Stewart Information Services Corp 10-Q for FY2021 Q2
Stewart Information Services Corp (STC)
10-Q
2021-08-03
For: 2021-06-30
View Original
Added on
April 09, 2026
About this 10-Q
Stewart Information Services Corp filed this 10-Q on August 3, 2021, covering the quarter ended June 30, 2021 (FY2021 Q2).
Headline figures
Quarter ended June 30, 2021, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Revenue
- $818.81M
- up 58.7% from $516.11M a year earlier
- Net income
- $94.82M
- up 177.7% from net income of $34.15M a year earlier
- Diluted EPS
- $3.50
- up 143.1% from $1.44 a year earlier
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021
or
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 001-02658
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | ||||||||||
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (713 ) 625-8100
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| ☑ | ☐ | Non-accelerated filer | Emerging growth company | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ☐ | Accelerated filer | Smaller reporting 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. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☑
On July 27, 2021, there were 26,884,372 outstanding shares of the issuer's Common Stock.
FORM 10-Q QUARTERLY REPORT
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Item | Page | |||||||
| PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION | ||||||||
| 1. | ||||||||
| 2. | ||||||||
| 3. | ||||||||
| 4. | ||||||||
| PART II – OTHER INFORMATION | ||||||||
| 1. | ||||||||
| 1A. | ||||||||
| 2. | ||||||||
| 5. | ||||||||
| 6. | ||||||||
As used in this report, “we,” “us,” “our,” "Registrant," the “Company” and “Stewart” mean Stewart Information Services Corporation and our subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.
2
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
| Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($000 omitted, except per share) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Title revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Direct operations | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Agency operations | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ancillary services | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts retained by agencies | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee costs | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Title losses and related claims | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before taxes and noncontrolling interests | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Stewart | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in net unrealized gains and losses on investments | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification adjustment for realized gains and losses on investments | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes: | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to Stewart | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic average shares outstanding (000) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share attributable to Stewart | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted average shares outstanding (000) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share attributable to Stewart | |||||||||||||||||||||||
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| As of June 30, 2021 (Unaudited) | As of December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
| ($000 omitted) | |||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | |||||||||||
| Short-term investments | |||||||||||
| Investments in debt and equity securities, at fair value | |||||||||||
| Receivables: | |||||||||||
| Premiums from agencies | |||||||||||
| Trade and other | |||||||||||
| Income taxes | |||||||||||
| Notes | |||||||||||
| Allowance for uncollectible amounts | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Property and equipment: | |||||||||||
| Land | |||||||||||
| Buildings | |||||||||||
| Furniture and equipment | |||||||||||
| Accumulated depreciation | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Operating lease assets | |||||||||||
| Title plants, at cost | |||||||||||
| Investments on equity method basis | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | |||||||||||
| Intangible assets, net of amortization | |||||||||||
| Deferred tax assets | |||||||||||
| Other assets | |||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Notes payable | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | |||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Estimated title losses | |||||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | |||||||||||
| Contingent liabilities and commitments | |||||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity | |||||||||||
Common Stock ($ | |||||||||||
| Retained earnings | |||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): | |||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net unrealized gains on debt securities investments | |||||||||||
Treasury stock – | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity attributable to Stewart | |||||||||||
| Noncontrolling interests | |||||||||||
Total stockholders’ equity ( | |||||||||||
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
| Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| ($000 omitted) | |||||||||||
| Reconciliation of net income to cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Net income | |||||||||||
| Add (deduct): | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||
| Provision for bad debt | |||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses | ( | ||||||||||
| Amortization of net premium on debt securities investments | |||||||||||
| Payments for title losses less than provisions | |||||||||||
| Adjustments for insurance recoveries of title losses | |||||||||||
| (Increase) decrease in receivables – net | ( | ||||||||||
| Increase in other assets – net | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Decrease in accounts payable and other liabilities – net | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Change in net deferred income taxes | |||||||||||
| Net income from equity method investments | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Dividends received from equity method investments | |||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | |||||||||||
| Other – net | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Cash provided by operating activities | |||||||||||
| Investing activities: | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from sales of investments in securities | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from matured investments in debt securities | |||||||||||
| Purchases of investments in securities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net sales of short-term investments | |||||||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment, and real estate | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of buildings | |||||||||||
| Cash paid for acquisition of businesses | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Cash paid for acquisition of equity method investment | ( | ||||||||||
| Other – net | |||||||||||
| Cash used by investing activities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Financing activities: | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from notes payable | |||||||||||
| Payments on notes payable | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Distributions to noncontrolling interests | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Repurchases of Common Stock | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Proceeds from stock option exercises | |||||||||||
| Cash dividends paid | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Payment of contingent consideration related to an acquisition | ( | ||||||||||
| Purchase of remaining interest in consolidated subsidiaries | ( | ||||||||||
| Other - net | ( | ||||||||||
| Cash used by financing activities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates | ( | ||||||||||
| Change in cash and cash equivalents | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | |||||||||||
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
Common Stock | Additional paid-in capital | Retained earnings | Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | Treasury stock | Noncontrolling interests | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($000 omitted) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Stewart | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Common Stock ($ | — | — | ( | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock repurchases | ( | ( | — | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock option exercises | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchase of remaining interest in consolidated subsidiaries | — | ( | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in net unrealized gains and losses on investments, net of taxes | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification adjustment for realized gains and losses on investments, net of taxes | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net effect of other changes in ownership | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at June 30, 2021 | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2019 | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Stewart | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Common Stock ($ | — | — | ( | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock repurchases | ( | ( | — | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in net unrealized gains and losses on investments, net of taxes | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification adjustment for realized gains and losses on investments, net of taxes, net of taxes | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at June 30, 2020 | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
Common Stock | Additional paid-in capital | Retained earnings | Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | Treasury stock | Noncontrolling interests | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($000 omitted) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances at March 31, 2021 | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Stewart | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Common Stock ($ | — | — | ( | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock repurchases | ( | ( | — | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock option exercises | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchase of remaining interest in consolidated subsidiaries | — | ( | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in net unrealized gains and losses on investments, net of taxes | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification adjustment for realized gains and losses on investments, net of taxes | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net effect of other changes in ownership | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at June 30, 2021 | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances at March 31, 2020 | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Stewart | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Common Stock ($ | — | — | ( | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock repurchases | ( | ( | — | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in net unrealized gains and losses on investments, net of taxes | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification adjustment for realized gains and losses on investments, net of taxes, net of taxes | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at June 30, 2020 | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
7
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1
Interim financial statements. The financial information contained in this report for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, and as of June 30, 2021, is unaudited. This report should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2021 (2020 Form 10-K).
A. Management’s responsibility. The accompanying interim financial statements were prepared by management, who is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with the United States (U.S.) generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), including management’s best judgments and estimates. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of this information for all interim periods, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, have been made. The Company’s results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year and actual results could differ.
B. Consolidation. The condensed consolidated financial statements include all subsidiaries in which the Company owns more than 50% voting rights in electing directors. All significant intercompany amounts and transactions have been eliminated and provisions have been made for noncontrolling interests. Unconsolidated investees, in which the Company typically owns from 20% to 50% of the voting stock, are accounted for using the equity method.
C. Restrictions on cash and investments. The Company maintains investments in accordance with certain statutory requirements for the funding of statutory premium reserves. Statutory reserve funds are required to be fully funded and invested in high-quality securities and short-term investments. Statutory reserve funds are not available for current claim payments, which must be funded from current operating cash flow. Included in investments in debt and equity securities are statutory reserve funds of approximately $517.8 million and $496.6 million at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. In addition, included within cash and cash equivalents are statutory reserve funds of approximately $16.6 million and $20.0 million at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Although these cash statutory reserve funds are not restricted or segregated in depository accounts, they are required to be held pursuant to state statutes. If the Company fails to maintain minimum investments or cash and cash equivalents sufficient to meet statutory requirements, the Company may be subject to fines or other penalties, including potential revocation of its business license. These funds are not available for any other purpose. In the event that insurance regulators adjust the determination of the statutory premium reserves of the Company’s title insurers, these restricted funds as well as statutory surplus would correspondingly increase or decrease.
NOTE 2
Revenues. The Company's operating revenues, summarized by type, are as follows:
| Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($000 omitted) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Title insurance premiums: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Direct | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Agency | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Escrow fees | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Appraisal management, abstract and other ancillary services | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||
8
NOTE 3
Investments in debt and equity securities. The total fair values of the Company's investments in debt and equity securities are as follows:
| June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
| ($000 omitted) | |||||||||||
| Investments in: | |||||||||||
| Debt securities | |||||||||||
| Equity securities | |||||||||||
As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the net unrealized investment gains relating to investments in equity securities held were $13.6 million and $4.4 million, respectively (refer to Note 5).
The amortized costs and fair values of investments in debt securities are as follows:
| June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortized costs | Fair values | Amortized costs | Fair values | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($000 omitted) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury Bonds | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign debt securities consist of Canadian government, provincial and corporate bonds, United Kingdom treasury and corporate bonds, and Mexican government bonds.
Gross unrealized gains and losses on investments in debt securities are as follows:
| June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gains | Losses | Gains | Losses | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($000 omitted) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury Bonds | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt securities as of June 30, 2021 mature, according to their contractual terms, as follows (actual maturities may differ due to call or prepayment rights):
Amortized costs | Fair values | ||||||||||
| ($000 omitted) | |||||||||||
| In one year or less | |||||||||||
| After one year through five years | |||||||||||
| After five years through ten years | |||||||||||
| After ten years | |||||||||||
9
Gross unrealized losses on investments in debt securities and the fair values of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at June 30, 2021, were:
| Less than 12 months | More than 12 months | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Losses | Fair values | Losses | Fair values | Losses | Fair values | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($000 omitted) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury Bonds | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The number of specific debt investment holdings held in an unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2021 was 51 . Of these securities, 3 were in unrealized loss positions for more than 12 months. Since the Company does not intend to sell and will more likely than not maintain each investment security until its maturity or anticipated recovery in value, and no significant credit risk is deemed to exist, these investments are not considered as credit-impaired. The Company believes its investment portfolio is diversified and expects no material loss to result from the failure to perform by issuers of the debt securities it holds. Investments made by the Company are not collateralized.
Gross unrealized losses on investments in debt securities and the fair values of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2020, were:
| Less than 12 months | More than 12 months | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Losses | Fair values | Losses | Fair values | Losses | Fair values | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($000 omitted) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury Bonds | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NOTE 4
Fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal, or most advantageous, market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Under U.S. GAAP, there is a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs when possible.
The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
•Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
•Level 2 – observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data; and
•Level 3 – unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair values of the assets or liabilities, including certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
10
As of June 30, 2021, financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Fair value measurements | |||||||||||||||
| ($000 omitted) | |||||||||||||||||
| Investments in securities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Debt securities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Municipal | |||||||||||||||||
| Corporate | |||||||||||||||||
| Foreign | |||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury Bonds | |||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | |||||||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2020, financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Fair value measurements | |||||||||||||||
| ($000 omitted) | |||||||||||||||||
| Investments in securities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Debt securities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Municipal | |||||||||||||||||
| Corporate | |||||||||||||||||
| Foreign | |||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury Bonds | |||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | |||||||||||||||||
As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, Level 1 financial instruments consist of equity securities. Level 2 financial instruments consist of municipal, governmental, and corporate bonds, both U.S. and foreign. In accordance with the Company’s policies and guidelines which incorporate relevant statutory requirements, the Company’s third-party registered investment manager invests only in securities rated as investment grade or higher by the major rating services, where observable valuation inputs are significant. The fair value of the Company's investments in debt and equity securities is primarily determined using a third-party pricing service provider. The third-party pricing service provider calculates the fair values using both market approach and model valuation methods, as well as pricing information obtained from brokers, dealers and custodians. Management ensures the reasonableness of the third-party service valuations by comparing them with pricing information from the Company's investment manager.
NOTE 5
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses). Realized and unrealized gains and losses are detailed as follows:
| Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($000 omitted) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized gains | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized losses | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net unrealized investment gains (losses) recognized on equity securities still held at end of period | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||
11
Realized gains and losses during the second quarter 2021 included $7.3 million of gains on sales of buildings, while realized gains and losses during the second quarter 2020 included $1.1 million of gains from settlements of equity investments with no previously readily determinable fair values. Additionally, realized gains and losses for the first six months of 2021 included a $2.5 million loss related to a disposal of an equity method investment.
Investment gains and losses recognized related to investments in equity securities are as follows:
| Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($000 omitted) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment gains (losses) recognized on equity securities during the period | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net realized gains (losses) on equity securities sold during the period | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net unrealized investment gains (losses) recognized on equity securities still held at end of period | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from sales of investments in securities are as follows:
| Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($000 omitted) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from sales of debt securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from sales of equity securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total proceeds from sales of investments in securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
NOTE 6
Goodwill. The summary of changes in goodwill is as follows.
| Title | Ancillary Services and Corporate | Consolidated Total | |||||||||||||||
| ($000 omitted) | |||||||||||||||||
| Balances at December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions | |||||||||||||||||
| Purchase accounting adjustments | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Balances at June 30, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
12
NOTE 7
Estimated title losses. A summary of estimated title losses for the six months ended June 30 is as follows:
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| ($000 omitted) | |||||||||||
| Balances at January 1 | |||||||||||
| Provisions: | |||||||||||
| Current year | |||||||||||
| Previous policy years | |||||||||||
| Total provisions | |||||||||||
| Payments, net of recoveries: | |||||||||||
| Current year | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Previous policy years | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total payments, net of recoveries | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates | ( | ||||||||||
| Balances at June 30 | |||||||||||
| Loss ratios as a percentage of title operating revenues: | |||||||||||
| Current year provisions | % | % | |||||||||
| Total provisions | % | % | |||||||||
Provisions in the first six months of 2021 increased compared to the same period in 2020, primarily as a result of increased title revenues, while the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates for the first six months of 2021 and 2020 were primarily influenced by the appreciation and depreciation, respectively, of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar during those periods.
NOTE 8
13
NOTE 9
Earnings per share. Basic earnings per share (EPS) attributable to Stewart is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Stewart by the weighted-average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding during the reporting periods. Outstanding shares of Common Stock granted to employees that are not yet vested (restricted shares) are excluded from the calculation of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for calculating basic EPS. To calculate diluted EPS, the number of shares is adjusted to include the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding if restricted units and shares were vested and stock options were exercised. In periods of loss, dilutive shares are excluded from the calculation of the diluted EPS and diluted EPS is computed in the same manner as basic EPS.
The calculation of the basic and diluted EPS is as follows:
| Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($000 omitted, except per share) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Numerator: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Stewart | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Denominator (000): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic average shares outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average number of dilutive shares relating to options | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average number of dilutive shares relating to grants of restricted units and shares | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted average shares outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share attributable to Stewart | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share attributable to Stewart | |||||||||||||||||||||||
NOTE 10
NOTE 11
14
The Company is subject to non-ordinary course of business claims or lawsuits from time to time. To the extent the Company is currently the subject of these types of lawsuits, the Company has determined either that a loss is not reasonably possible or that the estimated loss or range of loss, if any, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Additionally, the Company occasionally receives various inquiries from governmental regulators concerning practices in the insurance industry. Many of these practices do not concern title insurance. To the extent the Company is in receipt of such inquiries, it believes that, where appropriate, it has adequately reserved for these matters and does not anticipate that the outcome of these inquiries will materially affect its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
NOTE 12
Segment information. The Company reports two operating segments: title and ancillary services and corporate. The title segment provides services needed to transfer title to property in a real estate transaction and includes services such as searching, examining, closing and insuring the condition of the title to the property. In addition, the title segment includes home and personal insurance services, Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 tax-deferred exchanges, and digital customer engagement platform services. The ancillary services and corporate segment includes appraisal management services, search and valuation services, and online notarization and closing solutions, which are the principal offerings of ancillary services, expenses of the parent holding company, and certain other enterprise-wide overhead costs (net of centralized administrative services costs allocated to respective operating businesses).
Selected statement of income information related to these segments is as follows:
| Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($000 omitted) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Title segment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before taxes and noncontrolling interest | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ancillary services and corporate segment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Stewart: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before taxes and noncontrolling interest | |||||||||||||||||||||||
The Company does not provide asset information by reportable operating segment as it does not routinely evaluate the asset position by segment.
15
Revenues generated in the United States and all international operations are as follows:
| Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($000 omitted) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| International | |||||||||||||||||||||||
NOTE 13
Other comprehensive income (loss). Changes in the balances of each component of other comprehensive income (loss) and the related tax effects are as follows:
| Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 | Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Before-Tax Amount | Tax Expense (Benefit) | Net-of-Tax Amount | Before-Tax Amount | Tax Expense (Benefit) | Net-of-Tax Amount | ||||||||||||||||||
| ($000 omitted) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net unrealized gains and losses on investments: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in net unrealized gains and losses on investments | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification adjustment for realized gains and losses on investments | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Before-Tax Amount | Tax Expense (Benefit) | Net-of-Tax Amount | Before-Tax Amount | Tax Expense (Benefit) | Net-of-Tax Amount | ||||||||||||||||||
| ($000 omitted) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net unrealized gains and losses on investments: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in net unrealized gains and losses on investments | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification adjustment for realized gains and losses on investments | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||
| ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
16
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
MANAGEMENT’S OVERVIEW
Second quarter 2021 overview. We reported net income attributable to Stewart of $94.8 million ($3.50 per diluted share) for the second quarter 2021, compared to net income attributable to Stewart of $34.1 million ($1.44 per diluted share) for the second quarter 2020. Excluding net realized and unrealized gains and losses and severance expenses described below, Stewart’s second quarter 2021 net income of $86.0 million ($3.17 per diluted share) increased $53.5 million, or 165%, from $32.5 million ($1.37 per diluted share) in the second quarter 2020. Second quarter 2021 pretax income before noncontrolling interests was $129.5 million compared to pretax income before noncontrolling interests of $49.0 million for the second quarter 2020.
Second quarter 2021 results included $11.7 million of pretax net realized and unrealized gains, which included $7.3 million of realized gains from sales of buildings in the ancillary services and corporate segment and $3.7 million of net unrealized gains on fair value changes of equity securities investments recorded in the title segment. Second quarter 2020 results included $5.1 million of pretax net realized and unrealized gains, which included $4.4 million of net unrealized gains on fair value changes of equity securities investments recorded in the title segment, and $2.8 million of severance expenses related to cost savings initiatives recorded within employee costs in the title segment.
Summary results of the title segment are as follows ($ in millions, except pretax margin):
| For the Three Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenues | 743.8 | 495.6 | 50 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment income | 5.1 | 4.3 | 20 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains | 4.2 | 4.6 | (9) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pretax income | 125.7 | 54.8 | 129 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pretax margin | 16.7 | % | 10.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pretax income for the title segment increased by $70.9 million, while pretax margin improved 580 basis points to 16.7% in the second quarter 2021 compared to the prior year quarter. Title operating revenues increased $248.2 million, as direct title and gross independent agency revenues grew $135.3 million, or 62%, and $112.9 million, or 41%, respectively. In line with the increased title revenues, overall segment operating expenses in the second quarter 2021 increased $177.8 million, or 40%, which included 41% and 37% higher agency retention expenses and combined title employee costs and other operating expenses, respectively, compared to the second quarter 2020. Average independent agency remittance rate in the second quarter 2021 was 17.5%, similar to the prior year quarter, while combined title employee costs and other operating expenses, as a percentage of title revenues, improved to 35.9% in the second quarter 2021 compared to 39.5% in the second quarter 2020.
Title loss expense increased $12.0 million, or 56%, primarily as a result of higher title revenues in the second quarter 2021 compared to the prior year quarter. As a percentage of title revenues, the title loss expense in the second quarter 2021 was 4.5% compared to 4.3% from the prior year quarter.
The segment’s investment income increased $0.8 million, primarily due to higher dividend income on cost-basis investments, which was partially offset by reduced interest income resulting from lower interest rates applicable to our short-term and securities investments during the second quarter 2021 compared to last year’s quarter. Net realized and unrealized gains for the second quarters 2021 and 2020 were primarily driven by unrealized fair value changes of equity securities investments, as mentioned above.
17
Summary results of the ancillary services and corporate segment are as follows ($ in millions):
| For the Three Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenues | 58.2 | 11.2 | 422 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized gains | 7.5 | 0.5 | 1,359 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pretax income (loss) | 3.8 | (5.8) | 166 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The segment’s operating revenues increased $47.0 million in the second quarter 2021, compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to revenues generated by recent acquisitions, which were partially offset by lower revenues from our legacy valuation services business due to lower home equity volume. The ancillary services operations generated pretax income of $2.2 million (which included $1.6 million of purchased intangibles amortization) in the second quarter 2021, compared to a pretax loss of $0.8 million in the second quarter 2020. Net realized gains during the second quarter 2021 were primarily driven by $7.3 million of realized gains resulting from sales of buildings within corporate operations. Net expenses attributable to parent company and corporate operations for the second quarters 2021 and 2020 were approximately $5.9 million and $5.5 million, respectively.
We continue to implement our strategy of improving operational performance through targeted growth, focused management, and broader technology and services offerings. We aim to gain scale in attractive direct markets and improve service and digital capabilities to provide a seamless customer experience. During the second quarter 2021, we acquired Cloudvirga, a provider of a digital customer engagement platform, and title companies Thomas Title & Escrow and Prima Title, LLC with combined operations in the states of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. We expect these acquisitions to further leverage our position in the evolving real estate closing experience and improve scale and synergies within our title business. We believe our solid operating results and liquidity position will allow us to continue investing and growing to maximize our operational potential.
COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to operate under our business continuity plan that we deployed in March 2020 when the pandemic started. Our employees have not fully transitioned back to the workplace and we are still implementing appropriate measures to protect the safety of all our employees and customers in carrying out our business operations (considered as essential business in the U.S.) using digital tools and innovative solutions, when possible. As various states have opened up and relaxed or removed restrictions on businesses and social gatherings, we are formulating a plan of safe return to workplace to be announced at a later time. We are taking into account insights gathered from our associates, recommendations from managers, guidance from health and governmental bodies, and developments relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of certain assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures surrounding contingencies and commitments.
Actual results can differ from our accounting estimates. While we do not anticipate significant changes in our estimates, there is a risk that such changes could have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations for future periods. During the six months ended June 30, 2021, we made no material changes to our critical accounting estimates as previously disclosed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis in the 2020 Form 10-K.
Operations. Our primary business is title insurance and settlement-related services. We close transactions and issue title policies on homes, commercial and other real properties located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and international markets through policy-issuing offices, agencies and centralized title services centers. Our ancillary services and corporate segment includes our parent holding company expenses and certain enterprise-wide overhead costs, along with our ancillary services operations, which are principally appraisal management services, online notarization and closing services, and search and valuation services.
18
Factors affecting revenues. The principal factors that contribute to changes in operating revenues for our title and ancillary services and corporate segments include:
•mortgage interest rates;
•availability of mortgage loans;
•number and average value of mortgage loan originations;
•ability of potential purchasers to qualify for loans;
•inventory of existing homes available for sale;
•ratio of purchase transactions compared with refinance transactions;
•ratio of closed orders to open orders;
•home prices;
•consumer confidence, including employment trends;
•demand by buyers;
•premium rates;
•foreign currency exchange rates;
•market share;
•ability to attract and retain highly productive sales associates;
•departure of revenue-attached employees;
•independent agency remittance rates;
•opening of new offices and acquisitions;
•office closures;
•number and value of commercial transactions, which typically yield higher premiums;
•government or regulatory initiatives, including tax incentives and the implementation of the new integrated disclosure requirements;
•acquisitions or divestitures of businesses;
•volume of distressed property transactions;
•seasonality and/or weather; and
•outbreaks of diseases and related quarantine orders and restrictions on travel, trade and business operations.
Premiums are determined in part by the values of the transactions we handle. To the extent inflation or market conditions cause increases in the prices of homes and other real estate, premium revenues are also increased. Conversely, falling home prices cause premium revenues to decline. As an overall guideline, a 5% change in median home prices results in an approximately 3.7% change in title premiums. Home price changes may override the seasonal nature of the title insurance business. Historically, our first quarter is the least active in terms of title insurance revenues as home buying is generally depressed during winter months. Our second and third quarters are the most active as the summer is the traditional home buying season, and while commercial transaction closings are skewed to the end of the year, individually large commercial transactions can occur any time of year. On average, refinance title premium rates are 60% of the premium rates for a similarly priced sale transaction.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Comparisons of our results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 with the corresponding periods in the prior year are set forth below. Factors contributing to fluctuations in the results of operations are presented in the order of their monetary significance, and we have quantified, when necessary, significant changes. Segment results are included in the discussions and, when relevant, are discussed separately.
Our statements on home sales and loan activity are based on published U.S. industry data from sources including Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) and the U.S. Census Bureau as of June 30, 2021. We also use information from our direct operations.
19
Operating environment. Existing home sales (seasonally-adjusted basis) in June 2021 improved 23% from June 2020 and also increased 1% from May 2021 after four consecutive month of declines, according to NAR. The increased sales are primarily due to modestly improved supply in recent months resulting from more housing starts and existing homeowners listing their homes. According to NAR's analysis, the current existing home sales continue to run at a pace above the rate seen before the COVID-19 pandemic. On non-seasonally-adjusted basis, existing home sales in the second quarter 2021 improved 32% from the same quarter last year, while June 2021 median and average home prices increased approximately 23% and 16%, respectively, compared to June 2020 prices, with June 2021 being the 112th consecutive month of year-over-year median home price increase. In relation to new residential construction, U.S. housing starts in June 2021 improved 29% and 6% from June 2020 and May 2021, respectively, while newly issued building permits in June 2021 increased 23% from a year ago, but decreased 5% sequentially from May 2021.
According to Fannie Mae and MBA (averaged), one-to-four family mortgage originations during the second quarter 2021 improved 11% to approximately $1.1 trillion compared to the second quarter 2020, as a result of a 35% increase in purchase originations, which was partially offset by 2% lower refinancing originations. Refinancing transactions, which significantly improved in 2020 as a result of lower mortgage interest rates due to the COVID-19 pandemic, are expected to normalize to pre-pandemic levels as interest rates gradually increase and lenders focus on purchase transactions. This trend is expected to result in 34% and 48% lower total mortgage originations in the third and fourth quarters of 2021, respectively, compared to same quarters in 2020.
Despite the current strong demand for housing, existing and new home sales for the third quarter 2021 are expected to decline 5% and 7%, respectively, compared to the third quarter 2020, primarily due to low inventories and softening pace of new construction due to supply constraints. The strong housing demand with a lack of supply is primarily contributing to the rapid home price gains observed over the past year, which Fannie Mae forecasts to continue in the near term.
Title revenues. Direct title revenue information is presented below:
| Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | Change | % Change | 2021 | 2020 | Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-commercial | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic | 239.0 | 162.7 | 76.3 | 47 | % | 453.2 | 295.6 | 157.6 | 53 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| International | 51.4 | 20.9 | 30.5 | 146 | % | 80.2 | 40.0 | 40.2 | 101 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 290.4 | 183.6 | 106.8 | 58 | % | 533.4 | 335.6 | 197.8 | 59 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic | 60.5 | 30.7 | 29.8 | 97 | % | 91.5 | 72.0 | 19.5 | 27 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| International | 2.6 | 3.9 | (1.3) | (33) | % | 8.1 | 8.9 | (0.8) | (9) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 63.1 | 34.6 | 28.5 | 82 | % | 99.6 | 80.9 | 18.7 | 23 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total direct title revenues | 353.5 | 218.2 | 135.3 | 62 | % | 633.0 | 416.5 | 216.5 | 52 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Direct title revenues increased in the second quarter and first six months of 2021 compared to the same periods in 2020, as a result of overall revenue improvements in both non-commercial and commercial operations. Non-commercial revenues improved, primarily driven by increased transactions from both existing and recently-acquired title offices, with combined residential purchase and refinancing closed orders increasing 26% and 44% in the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2020. Commercial revenues also increased in the second quarter and first six months of 2021, primarily due to growth in commercial transaction size and volume. Domestic commercial fees per file in the second quarter and first six months of 2021 were approximately $12,600 and $11,000, respectively, which were 28% and 3% higher, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2020. Residential fees per file in the second quarter and first six months of 2021 were approximately $2,100 and $2,000, respectively, which were 15% and 6% higher, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2020. Total international revenues in the second quarter and first six months of 2021 increased $29.2 million, or 118%, and $39.4 million, or 81%, respectively, primarily due to improved volumes in our Canadian operations and the stronger average Canadian dollar exchange rate against the U.S. dollar in the second quarter and first six months of 2021 compared to the same periods last year.
20
Orders information for the three and six months ended June 30 is as follows:
| Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | Change | % Change | 2021 | 2020 | Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Opened Orders: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial | 5,594 | 3,425 | 2,169 | 63 | % | 9,163 | 7,578 | 1,585 | 21 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Purchase | 76,418 | 56,920 | 19,498 | 34 | % | 147,207 | 110,556 | 36,651 | 33 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Refinance | 59,607 | 72,306 | (12,699) | (18) | % | 141,357 | 136,495 | 4,862 | 4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 1,682 | 496 | 1,186 | 239 | % | 3,492 | 1,226 | 2,266 | 185 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 143,301 | 133,147 | 10,154 | 8 | % | 301,219 | 255,855 | 45,364 | 18 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Closed Orders: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial | 4,955 | 3,122 | 1,833 | 59 | % | 8,332 | 6,750 | 1,582 | 23 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Purchase | 58,599 | 37,407 | 21,192 | 57 | % | 104,082 | 71,122 | 32,960 | 46 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Refinance | 52,539 | 51,133 | 1,406 | 3 | % | 118,205 | 82,879 | 35,326 | 43 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 1,096 | 317 | 779 | 246 | % | 2,271 | 761 | 1,510 | 198 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 117,189 | 91,979 | 25,210 | 27 | % | 232,890 | 161,512 | 71,378 | 44 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
Gross revenues from independent agency operations increased $112.9 million, or 41%, in the second quarter 2021 and increased $216.8 million, or 42%, in the first six months of 2021, compared to same periods in 2020, which was consistent with the improved real estate market trends in 2021 and the continued return of agents to Stewart after the termination of the proposed merger in the third quarter 2019. Agency revenues, net of retention, improved $19.6 million, or 40%, and $39.0 million, or 43%, in the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively, compared to the same periods last year, generally in line with increased gross agency revenues. Refer further to the "Retention by agencies" discussion under Expenses below.
Ancillary services revenues. Ancillary services operating revenues increased $47.0 million, or 422%, and $97.5 million, or 587%, in the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2020. The revenue growth was primarily due to revenues generated by recent acquisitions of appraisal management and online notarization and closing services companies, partially offset by lower revenues from our legacy valuation services business due to lower home equity volume.
Investment income. The increase in investment income recorded in the second quarter 2021, compared to the same period in 2020, was primarily driven by higher dividend income received on cost-basis investments, however, for the first six months of 2021, compared to the same period in 2020, such increase was offset by the lower interest rates applicable to our short-term and securities investments during 2021.
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses). Refer to Note 5 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
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Expenses. An analysis of expenses is shown below:
| Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | Change | % Change | 2021 | 2020 | Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts retained by agencies | 322.0 | 228.7 | 93.3 | 41 | % | 606.0 | 428.1 | 177.9 | 42 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As a % of agency revenues | 82.5 | % | 82.5 | % | 82.3 | % | 82.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee costs | 188.5 | 137.5 | 50.9 | 37 | % | 357.9 | 273.2 | 84.7 | 31 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As a % of operating revenues | 23.5 | % | 27.1 | % | 24.1 | % | 28.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | 137.8 | 74.6 | 63.2 | 85 | % | 263.3 | 146.5 | 116.8 | 80 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As a % of operating revenues | 17.2 | % | 14.7 | % | 17.7 | % | 15.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Title losses and related claims | 33.6 | 21.5 | 12.0 | 56 | % | 62.3 | 40.2 | 22.2 | 55 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As a % of title revenues | 4.5 | % | 4.3 | % | 4.6 | % | 4.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Retention by agencies. Amounts retained by title agencies are based on agreements between agencies and our title underwriters. Amounts retained by independent agencies, as a percentage of revenues generated by them, averaged 82.5% and 82.3% in the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively, as compared to 82.5% and 82.4% in the same periods in 2020. The average retention percentage may vary from period to period due to the geographical mix of agency operations, the volume of title revenues and, in some states, laws or regulations. Due to the variety of such laws or regulations, as well as competitive factors, the average retention rate can differ significantly from state to state. In addition, a high proportion of our independent agencies are in states with retention rates greater than 80%. We continue to focus on increasing profit margins in every state, increasing premium revenue in states where remittance rates are above 20%, and maintaining the quality of our agency network, which we believe to be the industry’s best, in order to mitigate claims risk and drive consistent future performance. While market share is important in our agency operations channel, it is not as important as margins, risk mitigation and profitability.
Employee costs. Consolidated employee costs in the second quarter and first six months of 2021 increased $50.9 million, or 37%, and $84.7 million, or 31%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2020, primarily due to higher salaries expense driven by 21% and 17%, respectively, higher average employee count, increased incentive compensation on improved overall operating results, and additional employee costs related to higher order volumes. As a percentage of total operating revenues, consolidated employee costs improved to 23.5% and 24.1% in the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively, compared to 27.1% and 28.7% in the second quarter and first six months of 2020, respectively, primarily influenced by our continued focus on managing operating costs.
Employee costs in the title segment increased $45.9 million, or 35%, and $74.7 million, or 28%, in the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2020, primarily due to increased salaries expense driven by higher average employee counts, mostly from recent title office acquisitions, increased incentive compensation on improved title operating results, and additional employee costs related to higher order volumes. Employee costs in the ancillary services and corporate segment increased $5.0 million, or 90%, and $10.0 million, or 94%, in the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2020, primarily due to increased average employee counts driven by recent acquisitions in the ancillary services operations.
Other operating expenses. Other operating expenses include costs that are fixed in nature, costs that follow, to varying degrees, changes in transaction volumes and revenues (variable costs) and costs that fluctuate independently of revenues (independent costs). Costs that are fixed in nature include attorney and professional fees, third-party outsourcing provider fees, equipment rental, insurance, rent and other occupancy expenses, repairs and maintenance, technology costs, telecommunications and title plant expenses. Variable costs include appraiser and service expenses related to ancillary services operations, outside search and valuation fees, attorney fee splits, bad debt expenses, copy supplies, delivery fees, postage, premium taxes and title plant maintenance expenses. Independent costs include general supplies, litigation defense, business promotion and marketing and travel.
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Consolidated other operating expenses increased $63.2 million, or 85%, and $116.8 million, or 80%, in the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2020, primarily as a result of recently-acquired businesses in 2021. Total variable costs increased $50.0 million, or 133%, and $95.3 million, or 137%, in the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively, mainly due to higher appraisal and service expenses by recently-acquired ancillary services businesses, and increased outside search and premium taxes consistent with higher title operating revenues. Total costs that are fixed in nature increased $8.4 million, or 27%, and $14.6 million, or 23%, in the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively, primarily due to increased professional fees, rent and occupancy expenses and technology costs. Independent costs increased $5.6 million, or 111%, and $7.7 million, or 58%, in the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively, primarily due to higher bank fees, litigation-related accruals, office closures expenses and charitable contributions. As a percentage of total operating revenues, consolidated other operating expenses in the second quarter and first six months of 2021 increased to 17.2% and 17.7%, respectively, compared to 14.7% and 15.4% in the same periods in 2020, primarily due to appraisal and service expenses related to our recently-acquired ancillary services businesses.
Title losses. Provisions for title losses, as a percentage of title operating revenues, were 4.5% and 4.6% for the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively, compared to 4.3% for both the second quarter and first six months of 2020. Title loss expense increased $12.0 million and $22.2 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2020, primarily as a result of increased title revenues. The title loss ratio in any given quarter can be significantly influenced by changes in new large claims incurred, escrow losses and adjustments to reserves for existing large claims.
The composition of title policy loss expense is as follows:
| Three Months Ended June, | Six Months Ended June, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | Change | % Change | 2021 | 2020 | Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provisions – known claims: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current year | 4.3 | 3.4 | 0.9 | 26 | % | 6.5 | 4.6 | 1.9 | 41 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prior policy years | 14.4 | 15.6 | (1.2) | (8) | % | 27.7 | 28.1 | (0.4) | (1) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 18.7 | 19.0 | (0.3) | (2) | % | 34.2 | 32.7 | 1.5 | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provisions – IBNR | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current year | 28.5 | 17.9 | 10.6 | 59 | % | 54.6 | 35.2 | 19.4 | 55 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prior policy years | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 300 | % | 1.2 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 200 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 29.3 | 18.1 | 11.2 | 62 | % | 55.8 | 35.6 | 20.2 | 57 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transferred from IBNR to known claims | (14.4) | (15.6) | 1.2 | (8) | % | (27.7) | (28.1) | 0.4 | (1) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total provisions | 33.6 | 21.5 | 12.0 | 56 | % | 62.3 | 40.2 | 22.2 | 55 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Provisions for known claims arise primarily from prior policy years as claims are not typically reported until several years after policies are issued. Provisions - Incurred But Not Reported (IBNR) are estimates of claims expected to be incurred over the next 20 years; therefore, it is not unusual or unexpected to experience changes to those estimated provisions in both current and prior policy years as additional loss experience on policy years is obtained. This loss experience may result in changes to our estimate of total ultimate losses expected (i.e., the IBNR policy loss reserve). Current year provisions - IBNR are recorded on policies issued in the current year as a percentage of premiums earned (provisioning rate). As claims become known, provisions are reclassified from IBNR to known claims. Adjustments relating to large losses (those individually in excess of $1.0 million) may impact provisions either for known claims or for IBNR.
Current year IBNR provisions in the second quarter and first six months of 2021 increased $10.6 million, or 59%, and $19.4 million, or 55%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2020, primarily due to increased title premiums in 2021. As a percentage of title operating revenues, provisions - IBNR for the current policy year were 3.8% and 4.0% in the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively, compared to 3.6% and 3.8% in the second quarter and first six months of 2020, respectively.
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Cash claim payments increased $2.1 million, or 12%, in the second quarter 2021 compared to the prior year quarter, due to increased payments on both large and non-large claims mostly related to prior policy years. Cash claim payments decreased $2.8 million, or 7%, in the first six months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020, due to lower payments on large and non-large claims related to prior policy years, partially offset by higher payments related to current year policies. We continue to manage and resolve large claims prudently and in keeping with our commitments to our policyholders.
In addition to title policy claims, we incur losses in our direct operations from escrow, closing and disbursement functions. These escrow losses typically relate to errors or other miscalculations of amounts to be paid at closing, including timing or amount of a mortgage payoff, payment of property or other taxes and payment of homeowners’ association fees. Escrow losses also arise in cases of fraud, and in those cases, the title insurer incurs the loss under its obligation to ensure that an unencumbered title is conveyed. Escrow losses are recognized as expenses when discovered or when contingencies associated with them (such as litigation) are resolved and are typically paid less than 12 months after the loss is recognized.
Total title policy loss reserve balances are as follows:
| June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | |||||||||||
| Known claims | 67.0 | 68.9 | |||||||||
| IBNR | 458.0 | 427.4 | |||||||||
| Total estimated title losses | 525.0 | 496.3 | |||||||||
The actual timing of estimated title loss payments may vary since claims, by their nature, are complex and paid over long periods of time. Based on historical payment patterns, the outstanding loss reserves are paid out within six years. As a result, the estimate of the ultimate amount to be paid on any claim may be modified over that time period. Due to the inherent uncertainty in predicting future title policy losses, significant judgment is required by both our management and our third party actuaries in estimating reserves. As a consequence, our ultimate liability may be materially greater or less than current reserves and/or our third party actuary’s calculated estimates.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expenses increased $2.8 million, or 68%, and $5.0 million, or 60%, in the second quarter and first six months of 2021, compared to the same periods in 2020, primarily due to incremental intangible asset amortization and fixed asset depreciation expenses related to recent acquisitions.
Income taxes. Our effective tax rate, based on income before taxes and after deducting income attributable to noncontrolling interests, was 24% for both the second quarter and first six months of 2021 compared to 25% for both the same periods in 2020. The lower effective tax rate in the second quarter and first six months of 2021 was primarily due to increased year over year annualized pretax income in 2021.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our liquidity and capital resources reflect our ability to generate cash flow to meet our obligations to stockholders, customers (payments to satisfy claims on title policies), vendors, employees, lenders and others. As of June 30, 2021, our cash and investments, including amounts reserved pursuant to statutory requirements, aggregated $1.13 billion ($595.2 million, net of statutory reserves on cash and investments). Of our total cash and investments at June 30, 2021, $766.3 million ($491.1 million, net of statutory reserves) was held in the United States and the rest internationally, principally in Canada.
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Cash held at the parent company totaled $17.5 million at June 30, 2021. As a holding company, the parent company is funded principally by cash from its subsidiaries in the form of dividends, operating and other administrative expense reimbursements and pursuant to intercompany tax sharing agreements. The expense reimbursements are paid in accordance with management agreements, approved by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), among us and our subsidiaries. In addition to funding operating expenses, cash held at the parent company is used for dividend payments to common stockholders and for stock repurchases, if any. To the extent such uses exceed cash available, the parent company is dependent on distributions from its regulated title insurance underwriter, Stewart Title Guaranty Company (Guaranty).
A substantial majority of our consolidated cash and investments as of June 30, 2021 was held by Guaranty and its subsidiaries. The use and investment of these funds, dividends to the parent company, and cash transfers between Guaranty and its subsidiaries and the parent company are subject to certain legal and regulatory restrictions. In general, Guaranty may use its cash and investments in excess of its legally-mandated statutory premium reserve (established in accordance with requirements under Texas law) to fund its insurance operations, including claim payments. Guaranty may also, subject to certain limitations, provide funds to its subsidiaries (whose operations consist principally of field title offices and ancillary services operations) for their operating and debt service needs.
We maintain investments in accordance with certain statutory requirements for the funding of statutory premium reserves. Statutory reserve funds are required to be fully funded and invested in high-quality securities and short-term investments. Statutory reserve funds are not available for current claim payments, which must be funded from current operating cash flow. Included in investments in debt and equity securities are statutory reserve funds of approximately $517.8 million and $496.6 million at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. In addition, included within cash and cash equivalents are statutory reserve funds of approximately $16.6 million and $20.0 million at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. As of June 30, 2021, our known claims reserve totaled $67.0 million and our estimate of claims that may be reported in the future, under generally accepted accounting principles, totaled $458.0 million. In addition to this, we had cash and investments (excluding equity method investments) of $397.6 million, which are available for underwriter operations, including claims payments, and acquisitions.
The ability of Guaranty to pay dividends to its parent is governed by Texas insurance law. The TDI must be notified of any dividend declared, and any dividend in excess of the statutory maximum of 20% of surplus (approximately $158.9 million as of December 31, 2020) would be, by regulation, considered extraordinary and subject to pre-approval by the TDI. Also, the Texas Insurance Commissioner may raise an objection to a planned distribution during the notification period. Guaranty’s actual ability or intent to pay dividends to its parent may be constrained by business and regulatory considerations, such as the impact of dividends on surplus and liquidity, which could affect its ratings and competitive position, the amount of insurance it can write and its ability to pay future dividends. During the six months ended June 30, 2021 and in all of 2020, Guaranty paid dividends of $100.0 million and $30.0 million, respectively, to its parent.
As the parent company conducts no operations apart from its wholly-owned subsidiaries, the discussion below focuses on consolidated cash flows.
| Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | |||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 150.5 | 50.1 | |||||||||
| Net cash used by investing activities | (173.7) | (38.4) | |||||||||
| Net cash used by financing activities | (9.1) | (29.6) | |||||||||
Operating activities. Our principal sources of cash from operations are premiums on title policies and revenue from title service-related transactions, ancillary services and other operations. Our independent agencies remit cash to us net of their contractual retention. Our principal cash expenditures for operations are employee costs, operating costs and title claims payments.
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Net cash provided by operations in the first six months of 2021 improved to $150.5 million, compared to net cash provided by operations of $50.1 million in the same period last year, primarily due to the higher net income and lower payments of claims in the first six months of 2021. Although our business is labor intensive, we are focused on a cost-effective, scalable business model which includes utilization of technology, centralized back and middle office functions and business process outsourcing. We are continuing our emphasis on cost management, especially in light of the current economic environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically focusing on lowering unit costs of production and improving operating margins in our direct title and ancillary services businesses. Our plans to improve margins include additional automation of manual processes, and further consolidation of our various systems and production operations. We continue to invest in the technology necessary to accomplish these goals.
Investing activities. Net cash used by investing activities is primarily driven by proceeds from matured and sold investments, purchases of investments, capital expenditures and acquisition of businesses. During the first six months of 2021, total proceeds from securities investments sold and matured were $65.8 million, compared to $48.6 million during the same period in 2020. Cash used for purchases of securities investments was $89.2 million during first six months of 2021, compared to $50.9 million during the first six months of 2020.
We used $131.9 million and $33.4 million of cash for acquisitions of title and ancillary services businesses during the first six months of 2021 and 2020, respectively. We used $16.1 million of cash in acquiring an equity method investment in a title company and generated total proceeds of $10.6 million from sales of our buildings during the first six months of 2021. We used $16.4 million and $6.8 million of cash for purchases of property and equipment during the first six months of 2021 and 2020, respectively. We maintain investment in capital expenditures at a level that enables us to implement technologies for increasing our operational and back-office efficiencies and to pursue growth in key markets.
Financing activities and capital resources. Total debt and stockholders’ equity were $127.7 million and $1,136.1 million, respectively, as of June 30, 2021. During the first six months of 2021 and 2020, payments on notes payable of $157.2 million and $8.4 million, respectively, and notes payable additions of $156.8 million and $0.4 million, respectively, were related to short-term loan agreements in connection with our Section 1031 tax-deferred property exchange (Section 1031) business. During the first quarter 2021, we amended our line of credit agreement, resulting in an increase in the total line of credit commitment from our lenders from $200 million to $350 million. At June 30, 2021, the outstanding balance of our line of credit facility was $123.9 million, which included the $25.0 million we drew from the facility during the first six months of 2021, while the available balance of the line of credit was $223.6 million, net of an unused $2.5 million letter of credit. At June 30, 2021, our debt-to-equity ratio, excluding our Section 1031 notes, was approximately 11%.
During the first six months of 2021, we paid total dividends of $17.7 million ($0.66 per common share), compared to the total dividends paid in the first six months of 2020 of $14.2 million ($0.60 per common share).
Effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on our cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated statements of cash flows was a net increase of $0.2 million during the first six months of 2021, compared to a net decrease of $1.9 million during the first six months of 2020. Our principal foreign operating unit is in Canada, and, on average, the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar appreciated in 2021, while it depreciated in 2020.
***********
We believe we have sufficient liquidity and capital resources to meet the cash needs of our ongoing operations, including in the current economic and real estate environment created by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we may determine that additional debt or equity funding is warranted to provide liquidity for achievement of strategic goals or acquisitions or for unforeseen circumstances. Other than scheduled maturities of debt, operating lease payments and anticipated claims payments, we have no material contractual commitments. We expect that cash flows from operations and cash available from our underwriters, subject to regulatory restrictions, will be sufficient to fund our operations, including claims payments. However, to the extent that these funds are not sufficient, we may be required to borrow funds on terms less favorable than we currently have or seek funding from the equity market, which may not be successful or may be on terms that are dilutive to existing stockholders.
Contingent liabilities and commitments. See discussion of contingent liabilities and commitments in Note 10 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
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Other comprehensive income (loss). Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale debt securities investments and changes in foreign currency exchange rates are reported net of deferred taxes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of stockholders’ equity, until they are realized. During the first six months of 2021, net unrealized investment losses of $8.7 million, net of taxes, which increased our other comprehensive loss, were primarily related to a net decrease in the fair values of our overall bond securities investment portfolio mainly driven by the effect of rising interest rates. During the first six months of 2020, net unrealized investment losses of $14.0 million, net of taxes, which increased our other comprehensive income, were primarily related to a net decrease in the fair values of our overall bond securities investment portfolio mainly driven by increased credit spreads.
Changes in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily related to our Canadian and United Kingdom operations, reduced our other comprehensive loss, net of taxes, by $3.2 million in the first six months of 2021; while they reduced our other comprehensive income, net of taxes, by $7.2 million for the same period in 2020.
Off-balance sheet arrangements. We do not have any material source of liquidity or financing that involves off-balance sheet arrangements, other than our contractual obligations under operating leases. We also routinely hold funds in segregated escrow accounts pending the closing of real estate transactions and have qualified intermediaries in tax-deferred property exchanges for customers pursuant to Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company holds the proceeds from these transactions until a qualifying exchange can occur. In accordance with industry practice, these segregated accounts are not included on the balance sheet. See Note 16 in our 2020 Form 10-K.
Forward-looking statements. Certain statements in this report are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements relate to future, not past, events and often address our expected future business and financial performance. These statements often contain words such as “may,” "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "will," "foresee" or other similar words. Forward-looking statements by their nature are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to be materially different than those expressed in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the volatility of economic conditions, including the duration and ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; adverse changes in the level of real estate activity; changes in mortgage interest rates, existing and new home sales, and availability of mortgage financing; our ability to respond to and implement technology changes, including the completion of the implementation of our enterprise systems; the impact of unanticipated title losses or the need to strengthen our policy loss reserves; any effect of title losses on our cash flows and financial condition; the ability to attract and retain highly productive sales associates; the impact of vetting our agency operations for quality and profitability; independent agency remittance rates; changes to the participants in the secondary mortgage market and the rate of refinancing that affects the demand for title insurance products; regulatory non-compliance, fraud or defalcations by our title insurance agencies or employees; our ability to timely and cost-effectively respond to significant industry changes and introduce new products and services; the outcome of pending litigation; the impact of changes in governmental and insurance regulations, including any future reductions in the pricing of title insurance products and services; our dependence on our operating subsidiaries as a source of cash flow; our ability to access the equity and debt financing markets when and if needed; our ability to grow our international operations; seasonality and weather; and our ability to respond to the actions of our competitors. These risks and uncertainties, as well as others, are discussed in more detail in our documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" in our 2020 Form 10-K, and as maybe further updated and supplemented from time to time in our future Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed subsequently. All forward-looking statements included in this report are expressly qualified in their entirety by such cautionary statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update, amend or clarify any forward-looking statements contained in this report to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date hereof, except as may be required by applicable law.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There have been no material changes during the quarter ended June 30, 2021 in our investment strategies, types of financial instruments held or the risks associated with such instruments that would materially alter the market risk disclosures made in our 2020 Form 10-K.
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Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures. They evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of June 30, 2021, and have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures are adequate and effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2021, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
See discussion of legal proceedings in Note 11 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this Report, which is incorporated by reference into this Part II, Item 1, as well as Item 3. Legal Proceedings, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those described in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. There have been no material changes to our risk factors during the six months ended June 30, 2021 since our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
There were no repurchases of our Common Stock during the six months ended June 30, 2021, except for repurchases of approximately 38,500 shares (aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.0 million) related to the statutory income tax withholding on the vesting of restricted unit grants to executives and senior management.
Item 5. Other Information
Book value per share. Our book value per share was $42.12 and $37.60 as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. As of June 30, 2021, our book value per share was based on approximately $1,130.0 million of stockholders’ equity attributable to Stewart and 26,825,233 shares of Common Stock outstanding. As of December 31, 2020, our book value per share was based on approximately $1,005.1 million of stockholders’ equity attributable to Stewart and 26,728,242 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
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Item 6. Exhibits
| Exhibit | ||||||||
| 3.1 | — | |||||||
| 3.2 | — | |||||||
| 31.1* | — | |||||||
| 31.2* | — | |||||||
| 32.1* | — | |||||||
| 32.2* | — | |||||||
| 101.INS* | — | XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. | ||||||
| 101.SCH* | — | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | ||||||
| 101.CAL* | — | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | ||||||
| 101.DEF* | — | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | ||||||
| 101.LAB* | — | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | ||||||
| 101.PRE* | — | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | ||||||
| * Filed herewith | ||
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| August 3, 2021 | ||
| Date | ||
| Stewart Information Services Corporation | ||||||||
| Registrant | ||||||||
| By: | /s/ David C. Hisey | |||||||
| David C. Hisey, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer | ||||||||
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EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATION
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, Frederick H. Eppinger, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Stewart Information Services Corporation (registrant);
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
| (a) | designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; | ||||
| (b) | designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; | ||||
| (c) | evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and | ||||
| (d) | disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and | ||||
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
| (a) | all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and | ||||
| (b) | any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. | ||||
Dated: August 3, 2021
/s/ Frederick H. Eppinger | ||||||||
| Name: | Frederick H. Eppinger | |||||||
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |||||||
EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATION
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, David C. Hisey, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Stewart Information Services Corporation (registrant);
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
| (a) | designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; | ||||
| (b) | designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; | ||||
| (c) | evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and | ||||
| (d) | disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and | ||||
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
| (a) | all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and | ||||
| (b) | any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. | ||||
Dated: August 3, 2021
/s/ David C. Hisey | ||||||||
| Name: | David C. Hisey | |||||||
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer | |||||||
EXHIBIT 32.1
CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Stewart Information Services Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Frederick H. Eppinger, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Dated: August 3, 2021
/s/ Frederick H. Eppinger | ||||||||
| Name: | Frederick H. Eppinger | |||||||
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |||||||
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Stewart Information Services Corporation and will be retained by Stewart Information Services Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
EXHIBIT 32.2
CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Stewart Information Services Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, David C. Hisey, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Dated: August 3, 2021
/s/ David C. Hisey | ||||||||
| Name: | David C. Hisey | |||||||
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer | |||||||
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Stewart Information Services Corporation and will be retained by Stewart Information Services Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.