FAF Q3 Earnings Top on Solid Investment Income, Dividend Raised

Core Insights - First American Financial Corporation (FAF) reported a third-quarter 2025 operating income per share of $1.70, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 19.7% and reflecting a year-over-year increase of 26.8% [1][8] - The quarterly results were driven by higher premiums, improved net investment income, expanded pretax margin, and a declining claim loss rate [1][8] Financial Performance - Operating revenues reached $1.9 billion, marking a 40.7% year-over-year increase, attributed to higher direct premiums, escrow fees, and improved net investment income, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6.8% [2][8] - Investment income for the quarter was $163.8 million, up 11.7% year over year, exceeding the estimate of $146.6 million [2] - Total expenses rose 11.7% to $1.7 billion, compared to the estimate of $1.6 billion [2] Segment Results - Title Insurance and Services segment saw total revenues increase by 42% year over year to $1.8 billion, driven by higher direct premiums and escrow fees [3] - Investment income in this segment was $153.1 million, reflecting a 12.1% year-over-year increase, primarily due to higher interest income from the investment portfolio [3] - Home Warranty segment revenues increased by 3.3% to $114.6 million, with pretax income rising 80% year over year [5] Operational Metrics - Adjusted pretax margin expanded by 130 basis points to 12.9% [4] - Title open orders increased by 15.2% to 191,300, while title closed orders rose by 16.6% to 141,800 [4] - Average revenue per direct title order increased by 22% to $16,100 [4] Corporate Financials - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $2.91 billion, a 69.4% increase from the end of 2024 [7] - Stockholders' equity rose by 8% to $5.3 billion, with a debt-to-capital ratio of 33% [7] - Cash flow from operations was $273 million, up 15.2% year over year [7] Dividend Announcement - The board of directors raised the dividend by 2 cents to $2.20 per share, declaring a dividend of 55 cents for the third quarter [9]