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1. Company Snapshot

1.a. Company Description

Stewart Information Services Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides title insurance and real estate transaction related services.The company operates in two segments, Title, and Ancillary Services and Corporate.The Title segment is involved in searching, examining, closing, and insuring the condition of the title to real property.


This segment also offers home and personal insurance services; services for tax-deferred exchanges; and digital customer engagement platform services.The Ancillary Services and Corporate segment provides appraisal management, online notarization and closing, credit and real estate information, and search and valuation services to the mortgage industry.The company offers its products and services through its directly owned policy-issuing offices, network of independent agencies, and other businesses within the company.


It serves homebuyers and sellers, residential and commercial real estate professionals, title agencies, real estate attorneys and investors, and home builders, as well as mortgage lenders, servicers, brokers, and investors.The company operates in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.Stewart Information Services Corporation was founded in 1893 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

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1.b. Last Insights on STC

Recent drivers behind Stewart Information Services Corporation's performance include: * Strong Q3 2024 earnings, with total revenues of $667.9 million and net income of $30.1 million, compared to $601.7 million and $14.0 million in the prior year quarter. * Adjusted net income was $33.1 million, a 40% increase from the prior year quarter. * The company's CEO, Frederick Eppinger, has had his employment agreement extended for another three years through the end of 2028. * The promotion of Wilhelmina Kightlinger to Chief Underwriting Counsel is expected to strengthen the company's corporate underwriting capacity and grow its footprint in underrepresented markets. * The company has declared a cash dividend of $0.50 per share for the fourth quarter 2024, payable December 30, 2024, to common stockholders of record on December 16, 2024.

1.c. Company Highlights

2. Stewart Info Services Surges with 28% Revenue Growth

Stewart Information Services Corporation closed Q1 2026 with a striking 28% jump in revenue, totaling $781 million, and adjusted EPS of $0.78—well above the $0.52 estimate. Net income climbed to $17 million, while adjusted net income hit $24 million, translating to a $0.78 EPS. The company’s P/E sits at 17.06 and P/S at 0.71, indicating a modest valuation relative to its earnings momentum. <cite>Frederick Eppinger, CEO</cite> highlighted the quarter as one of the firm’s best in history, underscoring resilient commercial and agency segments.

Publication Date: Apr -27

📋 Highlights
  • Strong First-Quarter Performance:: Reported adjusted EPS of $0.78, revenue growth of 28% ($781 million), and net income of $24 million (adjusted).
  • Commercial Business Growth:: National Commercial Services grew 40% YoY, Main Street Commercial 20%, and Real Estate Solutions surged 66% due to MCS acquisition.
  • Margin and Financial Strength:: CFO highlighted $420 million in excess cash/investments and $1.4 billion stockholders' equity, with target 12.5% margin for Real Estate Solutions.
  • Strategic Acquisitions:: Acquired NAN for $40 million, projected to add $30 million in revenue over three quarters with low double-digit margins.
  • Market Position and Guidance:: Confident in 15% ancillary business growth, 3-5% existing home sales improvement, and sustained commercial resilience with a strong pipeline.

Commercial Growth

National commercial services surged 40% YoY, buoyed by a 20% rise in Main Street Commercial. The firm’s CRE focus—particularly data‑center and multi‑location deals—has fortified its pipeline, with underwriting capabilities now supporting larger transactions and maintaining a high fee profile.

Agency Services

Agency services drove a 25% revenue increase, reflecting stronger agent support and expanded concierge offerings. The enhanced service mix has attracted more listings and commissions, contributing to a steady uptick in top‑line performance.

Real Estate Solutions

The RES segment exploded with 66% revenue growth, largely thanks to the MCS acquisition. Target margins of 12.5% are being pursued, and the company is already seeing single‑digit margin gains in appraisal and higher‑margin PropStream units.

Margin Outlook

Management projects a margin trend upward, aiming for 12% in RES and improving appraisal margins to low double‑digits. This focus on profitability aligns with the firm’s strategy to sustain a higher fee base and offset a modest 3‑5% uptick in home sales.

Acquisitions & Capital

Stewart recently bought Nationwide Appraisal Network for $40 million, expected to add $30 million in revenue over three quarters with low‑double‑digit margins. The $150 million equity raise in December financed the deal, leaving ample cash to pursue additional service‑side acquisitions.

Pipeline & Future

The company’s robust acquisition pipeline, coupled with strong commercial momentum, positions Stewart to sustain a 15% ancillary growth rate. With $420 million in excess cash and $1.4 billion in equity, it remains well‑capitalized to capitalize on emerging opportunities, ensuring continued resilience in a challenging market.

3. NewsRoom

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Stewart Information Services Corporation (STC) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Apr -23

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Stewart Reports First Quarter 2026 Results

Apr -22

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Stewart Information Services Corporation Announces First Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call

Apr -13

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Stewart Valuation Intelligence Acquires Nationwide Appraisal Network

Apr -02

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DAVENPORT & Co LLC Decreases Stock Position in Stewart Information Services Corporation $STC

Mar -26

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Stewart Enhances Virtual Underwriter with Secure Access, Advanced Search, and AI-Powered Support

Mar -25

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BatchDialer Introduces Reduced, Simplified Pricing Plans to Support Scalable Outbound Growth

Mar -24

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Stewart Lender Services Hires Nathan Bossers as Group Senior Vice President, National Title & Settlement

Mar -17

4. Business Breakdown

4.a. Revenues by Country

4.b. Revenues by Segment

5. Expected revenues mid-term growth (10.24%)

6. Segments

Title

Expected Growth: 10%

Stewart Information Services Corporation's 10% growth is driven by increasing demand for title insurance and settlement services, fueled by a strong housing market, low interest rates, and government policies supporting homeownership. Additionally, the company's expansion into adjacent markets, such as mortgage services and digital transformation initiatives, contribute to its growth momentum.

Real Estate Solutions

Expected Growth: 12%

Stewart Information Services Corporation's 12% growth in Real Estate Solutions is driven by increasing demand for title insurance and settlement services, fueled by low interest rates, government-backed mortgage incentives, and a strong housing market. Additionally, the company's investments in digital transformation, expansion into new markets, and strategic acquisitions have enhanced its competitive position and contributed to its growth momentum.

Corporate and Other Segment

Expected Growth: 11%

Stewart Information Services Corporation's Corporate and Other Segment growth of 11% is driven by increased demand for title insurance and settlement services, expansion into new markets, and strategic acquisitions. Additionally, cost savings initiatives and operational efficiencies have contributed to the segment's growth.

7. Detailed Products

Title Insurance

Stewart Information Services Corporation provides title insurance policies that protect buyers and lenders from losses due to defects in title, ensuring a clear ownership of the property.

Escrow and Settlement Services

Stewart offers escrow and settlement services, facilitating the transfer of ownership and ensuring a smooth transaction process.

Appraisal and Valuation Services

Stewart provides appraisal and valuation services, offering accurate and reliable property valuations for lenders, investors, and homeowners.

Default Services

Stewart offers default services, including foreclosure processing, REO management, and loss mitigation, to help lenders manage distressed assets.

Search and Examination Services

Stewart provides search and examination services, conducting thorough searches of public records to identify potential title issues.

Recording and Document Services

Stewart offers recording and document services, preparing and recording legal documents, such as deeds and mortgages.

8. Stewart Information Services Corporation's Porter Forces

Forces Ranking

Threat Of Substitutes

The threat of substitutes for Stewart Information Services Corporation is moderate, as there are alternative title insurance and settlement services providers in the market.

Bargaining Power Of Customers

The bargaining power of customers for Stewart Information Services Corporation is low, as the company has a diverse customer base and no single customer accounts for a significant portion of its revenue.

Bargaining Power Of Suppliers

The bargaining power of suppliers for Stewart Information Services Corporation is low, as the company has a diverse supplier base and is not heavily dependent on a single supplier.

Threat Of New Entrants

The threat of new entrants for Stewart Information Services Corporation is low, as the company operates in a highly regulated industry with significant barriers to entry.

Intensity Of Rivalry

The intensity of rivalry for Stewart Information Services Corporation is high, as the company operates in a competitive industry with several established players.

9. SWOT Analysis

10. Capital Structure

10.a. Balance Sheet

10.b. Weighted Average Cost of capital

Value
Debt Weight 39.70%
Debt Cost 4.53%
Equity Weight 60.30%
Equity Cost 9.84%
WACC 7.73%
Leverage 65.83%

11. Quality Control: Stewart Information Services Corporation passed 2 out of 9 key points

12.a Historical Valuation

12.b Price/Earnings Ratio

12.c Margin Valuation

12.d Peers Valuation

Peers Group Analysis

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United Fire Group

A-Score: 6.4/10

Value: 8.6

Growth: 5.9

Quality: 5.2

Yield: 4.0

Momentum: 8.5

Volatility: 6.3

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Safety Insurance

A-Score: 6.2/10

Value: 7.1

Growth: 3.9

Quality: 6.0

Yield: 8.0

Momentum: 2.5

Volatility: 9.7

1-Year Total Return ->

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Global Indemnity

A-Score: 5.7/10

Value: 8.0

Growth: 4.2

Quality: 6.0

Yield: 8.0

Momentum: 1.5

Volatility: 6.3

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Heritage Insurance Holdings

A-Score: 5.7/10

Value: 7.7

Growth: 5.3

Quality: 7.6

Yield: 1.0

Momentum: 10.0

Volatility: 2.3

1-Year Total Return ->

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Palomar Holdings

A-Score: 5.5/10

Value: 3.9

Growth: 9.4

Quality: 6.1

Yield: 0.0

Momentum: 8.5

Volatility: 5.0

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Stewart Information Services

A-Score: 5.4/10

Value: 6.5

Growth: 3.0

Quality: 5.1

Yield: 6.0

Momentum: 5.0

Volatility: 7.0

1-Year Total Return ->

Peers Metrics

12.e Scoring Insights

12.f DCF BETA

Parameters

Short Term Growth

Short term Time

Long-Term Growth

WACC

Target Price

70.0$

Current Price

70$

Potential

-0.00%

Expected Cash-Flows