Stewart Information Services Corporation provides title insurance and real estate services for residential and commercial transactions through direct operations, the Stewart Trusted Providers™ network and affiliated companies. Its news commonly covers title insurance, closing and settlement services, lender services, appraisal and valuation solutions, and real estate data and workflow platforms serving mortgage and real estate professionals.
Recurring updates include quarterly operating results for the title and real estate solutions segments, dividend announcements, acquisition activity within valuation services, and product enhancements across Stewart-owned platforms such as PropStream, Cloudvirga, BatchDialer and Stewart Virtual Underwriter®.
Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE:STC) announced the retirement of Chief Legal Officer John Killea, effective early next year. Killea, who joined Stewart in 2000, has held his current role since 2011. Elizabeth Giddens will succeed him, bringing nearly 25 years of legal expertise, including recent experience as Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Integer Holdings Corporation. CEO Fred Eppinger expressed gratitude for Killea’s contributions and optimism for Giddens's leadership during this transition.
Cloudvirga, a Stewart-owned company, has launched a new Wholesale Third Party Origination (TPO) Platform designed specifically for mortgage professionals and brokers. This platform enhances the origination process by offering a user-friendly interface, 24/7 access, and real-time updates. Maria Moskver, Cloudvirga President, emphasizes that this offering empowers brokers with technology that simplifies their workflow. The platform aims to improve customer experience while addressing the complexities of loan transactions in the digital mortgage market.
Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE:STC) has announced the acquisition of FNC Title Services, LLC, including an agreement to acquire FNC Title of California, pending regulatory approval. FNC specializes in reverse mortgage closings and operates a national platform serving top reverse mortgage lenders. Stewart's CEO highlighted the growing demand for reverse mortgages, emphasizing the synergy between Stewart's resources and FNC's customer service. FNC will continue to operate independently under the Stewart umbrella, enhancing capabilities for lender partners and borrowers.
Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE:STC) announced that Stewart Valuation Intelligence, LLC (SVI) has been verified to support Freddie Mac’s new Property Data Report (PDR) using its VALIDITY Pro application. This application allows trained real estate brokers to conduct comprehensive property inspections required by Freddie Mac, enhancing reliability for clients. Starting July, Freddie Mac's transition to ACE+ PDR will facilitate appraisals for cash-out refinances without traditional field appraisals. This move aims to reduce risks while streamlining the mortgage process.
AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A- (Excellent) for Stewart Title Group and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (ICR) of 'a-' (Excellent) for Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE: STC). The group benefits from strong balance sheet strength and consistent profitability, bolstered by a strong real estate market over the past two years. However, rising interest rates and a slowing economy may impact future profitability. The outlook for these ratings remains stable, reflecting Stewart's market position as the fourth-largest title insurance writer in the U.S.
Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE-STC) has appointed John Hamm as the new Chief Information Officer to lead its global technology operations. Hamm's extensive experience includes transforming technology at Texas Children’s Hospital. His focus will be on creating an innovative IT department, enhancing customer experiences, and ensuring privacy and security in Stewart’s digital strategy. Fred Eppinger, CEO, emphasized the importance of technology in maintaining Stewart's leadership in the real estate market.
Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE:STC) has announced a 20% increase in its annual cash dividend, raising it from $1.50 to $1.80 per share. This increase reflects the company's commitment to returning capital to shareholders. The third-quarter cash dividend will be $0.45 per share, payable on September 30, 2022, to stockholders of record by September 15, 2022. CEO Fred Eppinger emphasized the goal of providing consistent returns through operational performance and dividends.
Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE:STC) has appointed Brian Webster as the new President of NotaryCam, focusing on expanding remote online notarization products and services. With a strong background in the mortgage and financial sectors, Webster previously served at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Freedom Mortgage Corporation. He aims to enhance customer experience and drive industry adoption. NotaryCam, acquired by Stewart in December 2020, is a leader in online notarization, having served over a million customers globally.
Stewart Title has appointed Wilhelmina Kightlinger as Deputy Chief Underwriting Counsel for its National Commercial Services group. Kightlinger, previously at Old Republic Title, brings extensive experience and aims to strengthen Stewart's underwriting capacity and market presence. This strategic hiring reflects Stewart's commitment to expand its footprint in commercial underwriting, particularly on the East Coast.
Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE:STC) announced that Beth Fowler received the 2022 Woman of Influence Award from HousingWire, recognizing her contributions to the mortgage and fintech sectors. As Executive Vice President of Stewart’s Lender Services, Fowler plays a key role in driving innovations and strategies for real estate lenders. Under her leadership, seven companies were integrated into Stewart Lender Services, enhancing service offerings. CEO Fred Eppinger praised her impact on modernizing the customer experience in home ownership.