DEFIANCE, Ohio, Oct. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SB Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SBFG), a diversified financial services company providing full-service community banking, mortgage banking, wealth management, private client and title insurance services, expects to release its third quarter 2025 financial results on Thursday, October 30, 2025, after the close of the market. The company will hold a related conference call and webcast on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. EDT. Interested parties may acc ...

Valued at $26.6 billion by market cap, PulteGroup, Inc. (PHM) is one of the largest U.S. homebuilders, founded in 1950. The Atlanta, Georgia-based company sells and constructs homes, and purchases, develops, and sells residential land and develops active adult communities. PHM also provides mortgage financing, title insurance, and other services to home buyers. The homebuilding powerhouse is expected to announce its fiscal second-quarter earnings for 2025 before the market opens on Tuesday, Oct. 21. Ahead ...

In Monday's trading, 10 new stocks entered Barchart’s Top 100 Stocks to Buy. Leading the way was Better Home and Finance Holding Co. (BETR), entering in the 71st spot. The company's Tinman AI mortgage platform has captured investor interest, resulting in a 559% gain in 2025, although it has since fallen back from its all-time high of $94.06, reached a week ago yesterday. More News from Barchart I have not followed the stock or its business since it went public in August 2023 through a merger with Auro ...

Core Insights - First American Financial Corporation (FAF) announced a 2% increase in its quarterly cash dividend to 55 cents per share, reflecting its strong financial position and commitment to shareholders [1][2][9] - The new dividend yield is 3.2%, significantly higher than the industry average of 0.2%, making FAF an attractive option for yield-seeking investors [3][9] - FAF has a solid track record of dividend increases, with a nine-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% [3][9] Financial Strength and Capital Management - FAF is committed to returning excess cash to shareholders through both dividend increases and share repurchases, with a new repurchase plan authorizing up to $300 million [4][5] - As of June 30, 2025, FAF had $114.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, along with $900 million available on its revolving credit facility, indicating strong liquidity [6][9] - The return on equity for FAF was 10.4%, outperforming the industry average of 7.6%, which supports its ability to sustain dividend payments [7] Market Performance - FAF shares have gained 9% year-to-date, outperforming the industry growth of 7.5%, indicating positive market momentum [8] - The company's strategy of enhancing growth and capital position is expected to help maintain this momentum [8]

Company Overview - Investors Title Company (NASDAQ: ITIC) is one of the largest title insurance companies in the United States, generating net premiums written of $204 million in FY 2024 and almost $101 million in the first half of the fiscal year [1] Investment Focus - The investment group European Small Cap Ideas focuses on high-quality investment opportunities in the small-cap space, emphasizing capital gains and dividend income for continuous cash flow [1] Portfolio Features - The group offers two model portfolios: the European Small Cap Ideas portfolio and the European REIT Portfolio, along with weekly updates and educational content on European investing opportunities [1]

Core Insights - Essent Group reported Q2 2025 GAAP EPS of $1.93, exceeding analyst expectations of $1.72, with GAAP revenue at $319.1 million, reflecting a 2.0% increase year-over-year [1][2] - The company experienced a 4.1% decline in net income to $195.3 million compared to Q2 2024, while new insurance written remained flat at $12.5 billion [1][2] Financial Performance - GAAP diluted EPS increased by 1.0% from $1.91 in Q2 2024 [2] - Revenue rose to $319.1 million from $312.9 million in Q2 2024 [2] - Net premiums earned decreased by 1.2% to $248.8 million [2] - New insurance written was unchanged at $12.5 billion [2] - Book value per share increased by 12.6% to $56.98 [5] Investment and Capital Management - Net investment income grew by 5.7% to $59.3 million, supported by a $6.3 billion investment portfolio [5] - The company repurchased 6.8 million shares for $387 million through July 2025, with $260 million remaining under the repurchase program [10] Risk Management and Credit Quality - The loss provision rose to $17.1 million, leading to a loss ratio of 6.6%, up from a negative 0.5% in Q2 2024 [7] - Loans in default increased to 17,255 from 13,954 a year ago [7] - The weighted average FICO credit score across the portfolio was 746, with new business scoring higher at 753 [6] Business Overview and Strategy - Essent Group provides private mortgage insurance, crucial for lenders and homebuyers with low down payments [3] - Key priorities include maintaining relationships with mortgage lenders, adhering to GSE rules, and managing credit risk [4] - The company emphasizes credit quality, capital efficiency, and shareholder returns [4] Title Insurance Segment - In the title insurance segment, Essent Group earned $14.9 million in GAAP net premiums, highlighting the cyclical nature of this business [9] Regulatory and Credit Ratings - Moody's upgraded Essent Guaranty's financial strength rating to A2 and the senior unsecured debt rating to Baa2, with stable outlooks [9] Dividend and Shareholder Returns - The quarterly dividend was maintained at $0.31 per share [10]

Core Insights - Fidelity National Financial, Inc. reported a net earnings of $278 million for Q2 2025, a decrease from $306 million in Q2 2024, resulting in earnings per diluted share of $1.02 compared to $1.12 in the previous year [2][3][6] - Adjusted net earnings for the same period were $318 million, or $1.16 per share, down from $338 million, or $1.24 per share, in Q2 2024 [3][6] - The company continues to generate healthy free cash flow, allowing for share repurchases and dividends totaling over $450 million year-to-date [5][9] Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q2 2025 was $3.635 billion, an increase from $3.158 billion in Q2 2024 [6][9] - The Title Segment generated $2.2 billion in revenue, a 15% increase from $1.9 billion in Q2 2024, with an adjusted pre-tax title margin of 15.5% [9][17] - F&G Segment achieved record assets under management (AUM) of $69.2 billion, up 13% from the previous year, with gross sales of $4.1 billion [5][12][18] Segment Contributions - The Title Segment contributed $260 million to net earnings in Q2 2025, compared to $241 million in Q2 2024 [9] - The F&G Segment contributed $89 million in net earnings for Q2 2025, down from $122 million in the same quarter last year [9] - The Corporate Segment reported an adjusted net loss of $3 million for Q2 2025, compared to adjusted net earnings of $2 million in Q2 2024 [9] Market Conditions and Strategic Actions - The company noted challenges in the residential housing market due to elevated mortgage interest rates and high home prices, yet remains well-positioned for future growth [5][8] - FNF repurchased 2.9 million shares for $159 million in Q2 2025, reflecting a dynamic capital allocation strategy [5][9] - The company is focused on driving efficiencies and expanding profitability across its operations [8][9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q2 2025, net income was $3,900,000 with diluted earnings per share of $0.60, an increase of nearly 28% compared to the prior year quarter [5] - Tangible book value per share increased to $16.44, up from $15.26 last year, representing a 7.7% increase [5] - Net interest income totaled $12,100,000, an increase of over 25% from $9,700,000 in the second quarter of last year [5] - Operating expenses decreased approximately 4.5% from the linked quarter [7] - Noninterest income rose 15.1% from the prior year quarter to $5,000,000 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mortgage originations for the quarter were just short of $98,000,000, reflecting a strong rebound [9] - Loan growth for the quarter was approximately $90,000,000, up 8.9% from the prior year [5] - The wealth management division faced challenges but remains a valued part of the product suite [12] - Commercial real estate loans grew by approximately $91,000,000, while consumer loans increased by over $12,000,000 [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits grew by over 12% year-over-year, including Marblehead deposits of £51,000,000 [6] - Excluding Marblehead deposits, deposit growth was approximately 7.5% [14] - The loan book grew $89,000,000 or approximately 9% from the prior year [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on five key initiatives: revenue diversity, organic growth, deepening client relationships, operational excellence, and top-tier asset quality [8] - The company aims to capitalize on market disruptions to drive organic growth and maintain operational efficiency [17] - The integration of the Marblehead acquisition has been successful, retaining legacy relationships and community connections [13] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for the second half of 2025, anticipating positive resolutions to several nonperforming credits [30] - The company expects continued solid loan growth and stable to slightly lower funding costs, which should support margin expansion [30] - Management highlighted the potential for increased residential mortgage volume with anticipated rate reductions [30] Other Important Information - The company was added to the Russell 2000 Index during the recent rebalancing, reflecting strong financial performance [8] - The allowance for credit losses remained robust at 1.43% of total loans, providing 265% coverage of nonperforming assets [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Mortgage outlook and potential for $300,000,000 in volume - Management remains optimistic about achieving $300,000,000 in mortgage volume, especially with strong performance in key markets like Indianapolis [36][38] Question: Gain on sale margin consistency - The gain on sale margin is expected to remain stable, projected in the range of $2.15 to $2.25 for the rest of 2025 [40] Question: Loan growth outlook and pipeline status - Management is optimistic about loan growth, with a strong pipeline and some modest payoffs noted [42][47] Question: Margin stabilization and future expectations - The margin is expected to improve slightly, potentially reaching around 3.70% [56][57] Question: Capital management and M&A considerations - The company is exploring M&A opportunities while also focusing on organic growth, with a potential slowdown in share buybacks [62][64] Question: Expense management and future run rates - Management indicated that expenses are expected to rise with increased mortgage production, but overall efficiency is improving [66][68]

Core Viewpoint - Fidelity National Financial, Inc. has appointed Gregg N. Sofer as Executive Vice President, Deputy Chief Legal Officer, and Chief Compliance Officer, succeeding Paul Perez who is retiring after nearly two decades of service [1][3]. Company Overview - Fidelity National Financial, Inc. is a leading provider of title insurance and transaction services to the real estate and mortgage industries, as well as insurance solutions for retail annuity and life customers through its subsidiary F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. [1][4]. - The company is the largest title insurance provider in the United States, issuing more title insurance policies than any other title company through its various underwriters [4]. Leadership Transition - Gregg N. Sofer brings over 30 years of legal experience, including significant roles in public service and private practice, and has a strong background in managing complex legal matters, particularly in fraud and compliance [2][3]. - Paul Perez, who has served since 2007, has been instrumental in shaping the compliance culture and legal strategy of the company [3][4].

Core Viewpoint - Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (FNF) is set to release its second quarter 2025 earnings on August 6, 2025, after market close, highlighting its position as a leading provider in the title insurance and transaction services sectors [1][2]. Company Overview - FNF is a prominent provider of title insurance and transaction services for the real estate and mortgage industries, as well as insurance solutions for retail annuity and life customers through its subsidiary F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. [3] - FNF is recognized as the largest title insurance company in the United States, with its underwriters collectively issuing more title insurance policies than any other company in the nation [3]. Earnings Call Information - A conference call to discuss the quarterly results will take place on August 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time, following the earnings release [2]. - Access to the webcast and conference call can be obtained through FNF's Investor Relations website or via telephone [5].