The nation\u2019s largest title insurers reported solid first quarter 2026 results as commercial transaction activity and a rebound in refinance business helped offset a still-sluggish residential real estate market.<\/p>\n
Across the title sector, executives pointed to improving order counts, larger commercial deal sizes, disciplined expense management and growing investment in automation and artificial intelligence (AI)<\/a>.<\/p>\n Companies also highlighted continued pressure from broader housing market uncertainty.<\/p>\n Stewart Information Services Corp.<\/strong> reported first quarter revenue of $781.3 million \u2014 up from $612 million a year earlier. Net income attributable to the company rose to $17 million compared with $3.1 million during the first quarter of 2025.<\/p>\n The company\u2019s title segment <\/a>generated $603.2 million in operating revenue, a 21% increase year-over-year. Pretax income for the segment more than doubled to $25 million.<\/p>\n Commercial business remained a key growth driver.<\/p>\n Domestic commercial title revenue climbed 35% to $93.9 million \u2014 fueled by larger transaction sizes and higher volumes in energy, industrial, site development, data center and retail properties. Average commercial fees per file increased 33% to $21,100.<\/p>\n Residans<\/a> operations also improved. Domestic non-commercial revenue rose 8% to $145.6 million, while residential fees held steady at $3,300 per file.<\/p>\n Agency operations expanded significantly, as well. Gross agency revenue increased 25%, while revenue net of agency retention rose 23%.<\/p>\n Title losses improved to 3.1% of title operating revenue, compared with 3.5% a year earlier.<\/p>\n \u201cI am proud of our first quarter results as they reflect the momentum we\u2019ve built in each of our businesses,\u201d said CEO Fred Eppinger. \u201cWe are pleased with our ability to deliver these solid results while confronting housing market and macroeconomic volatility. We remain focused on growth across all of our business lines and are dedicated to serving our customers with excellence.\u201d<\/p>\n Stewart\u2019s real estate solutions division, which includes credit information services and mortgage services acquired last year<\/a> from Mortgage Contracting Services<\/strong>, posted 66% revenue growth to $161.4 million.<\/p>\n First American Financial Corp.<\/strong> reported total first quarter revenue of $1.8 billion \u2014 up 16% from a year earlier.<\/p>\n Net income increased to $125 million compared with $74 million in Q1 2025.<\/p>\n The company\u2019s title insurance and services segment<\/a> generated $1.73 billion in revenue, up 17% year-over-year. Pretax margin improved to 9.6%, while adjusted pretax margin reached 10.4%. <\/p>\n Commercial operations delivered some of the quarter\u2019s strongest gains. U.S. commercial revenue jumped 48% to $271.2 million. Average revenue per commercial order increased sharply to $17,900 from $13,100 a year earlier.<\/p>\n Direct title orders closed in domestic operations increased 9%, while average revenue per direct title order climbed 13% to $4,229.<\/p>\n Open title orders reached 182,900, up from 168,900 a year earlier and closed orders increased to 119,900 from 110,300.<\/p>\n Agent premiums, reported on roughly a one-quarter lag, rose 16%.<\/p>\n \u201cOur results were driven by our commercial business, which achieved record first quarter revenue,\u201d said First American Financial Corp. CEO Mark Seaton. \u201cIn addition, investment income in our title segment grew 12%, despite a decline in the federal funds rate, in part due to continued success in capturing additional deposit sources at our bank. Our adjusted pretax title margin was 10.4% for the quarter, a great start to the year considering continued softness in the residential market.<\/p>\n The company also highlighted growing investment income and expanded use of artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n \u201cBeyond our financial results, we are committed to deploying AI solutions across the company to amplify the talents of our team, better serve our customers and strengthen our capabilities,\u201d Seaton added.<\/p>\n First American said information and other revenue increased 14% to $269 million \u2014 driven partly by growth in subservicing operations and demand for non-insured information products.<\/p>\n Fidelity National Financial Inc. (FNF)<\/strong> reported first quarter total revenue of $3.23 billion \u2014 compared with $2.73 billion during the same quarter last year.<\/p>\n Adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders rose to $249 million, up year-over-year from $213 million.<\/p>\nStewart posts revenue, profitability increases<\/h2>\n
First American achieves record Q1 commercial revenue<\/h2>\n
Fidelity National Financial benefits from refi momentum<\/h2>\n