e10vq
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
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þ |
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2006 |
OR
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o |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission File Number 1-32630
FIDELITY NATIONAL TITLE GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware
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16-1725106 |
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(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number) |
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601 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida
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32204 |
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(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code) |
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YES þ NO o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated
filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated
filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)
Large Accelerated Filer o Accelerated Filer o Non-Accelerated Filer þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of
the Exchange Act). YES o NO þ
As of September 30, 2006, there were 31,147,357 shares of Class A common stock and 143,176,041
shares of Class B common stock outstanding.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT
Quarter Ended September 30, 2006
INDEX
2
Part I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Condensed Financial Statements
FIDELITY NATIONAL TITLE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
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September 30, |
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December 31, |
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2006 |
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2005 |
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(Unaudited) |
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ASSETS
|
Investments: |
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|
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Fixed maturity securities available for sale, at fair value, at September 30,
2006 includes $289,770 and $263,660 of pledged fixed maturities related to
secured trust deposits and the securities lending program, respectively, and at
December 31, 2005 includes $305,717 and $116,781 of pledged fixed maturity
securities related to secured trust deposits and the securities lending
program, respectively |
|
$ |
2,529,626 |
|
|
$ |
2,457,632 |
|
Equity securities, at fair value, at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005
includes $0 and $3,401, respectively, of pledged equity securities related to
the securities lending program |
|
|
220,823 |
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|
176,987 |
|
Other long-term investments |
|
|
54,926 |
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|
21,037 |
|
Short-term investments, at fair value, at September 30, 2006 and December 31,
2005 includes $368,159 and $350,256, respectively, of pledged short-term
investments related to secured trust deposits |
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|
577,050 |
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|
645,082 |
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|
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|
|
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Total investments |
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|
3,382,425 |
|
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|
3,300,738 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2006 includes $239,567 and $271,780 of
pledged cash related to secured trust deposits and the securities lending program,
respectively, and at December 31, 2005 includes $234,709 and $124,339 of pledged
cash related to secured trust deposits and the securities lending program,
respectively |
|
|
640,521 |
|
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|
462,157 |
|
Trade receivables, net of allowance of $12,178 at September 30, 2006 and $13,583 at
December 31, 2005 |
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|
182,147 |
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|
178,998 |
|
Notes receivable, net of allowance of $741 at September 30, 2006 and $1,466 at
December 31, 2005, including notes from related parties of $19,000 at September
30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 |
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|
25,884 |
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|
31,749 |
|
Goodwill |
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|
1,101,760 |
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|
1,051,526 |
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Prepaid expenses and other assets |
|
|
362,487 |
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|
377,049 |
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Title plants |
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|
320,549 |
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|
308,675 |
|
Property and equipment, net |
|
|
140,771 |
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|
156,952 |
|
Due from FNF |
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,689 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
$ |
6,156,544 |
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|
$ |
5,900,533 |
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LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
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Liabilities: |
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Accounts payable and accrued liabilities at September 30, 2006 and December 31,
2005 include $271,780 and $124,339, respectively, of security loans related to
the securities lending
program |
|
$ |
840,728 |
|
|
$ |
790,598 |
|
Notes payable, including $6,640 and $497,800 of notes payable to FNF at
September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively |
|
|
572,958 |
|
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|
603,262 |
|
Reserve for claim losses |
|
|
1,146,669 |
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|
1,063,857 |
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Secured trust deposits |
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|
875,317 |
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|
882,602 |
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Deferred tax liabilities |
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|
51,646 |
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75,839 |
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Due to FNF and FIS |
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27,739 |
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3,515,057 |
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3,416,158 |
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Minority interests |
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|
5,518 |
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|
4,338 |
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Stockholders equity: |
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Common stock, Class A, $0.0001 par value; authorized 300,000,000 shares as of
September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005; issued 31,147,357 shares as of
September 30, 2006 and
December 31, 2005 |
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3 |
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3 |
|
Common stock, Class B, $0.0001 par value; authorized 300,000,000 shares as of
September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005; issued 143,176,041 shares as of
September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 |
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|
14 |
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|
14 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
2,486,220 |
|
|
|
2,492,312 |
|
Retained earnings |
|
|
230,354 |
|
|
|
82,771 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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2,716,591 |
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|
2,575,100 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
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|
(80,622 |
) |
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|
(78,892 |
) |
Unearned compensation |
|
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|
|
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(16,171 |
) |
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|
|
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2,635,969 |
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2,480,037 |
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$ |
6,156,544 |
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|
$ |
5,900,533 |
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|
See Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
3
FIDELITY NATIONAL TITLE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(In thousands, except per share data)
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Three months ended |
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Nine months ended |
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September 30, |
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September 30, |
|
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2006 |
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|
2005 |
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|
2006 |
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2005 |
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(Unaudited) |
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|
(Unaudited) |
|
REVENUE: |
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Direct title insurance premiums |
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$ |
461,340 |
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$ |
626,178 |
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$ |
1,413,641 |
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|
$ |
1,643,574 |
|
Agency title insurance premiums |
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|
721,801 |
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|
779,117 |
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|
2,058,935 |
|
|
|
2,083,317 |
|
Escrow and other title related fees |
|
|
269,188 |
|
|
|
324,910 |
|
|
|
810,845 |
|
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|
868,375 |
|
Interest and investment income |
|
|
41,261 |
|
|
|
28,994 |
|
|
|
115,680 |
|
|
|
71,149 |
|
Realized gains and losses, net |
|
|
1,478 |
|
|
|
3,583 |
|
|
|
22,091 |
|
|
|
25,505 |
|
Other income |
|
|
11,964 |
|
|
|
11,461 |
|
|
|
34,393 |
|
|
|
31,481 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
Total revenue |
|
|
1,507,032 |
|
|
|
1,774,243 |
|
|
|
4,455,585 |
|
|
|
4,723,401 |
|
EXPENSES: |
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|
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|
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|
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Personnel costs |
|
|
436,064 |
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|
511,325 |
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1,354,720 |
|
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|
1,415,928 |
|
Other operating expenses |
|
|
223,359 |
|
|
|
246,109 |
|
|
|
666,587 |
|
|
|
693,927 |
|
Agent commissions |
|
|
555,010 |
|
|
|
612,139 |
|
|
|
1,587,547 |
|
|
|
1,617,260 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
29,881 |
|
|
|
23,818 |
|
|
|
83,312 |
|
|
|
73,207 |
|
Provision for claim losses |
|
|
88,706 |
|
|
|
103,612 |
|
|
|
260,444 |
|
|
|
254,289 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
12,762 |
|
|
|
4,669 |
|
|
|
36,462 |
|
|
|
5,393 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses |
|
|
1,345,782 |
|
|
|
1,501,672 |
|
|
|
3,989,072 |
|
|
|
4,060,004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings before income taxes and minority interest |
|
|
161,250 |
|
|
|
272,571 |
|
|
|
466,513 |
|
|
|
663,397 |
|
Income tax expense |
|
|
57,241 |
|
|
|
102,137 |
|
|
|
165,610 |
|
|
|
248,774 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings before minority interest |
|
|
104,009 |
|
|
|
170,434 |
|
|
|
300,903 |
|
|
|
414,623 |
|
Minority interest |
|
|
610 |
|
|
|
700 |
|
|
|
1,889 |
|
|
|
1,992 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings |
|
$ |
103,399 |
|
|
$ |
169,734 |
|
|
$ |
299,014 |
|
|
$ |
412,631 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic net earnings per share |
|
$ |
0.60 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1.72 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic basis |
|
|
173,475 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
173,475 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted net earnings per share |
|
$ |
0.60 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1.72 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted basis |
|
|
173,643 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
173,648 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma basic and diluted earnings per share |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
0.98 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2.38 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma weighted average shares outstanding,
basic and diluted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
173,520 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
173,520 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash dividends paid per share |
|
$ |
0.29 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
0.58 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
4
FIDELITY NATIONAL TITLE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
Nine months ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
Net earnings |
|
$ |
103,399 |
|
|
$ |
169,734 |
|
|
$ |
299,014 |
|
|
$ |
412,631 |
|
Other comprehensive (loss) earnings: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net (1) |
|
|
28,181 |
|
|
|
(20,105 |
) |
|
|
(1,730 |
) |
|
|
(29,807 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive (loss) gain |
|
|
28,181 |
|
|
|
(20,105 |
) |
|
|
(1,730 |
) |
|
|
(29,807 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive earnings |
|
$ |
131,580 |
|
|
$ |
149,629 |
|
|
$ |
297,284 |
|
|
$ |
382,824 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Net of income tax (benefit) expense of $15,510 and $(12,063) for the three months ended
September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $(952) and $(17,884) for the nine months ended
September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. |
See Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
5
FIDELITY NATIONAL TITLE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A |
|
|
Class B |
|
|
Additional |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid-In |
|
|
Retained |
|
|
Comprehensive |
|
|
Unearned |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Capital |
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
Earnings(Loss) |
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
Total |
|
Balance, December 31, 2005 |
|
|
31,147 |
|
|
$ |
3 |
|
|
|
143,176 |
|
|
$ |
14 |
|
|
$ |
2,492,312 |
|
|
$ |
82,771 |
|
|
$ |
(78,892 |
) |
|
$ |
(16,171 |
) |
|
$ |
2,480,037 |
|
Other comprehensive loss
unrealized loss on
investments net of tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,730 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,730 |
) |
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,079 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,079 |
|
Adoption of SFAS 123R |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(16,171 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,171 |
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends paid to Class A
shareholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(26,868 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(26,868 |
) |
Dividends paid to FNF |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(124,563 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(124,563 |
) |
Net earnings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
299,014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
299,014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, September 30, 2006 |
|
|
31,147 |
|
|
$ |
3 |
|
|
|
143,176 |
|
|
$ |
14 |
|
|
$ |
2,486,220 |
|
|
$ |
230,354 |
|
|
$ |
(80,622 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,635,969 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
6
FIDELITY NATIONAL TITLE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine months ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings |
|
$ |
299,014 |
|
|
$ |
412,631 |
|
Reconciliation of net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
83,312 |
|
|
|
73,207 |
|
Net increase in reserve for claim losses |
|
|
82,812 |
|
|
|
43,925 |
|
Gain on sales of assets |
|
|
(22,091 |
) |
|
|
(25,505 |
) |
Stock-based compensation cost |
|
|
10,079 |
|
|
|
8,942 |
|
Minority interest |
|
|
1,889 |
|
|
|
1,992 |
|
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (increase) decrease in secured trust deposits |
|
|
(9,002 |
) |
|
|
1,005 |
|
Net increase in trade receivables |
|
|
(3,149 |
) |
|
|
(63,312 |
) |
Net decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets |
|
|
30,248 |
|
|
|
(3,182 |
) |
Net (decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
|
|
(37,697 |
) |
|
|
8,734 |
|
Net (decrease) increase in income taxes |
|
|
(15,637 |
) |
|
|
145,335 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
|
419,778 |
|
|
|
603,772 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale |
|
|
1,238,415 |
|
|
|
1,883,026 |
|
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities available for sale |
|
|
210,569 |
|
|
|
262,008 |
|
Proceeds from sales of assets |
|
|
3,890 |
|
|
|
40,831 |
|
Cash received as collateral on loaned securities, net |
|
|
(5,097 |
) |
|
|
3,026 |
|
Collections of notes receivable |
|
|
26,177 |
|
|
|
9,180 |
|
Additions to title plants |
|
|
(13,750 |
) |
|
|
(4,065 |
) |
Additions to property and equipment |
|
|
(39,415 |
) |
|
|
(69,925 |
) |
Additions to capitalized software |
|
|
(17,478 |
) |
|
|
(4,316 |
) |
Purchases of investment securities available for sale |
|
|
(1,459,185 |
) |
|
|
(2,154,842 |
) |
Net proceeds of short-term investment securities |
|
|
68,132 |
|
|
|
(232,280 |
) |
Additions to notes receivable |
|
|
(19,438 |
) |
|
|
(7,868 |
) |
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired |
|
|
(57,015 |
) |
|
|
(135,438 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(64,195 |
) |
|
|
(410,663 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
650,174 |
|
Debt service payments |
|
|
(30,646 |
) |
|
|
(18,115 |
) |
Dividends paid to FNF |
|
|
(124,563 |
) |
|
|
(807,575 |
) |
Dividends paid to Class A shareholders |
|
|
(26,868 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net distribution to/ contribution from FNF |
|
|
|
|
|
|
135,722 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in financing activities |
|
|
(182,077 |
) |
|
|
(39,794 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents, excluding pledged cash related to
secured trust deposits |
|
|
173,506 |
|
|
|
153,315 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents, excluding pledged cash related to secured trust
deposits at beginning of period |
|
|
227,448 |
|
|
|
73,214 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, excluding pledged cash related to secured trust
deposits at end of period |
|
$ |
400,954 |
|
|
$ |
226,529 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest paid |
|
$ |
44,285 |
|
|
$ |
2,132 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
7
FIDELITY NATIONAL TITLE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
Note A Basis of Financial Statements
The unaudited condensed consolidated and combined financial information included in this
report includes the accounts of Fidelity National Title Group, Inc. (FNT or the Company) and
subsidiaries and has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and
the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. All adjustments considered
necessary for a fair presentation have been included. This report should be read in conjunction
with the Companys consolidated and combined financial statements included in its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.
The Company made a reclassification adjustment to the Consolidated Statements of Income,
included within this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q, with regard to the presentation of interest and
investment income and other operating expenses. This adjustment was necessary to properly reflect
certain credits earned as a reduction of other operating expenses as opposed to an increase in
investment income. The adjustment resulted in a reduction of interest and investment income of $2.6
million for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 and $10.3 million and $5.9 million for the nine
month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and a corresponding reduction of
other operating expenses. This adjustment had no effect on net income.
Description of Business
FNT, through its principal subsidiaries, is one of the largest title insurance companies in
the United States, with an approximate 29.0% national market share in 2005. The Companys title
insurance underwriters Fidelity National Title, Chicago Title, Ticor Title, Security Union Title
and Alamo Title together issue all of the Companys title insurance policies in 49 states, the
District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and in Canada and Mexico. The
Company operates its business through a single segment, title and escrow, and does not generate
significant revenue outside the United States. Although the Company earns title premiums on
residential and commercial sale and refinance real estate transactions, the Company does not
separately track its revenues from these various types of transactions.
Prior to October 17, 2005, FNT, representing the title insurance segment of Fidelity National
Financial, Inc. (FNF), was a wholly-owned subsidiary of FNF. FNF subsequently contributed to FNT
all of the legal entities that are consolidated and combined for presentation in FNTs financial
statements, other than any entities acquired after October 17, 2005. On October 17, 2005, FNF
distributed a dividend to its stockholders of record as of October 6, 2005 which resulted in a pro
rata distribution of 17.5% (31.1 million shares) of its interest in FNT. FNF stockholders received
0.175 shares of FNT Class A common stock for each share of FNF common stock held on the record
date. From October 17, 2005, through October 24, 2006, FNF beneficially owned 100% of the FNT Class
B common stock representing 82.1% of the Companys outstanding common stock (143.2 million shares).
FNT Class B common stock had ten votes per share, while FNT Class A common stock has one vote per
share. As a result, FNF controlled 97.9% of the voting rights of FNT.
On October 24, 2006, FNF transferred certain assets to FNT in return for the issuance of
45,265,956 shares of FNT Class A common stock to FNF. FNF then converted its Class B holdings to
Class A shares and distributed to its shareholders all of its shares of FNT common stock. FNT is
now a stand alone public company. (See Recent Developments below.)
Principles of Consolidation and Combination and Basis of Presentation
Prior to October 17, 2005, the accompanying Condensed Combined Financial Statements included
those assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses directly attributable to the Companys operations
and allocations of certain FNF corporate assets, liabilities and expenses to the Company. These
amounts were allocated to the Company on a basis that was considered by management to reflect most
fairly or reasonably the utilization of services provided to, or the benefit obtained by, the
Company. Management believes the methods used to allocate these amounts were reasonable. Beginning
on October 17, 2005, the entities that made up the Company as of that date were consolidated under
a holding company structure and the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
reflect activity of that company and its subsidiaries subsequent to October 17, 2005. All
significant intercompany profits, transactions and balances were eliminated in consolidation and
combination. The financial information included
8
herein does not necessarily reflect what the financial position and results of operations of
the Company would have been had it operated as a stand alone entity during the periods prior to
October 17, 2005. The Companys investments in non-majority-owned partnerships and affiliates are
accounted for using the equity method. The Company records minority interest liabilities related to
minority shareholders interest in consolidated affiliates. All dollars presented herein are in
thousands of dollars unless otherwise noted.
Earnings Per Share and Unaudited Proforma Net Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders
by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per
share is calculated by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted
average number of shares outstanding plus the impact of assumed conversions of potentially dilutive
common stock equivalents. The Company has granted certain shares of restricted stock, which have
been treated as common share equivalents for purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share.
The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the
three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2006 (in thousands except per share data).
Prior to October 17, 2005, the historical financial statements of the Company were combined and
thus presentation of earnings per share for the three month and nine month periods ended September
30, 2005 was computed on a pro forma basis, using the number of outstanding shares of FNF common
stock as of a date prior to the 2005 distribution of FNT stock by FNF.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
Nine months ended |
|
|
|
September 30, 2006 |
|
|
September 30, 2006 |
|
|
|
(In thousands, except per share amounts) |
|
Basic and diluted net earnings |
|
$ |
103,399 |
|
|
$ |
299,014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares outstanding during the year, basic basis |
|
|
173,475 |
|
|
|
173,475 |
|
Plus: Common stock equivalent shares |
|
|
168 |
|
|
|
173 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares outstanding during the year, diluted basis |
|
|
173,643 |
|
|
|
173,648 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings per share |
|
$ |
0.60 |
|
|
$ |
1.72 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted earnings per share |
|
$ |
0.60 |
|
|
$ |
1.72 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company has granted options to purchase 2,246,500 shares of the Companys common stock,
all of which were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share in the 2006 periods
because they were anti-dilutive.
Transactions with Related Parties
The Companys financial statements reflect transactions with other businesses and operations
of FNF, including those being conducted by another FNF subsidiary, Fidelity National Information
Services, Inc. (FIS).
A detail of related party items included in revenues and expenses is as follows:
9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
Nine months ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Agency title premiums earned |
|
$ |
24.8 |
|
|
$ |
26.8 |
|
|
$ |
66.7 |
|
|
$ |
69.7 |
|
Rental income earned |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
Interest revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
|
24.8 |
|
|
|
27.1 |
|
|
|
67.2 |
|
|
|
75.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Agency title commissions |
|
|
21.8 |
|
|
|
23.2 |
|
|
|
58.7 |
|
|
|
60.6 |
|
Data processing costs |
|
|
20.4 |
|
|
|
16.7 |
|
|
|
55.0 |
|
|
|
41.4 |
|
Corporate services allocated |
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
|
|
(9.2 |
) |
|
|
2.4 |
|
|
|
(27.5 |
) |
Title insurance information expense |
|
|
5.3 |
|
|
|
7.0 |
|
|
|
15.3 |
|
|
|
18.1 |
|
Other real-estate related information |
|
|
3.6 |
|
|
|
4.9 |
|
|
|
8.5 |
|
|
|
10.8 |
|
Software expense |
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
|
7.0 |
|
|
|
5.7 |
|
Rental expense |
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
|
License and cost sharing agreements |
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
|
3.4 |
|
|
|
8.0 |
|
|
|
9.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses |
|
|
56.0 |
|
|
|
48.9 |
|
|
|
157.9 |
|
|
|
120.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total pretax impact of related party activity |
|
$ |
(31.2 |
) |
|
$ |
(21.8 |
) |
|
$ |
(90.7 |
) |
|
$ |
(45.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
An FIS subsidiary acts as the title agent in the issuance of title insurance policies by a
title insurance underwriter owned by the Company and in connection with certain trustee sales
guarantees, a form of title insurance issued as part of the foreclosure process. As a result, the
Companys title insurance subsidiaries pay commissions on title insurance policies sold through
FIS. These FIS operations generated revenues of $24.8 million and $26.8 million for the three month
periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $66.7 million and $69.7 million for
the nine month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, for the Company, which the
Company records as agency title premiums. The Company paid FIS commissions at the rate of 88% of
premiums generated, equal to $21.8 million and $23.2 million for the three month periods ended
September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $58.7 million and $60.6 million for the nine month
periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Through June 30, 2005, the Company leased equipment to a subsidiary of FIS. Revenue relating
to these leases for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was $5.0 million.
Included in the Companys expenses for the periods presented are amounts paid to a subsidiary
of FIS for the provision by FIS to FNT of information technology infrastructure support, data
center management and related IT support services. The amounts included in the Companys expenses
to FIS for these services were $20.4 million and $16.7 million for the three month periods ended
September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $55.0 million and $41.4 million for the nine month
periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. In addition, the Company incurred software
expenses relating to an agreement with a subsidiary of FIS that amounted to expenses of $2.1
million for each of the three month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively and
$7.0 million and $5.7 million for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005,
respectively.
Historically, the Company has provided corporate services to FNF and FIS and received
corporate services provided by FNF. These corporate services include accounting, internal audit,
treasury, payroll, human resources, tax, legal, purchasing, risk management, mergers and
acquisitions and general management. For the three month and nine month periods ended September 30,
2006, the Companys expenses included $1.7 million and $5.6 million, respectively, related to the
provision of corporate services by FNF to the Company. There were no corporate services provided to
the Company by FNF during the three month or nine month periods ended September 30, 2005. The
Companys expenses were reduced by $1.3 million and $2.6 million for the three month periods ended
September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $1.5 million and $7.1 million for the nine month
periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, related to the provision of corporate
services by the Company to FNF and its subsidiaries (other than FIS subsidiaries). The Companys
expenses were reduced by $1.2 million and $6.6 million for the three month periods ended September
30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $1.7 million and $20.4 million for the nine month periods
ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, related to the provision of corporate services by
the Company to FIS subsidiaries.
10
The title plant assets of several of the Companys title insurance subsidiaries are managed or
maintained by a subsidiary of FIS. The underlying title plant information and software continues to
be owned by each of the Companys title insurance underwriters, but FIS manages and updates the
information in return for either (i) a cash management fee or (ii) the right to sell that
information to title insurers, including title insurance underwriters that the Company owns and
other third party customers. In most cases, FIS is responsible for keeping the title plant assets
current and fully functioning, for which the Company pays a fee to FIS based on the Companys use
of, or access to, the title plant. The Companys payments to FIS under these arrangements were $5.9
million and $7.7 million for the three month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005,
respectively, and $17.7 million and $21.8 million for the nine month periods ended September 30,
2006 and 2005, respectively. In addition, each applicable title insurance underwriter in turn
receives a royalty on sales of access to its title plant assets. The revenues from these title
plant royalties were $0.6 million and $0.7 million for the three month periods ended September 30,
2006 and 2005, respectively, and $2.4 million and $2.1 million for the nine month periods ended
September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Company has also entered into agreements with FIS
that permit FIS and certain of its subsidiaries to access and use (but not re-sell) the starters
databases and back plant databases of the Companys title insurance subsidiaries. Starters
databases are the Companys databases of previously issued title policies and back plant databases
contain historical records relating to title that are not regularly updated. Each of the Companys
applicable title insurance subsidiaries receives a fee for any access to or use of its starters and
back plant databases by FIS. The Company also does business with additional entities of FIS that
provide real estate information to the Companys operations, for which the Company recorded
expenses of $3.6 million and $4.9 million for the three month periods ended September 30, 2006 and
2005, respectively, and $8.5 and $10.8 million for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2006
and 2005, respectively.
The Company also has certain license and cost sharing agreements with FIS. The Company
recorded expense relating to these agreements of $2.9 million and $3.4 million for the three month
periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $8.0 million and $9.1 million for the
nine month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
The Companys financial statements reflect allocations for a lease of office space to us from
FIS for our corporate headquarters and business operations in the amounts of $0.7 million and $0.8
million for the three month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $3.0
million and $2.5 million for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005,
respectively.
The Company believes the amounts earned by the Company or charged to the Company under each of
the foregoing arrangements are fair and reasonable. Although the commission rate paid on the title
insurance premiums written by the FIS title agencies was set without negotiation, the Company
believes the commissions earned are consistent with the average rate that would be available to a
third party title agent given the amount and the geographic distribution of the business produced
and the low risk of loss profile of the business placed. In connection with the title plant
management and maintenance services provided by FIS, the Company believes that the fees charged to
the Company by FIS are at approximately the same rates that FIS and other similar vendors charge
unaffiliated title insurers. The information technology infrastructure support and data center
management services provided to the Company by FIS are priced within the range of prices that FIS
offers to its unaffiliated third party customers for the same types of services. However, the
amounts the Company earned or was charged under these arrangements were not negotiated at
arms-length, and may not represent the terms that the Company might have obtained from an
unrelated third party.
Amounts due from/ (to) FNF and FIS were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
Notes receivable from FNF |
|
$ |
19.0 |
|
|
$ |
19.0 |
|
Due (to) from FNF and FIS |
|
|
(27.7 |
) |
|
|
32.7 |
|
Notes payable to FNF (See Note E) |
|
|
(6.6 |
) |
|
|
(497.8 |
) |
11
At September 30, 2006, the Company has a note receivable balance of $19.0 million due from a
subsidiary of FNF. The Company earned interest revenue of less than $0.1 million on these notes for
t he three months ended September 30, 2006. Until the second quarter of 2006, the Company had notes
receivable from FNF relating to agreements between its title underwriters and FNF. At December 31,
2005, the balance on these notes receivable was $19.0 million. The Company earned interest revenue
relating to these notes of $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005, and $0.5
million and $0.7 million for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005,
respectively.
The Company is included in FNFs consolidated tax returns and thus any income tax liability or
receivable is due to/from FNF. Due (to)/from FNF at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005
includes receivables from FNF relating to overpayments of taxes of $4.7 million and $11.5 million
at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. The Company made tax-related payments to
FNF, net of refunds received, of $129.0 million and $71.9 million during the three month periods
ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $166.4 million and $111.3 million during the
nine month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
During the periods presented, the Company paid amounts to a subsidiary of FIS for capitalized
software development and for title plant construction. These amounts included capitalized software
development costs of $1.6 million and $0.9 million during the three month periods ended September
30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $4.3 million and $2.6 million during the nine month periods
ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Amounts paid to FIS for capitalized title plant
construction costs were $4.2 million and $1.5 million during the three month periods ended
September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $13.4 million and $2.7 million during the nine month
periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Included in investments at September 30, 2006 are 1,432,000 shares of FIS common stock at a
market value of $53.0 million, which is $3.1 million less than the Companys cost basis. These were
subsequently sold to FIS on October 23, 2006, for $56.4 million, resulting in a loss of $0.4
million.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Staff Accounting
Bulletin No. 108 (Topic 1N), Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying
Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements (SAB 108). This SAB addresses how the effects
of prior-year uncorrected misstatements should be considered when quantifying misstatements in
current-year financial statements. SAB 108 requires registrants to quantify misstatements using
both the balance sheet and income statement approaches and to evaluate whether either approach
results in quantifying an error that is material in light of relevant quantitative and qualitative
factors. When the effect of initial adoption is determined to be material, the SAB allows
registrants to record that effect as a cumulative effect adjustment to beginning-of-year retained
earnings. SAB 108 is effective for annual financial statements covering the first fiscal year
ending after November 15, 2006. Management is currently evaluating the impact of SAB 108 on the
Companys statements of financial position and operations.
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension
and Other Post Retirement Plans (SFAS 158). SFAS 158 requires entities to recognize on their
balance sheets the funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Entities are
required to recognize actuarial gains and losses, prior service cost, and any remaining transition
amounts from the initial application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87,
Employers Accounting for Pensions, and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 106,
Employers Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions, when recognizing a plans
funded status, with the offset to accumulated other comprehensive income. SFAS 158 will not change
the amounts recognized in the income statement as net periodic benefit cost. All of the
requirements of SFAS 158 are effective as of December 31, 2006 for calendar-year public companies,
except for a requirement for fiscal-year-end measurements of plan assets and benefit obligations
with which the Company is already in compliance. Management is currently evaluating the impact of
SFAS 158 on the Companys statements of financial position and operations.
12
In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income
Taxes an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48). FIN 48 requires an evaluation to
determine the likelihood that an uncertain tax position will be sustained upon examination,
including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. If it is determined that it is
more likely than not that an uncertain tax position will be sustained upon examination, the next
step is to determine the amount to be recognized. FIN 48 prescribes recognition of the largest
amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being recognized upon ultimate
settlement of an uncertain tax position. Such amounts are to be recognized as of the first
financial reporting period during which the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is met.
Similarly, an amount that has previously been recognized will be derecognized as of the first
financial reporting period during which the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is not met.
FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Management is currently
evaluating the impact of FIN 48 on the Companys statements of financial position and operations.
Recent Developments
Transaction with FNF
On June 25, 2006, the Company entered into a Securities Exchange and Distribution Agreement
(the SEDA) with FNF (amended and restated as of September 18, 2006), providing for the
elimination of FNFs holding company structure, the sale of certain of FNFs assets and liabilities
to FNT in exchange for shares of FNT stock, and the distribution of FNFs ownership stake in FNT to
FNF shareholders. Pursuant to the SEDA, on October 24, 2006, FNT completed the acquisition of
substantially all of the assets and liabilities of FNF (other than FNFs interests in FIS and in
FNF Capital Leasing, Inc., a small leasing subsidiary) in exchange for 45,265,956 shares of FNTs
Class A common stock (the Asset Contribution). The assets transferred included FNFs specialty
insurance business, its interest in certain claims management operations, certain timber and real
estate holdings and certain smaller operations, together with all cash and certain investment
assets held by FNF as of October 24, 2006. In connection with the Asset Contribution, FNF converted
all of the FNT Class B common stock held by FNF into FNT Class A common stock and distributed the
shares acquired by FNF from FNT, together with the converted shares, to holders of record of FNF
common stock as of October 17, 2006 in a tax-free distribution (the 2006 Distribution). As a
result of the 2006 Distribution, FNF no longer owns any common stock of FNT and FNT is now a stand
alone public company with all of its approximately 218.7 million shares held by the public. Also,
on November 9, 2006, FNF will merge with and into FIS, after which FNT will legally change its name
to Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (New FNF). Beginning on November 10, 2006, FNTs common
stock will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol FNF. FNFs current
chairman of the board and chief executive officer has assumed the same positions in New FNF and the
position of executive chairman of the board of FIS. Other key members of FNFs senior management
will also continue their involvement in both New FNF and FIS in executive capacities.
Acquisitions among entities under common control such as the Asset Contribution are not
considered business combinations and are to be accounted for at historical cost in accordance with
EITF 90-5, Exchanges of Ownership Interests between Enterprises under Common Control. Furthermore,
the substance of the proposed transactions and the merger is effectively a reverse spin-off of FIS
by FNF in accordance with EITF 02-11, Accounting for Reverse Spinoffs. Accordingly, the historical
financial statements of FNF will become those of FNT; however, the criteria to account for FIS as
discontinued operations as prescribed by SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of
Long-Lived Assets will not be met. This is primarily due to the continuing involvement of FNT with
FIS and significant influence that FNT will have over FIS subsequent to the merger through common
board members, common senior management and continuing business relationships. It is expected that
FIS will continue to be included in FNFs consolidated financial statements through the date of
completion of the SEDA.
Note B Acquisitions
The results of operations and financial position of the entities acquired during any period
are included in the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements from and after the
date of acquisition. These acquisitions were either made by the Company or made by FNF and then
contributed to the Company by FNF. The acquisitions made by FNF and contributed to FNT are included
in the related Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements as capital contributions.
Based on the acquired entities valuation, any difference between the fair value of the
identifiable assets and liabilities and the purchase price paid is recorded as goodwill.
13
Pro forma disclosures for acquisitions are considered immaterial to the results of operations
for all periods presented.
Service Link L.P.
On August 1, 2005, the Company acquired Service Link, L.P. (Service Link), a national
provider of centralized mortgage and residential real estate title and closing services to major
financial institutions and institutional lenders. The initial acquisition price was approximately
$110 million in cash. During the third quarter of 2006, the Company paid additional contingent
consideration of $57.0 million related to this purchase, based on Service Links operations meeting
certain performance measures over a 12-month period ending in July 2006.
Note C Investments
During the second quarter of 2005, the Company began lending fixed maturity and equity
securities to financial institutions in short-term security lending transactions. The Companys
security lending policy requires that the cash received as collateral be 102% or more of the fair
value of the loaned securities. These short-term security lending arrangements increase investment
income with minimal risk. At September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, the Company had short-term
security loans outstanding with values of $271.8 million and $124.3 million, respectively, included
in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and the Company held cash in the same amounts as
collateral for the loaned securities.
Gross unrealized losses on investment securities and the fair value of the related securities,
aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a
continuous unrealized loss position at September 30, 2006 were as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 12 Months |
|
|
12 Months or Longer |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
|
Fair Value |
|
|
Losses |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
|
Losses |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
|
Losses |
|
U.S. government and
agencies |
|
$ |
25,305 |
|
|
$ |
(83 |
) |
|
$ |
719,674 |
|
|
$ |
(12,663 |
) |
|
$ |
744,979 |
|
|
$ |
(12,746 |
) |
States and political
subdivisions |
|
|
152,775 |
|
|
|
(665 |
) |
|
|
569,536 |
|
|
|
(7,964 |
) |
|
|
722,311 |
|
|
|
(8,629 |
) |
Foreign government
and agencies |
|
|
5,978 |
|
|
|
(17 |
) |
|
|
18,652 |
|
|
|
(302 |
) |
|
|
24,630 |
|
|
|
(319 |
) |
Corporate securities |
|
|
131,543 |
|
|
|
(1,127 |
) |
|
|
373,095 |
|
|
|
(10,348 |
) |
|
|
504,638 |
|
|
|
(11,475 |
) |
Equity securities |
|
|
180,359 |
|
|
|
(25,579 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
180,359 |
|
|
|
(25,579 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total temporarily
impaired
securities |
|
$ |
495,960 |
|
|
$ |
(27,471 |
) |
|
$ |
1,680,957 |
|
|
$ |
(31,277 |
) |
|
$ |
2,176,917 |
|
|
$ |
(58,748 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized losses relating to U.S. government, state and political subdivision and fixed
maturity corporate holdings were primarily caused by interest rate increases. Since the decline in
fair value of these investments is attributable to changes in interest rates and not credit
quality, and the Company has the intent and ability to hold these securities, the Company does not
consider these investments other-than-temporarily impaired. The unrealized losses related to equity
securities were caused by market changes that the Company considers to be temporary and thus the
Company does not consider these investments other-than-temporarily impaired. During the third
quarter of 2006, the Company recorded an impairment charge on an equity investment that it
considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired, resulting in a charge of $8.4 million. During the
third quarter of 2005, the Company recorded an impairment charge on two investments that it
considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired, which resulted in a charge of $13.6 million.
Note D Stock Based Compensation Plans
In connection with the 2005 distribution of FNT stock by FNF, the Company established the FNT
2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the Omnibus Plan) authorizing the issuance of up to 8 million shares
of common stock, subject to the terms of the Omnibus Plan. On October 23, 2006, the stockholders of
FNT approved an amendment to increase the number of shares available for issuance under the Omnibus
Plan by 15.5 million shares. The Omnibus Plan provides for the grant of stock options, stock
appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares, performance
units, other cash and stock-based awards and dividend equivalents. As of
14
September 30, 2006, there were 770,000 shares of restricted stock and 2,246,500 stock options
outstanding. These shares and options vest over a four-year period. During the three month and nine
month periods ended September 30, 2006, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of
$1.1 million and $3.2 million, respectively, in connection with the issuance of FNT restricted
stock and $0.7 million and $1.8 million, respectively, in connection with the issuance of FNT stock
options.
Stock option transactions under the Omnibus Plan in the first nine months of 2006 were as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate Intrinsic |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value at September 30, |
|
|
Weighted Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Remaining |
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
|
Exercisable |
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
Contractual Life |
|
Balance, December 31, 2005 |
|
|
2,206,500 |
|
|
$ |
21.90 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(2,074 |
) |
|
|
9.1 |
|
Granted |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
21.82 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(34 |
) |
|
|
9.5 |
|
Exercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cancelled |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, September 30, 2006 |
|
|
2,246,500 |
|
|
$ |
$21.90 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(2,112 |
) |
|
|
9.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All options issued and outstanding at September 30, 2006, are unvested. There were no
exercisable options outstanding at September 30, 2006. No stock options vested or were forfeited in
the first nine months of 2006.
Restricted stock transactions under the Omnibus Plan in the first nine months of 2006 were as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grant Date Fair |
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Value |
|
Balance, December 31, 2005 |
|
|
777,500 |
|
|
$ |
21.90 |
|
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cancelled |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
21.90 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, September 30, 2006 |
|
|
772,500 |
|
|
$ |
21.90 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No shares of restricted stock vested in the first nine months of 2006.
As a result of stock-based compensation grants prior to the commencement of the Omnibus Plan,
certain Company employees are also participants in FNFs stock-based compensation plans (the FNF
Plans), which provide for the granting of incentive and nonqualified stock options, restricted
stock and other stock-based incentive awards for officers and key employees. Grants of incentive
and nonqualified stock options under the FNF Plans have generally provided that options shall vest
equally over three years and generally expire ten years after their original date of grant. All
options granted under the FNF Plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the
underlying common stock on the date of grant. In connection with grants of FNF stock options to
Company employees, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $1.2 million and $2.6
million in the three month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $3.7
million and $6.8 million in the nine month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively,
which was based on an allocation of compensation expense to the Company for personnel who provided
services to the Company.
In 2003, FNF issued to certain Company employees and directors rights to purchase shares of
FNF restricted common stock (the FNF Restricted Shares). A portion of the FNF Restricted Shares
vest over a five-year period and a portion vest over a four-year period, of which one-fifth vested
immediately on the date of grant. In connection with the issuance of the FNF Restricted Shares to
FNT employees, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $0.5 million and $0.7
million for the three month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $1.4
million and $2.1 million for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005,
respectively, which was based on an allocation of compensation expense to the Company for personnel
who provided services to the Company.
In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R,
Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123R), which requires that compensation cost relating to share-based
payments be recognized in the Companys financial statements. Effective as of the beginning of
2003, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provision of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based
15
Compensation (SFAS 123). Using the fair value method of accounting, compensation cost is
measured based on the fair value of the award at the grant date and recognized over the service
period. Upon adoption of SFAS 123, the Company elected to use the prospective method of transition,
as permitted by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, Accounting for Stock- Based
Compensation Transition and Disclosure (SFAS 148). Using this method, stock-based employee
compensation cost was recognized from the beginning of 2003 as if the fair value method of
accounting had been used to account for all employee awards granted, modified, or settled in years
beginning after December 31, 2002. SFAS 123R does not allow for the prospective method, but
requires the recording of expense relating to the vesting of all unvested options beginning in the
first quarter of 2006. The adoption of SFAS 123R on January 1, 2006 had no material impact on the
Companys income before income taxes, net income, cash flow from operations, cash flow from
financing activities, or basic or diluted earnings per share in the three month or nine month
period ended September 30, 2006 due to the fact that all options accounted for using the intrinsic
value method under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees, were fully vested as of December 31, 2005. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS
No. 123R, share-based compensation expense for the 2005 periods presented has not been restated.
Net income reflects expense amounts of $3.5 million and $3.3 million for the three month periods
ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $10.1 million and $8.9 million for the nine
month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, which are included in personnel
costs in the reported financial results of each period. Included in these amounts are share-based
compensation expense related to the Omnibus Plan of $1.8 million and $5.0 million in the three and
nine month periods ended September 30, 2006, respectively, each of which includes a third quarter
2006 charge of $0.3 million for the accelerated vesting of stock options and restricted stock
shares granted to a director who resigned from the board of directors in the third quarter of 2006
and approved by the compensation committee. Also included in total stock-based compensation is
share-based compensation expense amounts related to the participation of Company employees in the
FNF Plans of $1.7 million and $3.3 million for the three month periods ended September 30, 2006 and
2005, respectively, and $5.1 million and $8.9 million for the nine month periods ended September
30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
The fair values of all options were estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes
option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions. The risk free interest rate
used in the calculation is the rate that corresponds to the weighted average expected life of an
option. For purposes of valuing the options granted under the Omnibus Plan in 2006 or 2005, the
Company used historical activity of FNF common stock shares and stock options to estimate the
volatility rate of the FNT common stock and the expected life of the FNT options. FNT did not grant
any options in the first nine months of 2005. The following assumptions were used in valuing FNT
stock options granted during the first nine months of 2006: a risk free interest rate of 4.8%, a
volatility factor for the expected market price of 27%, an expected dividend yield of 5.1%, and a
weighted average expected life of 4.1 years. The weighted average fair value of each option granted
by FNT during the first nine months of 2006 was $3.71.
Prior pro forma information regarding net earnings and earnings per share is required by SFAS
No. 123R, and has been determined as if the Company had accounted for all of its employee stock
options under the fair value method of that statement. For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the
estimated fair value of the options is amortized into expense over the options vesting period. The
following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had
applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123R to all outstanding and unvested
awards prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
Nine months ended |
|
|
|
September 30, 2005 |
|
|
September 30, 2005 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Net earnings, as reported |
|
$ |
169,734 |
|
|
$ |
412,631 |
|
Add: Stock-based compensation expense included in reported net
earnings, net of related tax effects |
|
|
2,046 |
|
|
|
5,375 |
|
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense
determined under fair value based methods for all awards, net of
related tax effects |
|
|
(2,088 |
) |
|
|
(5,983 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma net earnings |
|
$ |
169,692 |
|
|
$ |
412,023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma net earnings per share basic and diluted, as reported |
|
$ |
0.98 |
|
|
$ |
2.38 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma net earnings per share basic and diluted, adjusted
for SFAS 123 effects |
|
$ |
0.98 |
|
|
$ |
2.37 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16
At September 30, 2006, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock
option grants was $6.8 million, which is expected to be recognized in pre-tax income over a
weighted average period of 3.1 years and the total unrecognized compensation cost related to
non-vested restricted stock grants was $12.8 million, which is expected to be recognized in pre-tax
income over a weighted average period of 3.0 years.
On October 24, 2006, as part of the closing of the SEDA and spin-off from FNF, FNT granted
options and restricted stock to replace FNF options and FNF restricted stock to its employees. FNT
issued approximately 10.1 million options with a weighted average strike price of $11.00 per share
to replace 5.1 million outstanding FNF options in an intrinsic value swap. FNT also issued
approximately 0.6 million shares of restricted stock to employees as part of the distribution and
to replace FNF restricted stock. Also, on October 23, 2006, FNT granted 785,000 shares of
restricted stock to certain executive officers and the board of directors.
Note E Notes Payable
Notes payable consist of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Unsecured notes, net of discount, interest payable
semiannually at 7.3%, due August, 2011 |
|
$ |
240,841 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Unsecured notes, net of discount, interest payable semiannually
at 5.25%, due March, 2013 |
|
|
248,818 |
|
|
|
|
|
Unsecured notes due to FNF, net of discount |
|
|
6,640 |
|
|
|
497,800 |
|
Syndicated credit agreement, unsecured, interest due monthly at
LIBOR plus 0.40% (5.72% at September 30, 2006), unused portion
of $325,000 at September 30, 2006 |
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
Other promissory notes with various interest rates and maturities |
|
|
1,659 |
|
|
|
5,462 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
572,958 |
|
|
$ |
603,262 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In connection with the 2005 distribution of FNT stock by FNF, the Company issued two $250
million intercompany notes payable to FNF (the Mirror Notes), with terms that mirrored FNFs
existing $250 million 7.30% public debentures due in August 2011 and $250 million 5.25% public
debentures due in March 2013. Following issuance of the Mirror Notes, the Company filed a
Registration Statement on Form S-4, pursuant to which the Company offered to exchange the
outstanding FNF notes for notes FNT would issue having substantially the same terms and deliver the
FNF notes received in such exchange to FNF in redemption of the debt under the Mirror Notes. On
January 17, 2006, the exchange offers expired, with $241.3 million aggregate principal amount of
the 7.30% notes due 2011 and the entire $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 5.25%
notes due 2013 validly tendered and not withdrawn in the exchange offers. Following the completion
of the exchange offers, the company issued a new 7.30% Mirror Note due in 2011 in the amount of
$8.7 million, representing the principal amount of the portion of the original Mirror Notes that
was not exchanged. A balance of $6.6 million of these notes remained outstanding at September 30,
2006, all of which was paid on October 23, 2006.
On October 17, 2005, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement with Bank of America, N.A. as
Administrative Agent and Swing Line Lender (the Previous Credit Agreement), and the other
financial institutions party thereto. The Previous Credit Agreement was repaid and terminated on
October 24, 2006. The Previous Credit Agreement provided for a $400 million unsecured revolving
credit facility maturing on the fifth anniversary of the closing date. Amounts under the revolving
credit facility could be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed by the borrowers thereunder from time to
time until the maturity of the revolving credit facility. Voluntary prepayment of the revolving
credit facility under the Credit Agreement was permitted at any time without fee upon proper notice
and subject to a minimum dollar requirement. Revolving loans under the credit facility bore
interest at a variable rate based on either (i) the higher of (a) a rate per annum equal to
one-half of one percent in excess of the Federal Reserves Federal Funds rate, or (b) Bank of
Americas prime rate; or (ii) a rate per annum equal to the British Bankers Association London
Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a margin of between 0.35%-1.25%, all in, depending on the
Companys then current public debt credit rating from the rating agencies. Included in the
0.35%-1.25% margin was a related commitment fee on the entire facility.
The Previous Credit Agreement contained affirmative, negative and financial covenants
customary for financings of this type, including, among other things, limits on the creation of
liens, limits on the incurrence of
17
indebtedness, restrictions on investments, and limitations on restricted payments and
transactions with affiliates. The Previous Credit Agreement required the Company to maintain
investment grade debt ratings, certain financial ratios related to liquidity and statutory surplus
and certain levels of capitalization. The Previous Credit Agreement also included customary events
of default for facilities of this type (with customary grace periods, as applicable) and provided
that, upon the occurrence of an event of default, the interest rate on all outstanding obligations
would be increased and payments of all outstanding loans could be accelerated and/or the lenders
commitments could be terminated. In addition, upon the occurrence of certain insolvency or
bankruptcy related events of default, all amounts payable under the Previous Credit Agreement would
have automatically become immediately due and payable, and the lenders commitments would
automatically terminate.
Effective October 24, 2006, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the New Credit
Agreement) with Bank of America, N.A. as Administrative Agent and Swing Line Lender, and the other
financial institutions party thereto. The New Credit Agreement provides for an $800 million
unsecured revolving credit facility maturing on the fifth anniversary of the closing date. The
Company has the option to increase the size of the credit facility by an additional $300 million,
subject to certain requirements. Amounts under the revolving credit facility may be borrowed,
repaid and reborrowed by the borrower thereunder from time to time until the maturity of the
revolving credit facility. Voluntary prepayment of the revolving credit facility under the New
Credit Agreement is permitted at any time without fee upon proper notice and subject to a minimum
dollar requirement. Revolving loans under the credit facility bear interest at a variable rate
based on either (i) the higher of (a) a rate per annum equal to one-half of one percent in excess
of the Federal Reserves Federal Funds rate, or (b) Bank of Americas prime rate or (ii) a rate
per annum equal to the British Bankers Association London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) rate
plus a margin of between .23%-.675%, depending on the Companys then current senior unsecured
long-term debt rating from the rating agencies. In addition, the Company will pay a commitment fee
between .07%-.175% on the entire facility, also depending on the Companys senior unsecured
long-term debt rating.
The New Credit Agreement contains affirmative, negative and financial covenants customary
for financings of this type, including, among other things, limits on the creation of liens, sales
of assets, the incurrence of indebtedness, restricted payments, transactions with affiliates, and
certain amendments. The New Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain certain financial
ratios and levels of capitalization. The New Credit Agreement also includes customary events of
default for facilities of this type (with customary grace periods, as applicable) and provides
that, upon the occurrence of an event of default, the interest rate on all outstanding obligations
will be increased and payments of all outstanding loans may be accelerated and/or the lenders
commitments may be terminated. In addition, upon the occurrence of certain insolvency or bankruptcy
related events of default, all amounts payable under the New Credit Agreement shall automatically
become immediately due and payable, and the lenders commitments will automatically terminate.
Principal maturities of notes payable at September 30, 2006, were as follows (dollars in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
$ |
1,659 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
75,000 |
|
Thereafter |
|
|
496,299 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
572,958 |
|
|
|
|
|
18
Note F Pension and Postretirement Benefits
The following details the Companys periodic expense for pension and postretirement benefits:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
Pension Benefits |
|
|
Postretirement Benefits |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Service cost |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
$ |
38 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
2,097 |
|
|
|
2,087 |
|
|
|
286 |
|
|
|
296 |
|
Expected return on assets |
|
|
(2,453 |
) |
|
|
(1,959 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of prior service cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,010 |
) |
|
|
(384 |
) |
Amortization of actuarial loss |
|
|
2,217 |
|
|
|
2,207 |
|
|
|
467 |
|
|
|
137 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net periodic expense |
|
$ |
1,861 |
|
|
$ |
2,335 |
|
|
$ |
(255 |
) |
|
$ |
87 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
Pension Benefits |
|
|
Postretirement Benefits |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Service cost |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
42 |
|
|
$ |
114 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
6,291 |
|
|
|
6,261 |
|
|
|
814 |
|
|
|
888 |
|
Expected return on assets |
|
|
(7,359 |
) |
|
|
(5,877 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of prior service cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,215 |
) |
|
|
(1,152 |
) |
Amortization of actuarial loss |
|
|
6,651 |
|
|
|
6,621 |
|
|
|
1,020 |
|
|
|
411 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net periodic expense |
|
$ |
5,583 |
|
|
$ |
7,005 |
|
|
$ |
(339 |
) |
|
$ |
261 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There have been no material changes to the Companys projected benefit payments under these
plans since December 31, 2005.
Note G Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in various pending and threatened
litigation matters related to its operations, some of which include claims for punitive or
exemplary damages. The Company believes that no actions, other than those listed below, depart from
customary litigation incidental to its business. As background to the disclosure below, please note
the following:
|
|
|
These matters raise difficult and complicated factual and legal issues and are subject
to many uncertainties and complexities, including but not limited to the underlying facts
of each matter, novel legal issues, variations between jurisdictions in which matters are
being litigated, differences in applicable laws and judicial interpretations, the length of
time before many of these matters might be resolved by settlement or through litigation
and, in some cases, the timing of their resolutions relative to other similar cases brought
against other companies, the fact that many of these matters are putative class actions in
which a class has not been certified and in which the purported class may not be clearly
defined, the fact that many of these matters involve multi-state class actions in which the
applicable law for the claims at issue is in dispute and therefore unclear, and the current
challenging legal environment faced by large corporations and insurance companies. |
|
|
|
|
In these matters, plaintiffs seek a variety of remedies including equitable relief in
the form of injunctive and other remedies and monetary relief in the form of compensatory
damages. In most cases, the monetary damages sought include punitive or treble damages.
Often more specific information beyond the type of relief sought is not available because
plaintiffs have not requested more specific relief in their court pleadings. In general,
the dollar amount of damages sought is not specified. In those cases where plaintiffs have
made a specific statement with regard to monetary damages, they often specify damages just
below a jurisdictional limit regardless of the facts of the case. This represents the
maximum they can seek without risking removal from state court to federal court. In the
Companys experience, monetary demands in plaintiffs court pleadings bear little relation
to the ultimate loss, if any, it may experience. |
19
|
|
|
For the reasons specified above, it is not possible to make meaningful estimates of the
amount or range of loss that could result from these matters at this time. The Company
reviews these matters on an on-going basis and follows the provisions of SFAS No. 5,
Accounting for Contingencies when making accrual and disclosure decisions. When assessing
reasonably possible and probable outcomes, the Company bases its decision on its assessment
of the ultimate outcome following all appeals. |
|
|
|
|
In the opinion of the Companys management, while some of these matters may be material
to the Companys operating results for any particular period if an unfavorable outcome
results, none will have a material adverse effect on its overall financial condition. |
Several class actions are pending in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Hampshire and
Florida alleging improper premiums were charged for title insurance. The cases allege that the
named defendant companies failed to provide notice of premium discounts to consumers refinancing
their mortgages, and failed to give discounts in refinancing transactions in violation of the filed
rates. The actions seek refunds of the premiums charged and punitive damages. The Company intends
to vigorously defend the actions.
A class action in California alleges that the Company violated the Real Estate Settlement
Procedures Act and state law by giving favorable discounts or rates to builders and developers for
escrow fees and requiring purchasers to use Chicago Title Insurance Company for escrow services.
The action seeks refunds of the premiums charged and additional damages. The Company intends to
vigorously defend this action.
A class action in Texas alleges that the Company overcharged for recording fees in Arizona,
California, Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas. The suit seeks to recover the recording fees for the
class that was overcharged, interest and attorneys fees. The suit was filed in the United States
District Court for the Western District of Texas, San Antonio Division on March 24, 2006. Similar
suits are pending in Indiana, Kansas, and Missouri. The Company intends to vigorously defend these
actions.
A class action in New Mexico alleges the Company has engaged in anti-competitive price fixing
in New Mexico. The suit seeks an injunction against price fixing and writs issued to the State
regulators mandating the law be interpreted to provide a competitive market, compensatory damages,
punitive damages, statutory damages, interest and attorneys fees for the injured class. The suit
was filed in State Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico on April 27, 2006. The Company intends to
vigorously defend this action.
Two class actions filed in Illinois allege the Company has paid attorneys to refer business to
the Company by paying them for core title services in conjunction with orders when the attorneys,
in fact, did not perform any core title services and the payments were to steer business to the
Company. The suits seek compensatory damages, attorneys fees and injunctive relief to terminate
the practice. The suit was filed in state court in Chicago, Illinois on May 11, 2006. The Company
intends to vigorously defend these actions.
None of the cases described above includes a statement as to the dollar amount of damages
demanded. Instead, each of the cases includes a demand in an amount to be proved at trial. One Ohio
case states that the damages per class member are less than the jurisdictional limit for removal to
federal court.
The Company receives inquiries and requests for information from state insurance departments,
attorneys general and other regulatory agencies from time to time about various matters relating to
its business. Sometimes these take the form of civil investigative subpoenas. The Company attempts
to cooperate with all such inquiries. From time to time, the Company is assessed fines for
violations of regulations or other matters or enters into settlements with such authorities which
require the Company to pay money or take other actions.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners and various state insurance regulators
have been investigating so called captive reinsurance agreements since 2004. The investigations
have focused on arrangements in which title insurers would write title insurance generated by
realtors, developers and lenders and cede a portion of the premiums to a reinsurance company
affiliate of the entity that generated the business. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) also has made formal or informal inquiries of the Company regarding these
matters. The Company has been cooperating and intends to continue to cooperate with all ongoing
investigations. The Company has discontinued all captive reinsurance arrangements. The total amount
of premiums the Company ceded to reinsurers was approximately $10 million over the existence of
these agreements.
20
The Company has settled most of the accusations of wrongdoing that arose from these
investigations by discontinuing the practice and paying fines. Some investigations are continuing.
The Company anticipates they will be settled in a similar manner.
Additionally, the Company has received inquiries from regulators about its business
involvement with title insurance agencies affiliated with builders, realtors and other traditional
sources of title insurance business, some of which the Company participated in forming as joint
ventures with its subsidiaries. These inquiries have focused on whether the placement of title
insurance with the Company through these affiliated agencies is proper or an improper form of
referral payment. Like most other title insurers, the Company participates in these affiliated
business arrangements in a number of states. The Company has settled the accusations of wrongdoing
that arose from some of these investigations by discontinuing the practice and paying fines. Other
investigations are continuing. The Company anticipates they will be settled in a similar manner.
The Company and its subsidiaries have settled all allegations of wrongdoing arising from a
wide-ranging review of the title insurance industry by the New York State Attorney General (the
NYAG). Under the terms of the settlement, the Company paid a $2 million fine and will immediately
reduce premiums by 15% on owners policies under $1 million. Rate hearings will be conducted by the
New York State Insurance Department (the NYSID) this year where all rates will be considered
industry wide. The settlement clarifies practices considered wrongful under New York law by the
NYAG and the NYSID, and the Company has agreed not to engage in those practices. The Company will
take steps to assure that consumers are aware of the filed rates for premiums on title insurance
products and that the products are correctly rated. The settlement also resolves all issues raised
by the market conduct investigation of the Company and its subsidiaries by the NYSID except the
issues of rating errors found by the NYSID. As part of the settlement, the Company and its
subsidiaries denied any wrongdoing. Neither the fines nor the rate reductions are expected to have
a material impact on earnings of the Company. The Company cooperated fully with the NYAG and NYSID
inquiries into these matters and will continue to cooperate with the NYSID.
In November 2006, the NYAG and NYSID
raised an issue with respect to the applicability of the rate reduction to lenders policies. The Company
and other defendants dispute this position.
Further, U.S. Representative Oxley, the Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee,
recently asked the Government Accountability Office (the GAO) to investigate the title insurance
industry. Representative Oxley stated that the Committee is concerned about payments that certain
title insurers have made to developers, lenders and real estate agents for referrals of title
insurance business. Representative Oxley asked the GAO to examine, among other things, the
foregoing relationships and the levels of pricing and competition in the title insurance industry.
A congressional hearing was held regarding title insurance practices on April 27, 2006. The Company
is unable to predict the outcome of this inquiry or whether it will adversely affect the Companys
business or results of operations.
On July 3, 2006, the California Insurance Commissioner (Commissioner) issued a Notice of
Proposed Action and Notice of Public Hearing (the Notice) relating to proposed regulations
governing rate-making for title insurance (the Proposed Regulations). A hearing on the Proposed
Regulations took place on August 30, 2006. If implemented, the Proposed Regulations would result in
significant reductions in title insurance rates, which are likely to have a significant negative
impact on the companys California revenues. In addition, the Proposed Regulations would give the
Commissioner the ability to set maximum allowable title insurance rates on a going-forward basis.
It is possible that such maximum rates would be lower than the rates that the company would
otherwise set. In addition, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (the OIR) has recently
released three studies of the title insurance industry which purport to demonstrate that title
insurance rates in Florida are too high and that the Florida title insurance industry is
overwhelmingly dominated by five firms, which includes FNT. The studies recommend tying premium
rates to loss ratios thereby making the rates a reflection of the actual risks born by the insurer.
The OIR is presently developing a rule to govern the upcoming rate analysis and rate setting
process and has said that it will use the information to begin a full review of the title insurance
rates charged in Florida. New York, Connecticut, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Washington insurance regulators
have also announced similar inquiries (or other reviews of title insurance rates or practices) and other states
could follow. At this stage, the Company is unable to predict what the outcome will be of these or
any similar reviews.
Canadian lawyers who have traditionally played a role in real property transactions in Canada
allege that the Companys practices in processing residential mortgages are the unauthorized
practice of law. Their Law Societies have demanded an end to the practice, and have begun
investigations into those practices. In several provinces bills have been filed that ostensibly
would affect the way the Company does business. The Company is unable to predict
21
the outcome of this inquiry or whether it will adversely affect the Companys business or
results of operations. In Missouri a class action is pending alleging that certain acts performed
by the Company in closing real estate transactions are the unlawful practice of law. The Company
intends to vigorously defend this action.
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not purely historical
are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements regarding our
expectations, hopes, intentions, or strategies regarding the future. All forward-looking statements
included in this document are based on information available to us on the date hereof, and we
assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements contained herein due to many
factors, including, but not limited to: changes in general economic, business, and political
conditions, including changes in the financial markets; adverse changes in the level of real estate
activity, which may be caused by, among other things, high or increasing interest rates, a limited
supply of mortgage funding or a weak U.S. economy; compliance with extensive regulations;
regulatory investigations of the title insurance industry; our business concentration in the State
of California, the source of over 20% of our title insurance premiums; our dependence on
distributions from our title insurance underwriters as our main source of cash flow; competition
from other title insurance companies; and other risks detailed in our filings with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
The Company made a reclassification adjustment to the Consolidated Statements of Income,
included within this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q, with regard to the presentation of interest and
investment income and other operating expenses. This adjustment was necessary to properly reflect
certain credits earned as a reduction of other operating expenses as opposed to an increase in
investment income. The adjustment resulted in a reduction of interest and investment income of $2.6
million for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 and $10.3 million and $5.9 million for the nine
month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and a corresponding reduction of
other operating expenses. This adjustment had no effect on net income.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2005.
Overview
Fidelity National Title Group (FNT or the Company) is one of the largest title insurance
companies in the United States, with an approximate 29.0% national market share in 2005. Our title
insurance underwriters Fidelity National Title, Chicago Title, Ticor Title, Security Union Title
and Alamo Title together issue all of the Companys title insurance policies in 49 states, the
District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and in Canada and Mexico. We
operate our business through a single segment, title and escrow, and do not generate significant
revenue outside the United States.
Prior to October 17, 2005, we were a wholly-owned subsidiary of FNF. On that date, FNF
distributed shares of our Class A Common Stock representing 17.5% of our outstanding shares to its
stockholders as a dividend. Until October 24, 2006, FNF continued to hold shares of our Class B
Common Stock representing 82.1% of our outstanding stock and 97.9% of all voting rights of our
common stock.
Our financial statements for the periods presented include assets, liabilities, revenues and
expenses directly attributable to our operations as well as transactions between us and FNF and
other affiliated entities. For periods prior to the October 17, 2005, our financial statements
include allocations of certain of our corporate expenses to FNF and Fidelity National Information
Services, Inc. (FIS) and allocations to us of certain FNF expenses, allocated on a basis that
management considers to reflect most fairly or reasonably the utilization of the services provided
to or the benefit obtained by those businesses. These expense allocations from FNF reflect an
allocation to us of a portion of the compensation of certain senior officers and other personnel of
FNF who were not our employees after the 2005 distribution of FNT stock by FNF, but who have
historically provided services to us. Our financial statements for periods prior to October 17,
2005, do not reflect the debt or interest expense we might have incurred if we had been a
stand-alone entity. Subsequent to the 2005 distribution of FNT stock by FNF, we have incurred
additional expenses as a result of being a separate public company. As a result, our financial
statements for
22
periods prior to October 17, 2005, do not necessarily reflect what our financial position or
results of operations would have been if we had been operated as a stand-alone public entity during
the periods covered, and may not be indicative of our future results of operations or financial
position.
Recent Developments
Transaction with FNF
On June 25, 2006, the Company entered into a Securities Exchange and Distribution Agreement
(the SEDA) with FNF (amended and restated as of September 18, 2006), providing for the
elimination of FNFs holding company structure, the sale of certain of FNFs assets and liabilities
to FNT in exchange for shares of FNT stock, and the distribution of FNFs ownership stake in FNT to
FNF shareholders. Pursuant to the SEDA, on October 24, 2006, FNT completed the acquisition of
substantially all of the assets and liabilities of FNF (other than FNFs interests in FIS and in
FNF Capital Leasing, Inc., a small subsidiary) in exchange for 45,265,956 shares of FNTs Class A
common stock (the Asset Contribution). The assets transferred included FNFs specialty insurance
business, its interest in certain claims management operations, certain timber and real estate
holdings and certain smaller operations, together with all cash and certain investment assets held
by FNF as of October 24, 2006. In connection with the Asset Contribution, FNF converted all of the
FNT Class B common stock held by FNF into FNT Class A common stock and distributed the shares
acquired by FNF from FNT, together with the converted shares, to holders of record of FNF common
stock as of October 17, 2006 in a tax-free distribution (the 2006 Distribution). As a result of
the 2006 Distribution, FNF no longer owns any common stock of FNT and FNT is now a stand alone
public company with all of its approximately 218.7 million shares held by the public. Also, on
November 9, 2006, FNF will merge with and into FIS, after which FNT will legally change its name to
Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (New FNF). Beginning on November 10, 2006, FNTs common stock
will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol FNF. FNFs current chairman of
the board and chief executive officer, William P. Foley, II, has assumed the same positions in New
FNF and the position of executive chairman of the board of FIS. Other key members of FNFs senior
management will also continue their involvement in both New FNF and FIS in executive capacities.
Acquisitions among entities under common control such as the Asset Contribution are not
considered business combinations and are to be accounted for at historical cost in accordance with
EITF 90-5, Exchanges of Ownership Interests between Enterprises under Common Control. Furthermore,
the substance of the proposed transactions and the merger is effectively a reverse spin-off of FIS
by FNF in accordance with EITF 02-11, Accounting for Reverse Spinoffs. Accordingly, the historical
financial statements of FNF will become those of FNT; however, the criteria to account for FIS as
discontinued operations as prescribed by SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of
Long-Lived Assets will not be met. This is primarily due to the continuing involvement of FNT with
FIS and significant influence that FNT will have over FIS subsequent to the merger through common
board members, common senior management and continuing business relationships. It is expected that
FIS will continue to be included in FNFs consolidated financial statements through the date of
completion of the SEDA.
Following the 2006 Distribution, the Company is no longer purely a title insurance company.
Instead, the Company is a holding company which operates through its subsidiaries in the title
insurance and specialty insurance industries. In addition, the Company expects to actively evaluate
possible strategic transactions, including but not limited to potential acquisitions of other
companies, business units and operating and investment assets. Any such acquisitions may or may not
be in lines of business that are the same as or provide potential synergies with FNTs existing
operations. There can be no assurance, however, that any suitable acquisitions or other strategic
opportunities will arise.
Service Link Acquisition
On August 1, 2005, the Company acquired Service Link, L.P. (Service Link), a national
provider of centralized mortgage and residential real estate title and closing services to major
financial institutions and institutional lenders. The initial acquisition price was approximately
$110 million in cash. During the third quarter of 2006, the Company paid additional contingent
consideration of $57.0 million related to this purchase, based on Service Links operations meeting
certain performance measures over a 12-month period ending in July 2006.
23
Results of Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
Nine months ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
REVENUE: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Direct title insurance premiums |
|
$ |
461,340 |
|
|
$ |
626,178 |
|
|
$ |
1,413,641 |
|
|
$ |
1,643,574 |
|
Agency title insurance premiums |
|
|
721,801 |
|
|
|
779,117 |
|
|
|
2,058,935 |
|
|
|
2,083,317 |
|
Escrow and other title related fees |
|
|
269,188 |
|
|
|
324,910 |
|
|
|
810,845 |
|
|
|
868,375 |
|
Interest and investment income |
|
|
41,261 |
|
|
|
28,994 |
|
|
|
115,680 |
|
|
|
71,149 |
|
Realized gains and losses, net |
|
|
1,478 |
|
|
|
3,583 |
|
|
|
22,091 |
|
|
|
25,505 |
|
Other income |
|
|
11,964 |
|
|
|
11,461 |
|
|
|
34,393 |
|
|
|
31,481 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
|
1,507,032 |
|
|
|
1,774,243 |
|
|
|
4,455,585 |
|
|
|
4,723,401 |
|
EXPENSES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Personnel costs |
|
|
436,064 |
|
|
|
511,325 |
|
|
|
1,354,720 |
|
|
|
1,415,928 |
|
Other operating expenses |
|
|
223,359 |
|
|
|
246,109 |
|
|
|
666,587 |
|
|
|
693,927 |
|
Agent commissions |
|
|
555,010 |
|
|
|
612,139 |
|
|
|
1,587,547 |
|
|
|
1,617,260 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
29,881 |
|
|
|
23,818 |
|
|
|
83,312 |
|
|
|
73,207 |
|
Provision for claim losses |
|
|
88,706 |
|
|
|
103,612 |
|
|
|
260,444 |
|
|
|
254,289 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
12,762 |
|
|
|
4,669 |
|
|
|
36,462 |
|
|
|
5,393 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses |
|
|
1,345,782 |
|
|
|
1,501,672 |
|
|
|
3,989,072 |
|
|
|
4,060,004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings before income taxes and minority interest |
|
|
161,250 |
|
|
|
272,571 |
|
|
|
466,513 |
|
|
|
663,397 |
|
Income tax expense |
|
|
57,241 |
|
|
|
102,137 |
|
|
|
165,610 |
|
|
|
248,774 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings before minority interest |
|
|
104,009 |
|
|
|
170,434 |
|
|
|
300,903 |
|
|
|
414,623 |
|
Minority interest |
|
|
610 |
|
|
|
700 |
|
|
|
1,889 |
|
|
|
1,992 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings |
|
$ |
103,399 |
|
|
$ |
169,734 |
|
|
$ |
299,014 |
|
|
$ |
412,631 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues decreased $267.2 million or 15.1% for the third quarter of 2006 to $1,507.0
million and decreased $267.8 million or 5.7% for the first nine months of 2006 to $4,455.6 million.
Total title insurance premiums for the three-month and nine-month periods were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended September 30, |
|
|
Nine months ended September 30, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
% |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
% |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
% |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
% |
|
Title premiums
from direct
operations |
|
$ |
461,340 |
|
|
|
39.0 |
% |
|
$ |
626,178 |
|
|
|
44.6 |
% |
|
$ |
1,413,641 |
|
|
|
40.7 |
% |
|
|
1,643,574 |
|
|
|
44.1 |
% |
Title premiums from
agency operations |
|
|
721,801 |
|
|
|
61.0 |
% |
|
|
779,117 |
|
|
|
55.4 |
% |
|
|
2,058,935 |
|
|
|
59.3 |
% |
|
|
2,083,317 |
|
|
|
55.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
1,183,141 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
1,405,295 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
3,472,576 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
3,726,891 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title insurance premiums decreased 15.8% to $1,183.1 million in the third quarter of 2006
as compared with the third quarter of 2005. The decrease was made up of a $164.8 million, or 26.3%,
decrease in direct premiums and a $57.3 million, or 7.4%, decrease in premiums from agency
operations. Title insurance premiums decreased 6.8% to $3,472.6 million in the first nine months of
2006 as compared with the first nine months of 2005. The decrease was made up of a $229.9 million,
or 14.0%, decrease in direct premiums and a $24.4 million, or 1.2%, decrease in premiums from
agency operations.
The decreased level of direct title premiums in the third quarter is the result of a 27.0%
decrease in closed order volume and was partially offset by a 4.9% increase in fee per file,
reflecting a declining refinance market and a slowing purchase market. Closed order volumes
decreased to 440,200 in the third quarter of 2006 compared to 602,900 in the third quarter of 2005
and to 1,350,300 in the first nine months of 2006 compared to 1,651,800 in the first nine months of
2005. The average fee per file in our direct operations was $1,582 in the third quarter of 2006
compared to $1,508 in the third quarter of 2005 and $1,571 in the first nine months of 2006
compared to $1,469 in the first nine months of 2005, reflecting a strong commercial market, the
decrease in refinance activity, and continued appreciation in home prices. The fee per file tends
to increase as mortgage interest rates rise, and the mix of business changes from a predominantly
refinance-driven market to more of a resale-driven market because resale transactions generally
involve the issuance of both a lenders policy and an owners policy whereas refinance transactions
typically only require a lenders policy.
24
We are using accrual basis accounting to record agency premiums in a manner that is consistent
with direct premium activity because our agents experience the same market conditions that other
direct title insurance companies experience. The changes in agency premiums during the three-month
and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 as compared to the corresponding 2005 periods were
more favorable than the changes in direct premiums due to the fact that title insurance markets are
currently stronger in geographic regions where title insurance business is more agency driven.
During the third quarter and first nine months of 2006, agency premiums decreased 7.4% and 1.2%,
respectively, compared to the corresponding 2005 periods, while direct title premiums decreased
26.3% and 14.0%, respectively, during the same periods. Agency revenues from FIS title agency
businesses were $24.8 million and $26.8 million in the third quarter of 2006 and 2005,
respectively, and $66.7 million and $69.7 million in the first nine months of 2006 and 2005,
respectively.
Trends in escrow and other title related fees are, to some extent, related to title insurance
activity generated by our direct operations. Escrow and other title related fees were $269.2
million and $324.9 million for the third quarters of 2006 and 2005, respectively and $810.8 million
and $868.4 million for the first nine months of 2006 and 2005, respectively. Escrow fees, which are
more directly related to our direct operations than are other title related fees, decreased $52.3
million, or 23.9%, in the third quarter of 2006 compared to the third quarter of 2005, and $76.8
million, or 13.1%, in the first nine months of 2006 compared to the first nine months of 2005,
consistent with the decrease in direct title premiums. Other title-related fees decreased $3.5
million, or 3.3%, for the third quarter of 2006 compared to the third quarter of 2005 and increased
$19.2 million, or 6.8%, for the first nine months of 2006 compared to the first nine months of
2005, representing growth in the Canadian real estate market, including growth in our market share
and the strength of the Canadian dollar, growth in other operations not directly related to title
insurance, and acquisitions, including the acquisition of Service Link in August 2005.
Interest and investment income levels are primarily a function of securities markets, interest
rates and the amount of cash available for investment. Interest and investment income in the third
quarter of 2006 was $41.3 million, compared with $29.0 million in the third quarter of 2005, an
increase of $12.3 million, or 42.3%. Interest and investment income in the first nine months of
2006 was $115.7 million, compared with $71.1 million in the first nine months of 2005. The
increases are primarily due to increases in interest rates for cash and short-term investments,
increases in earnings from the securities lending program, increases in average balances and yield
rates for long-term fixed income assets, and, for the nine month periods, a special dividend paid
on our holdings of Certegy Inc. common stock in the first quarter of 2006 before its merger with
FIS.
Net realized gains for the third quarter of 2006 decreased to $1.5 million compared to $3.6
million for the third quarter of 2005, primarily due to a gain on sale of real estate in the 2005
period and capital losses in the 2006 period with no capital losses in the 2005 period, partially
offset by higher capital gains and lower impairment charges in the 2006 period. During the third
quarter of 2006, the Company recorded an impairment charge on an equity investment that it
considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired, resulting in a charge of $8.4 million, compared
to impairment charges totaling $13.6 million on two investments in the third quarter of 2005. Net
realized gains for the first nine months of 2006 decreased to $22.1 million from $25.5 million in
the first nine months of 2005, primarily due to lower net realized gains on other assets, including
the 2005 sale of real estate mentioned above, partially offset by the lower third quarter
impairment charges mentioned above and lower capital losses in 2006.
Our operating expenses consist primarily of personnel costs and other operating expenses,
which in our title insurance business are incurred as orders are received and processed, and agent
commissions, which are incurred as revenue is recognized. Title insurance premiums, escrow and
other title related fees are generally recognized as income at the time the underlying transaction
closes. As a result, direct title operations revenue lags approximately 45-60 days behind expenses
and therefore gross margins may fluctuate. The changes in the market environment, mix of business
between direct and agency operations and the contributions from our various business units have
impacted margins and net earnings. We have implemented programs and have taken necessary actions to
maintain expense levels consistent with revenue streams. However, a short time lag exists in
reducing variable costs and certain fixed costs are incurred regardless of revenue levels.
Personnel costs include base salaries, commissions, benefits, bonuses and stock based
compensation paid to employees and are one of our most significant operating expenses. Personnel
costs totaled $436.1 million and $511.3 million for the third quarters of 2006 and 2005,
respectively, and $1,354.7 million and $1,415.9 million for
25
the first nine months of 2006 and 2005, respectively. Personnel costs as a percentage of total
revenues from direct title premiums and escrow and other fees increased to 59.7% for the third
quarter of 2006 from 53.8% for the third quarter of 2005 and to 60.9% for the first nine months of
2006 from 56.4% for the first nine months of 2005. The decrease in personnel costs in dollar terms
for the third quarter of 2006 as compared to the third quarter of 2005 is primarily the result of
the decreases in direct title premiums and escrow and other fees and a corresponding decrease in
personnel costs relating thereto, partially offset by increased competition for personnel in the
western part of the country, driving increases in compensation in certain geographic regions.
Average employee count decreased to 18,120 in the third quarter of 2006 from 19,949 in the third
quarter of 2005, primarily due to the decrease in orders, partially offset by the 2005 acquisition
of Service Link. Average annualized personnel cost per employee decreased in the third quarter of
2006 compared to the third quarter of 2005, primarily due to decreases in variable personnel costs
such as overtime, commissions and bonuses. The decrease in personnel costs for the first nine
months of 2006 as compared to the first nine months of 2005 is primarily the result of decreases in
direct title premiums and escrow and other fees as mentioned above, partially offset by increased
salary and benefit costs due to competition. Average employee count decreased to 18,677 in the
first nine months of 2006 from 19,115 in the first nine months of 2005, primarily due to the
decrease in orders, partially offset by the acquisition of Service Link. Average annualized
personnel cost per employee decreased in the first nine months of 2006 compared to the first nine
months of 2005, primarily due to decreases in variable personnel costs such as overtime,
commissions and bonuses, partially offset by increases in fixed personnel costs caused by
competition. Stock-based compensation costs were $3.5 million and $3.3 million for the third
quarters of 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $10.1 million and $8.9 million for the first nine
months of 2006 and 2005, respectively. None of the additional expense relates to the Companys
adoption on January 1, 2006, of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, Share Based
Payment (SFAS 123R) because all options that were not previously accounted for under the fair
value method were fully vested as of December 31, 2005.
Other operating expenses consist primarily of facilities expenses, title plant maintenance,
premium taxes (which insurance underwriters are required to pay on title premiums in lieu of
franchise and other state taxes), postage and courier services, computer services, professional
services, advertising expenses, general insurance, travel expenses, legal costs and equipment
costs. Other operating expenses totaled $223.4 million and $246.1 million for the third quarters of
2006 and 2005, respectively, and $666.6 million and $699.8 million for the first nine months of
2006 and 2005, respectively. Other operating expenses as a percentage of total revenues from direct
title premiums and escrow and other fees were 30.6% and 25.9% for the third quarters of 2006 and
2005, respectively, and 30.0% and 27.6% for the first nine months of 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Agent commissions represent the portion of premiums retained by agents pursuant to the terms
of their respective agency contracts. Agent commissions and the resulting percentage of agent
premiums we retain vary according to regional differences in real estate closing practices and
state regulations.
The following table illustrates the relationship of agent premiums and agent commissions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended September 30, |
|
|
Nine months ended September 30, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
% |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
% |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
% |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
% |
|
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
Agent premiums |
|
$ |
721,801 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
779,117 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
2,058,935 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
2,083,317 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
Agent commissions |
|
|
555,010 |
|
|
|
76.9 |
% |
|
|
612,139 |
|
|
|
78.6 |
% |
|
|
1,587,547 |
|
|
|
77.1 |
% |
|
|
1,617,260 |
|
|
|
77.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net |
|
$ |
166,791 |
|
|
|
23.1 |
% |
|
$ |
166,978 |
|
|
|
21.4 |
% |
|
$ |
471,388 |
|
|
|
22.9 |
% |
|
$ |
466,057 |
|
|
|
22.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net margin from agency title insurance premiums as a percentage of total agency premiums
increased in the third quarter and first nine months of 2006 compared with the third quarter and
nine months of 2005, respectively, due to differences in the percentages of premiums retained by
agents as commissions vary across different geographic regions.
Depreciation and amortization was $29.9 million in the third quarter of 2006 as compared to
$23.8 million in the third quarter of 2005 and $83.3 million in the first nine months of 2006 as
compared to $73.2 million in the first nine months of 2005.
26
The provision for claim losses includes an estimate of anticipated title and title related
claims and escrow losses. The estimate of anticipated title and title related claims is accrued as
a percentage of title premium revenue based on our historical loss experience and other relevant
factors. We monitor our claims loss experience on a continual basis and adjust the provision for
claim losses accordingly as new information becomes known, new loss patterns emerge, or as other
contributing factors are considered and incorporated into the analysis of the reserve for claim
losses. The claim loss provision for title insurance was $88.7 million in the third quarter of 2006
as compared to $103.6 million in the third quarter of 2005 and $260.4 million in the first nine
months of 2006 as compared to $254.3 million in the first nine months of 2005. Our claim loss
provision as a percentage of total title premiums was 7.5% in the third quarter and first nine
months of 2006 and 7.4% in the third quarter and 6.8% for the first nine months of 2005.
Interest expense increased to $12.8 million in the third quarter of 2006 from $4.7 million in
the third quarter of 2005 and to $36.5 million in the first nine months of 2006 from $5.4 million
in the first nine months of 2005, due to increases in average debt. Average debt increased to
approximately $573.1 million and $587.1 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2006,
respectively, from approximately $85.2 million and $11.7 million in the third quarter and first
nine months of 2005, respectively. Increases in average debt during the 2006 periods as compared to
the 2005 periods is primarily due to two January 2006 public bond issuances with balances at
September 30, 2006 of $240,841 and $248,818 and interest payable at 7.3% and 5.25% respectively
(collectively the Public Bonds). In January of 2006, we issued the Public Bonds in exchange for
an equal amount of the outstanding FNF bonds with the same terms. We then delivered the FNF bonds
to FNF in payment of two intercompany notes payable to FNF by us. (See Note E to the Condensed
Financial Statements.)
Income tax expense as a percentage of earnings before income taxes was 35.5% for the third
quarter and first nine months of 2006 and 37.5% for the third quarter and first nine months of
2005. Income tax expense as a percentage of earnings before income taxes is attributable to our
estimate of ultimate income tax liability, and changes in the characteristics of net earnings year
to year. The decrease in the 2006 periods as compared to the 2005 periods is due to an increased
proportion of tax-exempt interest income in the 2006 periods.
Net earnings were $103.4 million and $169.7 million for the third quarters of 2006 and 2005,
respectively, and $299.0 million and $412.6 million for the first nine months of 2006 and 2005,
respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Requirements
Our cash requirements include operating expenses, taxes, payments of interest and principal on
our debt, capital expenditures, business acquisitions and dividends on our common stock. Through
September 30, 2006, we have paid a quarterly dividend of $0.29 on each share of our common stock,
or an aggregate of $151.4 million year-to-date. After the 2006 Distribution, we intend to pay an
annual dividend of $1.20 per share on our common stock, payable quarterly, or an aggregate of
approximately $265 million per year, based on the number of shares outstanding subsequent to the
2006 Distribution, although the declaration of any future dividends is at the discretion of our
board of directors. Total dividends paid in the full year 2006 are expected to be approximately
$217.7 million. We believe that all anticipated cash requirements for current operations will be
met from internally generated funds, through cash dividends from subsidiaries, cash generated by
investment securities and borrowings on existing credit facilities. Our short-term and long-term
liquidity requirements are monitored regularly to ensure that we can meet our cash requirements. We
forecast the needs of all of our subsidiaries and periodically review their short-term and
long-term projected sources and uses of funds, as well as the asset, liability, investment and cash
flow assumptions underlying these projections.
Our insurance subsidiaries generate cash from premiums earned and their respective investment
portfolios and these funds are adequate to satisfy the payments of claims and other liabilities.
Due to the magnitude of our investment portfolio in relation to our claim loss reserves, we do not
specifically match durations of our investments to the cash outflows required to pay claims, but do
manage outflows on a shorter time frame.
Our two significant sources of internally generated funds are dividends and other payments
from our subsidiaries. As a holding company, we receive cash from our subsidiaries in the form of
dividends and as reimbursement for operating and other administrative expenses we incur. The
reimbursements are paid within the
27
guidelines of management agreements among us and our subsidiaries. Our insurance subsidiaries
are restricted by state regulation in their ability to pay dividends and make distributions. Each
state of domicile regulates the extent to which our title underwriters can pay dividends or make
other distributions to us. As of December 31, 2005, $1.9 billion of our net assets were restricted
from dividend payments without prior approval from the relevant departments of insurance. During
the remainder of 2006, our first tier title subsidiaries can pay or make distributions to us of
approximately $145 million without prior regulatory approval. Our underwritten title companies and
non-title insurance subsidiaries collect revenue and pay operating expenses. However, they are not
regulated to the same extent as our insurance subsidiaries.
On October 25, 2006, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per
share, payable December 28, 2006 to shareholders of record as of December 14, 2006. On July 20,
2006, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.29 per share, which was paid
on September 28, 2006 to shareholders of record as of September 14, 2006. On April 20, 2006, our
Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.29 per share, which was paid on June
27, 2006 to shareholders of record as of June 15, 2006. On February 8, 2006, our Board of Directors
declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.29 per share, which was paid on March 28, 2006, to
shareholders of record as of March 15, 2006.
On October 25, 2006, our Board of Directors approved a three-year stock repurchase program
under which we can repurchase up to 25 million shares of our common stock. We may make purchases
from time to time in the open market, in block purchases or in privately negotiated transactions,
depending on market conditions and other factors.
Financing
In connection with the 2005 distribution of FNT stock by FNF, we issued two $250 million
intercompany notes payable to FNF (the Mirror Notes), with terms that mirrored FNFs existing
$250 million 7.30% public debentures due in August 2011 and $250 million 5.25% public debentures
due in March 2013. Following issuance of the Mirror Notes, we filed a Registration Statement on
Form S-4, pursuant to which we offered to exchange the outstanding FNF notes for notes we would
issue having substantially the same terms and deliver the FNF notes received to FNF to reduce our
debt under the Mirror Notes. On January 17, 2006, the offers expired, with $241.3 million aggregate
principal amount of the 7.30% notes due 2011 and the entire $250.0 million aggregate principal
amount of the 5.25% notes due 2013 validly tendered and not withdrawn in the exchange offers.
Following the completion of the exchange offers, we issued a new 7.30% Mirror Note due 2011 in the
amount of $8.7 million, representing the principal amount of the portion of the original Mirror
Notes that was not exchanged. A balance of $6.6 million of these notes remained outstanding at
September 30, 2006, all of which was redeemed on October 23, 2006. Interest on the Mirror Notes
accrued from the last date on which interest on the corresponding FNF notes was paid and at the
same rate.
On October 17, 2005, we entered into a credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A. as
Administrative Agent and Swing Line Lender, and the other financial institutions party thereto (the
Previous Credit Agreement). The Previous Credit Agreement provided for a $400 million unsecured
revolving credit facility maturing on the fifth anniversary of the closing date. Amounts under the
revolving credit facility could be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed by the borrowers thereunder from
time to time until the maturity of the revolving credit facility. Voluntary prepayment of the
revolving credit facility under the Previous Credit Agreement was permitted at any time without fee
upon proper notice and subject to a minimum dollar requirement. Revolving loans under the credit
facility bore interest at a variable rate based on either (i) the higher of (a) a rate per annum
equal to one-half of one percent in excess of the Federal Reserves Federal Funds rate, or (b) Bank
of Americas prime rate; or (ii) a rate per annum equal to the British Bankers Association London
Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a margin of between 0.35%-1.25%, all in, depending on the
Companys then current public debt credit rating from the rating agencies. Included in the
0.35%-1.25% margin was a related commitment fee on the entire facility. The Previous Credit
Agreement was repaid and terminated on October 24, 2006.
The Previous Credit Agreement contained affirmative, negative and financial covenants
customary for financings of this type, including, among other things, limits on the creation of
liens, limits on the incurrence of indebtedness, restrictions on investments, and limitations on
restricted payments and transactions with affiliates. The Previous Credit Agreement required the
Company to maintain investment grade debt ratings, certain financial ratios related to liquidity
and statutory surplus and certain levels of capitalization. The Previous Credit Agreement also
28
included customary events of default for facilities of this type (with customary grace
periods, as applicable) and provided that, upon the occurrence of an event of default, the interest
rate on all outstanding obligations could be increased and payments of all outstanding loans could
be accelerated and/or the lenders commitments could be terminated. In addition, upon the
occurrence of certain insolvency or bankruptcy related events of default, all amounts payable under
the Previous Credit Agreement would automatically become immediately due and payable, and the
lenders commitments would automatically terminate.
At September 30, 2006, we had $75 million in debt under this facility, bearing interest at
LIBOR plus 0.4% (equal to 5.72%), which was subsequently paid in full upon termination of the
Previous Credit Agreement on October 24, 2006. This debt was originally borrowed in October 2005 to
repay a note previously paid as a dividend to FNF. In the first nine months of 2006, we repaid $25
million on this facility, net of borrowings.
Effective October 24, 2006, we entered into a credit agreement (the New Credit Agreement)
with Bank of America, N.A. as Administrative Agent and Swing Line Lender, and the other financial
institutions party thereto. The New Credit Agreement, which replaces the Previous Credit Agreement, provides for an $800 million unsecured
revolving credit facility maturing on the fifth anniversary of the closing date. We have the option
to increase the size of the credit facility by an additional $300 million, subject to certain
requirements. Amounts under the revolving credit facility may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed by
the borrower thereunder from time to time until the maturity of the revolving credit facility.
Voluntary prepayment of the revolving credit facility under the New Credit Agreement is permitted
at any time without fee upon proper notice and subject to a minimum dollar requirement. Revolving
loans under the credit facility bear interest at a variable rate based on either (i) the higher of
(a) a rate per annum equal to one-half of one percent in excess of the Federal Reserves Federal
Funds rate, or (b) Bank of Americas prime rate or (ii) a rate per annum equal to the British
Bankers Association London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) rate plus a margin of between
0.23%-0.675%, depending on our then current senior unsecured long-term debt rating from the rating
agencies. In addition, we will pay a commitment fee between .07%-.175% on the entire facility, also
depending on our senior unsecured long-term debt rating.
The New Credit Agreement contains affirmative, negative and financial covenants customary
for financings of this type, including, among other things, limits on the creation of liens, sales
of assets, the incurrence of indebtedness, restricted payments, transactions with affiliates, and
certain amendments. The New Credit Agreement requires us to maintain certain financial ratios and
levels of capitalization. The New Credit Agreement also includes customary events of default for
facilities of this type (with customary grace periods, as applicable) and provides that, upon the
occurrence of an event of default, the interest rate on all outstanding obligations will be
increased and payments of all outstanding loans may be accelerated and/or the lenders commitments
may be terminated. In addition, upon the occurrence of certain insolvency or bankruptcy related
events of default, all amounts payable under the New Credit Agreement shall automatically become
immediately due and payable, and the lenders commitments will automatically terminate.
Contractual Obligations
Our long-term contractual obligations generally include our loss reserves, our long-term debt
and operating lease payments on certain of our property and equipment. As of September 30, 2005, our
required payments relating to our long-term contractual obligations are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
Thereafter |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Notes payable |
|
$ |
1,659 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
75,000 |
|
|
$ |
496,299 |
|
|
$ |
572,958 |
|
Operating lease
payments |
|
|
32,507 |
|
|
|
120,336 |
|
|
|
91,447 |
|
|
|
62,507 |
|
|
|
36,820 |
|
|
|
23,347 |
|
|
|
366,964 |
|
Reserve for claim
losses |
|
|
50,751 |
|
|
|
199,543 |
|
|
|
163,609 |
|
|
|
127,701 |
|
|
|
100,264 |
|
|
|
504,801 |
|
|
|
1,146,669 |
|
Pension and
postretirement
obligations |
|
|
3,227 |
|
|
|
12,140 |
|
|
|
16,544 |
|
|
|
14,169 |
|
|
|
14,634 |
|
|
|
110,717 |
|
|
|
171,431 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
88,144 |
|
|
$ |
332,019 |
|
|
$ |
271,600 |
|
|
$ |
204,377 |
|
|
$ |
226,718 |
|
|
$ |
1,135,164 |
|
|
$ |
2,258,022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29
As of September 30, 2006 we had reserves for claim losses of $1,146.7 million. The amounts and
timing of these obligations are estimated and are not set contractually. Nonetheless, based on
historical title insurance claim experience, we anticipate the above payment patterns. While we
believe that historical loss payments are a reasonable source for projecting future claim payments,
there is significant inherent uncertainty in this payment pattern estimate because of the potential
impact of changes in:
|
|
|
future mortgage interest rates, which will affect the number of real estate and
refinancing transactions and, therefore, the rate at which title insurance claims will
emerge; |
|
|
|
|
the legal environment whereby court decisions and reinterpretations of title insurance
policy language to broaden coverage could increase total obligations and influence claim
payout patterns; |
|
|
|
|
events such as fraud, defalcation, and multiple property title defects, that can
substantially and unexpectedly cause increases in both the amount and timing of estimated
title insurance loss payments; |
|
|
|
|
loss cost trends whereby increases or decreases in inflationary factors (including the
value of real estate) will influence the ultimate amount of title insurance loss payments;
and |
|
|
|
|
claims staffing levels whereby claims may be settled at a different rate based on the
future staffing levels of the claims department. |
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Prior to October 24, 2006, we did not engage in off-balance sheet financing activities. As of
the closing under the SEDA on that date, we do not engage in off-balance sheet financing activities
other than facility and equipment leasing arrangements. On June 29, 2004 FNF entered into an
off-balance sheet financing arrangement (commonly referred to as a synthetic lease). The
owner/lessor in this arrangement acquired land and various real property improvements associated
with new construction of an office building in Jacksonville, Florida that will be part of our
corporate campus and headquarters. The lease expires on June 28, 2011, with renewal subject to
consent of the lessor and the lenders. The lessor is a third-party limited liability company. The
synthetic lease facility provides for amounts up to $75.0 million. As of September 30, 2006, the
full $75.0 million had been drawn on the facility to finance land costs and related fees and
expenses. The leases include guarantees by us of up to 86.7% of the outstanding lease balance, and
options to purchase the facilities at the outstanding lease balance. The guarantee becomes
effective if we decline to purchase the facilities at the end of the lease and also decline to
renew the lease. The lessor financed the acquisition of the facilities through funding provided by
third-party financial institutions. We have no affiliation or relationship with the lessor or any
of its employees, directors or affiliates, and our transactions with the lessor are limited to the
operating lease agreements and the associated rent expense that will be included in other operating
expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings after the end of the construction period.
We do not believe the lessor is a variable interest entity, as defined in FASB Interpretation
No. 46R, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46). In addition, we have verified
that even if the lessor was determined to be a variable interest entity, we would not be required
to consolidate the lessor or the assets and liabilities associated with the assets leased to us.
This is because the assets leased by us will not exceed 50% of the total fair value of the lessors
assets excluding certain assets that should be excluded from such calculation under FIN 46, nor did
the lessor finance 95% or more of the leased balance with non-recourse debt, target equity or
similar funding.
In conducting our operations, we routinely hold customers assets in escrow, pending
completion of real estate transactions. Certain of these amounts are maintained in segregated bank
accounts and have not been included in the Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets. As a result of
holding these customers assets in escrow, we have ongoing programs for realizing economic benefits
during the year through favorable borrowing and vendor arrangements with various banks. There were
no investments or loans outstanding as of September 30, 2006 related to these arrangements.
30
Critical Accounting Policies
There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies described in our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No.
158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Post Retirement Plans (SFAS
158). SFAS 158 requires entities to recognize on their balance sheets the funded status of pension
and other postretirement benefit plans. Entities are required to recognize actuarial gains and
losses, prior service cost, and any remaining transition amounts from the initial application of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87, Employers Accounting for Pensions, and
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 106, Employers Accounting for Postretirement
Benefits Other Than Pensions, when recognizing a plans funded status, with the offset to
accumulated other comprehensive income. SFAS 158 will not change the amounts recognized in the
income statement as net periodic benefit cost. All of the requirements of SFAS 158 are effective as
of December 31, 2006 for calendar-year public companies, except for a requirement for
fiscal-year-end measurements of plan assets and benefit obligations with which the Company is
already in compliance. Management is currently evaluating the impact on the Companys statements of
financial position and operations.
In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Staff Accounting
Bulletin No. 108 (Topic 1N), Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying
Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements (SAB 108). This SAB addresses how the effects
of prior-year uncorrected misstatements should be considered when quantifying misstatements in
current-year financial statements. SAB 108 requires registrants to quantify misstatements using
both the balance sheet and income statement approaches and to evaluate whether either approach
results in quantifying an error that is material in light of relevant quantitative and qualitative
factors. When the effect of initial adoption is determined to be material, the SAB allows
registrants to record that effect as a cumulative effect adjustment to beginning-of-year retained
earnings. SAB 108 is effective for annual financial statements covering the first fiscal year
ending after November 15, 2006. Management is currently evaluating the impact of SAB 108 on the
Companys statements of financial position and operations.
In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income
Taxes an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48). FIN 48 requires an evaluation to
determine the likelihood that an uncertain tax position will be sustained upon examination,
including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. If it is determined that it is
more likely than not that an uncertain tax position will be sustained upon examination, the next
step is to determine the amount to be recognized. FIN 48 prescribes recognition of the largest
amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being recognized upon ultimate
settlement of an uncertain tax position. Such amounts are to be recognized as of the first
financial reporting period during which the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is met.
Similarly, an amount that has previously been recognized will be reversed as of the first financial
reporting period during which the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is not met. FIN 48 is
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Management is currently evaluating
the impact on the Companys statements of financial position and operations.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R, which requires that compensation cost
relating to share-based payments be recognized in our financial statements. During 2003, we adopted
the fair value recognition provision of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (SFAS No. 123), effective as of the beginning of 2003.
Using the fair value method of accounting, compensation cost is measured based on the fair value of
the award at the grant date and recognized over the service period. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123,
we elected to use the prospective method of transition, as permitted by Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and
Disclosure (SFAS No. 148). Using this method, stock-based employee compensation cost has been
recognized from the beginning of 2003 as if the fair value method of accounting had been used to
account for all employee awards granted, modified, or settled in years beginning after December 31,
2002. SFAS No. 123R does not allow for the prospective method, but requires the recording of
expense relating to the vesting of all unvested options
31
beginning in the first quarter of 2006. The adoption of SFAS No. 123R on January 1, 2006 had
no significant impact on our financial condition or results of operations due to the fact that all
options accounted for using the intrinsic value method under Accounting Principles Board Opinion
No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, were fully vested at December 31, 2005. In
accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123R, we have not restated our share-based compensation
expense for the 2005 periods presented.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk
There have been no material changes in the market risks described in our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our
principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and
operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this
report. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer
concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance
that our disclosure controls and procedures will timely alert them to material information required
to be included in our periodic SEC reports.
There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred
during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially
affect our internal controls over financial reporting.
Part II: OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in various pending and threatened
litigation matters related to its operations, some of which include claims for punitive or
exemplary damages. The Company believes that no actions, other than those listed below, depart from
customary litigation incidental to its business. As background to the disclosure below, please note
the following:
|
|
|
These matters raise difficult and complicated factual and legal issues and are subject
to many uncertainties and complexities, including but not limited to the underlying facts
of each matter, novel legal issues, variations between jurisdictions in which matters are
being litigated, differences in applicable laws and judicial interpretations, the length of
time before many of these matters might be resolved by settlement or through litigation
and, in some cases, the timing of their resolutions relative to other similar cases brought
against other companies, the fact that many of these matters are putative class actions in
which a class has not been certified and in which the purported class may not be clearly
defined, the fact that many of these matters involve multi-state class actions in which the
applicable law for the claims at issue is in dispute and therefore unclear, and the current
challenging legal environment faced by large corporations and insurance companies. |
|
|
|
|
In these matters, plaintiffs seek a variety of remedies including equitable relief in
the form of injunctive and other remedies and monetary relief in the form of compensatory
damages. In most cases, the monetary damages sought include punitive or treble damages.
Often more specific information beyond the type of relief sought is not available because
plaintiffs have not requested more specific relief in their court pleadings. In general,
the dollar amount of damages sought is not specified. In those cases where plaintiffs have
made a specific statement with regard to monetary damages, they often specify damages just
below a jurisdictional limit regardless of the facts of the case. This represents the
maximum they can seek without risking removal from state court to federal court. In our
experience, monetary demands in plaintiffs court pleadings bear little relation to the
ultimate loss, if any, we may experience. |
|
|
|
|
For the reasons specified above, it is not possible to make meaningful estimates of the
amount or range of loss that could result from these matters at this time. The Company
reviews these matters on an on-going basis and follows the provisions of SFAS No. 5,
Accounting for Contingencies when making accrual and |
32
|
|
|
disclosure decisions. When assessing reasonably possible and probable outcomes, the Company
bases its decision on its assessment of the ultimate outcome following all appeals. |
|
|
|
In the opinion of the Companys management, while some of these matters may be material
to the Companys operating results for any particular period if an unfavorable outcome
results, none will have a material adverse effect on its overall financial condition. |
Several class actions are pending in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Hampshire and
Florida alleging improper premiums were charged for title insurance. The cases allege that the
named defendant companies failed to provide notice of premium discounts to consumers refinancing
their mortgages, and failed to give discounts in refinancing transactions in violation of the filed
rates. The actions seek refunds of the premiums charged and punitive damages. The Company intends
to vigorously defend the actions.
A class action in California alleges that the Company violated the Real Estate Settlement
Procedures Act and state law by giving favorable discounts or rates to builders and developers for
escrow fees and requiring purchasers to use Chicago Title Insurance Company for escrow services.
The action seeks refunds of the premiums charged and additional damages. The Company intends to
vigorously defend this action.
A class action in Texas alleges that the Company overcharged for recording fees in Arizona,
California, Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas. The suit seeks to recover the recording fees for the
class that was overcharged, interest and attorneys fees. The suit was filed in the United States
District Court for the Western District of Texas, San Antonio Division on March 24, 2006. Similar
suits are pending in Indiana, Kansas, and Missouri. The Company intends to vigorously defend these
actions.
A class action in New Mexico alleges the Company has engaged in anti-competitive price fixing
in New Mexico. The suit seeks an injunction against price fixing and writs issued to the State
regulators mandating the law be interpreted to provide a competitive market, compensatory damages,
punitive damages, statutory damages, interest and attorneys fees for the injured class. The suit
was filed in State Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico on April 27, 2006. The Company intends to
vigorously defend this action.
Two class actions filed in Illinois allege the Company has paid attorneys to refer business to
the Company by paying them for core title services in conjunction with orders when the attorneys,
in fact, did not perform any core title services and the payments were to steer business to the
Company. The suits seek compensatory damages, attorneys fees and injunctive relief to terminate
the practice. The suit was filed in state court in Chicago, Illinois on May 11, 2006. The Company
intends to vigorously defend these actions.
None of the cases described above includes a statement as to the dollar amount of damages
demanded. Instead, each of the cases includes a demand in an amount to be proved at trial. One Ohio
case states that the damages per class member are less than the jurisdictional limit for removal to
federal court.
The Company receives inquiries and requests for information from state insurance departments,
attorneys general and other regulatory agencies from time to time about various matters relating to
its business. Sometimes these take the form of civil investigative subpoenas. The Company attempts
to cooperate with all such inquiries. From time to time, the Company is assessed fines for
violations of regulations or other matters or enters into settlements with such authorities which
require the Company to pay money or take other actions.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners and various state insurance regulators
have been investigating so called captive reinsurance agreements since 2004. The investigations
have focused on arrangements in which title insurers would write title insurance generated by
realtors, developers and lenders and cede a portion of the premiums to a reinsurance company
affiliate of the entity that generated the business. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) also has made formal or informal inquiries of the Company regarding these
matters. The Company has been cooperating and intends to continue to cooperate with all ongoing
investigations. The Company has discontinued all captive reinsurance arrangements. The total amount
of premiums the Company ceded to reinsurers was approximately $10 million over the existence of
these agreements. The Company has settled most of the accusations of wrongdoing that arose from
these investigations by discontinuing the practice and paying fines. Some investigations are
continuing. The Company anticipates they will be settled in a similar manner.
33
Additionally, the Company has received inquiries from regulators about its business
involvement with title insurance agencies affiliated with builders, realtors and other traditional
sources of title insurance business, some of which the Company participated in forming as joint
ventures with its subsidiaries. These inquiries have focused on whether the placement of title
insurance with the Company through these affiliated agencies is proper or an improper form of
referral payment. Like most other title insurers, the Company participates in these affiliated
business arrangements in a number of states. The Company has settled the accusations of wrongdoing
that arose from some of these investigations by discontinuing the practice and paying fines. Other
investigations are continuing. The Company anticipates they will be settled in a similar manner.
The Company and its subsidiaries have settled all allegations of wrongdoing arising from a
wide-ranging review of the title insurance industry by the New York State Attorney General (the
NYAG). Under the terms of the settlement, the Company paid a $2 million fine and will immediately
reduce premiums by 15% on owners policies under $1 million. Rate hearings will be conducted by the
New York State Insurance Department (the NYSID) this year where all rates will be considered
industry wide. The settlement clarifies practices considered wrongful under New York law by the
NYAG and the NYSID, and the Company has agreed not to engage in those practices. The Company will
take steps to assure that consumers are aware of the filed rates for premiums on title insurance
products and that the products are correctly rated. The settlement also resolves all issues raised
by the market conduct investigation of the Company and its subsidiaries by the NYSID except the
issues of rating errors found by the NYSID. As part of the settlement, the Company and its
subsidiaries denied any wrongdoing. Neither the fines nor the rate reductions are expected to have
a material impact on earnings of the Company. The Company cooperated fully with the NYAG and NYSID
inquiries into these matters and will continue to cooperate with the NYSID.
In November 2006, the NYAG and NYSID
raised an issue with respect to the applicability of the rate reduction to the lenders policies. The Company
and other defendants dispute this position.
Further, U.S. Representative Oxley, the Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee,
recently asked the Government Accountability Office (the GAO) to investigate the title insurance
industry. Representative Oxley stated that the Committee is concerned about payments that certain
title insurers have made to developers, lenders and real estate agents for referrals of title
insurance business. Representative Oxley asked the GAO to examine, among other things, the
foregoing relationships and the levels of pricing and competition in the title insurance industry.
A congressional hearing was held regarding title insurance practices on April 27, 2006. The Company
is unable to predict the outcome of this inquiry or whether it will adversely affect the Companys
business or results of operations.
On July 3, 2006, the California Insurance Commissioner (Commissioner) issued a Notice of
Proposed Action and Notice of Public Hearing (the Notice) relating to proposed regulations
governing rate-making for title insurance (the Proposed Regulations). A hearing on the Proposed
Regulations took place on August 30, 2006. If implemented, the Proposed Regulations would result in
significant reductions in title insurance rates, which are likely to have a significant negative
impact on the companys California revenues. In addition, the Proposed Regulations would give the
Commissioner the ability to set maximum allowable title insurance rates on a going-forward basis.
It is possible that such maximum rates would be lower than the rates that the Company would
otherwise set. In addition, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (the OIR) has recently
released three studies of the title insurance industry which purport to demonstrate that title
insurance rates in Florida are too high and that the Florida title insurance industry is
overwhelmingly dominated by five firms, which includes FNT. The studies recommend tying premium
rates to loss ratios thereby making the rates a reflection of the actual risks born by the insurer.
The OIR is presently developing a rule to govern the upcoming rate analysis and rate setting
process and has said that it will use the information to begin a full review of the title insurance
rates charged in Florida. New York, Connecticut, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Washington insurance regulators
have also announced similar inquiries (or other reviews of title insurance rates or practices) and other states
could follow. At this stage, the Company is unable to predict what the outcome will be of these or
any similar reviews.
Canadian lawyers who have traditionally played a role in real property transactions in Canada
allege that the Companys practices in processing residential mortgages are the unauthorized
practice of law. Their Law Societies have demanded an end to the practice, and have begun
investigations into those practices. In several provinces bills have been filed that ostensibly
would affect the way we do business. The Company is unable to predict the outcome of this inquiry
or whether it will adversely affect the Companys business or results of operations. In Missouri a
class action is pending alleging that certain acts performed by the Company in closing real estate
transactions are the unlawful practice of law. The Company intends to vigorously defend this
action.
34
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our business faces a number of risks. The risks described below update the risk factors
described in our 2005 Form 10-K and should be read in conjunction with those risk factors. The risk
factors described in this Form 10-Q and the 2005 Form 10-K may not be the only risks we face.
Additional risks that we do not yet know of or that we currently think are immaterial may also
impair our business operations. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business,
results of operations, or financial condition could be materially affected and the trading price of
our common stock could decline.
If adverse changes in the levels of real estate activity occur, our revenues may decline.
Title insurance revenue is closely related to the level of real estate activity which includes
sales, mortgage financing and mortgage refinancing. The levels of real estate activity are
primarily affected by the average price of real estate sales, the availability of funds to finance
purchases and mortgage interest rates. Both the volume and the average price of residential real
estate transactions have recently experienced declines in many parts of the country, and these
trends appear likely to continue. Further, interest rates have risen from record low levels in
2003, resulting in reductions in the level of mortgage refinancings and total mortgage originations
in 2004 and again in 2005 and 2006.
We have found that residential real estate activity generally decreases in the following
situations:
|
|
|
when mortgage interest rates are high or increasing; |
|
|
|
|
when the mortgage funding supply is limited; and |
|
|
|
|
when the United States economy is weak. |
Declines in the level of real estate activity or the average price of real estate sales are
likely to adversely affect our title insurance revenues. The Mortgage Bankers Association currently
projects residential mortgage production in 2006 to be $2.46 trillion, which would represent an
18.7% decline relative to 2005. The MBA further projects that the 18.7% decrease will result from
purchase transactions declining from $1.51 billion in 2005 to $1.39 billion in 2006, or 8.0%, and
refinancing transactions dropping from $1.51 billion to $1.07 billion, or 29.3%.
State regulation of the rates we charge for title insurance could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our subsidiaries are subject to extensive rate regulation by the applicable state agencies in
the jurisdictions in which they operate. Title insurance rates are regulated differently in the
various states, with some states requiring our subsidiaries to file rates before such rates become
effective and some states promulgating the rates that can be charged. In almost all states in which
our subsidiaries operate, our rates must not be excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory.
On July 3, 2006, the California Insurance Commissioner (Commissioner) issued a Notice of
Proposed Action and Notice of Public Hearing (the Notice) relating to proposed regulations
governing rate-making for title insurance (the Proposed Regulations). A hearing on the Proposed
Regulations took place on August 30, 2006. If implemented, the Proposed Regulations would result in
significant reductions in title insurance rates, which are likely to have a significant negative
impact on the companys California revenues. California is the largest source of revenue for the
title insurance industry, including for us. In addition, the Proposed Regulations would give the
Commissioner the ability to set maximum allowable title insurance rates on a going-forward basis.
It is possible that such maximum rates would be lower than the rates that the company would
otherwise set. In addition, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (the OIR) has recently
released three studies of the title insurance industry which purport to demonstrate that title
insurance rates in Florida are too high and that the Florida title insurance industry is
overwhelmingly dominated by five firms, which includes FNT. The studies recommend tying premium
rates to loss ratios thereby making the rates a reflection of the actual risks born by the insurer.
The OIR is presently developing a rule to govern the upcoming rate analysis and rate setting
process and has said that it will use the information to begin a full review of the title insurance
rates charged in Florida.
35
New York, Connecticut, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Washington insurance regulators have also
announced inquiries (or other reviews of title insurance rates or practices) and other states could follow. At
this stage, the Company is unable to predict what the outcome will be of this or any similar
review.
The Company and its subsidiaries have settled all allegations of wrongdoing arising from a
wide-ranging review of the title insurance industry by the New York State Attorney General (the
NYAG). Under the terms of the settlement, the Company will pay a $2 million fine and immediately
reduce premiums by 15% on owners policies under $1 million. Rate hearings will be conducted by the
New York State Insurance Department (the NYSID) this year where all rates will be considered
industry wide. The settlement clarifies practices considered wrongful under New York law by the
NYAG and the NYSID, and the Company has agreed not to engage in those practices. The Company will
take steps to assure that consumers are aware of the filed rates for premiums on title insurance
products and that the products are correctly rated. The settlement also resolves all issues raised
by the market conduct investigation of the Company and its subsidiaries by the NYSID except the
issues of rating errors found by the NYSID. As part of the settlement, the Company and its
subsidiaries denied any wrongdoing. Neither the fines nor the 15% rate reduction are expected to
have a material impact on earnings of the Company. The Company cooperated fully with the NYAG and
NYSID inquiries into these matters and will continue to cooperate with the NYSID.
Further, U.S. Representative Oxley, the Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee,
recently asked the Government Accountability Office (the GAO) to investigate the title insurance
industry. Representative Oxley stated that the Committee is concerned about payments that certain
title insurers have made to developers, lenders and real estate agents for referrals of title
insurance business. Representative Oxley asked the GAO to examine, among other things, the
foregoing relationships and the levels of pricing and competition in the title insurance industry.
A congressional hearing was held regarding title insurance practices on April 27, 2006. We are
unable to predict the outcome of this inquiry or whether it will adversely affect our business or
results of operations.
If the rating agencies further downgrade our company our results of operations and competitive position in the industry may suffer.
Ratings have always been an important factor in establishing the competitive position of
insurance companies. Our insurance companies are rated by Standard & Poors (S&P), Moodys
Corporation (Moodys), Fitch Ratings, Inc. (Fitch), A.M. Best Company (A.M. Best), Demotech,
Inc., and LACE Financial Corporation. Ratings reflect the opinion of a rating agency with regard to
an insurance companys or insurance holding companys financial strength, operating performance,
and ability to meet its obligations to policyholders and are not evaluations directed to investors.
In connection with the announcement on April 27, 2006, of the proposed transactions under the SEDA
and the subsequent merger of FNF with and into FIS, S&P and A.M. Best revised their outlook on our
ratings to positive from stable and Moodys and Fitch affirmed financial strength ratings of A3 and
A-, respectively. After the completion of the 2006 Distribution, Fitch upgraded its financial
strength rating to A. Our ratings are subject to continued periodic review by those rating entities
and the continued retention of those ratings cannot be assured. If our ratings are reduced from
their current levels by those entities, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
There were no unregistered sales of equity securities during the nine month period ended
September 30, 2006.
36
Item 6. Exhibits
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
Number |
|
Description |
31.1
|
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
31.2
|
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
32.1
|
|
Certification by Chief Executive Officer of Periodic Financial Reports pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. |
|
|
|
32.2
|
|
Certification by Chief Financial Officer of Periodic Financial Reports pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. |
37
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
FIDELITY NATIONAL TITLE GROUP, INC.
(registrant)
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ Anthony J. Park |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anthony J. Park
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
|
|
Date: November 9, 2006
38
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
Number |
|
Description |
31.1
|
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
31.2
|
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
32.1
|
|
Certification by Chief Executive Officer of Periodic Financial Reports pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. |
|
|
|
32.2
|
|
Certification by Chief Financial Officer of Periodic Financial Reports pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. |
39