First American Financial Corp
For the period ended Mar 31, 2025. Filed Apr 25, 2025.
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A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Mar 31, 2025 · Filed Apr 25, 2025
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2024-09-30; filed 2024-10-25.
0000950170-24-117138
Item 1A. Risk FactorsUnregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of ProceedsDefaults Upon Senior SecuritiesMine Safety DisclosuresCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2025-03-31; filed 2025-04-25.
0000950170-25-058211
Item 1A. Risk FactorsUnregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of ProceedsDefaults Upon Senior SecuritiesMine Safety DisclosuresThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 99 previous paragraphs and 103 current paragraphs.
77 unchanged; 21 reworded; 3 added; 0 removed; 1 previous and 2 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 1 previous and 1 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (3)
Current report
The Company’s title insurance subsidiaries issue a significant portion of their policies through title agents that usually operate with substantial independence from the Company. There is no guarantee that these title agents will fulfill their fiduciary duties or contractual obligations to the Company, which are designed to limit the Company’s risk with respect to their activities. Certain activities that are not governed by fiduciary duties or contractual obligations to the Company can also create risks. If, for example, funds held in trust by an independent title agent are not appropriately applied by the agent in a transaction, it may result in one or more parties to a transaction having defective title to or lien on a property, which, in turn, has led to and may continue to lead to title claims against the Company for which the Company may be liable.
Current report
The Company may have to provide capital to one or more of its subsidiaries, which may necessitate accessing funds from the Company’s revolving credit facility or otherwise
Current report
The Company is a holding company and its subsidiaries, from time to time, may need additional capital from the Company to, for example, fund operations, meet regulatory requirements or pay liabilities. In order to provide such capital, the Company may need to draw down on its revolving credit facility or access other sources of capital, which could negatively affect its debt-to-capital ratio and liquidity position.
Reworded paragraphs (21)
Previous wording
The following “risk factors” could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, operations, reputation, financial position or future financial performance. You should carefully consider each of the following risk factors and the other information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The Company faces risks other than those listed here, including those that are unknown to the Company and others of which the Company may be aware but, at present, considers immaterial. Because of the following factors, as well as other variables affecting the Company’s operating results, past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods.
Current wording
The following “risk factors” could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, operations, reputation, financial position or future financial performance. Some of the factors, events and contingencies discussed below may have occurred in the past, but the disclosures below are not representations as to whether or not the factors, events or contingencies have occurred in the past, and instead reflect our beliefs and opinions as to the factors, events, or contingencies that could materially and adversely affect us in the future. You should carefully consider each of the following risk factors and the other information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The Company faces risks other than those listed here, including those that are unknown to the Company and others of which the Company may be aware but, at present, considers immaterial. Because of the following factors, as well as other variables affecting the Company’s operating results, past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods.
Previous wording
The Company’s risk management framework is designed to identify, monitor and mitigate risks that could have a negative impact on the Company’s financial condition or reputation. This framework includes departments or groups dedicated to enterprise risk management, treasury management, information security, disaster recovery and other information technology-related risks, business continuity, legal and compliance, compensation structures and other human resources matters, vendor management and internal audit, among others. Many of the processes overseen by these departments function at the enterprise level, but many also function through, or rely to a certain degree upon, risk mitigation efforts in local operating groups. This is especially the case with respect to the Company’s operations outside of the United States and recently acquired businesses, which may not be fully integrated into the Company’s risk management framework. Similarly, with respect to the risks the Company assumes in the ordinary course of its business through the issuance of title insurance policies and the provision of related products and services, the Company employs localized, as well as centralized risk mitigation efforts. These efforts include the implementation of underwriting policies and procedures, automated underwriting and other risk-decisioning tools and other mechanisms for assessing and managing risk. Underwriting title insurance policies and making other risk-assumption decisions frequently involves a substantial degree of individual judgment and, accordingly, underwriters are maintained at the state, regional, divisional, and corporate levels with varying degrees of underwriting authority. These individuals may be encouraged by customers or others to assume risks or to expeditiously make risk determinations. If the Company’s risk mitigation efforts prove inadequate, the Company could be adversely affected.
Current wording
The Company’s risk management framework is designed to identify, monitor and mitigate risks that could have a negative impact on the Company’s financial condition or reputation. This framework includes departments or groups dedicated to enterprise risk management, treasury management, information security, model risk management, disaster recovery and other information technology-related risks, business continuity, legal and compliance, compensation structures and other human resources matters, vendor management and internal audit, among others. Many of the processes overseen by these departments function at the enterprise level, but many also function through, or rely to a certain degree upon, risk mitigation efforts in local operating groups. This is especially the case with respect to the Company’s operations outside of the United States and recently acquired businesses, which may not be fully integrated into the Company’s risk management framework. Similarly, with respect to the risks the Company assumes in the ordinary course of its business through the issuance of title insurance policies and the provision of related products and services, the Company employs localized, as well as centralized risk mitigation efforts. These efforts include the implementation of underwriting policies and procedures, automated underwriting and other risk-decisioning tools and other mechanisms for assessing and managing risk. Underwriting title insurance policies and making other risk-assumption decisions frequently involves a substantial degree of individual judgment and, accordingly, underwriters are maintained at the state, regional, divisional, and corporate levels with varying degrees of underwriting authority. These individuals may be encouraged by customers or others to assume risks or to expeditiously make risk determinations. If the Company’s risk mitigation efforts prove inadequate, the Company could be adversely affected.
Previous wording
In an effort to speed the delivery of its products, increase efficiency, improve quality, improve the customer experience and decrease risk, the Company is utilizing innovative technologies, processes and techniques, including artificial intelligence, in the production and delivery of its products and services. These efforts include converting certain manual processes into automated ones to streamline searches, examinations and other underwriting functions in connection with the issuance of title insurance policies, building and maintaining title plants and other data assets, and digitizing and automating components of the settlement process. The Company believes these innovations will improve the customer experience by simplifying and reducing the time it takes to close a transaction, reducing risk and improving communication, and expects to continue expanding its use of these technologies. Risks from these and other innovative initiatives include those associated with potential defects in the design and development of the technologies used to automate processes; misapplication of technologies; the reliance on data, rules or assumptions that may prove inadequate; information security vulnerabilities; and failure to meet customer expectations, among others. As a result of these risks, the Company could experience increased claims, reputational damage or other adverse effects, which could be material to the Company.
Current wording
In an effort to speed the delivery of its products, increase efficiency, improve quality, improve the customer experience and decrease risk, the Company is utilizing innovative technologies, processes and techniques, including artificial intelligence, in the production and delivery of its products and services. These efforts include converting certain manual processes into automated ones to streamline searches, examinations and other underwriting functions in connection with the issuance of title insurance policies, building and maintaining title plants and other data assets, and digitizing and automating components of the settlement process. The Company believes these innovations will improve the customer experience by simplifying and reducing the time it takes to close a transaction, reduce risk and improve communication, and expects to continue expanding its use of these technologies. Risks from these and other innovative initiatives include those associated with potential defects in the design and development of the technologies used to automate processes; misapplication of technologies; the reliance on data, rules or assumptions that may prove inadequate; increased costs from third parties on whose technologies we are dependent; information security vulnerabilities; and failure to meet customer expectations, among others. As a result of these risks, the Company could experience increased claims, reputational damage or other adverse effects, which could be material to the Company.
Previous wording
Certain of these circumstances, particularly when combined with declining real estate values and the increase in foreclosures that often results therefrom, also tend to adversely impact the Company’s title claims experience. National inventory levels for residential homes for sale remain below historical average levels, and, combined with sustained high mortgage interest rates and elevated home prices, which decreased demand, contributed to historically weak residential purchase activity. Residential refinance activity is also strongly correlated with changes in mortgage interest rates and rising mortgage rates, beginning in 2022, expectedly, had an adverse impact on the Company’s refinance business that is expected to continue for so long as mortgage rates remain high relative to the interest rates of outstanding mortgages. Higher interest rates also negatively impacted commercial transactions beginning in the latter half of 2022 and will likely continue to impact our volumes.
Current wording
Certain of these circumstances, particularly when combined with declining real estate values and the increase in foreclosures that often results therefrom, also tend to adversely impact the Company’s title claims experience. National inventory levels for residential homes for sale remain below historical average levels, and, combined with sustained high mortgage interest rates and elevated home prices, which decreased demand, contributed to historically weak residential purchase activity. Residential refinance activity is generally correlated with changes in mortgage interest rates and rising mortgage rates, beginning in 2022, expectedly had an adverse impact on the Company’s refinance business that is expected to continue for so long as mortgage rates remain high relative to the interest rates of outstanding mortgages. Higher interest rates and other unfavorable economic conditions also negatively impacted commercial transactions beginning in the second half of 2022; however, revenues and activity levels have improved in recent quarters.
Previous wording
Historically, uncertainty and negative trends in general economic conditions in the United States and abroad, including significant tightening of credit markets and a general decline in the value of real property, have created a difficult operating environment for the Company. These conditions also tend to negatively impact, and recently have impacted, the amount of funds the Company receives from third parties held in trust pending the closing of commercial and residential real estate transactions. The Company deposits a substantial portion of these funds, as well as its own funds, with the federal savings bank it owns. The Company’s bank invests those funds and any realized and unrealized losses on those investments will be reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The likelihood of such losses, which generally would not occur if the Company were to deposit these funds in an unaffiliated entity, increases when economic conditions are unfavorable. Moreover, during periods of unfavorable economic conditions, the return on these funds deposited at the Company’s bank, as well as funds the Company deposits with third party financial institutions, tends to decline. In addition, the Company holds investments in entities, such as title agencies, settlement service providers and venture-stage companies, some of which have been negatively impacted by these conditions, as well as other securities in its investment portfolio, which also may be, and recently have been, negatively impacted by these conditions.
Current wording
The Company deposits a substantial portion of these funds, as well as its own funds, with the federal savings bank it owns. During periods of unfavorable economic conditions, the return on these funds deposited at the Company’s bank, as well as funds the Company deposits with third party financial institutions, tends to decline. In addition, the Company holds investments in entities, such as title agencies, settlement service providers and venture-stage companies, some of which have been negatively impacted by these conditions, as well as other securities in its investment portfolio, which also may be, and recently have been, negatively impacted by these conditions.
Previous wording
Climate change, severe weather conditions, health crises, terrorist attacks and other catastrophe events could adversely affect the Company
Current wording
Severe weather conditions, health crises, terrorist attacks and other catastrophes could adversely affect the Company
Previous wording
Climate change, global or extensive health crises, severe weather, terrorist attacks and other catastrophe events and responses to these events could adversely affect the Company. The extent to which these catastrophe events and responses to them impact the Company’s business, operations and financial results will depend on numerous factors that the Company may not be able to accurately predict, including: the duration and scope of the catastrophe event and restrictions and responses to it; the impact of the catastrophe event on economic activity and actions taken in response, including the efficacy of governmental and other relief efforts or countermeasures; the effect on participants in real estate transactions and the demand for the Company’s products and services.
Current wording
Severe weather conditions, global or extensive health crises, terrorist attacks and other catastrophes and responses to these events could adversely affect the Company. The extent to which these catastrophes and responses to them impact the Company’s business, operations and financial results will depend on numerous factors that the Company may not be able to accurately predict, including: the duration and scope of the catastrophe and restrictions and responses to it; the impact of the catastrophe on economic activity and actions taken in response, including the efficacy of governmental and other relief efforts or countermeasures; the effect on participants in real estate transactions and the demand for the Company’s products and services.
Previous wording
In addition, the Company manages its financial exposure for losses in its title insurance business with third-party reinsurance. Catastrophe events could adversely affect the cost and availability of that reinsurance. Moreover, to the extent climate change, health crises, terrorist attacks, severe weather conditions and other catastrophe events impact companies or municipalities whose securities the Company invests in, the value of its investments may also decrease due to these factors.
Current wording
In addition, the Company manages its financial exposure for losses in its title insurance business with third-party reinsurance. Catastrophes could adversely affect the cost and availability of that reinsurance. Moreover, to the extent severe weather conditions, health crises, terrorist attacks and other catastrophes impact companies or municipalities whose securities the Company invests in, the value of its investments may also decrease due to these factors.
Previous wording
The frequency, severity, duration, and geographic location and scope of such health crises, catastrophe and severe weather events are inherently unpredictable, and, therefore, the Company is unable to predict the ultimate impact climate change, catastrophe events and responses to them will have on its businesses. The impacts of catastrophe events and responses to them may also exacerbate the risks discussed elsewhere in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report.
Current wording
The frequency, severity, duration, and geographic location and scope of such health crises, catastrophe and severe weather events are inherently unpredictable, and, therefore, the Company is unable to predict the ultimate impact these events and responses to them will have on its businesses. The impacts of catastrophes and responses to them may also exacerbate the risks discussed elsewhere in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report.
Previous wording
The Company’s title insurance subsidiaries issue a significant portion of their policies through title agents that usually operate with substantial independence from the Company. There is no guarantee that these title agents will fulfill their contractual obligations to the Company, which contracts include limitations that are designed to limit the Company’s risk with respect to their activities. In addition, regulators are increasingly seeking to hold the Company responsible for the actions of these title agents and, under certain circumstances, the Company may be held liable directly to third parties for actions (including defalcations) or omissions of these agents. Case law in certain states also suggests that the Company is liable for the actions or omissions of its agents in those states, regardless of contractual limitations. As a result, the Company’s use of title agents could result in increased claims on the Company’s policies issued through agents and an increase in other costs and expenses.
Current wording
In addition, regulators are increasingly seeking to hold the Company responsible for the actions of these title agents and, under certain circumstances, the Company may be held liable directly to third parties for actions (including defalcations) or omissions of these agents. Case law and statutes in certain states also suggest that the Company is liable for the actions or omissions of its agents in those states, regardless of contractual limitations. As a result, the Company’s use of title agents could result in increased claims and loss severity on the Company’s policies issued through agents and an increase in other costs and expenses.
Previous wording
The Company uses computer software applications, systems and other technologies (collectively referred to as “systems”), some of which it owns and manages and some of which are owned and/or managed by third parties, including providers of distributed computing infrastructure platforms commonly known as the “cloud.” The Company and its agents, suppliers, service providers, and customers use systems to receive, process, store and transmit business information, including non-public personal information as well as data from suppliers and other information upon which the Company’s business relies. The Company also uses these systems to manage substantial cash, investment assets, bank deposits, trust assets, escrow account balances and custodial balances on behalf of itself and its customers, among other activities. Many of the Company’s products, services and solutions involving the use of real property related data are fully reliant on these systems and are only available electronically. Accordingly, for a variety of reasons, the integrity of these systems and the protection of the information that resides thereon are critically important to the Company’s successful operation.
Current wording
The Company uses computer software applications, systems and other technologies (collectively referred to as “systems”), some of which it owns and manages and some of which are owned and/or managed by third parties, including providers of Software as a Service (SaaS) and providers of distributed computing infrastructure platforms commonly known as the “cloud.” The Company and its agents, suppliers, service providers, and customers use systems to receive, process, store and transmit business information, including non-public personal information as well as data from suppliers and other information upon which the Company’s business relies. The Company also uses these systems to manage substantial cash, investment assets, bank deposits, trust assets, escrow account balances and custodial balances on behalf of itself and its customers, among other activities. Many of the Company’s products, services and solutions involving the use of real property related data are fully reliant on these systems and are only available electronically. Accordingly, for a variety of reasons, the integrity of these systems and the protection of the information that resides thereon are critically important to the Company’s successful operation.
Previous wording
These systems have been subject to, and are likely to continue to be the target of, malware, cyberattacks and cyberterrorism, ransomware attacks, phishing attacks, unauthorized access, online and offline fraud and other malicious activity. These attacks are prevalent, continue to increase in frequency and sophistication, and are increasingly difficult to detect. These systems also have known and unknown vulnerabilities. Once identified, the Company’s information technology and information security personnel seek to remediate these vulnerabilities based on the level of risk presented. For a number of reasons, including the introduction of new vulnerabilities, resource constraints, competing business demands and dependence on third parties, a number of unremediated vulnerabilities will always exist. Remediation of some vulnerabilities are outside of the control of the Company and third-party remediation efforts may not be timely provided or implemented or otherwise adequate, even when the level of risk is critical or high. Further, certain other potential causes of system damage or other negative system-related events are wholly or partially beyond the Company’s control, such as natural disasters, vendor failures to satisfy service level requirements, third party negligence or intentional acts, and power or telecommunications failures. These circumstances could expose the Company to system-related damages, failures, interruptions, cyberattacks, as the Company experienced in December 2023 (as described further in Item 1C. Cybersecurity of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023), and other negative events or could otherwise disrupt the Company’s business and could also result in the loss or unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring or destruction of confidential, proprietary and other information pertaining to the Company, its customers, employees, agents or suppliers.
Current wording
These systems have been subject to, and are likely to continue to be the target of, malware, cyberattacks and cyberterrorism, ransomware attacks, phishing attacks, unauthorized access, online and offline fraud and other malicious activity. These attacks are prevalent, continue to increase in frequency and sophistication, and are increasingly difficult to prevent or detect. These systems also have known and unknown vulnerabilities. Once identified, the Company’s information technology and information security personnel seek to remediate these vulnerabilities based, in part, on the level of risk presented and the burden of remediation. For a number of reasons, including the introduction of new vulnerabilities, resource constraints, competing business demands and dependence on third parties, a number of unremediated vulnerabilities will always exist. Remediation of some vulnerabilities are outside of the control of the Company and third-party remediation efforts may not be timely provided or implemented or otherwise adequate, even when the level of risk is critical or high. Further, certain other potential causes of system damage or other negative system-related events are wholly or partially beyond the Company’s control, such as natural disasters, vendor failures to satisfy service level requirements, third party negligence or intentional acts, and power or telecommunications failures. These circumstances could expose the Company to system-related damages, failures, interruptions, cyberattacks, as the Company experienced in December 2023 (as described further in Item 1C. of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 2024), and other negative events or could otherwise disrupt the Company’s business and could also result in the loss or unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring or destruction of confidential, proprietary and other information pertaining to the Company, its customers, employees, agents or suppliers.
Previous wording
The Company utilizes lower cost labor in countries such as India and the Philippines, among others. These countries are subject to relatively high degrees of political and social instability and may lack the infrastructure to withstand natural disasters, health crises and other catastrophe events. Such disruptions could decrease efficiency and increase the Company’s costs. Weakness of the United States dollar in relation to the currencies used in these countries may also reduce the savings achievable through this strategy. Laws, regulations, business requirements or social or political pressures may require the Company to use labor based in the United States or may otherwise effectively increase the Company’s labor costs abroad. The Company may not be able to pass on these increased costs to its customers.
Current wording
The Company utilizes lower cost labor in countries such as India and the Philippines, among others. These countries are subject to relatively high degrees of political and social instability and may lack the infrastructure to withstand natural disasters, health crises and other catastrophes. Such disruptions could decrease efficiency and increase the Company’s costs. Weakness of the United States dollar in relation to the currencies used in these countries may also reduce the savings achievable through this strategy. Laws, regulations, business requirements or social or political pressures may require the Company to use labor based in the United States or may otherwise effectively increase the Company’s labor costs abroad. The Company may not be able to pass on these increased costs to its customers.
Previous wording
The Company has in the past acquired, and is expected to acquire in the future, other businesses. When businesses are acquired, the Company may not be able to integrate or manage these businesses in such a manner as to realize the anticipated synergies or otherwise produce returns that justify the investment. Acquired businesses may subject the Company to increased regulatory or compliance requirements. The Company’s acquisitions have involved, and are likely to continue to involve, the entry into businesses in which the Company’s management has limited prior experience, making the Company reliant on the management team of the acquired business. The Company may not be able to successfully retain employees of acquired businesses or integrate them, and could lose customers, suppliers or other partners as a result of the acquisitions. For these and other reasons, including changes in market conditions, the projections used to value the acquired businesses may prove inaccurate. In addition, the Company might incur unanticipated liabilities from acquisitions. These and other factors related to acquisitions could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. The Company’s management also will continue to be required to dedicate substantial time and effort to the integration of its acquisitions. These efforts could divert management’s focus and resources from other strategic opportunities and operational matters.
Current wording
The Company has in the past acquired, and is expected to acquire in the future, other businesses. When businesses are acquired, the Company may not be able to integrate or manage these businesses in such a manner as to realize the anticipated synergies or otherwise produce returns that justify the investment. Acquired businesses may subject the Company to increased regulatory or compliance requirements. The Company’s acquisitions have involved, and may continue to involve, the entry into businesses in which the Company’s management has limited prior experience, making the Company reliant on the management team of the acquired business. The Company may not be able to successfully retain employees of acquired businesses or integrate them, and could lose customers, suppliers or other partners as a result of the acquisitions. The Company may also assume or incur unanticipated liabilities from acquisitions. For these and other reasons, including changes in market conditions, the projections used to value the acquired businesses may prove inaccurate. These and other factors related to acquisitions could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. The Company’s management also will continue to be required to dedicate substantial time and effort to the integration of its acquisitions. These efforts could divert management’s focus and resources from other strategic opportunities and operational matters.
Previous wording
Many of the Company’s businesses, including its title insurance, property and casualty insurance, home warranty, mortgage servicing and subservicing, banking, trust and wealth management businesses, are regulated by various federal, state, local and foreign governmental agencies. These and other of the Company’s businesses also operate within statutory guidelines, which can include requirements to maintain certain licenses at the federal, state and/or local levels. The industry in which the Company operates and the markets into which it sells its products are also regulated and subject to statutory guidelines. In general, in recent years, the Company experienced increasing regulatory oversight and became subject to increasingly complex statutory guidelines.
Current wording
Most of the Company’s businesses are regulated by various federal, state, local and foreign governmental agencies. These and other of the Company’s businesses also operate within statutory guidelines, which can include requirements to maintain certain licenses at the federal, state and/or local levels. The industry in which the Company operates and the markets into which it sells its products are also regulated and subject to statutory guidelines. In general, in recent years, the Company experienced increasing regulatory oversight and became subject to increasingly complex statutory guidelines.
Previous wording
In addition, changes in the applicable regulatory environment, such as the announcement by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) that it intends to consider a policy that would prohibit lenders from directly passing the cost of lenders title insurance to consumers; statutory guidelines or interpretations of existing regulations or statutes; reform of government-sponsored enterprises such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac); enhanced governmental oversight or efforts by governmental agencies to cause customers to refrain from using the Company’s products or services could prohibit or limit its future operations or make it more costly or burdensome to conduct such operations or result in decreased demand for the Company’s products and services or a change in its competitive position. The impact of these changes would be more significant if they involve jurisdictions in which the Company generates a greater portion of its title premiums, such as the states of Arizona, California, Florida, New York, and Texas. These changes may compel the Company to reduce its prices, may restrict its ability to implement price increases or acquire assets or businesses, may limit the manner in which the Company conducts its business or otherwise may have a negative impact on its ability to generate revenues, earnings and cash flows.
Current wording
In addition, changes in the applicable regulatory environment, statutory guidelines or interpretations of existing regulations or statutes; reform of government-sponsored enterprises such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”); enhanced governmental oversight or efforts by governmental agencies to cause customers to refrain from using the Company’s products or services could prohibit or limit its future operations or make it more costly or burdensome to conduct such operations or result in decreased demand for the Company’s products and services or a change in its competitive position. The impact of these changes would be more significant if they involve jurisdictions in which the Company generates a greater portion of its title premiums, such as the states of Arizona, California, Florida, New York, and Texas. These changes may compel the Company to reduce its prices, may restrict its ability to implement price increases or acquire assets or businesses, may limit the manner in which the Company conducts its business or otherwise may have a negative impact on its ability to generate revenues, earnings and cash flows.
Previous wording
Governmental entities have routinely inquired into certain practices in the real estate settlement services industry and the mortgage servicing and subservicing industry to determine whether certain of the Company’s businesses or its competitors have violated applicable laws, which include, among others, the insurance codes of the various jurisdictions, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Truth in Lending Act and similar state, federal and foreign laws. The CFPB, for example, has actively utilized its regulatory authority over the mortgage and real estate markets by bringing enforcement actions against various participants in the mortgage and settlement industries and we expect that such enforcement activity will intensify. Departments of insurance in the various states, the CFPB and other federal regulators and applicable regulators in international jurisdictions, either separately or together, also periodically conduct targeted inquiries into the practices of title insurance companies, other settlement services providers and mortgage servicers in their respective jurisdictions. Currently, the Company is the subject of regulatory inquiries.
Current wording
Governmental entities have routinely inquired into certain practices in the real estate settlement services industry and the mortgage servicing and subservicing industry to determine whether certain of the Company’s businesses or its competitors have violated applicable laws, which include, among others, the insurance codes of the various jurisdictions, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Truth in Lending Act and similar state, federal and foreign laws. Departments of insurance in the various states, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) and other federal regulators and applicable regulators in international jurisdictions, either separately or together, also periodically conduct targeted inquiries into the practices of title insurance companies, other settlement services providers and mortgage servicers in their respective jurisdictions. Currently, the Company is the subject of regulatory inquiries.
Previous wording
The Company’s venture investment portfolio is primarily comprised of investments in the equity of private venture-stage companies that operate in the real-estate industry and related industries (many of which offer technology-enabled products and services), investments in funds that typically invest in these same types of companies, and a similar investment that is trading publicly. The venture investment portfolio is managed independent of the Company’s portfolio of debt securities and marketable equity securities, which is overseen by the Company’s investment department and an investment committee. The Company may continue to make similar venture investments. These positions are concentrated in a limited number of holdings and are high-risk, illiquid investments. In certain circumstances, such as when one of these companies raises capital, merges with another company or sells itself at a valuation that is less than the valuation at which the Company made its investment or when one of these companies fails and/or liquidates itself, the Company has been and could be required to impair all or part of its investment in that company or write down the value of an investment if future growth prospects deteriorate. The prospects of these companies depend on a number of factors, including the condition of the general economy, the general availability of capital, the performance of and volatility in the public markets, the regulatory and political environments, the condition of the real estate industry, the competitive environment for such companies and the operational and financial performance of such companies. Even if one of these companies is successful, the Company’s ability to realize the value of its investment may take a significant amount of time and may be dependent on the occurrence of a liquidity event, such as an initial public offering or the sale of the company. Even when a liquidity event occurs, the Company may be subject to restrictions on resale or may choose to continue to hold the investment for strategic or other reasons and, as a result, the Company may not monetize the value of its investment during periods in which it could be financially advantageous to sell the investment. These investments may cause material fluctuations in the Company’s quarterly results of operations due to the recognition of gains or losses in connection with observable price changes, such as from liquidity events, impairments, subsequent equity sales, or price changes in investments that begin trading publicly, which changes can be volatile.
Current wording
The Company’s venture investment portfolio is primarily comprised of investments in the equity of private venture-stage companies that operate in the real-estate industry and related industries (many of which offer technology-enabled products and services), investments in funds that typically invest in these same types of companies, and a similar investment that is trading publicly. The venture investment portfolio is managed independent of the Company’s portfolio of debt securities and marketable equity securities, which is overseen by the Company’s investment department and an investment committee. The Company may continue to make similar venture investments. These investments may cause material fluctuations in the Company’s quarterly results of operations due to the recognition of gains or losses in connection with observable price changes, such as from liquidity events, impairments, subsequent equity sales, or price changes in investments that begin trading publicly, which changes can be volatile.
Previous wording
The Company maintains a reserve for incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) claims pertaining to its title, escrow and other insurance and guarantee products. The majority of this reserve pertains to title insurance policies, which are long-duration contracts with the majority of the claims reported within the first few years following the issuance of the policy. Generally, 65% to 75% of claim amounts become known in the first six years of the policy life, and the majority of IBNR reserves relate to the six most recent policy years. Changes in expected ultimate losses and corresponding loss rates for recent policy years are considered likely and could result in a material adjustment to the IBNR reserves. In uncertain economic times, an even larger change is more likely. A material change in expected ultimate losses and corresponding loss rates for older policy years is also possible, particularly for policy years with loss ratios exceeding historical norms. The estimates made by management in determining the appropriate level of IBNR reserves could ultimately prove to be materially different from actual claims experience.
Current wording
The Company maintains a reserve for incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) claims pertaining to its title, escrow and other insurance and guarantee products. The majority of this reserve pertains to title insurance policies, which are long-duration contracts with the majority of the claims reported within the first few years following the issuance of the policy. Generally, 65% to 75% of claim amounts become known in the first six years of the policy life, and the majority of IBNR reserves relate to the six most recent policy years. Changes in expected ultimate losses and corresponding loss rates for recent policy years are considered likely and could result in a material adjustment to the IBNR reserves. In uncertain economic times, an even larger change is more likely. A material change in expected ultimate losses and corresponding loss rates for older policy years is also possible, particularly for the ten most recent policy years. The estimates made by management in determining the appropriate level of IBNR reserves could ultimately prove to be materially different from actual claims experience.
Previous wording
Company may increasingly have to litigate to enforce and protect its intellectual property rights, which may divert Company resources, cause reputational harm to the Company or result in other adverse consequences, including a loss of competitive advantage, and there is no guarantee that such protection and enforcement efforts would be successful. In addition, third parties may allege that the Company’s operations or activities infringe on their intellectual property rights, including through the Company’s use of software containing open source code, which may expose the Company to third-party claims of ownership of, or demands for the release of, the source code, the open source software and/or derivative works that were developed using such software, or otherwise seeking to enforce the terms of the applicable open source license. Many of the risks associated with usage of open source cannot be eliminated, and could, if not properly addressed, adversely affect the Company’s business. Infringement claims may give rise to litigation, which could result in damages, injunctions prohibiting the Company from providing certain products or services, entry into costly licensing arrangements or other adverse consequences.
Current wording
The Company relies on a combination of patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secret laws, non-disclosure agreements, contractual provisions and systems of internal safeguards to protect its intellectual property. As the Company expands its utilization of innovative technologies, processes and techniques in the production and delivery of its products and services, the Company may increasingly have to litigate to enforce and protect its intellectual property rights, which may divert Company resources, cause reputational harm to the Company or result in other adverse consequences, including a loss of competitive advantage, and there is no guarantee that such protection and enforcement efforts would be successful. In addition, third parties may allege that the Company’s operations or activities infringe on their intellectual property rights, including through the Company’s use of software containing open source code, which may expose the Company to third-party claims of ownership of, or demands for the release of, the source code, the open source software and/or derivative works that were developed using such software, or otherwise seeking to enforce the terms of the applicable open source license. Many of the risks associated with usage of open source cannot be eliminated, and could, if not properly addressed, adversely affect the Company’s business. Infringement claims may give rise to litigation, which could result in damages, injunctions prohibiting the Company from providing certain products or services, entry into costly licensing arrangements or other adverse consequences.
Previous wording
Pursuant to the share repurchase program approved by the Company’s board of directors in June 2022, which program has no expiration date, the Company may repurchase up to $400.0 million of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock. The following table describes purchases by the Company under the share repurchase program that settled during each period set forth in the table. Prices in column (b) include commissions. Cumulatively, as of September 30, 2024, the Company had repurchased $246.5 million (including commissions) of its shares authorized under the share repurchase program and had the authority to repurchase an additional $153.5 million (including commissions) under that program.
Current wording
Pursuant to the share repurchase program approved by the Company’s board of directors in June 2022, which program has no expiration date, the Company may repurchase up to $400.0 million of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock. The following table describes purchases by the Company under the share repurchase program that settled during each period set forth in the table. Prices in column (b) include commissions. Cumulatively, as of March 31, 2025, the Company had repurchased $282.8 million (including commissions) of its shares authorized under the share repurchase program and had the authority to repurchase an additional $117.2 million (including commissions) under that program.
Rearranged current paragraphs (2)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Historically, uncertainty and negative trends in general economic conditions in the United States and abroad, including significant tightening of credit markets and/or a general decline in the value of real property, have created a difficult operating environment for the Company. These conditions also tend to negatively impact, and recently have impacted, the amount of funds the Company receives from third parties held in trust pending the closing of commercial and residential real estate transactions.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Certain funds deposited at the Company’s bank are invested into investment grade fixed income securities and any realized and unrealized losses on those investments will be reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The likelihood of such losses, which would generally not occur if the Company were to deposit these funds in an unaffiliated entity, increases when interest rates increase and/or when economic conditions are unfavorable.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (1)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
The Company relies on a combination of patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secret laws, non-disclosure agreements, contractual provisions and systems of internal safeguards to protect its intellectual property. As the Company expands its utilization of innovative technologies, processes and techniques in the production and delivery of its products and services, the