Core Viewpoint - First American Financial Corporation has declared a quarterly cash dividend of 55 cents per common share, reflecting a 2 percent increase from the previous dividend of 54 cents per common share, indicating confidence in the company's business prospects [1]. Company Summary - The company is a leading provider of title, settlement, and risk solutions for real estate transactions [1]. - It is recognized as a leader in the digital transformation of the real estate industry [1].

Airplane-parts maker TransDigm launched a $4 billion debt offering on Monday to fund a roughly $4.3 billion special cash dividend to shareholders https://t.co/qhUtPtzErd ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an adjusted return on common equity of 29.4% for the quarter, indicating strong performance [4] - Adjusted diluted earnings per common share increased to $1.23 from $1.18 in the prior year quarter, primarily due to higher direct premiums earned, net investment income, and commission revenue [4][5] - Core revenue reached $400.9 million, up 5.7% year over year, driven by higher net premiums earned and net investment income [5] - Direct premiums written were $596.7 million, a 3.2% increase from the prior year quarter, with significant growth in other states [5] - The net combined ratio was 97.8%, up 1.9 points from the prior year quarter, reflecting higher net loss and expense ratios [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Direct premiums earned were $523.4 million, up 6.7% from the prior year quarter, reflecting growth in direct premiums written [6] - Net premiums earned increased to $360.2 million, a 4.4% rise year over year, primarily due to higher direct premiums earned [6] - The net loss ratio was 72.3%, up 1.7 points compared to the prior year quarter, mainly due to a higher ceded premium ratio [7] - The net expense ratio was 25.5%, up 0.2 points from the prior year quarter, driven by higher ceded premium ratio and policy acquisition costs [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a 25.4% growth in direct premiums written in states outside Florida, while Florida saw a 2.5% decrease [5] - The competitive environment in Florida has seen an increase in competitors, but the company does not perceive it as significantly more competitive than previous quarters [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is optimistic about favorable underwriting trends in the Florida market and has opened additional territories in the state [4][14] - The management emphasizes a focus on profitability rather than competition, leveraging 25 years of experience in Florida [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the Florida market's improvement and the company's strategic positioning [4] - The company noted that the cost of the new reinsurance program is not significantly different from previous periods, indicating stability in the market [20] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 287,000 shares at a cost of $7.4 million, with $15.2 million remaining in the share repurchase authorization program [8] - A quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per common share was declared, payable on August 8, 2025 [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide details on the reinsurance ceding change? - Management explained that the comparison involves different reinsurance programs, with changes in structure affecting costs [10][11] Question: What is the company's perspective on capital and share buybacks? - Management stated that they will continue to purchase shares when they believe they are undervalued [12] Question: Is the market more competitive than before? - Management indicated that while there are more competitors, they do not see a significant increase in competition across Florida [14] Question: Was there any net prior year development or claims handling benefits in the quarter? - Management confirmed that there were negligible prior year developments [18][19] Question: Can you discuss the cost of the new reinsurance program? - Management noted that the cost is not significantly different from previous periods, which is a positive sign for the Florida marketplace [20]

Core Viewpoint - Preferred Bank has received regulatory approval for a $125 million stock repurchase plan, with an initial tranche of $50 million buybacks, and has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.75 per share [1][2]. Company Overview - Preferred Bank is one of the largest independent commercial banks in California, chartered by the State of California, and its deposits are insured by the FDIC [2]. - The bank operates from its main office in Los Angeles and has twelve full-service branches in California, as well as branches in New York and Texas [2]. - Preferred Bank offers a wide range of deposit and loan products to commercial and consumer customers, focusing on small and mid-sized businesses, entrepreneurs, and high net worth individuals [2]. Financial Performance - The bank's strong balance sheet and superior profitability metrics enable it to repurchase its own stock, reflecting its commitment to providing value to shareholders [2].

Dividend Announcement - Old Republic International Corporation declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of 29 cents per share, payable on June 16, 2025, to shareholders of record on June 6, 2025 [1] - The full year's cash dividend for 2025 will amount to $1.16 per share, representing a 9.4% increase from the $1.06 per share paid in 2024 [1] Dividend History - 2025 marks the 44th consecutive year that Old Republic has increased its regular cash dividend [2] - The company has maintained uninterrupted regular cash dividend payments for 84 years [2] Company Overview - Old Republic is a leading specialty insurer operating diverse property & casualty and title insurance companies [3] - Founded in 1923, the company is a member of the Fortune 500 and is recognized for its underwriting and risk management services across the United States and Canada [3] - The specialized operating companies within Old Republic are experts in their fields, providing tailored solutions that differentiate the company in the market [3]

Core Viewpoint - Diversified Royalty Corp. has adjusted the Mr. Lube + Tires royalty pool to include six new flagship locations, bringing the total to 149 locations, while removing one permanently closed location [1] Company Performance - Mr. Lube + Tires is experiencing strong same-store sales growth across its franchise system, indicating a positive outlook for continued growth [2] - The performance of franchisees in 2024 has been commendable, with a focus on brand growth and enhancing store-level economics [3] Royalty Pool Adjustments - The Mr. Lube + Tires Royalty Pool is adjusted annually on May 1 to include new locations opened since July 1 of the previous year and to remove permanently closed locations [4] - The initial consideration for the additional royalty revenue from the new locations was $4.0 million, which is 80% of the total estimated consideration of $5.0 million, paid in the form of common shares [5] - The remaining consideration for the new locations will be paid on May 1, 2026, adjusted based on actual system sales for the year ending December 31, 2025 [6] Previous Adjustments - On May 1, 2023, the royalty pool was adjusted to include five new locations, with an initial consideration of $4.7 million, which was also 80% of the total estimated consideration [7] - The actual system sales for the 2023 True-Up Locations were determined to be $10.1 million, leading to a total consideration of $7.1 million, with a remaining cash payment of $2.4 million made on May 1, 2025 [8] Dividend Announcement - The board of directors has approved a cash dividend of $0.02083 per common share for May 2025, equating to an annualized rate of $0.25 per share, to be paid on May 30, 2025 [10] Company Overview - Diversified Royalty Corp. is focused on acquiring top-line royalties from well-managed multi-location businesses and franchisors in North America, aiming to generate predictable and growing royalty streams [12][14]

Core Viewpoint - Luzhou Laojiao (000568.SZ) reported a revenue of 31.196 billion yuan for the year 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 3.19%, and a net profit of 13.473 billion yuan, which is a 1.71% increase compared to the previous year [1] Financial Performance - The company plans to distribute a cash dividend of 45.92 yuan per 10 shares (tax included) [1] - If the proposal is approved at the shareholders' meeting, the total cash dividend for the year 2024 will amount to 8.758 billion yuan (tax included), representing approximately 65.00% of the net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company for 2024 [1] Strategic Initiatives - The company is actively implementing a marketing theme of "strategic determination, digital innovation, efficient collaboration, and comprehensive tackling," which has helped consolidate and expand its market scale [1] - Sales performance has shown steady growth, further highlighting the company's resilience and strength in development [1]