OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICRs) of “a” (Excellent) of First American Title Insurance Company (Omaha, NE) and its title affiliates, which are referred to as First American Title Insurance Group (FATIG). In addition, AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term ICR of “bbb” (Good) of the parent holding company, First American Financial Corporation (FAF) (Delaware) [NYSE: FAF]. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. (See below for a detailed listing of the companies and ratings.)
The ratings reflect FATIG’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).
FATIG’s strongest balance sheet strength is supported by its risk-adjusted capitalization at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), superior surplus levels and conservative investment strategy. Additionally, FATIG benefits from a strong franchise value, financial flexibility and operational support from FAF, which maintains relatively modest financial leverage and solid interest coverage. The group’s operating results have been in line with the title industry composite averages and supportive of the adequate operating performance assessment. FATIG is the second-largest underwriter in the U.S. title insurance industry and continues to maintain a solid market position based on 2023 direct premiums written, despite unfavorable macroeconomic market conditions with rising interest rates and a slowdown in the real estate sector. Policies are distributed on a direct basis and through a network of independent agents. The group invests heavily in its title plant, which is one of the most comprehensive in the industry. The ratings also reflect FATIG’s robust ERM practices in line with its corporate objectives, regulatory requirements and rating agency guidelines.
Negative rating action could occur if challenges from rising interest rates and a slowing economy pose a significant decline in operating profitability or a material decline in risk-adjusted capitalization levels. Negative rating action also could result should the holding company experience liquidity issues or a significant increase in leverage. Positive rating action could occur if the group experiences significant improvements in operating profitability and/or a material increase in risk-adjusted capitalization levels.
The FSR of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICRs of “a” (Excellent) have been affirmed with stable outlooks for the members of First American Title Insurance Group:
- First American Title Insurance Company
- First American Title Insurance Company of Australia Pty Limited
- First American Title Insurance Company of Louisiana
- First European Title Insurance Company Limited
- First Title Insurance plc
- Ohio Bar Title Insurance Company
This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.
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