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 (Long-Term ICRs) of “a” (Excellent) for First American Title Insurance Company and its affiliates, collectively known as First American Title Insurance Group (FATIG). The Long-Term ICR of “bbb” (Good) has also been affirmed for First American Financial Corporation (FAF). The ratings reflect FATIG’s strong balance sheet, adequate operating performance, and solid market position as the second-largest underwriter in the U.S. title insurance industry. The outlook for all ratings is stable.

Positive

• Affirmation of FSR of A (Excellent) and Long-Term ICRs of “a” (Excellent) for FATIG.
• FATIG is the second-largest underwriter in the U.S. title insurance industry.
• The group has a strong balance sheet strength assessed as strongest by AM Best.
• The outlook for all ratings is stable.

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 2021 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 Performance Assessments, 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 © 2022 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220928005698/en/

Kourtnie Beckwith

Financial Analyst

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5124

kourtnie.beckwith@ambest.com



Fred Eslami

Associate Director

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5406

fred.eslami@ambest.com



Christopher Sharkey

Manager, Public Relations

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159

christopher.sharkey@ambest.com



Al Slavin

Communications Specialist

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5098

al.slavin@ambest.com

Source: AM Best

FAQ

What did AM Best affirm for First American Financial Corporation (FAF)?

AM Best affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICRs) of “a” (Excellent) for First American Title Insurance Company and its affiliates.

What is the outlook of the ratings affirmed by AM Best for FAF?

The outlook for all the ratings affirmed by AM Best is stable.

What position does First American Title Insurance Group hold in the U.S. title insurance industry?

First American Title Insurance Group is the second-largest underwriter in the U.S. title insurance industry based on direct premiums written in 2021.

What financial strength did AM Best assess for First American Title Insurance Group?

AM Best assesses the balance sheet strength of First American Title Insurance Group as strongest.

What does the affirmation of a Long-Term ICR of “bbb” (Good) indicate for FAF?

The affirmation of a Long-Term ICR of “bbb” (Good) indicates good financial health and stability for First American Financial Corporation.