e10vk
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006
or
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission
file number
001-02658
STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
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74-1677330
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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1980 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, Texas
(Address of principal executive offices)
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77056
(Zip Code) |
Registrants
telephone number, including area code:
(713) 625-8100
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Common Stock, $1 par value
(Title of each class of stock)
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New York Stock Exchange
(Name of each exchange on which registered) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of
the Securities Act. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or
Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for
such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is
not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in
definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K
or any amendment to this Form 10-K. þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer,
or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer þ Accelerated Filer o
Non-Accelerated Filer o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Act).
Yes o No þ
The aggregate market value of the Common Stock (based upon the closing sales price of the Common
Stock of Stewart Information Services Corporation, as reported by the NYSE on June 30, 2006) held
by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $623,565,718.
At February 20, 2007, the following shares of each of the registrants classes of stock were
outstanding:
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Common, $1 par value |
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17,181,258 |
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Class B Common, $1 par value |
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1,050,012 |
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Documents Incorporated by Reference
Portions of the definitive proxy statement (the Proxy Statement), relating to the annual meeting of
the registrants stockholders to be held April 27, 2007, are incorporated by reference in Part III of this document.
FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS
As used in this report, we, us, our, the Company, and Stewart mean Stewart Information
Services Corporation and our subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.
PART I
Item 1. Business
We are a Delaware corporation formed in 1970. We and our predecessors have been engaged in the
title business since 1893.
Stewart is a customer-oriented, technology-driven, strategically competitive, real estate
information and transaction management company. Stewart provides title insurance and related
information services required for settlement of residential and commercial transactions by the real
estate and mortgage industries through more than 9,500 policy-issuing offices and agencies in the
United States and international markets. Stewart also provides post-closing lender services,
automated county clerk land records, property ownership mapping, geographic information systems,
property information reports, flood certificates, document preparation, background checks and
expertise in tax-deferred exchanges.
Our international division delivers products and services protecting and promoting private land
ownership worldwide. Currently, our primary international operations are in Canada, the United
Kingdom, Mexico and Australia. Our international operations are immaterial with respect to our
consolidated financial results.
Our two main segments of business are title insurance-related services and real estate information
(REI). The segments significantly influence business to each other because of the nature of their
operations and their common customers. The financial information related to these segments is
discussed in Item 7 Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations and Note 20 to our audited consolidated financial statements.
Title
The title segment includes the functions of searching, examining, closing and insuring the
condition of the title to real property.
Examination and closing. The purpose of a title examination is to ascertain the ownership
of the property being transferred, debts that are owed on it and the scope of the title policy
coverage. This involves searching for and examining documents such as deeds, mortgages, wills,
divorce decrees, court judgments, liens, paving assessments and tax records.
At the closing or settlement of a sale transaction, the seller executes and delivers a deed to
the new owner. The buyer typically signs new mortgage documents. Closing funds are then disbursed
to the seller, the prior mortgage company, real estate brokers, the title company and others. The
documents are then recorded in the public records. A title policy is generally issued to both the
lender and the new owner.
Title policies. Lenders in the United States generally require title insurance as a
condition to making a loan on real estate, including securitized lending. This is to assure
lenders of the priority of their lien position. The purchasers of the property want insurance to
protect against claims that may arise against the ownership of the property. The face amount of
the policy is normally the purchase price or the amount of the related loan.
Title insurance is substantially different from other types of insurance. Fire, auto, health and
life insurance protect against future losses and events. In contrast, title insurance insures
against losses from past events and seeks to eliminate most risks through the examination and
settlement process.
-1-
Investments. Our title insurance underwriters maintain investments in accordance with
certain statutory requirements for the funding of statutory premium reserves and state deposits.
We have established policies and procedures to minimize our exposure to changes in the fair values
of our investments. These policies include retaining an investment advisory firm, emphasizing
credit quality, managing portfolio duration, maintaining or increasing investment income through
high coupon rates, and actively managing profile and security mix based upon market conditions.
All of our investments are classified as available-for-sale.
Losses. Losses on policies occur when a title defect is not discovered during the
examination and settlement process. Reasons for losses include forgeries, misrepresentations,
unrecorded liens, the failure to pay off existing liens, mortgage lending fraud, mishandling or
defalcation of settlement funds, issuance by title agencies of unauthorized coverage and other
legal issues.
Some claimants seek damages in excess of policy limits. Those claims are based on various legal
theories usually alleging misrepresentation by an agency. Although we vigorously defend against
spurious claims, we have from time to time incurred losses in excess of policy limits.
Experience shows that most policy claims and claim payments are made in the first six years after
the policy has been issued, although claims are also incurred and paid many years later. By their
nature, claims are often complex, vary greatly in dollar amounts and are affected by economic and
market conditions and the legal environment existing at the time of settlement of the claims.
Estimating future title loss payments is difficult because of the complex nature of title claims,
the length of time over which claims are paid, the significantly varying dollar amounts of
individual claims and other factors.
Provisions for policy losses are charged to income in the same year the related premium revenues
are recognized. The amounts provided are based on reported claims, historical loss experience,
title industry averages, current legal environment and types of policies written.
Our liability for estimated title losses comprises both known claims and claims expected to be
reported in the future. The amount of our loss reserve represents the aggregate future payments,
net of recoveries, that we expect to incur on policy and escrow losses and in costs to settle
claims.
Amounts shown as our estimated liability for future loss payments are continually reviewed by us
for reasonableness and adjusted as appropriate. Independent actuaries also reviewed the adequacy
of the liability amounts on an annual basis and found our reserves adequate at each year end. In
accordance with industry practice, these amounts have not been discounted to their present values.
Factors affecting revenues. Title revenues are closely related to the level of activity in
the real estate markets we serve and the prices at which real estate sales are made. Real estate
sales are directly affected by the availability and cost of money to finance purchases. Other
factors include consumer confidence and demand by buyers. These factors may override the seasonal
nature of the title business. Generally, our first quarter is the least active and our fourth
quarter is the most active in terms of title revenues.
Selected information for the national real estate industry follows (2006 figures are preliminary
and subject to revision):
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2006 |
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2005 |
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2004 |
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New home sales in millions |
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1.06 |
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1.28 |
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1.20 |
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Existing home sales in millions |
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6.48 |
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7.08 |
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6.78 |
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Existing home sales median sales price
in $ thousands |
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222.0 |
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219.6 |
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195.4 |
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-2-
Customers. The primary sources of title business are attorneys, builders, developers, home
buyers, lenders and real estate brokers. No one customer was responsible for as much as 10% of our
title operating revenues in any of the last three years. Titles insured include residential and
commercial properties, undeveloped acreage, farms, ranches and water rights.
Service, location, financial strength, size and related factors affect customer acceptance.
Increasing market share is accomplished primarily by providing superior service. The parties to a
closing are concerned with personal schedules and the interest and other costs associated with any
delays in the settlement. The rates charged to customers are regulated, to varying degrees, in
many states.
Financial strength and stability of the title underwriter are important factors in maintaining and
increasing our agency network. Among the nations leading title insurers, we earned one of the
highest ratings awarded by the title industrys leading rating companies. Our principal
underwriter, Stewart Title Guaranty Company (Guaranty) is currently rated A by Demotech, Inc., A+
by Fitch and A by Lace Financial.
Market share. Title insurance statistics are compiled quarterly by the title industrys
national trade association. Based on 2006 unconsolidated statutory net premiums written through
September 30, 2006, Guaranty is one of the leading title insurers in the United States.
Our principal competitors include Fidelity National Financial, Inc., The First American Corporation
and LandAmerica Financial Group, Inc. Like most title insurers, we also compete with abstractors,
attorneys who issue title opinions and attorney-owned title insurance funds. A number of
homebuilders, financial institutions, real estate brokers and others own or control title insurance
agencies, some of which issue policies underwritten by Guaranty. This controlled business also
provides competition for our offices. We also compete with issuers of alternatives to title
insurance products, which typically provide more limited coverage and less service for a smaller
fee.
Title revenues by state. The approximate amounts and percentages of consolidated title
operating revenues for the last three years were:
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Amounts ($ millions) |
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Percentages |
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2006 |
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2005 |
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2004 |
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2006 |
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2005 |
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2004 |
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Texas |
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321 |
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292 |
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269 |
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14 |
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13 |
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13 |
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California |
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317 |
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367 |
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353 |
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13 |
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16 |
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17 |
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Florida |
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280 |
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245 |
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175 |
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12 |
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11 |
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8 |
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New York |
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180 |
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159 |
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154 |
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8 |
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All others |
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1,253 |
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1,251 |
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1,131 |
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53 |
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53 |
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55 |
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2,351 |
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2,314 |
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2,082 |
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100 |
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100 |
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100 |
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Regulations. Title insurance companies are subject to comprehensive state regulations
covering premium rates, agency licensing, policy forms, trade practices, reserve requirements,
investments and the transfer of funds between an insurer and its parent or its subsidiaries and any
similar related party transactions. Kickbacks and similar practices are prohibited by most state
and federal laws.
-3-
Real Estate Information
The real estate information segment primarily provides electronic delivery of data, products and
services related to real estate. Stewart Lender Services (SLS), formerly Stewart Mortgage
Information Company, is one of the companies in the REI segment that offers origination and post-closing services to
residential mortgage lenders. These services include providing flood certificates, credit reports,
traditional and automated property valuations, initial loan disclosures and electronic mortgage
documents, property information reports and tax services. SLS also offers post-closing outsourcing
services for lenders, including document review, investor delivery, FHA/VA insuring, document
retrieval, preparation and national recordation of assignments, lien releases and security
interests, collateral reviews and loan pool certifications. In addition, other companies within
the real estate information segment provide diverse products and services related to automated
mapping projects and geodetic positioning; real estate database conversion, construction,
maintenance and access; automation for government recording and registration; criminal, credit and
motor vehicle background checks and pre-employment screening services; and Internal Revenue Code
Section 1031 (Section 1031) tax-deferred property exchanges.
The introduction of automation tools for title agencies is an important part of the future growth
of the REI companies. Web-based search and examination tools developed by Ultima Corporation and
PropertyInfo® Corp. are designed to increase the processing speed of title examinations
by connecting all aspects of the title examination process to proprietary title plant databases and
directly to public record data sources. Accessible through www.PropertyInfo.com, a title examiner
can utilize Advanced Search Analysis and TitleSearch® Pro (formerly SearchManager) for
the search, examination and production of title reports, thus eliminating the steps and
inefficiencies associated with traditional courthouse searches. As a result of our purchase of
certain assets of CST Title Abstract, LLC, Advanced Title Search (ATS) is now offered via
www.PropertyInfo.com. ATS provides broader access to data available directly from public records in
a growing number of counties nationwide. In January 2007, Stewart REI Group sold its aerial
photography and mapping businesses, GlobeXplorer® and AirPhotoUSA® to
DigitalGlobe® and entered into agreements with these companies to continue to provide
spatial and digital imagery through www.PropertyInfo.com.
Factors affecting revenues. As in the title segment, REI revenues, particularly those
generated by lender services and tax-deferred exchanges, are closely related to the level of
activity in the real estate market. Revenues related to many services are generated on a project
basis. Contracts for automating government recording and registration systems and mapping projects
are often awarded following competitive bidding processes or after responding to formal requests
for proposals.
Companies that compete with Stewarts REI companies vary across a wide range of industries. In the
mortgage-related products and services area, competitors include the major title insurance
underwriters mentioned under Title Market share, as well as entities known as vendor
management companies. In some cases the competitor may be the customer itself. For example,
certain services offered by SLS can be, or historically have been, performed by internal
departments of large mortgage lenders.
Another important factor affecting revenues is the advancement of technology, which permits
customers to order and receive timely status reports and final products and services through
dedicated interfaces with the customers production systems or over the Internet. The use of
websites, including www.stewart.com and www.PropertyInfo.com, allows customers easy access
to solutions designed for their specific industry.
Customers. Customers for Stewarts REI products and services include mortgage lenders and
servicers, mortgage brokers, government entities, commercial and residential real estate agents,
land developers, builders, title insurance agencies, and others interested in obtaining property
information (including data, images and aerial maps) that assist with the purchase, sale and
closing of real estate transactions and mortgage loans. Other customers include accountants,
attorneys, investors and others seeking services for their respective clients in need of qualified
intermediary (Section 1031) services and employers seeking information about prospective employees.
No one customer was responsible for as much as 10% of our REI operating revenues in any of the
last three years.
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Many of the services and products offered by our REI segment are used by professionals and
intermediaries who have been retained to assist consumers with the sale, purchase, mortgage,
transfer, recording and servicing of real estate-related transactions. To that end, timely and
accurate services are critical to our customers since these factors directly affect the service
they provide to their customers. Financial strength, marketplace presence and reputation as a
technology innovator are important factors in attracting new business.
General
Technology. Our automation products and services are increasing productivity in the title
office and speeding the real estate closing process for lenders, real estate professionals and
consumers. Before automation, an order typically required several individuals to manually search
the title, retrieve and review documents and create the title policy commitment. Today, on a
normal subdivision file, and in some locations where our systems are optimally deployed, one person
can receive the order electronically, view the prior file, examine the indexed documents, prepare
the commitment and deliver the finished title insurance product.
We have deployed SureClose®, our transaction management platform, which gives consumers
online access to their closing file for more transparency of the transaction during the closing
process. SureClose also gives lenders, real estate professionals and settlement service providers
the ability to monitor the progress of the transaction; view, print, exchange and download
documents and information; and post and receive messages and receive automatic event notifications.
Enhancing the seamless flow of the title order, SureClose is also integrated with Stewarts
AIM® title production system. The final commitment, as well as all other closing
documents, is archived on SureClose to create a paperless office.
Our platform for electronic real estate closings, eClosingRoomTM, was the
industrys first e-closing system and is integrated with our SureClose production system. In
addition, we are implementing systems that further automate the title searches through
rules-based processes.
Trademarks. We have developed numerous automation products and processes that are crucial
to both our title and REI segments. These systems automate most facets of the real estate
transaction. Among these trademarked products and processes are AIM®,
eMortgageDocs®, E-Title®, FileStor®, PropertyInfo®,
Re-Source®, SureClose®, TitleLogix® and Virtual
Underwriter®. We consider these trademarks, which are perpetual in duration, to be
important to our business.
Employees. As of December 31, 2006, we and our subsidiaries employed approximately 9,900
people. We consider our relationship with our employees to be good.
Available information. We file annual, quarterly and other reports and information with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange
Act). You may read and copy any material that we file with the SEC at the SECs Public Reference
Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. You may obtain additional information about the
Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an
Internet site (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and other information statements, and
other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including us.
We also make available, free of charge on or through our Internet site (www.stewart.com) our annual
reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, Code of Ethics
and, if applicable, amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or
15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such
material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.
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Item 1A. Risk Factors
You should consider the following risk factors, as well as the other information presented in this
report and our other filings with the SEC, in evaluating our business and any investment in our
company. These risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and
results of operations. In that event, the trading price of our Common Stock could decline
materially.
If adverse changes in the levels of real estate activity occur, our revenues will decline.
Our results of operations and financial condition are affected by changes in economic conditions,
particularly mortgage interest rates. Our revenues and earnings have fluctuated in the past and we
expect them to fluctuate in the future.
The demand for our title insurance and real estate information services depends in large part on
the volume of residential and commercial real estate transactions. The volume of these transactions
historically has been influenced by factors such as mortgage interest
rates and the overall state of the economy. Typically, when interest rates are increasing or when the economy is experiencing
a downturn, real estate activity declines. As a result, the title insurance industry tends to
experience decreased revenues and earnings. Increases in interest rates also may have an adverse
impact on our bond portfolio and interest on our bank debt.
We have benefited from a low mortgage interest rate environment and an increase in home prices in
recent years. A reversal of these trends could adversely affect our revenues and earnings absent
increases in market share, which cannot be assured.
Competition in the title insurance industry affects our revenues.
Competition in the title insurance industry is strong, particularly with respect to price, service
and expertise. Larger commercial customers and mortgage originators also look to the size and
financial strength of the title insurer. Although we are one of the leading title insurance
underwriters based on market share, Fidelity National Financial, Inc., The First American
Corporation and LandAmerica Financial Group, Inc. are each substantially larger than we are. Their
holding companies have significantly greater capital than we do. Although we are not aware of any
current initiatives to reduce regulatory barriers to entering our industry, any such reduction
could result in new competitors, including financial institutions, entering the title insurance
business. Competition among the major title insurance companies and any new entrants could lower
our premium and fee revenues. From time to time, new entrants enter the marketplace with
alternative products to traditional title insurance, although many of these alternative products
have been disallowed by title insurance regulators. These alternative products, if permitted by
regulators, could adversely affect our revenues and earnings.
Rapid technological changes in our industry require timely and cost-effective responses. Our
earnings may be adversely affected if we are unable to effectively use technology to increase
productivity.
Technological advances occur rapidly in the title insurance industry as industry standards evolve
and title insurers frequently introduce new products and services. We believe that our future
success depends on our ability to anticipate technological changes and to offer products and
services that meet evolving standards on a timely and cost-effective basis. Successful
implementation and customer acceptance of our technology-based services, such as SureClose, will be
crucial to our future profitability, as will increasing our productivity to recover our costs of
developing these services. There is a risk that products and services introduced by our
competitors, or advances in technology, could reduce the usefulness of our products and render them
obsolete.
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Our claims experience may require us to increase our provision for title losses or to record
additional reserves, either of which could adversely affect our earnings.
Estimating future loss payments is difficult, and our assumptions about future losses may prove
inaccurate. Claims are often complex and involve uncertainties as to the dollar amount and timing
of individual payments. Claims are often paid many years after a policy is issued. From time to
time, we experience large losses from title policies that have been issued, which require us to
increase our title loss reserves. These events are unpredictable and adversely affect our earnings.
Our growth strategy will depend in part on our ability to acquire and integrate complementary
businesses.
As part of our overall growth strategy, we selectively acquire businesses and technologies that
will allow us to enter new markets, provide services that we currently do not offer or advance our
existing technology. Our ability to continue this acquisition strategy will depend on our success
in identifying and consummating acquisitions of businesses on favorable economic terms. The success
of this strategy will also depend on our ability to integrate the operations, products and
personnel of any acquired business, retain key personnel, introduce new products and services on a
timely basis and increase the strength of our existing management team. Although we actively seek
acquisition candidates, we may be unsuccessful in these efforts. If we are unable to acquire
appropriate businesses on favorable economic terms, or at all, or are unable to introduce new
products and services successfully, our business, results of operations and financial condition
could be adversely affected.
We rely on dividends from our insurance underwriting subsidiaries. Significant restrictions on
dividends from our subsidiaries could adversely affect our ability to make acquisitions.
We are a holding company and our principal assets are the securities of our insurance underwriting
subsidiaries. Because of this structure, we depend primarily on receiving sufficient dividends from
our insurance subsidiaries to meet our debt service obligations, to pay our operating expenses and
to pay dividends. The insurance statutes and regulations of some states require us to maintain a
minimum amount of statutory capital and restrict the amount of dividends that our insurance
subsidiaries may pay to us. Guaranty is a wholly owned subsidiary of Stewart and the principal
source of our cash flow. In this regard, the ability of Guaranty to pay dividends to us is
dependent on the acknowledgement of the Texas Insurance Commissioner.
As of December 31, 2006,
under Texas insurance law, Guaranty could pay dividends or make distributions of up to $101.7
million in 2007 without approval of the Texas Insurance Commissioner. However, Guaranty voluntarily
restricts dividends to us so that it can grow its statutory surplus and maintain liquidity at
competitive levels. A title insurers ability to pay claims can significantly affect the decision
of lenders and other customers when buying a policy from a particular insurer. These restrictions
could limit our ability to fund our acquisition program with cash and to fulfill other cash needs.
-7-
Our insurance subsidiaries must comply with extensive government regulations. These regulations
could adversely affect our ability to increase our revenues and operating results.
Authorities regulate our insurance subsidiaries in the various states and international
jurisdictions in which we do business. These regulations generally are intended for the protection
of policyholders rather than stockholders. The nature and extent of these regulations vary from
jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but typically involve:
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approval or setting of insurance premium rates; |
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standards of solvency and minimum amounts of statutory capital and surplus that must
be maintained; |
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limitations on types and amounts of investments; |
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establishing reserves, including statutory premium reserves, for losses and loss
adjustment expenses; |
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regulation of dividend payments and other transactions among affiliates; |
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prior approval for the acquisition and control of an insurance company or of any
company controlling an insurance company; |
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licensing of insurers and agencies; |
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regulation of reinsurance; |
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restrictions on the size of risks that may be insured by a single company; |
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regulation of underwriting and marketing practices; |
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deposits of securities for the benefit of policyholders; |
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approval of policy forms; |
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methods of accounting; and |
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filing of annual and other reports with respect to financial condition and other matters. |
These regulations may impede or impose burdensome conditions on rate increases or other actions
that we might want to take to enhance our operating results. Changes in these regulations may also
adversely affect us. In addition, state regulatory examiners perform periodic examinations of
insurance companies, which could result in increased compliance or litigation expenses.
Litigation risks include claims by large classes of claimants.
We are periodically involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. In
addition, we are currently, and have been in the past, subject to claims and litigation from large
classes of claimants seeking substantial damages not arising in the ordinary course of business.
Material pending legal proceedings, if any, not in the ordinary course of business, are disclosed
in Item 3 Legal Proceedings included elsewhere in this report. To date, the impact of the
outcome of these proceedings has not been material to our consolidated financial condition or
results of operations. However, an unfavorable outcome in any litigation, claim or investigation
against us could have an adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of
operations.
Anti-takeover provisions in our certificate of incorporation and by-laws may make a takeover of us
difficult. This may reduce the opportunity for our stockholders to obtain a takeover premium for
their shares of our Common Stock.
Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws, as well as Delaware corporation law and the insurance
laws of various states, all contain provisions that could have the effect of discouraging a
prospective acquirer from making a tender offer for our shares, or that may otherwise delay, defer
or prevent a change in control of Stewart.
The holders of our Class B Common Stock have the right to elect four of our nine directors.
Pursuant to our by-laws, the vote of six directors is required to constitute an act by the Board of
Directors. Accordingly, the affirmative vote of at least one of the directors elected by the
holders of the Class B Common Stock is required for any action to be taken by the Board of
Directors. The foregoing provision of our by-laws may not be amended or repealed without the
affirmative vote of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of each class of our capital
stock, voting as separate classes.
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The voting rights of the holders of our Class B Common Stock may have the effect of rendering more
difficult or discouraging unsolicited tender offers, merger proposals, proxy contests or other
takeover proposals to acquire control of Stewart.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2. Properties
We lease approximately 271,000 square feet, under a non-cancelable lease expiring in 2016, in an
office building in Houston, Texas, which is used for our corporate offices and for offices of
several of our subsidiaries. In addition, we lease offices at approximately 800 additional
locations that are used for branch offices, regional headquarters and technology centers. These
additional locations include significant leased facilities in Dallas, Los Angeles, New York City,
San Jose, Seattle and Toronto.
Our leases expire from 2007 to 2016 and have an average term of four years, although our typical
lease term ranges from three to five years. We believe we will not have any difficulty obtaining
renewals of leases as they expire or, alternatively, leasing comparable properties. The aggregate
annual rent expense under all leases was approximately $66.1 million in 2006.
We also own seven office buildings located in Texas, Arizona, Colorado and New York. These owned
properties are not material to our financial condition. We consider all buildings and equipment
that we own or lease to be well maintained, adequately insured and generally sufficient for our
purposes.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
In September 2006, the California Commissioner of Insurance alleged that some of our captive
reinsurance programs may have constituted improper payments for the placement or referral of title
business and is seeking approximately $47 million in fines and penalties from us. Stewart believes
that its reinsurance is traditional reinsurance applied to residential business, which was
authorized by the Department of Housing and Urban Development in its August 1997 and 2004 letters
on permissible captive reinsurance in residential transactions covered by the Real Estate
Settlement and Procedures Act (RESPA). We have filed a notice of defense with the California
Department of Insurance requesting an administrative hearing in response to its allegations. We
believe that we have adequately reserved for this allegation and that the likely resolution will
not materially affect our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
We are also subject to routine lawsuits incidental to our business, most of which involve disputed
policy claims. In many of these lawsuits, the plaintiff seeks exemplary or treble damages in excess
of policy limits based on the alleged malfeasance of an issuing agent. We do not expect that any of
these proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or
results of operations. Additionally, we have received various other inquiries from governmental
regulators concerning practices in the insurance industry. Many of these practices do not concern
title insurance and we do not anticipate that the outcome of these inquiries will materially affect
our consolidated financial condition or results of operations. We, along with the other major
title insurance companies, are party to a number of class actions concerning the title insurance
industry. We believe that we have adequate reserves for these contingencies and that the likely
resolution of these matters will not materially affect our consolidated financial condition or
results of operations.
-9-
Regulators periodically review title insurance premium rates and may seek reductions in the premium
rates charged. In late 2006, the Texas Department of Insurance reduced rates by 3.2% effective
February 1, 2007. The effect of this rate change is not expected to have a material impact on our
consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
The rates
charged by title insurance underwriters in Florida, from which we derive a
significant portion of our revenues, are currently under review with
proposals to enact premium rate decreases. The California Insurance
Commissioner filed a rate reduction order that would have reduced
title insurance rates in California by 26% commencing in 2009. On
February 21, 2007, this rate reduction order was rejected by the
California Office of Administrative Law. Californias Insurance
Commissioner has announced plans to submit a revised rate reduction
proposal in the future. We believe that California law requires rates
to be established competitively and not by administrative order. We
cannot predict the outcome of these proposals and, to the extent that
rate decreases are enacted in the future, our financial condition and
results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
-10-
PART II
|
|
|
Item 5. |
|
Market for Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities |
Our Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol STC. The
following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of our Common Stock for each fiscal period
indicated, as reported by the NYSE.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High |
|
Low |
|
2006: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First quarter |
|
$ |
54.85 |
|
|
$ |
44.77 |
|
Second quarter |
|
|
47.85 |
|
|
|
36.16 |
|
Third quarter |
|
|
36.90 |
|
|
|
32.87 |
|
Fourth quarter |
|
|
44.15 |
|
|
|
34.33 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First quarter |
|
$ |
42.98 |
|
|
$ |
34.70 |
|
Second quarter |
|
|
42.64 |
|
|
|
34.71 |
|
Third quarter |
|
|
51.99 |
|
|
|
41.40 |
|
Fourth quarter |
|
|
53.01 |
|
|
|
45.38 |
|
|
|
As of February 14, 2007, the number of stockholders of record was 5,428 and the price of one share
of our Common Stock was $43.30.
The Board of Directors declared annual cash dividends of $0.75, $0.75 and $0.46 per share payable
December 21, 2006 and December 20, 2005 and 2004, respectively, to Common stockholders of record on
December 6, 2006, 2005 and 2004. Our certificate of incorporation provides that no cash dividends
may be paid on the Class B Common Stock.
We had a book value per share of $44.00 and $42.21 at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
At December 31, 2006, this measure was based on approximately $802.3 million in stockholders
equity and 18,231,270 shares of Common and Class B Common Stock outstanding. At December 31,
2005, this measure was based on approximately $766.3 million in stockholders equity and
18,154,487 shares of Common and Class B Common Stock outstanding.
-11-
Performance graph
The
following graph compares the yearly percentage change in our cumulative total
stockholder return on Common Stock with the cumulative total return of the Russell 2000 Index and
the Russell 2000 Financial Services Sector Index, which includes us
and our major publicly-owned competitors, for the five years ended December 31, 2006. The graph assumes that the value of
the investment in our Common Stock and each index was $100 at December 31, 2001 and that
all dividends were reinvested.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2001 |
|
2002 |
|
2003 |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
Stewart |
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
108.30 |
|
|
|
207.65 |
|
|
|
215.63 |
|
|
|
255.86 |
|
|
|
231.89 |
|
Russell 2000 |
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
79.52 |
|
|
|
117.12 |
|
|
|
138.67 |
|
|
|
145.09 |
|
|
|
171.85 |
|
Russell 2000 Financial Services Sector |
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
103.47 |
|
|
|
144.69 |
|
|
|
175.22 |
|
|
|
179.08 |
|
|
|
213.91 |
|
|
-12-
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The following table sets forth our selected consolidated financial data, which were derived from
our consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our audited
consolidated financial statements, including the Notes thereto, beginning on page F-1 of this
Report. See also Item 7 Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
2002 |
|
2001 |
|
2000 |
|
1999 |
|
1998 |
|
1997 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions of dollars) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues |
|
|
2,471.5 |
|
|
|
2,430.6 |
|
|
|
2,176.3 |
|
|
|
2,239.0 |
|
|
|
1,777.9 |
|
|
|
1,271.6 |
|
|
|
935.5 |
|
|
|
1,071.3 |
|
|
|
968.8 |
|
|
|
708.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title segment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues |
|
|
2,350.7 |
|
|
|
2,314.0 |
|
|
|
2,081.8 |
|
|
|
2,138.2 |
|
|
|
1,683.1 |
|
|
|
1,187.5 |
|
|
|
865.6 |
|
|
|
993.7 |
|
|
|
899.7 |
|
|
|
657.3 |
|
Investment income |
|
|
34.9 |
|
|
|
29.1 |
|
|
|
22.5 |
|
|
|
19.8 |
|
|
|
20.7 |
|
|
|
19.9 |
|
|
|
19.1 |
|
|
|
18.2 |
|
|
|
18.5 |
|
|
|
15.9 |
|
Investment gains |
|
|
4.7 |
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
3.1 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
.4 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
.3 |
|
|
|
.2 |
|
|
|
.4 |
|
Total revenues |
|
|
2,390.3 |
|
|
|
2,348.1 |
|
|
|
2,107.4 |
|
|
|
2,160.3 |
|
|
|
1,706.8 |
|
|
|
1,207.8 |
|
|
|
884.7 |
|
|
|
1,012.2 |
|
|
|
918.4 |
|
|
|
673.6 |
|
Pretax earnings(1) |
|
|
83.2 |
|
|
|
154.4 |
|
|
|
143.1 |
|
|
|
200.7 |
|
|
|
153.8 |
|
|
|
82.5 |
|
|
|
10.7 |
|
|
|
48.3 |
|
|
|
78.2 |
|
|
|
31.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REI segment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
81.2 |
|
|
|
82.5 |
|
|
|
68.9 |
|
|
|
78.7 |
|
|
|
71.1 |
|
|
|
63.8 |
|
|
|
50.8 |
|
|
|
59.0 |
|
|
|
50.4 |
|
|
|
35.3 |
|
Pretax earnings
(losses)(1) |
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
10.6 |
|
|
|
3.6 |
|
|
|
12.3 |
|
|
|
9.0 |
|
|
|
5.5 |
|
|
|
(4.5 |
) |
|
|
3.1 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
(5.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title loss provisions |
|
|
141.6 |
|
|
|
128.1 |
|
|
|
100.8 |
|
|
|
94.8 |
|
|
|
75.9 |
|
|
|
51.5 |
|
|
|
39.0 |
|
|
|
44.2 |
|
|
|
39.2 |
|
|
|
29.8 |
|
% title operating
revenues |
|
|
6.0 |
|
|
|
5.5 |
|
|
|
4.8 |
|
|
|
4.4 |
|
|
|
4.5 |
|
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
|
4.5 |
|
|
|
4.4 |
|
|
|
4.4 |
|
|
|
4.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pretax earnings(1) |
|
|
84.5 |
|
|
|
165.0 |
|
|
|
146.7 |
|
|
|
213.0 |
|
|
|
162.8 |
|
|
|
88.0 |
|
|
|
6.2 |
|
|
|
51.4 |
|
|
|
81.4 |
|
|
|
26.3 |
|
Net earnings |
|
|
43.3 |
|
|
|
88.8 |
|
|
|
82.5 |
|
|
|
123.8 |
|
|
|
94.5 |
|
|
|
48.7 |
|
|
|
.6 |
|
|
|
28.4 |
|
|
|
47.0 |
|
|
|
15.3 |
|
Cash provided by
operations |
|
|
99.7 |
|
|
|
173.5 |
|
|
|
170.4 |
|
|
|
190.1 |
|
|
|
162.6 |
|
|
|
108.2 |
|
|
|
31.9 |
|
|
|
57.9 |
|
|
|
86.5 |
|
|
|
36.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
|
1,458.2 |
|
|
|
1,361.2 |
|
|
|
1,193.4 |
|
|
|
1,031.9 |
|
|
|
844.0 |
|
|
|
677.9 |
|
|
|
563.4 |
|
|
|
535.7 |
|
|
|
498.5 |
|
|
|
417.7 |
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
92.5 |
|
|
|
70.4 |
|
|
|
39.9 |
|
|
|
17.3 |
|
|
|
7.4 |
|
|
|
7.0 |
|
|
|
15.4 |
|
|
|
6.0 |
|
|
|
8.9 |
|
|
|
11.4 |
|
Stockholders equity |
|
|
802.3 |
|
|
|
766.3 |
|
|
|
697.3 |
|
|
|
621.4 |
|
|
|
493.6 |
|
|
|
394.5 |
|
|
|
295.1 |
|
|
|
284.9 |
|
|
|
260.4 |
|
|
|
209.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per share data(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average shares
diluted (millions) |
|
|
18.3 |
|
|
|
18.2 |
|
|
|
18.2 |
|
|
|
18.0 |
|
|
|
17.8 |
|
|
|
16.3 |
|
|
|
15.0 |
|
|
|
14.6 |
|
|
|
14.2 |
|
|
|
13.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings basic |
|
|
2.37 |
|
|
|
4.89 |
|
|
|
4.56 |
|
|
|
6.93 |
|
|
|
5.33 |
|
|
|
3.01 |
|
|
|
.04 |
|
|
|
1.96 |
|
|
|
3.37 |
|
|
|
1.12 |
|
Net earnings diluted |
|
|
2.36 |
|
|
|
4.86 |
|
|
|
4.53 |
|
|
|
6.88 |
|
|
|
5.30 |
|
|
|
2.98 |
|
|
|
.04 |
|
|
|
1.95 |
|
|
|
3.32 |
|
|
|
1.11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash dividends |
|
|
.75 |
|
|
|
.75 |
|
|
|
.46 |
|
|
|
.46 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
.16 |
|
|
|
.14 |
|
|
|
.13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders equity |
|
|
44.00 |
|
|
|
42.21 |
|
|
|
38.48 |
|
|
|
34.47 |
|
|
|
27.84 |
|
|
|
22.16 |
|
|
|
19.61 |
|
|
|
19.39 |
|
|
|
18.43 |
|
|
|
15.17 |
|
|
Market price: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High |
|
|
54.85 |
|
|
|
53.01 |
|
|
|
47.60 |
|
|
|
41.45 |
|
|
|
22.50 |
|
|
|
22.25 |
|
|
|
22.31 |
|
|
|
31.38 |
|
|
|
33.88 |
|
|
|
14.63 |
|
Low |
|
|
32.87 |
|
|
|
34.70 |
|
|
|
31.14 |
|
|
|
20.76 |
|
|
|
15.05 |
|
|
|
15.80 |
|
|
|
12.25 |
|
|
|
10.25 |
|
|
|
14.25 |
|
|
|
9.38 |
|
Year end |
|
|
43.36 |
|
|
|
48.67 |
|
|
|
41.65 |
|
|
|
40.55 |
|
|
|
21.39 |
|
|
|
19.75 |
|
|
|
22.19 |
|
|
|
13.31 |
|
|
|
29.00 |
|
|
|
14.50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Pretax earnings before minority interests. |
|
(2) |
|
Restated for a two-for-one stock split in May 1999, effected as a stock dividend. |
-13-
|
|
|
Item 7. |
|
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations |
Managements overview. We reported net earnings of $43.3 million for the year ended December 31,
2006 compared with net earnings of $88.8 million for the year 2005. On a diluted per share basis,
net earnings were $2.36 for the year 2006 compared with net earnings of $4.86 for the year 2005.
Revenues for the year increased 1.7% to $2.47 billion from $2.43 billion in 2005.
Our increase in revenues for the year 2006 compared with the year 2005 was primarily due to
acquisitions, revenues from new agencies, continued growth in revenues from commercial transactions
and an increase in international operations. The increase in revenues was substantially offset by
a decline in transaction volume handled by our direct operations in certain major markets of the
country. The decline was due to a softening real estate market resulting primarily from a higher
interest rate environment.
We continue to incur significant other operating expenses and employee costs related to our
technology advancements and compliance with both privacy laws and Sarbanes-Oxley. Although our
employee costs increased in 2006 compared with 2005 primarily due to acquisitions and costs
associated with developing technology initiatives, we reduced employee costs in markets where
direct operations experienced revenue declines. In response to overall decreases in transaction
volumes, our workforce in our title offices was reduced by approximately 920 employees, or 11.6%,
during 2006. Giving effect to the increase in staff primarily for advancing technology, we reduced
our total workforce by approximately 720 employees, or 7.1%. Right-sizing extended into January
2007 with the reduction of an additional 180 employees. These amounts exclude increases from new
offices.
Critical accounting estimates. Actual results can differ from the accounting estimates we report.
However, we believe there is no material risk of a change in our estimates that is likely to have a
material impact on our reported financial condition and results of operations for the three years
ended December 31, 2006.
Title loss reserves
Our most critical accounting estimate is providing for title loss reserves. Our liability for
estimated title losses at December 31, 2006 comprises both known claims ($80.3 million) and claims
expected to be reported in the future ($304.1 million). The amount of the reserve represents the
aggregate future payments (net of recoveries) that we expect to incur on policy and escrow losses
and in costs to settle claims.
We base our estimates on reported claims, historical loss payment experience, title industry
averages and the current legal and economic environment. In making estimates, we use moving-average
ratios of recent actual policy loss payment experience (net of recoveries) to premium revenues.
Provisions for title losses, as a percentage of title operating revenues, were 6.0%, 5.5% and 4.8%
for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Actual loss payment
experience, including the impact of large losses, is the primary reason for increases or decreases
in our loss provision. A change of 0.5% in this percentage, a reasonably likely scenario based on
our historical loss experience, would have changed our provision for title losses and pretax
earnings by approximately $11.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Estimating future loss payments is difficult and our assumptions are subject to change. Claims, by
their very nature, are complex and involve uncertainties as to the dollar amount and timing of
individual payments. Our experience has been that most policy claims and claim payments are made in
the first six years after the policy has been issued, although claims are incurred and paid many
years later.
We have consistently followed the same basic method of estimating loss payments for more than 10
years. Independent consulting actuaries have reviewed our title loss reserves and found them to be
adequate at each year end for more than 10 years.
-14-
Goodwill and other long-lived assets
Based on our evaluation of goodwill as of June 30, which is completed annually in the third
quarter, and events that may indicate impairment of the value of title plants and other long-lived
assets, we estimate and expense to current operations any loss in value. The process of determining
impairment relies on projections of future cash flows, operating results and market conditions.
Uncertainties exist in these projections and bear the risk of change related to factors such as
interest rates and overall real estate markets. Actual market conditions and operating results may
vary materially from our projections. There were no impairment write-offs of goodwill during the
three years ended December 31, 2006. We use independent appraisers to assist us in determining the
fair value of our reporting units and assessing whether an impairment of goodwill exists.
Agency revenues
We recognize revenues on title insurance policies written by independent agencies (agencies) when
the policies are reported to us. In addition, where reasonable estimates can be made, we also
accrue for revenues on policies issued but not reported until after period end. We believe that
reasonable estimates can be made when recent and consistent policy issuance information is
available. Our estimates are based on historical reporting patterns and other information about our
agencies. We also consider current trends in our direct operations and in the title industry. In
this accrual, we are not estimating future transactions. We are estimating revenues on policies
that have already been issued by agencies but not yet reported to or received by us. We have
consistently followed the same basic method of estimating unreported policy revenues for more than
10 years.
Our accruals for unreported policies from agencies were not material to our total assets or
stockholders equity for any of the three years ended December 31, 2006. The differences between
the amounts our agencies have subsequently reported to us compared to our estimated accruals are
substantially offset by any differences arising from the prior years accrual and have been
immaterial to stockholders equity during each of the three prior years. We believe our process
provides the most reliable estimation of the unreported revenues on policies and appropriately
reflects the trends in agency policy activity.
Operations. Our business has two main segments: title insurance-related services and real estate
information (REI). These segments are closely related due to the nature of their operations and
common customers.
Our primary business is title insurance and settlement-related services. We close transactions and
issue title policies on homes, commercial properties and other real properties located in all 50
states, the District of Columbia and international markets through more than 9,500 policy-issuing
offices and agencies. We also provide post-closing lender services, automated county clerk land
records, property ownership mapping, geographic information systems, property information reports,
flood certificates, document preparation, background checks and expertise in Section 1031
tax-deferred exchanges. Our current level of international operations is immaterial with respect to
our consolidated financial results.
Factors affecting revenues. The principal factors that contribute to increases in operating
revenues for our title and REI segments include:
|
|
|
declining mortgage interest rates, which usually increase home sales and refinancing transactions; |
|
|
|
|
rising home prices; |
|
|
|
|
increasing consumer confidence; |
|
|
|
|
increasing demand by buyers; |
|
|
|
|
increasing number of households; |
|
|
|
|
higher premium rates; |
|
|
|
|
increasing market share; |
|
|
|
|
opening of new offices and acquisitions; and |
|
|
|
|
increasing number of commercial transactions, which typically yield higher premiums. |
-15-
To the extent inflation causes increases in the prices of homes and other real estate, premium
revenues are also increased. Premiums are determined in part by the insured values of the
transactions we handle. These factors may override the seasonal nature of the title insurance
business. Generally, our first quarter is the least active and our fourth quarter is the most
active in terms of title insurance revenues.
Industry data. A table of published mortgage interest rates and other selected residential data
for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 follows (amounts shown for 2006 are
preliminary and subject to revision). The amounts below may not relate directly to or provide
accurate data for forecasting our operating revenues or order counts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
Mortgage interest rates (30-year, fixed-rate) % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Averages for the year |
|
|
6.41 |
|
|
|
5.87 |
|
|
|
5.84 |
|
First quarter |
|
|
6.24 |
|
|
|
5.76 |
|
|
|
5.61 |
|
Second quarter |
|
|
6.60 |
|
|
|
5.72 |
|
|
|
6.13 |
|
Third quarter |
|
|
6.56 |
|
|
|
5.76 |
|
|
|
5.90 |
|
Fourth quarter |
|
|
6.25 |
|
|
|
6.22 |
|
|
|
5.73 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mortgage originations in $ billions |
|
|
2,507 |
|
|
|
2,980 |
|
|
|
2,792 |
|
Refinancings share % |
|
|
41.5 |
|
|
|
49.3 |
|
|
|
52.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New home sales in thousands |
|
|
1,061 |
|
|
|
1,283 |
|
|
|
1,203 |
|
Existing home sales in thousands |
|
|
6,480 |
|
|
|
7,075 |
|
|
|
6,779 |
|
Existing home sales median sales price
in $ thousands |
|
|
222.0 |
|
|
|
219.6 |
|
|
|
195.4 |
|
|
|
Most industry experts project mortgage interest rates to remain stable in 2007 or to decline
slightly. Due to the large number of refinancing transactions completed in 2004 and 2005 and
rising interest rates in 2006, significantly fewer refinancing transactions occurred in 2006.
Refinancing transactions are expected to remain relatively unchanged in 2007 compared with 2006 as
interest rates stabilize.
Trends and order counts. Mortgage interest rates (30-year, fixed-rate) have fluctuated from a
monthly low of 5.45% in the first quarter of 2004 to a high of 6.76% in the third quarter of 2006
and were 6.14% in December 2006. Mortgage originations increased during 2005 compared with 2004 as
a result of the favorable interest rate environment, but decreased during 2006 due to a significant
increase in average mortgage interest rates. Sales of new and existing homes for 2004 through 2006
have generally followed the trends of mortgage interest rates and originations.
As a result of the above trends, our order levels increased overall from 2004 to 2005, although
orders for the fourth quarter of 2005 were lower than the comparable period in 2004. Some of the
increases in 2005 and 2004 were due to acquisitions. Our order levels for 2006 compared with 2005
decreased significantly as a result of a softening real estate market resulting primarily from the
higher interest rate environment noted above. The decline in order counts for 2006 was partially
offset by acquisitions.
Our order counts follow (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First quarter |
|
|
193 |
|
|
|
212 |
|
|
|
223 |
|
Second quarter |
|
|
202 |
|
|
|
245 |
|
|
|
222 |
|
Third quarter |
|
|
183 |
|
|
|
238 |
|
|
|
204 |
|
Fourth quarter |
|
|
162 |
|
|
|
187 |
|
|
|
191 |
|
|
|
|
|
740 |
|
|
|
882 |
|
|
|
840 |
|
|
|
-16-
Regulatory developments. In September 2006, the California Commissioner of Insurance alleged that
some of our captive reinsurance programs may have constituted improper payments for the placement
or referral of title business and is seeking approximately $47 million in fines and penalties from
us. Stewart believes that its reinsurance is traditional reinsurance applied to residential
business, which was authorized by the Department of Housing and Urban Development in its August
1997 and 2004 letters on permissible captive reinsurance in residential transactions covered by the
Real Estate Settlement and Procedures Act (RESPA). We have filed a notice of defense with the
California Department of Insurance requesting an administrative hearing in response to its
allegations. We believe that we have adequately reserved for this allegation and that the likely
resolution will not materially affect our consolidated financial condition or results of
operations.
Regulators periodically review title insurance premium rates and may seek reductions in the premium
rates charged. In late 2006, the Texas Department of Insurance reduced rates by 3.2% effective
February 1, 2007. The effect of this rate change is not expected to have a material impact on our
consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
The rates
charged by title insurance underwriters in Florida, from which we
derive a significant portion of our revenues, are currently under
review with proposals to enact premium rate decreases. The California
Insurance Commissioner filed a rate reduction order that would have
reduced title insurance rates in California by 26% commencing in
2009. On February 21, 2007, this rate reduction order was rejected by
the California Office of Administrative Law. Californias
Insurance Commissioner has announced plans to submit a revised rate
reduction proposal in the future. We believe that California law
requires rates to be established competitively and not by
administrative order. We cannot predict the outcome of these
proposals and, to the extent that rate decreases are enacted in the
future, our financial condition and results of operations could be
materially adversely affected.
Results of Operations
A comparison of our results of operations for 2006 with 2005 and 2005 with 2004 follows. Factors
contributing to fluctuations in results of operations are presented in their order of monetary
significance. We have quantified, when necessary, significant changes.
Title revenues. Our revenues from direct title operations decreased 1.3% in 2006 and increased
18.3% in 2005. The largest revenue decreases in 2006 were in California and Florida, partially
offset by increases in Texas, including the results of acquisitions made in that state, and Canada.
The decreases were due to a softening real estate market resulting primarily from the higher
interest rate environment that has impacted certain major markets and an overall reduction in home
sales. The largest revenue increases in 2005 were in Texas, Florida, California and Arizona.
Acquisitions added revenues of $51.7 million and $71.8 million in 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Revenues from commercial and other large transactions increased $42.8 million and $6.3 million in
2006 and 2005, respectively.
The number of direct closings we handled decreased 17.3% in 2006 and increased 5.5% in 2005.
However, the average revenue per closing increased 17.0% in 2006 and 11.3% in 2005 primarily due to
a lower ratio of refinancing transactions closed by our direct operations compared with the prior
year. Title insurance premiums on refinancing transactions are typically less than on property
sales. The increase in 2006 in average revenue per closing was also due to a higher complement of
commercial transactions.
Revenues from agencies increased 3.9% in 2006 and 5.9% in 2005. The increase in 2006 was due to
new agencies and additional revenues from existing agencies, partially offset by the impact of a
reduction in home sales and our acquisition of some agencies that were formerly independent. The
increase in 2005 was primarily due to a decrease in the ratio of refinancing transactions compared
to property sales, partially offset by our acquisitions of some agencies that were formerly
independent.
-17-
Agency business increased in 2006 due in part to new agencies added by us in Florida in 2006 and
2005 and due to the acquisition of a New York title insurance underwriter with agency operations.
These
increases were partially offset by decreases in transaction volumes in California and Pennsylvania.
The largest increases in revenues from agencies in 2005 were primarily in Florida, New Jersey,
Georgia and Maryland, partially offset by decreases in California and Texas.
The Texas Department of Insurance reduced title insurance premium rates by 6.5% effective July 1,
2004. As a consequence, our revenues and net earnings were reduced by approximately $19.0 million
and $5.6 million, respectively, in 2006, $17.6 million and $5.2 million, respectively, in 2005 and
$8.8 million and $2.6 million, respectively, in 2004. In late 2006, the Texas Department of
Insurance reduced premium rates by 3.2% effective February 1, 2007. The effect of this rate change
is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition or results of
operations.
Our statements above on sales and loan activity are based on published industry data from sources
including Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association, the National Association of
Realtors® and Freddie Mac. We also use information from our direct operations.
Title revenues by state. The approximate amounts and percentages of consolidated title operating
revenues for the last three years were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts ($ millions) |
|
Percentages |
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
|
Texas |
|
|
321 |
|
|
|
292 |
|
|
|
269 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
California |
|
|
317 |
|
|
|
367 |
|
|
|
353 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
Florida |
|
|
280 |
|
|
|
245 |
|
|
|
175 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
New York |
|
|
180 |
|
|
|
159 |
|
|
|
154 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
All others |
|
|
1,253 |
|
|
|
1,251 |
|
|
|
1,131 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
|
|
2,351 |
|
|
|
2,314 |
|
|
|
2,082 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
REI revenues. Real estate information services revenues were $81.2 million in 2006, $82.5 million
in 2005 and $68.9 million in 2004. The decrease in 2006 resulted primarily from reduced revenues
related to post-closing services and electronic mortgage documents. These decreases were offset
somewhat by an increase in revenues in our automated mapping services due to an acquisition. In
2006, revenues and pretax earnings from our tax-deferred property exchange business were negatively
impacted due to a shift from taxable income to a higher percentage of tax-exempt income than was
earned in 2005.
The increase in revenues in 2005 resulted primarily from a greater number of tax-deferred property
exchanges and increases in automated mapping services due to an acquisition in the second half of
2005, partially offset by reduced revenues related to post-closing services and electronic mortgage
documents.
In January 2007, we sold our aerial photography and mapping businesses, GlobeXplorer®
and
AirPhotoUSA®, to DigitalGlobe® and entered into agreements with these
companies to continue to provide spatial and digital imagery through, www.PropertyInfo.com. The
impact of the sale transaction and these businesses was not material to our consolidated financial
condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Investments. Investment income increased $5.8 million, or 19.9%, in 2006 primarily due to higher
yields. Investment income increased $6.6 million, or 29.4%, in 2005 due to increases in average
balances invested and higher yields. Certain investment gains and losses in 2006, 2005 and 2004
were realized as part of the ongoing management of the investment portfolio for the purpose of
improving performance. In 2005, investment and other gains also included a pretax gain of $1.9
million realized from the sale of our ownership interest in an equity investee.
-18-
Retention by agencies. The amounts retained by agencies, as a percentage of revenues generated by
them, were 80.7%, 81.2% and 81.6% in the years 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Amounts retained
by title agencies are based on agreements between agencies and our title underwriters. This
retention percentage may vary from year-to-year because of the geographical mix of agency
operations, the volume of title revenues and, in some states, laws or regulations.
Selected cost ratios (by segment). The following table shows employee costs and other operating
expenses as a percentage of related title and REI operating revenues.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employee costs (%) |
|
Other operating (%) |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
2004 |
|
Title |
|
|
28.3 |
|
|
|
27.5 |
|
|
|
25.9 |
|
|
|
15.8 |
|
|
|
15.1 |
|
|
|
14.7 |
|
REI |
|
|
63.8 |
|
|
|
60.5 |
|
|
|
65.5 |
|
|
|
35.2 |
|
|
|
22.4 |
|
|
|
23.2 |
|
|
|
These two categories of expenses are discussed below in terms of year-to-year monetary changes.
Employee costs. Employee costs for the combined business segments increased $33.9 million, or
4.9%, in 2006 and $103.5 million, or 17.5%, in 2005. The number of persons we employed at December
31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was approximately 9,900, 10,100 and 9,200, respectively. Although employee
costs increased in 2006 compared with 2005 primarily due to acquisitions and costs associated with
developing technology initiatives, we reduced employee costs in markets where direct operations
experienced revenue declines. In response to overall decreases in transaction volumes, we reduced
our workforce in title offices by approximately 920 employees, or 11.6%, during 2006. Giving
effect to the increase in staff primarily for advancing technology, we reduced our total workforce
by approximately 720 employees, or 7.1%. These amounts exclude increases from new offices.
Acquisitions increased staff in 2006 and 2005 by 523 and 552 employees, and $23.3 million and $36.3
million in employee costs, respectively. Employee costs were also impacted by the competitive
market for key employees in California and other states and by a significant increase in health
insurance claims and related premiums during 2006 compared with 2005.
The number of employees and employee costs increased in 2005 compared with 2004 due to the impact
of new offices and the increase in our volume of real estate transactions. Employee costs were
increased $2.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2005 related to our accounting for employee
vacations.
In our REI segment, employee costs for 2006 were comparable to 2005. In 2005, employee costs in our
REI segment increased 10.7% compared with 2004. These employee costs did not increase
proportionately with the 19.7% increase in segment revenues due to an increase in revenues from
Section 1031 property exchange services, which are less labor intensive than other REI services.
Other operating expenses. Our employee costs and certain other operating expenses are sensitive
to inflation. Other operating expenses for the combined business segments increased $32.8 million,
or 8.8%, in 2006 and $48.3 million, or 14.9%, in 2005. The increase in other operating expenses in
2006 was partially due to acquisitions, which contributed approximately $13.7 million of the
increase. Other 2006 increases included technology costs, outside search fees, business promotion
and litigation costs. The increase in other operating expenses in 2005 was partially due to
acquisitions, which contributed approximately $18.9 million of the increase. Other 2005 increases
included rent of $10.0 million, outside search fees, business promotion and technology costs. Other
operating expenses also include title plant and travel expenses. Included in the increase in rent
expense in 2005 was a $2.8 million charge related to our accounting for leases.
-19-
Title losses. Provisions for title losses, as a percentage of title operating revenues, were
6.0%, 5.5% and 4.8% in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. An increase in loss payment experience
for recent policy years resulted in an increase in our loss ratio in 2006 compared with 2005.
Additions to title loss reserves of $4.9 million and $4.3 million in the second and fourth quarters
of 2006, respectively, related primarily to agency defalcations, also contributed to the increase
in our title loss ratio in the current year. Included in 2005 was an addition to title loss
reserves of $10.5 million in the fourth quarter related to a mortgage fraud and an agency
defalcation. An increase in loss payment experience also resulted in an increase in our loss
provision in 2005 compared with 2004.
Income taxes. Our effective tax rates, based on earnings before taxes and after deducting
minority interests ($66.3 million, $145.5 million and $133.2 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004,
respectively), were 34.8%, 39.0% and 38.1% for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. For 2006, our
effective tax rate was positively impacted primarily by a higher ratio of tax-exempt income to
earnings before taxes than in 2005.
Contractual obligations. Our material contractual obligations at December 31, 2006 were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments due by period ($ millions) |
|
|
Less than |
|
13 |
|
35 |
|
More than |
|
|
|
|
1 year |
|
years |
|
years |
|
5 years |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes payable |
|
|
17.1 |
|
|
|
41.4 |
|
|
|
49.4 |
|
|
|
1.6 |
|
|
|
109.5 |
|
Operating leases |
|
|
55.2 |
|
|
|
81.2 |
|
|
|
43.3 |
|
|
|
58.3 |
|
|
|
238.0 |
|
Estimated title losses |
|
|
73.0 |
|
|
|
107.6 |
|
|
|
50.0 |
|
|
|
153.8 |
|
|
|
384.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
145.3 |
|
|
|
230.2 |
|
|
|
142.7 |
|
|
|
213.7 |
|
|
|
731.9 |
|
|
|
Material contractual obligations consist primarily of notes payable, operating leases and estimated
title losses. Operating leases are primarily for office space and expire over the next 10 years.
The timing above for the payment of estimated title losses is not set by contract. Rather, it is
projected based on historical payment patterns. The actual timing of estimated title loss payments
may vary materially from the above projection because claims, by their nature, are complex and paid
over long periods of time. Loss reserves represent a total estimate only, whereas the other
contractual obligations are determinable as to timing and amounts. Title losses paid were $106.6
million, $82.2 million and $68.4 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity.
Cash provided by operations was $99.7 million, $173.5 million and $170.4 million in
2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Cash provided by operations was reduced due to decreases in
earnings and taxes payable and increases in title loss payments and receivables. Cash flow from
operations has been the primary source of financing for additions to property and equipment,
expanding operations, dividends to stockholders and other requirements. This source is supplemented
by bank borrowings, typically in connection with acquisitions.
The most significant non-operating source of cash was from proceeds of investments matured and sold
in the amounts of $435.5 million, $580.9 million and $405.7 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004,
respectively. We used cash for the purchases of investments in the amounts of $405.9 million,
$679.0 million and $470.8 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
-20-
Unrealized gains and losses on investments, net of taxes, are reported in accumulated other
comprehensive earnings, a component of stockholders equity, until realized. For 2006, unrealized
investment gains increased comprehensive earnings by $0.8 million, net of taxes. During the first
six months of 2006, unrealized investment losses reduced comprehensive earnings by $6.5 million,
net of taxes. These unrealized investment losses were primarily related to changes in bond values
caused by interest rate increases. The increase in comprehensive income related to unrealized
investment gains during the last six months of 2006 of $7.3 million, net of taxes, was primarily
related to changes in bond values caused by interest rate decreases.
During the years ended 2006, 2005 and 2004, acquisitions resulted in additions to goodwill of $48.7
million, $30.1 million and $45.6 million, respectively.
A substantial majority of our consolidated cash and investments at December 31, 2006 was held by
Guaranty and its subsidiaries. The use and investment of these funds, dividends to us, and cash
transfers between Guaranty and its subsidiaries and us are subject to certain legal restrictions.
See Notes 2 and 3 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Our liquidity at December 31, 2006, excluding Guaranty and its subsidiaries, was comprised of cash
and investments aggregating $55.4 million and short-term liabilities of $6.7 million. We know of no
commitments or uncertainties that are likely to materially affect our ability to fund cash needs.
See Note 17 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Loss reserves. Our loss reserves are fully funded, segregated and invested in high-quality
securities and short-term investments as required by the insurance regulators of the states in
which our underwriters are domiciled. At December 31, 2006, these investments aggregated $457.0
million and our estimated title loss reserves were $384.4 million.
Effective September 1, 2005 and retroactive to the start of the year, the Texas Legislature reduced
statutory reserve requirements for our major title insurer. The change does not directly impact
reported earnings or loss reserves under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. However, in
the year 2005 the change released approximately $25.2 million, or approximately $18.3 million after
taxes, of low-yielding statutory reserve investments, making that portion available for other uses.
Historically, our operating cash flow has been sufficient to pay all title policy losses. As
reported in Note 4 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, the fair value of our
debt securities maturing in less than one year was $57.9 million at December 31, 2006. Combining
our expected annual cash flow provided by operations ($99.7 million in 2006) with investments
maturing in less than one year, we do not expect future loss payments to create a liquidity problem
for us. Beyond providing funds for loss payments, we manage the maturities of our investment
portfolio to provide safety of capital, improve earnings and mitigate interest rate risks.
Capital resources. We consider our capital resources to be adequate. We expect external capital
resources will be available, if needed, because of our low debt-to-equity ratio. Long-term debt was
$92.5 million and stockholders equity was $802.3 million at December 31, 2006. We are not aware
of any trends, either favorable or unfavorable, that would materially affect notes payable or
stockholders equity. We do not expect any material changes in the mix and relative cost of such
resources. Significant acquisitions in the future could materially affect the notes payable or
stockholders equity balances.
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.
-21-
Forward-looking statements. All statements included in this report, other than statements of
historical facts, addressing activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will
or may occur in the future, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are
subject to risks and uncertainties including, among other things, adverse changes in the levels of
real estate activity, technology changes, unanticipated title losses, adverse changes in
governmental regulations, actions of
competitors, general economic conditions and other risks and uncertainties discussed under Item 1A
Risk Factors included elsewhere in this report.
|
|
|
Item 7A. |
|
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
The discussion below about our risk management strategies includes forward-looking statements that
are subject to risks and uncertainties. Managements projections of hypothetical net losses in the
fair values of our market rate-sensitive financial instruments, should certain potential changes in
market rates occur, are presented below. While we believe that the potential market rate changes
are possible, actual rate changes could differ.
Our only material market risk in investments in financial instruments is our debt securities
portfolio. We invest primarily in municipal, corporate and utilities, U.S. Government and foreign
debt securities. We do not invest in financial instruments of a hedging or derivative nature.
We have established policies and procedures to minimize our exposure to changes in the fair values
of our investments. These policies include retaining an investment advisory firm, an emphasis upon
credit quality, management of portfolio duration, maintaining or increasing investment income
through high coupon rates and actively managing profile and security mix depending upon market
conditions. We have classified all of our investments as available-for-sale.
Investments in debt securities at December 31, 2006 mature, according to their contractual terms,
as follows (actual maturities may differ because of call or prepayment rights):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortized |
|
Fair |
|
|
costs |
|
values |
|
|
|
($ thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In one year or less |
|
|
58,162 |
|
|
|
57,903 |
|
After one year through two years |
|
|
52,537 |
|
|
|
52,162 |
|
After two years through three years |
|
|
67,020 |
|
|
|
67,003 |
|
After three years through four years |
|
|
49,325 |
|
|
|
48,782 |
|
After four years through five years |
|
|
65,944 |
|
|
|
65,815 |
|
After five years |
|
|
239,203 |
|
|
|
240,664 |
|
Mortgage-backed securities |
|
|
228 |
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
|
|
532,419 |
|
|
|
532,529 |
|
|
|
We believe our investment portfolio is diversified and do not expect any material loss to result
from the failure to perform by issuers of the debt securities we hold. Our investments are not
collateralized. The mortgage-backed securities are issued by U.S. Government-sponsored entities.
Based on our debt securities portfolio and interest rates at December 31, 2006, a 100 basis-point
increase (decrease) in interest rates would result in a decrease (increase) of approximately $19.9
million, or 3.7%, in the fair value of our portfolio. Changes in interest rates may affect the
fair value of the debt securities portfolio and may result in unrealized gains or losses. Gains or
losses would only be realized upon the sale of the investments. Any other-than-temporary declines
in fair values of securities are charged to earnings.
-22-
|
|
|
Item 8. |
|
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data |
The information required to be provided in this item is included in our audited Consolidated
Financial Statements, including the Notes thereto, attached hereto as pages F-1 to F-23, and such
information is incorporated in this report by reference.
|
|
|
Item 9. |
|
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosure |
None.
|
|
|
Item 9A. |
|
Controls and Procedures |
Our principal executive officers and principal financial officer, after evaluating the
effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e)
and 15d-15(e)) as of December 31, 2006, have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure
controls and procedures are adequate and effective to ensure that material information relating to
us and our consolidated subsidiaries would be made known to them by others within those entities.
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended
December 31, 2006 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our
internal control over financial reporting. As a result, no corrective actions were required or
undertaken.
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore,
even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to
financial statement preparation and presentation. Internal control over financial reporting is a
process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and
breakdowns resulting from human failures. Internal controls over financial reporting also can be
circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Because of such limitations, there is a
risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal
controls over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the
financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to
reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.
See page F-2 for the Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 Management Report and page F-3 for the Report of
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on our effectiveness of internal control over
financial reporting.
|
|
|
Item 9B. |
|
Other Information |
None.
-23-
PART III
|
|
|
Item 10. |
|
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance |
Information regarding our directors and executive officers will be included in our proxy statement
for our 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Proxy Statement), to be filed within 120 days after
December 31, 2006, and is incorporated in this report by reference.
The Board of Directors has adopted the Stewart Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Guidelines
on Corporate Governance, as well as the Code of Ethics for Chief Executive Officers, Principal
Financial Officers and Principal Accounting Officer. Each of these documents can be found at our
website, www.stewart.com.
|
|
|
Item 11. |
|
Executive Compensation |
Information regarding compensation for our executive officers will be included in the Proxy
Statement and is incorporated in this report by reference. The Compensation Committee has reviewed
and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management and based on that review and
discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation
Discussion and Analysis be included in the Proxy Statement.
|
|
|
Item 12. |
|
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and
Related Stockholder Matters |
Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and related
stockholder matters will be included in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated in this report by
reference.
|
|
|
Item 13. |
|
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence |
Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions, and director independence
will be included in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated in this report by reference.
|
|
|
Item 14. |
|
Principal Accounting Fees and Services |
Information regarding fees paid to and services provided by our independent registered public
accounting firm will be included in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated in this report by
reference.
-24-
PART IV
|
|
|
Item 15. |
|
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules |
(a) |
|
Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules |
|
|
|
The financial statements and financial statement schedules filed as part of this report are
listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules
on Page F-1 of this document. All other schedules are omitted, as the required information is
inapplicable or the information is presented in the consolidated financial statements or
related notes. |
|
(b) |
|
Exhibits |
|
|
|
Those exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed in the Index to
Exhibits immediately preceding the exhibits filed herewith and such listing is incorporated
herein by reference. |
-25-
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we have
duly caused this report to be signed on our behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
|
|
|
STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION
(Registrant)
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Malcolm S. Morris
|
|
|
|
Malcolm S. Morris, Co-Chief
Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Stewart Morris, Jr.
|
|
|
|
Stewart Morris, Jr., Co-Chief Executive Officer, President and Director |
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Max Crisp
|
|
|
|
Max Crisp, Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer, SecretaryTreasurer,
Director and Principal Financial Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Alison R. Evers
|
|
|
|
Alison R. Evers, Senior Vice President, |
|
|
|
Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer |
|
|
Dated: February 23, 2007
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed on
our behalf on February 23, 2007 by the following Directors:
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Robert L. Clarke
|
|
|
|
/s/ Malcolm S. Morris |
|
|
|
|
|
(Robert L. Clarke)
|
|
(Paul Hobby)
|
|
(Malcolm S. Morris) |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Max Crisp
|
|
/s/ E. Douglas Hodo
|
|
/s/ Stewart Morris, Jr. |
|
|
|
|
|
(Max Crisp)
|
|
(E. Douglas Hodo)
|
|
(Stewart Morris, Jr.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Nita Hanks)
|
|
(Laurie C. Moore)
|
|
(W. Arthur Porter) |
-26-
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
|
|
|
|
|
Stewart Information Services Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Financial Statements: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Statement Schedules: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S-1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S-5 |
|
F-1
Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 Management Report
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Stewart Information Services Corporation
The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal
control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) promulgated under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or
detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject
to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the
degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
The Companys management assessed the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2006. In making this assessment, the Companys management
used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
(COSO) in Internal Control Integrated Framework.
Based on our assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2006, the Companys internal
control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
The Companys independent registered public accounting firm has issued an audit report on our
assessment of the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Malcolm S. Morris
|
|
|
|
Malcolm S. Morris, Co-Chief
Executive Officer and Chairman of the |
|
|
|
Board of Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Stewart Morris, Jr.
|
|
|
|
Stewart Morris, Jr., Co-Chief
Executive Officer, President and Director |
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Max Crisp
|
|
|
|
Max Crisp, Executive Vice President and |
|
|
|
Chief Financial Officer, Secretary-Treasurer,
Director and Principal Financial Officer |
|
|
F-2
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Stewart Information Services Corporation:
We have audited managements assessment, included in the accompanying Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404
Management Report, that Stewart Information Services Corporation maintained effective internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal
Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO). Stewart Information Services Corporations management is responsible for
maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on managements assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal
control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was
maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal
control over financial reporting, evaluating managements assessment, testing and evaluating the
design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we
considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial
statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A
companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1)
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that
transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company
are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company;
and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the
financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or
detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are
subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that
the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, managements assessment that Stewart Information Services Corporation maintained
effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in
all material respects, based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Also, in our
opinion, Stewart Information Services Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in
Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (COSO).
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements of Stewart Information Services
Corporation and subsidiaries as listed in the accompanying index, and
our report dated March 1, 2007 expressed
an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ KPMG LLP
|
|
|
|
|
|
Houston, Texas |
|
|
March 1, 2007 |
|
|
F-3
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Stewart Information Services Corporation:
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Stewart Information Services Corporation
and subsidiaries as listed in the accompanying index. In connection with our audits of the
consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedules as listed
in the accompanying index. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement
schedules are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Stewart Information Services Corporation and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the consolidated results of their operations and
their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2006 in
conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related
financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial
statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth
therein.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States), the effectiveness of Stewart Information Services Corporations internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal
Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 1, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion on
managements assessment of, and the effective operation of, internal control over financial
reporting.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ KPMG LLP
|
|
|
|
|
|
Houston, Texas |
|
|
March 1, 2007 |
|
|
|
F-4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS, RETAINED EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended December 31 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
|
($000 omitted, except per share) |
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title insurance: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Direct operations |
|
|
1,028,688 |
|
|
|
1,041,977 |
|
|
|
880,697 |
|
Agency operations |
|
|
1,321,994 |
|
|
|
1,272,062 |
|
|
|
1,201,075 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Real estate information |
|
|
81,159 |
|
|
|
82,495 |
|
|
|
68,907 |
|
Investment income |
|
|
34,913 |
|
|
|
29,127 |
|
|
|
22,514 |
|
Investment and other gains net |
|
|
4,727 |
|
|
|
4,966 |
|
|
|
3,099 |
|
|
|
|
|
2,471,481 |
|
|
|
2,430,627 |
|
|
|
2,176,292 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts retained by agencies |
|
|
1,067,071 |
|
|
|
1,032,496 |
|
|
|
980,457 |
|
Employee costs |
|
|
728,529 |
|
|
|
694,599 |
|
|
|
591,092 |
|
Other operating expenses |
|
|
405,951 |
|
|
|
373,161 |
|
|
|
324,897 |
|
Title losses and related claims |
|
|
141,557 |
|
|
|
128,102 |
|
|
|
100,841 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
37,747 |
|
|
|
33,954 |
|
|
|
31,025 |
|
Interest |
|
|
6,090 |
|
|
|
3,351 |
|
|
|
1,248 |
|
|
|
|
|
2,386,945 |
|
|
|
2,265,663 |
|
|
|
2,029,560 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings before taxes and minority interests |
|
|
84,536 |
|
|
|
164,964 |
|
|
|
146,732 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
23,045 |
|
|
|
56,768 |
|
|
|
50,696 |
|
Minority interests |
|
|
18,239 |
|
|
|
19,431 |
|
|
|
13,518 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings |
|
|
43,252 |
|
|
|
88,765 |
|
|
|
82,518 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained earnings at beginning of year |
|
|
619,232 |
|
|
|
543,295 |
|
|
|
469,107 |
|
Excess distribution to minority interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(478 |
) |
Cash dividends on Common Stock ($.75 per share
in 2006 and 2005 and $.46 per share in 2004) |
|
|
(12,886 |
) |
|
|
(12,828 |
) |
|
|
(7,852 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained earnings at end of year |
|
|
649,598 |
|
|
|
619,232 |
|
|
|
543,295 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average
shares diluted (000) |
|
|
18,304 |
|
|
|
18,246 |
|
|
|
18,199 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share basic |
|
|
2.37 |
|
|
|
4.89 |
|
|
|
4.56 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share diluted |
|
|
2.36 |
|
|
|
4.86 |
|
|
|
4.53 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive earnings: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings |
|
|
43,252 |
|
|
|
88,765 |
|
|
|
82,518 |
|
Changes in other comprehensive earnings, net of taxes
of $1,310, ($4,394) and ($663) |
|
|
2,433 |
|
|
|
(8,160 |
) |
|
|
(1,231 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive earnings |
|
|
45,685 |
|
|
|
80,605 |
|
|
|
81,287 |
|
|
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
($000 omitted) |
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
136,137 |
|
|
|
134,734 |
|
Short-term investments |
|
|
161,711 |
|
|
|
206,717 |
|
|
|
|
|
297,848 |
|
|
|
341,451 |
|
Investments in debt and equity securities, at market: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statutory reserve funds |
|
|
490,540 |
|
|
|
449,475 |
|
Other |
|
|
78,249 |
|
|
|
85,802 |
|
|
|
|
|
568,789 |
|
|
|
535,277 |
|
Receivables: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes |
|
|
6,901 |
|
|
|
6,850 |
|
Premiums from agencies |
|
|
58,023 |
|
|
|
49,397 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
9,285 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
45,370 |
|
|
|
40,941 |
|
Less allowance for uncollectible amounts |
|
|
(9,112 |
) |
|
|
(8,526 |
) |
|
|
|
|
110,467 |
|
|
|
88,662 |
|
Property and equipment, at cost: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land |
|
|
8,350 |
|
|
|
7,584 |
|
Buildings |
|
|
20,591 |
|
|
|
15,303 |
|
Furniture and equipment |
|
|
278,563 |
|
|
|
245,290 |
|
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization |
|
|
(208,179 |
) |
|
|
(182,415 |
) |
|
|
|
|
99,325 |
|
|
|
85,762 |
|
|
Title plants, at cost |
|
|
70,324 |
|
|
|
58,930 |
|
Real estate, at lower of cost or net realizable value |
|
|
3,658 |
|
|
|
2,688 |
|
Investments in investees, on an equity basis |
|
|
17,139 |
|
|
|
16,387 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
204,302 |
|
|
|
155,624 |
|
Intangible assets, net of amortization |
|
|
15,444 |
|
|
|
15,268 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
70,911 |
|
|
|
61,102 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,458,207 |
|
|
|
1,361,151 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes payable, including $92,469 and $70,396 long-term portion |
|
|
109,549 |
|
|
|
88,413 |
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
|
|
130,589 |
|
|
|
125,255 |
|
Estimated title losses |
|
|
384,396 |
|
|
|
346,704 |
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
14,139 |
|
|
|
15,784 |
|
Minority interests |
|
|
17,272 |
|
|
|
18,682 |
|
|
|
|
|
655,945 |
|
|
|
594,838 |
|
Contingent liabilities and commitments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock $1 par, authorized 30,000,000,
issued and outstanding 17,507,087 and 17,430,304 |
|
|
17,507 |
|
|
|
17,430 |
|
Class B Common Stock $1 par, authorized 1,500,000,
issued and outstanding 1,050,012 |
|
|
1,050 |
|
|
|
1,050 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
129,960 |
|
|
|
126,887 |
|
Retained earnings |
|
|
649,598 |
|
|
|
619,232 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized investment gains |
|
|
3,399 |
|
|
|
2,551 |
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
|
|
4,662 |
|
|
|
3,077 |
|
Treasury stock 325,829 shares, at cost |
|
|
(3,914 |
) |
|
|
(3,914 |
) |
|
Total stockholders equity |
|
|
802,262 |
|
|
|
766,313 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,458,207 |
|
|
|
1,361,151 |
|
|
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended December 31 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
|
|
($000 omitted) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of net earnings to cash provided by operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings |
|
|
43,252 |
|
|
|
88,765 |
|
|
|
82,518 |
|
Add (deduct): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
37,747 |
|
|
|
33,954 |
|
|
|
31,025 |
|
Provisions for title losses in excess of payments |
|
|
34,968 |
|
|
|
45,940 |
|
|
|
32,433 |
|
Increase in receivables net |
|
|
(11,720 |
) |
|
|
(7,858 |
) |
|
|
(1,354 |
) |
Increase in other assets net |
|
|
(9,330 |
) |
|
|
(16,035 |
) |
|
|
(8,977 |
) |
(Decrease) increase in payables and accrued liabilities net |
|
|
(8,244 |
) |
|
|
22,077 |
|
|
|
15,954 |
|
Minority interest expense |
|
|
18,239 |
|
|
|
19,431 |
|
|
|
13,518 |
|
Net earnings from equity investees |
|
|
(4,340 |
) |
|
|
(6,992 |
) |
|
|
(6,776 |
) |
Dividends received from equity investees |
|
|
4,804 |
|
|
|
4,868 |
|
|
|
6,002 |
|
Provision for deferred income taxes |
|
|
(4,232 |
) |
|
|
(9,158 |
) |
|
|
7,391 |
|
Realized investment gains |
|
|
(4,727 |
) |
|
|
(4,966 |
) |
|
|
(3,099 |
) |
Other net |
|
|
3,314 |
|
|
|
3,482 |
|
|
|
1,775 |
|
|
Cash provided by operating activities |
|
|
99,731 |
|
|
|
173,508 |
|
|
|
170,410 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from investments matured and sold |
|
|
435,529 |
|
|
|
580,925 |
|
|
|
405,689 |
|
Purchases of investments |
|
|
(405,942 |
) |
|
|
(679,026 |
) |
|
|
(470,777 |
) |
Purchases of property and equipment, title plants
and real estate net |
|
|
(42,021 |
) |
|
|
(33,931 |
) |
|
|
(32,410 |
) |
Increases in notes receivable |
|
|
(1,732 |
) |
|
|
(2,654 |
) |
|
|
(2,644 |
) |
Collections on notes receivable |
|
|
1,667 |
|
|
|
2,779 |
|
|
|
2,432 |
|
Proceeds from sale of equity investees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,002 |
|
|
|
350 |
|
Cash paid for equity investees and related intangibles net |
|
|
(4,747 |
) |
|
|
(2,950 |
) |
|
|
(4,141 |
) |
Cash paid for acquisitions of subsidiaries net (see below) |
|
|
(45,398 |
) |
|
|
(18,149 |
) |
|
|
(37,368 |
) |
|
Cash used by investing activities |
|
|
(62,644 |
) |
|
|
(143,004 |
) |
|
|
(138,869 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash dividends paid |
|
|
(12,886 |
) |
|
|
(12,828 |
) |
|
|
(7,852 |
) |
Distributions to minority interests |
|
|
(18,282 |
) |
|
|
(16,549 |
) |
|
|
(12,474 |
) |
Proceeds from exercise of stock options |
|
|
517 |
|
|
|
364 |
|
|
|
1,284 |
|
Proceeds from notes payable |
|
|
17,307 |
|
|
|
37,161 |
|
|
|
5,834 |
|
Payments on notes payable |
|
|
(24,778 |
) |
|
|
(23,821 |
) |
|
|
(13,020 |
) |
|
Cash used by financing activities |
|
|
(38,122 |
) |
|
|
(15,673 |
) |
|
|
(26,228 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates |
|
|
2,438 |
|
|
|
(1,480 |
) |
|
|
1,868 |
|
|
Increase in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
1,403 |
|
|
|
13,351 |
|
|
|
7,181 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
|
|
134,734 |
|
|
|
121,383 |
|
|
|
114,202 |
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
|
|
136,137 |
|
|
|
134,734 |
|
|
|
121,383 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets acquired: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill |
|
|
48,678 |
|
|
|
30,108 |
|
|
|
45,552 |
|
Investments |
|
|
13,429 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title plants |
|
|
10,093 |
|
|
|
4,405 |
|
|
|
7,048 |
|
Property and equipment |
|
|
4,829 |
|
|
|
1,319 |
|
|
|
7,479 |
|
Intangible assets |
|
|
3,995 |
|
|
|
3,434 |
|
|
|
11,291 |
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,202 |
|
|
|
2,301 |
|
Liabilities assumed |
|
|
(6,703 |
) |
|
|
(2,543 |
) |
|
|
(7,697 |
) |
Debt issued |
|
|
(28,923 |
) |
|
|
(24,776 |
) |
|
|
(28,606 |
) |
|
Cash paid for acquisitions of subsidiaries net |
|
|
45,398 |
|
|
|
18,149 |
|
|
|
37,368 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes paid |
|
|
43,897 |
|
|
|
51,652 |
|
|
|
47,436 |
|
Interest paid |
|
|
4,613 |
|
|
|
2,665 |
|
|
|
971 |
|
|
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-7
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Three years ended December 31, 2006)
NOTE 1
General. Stewart Information Services Corporation, through its subsidiaries (collectively, the
Company), is primarily engaged in the title insurance-related services business. The Company also
provides real estate information services. The Company operates through a network of policy-issuing
offices and agencies in the United States and international markets. Approximately 39% of
consolidated title revenues for the year ended December 31, 2006 were generated in Texas,
California and Florida. The operations in the international markets in which the Company does
business are immaterial to its consolidated financial results.
A. Managements responsibility. The accompanying financial statements were prepared by management,
which is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. The financial statements have been
prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), including
managements best judgments and estimates. Actual results could differ from estimates.
B. New significant accounting pronouncements. The Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff
Accounting Bulletin No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying
Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements, effective for fiscal years ending after
November 15, 2006, to address diversity in practice in quantifying financial statement
misstatements and provide guidance on the consideration of the effects of prior year misstatements
in quantifying current year misstatements for the purpose of materiality assessment. The effect on
the Companys consolidated financial condition or results of operations was immaterial.
The Company will adopt FIN 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an interpretation of
FASB Statement No. 109, effective January 1, 2007. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty
in income taxes by prescribing a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial
statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax
return. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that FIN 48 will have on its
consolidated financial statements. The Company does not expect the adoption of FIN 48 to have a
material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, was issued with an effective date of
January 1, 2008. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in
accordance with GAAP and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. The Company is in the
process of evaluating the impact that SFAS 157 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
C. Reclassifications. Certain prior year amounts in these consolidated financial statements have
been reclassified for comparative purposes. Net earnings and stockholders equity, as previously
reported, were not affected.
D. Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include all subsidiaries in which the
Company owns more than 50% voting rights in electing directors and variable interest entities when
required by FIN 46(R). Unconsolidated investees, in which the Company typically owns 20% through
50% of the equity, are accounted for by the equity method. All significant intercompany amounts and
transactions are eliminated and provisions are made for minority interests.
E. Statutory accounting. Stewart Title Guaranty Company (Guaranty) and other title insurance
underwriters owned by the Company prepare financial statements in accordance with statutory
accounting practices prescribed or permitted by regulatory authorities.
F-8
In conforming the statutory financial statements to GAAP, the statutory premium reserve and the
reserve for reported title losses are eliminated and, in substitution, amounts are established for
estimated title losses (Note 1G). The net effect, after providing for income taxes, is included in
consolidated earnings.
F. Revenue recognition. Operating revenues from direct title operations are considered earned at
the time of the closing of the related real estate transaction. The Company recognizes premium
revenues on title insurance policies written by independent agencies (agencies) when the policies
are reported to the Company. In addition, where reasonable estimates can be made, the Company also
accrues for policies issued but not reported until after period end. The Company believes that
reasonable estimates can be made when recent and consistent policy issuance information is
available. Estimates are based on historical reporting patterns and other information obtained
about agencies, as well as current trends in direct operations and in the title industry. In this
accrual, future transactions are not being accrued. The Company is estimating revenues on policies
that have already been issued by agencies but not yet reported to or received by the Company. The
Company has consistently followed the same basic method of estimating unreported policy revenues
for more than 10 years.
Revenues from real estate information services are generally considered earned at the time the
service is performed or the work product is delivered to the customer.
G. Title losses and related claims. Estimating future title loss payments is difficult because of
the complex nature of title claims, the length of time over which claims are paid, the
significantly varying dollar amounts of individual claims and other factors.
The Companys liability for estimated title losses comprises both known claims and claims expected
to be reported in the future. The amount of the reserve represents the aggregate future payments
(net of recoveries) that are expected to be incurred on policy and escrow losses and in costs to
settle claims. Large losses are individually evaluated. Provisions are charged to income in the
same year the related premium revenues are recognized. The Company bases the estimates on reported
claims, historical loss experience, title industry averages and the current legal and economic
environment.
The Companys estimated liability for future loss payments is regularly reviewed for adequacy and
adjusted as appropriate. Independent consulting actuaries also review the adequacy of the liability
on an annual basis. In accordance with industry practice, the amounts have not been discounted to
their present values.
H. Cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with insignificant interest
rate risks and maturities of three months or less at the time of acquisition.
I. Short-term investments. Short-term investments comprise time deposits with banks, federal
government obligations, money market accounts and other investments maturing in less than one year.
J. Investments. The investment portfolio is classified as available-for-sale. Realized gains and
losses on sales of investments are determined using the specific identification method. Net
unrealized gains and losses on securities, net of applicable deferred taxes, are included as a
component of other comprehensive earnings within stockholders equity. At the time unrealized gains
and losses become realized, these realized gains or losses are reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive earnings using the specific identification method. Any other-than-temporary declines
in market values of securities are charged to earnings.
K. Property and equipment. Depreciation is computed principally using the straight-line method at
the following rates: buildings 30 to 40 years and furniture and equipment 3 to 10 years.
Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred while improvements are capitalized. Gains and
losses are recognized at disposal.
F-9
L. Title plants. Title plants include compilations of a countys official land records, prior
examination files, copies of prior title policies, maps and related materials that are
geographically indexed to a specific property. The costs of acquiring existing title plants and
creating new ones, prior to the time such plants are placed in operation, are capitalized. Such
costs are not amortized since there is no indication of any loss of value. The costs of
maintaining and operating title plants are expensed as incurred. Gains and losses on sales of
copies of title plants or interests in title plants are recognized at the time of sale.
M. Goodwill. Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets
acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is reviewed no less than annually and, if determined to be
impaired, is expensed to current operations.
N. Acquired intangibles. Intangible assets are comprised mainly of non-compete and underwriting
agreements and are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated lives, which are
primarily 3 to 10 years.
O. Other long-lived assets. The Company reviews the carrying values of title plants and other
long-lived assets if certain events occur that may indicate impairment. An impairment of these
long-lived assets is indicated when projected undiscounted cash flows over the estimated lives of
the assets are less than carrying values. If impairment is determined by management, the recorded
amounts are written down to fair values by calculating the discounted values of projected cash
flows.
P. Fair values. The fair values of financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents,
short-term investments, notes receivable, notes payable and accounts payable, are determined by
references to various market data and other valuation techniques, as appropriate. The fair values
of these financial instruments approximate their carrying values. Investments in debt and equity
securities are carried at their fair values (Note 4).
Q. Derivatives and hedging. The Company does not invest in hedging or derivative instruments.
R. Leases. The Company recognizes minimum rental payments under noncancelable operating leases,
which expire over the next 10 years, on the straight-line basis over the terms of the leases,
including provisions for any free rent periods or escalating lease payments.
S. Income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences
attributable to differences between the tax bases and the book carrying values of certain assets
and liabilities. Valuation allowances are provided as may be appropriate. Enacted tax rates are
used in calculating amounts.
T. Stock option plans. The Company combined its two stock option plans into a single plan in April
2005. Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, using
the modified prospective method under which share-based compensation expense is recognized for new
share-based awards granted and any outstanding awards that are modified, repurchased or cancelled.
Compensation expense is estimated using the Black-Scholes Model. All options expire 10 years from
the date of grant and are granted at the closing market price of the
Companys Common Stock on the date of grant. All options are immediately exercisable, and therefore, there are
no unvested awards.
Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company applied the intrinsic value method of APB No.
25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related Interpretations in accounting for its
plans. Accordingly, no stock-based employee compensation expense was reflected in net earnings, as
all options granted had an exercise price equal to the market value of the Common Stock on the date
of grant (Note 13).
F-10
NOTE 2
Restrictions on cash and investments. Statutory reserve funds of $490,540,000 and $449,475,000 and
short-term investments of $53,613,000 and $47,804,000 at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively,
were maintained to comply with legal requirements for statutory premium reserves and state
deposits. These funds are not available for any other purpose.
A substantial majority of consolidated investments and cash at each year end was held by the
Companys title insurer subsidiaries. Generally, the types of investments a title insurer can make
are subject to legal restrictions. Furthermore, the transfer of funds by a title insurer to its
parent or subsidiary operations, as well as other related party transactions, are restricted by law
and generally require the approval of state insurance authorities.
NOTE 3
Dividend restrictions. Substantially all of the consolidated retained earnings at each year end
were represented by Guaranty, which owns directly or indirectly substantially all of the
subsidiaries included in the consolidation.
Guaranty cannot pay a dividend in excess of certain limits without the approval of the Texas
Insurance Commissioner. The maximum dividend that can be paid without such approval in 2007 is
$101,702,000. Guaranty declared dividends of $13,000,000, $31,000,000 and $21,615,000 in 2006,
2005 and 2004, respectively.
Dividends from Guaranty are also voluntarily restricted primarily to maintain statutory surplus and
liquidity at competitive levels. The ability of a title insurer to pay claims can significantly
affect the decision of lenders and other customers when buying a policy from a particular insurer.
Surplus as regards policyholders for Guaranty was $508,509,000 and $488,193,000 at December 31,
2006 and 2005, respectively. Statutory net income for Guaranty was $36,905,000, $56,449,000 and
$26,609,000 in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
NOTE 4
Investments. The amortized costs and fair values of debt and equity securities at December 31
follow:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
Amortized |
|
Fair |
|
Amortized |
|
Fair |
|
|
costs |
|
values |
|
costs |
|
values |
|
|
($000 omitted) |
Debt securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Municipal |
|
|
224,270 |
|
|
|
224,713 |
|
|
|
211,066 |
|
|
|
211,895 |
|
Corporate and utilities |
|
|
144,504 |
|
|
|
144,399 |
|
|
|
159,715 |
|
|
|
161,002 |
|
U.S. Government |
|
|
45,929 |
|
|
|
45,332 |
|
|
|
41,339 |
|
|
|
40,601 |
|
Foreign |
|
|
117,488 |
|
|
|
117,885 |
|
|
|
94,185 |
|
|
|
95,093 |
|
Mortgage-backed |
|
|
228 |
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
310 |
|
|
|
281 |
|
Equity securities |
|
|
31,139 |
|
|
|
36,260 |
|
|
|
24,736 |
|
|
|
26,405 |
|
|
|
|
|
563,558 |
|
|
|
568,789 |
|
|
|
531,351 |
|
|
|
535,277 |
|
|
|
F-11
Gross unrealized gains and losses at December 31 were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
Gains |
|
Losses |
|
Gains |
|
Losses |
|
|
($000 omitted) |
Debt securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Municipal |
|
|
1,783 |
|
|
|
1,340 |
|
|
|
2,253 |
|
|
|
1,424 |
|
Corporate and utilities |
|
|
1,928 |
|
|
|
2,033 |
|
|
|
3,119 |
|
|
|
1,832 |
|
U.S. Government |
|
|
72 |
|
|
|
669 |
|
|
|
91 |
|
|
|
829 |
|
Foreign |
|
|
1,346 |
|
|
|
949 |
|
|
|
1,615 |
|
|
|
707 |
|
Mortgage-backed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
Equity securities |
|
|
5,596 |
|
|
|
475 |
|
|
|
2,164 |
|
|
|
495 |
|
|
|
|
|
10,725 |
|
|
|
5,494 |
|
|
|
9,243 |
|
|
|
5,317 |
|
|
|
Gross
unrealized losses on investments and the fair value 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, 2006 were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than |
|
More than |
|
|
|
|
12 months |
|
12 months |
|
Total |
|
|
Loss |
|
Fair values |
|
Loss |
|
Fair values |
|
Loss |
|
Fair values |
|
|
($000 omitted) |
Debt securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Municipal |
|
|
198 |
|
|
|
29,754 |
|
|
|
1,142 |
|
|
|
80,376 |
|
|
|
1,340 |
|
|
|
110,130 |
|
Corporate and utilities |
|
|
229 |
|
|
|
22,263 |
|
|
|
1,804 |
|
|
|
70,281 |
|
|
|
2,033 |
|
|
|
92,544 |
|
U.S. Government |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
9,357 |
|
|
|
656 |
|
|
|
29,299 |
|
|
|
669 |
|
|
|
38,656 |
|
Foreign |
|
|
254 |
|
|
|
25,360 |
|
|
|
695 |
|
|
|
42,388 |
|
|
|
949 |
|
|
|
67,748 |
|
Mortgage-backed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
200 |
|
Equity securities |
|
|
430 |
|
|
|
4,492 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
|
|
464 |
|
|
|
475 |
|
|
|
4,956 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,124 |
|
|
|
91,226 |
|
|
|
4,370 |
|
|
|
223,008 |
|
|
|
5,494 |
|
|
|
314,234 |
|
|
|
Of the unrealized losses of $5,317,000 at December 31, 2005, the investments that have been in a
loss position in excess of 12 months aggregated $2,897,000, and were comprised primarily of
corporate bonds, municipal debt and U.S. Government bonds. The unrealized loss positions were
caused by normal market fluctuations. The number of investments in unrealized loss positions was
352 and 294 at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Since the Company has the intent and
ability to either hold its debt securities until maturity or until there is a market price
recovery, and no significant credit risk is deemed to exist, the investments are not considered
other-than-temporarily impaired.
Debt securities at December 31, 2006 mature, according to their contractual terms, as follows
(actual maturities may differ because of call or prepayment rights):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortized |
|
Fair |
|
|
costs |
|
values |
|
|
($000 omitted) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In one year or less |
|
|
58,162 |
|
|
|
57,903 |
|
After one year through five years |
|
|
234,826 |
|
|
|
233,762 |
|
After five years through ten years |
|
|
204,085 |
|
|
|
204,231 |
|
After ten years |
|
|
35,118 |
|
|
|
36,433 |
|
Mortgage-backed securities |
|
|
228 |
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
|
|
532,419 |
|
|
|
532,529 |
|
|
|
F-12
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. The mortgage-backed securities are insured by U.S.
Government-sponsored entities.
NOTE 5
Investment
income. Income from investments and gross realized investment and
other gains and losses for the three years follow:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
|
($000 omitted) |
Income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt securities |
|
|
22,505 |
|
|
|
20,185 |
|
|
|
18,555 |
|
Short-term investments, cash
equivalents and other |
|
|
12,408 |
|
|
|
8,942 |
|
|
|
3,959 |
|
|
|
|
|
34,913 |
|
|
|
29,127 |
|
|
|
22,514 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Realized gains and losses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gains |
|
|
6,837 |
|
|
|
7,464 |
|
|
|
3,582 |
|
Losses |
|
|
(2,110 |
) |
|
|
(2,498 |
) |
|
|
(483 |
) |
|
|
|
|
4,727 |
|
|
|
4,966 |
|
|
|
3,099 |
|
|
|
The sales of investments resulted in proceeds of $72,659,000 in 2006, $49,383,000 in 2005 and
$55,259,000 in 2004.
Expenses assignable to investment income were insignificant. There were no significant investments
at December 31, 2006 that did not produce income during the year.
F-13
NOTE 6
Income taxes. Deferred income taxes at December 31, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
($000 omitted) |
Deferred tax assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accruals not currently deductible: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred compensation |
|
|
5,398 |
|
|
|
4,389 |
|
Deferred rent |
|
|
2,701 |
|
|
|
1,786 |
|
Litigation reserves |
|
|
1,716 |
|
|
|
576 |
|
Other |
|
|
2,309 |
|
|
|
2,218 |
|
Allowance for uncollectible amounts |
|
|
2,051 |
|
|
|
1,892 |
|
Book over tax depreciation fixed assets |
|
|
1,976 |
|
|
|
791 |
|
Book investment impairments |
|
|
1,245 |
|
|
|
1,245 |
|
Investments in partnerships |
|
|
1,820 |
|
|
|
1,720 |
|
Net operating loss carryforwards |
|
|
465 |
|
|
|
590 |
|
Other |
|
|
202 |
|
|
|
520 |
|
|
|
|
|
19,883 |
|
|
|
15,727 |
|
Less valuation allowance |
|
|
(61 |
) |
|
|
(104 |
) |
|
|
|
|
19,822 |
|
|
|
15,623 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax over book title loss provisions |
|
|
(21,618 |
) |
|
|
(22,469 |
) |
Unrealized gains on investments |
|
|
(1,830 |
) |
|
|
(1,374 |
) |
Tax over book amortization goodwill
and other intangibles |
|
|
(3,410 |
) |
|
|
(1,769 |
) |
Cash surrender value of insurance policies |
|
|
(3,231 |
) |
|
|
(2,452 |
) |
Foreign translation adjustment |
|
|
(2,510 |
) |
|
|
(1,657 |
) |
Other |
|
|
(1,362 |
) |
|
|
(1,686 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(33,961 |
) |
|
|
(31,407 |
) |
|
Net deferred income taxes |
|
|
(14,139 |
) |
|
|
(15,784 |
) |
|
|
The valuation allowance relates to net operating loss carryforwards. Deferred tax (benefit)
expense was ($4,232,000), ($9,158,000) and $7,391,000 in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Management believes it is more likely than not that future earnings will be sufficient to permit
the Company to realize its remaining deferred tax assets.
The following reconciles federal income taxes computed at the statutory rate with income taxes as
reported.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
|
|
($000 omitted) |
Expected income taxes at 35% |
|
|
23,204 |
|
|
|
50,937 |
|
|
|
46,625 |
|
State income taxes net of
federal tax benefit |
|
|
1,786 |
|
|
|
3,094 |
|
|
|
2,708 |
|
Tax-exempt interest |
|
|
(4,638 |
) |
|
|
(2,311 |
) |
|
|
(2,205 |
) |
Meals and entertainment |
|
|
2,748 |
|
|
|
2,108 |
|
|
|
2,098 |
|
Minority interests corporate investees |
|
|
1,593 |
|
|
|
2,505 |
|
|
|
1,485 |
|
Dividends received deductions
on investments |
|
|
(2,125 |
) |
|
|
(1,197 |
) |
|
|
(1,082 |
) |
Other net |
|
|
477 |
|
|
|
1,632 |
|
|
|
1,067 |
|
|
Income taxes |
|
|
23,045 |
|
|
|
56,768 |
|
|
|
50,696 |
|
|
|
Effective income tax rates (%)(1) |
|
|
34.8 |
|
|
|
39.0 |
|
|
|
38.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Calculated using earnings before taxes and after minority interests |
F-14
The
Company had federal income taxes receivable of approximately
$9,285,000 at December 31, 2006 and federal income taxes payable of approximately
$11,860,000 at December 31, 2005. The Company
had state income taxes payable of approximately $1,960,000 and
$213,000 at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
NOTE 7
Goodwill and acquired intangibles. A summary of goodwill follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title |
|
REI |
|
Total |
|
|
|
($000 omitted) |
Balances at December 31, 2003 |
|
|
69,167 |
|
|
|
9,917 |
|
|
|
79,084 |
|
Acquisitions |
|
|
45,552 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45,552 |
|
|
Balances at December 31, 2004 |
|
|
114,719 |
|
|
|
9,917 |
|
|
|
124,636 |
|
Acquisitions |
|
|
25,188 |
|
|
|
4,920 |
|
|
|
30,108 |
|
Other |
|
|
880 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
880 |
|
|
Balances at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
140,787 |
|
|
|
14,837 |
|
|
|
155,624 |
|
Acquisitions |
|
|
40,108 |
|
|
|
8,570 |
|
|
|
48,678 |
|
|
Balances at December 31, 2006 |
|
|
180,895 |
|
|
|
23,407 |
|
|
|
204,302 |
|
|
|
Amortization expense for acquired intangibles was $5,315,000, $4,122,000 and $2,103,000 in 2006,
2005 and 2004, respectively. Accumulated amortization of intangibles was $11,765,000 and
$6,450,000 at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. In each of the years 2007 through 2011,
the estimated amortization expense will be less than $5,900,000.
NOTE 8
Equity investees. Certain summarized aggregate financial information for equity investees follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
|
($000 omitted) |
For the year: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
77,286 |
|
|
|
90,724 |
|
|
|
86,979 |
|
Net earnings |
|
|
12,195 |
|
|
|
19,097 |
|
|
|
17,391 |
|
|
At December 31: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
|
30,954 |
|
|
|
27,571 |
|
|
|
|
|
Notes payable |
|
|
1,280 |
|
|
|
160 |
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders equity |
|
|
23,040 |
|
|
|
22,158 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net premium revenues earned from policies issued by equity investees were approximately
$10,747,000, $11,476,000 and $9,554,000 in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Earnings related to
equity investees (in which the Company typically owns 20% through 50% of the equity) were
$4,340,000, $6,992,000 and $6,776,000 in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. These amounts are
included in title insurance direct operations in the consolidated statements of earnings,
retained earnings and comprehensive earnings.
Goodwill related to equity investees was $9,420,000 and $8,681,000 at December 31, 2006 and 2005,
respectively, and these balances are included in investments in investees in the consolidated
balance sheets. Equity investments, including the related goodwill
balances, will continue to be reviewed for impairment (Note 1M).
F-15
NOTE 9
Notes payable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
($000 omitted) |
Banks primarily unsecured and at rates
ranging from LIBOR(1) plus 0.50% to
LIBOR(1) plus 0.75%, varying payments |
|
|
101,674 |
|
|
|
86,294 |
|
Other than banks |
|
|
7,875 |
|
|
|
2,119 |
|
|
|
|
|
109,549 |
|
|
|
88,413 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
5.33% and 4.39% at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. |
In December 2005, the Company executed an agreement with a bank for a $31,156,000 loan bearing
interest at a fixed interest rate of 5.97% per annum. Approximately $15,788,000 of the proceeds
represented the conversion of existing debt with the bank from variable interest rate loans to the
fixed interest rate. Other than the conversion of the interest rates, the terms of the existing
debt remain unchanged. The remaining amount has a five-year term and was used to retire
outstanding variable interest rate loans and to fund acquisitions. The total outstanding balance
at December 31, 2006 under this agreement was $27,269,000. The loan requires that the Company
maintain certain liquidity ratios (excluding estimated title losses and contingent liabilities
referred to in Note 17) throughout the term of the agreement. The Company was in compliance with
these liquidity ratios at December 31, 2006 and 2005.
Principal payments on the notes are due in the amounts of $17,080,000 in 2007, $18,956,000 in 2008,
$22,481,000 in 2009, $31,878,000 in 2010, $17,544,000 in 2011 and $1,610,000 subsequent to 2011.
At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company had unused lines of credit of approximately $8,486,000
and $2,577,000, respectively, which were subject to the same terms and interest rate range as noted
above for notes payable to banks.
NOTE 10
Estimated title losses. Provisions accrued, payments made and liability balances for the three
years follow:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
|
($000 omitted) |
Balances at January 1 |
|
|
346,704 |
|
|
|
300,749 |
|
|
|
268,089 |
|
Provisions |
|
|
141,557 |
|
|
|
128,102 |
|
|
|
100,841 |
|
Payments |
|
|
(106,589 |
) |
|
|
(82,162 |
) |
|
|
(68,408 |
) |
Reserve balances acquired |
|
|
2,724 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
227 |
|
|
Balances at December 31 |
|
|
384,396 |
|
|
|
346,704 |
|
|
|
300,749 |
|
|
|
Provisions include amounts related to the current year of approximately $141,370,000, $127,999,000
and $100,611,000 for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Payments related to the current year,
including escrow and other loss payments, were approximately $25,279,000, $26,619,000 and
$18,220,000 in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
F-16
NOTE 11
Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. Holders of Common and Class B Common Stock have the same
rights except no cash dividends may be paid on Class B Common Stock. The two classes of stock vote
separately when electing directors and on any amendment to the Companys certificate of
incorporation that affects the two classes unequally.
A provision of the by-laws requires an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the directors to
elect officers or to approve any proposal that may come before the directors. This provision cannot
be changed without a majority vote of each class of stock.
Holders of Class B Common Stock may, with no cumulative voting rights, elect four directors if
1,050,000 or more shares of Class B Common Stock are outstanding; three directors if between
600,000 and 1,050,000 shares are outstanding; and none if less than 600,000 shares of Class B
Common Stock are outstanding. Holders of Common Stock, with cumulative voting rights, elect the
balance of the nine directors.
Class B Common Stock may, at any time, be converted by its stockholders into Common Stock on a
share-for-share basis, although the holders of Class B Common Stock have agreed among themselves
not to convert their stock. The agreement may be extended or terminated by them at any time. Such
conversion is mandatory on any transfer to a person not a lineal descendant (or spouse, trustee,
etc. of such descendant) of William H. Stewart.
At December 31, 2006 and 2005, there were 145,820 shares of Common Stock held by a subsidiary of
the Company. These shares are considered retired but may be issued from time to time in lieu of new
shares.
F-17
NOTE 12
Changes in stockholders equity.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common |
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
and Class B |
|
Additional |
|
other |
|
|
|
|
Common |
|
paid-in |
|
comprehensive |
|
Treasury |
|
|
Stock |
|
capital |
|
earnings |
|
stock |
|
|
($000 omitted) |
|
Balances at December 31, 2003 |
|
|
18,352 |
|
|
|
122,816 |
|
|
|
15,019 |
|
|
|
(3,905 |
) |
Stock bonuses and other |
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
1,170 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of stock options |
|
|
63 |
|
|
|
1,221 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax benefit of options exercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
482 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net change in unrealized
gains and losses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(737 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net realized gain reclassification |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,600 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,106 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balances at December 31, 2004 |
|
|
18,446 |
|
|
|
125,689 |
|
|
|
13,788 |
|
|
|
(3,905 |
) |
Stock bonuses and other |
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
817 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of stock options |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
360 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax benefit of options exercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net change in unrealized
gains and losses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,403 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net realized gain reclassification |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,795 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(962 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Common stock repurchased |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
Balances at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
18,480 |
|
|
|
126,887 |
|
|
|
5,628 |
|
|
|
(3,914 |
) |
Stock bonuses and other |
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
1,930 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of stock options |
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
809 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax benefit of options exercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
334 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net change in unrealized
gains and losses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(86 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net realized loss reclassification |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
934 |
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,585 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balances at December 31, 2006 |
|
|
18,557 |
|
|
|
129,960 |
|
|
|
8,061 |
|
|
|
(3,914 |
) |
|
|
NOTE 13
Stock option plans. A summary of the status of the Companys stock option plans follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
Shares |
|
prices ($)(1) |
|
December 31, 2003 |
|
|
342,978 |
|
|
|
18.75 |
|
Granted |
|
|
92,100 |
|
|
|
42.97 |
|
Exercised |
|
|
(62,600 |
) |
|
|
20.50 |
|
|
December 31, 2004 |
|
|
372,478 |
|
|
|
24.44 |
|
Granted |
|
|
90,600 |
|
|
|
41.35 |
|
Exercised |
|
|
(13,444 |
) |
|
|
27.76 |
|
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
|
449,634 |
|
|
|
27.75 |
|
Granted |
|
|
26,000 |
|
|
|
38.01 |
|
Exercised |
|
|
(42,278 |
) |
|
|
20.13 |
|
|
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
433,356 |
|
|
|
29.11 |
|
|
|
F-18
The weighted-average grant-date fair values of options granted during the years 2006, 2005 and 2004
were $16.32, $20.14 and $19.44, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company recognized compensation expense related to
options granted of $0.4 million based on a fair value per option of $16.32. Under SFAS No. 123(R),
compensation expense is recognized for the fair value of the employees purchase rights, which was
estimated using the Black-Scholes Model. The Company assumed a dividend yield of 2.0%, an expected
life of seven years, an expected volatility of 35.1% and a risk-free interest rate of 8.0%.
At December 31, 2006, the weighted-average remaining contractual life of options outstanding was
5.7 years and the aggregate intrinsic value was $6.2 million. During the year ended December 31,
2006, the aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised was $1.2 million and the Company
recognized a tax benefit of $0.3 million related to these exercised options.
Had compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 been determined consistent
with SFAS No. 123(R), the fair value of the employees purchase rights would have been estimated
using the Black-Scholes Model assuming a dividend yield of 1.0% to 1.4%, an expected life of 10
years, an expected volatility of 34.5% to 34.9% and a risk-free interest rate of 4.0% to 6.0%. The
effect on the Companys net earnings and earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2005
and 2004 would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts below (in thousands of dollars, except
per share amounts):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
|
($000 omitted) |
Net earnings: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As reported |
|
|
88,765 |
|
|
|
82,518 |
|
Stock-based employee compensation determined
under the fair value method, net of taxes |
|
|
(1,186 |
) |
|
|
(1,164 |
) |
|
Pro forma |
|
|
87,579 |
|
|
|
81,354 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings basic |
|
|
4.89 |
|
|
|
4.56 |
|
Pro forma basic |
|
|
4.83 |
|
|
|
4.50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings diluted |
|
|
4.86 |
|
|
|
4.53 |
|
Pro forma diluted |
|
|
4.80 |
|
|
|
4.47 |
|
|
|
NOTE 14
Earnings per share. The Companys basic earnings per share was calculated by dividing net earnings
by the weighted-average number of shares of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock outstanding
during the reporting period.
To calculate diluted earnings per share, the number of shares determined above was increased by
assuming the issuance of all dilutive shares during the same reporting period. The treasury stock
method was used to calculate the additional number of shares. The only potentially dilutive effect
on earnings per share for the Company relates to its stock option plans. In calculating the effect
of the options and determining diluted earnings per share, the weighted-average number of shares
used in calculating basic earnings per share was increased by 90,000 in 2006, 112,000 in 2005 and
102,000 in 2004.
Options to purchase 133,000, 67,000 and 67,000 shares were excluded from the computation of diluted
earnings per share in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. These options were considered
anti-dilutive since the exercise prices of the options were greater than the weighted-average
market values of the shares for the periods.
F-19
NOTE 15
Reinsurance. As is industry practice, on certain transactions the Company cedes risks to other
title insurance underwriters and reinsurers. However, the Company remains liable if the reinsurer
should fail to meet its obligations. The Company also assumes risks from other underwriters.
Payments and recoveries on reinsured losses were insignificant during the three years ended December 31, 2006.
The total amount of premiums for assumed and ceded risks was less than 1% of consolidated title
revenues in each of the last three years.
NOTE 16
Leases. Rent expense was $66,052,000 in 2006, $64,698,000 in 2005 and $52,697,000 in 2004. The
future minimum lease payments are summarized as follows (stated in thousands of dollars):
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
55,192 |
|
2008 |
|
|
46,268 |
|
2009 |
|
|
34,912 |
|
2010 |
|
|
24,947 |
|
2011 |
|
|
18,391 |
|
2012 and after |
|
|
58,330 |
|
|
|
|
|
238,040 |
|
|
|
NOTE 17
Contingent liabilities and commitments. The Company routinely holds funds in segregated escrow
accounts pending the closing of real estate transactions. This resulted in a contingent liability
to the Company of approximately $1,514,429,000 at December 31, 2006. The Company realizes economic
benefits from certain commercial banks holding escrow deposits. The escrow funds are not invested
under, and do not collateralize, the arrangements with the banks. Under these arrangements, there
were no outstanding balances or liabilities at December 31, 2006 and 2005.
The Company is a qualified intermediary 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. This resulted in a contingent liability to the
Company of approximately $1,189,406,000 at December 31, 2006.
As is industry practice, these escrow and Section 1031 accounts are not included in the
consolidated balance sheets.
In addition, the Company is contingently liable for disbursements of escrow funds held by agencies
in those cases where specific insured closing guarantees have been issued.
At December 31, 2006, the Company was contingently liable for guarantees of indebtedness owed
primarily to banks and others by certain third parties. The guarantees relate primarily to
business expansion and expire no later than 2019. At December 31, 2006, the maximum potential
future payments on the guarantees amounted to $7,275,000. Management believes that the related
underlying assets and available collateral, primarily corporate stock and title plants, would
enable the Company to recover amounts paid under the guarantees. The Company believes no provision
for losses is needed because no loss is expected on these guarantees. The Companys accrued
liability related to the non-contingent value of third-party guarantees was $306,000 at December
31, 2006.
F-20
In the ordinary course of business the Company guarantees the third-party indebtedness of certain
consolidated subsidiaries. At December 31, 2006, the maximum potential future payments on the
guarantees were not more than the related notes payable recorded in the consolidated balance
sheets. The Company also guarantees the indebtedness related to lease obligations of certain of
its consolidated subsidiaries. The maximum future obligations arising from these lease-related
guarantees are not more than the Companys future minimum lease payments (Note 16). In addition,
the Company has unused letters of credit amounting to $3,726,000 related primarily to workers
compensation coverage.
The Company is also subject to routine lawsuits incidental to its business, most of which involve
disputed policy claims. In many of these lawsuits, the plaintiff seeks exemplary or treble damages
in excess of policy limits based on the alleged malfeasance of an issuing agent. The Company does
not expect that any of these proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated
financial condition or results of operations. Additionally, the Company has received various other inquiries from
governmental regulators concerning practices in the insurance industry. Many of these practices do
not concern title insurance and the Company does not anticipate that the outcome of these inquiries
will materially affect its consolidated financial condition or results of operations. Along with the other major title
insurance companies, the Company is party to a number of class actions concerning the title
insurance industry and believes that it has adequate reserves for these contingencies and that the
likely resolution of these matters will not materially affect its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
NOTE 18
Regulatory developments. In September 2006, the California Commissioner of Insurance alleged that
some of the Companys captive reinsurance programs may have constituted improper payments for the
placement or referral of title business and is seeking approximately $47 million in fines and
penalties from us. Stewart believes that its reinsurance is traditional reinsurance applied to
residential business, which was authorized by the Department of Housing and Urban Development in
its August 1997 and 2004 letters on permissible captive reinsurance in residential transactions
covered by the Real Estate Settlement and Procedures Act (RESPA). The Company has filed a notice
of defense with the California Department of Insurance requesting an administrative hearing in
response to its allegations. The Company believes that it has adequately reserved for this
allegation and that the likely resolution will not materially affect its consolidated financial
condition or results of operations.
Regulators periodically review title insurance premium rates and may seek reductions in the premium
rates charged. In late 2006, the Texas Department of Insurance reduced rates by 3.2% effective
February 1, 2007. The effect of this rate change is not expected to have a material impact on the
Companys consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
The rates
charged by title insurance underwriters in Florida, from which
the Company derives a significant portion of its revenues, are
currently under review with proposals to enact premium rate
decreases. The California Insurance Commissioner filed a rate
reduction order that would have reduced title insurance rates in
California by 26% commencing in 2009. On February 21, 2007, this rate
reduction order was rejected by the California Office of
Administrative Law. Californias Insurance Commissioner has
announced plans to submit a revised rate reduction proposal in the
future. The Company believes that California law requires rates to be
established competitively and not by administrative order. The
Company cannot predict the outcome of these proposals and, to the
extent that rate decreases are enacted in the future, its financial
condition and results of operations could be materially adversely
affected.
F-21
NOTE 19
Variable interest entities. The Company, in the ordinary course of business, enters into joint
ventures and partnerships related to its title operations. These entities are immaterial to the
Companys consolidated financial condition and results of operations individually and in the
aggregate. At December 31, 2006, the Company had no material exposure to loss associated with
variable interest entities to which it is a party.
NOTE 20
Segment information. The Companys two reportable segments are title and real estate information
(REI). Both segments serve each other and the real estate and mortgage industries.
The title segment provides services needed to transfer the title in a real estate transaction.
These services include searching, examining and closing the title to real property and insuring the
condition of the title.
The REI segment primarily provides electronic delivery of data, products and services related to
real estate. These products and services include title reports, flood certificates, credit reports,
property appraisals, document preparation, property information reports and background checks. This
segment also provides post-closing services to lenders. In addition, the REI segment provides
services related to Section 1031 tax-deferred property exchanges, mapping, and construction and
maintenance of title plants for county clerks, tax assessors and title agencies.
Under the Companys internal reporting system, most general corporate expenses are incurred by and
charged to the title segment. Technology operating costs are also charged to the title segment,
except for direct expenditures related to the REI segment. All investment income is included in the
title segment as it is generated primarily from the investments of the title underwriters
operations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title |
|
REI |
|
Total |
|
|
|
($000 omitted) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
2,390,322 |
|
|
|
81,159 |
|
|
|
2,471,481 |
|
Intersegment revenues |
|
|
1,066 |
|
|
|
3,994 |
|
|
|
5,060 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
33,973 |
|
|
|
3,774 |
|
|
|
37,747 |
|
Earnings
before taxes and minority interests |
|
|
83,234 |
|
|
|
1,302 |
|
|
|
84,536 |
|
Identifiable assets |
|
|
1,387,365 |
|
|
|
70,842 |
|
|
|
1,458,207 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
2,348,132 |
|
|
|
82,495 |
|
|
|
2,430,627 |
|
Intersegment revenues |
|
|
1,537 |
|
|
|
3,426 |
|
|
|
4,963 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
30,129 |
|
|
|
3,825 |
|
|
|
33,954 |
|
Earnings before taxes and
minority interests |
|
|
154,391 |
|
|
|
10,573 |
|
|
|
164,964 |
|
Identifiable assets |
|
|
1,302,949 |
|
|
|
58,202 |
|
|
|
1,361,151 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
2,107,385 |
|
|
|
68,907 |
|
|
|
2,176,292 |
|
Intersegment revenues |
|
|
1,449 |
|
|
|
3,460 |
|
|
|
4,909 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
27,061 |
|
|
|
3,964 |
|
|
|
31,025 |
|
Earnings before taxes and
minority interests |
|
|
143,154 |
|
|
|
3,578 |
|
|
|
146,732 |
|
|
|
F-22
NOTE 21
Quarterly financial information (unaudited).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mar 31 |
|
June 30 |
|
Sept 30 |
|
Dec 31 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
($000 omitted, except per share) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
539,423 |
|
|
|
644,729 |
|
|
|
641,521 |
|
|
|
645,808 |
|
|
|
2,471,481 |
|
2005 |
|
|
510,962 |
|
|
|
651,079 |
|
|
|
639,442 |
|
|
|
629,144 |
|
|
|
2,430,627 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2,647 |
|
|
|
15,710 |
|
|
|
14,150 |
|
|
|
10,745 |
|
|
|
43,252 |
|
2005 |
|
|
10,666 |
|
|
|
37,227 |
|
|
|
31,771 |
|
|
|
9,101 |
(1) |
|
|
88,765 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share diluted: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
0.14 |
|
|
|
0.86 |
|
|
|
0.77 |
|
|
|
0.59 |
|
|
|
2.36 |
|
2005 |
|
|
0.59 |
|
|
|
2.04 |
|
|
|
1.74 |
|
|
|
0.50 |
|
|
|
4.86 |
|
|
|
Note: Quarterly per share data may not sum to annual totals due to rounding.
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes additions to title loss reserves aggregating $10.5 million, which reduced
net earnings by $6.8 million. Also includes charges related to the Companys accounting for leases
and employee vacations of $2.8 million and $2.1 million, respectively. |
F-23
SCHEDULE I
STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION
(Parent Company)
STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND RETAINED EARNINGS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended December 31 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
|
|
($000 omitted) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment income, including
$0, $18, and $136 from affiliates |
|
|
2,565 |
|
|
|
1,254 |
|
|
|
477 |
|
Other income |
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
|
|
2,588 |
|
|
|
1,257 |
|
|
|
488 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employee costs |
|
|
1,717 |
|
|
|
1,396 |
|
|
|
3,120 |
|
Other operating expenses, including
$147, $93 and $101 to affiliates |
|
|
4,466 |
|
|
|
4,666 |
|
|
|
3,618 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
813 |
|
|
|
812 |
|
|
|
796 |
|
|
|
|
|
6,996 |
|
|
|
6,874 |
|
|
|
7,534 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before taxes and earnings from subsidiaries |
|
|
(4,408 |
) |
|
|
(5,617 |
) |
|
|
(7,046 |
) |
Income tax benefit |
|
|
1,669 |
|
|
|
2,018 |
|
|
|
1,938 |
|
Earnings from subsidiaries |
|
|
45,991 |
|
|
|
92,364 |
|
|
|
87,626 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings |
|
|
43,252 |
|
|
|
88,765 |
|
|
|
82,518 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained earnings at beginning of year |
|
|
619,232 |
|
|
|
543,295 |
|
|
|
469,107 |
|
Excess distribution to minority interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(478 |
) |
Cash dividends on Common Stock ($.75 per share
in 2006 and 2005 and $.46 per share in 2004) |
|
|
(12,886 |
) |
|
|
(12,828 |
) |
|
|
(7,852 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained earnings at end of year |
|
|
649,598 |
|
|
|
619,232 |
|
|
|
543,295 |
|
|
|
See accompanying note to financial statement information.
(Schedule continued on following page.)
S-1
SCHEDULE I
(continued)
STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION
(Parent Company)
BALANCE
SHEETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
($000 omitted) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
884 |
|
|
|
288 |
|
Short-term investments |
|
|
49,501 |
|
|
|
35,314 |
|
|
|
|
|
50,385 |
|
|
|
35,602 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments in debt securities, at market |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Receivables: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes, including $10,040 and $10,190 from affiliates |
|
|
10,934 |
|
|
|
11,222 |
|
Other, including $419 and $21,954 from affiliates |
|
|
1,220 |
|
|
|
22,409 |
|
Less allowance for uncollectible amounts |
|
|
(19 |
) |
|
|
(67 |
) |
|
|
|
|
12,135 |
|
|
|
33,564 |
|
Property and equipment, at cost: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land |
|
|
2,857 |
|
|
|
2,857 |
|
Buildings |
|
|
455 |
|
|
|
455 |
|
Furniture and equipment |
|
|
3,104 |
|
|
|
3,071 |
|
Less accumulated depreciation |
|
|
(1,230 |
) |
|
|
(975 |
) |
|
|
|
|
5,186 |
|
|
|
5,408 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title plant, at cost |
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
48 |
|
Investments in subsidiaries, on an equity basis |
|
|
725,100 |
|
|
|
684,082 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
8,470 |
|
|
|
8,470 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
15,786 |
|
|
|
14,350 |
|
|
|
|
|
822,110 |
|
|
|
781,524 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
42 |
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
|
|
19,848 |
|
|
|
15,169 |
|
|
|
|
|
19,848 |
|
|
|
15,211 |
|
Contingent liabilities and commitments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock $1 par, authorized 30,000,000,
issued and outstanding 17,507,087 and 17,430,304 |
|
|
17,507 |
|
|
|
17,430 |
|
Class B Common Stock $1 par, authorized 1,500,000,
issued and outstanding 1,050,012 |
|
|
1,050 |
|
|
|
1,050 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
129,960 |
|
|
|
126,887 |
|
Retained earnings(1) |
|
|
649,598 |
|
|
|
619,232 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized investment gains |
|
|
3,399 |
|
|
|
2,551 |
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
|
|
4,662 |
|
|
|
3,077 |
|
Treasury stock 325,829 shares, at cost |
|
|
(3,914 |
) |
|
|
(3,914 |
) |
|
Total stockholders equity |
|
|
802,262 |
|
|
|
766,313 |
|
|
|
|
|
822,110 |
|
|
|
781,524 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes undistributed earnings of subsidiaries of $672,737 in 2006 and $639,632 in
2005. |
See accompanying note to financial statement information.
(Schedule continued on following page.)
S-2
SCHEDULE I
(continued)
STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION
(Parent Company)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended December 31 |
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
($000 omitted) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of net earnings to cash (used) provided by
operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings |
|
|
43,252 |
|
|
|
88,765 |
|
|
|
82,518 |
|
Add (deduct): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
813 |
|
|
|
812 |
|
|
|
796 |
|
Decrease (increase) in receivables net |
|
|
331 |
|
|
|
(169 |
) |
|
|
12,181 |
|
Increase in payables and accrued liabilities net |
|
|
4,679 |
|
|
|
3,100 |
|
|
|
5,553 |
|
Increase in other assets net |
|
|
(1,946 |
) |
|
|
(2,207 |
) |
|
|
(5,477 |
) |
Net earnings from subsidiaries |
|
|
(45,991 |
) |
|
|
(92,364 |
) |
|
|
(87,626 |
) |
Deferred tax benefit (expense) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(45 |
) |
|
|
(328 |
) |
Other net |
|
|
(1,007 |
) |
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
(600 |
) |
|
Cash provided (used) by operating activities |
|
|
131 |
|
|
|
(2,085 |
) |
|
|
7,017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from investments matured and sold |
|
|
46,262 |
|
|
|
63,729 |
|
|
|
31,861 |
|
Purchases of investments |
|
|
(65,449 |
) |
|
|
(69,591 |
) |
|
|
(39,194 |
) |
Purchases of property and equipment net |
|
|
(81 |
) |
|
|
(19 |
) |
|
|
(46 |
) |
Increases in notes receivables |
|
|
(150 |
) |
|
|
(835 |
) |
|
|
(447 |
) |
Collections on notes receivables |
|
|
248 |
|
|
|
261 |
|
|
|
6,462 |
|
Dividends received from subsidiary |
|
|
34,000 |
|
|
|
20,850 |
|
|
|
10,765 |
|
Cash paid for acquisitions of subsidiaries net |
|
|
(1,954 |
) |
|
|
(665 |
) |
|
|
(11,733 |
) |
|
Cash provided (used) by investing activities |
|
|
12,876 |
|
|
|
13,730 |
|
|
|
(2,332 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends paid |
|
|
(12,886 |
) |
|
|
(12,828 |
) |
|
|
(7,852 |
) |
Proceeds from exercise of stock options |
|
|
517 |
|
|
|
364 |
|
|
|
1,284 |
|
Payments on notes payable |
|
|
(42 |
) |
|
|
(79 |
) |
|
|
(76 |
) |
|
Cash used by financing activities |
|
|
(12,411 |
) |
|
|
(12,543 |
) |
|
|
(6,644 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
596 |
|
|
|
(898 |
) |
|
|
(1,959 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
|
|
288 |
|
|
|
1,186 |
|
|
|
3,145 |
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
|
|
884 |
|
|
|
288 |
|
|
|
1,186 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes paid |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest paid |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
See accompanying note to financial statement information.
(Schedule continued on following page.)
S-3
SCHEDULE I
(continued)
STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION
(Parent Company)
NOTE TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION
We operate as a holding company, transacting substantially all of our business through our
subsidiaries. Our consolidated financial statements are included in Part II, Item 8 of Form 10-K.
The Parent Company financial statements should be read in conjunction with the aforementioned
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and financial statement schedules.
Certain amounts in the 2005 and 2004 Parent Company financial statements have been reclassified for
comparative purposes. Net earnings and stockholders equity, as previously reported, were not
affected.
Dividends from Guaranty for 2006, 2005 and 2004 were $13,000,000, $31,000,000 and $21,615,000,
respectively.
S-4
SCHEDULE II
STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
December 31, 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Col. A |
|
Col. B |
|
|
Col. C |
|
|
Col. D |
|
|
Col. E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions |
|
|
Deductions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance |
|
|
Charged to |
|
|
Charged to |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance |
|
|
|
at |
|
|
costs |
|
|
other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
at |
|
|
|
beginning |
|
|
and |
|
|
accounts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
end |
|
Description |
|
of period |
|
|
expenses |
|
|
(describe) |
|
|
(describe) |
|
|
of period |
|
($000 omitted) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stewart Information Services Corporation
and subsidiaries: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended
December 31, 2004: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated title losses |
|
|
268,089 |
|
|
|
100,841 |
|
|
|
227 |
(C) |
|
|
68,408 |
(A) |
|
|
300,749 |
|
Allowance for uncollectible
amounts |
|
|
6,260 |
|
|
|
2,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,430 |
(B) |
|
|
7,430 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended
December 31, 2005: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated title losses |
|
|
300,749 |
|
|
|
128,102 |
|
|
|
15 |
(C) |
|
|
82,162 |
(A) |
|
|
346,704 |
|
Allowance for uncollectible
amounts |
|
|
7,430 |
|
|
|
2,673 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,577 |
(B) |
|
|
8,526 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended
December 31, 2006: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated title losses |
|
|
346,704 |
|
|
|
141,557 |
|
|
|
2,724 |
(C) |
|
|
106,589 |
(A) |
|
|
384,396 |
|
Allowance for uncollectible
amounts |
|
|
8,526 |
|
|
|
2,995 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,409 |
(B) |
|
|
9,112 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stewart Information Services Corporation
Parent Company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended
December 31, 2004: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for uncollectible
amounts |
|
|
71 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
(B) |
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended
December 31, 2005: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for uncollectible
amounts |
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
(B) |
|
|
67 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended
December 31, 2006: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for uncollectible
amounts |
|
|
67 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48 |
(B) |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
|
(A) |
|
Represents primarily payments of policy and escrow losses and loss adjustment expenses. |
|
(B) |
|
Represents uncollectible accounts written off. |
|
(C) |
|
Represents estimated title loss balance acquired. |
S-5
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
-
|
|
Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as amended March 19, 2001
(incorporated by reference in this report from Exhibit 3.1 of the Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000) |
|
|
|
|
|
3.2
|
|
-
|
|
By-Laws of the Registrant, as amended March 13, 2000 (incorporated by
reference in this report from Exhibit 3.2 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2000) |
|
|
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
-
|
|
Rights of Common and Class B Common Stockholders (incorporated by reference
to Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 hereto) |
|
|
|
|
|
10.1*
|
|
-
|
|
Summary of agreements as to payment of bonuses to certain executive officers |
|
|
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
-
|
|
Deferred Compensation Agreements dated March 10, 1986, amended July 24,
1990 and October 30, 1992, between the Registrant and certain executive
officers (incorporated by reference in this report from Exhibit 10.2 of the
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997) |
|
|
|
|
|
10.3
|
|
-
|
|
Stewart Information Services Corporation 1999 Stock Option Plan
(incorporated by reference in this report from Exhibit 10.3 of the Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999) |
|
|
|
|
|
10.4
|
|
-
|
|
Stewart Information Services Corporation 2002 Stock Option Plan for Region
Managers (incorporated by reference in this report from Exhibit 10.4 of the
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002) |
|
|
|
|
|
10.5
|
|
-
|
|
Stewart Information Services Corporation 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan
(incorporated by reference in this report from Exhibit 10.2 of the
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005) |
|
|
|
|
|
14.1
|
|
-
|
|
Code of Ethics for Chief Executive Officers, Principal Financial Officer
and Principal Accounting Officer (incorporated by reference in this report
from Exhibit 14.1 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2004) |
|
|
|
|
|
21.1*
|
|
-
|
|
Subsidiaries of the Registrant |
|
|
|
|
|
23.1*
|
|
-
|
|
Consent of KPMG LLP, including consent to incorporation by reference of
their reports into previously filed Securities Act registration statements |
|
|
|
|
|
31.1*
|
|
-
|
|
Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
31.2*
|
|
-
|
|
Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
31.3*
|
|
-
|
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
32.1*
|
|
-
|
|
Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
32.2*
|
|
-
|
|
Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
32.3*
|
|
-
|
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Filed herewith |
|
|
|
Management contract or compensatory plan |