e10vq
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
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þ |
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009
or
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o |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 001-02658
STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware
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74-1677330 |
(State or other jurisdiction of
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
incorporation or organization) |
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1980 Post Oak Blvd., Houston TX
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77056 |
(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (713) 625-8100
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for
such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
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
o No o
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. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer o
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Accelerated filer þ
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Non-accelerated filer o
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Smaller reporting company o |
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(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of
the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
On August 3, 2009, the following shares of each of the issuers classes of common stock were outstanding:
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Common
Class B Common
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17,187,404
1,050,012 |
FORM 10-Q QUARTERLY REPORT
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
As used in this report, we, us, our, the Company and Stewart mean Stewart Information
Services Corporation and our subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.
STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS
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For the Three Months |
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For the Six Months |
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Ended June 30, |
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Ended June 30, |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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($000 omitted, except per share) |
Revenues |
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Title insurance: |
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Direct operations |
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183,582 |
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200,688 |
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326,119 |
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381,275 |
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Agency operations |
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217,423 |
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213,513 |
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384,193 |
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404,566 |
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Real estate information |
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21,773 |
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11,302 |
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29,138 |
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26,018 |
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Investment income |
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5,214 |
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7,456 |
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10,811 |
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15,534 |
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Investment and other gains (losses) net |
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2,771 |
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(4,412 |
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(6,040 |
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(4,709 |
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430,763 |
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428,547 |
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744,221 |
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822,684 |
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Expenses |
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Amounts retained by agencies |
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180,040 |
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174,562 |
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317,456 |
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330,124 |
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Employee costs |
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122,434 |
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146,076 |
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237,140 |
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298,039 |
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Other operating expenses |
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70,500 |
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86,412 |
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137,274 |
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173,248 |
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Title losses and related claims |
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65,843 |
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49,595 |
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85,863 |
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79,316 |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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7,163 |
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14,961 |
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14,861 |
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24,052 |
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Interest |
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912 |
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1,121 |
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2,091 |
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2,936 |
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446,892 |
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472,727 |
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794,685 |
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907,715 |
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Loss before taxes and noncontrolling interests |
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(16,129 |
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(44,180 |
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(50,464 |
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(85,031 |
) |
Income tax expense (benefit) |
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1,738 |
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(17,526 |
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3,537 |
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(34,288 |
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Net loss |
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(17,867 |
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(26,654 |
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(54,001 |
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(50,743 |
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Less net earnings attributable to noncontrolling
interests |
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2,774 |
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1,934 |
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4,244 |
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3,137 |
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Net loss attributable to Stewart |
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(20,641 |
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(28,588 |
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(58,245 |
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(53,880 |
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Comprehensive loss: |
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Net loss |
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(17,867 |
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(26,654 |
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(54,001 |
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(50,743 |
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Other comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable
to Stewart, net of taxes of $2,916, ($4,329),
$997 and ($4,493) |
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13,229 |
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(7,654 |
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9,159 |
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(7,496 |
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Comprehensive loss |
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(4,638 |
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(34,308 |
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(44,842 |
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(58,239 |
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Comprehensive earnings attributable to
noncontrolling interests |
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(2,774 |
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(1,934 |
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(4,244 |
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(3,137 |
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Comprehensive loss attributable to Stewart |
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(7,412 |
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(36,242 |
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(49,086 |
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(61,376 |
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Basic and dilutive loss per share attributable to Stewart |
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(1.14 |
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(1.58 |
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(3.21 |
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(2.98 |
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Basic and dilutive average shares outstanding |
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18,183 |
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18,092 |
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18,168 |
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18,069 |
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See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
- 1 -
STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
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June 30 and December 31, |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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($000 omitted) |
Assets |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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79,833 |
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76,558 |
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Cash and cash equivalents statutory reserve funds |
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11,599 |
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9,688 |
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91,432 |
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86,246 |
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Short-term investments |
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32,310 |
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37,120 |
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Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale,
at fair value: |
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Statutory reserve funds |
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374,601 |
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374,508 |
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Other |
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94,645 |
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156,267 |
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469,246 |
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530,775 |
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Receivables: |
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Notes |
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10,675 |
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11,694 |
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Premiums from agencies |
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30,509 |
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35,707 |
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Income taxes |
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20,761 |
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38,936 |
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Other |
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54,663 |
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37,265 |
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Allowance for uncollectible amounts |
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(19,160 |
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(17,504 |
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97,448 |
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106,098 |
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Property and equipment, at cost |
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Land |
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8,468 |
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8,468 |
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Buildings |
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22,629 |
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22,629 |
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Furniture and equipment |
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279,429 |
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281,949 |
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Accumulated depreciation |
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(236,384 |
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(229,413 |
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74,142 |
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83,633 |
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Title plants, at cost |
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78,184 |
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78,363 |
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Real estate, at lower of cost or net realizable value |
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3,876 |
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3,947 |
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Investments in investees, on an equity method basis |
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13,083 |
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13,685 |
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Goodwill |
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212,651 |
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210,901 |
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Intangible assets, net of amortization |
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7,206 |
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8,448 |
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Other assets |
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54,146 |
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66,473 |
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Investments pledged, at fair value |
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221,596 |
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222,684 |
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1,355,320 |
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1,448,373 |
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Liabilities |
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Notes payable |
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86,491 |
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135,276 |
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Line of credit, at fair value |
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221,596 |
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222,684 |
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Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
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98,484 |
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112,306 |
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Estimated title losses |
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478,938 |
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463,084 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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15,756 |
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13,837 |
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901,265 |
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947,187 |
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Contingent liabilities and commitments |
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Stockholders equity |
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Common and Class B Common Stock and additional paid-in capital |
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145,251 |
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143,811 |
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Retained earnings |
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289,707 |
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347,952 |
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Accumulated other comprehensive earnings |
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9,452 |
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293 |
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Treasury stock 476,227 and 330,407 Common shares, at cost |
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(4,330 |
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(4,097 |
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Stockholders equity attributable to Stewart |
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440,080 |
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487,959 |
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Noncontrolling interests |
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13,975 |
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13,227 |
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Total stockholders equity (18,237,416 and 18,141,787
shares outstanding) |
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454,055 |
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501,186 |
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1,355,320 |
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1,448,373 |
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See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
- 2 -
STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
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For the Six Months Ended June 30, |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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($000 omitted) |
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Reconciliation of net loss to cash used by operating activities: |
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Net loss |
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(54,001 |
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(50,743 |
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Add (deduct): |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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14,861 |
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24,052 |
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Provision for bad debt |
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3,196 |
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1,976 |
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Realized investment losses net |
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6,040 |
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4,709 |
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Provisions for title losses in excess of payments |
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14,405 |
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9,854 |
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Decrease (increase) in receivables net |
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3,756 |
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(7,357 |
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Decrease
(increase) in other assets net |
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7,209 |
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(168 |
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Decrease in payables and accrued liabilities net |
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(13,215 |
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(15,157 |
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Increase (decrease) in net deferred income taxes |
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922 |
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(16,755 |
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Net earnings from equity investees |
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(1,993 |
) |
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(831 |
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Dividends received from equity investees |
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1,413 |
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1,293 |
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Other net |
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2,541 |
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2,487 |
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Cash used by operating activities |
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(14,866 |
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(46,640 |
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Investing activities: |
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Proceeds from investments available-for-sale matured and sold |
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196,061 |
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458,913 |
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Purchases of investments available-for-sale |
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(118,484 |
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(418,831 |
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Purchases of property and equipment and title plants net |
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(4,006 |
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(6,002 |
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Increases in notes receivable |
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(798 |
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(879 |
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Collections on notes receivable |
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417 |
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4,245 |
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Cash paid for acquisitions of subsidiaries net (see below) |
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(789 |
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(357 |
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Cash paid for cost-basis investments, equity investees and related intangibles net |
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(1 |
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(689 |
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Cash received for the sale of real estate |
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199 |
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Cash provided by investing activities |
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72,400 |
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36,599 |
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Financing activities: |
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Distributions to noncontrolling interests |
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(3,555 |
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(3,999 |
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Proceeds from notes payable |
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950 |
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16,913 |
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Payments on notes payable |
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(51,923 |
) |
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(9,673 |
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Proceeds from exercise of stock options and grants |
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57 |
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|
569 |
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Cash (used) provided by financing activities |
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(54,471 |
) |
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3,810 |
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Effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates |
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2,123 |
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(108 |
) |
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Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
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5,186 |
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(6,339 |
) |
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Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
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86,246 |
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|
109,239 |
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Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
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91,432 |
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102,900 |
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Supplemental information: |
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Assets acquired: |
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Goodwill |
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1,749 |
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1,024 |
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Title plants |
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577 |
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Property and equipment |
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13 |
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Other |
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187 |
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Liabilities assumed |
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(450 |
) |
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Debt issued |
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(1,100 |
) |
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(854 |
) |
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Cash paid for acquisitions of subsidiaries net |
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789 |
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|
357 |
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|
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
- 3 -
STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1
Interim financial statements. The financial information contained in this report for the three and
six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, and as of June 30, 2009, is unaudited. This report should
be read in conjunction with the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2008.
A. Managements responsibility. The accompanying interim financial statements were prepared by
management, who is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. These financial statements have
been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), including
managements best judgments and estimates. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary
for a fair presentation of this information for all interim periods, consisting only of normal
recurring accruals, have been made. The Companys results of operations for interim periods are not
necessarily indicative of results for a full year and actual results could differ from those
estimates.
B. Consolidation. The condensed consolidated financial statements include all subsidiaries in which
the Company owns more than 50% voting rights in electing directors and variable interest entities
when required by FIN 46(R). 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.
C. Immaterial correction of prior period misstatement. The Company identified several immaterial
misstatements primarily related to tax benefits from foreign operations and book versus tax
goodwill differences, policy loss reserves and municipal tax accruals. In accordance with Staff
Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 99, Materiality, and SAB 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year
Misstatements When Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements, management
evaluated the materiality of the errors from qualitative and quantitative perspectives and
concluded that the errors were immaterial to the prior periods. Consequently, the Company will
revise its historical financial statements for the year 2008 and the first quarter of 2009 when
they are published in future filings.
The immaterial misstatement corrections had no effect on the results of operations for the six
months ended June 30, 2008 and the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations and
comprehensive earnings have accordingly not been adjusted. The summary of the effects of the
immaterial corrections on the condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive
earnings follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 |
|
|
As previously |
|
|
|
|
|
|
reported |
|
Adjustments |
|
Adjusted |
|
|
($000 omitted, expect per share) |
Other operating expenses |
|
|
68,046 |
|
|
|
(1,272 |
) |
|
|
66,774 |
|
Title losses and related claims |
|
|
21,572 |
|
|
|
(1,552 |
) |
|
|
20,020 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
7,864 |
|
|
|
(166 |
) |
|
|
7,698 |
|
Total expenses |
|
|
350,784 |
|
|
|
(2,990 |
) |
|
|
347,794 |
|
Loss before taxes and noncontrolling interests |
|
|
(37,325 |
) |
|
|
2,990 |
|
|
|
(34,335 |
) |
Income tax expense |
|
|
3,223 |
|
|
|
(1,424 |
) |
|
|
1,799 |
|
Net loss |
|
|
(40,548 |
) |
|
|
4,414 |
|
|
|
(36,134 |
) |
Net loss attributable to Stewart |
|
|
(42,019 |
) |
|
|
4,414 |
|
|
|
(37,605 |
) |
Comprehensive loss |
|
|
(40,548 |
) |
|
|
4,414 |
|
|
|
(36,134 |
) |
Comprehensive loss attributable to Stewart |
|
|
(46,088 |
) |
|
|
4,414 |
|
|
|
(41,674 |
) |
Basic and dilutive loss per share attributable to Stewart |
|
|
(2.31 |
) |
|
|
.24 |
|
|
|
(2.07 |
) |
|
- 4 -
The summary of the effects of the immaterial corrections on the condensed consolidated balance
sheets follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of March 31, 2009 |
|
As of December 31, 2008 |
|
|
As previously |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As previously |
|
|
|
|
|
|
reported |
|
Adjustments |
|
Adjusted |
|
reported |
|
Adjustments |
|
Adjusted |
|
|
|
|
($000 omitted) |
Income taxes receivable |
|
|
23,319 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,319 |
|
|
|
40,406 |
|
|
|
(1,470 |
) |
|
|
38,936 |
|
Furniture and equipment |
|
|
278,716 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
278,716 |
|
|
|
281,683 |
|
|
|
266 |
|
|
|
281,949 |
|
Accumulated depreciation |
|
|
(231,990 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(231,990 |
) |
|
|
(229,247 |
) |
|
|
(166 |
) |
|
|
(229,413 |
) |
Other assets |
|
|
58,416 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
58,416 |
|
|
|
65,956 |
|
|
|
517 |
|
|
|
66,473 |
|
Total assets |
|
|
1,342,214 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,342,214 |
|
|
|
1,449,226 |
|
|
|
(853 |
) |
|
|
1,448,373 |
|
Accounts payable and
accrued liabilities |
|
|
92,376 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
92,376 |
|
|
|
110,769 |
|
|
|
1,537 |
|
|
|
112,306 |
|
Estimated title losses |
|
|
445,619 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
445,619 |
|
|
|
461,532 |
|
|
|
1,552 |
|
|
|
463,084 |
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
12,957 |
|
|
|
1,468 |
|
|
|
14,425 |
|
|
|
11,896 |
|
|
|
1,941 |
|
|
|
13,837 |
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
880,892 |
|
|
|
1,468 |
|
|
|
882,360 |
|
|
|
942,157 |
|
|
|
5,030 |
|
|
|
947,187 |
|
Retained earnings |
|
|
311,527 |
|
|
|
(1,180 |
) |
|
|
310,347 |
|
|
|
353,547 |
|
|
|
(5,595 |
) |
|
|
347,952 |
|
Accumulated other
comprehensive earnings |
|
|
(3,488 |
) |
|
|
(288 |
) |
|
|
(3,776 |
) |
|
|
581 |
|
|
|
(288 |
) |
|
|
293 |
|
Stockholders equity
attributable to Stewart |
|
|
448,254 |
|
|
|
(1,468 |
) |
|
|
446,786 |
|
|
|
493,842 |
|
|
|
(5,883 |
) |
|
|
487,959 |
|
Total stockholders equity |
|
|
461,321 |
|
|
|
(1,468 |
) |
|
|
459,853 |
|
|
|
507,069 |
|
|
|
(5,883 |
) |
|
|
501,186 |
|
Total liabilities and
stockholders equity |
|
|
1,342,214 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,342,214 |
|
|
|
1,449,226 |
|
|
|
(853 |
) |
|
|
1,448,373 |
|
|
The summary of the effects of the immaterial corrections on the condensed consolidated
statement of cash flows follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 |
|
|
As previously |
|
|
|
|
|
|
reported |
|
Adjustments |
|
Adjusted |
|
|
($000 omitted) |
Cash used by operating activities |
|
|
(27,799 |
) |
|
|
(264 |
) |
|
|
(28,063 |
) |
Cash provided by investing activities |
|
|
41,228 |
|
|
|
265 |
|
|
|
41,493 |
|
Effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates |
|
|
(585 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(586 |
) |
|
D. Reclassifications. Certain amounts in the 2008 interim financial statements have been
reclassified for comparative purposes. Net losses, as previously reported, were not affected.
However, stockholders equity changed due to the application of FAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests
in Consolidated Financial Statements an amendment of ARB No. 51. Noncontrolling interests,
formerly presented as minority interests outside of stockholders equity, are now included in
stockholders equity.
E. Subsequent events. The Company has reviewed subsequent events through August 5, 2009, the date
of issuance of these financial statements. The Company determined it did not have subsequent events
requiring adjustment to or disclosure in its consolidated financial statements.
- 5 -
NOTE 2
Recent significant accounting pronouncements. In June 2009, FAS 168, The FASB Accounting Standards
CodificationTM and Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles: a replacement
of FASB Statement No. 162, was issued. FAS 168 identifies the sources of accounting principles and
the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements of
nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with GAAP in the United States. This
standard is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after
September 15, 2009. The Company does not believe the adoption of this standard will have a
material effect on its financial statements; however, the standard will affect the citation of
authoritative accounting literature within the financial statements.
NOTE 3
Investments in debt and equity securities. In April 2009, FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition
and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, was issued to amend the other-than-temporary
impairment guidance in U.S. GAAP for debt securities, making the guidance more operational and
improving the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity
securities in the financial statements. The Company adopted the guidance in this FSP beginning in
the interim period ending June 30, 2009. The adoption of FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 had no
material effect on the Companys consolidated financial statements except for the required
presentation and disclosures.
The amortized costs and fair values follow:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2009 |
|
December 31, 2008 |
|
|
Amortized |
|
Fair |
|
Amortized |
|
Fair |
|
|
costs |
|
values |
|
costs |
|
values |
|
|
|
|
|
|
($000 omitted) |
|
|
|
|
Debt securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Municipal bonds |
|
|
67,470 |
|
|
|
68,986 |
|
|
|
89,172 |
|
|
|
90,118 |
|
Corporate and utility bonds |
|
|
230,291 |
|
|
|
230,341 |
|
|
|
181,172 |
|
|
|
175,244 |
|
Foreign bonds |
|
|
124,165 |
|
|
|
130,028 |
|
|
|
114,050 |
|
|
|
122,360 |
|
U.S. Government bonds |
|
|
33,443 |
|
|
|
35,033 |
|
|
|
122,712 |
|
|
|
126,871 |
|
Mortgage-backed securities |
|
|
113 |
|
|
|
86 |
|
|
|
114 |
|
|
|
85 |
|
Equity securities |
|
|
4,336 |
|
|
|
4,772 |
|
|
|
16,974 |
|
|
|
16,097 |
|
|
|
|
|
459,818 |
|
|
|
469,246 |
|
|
|
524,194 |
|
|
|
530,775 |
|
|
Gross unrealized gains and losses were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2009 |
|
December 31, 2008 |
|
|
Gains |
|
Losses |
|
Gains |
|
Losses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
($000 omitted) |
|
|
|
|
Debt securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Municipal bonds |
|
|
1,693 |
|
|
|
177 |
|
|
|
1,753 |
|
|
|
807 |
|
Corporate and utility bonds |
|
|
3,540 |
|
|
|
3,490 |
|
|
|
1,531 |
|
|
|
7,459 |
|
Foreign bonds |
|
|
5,921 |
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
8,310 |
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Government bonds |
|
|
1,603 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
4,159 |
|
|
|
|
|
Mortgage-backed securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29 |
|
Equity securities |
|
|
597 |
|
|
|
161 |
|
|
|
258 |
|
|
|
1,135 |
|
|
|
|
|
13,354 |
|
|
|
3,926 |
|
|
|
16,011 |
|
|
|
9,430 |
|
|
- 6 -
Debt securities as of June 30, 2009 mature, according to their contractual terms, as follows
(actual maturities may differ because of call or prepayment rights):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortized |
|
Fair |
|
|
costs |
|
values |
In one year or less |
|
|
34,551 |
|
|
|
34,887 |
|
After one year through five years |
|
|
195,253 |
|
|
|
200,759 |
|
After five years through ten years |
|
|
144,882 |
|
|
|
146,993 |
|
After ten years |
|
|
80,683 |
|
|
|
81,749 |
|
Mortgage-backed securities |
|
|
113 |
|
|
|
86 |
|
|
|
|
|
455,482 |
|
|
|
464,474 |
|
|
As of June 30, 2009, 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, were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than |
|
More than |
|
|
|
|
12 months |
|
12 months |
|
Total |
|
|
Losses |
|
Fair values |
|
Losses |
|
Fair values |
|
Losses |
|
Fair values |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
($000 omitted) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Municipal |
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
5,246 |
|
|
|
142 |
|
|
|
10,046 |
|
|
|
177 |
|
|
|
15,292 |
|
Corporate and utilities |
|
|
143 |
|
|
|
14,550 |
|
|
|
3,347 |
|
|
|
50,727 |
|
|
|
3,490 |
|
|
|
65,277 |
|
Foreign |
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
3,456 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
3,456 |
|
U.S. Government |
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
1,737 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
101 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
1,838 |
|
Mortgage-backed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
86 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
86 |
|
Equity securities |
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
743 |
|
|
|
87 |
|
|
|
674 |
|
|
|
161 |
|
|
|
1,417 |
|
|
|
|
|
322 |
|
|
|
25,732 |
|
|
|
3,604 |
|
|
|
61,634 |
|
|
|
3,926 |
|
|
|
87,366 |
|
|
The unrealized loss positions were primarily caused by interest rate fluctuations. The number of
investments in an unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2009 was 113. 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.
As of December 31, 2008, 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, were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than |
|
More than |
|
|
|
|
12 months |
|
12 months |
|
Total |
|
|
Losses |
|
Fair values |
|
Losses |
|
Fair values |
|
Losses |
|
Fair values |
|
|
($000 omitted) |
Debt securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Municipal |
|
|
692 |
|
|
|
17,256 |
|
|
|
115 |
|
|
|
3,476 |
|
|
|
807 |
|
|
|
20,732 |
|
Corporate and utilities |
|
|
2,888 |
|
|
|
49,591 |
|
|
|
4,571 |
|
|
|
46,514 |
|
|
|
7,459 |
|
|
|
96,105 |
|
Foreign |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Government |
|
|
|
|
|
|
103 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
103 |
|
Mortgage-backed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
85 |
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
85 |
|
Equity securities |
|
|
1,106 |
|
|
|
11,708 |
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
96 |
|
|
|
1,135 |
|
|
|
11,804 |
|
|
|
|
|
4,686 |
|
|
|
78,658 |
|
|
|
4,744 |
|
|
|
50,171 |
|
|
|
9,430 |
|
|
|
128,829 |
|
|
- 7 -
The Company believes its investment portfolio is diversified and expects no material loss to result
from the failure to perform by issuers of the debt securities it holds. Investments made by the
Company are not collateralized. The mortgage-backed securities are issued by U.S.
Government-sponsored entities.
NOTE 4
Fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, 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. SFAS 157 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. |
In April 2009, FSP FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the
Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly,
was issued. FSP FAS 157-4 provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance
with FAS 157, Fair Value Measurements, when the volume and level of activity for the asset or
liability have significantly decreased. The Company adopted the guidance in this FSP beginning in
the interim period ending June 30, 2009. The adoption of FSP FAS 157-4 had no effect on the
Companys consolidated financial statements except for the required presentation and disclosures.
As of June 30, 2009, assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are
summarized below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value |
|
|
Level 1 |
|
Level 2 |
|
Level 3 |
|
measurements |
|
|
($000 omitted) |
Short-term investments |
|
|
32,310 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,310 |
|
Investments available-for-sale: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Municipal bonds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
68,986 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
68,986 |
|
Corporate and utility bonds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
230,341 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
230,341 |
|
Foreign bonds |
|
|
130,028 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
130,028 |
|
U.S. Government bonds |
|
|
35,033 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,033 |
|
Equity securities |
|
|
4,772 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,772 |
|
Mortgage-backed securities |
|
|
86 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
86 |
|
Investments pledged |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
221,596 |
|
|
|
221,596 |
|
Line of credit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(221,596 |
) |
|
|
(221,596 |
) |
|
|
|
|
202,229 |
|
|
|
299,327 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
501,556 |
|
|
- 8 -
As of June 30, 2009, 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
and corporate bonds. Level 3 financial instruments consist of auction rate securities and a
related line of credit. The fair value of investments pledged is determined using a discounted
cash flow methodology.
Level 3 financial instruments are summarized below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments |
|
|
|
|
Equity securities |
|
pledged |
|
Line of credit |
|
|
($000 omitted) |
December 31, 2008 |
|
|
14,875 |
|
|
|
222,684 |
|
|
|
(222,684 |
) |
Sold |
|
|
(15,232 |
) |
|
|
(1,088 |
) |
|
|
1,088 |
|
Realized gains |
|
|
357 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
221,596 |
|
|
|
(221,596 |
) |
|
SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, provides
entities the option to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value.
Entities that choose the fair value option will recognize in earnings, at each subsequent reporting
date, any unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option was elected. The
Company has elected the fair value option for the line of credit.
As of June 30, 2009, assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are summarized below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Impairment loss |
|
|
Level 3 |
|
recorded |
|
|
($000 omitted) |
Costs basis investments |
|
|
5,366 |
|
|
|
(2,868 |
) |
|
The carrying amount of certain cost basis investments exceeded their fair value and an impairment
charge of $2.9 million was recorded in investment and other losses net during the six months
ended June 30, 2009. The valuations were based on the values of the underlying assets of the
investee or expected proceeds from sale of the investment.
NOTE 5
Investment income. Gross realized investment and other gains and losses follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months |
|
For the Six Months |
|
|
Ended June 30, |
|
Ended June 30, |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
($000 omitted) |
|
|
|
|
Realized losses |
|
|
(1,415 |
) |
|
|
(7,301 |
) |
|
|
(11,358 |
) |
|
|
(11,658 |
) |
Realized gains |
|
|
4,186 |
|
|
|
2,889 |
|
|
|
5,318 |
|
|
|
6,949 |
|
|
|
|
|
2,771 |
|
|
|
(4,412 |
) |
|
|
(6,040 |
) |
|
|
(4,709 |
) |
|
Expenses assignable to investment income were insignificant. There were no significant investments
as of June 30, 2009 that did not produce income during the year.
- 9 -
Proceeds from the sales of investments available-for-sale follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months |
|
For the Six Months |
|
|
Ended June 30, |
|
Ended June 30, |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
($000 omitted) |
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from sales of
investments
available-for-sale |
|
|
118,714 |
|
|
|
62,760 |
|
|
|
150,885 |
|
|
|
150,354 |
|
|
For the six months ended June 30, 2009, investment and other losses net included realized losses
of $6.6 million for the impairment of cost-basis investments, $1.3 million for the impairment of
equity securities available-for-sale, $1.5 million for office closure costs and $0.8 million for
the impairment and sale of real estate. The realized losses were partially offset by realized
gains of $3.0 million related to the sale of debt and equity investments available-for-sale and
$1.6 million related to the sale of a cost-basis investment.
For the six months ended June 30, 2008, investment and other losses net included realized losses
of $4.9 million for the sale of debt and equity investments available-for-sale, $4.1 million for
the impairment of equity method and cost-basis investments and $2.7 million for office closure
costs. The realized losses were partially offset by realized gains of $5.0 million for the sale of
debt and equity investments available-for-sale and $0.8 million for sales of title plants and real
estate.
NOTE 6
Share-based incentives. The Company accounts for its stock option plan in accordance with SFAS No.
123(R), Share-Based Payment, and uses the modified prospective method under which share-based
compensation expense is recognized for new share-based awards granted, and any outstanding awards
that are modified, repurchased or cancelled subsequent to January 1, 2006. Compensation expense is
based on the fair value of the options, which is estimated using the Black-Scholes Model. All
options expire 10 years from the date of grant and are granted at the closing market price of the
Companys Common Stock on the date of grant. There are no unvested awards since all options are
immediately exercisable.
There were no options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 and, accordingly,
no compensation expense has been reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial
statements.
A summary of the Companys stock option plan follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
average exercise |
|
|
Options |
|
prices ($) |
December 31, 2008 |
|
|
264,400 |
|
|
|
23.37 |
|
Exercised |
|
|
(26,000 |
) |
|
|
19.57 |
|
|
June 30, 2009 |
|
|
238,400 |
|
|
|
23.79 |
|
|
As of June 30, 2009, the weighted-average remaining contractual life of options outstanding was 3.8
years and the aggregate intrinsic value of dilutive options was under $0.1 million. The aggregate
intrinsic values of options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2009 were not material.
During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the aggregate intrinsic values of options exercised were
$0.3 million. The tax benefits of options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2009 and
2008 were not material.
- 10 -
During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company granted 42,000 shares of restricted Common
Stock, at a fair value of $0.7 million, which will vest on December 31, 2009. Compensation expense
associated with restricted stock awards will be recognized over the vesting period and approximated
$0.2 million and $0.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively.
NOTE 7
Earnings per share. The Companys basic earnings per share attributable to Stewart was calculated
by dividing net loss attributable to Stewart by the weighted-average number of shares of Common
Stock and Class B Common Stock outstanding during the reporting periods.
To calculate diluted earnings per share attributable to Stewart, the number of shares determined
above was increased by assuming the issuance of all dilutive shares during the same reporting
periods. The treasury stock method was used to calculate the additional number of shares. The only
potentially dilutive effect on earnings per share attributable to Stewart relates to its stock
option plan.
As the Company reported a net loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, there
were no calculations of diluted per share amounts.
NOTE 8
Contingent liabilities and commitments. As of June 30, 2009, the Company was contingently liable
for guarantees of indebtedness owed primarily to banks and others by certain third parties. The
guarantees primarily relate to business expansion and expire no later than 2019. As of June 30,
2009, the maximum potential future payments on the guarantees amounted to $6.4 million. Management
believes that the related underlying assets and available collateral, primarily corporate stock and
title plants, would enable the Company to recover any amounts paid under the guarantees. The
Company believes no reserve is needed since no payment is expected on these guarantees.
In the ordinary course of business the Company guarantees the third-party indebtedness of certain
of its consolidated subsidiaries. As of June 30, 2009, the maximum potential future payments on the
guarantees were not more than the related notes payable recorded in the condensed consolidated
balance sheet. The Company also guarantees the indebtedness related to lease obligations of certain
of its consolidated subsidiaries. The maximum future obligations arising from these lease-related
guarantees are not more than the Companys future minimum lease payments. In addition, as of June
30, 2009 the Company had unused letters of credit amounting to $7.2 million, primarily related to a
litigation bond and workers compensation coverage.
- 11 -
NOTE 9
Segment information. The Companys two reportable segments are title insurance-related services
(Title) and real estate information (REI). Selected statement of operations information related to
these segments follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months |
|
For the Six Months |
|
|
Ended June 30, |
|
Ended June 30, |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
($000 omitted) |
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title |
|
|
408,990 |
|
|
|
417,245 |
|
|
|
715,083 |
|
|
|
796,666 |
|
REI |
|
|
21,773 |
|
|
|
11,302 |
|
|
|
29,138 |
|
|
|
26,018 |
|
|
|
|
|
430,763 |
|
|
|
428,547 |
|
|
|
744,221 |
|
|
|
822,684 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intersegment revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title |
|
|
576 |
|
|
|
150 |
|
|
|
619 |
|
|
|
286 |
|
REI |
|
|
889 |
|
|
|
775 |
|
|
|
1,746 |
|
|
|
1,612 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,465 |
|
|
|
925 |
|
|
|
2,365 |
|
|
|
1,898 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title |
|
|
6,597 |
|
|
|
8,349 |
|
|
|
13,784 |
|
|
|
16,803 |
|
REI (1) |
|
|
566 |
|
|
|
6,612 |
|
|
|
1,077 |
|
|
|
7,249 |
|
|
|
|
|
7,163 |
|
|
|
14,961 |
|
|
|
14,861 |
|
|
|
24,052 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings (loss) before taxes
and noncontrolling interests: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title |
|
|
(25,861 |
) |
|
|
(35,763 |
) |
|
|
(55,319 |
) |
|
|
(77,308 |
) |
REI (1) |
|
|
9,732 |
|
|
|
(8,417 |
) |
|
|
4,855 |
|
|
|
(7,723 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(16,129 |
) |
|
|
(44,180 |
) |
|
|
(50,464 |
) |
|
|
(85,031 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The three and six months ended June 30, 2008 include a pretax charge of $6.0
million relating to the impairment of internally developed software that the Company subsequently
determined would not be deployed into production. |
Selected balance sheet information as of June 30 and December 31, respectively, related to
these segments follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
($000 omitted) |
Identifiable assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title |
|
|
1,296,969 |
|
|
|
1,381,883 |
|
REI |
|
|
58,351 |
|
|
|
66,490 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,355,320 |
|
|
|
1,448,373 |
|
|
Revenues generated in the United States and all international operations follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months |
|
For the Six Months |
|
|
Ended June 30, |
|
Ended June 30, |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
($000 omitted) |
United States |
|
|
412,277 |
|
|
|
400,970 |
|
|
|
713,149 |
|
|
|
774,648 |
|
International |
|
|
18,486 |
|
|
|
27,577 |
|
|
|
31,072 |
|
|
|
48,036 |
|
|
|
|
|
430,763 |
|
|
|
428,547 |
|
|
|
744,221 |
|
|
|
822,684 |
|
|
- 12 -
NOTE 10
Regulatory and legal developments. In California, regulations which are likely to become effective
in or about August 2009 are expected to eliminate a previously proposed interim rate reduction and
a maximum rate formula and substantially scale back the proposed financial data requirements on the
insurance companies. In July 2009, the New Mexico Superintendent of Insurance announced the
findings of a 2008 hearing on premiums and splits and awarded a 10.7% premium rate increase
effective August 1, 2009, and an increase in the remittance rate on residential transactions from
19% to 20% from agencies to underwriters.
In light of changes observed in California and New Mexico and possible changes in other states, the
Company is reviewing its premium rates in all states. Where possible, the Company is seeking to
raise rates or to modify agency splits (the percent of premium paid to the underwriter compared to
the amount retained by the agency) to levels necessary to achieve profitability from its agency
operations. The Company believes the California and New Mexico results are indicators as other
states assessments of the title insurance industry and the need for the industry to provide title
protection under their title policies for real property. Results in other states may vary. The
Company cannot predict the outcome of proposed regulations and rate changes. However, to the extent
that rate changes are modified in the future, the outcome could materially affect its consolidated
financial conditions 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 inquiries
from governmental regulators concerning practices in the insurance industry. Many of these
practices do not concern title insurance and the Company does not anticipate that the outcome of
these inquiries will materially affect its consolidated financial condition or results of
operations.
The Company is also subject to various other administrative actions and inquiries into its conduct
of business 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 referenced above and that any outcome will not materially affect its
consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
Stewart Title of California, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, is a defendant in four putative
class action lawsuits filed in California state and federal courts. These lawsuits are commonly
referred to as wage and hour lawsuits. These lawsuits generally claim, among other things, that
(i) the plaintiffs were misclassified as exempt employees and were not paid overtime, (ii) the
overtime payments made to non-exempt employees were miscalculated and (iii) the plaintiffs worked
overtime hours, but were not paid. The plaintiffs seek compensatory damages, statutory
compensation, penalties and restitution, exemplary and punitive damages, declaratory relief,
interest and attorneys fees. The Company is seeking to consolidate the two federal court cases. All
of these cases are in the discovery stage and their outcomes cannot be predicted with certainty at
this time; however, the Company intends to vigorously defend itself against these allegations. The
Company believes that it has adequately reserved for these matters and does not believe that the
outcomes of these matters 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, captioned Wooldridge et al. v. Stewart Title Guaranty Company et
al., Case No. CV 090008. The plaintiffs allege that they have suffered damages relating to loans
they made, through Hurst Financial Corporation, to an individual named Kelly Gearhart and entities
controlled by Gearhart. Gearhart has filed for bankruptcy. The Company demurred to the original
complaint, and the plaintiffs amended their complaint in response. The plaintiffs amended
complaint purports to assert causes of action for (1) breach of contract; (2) negligence; (3)
fraud; and (4) breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. The Company has demurred
to the amended complaint; the demurrer hearing was conducted in July 2009 and the Court sustained
the Companys demurrer to the Wooldridge plaintiffs first amended complaint. The Company intends
to vigorously defend itself against the allegations. The Company does not believe that the outcome
of this matter will materially affect its consolidated financial condition or results of
operations.
- 13 -
In March 2009, an action was filed against Stewart Information Services Corporation, Stewart Title
Guaranty Company, Stewart Title of California, Inc., Cuesta Title Company and others by Stinchfield
Financial Services, Inc. and Casa Rio Atascadero Homeowners Association in the Superior Court of
California for the County of San Luis Obispo, captioned Stinchfield Financial Services, Inc. et al.
v. Stewart Information Services Corporation et al., Case No. CV 098107. The plaintiffs allege that
they have suffered damages relating to loans that they made to Kelly Gearhart. The Company demurred
to the original complaint, and the Court sustained the Companys demurrer with leave to amend. The
plaintiffs amended complaint adds Stewart Title Insurance Company, our New York underwriter, as a
defendant and purports to assert causes of action for (1) breach of contract; (2) breach of
covenant of good faith and fair dealing; (3) declaratory relief; (4) fraud; (5) alter ego; (6)
negligence; (7) violation of California Business and Professions Code Section 17200; and (8)
conversion. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself against the allegations. The Company
does not believe that the outcome of this matter will materially affect its consolidated financial
condition or results of operations.
In June 2009, an action was filed by several hundred 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, captioned Alpert et al. v. Cuesta Title Company et
al., Case No. CV 098220. The plaintiffs allege that they have suffered damages relating to loans
they made, through Hurst Financial, to Gearhart and entities controlled by Gearhart. The plaintiffs
purport to assert causes of action for (1) fraud; (2) aiding and abetting fraud; (3) civil
conspiracy to commit conversion; (4) financial elder abuse; (5) breach of fiduciary duty; (6)
negligence; and (7) declaratory relief. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself against the
allegations. The Company does not believe that the outcome of this matter 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 allegations, except that certain of the complaints
also allege violations of RESPA statutes 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.
As of July 30, 2009, the Company has obtained dismissals of the claims in Arkansas, California
(where plaintiffs then filed an amended complaint), Delaware (where plaintiffs may file an amended
complaint for injunctive relief only), Florida, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania (where
plaintiffs may pursue injunctive relief only), Texas, and Washington. The Company is awaiting
decisions on motions to dismiss in New Jersey, Ohio, and West Virginia. Although the Company cannot
predict the outcome of these actions, it intends to vigorously defend itself against the
allegations and does not believe that the outcome will materially affect its consolidated financial
condition or results of operations.
The Company is also subject to lawsuits incidental to its business, most of which involve disputed
policy claims. In many of these lawsuits, the plaintiff seeks exemplary or treble damages in excess
of policy limits based on the alleged malfeasance of an issuing agency. 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.
- 14 -
|
|
|
Item 2. |
|
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations |
Managements overview. We reported a net loss attributable to Stewart of $58.2 million for the six
months ended June 30, 2009 compared with a net loss attributable to Stewart of $53.9 million for
the same period in 2008. On a diluted per share basis, our net loss attributable to Stewart was
$3.21 for the first six months of 2009 compared with a net loss attributable to Stewart of $2.98
for the first six months of 2008. Revenues for the first six months of 2009 decreased 9.5% to
$744.2 million from $822.7 million for the same period last year. Losses before taxes and
noncontrolling interests decreased $34.6 million to $50.4 million from $85.0 million for the six
months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Before consideration of a $19.2 million reserve strengthening charge and $22.4 million for charges
relating to several independent agency defalcations and fraud, partially offset by $9.2 million for
insurance recoveries, our year-to-date loss reflects a significant improvement as a result of
extensive cost reduction efforts undertaken in 2008 and 2009. A significant reduction was achieved
in both employee costs and other operating costs for the first half of 2009 as compared to the
first half of 2008. Revenues benefited from an increase in market share and refinance orders
closed.
We continue to aggressively reduce costs and improve productivity in our core title operations. In
addition to workforce reductions described below, we are pursuing the implementation of title
search and production efficiencies company-wide through our regional production center initiative.
As a result, significant savings per order processed are being achieved in operationally mature
centers.
Separately, our back-office centralization initiatives also remain on target and began generating
benefits during 2009 in the areas of human resources, finance and accounting, procurement and
information technology by reducing employee and operating expenses. Significant future savings will
be achieved once we complete implementation of our enterprise systems in 2010.
Title losses for the first half of 2009 were somewhat offset by recoveries of $9.2 million under
our fidelity bond, while no such recoveries were recorded in the first half of 2008. As a result,
our title loss ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 was 12.1% and 10.1% of title revenues, respectively. In addition to the agency defalcations mentioned above,
all of the large claims, except one, are related to prior year policies issued by canceled
agencies. We believe the actions taken to restructure our agency network will reduce future losses
considerably and bring overall losses more in line with a normal, historical range.
According to Fannie Mae and other industry experts, the real estate and related lending markets
continue to face challenges. New and existing home sales and prices continue to decline. Purchase
originations are expected to decline further in 2009 as compared to 2008. Although purchase
originations are projected to decrease in 2009, total mortgage originations are expected to
increase in 2009 due to refinance originations, which generate lower revenue per file closed as
compared to purchase originations. Notwithstanding these market conditions, we experienced
increasing new title orders and closings during the first half of 2009.
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 June 30, 2009 comprises both known claims ($150.7 million) and our
estimate of claims that may be reported in the future ($328.2 million). The amount of the reserve
represents the aggregate future payments (net of recoveries) that we expect to incur on policy and
escrow losses and in costs to settle claims.
- 15 -
Provisions for title losses, as a percentage of title operating revenues, were 12.1% and 10.1% for
the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, 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 loss approximately $7.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.
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 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, our recorded reserve for title losses begins with the prior periods 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. 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 of our
actuarially-based reserve calculation and the actuarys point estimate (+/- 3.0%), 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 actuarys 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.
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 because the independent agency is often able to
conceal misappropriation of escrow funds relating to more than one transaction over time through
the constant volume of funds moving through its escrow accounts. As long as new funds continue to
flow into escrow accounts, an independent agent 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 agencys revenues, profits and cash flows increases the agencys incentive to
improperly utilize the escrow funds from real estate transactions.
- 16 -
Internal controls relating to independent agencies include, but are not limited to, 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 agents who cite
client confidentiality. Certain states have mandated a requirement for annual reviews of all agents
by their underwriter. We also determine whether our independent agencies have appropriate internal
controls as defined by the American Land Title Association and Stewart. 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 agencies to review,
Stewart has developed an agency risk model that aggregates data from different areas to identify
possible problems. This is not a guarantee that all agencies with deficiencies will be identified.
In addition, we are not typically the only underwriter for which an independent agency issues
policies, and 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 actuarys calculation.
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.
Our accruals for revenues on unreported policies from agencies were not material to our
consolidated assets or stockholders equity as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008. 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. 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.
- 17 -
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. At each quarter end,
we also consider the carrying value of our stockholders equity as compared with our market
capitalization and the implied control premium to reconcile these amounts.
As a result of overall market volatility, including our market capitalization, we updated our
evaluation of goodwill through June 30, 2009. Based upon our updated evaluation, we have concluded
that our goodwill was not impaired as of June 30, 2009. However, to the extent that our future
operating results are below projections, or in the event of continued adverse market conditions, a
future review for impairment may be required.
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 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 this evaluation, 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.
In the second quarter of 2008, our REI segment incurred an impairment charge of $6.0 million
relating to its internally developed software that we subsequently determined would not be deployed
into production. There were no other material impairment write-offs of goodwill or other long-lived
assets during the six months ended June 30, 2009 or 2008.
Operations. Our business has two operating segments: title insurance-related services and real
estate information. 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 in international markets. We also provide post-closing lender
services, automated county clerk land records, property ownership mapping, geographic information
systems, property information reports, document preparation, background checks and expertise in
Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 tax-deferred exchanges.
- 18 -
Factors affecting revenues. The principal factors that contribute to changes in operating revenues
for our title and REI segments include:
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mortgage interest rates; |
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ratio of purchase transactions compared with refinance transactions; |
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ratio of closed orders to open orders; |
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home prices; |
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consumer confidence; |
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demand by buyers; |
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number of households; |
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availability of loans for borrowers; |
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premium rates; |
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market share; |
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opening of new offices and acquisitions; |
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number of commercial transactions, which typically yield higher premiums; and |
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government or regulatory initiatives. |
To the extent inflation causes increases in the prices of homes and other real estate, premium
revenues are also increased. Premiums are determined in part by the insured values of the
transactions we handle. These factors may override the seasonal nature of the title insurance
business. Historically, our first quarter is the least active and our third and fourth quarters are
the most active in terms of title insurance revenues.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Comparisons of our results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 with the
three and six months ended June 30, 2008 follow. Factors contributing to fluctuations in our
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 our
discussions regarding the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 as those amounts are not
material in relation to consolidated totals. When relevant, we have discussed our REI segments
results separately.
Our statements on home sales 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. We also use information from our direct operations.
Operating environment. Data as of June 2009 compared with the same period in 2008 indicates
annualized sales of new and existing homes, seasonally adjusted, decreased 21.3% and 0.2%,
respectively. June 2009 existing home sales were a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.89 million
versus 4.90 million a year earlier. One-to-four family residential lending fell from an estimated
$580 billion in the second quarter of 2008 to $523 billion in the first quarter of 2009 (most
recent data available). The decline in lending volume was primarily a result of decreasing home
sales, lower home prices and reduced financing activity, primarily due to disruptions in the credit
markets which led to tightening of mortgage lending standards. The decline in lending volume was
partially offset by an increase in refinancing activities by lenders. Commercial lending activity
industry-wide declined by 70% during the first quarter of 2009 (most recent data available)
compared with the same period of 2008.
According to Fannie Mae and other industry experts, the real estate and related lending markets
continue to face challenges. New and existing home sales and prices continue to decline. Purchase
originations are expected to decline further in 2009 as compared to 2008. Although purchase
originations are projected to decrease in 2009, total mortgage originations are expected to
increase in 2009 due to refinance originations, which generate lower revenue per file closed as
compared to purchase originations. Notwithstanding these market conditions, we experienced an
increase in new title orders and closings during the first half of 2009.
- 19 -
Six months ended June 30, 2009 compared with six months ended June 30, 2008
Title revenues. Our revenues from direct operations decreased $55.2 million, or 14.5%, in the
first six months of 2009 compared with the first six months of 2008. The largest revenue decreases,
in terms of dollars, were in our Canadian operations (partially due to the strengthening of the
U.S. dollar), Texas, other foreign operations, California and New York. Revenues from commercial
and other large transactions in the first six months of 2009 decreased $30.9 million, or 47.4%,
from prior-year levels of $65.1 million.
Our direct orders closed increased 2.9% in the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared with the six
months ended June 30, 2008 although the average revenue per closing decreased 17.1% in the first
six months ended June 30, 2009 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2008. Our increase in
direct orders closed and decrease in average revenue per closing continue to be driven by a shift
in the mix of orders, with the first six months of 2009 experiencing fewer large commercial orders,
lower home prices and many more residential refinancing orders than the first six months of 2008.
On average, refinance premium rates are 60% of the title premium revenue of a similarly priced sale
transaction.
Revenues from agencies decreased $20.4 million, or 5.0%, for the six months ended June 30, 2009
compared with the six months ended June 30, 2008. This decrease largely follows the decline in our
direct revenues but, to a lesser extent, is due to the impact of international and commercial
transactions on our direct operations noted above, which are not as significant to our agency
business. The largest decreases in revenues from agencies during the six months ended June 30, 2009
were in Florida, Texas, New York and Virginia, partially offset by increases in California.
REI revenues. Real estate information operating revenues were $29.1 million and $26.0 million in
the first six months of 2009 and 2008, respectively. The increase of
12.0% from 2008 was due to a significant rise in our loan
modification services. This increase was partially offset by the
reduction in post-closing lender services activity due to a decrease
in residential lending volume. This increase was also partially
offset by the reduction in the number of Section 1031
tax-deferred property exchanges caused by the continued decline in the
real estate market.
Investments. Investment income decreased $4.7 million, or 30.4%, for the first six months of 2009
compared with the first six months of 2008 primarily due to decreases in the average invested
balances and, to a lesser extent, to decreases in yields. Certain investment gains and losses,
which are included in our results of operations in investment and other losses net, were
realized as part of the ongoing management of our investment portfolio for the purpose of improving
performance.
For the six months ended June 30, 2009, investment and other losses net included realized losses
of $6.6 million for the impairment of equity method and cost-basis investments, $1.3 million for
the impairment of equity securities available-for-sale, $1.5 million related to office closure
costs and $0.8 million for the impairment and sale of real estate. The realized losses were
partially offset by realized gains of $3.0 million related to the sale of debt and equity
investments available-for-sale and $1.6 million related to the sale of a cost-basis investment.
For the six months ended June 30, 2008, investment and other losses net included realized losses
of $4.9 million for the sale of debt and equity investments available-for-sale, $4.1 million for
the impairment of equity method and cost-basis investments and $2.7 million for office closure
costs. The realized losses were partially offset by realized gains of $5.0 million for the sale of
debt and equity investments available-for-sale and $0.8 million for sales of title plants and real
estate.
Retention by agencies. The amounts retained by title agencies, as a percentage of revenues
generated by them, were 82.6% and 81.6% in the first six months of 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Amounts retained by title agencies are based on agreements between agencies and our 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.
- 20 -
Employee costs. Our employee costs and certain other operating expenses are sensitive to inflation.
Employee costs for the combined business segments decreased $60.9 million, or 20.4%, to $237.1
million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $298.0 million for the six months ended June
30, 2008. We reduced our employee count company-wide by approximately 100 during the first six
months of 2009 and approximately 2,300 since the beginning of 2008. This decrease in employee count
is the primary reason for the decline in employee costs.
In our REI segment, total employee costs for the first six months of 2009 decreased $4.5 million,
or 24.0%, from the same period in 2008 primarily in our lender services and property information
businesses due to headcount reduction related to lower transaction volumes, even though our
mortgage modification services significantly increased.
Other operating expenses. Other operating expenses decreased $36.0 million, or 20.8%, in the first
six months of 2009 compared with the first six months of 2008 primarily due to lower business
promotion costs, rent and other occupancy expenses, outside search fees, technology costs, certain
REI expenses, travel, premium taxes, auto and airplane expenses, delivery fees and insurance.
These decreases were offset somewhat by an increase in bad debt expense. Other operating expenses
were favorably impacted by credits of $5.9 million relating to the reversal of an accrual for a
legal matter resolved in our favor and a change in estimate for another legal matter. The
remaining decreases in other operating expenses were due to implementation of title search and
production efficiencies company-wide through our regional production center initiative and the
benefits from our back-office centralization initiatives in the areas of human resources, finance
and accounting, procurement and information technology.
Other operating expenses also include general supplies, telephone, insurance, copy supplies,
equipment rental, repairs and maintenance, postage, title plant expenses, litigation, title plant
rent, professional fees and attorney fees. Most of our operating expenses are fixed in nature,
although some follow, to varying degrees, the changes in transaction volume and revenues.
Title losses. Provisions for title losses, as a percentage of title operating revenues, were 12.1%
and 10.1% for the first six months of 2009 and 2008, respectively. The first six months of 2009
included a reserve strengthening adjustment of $19.2 million relating to policy years 2005, 2006
and 2007 due to higher than expected loss payments and incurred loss experience for these policy
years. Provisions for title losses in the first six months of 2009 also include charges of $22.4
million relating to several independent agency defalcations and fraud, as well a mechanic lien
claim. These charges were partially offset by insurance recoveries of $9.2 million on previously
recognized title losses. The first six months of 2008 included $17.7 million related to title
agency defalcations and fraudulent transactions, and a reserve strengthening adjustment of $12.0
million related to greater than expected loss payment experience for policy years 2005, 2006 and
2007. Adjusting for these items, our provisions for title losses were 7.5% and 6.3% for the six
months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. An increase in loss payment experience for
recent policy years also resulted in an increase in the loss ratio related to revenues recognized
on policies issued in 2009.
Income taxes. Our effective tax rates, based on earnings before taxes and after deducting
noncontrolling interests (losses of $54.7 million and $88.2 million for the six months ended June
30, 2009 and 2008, respectively), were (6.5%) and 38.9% for the first six months of 2009 and 2008,
respectively. Our effective income tax rate for the first six months of 2009 was significantly
impacted by a valuation allowance of $20.4 million against our deferred tax assets. The valuation
allowance will be evaluated for reversal, subject to certain potential limitations, as we return to
profitability. The income tax expense of $3.5 million recorded in the first six months of 2009 is
primarily related to taxes in foreign jurisdictions for our profitable international operations.
Our effective income tax rate for the first six months of 2008 was primarily due to the level of
our operating losses compared with our significant permanent differences, such as tax-exempt
interest, which remain relatively fixed in amount, and the ratio of earnings from our international
operations compared with our consolidated U.S. operating losses. Our 2008 annual effective tax rate
was (0.9%).
- 21 -
Three months ended June 30, 2009 compared with three months ended June 30, 2008
Title revenues. Our revenues from direct operations decreased $17.1 million, or 8.5%, in the
second quarter of 2009 compared with the second quarter of 2008. The largest revenue decreases, in
terms of dollars, were in our Canadian operations (partially due to the strengthening of the U.S.
dollar), other foreign operations, Texas and New York. Revenues from commercial and other large
transactions decreased $11.8 million, or 38.1%, in the second quarter of 2009 compared with the
same period in the prior year. Our order levels for the second quarter of 2009 compared with the
second quarter of 2008 increased 9.5% as a result of increased refinancing activity driven by lower
interest rates.
Our direct orders closed increased 11.7% in the second quarter of 2009 compared with the second
quarter of 2008 although the average revenue per closing decreased 18.0% in the second quarter of
2009 compared with the second quarter of 2008. Our increase in direct orders closed and decrease
in average revenue per closing continue to be driven by a shift in the mix of orders, with the
second quarter of 2009 experiencing fewer large commercial orders, lower home prices and many more
residential refinancing orders than the second quarter of 2008. On average, refinance premium
rates are 60% of the title premium revenue of a similarly priced sale transaction.
Revenues from agencies increased $3.9 million, or 1.8%, for the quarter ended June 30, 2009
compared with the quarter ended June 30, 2008. The increase in our agency business is primarily
due to the increase in refinance transactions. Our agency business is not negatively impacted by
the decline in commercial or international business to the extent of our direct operations as noted
above. The largest increases in revenues from agencies during the three months ended June 30, 2009
were in California and Arizona. The increases were partially offset by decreases in New York,
Florida and Texas.
REI revenues. Real estate information operating revenues were $21.8 million and $11.3 million for
the second quarters of 2009 and 2008, respectively. The increase of
$10.5 million from the second quarter of 2008 was primarily due
to a significant rise in our loan modification services. This
increase was partially offset by the reduction in post-closing lender
services activity due to a decrease in residential lending volume.
This increase was also partially offset by the reduction in the
number of Section 1031 tax-deferred property exchanges caused by the
continued decline in the real estate market.
Investments. Investment income decreased $2.2 million, or 30.1%, for the three months ended June
30, 2009 compared with the three months ended June 30, 2008, primarily due to decreases in the
average invested balances and, to a lesser extent, to decreases in yields. Certain investment
gains and losses, which are included in our results of operations in investment and other losses
net, were realized as part of the ongoing management of our investment portfolio for the purpose of
improving performance.
For the second quarter of 2009, investment and other losses net included realized gains of $2.4
million related to the sale of debt and equity investments available-for-sale and $1.6 million due
to the sale of a cost-basis investment. The realized gains were partially offset by realized losses
of $0.8 million for the sale of real estate and $0.5 million related to office closure costs.
For the second quarter of 2008, investment and other losses net included realized losses of $3.2
million for the impairment of equity method and cost-basis investments, $2.5 million for office
closure costs and $1.8 million for the sale of debt and equity investments available-for-sale. The
realized losses were partially offset by realized gains of $2.0 million for the sale of debt and
equity investments available-for-sale and $0.7 million for sales of title plants.
Retention by agencies. The amounts retained by title agencies, as a percentage of revenues
generated by them, were 82.8% and 81.8% in the second quarters of 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Amounts retained by title agencies are based on agreements between agencies and our 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.
- 22 -
Employee costs. Our employee costs and certain other operating expenses are sensitive to inflation.
Employee costs for the combined business segments decreased $23.6 million, or 16.2%, to $122.4
million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $146.1 million for the three months ended
June 30, 2008. We reduced our employee count company-wide by approximately 2,300 since the
beginning of 2008. This decrease in employee count is the primary reason for the decline in
employee costs. Our employee count company-wide for the second quarter of 2009 is comparable to the
first quarter of 2009.
In our REI segment, total employee costs for the second quarter of 2009 increased $1.4 million, or
18.1%, from the same period in 2008 primarily related to the significant increase in employee costs
related to our loan modification services.
Other operating expenses. Other operating expenses decreased $15.9 million, or 18.4%, in the
second quarter of 2009 compared with the second quarter of 2008, primarily due to lower rent and
other occupancy expenses, business promotion costs, travel, outside search fees, professional fees,
insurance, certain REI expenses and auto and airplane expenses. These decreases were offset
somewhat by an increase in bad debt expense. Other operating expenses were favorably impacted by a
$2.9 million credit relating to a change in the estimate of a previously recorded reserve for a
legal matter. The remaining decreases in other operating expenses were due to implementation of
title search and production efficiencies company-wide through our regional production center
initiative and the benefits from our back-office centralization initiatives in the areas of human
resources, finance and accounting, procurement and information technology.
Other operating expenses also include technology costs, premium taxes, delivery fees, general
supplies, telephone, copy supplies, equipment rental, repairs and maintenance, postage, title plant
expenses, litigation, title plant rent, and attorney fees. Most of our operating expenses are fixed
in nature, although some follow, to varying degrees, the changes in transaction volume and
revenues.
Title losses. Provisions for title losses, as a percentage of title operating revenues, were 16.4%
and 12.0% for the second quarters of 2009 and 2008, respectively. The second quarter of 2009
included a reserve strengthening adjustment of $19.2 million relating to policy years 2005, 2006
and 2007 due to higher than expected loss payments and incurred loss experience for these policy
years. Provisions for title losses for the second quarter of 2009 also include charges of $22.4
million relating to several independent agency defalcations and fraud, as well a mechanic lien
claim. These charges were partially offset by insurance recoveries of $6.6 million on previously
recognized title losses. The second quarter of 2008 included $13.0 million related to title agency
defalcations and fraudulent transactions, and a reserve strengthening adjustment of $10.0 million
related to greater than expected loss payment experience for policy years 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Adjusting for these items, our provisions for title losses were 7.7% and 6.4% for the second
quarters of 2009 and 2008, respectively. An increase in loss payment experience for recent policy
years also resulted in an increase in the loss ratio related to revenues recognized on policies
issued in 2009.
Income taxes. Our effective tax rates, based on losses before taxes and after deducting
noncontrolling interests (losses of $18.9 million and $46.1 million for the three months ended June
30, 2009 and 2008, respectively), were (9.2%) and 38.0% for the quarters ended June 30, 2009 and
2008, respectively. Our effective income tax rate for the second quarter of 2009 was significantly
impacted by a valuation allowance of $5.3 million against our deferred tax assets. The valuation
allowance will be evaluated for reversal, subject to certain potential limitations, as we return to
profitability. The income tax expense of $1.7 million recorded in the second quarter of 2009 is
primarily related to certain taxes in foreign jurisdictions for our profitable international
operations.
Our effective income tax rate for the first three months of 2008 was primarily due to the level of
our operating losses compared with our significant permanent differences, such as tax-exempt
interest, which remain relatively fixed in amount, and the ratio of earnings from our international
operations compared with our consolidated U.S. operating losses. Our 2008 annual effective tax rate
was (0.9%).
- 23 -
Liquidity. Our liquidity and capital resources reflect 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 June 30, 2009, our cash and investments,
including amounts reserved pursuant to statutory requirements, totaled $593.0 million.
A substantial majority of our consolidated cash and investments as of June 30, 2009 was held by
Stewart Title Guaranty Company (Guaranty) and its subsidiaries. The use and investment of these
funds, payment of dividends to the parent company, and cash transfers between Guaranty and its
subsidiaries and the parent company are subject to certain legal and regulatory restrictions. In
general, Guaranty may use its cash and investments in excess of its legally-mandated statutory
premium reserve (established in accordance with legal requirements under Texas regulatory
requirements) to fund its insurance operations, including claims payments. Guaranty may also,
subject to certain limitations and with regulatory approval, pay dividends to the parent 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 six months ended June 30 follows:
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2009 |
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2008 |
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($000 omitted) |
Net cash used by operating activities |
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(14.9 |
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(46.6 |
) |
Net cash provided by investing activities |
|
|
72.4 |
|
|
|
36.6 |
|
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities |
|
|
(54.5 |
) |
|
|
3.8 |
|
|
Operating activities
Our principal sources of cash from operations are premiums on title policies and title
service-related receipts. 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.
Our negative cash flow from operations for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was primarily due to
our net loss attributable to Stewart, which was driven by declining revenues from lower home sales
combined with falling sales prices and decreases in commercial real estate transactions.
Although we have made significant progress in automating our services, our business continues to be
labor intensive. As order volumes decline, we adjust staffing levels accordingly, but there is
typically a lag between changes in market conditions and changes in personnel, so employee costs do
not decline at the same rate as revenues decline. Further, we incur costs based on total orders
received, while our revenues are earned based on orders actually closed. A decline in closing
ratios from historical trends will have an adverse impact on operating results and, consequently,
on cash flows. We reduced our number of employees by approximately 2,200 during the full year 2008
and by approximately 100 during the six months ended June 30, 2009. We continued to realize the
full cash savings from these reductions in our results for the first six months of 2009.
Other operating costs consist of both fixed (such as rent and other occupancy costs) and variable
(such as taxes due to various states on premium revenues) components, but are predominately fixed
in nature. Since the end of December 2005, when the real estate market began to turn down, we have
closed over 325 offices or branch locations. However, approximately 75 leases from these locations
have not yet expired, and we continue to incur cash rent payments on those that have not been
sublet. Over the course of 2009, over 15 leases on closed offices not sublet will expire and not be
renewed. We will also benefit from new contracts with vendors in key spending categories throughout
2009.
- 24 -
Cash payments on title claims for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 were $71.5 million
and $69.5 million, respectively. This increase is consistent with our historical experience that
title claims are filed more quickly and there is a higher incidence of agency defalcations in
declining real estate markets. 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 June 30, 2009, cash and investments
funding the statutory premium reserve aggregated $386.2 million and our statutory estimate of
claims that may be reported in the future totaled $328.2 million. In addition to this restricted
cash and investments, we had unrestricted cash and investments (excluding investments in
affiliates) of $131.1 million which is 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 $196.1 million and $458.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and
2008, respectively. We used cash for the purchases of investments in the amounts of $118.5 million
and $418.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The cash
generated from sales and maturities not reinvested was used principally to fund operations and
reduce notes payable.
Capital expenditures were $4.0 million and $6.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and
2008, respectively. Capital expenditures declined significantly from prior year levels since no new
offices were opened for the first six months of 2009 and we sharply curtailed spending in all other
areas. We expect that capital expenditures in 2009 will remain lower than 2008 levels as the
recession continues and we aggressively manage our cash flow. We have no material commitments for
capital expenditures.
Financing activities
For the six months ended June 30, 2009, we repaid $51.9 million of debt in accordance with the
underlying terms of the debt instruments. As of June 30, 2009, we had no material available
borrowing capacity since the majority of our debt consists of individual unsecured term notes and
fully funded lines of credit that expire as they are repaid. Of the debt outstanding as of June 30,
2009, $63.4 million can be called by the issuing banks at any time. We do not expect that any of
these borrowings will be called during the next twelve months. Instead, we expect to extinguish the
debt from available cash or cash flows from operations as payments become due under the terms of
each debt agreement.
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 increase in cash and cash equivalents of $2.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 as
compared with a decrease of $0.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. Our principal
foreign operating unit is in Canada, and the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian
dollar strengthened significantly during the six months ended June 30, 2009.
***********
Due to the significant cash savings from the actions taken in 2008 and through June 30, 2009 and
based on our available cash and investments, as well as our expected operating results for the
remainder of 2009, we believe we have sufficient liquidity to meet the cash needs of our ongoing
operations without supplemental debt or equity funding.
Contingent liabilities and commitments. As of June 30, 2009, we were contingently liable for
guarantees of indebtedness owed primarily to banks and others by certain third parties. The
guarantees primarily relate to business expansion and expire no later than 2019. As of June 30,
2009, the maximum potential future payments on the guarantees amounted to $6.4 million. We believe
that the related underlying assets and available collateral, primarily corporate stock and title
plants, would enable us to recover any amounts paid under the guarantees. We believe no reserve is
needed since no payment is expected on these guarantees.
- 25 -
In the ordinary course of business we guarantee the third-party indebtedness of certain of our
consolidated subsidiaries. As of June 30, 2009, the maximum potential future payments on the
guarantees were not more than the related notes payable recorded in our condensed consolidated
balance sheet. We also guarantee the indebtedness related to lease obligations of certain of our
consolidated subsidiaries. The maximum future obligations arising from these lease-related
guarantees are not more than our future minimum lease payments. In addition, as of June 30, 2009
we had unused letters of credit amounting to $7.2 million, primarily related to a litigation bond and workers
compensation coverage.
Capital resources. We consider our capital resources to be adequate. Other than scheduled
maturities of debt, operating lease payments and anticipated claims payments in 2009, we have no
material commitments. Total debt and stockholders equity were $86.5 million (excluding a
fully-funded and collateralized line of credit of $221.6 million), and $454.1 million,
respectively, as of June 30, 2009. We expect that cash flows from operations, income tax refunds
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 be on terms that are dilutive to existing
shareholders.
Other-than-temporary impairments of investments. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, we
recorded impairment charges of $1.3 million relating to investments available-for-sale.
Other comprehensive (loss) earnings. 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. For the six months
ended June 30, 2009, net unrealized investment gains of $1.9 million, which decreased our
comprehensive loss, were related to temporary increases in market values of corporate and municipal
bond investments and equity investments and partially offset by declines in government bond
investments. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, net unrealized investment losses of $6.9
million, which increased our comprehensive loss, were related to temporary decreases in market
values of equity and corporate, government and municipal bond investments. Changes in foreign
currency exchange rates, primarily related to our Canadian operations, decreased comprehensive loss
by $7.3 million, net of taxes, for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and increased comprehensive
loss $0.6 million, net of taxes, for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
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 in our Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
- 26 -
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, 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, the impact of changes in governmental and insurance regulations, our dependence on our
operating subsidiaries as a source of cash flow, the continued realization of expected expense
savings resulting from our expense reduction steps taken in 2008, our ability to access the equity
and debt financing markets, our ability to grow our international operations, and our ability to
respond to the actions of our competitors. These risks and uncertainties, as well as others, are
discussed in more detail in our documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and our Current
Reports on Form 8-K. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements
contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date
hereof, except as may be required by applicable law.
- 27 -
|
|
|
Item 3. |
|
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
There have been no material changes during the quarter ended June 30, 2009 in our investment
strategies, types of financial instruments held or the risks associated with such instruments that
would materially alter the market risk disclosures made in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2008.
|
|
|
Item 4. |
|
Controls and Procedures |
Our principal executive officers and principal financial officer, after evaluating the
effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e)
and 15d-15(e)) as of June 30, 2009, have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls
and procedures are adequate and effective to ensure that material information relating to us and
our consolidated subsidiaries would be made known to them by others within those entities.
There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter
ended June 30, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect,
our internal controls over financial reporting. As a result, no corrective actions were required
or undertaken.
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore,
even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to
financial statement preparation and presentation. Internal control over financial reporting is a
process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and
breakdowns resulting from human failures. Internal controls over financial reporting also can be
circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Because of such limitations, there is a
risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal
controls over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the
financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to
reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.
- 28 -
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
|
|
|
Item 1. |
|
Legal Proceedings |
In California, regulations which are likely to become effective in or about August 2009 are
expected to eliminate a previously proposed interim rate reduction and a maximum rate formula and
substantially scale back the proposed financial data requirements on the insurance companies. In
July 2009, the New Mexico Superintendent of Insurance announced the findings of a 2008 hearing on
premiums and splits and awarded a 10.7% premium rate increase effective August 1, 2009, and
an increase in the remittance rate on residential transactions from
19% to 20% from agencies
to underwriters.
In light of changes observed in California and New Mexico and possible changes in other states, we
are reviewing our premium rates in all states. Where possible, we are seeking to raise rates or to
modify agency splits (the percent of premium paid to the underwriter compared to the amount
retained by the agency) to levels necessary to achieve profitability from our agency operations. We
believe the California and New Mexico results are indicators as other states assessments of the
title insurance industry and the need for the industry to provide title protection under their
title policies for real property. Results in other states may vary. We cannot predict the outcome
of proposed regulations and rate changes. However, to the extent that rate changes are modified in
the future, the outcome could materially affect our consolidated financial conditions or results of
operations.
We are subject to administrative actions and litigation relating to the basis on which premium
taxes are paid in certain states. Additionally, we have received various other inquiries from
governmental regulators concerning practices in the insurance industry. Many of these practices do
not concern title insurance and we do not anticipate that the outcome of these inquiries will
materially affect our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
We are also subject to various other administrative actions and inquiries into our conduct of
business in certain of the states in which we operate. While we cannot predict the outcome of the
various regulatory and administrative matters, we believe that we have adequately reserved for
these matters referenced above and that any outcome will not materially affect our consolidated
financial condition or results of operations.
Stewart Title of California, Inc., our subsidiary, is a defendant in four putative class action
lawsuits filed in California state and federal courts. These lawsuits are commonly referred to as
wage and hour lawsuits. These lawsuits generally claim, among other things, that (i) the
plaintiffs were misclassified as exempt employees and were not paid overtime, (ii) the overtime
payments made to non-exempt employees were miscalculated and (iii) the plaintiffs worked overtime
hours, but were not paid. The plaintiffs seek compensatory damages, statutory compensation,
penalties and restitution, exemplary and punitive damages, declaratory relief, interest and
attorneys fees. We are seeking to consolidate the two federal court cases. All of these cases are
in the discovery stage and their outcomes cannot be predicted with certainty at this time; however,
we intend to vigorously defend ourselves against these allegations. We believe that we have
adequately reserved for these matters and do not believe that the outcomes of these matters will
materially affect our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
- 29 -
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, captioned Wooldridge et al. v. Stewart Title Guaranty Company et
al., Case No. CV 090008. The plaintiffs allege that they have suffered damages relating to loans
they made, through Hurst Financial Corporation, to an individual named Kelly Gearhart and entities
controlled by Gearhart. Gearhart has filed for bankruptcy. We demurred to the original complaint,
and the plaintiffs amended their complaint in response. The plaintiffs amended complaint purports
to assert causes of action for (1) breach of contract; (2) negligence; (3) fraud; and (4) breach of
implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. We have demurred to the amended complaint; the
demurrer hearing was conducted in July 2009 and the Court sustained our demurrer to the Wooldridge
plaintiffs first amended complaint. We intend to vigorously defend ourselves against the
allegations. We do not believe that the outcome of this matter will materially affect our
consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
In March 2009, an action was filed against Stewart Information Services Corporation, Stewart Title
Guaranty Company, Stewart Title of California, Inc., Cuesta Title Company and others by Stinchfield
Financial Services, Inc. and Casa Rio Atascadero Homeowners Association in the Superior Court of
California for the County of San Luis Obispo, captioned Stinchfield Financial Services, Inc. et al.
v. Stewart Information Services Corporation et al., Case No. CV 098107. The plaintiffs allege that
they have suffered damages relating to loans that they made to Kelly Gearhart. We demurred to the
original complaint, and the Court sustained the our demurrer with leave to amend. The plaintiffs
amended complaint adds Stewart Title Insurance Company as a defendant and purports to assert causes
of action for (1) breach of contract; (2) breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing; (3)
declaratory relief; (4) fraud; (5) alter ego; (6) negligence; (7) violation of California Business
and Professions Code Section 17200; and (8) conversion. We intend to vigorously defend ourselves
against the allegations. We do not believe that the outcome of this matter will materially affect
our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
In June 2009, an action was filed by several hundred 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, captioned Alpert et al. v. Cuesta Title Company et
al., Case No. CV 098220. The plaintiffs allege that they have suffered damages relating to loans
they made, through Hurst Financial, to Gearhart and entities controlled by Gearhart. The plaintiffs
purport to assert causes of action for (1) fraud; (2) aiding and abetting fraud; (3) civil
conspiracy to commit conversion; (4) financial elder abuse; (5) breach of fiduciary duty; (6)
negligence; and (7) declaratory relief. We intend to vigorously defend ourselves against the
allegations. We do not believe that the outcome of this matter will materially affect our
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 allegations, except that certain of the complaints
also allege violations of RESPA statutes 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, seventy-eight such complaints have been filed, each of which
names us and/or one or more of our affiliates as a defendant (and have been consolidated in the
aforementioned states), of which seven have been voluntarily dismissed.
As of July 30, 2009, we have obtained dismissals of the claims in Arkansas, California (where
plaintiffs then filed an amended complaint), Delaware (where plaintiffs may file an amended
complaint for injunctive relief only), Florida, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania (where
plaintiffs may pursue injunctive relief only), Texas, and Washington. We are awaiting decisions on
motions to dismiss in New Jersey, Ohio, and West Virginia. Although we cannot predict the outcome
of these actions, we intend to vigorously defend ourselves against the allegations and do not
believe that the outcome will materially affect our consolidated financial condition or results of
operations.
- 30 -
We are also subject to lawsuits incidental to our business, most of which involve disputed policy
claims. In many of these lawsuits, the plaintiff seeks exemplary or treble damages in excess of
policy limits based on the alleged malfeasance of an issuing agency. We do not expect that any of
these proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or
results of operations. Along with the other major title insurance companies, we are party to a
number of class action lawsuits concerning the title insurance industry. We believe that we have
adequate reserves for the various litigation matters and contingencies discussed above and that the
likely resolution of these matters will not materially affect our consolidated financial condition
or results of operations.
There have been no changes during the quarter ended June 30, 2009 to our risk factors as listed in
our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
- 31 -
|
|
|
Item 4. |
|
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders |
Our Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on May 1, 2009. Proxies for the meeting were solicited
pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and there was no solicitation in
opposition to managements solicitations. Listed below are the names of the persons who were
nominated to serve as our directors along with the election results from our annual meeting. All of
our nominees were elected.
Directors elected by Common stockholders:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Votes |
|
|
Votes For |
|
Withheld |
|
Catherine A. Allen |
|
|
14,316,708 |
|
|
|
750,281 |
|
Robert L. Clarke |
|
|
14,741,333 |
|
|
|
325,656 |
|
Dr. E. Douglas Hodo |
|
|
14,176,962 |
|
|
|
890,027 |
|
Laurie C. Moore |
|
|
14,651,581 |
|
|
|
415,408 |
|
Dr. W. Arthur Porter |
|
|
14,675,737 |
|
|
|
391,252 |
|
|
Directors elected by Class B Common stockholders:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Votes |
|
|
Votes For |
|
Withheld |
|
Thomas G. Apel |
|
|
1,050,012 |
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. E. Douglas Hodo |
|
|
1,050,012 |
|
|
|
|
|
Laurie C. Moore |
|
|
1,050,012 |
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. W. Arthur Porter |
|
|
1,050,012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
At our meeting, our stockholders also voted to approve an amendment to the Stewart Information
Services Corporation Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized
shares of common stock from 30,000,000 to 50,000,000. The results were 12,285,394 votes for,
2,764,684 votes against, 16,910 votes to abstain and 1,876,794 broker non-votes.
Our stockholders also voted to approve the Stewart Information Services Corporation 2008 Strategic
Incentive Pool Plan by providing our Co-Chief Executive Officers with incentive compensation that
is tied to the achievement of certain strategic goals. The results were 13,199,752 votes for,
587,373 votes against, 26,009 votes to abstain and 3,130,649 broker non-votes.
In addition, our stockholders voted to approve an increase in the number of shares authorized under
the Stewart Information Services Corporation 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan from 1,360,000 to
1,710,000. The results were 11,632,492 votes for, 2,157,239 votes against, 23,403 votes to abstain
and 3,130,649 broker non-votes.
- 32 -
|
|
|
Item 5. |
|
Other Information |
We had a book value per share of $24.90 and $27.63 as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008,
respectively. As of June 30, 2009, our book value per share was based on approximately $454.1
million in stockholders equity and 18,237,416 shares of Common and Class B Common Stock
outstanding. As of December 31, 2008, our book value per share was based on approximately $501.2
million in stockholders equity and 18,141,787 shares of Common and Class B Common Stock
outstanding.
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.
- 33 -
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, I have duly caused this
report to be signed on our behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
August 5, 2009
Date
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stewart Information Services Corporation
Registrant
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ J. Allen Berryman
J. Allen Berryman, Executive Vice President,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, Treasurer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
and Principal Financial Officer |
|
|
- 34 -
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit |
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
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
|
|
-
|
|
By-Laws of the Registrant, as amended March 13,
2000 (incorporated by reference in this report
from Exhibit 3.2 of the Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000) |
|
|
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
-
|
|
Rights of Common and Class B Common Stockholders
(incorporated by reference to Exhibits 3.1 and
3.2 hereto) |
|
|
|
|
|
10.1
|
|
-
|
|
Stewart Information Services Corporation Amended
and Restated 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan
(incorporated by reference in this report from
Exhibit 10.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K
filed May 5, 2009) |
|
|
|
|
|
31.1 *
|
|
-
|
|
Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer
pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
31.2 *
|
|
-
|
|
Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer
pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
31.3 *
|
|
-
|
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer
pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
32.1 *
|
|
-
|
|
Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
32.2 *
|
|
-
|
|
Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
32.3 *
|
|
-
|
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Filed herewith |
|
|
|
Management contract or compensatory plan |