EX-99.1 2 dex991.htm PRESS RELEASE Press Release

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO    NEWS    FOR
IMMEDIATE
RELEASE

THE FIRST AMERICAN CORPORATION REPORTS

FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2006

– Increases Regular Cash Dividend By 22 Percent –

SANTA ANA, Calif., March 1, 2007 – The First American Corporation (NYSE: FAF), America’s largest provider of business information, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended Dec. 31, 2006.

Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2006 were $2.2 billion, representing a decline of 2 percent from the fourth quarter of 2005. Net income was $104.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2006, compared with $116.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2005, a decline of 11 percent. Diluted earnings per share were $1.06 in the fourth quarter of 2006, versus $1.17 in the fourth quarter of the prior year.

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2006, revenues grew to $8.5 billion, up 5 percent from $8.1 billion in the year ended Dec. 31, 2005. Net income was $287.7 million for the full year 2006, versus $480.4 million for 2005. Diluted earnings per share were $2.92 in the year ended Dec. 31, 2006, compared with $4.92 in the prior year.

“This year was marked by a number of challenges for our company, including a general decline in real estate activity, home price depreciation and increased industry regulation,” stated Parker S. Kennedy, chairman and chief executive officer of The First American Corporation. “We achieved reasonable top-line growth with a 5 percent increase in revenues to a record level. However, we feel our margins fell short of where they can and will be. This coming year will be one in which we focus on integration, organic growth, building scale in selected businesses and expense management. Our approach to acquisitions will be very selective and focused on businesses and markets with high expected growth rates.

“Our Specialty Insurance, Property Information and First Advantage segments experienced growth in revenues and earnings for the year. Our Mortgage segment was able to maintain margins in excess of 23 percent despite a decline in revenue of greater than 10 percent. Our Title segment experienced a 44 percent decline in income before income taxes and minority interest relative to last year. The Title segment’s profitability suffered primarily due to a significant increase in regulatory and litigation expenses and the reserve strengthening charge of $155 million that we took in the second quarter of 2006.

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First American Reports Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter 2006

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“Under the leadership of Curt Johnson, 2007 will be a transitional year for our Title company. In our quest to improve margins and returns on allocated capital, we may not experience the same level of revenue growth that we have seen historically. In addition, our goal of being an industry leader in terms of compliance may put pressure on profitability in the short term. Given these dynamics, we believe it is necessary to restructure the Title company to a more centralized and streamlined operating structure that will allow us to reduce our operating costs and institute process improvements.”

Segment Review

Title Insurance. During the fourth quarter of 2006, the company’s Title segment experienced a decline in revenues of 5 percent to $1.6 billion, compared with the same quarter in 2005, primarily a result of the declining average revenue per title order closed during the quarter. Closed title orders for the fourth quarter increased modestly by 2 percent, compared with the prior year’s fourth quarter, but the average revenue per order declined by 4 percent to $1,642. Total expenses declined by 6 percent, resulting in an increase in pretax profits of 6 percent to $121.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2006.

Direct premiums made up approximately 51.6 percent of the total title premiums for the fourth quarter of 2006, compared with 49.4 percent in the same quarter of 2005. This shift in the mix away from agent premiums, combined with significant improvements in investment income, which increased 19 percent during the quarter, resulted in an 80-basis-point improvement in the Title segment’s pretax margins during the fourth quarter of 2006, compared with the fourth quarter of 2005.

Specialty Insurance. Revenues at First American’s Specialty Insurance segment, which sells home warranty contracts and homeowner’s property and casualty insurance, grew 6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2006, compared with the same quarter of 2005, to $85.0 million. Pretax profits improved by 14 percent during this same period to $15.1 million, resulting in an improvement of pretax margins of 120 basis points, compared with the fourth quarter of 2005.

Mortgage Information. The declining real estate market was the primary cause of the Mortgage segment’s 11 percent decline in revenues to $126.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2006, compared with 2005. While efforts to expand and improve the default business within this segment are well underway, real estate tax service and flood zone determination revenue declined due to the slowdown in mortgage activity. Cost control efforts at this segment resulted in pretax profit margins improving 117 basis points to 25.2 percent, relative to the fourth quarter of 2005.

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First American Reports Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter 2006

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A highlight for this segment in the fourth quarter was the signing of a large client for its tax service. The company’s tax service business, which remains the number-one provider of tax service products to the marketplace, provides products and services to 18 out of the top 20 mortgage servicers in the United States.

Property Information. During the fourth quarter of 2006, the Property Information segment grew its revenues 27 percent, versus the fourth quarter of 2005, to $170.2 million. Pretax profits increased 34 percent in the fourth quarter of 2006, compared with the fourth quarter last year, and pretax profit margins improved 140 basis points to 24.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2006. The Property Information segment recently announced the merger of its Real Estate Solutions (“RES”) group with CoreLogic Systems, Inc. This merger is the largest transaction in a series of analytic company acquisitions and minority investments completed by RES in recent years as a part of a larger domestic and international mortgage-risk analytics strategy.

First Advantage. During the fourth quarter of 2006, First Advantage Corporation (NASDAQ: FADV) grew its revenues 19 percent, compared with the fourth quarter of 2005. Pretax profits increased 6 percent in the same period to $30.8 million, compared with the fourth quarter last year. Operating margins increased in five of the six primary business lines in the fourth quarter of 2006, relative to the fourth quarter of 2005. First American owns directly and indirectly shares of Class B common stock, representing a 76 percent economic interest in First Advantage.

Dividend Declaration

First American’s Board of Directors declared a regular cash dividend of 22 cents per common share, representing a 22 percent increase in the previous dividend per common share. The cash dividend is payable on April 16, 2007, to shareholders of record as of March 30, 2007. First American has paid a cash dividend for each of the last 98 years.

Outlook

Management’s outlook for 2007 contemplates a continued slowdown in housing activity and an increase in defaults and foreclosures. The company’s title, tax and flood businesses may experience a slower level of growth than the level experienced over the last several years. Given this outlook, management of these businesses will focus on expense management. However, many of the company’s businesses, particularly default, mortgage-risk analytics and employment screening, are expected to see a strong increase in demand for their products.

Teleconference/Webcast

First American’s fourth quarter results will be discussed in more detail on Thursday, March 1, 2007, at 11 a.m. EST, via teleconference. The dial-in number is (888) 955-3516 and the pass code

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First American Reports Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter 2006

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is FIRST AMERICAN. The live audio webcast of the call and copies of the slide presentation will be available on First American’s Web site at www.firstam.com/investor. An audio replay of the conference call will be available through March 8, 2007, by dialing (203) 369-0114. An audio archive of the call will also be available for replay on First American’s Web site.

About First American

The First American Corporation (NYSE: FAF), a FORTUNE 500® company that traces its history to 1889, is America’s largest provider of business information. First American combines advanced analytics with its vast data resources to supply businesses and consumers with valuable information products to support the major economic events of people’s lives, such as getting a job, renting an apartment, buying a car or house, securing a mortgage and opening or buying a business. The First American Family of Companies, many of which command leading market share positions in their respective industries, operate within five primary business segments, including: Title Insurance and Services, Specialty Insurance, Mortgage Information, Property Information and First Advantage. With revenues of approximately $8.5 billion in 2006, First American has approximately 2,100 offices throughout the United States and abroad. More information about the company and an archive of its press releases can be found at www.firstam.com.

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First American Reports Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter 2006

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Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this press release, including those related to the company’s margin; the company’s focus in the coming year; the company’s approach to acquisitions; 2007 as a transition year for the Title company; the expected slowdown in housing activity and an increase in defaults and foreclosures; slower expected growth in the company’s title, tax and flood businesses; the focus on expense management and increased demand in many of the company’s businesses, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements may contain the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “predict,” “estimate,” “project,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” or other similar words and phrases. Risks and uncertainties exist that may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the anticipated results to differ from those described in the forward-looking statements include: interest rate fluctuations; changes in the performance of the real estate markets; access to public records and other data; general volatility in the capital markets; changes in applicable government regulations; heightened scrutiny by legislators and regulators of the company’s Title Insurance and Services segment and certain other of the company’s businesses; consolidation among the company’s significant customers and competitors; changes in the company’s ability to integrate businesses which it acquires; and other factors described in Part I, Item 1A of the company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2006, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. The company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made.

(Additional Financial Data Follows)

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First American Reports Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter 2006

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     For the Three Months Ended
December 31
    For the Twelve Months Ended
December 31
 
     2006    

2005

(as restated)

    2006    

2005

(as restated)

 

Revenues

        

Operating revenues

   $ 2,085,596     $ 2,124,449     $ 8,244,304     $ 7,859,071  

Investment and other income

     68,083       57,768       239,416       210,295  

Gain on stock issued by subsidiary

     376       17,609       9,290       25,658  

Net realized investment gains

     6,067       5,272       6,056       9,727  
                                
     2,160,122       2,205,098       8,499,066       8,104,751  
                                

Expenses

        

Salaries and other personnel costs

     644,740       648,842       2,571,353       2,428,913  

Premiums retained by agents

     592,958       665,759       2,393,348       2,298,622  

Other operating expenses

     494,906       463,407       1,930,492       1,746,835  

Provision for title losses and other claims

     129,586       140,210       656,947       457,030  

Depreciation and amortization

     56,411       46,441       206,925       157,439  

Premium taxes

     19,209       18,296       71,759       64,193  

Interest

     21,350       14,374       71,339       53,977  
                                
     1,959,160       1,997,329       7,902,163       7,207,009  
                                

Income before income taxes and minority interests

     200,962       207,769       596,903       897,742  

Income taxes

     73,300       68,600       220,100       323,500  
                                

Income before minority interests

     127,662       139,169       376,803       574,242  

Minority interests

     23,691       22,616       89,127       93,862  
                                

Net income

   $ 103,971     $ 116,553     $ 287,676     $ 480,380  
                                

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

        

Unrealized gain (loss) on securities

     5,468       (4,300 )     6,496       (9,103 )

Minimum pension liability adjustment

     (8,827 )     (35,652 )     (8,827 )     (35,652 )
                                
     (3,359 )     (39,952 )     (2,331 )     (44,755 )
                                

Comprehensive income

   $ 100,612     $ 76,601     $ 285,345     $ 435,625  
                                

Net income per share:

        

Basic

   $ 1.08     $ 1.22     $ 2.99     $ 5.09  
                                

Diluted

   $ 1.06     $ 1.17     $ 2.92     $ 4.92  
                                

Weighted-average number of shares:

        

Basic

     96,346       95,835       96,206       94,351  
                                

Diluted

     98,490       99,123       98,653       97,691  
                                

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First American Reports Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter 2006

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Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands)

 

     December 31  
     2006     2005  
           (as restated)  

ASSETS

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,404,884     $ 1,561,144  
                

Accounts and accrued income receivable, less allowances ($62,467 and $67,473)

     557,957       486,933  
                

Investments:

    

Deposits with savings and loan associations and banks

     111,875       90,383  

Debt securities

     1,185,915       1,100,728  

Equity securities

     53,988       47,101  

Other long-term investments

     578,738       394,367  
                
     1,930,516       1,632,579  
                

Loans receivable, net

     101,641       94,812  
                

Property and equipment, net

     741,691       685,522  
                

Title plants and other indexes

     585,794       539,083  
                

Deferred income taxes

     43,890       —    
                

Goodwill

     2,307,384       2,092,612  
                

Other intangible assets, net

     275,992       247,117  
                

Other assets

     274,536       258,839  
                
   $ 8,244,285     $ 7,598,641  
                

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Demand deposits

   $ 806,326     $ 693,175  
                

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

     159,923       122,082  

Salaries and other personnel costs

     286,771       303,894  

Pension costs and other retirement plans

     352,957       308,809  

Other

     245,495       293,108  
                
     1,045,146       1,027,893  
                

Deferred revenue

     753,466       762,157  
                

Reserve for known and incurred but not reported claims

     936,989       671,054  
                

Income taxes payable

     20,265       17,386  
                

Deferred income taxes

     —         13,009  
                

Notes and contracts payable

     847,991       848,569  
                

Deferrable interest subordinated notes

     100,000       100,000  
                
     4,510,183       4,133,243  
                

Minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries

     512,049       459,665  
                

Commitments and contingencies

    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, $1 par value

    

Authorized—500 shares; Outstanding—None

    

Common stock, $1 par value

    

Authorized—180,000 shares; Outstanding— 96,484 and 95,860 shares

     96,484       95,860  

Additional paid-in capital

     983,421       956,720  

Retained earnings

     2,297,432       2,078,969  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (175,284 )     (125,816 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     3,202,053       3,005,733  
                
   $ 8,224,285     $ 7,598,641  
                

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First American Reports Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter 2006

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Summary of Earnings

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

    

Three Months Ended

December

  

Twelve Months Ended

December

     2006   

2005

(as restated)

   2006   

2005

(as restated)

Total revenues

   $ 2,160,122    $ 2,205,098    $ 8,499,066    $ 8,104,751

Income before income taxes and minority interests

   $ 200,962    $ 207,769    $ 596,903    $ 897,742

Income taxes

   $ 73,300    $ 68,600    $ 220,100    $ 323,500

Minority interests

   $ 23,691    $ 22,616    $ 89,127    $ 93,862

Net income

   $ 103,971    $ 116,553    $ 287,676    $ 480,380

Net income per share:

           

Basic

   $ 1.08    $ 1.22    $ 2.99    $ 5.09

Diluted

   $ 1.06    $ 1.17    $ 2.92    $ 4.92

Weighted-average shares outstanding:

           

Basic

     96,346      95,835      96,206      94,351

Diluted

     98,490      99,123      98,653      97,691

Summary Balance Sheet Information

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     December 31    December 31
     2006   

2005

(as restated)

Total stockholders’ equity

   $ 3,202,053    $ 3,005,733

Book value per share

   $ 33.19    $ 31.36

Summary Title Insurance Order Counts

From Direct Title Operations

 

     Three Months Ended
December 31
     2006    2005

Title orders opened:

     

October

   219,000    210,100

November

   211,800    188,100

December

   201,600    162,000
         

Fourth quarter total

   632,400    560,200
         

Title orders closed:

     

October

   164,300    164,000

November

   152,600    154,100

December

   164,800    152,700
         

Fourth quarter total

   481,700    470,800
         

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First American Reports Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter 2006

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Segment Margins

(in thousands, except percentages)

 

     Three Months Ended December 31  
     Total revenues    Pretax (A)    Margins  
     2006   

2005

(as restated)

   2006   

2005

(as restated)

   2006    

2005

(as restated)

 

Financial Services

                

Title Insurance and Services

   $ 1,582,352    $ 1,663,484    $ 121,694    $ 114,638    7.7 %   6.9 %

Specialty Insurance

     84,953      80,090      15,086      13,259    17.8 %   16.6 %
                                        
   $ 1,667,305    $ 1,743,574    $ 136,780    $ 127,897    8.2 %   7.3 %
                                        

Information Technology

                

Mortgage Information

   $ 126,441    $ 142,772    $ 31,837    $ 34,276    25.2 %   24.0 %

Property Information

     170,213      134,547      42,006      31,324    24.7 %   23.3 %

First Advantage

     214,310      179,782      30,764      29,049    14.4 %   16.2 %
                                        
   $ 510,964    $ 457,101    $ 104,607    $ 94,649    20.5 %   20.7 %
                                        

 

     Twelve Months Ended December 31  
     Total revenues    Pretax (A)    Margins  
     2006   

2005

(as restated)

   2006   

2005

(as restated)

   2006    

2005

(as restated)

 

Financial Services

                

Title Insurance and Services

   $ 6,245,111    $ 6,023,213    $ 301,160    $ 540,851    4.8 %   9.0 %

Specialty Insurance

     328,379      290,511      56,406      47,557    17.2 %   16.4 %
                                        
   $ 6,573,490    $ 6,313,724    $ 357,566    $ 588,408    5.4 %   9.3 %
                                        

Information Technology

                

Mortgage Information

   $ 531,639    $ 593,049    $ 123,662    $ 140,884    23.3 %   23.8 %

Property Information

     622,805      544,013      151,904      151,168    24.4 %   27.8 %

First Advantage

     827,661      654,753      117,248      103,549    14.2 %   15.8 %
                                        
   $ 1,982,105    $ 1,791,815    $ 392,814    $ 395,601    19.8 %   22.1 %
                                        

(A) - Income before income tax, minority interest and corporate expenses

Contact:

Frank V. McMahon

Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer

The First American Corporation

(714) 250-4401 • fmcmahon@firstam.com

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