Stewart Info - STC STOCK NEWS

Stewart Information Services (NYSE: STC) reported strong financial results for Q4 and full-year 2024. Q4 total revenues reached $665.9 million, up from $582.2 million in Q4 2023. Net income increased to $22.7 million ($0.80 per diluted share) compared to $8.8 million ($0.32 per diluted share) in Q4 2023.

The title segment showed significant growth with operating revenues improving 12% to $562.7 million. Notably, domestic commercial revenues surged 50% with a 33% higher average fee per file of $19,600. The real estate solutions segment saw a 42% revenue increase to $87.0 million.

Full-year 2024 performance demonstrated substantial improvement with net income of $73.3 million ($2.61 per diluted share) versus $30.4 million ($1.11 per diluted share) in 2023.

Stewart Title has launched Connect Close, a next-generation title production system specifically designed for attorney agents, currently available in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The system aims to streamline and simplify title processing while maintaining efficiency and accuracy.

Connect Close features include streamlined order entry, integrated search orders, efficient document preparation, premium calculations, taxes and recording fee calculations, a customizable document module, advanced closing disclosure and HUD, cost-free setup, a web-based platform, and personalized training.

The launch is part of Stewart's strategic investment in strengthening partnerships with attorney agents and delivering technology solutions to enhance productivity in attorney-led real estate transactions. The company plans to expand the system's availability beyond the initial three states.

Stewart Information Services (NYSE: STC) has announced its upcoming fourth quarter 2024 earnings conference call, scheduled for February 6, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The company will release its earnings report after market close on February 5, 2025.

Investors can participate in the call by dialing (800) 343-5172 (USA) or (203) 518-9856 (International) using access code STCQ424. A replay will be available from 11 a.m. Eastern Time on February 6 until midnight on February 13, 2025, accessible at (800) 753-5479 (USA) or (402) 220-2675 (International). The call can also be accessed through Stewart's Investor Relations website.

Stewart Information Services (NYSE:STC) has announced key leadership changes in its underwriting division. Wilhelmina Kightlinger has been promoted to Chief Underwriting Counsel for the Stewart Title family of companies, where she will focus on strengthening corporate underwriting capacity and expanding Stewart's presence in underrepresented markets.

Kightlinger's promotion builds on her previous success as head of underwriting for Stewart's National Commercial Services (NCS) division, where she implemented several initiatives including Underwriting Onboarding and Mentorship Programs. Jeremy Poetker will succeed Kightlinger as Chief Underwriter for NCS. Poetker, who joined Stewart in 2016, brings expertise in complex transactions including multi-state portfolios, international resorts, and energy projects. He serves on multiple committees and has been instrumental in developing Stewart's revised UCC policy.

Stewart Title National Commercial Services has rebranded its Energy Services Group to the Stewart Energy & Infrastructure Group. The specialized unit, which has managed over $100B in energy transactions over the past 25 years, will expand its focus beyond energy and renewables projects to include infrastructure projects and data centers.

The rebrand represents both a diversification and growth strategy, aiming to better reflect the company's scale and ability to service commercial transactions beyond traditional energy sectors. The group will continue providing professional underwriting and closing services while adapting to advancing technologies and market innovations.

PropStream has introduced a new Upside Down Lead List feature to help real estate professionals identify properties where homeowners owe more than the property's worth (negative equity). This addition brings the total number of Lead Lists on the platform to 20, enhancing PropStream's data-driven solutions for real estate professionals.

The new tool aims to help users efficiently research underwater properties, enabling them to assist homeowners facing negative equity situations. The feature is part of PropStream's ongoing efforts to provide innovative datasets and tools to its users, supported by AI-powered datasets and a dynamic data library.

Stewart Information Services (NYSE:STC) announced a three-year contract extension for CEO Frederick H. Eppinger through 2028. Under Eppinger's five-year leadership since 2019, Stewart has more than doubled its market cap and increased market share to over 10%. Despite challenging market conditions including a global pandemic, Eppinger has led the company through thirty strategic acquisitions, expanded digital capabilities, and improved operational efficiency.

The company aims to achieve 15% market share and 11-12% pretax margins. Eppinger, who joined as CEO in September 2019 after serving as a director since 2016, has focused on strengthening Stewart's market position and driving sustained growth through one of the most challenging housing markets in history.

Stewart Information Services (NYSE:STC) has announced a quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share for the fourth quarter of 2024. The dividend will be paid on December 30, 2024, to shareholders who are recorded as stockholders as of December 16, 2024.

PropStream, a leading real estate data provider, has announced significant updates to its platform interface and search capabilities. The update includes a redesigned search menu, new filtering options, and enhanced datasets. Key improvements include a 'Find a Filter' button for navigating over 165 filters, additional MLS status filters, and property feature filters for pools, garages, attics, and basements. The platform now includes an AVM-generated Estimated Wholesale Value on select property cards. The update focuses on improving efficiency and user experience, with 'Quick Lists' being renamed to 'Lead Lists' and the introduction of an 'Upside Down' lead list feature.