AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of First American Title Insurance Group Members and First American Financial Corporation

Rhea-AI Summary

AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (ICRs) of 'a' (Excellent) for First American Title Insurance Company and its affiliates. The ratings reflect FATIG's strongest balance sheet strength and adequate operating performance. First American Financial Corporation (FAF) also received a Long-Term ICR of 'bbb' (Good) with a stable outlook. FATIG, the second-largest U.S. title insurance underwriter, benefits from a solid market position and strong enterprise risk management.

Positive

• Affirmation of FSR of A (Excellent) for First American Title Insurance Company and affiliates.
• Strongest balance sheet strength assessed by AM Best.
• Market position as the second-largest underwriter in the U.S. title insurance industry based on 2020 direct premiums.
• Stable outlook on ratings indicating consistent performance.

Negative

• None.

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. FATIG maintains a solid market position within the U.S. title insurance industry as its second-largest underwriter, based on 2020 direct premiums written. 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 group’s operating results have generally been in line with the title industry composite averages and supportive of surplus growth. 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 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 Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2021 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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Kourtnie Beckwith

Financial Analyst

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5124

kourtnie.beckwith@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey

Manager, Public Relations

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159

christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Fred Eslami

Associate Director

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5406

fred.eslami@ambest.com

Jim Peavy

Director, Communications

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644

james.peavy@ambest.com

Source: AM Best

FAQ

What are the recent credit ratings for First American Financial Corporation (FAF)?

AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of 'bbb' (Good) for First American Financial Corporation (FAF).

What does the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A mean for First American Title Insurance Company?

The FSR of A (Excellent) indicates a strong ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations.

What is the outlook for First American Title Insurance Group's credit ratings?

The outlook for the credit ratings of First American Title Insurance Group is stable.

How does First American Title Insurance Company rank in the U.S. title insurance market?

It ranks as the second-largest underwriter based on 2020 direct premiums written.