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STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORP - Annual Report: 2011 (Form 10-K)

Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

 

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011

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 001-02658

 

 

STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   74-1677330

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organisation)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1980 Post Oak Blvd., Houston TX   77056
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (713) 625-8100

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

 

Common Stock, $1 par value   New York Stock Exchange
(Title of each class of stock)   (Name of each exchange on which registered)

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

 

 

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

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

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

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   ¨    Accelerated filer   x
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 Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock (based upon the closing sales price of the Common Stock of Stewart Information Services Corporation, as reported by the NYSE on June 30, 2011) held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $183,016,000.

At March 8, 2012, the following shares of each of the registrant’s classes of stock were outstanding:

 

Common, $1 par value

     18,278,036   

Class B Common, $1 par value

     1,050,012   

 

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Portions of the definitive proxy statement (the Proxy Statement), relating to the annual meeting of the registrant’s stockholders to be held April 27, 2011, are incorporated by reference in Part III of this document.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Item

       Page  
  PART I   

1.

  Business      1   

1A.

  Risk Factors      6   

1B.

  Unresolved Staff Comments      9   

2.

  Properties      9   

3.

  Legal Proceedings      10   

4.

  Mine Safety Disclosures      10   
  PART II   

5.

  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities      10   

6.

  Selected Financial Data      12   

7.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      13   

7A.

  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk      27   

8.

  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data      27   

9.

  Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure      28   

9A.

  Controls and Procedures      28   

9B.

  Other Information      28   
  PART III   

10.

  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance      29   

11.

  Executive Compensation      29   

12.

  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters      29   

13.

  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence      30   

14.

  Principal Accounting Fees and Services      30   
  PART IV   

15.

  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules      30   
  Signatures      31   

As used in this report, “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” and “Stewart” mean Stewart Information Services Corporation and our subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.


Table of Contents

PART I

Item 1. Business

We are a Delaware corporation formed in 1970. We and our predecessors have been engaged in the title business since 1893.

Stewart Information Services Corp. (NYSE-STC) is a customer-focused, global title insurance and real estate services company offering products and services through our direct operations, network of approved agencies and other companies within the Stewart family. Stewart provides these services to homebuyers and sellers; residential and commercial real estate professionals; mortgage lenders and servicers; title agencies and real estate attorneys; home builders; and United States and foreign governments. Stewart also provides loan origination and servicing support; loan review services; loss mitigation; REO asset management; home and personal insurance services; tax-deferred exchanges; and technology to streamline the real estate process. Offering personalized service, industry expertise and customized solutions for virtually any type of real estate transaction, Stewart is the preferred real estate services provider.

Our international division delivers products and services protecting and promoting private land ownership worldwide. Currently, our primary international operations are in Canada, the United Kingdom, Central Europe, Mexico, Central America and Australia.

Our two main operating segments are title insurance and related services and real estate information (REI). These segments are closely related due to the nature of their operations and common customers. The financial information related to these segments is discussed in Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 20 to our audited consolidated financial statements.

Title Insurance Services

Title insurance and related services (title segment) include the functions of searching, examining, closing and insuring the condition of the title to real property.

Examination and closing. The purpose of a title examination is to ascertain the ownership of the property being transferred, debts that are owed on it and the scope of the title policy coverage. This involves searching for and examining documents such as deeds, mortgages, wills, divorce decrees, court judgments, liens, paving assessments and tax records.

At the closing or “settlement” of a sale transaction, the seller executes and delivers a deed to the new owner. The buyer typically signs new mortgage documents. Closing funds are then disbursed to the seller, the prior lender, real estate brokers, the title company and others. The documents are then recorded in the public records. A title insurance policy is generally issued to both the new lender and the owner.

Title insurance policies. Lenders in the United States generally require title insurance as a condition to making a loan on real estate, including securitized lending. This is to assure lenders of the priority of their lien position. The purchasers of the property want insurance to protect against claims that may arise against the title to the property. The face amount of the policy is normally the purchase price or the amount of the related loan.

 

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Title insurance is substantially different from other types of insurance. Fire, auto, health and life insurance protect against future losses and events. In contrast, title insurance insures against losses from past events and seeks to protect the public by eliminating covered risks through the examination and settlement process. Most other forms of insurance provide protection for a limited period of time and, hence the policy must be periodically renewed. Title insurance, however, is issued for a one-time premium and the policy provides protection for as long as the owner owns the property or has liability in connection with the property. Also, a title insurance policy does not have a finite contract term, whereas most other lines of insurance have a definite beginning and ending date for coverage. Although a title insurance policy provides protection as long as the owner owns the property being covered, the title insurance company generally does not have information about which policies are still effective. Most other lines of insurance receive periodic premium payments and policy renewals thereby allowing the insurance company to know which policies are effective.

Investments in debt securities. Our title insurance underwriters maintain investments in accordance with certain statutory requirements for the funding of statutory premium reserves and state deposits. We have established policies and procedures to minimize our exposure to changes in the fair values of our investments. These policies include retaining an investment advisory firm, emphasizing credit quality, managing portfolio duration, maintaining or increasing investment income and actively monitoring profile and security mix based upon market conditions.

Losses. Losses on policies occur when a title defect is not discovered during the examination and settlement process. Reasons for losses include forgeries, misrepresentations, unrecorded or undiscovered liens, the failure to pay off existing liens, mortgage lending fraud, mishandling or defalcation of settlement funds, issuance by title agencies of unauthorized coverage and defending insureds when covered claims are filed against their interest in the property.

Some claimants seek damages in excess of policy limits. Those claims are based on various legal theories. We vigorously defend against spurious claims and provide protection for covered claims up to policy limits. We have from time-to-time incurred losses in excess of policy limits.

Experience shows that most policy claims and claim payments are made in the first six years after the policy has been issued, although claims are also incurred and paid many years later. By their nature, claims are often complex, vary greatly in dollar amounts and are affected by economic and market conditions and the legal environment existing at the time claims are processed.

Our liability for estimated title losses comprises both known claims and our estimate of claims that may be reported in the future. The amount of our loss reserve represents the aggregate future payments (net of recoveries) that we expect to incur on policy and escrow losses and in costs to settle claims. In accordance with industry practice, these amounts have not been discounted to their present values.

Estimating future title loss payments is difficult because of the complex nature of title claims, the length of time over which claims are paid, the significantly varying dollar amounts of individual claims and other factors. Estimated provisions for current year policy losses are charged to income in the same year the related premium revenues are recognized. The amounts provided for policy losses are based on reported claims, historical loss payment experience, title industry averages and the current legal and economic environment. Actual loss payment experience relating to policies issued in the current or previous years, including the impact of large losses, is the primary reason for increases or decreases in our loss provision.

Amounts shown as our estimated liability for future loss payments are continually reviewed by us for reasonableness and adjusted as appropriate. We have consistently followed the same basic method of estimating and recording our loss reserves for more than 10 years. As part of our process, we also obtain input from third-party actuaries regarding our methodology and resulting reserve calculations. While we are responsible for determining our loss reserves, we utilize this actuarial input to assess the overall reasonableness of our reserve estimation.

 

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Factors affecting revenues. Title insurance revenues are closely related to the level of activity in the real estate markets we serve and the prices at which real estate sales are made. Real estate sales are directly affected by the availability and cost of money to finance purchases. Other factors include consumer confidence and demand by buyers. These factors may override the seasonal nature of the title business. Generally, our first quarter is the least active and our third and fourth quarters are the most active in terms of title insurance revenues.

Selected information from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and National Association of Realtors® for the U.S. real estate industry follows (2011 figures are preliminary and subject to revision):

 

     2011      2010      2009  

New home sales — in millions

     0.30         0.32         0.38   

Existing home sales — in millions

     4.26         4.19         4.34   

Existing home sales — median sales price in $ thousands

     166.1         172.9         172.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Customers. The primary sources of title insurance business are attorneys, builders, developers, home buyers and home sellers, lenders and real estate brokers and agents. No one customer was responsible for as much as 10% or more of our consolidated revenues in any of the last three years. Titles insured include residential and commercial properties, undeveloped acreage, farms, ranches, wind and solar power installations and water rights.

Service, location, financial strength, size and related factors affect customer acceptance. Increasing market share is accomplished primarily by providing superior service. The parties to a closing are concerned with personal schedules and the interest and other costs associated with any delays in the settlement. The rates charged to customers are regulated, to varying degrees, in many states.

The financial strength and stability of the title underwriter are important factors in maintaining and increasing our agency network. We are rated as investment grade by the title industry’s leading rating companies. Our principal underwriter, Stewart Title Guaranty Company (Guaranty) is currently rated “A” by Demotech, Inc., BBB+ by Fitch, B++ by A. M. Best and C+ by Kroll Bond Rating Agency (formerly LACE Financial).

Market share. Title insurance statistics are compiled quarterly by the title industry’s national trade association. Based on 2011 unconsolidated statutory net premiums written through September 30, 2011, Guaranty is one of the leading title insurers in the United States.

Our principal competitors are Fidelity National Financial, Inc., which includes Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, Chicago Title Insurance Company and Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company, and The First American Corporation, which includes First American Title Insurance Company. Like most title insurers, we also compete with abstractors, attorneys who issue title opinions and attorney-owned title insurance funds. A number of homebuilders, financial institutions, real estate brokers and others own or control title insurance agencies, some of which issue policies underwritten by Guaranty. Although these controlled businesses may issue policies underwritten by Guaranty, they also compete with our offices. We also compete with issuers of alternatives to title insurance products, which typically provide no title reviews, limited insurance coverage and less service on the transaction while charging a smaller fee.

 

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Title insurance revenues by geographic location. The approximate amounts and percentages of our consolidated title operating revenues were:

 

     Amounts ($ millions)      Percentages  
     2011      2010      2009      2011      2010      2009  

Texas

     242         243         257         16         16         16   

California

     181         201         181         12         13         11   

New York

     164         136         122         11         9         8   

International

     109         98         89         7         6         6   

Florida

     61         71         73         4         5         5   

All others

     758         802         900         50         51         54   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,515         1,551         1,622         100         100         100   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Regulations. Title insurance companies are subject to comprehensive state regulations covering premium rates, agency licensing, policy forms, trade practices, reserve requirements, investments and the transfer of funds between an insurer and its parent or its subsidiaries and any similar related party transactions. Kickbacks and similar practices are prohibited by most state and federal laws.

Real Estate Information

Our real estate information (REI) segment includes a diverse group of products and services provided to multiple markets. REI provides loan origination and servicing support; loan review services; loss mitigation; REO asset management; home and personal insurance services; tax-deferred exchanges; and technology to streamline the real estate process. These services are provided principally through our Stewart Lender Services, PropertyInfo Corporation and Stewart Government Services businesses.

Stewart Lender Services (SLS) offers origination, loss mitigation, default, and post-closing services to residential mortgage lenders, servicers and investors. Products include loan modification, loan review, loan default and REO asset recovery services. Furthermore, SLS offers post-closing outsourcing and servicing support for lenders.

PropertyInfo® Corporation, offers substantially all technology that a title business requires. PropertyInfo offers a production system, AIM+™, along with web-based search tools designed to increase the processing speed of title examinations by connecting all aspects of the title examination process to proprietary title information databases and to public land and court record information sources.

Stewart Government Services offers indexing, imaging, eRecording and web access services to U.S. courthouses, which increase efficiency while reducing costs to the public and businesses. Stewart Global Solutions offers a land registry system, landfolio®, which automates integrated land title registration, cadastre and property tax systems for foreign governments, along with consulting on convergence process and title assurance.

Factors affecting revenues. As in the title segment, REI revenues, particularly those generated by lender services and tax-deferred exchanges, are closely related to the level of activity in the real estate market. Revenues related to many services are generated on a project basis.

Companies that compete with our REI companies vary across a wide range of industries. In the mortgage-related products and services area, competitors include the major title insurance underwriters mentioned under “Title — Market share” as well as other real estate technology and business process outsourcing providers. In some cases the competitor may be the customer itself. For example, certain services offered by SLS can be, or historically have been, performed by internal departments of large mortgage lenders.

 

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Customers. Customers for our REI products and services include mortgage lenders and servicers, mortgage brokers, mortgage investors, government entities, commercial and residential real estate agents, land developers, builders, title insurance agencies, and others interested in obtaining property information that assist with the purchase, sale and closing of real estate transactions and mortgage loans. Other customers include accountants, attorneys, investors and others seeking services for their respective clients in need of qualified intermediary (Section 1031) services.

Many of the services and products offered by our REI segment are used by professionals and intermediaries who have been retained to assist consumers with the sale, purchase, mortgage, transfer, recording and servicing of real estate-related transactions. To that end, timely and accurate services are critical to our customers since these factors directly affect the service they provide to their customers. Financial strength, marketplace presence and reputation as a technology innovator are important factors in attracting new business.

General

Internal Technology. Our internally developed production technology, collectively referred to as the Production Engine, is increasing productivity in our core title business, while reducing the time involved in the real estate closing process for lenders, real estate professionals and consumers. The Production Engine includes four integrated technologies consisting of the following: the document preparation system, AIM+; online file system, SureClose®; automated analysis system, Automated Title Search (ATS); and ordering system, Stewart Orders.

We have substantially completed implementation of our enterprise resource planning system, which has allowed us to consolidate our back-office operations into a centralized and shared services environment, aligning people, processes and technology for the purpose of providing better customer interaction and reducing our cost structure.

Trademarks. We have developed numerous automation products and processes that are crucial to both our title and REI segments. These systems automate most facets of the real estate transaction. Among these trademarked products and processes are AIM+™, E-Title®, PropertyInfo®, SureClose®, TitleSearch®, eClosingRoomTM and Virtual Underwriter®. We consider these trademarks, which are perpetual in duration, to be important to our business.

Employees. As of December 31, 2011, we employed approximately 5,600 people. We consider our relationship with our employees to be good.

Available information. We file annual, quarterly and other reports and information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act). You may read and copy any material that we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. You may obtain additional information about the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at (800) SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet site (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and other information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

We also make available upon written request, free of charge, or through our Internet site (www.stewart.com), our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, Code of Ethics and, if applicable, amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.

 

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Transfer agent. Our transfer agent is Computershare, which is located at 480 Washington Blvd., Jersey City, NJ, 07310. Its phone number is (888) 478-2392 and website is www.computershare.com.

CEO and CFO Certifications. The CEO and CFO certifications required under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act are filed as exhibits to our 2011 Form 10-K. Stewart Information Services Corporation submitted a Section 12(a) CEO Certification to the New York Stock Exchange in 2011.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

You should consider the following risk factors, as well as the other information presented in this report and our other filings with the SEC, in evaluating our business and any investment in Stewart. These risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In that event, the trading price of our Common Stock could decline materially.

Adverse changes in the levels of real estate activity reduce our revenues.

Our financial condition and results of operations are affected by changes in economic conditions, particularly mortgage interest rates, credit availability, real estate prices and consumer confidence. Our revenues and earnings have fluctuated in the past and we expect them to fluctuate in the future.

The demand for our title insurance-related and real estate information services depends in large part on the volume of residential and commercial real estate transactions. The volume of these transactions historically has been influenced by such factors as mortgage interest rates, availability of financing and the overall state of the economy. Typically, when interest rates are increasing or when the economy is experiencing a downturn, real estate activity declines. As a result, the title insurance industry tends to experience decreased revenues and earnings. Increases in interest rates also may have an adverse impact on our bond portfolio and the amount of interest we pay on our floating-rate bank debt.

Our revenues and results of operations have been and could continue to be adversely affected as a result of the decline in home prices, real estate activity and the availability of financing alternatives. In addition, continued weakness or further adverse changes in the level of real estate activity could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Our claims experience may require us to increase our provision for title losses or to record additional reserves, either of which would adversely affect our earnings.

Estimating future loss payments is difficult, and our assumptions about future losses may prove inaccurate. Provisions for policy losses on policies written within a given year are charged to income in the same year the related premium revenues are recognized. The amounts provided are based on reported claims, historical loss payment experience, title industry averages and the current legal and economic environment. Losses that are higher than anticipated are an indication that total losses for a given policy year may be higher than originally calculated. Changes in the total estimated future loss for prior policy years are recorded in the period in which the estimate changes. Claims are often complex and involve uncertainties as to the dollar amount and timing of individual payments. Claims are often paid many years after a policy is issued. From time-to-time, we experience large losses, including losses from independent agency defalcations, from title policies that have been issued or worsening loss payment experience, any of which may require us to increase our title loss reserves. These events are unpredictable and adversely affect our earnings. Title loss reserves in 2010 increased $4.8 million from provisions for strengthening policy loss reserves for policies issued in 2007 and 2008. The increases in title loss reserves in 2010 were related to higher than expected loss payments and incurred loss experience for their respective policy years. There were no provisions for strengthening policy loss reserves in 2011. The total strengthening charges for policy years 2007 through 2011 aggregated $77.0 million.

 

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Competition in the title insurance industry affects our revenues.

Competition in the title insurance industry is intense, particularly with respect to price, service and expertise. Larger commercial customers and mortgage originators also look to the size and financial strength of the title insurer. Although we are one of the leading title insurance underwriters based on market share, Fidelity National Financial, Inc. and The First American Corporation each has substantially greater revenues than we do. Their holding companies have significantly greater capital than we do. Although we are not aware of any current initiatives to reduce regulatory barriers to entering our industry, any such reduction could result in new competitors, including financial institutions, entering the title insurance business. Competition among the major title insurance companies and any new entrants could lower our premium and fee revenues. From time-to-time, new entrants enter the marketplace with alternative products to traditional title insurance, although many of these alternative products have been disallowed by title insurance regulators. These alternative products, if permitted by regulators, could adversely affect our revenues and earnings.

Availability of credit may reduce our liquidity and negatively impact our ability to fund operating losses or initiatives.

As a result of our recent operating losses and the current conditions in credit markets, we may not be able to obtain, on acceptable terms, the financing necessary to fund our operations or initiatives. However, we expect that cash flows from operations and cash available from our underwriters, subject to regulatory restrictions, will be sufficient to fund our operations, pay our claims and fund initiatives. To the extent that these funds are not sufficient, we may be required to borrow funds on less favorable terms or seek funding from the equity market, which may be on terms that are dilutive to existing shareholders.

A downgrade of our underwriters by rating agencies may reduce our revenues.

Ratings are a significant component in determining the competitiveness of insurance companies. Our principal underwriter, Stewart Title Guaranty Company (Guaranty) is currently rated “A” by Demotech, Inc., BBB+ by Fitch, B++ by A. M. Best and C+ by Kroll Bond Rating Agency (formerly LACE Financial). Guaranty has historically been highly rated by the rating agencies that cover us. These ratings are not credit ratings. Instead, the ratings are based on quantitative, and in some cases qualitative, information and reflect the conclusions of the rating agencies with respect to our financial strength, results of operations and ability to pay policyholder claims. Our ratings are subject to continual review by the rating agencies and we cannot be assured that our current ratings will be maintained. If our ratings are downgraded from current levels by the rating agencies, our ability to retain existing customers and develop new customer relationships may be negatively impacted, which could result in an adverse impact on our results of operations.

Our insurance subsidiaries must comply with extensive government regulations. These regulations could adversely affect our ability to increase our revenues and operating results.

Governmental authorities regulate our insurance subsidiaries in the various states and international jurisdictions in which we do business. These regulations generally are intended for the protection of policyholders rather than stockholders. The nature and extent of these regulations vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but typically involve:

 

   

approving or setting of insurance premium rates;

 

   

standards of solvency and minimum amounts of statutory capital and surplus that must be maintained;

 

   

limitations on types and amounts of investments;

 

   

establishing reserves, including statutory premium reserves, for losses and loss adjustment expenses;

 

   

regulating underwriting and marketing practices;

 

   

regulating dividend payments and other transactions among affiliates;

 

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prior approval for the acquisition and control of an insurance company or of any company controlling an insurance company;

 

   

licensing of insurers, agencies and, in certain states, escrow officers;

 

   

regulation of reinsurance;

 

   

restrictions on the size of risks that may be insured by a single company;

 

   

deposits of securities for the benefit of policyholders;

 

   

approval of policy forms;

 

   

methods of accounting; and

 

   

filing of annual and other reports with respect to financial condition and other matters.

These regulations may impede or impose burdensome conditions on rate increases or other actions that we might want to take to enhance our operating results.

We may also be subject to additional federal regulations prescribed by legislation such as the Dodd-Frank Act or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or by regulations issued by the Department of Labor.

Changes in these regulations may adversely affect us. In addition, state regulators perform periodic examinations of insurance companies, which could result in increased compliance or litigation expenses.

Rapid changes in our industry require secure, timely and cost-effective technological responses. Our earnings may be adversely affected if we are unable to effectively use technology to address regulatory changes and increase productivity.

We believe that our future success depends on our ability to anticipate technological changes and to offer products and services that meet evolving standards on a timely and cost-effective basis. To do so, requires a flexible technology architecture which can continuously comply with changing regulations, improve productivity, reduce risk and enhance the customer experience. Our earnings could also be adversely affected by unanticipated downtime in our technology although we have never experienced such. We also maintain insurance coverage to mitigate our risk of loss from the unintended disclosure of personal data.

We rely on dividends from our insurance underwriting subsidiaries.

We are a holding company and our principal assets are our insurance underwriting subsidiaries. Consequently, we may depend on receiving sufficient dividends from our insurance subsidiaries to meet our debt service obligations and to pay our operating expenses and dividends to our stockholders. The insurance statutes and regulations of some states require us to maintain a minimum amount of statutory capital and restrict the amount of dividends that our insurance subsidiaries may pay to us. Guaranty is a wholly owned subsidiary of Stewart and the principal source of our cash flow. In this regard, the ability of Guaranty to pay dividends to us is dependent on the approval of the Texas Insurance Commissioner. As of December 31, 2011, under Texas insurance law, Guaranty could pay dividends or make distributions of up to $74.4 million in 2011 after approval of the Texas Insurance Commissioner. However, Guaranty voluntarily restricts dividends to us so that it can grow its statutory surplus, maintain liquidity at competitive levels and maintain its high ratings. Guaranty did not pay a dividend in any of the three years ended December 31, 2011 and does not anticipate paying a dividend in 2012. A title insurer’s ability to pay claims can significantly affect the decision of lenders and other customers when buying a title insurance policy.

 

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Risks include claims by large classes of claimants.

We are periodically involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. In addition, we are currently, and have been in the past, subject to claims and litigation from large classes of claimants seeking substantial damages not arising in the ordinary course of business. Material pending legal proceedings, if any, not in the ordinary course of business, are disclosed in Item 3—Legal Proceedings included elsewhere in this report. To date, the impact of the outcome of these proceedings has not been material to our consolidated financial condition or results of operations. However, an unfavorable outcome in any litigation, claim or investigation against us could have an adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Anti-takeover provisions in our certificate of incorporation and by-laws may make a takeover of us difficult. This may reduce the opportunity for our stockholders to obtain a takeover premium for their shares of our Common Stock.

Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws, as well as Delaware corporation law and the insurance laws of various states, all contain provisions that could have the effect of discouraging a prospective acquirer from making a tender offer for our shares, or that may otherwise delay, defer or prevent a change in control of Stewart.

The holders of our Class B Common Stock have the right to elect four of our nine directors. Pursuant to our by-laws, the vote of six directors is required to constitute an act by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the affirmative vote of at least one of the directors elected by the holders of the Class B Common Stock is required for any action to be taken by the Board of Directors. The foregoing provision of our by-laws may not be amended or repealed without the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of each class of our capital stock, voting as separate classes.

The voting rights of the holders of our Class B Common Stock may have the effect of rendering more difficult or discouraging unsolicited tender offers, merger proposals, proxy contests or other takeover proposals to acquire control of Stewart.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

We lease under a non-cancelable lease expiring in 2016 approximately 240,756 square feet in an office building in Houston, Texas, which is used for our corporate offices and for offices of several of our subsidiaries. In addition, we lease offices at approximately 420 additional locations that are used for branch offices, production, administrative and technology centers. These additional locations include significant leased facilities in Austin, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Toronto and San Diego.

Our leases expire from 2012 through 2021 and have an average term of four years, although our typical lease term ranges from three to five years. We believe we will not have any difficulty obtaining renewals of leases as they expire or, alternatively, leasing comparable properties. The aggregate annual rent expense under all leases was approximately $41.4 million in 2011.

We also own several office buildings located in Arizona, Colorado, New York and Texas. These owned properties are not material to our consolidated financial condition. We consider all buildings and equipment that we own or lease to be well maintained, adequately insured and generally sufficient for our purposes.

 

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Item 3. Legal Proceedings

See discussion of legal proceedings in Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 15 of Part IV of this Report, which is incorporated by reference into this Part I, Item 3 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December  31, 2011.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issue Purchases of Equity Securities

Our Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol “STC”. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of our Common Stock for each fiscal period indicated, as reported by the NYSE.

 

     High      Low  

2011:

     

First quarter

   $ 12.74       $ 10.00   

Second quarter

     11.13         9.25   

Third quarter

     11.02         8.31   

Fourth quarter

     12.16         8.13   

2010:

     

First quarter

   $ 14.46       $ 10.26   

Second quarter

     14.93         8.88   

Third quarter

     11.44         7.80   

Fourth quarter

     12.12         10.18   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of March 7, 2012, the number of stockholders of record was approximately 6,500 and the price of one share of our Common Stock was $12.79.

The Board of Directors declared an annual cash dividend of $0.05 and $0.05 per share payable December 29, 2011 and December 29, 2010, respectively, to Common stockholders of record on December 15, 2011 and December 16, 2010, respectively. Our certificate of incorporation provides that no cash dividends may be paid on our Class B Common Stock.

We had a book value per share of $24.01 and $24.40 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, book value per share was based on approximately $463.5 million in stockholders’ equity and 19,303,844 shares of Common and Class B Common Stock outstanding. As of December 31, 2010, book value per share was based on approximately $448.3 million in stockholders’ equity and 18,375,058 shares of Common and Class B Common Stock outstanding, excluding the effects of possible conversion of senior convertible notes into common shares.

 

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Performance graph

The following graph compares the yearly percentage change in our cumulative total stockholder return on Common Stock with the cumulative total return of the Russell 2000 Index and the Russell 2000 Financial Services Sector Index for the five years ended December 31, 2011. The graph assumes that the value of the investment in our Common Stock and each index was $100 at December 31, 2006 and that all dividends were reinvested.

 

LOGO

 

     2006      2007      2008      2009      2010      2011  

Stewart

     100.00         61.90         55.97         27.00         27.71         27.88   

Russell 2000

     100.00         98.45         65.18         82.89         105.15         100.77   

Russell 2000 Financial Services Sector

     100.00         83.20         62.30         62.25         74.93         72.77   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The performance graph above and the related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into such filing.

 

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial data, which were derived from our consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements, including the Notes thereto, beginning on page F-1 of this Report. See also Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

     2011     2010     2009     2008     2007     2006      2005      2004      2003      2002  
     ($ millions, except share and per share data)  

Total revenues

     1,634.9        1,672.4        1,707.3        1,555.3        2,106.7        2,471.5         2,430.6         2,176.3         2,239.0         1,777.9   

Title segment:

                        

Operating revenues

     1,514.8        1,551.0        1,622.2        1,509.9        1,988.1        2,350.7         2,314.0         2,081.8         2,138.2         1,683.1   

Investment income

     15.5        18.4        20.8        29.1        36.1        34.9         29.1         22.5         19.8         20.7   

Investment gains (losses)

     2.3        21.8        7.4        (28.2     13.3        4.7         5.0         3.1         2.3         3.0   

Total revenues

     1,532.6        1,591.2        1,650.4        1,510.8        2,037.5        2,390.3         2,348.1         2,107.4         2,160.3         1,706.8   

Pretax (loss) earnings(1)

     (24.8     (29.9     (73.3     (222.3     (57.2     83.2         154.4         143.1         200.7         153.8   

REI segment:

                        

Revenues

     102.3        81.2        56.9        44.5        69.2        81.2         82.5         68.9         78.7         71.1   

Pretax earnings (loss)(1)

     42.8        32.8        11.1        (15.2     5.3        1.3         10.6         3.6         12.3         9.0   

Title loss provisions

     142.1        148.4        182.8        169.4        168.5        141.6         128.1         100.8         94.8         75.9   

% title operating revenues

     9.4        9.6        11.3        11.2        8.5        6.0         5.5         4.8         4.4         4.5   

Pretax earnings (loss)(1)

     18.0        2.9        (62.2     (237.5     (51.9     84.5         165.0         146.7         213.0         162.8   

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Stewart

     2.3        (12.6     (51.0     (247.5     (40.2     43.3         88.8         82.5         123.8         94.5   

Cash provided (used) by operations

     23.4        41.2        (17.0     (104.8     4.6        105.1         174.4         170.4         190.1         162.6   

Total assets

     1,156.1        1,141.2        1,369.2        1,448.4        1,442.0        1,458.2         1,361.2         1,193.4         1,031.9         844.0   

Long-term debt

     76.2        71.2        67.8        71.3        82.4        92.5         70.4         39.9         17.3         7.4   

Stockholders’ equity

     463.5        448.3        462.1        501.2        769.8        819.5         785.0         711.8         634.6         504.5   

Per share data:

                        

Average shares — dilutive (millions)

     19.1        18.3        18.2        18.1        18.2        18.3         18.2         18.2         18.0         17.8   

Basic earnings (loss) attributable to Stewart

     0.12        (0.69     (2.80     (13.68     (2.21     2.37         4.89         4.56         6.93         5.33   

Diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Stewart

     0.12        (0.69     (2.80     (13.68     (2.21     2.36         4.86         4.53         6.88         5.30   

Cash dividends

     0.05        0.05        0.05        0.10        0.75        0.75         0.75         0.46         0.46         —     

Stockholders’ equity

     24.01        24.40        25.34        27.63        42.69        44.95         43.24         39.28         35.21         28.98   

Market price:

                        

High

     12.74        14.93        23.75        36.42        45.05        54.85         53.01         47.60         41.45         22.50   

Low

     8.13        7.80        8.45        5.67        24.61        32.87         34.70         31.14         20.76         15.05   

Year end

     11.55        11.53        11.28        23.49        26.09        43.36         48.67         41.65         40.55         21.39   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Pretax figures are before noncontrolling interests

 

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

MANAGEMENT’S OVERVIEW

We reported net earnings attributable to Stewart of $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, a $14.9 million improvement compared with the $12.6 million net loss reported for 2010. Earnings per share were $0.12 for 2011 compared with a loss per share of $0.69 for 2010.

Although total revenues declined 2.2%, earnings before taxes and noncontrolling interests were $18.0 million for 2011 compared with $2.9 million in 2010, an increase of $15.1 million. Cash provided by operations in 2011 was $23.4 million, a decrease of $17.8 million from the $41.2 million provided by operations in 2010. However, the first quarter 2010 included the receipt of an income tax refund of $50.9 million. Excluding the impact of this receipt, cash provided by operations improved $33.1 million.

Operating revenues declined 0.9% in 2011 compared to the prior year, but operating revenues net of agency retention improved 1.6%. Within direct operations, total title orders closed decreased 7.7%, but revenue per file increased from the prior year due to fewer refinance transactions in 2011 as well as an increase in commercial transactions. Commercial revenues grew 11.1% to $103.0 million and international revenues grew 11.7% to $108.7 million while direct revenues from title offices declined 4.6%. The latest forecasts for residential lending in 2012 anticipate increased purchase transactions and reduced refinance volumes, which would result in an increase in average revenue per order closed in 2012.

REI revenues increased 26.1% in 2011 when compared to 2010. Throughout 2011, we focused on increasing revenues from existing major service offerings such as loan loss mitigation solutions, distressed borrower contact services and loan servicing support as well as expanding services into short sale support and REO (Real Estate Owned) solutions. With the goal of achieving additional revenues and supporting the evolving lending and real estate markets, we continue to develop new services in the REI segment.

Although operating revenues declined 0.9% for 2011 compared with 2010, total expenses declined at the higher rate of 3.1%. Employee costs were essentially unchanged for 2011 compared to 2010, as an overall decline in employee count of approximately 240 for the year was largely offset by the acquisition of PMH Financial in the third quarter and by increased incentive compensation driven by the increase in pretax earnings. Other operating costs declined 6.2% over 2010 due largely to our ongoing efforts to reduce fixed costs, including occupancy costs, as well as lower costs related to litigation and bad debts. We expect employee and certain other operating costs to rise slightly in the first quarter of 2012 as we ramp up to provide services under new REI contracts recently awarded.

Title losses declined 4.3% in 2011 compared to 2010. As a percent of title operating revenues, title losses were 9.4% and 9.6% for 2011 and 2010, respectively. For the 2011 year, title loss provisions on large claims relating primarily to prior policy years, including defalcations, totaled $22.2 million (1.5% of title operating revenues), net of recoveries. Similar provisions for 2010, including a reserve strengthening charge, totaled $15.3 million (1.0% of title operating revenues).

 

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Actual results can differ from our accounting estimates. While we do not anticipate significant changes in our estimates, there is a risk that such changes could have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations for future periods.

Title loss reserves

Our most critical accounting estimate is providing for title loss reserves. Our liability for estimated title losses as of December 31, 2011 comprises both known claims ($135.1 million) and our estimate of claims that may be reported in the future ($367.5 million). The amount of the reserve represents the aggregate, non-discounted future payments (net of recoveries) that we expect to incur on policy and escrow losses and in costs to settle claims.

Provisions for title losses, as a percentage of title operating revenues, were 9.4%, 9.6% and 11.3% for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Actual loss payment experience, including the impact of large losses, is the primary reason for increases or decreases in our loss provision. A change of 100 basis points in this percentage, a reasonably likely scenario based on our historical loss experience, would have increased or decreased our provision for title losses and pretax operating results approximately $15.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Our method for recording the reserves for title losses on both an interim and annual basis begins with the calculation of our current loss provision rate, which is applied to our current premium revenues resulting in a title loss expense for the period. This loss provision rate is set to provide for losses on current year policies and is determined using moving average ratios of recent actual policy loss payment experience (net of recoveries) to premium revenues.

At each quarter end, our recorded reserve for title losses begins with the prior period’s reserve balance for claim losses, adds the current period provision to that balance and subtracts actual paid claims, resulting in an amount that our management compares to its actuarially-based calculation of the ending reserve balance to provide for future title losses. The actuarially-based calculation is a paid loss development calculation where loss development factors are selected based on company data and input from our third-party actuaries. We also obtain input from third-party actuaries in the form of a reserve analysis utilizing generally accepted actuarial methods. While we are responsible for determining our loss reserves, we utilize this actuarial input to assess the overall reasonableness of our reserve estimation. If our recorded reserve amount is within a reasonable range (+/- 4.0%) of our actuarially-based reserve calculation and the actuary’s point estimate, but not at the point estimate, our management assesses the major factors contributing to the different reserve estimates in order to determine the overall reasonableness of our recorded reserve, as well as the position of the recorded reserves relative to the point estimate and the estimated range of reserves. The major factors considered can change from period to period and include items such as current trends in the real estate industry (which management can assess although there is a time lag in the development of this data for use by the actuary), the size and types of claims reported and changes in our claims management process. If the recorded amount is not within a reasonable range of our third-party actuary’s point estimate, we will adjust the recorded reserves in the current period and reassess the provision rate on a prospective basis. Once our reserve for title losses is recorded, it is reduced in future periods as a result of claims payments and may be increased or reduced by revisions to our estimate of the overall level of required reserves.

 

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Large claims (those exceeding $1.0 million on a single claim), including large title losses due to independent agency defalcations, are analyzed and reserved for separately due to the higher dollar amount of loss, lower volume of claims reported and sporadic reporting of such claims. Large title losses due to independent agency defalcations typically occur when the independent agency misappropriates funds from escrow accounts under its control. Such losses are usually discovered when the independent agency fails to pay off an outstanding mortgage loan at closing (or immediately thereafter) from the proceeds of the new loan. Once the previous lender determines that its loan has not been paid off timely, it will file a claim against the title insurer. It is at this point that the title insurance underwriter is alerted to the potential theft and begins its investigation. As is industry practice, these claims are considered a claim on the newly issued title insurance policy since such policy insures the holder (in this case, the new lender) that all previous liens on the property have been satisfied. Accordingly, these claim payments are charged to policy loss expense. These incurred losses are typically more severe in terms of dollar value compared with traditional title policy claims since the independent agency is often able, over time, to conceal misappropriation of escrow funds relating to more than one transaction through the constant volume of funds moving through its escrow accounts. As long as new funds continue to flow into escrow accounts, an independent agency can mask one or more defalcations. In declining real estate markets, lower transaction volumes result in a lower incoming volume of funds, making it more difficult to cover up the misappropriation with incoming funds. Thus, when the defalcation is discovered, it often relates to several transactions. In addition, the overall decline in an independent agency’s revenues, profits and cash flows increases the agency’s incentive to improperly utilize the escrow funds from real estate transactions.

Internal controls relating to independent agencies include, but are not limited to, pre-signing and periodic audits, site visits and reconciliations of policy inventories and premiums. The audits and site visits cover examination of the escrow account bank reconciliations and an examination of a sample of closed transactions. In some instances, we are limited in our scope by attorney agencies who cite client confidentiality. Certain states have mandated a requirement for annual reviews of all agencies by their underwriter. We also determine whether our independent agencies have appropriate internal controls as defined by the American Land Title Association and us. However, even with adequate internal controls in place, their effectiveness can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override at the independent agencies. To aid in the selection of independent agencies to review, we have developed an agency risk model that aggregates data from different areas to identify possible problems. This is not a guarantee that all independent agencies with deficiencies will be identified. In addition, we are typically not the only underwriter for which an independent agency issues policies, and independent agencies may not always provide complete financial records for our review.

Due to the inherent uncertainty in predicting future title policy losses, significant judgment is required by both our management and our third party actuaries in estimating reserves. As a consequence, our ultimate liability may be materially greater or less than current reserves and/or our third party actuary’s calculated estimate.

Agency revenues

We recognize revenues on title insurance policies written by independent agencies (agencies) when the policies are reported to us. In addition, where reasonable estimates can be made, we accrue for revenues on policies issued but not reported until after period end. We believe that reasonable estimates can be made when recent and consistent policy issuance information is available. Our estimates are based on historical reporting patterns and other information about our agencies. We also consider current trends in our direct operations and in the title industry. In this accrual, we are not estimating future transactions; we are estimating revenues on policies that have already been issued by agencies but not yet reported to or received by us. We have consistently followed the same basic method of estimating unreported policy revenues for more than 10 years.

 

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Our accruals for revenues on unreported policies from agencies were not material to our consolidated assets or stockholders’ equity as of December 31, 2011 and 2010. The differences between the amounts our agencies have subsequently reported to us compared to our estimated accruals are substantially offset by any differences arising from prior years’ accruals and have been immaterial to consolidated assets and stockholders’ equity during each of the three prior years. We believe our process provides the most reliable estimate of the unreported revenues on policies and appropriately reflects the trends in agency policy activity.

Goodwill and other long-lived assets

Our evaluation of goodwill is normally completed annually in the third quarter using June 30 balances, but an evaluation may also be made whenever events may indicate impairment. This evaluation is based on a combination of a discounted cash flow analysis (DCF) and market approaches that incorporate market multiples of comparable companies and our own market capitalization. The DCF model utilizes historical and projected operating results and cash flows, initially driven by estimates of changes in future revenue levels, and risk-adjusted discount rates. Our projected operating results are primarily driven by anticipated mortgage originations, which we obtain from projections by industry experts. Fluctuations in revenues, followed by our ability to appropriately adjust our employee count and other operating expenses, are the primary reasons for increases or decreases in our projected operating results. Our market-based valuation methodologies utilize (i) market multiples of earnings and/or other operating metrics of comparable companies and (ii) our market capitalization and a control premium based on market data and factors specific to our ownership and corporate governance structure (such as our Class B Common Stock). To the extent that our future operating results are below our projections, or in the event of continued adverse market conditions, an interim review for impairment may be required, which may result in an impairment of goodwill.

We evaluate goodwill based on two reporting units (Title and REI). Goodwill is assigned to these reporting units at the time the goodwill is initially recorded. Once assigned to a reporting unit, the goodwill is pooled and no longer attributable to a specific acquisition. All activities within a reporting unit are available to support the carrying value of the goodwill.

We also evaluate the carrying values of title plants and other long-lived assets when events occur that may indicate impairment. The process of determining impairment for our goodwill and other long-lived assets relies on projections of future cash flows, operating results, discount rates and overall market conditions, including our market capitalization. Uncertainties exist in these projections and they are subject to changes relating to factors such as interest rates and overall real estate and financial market conditions, our market capitalization and overall stock market performance. Actual market conditions and operating results may vary materially from our projections.

Based on these evaluations, we estimate and expense to current operations any loss in value of these assets. As part of our process, we obtain input from third-party appraisers regarding the fair value of our reporting units. While we are responsible for assessing whether an impairment of goodwill exists, we utilize the input from third-party appraisers to assess the overall reasonableness of our conclusions. There were no impairment charges for goodwill or material impairment charges for other long-lived assets during the three years ended December 31, 2011.

Operations. Our business has two main operating segments: title insurance and related services and real estate information (REI). These segments are closely related due to the nature of their operations and common customers.

Our primary business is title insurance and settlement-related services. We close transactions and issue title policies on homes and commercial and other real properties located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and international markets through policy-issuing offices and agencies. We also provide loan origination and servicing support; loan review services; loss mitigation; REO asset management; home and personal insurance services; tax-deferred exchanges; and technology to streamline the real estate process.

 

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Factors affecting revenues. The principal factors that contribute to changes in operating revenues for our title and REI segments include:

 

   

mortgage interest rates;

 

   

availability of mortgage loans;

 

   

ability of potential purchasers to qualify for loans;

 

   

ratio of purchase transactions compared with refinance transactions;

 

   

ratio of closed orders to open orders;

 

   

home prices;

 

   

volume of distressed property transactions;

 

   

consumer confidence;

 

   

demand by buyers;

 

   

number of households;

 

   

premium rates;

 

   

market share;

 

   

opening of new offices and acquisitions;

 

   

number of commercial transactions, which typically yield higher premiums;

 

   

government or regulatory initiatives, including tax incentives; and

 

   

number of REO and foreclosed properties and related debt.

To the extent inflation causes increases in the prices of homes and other real estate, premium revenues are also increased. Conversely, falling home prices cause premium revenues to decline. Premiums are determined in part by the insured values of the transactions we handle. These factors may override the seasonal nature of the title insurance business. Historically, our first quarter is the least active and our third and fourth quarters are the most active in terms of title insurance revenues.

Industry data. Published mortgage interest rates and other selected residential data for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 follow (amounts shown for 2011 are preliminary and subject to revision). The amounts below may not relate directly to or provide accurate data for forecasting our operating revenues or order counts.

Our statements on home sales, mortgage interest rates and loan activity are based on published industry data from sources including Fannie Mae, the National Association of Realtors®, the Mortgage Bankers Association and Freddie Mac.

 

     2011      2010      2009  

Mortgage interest rates (30-year, fixed-rate) — %

        

Averages for the year

     4.46         4.69         5.04   

First quarter

     4.85         5.00         5.06   

Second quarter

     4.66         4.91         5.03   

Third quarter

     4.31         4.45         5.16   

Fourth quarter

     4.01         4.41         4.92   

Mortgage originations — in $ billions

     1,362         1,701         1,917   

Refinancings — % of originations

     65.8         67.9         69.2   

New home sales — in millions

     0.30         0.32         0.38   

Existing home sales — in millions

     4.26         4.19         4.34   

Existing home sales — median sales price in $ thousands

     166.1         172.9         172.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The real estate market has not seen a consistent recovery, although several economic indicators have shown improvements, such as improving consumer confidence and easing lending standards for business and consumer loans. The easing of lending standards has not extended to the real estate market where commercial and residential lending volume has decreased. Most industry experts project mortgage interest rates to increase and refinancing mortgage originations to decrease in 2012. They also expect the total number of mortgage originations to decrease in 2012 despite modest improvements in home sales in 2011.

Trends and order counts. For the three years ended December 31, 2011, mortgage interest rates (30-year, fixed-rate) have fluctuated from a monthly high of 5.4% in June 2009 to a monthly low of 4.0% in December 2011. In 2011, total mortgage originations and refinancing mortgage originations decreased 19.9% and 22.4%, respectively, even though interest rates remained relatively low throughout 2011. During 2011, sales of new homes decreased 5.9%, while sales of existing homes increased 1.7%. In 2010, sales of new homes and existing homes decreased 15.8% and 4.8%, respectively.

As a result of the above trends, our direct order levels decreased from 2009 to 2010 and from 2010 to 2011, which is consistent with the U.S. real estate market during those same periods.

The number of direct title orders opened follows:

 

     2011      2010      2009  
     (in thousands)  

First quarter

     84         97         141   

Second quarter

     91         106         143   

Third quarter

     101         117         110   

Fourth quarter

     90         95         103   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     366         415         497   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The number of direct title orders closed follows:

 

     2011      2010      2009  
     (in thousands)  

First quarter

     62         61         84   

Second quarter

     67         77         104   

Third quarter

     69         75         89   

Fourth quarter

     73         80         81   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     271         293         358   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

A comparison of our results of operations for 2011 with 2010 and 2010 with 2009 follows. Factors contributing to fluctuations in results of operations are presented in the order of their monetary significance, and we have quantified, when necessary, significant changes. Results from our REI segment are included in year-to-year discussions. When relevant, we have discussed our REI segment’s results separately.

Title revenues. Revenues from direct title operations increased $1.1 million, or 0.2%, in 2011 and decreased $40.3 million, or 6.0%, in 2010. The largest revenue increases in 2011 were in California and Florida partially offset by decreases in Maryland and Arizona. The largest revenue decreases in 2010 were in Texas, California and Utah, partially offset by increases in Canada. Revenues from commercial and large transactions increased $10.3 million to $103.0 million in 2011 and increased $18.7 million to $92.7 million in 2010.

 

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According to data from the Mortgage Banker’s Association, total residential mortgage originations for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 (most recent data) declined approximately 19% from the same period in 2010. However, our total title orders closed decreased 7.7%, while revenue per file increased from the prior year due to fewer refinance transactions in 2011 as well as an increase in commercial transactions in 2011 compared to 2010. Commercial revenues grew 11.1% to $103.0 million and international revenues grew 11.7% to $108.7 million while direct revenues from title offices declined 4.6%. The latest forecasts for 2012 residential lending anticipate increased purchase transactions and reduced refinance volumes, which should result in a continued increase in revenue per order closed in 2012.

In 2011, we continued to improve the quality of our network of independent agents, achieving an increase in the average revenue per agent while lowering the overall number of agents as well as reducing our risk of future title losses. Revenues from agency operations declined 4.1% for 2011 as compared to 2010, while agency operations revenues net of agency retention declined 4.9%, which is in-line with the decline in revenues from our direct title offices. Despite increasing remittance rates with our independent agencies in 39 states, the average remittance rate from independent title agencies decreased slightly on a year over year basis, from to 17.6% for 2010 to 17.5% for 2011, attributable to a shift in geographic mix of revenues from independent agents, as relatively more revenues were realized in states with a lower remittance rate.

Since the beginning of the current downturn in real estate markets across the country, the median selling price of homes has fallen 31.1% from August 2007 to January 2012, which has resulted in lower premium revenue per resale closing. As a consequence, in 2010 we began a review of our premium rates in all states. Where possible, we are seeking to raise rates to levels necessary to improve profitability from our agency operations. To date, we have increased title premium rates in 35 states.

Title revenues by geographic location. The approximate amounts and percentages of consolidated title operating revenues for the last three years were as follows:

 

     Amounts ($ millions)      Percentages  
     2011      2010      2009      2011      2010      2009  

Texas

     242         243         257         16         16         16   

California

     181         201         181         12         13         11   

New York

     164         136         122         11         9         8   

International

     109         98         89         7         6         6   

Florida

     61         71         73         4         5         5   

All others

     758         802         900         50         51         54   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,515         1,551         1,622         100         100         100   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

REI revenues. Real estate information services operating revenues increased $21.1 million, or 26.1%, and $24.3 million, or 42.7%, in 2011 and 2010, respectively. The increase in 2011 and 2010 was primarily due to a significant rise in demand for our loan modification services. The acquisition of PMH Financial in the third quarter 2011 also contributed to the current year increase in REI revenues. We expect REI revenues to increase in 2012 as a result of new contracts recently awarded and a full year contribution to revenues by PMH Financial. However, demand for loan modification will continue to be dependent on the number and scale of governmental programs and lender projects and can fluctuate significantly on a quarterly and annual basis.

Investment income. Investment income decreased $2.9 million, or 15.7%, and $2.4 million, or 11.6%, in 2011 and 2010, respectively. The decrease in 2011 was primarily due to decreases in yield and a one-time royalty payment of $1.2 million received in June 2010. The decrease in 2010 was primarily due to decreases in yield which were partially offset by the $1.2 million royalty payment.

In 2011, investment and other gains (losses) — net included realized gains of $10.7 million from the sale of debt instruments and investments available-for-sale, which were offset by a $4.3 million loss on a third-party loan guarantee obligation, and a $3.5 million impairment of cost-basis investments.

 

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In 2010, investment and other gains (losses) — net included realized gains of $11.8 million from the sale of debt instruments and investments available-for-sale, $6.3 million primarily from a transfer of the rights to internally developed software, $1.2 million from the sale of interests in subsidiaries and $3.0 million from the sale of real estate.

In 2009, investment and other gains (losses) — net included realized gains of $16.3 million from the sale of debt instruments and equity investments available-for-sale, $5.6 million from the sales of cost-basis investments and $1.0 million due to the change in estimates in office closure costs. The realized gains were partially offset by realized losses of $10.7 million for the impairment of equity method and cost-basis investments, $2.8 million for office closure costs and $1.3 million for the impairment of equity securities available-for-sale.

Retention by agencies. Amounts retained by title agencies are based on agreements between agencies and our title underwriters. This retention percentage may vary from year-to-year due to the geographical mix of agency operations, the volume of title revenues and, in some states, laws or regulations. On average, amounts retained by independent agencies, as a percentage of revenues generated by them, were 82.5%, 82.4% and 82.9% in the years 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. We actively increased remittance rates with many of our independent agents in 2010 and 2011, increasing the amount of premiums remitted by our independent agents to our underwriters. The slight increase in agent retention in 2011 is attributable to a shift in geographic mix of revenues from independent agents, as relatively more revenues were realized in states with lower remittance rates, thus lowering the overall average remittance rate. Also, we have not yet realized the full benefit of remittance rate increases enacted in 2011. The fluctuations in 2010 and 2009 are also affected by the uneven recovery of real estate markets across the nation; those states with higher agency retention percentages had experienced a disproportionate increase in transaction activity in 2009. As real estate markets continue to stabilize nationally, we expect the mix of agency business to normalize, resulting in lower average retention percentages in the aggregate. In addition, we will continue our efforts to improve our overall remittance rate as described in “title revenues” above.

Selected cost ratios (by segment). The following table shows employee costs and other operating expenses as a percentage of related title insurance and REI operating revenues.

 

     Employee costs (%)      Other operating (%)  
     2011      2010      2009      2011      2010      2009  

Title

     28.3         27.4         27.4         15.5         16.2         16.7   

REI

     34.9         38.7         51.2         18.6         19.5         26.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

These two categories of expenses are discussed below in terms of year-to-year monetary changes.

Employee costs. Our employee costs and certain other operating expenses are sensitive to inflation. Employee costs for the combined business segments decreased $2.3 million, or 0.5%, in 2011 and $14.0 million, or 2.9%, in 2010. The number of persons we employed at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was approximately 5,600, 5,700 and 6,100, respectively.

In 2011, we reduced our employee headcount company-wide by approximately 240, or 4.2% excluding acquisitions. This decrease was partially offset by the acquisition of PMH Financial in 2011, which added approximately 100 employees. Employee costs were also influenced by increased incentive compensation expense driven by the improvement in pretax earnings before noncontrolling interest.

In 2010, we reduced our employee headcount company-wide by 130, or 2.2%, excluding the effects of divestitures. In 2010, employee costs were reduced primarily due to the sale and deconsolidation of several subsidiaries, partially offset by increases in state unemployment tax rates in certain states.

 

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In 2009, we reduced our employee headcount company-wide by approximately 200, or 3.2%, excluding the effects of acquisitions and divestitures. During this period, employee costs were reduced through ongoing cost savings initiatives to better align our operating costs with revenues, partially offset by increases in bonuses due to the improved results of our direct operations.

In our REI segment, total employee costs as a percentage of revenue fell to 34.9% from 38.7% in 2010. Actual costs increased $4.3 million, or 13.6%, in 2011, primarily due to increases in staffing driven by increased demand for our loan modification services. We anticipate that this trend will continue into 2012 as we increase staffing to meet additional demand for our loan modification services as well as to service new contracts recently awarded. In 2010, total employee costs increased $2.2 million, or 7.9%, primarily due to increases in staffing driven by increased demand for our loan modification services.

Other operating expenses. Other operating expenses include costs that are fixed in nature, costs that follow, to varying degrees, changes in transaction volumes and revenues and costs that fluctuate independently of revenues. Costs that are fixed in nature include attorney fees, equipment rental, insurance, professional fees, rent and other occupancy expenses, repairs and maintenance, technology costs, telephone and title plant rent. Costs that follow, to varying degrees, changes in transaction volumes and revenues include fee attorney splits, bad debt expenses, certain REI expenses, copy supplies, delivery fees, outside search fees, postage, premium taxes and title plant expenses. Costs that fluctuate independently of revenues include auto expenses, general supplies, litigation defense and settlement costs, promotion costs and travel.

In 2011, other operating expenses for the combined business segments decreased $17.1 million, or 6.2%. Costs fixed in nature decreased $3.6 million, or 3.0%, in 2011, primarily due to decreases in rent and other occupancy expenses related to office closures and a decrease in telephone expenses. These reductions were offset primarily by an increase in professional fees primarily due to internal audit outsourcing. Costs that follow, to varying degrees, changes in transaction volumes and revenues decreased $6.6 million, or 6.4%, in 2011 due to decreases in bad debt expense, fee attorney splits and title plant expenses. These decreases were offset by increases in premium taxes and postage. Costs that fluctuate independently of revenues decreased $6.9 million or 13.6% in 2011 due to litigation and other expense reductions and were partially offset by an increase in travel costs.

In 2010, other operating expenses for the combined business segments decreased $16.4 million, or 5.7%. Costs fixed in nature decreased $5.6 million, or 4.5%, in 2010, primarily due to decreases in rent and other occupancy expenses related to office closures in prior years and other cost reduction efforts. Costs that follow, to varying degrees, changes in transaction volumes and revenues decreased $12.9 million, or 11.2%, in 2010, excluding a $3.0 million credit due to a reversal of an accrual for a legal matter related to premium taxes resolved in our favor in 2009. This decrease was primarily related to the decline in transaction volume in our direct operations. Costs that fluctuate independently of revenues were relatively flat in 2010, excluding reductions in estimates for a legal matter of $2.3 million and $2.9 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Title losses. Provisions for title losses, as a percentage of title operating revenues, were 9.4%, 9.6% and 11.3% in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The year ended December 31, 2011 included charges of $24.6 million (1.6% of title operating revenues) resulting from large title claims relating to policies issued in prior years. These charges were partially offset by insurance recoveries of $2.4 million (0.2% of title operating revenues) on previously recognized title losses. Losses incurred on known claims for the year 2011 decreased 11.3% compared to the year 2010. During the fourth quarter of 2011, we resolved a significant number of large claims from prior policy years. Although some large claims remain outstanding, significant progress was made in resolving existing large claim inventory which will reduce future risk for the company.

 

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The year ended December 31, 2010 included a reserve strengthening adjustment of $4.8 million (0.03% of title operating revenues) relating to policy years 2007 and 2008 due to higher than expected loss payments and incurred loss experience for these policy years. Including this charge, the total strengthening charges recorded for these policy years are $77.0 million, substantially all of which was recorded in 2008 and 2009. Current losses that are higher than previously anticipated for any given policy year are an indication that total losses for such policy year may be higher than originally calculated. Changes in the total estimated future loss for prior policy years are recorded in the period in which the estimate changes, and thus negatively impact the provision for title loss ratios. The increase in loss payment experience for recent policy years resulted in an increase in the loss ratio related to revenues recognized on policies issued in 2010, and, accordingly, a $2.6 million catch-up adjustment was recorded to title losses in the fourth quarter 2010.

Provisions for title losses in 2010 also include charges of $13.3 million (0.09% of title operating revenues) resulting from changes in the estimated legal costs for several existing large title claims. These charges were partially offset by insurance recoveries of $2.8 million (0.01% of title operating revenues) on previously recognized title losses.

The year ended December 31, 2009 included reserve strengthening adjustments of $32.7 million (2.0% of title operating revenues) relating to policy years 2005, 2006 and 2007 due to higher than expected loss payments and incurred loss experience for these policy years. The increase in loss payment experience for recent policy years resulted in an increase in the loss ratio related to revenues recognized on policies issued in 2009, and, accordingly, a $3.8 million catch-up adjustment was recorded to title losses in the third quarter of 2009. Provisions for title losses in 2009 also include charges of $31.8 million (2.0% of title operating revenues) relating to large title claims including several independent agency defalcations and mechanic lien claims. These charges were partially offset by insurance recoveries of $11.9 million (0.7% of title operating revenues) on previously recognized title losses.

Excluding the impact of the reserve strengthening charges, large losses, and defalcations (net of recoveries), title losses as a percent of title operating revenues were 7.9%, 8.6% and 8.0% in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Income taxes. Our effective tax rates, based on earnings before taxes and after deducting noncontrolling interests (an earnings (loss) of $11.7 million, ($4.5) million and ($70.7) million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively), were 79.9%, (179.2%) and 27.9% for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Our effective income tax rate in 2011 was driven by foreign and state taxes and income taxes associated with subsidiaries not included in our consolidated federal tax return, net of tax benefits from certain tax claims, and by a $7.2 million decrease in the valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. As of December 31, 2011, our valuation allowance against deferred tax assets was $84.8 million, which continues to be evaluated for reversal as we return to profitability.

Our effective income tax rate in 2010 was driven by foreign and state taxes and income taxes associated with subsidiaries not included in our consolidated federal tax return, net of tax benefits from certain tax credits, and by a $1.1 million decrease in the valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets.

Contractual obligations. Our material contractual obligations at December 31, 2011 were:

 

     Payments due by period ($ millions)  
     Less than
1 year
     1-3
years
     3-5
years
     More than
5 years
     Total  

Notes payable

     3.4         4.0         4.3         —           11.7   

Convertible senior notes

     —           65.0         —           —           65.0   

Operating leases

     35.0         46.7         26.4         6.1         114.2   

Estimated title losses

     140.7         180.9         72.9         108.1         502.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     179.1         296.6         103.6         114.2         693.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Material contractual obligations consist primarily of notes payable, convertible senior notes, operating leases and estimated title losses. The timing above for payments of notes payable is based upon contractually stated payment terms of each debt agreement. The convertible senior notes will mature in 2014 unless converted into shares of common stock earlier.

Operating leases are primarily for office space and expire over the next 10 years. The timing shown above for the payments of estimated title losses is not set by contract. Rather, it is projected based on historical payment patterns. The actual timing of estimated title loss payments may vary materially from the above projection since claims, by their nature, are complex and paid over long periods of time. Title losses paid were $134.3 million, $158.3 million and $149.3 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our liquidity and capital resources represent our ability to generate cash flow to meet our obligations to our shareholders, customers (payments to satisfy claims on title policies), vendors, employees, lenders and others. As of December 31, 2011, our cash and investments, including amounts reserved pursuant to statutory requirements, aggregated $635.0 million.

A substantial majority of our consolidated cash and investments as of December 31, 2011 was held by Stewart Title Guaranty Company (Guaranty) and its subsidiaries. The use and investment of these funds, dividends to the holding company, and cash transfers between Guaranty and its subsidiaries and the holding company are subject to certain legal and regulatory restrictions. In general, Guaranty may use its cash and investments in excess of its legally-mandated statutory premium reserve (established in accordance with requirements under Texas law) to fund its insurance operations, including claims payments. Guaranty may also, subject to certain limitations and upon regulatory approval, pay dividends to the holding company and/or provide funds to its subsidiaries (whose operations consist principally of field title offices) for their operating and debt service needs.

A summary of our net consolidated cash flows for the years ended December 31 follows:

 

     2011     2010     2009  
     ($ millions)  

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

     23.4        41.2        (17.0

Net cash (used) provided by investing activities

     (29.2     235.2        130.2   

Net cash used by financing activities

     (7.0     (238.8     (88.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating activities

Our principal sources of cash from operations are premiums on title policies, title service-related transaction fees and loan modification services. Our independent agencies remit cash to us net of their contractual retention. Our principal cash expenditures for operations are employee costs, operating costs and title claims payments.

Cash provided by operations in 2011 was $23.4 million, a decrease of $17.8 million from the $41.2 million provided by operations in 2010. However, the first quarter 2010 included the receipt of an income tax refund of $50.9 million. Excluding the impact of this cash receipt, cash provided by operations in 2011 improved $33.1 million. This improvement is largely attributable to increased revenues in our REI segment as well as lower operating costs and much lower cash claims payments.

 

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Our business continues to be labor intensive, although we have reduced our number of employees by approximately 240 and 130 during 2011 and 2010, respectively, excluding the effects of divestitures in 2010 and the acquisition of PMH in 2011 which added approximately 100 additional new employees.

Cash payments on title claims in 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $134.3 million, $158.3 million and $149.3 million, respectively. Claim payments made, net of insurance recoveries, during 2011, 2010, and 2009 include $34.9 million, $32.8 million and $17.5 million, respectively, on large title claims. As these losses are paid and newly reported prior policy year claims begin to decline, we expect the overall amount of cash paid on title claims to decline significantly.

The insurance regulators of the states in which our underwriters are domiciled require our statutory premium reserves to be fully funded, segregated and invested in high-quality securities and short-term investments. As of December 31, 2011, cash and investments funding the statutory premium reserve aggregated $420.7 million and our estimate of claims that may be reported in the future totaled $378.2 million. In addition to this restricted cash and investments, we had unrestricted cash and investments (excluding cost-basis and equity method investments) of $113.8 million, which are available for underwriter operations, including claims payments.

Investing activities

Cash from investing activities was generated principally by proceeds from investments matured and sold in the amounts of $339.7 million, $328.5 million and $477.1 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. We used cash for the purchases of investments in the amounts of $336.1 million, $303.5 million and $369.4 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The cash from sales and maturities not reinvested was used principally to fund operations.

Capital expenditures were $17.7 million, $16.3 million, and $11.0 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. In 2010, we began development of a new underwriter agency and policy management system. Work related to this system, plus the impact of 2011 acquisitions, largely drove the increase in capital expenditures from the 2009 level. Prior to 2010, we had limited capital expenditures for new offices and other capital projects due to the poor economic conditions. We expect that 2012 capital expenditures will be near the 2011 level, or decline slightly, as we continue to aggressively manage cash flow. We have no material commitments for capital expenditures.

During the years ended 2011 and 2009, acquisitions resulted in additions to goodwill of $7.6 million and $1.9 million, respectively.

Financing activities and capital resources

We repaid $6.0 million and $16.3 million of debt in accordance with the underlying terms of the debt instruments for 2011 and 2010, respectively. Included in total debt are $64.5 million principal amount of convertible senior notes which mature October 2014 if not converted into shares of common stock. We also have available a $10.0 million bank line of credit commitment, which expires in June 2013, under which no borrowings were outstanding at December 31, 2011.

We paid $0.9 million in cash dividends to our shareholders representing $0.05 per common share outstanding in 2011, 2010, and 2009. Our dividend has remained relatively low due to our operating performance and our desire to conserve cash. The declaration of any future dividend is at the discretion of our Board of Directors.

As previously disclosed and in accordance with a settlement agreement in the amount of $7.6 million, we issued 635,863 shares of Common Stock in January 2011 to settle our “wage and hour” class action lawsuits filed in California state and federal courts against our subsidiary Stewart Title California, Inc. We did not receive any proceeds from the issuance of these shares. Additionally in the second quarter of 2011, we satisfied a residual note balance of $1.3 million related to the acquisition of remaining interest in a subsidiary through the issuance of stock held in treasury.

 

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Effect of changes in foreign currency rates

The effect of changes in foreign currency rates on the consolidated statements of cash flows was a net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $0.8 million in 2011, a net increase of $0.8 million in 2010 and a net increase of $5.2 million in 2009. Our principal foreign operating unit is in Canada, and the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar increased during 2011.

***********

We believe we have sufficient liquidity and capital resources to meet the cash needs of our ongoing operations. However, if we determine that supplemental debt, including additional convertible debentures, or equity funding is warranted to increase underwriter surplus or provide additional liquidity for unforeseen circumstances or strategic acquisitions, we may pursue those sources of cash. Other than scheduled maturities of debt, operating lease payments and anticipated claims payments, we have no material commitments. We expect that cash flows from operations and cash available from our underwriters, subject to regulatory restrictions, will be sufficient to fund our operations, including claims payments. However, to the extent that these funds are not sufficient, we may be required to borrow funds on terms less favorable than we currently have, or seek funding from the equity market, which may not be successful or may be on terms that are dilutive to existing shareholders.

Other-than-temporary impairments of investments. We recorded an other-than-temporary impairment of $3.5 million in 2011 relating to impairment of cost-basis investments and $1.3 million in 2009 relating to equity securities held for investment.

Other comprehensive earnings (loss). Unrealized gains and losses on investments and changes in foreign currency exchange rates are reported net of deferred taxes in accumulated other comprehensive earnings, a component of stockholders’ equity, until realized. In 2011, unrealized investment gains of $5.7 million were primarily related to temporary increases in market values of corporate, municipal, and government agency debt securities. These gains were partially offset by changes in deferred taxes resulting in a total increase to other comprehensive earnings related to the net change in unrealized investments of $4.9 million. Foreign currency exchange rates, primarily related to our Canadian operations, decreased comprehensive income by $1.8 million, net of taxes, in 2011.

In 2010, net unrealized investment gains of $0.3 million, which increased our comprehensive income, were primarily related to temporary increases in market values of government bond investments, partially offset by decreases in municipal bond investments. Foreign currency exchange rates, primarily related to our Canadian operations, increased comprehensive income by $3.5 million, net of taxes, in 2010. Other comprehensive earnings included a $1.1 million provision for Canadian income taxes related to unrealized gains in 2010.

In 2009, net unrealized investment losses of $0.9 million, which increased our comprehensive loss attributable to Stewart, were related to temporary decreases in market values of government bond investments, partially offset by increases in corporate and municipal bond investments and equity investments. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily related to our Canadian operations, decreased comprehensive loss by $11.6 million, net of taxes, in 2009.

Off-balance sheet arrangements. We do not have any material source of liquidity or financing that involves off-balance sheet arrangements, other than our contractual obligations under operating leases. We also routinely hold funds in segregated escrow accounts pending the closing of real estate transactions and have qualified intermediaries in tax-deferred property exchanges for customers pursuant to Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company holds the proceeds from these transactions until a qualifying exchange can occur. See Note 18 to our accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

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Forward-looking statements. Certain statements in this report are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements relate to future, not past, events and often address our expected future business and financial performance. These statements often contain words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “will” or other similar words. Forward-looking statements by their nature are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to be materially different than those expressed in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the severity and duration of current financial and economic conditions; continued weakness or further adverse changes in the level of real estate activity; changes in mortgage interest rates and availability of mortgage financing; our ability to respond to and implement technology changes, including the completion of the implementation of our enterprise systems; the impact of unanticipated title losses on the need to further strengthen our policy loss reserves; any effect of title losses on our cash flows and financial condition; the impact of our increased diligence and inspections in our agency operations; changes to the participants in the secondary mortgage market and the rate of refinancings that affect the demand for title insurance products; our ability to successfully consummate acquisitions, and our ability to successfully integrate and manage acquired businesses, should opportunities arise; regulatory non-compliance, fraud or defalcations by our title insurance agencies or employees; our ability to timely and cost-effectively respond to significant industry changes and introduce new products and services; the outcome of litigation claims by large classes of claimants; the ultimate outcome of the Citigroup case discussed herein; the impact of changes in governmental and insurance regulations, including any future reductions in the pricing of title insurance products and services; our dependence on our operating subsidiaries and underwriters as a source of cash flow; the continued realization of expected expense savings resulting from our expense reduction steps; our ability to access the equity and debt financing markets when and if needed; our ability to grow our international operations; our ability to respond to the actions of our competitors; failure to comply with financial covenants contained in our debt instruments; and inability to make scheduled payments on or refinance our indebtedness. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this report to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date hereof, except as may be required by applicable law.

 

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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The discussion below about our risk management strategies includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Management’s projections of hypothetical net losses in the fair values of our market rate-sensitive financial instruments, should certain potential changes in market rates occur, are presented below. While we believe that the potential market rate changes are possible, actual rate changes could differ from our projections.

Our only material market risk in investments in financial instruments is our debt securities portfolio. We invest primarily in municipal, corporate and utilities, foreign and U.S. Government debt securities. We do not invest in financial instruments of a derivative or hedging nature.

We have established policies and procedures to minimize our exposure to changes in the fair values of our investments. These policies include retaining an investment advisory firm, an emphasis upon credit quality, management of portfolio duration, maintaining or increasing investment income through high coupon rates and actively managing our profile and security mix depending upon market conditions. We have classified all of our investments as available-for-sale.

Investments in debt securities at December 31, 2011 mature, according to their contractual terms, as follows (actual maturities may differ because of call or prepayment rights):

 

     Amortized
costs
     Fair values  
     ($ thousands)  

In one year or less

     36,465         36,733   

After one year through two years

     33,619         33,763   

After two years through three years

     72,487         72,686   

After three years through four years

     26,545         27,139   

After four years through five years

     29,597         31,499   

After five years

     245,834         253,722   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     444,547         455,542   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

We believe our investment portfolio is diversified and do not expect any material loss to result from the failure to perform by issuers of the debt securities we hold. Our investments are not collateralized. Foreign debt securities primarily include Canadian government bonds, which aggregated $136.6 million and $130.8 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and United Kingdom treasury bonds.

Based on our debt securities portfolio and interest rates at December 31, 2011, a 100 basis-point increase (decrease) in interest rates would result in a decrease (increase) of approximately $20.1 million, or 4.4%, in the fair value of our portfolio. Changes in interest rates may affect the fair value of the debt securities portfolio and may result in unrealized gains or losses. Gains or losses would only be realized upon the sale of the investments. Any other-than-temporary declines in fair values of securities are charged to earnings.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The information required to be provided in this item is included in our audited Consolidated Financial Statements, including the Notes thereto, attached hereto as pages F-1 to F-29, and such information is incorporated in this report by reference.

 

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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures. They evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of December 31, 2011, and have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures are adequate and effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process, under the supervision of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2011, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. Internal control over financial reporting also can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Due to such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.

See page F-2 for the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on our effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. As a result, no corrective actions were required or undertaken.

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

 

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PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Information regarding our directors and executive officers will be included in our proxy statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Proxy Statement), to be filed within 120 days after December 31, 2011, and is incorporated in this report by reference.

Our Board of Directors and Executive Officers as of March 12, 2012 are:

 

Board of Directors:   
Catherine A. Allen    Chairman and CEO, The Santa Fe Group
Thomas G. Apel    President, Intrepid Ideas, Inc.
Robert L. Clarke    Senior Partner, Bracewell & Giuliani, L.L.P.
Paul W. Hobby    Managing Partner, Genesis Park, L.P.
Dr. E. Douglas Hodo    Chairman of the Board of the Company and President Emeritus, Houston Baptist University
Laurie C. Moore    Chief Executive Officer, The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing
Malcolm S. Morris    Vice Chairman of the Board
Stewart Morris, Jr.    Vice Chairman of the Board
Dr. W. Arthur Porter    Professor Emeritus, University of Oklahoma
Executive Officers:   
Matthew W. Morris    Chief Executive Officer
J. Allen Berryman    Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer
Michael B. Skalka    Chief Legal Officer and Group President, Global Underwriting Services
Glenn Clements    Group President, Direct Operations
George Houghton    Group President, Agency Operations
Jason Nadeau    Group President, Mortgage and Title Services

The Board of Directors has adopted the Stewart Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Guidelines on Corporate Governance, as well as the Code of Ethics for Chief Executive Officers, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer. Each of these documents can be found at our website, www.stewart.com.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

Information regarding compensation for our executive officers will be included in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated in this report by reference. The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management and based on that review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the Proxy Statement.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and related stockholder matters will be included in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated in this report by reference.

 

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Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions and director independence will be included in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated in this report by reference.

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Information regarding fees paid to and services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm will be included in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated in this report by reference.

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

 

  (a) Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules

The financial statements and financial statement schedules filed as part of this report are listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules on Page F-1 of this document. All other schedules are omitted, as the required information is inapplicable or the information is presented in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.

 

  (b) Exhibits

Those exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed in the Index to Exhibits immediately preceding the exhibits filed herewith and such listing is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we have duly caused this report to be signed on our behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION

(Registrant)

 

By:   /s/ Matthew W. Morris
       Matthew W. Morris, Chief Executive Officer
By:   /s/ J. Allen Berryman
 

     J. Allen Berryman, Chief Financial Officer,

     Secretary, Treasurer and

     Principal Financial Officer

By:   /s/ Brian K. Glaze
 

     Brian K. Glaze, Senior Vice President and

     Principal Accounting Officer

Date: March 12, 2012

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed on our behalf on March 12, 2012 by the following Directors:

 

/s/      Catherine Allen       /s/      Paul Hobby       /s/      Malcolm S. Morris
         (Catherine Allen)                (Paul Hobby)                (Malcolm S. Morris)
/s/      Thomas G. Apel       /s/      E. Douglas Hodo       /s/      Stewart Morris, Jr.
         (Thomas G. Apel)                (E. Douglas Hodo)                (Stewart Morris, Jr.)
/s/      Robert L. Clarke       /s/      Laurie C. Moore       /s/      W. Arthur Porter
         (Robert L. Clarke)                (Laurie C. Moore)                (W. Arthur Porter)

 

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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

Stewart Information Services Corporation and Subsidiaries’ Consolidated Financial Statements:

  

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2   

Consolidated Statements of Operations, Retained Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

     F-4   

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010

     F-5   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

     F-6   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-8   

Financial Statement Schedules:

  

Schedule I — Financial Information of the Registrant (Parent Company)

     S-1   

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

     S-5   

 

F-1


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Stewart Information Services Corporation:

We have audited Stewart Information Services Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Stewart Information Services Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Item 9A. Controls and Procedures. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Stewart Information Services Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Stewart Information Services Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, retained earnings and comprehensive earnings (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, and the financial statement schedules as listed in the accompanying index, and our report dated March 12, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Houston, Texas

March 12, 2012

 

F-2


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Stewart Information Services Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Stewart Information Services Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, retained earnings and comprehensive earnings (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedules as listed in the accompanying index. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Stewart Information Services Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Stewart Information Services Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 12, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Houston, Texas

March 12, 2012

 

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Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS, RETAINED EARNINGS AND

COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (LOSS)

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2011     2010     2009  
     ($000 omitted, except per share)  

Revenues

      

Title insurance:

      

Direct operations

     637,550        636,454        676,756   

Agency operations

     877,225        914,581        945,481   

Real estate information

     102,324        81,176        56,895   

Investment income

     15,505        18,397        20,804   

Investment and other gains — net

     2,302        21,782        7,366   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     1,634,906        1,672,390        1,707,302   

Expenses

      

Amounts retained by agencies

     723,943        753,438        783,406   

Employee costs

     469,839        467,491        481,535   

Other operating expenses

     256,194        273,253        289,648   

Title losses and related claims

     142,101        148,438        182,781   

Depreciation and amortization

     19,542        21,422        28,064   

Interest

     5,268        5,423        4,056   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     1,616,887        1,669,465        1,769,490   

Earnings (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests

     18,019        2,925        (62,188

Income tax expense (benefit)

     9,341        8,075        (19,757

Net earnings (loss)

     8,678        (5,150     (42,431

Less net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

     6,330        7,432        8,544   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Stewart

     2,348        (12,582     (50,975

Retained earnings at beginning of year

     282,666        296,116        347,952   

Cash dividends on common stock ($.05 in 2011, 2010 and 2009)

     (917     (868     (861
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Retained earnings at end of year

     284,097        282,666        296,116   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive earnings (loss):

      

Net earnings (loss)

     8,678        (5,150     (42,431

Other comprehensive earnings, net of taxes of $425, $3,148 and $3,439

     3,071        2,650        10,667   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive earnings (loss)

     11,749        (2,500     (31,764

Less comprehensive earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

     6,330        7,432        8,544   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Stewart

     5,419        (9,932     (40,308
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic and dilutive average shares outstanding (000)

     19,131        18,313        18,182   

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart

     0.12        (0.69     (2.80
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     As of December 31,  
     2011     2010  
     ($000 omitted)  

Assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

     117,196        144,564   

Cash and cash equivalents — statutory reserve funds

     23,647        9,926   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     140,843        154,490   

Short-term investments

     33,137        33,457   

Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value:

    

Statutory reserve funds

     397,074        396,317   

Other

     63,911        54,007   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     460,985        450,324   

Receivables:

    

Notes

     10,394        10,747   

Premiums from agencies

     47,351        45,399   

Income taxes

     7,412        651   

Other

     39,660        41,323   

Allowance for uncollectible amounts

     (16,056     (19,438
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     88,761        78,682   

Property and equipment, at cost:

    

Land

     6,429        6,445   

Buildings

     23,823        23,769   

Furniture and equipment

     234,262        250,355   

Accumulated depreciation

     (208,077     (219,000
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     56,437        61,569   

Title plants, at cost

     77,406        77,397   

Real estate, at lower of cost or net realizable value

     5,236        3,266   

Investments in investees, on an equity method basis

     18,055        17,608   

Goodwill

     214,492        206,861   

Intangible assets, net of amortization

     8,693        8,228   

Other assets

     52,096        49,324   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     1,156,141        1,141,206   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

    

Notes payable

     11,722        8,784   

Convertible senior notes

     64,513        64,338   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     86,389        95,666   

Estimated title losses

     502,611        495,849   

Deferred income taxes

     27,449        28,236   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     692,684        692,873   

Contingent liabilities and commitments

    

Stockholders’ equity

    

Common Stock — $1 par, authorized 50,000,000; issued 18,605,993 and 17,801,273; outstanding 18,253,832 and 17,325,046

     18,606        17,801   

Class B Common Stock — $1 par, authorized 1,500,000; issued and outstanding 1,050,012

     1,050        1,050   

Additional paid-in capital

     132,446        124,413   

Retained earnings

     284,097        282,666   

Accumulated other comprehensive earnings:

    

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     9,250        11,093   

Unrealized investment gains

     7,431        2,517   

Treasury stock — 352,161 and 476,227 common shares, at cost

     (2,666     (4,330
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity attributable to Stewart

     450,214        435,210   

Noncontrolling interests

     13,243        13,123   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     463,457        448,333   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     1,156,141        1,141,206   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2011     2010     2009  
     ($000 omitted)  

Reconciliation of net loss to cash provided (used) by operating activities:

      

Net earnings (loss)

     8,678        (5,150     (42,431

Add (deduct):

      

Depreciation and amortization

     19,542        21,422        28,064   

Provision for bad debt

     1,318        4,186        6,526   

Investment and other (gains) — net

     (2,302     (21,782     (7,002

Provisions for title losses in excess of (less than) payments

     2,383        (14,694     31,276   

Insurance recoveries of title losses

     5,082        8,260        2,174   

(Increase) decrease in receivables — net

     (6,748     46,642        (24,833

(Increase) decrease in other assets — net

     (189     308        540   

Decrease in payables and accrued liabilities — net

     (5,602     (11,871     (13,203

(Decrease) increase in net deferred income taxes

     (1,212     10,544        (1,230

Net earnings from equity investees

     (1,710     (2,427     (3,134

Dividends received from equity investees

     2,524        2,996        2,916   

Other — net

     1,645        2,760        3,385   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash provided (used) by operating activities

     23,409        41,194        (16,952

Investing activities:

      

Proceeds from investments available-for-sale matured and sold

     339,697        328,460        477,089   

Purchases of investments available-for-sale

     (336,118     (303,517     (369,366

Proceeds from redemptions of investments — pledged

     —          217,225        24,300   

Purchases of property and equipment, title plants and real estate — net

     (17,704     (16,339     (11,032

Proceeds from the sale of land and buildings

     —          6,425        —     

Increases in notes receivable

     (291     (1,109     (1,214

Collections on notes receivable

     721        1,001        654   

Change in cash and cash equivalents due to sale and deconsolidation of subsidiaries (see below)

     —          (1,873     —     

Cash paid for acquisition of subsidiary

     (8,262     —          —     

Cash paid for loan guarantee obligation

     (4,318     —          —     

Cash (paid) received for other assets, cost-basis investments, equity investees and other — net

     (2,944     4,887        9,759   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash (used) provided by investing activities

     (29,219     235,160        130,190   

Financing activities:

      

Payments on notes payable

     (5,988     (16,294     (117,190

Proceeds from notes payable

     6,000        5,834        433   

Payments on line of credit

     —          (216,141     (24,962

Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior notes

     —          —          65,000   

Payments for debt issuance costs related to convertible senior notes

     —          —          (3,299

Cash dividends paid

     (917     (868     (861

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

     (6,142     (7,122     (7,775

Purchase of remaining interest of consolidated subsidiary

     —          (4,199     —     

Other—net

     13        —          57   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash used by financing activities

     (7,034     (238,790     (88,597

Effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates

     (803     826        5,213   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (13,647     38,390        29,854   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     154,490        116,100        86,246   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

     140,843        154,490        116,100   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
     2011     2010     2009  
     ($000 omitted)  

Supplemental information:

      

Settlement of wage and hour litigation through issuance of Common Stock

     7,582        —          —     

Settlement of note payable through issuance of Common Stock held in treasury

     1,299        —          —     

Changes in financial statement amounts due to purchase of subsidiary:

      

Goodwill acquired

     7,631        —          —     

Receivables and other assets acquired

     5,672        —          —     

Intangible assets

     1,988       

Liabilities acquired

     (3,779     —          —     

Debt assumed

     (3,250     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash paid for the acquisition of subsidiaries and other — net

     8,262        —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in financial statement amounts due to sale and deconsolidation of subsidiaries

      

Note receivable

     —          2,433        —     

Investments in investees, on an equity method basis

     —          5,315        —     

Goodwill

     —          (5,902     —     

Title plants

     —          (1,048     —     

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

     —          (1,564     —     

Intangible asset, net of amortization

     —          2,928        —     

Other — net

     —          (814     —     

Liabilities

     —          1,390        —     

Noncontrolling interests

     —          336        —     

Investment and other (gains) losses — net

     —          (1,201     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in cash and cash equivalents due to sale and deconsolidation of subsidiaries

     —          1,873        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income taxes — net paid (refunded)

     19,259        (41,528     (16,831

Interest paid

     4,557        4,775        2,576   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Three Years Ended December 31, 2010)

 

NOTE 1 General

NOTE 1

General. Stewart Information Services Corporation, through its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company), is primarily engaged in the business of providing title insurance and real estate related services. The Company operates through a network of production facilities, owned policy-issuing offices and independent agencies in the United States and international markets. Approximately 50% of consolidated title revenues for the year ended December 31, 2011 were generated in Texas, California, New York, international operations and Florida.

A. Management’s responsibility. The accompanying consolidated financial statements were prepared by management, which is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), including management’s best judgments and estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

B. Reclassifications. Certain prior year amounts in these consolidated financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes. Net loss attributable to Stewart and stockholders’ equity, as previously reported, were not affected.

C. Consolidation. The condensed consolidated financial statements include all subsidiaries in which the Company owns more than 50% voting rights in electing directors. All significant intercompany amounts and transactions have been eliminated and provisions have been made for noncontrolling interests. Unconsolidated investees, in which the Company typically owns 20% through 50% of the equity, are accounted for by the equity method.

D. Statutory accounting. Stewart Title Guaranty Company (Guaranty) and other title insurance underwriters owned by the Company prepare financial statements in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by regulatory authorities. See Notes 2 and 3.

In conforming the statutory financial statements to GAAP, the statutory premium reserve and the reserve for reported title losses are eliminated and, in substitution, amounts are established for estimated title losses (Note 1F). The net effect, after providing for income taxes, is included in consolidated statement of operations.

E. Revenue recognition. Operating revenues from direct title operations are considered earned at the time of the closing of the related real estate transaction. The Company recognizes premium revenues on title insurance policies written by independent agencies (agencies) when the policies are reported to the Company. In addition, where reasonable estimates can be made, the Company accrues for policies issued but not reported until after period end. The Company believes that reasonable estimates can be made when recent and consistent policy issuance information is available. Estimates are based on historical reporting patterns and other information obtained about agencies, as well as current trends in direct operations and in the title industry. In this accrual, future transactions are not being estimated. The Company is estimating revenues on policies that have already been issued by agencies but not yet reported to or received by the Company. The Company has consistently followed the same basic method of estimating unreported policy revenues for more than 10 years.

Revenues from real estate information services are generally considered earned at the time the service is performed or the product is delivered to the customer.

 

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F. Title losses and related claims. The Company’s method for recording the reserves for title losses on both an interim and annual basis begins with the calculation of its current loss provision rate, which is applied to the Company’s current premiums resulting in a title loss expense for the period. This loss provision rate is set to provide for losses on current year policies and is determined using moving average ratios of recent actual policy loss payment experience (net of recoveries) to premium revenues.

At each quarter end, the Company’s recorded reserve for title losses begins with the prior period’s reserve balance for claim losses, adds the current period provision to that balance and subtracts actual paid claims, resulting in an amount that management compares to its actuarially-based calculation of the ending reserve balance to provide for future reported title losses. The actuarially-based calculation is a paid loss development calculation where loss development factors are selected based on company data and input from the Company’s third-party actuaries. The Company also obtains input from third-party actuaries in the form of a reserve analysis utilizing generally accepted actuarial methods. While the Company is responsible for determining its loss reserves, it utilizes this actuarial input to assess the overall reasonableness of its reserve estimation. If the Company’s recorded reserve amount is within a reasonable range (+/- 4.0%) of its actuarially-based reserve calculation and the actuary’s point estimate, but not at the point estimate, the Company’s management assesses the major factors contributing to the different reserve estimates in order to determine the overall reasonableness of its recorded reserve, as well as the position of the recorded reserves relative to the point estimate and the estimated range of reserves. The major factors considered can change from period to period and include items such as current trends in the real estate industry (which management can assess although there is a time lag in the development of this data for use by the actuary), the size and types of claims reported and changes in the Company’s claims management process. If the recorded amount is not within a reasonable range of the Company’s third-party actuary’s point estimate, it will adjust the recorded reserves in the current period and reassess the provision rate on a prospective basis. Once the Company’s reserve for title losses is recorded, it is reduced in future periods as a result of claims payments and may be increased or reduced by revisions to the Company’s estimate of the overall level of required reserves.

Due to the inherent uncertainty in predicting future title policy losses, significant judgment is required by both the Company’s management and its third party actuaries in estimating reserves. As a consequence, the Company’s ultimate liability may be materially greater or less than its current reserves and/or its third party actuary’s calculated estimate.

G. Cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with insignificant interest rate risks and maturities of three months or less at the time of acquisition.

H. Short-term investments. Short-term investments comprise time deposits with banks, federal government obligations and other investments maturing in less than one year.

I. Investments in debt and equity securities. The investment portfolio is classified as available-for-sale. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are determined using the specific identification method. Net unrealized gains and losses on investments available-for-sale, net of applicable deferred taxes, are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive earnings within stockholders’ equity. At the time unrealized gains and losses become realized, they are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive earnings using the specific identification method. Any other-than-temporary declines in fair values of investments available-for-sale are charged to earnings.

J. Property and equipment. Depreciation is principally computed using the straight-line method at the following rates: buildings — 30 to 40 years and furniture and equipment — 3 to 10 years. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred while improvements are capitalized. Gains and losses are recognized at disposal.

 

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K. Title plants. Title plants include compilations of a county’s official land records, prior examination files, copies of prior title policies, maps and related materials that are geographically indexed to a specific property. The costs of acquiring existing title plants and creating new ones, prior to the time such plants are placed in operation, are capitalized. Title plants are not amortized since there is no indication of any loss of value over time but are subject to review for impairment. The costs of maintaining and operating title plants are expensed as incurred. Gains and losses on sales of copies of title plants or interests in title plants are recognized at the time of sale.

L. Goodwill. Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is reviewed annually and upon the occurrence of an event indicating an impairment may have occurred. If determined to be impaired, the impaired portion is expensed to current operations. The process of determining impairment relies on projections of future cash flows, operating results and market conditions. Uncertainties exist in these projections and are subject to changes relating to factors such as interest rates and overall real estate market conditions. There were no impairment write-offs of goodwill during the three years ended December 31, 2011. However, to the extent that the Company’s future operating results are below management’s projections, or in the event of continued adverse market conditions, a future impairment may occur.

M. Acquired intangibles. Intangible assets are comprised mainly of non-compete and underwriting agreements and are amortized over their estimated lives, which are primarily 3 to 10 years.

N. Other long-lived assets. The Company reviews the carrying values of title plants and other long-lived assets if certain events occur that may indicate impairment. An impairment of these long-lived assets is indicated when projected undiscounted cash flows over the estimated lives of the assets are less than carrying values. If impairment is determined by management, the recorded amounts are written down to fair values. There were no impairment write-offs of long-lived assets during the three years ended December 31, 2011.

The Company had cost-basis investments aggregating $7.7 million and $12.2 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Cost-basis investments are included in other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and are evaluated periodically for impairment. The Company incurred impairment charges of $3.5 million, $0.6 million and $9.6 million for cost-basis investments during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

O. Fair values. The fair values of financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, notes receivable, notes payable and accounts payable, are determined by the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal, or most advantageous, market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair values of these financial instruments approximate their carrying values. Investments in debt and equity securities and certain financial instruments are carried at their fair values (Notes 4 and 5).

P. Leases. The Company recognizes rent expense under non-cancelable operating leases, which generally expire over the next 10 years, on the straight-line basis over the terms of the leases, including provisions for any free rent periods or escalating lease payments.

Q. Income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the tax basis and the book carrying values of certain assets and liabilities. To the extent that the Company does not believe its deferred tax assets meet the more likely than not realization criteria, it establishes a valuation allowance. When it establishes a valuation allowance, or increases (decreases) the allowance during the year, it records a tax expense (benefit) in its consolidated statement of operations. Enacted tax rates are used in calculating amounts.

The Company also specifies the accounting for uncertainties in income taxes by prescribing a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.

 

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NOTE2 Restrictions on cash and investments

NOTE 2

Restrictions on cash and investments. Statutory reserve funds of $397.1 million and $396.3 million and cash and cash equivalents of $23.6 million and $9.9 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were maintained to comply with legal requirements for statutory premium reserves and state deposits. These funds are not available for any other purpose. In the event that the insurance regulators adjust the determination of the statutory premium reserves of the Company’s title insurers, these restricted funds as well as statutory surplus would correspondingly increase or decrease.

A substantial majority of consolidated investments and cash at each year end was held by the Company’s title insurance subsidiaries. Generally, the types of investments a title insurer can make are subject to legal restrictions. Furthermore, the transfer of funds by a title insurer to its parent or subsidiary operations, as well as other related party transactions, is restricted by law and generally requires the approval of state insurance authorities.

 

NOTE 3 Dividend restrictions

NOTE 3

Dividend restrictions. Substantially all of the consolidated retained earnings at each year end were represented by Guaranty, which owns directly or indirectly all of the subsidiaries included in the consolidation.

Guaranty cannot pay a dividend to its parent in excess of certain limits without the approval of the Texas Insurance Commissioner. The maximum dividend that can be paid after such approval in 2012 is $74.4 million. Guaranty did not pay a dividend in 2011, 2010 or 2009.

Dividends from Guaranty are also voluntarily restricted primarily to maintain statutory surplus and liquidity at competitive levels and to demonstrate significant claims payment ability. The ability of a title insurer to pay claims can significantly affect the decision of lenders and other customers when buying a policy from a particular insurer.

Surplus as regards policyholders for Guaranty was $371.8 million and $369.5 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Statutory net loss for Guaranty was $4.2 million, $2.0 million and $85.1 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

NOTE 4 Investments in debt and equity securities

NOTE 4

Investments in debt and equity securities. The amortized costs and fair values at December 31 follow:

 

     2011      2010  
     Amortized
costs
     Fair
values
     Amortized
costs
     Fair
values
 
     ($000 omitted)  

Debt securities:

           

Municipal

     26,721         27,801         39,589         40,185   

Corporate and utilities

     237,912         244,123         228,270         229,972   

Foreign

     162,384         164,268         155,977         157,745   

U.S. Government

     17,530         19,350         20,792         22,422   

Equity securities

     5,005         5,443         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     449,552         460,985         444,628         450,324   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Gross unrealized gains and losses at December 31 were:

 

     2011      2010  
     Gains      Losses      Gains      Losses  
     ($000 omitted)  

Debt securities:

           

Municipal

     1,080         —           1,235         639   

Corporate and utilities

     9,184         2,973         4,574         2,872   

Foreign

     1,937         53         1,861         93   

U.S. Government

     1,820         —           1,634         4   

Equity securities

     442         4         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     14,463         3,030         9,304         3,608   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Debt securities at December 31, 2011 mature, according to their contractual terms, as follows (actual maturities may differ due to call or prepayment rights):

 

     Amortized
costs
     Fair
values
 
     ($000 omitted)  

In one year or less

     36,465         36,733   

After one year through five years

     162,249         165,087   

After five years through ten years

     212,963         217,817   

After ten years

     32,870         35,905   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     444,547         455,542   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross unrealized losses on investments and the fair values of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2011, were:

 

     Less than 12
months
     More than 12
months
     Total  
     Losses      Fair
values
     Losses      Fair
values
     Losses      Fair
values
 
     ($000 omitted)  

Debt securities:

                 

Corporate and utilities

     1,944         42,851         1,029         24,830         2,973         67,681   

Foreign

     53         59,708         —           —           53         59,708   

Equity securities:

     4         1,247         —           —           4         1,247   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2,001         103,806         1,029         24,830         3,030         128,636   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The unrealized loss positions were primarily caused by interest rate fluctuations. The number of investments in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2011 was 52. Since the Company does not intend to sell and will more likely than not maintain each debt security until its anticipated recovery, and no significant credit risk is deemed to exist, these investments are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired.

 

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Gross unrealized losses on investments and the fair values of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2010, were:

 

     Less than 12
months
     More than 12
months
     Total  
     Losses      Fair
values
     Losses      Fair
values
     Losses      Fair
values
 
     ($000 omitted)  

Debt securities:

                 

Municipal

     638         14,391         1         25         639         14,416   

Corporate and utilities

     2,868         95,354         4         235         2,872         95,589   

Foreign

     93         55,773         —           —           93         55,773   

U.S. Government

     4         3,711         —           —           4         3,711   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     3,603         169,229         5         260         3,608         169,489   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The unrealized loss positions were primarily caused by interest rate fluctuations. The number of investments in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2010 was 72. Since the Company does not intend to sell and will more likely than not maintain each debt security until its anticipated recovery, and no significant credit risk is deemed to exist, these investments are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired.

The Company believes its investment portfolio is diversified and expects no material loss to result from the failure to perform by issuers of the debt securities it holds. Investments made by the Company are not collateralized. Foreign debt securities primarily include Canadian government bonds, which aggregated $136.6 million and $130.8 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and United Kingdom treasury bonds.

 

NOTE 5 Fair value measurements

NOTE 5

Fair value measurements. The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB ASC defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal, or most advantageous, market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Fair Values Measurements Topic establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs when possible. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

 

   

Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 

   

Level 2 — observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data; and

 

   

Level 3 — unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair values of the assets or liabilities, including certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.

 

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At December 31, 2011, financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Fair value
measurements
 
     ($000 omitted)  

Short-term investments

     33,137         —           —           33,137   

Investments available-for-sale:

           

Debt securities:

           

Municipal

     —           27,801         —           27,801   

Corporate and utilities

     —           244,123         —           244,123   

Foreign

     164,268         —           —           164,268   

U.S. Government

     19,350         —           —           19,350   

Equity securities:

     5,443         —           —           5,443   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     222,198         271,924         —           494,122   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

At December 31, 2010, financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Fair value
measurements
 
     ($000 omitted)  

Short-term investments

     33,457         —           —           33,457   

Investments available-for-sale:

           

Debt securities:

           

Municipal

     —           40,185         —           40,185   

Corporate and utilities

     —           229,972         —           229,972   

Foreign

     157,745         —           —           157,745   

U.S. Government

     22,422         —           —           22,422   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     213,624         270,157         —           483,781   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

At December 31, 2011, Level 1 financial instruments consist of short-term investments, U.S. and foreign government bonds, and equity securities. Level 2 financial instruments consist of municipal, corporate and utilities bonds. In accordance with the Company’s policies and guidelines, the Company’s third party, registered investment manager invests only in securities rated as investment grade or higher by the major rating services, where observable valuation inputs are significant. All municipal bonds are valued using a third-party pricing service, and the corporate bonds are valued using the market approach, which includes three to ten inputs from relevant market sources, including FINRA’s Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine (TRACE) and independent broker/dealer quotes, bids and offerings, as well as other relevant market data, such as securities with similar characteristics (i.e. sector, rating, maturity, etc.). Broker/dealer quotes, bids and offerings mentioned above are gathered (typically three to ten) and a consensus risk premium spread (credit spread) over risk-free Treasury yields is developed from the inputs obtained, which is then used to calculate the resulting fair value.

 

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Level 3 financial instruments are summarized below:

 

     Equity
securities
     Investments
— pledged
    Line of
credit
    Cash settlement
option of
convertible
senior notes
 
     ($000 omitted)  

December 31, 2009

     —           202,007        (202,007     (510

Sold/redeemed

     —           (216,141     216,141        —     

Realized gains

     —           14,134        (14,134     510   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2010

     —           —          —          —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sold/redeemed

     —           —          —          —     

Realized gains

     —           —          —          —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2011

     —           —          —          —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The company elected the fair value option to account for a line of credit that was repaid during 2010.

As of December 31, 2011, assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are summarized below:

 

     Level 3      Impairment loss
recorded
 
     ($000 omitted)  

Cost-basis investments

     1,167         2,685   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The carrying amount of certain cost-basis investments exceeded their fair value and an impairment charge of $2.7 million was recorded in investment and other gains (losses) — net in 2011. The valuations were based on the values of the underlying assets of the investee.

As of December 31, 2010, assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are summarized below:

 

     Level 3      Impairment loss
recorded
 
     ($000 omitted)  

Cost-basis investments

     1,646         494   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The carrying amount of certain cost-basis investments exceeded their fair value and an impairment charge of $0.5 million was recorded in investment and other gains (losses) — net in 2010. The valuations were based on the values of the underlying assets of the investee.

 

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NOTE 6 Investment income

NOTE 6

Investment income. Income from investments and gross realized investment and other gains and losses follow:

 

     2011     2010     2009  
     ($000 omitted)  

Investment income:

      

Debt securities

     13,860        15,014        18,639   

Short-term investments, cash equivalents and other

     1,645        3,383        2,165   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     15,505        18,397        20,804   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment and other gains (losses):

      

Realized gains

     12,151        24,055        23,881   

Realized losses

     (9,849     (2,273     (16,515
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2,302        21,782        7,366   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Proceeds from the sales of investments available-for-sale were $292.0 million, $280.9 million and $400.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Expenses assignable to investment income were insignificant. There were no significant investments at December 31, 2011 that did not produce income during the year.

In 2011, investment and other gains (losses) — net included realized gains of $10.7 million from the sale of debt and investments available-for-sale, partially offset by realized losses of $3.5 million for the impairment of cost-basis investments and $4.3 million from a loss on a third-party loan guarantee obligation.

In 2010, investment and other gains (losses) — net included realized gains of $11.8 million from the sale of debt and investments available-for-sale, $6.3 million primarily from a transfer of the rights to internally developed software, $1.2 million from the sale of interests in subsidiaries and $3.0 million from the sale of real estate.

In 2009, investment and other gains (losses) — net included realized gains of $16.3 million from the sale of debt and equity investments available-for-sale, $5.6 million from the sales of cost-basis investments and $1.0 million due to the change in estimates in office closure costs. The realized gains were partially offset by realized losses of $10.7 million from the impairment of equity method and cost-basis investments, $2.8 million from office closure costs and $1.3 million from the impairment of equity securities available-for-sale.

 

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Table of Contents

 

NOTE 7 Income taxes

NOTE 7

Income taxes. The income tax provision consists of the following:

 

     2011     2010     2009  
     ($000 omitted)  

Current:

      

Federal

     (678     (4,305     (24,968

State

     1,444        1,188        (272

Foreign

     9,221        337        6,661   

Deferred:

      

Federal

     4,450        (1,197     215   

State

     397        —          (1,393

Foreign

     (5,493     12,052        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

     9,341        8,075        (19,757
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following reconciles federal income taxes computed at the statutory rate with income taxes as reported.

 

     2011     2010     2009  
     ($000 omitted)  

Expected income tax benefit at 35% (1)

     4,091        (1,577     (24,756

Foreign tax rate differential

     (764     613        767   

Non-taxable income (non-consolidated subsidiaries for tax)

     946        832        657   

Intercompany dividends

     572        738        —     

Research and development credit

     (74     (1,223     (616

State income tax expense (benefit) — net of taxes

     884        (178     (1,665

Tax-exempt interest

     (342     (561     (1,075

Non-deductible expenses

     2,624        2,261        1,765   

Net operating loss carryback

     (1,829     —          —     

Adjustments to deferred tax liabilities

     10,781        8,716        1,251   

Dividends received deductions on investments

     (500     (656     (530

Valuation allowance

     (7,163     (1,146     4,297   

Other — net

     115        256        148   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

     9,341        8,075        (19,757
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effective income tax rates (%) (1)

     79.9        (179.2     27.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Calculated using loss before taxes and after noncontrolling interests.

 

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Deferred income taxes at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

 

     2011     2010  
     ($000 omitted)  

Deferred tax assets:

    

Accrued expenses

     12,684        17,810   

Allowance for uncollectible amounts

     5,784        5,956   

Fixed assets

     7,502        11,506   

Investments

     10,390        7,989   

Net operating loss carryforwards

     32,122        33,388   

Tax credit carryforwards

     18,727        14,420   

Title loss provisions

     11,235        9,416   

Other

     4,195        3,978   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     102,639        104,463   

Valuation allowance

     (84,771     (91,934
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     17,868        12,529   

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Amortization — goodwill and other intangibles

     (23,701     (14,742

Unrealized gains on investments

     (4,003     (2,079

Cash surrender value of insurance policies

     (4,431     (4,710

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (4,999     (5,626

Accrued expenses

     (6,592     (11,534

Fixed assets

     (139     (139

Other

     (1,452     (1,935
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (45,317     (40,765
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred income taxes

     (27,449     (28,236
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company has recorded valuation allowances against U.S. deferred tax assets, net of definite-lived deferred tax liabilities, for which realization cannot be assured based on a more-likely-than-not standard. A valuation allowance was initially established in 2008 due to the Company’s then cumulative three-year operating loss history. The Company routinely evaluates the extent to which the valuation allowance may be reversed. The Company has approximately $87.2 million of U.S. federal net operating loss carry forwards (NOL). The NOL will begin to expire in 2030, if not utilized. The Company’s effective income tax rate in 2009 was significantly impacted by a benefit of $24.8 million due to the change in tax law in the fourth quarter 2009, which allowed the Company to carry back net operating losses to prior years.

The Company is routinely subject to income tax examinations by U.S. federal, international and state and local tax authorities. The Company is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service for calendar years 2005 through 2008. The Company also is involved in routine examinations by state and local tax jurisdictions for calendar years 2007 and 2008. The Company expects no material adjustment from any examination.

 

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NOTE 8 Goodwill and acquired intangibles

NOTE 8

Goodwill and acquired intangibles. A summary of goodwill follows:

 

     Title     REI      Total  
     ($000 omitted)  

Balances at December 31, 2009

     198,572        14,191         212,763   

Sale of interests in subsidiaries

     (3,639     —           (3,639

Deconsolidation of subsidiaries

     (2,263     —           (2,263
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2010

     192,670        14,191         206,861   

Acquisitions

     —          7,631         7,631   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2011

     192,670        21,822         214,492   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amortization expense for acquired intangibles was $1.5 million, $1.1 million and $1.8 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Accumulated amortization of intangibles was $25.8 million and $24.3 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. In each of the years 2012 through 2016, amortization expense is expected to be less than $1.7 million.

 

NOTE 9 Equity investees

NOTE 9

Equity investees. Certain summarized aggregate financial information for equity investees (in which the Company typically owns 20% through 50% of the equity) follows:

 

     2011      2010      2009  
     ($000 omitted)  

For the year:

        

Revenues

     70,896         73,450         47,865   

Net earnings

     4,326         6,976         8,902   

At December 31:

        

Total assets

     57,972         31,767         24,705   

Notes payable

     23,533         1,119         521   

Stockholders’ equity

     12,524         16,027         12,653   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net premium revenues from policies issued by equity investees were approximately $6.4 million, $6.9 million and $3.4 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Earnings related to equity investees were $1.7 million, $2.4 million and $3.1 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. These amounts are included in title insurance — direct operations in the consolidated statements of operations, retained earnings and comprehensive earnings.

Goodwill related to equity investees was $12.1 million and $11.8 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and these balances are included in investments in investees in the consolidated balance sheets. Equity investments, including the related goodwill balances, are reviewed for impairment.

 

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NOTE 10 Notes payable, convertible senior notes and line of credit

NOTE 10

Notes payable, convertible senior notes and line of credit.

 

     2011      2010  
     ($000 omitted)  

Banks — primarily unsecured, varying payments and rates(1)

     7,863         3,096   

Other than banks

     3,859         5,688   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     11,722         8,784   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Average interest rates were 3.49% and 5.09% at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Principal payments on the notes, based upon the contractual maturities, are due in the amounts of $3.4 million in 2012, $2.0 million in 2013, $2.0 million in 2014, $3.6 million in 2015 and $.6 million in 2016.

In October 2009, the Company entered into an agreement providing for the sale of $65.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2014 (Notes) to an initial purchaser for resale to certain qualified institutional buyers in compliance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Notes will mature in 2014 unless converted into the Company’s common stock earlier and are guaranteed by certain wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries of the Company.

According to FAS ASC 815-15, Derivatives and Hedging — Embedded Derivatives, and FAS ASC 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging — Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity, the Company determined that the Notes contained an embedded derivative related to a cash settlement option. The cash settlement option was effective until April 30, 2010, when the shareholders approved conversion of the Notes into Common Stock without restriction or without payment by the Company of cash. The Notes are currently convertible into shares of the Company’s Common Stock at a conversion rate of 77.6398 shares per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (equal to a conversion price of $12.88 per share), which will be adjusted for certain antidilutive provisions such as a dividend or distribution of shares of Common Stock, split or combination of shares of Common Stock; the issuance of rights or warrants entitling all or substantially all holders of Common Stock to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock at a price per share less than the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices of Common Stock (as defined in the Indenture); the distribution of shares of any class of capital stock of the Company, evidences of its indebtedness, other assets or property of the Company or rights or warrants to acquire the Company’s capital stock or other securities to all or substantially all holders of its Common Stock; or any cash dividend or distribution made to all or substantially all holders of Common Stock during any annual fiscal period that exceeds $0.10 per share of Common Stock.

The Company incurred $3.3 million of debt issuance costs related to the Notes. The issuance costs were primarily related to discounts, commissions and offering expenses payable by the Company. The Company recorded the issuance costs in other assets and is amortizing them over the term of the Notes using the effective interest method. The amortization of the debt issuance costs was $0.5 million, $0.5 million and $0.1 million and interest expense on the Notes was $4.2 million, $4.2 million and $0.9 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company also had available a $10.0 million bank line of credit commitment, which expires in June 2013, under which no borrowings were outstanding.

 

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NOTE 11 Estimated title losses

NOTE 11

Estimated title losses.

 

     2011     2010     2009  
     ($000 omitted)  

Balances at January 1

     495,849        503,475        463,084   

Provisions:

      

Current year

     94,115        97,559        109,709   

Previous policy years

     47,986        50,879        73,072   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total provisions

     142,101        148,438        182,781   

Payments:

      

Current year

     (22,404     (24,118     (21,801

Previous policy years

     (111,915     (134,191     (127,530
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total payments

     (134,319     (158,309     (149,331

Effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates

     (1,020     2,245        6,941   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balances at December 31

     502,611        495,849        503,475   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provisions for title losses, as a percentage of title operating revenues, were 9.4%, 9.6% and 11.3% in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The total provisions included charges (above the annual provisioning rate) of $24.6 million, $13.3 million and $31.8 million for large title claims, including defalcations, in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The charges were reduced by insurance recoveries received of $2.4 million, $2.8 million and $11.9 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The previous policy years’ title loss provision amounts in 2010 and 2009 included reserve strengthening adjustments of $4.8 million and $32.7 million, respectively, related to higher than expected loss payment experience for policy years 2005 through 2008. The years ended 2011, 2010 and 2009 included $19.2 million, $26.7 million and $26.0 million, respectively, related to maintaining a high provisioning rate for title losses due to continued elevated claims payment experience and $32.8 million, $19.2 million and $13.9 million, respectively, related to large title losses.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, the increase in payments relating to previous years was consistent with the rise in title claims resulting from the real estate market decline. Typically, the Company experiences a higher frequency of losses, including agency defalcations, which are reported sooner after policy issuance, in real estate markets where transaction volumes and prices are decreasing.

 

NOTE 12 Common Stock and Class B Common Stock

NOTE 12

Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. Holders of Common and Class B Common Stock have the same rights except no cash dividends may be paid on Class B Common Stock. The two classes of stock vote separately when electing directors and on any amendment to the Company’s certificate of incorporation that affects the two classes unequally.

A provision of the by-laws requires an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the directors to elect officers or to approve any proposal that may come before the directors. This provision cannot be changed without a majority vote of each class of stock.

 

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Holders of Class B Common Stock may, with no cumulative voting rights, elect four of nine directors if 1,050,000 or more shares of Class B Common Stock are outstanding; three directors if between 600,000 and 1,050,000 shares are outstanding; and none if less than 600,000 shares of Class B Common Stock are outstanding. Holders of Common Stock, with cumulative voting rights, elect the balance of the nine directors.

Class B Common Stock may be converted by its stockholders into Common Stock on a share-for-share basis, although the holders of Class B Common Stock have agreed among themselves not to convert their stock. The agreement may be extended or terminated by them at any time. Such conversion is mandatory on any transfer to a person who is not a lineal descendant (or spouse or trustee of such descendant) of William H. Stewart.

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, there were 145,820 shares of Common Stock held by a subsidiary of the Company which are considered treasury shares.

 

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NOTE 13 Changes in stockholders' equity

NOTE 13

Changes in stockholders’ equity.

 

     Common
and Class B
Common  Stock

($1 par value)
     Additional
paid-in

capital
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
earnings
    Treasury
stock
    Noncontrolling
interests
 
     ($000 omitted)  

Balances at December 31, 2008

     18,618         125,426        293        (4,330     13,227   

Stock bonuses and other

     87         1,342        —          —          —     

Exercise of stock options and grants

     3         54        —          —          —     

Net change in unrealized gains and losses

     —           —          3,666        —          —     

Net realized gain reclassification

     —           —          (4,547     —          —     

Foreign currency translation

     —           —          11,548        —          —     

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

     —           —          —          —          8,544   

Subsidiary dividends paid to noncontrolling interests

     —           —          —          —          (7,579

Net effect of changes in ownership and other

     —           —          —          —          (402
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2009

     18,708         126,822        10,960        (4,330     13,790   

Stock bonuses and other

     143         1,284        —          —          —     

Purchase of remaining interest of consolidated subsidiary

     —           (3,693     —          —          (506

Provision for Canadian taxes

     —           —          (1,185     —          —     

Net change in unrealized gains and losses

     —           —          1,448        —          —     

Net realized gain reclassification

     —           —          (1,142     —          —     

Foreign currency translation

     —           —          3,529        —          —     

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

     —           —          —          —          7,432   

Subsidiary dividends paid to noncontrolling interests

     —           —          —          —          (7,122

Net effect of changes in ownership and other

     —           —          —          —          (471
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2010

     18,851         124,413        13,610        (4,330     13,123   

Stock bonuses and other

     169         1,452        —          —          —     

Settlement of wage and hour litigation through issuance of Common Stock

     636         6,946        —          —          —     

Settlement of note payable through issuance of Common Stock held in treasury

     —           (365     —          1,664        —     

Net change in unrealized gains and losses

     —           —          7,245        —          —     

Net realized gain reclassification

     —           —          (2,331     —          —     

Foreign currency translation

     —           —          (1,843     —          —     

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

     —           —          —          —          6,330   

Subsidiary dividends paid to noncontrolling interests

     —           —          —          —          (6,142

Net effect of changes in ownership and other

     —           —          —          —          (68
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2011

     19,656         132,446        16,681        (2,666     13,243   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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NOTE 14 Share-based incentives

NOTE 14

Share-based incentives. In March 2011, the Company granted 51,000 shares of fully vested, unrestricted Common Stock with a fair value of $0.6 million, which was recorded as compensation expense. Also in March 2011, the Company granted 37,000 shares of restricted Common Stock with a fair value of $0.4 million. The restricted Common Stock awards vest 20% each year over five years beginning March 10, 2011. Compensation expense associated with restricted stock awards will be recognized over this vesting period.

In March 2010, the Company granted 51,000 shares of fully vested, unrestricted Common Stock with a fair value of $0.7 million, which was recorded as compensation expense. Also in March 2010, the Company granted 37,000 shares of restricted Common Stock with a fair value of $0.5 million. The restricted Common Stock awards vest 20% each year over five years beginning March 10, 2010. Compensation expense associated with restricted stock awards will be recognized over this vesting period.

The Company granted 42,000 restricted shares during 2009. The restricted shares vested December 31, 2009, to certain executive officers and the Company recorded compensation expense of approximately $0.7 million during the year then ended.

There were no stock options granted during the three years ended December 31, 2011 and accordingly, no compensation expense has been reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

NOTE 15 Earnings per share

NOTE 15

Earnings per share. The Company’s basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock outstanding during the reporting period.

To calculate diluted earnings per share, net income and number of shares are adjusted for the effects of any dilutive shares. Using the if-converted method, net income is adjusted for interest expense, net of any tax effects, applicable to the convertible senior notes discussed in Note 10. The number of shares is adjusted by adding the number of dilutive shares, assuming they are issued, during the same reporting period. The treasury stock method is used to calculate the dilutive number of shares related to the Company’s stock option plan.

For the three years ended December 31, 2011, the Company did not have any dilutive shares under the treasury stock method mentioned above since the exercise prices of the options were greater than the weighted-average market value of the shares, which excludes them from the diluted earnings calculation.

There were no calculations of diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2011 using the if-converted method, as the add back of the tax affected interest expense on the convertible debt resulted in antidilution. Additionally, since the Company reported a net loss for each of the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, there were no calculations of diluted earnings per share under the if-converted method.

 

NOTE 16 Reinsurance

NOTE 16

Reinsurance. As is industry practice, the Company cedes risks to other title insurance underwriters and reinsurers on certain transactions. However, the Company remains liable if the reinsurer should fail to meet its obligations. The Company also assumes risks from other underwriters on a transactional basis as well as on certain reinsurance treaties. Payments and recoveries on reinsured losses were insignificant during each of the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009. The total amount of premiums for assumed and ceded risks was less than 1% of consolidated title revenues in each of the last three years.

 

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NOTE 17 Leases

NOTE 17

Leases. Lease expense was $41.4 million, $45.2 million and $51.1 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The future minimum lease payments are summarized as follows (in thousands of dollars):

 

2012

     35,033   

2013

     26,681   

2014

     19,972   

2015

     16,082   

2016

     10,269   

2017 and after

     6,191   
  

 

 

 
     114,228   
  

 

 

 

 

NOTE 18 Contingent liabilities and commitments

NOTE 18

Contingent liabilities and commitments. The Company routinely holds third-party funds in segregated escrow accounts pending the closing of real estate transactions. This resulted in a contingent liability to the Company of approximately $730.2 million at December 31, 2011. In addition, the Company is contingently liable for disbursements of escrow funds held by agencies in those cases where specific insured closing guarantees have been issued.

The Company owns a qualified intermediary in tax-deferred property exchanges for customers pursuant to Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company holds the proceeds from these transactions until a qualifying exchange can occur. This resulted in a contingent liability to the Company of approximately $332.3 million at December 31, 2011. As is industry practice, these escrow and Section 1031 exchanger fund accounts are not included in the consolidated balance sheets.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company guarantees the third-party indebtedness of certain of its consolidated subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2011, the maximum potential future payments on the guarantees are not more than the related notes payable recorded in the consolidated balance sheets (Note 10). The Company also guarantees the indebtedness related to lease obligations of certain of its consolidated subsidiaries. The maximum future obligations arising from these lease-related guarantees are not more than the Company’s future minimum lease payments (Note 17). In addition, as of December 31, 2011, the Company had guarantees of indebtedness owed by certain third parties related to business expansion and unused letters of credit aggregating to $4.2 million, primarily related to workers’ compensation coverage.

The Notes are guaranteed by certain wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries of the Company (Note 10).

 

NOTE 19 Regulatory and legal developments

NOTE 19

Regulatory and legal developments. Stewart Title Guaranty Company (STGC) and Stewart Title Guaranty de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (STGM) were defendants in a lawsuit in the State District Court of Harris County, Texas, Citigroup Global Markets Realty Corp. v. Stewart Title Guaranty Company. The lawsuit was filed in 2008 and concerns 16 owners’ and 16 lenders’ title insurance policies on 16 parcels of land in Mexico issued by STGM and reinsurance agreements by STGC. Citigroup Global Markets Realty Corp. asserted claims against STGC under reinsurance of the lenders’ policies as well as extra-contractual claims under Texas law. K.R. Playa VI, S de R.L. de C.V., the owner of the parcels, asserted claims against STGC and separate claims against STGM under the owners’ policies as well as extra-contractual claims under Texas law. The State District Court dismissed the extra-contractual claims against STGC and STGM based on application of Mexican law.

 

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After a 10 week trial, the jury returned a verdict of no damages, favorable to STGC and STGM, on April 29, 2011. Judgment was entered on June 30, 2011. Both Citigroup Global Markets Realty Corp. and K.R. Playa VI, S de R.L. de C.V. subsequently filed motions for new trial and motions for judgment notwithstanding the verdict, which the State District Court denied by orders dated September 12, 2011. Citigroup Global Markets Realty Corp. and K.R. Playa VI, S de R.L. de C.V. filed notices of appeal on September 28, 2011. The Company does not believe that the outcome will materially affect its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

* * *

In January 2009, an action was filed by individuals against Stewart Title Guaranty Company, Stewart Title of California, Inc., Cuesta Title Company and others in the Superior Court of California for the County of San Luis Obispo alleging that the plaintiffs have suffered damages relating to loans they made through Hurst Financial Corporation to an individual named Kelly Gearhart and entities controlled by Gearhart. Thereafter, several other lawsuits making similar allegations, including a lawsuit filed by several hundred individuals, were filed in San Luis Obispo Superior Court, and one such lawsuit was removed to the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The defendants vary from case to case, but Stewart Information Services Corporation, Stewart Title Company and Stewart Title Insurance Company have also each been sued in at least one of the cases. Each of the complaints alleges some combination of the following purported causes of action: breach of contract, negligence, fraud, aiding and abetting fraud, constructive fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, financial elder abuse, violation of California Business and Professions Code Section 17200, negligent misrepresentation, conversion, conspiracy, alter ego, specific performance and declaratory relief. The Company has demurred to or moved to dismiss the complaints in the actions where responses to the complaints have been due. Although the San Luis Obispo Superior Court has sustained demurrers to certain causes of action and certain individuals and entities and dismissed Stewart Information Services Corporation from one case without leave to amend, and plaintiffs in one case have dismissed Stewart Title Insurance Company following the Court’s sustaining of Stewart Title Insurance Company’s demurrer, the Court has overruled the demurrers as to some causes of action. The United States District Court for the Central District of California granted the Company’s motion to dismiss the First Amended Complaint as to the claim for violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, with prejudice, and remanded the remainder of the case to the San Luis Obispo Superior Court. The Company filed a motion to coordinate the cases for pretrial purposes, and the Court issued an order assigning all the cases to a single judge, an Order Coordinating Related Cases for Pre-Trial Purposes, and a First Case Management Order for the Related Cases. Discovery is ongoing. The Company has filed a motion for summary judgment and summary adjudication seeking the dismissal of certain of plaintiffs’ claims. That motion is scheduled for hearing on April 5, 2012. No trial dates have been set. Although the Company cannot predict the outcome of these actions, it is vigorously defending itself against the allegations and does not believe that the outcome will materially affect its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

* * *

In February 2008, an antitrust class action was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York against Stewart Title Insurance Company, Monroe Title Insurance Corporation, Stewart Information Services Corporation, several other unaffiliated title insurance companies and the Title Insurance Rate Service Association, Inc. (TIRSA). The complaint alleges that the defendants violated Section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act by collectively filing proposed rates for title insurance in New York through TIRSA, a state-authorized and licensed rate service organization.

Complaints were subsequently filed in the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York and in the United States District Courts in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, Florida, Massachusetts, Arkansas, California, Washington, West Virginia, Texas and Delaware. All of the complaints make similar class action allegations, except that certain of the complaints also allege violations of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) and various state antitrust and consumer protection laws. The complaints generally request treble damages in unspecified amounts, declaratory and injunctive relief and attorneys’ fees. To date, 78 such complaints have been filed, each of which names the Company and/or one or more of its affiliates as a defendant (and have been consolidated in the aforementioned states), of which seven have been voluntarily dismissed.

 

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As of July 8, 2011, the Company has obtained dismissals of the claims in Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania (where the court dismissed the damages claims and granted defendants summary judgment on the injunctive claims), Texas and Washington. The Company filed a motion to dismiss in West Virginia (where all proceedings have been stayed and the docket closed). The plaintiffs have appealed the dismissal in Ohio to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and the dismissals in Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The dismissals in New York and Texas have been affirmed by the United States Courts of Appeals for the Second and Fifth Circuits, respectively, and on October 4, 2010, the United States Supreme Court denied the plaintiffs’ petitions for review of those decisions. The plaintiffs have appealed to the Second Circuit the dismissal of the RESPA claims by the court in New York. Although the Company cannot predict the outcome of these actions, it is vigorously defending itself against the allegations and does not believe that the outcome will materially affect its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

* * *

Van Buren Estates, LLC, Van Buren Estates LLC II, and Van Buren Estates, LP commenced an action in the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside on or about March 26, 2010 against Stewart Title of California, Inc. and Stewart Title Guaranty Company alleging among other things, negligence, breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, specific performance, promissory estoppel and punitive damages. Stewart Title of California, Inc. settled prior to trial. STGC filed a motion for Summary Judgment which was granted in part. Subsequent to the Summary Judgment motion Van Buren Estates, LP was the sole remaining plaintiff. A jury trial commenced on January 30, 2012. Among the issues involved was STGC’s position that no title policy had been issued in favor of the remaining plaintiff. The trial concluded on March 5, 2012 with a jury verdict in favor of the plaintiff on the issues of liability and damages in the aggregate amount of approximately $6.5 million. The parties had stipulated at trial that the cost to cure the title defect at issue in the case was $0.4 million, less than the amount previously paid by Stewart Title of California, Inc. Judgment has yet to be entered. We expect to file a motion for a new trial and a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict and if unsuccessful to appeal the judgment of the trial court. Although the Company cannot predict the outcome of these motions or an appeal, it will continue to vigorously defend itself and does not believe that the ultimate outcome will materially affect its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

The Company is also subject to other claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of its business, most of which involve disputed policy claims. In some of these lawsuits, the plaintiff seeks exemplary or treble damages in excess of policy limits. The Company does not expect that any of these proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition or results of operations. Along with the other major title insurance companies, the Company is party to a number of class action lawsuits concerning the title insurance industry. The Company believes that it has adequate reserves for the various litigation matters and contingencies discussed above and that the likely resolution of these matters will not materially affect its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

The Company is subject to administrative actions and litigation relating to the basis on which premium taxes are paid in certain states. Additionally, the Company has received various other inquiries from governmental regulators concerning practices in the insurance industry. Many of these practices do not concern title insurance. The Company believes that it has adequately reserved for these matters and does not anticipate that the outcome of these inquiries will materially affect its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

The Company is also subject to various other administrative actions and inquiries into its business conduct in certain of the states in which it operates. While the Company cannot predict the outcome of the various regulatory and administrative matters, it believes that it has adequately reserved for these matters and does not anticipate that the outcome of any of these matters will materially affect its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

 

NOTE 20 Segment information

NOTE 20

Segment information. The Company’s two reportable operating segments are title insurance-related services (title), which includes all corporate-level costs, including interest related to convertible senior notes, and real estate information (REI). Both segments serve each other and the real estate and mortgage industries.

The title segment provides services needed to transfer the title in a real estate transaction. These services include searching, examining, closing and insuring the condition of the title to real property.

The REI segment includes a diverse group of products and services serving multiple markets. REI provides loan origination and servicing support; loan review services; loss mitigation; REO asset management; home and personal insurance services; Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 tax-deferred exchanges; and technology to support the real estate process. The single largest customer of the REI segment accounted for 75.9%, 70.4%, and 39.3% of REI revenues in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

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Under the Company’s internal reporting system, most general corporate expenses are incurred by and charged to the title segment. All investment income is included in the title segment as it is primarily generated by the investments of the title underwriters’ operations.

 

     Title     REI      Total  
     ($000 omitted)  

2011:

       

Revenues

     1,532,582        102,324         1,634,906   

Intersegment revenues

     194        3,331         3,525   

Depreciation and amortization

     16,605        2,937         19,542   

(Loss) earnings before taxes and noncontrolling interests

     (24,304     42,323         18,019   

Identifiable assets

     1,090,419        65,722         1,156,141   

2010:

       

Revenues

     1,591,214        81,176         1,672,390   

Intersegment revenues

     247        2,631         2,878   

Depreciation and amortization

     18,925        2,497         21,422   

(Loss) earnings before taxes and noncontrolling interests

     (29,921     32,846         2,925   

Identifiable assets

     1,082,083        59,123         1,141,206   

2009:

       

Revenues

     1,650,407        56,895         1,707,302   

Intersegment revenues

     266        3,167         3,433   

Depreciation and amortization

     25,510        2,554         28,064   

(Loss) earnings before taxes and noncontrolling interests

     (73,263     11,075         (62,188

Identifiable assets

     1,314,787        54,373         1,369,160   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revenues for the years ended December 31 in the United States and all international operations follow:

 

     2011      2010      2009  
     ($000 omitted)  

United States

     1,515,379         1,564,057         1,610,832   

International

     119,528         108,333         96,470   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,634,907         1,672,390         1,707,302   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-28


Table of Contents

 

NOTE 21 Quarterly financial information (unaudited)

NOTE 21

Quarterly financial information (unaudited).

 

     Mar 31     June 30     Sept 30     Dec 31     Total  
     ($000 omitted, except per share)  

Revenues:

          

2011

     366,417        404,883        418,529        445,077        1,634,906   

2010

     351,313        441,541        430,065        449,471        1,672,390   

Net (loss) earnings attributable to Stewart:

          

2011

     (10,293     5,940        4,542        2,159        2,348   

2010

     (28,963     9,428        (3,028     9,981        (12,582

Diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to Stewart(1):

          

2011

     (0.55     0.28 (2)      0.22 (2)      0.11        0.12   

2010

     (1.59     0.45 (2)      (0.17     0.46 (2)      (0.69
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Quarterly per share data may not sum to annual totals due to rounding or effects of dilution in particular quarters but not in annual totals.

(2) 

The diluted earnings per share attributable to Stewart was primarily due to dilutive effects of the Convertible Senior Notes (Note 10) using the if-converted method (Note 15).

 

F-29


Table of Contents

 

SCHEDULE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

SCHEDULE I

STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION

(Parent Company)

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND RETAINED EARNINGS

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2011     2010     2009  
     ($000 omitted)  

Revenues

      

Investment income, including $0, $22 and $169 from affiliates

     74        86        190   

Other (losses) gains

     (3,770     3,109        370   

Other income

     235        68        83   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (3,461     3,263        643   

Expenses

      

Employee costs

     2,168        1,388        2,774   

Other operating expenses, including $177, $144 and $144 to affiliates

     451        5,796        3,245   

Depreciation and amortization

     893        862        325   

Interest

     4,639        4,658        1,273   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     8,151        12,704        7,617   

Loss before tax benefit and loss from subsidiaries

     (11,612     (9,441     (6,974

Income tax expense (benefit)

     79        (277     (192

(Earnings) loss from subsidiaries

     (14,039     3,418        44,193   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     2,348        (12,582     (50,975

Retained earnings at beginning of year

     282,666        296,116        347,952   

Cash dividends on Common Stock ($0.05 per share in 2011, 2010 and 2009)

     (917     (868     (861
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Retained earnings at end of year

     284,097        282,666        296,116   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying note to financial statement information.

 

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Table of Contents

STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION

(Parent Company)

 

BALANCE SHEETS

 

     As of December 31,  
     2011     2010  
     ($000 omitted)  

Assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

     4,170        7,591   

Short-term investments

     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     4,170        7,591   

Receivables:

    

Notes

     15        82   

Other, including $191 and $220 from affiliates

     476        260   

Allowance for uncollectible amounts

     (15     (77
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     476        265   

Property and equipment, at cost:

    

Land

     —          —     

Buildings

     2,287        2,287   

Furniture and equipment

     3,209        3,234   

Accumulated depreciation

     (2,429     (2,094
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     3,067        3,427   

Title plant, at cost

     48        48   

Investments in subsidiaries, on an equity method basis

     504,897        488,053   

Goodwill

     8,470        8,470   

Other assets

     17,136        19,546   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     538,264        527,400   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

    

Convertible senior notes

     64,513        64,338   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, including $104 and $14 from affiliates

     23,537        27,852   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     88,050        92,190   

Contingent liabilities and commitments

    

Stockholders’ equity

    

Common Stock — $1 par, authorized 50,000,000; issued 18,605,993 and 17,801,273; outstanding 18,253,832 and 17,325,046

     18,606        17,801   

Class B Common Stock — $1 par, authorized 1,500,000; issued and outstanding 1,050,012

     1,050        1,050   

Additional paid-in capital

     132,446        124,413   

Retained earnings(1)

     284,097        282,666   

Accumulated other comprehensive earnings:

    

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     9,250        11,093   

Unrealized investment gains

     7,431        2,517   

Treasury stock — 352,161 and 476,227 common shares, at cost

     (2,666     (4,330
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     450,214        435,210   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     538,264        527,400   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Includes undistributed earnings of subsidiaries of $344,376 in 2011 and $331,254 in 2010.

See accompanying note to financial statement information.

 

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STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION

(Parent Company)

 

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2011     2010     2009  
     ($000 omitted)  

Reconciliation of net earnings (loss) to cash (used) provided by operating activities:

      

Net earnings (loss)

     2,348        (12,582     (50,975

Add (deduct):

      

Depreciation and amortization

     893        862        325   

Provision for bad debt

     (2     (96     118   

Other losses (gains)

     3,770        (3,109     (370

(Increase) decrease in receivables — net

     (218     1,173        740   

Increase in other assets — net

     (1,171     (130     (498

Increase (decrease) in payables and accrued liabilities — net

     3,941        (1,007     6,364   

(Earnings) loss from subsidiaries

     (14,039     3,418        44,193   

Other — net

     3,213        2,735        3,125   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash (used) provided by operating activities

     (1,265     (8,736     3,022   

Investing activities:

      

Cash paid for loan guarantee obligation

     (4,318     —          —     

Proceeds from the sale of (purchases of) property and equipment — net

     3,070        (3,016     (2,631

Collections on notes receivables

     9        12,842        13,691   

Proceeds from the sale of land and buildings

     —          6,323        —     

Increases in notes receivables

     —          —          (21,522

Proceeds from investments available-for-sale matured and sold

     —          —          11,910   

Purchases of investments available-for-sale

     —          —          (9

Contributions to subsidiaries

     —          —          (67,755
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash (used) provided by investing activities

     (1,239     16,149        (66,316

Financing activities:

      

Dividends paid

     (917     (868     (861

Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior notes

     —          —          65,000   

Payments for debt issuance costs related to convertible senior notes

     —          —          (3,299

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     —          —          57   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash (used) provided by financing activities

     (917     (868     60,897   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (3,421     6,545        (2,397

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     7,591        1,046        3,443   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

     4,170        7,591        1,046   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental information:

      

Income taxes paid

     82        —          —     

Interest paid

     3,900        3,900        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying note to financial statement information.

 

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Table of Contents

STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION

(Parent Company)

 

NOTE TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION

The Parent Company operates as a holding company, transacting substantially all of its business through its subsidiaries. Its consolidated financial statements are included in Part II, Item 8 of Form 10-K. The Parent Company financial statements should be read in conjunction with the aforementioned consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and financial statement schedules.

Certain prior year amounts in the Parent Company financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes. Net earnings and stockholders’ equity, as previously reported, were not affected.

Guaranty did not declare a dividend in 2011, 2010 or 2009.

 

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Table of Contents

 

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

SCHEDULE II

STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

December 31, 2011

 

Col. A

   Col. B      Col. C
Additions
     Col. D
Deductions
    Col. E  

Description

   Balance
at
beginning
of period
     Charged to
costs
and
expenses
    Charged to
other
accounts
(describe)
     (Describe)     Balance
At
end
of period
 
     ($000 omitted)  

Stewart Information Services Corporation and subsidiaries:

            

Year ended December 31, 2009:

            

Estimated title losses

     463,084         182,781        —           142,390 (A)      503,475   

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets

     90,029         37,682        —           34,631 (C)      93,080   

Allowance for uncollectible amounts

     17,504         6,526        —           3,529 (B)      20,501   

Year ended December 31, 2010:

            

Estimated title losses

     503,475         148,438        —           156,064 (A)      495,849   

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets

     93,080         (1,146     —           —          91,934   

Allowance for uncollectible amounts

     20,501         4,186        —           5,249 (B)      19,438   

Year ended December 31, 2011:

            

Estimated title losses

     495,849         142,101        —           135,339 (A)      502,611   

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets

     91,934         (7,163     —           —          84,771   

Allowance for uncollectible amounts

     19,438         1,318        —           4,700 (B)      16,056   

Stewart Information Services Corporation — Parent Company:

            

Year ended December 31, 2009:

            

Allowance for uncollectible amounts

     481         154        —           —          635   

Year ended December 31, 2010:

            

Allowance for uncollectible amounts

     635         (96     —           462 (B)      77   

Year ended December 31, 2011:

            

Allowance for uncollectible amounts

     77         —          —           62 (B)      15   

 

(A) Represents primarily payments of policy and escrow losses and loss adjustment expenses.
(B) Represents uncollectible accounts written off.
(C) Represents primarily the carry back of net operating losses to prior years.

 

S-5


Table of Contents

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit

         
3.1    -    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated May 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference in this report from Exhibit 3.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 5, 2009)
3.2    -    Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated April 30, 2010 (incorporated by reference in this report from Exhibit 3.2 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010)
3.3    -    Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant, as of January 17, 2012 (incorporated by reference in this report from Exhibit 3.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 20, 2012)
4.1    -    Rights of Common and Class B Common Stockholders (incorporated by reference to Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 hereto)
4.2    -    Indenture related to 6.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2014, dated as of October 15, 2009, by and between the Registrant, the Guarantors party thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 15, 2009)
4.3    -    Form of 6.00% Convertible Senior Note due 2014 (incorporated by reference in this report from Exhibit 4.2 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 15, 2009)
10.1†    -    Deferred Compensation Agreements dated March 10, 1986, amended July 24, 1990 and October 30, 1992, between the Registrant and certain executive officers (incorporated by reference in this report from Exhibit 10.2 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997)
10.2†    -    Stewart Information Services Corporation 1999 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference in this report from Exhibit 10.3 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999)
10.3†    -    Stewart Information Services Corporation 2002 Stock Option Plan for Region Managers (incorporated by reference in this report from Exhibit 10.4 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002)
10.4†    -    Stewart Information Services Corporation 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated May 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference in this report from Exhibit 10.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 5, 2009)
10.5†    -    Stewart Information Services Corporation 2008 Strategic Incentive Pool Plan (incorporated by reference in this report from Exhibit 10.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 9, 2008)
14.1    -    Code of Ethics for Chief Executive Officers, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer (incorporated by reference in this report from Exhibit 14.1 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004)
21.1*    -    Subsidiaries of the Registrant


Table of Contents

Exhibit

         
23.1*    -    Consent of KPMG LLP, including consent to incorporation by reference of their reports into previously filed Securities Act registration statements
31.1*    -    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*    -    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*    -    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*    -    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS*    -    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.SCH*    -    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*    -    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*    -    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*    -    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE*    -    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

* Filed herewith
Management contract or compensatory plan