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FAF Stock Trading at a Discount to Industry at 1.19X: Time to Hold?
ZACKS· 2026-01-06 16:06
Core Insights - First American Financial Corporation (FAF) shares are trading at a discount compared to the Zacks Property and Casualty Insurance industry, with a forward price-to-book value of 1.19X versus the industry average of 1.48X [1] - The company has a market capitalization of $6.33 billion and an average trading volume of 0.6 million shares over the last three months [2] - FAF's stock has gained 2.7% over the past year, underperforming the industry's growth of 7.8% [3] Growth Projections - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FAF's 2025 earnings per share indicates a year-over-year increase of 25.9%, with revenues projected at $7.27 billion, reflecting an 18.5% improvement [4] - For 2026, earnings per share and revenues are expected to increase by 11.4% and 7.8%, respectively, compared to 2025 estimates [4] Earnings Performance - FAF has surpassed earnings estimates in each of the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 21.1% [5] Market Outlook - The average price target for FAF, based on five analysts, is $77.20 per share, suggesting a potential upside of 26.3% from the last closing price [9] Financial Efficiency - FAF's return on equity stands at 11% for the trailing 12 months, outperforming the industry average of 8%, indicating effective utilization of shareholders' funds [11] Key Growth Drivers - Increased demand for first-time home purchases among millennials, along with an improving economy and labor markets, is expected to drive home price appreciation [12] - The company anticipates modest improvements in residential purchase and refinance businesses for 2025, supported by rising direct premiums and escrow fees [13] Strategic Focus - FAF is enhancing its product offerings, core business, and expanding valuation and data services, while also upgrading technology solutions to improve efficiency [14] - The company distributes wealth to shareholders through dividend hikes and share buybacks, with a dividend yield and payout ratio better than the industry average [14] Conclusion - Increased demand among millennials, a favorable rate environment, and strength in the commercial business are expected to positively impact FAF's results, along with a solid dividend yield [15] - The company benefits from a strong dividend history, solid growth projections, and higher return on equity, making it an attractive option for investors [16]
First American Financial (FAF) to Benefit From Mortgage Insurance Growth
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-03 06:02
Group 1 - First American Financial Corporation (NYSE:FAF) is recognized as one of the best financial pure plays under $100 according to hedge funds [1] - Analyst Bose George from Keefe Bruyette has reaffirmed a bullish stance on FAF, rating the stock as Buy and raising the target price from $79 to $81, indicating an upside of over 30% [1][2] - The stock has a moderately bullish sentiment with 2 Buy ratings and 2 Hold ratings, and a consensus 1-year target price of $74.50, which offers an upside of more than 20% [3] Group 2 - FAF operates as a specialty insurance provider, primarily offering title insurance and settlement services, along with home warranties, lending solutions, and wealth management services [4] - The company has diversified into data and analytics for both commercial and residential properties [4] - George's positive outlook on FAF is driven by expectations of double-digit growth in book value and a constructive view on the mortgage insurance market [2]
Is First American Financial Stock a Buy After Davis Asset Management Added Over 800,00 Shares to Its Position?
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-25 22:38
Company Overview - First American Financial Corporation is a leading provider of title insurance and specialty insurance products, with a significant presence in the U.S. real estate settlement services industry [7] - The company generates revenue through underwriting title insurance policies, delivering settlement and escrow services, and offering specialty insurance products to residential and commercial property markets [9] - First American's trailing twelve-month revenue was $7.08 billion, with a net income of $482.30 million and a dividend yield of 3.6% [4][5] Investment Activity - Davis Asset Management reported a significant increase in its stake in First American Financial Corporation, acquiring 811,642 additional shares during the third quarter, bringing its total holding to 1,100,000 shares valued at $70.66 million as of September 30, 2025 [2][4] - The position accounted for 2.52% of Davis Asset Management's $2.81 billion in reportable U.S. equity holdings [4] - The purchase occurred when First American shares hit a 52-week low of $53.09 in July, and the stock later rose to a 52-week high of $68.64 in September [10][11] Market Performance - As of November 13, 2025, shares of First American Financial Corporation were priced at $64.01, up 3.23% over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500 by 9.20 percentage points [3] - First American management believes the company is in the early stages of the next real estate upswing, suggesting a positive outlook for the housing market [11]
First American: Improving Fundamentals At A Compelling Valuation
Seeking Alpha· 2025-12-24 09:51
Core Insights - The article introduces Karandeep Kumar as a new contributing analyst for Seeking Alpha, highlighting his diverse professional background in technology, marketing, and creative industries, which provides a unique perspective on evaluating companies [2]. Group 1: Analyst Background - The analyst possesses a Master's in Business Administration and emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying reasons behind a company's business model, beyond just numerical data [2]. - The investment strategy combines value and growth, inspired by Benjamin Graham's principles and venture capital approaches, focusing on undervalued companies and those with hidden potential [2]. Group 2: Research Philosophy - The analyst dedicates significant time to reading quarterly and annual reports, particularly the fine print that may be overlooked by others, to gain deeper insights into company health [2]. - The goal of writing for Seeking Alpha is to share research and analysis to assist investors in making informed decisions [2].
First American Financial: Upgrade To Buy, But Patience Is Required (FAF)
Seeking Alpha· 2025-12-22 20:02
Core Viewpoint - The title insurance industry is viewed positively, with a specific focus on First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF) as a long-term investment opportunity [1]. Group 1: Company Overview - First American Financial Corporation (FAF) is highlighted as a key player in the title insurance industry, with the author expressing a long-term ownership perspective [1]. Group 2: Analyst Background - Ian Bezek, a former hedge fund analyst, has extensive experience in Latin American markets and specializes in high-quality compounders and growth stocks [2].
First American Financial: Upgrade To Buy, But Patience Is Required
Seeking Alpha· 2025-12-22 20:02
Group 1 - The title insurance industry is viewed positively, with a long-term investment in First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF) being highlighted as a key strategy [1] - The analyst has a beneficial long position in FAF shares, indicating confidence in the company's performance [3] Group 2 - The analyst has extensive experience in Latin American markets, focusing on countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Chile, which may provide valuable insights into regional investment opportunities [2] - The investment group led by the analyst offers features such as market updates, trade alerts, and direct access to the analyst, enhancing investor engagement [2]
Why Is First American Financial (FAF) Down 1.3% Since Last Earnings Report?
ZACKS· 2025-11-21 17:31
Core Insights - First American Financial Corporation (FAF) reported strong third-quarter earnings, with operating income per share of $1.70, exceeding estimates by 19.7% and reflecting a year-over-year increase of 26.8% [3] - The company experienced a significant rise in operating revenues, which reached $1.9 billion, marking a 40.7% increase year-over-year, driven by higher direct premiums and improved net investment income [4] - The board of directors raised the dividend by 2 cents to $2.20 per share, indicating confidence in the company's financial health [10] Financial Performance - Operating income per share for Q3 2025 was $1.70, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 19.7% [3] - Total revenues increased to $1.9 billion, up 40.7% year-over-year, driven by higher direct premiums and escrow fees [4] - Investment income rose to $163.8 million, an 11.7% increase year-over-year [4] - Expenses increased by 11.7% to $1.7 billion, slightly above estimates [4] Segment Analysis - Title Insurance and Services segment revenues grew by 42% year-over-year to $1.8 billion, driven by higher direct premiums and improved net investment income [5] - Home Warranty segment revenues increased by 3.3% to $114.6 million, with a significant pretax income increase of 80% year-over-year [7] - Corporate segment reported a pretax loss of $25 million, an increase of $6 million compared to the previous year [8] Financial Position - Cash and cash equivalents stood at $2.91 billion, a 69.4% increase from the end of 2024 [9] - Stockholders' equity rose to $5.3 billion, an 8% increase from the previous year [9] - The debt-to-capital ratio was reported at 33% [9] Market Outlook - Analysts have noted an upward trend in estimates for FAF, with a consensus estimate shift of 8.94% [11] - The stock has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating expectations for above-average returns in the coming months [13] - The overall VGM Score for FAF is B, with a strong value score placing it in the top 20% for value investors [12]
What One Hedge Fund's $29.6 Million Bet on First American Signals About the U.S. Housing Market
The Motley Fool· 2025-11-15 13:48
Core Insights - Solel Partners LP has initiated a new stake in First American Financial, acquiring 460,700 shares valued at $29.6 million, representing 5.7% of the fund's U.S. equity holdings [2][6] - First American Financial's stock price is currently $63.72, reflecting a 1.7% increase over the past year, but underperforming compared to the S&P 500's nearly 15% gain [3][4] Company Overview - First American Financial is a leading provider of title insurance and specialty financial services, with trailing twelve-month revenue of $7.1 billion and net income of $482.3 million [4][5] - The company has a dividend yield of 3.4% and is actively repurchasing stock, indicating confidence in its cash generation capabilities [4][8] Recent Performance - In the third quarter, First American reported a 41% year-over-year revenue increase to $2 billion, with commercial revenue rising by 29% and investment income increasing by 12% to $153 million [7][8] - Despite these strong fundamentals, First American's shares have been volatile and largely flat over the past year, lagging behind broader market performance [7][8] Market Outlook - The investment by Solel Partners suggests a belief in the early stages of a recovery in real estate activity, as the title insurance sector is known for its sensitivity to interest rates and transaction-driven volatility [6][8] - If real estate activity rebounds, First American's leverage to rising volumes and its investments in data, technology, and AI could enhance its earnings potential [8]
Truist Lifts Price Target on First American (FAF) Following Solid Q3 Performance
Yahoo Finance· 2025-11-12 02:46
Core Insights - First American Financial Corporation (FAF) is recognized as one of the 15 overlooked dividend stocks to consider for investment [1] - Truist Securities has raised its price target for FAF to $76 from $73, maintaining a Buy rating after the company's strong Q3 performance [2] - FAF reported a significant revenue increase of 41% year-over-year in Q3 2025, reaching $2 billion, exceeding market expectations by $115.7 million [3] - The company achieved a net income of $190 million, or $1.84 per diluted share, a turnaround from a net loss of $104 million in the same quarter of 2024 [3] - FAF declared a quarterly dividend of $0.55 per share, marking 15 consecutive years of dividend increases [4] Financial Performance - Revenue for Q3 2025 was $2 billion, a 41% increase from the previous year [3] - Net income improved to $190 million, compared to a net loss of $104 million in Q3 2024 [3] - Operating cash flow increased to $273 million from $237 million year-over-year [3] Dividend Information - FAF declared a quarterly dividend of $0.55 per share, consistent with prior payouts [4] - The company has a track record of increasing its dividend for 15 consecutive years [4] Analyst Ratings - Truist Securities raised the price target for FAF to $76, reflecting confidence in the company's future earnings potential [2] - The stock is projected to trade at approximately 12.5 times its estimated earnings for 2026 [2]
First American Financial Corporation (NYSE:FAF): A Strong Investment Opportunity
Financial Modeling Prep· 2025-11-07 17:00
Core Insights - First American Financial Corporation (FAF) is a leading provider of title insurance and settlement services in the real estate and mortgage industries, competing with major players like Fidelity National Financial and Old Republic International [1] Performance Summary - FAF's stock has gained approximately 1.93% over the past 30 days, indicating a steady upward trend, despite a recent 10-day decline of about 4.55, which may present a buying opportunity for investors [2][6] Growth Potential - Analysts project a significant stock price growth of 20.85%, with a target price set at $73.50, suggesting substantial upside from current levels, making FAF attractive for growth-oriented investors [3][6] Financial Strength - FAF's strong financial health is underscored by a Piotroski Score of 8, indicating robust fundamentals and operational efficiency, reflecting excellence in profitability, leverage, liquidity, and operating efficiency [4][6] Investment Opportunity - Overall, FAF presents a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong growth potential, solid financial foundation, and recent stock price dip, making it attractive for investors [5]