses, which are recognized in net income under GAAP. Net investment gains and losses include realized gains and losses on sales of investment securities and changes in the estimated fair value of equity security investments. Management believes that these measures are useful to evaluate the Company's internal operational performance from period to period because they eliminate the effects of external market fluctuations. The Company also believes users of the financial results would benefit from having access to such information, and that certain of the Company’s peers make available similar information. This information should not be used as a substitute for, or considered superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP, and may be different from similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies.
The following tables reconcile non-GAAP financial measurements used by Company management to the comparable measurements using GAAP:
| Three Months Ended<br>December 31, | Twelve Months Ended<br>December 31, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Revenues | ||||||||
| Total revenues (GAAP) | $ | 70,628 | $ | 53,683 | $ | 258,298 | $ | 224,750 |
| Subtract: Net investment gains | (43) | (2,728) | (4,683) | (3,448) | ||||
| Adjusted revenues (non-GAAP) | $ | 70,585 | $ | 50,955 | $ | 253,615 | $ | 221,302 |
| Income before Income Taxes | ||||||||
| Income before income taxes (GAAP) | $ | 10,811 | $ | 6,213 | $ | 39,463 | $ | 26,230 |
| Subtract: Net investment gains | (43) | (2,728) | (4,683) | (3,448) | ||||
| Adjusted income before income taxes (non-GAAP) | $ | 10,768 | $ | 3,485 | $ | 34,780 | $ | 22,782 |