# STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORP (STC) FY 2024 MD&A

Verbatim Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis from STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORP's 10-K for fiscal year 2024.

SEC filing source: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/94344/000009434425000004/stc-20241231.htm
Accession: 0000094344-25-000004
Filing date: 2025-02-28
Report date: 2024-12-31
Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Published MD&A gate trimmed front/tail over-capture.
Confidence: high

Company profile: /company/STC/
All MD&A years: /company/STC/mda/
Previous year: /company/STC/mda/fy2023/ (FY 2023)
Next year: /company/STC/mda/fy2025/ (FY 2025)

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A)

MANAGEMENT'S OVERVIEW

Net income attributable to Stewart for the year 2024 was $73.3 million, or $2.61 per diluted share, compared to $30.4 million, or $1.11 per diluted share, in 2023. Pretax income before noncontrolling interests in 2024 was $114.3     million (4.6% pretax margin) compared to $60.9 million (2.7% pretax margin) in 2023. During 2024, total operating revenues increased 10% to $2.42 billion compared to $2.21 billion in 2023, while total expenses increased 8% to $2.38 billion, compared to $2.20 billion in 2023, primarily driven by higher revenues in title and real estate solutions services operations. Refer to "Results of Operations" for detailed year-to-year income statement discussions, and "Liquidity and Capital Resources" for an analysis of Stewart's financial condition.

For the fourth quarter 2024, we reported net income attributable to Stewart of $22.7 million ($0.80 per diluted share), compared to net income attributable to Stewart of $8.8 million ($0.32 per diluted share) for the fourth quarter 2023. Fourth quarter 2024 pretax income before noncontrolling interests was $35.4 million compared to pretax income before noncontrolling interests of $18.8 million for the prior year quarter.

Fourth quarter 2024 included $1.7 million of pretax net realized and unrealized gains, primarily related to net gains from fair value changes of equity security investments and an acquisition liability adjustment, partially offset by losses from a sale of an office and an investment impairment. Fourth quarter 2023 results included $4.8 million of pretax net realized and unrealized gains primarily driven by net gains on fair value changes of equity securities investments and an acquisition liability adjustment.

Title segment. Summary results of the title segment are as follows (in $ millions, except pretax margin and % change):

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","For the Three Months Ended December 31,"],["","2024","","2023","","% Change"],["Operating revenues","562.7","","","503.0","","","12","%"],["Investment income","14.5","","","13.0","","","12","%"],["Net realized and unrealized gains","2.8","","","5.1","","","(46)","%"],["Pretax income","45.2","","","27.3","","","65","%"],["Pretax margin","7.8","%","","5.2","%"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

Segment operating revenues in the fourth quarter 2024 increased $59.8 million, or 12%, driven by increased revenues from our direct and agency title operations, while total segment operating expenses increased $41.0 million, or 8%, compared to the fourth quarter 2023. Agency retention expenses in the fourth quarter 2024 increased $13.7 million, or 6%, consistent with the $16.6 million, or 6%, increase in gross agency revenues compared to the prior year quarter.

17

Total title segment employee costs and other operating expenses in the fourth quarter 2024 increased $27.1 million, or 11%, compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to increased incentive compensation expenses related to higher title revenues, higher outside search expenses resulting from higher commercial revenues, and increased severance expenses, primarily related to an executive retirement announced in September 2024. As a percentage of operating revenues, total segment employee costs and other operating expenses slightly improved to 48.7% in the fourth quarter 2024 compared to 49.1% in the prior year quarter. Title loss expense in the fourth quarter 2024 was $20.7 million, which was comparable to the fourth quarter 2023, primarily as a result of our overall favorable claim experience offsetting the incremental title loss expense related to increased title revenues. As a percentage of title revenues, title loss expense was 3.7% in the fourth quarter 2024 compared to 4.1% in the prior year quarter.

Direct title revenue information is presented below (in $ millions, except % change):

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","For the Three Months Ended December 31,"],["","2024","","2023","","% Change"],["Non-commercial"],["Domestic","162.5","","","153.8","","","6","%"],["International","25.9","","","24.0","","","8","%"],["","188.4","","","177.8","","","6","%"],["Commercial:"],["Domestic","84.1","","","56.1","","","50","%"],["International","11.1","","","6.5","","","71","%"],["","95.2","","","62.6","","","52","%"],["Total direct title revenues","283.6","","","240.4","","","18","%"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

Total non-commercial domestic revenues in the fourth quarter 2024 improved by $8.7 million, or 6%, primarily due to increased total non-commercial domestic transactions compared to the fourth quarter 2023. Domestic commercial revenues in the fourth quarter 2024 increased by $28.0, or 50%, primarily due to a higher average transaction size and a 13% increase in commercial transactions compared to the prior year quarter. Fourth quarter 2024 average domestic commercial fee per file was $19,600, or 33% higher compared to $14,800 in the fourth quarter 2023, while average domestic residential fee per file was $2,900, which was 8% lower compared to $3,200 from the prior year quarter, primarily due to a lower purchase transaction mix during the fourth quarter 2024. Total international revenues in the fourth quarter 2024 increased by $6.5 million, or 21%, primarily due to higher transaction volumes compared to the prior year quarter.

Real estate solutions segment. Summary results of the real estate solutions segment are as follows (in $ millions, except pretax margin and % change):

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","For the Three Months Ended December 31,"],["","2024","","2023","","% Change"],["Operating revenues","87.0","","","61.4","","","42","%"],["Pretax income","0.9","","","1.4","","","(34)","%"],["Pretax margin","1.1","%","","2.3","%"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

The segment’s fourth quarter 2024 operating revenues improved $25.6 million, or 42%, primarily due to increased revenues from credit information and valuation management services operations compared to the fourth quarter 2023. On a combined basis, the segment's employee costs and other operating expenses increased $26.2 million, or 49%, primarily driven by higher vendor prices for credit information services and increased employee count in anticipation of new customers and related revenue. The segment's pretax income included acquisition intangible asset amortization expenses of $5.5 million and $5.8 million in the fourth quarters 2024 and 2023, respectively.

18

Corporate segment. The segment's fourth quarter 2024 results included net expenses attributable to corporate operations of $9.7 million, which were comparable to the prior year quarter, and a $1.1 million unrealized loss related to an investment impairment.

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. The discussion of critical accounting estimates below should be read in conjunction with the related accounting policies disclosed within Note 1 to our audited consolidated financial statements in Part IV of this annual report.

Title loss reserves

Provisions for title losses, as a percentage of title operating revenues, were 3.9%, 4.1% and 3.8% for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Actual loss payment experience, including the impact of large losses, is the primary reason for increases or decreases in our title loss provision. A 100 basis point change in the loss provisioning percentage, a reasonable scenario based on our historical loss experience, would have increased or decreased our provision for title losses, and affected pretax income by approximately $20.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.

We consider our actual claims payments (net of recoveries) and incurred loss experience, including the frequency and severity of claims, compared to our actuarial estimates of claims payments and incurred losses in determining whether our overall loss experience has improved or worsened relative to prior periods. We also consider the impact of economic or market factors on particular policy years to determine whether the results of those policy years are indicative of future expectations. In addition, 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 potential higher dollar amount of loss, lower volume of claims reported and sporadic reporting of such claims. We evaluate the frequency and severity of large losses in determining whether our experience has improved or worsened. Our method for recording the reserves for title losses on both an interim and annual basis begins with the calculation of our current loss provision rate which is applied to our current premium revenues, resulting in a title loss expense for the period, except for large claims and escrow losses. This loss provision rate is set to provide for losses on current year policies and is primarily determined using moving average ratios of recent actual policy loss payment experience (net of recoveries) to premium revenues.

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

Provisions for known claims arise primarily from prior policy years as claims are not typically reported until years after policies are issued. Provisions - Incurred But Not Reported (IBNR) are estimates of claims expected to be incurred over the next 20 years; therefore, it is not unusual or unexpected to experience changes to those estimated provisions in both current and prior policy years as additional loss experience on policy years is obtained. This loss experience may result in changes to our estimate of total ultimate losses expected (i.e., the IBNR policy loss reserve). Current year provisions - IBNR are recorded on policies issued in the current year as a percentage of premiums earned (loss provisioning rate). As claims become known, provisions are reclassified from IBNR to known claims. Adjustments relating to large claims may impact provisions either for known claims or for IBNR.

19

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","","2024","","2023","","2022"],["","","(in $ millions)"],["Provisions \u2013 Known Claims:"],["Current year","","15.3","","","16.9","","","20.2"],["Prior policy years","","66.8","","","70.4","","","84.2"],["","","82.1","","","87.3","","","104.4"],["Provisions \u2013 IBNR"],["Current year","","56.1","","","49.9","","","75.2"],["Prior policy years","","9.0","","","13.5","","","7.3"],["","","65.1","","","63.4","","","82.5"],["Transferred IBNR to Known Claims","","(66.8)","","","(70.4)","","","(84.2)"],["Total provisions","","80.4","","","80.3","","","102.7"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

In 2024, total provisions for known claims decreased $5.2 million, or 6%, compared to 2023, primarily as a result of changes to existing large and non-large claims related to prior policy years, while total provisions - IBNR increased $1.7 million, or 3%, primarily due to increased title premiums in 2024. In 2023, total known claims provisions decreased by $17.1 million, or 16%, primarily as a result of changes to existing large and non-large claims related to prior policy years, while total provisions - IBNR decreased $19.1 million, or 23%, primarily due to lower title premiums compared to 2022. As a percentage of title operating revenues, current year provisions - IBNR were 2.7%, 2.6% and 3.8% in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

In addition to title policy claims, we incur losses in our direct operations from escrow, closing and disbursement functions. Escrow losses typically relate to errors or other miscalculations of amounts to be paid at closing, including timing or amount of a mortgage payoff, payment of property or other taxes and payment of homeowners’ association fees, and wire fraud. In those cases, the title insurer incurs the loss under its obligation to ensure that an unencumbered title is conveyed. These losses are recognized as expenses when discovered or when contingencies associated with them (such as litigation) are resolved and are typically paid less than 12 months after the loss is recognized.

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. These incurred losses are typically more severe in terms of dollar value compared with traditional title policy claims since the independent agency is often able, over time, to conceal misappropriations of escrow funds relating to more than one transaction through the constant volume of funds moving through its escrow accounts. In declining real estate markets, lower transaction volumes result in a lower incoming volume of funds, making it more difficult to cover up the misappropriations with incoming funds. Thus, when the defalcation is discovered, it often relates to several transactions. In addition, the overall decline in an independent agency’s revenues, profits and cash flows increases the agency’s incentive to improperly utilize the escrow funds from real estate transactions. For each of the three years ended December 31, 2024, our net title losses due to independent agency defalcations were not material.

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, the scope of our review is limited by attorney agencies that cite client confidentiality. Certain states have mandated annual reviews of agencies by their underwriter. We also determine whether our independent agencies have appropriate internal controls as defined by ALTA's best practices and us. However, even with adequate internal controls in place, their effectiveness can be circumvented by collusion or improper override of the controls by management at the independent agencies. To aid in the selection of independent agencies to review, we have developed an agency risk model that aggregates data from different areas to identify possible issues. This is not a guarantee that all independent agencies with deficiencies will be identified. In addition, we are typically not the only underwriter for which an independent agency issues policies, and independent agencies may not always provide complete financial records for our review.

20

Goodwill impairment

Goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed for impairment annually and whenever occurrences of events indicate a potential impairment at the reporting unit level. Refer to Note 1-L and Note 8 to our audited consolidated financial statements for details about our goodwill impairment review process and goodwill balances, respectively.

The valuation techniques performed in our quantitative analysis make use of our estimates and assumptions related to critical factors, which include revenue and operating margin growth rates, future market conditions, determination of market multiples and comparative companies, assignment of a control premium, and determination of risk-adjusted discount rates. Forecasts of future operations are based, in part, on actual operating results and our expectations as to future market conditions, which are inherently uncertain and difficult to project. In performing our analysis, we make assumptions and apply judgments to estimate industry economic factors and the future profitability of our businesses. Due to the uncertainty and complexity of performing the goodwill impairment analysis, future results related to market conditions and our business operations and other inputs to the analysis may be worse than estimated or assumed. In such cases, we may be exposed to future material impairments of goodwill.

For our annual goodwill impairment test for all our reporting units, we utilized the quantitative approach during 2024 and 2023 and concluded that there is no impairment of goodwill for any of our reporting units.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

We discuss in this section the consolidated results of operations for the years 2024 and 2023, as compared to each corresponding prior year. Factors contributing to fluctuations in our results of operations are presented in the order of their monetary significance, and significant changes are quantified, when necessary. Segment results are included in the discussions and are discussed separately, when relevant.

Industry data. Published U.S. mortgage interest rates and other selected residential housing data for the three years ended December 31, 2024 are shown below (amounts shown for 2024 are preliminary and subject to revision). The amounts below may not relate directly to or provide accurate data for forecasting our operating revenues or order counts. Our statements on home sales, mortgage interest rates and loan activity are based on averaged published industry data as of December 31, 2024 from sources including Fannie Mae and the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), when available.

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","","2024","","2023","","2022"],["Mortgage interest rates (30-year, fixed-rate) \u2013 %"],["Averages for the year","","6.72","","","6.80","","","5.33"],["First quarter","","6.75","","","6.36","","","3.79"],["Second quarter","","6.99","","","6.49","","","5.24"],["Third quarter","","6.51","","","7.04","","","5.58"],["Fourth quarter","","6.65","","","7.29","","","6.69"],["Mortgage originations \u2013 $ billions","","1,714","","","1,554","","","2,347"],["Refinancings \u2013 % of originations","","25","","","18","","","31"],["Existing home sales \u2013 in millions","","4.05","","","4.10","","","5.07"],["Existing home median sales price \u2013 in $ thousands","","406","","","388","","","384"],["New home sales \u2013 in millions","","0.70","","","0.67","","","0.64"],["New home median sales price \u2013 in $ thousands","","423","","","427","","","456"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

After reaching a 23-year high of 7.79% during the fourth quarter 2023, the average 30-year mortgage interest rate dipped during 2024, influenced by several interest rate reductions by the federal government in late 2024. The average 30-year mortgage interest rate was 6.85% at the end of 2024, compared to 6.61% at the end of 2023. Total loan originations in 2024 improved 10% compared to 2023, primarily due to a 52% increase in refinancing transactions, with purchase lending volume improving by 1%. However, existing home sales in 2024 remained subdued, primarily as a result of continued relatively elevated interest rates, accompanied by low housing inventory, affordability challenges caused by rising home prices, and weather events in 2024.

21

Fannie Mae and MBA expect the 30-year mortgage interest rate in 2025 to average similar to 2024 and slightly improve to 6.40% in 2026. Total mortgage originations are expected to increase 18% in 2025 compared to 2024, with refinancing and purchase transactions increasing 41% and 10%, respectively, while existing and new homes sales are expected to improve to 4.21 million (4%) and 0.77 million (10%), respectively, compared to 2024.

Factors affecting revenues. Our primary business is title insurance and settlement-related services. We close transactions and issue title policies on homes, commercial and other real properties located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and international markets through policy-issuing offices, agencies and centralized title services centers. Our real estate solutions operations include credit and real estate information services, valuation management services, online notarization and closing services, and search services. The corporate segment includes our parent holding company and centralized support services departments, along with other businesses not related to title or real estate solutions operations. Refer to Item 1. Business for details.

The principal factors that contribute to changes in our operating revenues include:

•interest rates;

•availability of mortgage loans;

•number and average value of mortgage loan originations;

•ability of potential purchasers to qualify for loans;

•inventory of existing homes available for sale;

•ratio of purchase transactions compared with refinance transactions;

•ratio of closed orders to open orders;

•home prices;

•consumer confidence, including employment trends;

•demand by buyers;

•premium rates and related state regulations;

•foreign currency exchange rates;

•market share;

•ability to attract and retain highly productive sales associates;

•independent agency remittance rates;

•opening and integration of new offices and acquisitions;

•office closures;

•number and value of commercial transactions, which typically yield higher premiums;

•government or regulatory initiatives;

•acquisitions or divestitures of businesses;

•volume of distressed property transactions; and

•seasonality and/or weather.

Premiums are determined in part by the values of the transactions we handle. To the extent inflation or market conditions cause increases in the prices of homes and other real estate, premium revenues are also increased. Conversely, falling home prices cause premium revenues to decline. Home price changes may override the seasonal nature of the title insurance business. Historically, our first quarter is the least active in terms of title insurance revenues as home buying is generally depressed during winter months. Our second and third quarters are typically the most active as the summer is the traditional home buying season, and while commercial transaction closings are skewed to the end of the year, individually large commercial transactions can occur any time of year. On average, title premium rates for refinance orders are lower compared to a similarly priced purchase transaction.

22

Title revenues. Direct title revenue information is presented below:

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","Year Ended December 31","","Change","","Percent Change"],["","2024","2023","2022","","2024 vs 2023","2023 vs 2022","","2024 vs 2023","2023 vs 2022"],["","(in $ millions)","","(in $ millions)"],["Non-commercial"],["Domestic","636.1","","656.3","","830.5","","","(20.2)","","(174.2)","","","(3)","%","(21)","%"],["International","102.2","","98.1","","130.5","","","4.1","","(32.4)","","","4","%","(25)","%"],["","738.3","","754.4","","961.0","","","(16.1)","","(206.6)","","","(2)","%","(21)","%"],["Commercial:"],["Domestic","251.5","","182.2","","251.3","","","69.3","","(69.1)","","","38","%","(27)","%"],["International","30.6","","26.1","","34.0","","","4.5","","(7.9)","","","17","%","(23)","%"],["","282.1","","208.3","","285.3","","","73.8","","(77.0)","","","35","%","(27)","%"],["Total direct title revenues","1,020.4","","962.7","","1,246.3","","","57.7","","(283.6)","","","6","%","(23)","%"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

Direct title revenues in 2024 improved 6% compared to 2023, primarily driven by increased commercial revenues resulting from increased commercial transactions and higher average transaction size in 2024. Total non-commercial domestic revenues in 2024 declined 3% compared to 2023, primarily as a result of lower total residential transactions influenced by the continued elevated interest rates and weaker existing home sales in 2024. Purchase closed orders during 2024 declined 8%, partially offset by an 8% improvement in refinancing closed orders compared to 2023. Average domestic commercial fee per file in 2024 was $16,300, which was 34% higher compared to 2023, while average residential fee per file in 2024 was $3,000, which was 7% lower compared to 2023, primarily due to lower purchase transaction mix in 2024. Total international revenues in 2024 improved $8.6 million, 7%, primarily due to higher transaction volumes in our Canadian and Australian operations compared to 2023.

Direct title revenues in 2023 decreased 23% compared to 2022, primarily due to reduced transaction volumes driven by the elevated interest rate market environment. Total non-commercial domestic revenues in 2023 declined 21%, primarily due to 20% and 51% lower residential purchase and refinancing transactions, respectively, compared to 2022. Domestic commercial revenues decreased 27% in 2023, primarily driven by 19% lower commercial transactions and smaller transaction sizes compared to 2022. Average domestic commercial fee per file in 2023 was $12,200, which was 11% lower compared to 2022, while average residential fee per file in 2023 was $3,200, which was 6% higher compared to 2022, primarily due to transaction mix in 2023. Total international revenues decreased $40.3 million, or 24%, in 2023 primarily due to lower transaction volumes in our Canadian and United Kingdom operations compared to the prior year.

23

Closed and opened orders information is as follows:

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","Year Ended December 31","","Change","","% Change"],["","2024","2023","2022","","2024 vs 2023","2023 vs 2022","","2024 vs 2023","2023 vs 2022"],["Opened Orders:"],["Commercial","15,167","","14,203","","20,202","","","964","","(5,999)","","","7","%","(30)","%"],["Purchase","191,938","","202,947","","241,781","","","(11,009)","","(38,834)","","","(5)","%","(16)","%"],["Refinance","71,274","","64,418","","98,663","","","6,856","","(34,245)","","","11","%","(35)","%"],["Other","44,449","","27,328","","9,037","","","17,121","","18,291","","","63","%","202","%"],["Total","322,828","","308,896","","369,683","","","13,932","","(60,787)","","","5","%","(16)","%"],["Closed Orders:"],["Commercial","15,452","","14,971","","18,448","","","481","","(3,477)","","","3","%","(19)","%"],["Purchase","135,471","","147,528","","184,652","","","(12,057)","","(37,124)","","","(8)","%","(20)","%"],["Refinance","43,252","","40,151","","81,755","","","3,101","","(41,604)","","","8","%","(51)","%"],["Other","34,577","","17,612","","8,071","","","16,965","","9,541","","","96","%","118","%"],["Total","228,752","","220,262","","292,926","","","8,490","","(72,664)","","","4","%","(25)","%"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

Gross revenues from independent agency operations (agency revenues) improved $57.2 million, or 6%, in 2024, while they decreased $480.3 million, or 33%, in 2023, compared to corresponding prior years, which were consistent with the performance of our direct title operations and trends of the overall real estate market during 2024 and 2023. Net agency revenues (which are net of agency retention) increased $5.9 million, or 3%, in 2024 and decreased $85.5 million, or 33%, in 2023, compared to respective prior periods, primarily consistent with the gross agency revenues trend. Refer further to the "Retention by agencies" discussion under Expenses below.

Title revenues by geographic location. The approximate amounts and percentages of consolidated title operating revenues for the last three years ended December 31, 2024 were as follows:

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","","Year Ended December 31","","Percentages"],["","","2024","2023","2022","","2024","2023","2022"],["","","(in $ millions)"],["Texas","","315","","305","","448","","","16","%","16","%","17","%"],["New York","","206","","195","","284","","","10","%","10","%","10","%"],["International","","141","","131","","176","","","7","%","7","%","6","%"],["Ohio","","123","","96","","105","","","6","%","5","%","4","%"],["California","","93","","89","","133","","","5","%","5","%","5","%"],["Pennsylvania","","87","","77","","77","","","4","%","4","%","3","%"],["Florida","","85","","85","","135","","","4","%","4","%","5","%"],["All others","","1,014","","971","","1,355","","","48","%","49","%","50","%"],["","","2,064","","1,949","","2,713","","","100","%","100","%","100","%"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

Real estate solutions and other revenues. Real estate solutions and other revenues are primarily comprised of revenues generated by our real estate solutions operations. These revenues also included $39.2 million of 2022 revenues generated by a real estate brokerage company which was sold in the second quarter 2022. Excluding the real estate brokerage company, real estate solutions revenues increased $95.0 million, or 36%, in 2024 compared to 2023, primarily due to increased revenues from our credit information and valuation management services operations, while these revenues decreased $33.1 million, or 11%, in 2023 compared to 2022, primarily due to the slow market activity influenced by higher interest rates.

24

Investment income. Investment income improved $10.2 million, or 23%, and $22.7 million, or 101%, in 2024 and 2023, respectively, compared to the corresponding prior periods, primarily due to higher interest income resulting from earned interest from eligible escrow balances which started mid-2023. Higher interest rates also contributed to the increased investment income in 2023 compared to 2022. Refer to Note 6 to our audited consolidated financial statements for additional details.

Net realized and unrealized gains. Refer to Note 6 to our audited consolidated financial statements for details.

Expenses. Our employee costs and certain other operating expenses are sensitive to inflation. An analysis of expenses is shown below:

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","Year Ended December 31","","Change*","","% Change"],["","2024","2023","2022","","2024 vs 2023","2023 vs 2022","","2024 vs 2023","2023 vs 2022"],["","(in $ millions)","","(in $ millions)"],["Amounts retained by independent agencies","864.8","","813.5","","1,208.3","","","51.3","","(394.8)","","","6","%","(33)","%"],["As a % of agency revenues","82.9","%","82.5","%","82.4","%"],["Employee costs","745.4","","712.8","","802.0","","","32.6","","(89.2)","","","5","%","(11)","%"],["As a % of operating revenues","30.8","%","32.2","%","26.3","%"],["Other operating expenses","604.0","","507.7","","648.0","","","96.3","","(140.3)","","","19","%","(22)","%"],["As a % of operating revenues","24.9","%","22.9","%","21.3","%"],["Title losses and related claims","80.4","","80.3","","102.7","","","0.1","","(22.4)","","","\u2014","%","(22)","%"],["As a % of title revenues","3.9","%","4.1","%","3.8","%"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

*Amounts change may not add due to rounding.

Retention by agencies. Amounts retained by title agencies are based on agreements between agencies and our title underwriters. Amounts retained by independent agencies, as a percentage of revenues generated by them, averaged 82.9%, 82.5% and 82.4% during each of the three years ended December 31, 2024. The average retention rate slightly increased in 2024, primarily as a result of increased revenues from states with relatively higher retention rates in 2024. The average retention percentage may vary from period to period due to the geographical mix of agency operations, the volume of title revenues and, in some states, laws or regulations. Due to the variety of such laws or regulations, as well as competitive factors, the average retention rate can differ significantly from state to state. In addition, a high proportion of our independent agencies are in states with retention rates greater than 80%. We continue to focus on increasing profit margins in every state, increasing premium revenue in states where remittance rates are above 20%, and maintaining the quality of our agency network, which we believe to be the industry’s best, in order to mitigate claims risk and drive consistent future performance. While market share is important in our agency operations channel, it is not as important as margins, risk mitigation and profitability.

Selected cost ratios (by selected segment). The following table shows employee costs and other operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenues for each of the title and real estate solutions segments for the years ended December 31:

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","","Employee Costs","","Other Operating Expenses"],["","","2024","2023","2022","","2024","2023","2022"],["Title","","32.8","%","33.3","%","27.1","%","","16.5","%","16.4","%","14.8","%"],["Real estate solutions","","15.2","%","18.7","%","17.0","%","","72.2","%","68.2","%","68.8","%"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

Employee costs. Consolidated employee costs in 2024 increased $32.6 million, or 5%, compared to 2023, primarily driven by increased incentive compensation on overall improved revenues and higher salaries and benefits expenses on higher average employee count in 2024. Consolidated employee costs in 2023 decreased $89.2 million, or 11%, compared to 2022, primarily driven by lower salaries and benefits expenses, temporary labor and overtime costs, and incentive compensation resulting from lower average employee count and transaction volumes in 2023.

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Our total employee counts at December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 were approximately 7,000, 6,800 and 7,100, respectively. Average cost per employee for 2024 increased 6% compared to 2023, primarily driven by higher incentive compensation and benefits expenses, while it decreased 2% in 2023 compared to 2022, primarily due to lower incentive compensation, temporary labor and overtime costs driven by reduced 2023 transaction volumes.

Employee costs in 2024 for the title and real estate solutions segments increased $28.5 million, or 4%, and $5.3 million, or 11%, respectively, primarily driven by higher average employee counts and increased incentive compensation compared to 2023. Employee costs in 2023 for the title and real estate solutions segments decreased $86.9 million, or 12%, and $1.1 million, or 2%, respectively, compared to 2022, primarily driven by lower average employee counts and transaction volumes in 2023.

Other operating expenses. Other operating expenses include costs that are primarily fixed in nature, costs that follow, to varying degrees, changes in transaction volumes and revenues (variable costs) and costs that fluctuate independently of revenues (independent costs). Costs that are primarily fixed in nature include rent and other occupancy expenses, equipment rental, insurance, repairs and maintenance, technology costs, telecommunications and title plant expenses. Variable costs include appraiser and service expenses related to real estate solutions operations, outside search fees, attorney fee splits, credit losses (on receivables), copy supplies, delivery fees, postage, premium taxes and title plant maintenance expenses. Independent costs include general supplies, litigation defense, business promotion and marketing, and travel.

Consolidated other operating expenses in 2024 increased $96.3 million, or 19%, primarily driven by increased transactions from commercial services and real estate solutions operations compared to 2023, while other operating expenses in 2023 decreased $140.3 million, or 22%, primarily due to reduced transaction volumes in 2023 compared to 2022. Total other operating expenses, as a percentage of total operating revenues (other operating expenses ratio), were 24.9%, 22.9% and 21.3% during 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, with the higher other operating expenses ratios in 2024 and 2023 primarily driven by the increased size of our real estate solutions operations which typically have higher other operating expenses.

During 2024, total variable costs increased $99.5 million, or 37%. compared to 2023, primarily driven by higher appraiser and service expenses and outside search expenses resulting from improved revenues from real estate solutions and commercial services, respectively. Costs that are primarily fixed in nature in 2024 were comparable with 2023, while independent costs decreased $3.1 million, or 5%, primarily due to lower office closure and litigation settlement expenses, partially offset by higher business promotion and marketing, and travel costs.

During 2023, total variable costs decreased $109.6 million, or 29%, compared to 2022, primarily due to lower appraisal and outside search expenses tied to lower overall operating revenues. Costs that are primarily fixed in nature decreased $11.8 million, or 6%, primarily driven by reduced outsourcing and rent and other occupancy expenses, while independent costs decreased $19.0 million, or 25%, primarily due to lower litigation settlement, business promotion and marketing, and office closures expenses.

Title losses. Provisions for title losses, as a percentage of title operating revenues, were 3.9%, 4.1% and 3.8% in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The title loss ratio in any given year can be significantly influenced by changes in new large claims incurred, escrow losses and adjustments to reserves for existing large claims. We continue to manage and resolve large claims prudently and in keeping with our commitments to our policyholders.

Title losses in 2024 were $80.4 million, which was comparable to 2023, primarily due to the effect of higher title premiums being offset by overall favorable claim experience in 2024. Title losses in 2023 decreased $22.5 million, or 22%, compared to the previous year, primarily as a result of lower title premiums in 2023. Title losses paid were $85.4 million, $104.3 million and $93.1 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Total claims payments in 2024 decreased $18.9 million, or 18%, compared to 2023, primarily due to decreased payments for both large and non-large claims related to prior policy years, while total claims in 2023 increased $11.2 million, or 12%, compared to 2022, primarily as a result of increase in payments for non-large claims related to prior policy years. Claims payments made on large title claims, net of insurance recoveries, during 2024, 2023 and 2022 were $14.9 million, $26.3 million and $23.1 million, respectively.

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Our liability for estimated title losses as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 comprises both known claims and our IBNR. Known claims reserves are reserves related to actual losses reported to us. Our reserve for known claims comprises both claims related to title insurance policies as well as losses arising from escrow closing and funding operations due to fraud or error (which are recognized as expense when discovered). The amount of the reserve represents the aggregate, non-discounted future payments (net of recoveries) that we expect to incur on policy and escrow losses and in costs to settle claims.

Total title policy loss reserve balances at December 31 were as follows:

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","2024","2023"],["","(in $ millions)"],["Known claims","66.9","","70.2"],["IBNR","444.6","","458.1"],["Total estimated title losses","511.5","","528.3"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

The actual timing of estimated title loss payments may vary since claims, by their nature, are complex and paid over long periods of time. Based on historical payment patterns, approximately 85% of the outstanding loss reserves are paid out within eight years. As a result, the estimate of the ultimate amount to be paid on any claim may be modified over that time period. Due to the inherent uncertainty in predicting future title policy losses, significant judgment is required by both our management and our third party actuaries in estimating reserves. As a consequence, our ultimate liability may be materially greater or less than current reserves and/or our third party actuary’s calculated estimates. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, our reserve balance was above the actuarial midpoint of total estimated policy loss reserves. Refer to Note 10 (Estimated title losses) to our audited consolidated financial statements for details.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense in 2024 decreased $0.8 million, or 1%, compared to 2023, primarily due to lower acquisition intangible amortization expenses resulting from several assets becoming fully amortized, partially offset by increased depreciation expenses related to new internal-use systems placed into operation. Depreciation and amortization expense in 2023 increased $5.3 million, or 9%, compared to 2022, primarily due to increased depreciation expenses related to internal-use systems placed into operation starting in late 2022. Acquisition intangible asset amortization expenses in 2024, 2023 and 2022 were $32.1 million, $34.6 million and $33.0 million, respectively.

Income taxes. Our effective tax rates for 2024, 2023 and 2022 were 26%, 33% and 24%, respectively, based on income before taxes (after deducting noncontrolling interests) of $99.5 million, $45.7 million and $213.2 million, respectively. The higher effective tax rate for 2023 was primarily due to the effect of non-deductible expenses on lower pretax income and higher foreign income contribution (which is taxed at a higher rate than domestic income) in 2023. Refer to Note 7 to our audited consolidated financial statements for details on the effective tax rates and income tax accounts.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our liquidity and capital resources reflect our ability to generate cash flow to meet our obligations to shareholders, customers (payments to satisfy claims on title policies), vendors, employees, lenders and others. As of December 31, 2024, our total cash and investments, including amounts reserved pursuant to statutory requirements, aggregated $926.6 million. Of our total cash and investments at December 31, 2024, $523.4 million ($259.1 million, net of statutory reserves) was held in the United States (U.S.) and the rest internationally, principally in Canada.

As a holding company, the parent company is funded principally by cash from its subsidiaries' earnings in the form of dividends, operating and other administrative expense reimbursements and pursuant to intercompany tax sharing agreements. Cash held at the parent company and its unregulated subsidiaries (which totaled $32.1 million at December 31, 2024) is available for funding the parent company's operating expenses, interest payments on debt and dividend payments to common stockholders. The parent company also receives distributions from Guaranty, its regulated title insurance underwriter, to meet cash requirements for acquisitions and other strategic investments.

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A substantial majority of our consolidated cash and investments as of December 31, 2024 was held by Guaranty and its subsidiaries. The use and investment of these funds, 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 uses its cash and investments in excess of its legally-mandated statutory premium reserve (established in accordance with requirements under Texas law) to fund its insurance operations, including claims payments. Guaranty may also, subject to certain limitations, provide funds to its subsidiaries (whose operations consist principally of field title offices and real estate solutions operations) for their operating and debt service needs.

We maintain investments in accordance with certain statutory requirements for the funding of statutory premium reserves. Statutory premium reserves are required to be fully funded and invested in high-quality securities and short-term investments. Statutory reserve funds are not available for current claims payments, which must be funded from current operating cash flow. Included in investments in debt and equity securities are statutory reserve funds of approximately $535.5 million at December 31, 2024. In addition, included within cash and cash equivalents are statutory reserve funds of approximately $9.5 million at December 31, 2024. Although these cash statutory reserve funds are not restricted or segregated in depository accounts, they are required to be held pursuant to state statutes. If the Company fails to maintain minimum investments or cash and cash equivalents sufficient to meet statutory requirements, the Company may be subject to fines or other penalties, including potential revocation of its business license. As of December 31, 2024, our known claims reserve totaled $66.9 million and our estimate of claims that may be reported in the future, under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, totaled $444.6 million. In addition to this, we had cash and investments (excluding equity method investments) of $289.2 million which are available for underwriter operations, including claims payments.

The ability of Guaranty to pay dividends to its parent is governed by Texas insurance law. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) must be notified of any dividend declared, and any dividend in excess of the greater of the statutory net operating income or 20% of surplus (which was approximately $173.0 million as of December 31, 2024) would be, by regulation, considered extraordinary and subject to pre-approval by the TDI (see Note 3 to our audited consolidated financial statements for details). Also, the Texas Insurance Commissioner may raise an objection to a planned distribution during the notification period. Guaranty’s actual ability or intent to pay dividends to its parent may be constrained by business and regulatory considerations, such as the impact of dividends on surplus and liquidity, which could affect its ratings and competitive position, the amount of insurance it can write and its ability to pay future dividends. Guaranty paid $30.0 million in dividends to its parent during 2024, while it paid no dividends during 2023.

Contractual obligations. Our material contractual obligations at December 31, 2024 are composed primarily of our unsecured senior notes (and the related semi-annual interest payments), operating leases, and reserves for estimated title losses. Refer to Note 9 (Notes payable) and Note 14 (Leases) to our audited consolidated financial statements for details on the unsecured senior notes and operating leases, respectively. Refer to the Note 10 (Estimated title losses) to our audited consolidated financial statements and the Title losses section under Results of Operations for details on title losses.

Cash flows. As the parent company conducts no operations apart from its wholly-owned subsidiaries, the discussion below focuses on consolidated cash flows. Refer to the Consolidated statements of cash flows in the audited consolidated financial statements.

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","","2024","","2023","","2022"],["","","(in $ millions)"],["Net cash provided by operating activities","","135.6","","","83.0","","","191.9"],["Net cash used by investing activities","","(87.3)","","","(30.0)","","","(300.7)"],["Net cash used by financing activities","","(61.0)","","","(69.1)","","","(123.2)"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

Operating activities. Our principal sources of cash from operations are premiums on title policies and revenue from title service-related transactions, real estate solutions and other operations. 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.

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Net cash provided by operations in 2024 increased by $52.6 million compared to 2023, primarily due to higher net income and lower payments on claims, while net cash provided by operations in 2023 declined by $108.8 million compared to the prior year, primarily due to the lower net income and higher payments on claims. Although our business is labor intensive, we are focused on a cost-effective, scalable business model which includes utilization of technology, centralized back and middle office functions and business process outsourcing. We continue to thoughtfully manage expenses, especially in light of the current slow residential real estate market due to elevated mortgage interest rates, specifically focusing on lowering unit costs of production and improving operating margins in our direct title and real estate solutions operations. Our plans to improve margins include additional automation of manual processes, further consolidation of our various systems and production operations, and full integration of acquisitions. We continue to invest in the technology necessary to accomplish these goals.

Investing activities. Cash used and provided by investing activities is primarily driven by proceeds from matured and sold investments, purchases of investments, capital expenditures and acquisition of businesses. During 2024, 2023 and 2022, total proceeds from securities investments sold and matured were $130.6 million, $132.2 million and $103.8 million, respectively; while cash used for purchases of securities investments was $121.5 million, $78.0 million and $207.5 million, respectively.

We used $14.4 million, $25.1 million and $142.9 million of cash during 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, for acquisitions of various title and real estate solutions businesses, consistent with our strategy of increasing scale, growth in key markets and broader technology and service offerings. We used $40.5 million, $37.8 million and $47.9 million of cash for purchases of property and equipment and other long-lived assets during 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, while we used cash of $31.6 million and $1.0 million during 2024 and 2023, respectively, for cost-basis and other investments. We maintain investment in capital expenditures at a level that enables us to implement technologies for increasing our operational and back-office efficiencies and to pursue growth in key markets.

Financing activities and capital resources. Total debt and stockholders’ equity were $445.8 million and $1.4 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, our total debt-to-equity and debt-to-capitalization ratios, excluding short-term loan agreements in connection with our Section 1031 tax-deferred property exchange (Section 1031) business, were approximately 32% and 24%, respectively.

During 2024, 2023 and 2022, payments on notes payable of $3.4 million, $5.7 million and $74.3 million, respectively, and notes payable additions of $3.4 million, $3.5 million and $39.5 million, respectively, were related to our Section 1031 business, which had an outstanding balance of $0.2 million at December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, the outstanding balance of our Senior Notes was $445.7 million, while we have an unused $197.5 million borrowing capacity on our existing line of credit facility (refer to Note 9 to our audited consolidated financial statements for details).

During 2024, we paid dividends of $1.95 per common share, compared to $1.85 and $1.65 per common share paid during 2023 and 2022, respectively. Beginning in the third quarter 2024, our annual cash dividend was increased to $2.00 per share. In aggregate, we paid total dividends of $53.9 million, $50.5 million and $44.7 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Effect of changes in foreign currency rates. The effect of changes in foreign currency rates on the consolidated statements of cash flows was a net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents of $(4.5 million), $1.0 million and $(5.5 million) in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our primary foreign currencies are the Canadian dollar and British pound, and, relative to the U.S. dollar, the value of the Canadian dollar and British pound generally declined in 2024 and 2022, while it appreciated during 2023.

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We believe we have sufficient liquidity and capital resources to meet the cash needs of our ongoing operations, including consideration of the current economic and real estate environment created by the increasing mortgage interest rates. However, we may determine that additional debt or equity funding is warranted to provide liquidity for achievement of strategic goals or acquisitions or for unforeseen circumstances. Other than scheduled maturities of debt, operating lease payments and anticipated claims payments, we have no material contractual commitments. We expect that cash flows from operations and cash available from our underwriters, subject to regulatory restrictions, will be sufficient to fund our operations, including claims payments. However, to the extent that these funds are not sufficient, we may be required to borrow funds on terms less favorable than we currently have or seek funding from the equity market, which may not be successful or may be on terms that are dilutive to existing stockholders.

Other comprehensive (loss) income. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities investments and changes in foreign currency exchange rates are reported net of deferred taxes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of stockholders’ equity, until realized. Refer to Note 1-H and Note 19 to our audited consolidated financial statements for details.

In 2024, net unrealized investment gains of $6.6 million, net of taxes, which decreased our other comprehensive loss, were primarily related to net increases in the fair values of our corporate and foreign bond securities investments, primarily influenced by the federal government's reduction of interest rates. Also in 2024, we recorded foreign currency translation losses of $14.8 million, net of taxes, which increased our other comprehensive loss, which was primarily driven by the decline in value of the Canadian dollar and British pound against the U.S. dollar.

In 2023, net unrealized investment gains of $10.9 million, net of taxes, which increased our other comprehensive income, were primarily related to net increases in the fair values of our corporate and foreign bond securities investments, primarily influenced by inflation improvements and expected government actions to lower interest rates. Also in 2023, we recorded foreign currency translation gains which increased our other comprehensive income by $5.3 million, net of taxes, which was primarily driven by the appreciation in value of the Canadian dollar and British pound against the U.S. dollar.

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. In accordance with industry practice, these segregated accounts are not included on the balance sheet. See Note 15 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 15 of Part IV of this report for details.

Cautionary statements regarding 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 “may,” "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "will," "foresee" 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 following:

•the volatility of economic conditions;

•adverse changes in the level of real estate activity;

•changes in mortgage interest rates, existing and new home sales, and availability of mortgage financing;

•our ability to respond to and implement technology changes, including the completion of the implementation of our enterprise systems;

•the impact of unanticipated title losses or the need to strengthen our policy loss reserves;

•any effect of title losses on our cash flows and financial condition;

•the ability to attract and retain highly productive sales associates;

•the impact of vetting our agency operations for quality and profitability;

•independent agency remittance rates;

•changes to the participants in the secondary mortgage market and the rate of refinancing that affects the demand for title insurance products;

•regulatory non-compliance, fraud or defalcations by our title insurance agencies or employees;

30

•our ability to timely and cost-effectively respond to significant industry changes and introduce new products and services;

•our ability to realize anticipated benefits of our previous acquisitions;

•the outcome of pending litigation;

•our ability to manage risks associated with potential cybersecurity or other privacy or data security breaches;

•the impact of changes in governmental and insurance regulations, including any future reductions in the pricing of title insurance products and services;

•our dependence on our operating subsidiaries as a source of cash flow;

•our ability to access the equity and debt financing markets when and if needed;

•effects of seasonality and weather; and

•our ability to respond to the actions of our competitors.

All forward-looking statements included in this report are expressly qualified in their entirety by such cautionary statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update, amend or clarify any forward-looking statements contained in this report to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date hereof, except as may be required by applicable law.