Annual Statements Open main menu

First American Financial Corp - Quarter Report: 2010 September (Form 10-Q)

Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010

OR

 

¨ 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 001-34580

 

 

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Incorporated in Delaware   26-1911571

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1 First American Way, Santa Ana, California   92707-5913
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(714) 250-3000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

 

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  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

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

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

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

APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY

PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

On October 25, 2010, there were 104,244,923 shares of common stock outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

 

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

INFORMATION INCLUDED IN REPORT

 

Part I:

   FINANCIAL INFORMATION      4   

Item 1.

   Financial Statements (unaudited)      4   
   A. Condensed Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009      4   
  

B. Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

     5   
  

C. Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

     6   
  

D. Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

     7   
   E. Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity      8   
   F. Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements      9   

Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      35   

Item 3.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk      46   

Item 4.

   Controls and Procedures      46   

Part II:

   OTHER INFORMATION      46   

Item 1.

   Legal Proceedings      46   

Item 1A.

   Risk Factors      47   

Item 5.

   Other Information      53   

Item 6.

   Exhibits      53   

Items 2 through 4 of Part II have been omitted because they are not applicable with respect to the current reporting period.

 

2


Table of Contents

 

CERTAIN STATEMENTS IN THIS QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THOSE RELATING TO:

 

   

THE EXPENSES OF OPERATING THE COMPANY AS A SEPARATE PUBLICLY-HELD CORPORATION FOLLOWING THE SPIN-OFF TRANSACTION;

   

THE SALE OF DEBT SECURITIES IN THE COMPANY’S INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO AND IMPAIRMENT LOSSES RELATING THERETO;

   

CHANGES IN UNRECOGNIZED TAX POSITIONS AND THE EFFECT THEREOF ON THE COMPANY’S EFFECTIVE TAX RATE;

   

THE EFFECT OF LAWSUITS, REGULATORY AUDITS AND INVESTIGATIONS AND OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ON THE COMPANY’S FINANCIAL CONDITION, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OR CASH FLOWS;

   

THE EFFECT OF PENDING AND RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS ON THE COMPANY’S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS;

   

THE EFFECT OF THE ISSUES FACING THE COMPANY’S CUSTOMERS;

   

THE IMPACT OF TIGHT MORTGAGE CREDIT AND THE UNCERTAINTY IN THE OVERALL ECONOMY ON THE COMPANY’S LINES OF BUSINESS;

   

THE EFFECTS OF FORECLOSURE SUSPENSIONS AND POTENTIAL DEFICIENCIES IN LENDER FORECLOSURE PROCESSES;

   

THE LIKELIHOOD OF CHANGES IN EXPECTED ULTIMATE LOSSES AND CORRESPONDING LOSS RATES;

   

EXPECTED CONTRIBUTIONS TO DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION AND SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFIT PLANS;

   

THE EXTENT OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE EXPOSURE;

   

THE COMPANY’S COST CONTROL INITIATIVES;

   

THE REALIZATION OF TAX BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH CERTAIN LOSSES;

   

THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE COMPANY’S RESOURCES TO SATISFY OPERATIONAL CASH REQUIREMENTS; AND

   

FUTURE PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS,

ARE FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 27A OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND SECTION 21E OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED. THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS MAY CONTAIN THE WORDS “BELIEVE,” “ANTICIPATE,” “EXPECT,” “PLAN,” “PREDICT,” “ESTIMATE,” “PROJECT,” “WILL BE,” “WILL CONTINUE,” “WILL LIKELY RESULT,” OR OTHER SIMILAR WORDS AND PHRASES.

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES EXIST THAT MAY CAUSE RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE SET FORTH IN THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE THE ANTICIPATED RESULTS TO DIFFER FROM THOSE DESCRIBED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INCLUDE:

 

   

INTEREST RATE FLUCTUATIONS;

   

CHANGES IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE REAL ESTATE MARKETS;

   

LIMITATIONS ON ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS AND OTHER DATA;

   

GENERAL VOLATILITY IN THE CAPITAL MARKETS;

   

CHANGES IN APPLICABLE GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS;

   

HEIGHTENED SCRUTINY BY LEGISLATORS AND REGULATORS OF THE COMPANY’S TITLE INSURANCE AND SERVICES SEGMENT AND CERTAIN OTHER OF THE COMPANY’S BUSINESSES;

   

THE INABILITY TO REALIZE THE BENEFITS OF THE SPIN-OFF TRANSACTION AS A RESULT OF THE LANDSCAPE OF THE REAL ESTATE AND MORTGAGE CREDIT MARKETS, MARKET CONDITIONS, INCREASED BORROWING COSTS, COMPETITION OR CONFLICTS BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND CORELOGIC, INC., UNFAVORABLE REACTIONS FROM EMPLOYEES, THE INABILITY OF THE COMPANY TO PAY THE ANTICIPATED LEVEL OF DIVIDENDS, THE TRIGGERING OF RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS BY THE TRANSACTION OR ANY LITIGATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE SEPARATION;

   

INCREASES IN THE SIZE OF THE COMPANY’S CUSTOMERS;

   

UNFAVORABLE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS;

   

IMPAIRMENTS IN THE COMPANY’S GOODWILL OR OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS;

   

LOSSES IN THE COMPANY’S INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO;

   

EXPENSES OF AND FUNDING OBLIGATIONS TO THE PENSION PLAN;

   

WEAKNESS IN THE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET AND INCREASES IN THE AMOUNT OR SEVERITY OF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION CLAIMS;

   

REGULATION OF TITLE INSURANCE RATES; AND

   

OTHER FACTORS DESCRIBED IN THE COMPANY’S INFORMATION STATEMENT ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT 99.1 TO THE COMPANY’S CURRENT REPORT ON FORM 8-K DATED MAY 26, 2010, AS UPDATED IN PART II, ITEM 1A OF THE COMPANY’S QUARTERLY REPORTS ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTERS ENDED MARCH 31, 2010 AND JUNE 30, 2010, AND AS FURTHER UPDATED HEREIN.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS SPEAK ONLY AS OF THE DATE THEY ARE MADE. THE COMPANY DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS TO REFLECT CIRCUMSTANCES OR EVENTS THAT OCCUR AFTER THE DATE THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE MADE.

 

3


Table of Contents

 

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements.

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Condensed Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except par value)

(unaudited)

 

     September 30,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 

Assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 742,843      $ 631,297   

Accounts and accrued income receivable, net

     247,561        239,166   

Income taxes receivable

     —          27,265   

Investments:

    

Deposits with savings and loan associations and banks

     68,272        75,505   

Debt securities

     1,959,445        1,838,719   

Equity securities

     284,094        51,020   

Other long-term investments

     189,451        275,275   

Notes receivable from CoreLogic/The First American Corporation (“TFAC”)

     19,348        187,825   
                
     2,520,610        2,428,344   
                

Loans receivable, net

     163,105        161,897   

Property and equipment, net

     339,151        358,571   

Title plants and other indexes

     489,613        488,135   

Deferred income taxes

     80,305        101,818   

Goodwill

     802,146        800,986   

Other intangible assets, net

     71,520        78,892   

Other assets

     229,037        213,910   
                
   $ 5,685,891      $ 5,530,281   
                

Liabilities and Equity

    

Demand deposits

   $ 1,439,885      $ 1,153,574   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     696,856        699,766   

Due to CoreLogic/TFAC, net

     4,965        12,264   

Deferred revenue

     151,860        144,756   

Reserve for known and incurred but not reported claims

     1,132,775        1,227,757   

Income taxes payable

     21,005        —     

Notes and contracts payable

     296,675        119,313   

Allocated portion of TFAC debt

     —          140,000   
                
     3,744,021        3,497,430   
                

Commitments and contingencies

    

Stockholders’ equity or TFAC’s invested equity:

    

Preferred stock, $0.00001 par value, Authorized-500 shares; Outstanding-none

     —          —     

Common stock, $0.00001 par value:

    

Authorized - 300,000 shares

    

Outstanding - 104,238 shares

     1        —     

Additional paid-in capital

     2,030,313        —     

Retained earnings

     31,242        —     

TFAC’s invested equity

     —          2,167,291   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (133,211     (147,491
                

Total stockholders’ equity or TFAC’s invested equity

     1,928,345        2,019,800   

Noncontrolling interests

     13,525        13,051   
                

Total equity

     1,941,870        2,032,851   
                
   $ 5,685,891      $ 5,530,281   
                

See notes to condensed consolidated and combined financial statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

 

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

     For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
    For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Revenues

        

Operating revenues

   $ 976,650      $ 1,069,563      $ 2,805,616      $ 2,941,832   

Investment income

     27,309        26,160        71,280        89,163   

Net realized investment gains

     1,504        8,194        12,136        14,143   

Net other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses recognized in earnings:

        

Total OTTI losses on equity securities

     —          (664     (1,722     (21,051

Total OTTI losses on debt securities

     (2,658     (1,616     (5,348     (44,635

Portion of OTTI losses on debt securities recognized in other comprehensive loss

     718        (1,056     (90     34,589   
                                
     (1,940     (3,336     (7,160     (31,097
                                
     1,003,523        1,100,581        2,881,872        3,014,041   
                                

Expenses

        

Salaries and other personnel costs

     308,046        302,484        892,390        912,920   

Premiums retained by agents

     320,398        363,408        916,975        881,571   

Other operating expenses

     200,258        244,294        597,975        706,125   

Provision for policy losses and other claims

     86,450        86,684        240,436        265,744   

Depreciation and amortization

     18,559        19,862        58,064        60,657   

Premium taxes

     9,767        10,349        28,289        26,765   

Interest

     4,057        4,979        10,220        17,058   
                                
     947,535        1,032,060        2,744,349        2,870,840   
                                

Income before income taxes

     55,988        68,521        137,523        143,201   

Income taxes

     22,645        27,608        56,311        61,527   
                                

Net income

     33,343        40,913        81,212        81,674   

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     210        2,088        477        9,355   
                                

Net income attributable to the Company

   $ 33,133      $ 38,825      $ 80,735      $ 72,319   
                                

Net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders (Note 9):

        

Basic

   $ 0.32      $ 0.37      $ 0.78      $ 0.70   
                                

Diluted

   $ 0.31      $ 0.37      $ 0.76      $ 0.70   
                                

Cash dividends per share

   $ 0.06      $ —        $ 0.12      $ —     
                                

Weighted-average common shares outstanding (Note 9):

        

Basic

     104,173        104,006        104,064        104,006   
                                

Diluted

     106,112        104,006        106,010        104,006   
                                

See notes to condensed consolidated and combined financial statements.

 

5


Table of Contents

 

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Comprehensive Income

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
     For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2010      2009      2010     2009  

Net income

   $ 33,343       $ 40,913       $ 81,212      $ 81,674   
                                  

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

          

Unrealized gain on securities

     17,129         11,898         20,259        51,810   

Unrealized gain on securities for which credit-related portion was recognized in earnings

     2,933         2,324         5,680        816   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     10,464         12,348         4,331        26,966   

Pension benefit adjustment

     3,388         6,256         (11,869     12,562   
                                  

Total other comprehensive income, net of tax

     33,914         32,826         18,401        92,154   
                                  

Comprehensive income

     67,257         73,739         99,613        173,828   

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     232         1,403         4,598        10,358   
                                  

Comprehensive income attributable to the Company

   $ 67,025       $ 72,336       $ 95,015      $ 163,470   
                                  

See notes to condensed consolidated and combined financial statements.

 

6


Table of Contents

 

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2010     2009  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 81,212      $ 81,674   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:

    

Provision for policy losses and other claims

     240,436        265,744   

Depreciation and amortization

     58,064        60,657   

Share-based compensation expense

     12,339        11,921   

Net realized investment gains

     (12,136     (14,143

Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings

     7,160        31,097   

Equity in earnings of affiliates

     (7,098     (9,942

Dividends from equity method investments

     2,108        1,856   

Changes in assets and liabilities excluding effects of company acquisitions and noncash transactions:

    

Claims paid, including assets acquired, net of recoveries

     (339,854     (338,468

Net change in income tax accounts

     29,786        25,677   

Decrease in accounts and accrued income receivable

     2,289        11,671   

Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (44,094     (16,993

Net change in due to CoreLogic/TFAC

     (7,299     42,695   

Increase in deferred revenue

     7,104        1,079   

Other, net

     (4,597     (25,606
                

Cash provided by operating activities

     25,420        128,919   
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Net cash effect of company acquisitions

     (2,645     (3,637

Purchase of subsidiary shares from / other decreases in noncontrolling interests

     (3,565     (30,712

Sale of subsidiary shares to / other increases in noncontrolling interests

     66        30,198   

Net decrease in deposits with banks

     7,794        78,950   

Net increase in loans receivable

     (1,208     (10,548

Purchases of debt and equity securities

     (1,090,863     (541,586

Proceeds from sales of debt and equity securities

     590,209        384,983   

Proceeds from maturities of debt securities

     427,765        278,318   

Net decrease (increase) in other long-term investments

     8,938        (20,153

Proceeds from notes receivable from CoreLogic/TFAC

     3,906        8,645   

Capital expenditures

     (47,669     (28,555

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

     7,035        12,215   
                

Cash (used for) provided by investing activities

     (100,237     158,118   
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Net change in demand deposits

     286,311        (122,950

Proceeds from issuance of debt

     210,347        8,000   

Proceeds from issuance of note payable to TFAC

     29,087        —     

Repayment of debt

     (33,906     (47,637

Repayment of debt to TFAC

     (169,572     —     

Payments related to shares issued in connection with restricted stock unit, option and benefit plans

     294        —     

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

     (870     (7,272

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

     920        331   

Dividends paid to TFAC

     —          (53,000

Cash dividends

     (6,248     —     

Cash distribution to TFAC upon separation

     (130,000     —     
                

Cash provided by (used for) financing activities

     186,363        (222,528
                

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     111,546        64,509   

Cash and cash equivalents—Beginning of period

     631,297        723,651   
                

Cash and cash equivalents—End of period

   $ 742,843      $ 788,160   
                

Supplemental information:

    

Cash paid during the period for:

    

Interest

   $ 12,391      $ 8,624   

Premium taxes

   $ 33,050      $ 24,839   

Income taxes

   $ 13,089      $ 35,850   

Noncash investing and financing activities:

    

Net noncash capital contributions from TFAC

   $ 2,097      $ 8,706   

Net noncash distribution to TFAC upon separation

   $ (48,168   $ —     

See notes to condensed consolidated and combined financial statements.

 

7


Table of Contents

 

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     First American Financial Corporation Stockholders              
     Shares      Common
stock
     Additional
paid-in
capital
    Retained
earnings
    TFAC’s
invested
equity
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
    Noncontrolling
interests
    Total  

Balance at December 31, 2009

     —         $ —         $ —        $ —        $ 2,167,291      $ (147,491   $ 13,051      $ 2,032,851   

Net income earned prior to June 1, 2010 separation

     —           —           —          —          36,777        —          147        36,924   

Net contributions from TFAC

     —           —           —          —          2,097        —          —          2,097   

Distribution to TFAC upon separation

     —           —           —          —          (178,168     (22,051     —          (200,219

Capitalization as a result of separation from TFAC

     —           —           2,025,930        —          (2,025,930     —          —          —     

Issuance of common stock at separation

     104,006         1         (1     —          —          —          —          —     

Net income earned following June 1, 2010 separation

     —           —           —          43,958        —          —          330        44,288   

Dividends on common shares

     —           —           —          (12,502     —          —          —          (12,502

Shares issued in connection with restricted stock unit, option and benefit plans

     232         —           349        (214     —          —          —          135   

Share-based compensation expense

     —           —           4,035        —          —          —          —          4,035   

Purchase of subsidiary shares from /other decreases in noncontrolling interests

     —           —           —          —          (2,067     —          (3,320     (5,387

Sale of subsidiary shares to /other increases in noncontrolling interests

     —           —           —          —          —          —          66        66   

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

     —           —           —          —          —          —          (870     (870

Other comprehensive income (Note 13)

     —           —           —          —          —          36,331        4,121        40,452   
                                                                  

Balance at September 30, 2010

     104,238       $ 1       $ 2,030,313      $ 31,242      $ —        $ (133,211   $ 13,525      $ 1,941,870   
                                                                  

See notes to condensed consolidated and combined financial statements.

 

8


Table of Contents

 

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

Note 1 – Basis of Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements

Spin off

First American Financial Corporation (the “Company”) became a publicly traded company following its spin-off from its prior parent, The First American Corporation (“TFAC”) on June 1, 2010 (the “Separation”). On that date, TFAC distributed all of the Company’s outstanding shares to the record date shareholders of TFAC on a one-for-one basis (the “Distribution”). After the Distribution, the Company owns TFAC’s financial services businesses and TFAC, which reincorporated and assumed the name CoreLogic, Inc. (“CoreLogic”), continues to own its information solutions businesses. The Company’s common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the “FAF” ticker symbol and CoreLogic’s common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “CLGX.”

To effect the Separation, TFAC and the Company entered into a Separation and Distribution Agreement (the “Separation and Distribution Agreement”) that governs the rights and obligations of the Company and CoreLogic regarding the Distribution. It also governs the relationship between the Company and CoreLogic subsequent to the completion of the Separation and provides for the allocation between the Company and CoreLogic of TFAC’s assets and liabilities. The Separation and Distribution Agreement identifies assets, liabilities and contracts that were allocated between CoreLogic and the Company as part of the Separation and describes the transfers, assumptions and assignments of these assets, liabilities and contracts. In particular, the Separation and Distribution Agreement provides that, subject to the terms and conditions contained therein:

 

   

All of the assets and liabilities primarily related to the Company’s business—primarily the business and operations of TFAC’s title insurance and services segment and specialty insurance segment—have been retained by or transferred to the Company;

 

   

All of the assets and liabilities primarily related to CoreLogic’s business—primarily the business and operations of TFAC’s data and analytic solutions, information and outsourcing solutions and risk mitigation and business solutions segments—have been retained by or transferred to CoreLogic;

 

   

On the record date for the Distribution, TFAC issued to the Company and its principal title insurance subsidiary, First American Title Insurance Company (“FATICO”) a number of shares of its common stock that resulted in the Company and FATICO collectively owning 12.9 million shares of CoreLogic’s common stock immediately following the Separation. See Note 17 Transactions with CoreLogic/TFAC to the condensed consolidated and combined financial statements for further discussion of the CoreLogic stock;

 

   

The Company effectively assumed $200.0 million of the outstanding liability for indebtedness under TFAC’s senior secured credit facility through the Company’s borrowing and transferring to CoreLogic of $200.0 million under the Company’s credit facility in connection with the Separation. See Note 7 Notes and Contracts Payable to the condensed consolidated and combined financial statements for further discussion of the Company’s credit facility.

The Separation resulted in a net distribution from the Company to TFAC of $178.2 million. In connection with such distribution, the Company assumed $22.1 million of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, which was primarily related to the Company’s assumption of the unfunded portion of the defined benefit pension obligation. See Note 10 Employee Benefit Plans to the condensed consolidated and combined financial statements for additional discussion of the defined benefit pension plan.

Basis of Presentation

The Company’s historical financial statements prior to June 1, 2010 include assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses directly attributable to the Company’s operations. The Company’s historical financial statements prior to June 1, 2010 reflect allocations of certain corporate expenses from TFAC. These expenses have been allocated to the Company on a basis that it considers to reflect fairly or reasonably the utilization of the services provided to or the benefit obtained by the Company’s businesses. The Company’s historical financial statements prior to June 1, 2010 do not reflect the debt or interest expense it might have incurred if it had been a stand-alone entity. In addition, the Company expects to incur other expenses, not reflected in its historical financial statements prior to June 1, 2010, as a result of being a separate publicly traded company. As a result, the Company’s historical financial statements prior to June 1, 2010 do not necessarily reflect what its financial position or results of operations would have been if it had been operated as a stand-alone public entity during the periods covered prior to June 1, 2010, and may not be indicative of the Company’s future results of operations and financial position.

 

9


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The condensed consolidated and combined financial information included in this report has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and Article 10 of Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Regulation S-X. The principles for condensed interim financial information do not require the inclusion of all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s combined annual financial statements as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and for each of the three years ended December 31, 2009 included in the information statement filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K dated May 26, 2010. The condensed consolidated and combined financial statements included herein are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, they contain all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the consolidated and combined results for the interim periods.

Certain 2009 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2010 presentation.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements reflect the consolidated operations of the Company as a separate, stand-alone publicly traded company subsequent to June 1, 2010. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of First American Financial Corporation and all controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Investments in which the Company exercises significant influence, but does not control and is not the primary beneficiary, are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in which the Company does not exercise significant influence over the investee are accounted for under the cost method.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidelines relating to transfers of financial assets which amended existing guidance by removing the concept of a qualifying special purpose entity and establishing a new “participating interest” definition that must be met for transfers of portions of financial assets to be eligible for sale accounting, clarifies and amends the derecognition criteria for a transfer to be accounted for as a sale, and changes the amount that can be recognized as a gain or loss on a transfer accounted for as a sale when beneficial interests are received by the transferor. Enhanced disclosures are also required to provide information about transfers of financial assets and a transferor’s continuing involvement with transferred financial assets. This guidance must be applied as of the beginning of an entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Earlier application is prohibited. The adoption of this standard had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated and combined financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance amending existing guidance surrounding the consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIE”) to require an enterprise to qualitatively assess the determination of the primary beneficiary of a VIE based on whether the entity (1) has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (2) has the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. This guidance also requires an ongoing reconsideration of the primary beneficiary, and amends the events that trigger a reassessment of whether an entity is a VIE. Enhanced disclosures are also required to provide information about an enterprise’s involvement in a VIE. This statement is effective as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Earlier application is prohibited. The adoption of this standard had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated and combined financial statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued updated guidance related to fair value measurements and disclosures, which requires a reporting entity to disclose separately the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and to describe the reasons for the transfers. The updated guidance also requires that an entity provide fair value measurement disclosures for each class of assets and liabilities and disclosures about the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and non-recurring fair value measurements for Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements. This updated guidance became effective for interim or annual financial reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009. Except for the disclosure requirements, the adoption of this statement did not have an impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated and combined financial statements.

 

10


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

In February 2010, the FASB issued updated guidance which amended the subsequent events disclosure requirements to eliminate the requirement for SEC filers to disclose the date through which they have evaluated subsequent events, clarify the period through which conduit bond obligors must evaluate subsequent events and refine the scope of the disclosure requirements for reissued financial statements. The updated guidance was effective upon issuance. Except for the disclosure requirements, the adoption of the guidance had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated and combined financial statements.

In March 2010, the FASB issued updated guidance that amends and clarifies the guidance on how entities should evaluate credit derivatives embedded in beneficial interests in securitized financial assets. The updated guidance eliminates the scope exception for bifurcation of embedded credit derivatives in interests in securitized financial assets, unless they are created solely by subordination of one financial instrument to another. The updated guidance is effective for interim financial reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2010, with adoption permitted at the beginning of each entity’s first fiscal quarter beginning after issuance. The adoption of this standard had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated and combined financial statements.

Note 2 – Escrow Deposits, Like-kind Exchange Deposits and Trust Assets

The Company administers escrow deposits and trust assets as a service to its customers. Escrow deposits totaled $3.20 billion and $2.46 billion at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, of which $1.0 billion and $0.9 billion, respectively, were held at the Company’s federal savings bank subsidiary, First American Trust, FSB. The escrow deposits held at First American Trust, FSB, are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated and combined balance sheets, in cash and cash equivalents and debt and equity securities, with offsetting liabilities included in demand deposits. The remaining escrow deposits were held at third-party financial institutions.

Trust assets totaled $2.79 billion and $2.93 billion at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, and were held at First American Trust, FSB. Escrow deposits held at third-party financial institutions and trust assets are not considered assets of the Company and, therefore, are not included in the accompanying condensed consolidated and combined balance sheets. However, the Company could be held contingently liable for the disposition of these assets.

In conducting its operations, the Company often holds customers’ assets in escrow, pending completion of real estate transactions. As a result of holding these customers’ assets in escrow, the Company has ongoing programs for realizing economic benefits, including investment programs, borrowing agreements, and vendor services arrangements with various financial institutions. The effects of these programs are included in the condensed consolidated and combined financial statements as income or a reduction in expense, as appropriate, based on the nature of the arrangement and benefit earned.

Like-kind exchange funds held by the Company totaled $460.1 million and $385.0 million at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, of which $276.5 million and $186.1 million at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, were held at the Company’s subsidiary, First Security Business Bank (“FSBB”). The like-kind exchange deposits held at FSBB are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated and combined balance sheets in cash and cash equivalents with offsetting liabilities included in demand deposits. The remaining exchange deposits were held at third-party financial institutions and, due to the structure utilized to facilitate these transactions, the proceeds and property are not considered assets of the Company under generally accepted accounting principles and, therefore, are not included in the accompanying condensed consolidated and combined balance sheets. All such amounts are placed in bank deposits with FDIC insured institutions. The Company could be held contingently liable to the customer for the transfers of property, disbursements of proceeds and the return on the proceeds.

 

11


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Note 3 – Debt and Equity Securities

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in debt securities, all of which are classified as available-for-sale, are as follows:

 

     Amortized      Gross unrealized     Estimated     

Other-than-
temporary

impairments

 

(in thousands)

   cost      gains      losses     fair value      in AOCI  

September 30, 2010

             

U.S. Treasury bonds

   $ 84,029       $ 3,387       $ —        $ 87,416       $ —     

Municipal bonds

     247,066         9,695         (80     256,681         —     

Foreign bonds

     173,700         1,928         (181     175,447         —     

Governmental agency bonds

     288,141         3,296         (23     291,414         —     

Governmental agency mortgage-backed securities

     901,322         8,910         (589     909,643         —     

Non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities (1)

     68,709         1,824         (21,304     49,229         26,123   

Corporate debt securities

     180,604         9,045         (34     189,615         —     
                                           
   $ 1,943,571       $ 38,085       $ (22,211   $ 1,959,445       $ 26,123   
                                           

December 31, 2009

             

U.S. Treasury bonds

   $ 72,316       $ 1,834       $ (297   $ 73,853       $ —     

Municipal bonds

     132,965         2,484         (493     134,956         —     

Foreign bonds

     150,105         1,886         (83     151,908         —     

Governmental agency bonds

     326,787         1,816         (1,829     326,774         —     

Governmental agency mortgage-backed securities

     997,293         13,929         (6,080     1,005,142         —     

Non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities (1)

     94,454         1,546         (36,799     59,201         26,213   

Corporate debt securities

     86,911         1,204         (1,230     86,885         —     
                                           
   $ 1,860,831       $ 24,699       $ (46,811   $ 1,838,719       $ 26,213   
                                           

 

(1) At September 30, 2010, the $68.7 million amortized cost is net of $5.4 million in other-than-temporary impairments determined to be credit related which have been recognized in earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. At December 31, 2009, the $94.5 million amortized cost is net of $18.8 million in other-than-temporary impairments determined to be credit related which have been recognized in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2009. At September 30, 2010, the $21.3 million gross unrealized losses include $11.3 million of unrealized losses for securities determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired and $10.0 million of unrealized losses for securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment has not been recognized. At December 31, 2009, the $36.8 million gross unrealized losses include $17.2 million of unrealized losses for securities determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired and $19.6 million of unrealized losses for securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment has not been recognized. The $26.1 million and $26.2 million other-than-temporary impairments in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, represent the amount of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in AOCI which, from January 1, 2009, were not included in earnings due to the fact that the losses were not considered to be credit related. Other-than-temporary impairments were recognized in AOCI for non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities only.

The cost and estimated fair value of investments in equity securities, all of which are classified as available-for-sale, are as follows:

 

(in thousands)

   Cost      Gross unrealized     Estimated
fair value
 
      gains      losses    

September 30, 2010

          

Preferred stocks

   $ 15,174       $ 1,467       $ (34   $ 16,607   

Common stocks (1)

     259,139         8,350         (2     267,487   
                                  
   $ 274,313       $ 9,817       $ (36   $ 284,094   
                                  

December 31, 2009

          

Preferred stocks

   $ 31,808       $ 1,523       $ (2,140   $ 31,191   

Common stocks

     16,333         3,497         (1     19,829   
                                  
   $ 48,141       $ 5,020       $ (2,141   $ 51,020   
                                  

 

12


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

(1) CoreLogic common stock with a cost basis of $242.6 million and an estimated fair value of $247.8 million is included in common stocks at September 30, 2010. See Note 17 Transactions with CoreLogic/TFAC to the condensed consolidated and combined financial statements for additional discussion of the CoreLogic common stock.

The Company had the following net unrealized gains (losses) as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

 

(in thousands)

   As of
September 30,
2010
    As of
December 31,
2009
 

Debt securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment has been recognized

   $ (9,471   $ (15,690

Debt securities—all other

     25,345        (6,422

Equity securities

     9,781        2,879   
                
   $ 25,655      $ (19,233
                

Sales of debt and equity securities resulted in realized gains of $5.0 million and $10.2 million and realized losses of $1.3 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Sales of debt and equity securities resulted in realized gains of $13.1 million and $17.3 million and realized losses of $2.3 million and $3.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The Company had the following gross unrealized losses as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

 

     Less than 12 months     12 months or longer     Total  

(in thousands)

   Estimated
fair value
     Unrealized
losses
    Estimated
fair value
     Unrealized
losses
    Estimated
fair value
     Unrealized
losses
 

September 30, 2010

               

Debt securities

               

U.S. Treasury bonds

   $ —         $ —        $ —         $ —        $ —         $ —     

Municipal bonds

     9,279         (80     —           —          9,279         (80

Foreign bonds

     72,041         (171     5,250         (10     77,291         (181

Governmental agency bonds

     13,078         (17     4,144         (6     17,222         (23

Governmental agency mortgage-backed securities

     221,815         (318     101,754         (271     323,569         (589

Non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

     333         (10     44,453         (21,294     44,786         (21,304

Corporate debt securities

     6,950         (28     669         (6     7,619         (34
                                                   

Total debt securities

     323,496         (624     156,270         (21,587     479,766         (22,211

Equity securities

     276         (10     983         (26     1,259         (36
                                                   

Total

   $ 323,772       $ (634   $ 157,253       $ (21,613   $ 481,025       $ (22,247
                                                   

December 31, 2009

               

Debt securities

               

U.S. Treasury bonds

   $ 44,382       $ (297   $ —         $ —        $ 44,382       $ (297

Municipal bonds

     42,428         (448     25,067         (45     67,495         (493

Foreign bonds

     28,541         (82     1,091         (1     29,632         (83

Governmental agency bonds

     185,351         (1,817     4,138         (12     189,489         (1,829

Governmental agency mortgage-backed securities

     267,692         (3,048     319,375         (3,032     587,067         (6,080

Non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

     1,767         (176     54,733         (36,623     56,500         (36,799

Corporate debt securities

     49,970         (443     23,500         (787     73,470         (1,230
                                                   

Total debt securities

     620,131         (6,311     427,904         (40,500     1,048,035         (46,811

Equity securities

     1,362         (1,341     7,776         (800     9,138         (2,141
                                                   

Total

   $ 621,493       $ (7,652   $ 435,680       $ (41,300   $ 1,057,173       $ (48,952
                                                   

 

13


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Substantially all securities in the Company’s non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed portfolio are senior tranches and were investment grade at the time of purchase, however many have been downgraded below investment grade since purchase. The table below summarizes the composition of the Company’s non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities by collateral type, year of issuance and current credit ratings. Percentages are based on the amortized cost basis of the securities and credit ratings are based on Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group (“S&P”) and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) published ratings. If a security was rated differently by both rating agencies, the lower of the two ratings was selected. All amounts and ratings are as of September 30, 2010.

 

(in thousands, except percentages and number of securities)

   Number
of
Securities
     Amortized
Cost
     Estimated
Fair
Value
     A-Ratings
or Higher
    BBB+
to BBB-
Ratings
    Non-Investment
Grade
 

Non-agency mortgage-backed securities:

               

Prime single family residential:

               

2007

     1       $ 7,092       $ 2,340         0.0     0.0     100.0

2006

     7         33,701         24,388         0.0     0.0     100.0

2005

     2         7,563         5,598         0.0     0.0     100.0

2003

     1         342         333         100.0     0.0     0.0

Alt-A single family residential:

               

2007

     2         20,011         16,570         0.0     0.0     100.0
                                                   
     13       $ 68,709       $ 49,229         0.5     0.0     99.5
                                                   

As of September 30, 2010, five non-agency mortgage-backed securities with an amortized cost of $31.0 million and an estimated fair value of $21.9 million were on negative credit watch by either S&P or Moody’s.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at September 30, 2010, by contractual maturities, are as follows:

 

(in thousands)

   Due in one
year or less
     Due after
one
through
five years
     Due after
five
through
ten years
     Due after
ten years
     Total  

U.S. Treasury bonds

              

Amortized cost

   $ 9,669       $ 71,480       $ 2,746       $ 134       $ 84,029   

Estimated fair value

   $ 9,879       $ 74,048       $ 3,306       $ 183       $ 87,416   

Municipal bonds

              

Amortized cost

   $ 4,343       $ 37,177       $ 103,102       $ 102,444       $ 247,066   

Estimated fair value

   $ 4,428       $ 38,768       $ 107,806       $ 105,679       $ 256,681   

Foreign bonds

              

Amortized cost

   $ 74,245       $ 97,029       $ 2,426       $ —         $ 173,700   

Estimated fair value

   $ 74,294       $ 98,706       $ 2,447       $ —         $ 175,447   

Governmental agency bonds

              

Amortized cost

   $ 7,408       $ 147,636       $ 126,497       $ 6,600       $ 288,141   

Estimated fair value

   $ 7,566       $ 149,584       $ 127,524       $ 6,740       $ 291,414   

Corporate debt securities

              

Amortized cost

   $ 6,633       $ 82,136       $ 78,779       $ 13,056       $ 180,604   

Estimated fair value

   $ 6,737       $ 85,352       $ 83,756       $ 13,770       $ 189,615   
                                            

Total debt securities excluding mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

              

Amortized cost

   $ 102,298       $ 435,458       $ 313,550       $ 122,234       $ 973,540   

Estimated fair value

   $ 102,904       $ 446,458       $ 324,839       $ 126,372       $ 1,000,573   
                                            

Total mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

              

Amortized cost

               $ 970,031   

Estimated fair value

               $ 958,872   

Total debt securities

              

Amortized cost

               $ 1,943,571   

Estimated fair value

               $ 1,959,445   

 

14


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Other-than-temporary impairment—debt securities

Dislocations in the capital and credit markets continue to result in volatility and disruption in the financial markets. These and other factors including the decline in liquidity of credit markets, failures of significant financial institutions, declines in real estate values, uncertainty regarding the timing and effectiveness of governmental solutions, and a general slowdown in economic activity have contributed to decreases in the fair value of the Company’s investment portfolio as of September 30, 2010. As of September 30, 2010, gross unrealized losses on non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment has not been recognized were $10.0 million (which represents 6 securities), of which $10.0 million related to 5 securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for longer than 12 months. The Company determines if a non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed security in a loss position is other-than-temporarily impaired by comparing the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected from the security to its amortized cost basis. If the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected exceed the amortized cost of the security, the Company concludes that the security is not other-than-temporarily impaired. The Company performs this analysis on all non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities in its portfolio that are in an unrealized loss position. The methodology and key assumptions used in estimating the present value of cash flows expected to be collected are described below. For the securities that were determined not to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2010, the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected exceeded the amortized cost of each security.

If the Company intends to sell a debt security in an unrealized loss position or determines that it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell a debt security before it recovers its amortized cost basis, the debt security is other-than-temporarily impaired and it is written down to fair value with all losses recognized in earnings. As of September 30, 2010, the Company does not intend to sell any debt securities in an unrealized loss position and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell debt securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis.

If the Company does not expect to recover the amortized cost basis of a debt security with declines in fair value (even if the Company does not intend to sell the debt security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before the recovery of its remaining amortized cost basis), the losses the Company considers to be the credit portion of the other-than-temporary impairment loss (“credit loss”) is recognized in earnings and the non-credit portion is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis of the debt security. The cash flows expected to be collected are discounted at the rate implicit in the security immediately prior to the recognition of the other-than-temporary impairment.

Expected future cash flows for debt securities are based on qualitative and quantitative factors specific to each security, including the probability of default and the estimated timing and amount of recovery. The detailed inputs used to project expected future cash flows may be different depending on the nature of the individual debt security. Specifically, the cash flows expected to be collected for each non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed security are estimated by analyzing loan-level detail to estimate future cash flows from the underlying assets, which are then applied to the security based on the underlying contractual provisions of the securitization trust that issued the security (e.g. subordination levels, remaining payment terms, etc.). The Company uses third-party software to determine how the underlying collateral cash flows will be distributed to each security issued from the securitization trust. The primary assumptions used in estimating future collateral cash flows are prepayment speeds, default rates and loss severity. In developing these assumptions, the Company considers the financial condition of the borrower, loan to value ratio, loan type and geographical location of the underlying property. The Company utilizes publicly available information related to specific assets, generally available market data such as forward interest rate curves and CoreLogic’s securities, loans and property data and market analytics tools.

The table below summarizes the primary assumptions used at September 30, 2010 in estimating the cash flows expected to be collected for these securities.

 

     Weighted average   Range

Prepayment speeds

     9.0%   5.0% – 15.0%

Default rates

     6.1%   0.1% – 19.8%

Loss severity

   34.9%   0.1% – 48.6%

As a result of the Company’s security-level review, it recognized $1.9 million and $5.4 million of other-than-temporary impairments in earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. Total other-than-temporary impairments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 were $2.7 million and $5.3 million,

 

15


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

respectively. No new material other-than-temporary impairments were recognized in other comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010. The amounts remaining in other comprehensive income should not be recorded in earnings, because the losses were not considered to be credit related based on the Company’s other-than-temporary impairment analysis as discussed above.

It is possible that the Company could recognize additional other-than-temporary impairment losses on some securities it owns at September 30, 2010 if future events or information cause it to determine that a decline in value is other-than-temporary.

The following table presents the change in the credit portion of the other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings on debt securities for which a portion of the other-than-temporary impairments related to other factors was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.

 

     For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
     For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 

(in thousands)

   2010      2009      2010      2009  

Credit loss on debt securities held at beginning of period

   $ 22,305       $ 7,374       $ 18,807       $ —     

Addition for credit loss for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized

     1,838         2,672         5,306         —     

Addition for credit loss for which an other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized

     102         —           132         10,046   
                                   

Credit loss on debt securities held as of September 30

   $ 24,245       $ 10,046       $ 24,245       $ 10,046   
                                   

Credit loss on debt securities held as of January 1, 2009 was $0 as there was no cumulative effect adjustment recorded related to initially applying the newly issued accounting guidance that established a new method of recognizing and measuring other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities. There was no cumulative effect adjustment recorded because there were no other-than-temporary impairment adjustments previously recognized on the debt securities held by the Company at January 1, 2009.

Other-than-temporary impairment—equity securities

When, in the Company’s opinion, a decline in the fair value of an equity security, including common and preferred stock, is considered to be other-than-temporary, such equity security is written down to its fair value. When assessing if a decline in value is other-than-temporary, the factors considered include the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost, the probability that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the security, the seniority of the securities, issuer-specific news and other developments, the financial condition and prospects of the issuer (including credit ratings), macro-economic changes (including the outlook for industry sectors, which includes government policy initiatives) and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery.

When an equity security has been in an unrealized loss position for greater than twelve months, the Company’s review of the security includes the above noted factors as well as what evidence, if any, exists to support that the security will recover its value in the foreseeable future, typically within the next twelve months. If objective, substantial evidence does not indicate a likely recovery during that timeframe, the Company’s policy is that such losses are considered other-than-temporary and therefore an impairment loss is recorded. The Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment of $1.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, relating to the Company’s preferred equity securities as a component of net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings. During the prior year, the Company concluded that such evidence was not available on 58 common equity securities and 14 preferred equity securities. Accordingly, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $16.2 million and $1.9 million, relating to its common and preferred equity securities, respectively, as a component of net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings. The prior year impairment loss includes a $2.9 million other-than-temporary impairment charge upon the Company’s election to convert its preferred stock in Citigroup Inc. into common stock of that entity under the terms of Citigroup’s publicly announced exchange offer.

 

16


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Fair value measurement

The Company classifies the fair value of its debt and equity securities using a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements that distinguishes between market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs). The hierarchy level assigned to each security in the Company’s available-for-sale portfolio is based on management’s assessment of the transparency and reliability of the inputs used in the valuation of such instrument at the measurement date. The three hierarchy levels are defined as follows:

Level 1 – Valuations based on unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical securities. The fair value of equity securities are classified as Level 1.

Level 2 – Valuations based on observable inputs (other than Level 1 prices), such as quoted prices for similar assets at the measurement date; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly. The Level 2 category includes U.S. Treasury bonds, municipal bonds, foreign bonds, governmental agency bonds, governmental agency mortgage-backed securities and corporate debt securities, many of which are actively traded and have market prices that are readily verifiable.

Level 3 – Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement, and involve management judgment. The Level 3 category includes non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities which are currently not actively traded.

If the inputs used to measure fair value fall in different levels of the fair value hierarchy, a financial security’s hierarchy level is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The valuation techniques and inputs used to estimate the fair value of the Company’s debt and equity securities are summarized as follows:

Debt Securities

The fair value of debt securities was based on the market values obtained from an independent pricing service that were evaluated using pricing models that vary by asset class and incorporate available trade, bid and other market information and price quotes from well-established independent broker-dealers. The independent pricing service monitors market indicators, industry and economic events, and for broker-quoted only securities, obtains quotes from market makers or broker-dealers that it recognizes to be market participants. The pricing service utilizes the market approach in determining the fair value of the debt securities held by the Company. Additionally, the Company obtains an understanding of the valuation models and assumptions utilized by the service and has controls in place to determine that the values provided represent fair value. The Company’s validation procedures include comparing prices received from the pricing service to quotes received from other third party sources for securities with market prices that are readily verifiable. If the price comparison results in differences over a predefined threshold, the Company will assess the reasonableness of the changes relative to prior periods given the prevailing market conditions and assess changes in the issuers’ credit worthiness, performance of any underlying collateral and prices of the instrument relative to similar issuances. To date, the Company has not made any material adjustments to the fair value measurements provided by the pricing service.

Typical inputs and assumptions to pricing models used to value the Company’s U.S. Treasury bonds, municipal bonds, foreign bonds, governmental agency bonds, governmental agency mortgage-backed securities and corporate debt securities include, but are not limited to, benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, credit spreads, credit ratings, bond insurance (if applicable), benchmark securities, bids, offers, reference data and industry and economic events. For mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, inputs and assumptions may also include the structure of issuance, characteristics of the issuer, collateral attributes and prepayment speeds. The fair value of non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities was obtained from the independent pricing service referenced above and subject to the Company’s validation procedures discussed above. However, due to the fact that these securities were not actively traded, there was less observable inputs available requiring the pricing service to use more judgment in determining the fair value of the securities, therefore the Company classified non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities as Level 3.

Equity Securities

The fair value of equity securities, including preferred and common stocks, was based on quoted market prices for identical assets that are readily and regularly available in an active market.

 

17


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The following table presents the Company’s available-for-sale investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, classified using the three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements:

 

(in thousands)

   Estimated fair value as
of September 30, 2010
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Debt securities

           

U.S. Treasury bonds

   $ 87,416       $ —         $ 87,416       $ —     

Municipal bonds

     256,681         —           256,681         —     

Foreign bonds

     175,447         —           175,447         —     

Governmental agency bonds

     291,414         —           291,414         —     

Governmental agency mortgage-backed securities

     909,643         —           909,643         —     

Non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

     49,229         —           —           49,229   

Corporate debt securities

     189,615         —           189,615         —     
                                   
     1,959,445         —           1,910,216         49,229   
                                   

Equity securities

           

Preferred stocks

     16,607         16,607         —           —     

Common stocks

     267,487         267,487         —           —     
                                   
     284,094         284,094         —           —     
                                   
   $ 2,243,539       $ 284,094       $ 1,910,216       $ 49,229   
                                   

(in thousands)

   Estimated fair value as
of December 31, 2009
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Debt securities

           

U.S. Treasury bonds

   $ 73,853       $ —         $ 73,853       $ —     

Municipal bonds

     134,956         —           134,956         —     

Foreign bonds

     151,908         —           151,908         —     

Governmental agency bonds

     326,774         —           326,774         —     

Governmental agency mortgage-backed securities

     1,005,142         —           1,005,142         —     

Non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

     59,201         —           —           59,201   

Corporate debt securities

     86,885         —           86,885         —     
                                   
     1,838,719         —           1,779,518         59,201   
                                   

Equity securities

           

Preferred stocks

     31,191         31,191         —           —     

Common stocks

     19,829         19,829         —           —     
                                   
     51,020         51,020         —           —     
                                   
   $ 1,889,739       $ 51,020       $ 1,779,518       $ 59,201   
                                   

The Company did not have any transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 measurements during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010. The Company’s policy is to recognize transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy at the end of the reporting period.

 

18


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The following table presents a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 available-for-sale investments for the three months ended September 30, 2010. The Company did not have any available-for-sale investments classified as Level 3 at September 30, 2009 or during the three months ended September 30, 2009.

 

(in thousands)

   Non-agency
mortgage-backed
and asset-backed
securities
 

Fair value as of June 30, 2010

   $ 50,398   

Total gains/(losses) (realized and unrealized):

  

Included in earnings:

  

Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings

     (1,940

Included in other comprehensive loss

     6,025   

Settlements and sales

     (5,254

Transfers into Level 3

     —     

Transfers out of Level 3

     —     
        

Fair value as of September 30, 2010

   $ 49,229   
        

Unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings for the period relating to Level 3 available-for-sale investments that were still held at the end of the period:

  

Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings

   $ (1,940
        

The Company did not purchase any non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities during the three months ended September 30, 2010. Also, the Company did not have a material amount of gains or losses on sales of non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities for the three months ended September 30, 2010.

The following table presents a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 available-for-sale investments for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The Company did not have any available-for-sale investments classified as Level 3 at September 30, 2009 or during the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

 

(in thousands)

   Non-agency
mortgage-backed
and asset-backed
securities
 

Fair value as of December 31, 2009

   $ 59,201   

Total gains/(losses) (realized and unrealized):

  

Included in earnings:

  

Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings

     (5,438

Included in other comprehensive loss

     15,773   

Settlements and sales

     (20,307

Transfers into Level 3

     —     

Transfers out of Level 3

     —     
        

Fair value as of September 30, 2010

   $ 49,229   
        

Unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings for the period relating to Level 3 available-for-sale investments that were still held at the end of the period:

  

Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings

   $ (5,438
        

The Company did not purchase any non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. Also, the Company did not have a material amount of gains or losses on sales of non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

 

19


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Note 4 – Goodwill

A reconciliation of the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, is as follows:

 

(in thousands)

   Title
Insurance
     Specialty
Insurance
     Total  

Balance as of December 31, 2009

   $ 754,929       $ 46,057       $ 800,986   

Other/ post acquisition adjustments

     1,160         —           1,160   
                          

Balance as of September 30, 2010

   $ 756,089       $ 46,057       $ 802,146   
                          

The Company’s four reporting units for purposes of testing impairment are title insurance, home warranty, property and casualty insurance and trust and other services. There is no accumulated impairment for goodwill as the Company has never recognized any impairment for its reporting units.

In accordance with accounting guidance and consistent with prior years, the Company’s policy is to perform an annual goodwill impairment test for each reporting unit in the fourth quarter. An impairment analysis has not been performed during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as no triggering events requiring such an analysis occurred.

Note 5 – Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets consist of the following:

 

(in thousands)

   September 30,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 

Finite-lived intangible assets:

    

Customer lists

   $ 70,801      $ 67,598   

Covenants not to compete

     30,881        42,459   

Trademarks

     10,287        10,525   
                
     111,969        120,582   

Accumulated amortization

     (60,162     (61,385
                
     51,807        59,197   

Indefinite-lived intangible assets:

    

Licenses

     19,713        19,695   
                
   $ 71,520      $ 78,892   
                

Amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets was $3.5 million and $10.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, and $3.6 million and $10.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.

Estimated amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets anticipated for the next five years is as follows:

 

Year

   (in thousands)  

Remainder of 2010

   $ 3,869   

2011

   $ 12,438   

2012

   $ 10,388   

2013

   $ 9,451   

2014

   $ 5,372   

2015

   $ 2,972   

 

20


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Note 6 – Loss Reserves

A summary of the Company’s loss reserves, broken down into its components of known title claims, incurred but not reported claims (“IBNR”) and non-title claims, follows:

 

(in thousands, except percentages)

   September 30, 2010     December 31, 2009  

Known title claims

   $ 195,527         17.3   $ 206,439         16.8

IBNR

     897,556         79.2     978,854         79.7
                                  

Total title claims

     1,093,083         96.5     1,185,293         96.5

Non-title claims

     39,692         3.5     42,464         3.5
                                  

Total loss reserves

   $ 1,132,775         100.0   $ 1,227,757         100.0
                                  

Note 7 – Notes and Contracts Payable

On April 12, 2010, the Company entered into a credit agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan”) in its capacity as administrative agent and a syndicate of lenders.

The credit agreement is comprised of a $400.0 million revolving credit facility. The revolving loan commitments terminate on the third anniversary of the date of closing, or June 1, 2013. On June 1, 2010, the Company borrowed $200.0 million under the facility and transferred such funds to CoreLogic, as previously contemplated in connection with the Separation. Proceeds may also be used for general corporate purposes. At September 30, 2010, the interest rate associated with the $200.0 million borrowed under the facility is 3.06%. See Note 17 Transactions with CoreLogic/TFAC to the condensed consolidated and combined financial statements for additional discussion of the $200.0 million transferred to CoreLogic.

The Company’s obligations under the credit agreement are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”). To secure the obligations of the Company and the Guarantors (collectively, the “Loan Parties”) under the credit agreement, the Loan Parties pledged all of the equity interests they own in each Data Trace and Data Tree company and a 9% equity interest in FATICO.

If at any time the rating by Moody’s or S&P of the senior, unsecured, long-term indebtedness for borrowed money of the Company that is not guaranteed by any other person or subject to any other credit enhancement is rated lower than Baa3 or BBB-, respectively, or is not rated by either such rating agency, then the loan commitments are subject to mandatory reduction from (a) 50% of the net proceeds of certain equity issuances by any Loan Party, (b) 50% of the net proceeds of certain debt incurred or issued by any Loan Party, (c) 25% of the net proceeds received by any Loan Party from the disposition of CoreLogic stock received in connection with the Separation and (d) the net proceeds received by any Loan Party from certain dispositions of assets, provided that the commitment reductions described above are only required to the extent necessary to reduce the total loan commitments to $200.0 million. The Company is only required to prepay loans to the extent that, after giving effect to any mandatory commitment reduction, the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding loans exceeds the remaining total loan commitments.

At the Company’s election, borrowings under the credit agreement bear interest at (a) the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate or (b) the Adjusted LIBO Rate plus the Applicable Rate (in each case as defined in the agreement). The Company may select interest periods of one, two, three or six months or (if agreed to by all lenders) such other number of months for Eurodollar borrowings of loans. The Applicable Rate varies depending upon the rating assigned by Moody’s and/or S&P to the credit agreement, or if no such rating is in effect, the Index Debt Rating. The minimum Applicable Rate for Alternate Base Rate borrowings is 1.50% and the maximum is 2.25%. The minimum Applicable Rate for Adjusted LIBO Rate borrowings is 2.50% and the maximum is 3.25%.

The credit agreement includes representations and warranties, reporting covenants, affirmative covenants, negative covenants, financial covenants and events of default customary for financings of this type. Upon the occurrence of an event of default the lenders may accelerate the loans and may exercise their remedies under the collateral documents. Upon the occurrence of certain insolvency and bankruptcy events of default the loans automatically accelerate.

 

21


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Note 8 – Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate (income tax expense as a percentage of income before income taxes) was 40.4% and 40.9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, and 40.3% and 43.0% for the same periods of the prior year. The differences in the effective rates in the current year periods were primarily attributable to changes in the mix of taxable and non-taxable income for state tax purposes, decreased taxable income from foreign sources, and changes in the ratio of permanent differences to income before income taxes.

In connection with the Separation, the Company and TFAC entered into a Tax Sharing Agreement, dated June 1, 2010 (the “Tax Sharing Agreement”), which governs the Company’s and CoreLogic’s respective rights, responsibilities and obligations. Pursuant to the Tax Sharing Agreement, CoreLogic will prepare and file the consolidated federal income tax return, and any other tax returns that include both CoreLogic and the Company for all taxable periods ending on or prior to June 1, 2010. The Company will prepare and file all tax returns that include solely the Company for all taxable periods ending after that date. As part of the Tax Sharing Agreement, the Company is contingently responsible for 50% of certain Separation-related tax liabilities. At September 30, 2010, the Company has a $3.7 million payable to CoreLogic related to these matters which is included in due to CoreLogic/TFAC, net on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet.

At September 30, 2010, the Company had a net payable to CoreLogic of $39.3 million related to tax matters prior to the Separation. This amount is included in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet in income taxes payable and accounts payable and accrued liabilities. At December 31, 2009, the Company had a net receivable from TFAC of $14.2 million related to tax matters prior to the Separation. This amount is included in the Company’s condensed combined balance sheet in income taxes receivable and accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

As of September 30, 2010, the liability for income taxes associated with uncertain tax positions was $10.9 million. This liability can be reduced by $1.5 million of offsetting tax benefits associated with state income taxes and timing adjustments. The net amount of $9.4 million, if recognized, would favorably affect the Company’s effective tax rate. At December 31, 2009, the liability for income taxes associated with uncertain tax positions was $10.4 million.

The Company’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions in tax expense. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company had accrued $2.3 million and $2.0 million, respectively, of interest and penalties (net of tax benefit) related to uncertain tax positions.

It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized benefit with respect to certain of the Company’s unrecognized tax positions will significantly increase or decrease within the next 12 months. These changes may be the result of items such as ongoing audits or the expiration of federal and state statute of limitation for the assessment of taxes.

The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various state jurisdictions, and various non-U.S. jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, and non-U.S. income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years prior to 2005.

 

22


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Note 9 – Earnings Per Share

 

     For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
     For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

   2010      2009      2010      2009  

Numerator for basic and diluted net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders:

           

Net income attributable to the Company

   $ 33,133       $ 38,825       $ 80,735       $ 72,319   
                                   

Denominator for basic net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders:

           

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     104,173         104,006         104,064         104,006   

Effect of dilutive securities:

           

Employee stock options and restricted stock units

     1,939         —           1,946         —     
                                   

Denominator for diluted net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders

     106,112         104,006         106,010         104,006   
                                   

Net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders:

           

Basic

   $ 0.32       $ 0.37       $ 0.78       $ 0.70   
                                   

Diluted

   $ 0.31       $ 0.37       $ 0.76       $ 0.70   
                                   

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, basic earnings per share was computed using the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately following the Separation, as if such shares were outstanding for the entire period prior to the Separation, plus the weighted average number of such shares outstanding following the Separation through September 30, 2010.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, diluted earnings per share was computed using (i) the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately following the Separation, (ii) the weighted average number of such shares outstanding following the Separation through September 30, 2010, and (iii) if dilutive, the incremental common stock that the Company would issue upon the assumed exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) using the treasury stock method.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, basic and diluted earnings per share were computed using the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately following the Separation, as if such shares were outstanding for the entire period.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, 1.4 million stock options and RSUs were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share due to their antidilutive effect.

Note 10 – Employee Benefit Plans

In connection with the Separation, the following occurred with respect to employee benefit plans that cover substantially all of the Company’s employees:

 

   

The Company adopted TFAC’s 401(k) Savings Plan, which is now the First American Financial Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan. The account balances of employees of CoreLogic who had previously participated in TFAC’s 401(k) Savings Plan were transferred to the CoreLogic, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan.

 

   

The Company established the First American Financial Corporation 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). The ESPP allows eligible employees to purchase common stock of the Company at 85.0% of the closing price on the last day of each month.

 

23


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

   

The Company assumed TFAC’s defined benefit pension plan, which was closed to new entrants effective December 31, 2001 and amended to “freeze” all benefit accruals as of April 30, 2008. The Company assumed the entire benefit obligation and all the plan assets associated with the defined benefit pension plan, including the portion attributable to participants who were employees of the businesses retained by CoreLogic in connection with the Separation, and CoreLogic issued a $19.9 million note payable to the Company which approximated the unfunded portion of the benefit obligation attributable to those participants. See Note 17 Transactions with CoreLogic/TFAC to the condensed consolidated and combined financial statements for further discussion of this note receivable from CoreLogic.

 

   

The Company adopted TFAC’s supplemental benefit plans. The Company assumed the portion of the benefit obligation associated with its employees and former employees of its businesses and CoreLogic assumed the portion of the benefit obligation associated with its employees and former employees of its businesses. The benefit obligation associated with certain participants was divided evenly between the Company and CoreLogic.

 

   

The Company adopted TFAC’s deferred compensation plan. The Company assumed the portion of the deferred compensation liability associated with its employees and former employees of its businesses and CoreLogic assumed the portion of the deferred compensation liability associated with its employees and former employees of its businesses. Plan assets were divided in the same proportion as liabilities.

No material changes were made to the terms and conditions of the employee benefit plans assumed by the Company in connection with the Separation.

Prior to the Separation, the Company’s employees participated in TFAC’s benefit plans, including a 401(k) savings plan, an employee stock purchase plan, a defined benefit pension plan, supplemental benefit plans and a deferred compensation plan. The Company recorded the expense associated with its employees that participated in TFAC’s benefit plans.

Net periodic cost related to (i) the Company’s employees’ participation in TFAC’s defined benefit pension and supplemental benefit plans prior to the Separation and (ii) the Company’s defined benefit pension and supplemental benefit plans following the Separation includes the following components:

 

     For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
    For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 

(in thousands)

   2010     2009     2010     2009  

Expense:

        

Service Cost

   $ 990      $ 1,446      $ 2,969      $ 3,684   

Interest Cost

     8,215        7,178        22,974        21,633   

Expected return on plan assets

     (3,482     (4,261     (9,304     (12,801

Amortization of prior service credit

     (261     (259     (784     (784

Amortization of net loss

     5,840        4,959        16,249        14,996   
                                
   $ 11,302      $ 9,063      $ 32,104      $ 26,728   
                                

The Company contributed $20.7 million to the defined benefit pension and supplemental benefit plans during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, and expects to contribute an additional $7.3 million during the remainder of 2010. These contributions include both those required by funding regulations as well as discretionary contributions necessary to provide benefit payments to participants of certain of the Company’s non-qualified supplemental benefit plans.

Note 11 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Guidance requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practical to estimate that value. In the measurement of the fair value of certain financial instruments, other valuation techniques were utilized if quoted market prices were not available. These derived fair value estimates are significantly affected by the assumptions used. Additionally, the guidance excludes certain financial instruments including those related to insurance contracts.

 

24


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

In estimating the fair value of the financial instruments presented, the Company used the following methods and assumptions:

Cash and cash equivalents

The carrying amount for cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term maturity of these investments.

Accounts and accrued income receivable, net

The carrying amount for accounts and accrued income receivable, net is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term maturity of these assets.

Loans receivable, net

The fair value of loans receivable, net was estimated based on the discounted value of the future cash flows using the current rates being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality.

Investments

The carrying amount of deposits with savings and loan associations and banks is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to their short-term nature.

The methodology for determining the fair value of debt and equity securities is discussed in Note 3 Debt and Equity Securities to the condensed consolidated and combined financial statements.

As other long-term investments, which consist primarily of investments in affiliates, are not publicly traded, reasonable estimate of the fair values could not be made without incurring excessive costs.

The fair value of the notes receivable from CoreLogic/TFAC is estimated based on the discounted value of the future cash flows using the current rates being offered for loans with similar terms to third party borrowers of similar credit quality.

Demand deposits

The carrying value of escrow and passbook accounts approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of this liability. The fair value of investment certificate accounts was estimated based on the discounted value of future cash flows using a discount rate approximating current market rates for similar liabilities.

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

The carrying amount for accounts payable and accrued liabilities is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term maturity of these liabilities.

Due to CoreLogic/TFAC, net

The carrying amount for due to CoreLogic/TFAC, net is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term maturity of this liability.

Notes and contracts payable and allocated portion of TFAC debt

The fair values of notes and contracts payable and allocated portion of TFAC debt were estimated based on the current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities.

 

25


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are presented in the following table.

 

     September 30, 2010      December 31, 2009  

(in thousands)

   Carrying
Amount
     Fair Value      Carrying
Amount
     Fair Value  

Financial Assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 742,843       $ 742,843       $ 631,297       $ 631,297   

Accounts and accrued income receivable, net

   $ 247,561       $ 247,561       $ 239,166       $ 239,166   

Loans receivable, net

   $ 163,105       $ 151,720       $ 161,897       $ 165,130   

Investments:

        

Deposits with savings and loan associations and banks

   $ 68,272       $ 68,272       $ 75,505       $ 75,505   

Debt securities

   $ 1,959,445       $ 1,959,445       $ 1,838,719       $ 1,838,719   

Equity securities

   $ 284,094       $ 284,094       $ 51,020       $ 51,020   

Other long-term investments

   $ 189,451       $ 189,451       $ 275,275       $ 275,275   

Notes receivable from CoreLogic/TFAC

   $ 19,348       $ 19,154       $ 187,825       $ 189,830   

Financial Liabilities:

        

Demand deposits

   $ 1,439,885       $ 1,440,175       $ 1,153,574       $ 1,154,210   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 696,856       $ 696,856       $ 699,766       $ 699,766   

Due to CoreLogic/TFAC, net

   $ 4,965       $ 4,965       $ 12,264       $ 12,264   

Notes and contracts payable

   $ 296,675       $ 298,590       $ 119,313       $ 119,804   

Allocated portion of TFAC debt

   $ —         $ —         $ 140,000       $ 124,206   

Note 12 – Share-Based Compensation

Prior to the Separation, the Company participated in TFAC’s share-based compensation plans and the Company’s employees were issued TFAC equity awards. The equity awards consisted of RSUs and stock options. At the date of the Separation, TFAC’s outstanding equity awards for employees of the Company and former employees of its businesses were converted into equity awards of the Company with adjustments to the number of shares underlying each such award and, with respect to options, adjustments to the per share exercise price of each such award, to maintain the pre-separation value of such awards. No material changes were made to the vesting terms or other terms and conditions of the awards. As the post-separation value of the equity awards was equal to the pre-separation value and no material changes were made to the terms and conditions applicable to the awards, no incremental expense was recognized by the Company related to the conversion.

In connection with the Separation, the Company established the First American Financial Corporation 2010 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Incentive Compensation Plan”). The Incentive Compensation Plan was adopted by the Company’s board of directors and approved by TFAC, as the Company’s sole stockholder, on May 28, 2010. Eligible participants in the Incentive Compensation Plan include the Company’s directors and officers, as well as other employees. The Incentive Compensation Plan permits the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, RSUs, performance units, performance shares and other stock-based awards. Under the terms of the Incentive Compensation Plan, 16.0 million shares of common stock can be awarded from either authorized and unissued shares or previously issued shares acquired by the Company, subject to certain annual limits on the amounts that can be awarded based on the type of award granted. The Incentive Compensation Plan terminates 10 years from the effective date unless cancelled prior to that date by the Company’s board of directors.

On June 1, 2010, certain executive officers were granted performance based RSUs. Up to one third of the performance based RSUs will vest on each of the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the date of the grant if the employee remains employed by the Company and the Company, as of the prospective vesting date, has met the specified compounded annual total stockholder return criteria. Due to the existence of the market requirement, the Company calculated the fair value of the performance based RSUs on the grant date using a Monte-Carlo Simulation to simulate a range of possible future stock prices for the Company. The performance based RSUs have a service and market requirement and are therefore expensed using the graded-vesting method to record share-based compensation expense. The performance based RSUs receive dividend equivalents in the form of performance based RSUs having the same vesting requirements as the performance based RSUs initially granted.

 

26


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The following table presents the share-based compensation expense associated with (i) the Company’s employees that participated in TFAC’s share-based compensation plans prior to the Separation and (ii) the Company’s share-based compensation plans following the Separation:

 

     For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
     For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 

(in thousands)

   2010      2009      2010      2009  

Stock options

   $ 93       $ 158       $ 229       $ 444   

Restricted stock units

     2,929         2,146         9,313         9,824   

Employee stock purchase plan

     153         128         463         404   
                                   
   $ 3,175       $ 2,432       $ 10,005       $ 10,672   
                                   

The following table summarizes RSU activity related to the Company’s employees participating in TFAC’s equity award plans prior to the Separation and activity under the Company’s equity award plans subsequent to the Separation through September 30, 2010:

 

(in thousands, except weighted-average grant-date fair value)

   Shares     Weighted-average
grant-date

fair value
 

Activity under TFAC plan:

    

RSUs unvested at December 31, 2009

     1,145      $ 30.40   

Granted during 2010

     260      $ 33.93   

Vested during 2010

     (480   $ 31.43   

Forfeited during 2010

     (3   $ 28.02   
                

RSUs unvested at May 31, 2010

     922      $ 30.86   

Transfer of corporate employees at June 1, 2010

     113      $ 30.19   
                

RSUs unvested at June 1, 2010

     1,035      $ 30.78   
                

Activity under Company plan:

    

Conversion of TFAC RSUs to Company RSUs at June 1, 2010 (1)

     2,415      $ 13.24   

Granted during 2010

     864      $ 8.29   

Vested during 2010

     (185   $ 12.36   

Forfeited during 2010

     (34   $ 14.59   
                

RSUs unvested at September 30, 2010

     3,060      $ 11.88   
                

 

(1) At the date of the Separation, TFAC’s outstanding RSUs for employees of the Company and former employees of its businesses were converted into Company RSUs using a conversion ratio based on the closing price of TFAC common stock on June 1, 2010 divided by the closing price of the Company’s common stock on June 1, 2010.

 

27


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The following table summarizes stock option activity related to the Company’s employees participating in TFAC’s equity award plans prior to the Separation and activity under the Company’s equity award plans subsequent to the Separation through September 30, 2010:

 

(in thousands, except weighted-average exercise price and contractual term)

   Number
outstanding
    Weighted-
average
exercise price
     Weighted-
average
remaining
contractual term
     Aggregate
intrinsic
value
 

Activity under TFAC plan:

          

Balance at December 31, 2009

     1,127      $ 30.81         

Exercised during 2010

     (180   $ 18.08         

Forfeited during 2010

     (18   $ 41.87         
                      

Balance at May 31, 2010

     929      $ 33.06         

Transfer of corporate employees at June 1, 2010

     362      $ 36.57         
                      

Balance at June 1, 2010

     1,291      $ 34.04         
                      

Activity under Company plan:

          

Conversion of TFAC stock options to Company stock options at June 1, 2010 (1)

     3,009      $ 14.62         

Exercised during 2010

     (5   $ 8.43         

Forfeited during 2010

     (28   $ 16.56         
                      

Balance at September 30, 2010

     2,976      $ 14.61         3.7       $ 5,497   
                                  

Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2010

     2,975      $ 14.61         3.7       $ 5,497   
                                  

Exercisable at September 30, 2010

     2,841      $ 14.35         3.6       $ 5,497   
                                  

 

(1) At the date of the Separation, TFAC’s outstanding stock options held by employees of the Company and former employees of its businesses were converted into Company stock options using a conversion ratio based on the closing price of TFAC common stock on June 1, 2010 divided by the closing price of the Company’s common stock on June 1, 2010.

Note 13 – Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income is a more inclusive financial reporting methodology that includes disclosure of certain financial information that historically has not been recognized in the calculation of net income.

Components of other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:

For the three months ended September 30, 2010:

 

(in thousands)

   Net unrealized
gains (losses)
on securities
    Foreign
currency
translation
adjustment
    Pension
benefit
adjustment
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 

Balance at June 30, 2010

   $ (4,669   $ (878   $ (161,431   $ (166,978

Pretax change

     30,027        10,464        5,435        45,926   

Pretax change in other-than-temporary impairments for which credit-related portion was recognized in earnings

     4,512        —          —          4,512   

Tax effect

     (14,477     —          (2,047     (16,524
                                

Balance at September 30, 2010

   $ 15,393      $ 9,586      $ (158,043   $ (133,064
                                

Allocated to the Company

   $ 15,323      $ 9,509      $ (158,043   $ (133,211

Allocated to noncontrolling interests

     70        77        —          147   
                                

Balance at September 30, 2010

   $ 15,393      $ 9,586      $ (158,043   $ (133,064
                                

 

28


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010:

 

(in thousands)

   Net unrealized
gains (losses)
on securities
    Foreign
currency
translation
adjustment
     Pension
benefit
adjustment
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 

Balance at December 31, 2009

   $ (10,546   $ 5,255       $ (146,174   $ (151,465

Pretax change

     35,596        4,331         16,036        55,963   

Pretax change in other-than-temporary impairments for which credit-related portion was recognized in earnings

     8,738        —           —          8,738   

Pretax change in connection with the Separation

     —          —           (36,752     (36,752

Tax effect

     (18,395     —           8,847        (9,548
                                 

Balance at September 30, 2010

   $ 15,393      $ 9,586       $ (158,043   $ (133,064
                                 

Allocated to the Company

   $ 15,323      $ 9,509       $ (158,043   $ (133,211

Allocated to noncontrolling interests

     70        77         —          147   
                                 

Balance at September 30, 2010

   $ 15,393      $ 9,586       $ (158,043   $ (133,064
                                 

Note 14 – Litigation and Regulatory Contingencies

The Company and its subsidiaries have been named in various lawsuits, most of which relate to their title insurance operations. In cases where it has been determined that a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable, a liability representing the best estimate of the Company’s financial exposure based on known facts has been recorded. Actual losses may materially differ from the amounts recorded. The Company does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these cases, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

On March 5, 2010, Bank of America, N.A. filed a complaint in the North Carolina General Court of Justice, Superior Court Division against United General Title Insurance Company and First American Title Insurance Company. The plaintiff alleges that the defendants failed to pay or failed to timely respond to certain claims made on title insurance policies issued in connection with home equity loans or lines of credit that are now in default. According to the complaint, these title insurance policies, which did not require a title search, were intended to protect against the risks of certain defects in the title to real property, including undisclosed intervening liens, vesting problems and legal description errors, that would have been discovered if the plaintiff had conducted a full title search. As indicated in the complaint, Fiserv Solutions, Inc. (“Fiserv”), as agent for the defendants, was authorized to issue certificates evidencing that a given loan was insured. The complaint also indicates that plaintiff was required to satisfy certain criteria before title would be insured. This involved (a) reviewing borrower statements to the lender when applying for the loan, (b) reviewing the borrower’s credit report and (c) addressing secured mortgages appearing on the credit report which did not appear on the borrower’s loan application. The plaintiff alleges that the failure to pay or timely respond to the subject claims was done in bad faith and constitutes a breach of the title insurance policies issued to the plaintiff. The plaintiff is seeking monetary damages, punitive damages where permitted, treble damages where permitted, attorneys fees and costs where permitted, declaratory judgment and pre-judgment and post-judgment interest.

On April 1, 2010, the Company filed an answer to Bank of America’s complaint and filed a third party complaint within the same litigation against Fiserv for breach of contract, indemnification and other matters. The Company’s agreement with Fiserv required Fiserv, among other things, to ensure that the Company’s policies were issued in accordance with prudent practices, to refrain from issuing the Company’s policies unless it had determined the product could be properly issued in accordance with the Company’s standards and to provide reasonable assistance in claims handling. The agreement also required Fiserv to indemnify the Company for certain losses, including losses resulting from Fiserv’s failure to comply with its agreement with the Company or with Company instructions or from its negligence or misconduct.

While it is not feasible to predict with certainty the outcome of this litigation, the ultimate resolution could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows in the period of disposition.

 

29


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The Company’s title insurance, property and casualty insurance, home warranty, thrift, trust and investment advisory businesses are regulated by various federal, state and local governmental agencies. Many of the Company’s other businesses operate within statutory guidelines. Consequently, the Company may from time to time be subject to audit or investigation by such governmental agencies. Currently, governmental agencies are auditing or investigating certain of the Company’s operations. These audits or investigations include inquiries into, among other matters, pricing and rate setting practices in the title insurance industry, competition in the title insurance industry, title insurance customer acquisition and retention practices and agency relationships. With respect to matters where the Company has determined that a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable, the Company has recorded a liability representing its best estimate of the financial exposure based on known facts. While the ultimate disposition of each such audit or investigation is not yet determinable, the Company does not believe that individually or in the aggregate, they will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. These audits or investigations could result in changes to the Company’s business practices which could ultimately have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company’s subsidiaries also are involved in numerous ongoing routine legal and regulatory proceedings related to their operations. While the ultimate disposition of each proceeding is not determinable, the ultimate resolution of any of such proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows in the period of disposition.

Note 15 – Business Combinations

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company purchased the remaining noncontrolling interests in one company already included in the Company’s condensed consolidated and combined financial statements. The total purchase price of this transaction was $2.5 million in cash. In addition, the Company completed one acquisition during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, for $0.3 million in cash.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company purchased the remaining noncontrolling interests in four companies already included in the Company’s condensed consolidated and combined financial statements. The total purchase price of these transactions was $11.3 million in cash.

Note 16 – Segment Information

The Company consists of the following reportable segments and a corporate function:

 

   

The Company’s title insurance and services segment issues title insurance policies on residential and commercial property in the United States and offers similar products and services internationally. This segment also provides escrow and closing services, accommodates tax-deferred exchanges of real estate and provides investment advisory, trust, lending and deposit services. This segment is also in the business of maintaining, managing and providing access to automated title plant records and images that may be owned by the Company or other parties. The Company, through its principal title insurance subsidiary and such subsidiary’s affiliates, transacts its title insurance business through a network of direct operations and agents. Through this network, the Company issues policies in the 49 states that permit the issuance of title insurance policies and the District of Columbia. In Iowa, the Company provides title abstracts only because title insurance is not permitted by law. The Company also offers title insurance and similar products, as well as related services, either directly or through joint ventures in foreign countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom and various other established and emerging markets.

 

   

The Company’s specialty insurance segment issues property and casualty insurance policies and sells home warranty products. The property and casualty insurance business provides insurance coverage to residential homeowners and renters for liability losses and typical hazards such as fire, theft, vandalism and other types of property damage. This business is licensed to issue policies in all 50 states and actively issues policies in 43 states. In its largest market, California, it also offers preferred risk auto insurance to better compete with other carriers offering bundled home and auto insurance. The home warranty business provides residential service contracts that cover residential systems and appliances against failures that occur as the result of normal usage during the coverage period. This business actively issues contracts in 34 states and the District of Columbia.

 

30


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The corporate division consists of certain financing facilities as well as the corporate services that support the Company’s business operations. Eliminations consist of inter-segment revenues and related expenses included in the results of the operating segments. The Company did not record inter-segment eliminations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, as there was no inter-segment income or expense.

Selected financial information by reporting segment is as follows:

For the three months ended September 30, 2010:

 

(in thousands)

   Revenues     Income (loss)
before
income taxes
    Depreciation
and
amortization
     Capital
expenditures
 

Title Insurance and Services

   $ 924,858      $ 59,994      $ 16,562       $ 13,009   

Specialty Insurance

     74,385        12,276        1,053         657   

Corporate

     4,768        (16,282     944         2,739   

Eliminations

     (488     —          —           —     
                                 
   $ 1,003,523      $ 55,988      $ 18,559       $ 16,405   
                                 

For the three months ended September 30, 2009:

 

(in thousands)

   Revenues      Income (loss)
before
income taxes
    Depreciation
and
amortization
     Capital
expenditures
 

Title Insurance and Services

   $ 1,028,672       $ 69,973      $ 16,974       $ 7,175   

Specialty Insurance

     71,087         8,122        944         3,753   

Corporate

     822         (9,574     1,944         —     
                                  
   $ 1,100,581       $ 68,521      $ 19,862       $ 10,928   
                                  

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010:

 

(in thousands)

   Revenues     Income (loss)
before
income taxes
    Depreciation
and
amortization
     Capital
expenditures
 

Title Insurance and Services

   $ 2,667,038      $ 150,613      $ 51,870       $ 42,269   

Specialty Insurance

     213,645        32,448        4,189         2,601   

Corporate

     2,037        (45,538     2,005         2,799   

Eliminations

     (848     —          —           —     
                                 
   $ 2,881,872      $ 137,523      $ 58,064       $ 47,669   
                                 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2009:

 

(in thousands)

   Revenues      Income (loss)
before
income taxes
    Depreciation
and
amortization
     Capital
expenditures
 

Title Insurance and Services

   $ 2,807,199       $ 156,623      $ 54,520       $ 22,255   

Specialty Insurance

     205,705         18,890        2,764         6,300   

Corporate

     1,137         (32,312     3,373         —     
                                  
   $ 3,014,041       $ 143,201      $ 60,657       $ 28,555   
                                  

Note 17 – Transactions with CoreLogic/TFAC

Prior to the Separation, the Company had certain related party relationships with TFAC. The Company does not consider CoreLogic to be a related party subsequent to the Separation. The related party relationships with TFAC prior to the Separation and subsequent relationships with CoreLogic following the Separation are discussed further below.

 

31


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Transactions with TFAC prior to the Separation

Prior to the Separation, the Company was allocated corporate income and overhead expenses from TFAC for corporate-related functions based on an allocation methodology that considered the number of the Company’s domestic headcount, the Company’s total assets and total revenues or a combination of those drivers. General corporate overhead expense allocations include executive management, tax, accounting and auditing, legal and treasury services, payroll, human resources and certain employee benefits and marketing and communications. The Company was allocated general net corporate expenses of $23.3 million from TFAC during the current year prior to the June 1, 2010 Separation, and $14.0 million and $42.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively, which are included within the investment income, net realized investment losses, salaries and other personnel costs, other operating expenses, depreciation and amortization and interest expense line items in the accompanying condensed consolidated and combined statements of income.

The Company considers the basis on which the expenses were allocated to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided to or the benefit received by the Company during the pre-Separation periods presented. The allocations may not, however, reflect the expense the Company would have incurred as an independent publicly traded company for these periods. Actual costs that may have been incurred as a stand-alone company during these periods would have depended on a number of factors, including the chosen organizational structure, the functions outsourced versus performed by employees and strategic decisions in areas such as information technology and infrastructure. Following the Separation, the Company is no longer allocated corporate income and overhead expense, as the Company performs these functions using its own resources.

Prior to the Separation, a portion of TFAC’s combined debt, in the amount of $140.0 million, was allocated to the Company based on amounts directly incurred for the Company’s benefit. Net interest expense was allocated in the same proportion as debt. The Company believes the allocation basis for debt and net interest expense was reasonable. However, these amounts may not be indicative of the actual amounts that the Company would have incurred had it been operating as an independent publicly traded company for the period prior to June 1, 2010. Additionally, on January 31, 2010 the Company entered into a note payable with TFAC totaling $29.1 million. In connection with the Separation, the Company borrowed $200.0 million under its revolving credit facility and transferred such funds to CoreLogic, which fully satisfied the Company’s $140.0 million allocated portion of TFAC debt and the $29.1 million note payable to TFAC. The remaining $30.9 million transferred to CoreLogic was reflected as a distribution to CoreLogic in connection with the Separation. See Note 7 Notes and Contracts Payable to the condensed consolidated and combined financial statements for further discussion of the Company’s credit facility.

At December 31, 2009, the Company held notes receivable from TFAC totaling $187.8 million with a weighted average interest rate of 4.49%. The notes have maturity dates ranging from 2010 to 2020. In connection with the Separation, TFAC’s corresponding notes payable were assumed by the Company. Therefore, these notes receivable from TFAC eliminate in consolidation with TFAC’s notes payable assumed by the Company, resulting in no balance being reported on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2010. Interest income earned on the notes receivable totaled $3.4 million in the current year prior to the June 1, 2010 Separation, and $2.9 million and $8.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively. Following the Separation, there is no interest income reflected in connection with these notes receivable from TFAC.

During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company made cash dividend payments of $83.0 million to TFAC which were recorded as a reduction of invested equity on the Company’s condensed combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2009. No cash dividends were paid to TFAC during 2010.

Transactions with CoreLogic following the Separation

In connection with the Separation, the Company and TFAC entered into various transition services agreements with effective dates of June 1, 2010. The agreements include transitional services in the areas of information technology, tax, accounting and finance, employee benefits and internal audit. Except for the information technology services agreements, the transition services agreements are short-term in nature. The Company incurred $2.9 million and $3.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, under these agreements which are included in other operating expenses in the condensed consolidated statement of income. No amounts were reflected in the condensed consolidated and combined statements of income prior to June 1, 2010, as the transition services agreements were not effective prior to the Separation.

 

32


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Under the Separation and Distribution Agreement and other agreements, subject to certain exceptions contained in the Tax Sharing Agreement, each of the Company and CoreLogic agreed to assume and be responsible for 50% of certain of TFAC’s contingent and other corporate liabilities. All external costs and expenses associated with the management of these contingent and other corporate liabilities will be shared equally. These contingent and other corporate liabilities primarily relate to consolidated securities litigation and any actions with respect to the Separation or the Distribution brought by any third party. Contingent and other corporate liabilities that are related to only the information solutions or financial services businesses will generally be fully allocated to CoreLogic or the Company, respectively. At September 30, 2010, no reserves were considered necessary for such liabilities.

In connection with the Separation, TFAC issued to the Company and FATICO a number of shares of its common stock that resulted in the Company and FATICO collectively owning 12.9 million shares of CoreLogic’s common stock immediately following the Separation. Under the terms of the Separation and Distribution Agreement, if the Company chooses to dispose of 1% or more of CoreLogic’s outstanding common stock at a given date, the Company must first provide CoreLogic with the option to purchase the shares. The Company has agreed to dispose of the shares within five years after the Separation or to bear any adverse tax consequences arising as a result of holding the shares for a longer period. The CoreLogic common stock is classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses classified as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. At September 30, 2010, the cost basis and estimated fair value of the CoreLogic common stock is $242.6 million and $247.8 million, respectively. The CoreLogic common stock is included in equity securities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

On June 1, 2010, the Company received a note receivable from CoreLogic in the amount of $19.9 million that accrues interest at 6.52%. Interest was first due on July 1, 2010 and is due quarterly thereafter. The note receivable is due on May 31, 2017. The note approximated the unfunded portion of the benefit obligation attributable to participants of the defined benefit pension plan who were employees of TFAC’s businesses that were retained by CoreLogic in connection with the Separation. See Note 10 Employee Benefit Plans to the condensed consolidated and combined financial statements for further discussion of the defined benefit pension plan.

At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company’s federal savings bank subsidiary, First American Trust, FSB, held $9.4 million and $20.1 million, respectively, of interest and non-interest bearing demand deposits owned by CoreLogic. These deposits are included in demand deposits in the condensed consolidated and combined balance sheets. Interest expense on the deposits was immaterial for all periods presented.

Prior to the Separation, the Company owned three office buildings that were leased to CoreLogic under the terms of formal lease agreements. In connection with the Separation, the Company distributed one of the office buildings to CoreLogic, and currently owns two office buildings that are leased to CoreLogic under the terms of formal lease agreements. Rental income associated with these properties totaled $1.1 million and $5.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, and $1.8 million and $6.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.

The Company and CoreLogic are also parties to certain ordinary course commercial agreements and transactions. The expenses associated with these transactions, which primarily relate to purchases of data and other settlement services totaled $4.6 million and $17.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, and $9.4 million and $32.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively, and are included in other operating expenses in the Company’s condensed consolidated and combined statements of income.

Prior to the Separation, certain transactions with TFAC were settled in cash and the remaining transactions were settled by non-cash capital contributions between the Company and TFAC, which resulted in net non-cash contributions from TFAC to the Company of $2.1 million in the current year prior to June 1, 2010. Following the Separation, all transactions with CoreLogic are settled in cash.

 

33


Table of Contents

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Note 18 – Pending Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2010, the FASB issued updated guidance related to credit risk disclosures for finance receivables and the related allowance for credit losses. The updated guidance requires entities to disclose information at disaggregated levels, specifically defined as “portfolio segments” and “classes”. Expanded disclosures include, among other things, roll-forward schedules of the allowance for credit losses and information regarding the credit quality of receivables (including their aging) as of the end of a reporting period. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2010, although the disclosures of reporting period activity are required for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010. Except for the disclosure requirements, management does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated and combined financial statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued updated guidance related to fair value measurements and disclosures, which requires a reporting entity to disclose separately, a reconciliation for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements (that is, on a gross basis rather than one net number). The updated guidance is effective for interim or annual financial reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010 and for interim periods within the fiscal year. Except for the disclosure requirements, management does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated and combined financial statements.

 

34


Table of Contents

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

CERTAIN STATEMENTS IN THIS QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THOSE SET FORTH ON PAGES 3 AND 4 OF THIS QUARTERLY REPORT ARE FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 27A OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND SECTION 21E OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED. THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS MAY CONTAIN THE WORDS “BELIEVE,” “ANTICIPATE,” “EXPECT,” “PLAN,” “PREDICT,” “ESTIMATE,” “PROJECT,” “WILL BE,” “WILL CONTINUE,” “WILL LIKELY RESULT,” OR OTHER SIMILAR WORDS AND PHRASES.

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES EXIST THAT MAY CAUSE RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE SET FORTH IN THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE THE ANTICIPATED RESULTS TO DIFFER FROM THOSE DESCRIBED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INCLUDE THE FACTORS SET FORTH ON PAGES 3 AND 4 OF THIS QUARTERLY REPORT. THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS SPEAK ONLY AS OF THE DATE THEY ARE MADE. THE COMPANY DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS TO REFLECT CIRCUMSTANCES OR EVENTS THAT OCCUR AFTER THE DATE THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE MADE.

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis contains certain financial measures, in particular, presentation of pre-tax margins excluding the impacts of certain non-operating revenues, that are not presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Company is presenting these non-GAAP financial measures because they provide the Company’s management and readers of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q with additional insight into the operational performance of the Company relative to earlier periods and relative to the Company’s competitors. The Company does not intend for these non-GAAP financial measures to be a substitute for any GAAP financial information. Readers of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should use these non-GAAP financial measures only in conjunction with the comparable GAAP financial measures.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Critical accounting policies are those policies used in the preparation of First American Financial Corporation’s (the “Company”) financial statements that require management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of certain assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosure of contingencies. A summary of these policies can be found in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis section of the information statement filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K dated May 26, 2010.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidelines relating to transfers of financial assets which amended existing guidance by removing the concept of a qualifying special purpose entity and establishing a new “participating interest” definition that must be met for transfers of portions of financial assets to be eligible for sale accounting, clarifies and amends the derecognition criteria for a transfer to be accounted for as a sale, and changes the amount that can be recognized as a gain or loss on a transfer accounted for as a sale when beneficial interests are received by the transferor. Enhanced disclosures are also required to provide information about transfers of financial assets and a transferor’s continuing involvement with transferred financial assets. This guidance must be applied as of the beginning of an entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Earlier application is prohibited. The adoption of this standard had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated and combined financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance amending existing guidance surrounding the consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIE”) to require an enterprise to qualitatively assess the determination of the primary beneficiary of a VIE based on whether the entity (1) has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (2) has the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. This guidance also requires an ongoing reconsideration of the primary beneficiary, and amends the events that trigger a reassessment of whether an entity is a VIE. Enhanced disclosures are also required to provide information about an enterprise’s involvement in a VIE. This statement is effective as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Earlier application is prohibited. The adoption of this standard had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated and combined financial statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued updated guidance related to fair value measurements and disclosures, which requires a reporting entity to disclose separately the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and to describe the reasons for the transfers. The updated guidance also requires that an entity provide fair value measurement disclosures for each class of assets and liabilities and disclosures about the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and non-recurring fair value measurements for Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements. This updated guidance became effective for interim or annual financial reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009. Except for the disclosure requirements, the adoption of this statement did not have an impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated and combined financial statements.

 

35


Table of Contents

 

In February 2010, the FASB issued updated guidance which amended the subsequent events disclosure requirements to eliminate the requirement for Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filers to disclose the date through which it has evaluated subsequent events, clarify the period through which conduit bond obligors must evaluate subsequent events and refine the scope of the disclosure requirements for reissued financial statements. The updated guidance was effective upon issuance. Except for the disclosure requirements, the adoption of the guidance had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated and combined financial statements.

In March 2010, the FASB issued updated guidance that amends and clarifies the guidance on how entities should evaluate credit derivatives embedded in beneficial interests in securitized financial assets. The updated guidance eliminates the scope exception for bifurcation of embedded credit derivatives in interests in securitized financial assets, unless they are created solely by subordination of one financial instrument to another. The updated guidance is effective for interim financial reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2010, with adoption permitted at the beginning of each entity’s first fiscal quarter beginning after issuance. The adoption of this standard had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated and combined financial statements.

Pending Accounting Pronouncements:

In July 2010, the FASB issued updated guidance related to credit risk disclosures for finance receivables and the related allowance for credit losses. The updated guidance requires entities to disclose information at disaggregated levels, specifically defined as “portfolio segments” and “classes”. Expanded disclosures include, among other things, roll-forward schedules of the allowance for credit losses and information regarding the credit quality of receivables (including their aging) as of the end of a reporting period. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2010, although the disclosures of reporting period activity are required for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010. Except for the disclosure requirements, management does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated and combined financial statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued updated guidance related to fair value measurements and disclosures, which requires a reporting entity to disclose separately, a reconciliation for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements (that is, on a gross basis rather than one net number). The updated guidance is effective for interim or annual financial reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010 and for interim periods within the fiscal year. Management does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated and combined financial statements.

OVERVIEW

Corporate Update

The Company became a publicly traded company following its spin-off from its prior parent, The First American Corporation (“TFAC”) on June 1, 2010 (the “Separation”). On that date, TFAC distributed all of the Company’s outstanding shares to the record date shareholders of TFAC on a one-for-one basis (the “Distribution”). After the Distribution, the Company owns TFAC’s financial services businesses and TFAC, which reincorporated and assumed the name CoreLogic, Inc. (“CoreLogic”), continues to own its information solutions businesses. The Company’s common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the “FAF” ticker symbol and CoreLogic’s common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “CLGX.”

To effect the Separation, TFAC and the Company entered into a Separation and Distribution Agreement (the “Separation and Distribution Agreement”) that governs the rights and obligations of the Company and CoreLogic regarding the Distribution. It also governs the relationship between the Company and CoreLogic subsequent to the completion of the Separation and provides for the allocation between the Company and CoreLogic of TFAC’s assets and liabilities. The Separation and Distribution Agreement identifies assets, liabilities and contracts that were allocated between CoreLogic and the Company as part of the Separation and describes the transfers, assumptions and assignments of these assets, liabilities and contracts. In particular, the Separation and Distribution Agreement provides that, subject to the terms and conditions contained therein:

 

   

All of the assets and liabilities primarily related to the Company’s business—primarily the business and operations of TFAC’s title insurance and services segment and specialty insurance segment—have been retained by or transferred to the Company;

 

36


Table of Contents

 

   

All of the assets and liabilities primarily related to CoreLogic’s business—primarily the business and operations of TFAC’s data and analytic solutions, information and outsourcing solutions and risk mitigation and business solutions segments—have been retained by or transferred to CoreLogic;

 

   

On the record date for the Distribution, TFAC issued to the Company and its principal title insurance subsidiary, First American Title Insurance Company (“FATICO”) a number of shares of its common stock that resulted in the Company and FATICO collectively owning 12.9 million shares of CoreLogic’s common stock immediately following the Separation.

 

   

The Company effectively assumed $200.0 million of the outstanding liability for indebtedness under TFAC’s senior secured credit facility through the Company’s borrowing and transferring to CoreLogic of $200.0 million under the Company’s credit facility in connection with the Separation.

The Separation resulted in a net distribution from the Company to TFAC of $178.2 million. In connection with such distribution, the Company assumed $22.1 million of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, which was primarily related to the Company’s assumption of the unfunded portion of the defined benefit pension obligation.

Results of Operations

Summary of Third Quarter

The dollar amount of US mortgage originations decreased 22.1% in the third quarter of 2010, when compared with the same period of the prior year according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s September 2010 Long-term Mortgage Finance Forecast (the “MBA Forecast”). This decrease in mortgage originations was due to a softening in the purchase market and a slight decline in the refinance market. According to the MBA Forecast, the dollar amount of purchase originations decreased 47.5% and refinance originations decreased 3.1%, in the third quarter of 2010 when compared with the same quarter of the prior year. The overall decline in mortgage originations impacted the Company’s title revenues (excluding net realized investment losses and net other-than-temporary impairment losses), which saw a decrease of 9.4% in the third quarter of 2010, when compared with the same period of the prior year. The decline in the Company’s revenues is less severe than the overall mortgage origination decline due to a number of factors, including market share gains, rate increases, and increased commercial activity.

Total expenses for the Company, before income taxes, decreased 8.2% in the third quarter of 2010 when compared with the same period of the prior year, which is primarily attributable to the Company’s cost containment efforts and increased operating efficiencies.

Net income was $33.3 million and $40.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Net income attributable to the Company for the three months ended September 30, 2010 was $33.1 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, compared with net income attributable to the Company of $38.8 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, for the same period of the prior year. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $0.2 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009, respectively.

Despite the low interest rate environment, which has had a favorable effect on the Company’s businesses, mortgage credit still remains generally tight, which together with the uncertainty in general economic conditions, continues to impact the demand for most of the Company’s products and services. These conditions have also had an impact on, and continue to impact, the performance and financial condition of some of the Company’s customers; should these parties continue to encounter significant issues, those issues may lead to negative impacts on the Company’s revenue, claims, earnings and liquidity.

Management expects the above mentioned conditions will continue impacting the Company. Given this outlook, the Company continues its focus on controlling costs by, among other cost containment initiatives, reducing employee counts and improving the efficiencies of previously centralized functions.

 

37


Table of Contents

 

Additionally, beginning at the end of September 2010, several lenders announced that they would suspend certain foreclosures as a result of potential deficiencies in their foreclosure processes. Though the effects of these deficiencies and the foreclosure suspensions are currently unknown, it is possible that revenues tied to foreclosures will decline, especially in the short term, and the Company may incur costs associated with its duty to defend its insureds’ title to foreclosed properties they have purchased. At this time, management does not believe these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Title Insurance and Services

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  

(in thousands, except percentages)

   2010     2009     $ Change     % Change     2010     2009     $ Change     % Change  

Revenues

                

Direct premiums and escrow fees

   $ 356,804      $ 378,285      $ (21,481     (5.7 )%    $ 1,012,108      $ 1,134,726      $ (122,618     (10.8 )%     

Agent premiums

     397,389        450,829        (53,440     (11.9     1,139,439        1,100,196        39,243        3.6   

Information and other

     153,220        172,166        (18,946     (11.0     451,339        504,185        (52,846     (10.5

Investment income

     19,962        21,931        (1,969     (9.0     60,416        76,677        (16,261     (21.2

Net realized investment (losses) gains

     (577     8,309        (8,886     (106.9     10,785        15,730        (4,945     (31.4

Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings

     (1,940     (2,848     908        31.9        (7,049     (24,315     17,266        71.0   
                                                                
     924,858        1,028,672        (103,814     (10.1     2,667,038        2,807,199        (140,161     (5.0
                                                                

Expenses

                

Salaries and other personnel costs

     285,643        286,380        (737     (0.3     832,834        858,435        (25,601     (3.0

Premiums retained by agents

     320,398        363,408        (43,010     (11.8     916,975        881,571        35,404        4.0   

Other operating expenses

     182,301        230,130        (47,829     (20.8     545,186        661,619        (116,433     (17.6

Provision for policy losses and other claims

     49,546        49,377        169        0.3        138,196        158,859        (20,663     (13.0

Depreciation and amortization

     16,562        16,974        (412     (2.4     51,870        54,520        (2,650     (4.9

Premium taxes

     8,609        9,133        (524     (5.7     25,056        23,406        1,650        7.0   

Interest

     1,805        3,297        (1,492     (45.3     6,308        12,166        (5,858     (48.2
                                                                
     864,864        958,699        (93,835     (9.8     2,516,425        2,650,576        (134,151     (5.1
                                                                

Income before income taxes

   $ 59,994      $ 69,973      $ (9,979     (14.3 )%    $ 150,613      $ 156,623      $ (6,010     (3.8 )% 
                                                                

Margins

     6.5     6.8     (0.3 )%      (4.6 )%      5.6     5.6     0.1     1.2
                                                                

 

38


Table of Contents

 

During the third quarter of 2010, the Company changed the presentation of its revenues for the title insurance and services segment. This change resulted in direct revenues from insured products being presented separately from direct revenues from non-insured products. Direct revenues from insured products are included in direct premiums and escrow fees, while direct revenues from non-insured products are included in information and other. Information and other is primarily comprised of revenues generated from fees associated with title search and related reports, title and other real property records and images, and other non-insured settlement services. This change also impacted the reporting of certain metrics discussed below, such as direct title orders closed, average revenues per direct title order closed and provision for title insurance policy losses as a percentage of title insurance premiums and escrow fees. The Company has reclassified prior period data to conform to the current presentation.

Direct premiums and escrow fees were $356.8 million and $1,012.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, decreases of $21.5 million, or 5.7%, and $122.6 million, or 10.8%, when compared with the respective periods of the prior year. These decreases were due to a decline in the number of title orders closed by the Company’s direct operations, offset in part by an increase in the average revenues per order closed. The Company’s direct operations closed 272,900 and 774,400 title orders during the current three and nine month periods, respectively, decreases of 13.0% and 23.9% when compared with the same periods of the prior year. The decrease in the number of closed orders was primarily due to the decline in mortgage originations. Mortgage originations declined by 22.1% and 23.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, when compared with the respective prior year periods. The average revenues per order closed was $1,307 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, increases of 8.4% and 17.3% when compared with the respective periods of the prior year. There were a number of factors contributing to the increase in average revenues per order closed including an increase in the mix of direct revenue coming from the commercial divisions and filed rate increases that have taken effect.

Agency premiums were $397.4 million and $1,139.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, a decrease of $53.4 million, or 11.9%, from the prior year three month period and an increase of $39.2 million, or 3.6%, when compared with the prior year nine month period. The decrease when compared to the prior year three month period reflects the decline in mortgage originations, consistent with the direct operations. The increase when compared to the prior year nine month period reflects the increased market share that the Company has achieved as well as increased premiums due to filed rate increases.

Information and other revenue was $153.2 million and $451.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, a decrease of $18.9 million, or 11.0%, from the prior year three month period and a decrease of $52.8 million, or 10.5%, when compared with the prior year nine month period. The decreases in the current periods when compared to the respective periods of the prior year are primarily attributable to the decline in mortgage origination volumes, which decreased by 22.1% and 23.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, when compared with the respective prior year periods. The revenues included in information and other are generally impacted by mortgage origination volumes.

Investment income totaled $20.0 million and $60.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, decreases of $2.0 million, or 9.0%, and $16.3 million, or 21.2%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, when compared with the respective periods of the prior year. These decreases primarily reflect declining yields earned from the Company’s investment portfolio and decreased net interest income at the Company’s trust division.

Net realized investment losses totaled $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, and net realized investment gains totaled $10.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, decreases of $8.9 million and $4.9 million when compared with the respective periods of the prior year. The decrease in net realized investment gains is primarily due to lower realized gains from the sale of investment securities in the current year periods when compared to the prior year periods.

Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings totaled $1.9 million and $7.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings totaled $2.8 million and $24.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively. The decrease reflects a reduction in impairment losses on debt and equity securities in the current periods compared with the respective periods of the prior year.

Salaries and other personnel costs for the title insurance and services segment were $285.6 million and $832.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, decreases of $0.7 million, or 0.3%, and $25.6 million, or 3.0%, when compared with the respective periods of the prior year. The decrease for the three and nine month periods is primarily due to a reduction in domestic headcount and overtime expense. The decrease was partially offset by increased salaries and other personnel costs recognized in the current year periods due to certain functions that were performed by TFAC prior to the Separation being performed internally by the Company following the Separation. This resulted in an increase in salaries and other personnel costs and a decrease in other operating expenses for the title segment, since prior to

 

39


Table of Contents

the Separation the costs associated with these services were allocated to the Company from TFAC and charged to other operating expenses, however following the Separation the Company performs these functions with internal resources, which results in an increase in salaries and other personnel costs.

Agents retained $320.4 million and $917.0 million of title premiums generated by agency operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, which compares with $363.4 million and $881.6 million for the respective periods of the prior year. The percentage of title premiums retained by agents was 80.6% and 80.5% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, flat when compared to the same three month period of the prior year and up from 80.1% when compared to the same nine month period of the prior year. Agent retention varies from state to state and the geographic mix of agent premiums has a significant impact on the agent retention. Agents in the western states typically have a higher retention than those in the eastern states. Agency revenues in 2010 have been stronger in the western states thereby leading to a higher retention percentage. The Company continues to focus on improving its agent retention by negotiating better splits as new agents are signed or as contracts come up for renewal.

Other operating expenses for the title insurance and services segment were $182.3 million and $545.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, decreases of $47.8 million, or 20.8%, and $116.4 million, or 17.6%, when compared with the same periods of the prior year. These decreases were primarily due to a decline in title production costs, office related expenses and other cost containment programs. As discussed above, the decrease in other operating expenses is partially attributable to certain functions that were performed by TFAC prior to the Separation being performed internally by the Company following the Separation. This resulted in a decrease in other operating expenses for the title segment, since prior to the Separation the costs associated with these services were allocated to the Company from TFAC and charged to other operating expenses, however following the Separation the Company performs these functions with internal resources.

The provision for title insurance policy losses as a percentage of title insurance premiums and escrow fees was 6.6% and 6.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, compared with 6.0% and 7.1% for the respective three and nine month periods of the prior year. During the quarter ended September 30, 2010, the Company recorded $15.5 million of provision for title insurance policy losses due to higher than estimated claims experience for prior policy years, primarily policy years 2007 and 2006. This increase was partially offset by an improvement in the expected ultimate loss rate for policy year 2010, as a result of continued better than expected claims development. The expected ultimate loss rate for policy year 2010 was lowered to 5.2% during the quarter ended September 30, 2010, which resulted in a $4.2 million benefit recorded to provision for title insurance policy losses.

Premium taxes were $25.1 million and $23.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Premium taxes as a percentage of title insurance premiums and escrow fees were 1.2% and 1.0% for the current nine month period and for the same period of the prior year, respectively.

The title insurance business has a relatively high proportion of fixed costs. Accordingly, title insurance profit margins generally improve as closed order volumes increase. Title insurance profit margins are also affected by the composition (residential or commercial) and type (resale, refinancing or new construction) of real estate activity. In addition, profit margins from refinance transactions vary depending on whether they are centrally processed or locally processed. Profit margins from resale, new construction and centrally processed refinance transactions are generally higher than from locally processed refinance transactions because in many states there are premium discounts on, and cancellation rates are higher for, refinance transactions. Title insurance profit margins are also affected by the percentage of title insurance premiums generated by agency operations. Profit margins from direct operations are generally higher than from agency operations due primarily to the large portion of the premium that is retained by the agent. Pre-tax margins were 6.5% and 5.6% for the three and nine month period ending September 30, 2010, compared with pre-tax margins of 6.8% and 5.6% for the three and nine month period ending September 30, 2009, respectively. The decrease in margin for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 when compared to the prior year quarter is primarily due to the combined decline in net realized investment (losses) gains and net other-than-temporary impairment losses of $8.0 million. Net realized investment (losses) gains and net other-than-temporary impairment losses impacted pre-tax margin by (0.2%) and 0.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Excluding these non-operating revenue items, the adjusted pre-tax margin was 6.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to 6.3% for the same period of the prior year. The increase in adjusted pre-tax margin was achieved despite a 9.4% revenue decline, which is attributable to the Company’s focus on expense management and increasing operational efficiencies.

 

40


Table of Contents

 

Specialty Insurance

 

    Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  

( in thousands, except percentages)

  2010     2009     $ Change     % Change     2010     2009     $ Change     % Change  

Revenues

               

Direct premiums

  $ 69,237      $ 68,283      $ 954        1.4   $ 202,730      $ 202,725      $ 5        0.0

Investment income

    2,974        3,337        (363     (10.9     9,155        10,212        (1,057     (10.4

Net realized investment gains (losses)

    2,174        (45     2,219        N/M 1      1,871        (450     2,321        515.8   

Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings

    —          (488     488        100.0        (111     (6,782     6,671        98.4   
                                                               
    74,385        71,087        3,298        4.6        213,645        205,705        7,940        3.9   
                                                               

Expenses

               

Salaries and other personnel costs

    12,576        14,291        (1,715     (12.0     39,401        42,264        (2,863     (6.8

Other operating expenses

    10,414        9,200        1,214        13.2        32,120        31,526        594        1.9   

Provision for policy losses and other claims

    36,904        37,307        (403     (1.1     102,240        106,885        (4,645     (4.3

Depreciation and amortization

    1,053        944        109        11.5        4,189        2,764        1,425        51.6   

Premium taxes

    1,158        1,216        (58     (4.8     3,233        3,359        (126     (3.8

Interest

    4        7        (3     (42.9     14        17        (3     (17.6
                                                               
    62,109        62,965        (856     (1.4     181,197        186,815        (5,618     (3.0
                                                               

Income before income taxes

  $ 12,276      $ 8,122      $ 4,154        51.1   $ 32,448      $ 18,890      $ 13,558        71.8
                                                               

Margins

    16.5     11.4     5.1     44.4     15.2     9.2     6.0     65.4
                                                               

 

(1) Not meaningful

Direct premiums for the specialty insurance segment were $69.2 million and $202.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, an increase of $1.0 million, when compared with the same three month period of the prior year and flat when compared to the same nine month period of the prior year.

Investment income for the segment totaled $3.0 million and $9.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, decreases of $0.4 million, or 10.9%, and $1.1 million, or 10.4%, when compared with the same periods of the prior year. These decreases primarily reflected the decreased yields earned from the investment portfolio.

Net realized investment gains totaled $2.2 million and $1.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, an increase of $2.2 million and $2.3 million when compared with the same periods of the prior year. The increase for the three and nine month periods is primarily attributable to realized gains on investment securities that were sold during the three months ended September 30, 2010.

Specialty insurance recognized no net other-than-temporary impairment losses for the three months ended September 30, 2010, and $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared with net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings of $0.5 million and $6.8 million for the respective periods of the prior year. The decrease reflects a reduction in impairment losses on debt and equity securities in the current periods compared with the respective periods of the prior year.

Specialty insurance salaries and other personnel costs and other operating expenses were $23.0 million and $71.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, decreases of $0.5 million, or 2.1%, and $2.3 million, or 3.1%, when compared with the same periods of the prior year. These decreases primarily related to a reduction in headcount and other cost containment initiatives.

 

41


Table of Contents

 

For the home warranty business, the claims provision as a percentage of home warranty premiums was 51.6% for the current nine month period and 55.6% for the same period of the prior year. This decrease in rate was primarily due to a lower average cost per claim. For the property and casualty business, the claims provision as a percentage of property and casualty insurance premiums was 48.6% for the current nine month period, an increase when compared with 48.3% for the same period of the prior year. This increase was primarily due to $2.1 million in winter storm losses in January and February, with no comparable storm losses last year, partially offset by a decrease in core or routine losses.

Premium taxes were $3.2 million and $3.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Premium taxes as a percentage of specialty insurance segment premiums were 1.6% and 1.7% for the current nine month period and for the same period of the prior year, respectively.

A significant portion of the revenues for the specialty insurance businesses are not dependent on the level of real estate activity, with a large portion generated from renewals. With the exception of loss expense, the majority of the expenses for this segment are variable in nature and therefore generally fluctuate consistent with revenue fluctuations. Accordingly, profit margins for this segment (before loss expense) are relatively constant, although as a result of some fixed expenses, profit margins (before loss expense) should nominally improve as revenues increase. Pre-tax margins for the current three and nine month periods of 2010 were 16.5% and 15.2%, up from 11.4% and 9.2% for the three and nine month period ending September 30, 2009, respectively.

Corporate

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  

(in thousands, except percentages)

   2010     2009     $ Change     % Change     2010     2009     $ Change     % Change  

Revenues

                

Investment income

   $ 4,861      $ 892      $ 3,969        445.0   $ 2,557      $ 2,274      $ 283        12.4

Net realized investment losses

     (93     (70     (23     (32.9     (520     (1,137     617        54.3   
                                                                
     4,768        822        3,946        480.0        2,037        1,137        900        79.2   
                                                                

Expenses

                

Salaries and other personnel costs

     9,827        1,813        8,014        442.0        20,155        12,221        7,934        64.9   

Other operating expenses

     7,538        4,964        2,574        51.9        20,664        12,980        7,684        59.2   

Depreciation and amortization

     944        1,944        (1,000     (51.4     2,005        3,373        (1,368     (40.6

Interest

     2,741        1,675        1,066        63.6        4,751        4,875        (124     (2.5
                                                                
     21,050        10,396        10,654        102.5        47,575        33,449        14,126        42.2   
                                                                

Loss before income taxes

   $ (16,282   $ (9,574   $ (6,708     (70.1 )%    $ (45,538   $ (32,312   $ (13,226     (40.9 )% 
                                                                

Investment income totaled $4.9 million and $2.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, compared with investment income of $0.9 million and $2.3 million for the respective periods of the prior year. The increases in the current year periods were primarily due to an increase in yields earned on investments associated with the Company’s deferred compensation plan.

Corporate salaries and other personnel costs totaled $9.8 million and $20.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, increases of $8.0 million and $7.9 million when compared with the respective periods of the prior year. These increases are primarily due to a higher level of corporate salaries and other personnel costs following the Separation when compared to the amounts allocated from TFAC prior to the Separation. Following the Separation, the Company is a separate publicly traded company, which resulted in a higher level of corporate costs. The increases were also due to an increase in costs associated with the Company’s deferred compensation plan. The increase in costs associated with the Company’s deferred compensation plan is offset by the increase in income earned on investments associated with the deferred compensation plan, as discussed above.

Other operating expenses were $7.5 million and $20.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, increases of $2.6 million, or 51.9%, and $7.7 million, or 59.2%, when compared with the same periods of the prior year. These increases are primarily due to a higher level of corporate other operating expenses following the Separation when compared to the amounts allocated from TFAC prior to the Separation. Following the Separation, the Company is a

 

42


Table of Contents

separate publicly traded company, which resulted in a higher level of corporate costs. Other operating expenses also increased due to elevated professional services expenses incurred in the current year related to the Separation.

Interest expense was $2.7 million and $4.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, an increase of $1.1 million, or 63.6%, from the prior year three month period and a decrease of $0.1 million, or 2.5%, when compared with the prior year nine month period. Corporate interest expense decreased relative to the prior nine month period due to a reduction in the interest rate on the Company’s allocated portion of TFAC’s debt. The interest rate is a variable rate and interest rates have declined in 2010. Additionally, in connection with the Separation, the Company borrowed $200.0 million under its new credit facility and paid off the allocated portion of TFAC’s debt. The new credit facility bears interest at a higher rate, which partially offsets the benefit realized from the reduction in the interest rate associated with the allocated portion of TFAC’s debt.

Eliminations

Eliminations represent interest income and related interest expense associated with intercompany notes between the Company’s segments, which are eliminated in the condensed consolidated and combined financial statements. The Company’s inter-segment eliminations were not material for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010. The Company did not record inter-segment eliminations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, as there was no inter-segment income or expense.

INCOME TAXES

The effective income tax rate (income tax expense as a percentage of income before income taxes) was 40.4% and 40.9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, and 40.3% and 43.0% for the same periods of the prior year. The effective income tax rate includes a provision for state income and franchise taxes for noninsurance subsidiaries. The differences in the effective rates in the current year periods were primarily attributable to changes in the mix of taxable and non-taxable income for state tax purposes, decreased taxable income from foreign sources, and changes in the ratio of permanent differences to income before income taxes.

The Company evaluates the realizability of its deferred tax assets by assessing its valuation allowance and by adjusting the amount of such allowance, if necessary. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization are the Company’s forecast of future taxable income and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the deferred tax assets. Failure to achieve forecasted taxable income in the applicable taxing jurisdictions could affect the ultimate realization of deferred tax assets and could result in an increase in the Company’s effective tax rate on future earnings. The Company continues to monitor the realizability of recognized, impairment, and unrecognized losses recorded through September 30, 2010. The Company believes it is more likely than not that the tax benefits associated with those losses will be realized. However, this determination is a judgment and could be impacted by further market fluctuations.

NET INCOME AND NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY

Net income was $33.3 million and $81.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010. Net income was $40.9 million and $81.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009. Net income attributable to the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, was $33.1 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, and $80.7 million, or $0.76 per diluted share. Net income attributable to the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, was $38.8 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, and $72.3 million, or $0.70 per diluted share. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $0.2 million and $0.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $2.1 million and $9.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009. The decrease in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 of $1.9 million and $8.9 million, respectively, when compared to the respective periods in the prior year is primarily due to the purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests in the fourth quarter of 2009.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Total cash and cash equivalents increased $111.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and increased $64.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The increase for the current year period was due primarily to an increase in demand deposits, proceeds from issuance of debt, as well as cash provided by operations. Offsetting the increase were uses of cash for repayment of debt, cash distributions to TFAC upon separation and capital expenditures. The increase for the prior year period was due primarily to net cash provided by operations and net proceeds from debt and equity securities. The increase was offset by a decrease in demand deposits, repayment of debt, dividends paid to TFAC and capital expenditures.

 

43


Table of Contents

 

Notes and contracts payable (including allocated portion of TFAC debt) as a percentage of total capitalization was 13.3% at September 30, 2010 and 11.3% at December 31, 2009.

On April 12, 2010, the Company entered into a credit agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan”) in its capacity as administrative agent and a syndicate of lenders.

The credit agreement is comprised of a $400.0 million revolving credit facility. The revolving loan commitments terminate on the third anniversary of the date of closing, or June 1, 2013. On June 1, 2010, the Company borrowed $200.0 million under the facility and transferred such funds to CoreLogic, as previously contemplated in connection with the Separation. Proceeds may also be used for general corporate purposes. At September 30, 2010, the interest rate associated with the $200.0 million borrowed under the facility is 3.06%.

The Company’s obligations under the credit agreement are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”). To secure the obligations of the Company and the Guarantors (collectively, the “Loan Parties”) under the credit agreement, the Loan Parties pledged all of the equity interests they own in each Data Trace and Data Tree company and a 9% equity interest in FATICO.

If at any time the rating by Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group (“S&P”) of the senior, unsecured, long-term indebtedness for borrowed money of the Company that is not guaranteed by any other person or subject to any other credit enhancement is rated lower than Baa3 or BBB-, respectively, or is not rated by either such rating agency, then the loan commitments are subject to mandatory reduction from (a) 50% of the net proceeds of certain equity issuances by any Loan Party, (b) 50% of the net proceeds of certain debt incurred or issued by any Loan Party, (c) 25% of the net proceeds received by any Loan Party from the disposition of CoreLogic stock received in connection with the Separation and (d) the net proceeds received by any Loan Party from certain dispositions of assets, provided that the commitment reductions described above are only required to the extent necessary to reduce the total loan commitments to $200.0 million. The Company is only required to prepay loans to the extent that, after giving effect to any mandatory commitment reduction, the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding loans exceeds the remaining total loan commitments.

At the Company’s election, borrowings under the credit agreement bear interest at (a) the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate or (b) the Adjusted LIBO Rate plus the Applicable Rate (in each case as defined in the agreement). The Company may select interest periods of one, two, three or six months or (if agreed to by all lenders) such other number of months for Eurodollar borrowings of loans. The Applicable Rate varies depending upon the rating assigned by Moody’s and/or S&P to the credit agreement, or if no such rating is in effect, the Index Debt Rating. The minimum Applicable Rate for Alternate Base Rate borrowings is 1.50% and the maximum is 2.25%. The minimum Applicable Rate for Adjusted LIBO Rate borrowings is 2.50% and the maximum is 3.25%.

The credit agreement includes representations and warranties, reporting covenants, affirmative covenants, negative covenants, financial covenants and events of default customary for financings of this type. Upon the occurrence of an event of default the lenders may accelerate the loans and the Collateral Agent may exercise remedies under the collateral documents. Upon the occurrence of certain insolvency and bankruptcy events of default the loans automatically accelerate.

As of September 30, 2010, the Company’s debt and equity investment securities portfolio consists of approximately 88% of fixed income securities. As of that date, over 72% of the Company’s fixed income investments are held in securities that are United States government-backed or rated AAA and approximately 95% of the fixed income portfolio is rated or classified as investment grade. Percentages are based on the amortized cost basis of the securities. Credit ratings are based on S&P and Moody’s published ratings. If a security was rated differently by both rating agencies, the lower of the two ratings was selected.

 

44


Table of Contents

 

The table below outlines the composition of the investment portfolio currently in an unrealized loss position by credit rating (percentages are based on the amortized cost basis of the investments). Credit ratings are based on S&P and Moody’s published ratings and are exclusive of insurance effects. If a security was rated differently by both rating agencies, the lower of the two ratings was selected:

 

September 30, 2010

   A-Ratings
or
Higher
    BBB+
to BBB-
Ratings
    Non-
Investment
Grade
 

U.S. Treasury bonds

     0.0     0.0     0.0

Municipal bonds

     100.0     0.0     0.0

Foreign bonds

     99.6     0.4     0.0

Governmental agency bonds

     100.0     0.0     0.0

Governmental agency mortgage-backed securities

     100.0     0.0     0.0

Non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

     0.5     0.0     99.5

Corporate debt securities

     100.0     0.0     0.0

Preferred stock

     0.0     0.0     100.0
                        
     85.8     0.1     14.1
                        

Approximately 25% of the Company’s municipal bonds portfolio has third party insurance in effect.

Substantially all securities in the Company’s non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed portfolio are senior tranches and were investment grade at the time of purchase, however many have been downgraded below investment grade since purchase. The table below summarizes the composition of the Company’s non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities by collateral type, year of issuance and current credit ratings. Percentages are based on the amortized cost basis of the securities and credit ratings are based on S&P and Moody’s published ratings. If a security was rated differently by both rating agencies, the lower of the two ratings was selected. All amounts and ratings are as of September 30, 2010.

 

(in thousands, except percentages and number of securities)

   Number
of
Securities
     Amortized
Cost
     Estimated
Fair
Value
     A-Ratings
or
Higher
    BBB+
to BBB-
Ratings
    Non-
Investment
Grade
 

Non-agency mortgage-backed securities:

               

Prime single family residential:

               

2007

     1       $ 7,092       $ 2,340         0.0     0.0     100.0

2006

     7         33,701         24,388         0.0     0.0     100.0

2005

     2         7,563         5,598         0.0     0.0     100.0

2003

     1         342         333         100.0     0.0     0.0

Alt-A single family residential:

               

2007

     2         20,011         16,570         0.0     0.0     100.0
                                                   
     13       $ 68,709       $ 49,229         0.5     0.0     99.5
                                                   

As of September 30, 2010, five non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities with an amortized cost of $31.0 million and an estimated fair value of $21.9 million were on negative credit watch by either S&P or Moody’s.

The Company assessed its non-agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities portfolio to determine what portion of the portfolio, if any, is other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2010. Management’s analysis of the portfolio included its expectations of the future performance of the underlying collateral, including, but not limited to, prepayments, defaults and loss severity assumptions. In developing these expectations, the Company utilized publicly available information related to individual assets, analysts’ expectations on the expected performance of similar underlying collateral and certain of CoreLogic’s securities, loans and property data and market analytic tools. As a result of the Company’s security-level review, it recognized $1.9 million and $5.4 million of other-than-temporary impairments in earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. Total other-than-temporary impairments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 were $2.7 million and $5.3 million, respectively. No new material other-than-temporary impairments were recognized in other comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010. The amounts remaining in other comprehensive income should not be recorded in earnings, because the losses were not considered to be credit related based on the Company’s other-than-temporary impairment analysis as discussed above.

In addition to its debt and equity investment securities portfolio, the Company maintains certain money-market and other short-term investments.

 

45


Table of Contents

 

Due to the Company’s liquid-asset position and its ability to generate cash flows from operations, management believes that its resources are sufficient to satisfy its anticipated operational cash requirements and obligations for at least the next twelve months. The Company expects to pay an annual cash dividend of approximately $25.0 million to its shareholders.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The Company’s primary exposure to market risk relates to interest rate risk associated with certain financial instruments. Although the Company monitors its risk associated with fluctuations in interest rates, it does not currently use derivative financial instruments on any significant scale to hedge these risks.

The Company is also subject to equity price risk related to its equity securities portfolio. In connection with the Separation, the Company received shares of CoreLogic common stock. At September 30, 2010, the cost basis and estimated fair value of the CoreLogic common stock was $242.6 million and $247.8 million, respectively. The Company manages its equity price risk, including the risk associated with its CoreLogic common stock, through an investment committee of key executives which is advised by an experienced investment management staff.

Although the Company is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk as a result of its operations in certain foreign countries, the foreign exchange exposure related to these operations, in the aggregate, is not material to the Company’s financial condition or results of operations, and therefore, such risk is immaterial.

There have been no material changes in the Company’s market risks, except for its holding of CoreLogic common stock, since the filing of its information statement filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K dated May 26, 2010.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that, as of the end of the quarterly period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, were effective, based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 13a-15(b) thereunder.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2010, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

The Company and its subsidiaries have been named in various lawsuits, most of which relate to their title insurance operations. In cases where it has been determined that a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable, a liability representing the best estimate of the Company’s financial exposure based on known facts has been recorded. Actual losses may materially differ from the amounts recorded. The Company does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these cases, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

On March 5, 2010, Bank of America, N.A. filed a complaint in the North Carolina General Court of Justice, Superior Court Division against United General Title Insurance Company and First American Title Insurance Company. The plaintiff alleges that the defendants failed to pay or failed to timely respond to certain claims made on title insurance policies issued in connection with home equity loans or lines of credit that are now in default. According to the complaint, these title insurance policies, which did not require a title search, were intended to protect against the risks of certain defects in the title to real property, including undisclosed intervening liens, vesting problems and legal description errors, that would have been discovered if the plaintiff had conducted a full title search. As indicated in the complaint, Fiserv Solutions, Inc. (“Fiserv”), as agent for the defendants, was authorized to issue certificates evidencing that a given loan was insured. The complaint also indicates that plaintiff was required to satisfy certain criteria before title would be insured. This involved (a) reviewing borrower statements to the lender when applying for the loan, (b) reviewing the borrower’s credit report and (c) addressing secured mortgages appearing on the credit report which did not appear on the borrower’s loan application. The plaintiff alleges that the failure to pay or timely respond to the subject claims was done in bad faith and constitutes a breach of the title insurance policies issued to the plaintiff. The plaintiff is seeking monetary damages, punitive damages where permitted,

 

46


Table of Contents

treble damages where permitted, attorneys fees and costs where permitted, declaratory judgment and pre-judgment and post-judgment interest.

On April 1, 2010, the Company filed an answer to Bank of America’s complaint and filed a third party complaint within the same litigation against Fiserv for breach of contract, indemnification and other matters. The Company’s agreement with Fiserv required Fiserv, among other things, to ensure that the Company’s policies were issued in accordance with prudent practices, to refrain from issuing the Company’s policies unless it had determined the product could be properly issued in accordance with the Company’s standards and to provide reasonable assistance in claims handling. The agreement also required Fiserv to indemnify the Company for certain losses, including losses resulting from Fiserv’s failure to comply with its agreement with the Company or with Company instructions or from its negligence or misconduct.

While it is not feasible to predict with certainty the outcome of this litigation, the ultimate resolution could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows in the period of disposition.

The Company’s title insurance, property and casualty insurance, home warranty, thrift, trust and investment advisory businesses are regulated by various federal, state and local governmental agencies. Many of the Company’s other businesses operate within statutory guidelines. Consequently, the Company may from time to time be subject to audit or investigation by such governmental agencies. Currently, governmental agencies are auditing or investigating certain of the Company’s operations. These audits or investigations include inquiries into, among other matters, pricing and rate setting practices in the title insurance industry, competition in the title insurance industry, title insurance customer acquisition and retention practices and agency relationships. With respect to matters where the Company has determined that a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable, the Company has recorded a liability representing its best estimate of the financial exposure based on known facts. While the ultimate disposition of each such audit or investigation is not yet determinable, the Company does not believe that individually or in the aggregate, they will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. These audits or investigations could result in changes to the Company’s business practices which could ultimately have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company’s subsidiaries also are involved in numerous ongoing routine legal and regulatory proceedings related to their operations. While the ultimate disposition of each proceeding is not determinable, the ultimate resolution of any of such proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows in the period of disposition.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

You should carefully consider each of the following risk factors and the other information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The Company faces risks other than those listed here, including those that are unknown to the Company and others of which the Company may be aware but, at present, considers immaterial. Because of the following factors, as well as other variables affecting the Company’s operating results, past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods.

1. Conditions in the real estate market generally impact the demand for a substantial portion of the Company’s products and services

Demand for a substantial portion of the Company’s products and services generally decreases as the number of real estate transactions in which its products and services are purchased decreases. The number of real estate transactions in which the Company’s products and services are purchased decreases in the following situations:

 

   

when mortgage interest rates are high or rising;

 

   

when the availability of credit, including commercial and residential mortgage funding, is limited; and

 

   

when real estate values are declining.

2. Unfavorable economic conditions may have a material adverse effect on the Company

Uncertainty and negative trends in general economic conditions in the United States and abroad, including significant tightening of credit markets and a general decline in the value of real property, historically have created a difficult operating environment for the Company’s businesses and other companies in its industries. In addition, the Company holds investments in entities, such as title agencies, settlement service providers and property and casualty insurance companies, and instruments, such as mortgage backed securities, which may be negatively impacted by these conditions. The Company also owns a federal savings bank into which it deposits some of its own funds and some funds held in trust for third parties. This bank invests those funds and any realized losses incurred will be reflected in the Company’s consolidated results. The

 

47


Table of Contents

likelihood of such losses, which generally would not occur if the Company were to deposit these funds in an unaffiliated entity, increases when economic conditions are unfavorable. Depending upon the ultimate severity and duration of any economic downturn, the resulting effects on the Company could be materially adverse, including a significant reduction in revenues, earnings and cash flows, challenges to the Company’s ability to satisfy covenants or otherwise meet its obligations under debt facilities, difficulties in obtaining access to capital, challenges to the Company’s ability to pay dividends at currently anticipated levels, deterioration in the value of its investments and increased credit risk from customers and others with obligations to the Company.

3. Unfavorable economic or other conditions could cause the Company to write off a portion of its goodwill and other intangible assets

The Company performs an impairment test of the carrying value of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets annually in the fourth quarter or sooner if circumstances indicate a possible impairment. Finite-lived intangible assets are subject to impairment tests on a periodic basis. Factors that may be considered in connection with this review include, without limitation, underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, reductions in the Company’s stock price and market capitalization, increased cost of capital and negative macroeconomic, industry and company-specific trends. These and other factors could lead to a conclusion that goodwill or other intangible assets are no longer fully recoverable, in which case the Company would be required to write off the portion believed to be unrecoverable. Total goodwill and other intangible assets reflected on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2010 is approximately $0.9 billion. Any substantial goodwill and other intangible asset impairments that may be required could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

4. A downgrade by ratings agencies, reductions in statutory surplus maintained by the Company’s title insurance underwriters or a deterioration in other measures of financial strength may negatively affect the Company’s results of operations and competitive position

Certain of the Company’s customers use measurements of the financial strength of the Company’s title insurance underwriters, including, among others, ratings provided by ratings agencies and levels of statutory surplus maintained by those underwriters, in determining the amount of a policy they will accept and the amount of reinsurance required. Each of the major ratings agencies currently rates the Company’s title insurance operations. The Company’s principal title insurance underwriter is currently rated “A3” by Moody’s, “A-” by Fitch, “BBB+” by Standard & Poor’s, “A-” by A.M. Best and “A’” by Demotech. These ratings provide the agencies’ perspectives on the financial strength, operating performance and cash generating ability of those operations. These agencies continually review these ratings and the ratings are subject to change. Statutory surplus, or the amount by which statutory assets exceed statutory liabilities, is also a measure of financial strength. The Company’s principal title insurance underwriter maintained approximately $822.9 million of statutory surplus capital as of September 30, 2010. The current minimum statutory surplus capital required to be maintained by California law is $500,000. Accordingly, if the ratings or statutory surplus of these title insurance underwriters are reduced from their current levels, or if there is a deterioration in other measures of financial strength, the Company’s results of operations, competitive position and liquidity could be adversely affected.

5. Failures at financial institutions at which the Company deposits funds could adversely affect the Company

The Company deposits substantial funds in financial institutions. These funds include amounts owned by third parties, such as escrow deposits. Should one or more of the financial institutions at which deposits are maintained fail, there is no guarantee that the Company would recover the funds deposited, whether through Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation coverage or otherwise. In the event of any such failure, the Company also could be held liable for the funds owned by third parties.

6. Changes in government regulation could prohibit or limit the Company’s operations or make it more burdensome to conduct such operations

Many of the Company’s businesses, including its title insurance, property and casualty insurance, home warranty, thrift, trust and investment businesses, are regulated by various federal, state, local and foreign governmental agencies. These and other of the Company’s businesses also operate within statutory guidelines. Changes in the applicable regulatory environment, statutory guidelines or interpretations of existing regulations or statutes, enhanced governmental oversight or efforts by governmental agencies to cause customers to refrain from using the Company’s products or services could prohibit or limit its future operations or make it more burdensome to conduct such operations. The impact of these changes would be more significant if they involve states in which the Company generates a greater portion of its title premiums, such as California, Arizona, Texas, Florida and Pennsylvania. These changes may compel the Company to reduce its prices, may

 

48


Table of Contents

restrict its ability to implement price increases or acquire assets or businesses, may limit the manner in which the Company conducts its business or otherwise may have a negative impact on its ability to generate revenues, earnings and cash flows.

7. Scrutiny of the Company’s businesses and the industries in which it operates by governmental entities and others could adversely affect its operations and financial condition

The real estate settlement services industry, an industry in which the Company generates a substantial portion of its revenue and earnings, has become subject to heightened scrutiny by regulators, legislators, the media and plaintiffs’ attorneys. Though often directed at the industry generally, these groups may also focus their attention directly on the Company’s businesses. In either case, this scrutiny may result in changes which could adversely affect the Company’s operations and, therefore, its financial condition and liquidity.

Governmental entities have inquired into certain practices in the real estate settlement services industry to determine whether certain of the Company’s businesses or its competitors have violated applicable laws, which include, among others, the insurance codes of the various jurisdictions and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and similar state and federal laws. Departments of insurance in the various states, either separately or in conjunction with federal regulators, also periodically conduct inquiries, generally referred to at the state level as “market conduct exams,” into the practices of title insurance companies in their respective jurisdictions. Further, from time to time plaintiffs’ lawyers may target the Company and other members of the Company’s industry with lawsuits claiming legal violations or other wrongful conduct. These lawsuits may involve large groups of plaintiffs and claims for substantial damages. Any of these types of inquiries or proceedings may result in a finding of a violation of the law or other wrongful conduct and may result in the payment of fines or damages or the imposition of restrictions on the Company’s conduct which could impact its operations and financial condition. Moreover, these laws and standards of conduct often are ambiguous and, thus, it may be difficult to ensure compliance. This ambiguity may force the Company to mitigate its risk by settling claims or by ending practices that generate revenues, earnings and cash flows.

8. The Company may find it difficult to acquire necessary data

Certain data used and supplied by the Company are subject to regulation by various federal, state and local regulatory authorities. Compliance with existing federal, state and local laws and regulations with respect to such data has not had a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity to date. Nonetheless, federal, state and local laws and regulations in the United States designed to protect the public from the misuse of personal information in the marketplace and adverse publicity or potential litigation concerning the commercial use of such information may affect the Company’s operations and could result in substantial regulatory compliance expense, litigation expense and a loss of revenue. The suppliers of data to the Company face similar burdens and, consequently, the Company may find it financially burdensome to acquire necessary data.

9. Regulation of title insurance rates could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations

Title insurance rates are subject to extensive regulation, which varies from state to state. In many states the approval of the applicable state insurance regulator is required prior to implementing a rate change. This regulation could hinder the Company’s ability to promptly adapt to changing market dynamics through price adjustments, which could adversely affect its results of operations, particularly in a rapidly declining market.

10. As a holding company, the Company depends on distributions from its subsidiaries, and if distributions from its subsidiaries are materially impaired, the Company’s ability to declare and pay dividends may be adversely affected; in addition, insurance and other regulations may limit the amount of dividends, loans and advances available from the Company’s insurance subsidiaries

The Company is a holding company whose primary assets are investments in its operating subsidiaries. The Company’s ability to pay dividends is dependent on the ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends or repay funds. If the Company’s operating subsidiaries are not able to pay dividends or repay funds, the Company may not be able to fulfill parent company obligations and/or declare and pay dividends to its stockholders. Moreover, pursuant to insurance and other regulations under which the Company’s insurance subsidiaries operate, the amount of dividends, loans and advances available is limited. Under such regulations, the maximum amount of dividends, loans and advances available in 2010 from these insurance subsidiaries is $258.0 million.

11. The Company’s pension plan is currently underfunded and pension expenses and funding obligations could increase significantly as a result of the weak performance of financial markets and its effect on plan assets

 

49


Table of Contents

 

The Company is responsible for the obligations of its defined benefit pension plan, which it assumed from its former parent, The First American Corporation, on June 1, 2010 in connection with the spin-off transaction which was consummated on that date. The plan was closed to new entrants effective December 31, 2001 and amended to “freeze” all benefit accruals as of April 30, 2008. The Company’s future funding obligations for this plan depend, among other factors, upon the future performance of assets held in trust for the plan. The pension plan was underfunded as of September 30, 2010 by approximately $89.6 million and the Company may need to make significant contributions to the plan. In addition, pension expenses and funding requirements may also be greater than currently anticipated if the market values of the assets held by the pension plan decline or if the other assumptions regarding plan earnings and expenses require adjustment. On June 1, 2010, CoreLogic, Inc. issued a $19.9 million promissory note to the Company which approximated the unfunded portion of the liability attributable to the plan participants that were employed in the information solutions group of The First American Corporation. There is no guarantee that CoreLogic, Inc. will fulfill its obligation under the note or that the amount of the note will be sufficient to ultimately cover the unfunded portion of the liability attributable to these employees. The Company’s obligations under this plan could have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

12. Weakness in the commercial real estate market or an increase in the amount or severity of claims in connection with commercial real estate transactions could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations

The Company issues title insurance policies in connection with commercial real estate transactions. Premiums paid and limits on these policies are large relative to policies issued on residential transactions. Because a claim under a single policy could be significant, title insurers often seek reinsurance or coinsurance from other insurance companies, both within and outside the industry. The Company both receives and provides such coverage. Additionally, the pretax margin derived from these policies generally is higher than on other policies. Disruptions in the commercial real estate market, including limitations on available credit and defaults on loans secured by commercial real estate, may result in a decrease in the number of commercial policies issued by the Company and/or an increase in the number of claims it incurs on commercial policies. As a reference, commercial premiums earned by the Company in 2009 decreased nearly 50 percent compared with the amount earned in 2006. A further decrease in the number of commercial policies issued by the Company or an increase in the amount or severity of claims it incurs on commercial policies could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.

13. Actual claims experience could materially vary from the expected claims experience reflected in the Company’s reserve for incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) title claims

Title insurance policies are long-duration contracts with the majority of the claims reported within the first few years following the issuance of the policy. Generally, 70 to 80 percent of claim amounts become known in the first five years of the policy life, and the majority of IBNR reserves relate to the five most recent policy years. A material change in expected ultimate losses and corresponding loss rates for policy years older than five years, while possible, is not considered reasonably likely. However, changes in expected ultimate losses and corresponding loss rates for recent policy years are considered likely and could result in a material adjustment to the IBNR reserves. Based on historical experience, management believes a 50 basis point change to the loss rates for the most recent policy years, positive or negative, is believed to be reasonably likely given the long duration nature of a title insurance policy. For example, if the expected ultimate losses for each of the last five policy years increased or decreased by 50 basis points, the resulting impact on the Company’s IBNR reserve would be an increase or decrease, as the case may be, of $101.3 million. The estimates made by management in determining the appropriate level of IBNR reserves could ultimately prove to be inaccurate and actual claims experience may vary from the expected claims experience.

14. Systems interruptions and intrusions may impair the delivery of the Company’s products and services

System interruptions and intrusions may impair the delivery of the Company’s products and services, resulting in a loss of customers and a corresponding loss in revenue. The Company’s businesses depend heavily upon computer systems located in its data centers. Certain events beyond the Company’s control, including natural disasters, telecommunications failures and intrusions into the Company’s systems by third parties could temporarily or permanently interrupt the delivery of products and services. These interruptions also may interfere with suppliers’ ability to provide necessary data and employees’ ability to attend work and perform their responsibilities.

15. The Company may not be able to realize the benefits of its offshore strategy

The Company utilizes lower cost labor in foreign countries, such as India and the Philippines, among others. These countries are subject to relatively high degrees of political and social instability and may lack the infrastructure to withstand natural disasters. Such disruptions could decrease efficiency and increase the Company’s costs in these countries. Weakness of the U.S. dollar in relation to the currencies used in these foreign countries may also reduce the savings achievable through this strategy. Furthermore, the practice of utilizing labor based in foreign countries has come under increased scrutiny in the United States and, as a result, some of the Company’s customers may require it to use labor based in the United States. Laws

 

50


Table of Contents

or regulations that require the Company to use labor based in the United States or effectively increase the cost of the Company’s foreign labor also could be enacted. The Company may not be able to pass on these increased costs to its customers.

16. Product migration may result in decreased revenue

Customers of many real estate settlement services the Company provides increasingly require these services to be delivered faster, cheaper and more efficiently. Many of the traditional products it provides are labor and time intensive. As these customer pressures increase, the Company may be forced to replace traditional products with automated products that can be delivered electronically and with limited human processing. Because many of these traditional products have higher prices than corresponding automated products, the Company’s revenues may decline.

17. Increases in the size of the Company’s customers enhance their negotiating position vis-à-vis the Company and may decrease their need for the services offered by the Company

Many of the Company’s customers are increasing in size as a result of consolidation or the failure of their competitors. For example, the Company believes that three lenders collectively originate more than 50 percent of mortgage loans in the United States. As a result, the Company may derive a higher percentage of its revenues from a smaller base of customers, which would enhance the negotiating power of these customers with respect to the pricing and the terms on which these customers purchase the Company’s products and other matters. Moreover, these larger customers may prove more capable of performing in-house some or all of the services the Company provides or, with respect to the Company’s title insurance products, more willing to assume the risk of title defects themselves and, consequently, the demand for the Company’s products and services may decrease. These circumstances could adversely affect the Company’s revenues and profitability. Changes in the Company’s relationship with any of these customers or the loss of all or a portion of the business the Company derives from these customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

18. Certain provisions of the Company’s bylaws and certificate of incorporation may reduce the likelihood of any unsolicited acquisition proposal or potential change of control that the Company’s stockholders might consider favorable

The Company’s bylaws and certificate of incorporation contain provisions that could be considered “anti-takeover” provisions because they make it harder for a third-party to acquire the Company without the consent of the Company’s incumbent board of directors. Under these provisions:

 

   

election of the Company’s board of directors is staggered such that only one-third of the directors are elected by the stockholders each year and the directors serve three year terms prior to reelection;

 

   

stockholders may not remove directors without cause, change the size of the board of directors or, except as may be provided for in the terms of preferred stock the Company issues in the future, fill vacancies on the board of directors;

 

   

stockholders may act only at stockholder meetings and not by written consent;

 

   

stockholders must comply with advance notice provisions for nominating directors or presenting other proposals at stockholder meetings; and

 

   

the Company’s board of directors may without stockholder approval issue preferred shares and determine their rights and terms, including voting rights, or adopt a stockholder rights plan.

While the Company believes that they are appropriate, these provisions, which may only be amended by the affirmative vote of the holders of approximately 67 percent of the Company’s issued voting shares, could have the effect of discouraging an unsolicited acquisition proposal or delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control transaction that might involve a premium price or otherwise be considered favorably by the Company’s stockholders.

19. The Company’s investment portfolio is subject to certain risks and could experience losses

The Company maintains a substantial investment portfolio, primarily consisting of fixed income securities (including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities) and, as of September 30, 2010, $247.8 million in common stock of CoreLogic that was issued to the Company in connection with its spin-off separation from CoreLogic. The investment portfolio also includes money-market and other short-term investments, as well as some preferred and other common stock. Securities in the Company’s investment portfolio are subject to certain economic and financial market risks, such as credit risk, interest rate (including call, prepayment and extension) risk and/or liquidity risk. Because a substantial proportion of the portfolio consists of the common stock of a single issuer, CoreLogic, the risk of loss in the portfolio also is impacted by factors that influence the value of CoreLogic’s stock, including, but not limited to, CoreLogic’s financial results and the market’s perception of CoreLogic’s and its industry’s prospects. Additionally, the risk of loss associated with the portfolio is increased

 

51


Table of Contents

during periods, such as the present period, of instability in credit markets and economic conditions. If the carrying value of the investments exceeds the fair value, and the decline in fair value is deemed to be other-than-temporary, the Company will be required to write down the value of the investments, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, statutory surplus and financial condition.

20. The Company could have conflicts with CoreLogic

The Company and CoreLogic were part of a single publicly traded company, The First American Corporation, until the Company’s spin-off separation from CoreLogic on June 1, 2010. Conflicts with CoreLogic may arise as a result of the Company’s agreements with CoreLogic. Competition between the companies also could result in conflicts. While current competition between the companies is not material, the extent of future competition is unknown. In addition, Parker S. Kennedy serves as the executive chairman of both the Company and CoreLogic and therefore has obligations to both companies. As such, conflicts of interest with respect to matters potentially or actually affecting both companies may arise. Conflicts, competition or conflicts of interest pertaining to the Company’s relationship with CoreLogic could adversely affect the Company.

 

52


Table of Contents

 

Item 5. Other Information.

On October 27, 2010, the Company entered into an amended change in control agreement with, among other participants, each of its named executive officers, other than Mr. Kennedy who entered into his agreement on October 29, 2010. The amendments were entered into with a view to significantly reducing the overall benefit payable by the Company to participants and eliminating certain circumstances under which the benefit could become payable. The principal modifications were as follows:

 

  1) Reduction of the benefit payable upon trigger by providing that the executive receives twice, instead of three times, the executive’s base salary and bonus amount;

 

  2) Using the executive’s target bonus for the year in which the change in control occurs rather than the highest of the previous four years’ bonuses in the calculation. In the event there is no target bonus, the average of the previous three years’ bonuses is to be utilized;

 

  3) Eliminating the ability of the executive to receive a reduced benefit by voluntarily terminating employment during the thirty-day period following the first anniversary of the change in control; and

 

  4) Eliminating the Company’s obligation to gross-up the amount paid to the executive in the amount of any applicable excise tax. Instead, the executive will pay any applicable excise tax or, if the resulting after-tax benefit to the executive is higher, that the executive will receive $1 less than the amount that would trigger the excise tax.

The description above is qualified by reference to the amended form of agreement, a complete copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10(c) and is hereby incorporated by reference.

With respect to the Company’s agreement with Mr. Kennedy, certain modifications have been made to avoid a duplication of benefits, given Mr. Kennedy’s service as executive chairman of the Company and CoreLogic, Inc. Mr. Kennedy’s agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 10(d) and is hereby incorporated by reference. In connection with Mr. Kennedy’s entrance into such agreement, the Company, Mr. Kennedy and CoreLogic, Inc. also entered into a letter agreement terminating Mr. Kennedy’s prior change in control agreement. The letter agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 10(e) and is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

See Exhibit Index.

 

53


Table of Contents

 

SIGNATURES

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

 

FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Registrant)

By   /s/ Dennis J. Gilmore
 

Dennis J. Gilmore

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

By   /s/ Max O. Valdes
 

Max O. Valdes

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

Date: November 1, 2010

 

54


Table of Contents

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

  

Location

10(a)   Arrangement regarding salaries, bonuses and long term incentive restricted stock units for named executive officers, approved August 25, 2010 and August 31, 2010, respectively.    Incorporated by reference herein to the description contained in the Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 31, 2010.
10(b)   First American Financial Corporation Executive Supplemental Benefit Plan, amended and restated effective as of June 1, 2010. (superseding Exhibit 10(h) filed with Amendment No. 3 to Form 10 on April 30, 2010)    Attached.
10(c)   First American Financial Corporation Form of Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement to be effective as of December 31, 2010.    Attached.
10(d)   Change in Control Agreement to be effective as of December 31, 2010, by and between First American Financial Corporation and Parker S. Kennedy.    Attached.
10(e)   Letter agreement dated October 29, 2010 among First American Financial Corporation, CoreLogic, Inc. and Parker S. Kennedy.    Attached.
31(a)   Certification by Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    Attached.
31(b)   Certification by Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    Attached.
32(a)   Certification by Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.    Attached.
32(b)   Certification by Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.    Attached.
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document.    Attached.
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.    Attached.
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.    Attached.
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.    Attached.
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.    Attached.
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.    Attached.

 

55