Item 1.
Business
We are a leading provider of title insurance, technology and transaction services to the real estate and mortgage industries. We are the nation’s largest title insurance company through our title insurance underwriters - Fidelity National Title, Chicago Title, Commonwealth Land Title and Alamo Title - that collectively issue more title insurance policies than any other title company in the United States. We also provide industry-leading mortgage technology solutions and transaction services, including MSP®, the leading residential mortgage servicing technology platform in the U.S., through our majority-owned subsidiaries, Black Knight Financial Services, LLC ("BKFS") and ServiceLink Holdings, LLC ("ServiceLink"). In addition, we own majority and minority equity investment stakes in a number of entities, including American Blue Ribbon Holdings, LLC ("ABRH"), J. Alexander’s, LLC ("J. Alexander's"), Remy International, Inc. ("Remy"), Ceridian HCM, Inc., Comdata Inc. (collectively "Ceridian") and Digital Insurance, Inc. ("Digital Insurance").
As of December 31, 2013, we had five reporting segments as follows:
FNF Core Operations
•
Fidelity National Title Group. This segment consists of the operations of our title insurance underwriters and related businesses. This segment provides core title insurance and escrow and other title related services including collection and trust activities, trustee’s sales guarantees, recordings and reconveyances, and home warranty insurance.
•
FNF Corporate and Other. The FNF corporate and other segment consists of the operations of the parent holding company, certain other unallocated corporate overhead expenses, and other smaller real estate and insurance related operations.
Portfolio Company Investments
•
Remy. This segment consists of the operations of Remy, in which we have a 51% ownership interest. Remy is a leading designer, manufacturer, remanufacturer, marketer and distributor of aftermarket and original equipment components for automobiles, light trucks, heavy-duty trucks and other vehicles.
•
Restaurant Group. The Restaurant Group segment consists of the operations of ABRH, in which we have a 55% ownership interest. ABRH is the owner and operator of the O'Charley's, Ninety Nine Restaurants, Max & Erma's, Village Inn and Bakers Square concepts. This segment also includes J. Alexander's, which includes the Stoney River Legendary Steaks ("Stoney River") concept.
•
Portfolio Company Corporate and Other. The Portfolio Company Corporate and Other segment primarily consists of our share in the operations of certain equity investments, including Ceridian, Digital Insurance and other smaller operations which are not title related.
Competitive Strengths
We believe that our competitive strengths include the following:
Leading title insurance company. We are the largest title insurance company in the United States and a leading provider of title insurance and escrow and other title-related services for real estate transactions. Through the third quarter of 2013, our insurance companies had a 32.2% share of the U.S. title insurance market, according to the American Land Title Association ("ALTA").
Established relationships with our customers. We have strong relationships with the customers who use our title services. Our distribution network, which includes approximately 1,200 direct residential title offices and approximately 5,000 agents, is among the largest in the United States. We also benefit from strong brand recognition in our multiple title brands that allows us to access a broader client base than if we operated under a single consolidated brand and provides our customers with a choice among brands.
Strong value proposition for our customers. We provide our customers with title insurance and escrow and other title-related services that support their ability to effectively close real estate transactions. We help make the real estate closing more efficient for our customers by offering a single point of access to a broad platform of title-related products and resources necessary to close real estate transactions.
Proven management team. The managers of our operating businesses have successfully built our title business over an extended period of time, resulting in our business attaining the size, scope and presence in the industry that it has today. Our managers have demonstrated their leadership ability during numerous acquisitions through which we have grown and throughout a number of business cycles and significant periods of industry change.
Competitive cost structure. We have been able to maintain competitive operating margins in part by monitoring our businesses in a disciplined manner through continual evaluation of title order activity and management of our cost structure. When compared to our industry competitors, we also believe that our structure is more efficiently designed, which allows us to operate with lower overhead costs.
Commercial title insurance. While residential title insurance comprises the majority of our business, we are also a significant provider of commercial real estate title insurance in the United States. Our network of agents, attorneys, underwriters and closers that service the commercial real estate markets is one of the largest in the industry. Our commercial network combined with our financial strength makes our title insurance operations attractive to large national lenders that require the underwriting and issuing of larger commercial title policies.
Corporate principles. A cornerstone of our management philosophy and operating success is the six fundamental precepts upon which we were founded, which are:
•
Autonomy and entrepreneurship;
•
Bias for action;
•
Customer-oriented and motivated;
•
Minimize bureaucracy;
•
Employee ownership; and
•
Highest standard of conduct.
These six precepts are emphasized to our employees from the first day of employment and are integral to many of our strategies described below.
We believe that our competitive strengths position us well to take advantage of future changes to the real estate market.
Strategy
Fidelity National Title Group
Our strategy in the title insurance business is to maximize operating profits by increasing our market share and managing operating expenses throughout the real estate business cycle. To accomplish our goals, we intend to do the following:
•
Continue to operate multiple title brands independently. We believe that in order to maintain and strengthen our title insurance customer base, we must operate our strongest brands in a given marketplace independently of each other. Our national and regional brands include Fidelity National Title, Chicago Title, Commonwealth Land Title, Lawyers Title, Ticor Title, and Alamo Title. In our largest markets, we operate multiple brands. This approach allows us to continue to attract customers who identify with a particular brand and allows us to utilize a broader base of local agents and local operations than we would have with a single consolidated brand.
•
Consistently deliver superior customer service. We believe customer service and consistent product delivery are the most important factors in attracting and retaining customers. Our ability to provide superior customer service and consistent product delivery requires continued focus on providing high quality service and products at competitive prices. Our goal is to continue to improve the experience of our customers, in all aspects of our business.
•
Manage our operations successfully through business cycles. We operate in a cyclical industry and our ability to diversify our revenue base within our core title insurance business and manage the duration of our investments may allow us to better operate in this cyclical business. Maintaining a broad geographic revenue base, utilizing both direct and independent agency operations and pursuing both residential and commercial title insurance business help diversify our title insurance revenues. We continue to monitor, evaluate and execute upon the consolidation of administrative functions, legal entity structure, and office consolidation, as necessary, to respond to the continually changing marketplace. We maintain shorter durations on our investment portfolio to mitigate our interest rate risk. A more detailed discussion of our investment strategies is included in “Investment Policies and Investment Portfolio.”
•
Continue to improve our products and technology. As a national provider of real estate transaction products and services, we participate in an industry that is subject to significant change, frequent new product and service introductions and evolving industry standards. We believe that our future success will depend in part on our ability to anticipate industry changes and offer products and services that meet evolving industry standards. In connection with our service offerings, we are continuing to deploy new information system technologies to our direct and agency operations. We expect to improve the process of ordering title and escrow services and improve the delivery of our products to our customers.
•
Maintain values supporting our strategy. We believe that our continued focus on and support of our long-established corporate culture will reinforce and support our business strategy. Our goal is to foster and support a corporate culture where our employees and agents seek to operate independently and profitably at the local level while forming close customer relationships by meeting customer needs and improving customer service. Utilizing a relatively flat managerial structure and providing our employees with a sense of individual ownership supports this goal.
•
Effectively manage costs based on economic factors. We believe that our focus on our operating margins is essential to our continued success in the title insurance business. Regardless of the business cycle in which we may be operating, we seek to continue to evaluate and manage our cost structure and make appropriate adjustments where economic conditions dictate. This continual focus on our cost structure helps us to better maintain our operating margins.
Acquisitions, Dispositions, Minority Owned Operating Subsidiaries and Financings
Acquisitions have been an important part of our growth strategy. On an ongoing basis, with assistance from our advisors, we actively evaluate possible transactions, such as acquisitions and dispositions of business units and operating assets and business combination transactions.
In the future, we may seek to sell certain investments or other assets to increase our liquidity. Further, our management has stated that we may make acquisitions in lines of business that are not directly tied to or synergistic with our core operating segments. In the past we have obtained majority and minority investments in entities and securities where we see the potential to achieve above market returns. Fundamentally our goal is to acquire quality companies that are well-positioned in their respective industries, run by best in class management teams in industries that have attractive organic and acquired growth opportunities. We leverage our operational expertise and track record of growing industry leading companies and also our active interaction with the acquired company's management directly or through our board of directors, to ultimately provide value for our shareholders.
There can be no assurance that any suitable opportunities will arise or that any particular transaction will be completed. We have made a number of acquisitions over the past three years to strengthen and expand our service offerings and customer base in our various businesses, and to expand into other businesses or where we otherwise saw value.
Black Knight and ServiceLink
On January 2, 2014, we completed the purchase of Lender Processing Services, Inc. ("LPS"). The purchase consideration paid was $37.14 per share, of which $28.10 per share was paid in cash and the remaining $9.04 was paid in FNF common shares. The purchase consideration represented an exchange ratio of 0.28742 per share of LPS common stock. Total consideration paid for LPS was $3.4 billion, which consisted of $2,535 million in cash and $836 million in FNF common stock. In order to pay the stock component of the consideration, we issued 25,920,078 shares to the former LPS shareholders.
Subsequent to our announcement of the LPS acquisition, we formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Black Knight Financial Services, Inc. (now known as Black Knight Holdings, Inc., "Black Knight"). Black Knight is the mortgage and finance industries' leading provider of integrated technology, data and analytics solutions, and transaction services. Black Knight has two operating segments, ServiceLink Holdings, LLC ("ServiceLink") and Black Knight Financial Services, LLC ("BKFS"). We retained a 65% ownership interest in each of the subsidiaries and issued the remaining 35% ownership interest to funds affiliated with Thomas H. Lee Partners, and certain related entities on January 3, 2014. Black Knight, through ServiceLink and BKFS, now owns and operates the former LPS businesses and our ServiceLink business. Fidelity National Title Group, BKFS and ServiceLink will be our core operating subsidiaries in the future.
Black Knight Financial Services
Our Black Knight Financial Services segment offers technology and data and analytics services through leading software systems and information solutions that facilitate and automate many of the business processes across the life cycle of a mortgage. Our customers use our technology and services to reduce their operating costs, improve their customer service and enhance the quality and consistency of various aspects of their mortgage servicing. We continually work with our customers to customize and integrate our software and services in order to assist them in achieving the value proposition that we offer to them.
Our principal technology solutions are software applications provided to mortgage lenders and other lending institutions, together with related support and services. Our technology solutions primarily consist of mortgage processing and workflow management software applications. The long term nature of most of our contracts in this business provides us with substantial recurring revenues. Our revenues from servicing technology are generally based on the number of active mortgages on our mortgage servicing platform in a given period. Our other technology solutions include our origination and default technology, from which we generally earn revenues on a per transaction basis. Our data and analytics offerings primarily consist of our alternative valuation services, real estate and mortgage data, modeling and forecasting and analytical tools.
ServiceLink
Our ServiceLink segment offers customized outsourced business process and information solutions. We work with our customers to set specific parameters regarding the services they require, and where practicable, provide a single point of contact with us for these services.
The ServiceLink segment consists of our origination services, valuation services and our default services. Our origination services are provided to mortgage lenders to support many of the business processes necessary to originate a mortgage loan. Each of these services is provided through a centralized delivery channel in accordance with a lender’s specific requirements, regardless of the geographic location of the borrower or property. Our valuation services include providing traditional property appraisals
for the origination market and for assets in default as well as providing appraisal management services. Our default services are provided to national lenders, loan servicers and other real estate professionals to enable them to better manage some or all of the business processes necessary to take a loan and the underlying property through the default, foreclosure and disposition process.
Portfolio Company Investments
Through our portfolio company investments we actively manage a group of companies and investments with a net asset value of approximately $1.2 billion. Our portfolio company investments primarily consist of our majority ownership positions in Remy, ABRH, J. Alexander's, and Digital Insurance and our 32% minority investment in Ceridian. On January 31, 2014 we announced the future formation of a new tracking stock for Fidelity National Financial Ventures (“FNFV”), and the portfolio company investments will comprise FNFV in the future.
Remy
During the third quarter of 2012, we acquired 1.5 million additional shares of Remy, increasing our ownership interest to 16.3 million shares or 51% of Remy's total outstanding common shares. As a result of this acquisition we began to consolidate the results of Remy effective August 14, 2012. We previously held a 47% ownership interest in Remy. Total consideration paid for the additional 1.5 million shares was $31 million and cash acquired upon consolidation of Remy was $96 million.
Remy's strategy is to be the leading global manufacturer and remanufacturer of starters and alternators, yielding superior financial returns, as well as seeking to be a leading participant in the growing production of hybrid electric motors and to utilize their distribution network to supply complementary aftermarket products. We believe there are significant opportunities for future growth in this industry.
Remy's strategies for capitalizing on these opportunities include the following:
•
Building on market-leading positions in commercial vehicle products by producing durable, high-output starters and alternators for commercial vehicles in both original equipment ("OE") and aftermarket.
•
Commitment to expanding manufacturing in growth markets in Asia and South America.
•
Continue to invest in hybrid electric motors for commercial vehicles.
•
Continue to leverage the benefits of having an OE and aftermarket presence, seeking to provide its aftermarket customers with new products faster than competitors and providing its OE business with useful knowledge regarding long-term product performance and durability.
•
Continue to provide value-added services that enhance customer performance, including category management services that strengthen its customer relationships, support customer growth and improve product category profitability.
•
Selectively pursue strategic partnerships and acquisitions that leverage its core competencies.
On January 13, 2014, Remy announced that it acquired substantially all of the assets of United Starters and Alternators Industries, Inc. ("USA Industries") pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Asset Purchase Agreement, effective as of January 13, 2014. USA Industries is a leading worldwide distributor of premium quality re-manufactured and new alternators, starters, constant velocity axles and disc brake calipers for the light-duty aftermarket. Total consideration paid was $41million.
Restaurant Group
On February 25, 2013, we formed J. Alexander's, a restaurant company which is focused on the upscale-casual dining segment. J. Alexander's consists of thirty J. Alexander's locations and ten Stoney River locations. ABRH contributed the ten Stoney River locations to J. Alexander's for an approximate 28% ownership interest in the new company, giving us an overall 87% ownership interest in J. Alexander's. The operations of J. Alexander's are consolidated in our existing Restaurant Group segment. Previously, in September 2012 we purchased all of the outstanding common stock of J. Alexander's Corporation for total consideration of $72 million in cash, net of cash acquired of $7 million.
On April 9, 2012, we successfully closed a tender offer for the outstanding common stock of O'Charley's Inc. ("O'Charley's"). We have consolidated the results of O'Charley's as of April 9, 2012. On May 11, 2012, we merged O'Charley's with our investment in ABRH in exchange for an increase in our ownership position in ABRH from 45% to 55%. As of December 31, 2013, there were 312 company-owned restaurants in the O'Charley's group of companies and 214 company-owned restaurants in the ABRH group of companies. Total consideration paid for O'Charley's was $122 million in cash, net of cash acquired of $35 million. We consolidated the operations of ABRH with the O'Charley's group of companies, beginning on May 11, 2012.
Our restaurant operations are focused in the family dining, casual dining and upscale-casual dining segments. The Restaurant Group's strategy is to achieve long-term profit growth and drive increases in same store sales and guest counts. We have a highly experienced management team that is focused on enhancing the guest experience at our restaurants and building team member engagement. We also utilize a shared service platform that takes advantage of the combined synergies of our operating companies to provide purchasing power and other shared service functions. We expect to continue to maintain a strong balance sheet for our Restaurant Group to support future acquisitions and to provide stability in all operating environments.
On December 31, 2012, we acquired Digital Insurance. Total consideration paid was $98 million in cash, net of cash acquired
of $3 million. We have consolidated the operations of Digital Insurance as of December 31, 2012. Digital Insurance is a leading employee benefits platform specializing in health insurance distribution and benefits management for small and mid-sized businesses. The operations of Digital Insurance are included in our Portfolio Company Investments.
On May 1, 2012, we completed the sale of an 85% interest in our remaining subsidiaries that write personal lines insurance to WT Holdings, Inc. for $120 million. Accordingly, the results of this business through the date of sale (which we refer to as our "at-risk" insurance business) for all periods presented are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as discontinued operations. The at-risk insurance business sale resulted in a pre-tax loss of $15 million, which was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Title Insurance
Market for title insurance. According to Demotech Performance of Title Insurance Companies 2013 Edition, an annual compilation of financial information from the title insurance industry that is published by Demotech Inc., an independent firm ("Demotech"), total operating income for the entire U.S. title insurance industry has decreased from its highest at $17.8 billion in 2005 to $12.2 billion in 2012. The size of the industry is closely tied to various macroeconomic factors, including, but not limited to, growth in the gross domestic product, inflation, unemployment, the availability of credit, consumer confidence, interest rates, and sales volumes and prices for new and existing homes, as well as the volume of refinancing of previously issued mortgages.
Most real estate transactions consummated in the U.S. require the use of title insurance by a lending institution before the transaction can be completed. Generally, revenues from title insurance policies are directly correlated with the value of the property underlying the title policy, and appreciation or depreciation in the overall value of the real estate market are major factors in total industry revenues. Industry revenues are also driven by factors affecting the volume of real estate closings, such as the state of the economy, the availability of mortgage funding, and changes in interest rates, which affect demand for new mortgage loans and refinancing transactions. Both the volume and the average price of residential real estate transactions declined from 2007-2011. Beginning in 2008 and continuing through 2011, the mortgage delinquency and default rates caused negative operating results at a number of banks and financial institutions. Multiple banks failed during this time, reducing the capacity of the mortgage industry to make loans. Since this time, lenders have tightened their underwriting standards which has made it more difficult for buyers to qualify for new loans. However, during this same period, interest rates declined to historically low levels, which spurred higher refinance activity in the period 2009 through 2012. During 2013 refinance activity declined; however, we experienced an increase in the purchase volume and average price of residential real estate. Our revenues in future periods will continue to be subject to these and other factors which are beyond our control and, as a result, are likely to fluctuate.
The U.S. title insurance industry is concentrated among a handful of industry participants. According to Demotech, the top four title insurance groups accounted for 86% of net premiums written in 2012. Approximately 30 independent title insurance companies accounted for the remaining 14% of net premiums written in 2012. In December 2008, we acquired LandAmerica Financial Group’s two principal title insurance underwriters, Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company and Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation, and in January 2014 we acquired National Title Insurance of New York, Inc. as part of the acquisition of LPS. Consolidation has created opportunities for increased financial and operating efficiencies for the industry’s largest participants and should continue to drive profitability and market share in the industry.
Title Insurance Policies. Generally, real estate buyers and mortgage lenders purchase title insurance to insure good and marketable title to real estate and priority of lien. A brief generalized description of the process of issuing a title insurance policy is as follows:
•
The customer, typically a real estate salesperson or broker, escrow agent, attorney or lender, places an order for a title policy.
•
Company personnel note the specifics of the title policy order and place a request with the title company or its agents for a preliminary report or commitment.
•
After the relevant historical data on the property is compiled, the title officer prepares a preliminary report that documents the current status of title to the property, any exclusions, exceptions and/or limitations that the title company might include in the policy, and specific issues that need to be addressed and resolved by the parties to the transaction before the title policy will be issued.
•
The preliminary report is circulated to all the parties for satisfaction of any specific issues.
•
After the specific issues identified in the preliminary report are satisfied, an escrow agent closes the transaction in accordance with the instructions of the parties and the title company’s conditions.
•
Once the transaction is closed and all monies have been released, the title company issues a title insurance policy.
In a real estate transaction financed with a mortgage, virtually all real property mortgage lenders require their borrowers to obtain a title insurance policy at the time a mortgage loan is made. This lender’s policy insures the lender against any defect affecting the priority of the mortgage in an amount equal to the outstanding balance of the related mortgage loan. An owner’s policy is typically also issued, insuring the buyer against defects in title in an amount equal to the purchase price. In a refinancing
transaction, only a lender’s policy is generally purchased because ownership of the property has not changed. In the case of an all-cash real estate purchase, no lender’s policy is issued but typically an owner’s title policy is issued.
Title insurance premiums paid in connection with a title insurance policy are based on (and typically are a percentage of) either the amount of the mortgage loan or the purchase price of the property insured. Applicable state insurance regulations or regulatory practices may limit the maximum, or in some cases the minimum, premium that can be charged on a policy. Title insurance premiums are due in full at the closing of the real estate transaction. A lender’s policy generally terminates upon the refinancing or resale of the property.
The amount of the insured risk or “face amount” of insurance under a title insurance policy is generally equal to either the amount of the loan secured by the property or the purchase price of the property. The title insurer is also responsible for the cost of defending the insured title against covered claims. The insurer’s actual exposure at any given time, however, generally is less than the total face amount of policies outstanding because the coverage of a lender’s policy is reduced and eventually terminated as a result of payment of the mortgage loan. A title insurer also generally does not know when a property has been sold or refinanced except when it issues the replacement coverage. Because of these factors, the total liability of a title underwriter on outstanding policies cannot be precisely determined.
Title insurance companies typically issue title insurance policies directly through branch offices or through affiliated title agencies, or indirectly through independent third party agencies unaffiliated with the title insurance company. Where the policy is issued through a branch or wholly-owned subsidiary agency operation, the title insurance company typically performs or directs the title search, and the premiums collected are retained by the title company. Where the policy is issued through an independent agent, the agent generally performs the title search (in some areas searches are performed by approved attorneys), examines the title, collects the premium and retains a majority of the premium. The remainder of the premium is remitted to the title insurance company as compensation, part of which is for bearing the risk of loss in the event a claim is made under the policy. The percentage of the premium retained by an agent varies from region to region and is sometimes regulated by the states. The title insurance company is obligated to pay title claims in accordance with the terms of its policies, regardless of whether the title insurance company issues policies through its direct operations or through independent agents.
Prior to issuing policies, title insurers and their agents attempt to reduce the risk of future claim losses by accurately performing title searches and examinations. A title insurance company’s predominant expense relates to such searches and examinations, the preparation of preliminary title reports, policies or commitments, the maintenance of "title plants,” which are indexed compilations of public records, maps and other relevant historical documents, and the facilitation and closing of real estate transactions. Claim losses generally result from errors made in the title search and examination process, from hidden defects such as fraud, forgery, incapacity, or missing heirs of the property, and from closing related errors.
Residential real estate business results from the construction, sale, resale and refinancing of residential properties, while commercial real estate business results from similar activities with respect to properties with a business or commercial use. Commercial real estate title insurance policies insure title to commercial real property, and generally involve higher coverage amounts and yield higher premiums. Residential real estate transaction volume is primarily affected by macroeconomic and seasonal factors while commercial real estate transaction volume is affected primarily by fluctuations in local supply and demand conditions for commercial space.
Direct and Agency Operations. We provide title insurance services through our direct operations and through independent title insurance agents who issue title policies on behalf of our title insurance companies. Our title insurance companies determine the terms and conditions upon which they will insure title to the real property according to their underwriting standards, policies and procedures.
Direct Operations. In our direct operations, the title insurer issues the title insurance policy and retains the entire premium paid in connection with the transaction. Our direct operations provide the following benefits:
•
higher margins because we retain the entire premium from each transaction instead of paying a commission to an independent agent;
•
continuity of service levels to a broad range of customers; and
•
additional sources of income through escrow and closing services.
We have approximately 1,200 offices throughout the U.S. primarily providing residential real estate title insurance. We continuously monitor the number of direct offices to make sure that it remains in line with our strategy and the current economic environment. Our commercial real estate title insurance business is operated almost exclusively through our direct operations. We maintain direct operations for our commercial title insurance business in all the major real estate markets including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Seattle and Washington D.C.
Agency Operations. In our agency operations, the search and examination function is performed by an independent agent or the agent may purchase the search and examination from us. In either case, the agent is responsible to ensure that the search and examination is completed. The agent thus retains the majority of the title premium collected, with the balance remitted to the title
underwriter for bearing the risk of loss in the event that a claim is made under the title insurance policy. Independent agents may select among several title underwriters based upon their relationship with the underwriter, the amount of the premium “split” offered by the underwriter, the overall terms and conditions of the agency agreement and the scope of services offered to the agent. Premium splits vary by geographic region, and in some states are fixed by insurance regulatory requirements. Our relationship with each agent is governed by an agency agreement defining how the agent issues a title insurance policy on our behalf. The agency agreement also sets forth the agent’s liability to us for policy losses attributable to the agent’s errors. An agency agreement is usually terminable without cause upon 30 days notice or immediately for cause. In determining whether to engage or retain an independent agent, we consider the agent’s experience, financial condition and loss history. For each agent with whom we enter into an agency agreement, we maintain financial and loss experience records. We also conduct periodic audits of our agents and strategically manage the number of agents with which we transact business in an effort to reduce future expenses and manage risks. As of December 31, 2013, we transact business with approximately 5,000 agents.
Fees and Premiums. One method of analyzing our business is to examine the level of premiums generated by direct and agency operations.
The following table presents the percentages of our title insurance premiums generated by direct and agency operations:
The premium for title insurance is due in full when the real estate transaction is closed. We recognize title insurance premium revenues from direct operations upon the closing of the transaction, whereas premium revenues from agency operations include an accrual based on estimates of the volume of transactions that have closed in a particular period for which premiums have not yet been reported to us. The accrual for agency premiums is necessary because of the lag between the closing of these transactions and the reporting of these policies to us by the agent, and is based on estimates utilizing historical information.
Escrow, Title-Related and Other Fees. In addition to fees for underwriting title insurance policies, we derive a significant amount of our revenues from escrow and other title-related services including collection and trust activities, trustee's sales guarantees, recordings and reconveyances, and home warranty services. The escrow and other services provided by us include all of those typically required in connection with residential and commercial real estate purchases and refinance activities. Escrow, title-related and other fees represented approximately 20.3%, 23.4%, and 29.0% of our revenues in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Sales and Marketing. We market and distribute our title and escrow products and services to customers in the residential and commercial market sectors of the real estate industry through customer solicitation by sales personnel. Although in many instances the individual homeowner is the beneficiary of a title insurance policy, we do not focus our marketing efforts on the homeowner. We actively encourage our sales personnel to develop new business relationships with persons in the real estate community, such as real estate sales agents and brokers, financial institutions, independent escrow companies and title agents, real estate developers, mortgage brokers and attorneys who order title insurance policies for their clients. While our smaller, local clients remain important, large customers, such as national residential mortgage lenders, real estate investment trusts and developers are an important part of our business. The buying criteria of locally based clients differ from those of large, geographically diverse customers in that the former tend to emphasize personal relationships and ease of transaction execution, while the latter generally place more emphasis on consistent product delivery across diverse geographical regions and the ability of service providers to meet their information systems requirements for electronic product delivery.
Claims. An important part of our operations is the handling of title and escrow claims. We employ a large staff of attorneys in our claims department. Our claims processing centers are located in Omaha, Nebraska and Jacksonville, Florida. In-house claims counsel are also located in other parts of the country.
Claims result from a wide range of causes. These causes generally include, but are not limited to, search and exam errors, forgeries, incorrect legal descriptions, signature and notary errors, unrecorded liens, mechanics’ liens, the failure to pay off existing liens, mortgage lending fraud, mishandling or theft of settlement funds (including independent agency theft), and mistakes in the escrow process. Under our policies, we are required to defend insureds when covered claims are filed against their interest in the property. Some claimants seek damages in excess of policy limits. Those claims are based on various legal theories, including in some cases allegations of negligence or an intentional tort. We occasionally incur losses in excess of policy limits. Experience
shows that most policy claims and claim payments are made in the first five years after the policy has been issued, although claims may also be reported and paid many years later.
Title losses due to independent agency defalcations typically occur when the independent agency misappropriates funds from escrow accounts under its control. Such losses are usually discovered when the independent agency fails to pay off an outstanding mortgage loan at closing (or immediately thereafter) from the proceeds of the new loan. Once the previous lender determines that its loan has not been paid off timely, it will file a claim against the title insurer.
Claims can be complex, vary greatly in dollar amounts and are affected by economic and market conditions and the legal environment existing at the time claims are processed. In our commercial title business, we may issue polices with face amounts well in excess of $100 million, and from time to time claims are submitted with respect to large policies. We believe we are appropriately reserved with respect to all claims (large and small) that we currently face. Occasionally we experience large losses from title policies that have been issued or from our escrow operations, or overall worsening loss payment experience, which require us to increase our title loss reserves. These events are unpredictable and adversely affect our earnings. Claims can result in litigation in which we may represent our insured and/or ourselves. We consider this type of litigation to be an ordinary course aspect of the conduct of our business.
Reinsurance and Coinsurance. We limit our maximum loss exposure by reinsuring risks with other insurers under excess of loss and case-by-case (“facultative”) reinsurance agreements. Reinsurance agreements generally provide that the reinsurer is liable for loss and loss adjustment expense payments exceeding the amount retained by the ceding company. However, the ceding company remains primarily liable to the insured whether or not the reinsurer is able to meet its contractual obligations. Facultative reinsurance agreements are entered into with other title insurers when the transaction to be insured will exceed state statutory or self-imposed limits. Excess of loss reinsurance protects us from a loss from a single loss occurrence. Through March 1, 2014, our excess of loss coverage is split into two tiers. The first tier provides coverage for residential and commercial transactions up to $100 million per loss occurrence, subject to a $20 million retention per loss. The second tier provides additional coverage for commercial transactions in excess of $100 million of loss per occurrence up to $400 million per occurrence, with the Company participating at approximately 20%. We are currently in process of negotiating the terms and conditions of our 2014 - 2015 coverages.
In addition to reinsurance, we carry errors and omissions insurance and fidelity bond coverage, each of which can provide protection to us in the event of certain types of losses that can occur in our businesses.
Our policy is to be selective in choosing our reinsurers, seeking only those companies that we consider to be financially stable and adequately capitalized. In an effort to minimize exposure to the insolvency of a reinsurer, we periodically review the financial condition of our reinsurers.
We also use coinsurance in our commercial title business to provide coverage in amounts greater than we would be willing or able to provide individually. In coinsurance transactions, each individual underwriting company issues a separate policy and assumes a portion of the overall total risk. As a coinsurer we are only liable for the portion of the risk we assume.
We also earn a small amount of additional income, which is reflected in our direct premiums, by assuming reinsurance for certain risks of other title insurers.
Competition. Competition in the title insurance industry is based primarily on expertise, service and price. In addition, the financial strength of the insurer has become an increasingly important factor in decisions relating to the purchase of title insurance, particularly in multi-state transactions and in situations involving real estate-related investment vehicles such as real estate investment trusts and real estate mortgage investment conduits. The number and size of competing companies varies in the different geographic areas in which we conduct our business. In our principal markets, competitors include other major title underwriters such as First American Financial Corporation, Old Republic International Corporation and Stewart Information Services Corporation, as well as numerous smaller title insurance companies, underwritten title companies and independent agency operations at the regional and local level. Independent agency operations accounted for 56.6% of our total title insurance premiums in 2013. Several of the smaller competitors have closed their operations in the past few years as a result of the significant decrease in activity in the residential real estate market. The addition or removal of regulatory barriers might result in changes to competition in the title insurance business. New competitors may include diversified financial services companies that have greater financial resources than we do and possess other competitive advantages. Competition among the major title insurance companies, expansion by smaller regional companies and any new entrants with alternative products could affect our business operations and financial condition.
Regulation. Our insurance subsidiaries, including title insurers, underwritten title companies and insurance agencies, are subject to extensive regulation under applicable state laws. Each of the insurers is subject to a holding company act in its state of domicile, which regulates, among other matters, the ability to pay dividends and enter into transactions with affiliates. The laws of most states in which we transact business establish supervisory agencies with broad administrative powers relating to issuing and revoking licenses to transact business, regulating trade practices, licensing agents, approving policy forms, accounting practices, financial practices, establishing reserve and capital and surplus as regards policyholders (“capital and surplus”) requirements,
defining suitable investments for reserves and capital and surplus and approving rate schedules. The process of state regulation of changes in rates ranges from states which set rates, to states where individual companies or associations of companies prepare rate filings which are submitted for approval, to a few states in which rate changes do not need to be filed for approval.
Since we are governed by both state and federal governments and the applicable insurance laws and regulations are constantly subject to change, it is not possible to predict the potential effects on our insurance operations of any laws or regulations that may become more restrictive in the future or if new restrictive laws will be enacted.
Pursuant to statutory accounting requirements of the various states in which our title insurers are domiciled, these insurers must defer a portion of premiums as an unearned premium reserve for the protection of policyholders (in addition to their reserves for known claims) and must maintain qualified assets in an amount equal to the statutory requirements. The level of unearned premium reserve required to be maintained at any time is determined by a statutory formula based upon either the age, number of policies, and dollar amount of policy liabilities underwritten, or the age and dollar amount of statutory premiums written. As of December 31, 2013, the combined statutory unearned premium reserve required and reported for our title insurers was $1,734 million. In addition to statutory unearned premium reserves and reserves for known claims, each of our insurers maintains surplus funds for policyholder protection and business operations.
Each of our insurance subsidiaries is regulated by the insurance regulatory authority in its respective state of domicile, as well as that of each state in which it is licensed. The insurance commissioners of their respective states of domicile are the primary regulators of our insurance subsidiaries. Each of the insurers is subject to periodic regulatory financial examination by regulatory authorities.
Under the statutes governing insurance holding companies in most states, insurers may not enter into certain transactions, including sales, reinsurance agreements and service or management contracts, with their affiliates unless the regulatory authority of the insurer’s state of domicile has received notice at least 30 days prior to the intended effective date of such transaction and has not objected to, or has approved, the transaction within the 30-day period.
As a holding company with no significant business operations of our own, we depend on dividends or other distributions from our subsidiaries as the principal source of cash to meet our obligations, including the payment of interest on and repayment of principal of any debt obligations, and to pay any dividends to our stockholders. The payment of dividends or other distributions to us by our insurers is regulated by the insurance laws and regulations of their respective states of domicile. In general, an insurance company subsidiary may not pay an “extraordinary” dividend or distribution unless the applicable insurance regulator has received notice of the intended payment at least 30 days prior to payment and has not objected to or has approved the payment within the 30-day period. In general, an “extraordinary” dividend or distribution is statutorily defined as a dividend or distribution that, together with other dividends and distributions made within the preceding 12 months, exceeds the greater of:
•
10% of the insurer’s statutory surplus as of the immediately prior year end; or
•
the statutory net income of the insurer during the prior calendar year.
The laws and regulations of some jurisdictions also prohibit an insurer from declaring or paying a dividend except out of its earned surplus or require the insurer to obtain prior regulatory approval. During 2014, our directly owned title insurers can pay dividends or make distributions to us of approximately $308 million without prior regulatory approval; however, insurance regulators have the authority to prohibit the payment of ordinary dividends or other payments by our title insurers to us (such as a payment under a tax sharing agreement or for employee or other services) if they determine that such payment could be adverse to our policyholders. There are no restrictions on our retained earnings regarding our ability to pay dividends to shareholders.
The combined statutory capital and surplus of our title insurers was approximately $1,409 million and $1,381 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The combined statutory earnings (loss) of our title insurers were $352 million, $281 million, and $151 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
As a condition to continued authority to underwrite policies in the states in which our insurers conduct their business, they are required to pay certain fees and file information regarding their officers, directors and financial condition.
Pursuant to statutory requirements of the various states in which our insurers are domiciled, such insurers must maintain certain levels of minimum capital and surplus. Required levels of minimum capital and surplus are not significant to the insurers individually or in the aggregate. Each of our insurers has complied with the minimum statutory requirements as of December 31, 2013.
Our underwritten title companies are also subject to certain regulation by insurance regulatory or banking authorities, primarily relating to minimum net worth. Minimum net worth requirements for each underwritten title company is less than $1 million. These companies were in compliance with their respective minimum net worth requirements at December 31, 2013.
From time to time we receive inquiries and requests for information from state insurance departments, attorneys general and other regulatory agencies about various matters relating to our business. Sometimes these take the form of civil investigative demands or subpoenas. We cooperate with all such inquiries and we have responded to or are currently responding to inquiries from multiple governmental agencies. Also, regulators and courts have been dealing with issues arising from foreclosures and
related processes and documentation. Various governmental entities are studying the title insurance product, market, pricing, and business practices, and potential regulatory and legislative changes, which may materially affect our business and operations. From time to time, we are assessed fines for violations of regulations or other matters or enter into settlements with such authorities which may require us to pay fines or claims or take other actions. For further discussion, see item 3, Legal Proceedings.
Before a person can acquire control of a U.S. insurance company, prior written approval must be obtained from the insurance commissioner of the state in which the insurer is domiciled. Prior to granting approval of an application to acquire control of a domestic insurer, the state insurance commissioner will consider such factors as the financial strength of the applicant, the integrity and management of the applicant’s Board of Directors and executive officers, the acquirer’s plans for the insurer’s Board of Directors and executive officers, the acquirer’s plans for the future operations of the domestic insurer and any anti-competitive results that may arise from the consummation of the acquisition of control. Generally, state statutes provide that control over a domestic insurer is presumed to exist if any person, directly or indirectly, owns, controls, holds with the power to vote, or holds proxies representing 10% or more of the voting securities of the domestic insurer. Because a person acquiring 10% or more of our common shares would indirectly control the same percentage of the stock of our insurers, the insurance change of control laws would likely apply to such a transaction.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") has adopted an instruction requiring an annual certification of reserve adequacy by a qualified actuary. Because all of the states in which our title insurers are domiciled require adherence to NAIC filing procedures, each such insurer, unless it qualifies for an exemption, must file an actuarial opinion with respect to the adequacy of its reserves.
Ratings
Our title insurance underwriters are regularly assigned ratings by independent agencies designed to indicate their financial condition and/or claims paying ability. The rating agencies determine ratings by quantitatively and qualitatively analyzing financial data and other information. Our title subsidiaries include Alamo Title, Chicago Title, Commonwealth Land Title, and Fidelity National Title. Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group (“S&P”), Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), and A. M. Best Company ("A.M. Best") provide ratings for the entire FNF family of companies as a whole as follows:
S&P
Moody’s
A.M. Best
FNF family of companies
A-
A3
A-
The relative position of each of our ratings among the ratings scale assigned by each rating agency is as follows:
•
An S&P "A-" rating is the eighth highest rating of 25 ratings for S&P. S&P states that an “A-” rating means that, in its opinion, the insurer is highly likely to have the ability to meet its financial obligations.
•
A Moody's "A3" rating is the twelfth highest rating of 33 ratings for Moody's. Moody's states that insurance companies rated “A3” offer good financial security.
•
An A.M. Best "A-" rating is the fourth highest rating of 15 ratings for A.M. Best. A.M. Best states that its “A- (Excellent)” rating is assigned to those companies that have, in its opinion, an excellent ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders.
Demotech provides financial strength/stability ratings for each of our principal title insurance underwriters individually, as follows:
Demotech states that its ratings of “A´´ (A double prime)” and “A´ (A prime)” reflect its opinion that, regardless of the severity of a general economic downturn or deterioration in the insurance cycle, the insurers assigned either of those ratings possess “Unsurpassed” financial stability related to maintaining positive surplus as regards policyholders. The “A” rating reflects Demotech's opinion that, regardless of the severity of a general economic downturn or deterioration in the insurance cycle, the insurers assigned such rating possess “Exceptional” financial stability related to maintaining positive surplus as regards policyholders. The “A´´ (A double prime)”, “A´ (A prime)” and "A" ratings are the three highest ratings of Demotech's five ratings.
The ratings of S&P, Moody’s, A.M. Best, and Demotech described above are not designed to be, and do not serve as, measures of protection or valuation offered to investors. These financial strength ratings should not be relied on with respect to making an investment in our securities. See “Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
In addition to the normal risks of business, we are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including those listed below and others described elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any of the risks described herein could result in a significant or material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
General
If adverse changes in the levels of real estate activity occur, our revenues may decline.
Title insurance revenue is closely related to the level of real estate activity which includes sales, mortgage financing and mortgage refinancing. The levels of real estate activity are primarily affected by the average price of real estate sales, the availability of funds to finance purchases and mortgage interest rates.
We have found that residential real estate activity generally decreases in the following situations:
•
when mortgage interest rates are high or increasing;
•
when the mortgage funding supply is limited; and
•
when the United States economy is weak, including high unemployment levels.
Declines in the level of real estate activity or the average price of real estate sales are likely to adversely affect our title insurance revenues. The Mortgage Bankers Association's ("MBA") Mortgage Finance Forecast currently estimates an approximately $1.1 trillion mortgage origination market for 2014, which would be a decrease of 38.9% from 2013. The MBA forecasts that the 38.9% decrease will result almost entirely from decreased refinance activity. Our revenues in future periods will continue to be subject to these and other factors which are beyond our control and, as a result, are likely to fluctuate.
We have recorded goodwill as a result of prior acquisitions, and an economic downturn could cause these balances to become impaired, requiring write-downs that would reduce our operating income.
Goodwill aggregated approximately $1,901 million, or 18.1% of our total assets, as of December 31, 2013. Current accounting rules require that goodwill be assessed for impairment at least annually or whenever changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable from estimated future cash flows. Factors that may be considered a change in circumstance indicating the carrying value of our intangible assets, including goodwill, may not be recoverable include, but are not limited to, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, a significant decline in our stock price and market capitalization, and negative industry or economic trends. No goodwill impairment charge was recorded in 2013. However, if there is an economic downturn in the future, the carrying amount of our goodwill may no longer be recoverable, and we may be required to record an impairment charge, which would have a negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition. We will continue to monitor our market capitalization and the impact of the economy to determine if there is an impairment of goodwill in future periods.
If economic and credit market conditions deteriorate, it could have a material adverse impact on our investment portfolio.
Our investment portfolio is exposed to economic and financial market risks, including changes in interest rates, credit markets and prices of marketable equity and fixed-income securities. Our investment policy is designed to maximize total return through investment income and capital appreciation consistent with moderate risk of principal, while providing adequate liquidity and complying with internal and regulatory guidelines. To achieve this objective, our marketable debt investments are primarily investment grade, liquid, fixed-income securities and money market instruments denominated in U.S. dollars. We make investments in certain equity securities and preferred stock in order to take advantage of perceived value and for strategic purposes. In the past, economic and credit market conditions have adversely affected the ability of some issuers of investment securities to repay their obligations and have affected the values of investment securities. If the carrying value of our investments exceeds the fair value, and the decline in fair value is deemed to be other-than-temporary, we will be required to write down the value of our investments, which could have a material negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition. We own a minority interest in Ceridian, a leading provider of global human capital management and payment solutions. If the fair value of this company were to decline below book value, we would be required to write down the value of our investment, which could have a material negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition. If this company were to experience significant negative volatility in its results of operations it would have a material adverse effect on our own results of operations due to our inclusion of our portion of its earnings in our results of operations.
If financial institutions at which we hold escrow funds fail, it could have a material adverse impact on our company.
We hold customers' assets in escrow at various financial institutions, pending completion of real estate transactions. These assets are maintained in segregated bank accounts and have not been included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. We have a contingent liability relating to proper disposition of these balances for our customers, which amounted to $8.8 billion at December 31, 2013. Failure of one or more of these financial institutions may lead us to become liable for the funds owed to third parties and there is no guarantee that we would recover the funds deposited, whether through Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation coverage or otherwise.
If we experience changes in the rate or severity of title insurance claims, it may be necessary for us to record additional charges to our claim loss reserve. This may result in lower net earnings and the potential for earnings volatility.
By their nature, claims are often complex, vary greatly in dollar amounts and are affected by economic and market conditions and the legal environment existing at the time of settlement of the claims. Estimating future title loss payments is difficult because of the complex nature of title claims, the long periods of time over which claims are paid, significantly varying dollar amounts of individual claims and other factors. From time to time, we experience large losses or an overall worsening of our loss payment experience in regard to the frequency or severity of claims that require us to record additional charges to our claims loss reserve. There are currently pending several large claims which we believe can be defended successfully without material loss payments. However, if unanticipated material payments are required to settle these claims, it could result in or contribute to additional charges to our claim loss reserves. These loss events are unpredictable and adversely affect our earnings.
At each quarter end, our recorded reserve for claim losses is initially the result of taking the prior recorded reserve for claim losses, adding the current provision to that balance and subtracting actual paid claims from that balance, resulting in an amount that management then compares to our actuary's central estimate provided in the actuarial calculation. Due to the uncertainty and judgment used by both management and our actuary, our ultimate liability may be greater or less than our current reserves and/or our actuary’s calculation. If the recorded amount is within a reasonable range of the actuary’s central estimate, but not at the central estimate, management assesses other factors in order to determine our best estimate. These factors, which are both qualitative and quantitative, can change from period to period and include items such as current trends in the real estate industry (which management can assess, but for which there is a time lag in the development of the data used by our actuary), any adjustments from the actuarial estimates needed for the effects of unusually large or small claims, improvements in our claims management processes, and other cost saving measures. Depending upon our assessment of these factors, we may or may not adjust the recorded reserve. If the recorded amount is not within a reasonable range of the actuary’s central estimate, we would record a charge or credit and reassess the provision rate on a go forward basis.
Our provision for claim losses was 7.0% of title premiums in 2013. We will reassess the provision to be recorded in future periods consistent with this methodology and can make no assurance that we will not need to record additional charges in the future to increase reserves in respect of prior periods.
Our insurance subsidiaries must comply with extensive regulations. These regulations may increase our costs or impede or impose burdensome conditions on actions that we might seek to take to increase the revenues of those subsidiaries.
Our insurance businesses are subject to extensive regulation by state insurance authorities in each state in which they operate. These agencies have broad administrative and supervisory power relating to the following, among other matters:
•
licensing requirements;
•
trade and marketing practices;
•
accounting and financing practices;
•
capital and surplus requirements;
•
the amount of dividends and other payments made by insurance subsidiaries;
•
investment practices;
•
rate schedules;
•
deposits of securities for the benefit of policyholders;
•
establishing reserves; and
•
regulation of reinsurance.
Most states also regulate insurance holding companies like us with respect to acquisitions, changes of control and the terms of transactions with our affiliates. State regulations may impede or impose burdensome conditions on our ability to increase or maintain rate levels or on other actions that we may want to take to enhance our operating results. In addition, we may incur significant costs in the course of complying with regulatory requirements. Further, various state legislatures have in the past considered offering a public alternative to the title industry in their states, as a means to increase state government revenues. Although we think this situation is unlikely, if one or more such takeovers were to occur they could adversely affect our business. We cannot be assured that future legislative or regulatory changes will not adversely affect our business operations. See “Item 1. Business - Regulation.”
State regulation of the rates we charge for title insurance could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our title insurance subsidiaries are subject to extensive rate regulation by the applicable state agencies in the jurisdictions in which they operate. Title insurance rates are regulated differently in various states, with some states requiring the subsidiaries to file and receive approval of rates before such rates become effective and some states promulgating the rates that can be charged. In almost all states in which our title subsidiaries operate, our rates must not be excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory.
Regulatory investigations of the insurance industry may lead to fines, settlements, new regulation or legal uncertainty, which could negatively affect our results of operations.
From time to time we receive inquiries and requests for information from state insurance departments, attorneys general and other regulatory agencies about various matters relating to our business. Sometimes these take the form of civil investigative demands or subpoenas. We cooperate with all such inquiries and we have responded to or are currently responding to inquiries from multiple governmental agencies. Also, regulators and courts have been dealing with issues arising from foreclosures and related processes and documentation. Various governmental entities are studying the title insurance product, market, pricing, and business practices, and potential regulatory and legislative changes, which may materially affect our business and operations. From time to time, we are assessed fines for violations of regulations or other matters or enter into settlements with such authorities which may require us to pay fines or claims or take other actions.
Because we are dependent upon California for approximately 15.2 percent of our title insurance premiums, our business may be adversely affected by regulatory conditions in California.
California is the largest source of revenue for the title insurance industry and, in 2013, California-based premiums accounted for 35.0% of premiums earned by our direct operations and 0.4% of our agency premium revenues. In the aggregate, California accounted for approximately 15.2% of our total title insurance premiums for 2013. A significant part of our revenues and profitability are therefore subject to our operations in California and to the prevailing regulatory conditions in California. Adverse regulatory developments in California, which could include reductions in the maximum rates permitted to be charged, inadequate rate increases or more fundamental changes in the design or implementation of the California title insurance regulatory framework, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
If the rating agencies downgrade our Company, our results of operations and competitive position in the title insurance industry may suffer.
Ratings have always been an important factor in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies. Our title insurance subsidiaries are rated by S&P, Moody’s, A.M. Best, and Demotech. Ratings reflect the opinion of a rating agency with regard to an insurance company’s or insurance holding company’s financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet its obligations to policyholders and are not evaluations directed to investors. Our ratings are subject to continued periodic review by rating agencies and the continued retention of those ratings cannot be assured. If our ratings are reduced from their current levels by those entities, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
Our management has articulated a willingness to seek growth through acquisitions in lines of business that will not necessarily be limited to our traditional areas of focus or geographic areas. This expansion of our business subjects us to associated risks, such as the diversion of management’s attention and lack of experience in operating such businesses, and may affect our credit and ability to repay our debt.
Our management has stated that we may make acquisitions in lines of business that are not directly tied to or synergistic with our core operating segments. Accordingly, we have in the past acquired, and may in the future acquire, businesses in industries or
geographic areas with which management is less familiar than we are with our core businesses. These activities involve risks that could adversely affect our operating results, such as diversion of management’s attention and lack of substantial experience in operating such businesses. There can be no guarantee that we will not enter into transactions or make acquisitions that will cause us to incur additional debt, increase our exposure to market and other risks and cause our credit or financial strength ratings to decline.
We are a holding company and depend on distributions from our subsidiaries for cash.
We are a holding company whose primary assets are the securities of our operating subsidiaries. Our ability to pay interest on our outstanding debt and our other obligations and to pay dividends is dependent on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions or payments to us. If our operating subsidiaries are not able to pay dividends to us, we may not be able to meet our obligations or pay dividends on our common stock.
Our title insurance subsidiaries must comply with state laws which require them to maintain minimum amounts of working capital, surplus and reserves, and place restrictions on the amount of dividends that they can distribute to us. Compliance with these laws will limit the amounts our regulated subsidiaries can dividend to us. During 2014, our title insurers may pay dividends or make distributions to us without prior regulatory approval of approximately $308 million.
The maximum dividend permitted by law is not necessarily indicative of an insurer’s actual ability to pay dividends, which may be constrained by business and regulatory considerations, such as the impact of dividends on surplus, which could affect an insurer’s ratings or competitive position, the amount of premiums that can be written and the ability to pay future dividends. Further, depending on business and regulatory conditions, we may in the future need to retain cash in our underwriters or even contribute cash to one or more of them in order to maintain their ratings or their statutory capital position. Such a requirement could be the result of investment losses, reserve charges, adverse operating conditions in the current economic environment or changes in interpretation of statutory accounting requirements by regulators.
We could have conflicts with Fidelity National Information Services ("FIS"), and our chairman of our Board of Directors and other officers and directors could have conflicts of interest due to their relationships with FIS.
FIS and FNF were under common ownership by another publicly traded company, also called Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (“Old FNF”) until October 2006, when Old FNF distributed all of its FNF shares to the stockholders of Old FNF (the "2006 Distribution"). In November 2006, Old FNF then merged into FIS.
Conflicts may arise between us and FIS as a result of our ongoing agreements and the nature of our respective businesses. Certain of our executive officers and directors could be subject to conflicts of interest with respect to such agreements and other matters due to their relationships with FIS.
Some of our executive officers and directors own substantial amounts of FIS stock and stock options. Such ownership could create or appear to create potential conflicts of interest when our directors and officers are faced with decisions that involve FIS or any of its subsidiaries.
William P. Foley, II, is the executive chairman of our Board of Directors and the Vice Chairman of the Board of FIS. As a result of these roles, he has obligations to us and FIS and may have conflicts of interest with respect to matters potentially or actually involving or affecting our and FIS’s respective businesses. In addition, Mr. Foley may also have conflicts of time with respect to his multiple responsibilities. If his duties to either of these companies require more time than Mr. Foley is able to allot, then his oversight of that company’s activities could be diminished. Finally, in addition to Mr. Foley, FIS and FNF have two overlapping directors.
Matters that could give rise to conflicts between us and FIS include, among other things:
•
our ongoing and future relationships with FIS, including related party agreements and other arrangements with respect to the information technology support services, administrative corporate support and cost sharing services, indemnification, and other matters; and
•
the quality and pricing of services that we have agreed to provide to FIS or that it has agreed to provide to us.
We seek to manage these potential conflicts through dispute resolution and other provisions of our agreements with FIS and through oversight by independent members of our Board of Directors. However, there can be no assurance that such measures will be effective or that we will be able to resolve all potential conflicts with FIS, or that the resolution of any such conflicts will be no less favorable to us than if we were dealing with a third party.
The loss of key personnel could negatively affect our financial results and impair our operating abilities.
Our success substantially depends on our ability to attract and retain key members of our senior management team and officers. If we lose one or more of these key employees, our operating results and in turn the value of our common stock could be materially adversely affected. Although we have employment agreements with many of our officers, there can be no assurance that the entire term of the employment agreement will be served or that the employment agreement will be renewed upon expiration.
Although we expect that our acquisition of LPS will result in cost savings, synergies and other benefits to us, we may not realize those benefits because of integration difficulties and other challenges.
The success of our acquisition of LPS will depend in large part on the success of the management of the combined company in integrating the operations, strategies, technologies and personnel of the two companies following the completion of the merger. We may fail to realize some or all of the anticipated benefits of the merger if the integration process takes longer than expected or is more costly than expected. Our failure to meet the challenges involved in successfully integrating the operations of LPS or to otherwise realize any of the anticipated benefits of the merger, including additional cost savings and synergies, could impair our operations. In addition, we anticipate that the overall integration of LPS will be a time-consuming and expensive process that, without proper planning and effective and timely implementation, could significantly disrupt our business.
Potential difficulties the combined company may encounter in the integration process include the following:
•
the integration of management teams, strategies, technologies and operations, products and services;
•
the disruption of ongoing businesses and distraction of their respective management teams from ongoing business concerns;
•
the retention of and possible decrease in business from the existing clients of both companies;
•
the creation of uniform standards, controls, procedures, policies and information systems;
•
the reduction of the costs associated with each company’s operations;
•
the consolidation and rationalization of information technology platforms and administrative infrastructures;
•
the integration of corporate cultures and maintenance of employee morale;
•
the retention of key employees; and
•
potential unknown liabilities associated with the merger.
The anticipated cost savings, synergies and other benefits include the combination of offices in various locations and the elimination of numerous technology systems, duplicative personnel and duplicative market and other data sources. However, these anticipated cost savings, synergies and other benefits assume a successful integration and are based on projections, which are inherently uncertain, and other assumptions. Even if integration is successful, anticipated cost savings, synergies and other benefits may not be achieved.
Failure of our information security systems or processes could result in a loss or disclosure of confidential information, damage to our reputation, monetary losses, additional costs and impairment of our ability to conduct business effectively.
Our core operations are highly dependent upon the effective operation of our computer systems. As part of our core operations, we electronically receive, process, store and transmit sensitive personal consumer data (such as names and addresses, social security numbers, driver's license numbers, credit card and bank account information) and important business information of our customers. We also electronically manage substantial cash, investment asset and escrow account balances on behalf of ourselves and our customers, as well as financial information about our businesses generally. The integrity of our information systems and the protection of the information that resides on such systems are important to our successful operation. If we fail to maintain an adequate security infrastructure, adapt to emerging security threats or follow our internal business processes with respect to security, the information or assets we hold could be compromised. Further, even if we (or third parties to which we outsource certain IT services) maintain a reasonable, industry standard information security infrastructure, it is possible that unauthorized persons still could obtain access to information or assets we hold. These risks are increased when we transmit information over the Internet and due to increasing security risks posed by organized crime. While, to date, we believe that we have not experienced a material breach of our information security systems, the existence or scope of such events is not always apparent. If additional information regarding an incident previously considered immaterial is discovered, or a new event were to occur, it could potentially have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, some laws and certain of our contracts require notification of various parties, including consumers or customers, in the event that confidential or personal information has or may have been taken or accessed by unauthorized third parties. Such notifications can result, among other things, in adverse publicity, distraction of managements’ time and energy, the attention of regulatory authorities, fines and disruptions in sales, the effects of which may be material.
Further, our financial institution customers have obligations to safeguard their information technology systems and information. In certain of our businesses, we are bound contractually and/or by regulation to comply with the same requirements. If we fail to comply with these regulations and requirements, we could be exposed to suits for breach of contract, governmental proceedings or the imposition of fines. In addition, if more restrictive privacy laws, rules or industry security requirements are adopted in the future on the federal or state level or by a specific industry in which we do business, that could have an adverse impact on us through increased costs or restrictions on business processes. Any inability to prevent security or privacy breaches, or the perception that such breaches may occur, could inhibit our ability to retain existing customers or attract new customers and/or result in financial losses, litigation, increased costs or other adverse consequences to our business.
Our operations could be adversely affected by the results of our acquired restaurant companies due to the risks inherent in that segment.
Our acquired restaurant companies face certain risks that could negatively impact their results of operations. These risks include such things as the risks of unfavorable economic conditions, changing consumer preferences, unfavorable publicity, increasing food and labor costs, effectiveness of marketing campaigns, and the ability to compete successfully with other restaurants. In addition, risks related to supply chain, food quality, and protecting guests' personal information are inherent to the restaurant business. These companies are also subject to compliance with extensive government laws and regulations related to employment practices and policies and the manufacture, preparation, and sale of food and alcohol. If our restaurant companies are not able to respond effectively to one or more of these risks, it could have a material adverse impact on the results of operations of those businesses.
Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected by risks affecting Remy.
Any material adverse change in Remy's financial position or results of operations could adversely affect our financial position or results of operations. Remy's results are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, levels of demand for new light and commercial vehicles, fuel prices, the product life of new and replacement parts, product liability and warranty claims related to its products, litigation and other disputes, and changes in the cost and availability of raw materials and components utilized in the manufacturing of its products. In addition, Remy's results also are influenced by technological innovations, relationships with its key customers and their success in the marketplace, and Remy's ability to compete successfully with its competitors. If Remy is not able to respond effectively to one or more of these risks, it could have a material adverse impact on its results of operations, which, in turn, would adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Given the international reach of its business, Remy is also subject to risks inherent in conducting business outside the United States, including foreign currency fluctuations, local political climates, export and import restrictions, and compliance with government laws and regulations such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.S. Export Administration Act. Any failure to manage these risks and requirements could harm Remy's business, financial condition or results of operations, which would similarly affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Item 1B.
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2.
Item 2.
Properties
Fidelity National Title Group
Fidelity National Title Group's corporate headquarters are on our campus in Jacksonville, Florida. The majority of our branch offices are leased from third parties (see Note M to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). Our subsidiaries conduct their business operations primarily in leased office space in 42 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, Canada, India and Mexico.
Black Knight
Black Knight corporate headquarters are located in Jacksonville, Florida, in an owned facility. Black Knight also owns one facility in Sharon, Pennsylvania, and leases office space throughout the United States.
Remy
Remy's world headquarters are located in Pendleton, Indiana. The majority of Remy's facilities, including the world headquarters are leased from third parties (see Note M to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). Remy's subsidiaries conduct their business operations in 10 countries including the United States, Belgium, Hungary, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Canada, China, Mexico, South Korea and Tunisia.
Restaurant Group
The Restaurant Group's headquarters are located in Nashville, Tennessee with other office locations in Woburn, Massachusetts and Denver, Colorado. The majority of the restaurants are leased from third parties, and are located in 43 states.
Item 3.
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
For a description of our legal proceedings see discussion of Legal and Regulatory Contingencies in Note M to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Report, which is incorporated by reference into this Part I, Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5.
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "FNF." The table set forth below provides the high and low closing sales prices of the common stock and cash dividends declared per share of common stock for each quarter during 2013 and 2012.
Information concerning securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans will be included in Item 12 of Part III of this report.
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
Set forth below is a graph comparing cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock against the cumulative total return on the S & P 500 Index and against the cumulative total return of a peer group index consisting of certain companies in the primary industry in which we compete (SIC code 6361 - Title Insurance) for the period ending December 31, 2013. This peer group consists of the following companies: First American Financial Corporation and Stewart Information Services Corp. The peer group comparison has been weighted based on their stock market capitalization. The graph assumes an initial investment of $100.00 on December 31, 2008, with dividends reinvested over the periods indicated.
Comparison of 5 Year Cumulative Total Return
Among Fidelity National Financial, Inc., the S&P 500 Index
and Peer Group
On January 31, 2014, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $31.54 per share and we had approximately 10,119 stockholders of record.
On January 28, 2014, our Board of Directors formally declared an $0.18 per share cash dividend that is payable on March 31, 2014 to stockholders of record as of March 17, 2014.
Our current dividend policy anticipates the payment of quarterly dividends in the future. The declaration and payment of dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will be dependent upon our future earnings, financial condition and capital requirements. There are no restrictions on our retained earnings regarding our ability to pay dividends to shareholders, although there are limits on the ability of certain subsidiaries to pay dividends to us, as described below. Our ability to declare dividends is subject to restrictions under our existing credit agreement. We do not believe the restrictions contained in our credit agreement will, in the foreseeable future, adversely affect our ability to pay cash dividends at the current dividend rate.
Since we are a holding company, our ability to pay dividends will depend largely on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends to us, and the ability of our title insurance subsidiaries to do so is subject to, among other factors, their compliance with applicable insurance regulations. As of December 31, 2013, $1,909 million of our net assets are restricted from dividend payments without prior approval from the Departments of Insurance in the States where our title insurance subsidiaries are domiciled. During
2014, our directly owned title insurance subsidiaries can pay dividends or make distributions to us of approximately $308 million without prior approval. The limits placed on such subsidiaries’ abilities to pay dividends affect our ability to pay dividends.
Subsequent to year end, on January 2, 2014 as part of the LPS Acquisition, we issued $837 million or 25,920,078 shares of FNF common stock as consideration for the LPS Acquisition to the former shareholders of LPS.
On October 24, 2013, we offered 17,250,000 shares of our common stock at an offering price of $26.75 per share, pursuant to an effective registration statement previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase 2,587,500 additional shares at the offering price, which was subsequently exercised in full. A total of 19,837,500 shares were issued on October 30, 2013, for net proceeds of approximately $511 million. The net proceeds from this offering were used to pay a portion of the cash consideration for the LPS Acquisition on January 2, 2014.
On July 21, 2009, the Board of Directors approved a three-year stock repurchase program under which we can repurchase up to 15 million shares of our common stock through July 31, 2012. On January 27, 2011, our Board of Directors approved an additional 5 million shares that may be repurchased under the program. This program expired July 31, 2012, and we repurchased a total of 16,528,512 shares for $243 million, or an average of $14.73 per share under this program.
On July 21, 2012, our Board of Directors approved a three-year stock repurchase program, effective August 1, 2012, under which we can repurchase up to 15 million shares of our common stock through July 31, 2015. We may make repurchases from time to time in the open market, in block purchases or in privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions and other factors. In the year ended December 31, 2013, we repurchased a total of 1,400,000 shares for $34 million, or an average of $24.14 per share under this program. Subsequent to year-end we did not repurchase any shares through market close on February 27, 2014. Since the original commencement of the plan adopted July 21, 2012, we have repurchased a total of 2,080,000 shares for $50 million, or an average of $23.90 per share, and there are 12,920,000 shares available to be repurchased under this program. For more information, see “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Item 7 of this Form 10-K.
The following table summarizes repurchases of equity securities by FNF during the year ending December 31, 2013:
________________________
(1)
On July 21, 2012, our Board of Directors approved a new three-year stock repurchase program, effective August 1, 2012. Under the stock repurchase program, we can repurchase up to 15 million shares of our common stock.
(2)
As of the last day of the applicable month.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year amounts to conform with the 2013 presentation.
During the third quarter of 2012, we acquired 1.5 million additional shares of Remy International, Inc. ("Remy"), increasing our ownership interest to 16.3 million shares or 51% of Remy's total outstanding common shares. As a result of this acquisition we began to consolidate the results of Remy effective August 14, 2012.
On April 9, 2012, we successfully closed a tender offer for the outstanding common stock of O'Charley's Inc. We have consolidated the results of O'Charley's as of April 9, 2012. On May 11, 2012, we merged O'Charley's with our investment in ABRH in exchange for an increase in our ownership position in ABRH from 45% to 55%. We have consolidated the operations of ABRH with the O'Charley's group of companies, beginning on May 11, 2012.
______________________________________
(1)
Our financial results for the year ended December 31, 2009, include a decrease to our provision for claim losses of $74 million ($47 million net of income taxes) as a result of favorable claim loss development on prior policy years, offset by an increase to the provision for claim losses of $63 million ($40 million net of income taxes) as a result of unfavorable developments in the third quarter on a previously recorded insurance receivable.
(2)
Weighted average shares outstanding as of December 31, 2013 includes 19,837,500 shares that were issued as part of an equity offering by FNF on October 31, 2013 and weighted average shares outstanding as of December 31, 2009 includes 18,170,000 shares that were issued as part of an equity offering by FNF on April 20, 2009.
(3)
Long-term investments as of December 31, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2009, include securities pledged to secured trust deposits of $261 million, $275 million, $274 million, $252 million, and $289 million, respectively.
(4)
Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2009 include cash pledged to secured trust deposits of $339 million, $266 million, $162 million, $146 million, and $97 million, respectively.
(5)
As a result of favorable title insurance claim loss development on prior policy years, we recorded a credit in 2009 totaling $74 million, ($47 million net of income taxes) to our provision for claims losses. This credit was recorded in addition to our average provision for claim losses of 7.3% for the year ended December 31, 2009.
(6)
Book value per share is calculated as equity at December 31 of each year presented divided by actual shares outstanding at December 31 of each year presented.
(7)
Includes title insurance premiums and escrow, title-related and other fees.
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Selected quarterly financial data is as follows:
Item 7.
Item 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto and Selected Financial Data included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
Overview
We are a leading provider of title insurance, technology and transaction services to the real estate and mortgage industries. We are the nation’s largest title insurance company through our title insurance underwriters - Fidelity National Title, Chicago Title, Commonwealth Land Title and Alamo Title - that collectively issue more title insurance policies than any other title company in the United States. We also provide industry-leading mortgage technology solutions and transaction services, including MSP®, the leading residential mortgage servicing technology platform in the U.S., through our majority-owned subsidiaries, Black Knight Financial Services, LLC ("BKFS") and ServiceLink Holdings, LLC ("ServiceLink"). In addition, we own majority and minority equity investment stakes in a number of entities, including American Blue Ribbon Holdings, LLC ("ABRH"), J. Alexander’s, LLC ("J. Alexander's"), Remy International, Inc. ("Remy"), Ceridian HCM, Inc., Comdata Inc. (collectively "Ceridian") and Digital Insurance, Inc. ("Digital Insurance").
As of December 31, 2013, we had five reporting segments as follows:
FNF Core Operations
•
Fidelity National Title Group. This segment consists of the operations of our title insurance underwriters and related businesses. This segment provides core title insurance and escrow and other title related services including collection and trust activities, trustee’s sales guarantees, recordings and reconveyances, and home warranty insurance.
•
FNF Corporate and Other. The FNF corporate and other segment consists of the operations of the parent holding company, certain other unallocated corporate overhead expenses, and other smaller real estate and insurance related operations.
Portfolio Company Investments
•
Remy. This segment consists of the operations of Remy, in which we have a 51% ownership interest. Remy is a leading designer, manufacturer, remanufacturer, marketer and distributor of aftermarket and original equipment components for automobiles, light trucks, heavy-duty trucks and other vehicles.
•
Restaurant Group. The Restaurant Group segment consists of the operations of ABRH, in which we have a 55% ownership interest. ABRH is the owner and operator of the O'Charley's, Ninety Nine Restaurants, Max & Erma's, Village Inn and Bakers Square concepts. This segment also includes J. Alexander's, which includes the Stoney River Legendary Steaks ("Stoney River") concept.
•
Portfolio Company Corporate and Other. The Portfolio Company Corporate and Other segment primarily consists of our share in the operations of certain equity investments, including Ceridian, Digital Insurance and other smaller operations which are not title related.
Recent Developments
On January 31, 2014 we announced our plans to form a new tracking stock for Fidelity National Financial Ventures (“FNFV”). As a result, we have decided to begin separately reporting the results of our core operations, which includes Fidelity National Title Group, Inc. (“FNT”), BKFS, ServiceLink and the portfolio company investments which include Remy, the Restaurant Group, Digital Insurance and other smaller operations. The portfolio company investments will comprise FNFV in the future.
On January 13, 2014, Remy announced that they acquired substantially all of the assets of United Starters and Alternators Industries, Inc. ("USA Industries") pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Asset Purchase Agreement, effective as of January 13, 2014. USA Industries is a leading worldwide distributor of premium quality re-manufactured and new alternators, starters, constant velocity axles and disc brake calipers for the light-duty aftermarket. Total consideration paid was $41million.
On January 2, 2014, we completed the purchase of Lender Processing Services, Inc. ("LPS"). The purchase consideration paid was $37.14 per share, of which $28.10 per share was paid in cash and the remaining $9.04 was paid in FNF common shares. The purchase consideration represented an exchange ratio of 0.28742 per share of LPS common stock. Total consideration paid for LPS was $3.4 billion, which consisted of $2,535 million in cash and $836 million in FNF common stock. In order to pay the stock component of the consideration, we issued 25,920,078 shares to the former LPS shareholders.
On October 24, 2013, we offered 17,250,000 shares of our common stock at an offering price of $26.75 per share, pursuant to an effective registration statement previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase 2,587,500 additional shares at the offering price, which was subsequently exercised in full. A total
of 19,837,500 shares were issued on October 30, 2013, for net proceeds of approximately $511 million. The net proceeds from this offering were used to pay a portion of the cash consideration for the LPS Acquisition on January 2, 2014.
Subsequent to our announcement of the LPS acquisition, we formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Black Knight Financial Services, Inc. (now known as Black Knight Holdings, Inc., "Black Knight"). Black Knight is the mortgage and finance industries' leading provider of integrated technology, data and analytics solutions, and transaction services. Black Knight has two operating segments, ServiceLink and BKFS. We retained a 65% ownership interest in each of the subsidiaries and issued the remaining 35% ownership interest to funds affiliated with Thomas H. Lee Partners, and certain related entities on January 3, 2014. Black Knight, through ServiceLink and BKFS, now owns and operates the former LPS businesses and our ServiceLink business. Fidelity National Title Group, BKFS and ServiceLink will be our core operating subsidiaries in the future.
On February 25, 2013, we formed J. Alexander's, a restaurant company which is focused on the upscale-casual dining segment. J. Alexander's consists of thirty J. Alexander's locations and ten Stoney River locations. ABRH contributed the ten Stoney River locations to J. Alexander's for an approximate 28% ownership interest in the new company, giving us an overall 87% ownership interest in J. Alexander's. The operations of J. Alexander's are consolidated in our existing Restaurant Group segment. Previously, in September 2012 we purchased all of the outstanding common stock of J. Alexander's Corporation for total consideration of $72 million in cash, net of cash acquired of $7 million.
Related Party Transactions
Our financial statements reflect transactions with Fidelity National Information Services ("FIS"), which is a related party. See Note A of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Business Trends and Conditions
FNF Core Operations
Title insurance revenue is closely related to the level of real estate activity which includes sales, mortgage financing and mortgage refinancing. The levels of real estate activity are primarily affected by the average price of real estate sales, the availability of funds to finance purchases and mortgage interest rates. Declines in the level of real estate activity or the average price of real estate sales will adversely affect our title insurance revenues.
We have found that residential real estate activity is generally dependent on the following:
•
mortgage interest rates;
•
the mortgage funding supply; and
•
the strength of the United States economy, including employment levels.
In 2007, as interest rates on adjustable rate mortgages reset to higher rates, foreclosures on subprime mortgage loans increased to record levels. This resulted in a significant decrease in levels of available mortgage funding as investors became wary of the risks associated with investing in subprime mortgage loans. In addition, tighter lending standards and a bearish outlook on the real estate environment caused potential home buyers to become reluctant to purchase homes. In 2008, the increase in foreclosure activity, which had previously been limited to the subprime mortgage market, became more widespread as borrowers encountered difficulties in attempting to refinance their adjustable rate mortgages. In the last three years, the elevated mortgage delinquency and default rates caused negative operating results at a number of banks and financial institutions and, as a result, significantly reduced the level of lending activity. Multiple banks have failed from 2009-2012, further reducing the capacity of the mortgage industry to make loans.
Since December 2008, the Federal Reserve has held the federal funds rate at 0.0%-0.25%, and has indicated that rates will stay at this level at least until unemployment rates improve. Mortgage interest rates remained at historically low levels throughout 2013, however, in September 2013 interest rates rose to their highest level since 2011.
As of January 14, 2014, the Mortgage Banker's Association ("MBA") estimated the size of the U.S. mortgage originations market as shown in the following table for 2013 - 2015 in their "Mortgage Finance Forecast" (in trillions):
As shown above, the originations in 2013 and 2012 were driven primarily by refinance transactions, which coincides with the historically low interest rates experienced during those years. In 2014, the MBA predicts a 38.9% decrease in the total market, primarily due to a 63.6% decrease in refinance transactions in 2014, with the originations in 2015 remaining relatively consistent with those in 2014.
Several pieces of legislation were enacted to address the struggling mortgage market and the current economic and financial environment. On October 24, 2011, the Federal Housing Finance Agency ("FHFA") announced a series of changes to the Home Affordable Refinance Program ("HARP") that would make it easier for certain borrowers who owe more than their home is worth and who are current on their mortgage payments to refinance their mortgages at lower interest rates. The program reduces or eliminates the risk-based fees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac charge on many loans, raises the loan-to-home value ratio requirement for refinancing, and streamlines the underwriting process. According to the Federal Housing Authority ("FHA"), lenders began taking refinancing applications on December 1, 2011 under the modified HARP. On April 11, 2013, the FHFA announced that the modified HARP program had been extended through December 2015. We believe the modified HARP program had a positive effect on our results during 2013 and 2012, but are uncertain to what degree the program may impact our results in the future.
During 2010, a number of lenders imposed freezes on foreclosures in some or all states as they reviewed their foreclosure practices. In response to these freezes, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC") reviewed the foreclosure practices in the residential mortgage loan servicing industry. On April 13, 2011, the OCC and other federal regulators (collectively the "banking agencies") announced formal consent orders against several national bank mortgage servicers and third-party servicer providers for inappropriate practices related to residential mortgage loan servicing and foreclosure processing. The consent orders require the servicers to promptly correct deficiencies and make improvements in practices for residential mortgage loan servicing and foreclosure processing, including improvements to future communications with borrowers and a comprehensive "look back" to assess whether foreclosures complied with federal and state laws and whether any deficiencies in the process or related documentation resulted in financial injury to borrowers. Our title insurance underwriters were not involved in these enforcement actions and we do not believe that our title insurance underwriters are exposed to significant losses resulting from faulty foreclosure practices. Our title insurance underwriters issue title policies on real estate owned properties to new purchasers and lenders to those purchasers. We believe that these policies will not result in significant additional claims exposure to us because even if a court sets aside a foreclosure due to a defect in documentation, the foreclosing lender would be required to return to our insureds all funds obtained from them, resulting in reduced exposure under the title insurance policy. Further, we believe that under current law and the rights we have under our title insurance policies, we would have the right to seek recovery from the foreclosing lender in the event of a failure to comply with state laws or local practices in connection with a foreclosure. The former LPS and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a consent order with the banking agencies in relation to its default operations, now part of ServiceLink. As part of the consent order, LPS agreed to further study the issues identified in the review and enhance its compliance, internal audit, risk management and board oversight plans with respect to the related businesses, among additional agreed undertakings. In January 2013, ten large mortgage servicers concluded the reviews required by the 2011 consent orders and agreed to monetary settlements, and LPS also entered into settlement agreements, in January 2013 with 49 States and the District of Columbia relating to certain practices within its default operations and in February 2014, Black Knight (formerly LPS) also settled with the State of Nevada and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. In April 2013, these mortgage servicers began making restitution under these settlements. We cannot predict whether these settlements may result in more normalized foreclosure timelines in the future. Moreover, we cannot predict whether any additional legislative or regulatory changes will be implemented as a result of the findings of the banking agencies or whether the U.S. federal government may take additional action to address the current housing market and economic uncertainty. Some states have enacted or are considering adopting legislation, such as the California Homeowner Bill of Rights, that places additional responsibilities and restrictions on servicers with respect to the foreclosure process. Any such actions could further extend foreclosure timelines. Moreover, as the processing of foreclosures in accordance with applicable law becomes more onerous, many lenders are addressing loans in default through other means, such as short sales, in order to avoid the risks and liability now associated with the foreclosure process. If foreclosure timelines continue to be extended and servicers address delinquent loans through other processes, the results of our default operations within ServiceLink may be adversely affected.
On February 9, 2012, federal officials, state attorneys general and representatives of Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citigroup and Ally Financial agreed to a $25 billion settlement of federal and state investigations into the foreclosure practices of banks and other mortgage servicers from September 2008 to December 2011. Under the settlement, approximately 1,000,000 underwater borrowers will have their mortgages reduced by lenders and 300,000 homeowners will be able to refinance their homes at lower interest rates. We are uncertain to what degree these initiatives have affected our results or may affect our results in the future.
In addition to state-level regulation, segments of our core businesses are subject to regulation by federal agencies, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”). The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 established the CFPB, and in January 2012, President Obama appointed its first director. The CFPB has been given broad authority to regulate, among other areas, the mortgage and real estate markets in matters pertaining to consumers. This authority includes the enforcement of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act formerly placed with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. On July 9, 2012, the CFPB introduced a number of proposed rules related to the enforcement of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and the Truth in Lending Act, including, among others, measures designed to (i) simplify financing documentation and (ii) require lenders to deliver to consumers a statement of final financing charges (and the related annual
percentage rate) at least three business days prior to the closing. These rules became effective on January 10, 2014 . We cannot be certain what impact, if any, these new rules, or the CFPB generally, will have on our core businesses.
Historically, real estate transactions have produced seasonal revenue levels for the real estate industry including title insurers. The first calendar quarter is typically the weakest quarter in terms of revenue due to the generally low volume of home sales during January and February. The third calendar quarter has been typically the strongest in terms of revenue primarily due to a higher volume of home sales in the summer months and the fourth quarter is usually also strong due to commercial entities desiring to complete transactions by year-end. We have noted short term fluctuations through recent years in resale and refinance transactions as a result of changes in interest rates and the implementation and subsequent expiration of government programs designed to stimulate the real estate market. In 2013, we have seen seasonality trends return to historical patterns. During 2012 and 2013, we experienced an increase in existing home sales to the highest volume levels since 2007. We have also seen a decline in total housing inventory to the lowest levels since 2005.
Because commercial real estate transactions tend to be driven more by supply and demand for commercial space and occupancy rates in a particular area rather than by macroeconomic events, we believe that our commercial real estate title insurance business is less dependent on the industry cycles discussed above than our residential real estate title business. From 2010 to 2013, we have experienced an increase in fee per file of commercial transactions from the previous years, indicating improvement in the commercial markets.
Portfolio Company Investments
Remy
Remy manufactures and sells auto parts, principally starter motors and alternators, as well as hybrid electric motors and multi-line products, including steering gear, constant velocity (CV) axles, and brake calipers, for sale to original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and aftermarket customers. Remy manufactures products for automobiles as well as light and heavy duty commercial vehicles. The OEM market for auto parts is dependent on levels of new vehicle production, which in turn, is affected by the overall economy, consumer confidence, discounts and incentives offered by automakers and the availability of funds to finance purchases.
In its aftermarket operations, Remy's results are affected by the strength of the economy and by gas prices, but do not follow the same cycles as original equipment market sales. In a weaker economy, drivers tend to keep their vehicles and repair them rather than buying new vehicles. Lower gas prices have historically tended to result in more miles driven, which increases the frequency with which auto repairs are needed. Nevertheless, a weak economy also may reduce miles driven. Over the long term, improvements in the durability of original equipment and aftermarket parts has reduced, and is expected to further reduce, the number of units sold in the aftermarket. Aftermarket revenues are also affected by other factors, including severe weather (which tends to lead to increased sales) and competitive pressures. Many parts retailers and warehouse distributors purchase starters and alternators from only one or two suppliers, under contracts that run for five years or less. Pressure from customers to reduce prices is characteristic of the automotive supply industry. Remy is currently negotiating several customer agreements which are anticipated to be finalized during the first quarter of 2014. Due to the competitive nature of the business, the revised terms with customers are expected to impact Remy's ongoing profitability. Remy has taken and expects to continue to take steps to improve operating efficiencies and minimize or resist price reductions.
Restaurant Group
The restaurant industry is highly competitive and is often affected by changes in consumer tastes and discretionary spending patterns; changes in general economic conditions; public safety conditions or concerns; demographic trends; weather conditions; the cost of food products, labor, energy and other operating costs; and governmental regulations. The restaurant industry is also characterized by high capital investments for new restaurants and relatively high fixed or semi-variable restaurant operating expenses. Because of the high fixed and semi-variable expenses, changes in sales in existing restaurants are generally expected to significantly affect restaurant profitability because many restaurant costs and expenses are not expected to change at the same rate as sales. Restaurant profitability can also be negatively affected by inflationary and regulatory increases in operating costs and other factors. The most significant commodities that may affect our cost of food and beverage are beef, seafood, poultry, and dairy, which accounted for almost 44 percent of our overall cost of food and beverage in the past. Generally, temporary increases in these costs are not passed on to guests; however, in the past, we have adjusted menu prices to compensate for increased costs of a more permanent nature.
Average weekly sales per restaurant are typically higher in the first and fourth quarters than in other quarters, and we typically generate a disproportionate share of our earnings from operations in the first and fourth quarters. Holidays, severe weather and other disruptive conditions may impact sales volumes seasonally in some operating regions.
In 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("Affordable Care Act") was passed and becomes effective for businesses in 2014. In July 2013, compliance with the employer mandate and certain reporting requirements under the Affordable Care Act were delayed until January 1, 2015. We are continuing to assess the impact of the Affordable Care Act on our health care benefit costs. The imposition of any requirement that we provide health insurance benefits to employees that are more extensive
than the health insurance benefits we currently provide, or the imposition of additional employer paid employment taxes on income earned by our employees, will have an adverse effect on our results of operations in the future, however, we do not expect the impact to materially affect our financial condition. The Affordable Care Act is likely to similarly affect the restaurant industry in general. Additionally, our Restaurant Group and suppliers may also be affected by higher minimum wage and benefit standards, which could result in higher costs for goods and services supplied to us.
Our revenues in future periods will continue to be subject to these and other factors that are beyond our control and, as a result, are likely to fluctuate.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The accounting estimates described below are those we consider critical in preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements. Management is required to make estimates and assumptions that can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures with respect to contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual amounts could differ from those estimates. See Note A of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional description of the significant accounting policies that have been followed in preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Reserve for Title Claim Losses. Title companies issue two types of policies, owner's and lender's policies, since both the new owner and the lender in real estate transactions want to know that their interest in the property is insured against certain title defects outlined in the policy. An owner's policy insures the buyer against such defects for as long as he or she owns the property (as well as against warranty claims arising out of the sale of the property by such owner). A lender's policy insures the priority of the lender's security interest over the claims that other parties may have in the property. The maximum amount of liability under a title insurance policy is generally the face amount of the policy plus the cost of defending the insured's title against an adverse claim, however, occasionally we do incur losses in excess of policy limits. While most non-title forms of insurance, including property and casualty, provide for the assumption of risk of loss arising out of unforeseen future events, title insurance serves to protect the policyholder from risk of loss for events that predate the issuance of the policy.
Unlike many other forms of insurance, title insurance requires only a one-time premium for continuous coverage until another policy is warranted due to changes in property circumstances arising from refinance, resale, additional liens, or other events. Unless we issue the subsequent policy, we receive no notice that our exposure under our policy has ended and, as a result, we are unable to track the actual terminations of our exposures.
Our reserve for title claim losses includes reserves for known claims as well as for losses that have been incurred but not yet reported to us (“IBNR”), net of recoupments. We reserve for each known claim based on our review of the estimated amount of the claim and the costs required to settle the claim. Reserves for IBNR claims are estimates that are established at the time the premium revenue is recognized and are based upon historical experience and other factors, including industry trends, claim loss history, legal environment, geographic considerations, and the types of policies written. We also reserve for losses arising from escrow title-related and other fees relating to closing and disbursement functions due to fraud or operational error.
The table below summarizes our reserves for known claims and incurred but not reported claims related to title insurance:
Although claims against title insurance policies can be reported relatively soon after the policy has been issued, claims may be reported many years later. Historically, approximately 60% of claims are paid within approximately five years of the policy being written. By their nature, claims are often complex, vary greatly in dollar amounts and are affected by economic and market conditions, as well as the legal environment existing at the time of settlement of the claims. Estimating future title loss payments is difficult because of the complex nature of title claims, the long periods of time over which claims are paid, significantly varying dollar amounts of individual claims and other factors.
Our process for recording our reserves for title claim losses begins with analysis of our loss provision rate. We forecast ultimate losses for each policy year based upon historical policy year loss emergence and development patterns and adjust these to reflect policy year and policy type differences which affect the timing, frequency and severity of claims. We also use a technique that relies on historical loss emergence and on a premium-based exposure measurement. The latter technique is particularly applicable to the most recent policy years, which have few reported claims relative to an expected ultimate claim volume. After considering historical claim losses, reporting patterns and current market information, and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data provided by our legal, claims and underwriting departments, we determine a loss provision rate, which is recorded as a percentage of current title premiums. This loss provision rate is set to provide for losses on current year policies, but due to development of prior years
and our long claim duration, it periodically includes amounts of estimated adverse or positive development on prior years' policies. Any significant adjustments to strengthen or release loss reserves resulting from the comparison with our actuarial analysis are made in addition to this loss provision rate. We recorded our periodic loss provision rate at 7.0% of title premiums in 2013 and 2012 and 6.8% of title premiums in 2011. Of such amounts, 5.3%, 5.5% and 5.8% related to losses on policies written in the current year, and the remainder relates to developments on prior year policies. In 2013 and 2012, adverse development of prior year losses of $71 million or 1.7% of 2013 premium and $58 million or 1.5% of 2012 premium was accounted for in the loss provision rate. At each quarter end, our recorded reserve for title claim losses is initially the result of taking the prior recorded reserve for title claim losses, adding the current provision and subtracting actual paid claims, resulting in an amount that management then compares to the range of reasonable estimates provided by the actuarial calculation.
Due to the uncertainty inherent in the process and due to the judgment used by both management and our actuary, our ultimate liability may be greater or less than our carried reserves. If the recorded amount is within the actuarial range but not at the central estimate, we assess the position within the actuarial range by analysis of other factors in order to determine that the recorded amount is our best estimate. These factors, which are both qualitative and quantitative, can change from period to period, and include items such as current trends in the real estate industry (which we can assess, but for which there is a time lag in the development of the data used by our actuary), any adjustments from the actuarial estimates needed for the effects of unusually large or small claims, improvements in our claims management processes, and other cost saving measures. If the recorded amount is not within a reasonable range of our actuary's central estimate, we may have to record a charge or credit and reassess the loss provision rate on a go forward basis. We will continue to reassess the provision to be recorded in future periods consistent with this methodology.
The table below presents our title insurance loss development experience for the past three years:
_____________________
(1) Included in the provision for title claim losses in the 2012 period is an $11 million impairment recorded on an asset previously recouped as part of a claim settlement.
Actual claims payments are made up of loss payments and claims management expenses offset by recoupments and were as follows (in millions):
As of December 31, 2013, the recorded reserve for title insurance claims losses was $1.6 billion, which was approximately $0.07 billion below the central estimate provided by our actuary, but within the provided actuarial range of $1.5 billion to $1.8 billion. We believe that our recorded reserves are reasonable and represent our best estimate. In reaching this conclusion, we considered the following qualitative factors.
As noted above, our recorded reserves were below the mid-point of the range of our actuarial estimates as of December 31, 2013. Management is comfortable with our recorded position as we have seen significant positive developments in certain actuarial models relating primarily to the acceleration of claims processing and claims related expense development which are not given full weight in our actuary's consolidated model. Claims management expenses have decreased due to management initiatives related to use of outside counsel and their fees and additional use of internal counsel in handling claims matters. These developments are not yet fully reflected in our actuarial analysis. This positive development in claims management expenses has been somewhat offset by claim loss payments that were greater than the claims projected to be paid in the model utilized by our actuary primarily related to the high volume policy years 2005-2008. We believe that this development related to the fact that these policy years have higher loss ratios and that the reporting of these claims has been accelerated. The reasons for higher loss payments and payment acceleration are as follows:
•
Historical high prices for real estate (thus higher policy limits as compared to premiums earned)
•
Increased volume of real estate transactions increased likelihood of errors in the examination and closing process
•
Increased values and volumes of real estate transactions and weaker loan underwriting standards increased the likelihood of fraudulent transactions
•
Subsequent declines in home equity values resulted in lender losses that would not have been losses had home equity been maintained
•
Increased foreclosures resulted in higher litigation costs and acceleration in reporting of claims
•
Increased exposure to mechanic lien claims from failures of builders and developers
Some traditional actuarial methods, such as paid loss development, are particularly sensitive to distortions in payment activity. We believe that the high level of foreclosure activity over the past four years is accelerating the reporting of claims, particularly lender claims, thereby increasing paid losses and expenses. As a result, a paid loss development approach may temporarily overstate ultimate cost projections. We believe that losses and expenses related to this accelerated claims activity, specifically losses relating to lender policies, will have a shorter duration and that expected payments relating to these policy years will eventually return to or perhaps even drop below historical levels. We have also seen positive development relating to the 2009 through 2013 policy years, which we believe is indicative of more stringent underwriting standards by us and the lending industry. In addition we have seen significant positive development in residential owners policies due to increased payments on residential lenders policies which inherently limit the potential loss on the related owners policy to the differential in coverage amount between the amount insured under the owner's policy and the amount paid under the residential lender's policy. Also, any residential lender policy claim paid relating to a property that is in foreclosure negates any potential loss under an owner's policy previously issued on the property as the owner has no equity in the property. Along with the positive development on claims management expenses, our ending open claim inventory decreased from approximately 30,000 claims at December 31, 2012 to approximately 24,000 claims at December 31, 2013. If actual claims loss development is worse than currently expected and is not offset by other positive factors, such as continued improvement in claims management expenses and the other factors mentioned above, it is reasonably possible that our recorded reserves may fall outside a reasonable range of our actuary's central estimate, which may require additional reserve strengthening in future periods.
As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, our recorded reserves were $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion, which we determined were reasonable and represented our best estimate and these recorded amounts were within a reasonable range of the central estimates provided by our actuaries.
An approximate $42 million increase (decrease) in our annualized provision for title claim losses would occur if our loss provision rate were 1% higher (lower), based on 2013 title premiums of $4,152 million. A 10% increase (decrease) in our reserve for title claim losses, as of December 31, 2013, would result in an increase (decrease) in our provision for title claim losses of approximately $164 million.
Valuation of Investments. We regularly review our investment portfolio for factors that may indicate that a decline in fair value of an investment is other-than-temporary. Some factors considered in evaluating whether or not a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary include: (i) our intent and need to sell the investment prior to a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in value; (ii) the duration and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost; and (iii) the financial condition and prospects of the issuer. Such reviews are inherently uncertain and the value of the investment may not fully recover or may decline in future periods resulting in a realized loss. Investments are selected for analysis whenever an unrealized loss is greater than a certain threshold that we determine based on the size of our portfolio or by using other qualitative factors. Fixed maturity investments that have unrealized losses caused by interest rate movements are not at risk as we do not anticipate having the need or intent to sell prior to maturity. Unrealized losses on investments in equity securities, preferred stock and fixed maturity instruments that
are susceptible to credit related declines are evaluated based on the aforementioned factors. Currently available market data is considered and estimates are made as to the duration and prospects for recovery, and the intent or ability to retain the investment until such recovery takes place. These estimates are revisited quarterly and any material degradation in the prospect for recovery will be considered in the other-than-temporary impairment analysis. We believe that our monitoring and analysis has provided for the proper recognition of other-than-temporary impairments over the past three-year period. Any change in estimate in this area will have an impact on the results of operations of the period in which a charge is taken.
The fair value hierarchy established by the standard on fair value includes three levels, which are based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure the financial instruments fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the categorization is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.
In accordance with the standard on fair value, our financial assets and liabilities that are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized based on the inputs to the valuation techniques as follows:
Level 1. Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that we have the ability to access.
Level 2. Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or model inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3. Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on model inputs that are unobservable.
The following table presents our fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively:
Our Level 2 fair value measures for fixed-maturities available for sale are provided by third-party pricing services. We utilize one firm for our taxable bond and preferred stock portfolio and another for our tax-exempt bond portfolio. These pricing services are leading global providers of financial market data, analytics and related services to financial institutions. We rely on one price for each instrument to determine the carrying amount of the assets on our balance sheet. The inputs utilized in these pricing methodologies include observable measures such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data including market research publications. We review the pricing methodologies for all of our Level 2 securities by obtaining an understanding of the valuation models and assumptions used by the third-party as well as independently comparing the resulting prices to other publicly available measures of fair value and internally developed models. The pricing methodologies used by the relevant third party pricing services are:
•
U.S. government and agencies: These securities are valued based on data obtained for similar securities in active markets and from inter-dealer brokers.
•
State and political subdivisions: These securities are valued based on data obtained for similar securities in active markets and from inter-dealer brokers. Factors considered include relevant trade information, dealer quotes and other relevant market data.
•
Corporate debt securities: These securities are valued based on dealer quotes and related market trading activity. Factors considered include the bond's yield, its terms and conditions, or any other feature which may influence its risk and thus marketability, as well as relative credit information and relevant sector news.
•
Foreign government bonds: These securities are valued based on a discounted cash flow model incorporating observable market inputs such as available broker quotes and yields of comparable securities.
•
Mortgage-backed/asset-backed securities: These securities are comprised of commercial mortgage-backed securities, agency mortgage-backed securities, collaterized mortgage obligations, and asset-backed securities. They are valued based on available trade information, dealer quotes, cash flows, relevant indices and market data for similar assets in active markets.
•
Preferred stock: Preferred stocks are valued by calculating the appropriate spread over a comparable US Treasury security. Inputs include benchmark quotes and other relevant market data.
Our Level 2 fair value measures for our interest rate swap, foreign exchange contracts, and commodity contracts are valued using the income approach. This approach uses techniques to convert future amounts to a single present value amount based upon market expectations (including present value techniques, option-pricing and excess earnings models).
Our Level 3 investments consist of structured notes that were purchased in the third quarter of 2009. The structured notes had a par value of $38 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, and fair value of $38 million and $41 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The structured notes are held for general investment purposes and represent one percent of our total investment portfolio. The structured notes are classified as Other long-term investments and are measured in their entirety at fair
value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. The fair value of these instruments are the product of a proprietary valuation model utilized by the trading desk of the broker-dealer and contain assumptions relating to volatility, the level of interest rates, and the underlying value of the indexes, exchange-traded funds, and foreign currencies. We review the pricing methodologies for our Level 3 investments to ensure that they are reasonable and believe they represent an exit price as of December 31, 2013.
During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we incurred impairment charges relating to investments that were determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired, which resulted in impairment charges of $1 million, $3 million, and $17 million, respectively. Impairment charges during all three years, related to fixed maturity securities primarily related to our conclusion that the credit risk of these holdings was high and the ability of the issuer to pay the full amount of the principal outstanding was unlikely.
Included in our Investments as of December 31, 2013 are various holdings in Foreign securities as follows (in millions):
We have reviewed all of these securities as of December 31, 2013 and do not believe that there is a risk of credit loss as these securities are in a gross unrealized gain position of $5 million and a gross unrealized loss position of $2 million. We held no European sovereign debt at December 31, 2013.
Goodwill. We have made acquisitions in the past that have resulted in a significant amount of goodwill. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, goodwill aggregated $1,901 million and $1,908 million, respectively. The majority of our goodwill as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 relates to goodwill recorded in connection with the Chicago Title merger in 2000. In evaluating the recoverability of goodwill, we perform a qualitative analysis to determine whether it is more likely than not that our fair value exceeds our carrying value. Based on the results of this analysis, an annual goodwill impairment test may be completed based on an analysis of the discounted future cash flows generated by the underlying assets. The process of determining whether or not goodwill is impaired or recoverable relies on projections of future cash flows, operating results and market conditions. Future cash flow estimates are based partly on projections of market conditions such as the volume and mix of refinance and purchase transactions and interest rates, which are beyond our control and are likely to fluctuate. While we believe that our estimates of future cash flows are reasonable, these estimates are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ from what is assumed in our impairment tests. Such analyses are particularly sensitive to changes in estimates of future cash flows and discount rates. Changes to these estimates might result in material changes in fair value and determination of the recoverability of goodwill, which may result in charges against earnings and a reduction in the carrying value of our goodwill in the future.We have completed our annual goodwill impairment analysis in each of the past three years and as a result, no impairment charges were recorded to goodwill in 2013, 2012, or 2011. As of December 31, 2013, we have determined that our goodwill has a fair value which substantially exceeds our carrying value.
Other Intangible Assets. We have other intangible assets, not including goodwill, which consist primarily of customer relationships and contracts and trademarks which are generally recorded in connection with acquisitions at their fair value, and debt issuance costs relating to the issuance of our long-term notes payable. Intangible assets with estimable lives are amortized
over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. In general, customer relationships are amortized over their estimated useful lives using an accelerated method which takes into consideration expected customer attrition rates. Contractual relationships are generally amortized over their contractual life. Trademarks are considered intangible assets with indefinite lives and are reviewed for impairment at least annually. Debt issuance costs are amortized on a straight line basis over the contractual life of the related debt instrument.
In our Remy segment, upon entering into new or extending existing contracts, we may be required to purchase certain cores and inventory from our customers at retail prices, or be obligated to provide certain agreed support. The excess of the prices paid for the cores and inventory over fair value, and the value of any agreed support, are recorded as contract intangibles and amortized as a reduction to auto parts revenue on a method to reflect the pattern of economic benefit consumed. Customer contract intangibles which are not paid to customers, are amortized and recorded in cost of auto parts revenue.
We recorded no impairment expense related to other intangible assets in 2013, 2012, or 2011.
Revenue Recognition. Our direct title insurance premiums and escrow, title-related and other fees are recognized as revenue at the time of closing of the related transaction as the earnings process is then considered complete, whereas premium revenues from agency operations and agency commissions include an accrual based on estimates using historical information of the volume of transactions that have closed in a particular period for which premiums have not yet been reported to us. The accrual for agency premiums is necessary because of the lag between the closing of these transactions and the reporting of these policies to us by the agent. Historically, the time lag between the closing of these transactions by our agents and the reporting of these policies, or premiums, to us has been up to 15 months, with 70-80% reported within three months following closing, an additional 10-20% reported within the next three months and the remainder within seven to fifteen months. In addition to accruing these earned but unreported agency premiums, we also accrue agent commission expense, which was 76.1%, of agent premiums earned in 2013, 76.2% of agent premiums earned in 2012 and 77.1% of agent premiums earned in 2011.We also record provision for claim losses at our average provision rate at the time we record the accrual for the premiums, which was 7.0% for 2013 and 2012, and 6.8% for 2011, and accruals for premium taxes and other expenses relating to our premium accrual. The resulting impact to pretax earnings in any period is less than 10% of the accrued premium amount. The impact of the change in the accrual for agency premiums and related expenses on our pretax earnings was a decrease of $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, less than $1 million for the year ended 2012 and an increase of $8 million for the year ended 2011. The amount due from our agents relating to this accrual, i.e., the agent premium less their contractual retained commission, was approximately $74 million and $90 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which represents agency premiums of approximately $364 million and $438 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and agent commissions of $290 million and $348 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We may have changes in our accrual for agency revenue in the future if additional relevant information becomes available.
Accounting for Income Taxes. As part of the process of preparing the consolidated financial statements, we are required to determine income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating actual current tax expense together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing recognition of items for income tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred income tax assets and liabilities, which are included within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We must then assess the likelihood that deferred income tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, establish a valuation allowance. To the extent we establish a valuation allowance or increase this allowance in a period, we must reflect this increase as expense within Income tax expense in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Determination of income tax expense requires estimates and can involve complex issues that may require an extended period to resolve. Further, the estimated level of annual pre-tax income can cause the overall effective income tax rate to vary from period to period. We believe that our tax positions comply with applicable tax law and that we adequately provide for any known tax contingencies. We believe the estimates and assumptions used to support our evaluation of tax benefit realization are reasonable. Final determination of prior-year tax liabilities, either by settlement with tax authorities or expiration of statutes of limitations, could be materially different than estimates reflected in assets and liabilities and historical income tax provisions. The outcome of these final determinations could have a material effect on our income tax provision, net income or cash flows in the period that determination is made.
Certain Factors Affecting Comparability
Year ended December 31, 2012. During the third quarter of 2012, we acquired 51% of Remy's total outstanding common shares. As a result of this acquisition we began to consolidate the results of Remy effective August 14, 2012. On April 9, 2012, we successfully closed a tender offer for the outstanding common stock of O'Charley's; we have consolidated the results of O'Charley's as of April 9, 2012. On May 11, 2012, we merged O'Charley's with our investment in ABRH in exchange for an increase in our ownership position in ABRH from 45% to 55%. We have consolidated the results of ABRH as of May 11, 2012.
Results of Operations
Consolidated Results of Operations
Net earnings. The following table presents certain financial data for the years indicated:
Revenues.
Total revenue in 2013 increased $1,400 million compared to 2012, reflecting an increase in the Fidelity National Title Group, Remy, and Restaurant Group segments and both the FNF and Portfolio Company Corporate and Other segments. Total revenue in 2012 increased $2,365 million compared to 2011, reflecting an increase in the Fidelity National Title Group segment and the FNF Corporate and Other segment as well as the addition of the Remy and Restaurant group segments, offset by a slight decrease in the Portfolio Company Corporate and Other segment.
Escrow, title-related and other fees increased $61 million in 2013 compared to 2012, consisting of a decrease of $16 million in the Fidelity National Title Group segment and increases of $5 million in the FNF Corporate and Other segment and $72 in the Portfolio Company Corporate and Other segment. Escrow, title-related and other fees increased $283 million in 2012 compared to 2011, consisting of an increase of $276 million in the Fidelity National Title Group segment and $11 million in the FNF Corporate and Other segment and offset by a decrease of $4 million in the Portfolio Company Corporate and Other segment.
Restaurant revenue includes the consolidated results of operations of ABRH and J. Alexander's. Auto parts revenue includes the consolidated results of operations of Remy.
The change in revenue from operations is discussed in further detail at the segment level below.
Interest and investment income levels are primarily a function of securities markets, interest rates and the amount of cash available for investment. Interest and investment income was $129 million, $144 million, and $143 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The decrease in 2013 as compared to 2012 is due to decreased bond yield and
holdings. Effective return on average invested assets, excluding realized gains and losses, was 4.1%, 4.4%, and 4.3% for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Net realized gains and losses totaled $12 million, $187 million, and $7 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The net realized gain for the year ended December 31, 2013 includes an $11 million gain on the sale of FIS stock, a $10 million gain on individually insignificant portfolio sales, a $5 million net gain on sales of preferred stock, and a $3 million gain on the settlement of a mortgage loan at J. Alexander's. These gains were offset by a $3 million loss on the structured notes, $4 million in title plant impairments, a $3 million loss on debt extinguishment at Remy, and $7 million in other individually immaterial impairments and net losses. The net realized gain for the year ended December 31, 2012 includes a $73 million gain on the consolidation of ABRH and O'Charley's, a $48 million bargain purchase gain on the acquisition of O'Charley's, a $78 million gain on the consolidation of Remy, and $16 million in net gains from the sale of other various investments and assets, offset by a $6 million impairment on land held at our majority-owned affiliate Cascade Timberlands, a $6 million loss on the early extinguishment of our 5.25% bonds, $3 million impairment charges on investments determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired and a $13 million impairment for title plants no longer in use. The net realized gain for the year ended December 31, 2011 includes $28 million net gains on various investments and other assets, offset by a $4 million decrease in the value of our structured notes and $17 million in impairment charges on investments determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired.
Expenses.
Our operating expenses consist primarily of personnel costs and other operating expenses, which in our title insurance business are incurred as orders are received and processed, and agent commissions, which are incurred as revenue is recognized, as well as cost of auto parts revenue and cost of restaurant revenue. Title insurance premiums, escrow and title-related fees are generally recognized as income at the time the underlying transaction closes. As a result, direct title operations revenue lags approximately 45-60 days behind expenses and therefore gross margins may fluctuate. The changes in the market environment, mix of business between direct and agency operations and the contributions from our various business units have impacted margins and net earnings. We have implemented programs and have taken necessary actions to maintain expense levels consistent with revenue streams. However, a short time lag exists in reducing variable costs and certain fixed costs are incurred regardless of revenue levels.
Personnel costs include base salaries, commissions, benefits, stock-based compensation and bonuses paid to employees, and are one of our most significant operating expenses. Personnel costs totaled $2,134 million, $1,863 million, and $1,568 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Personnel costs increased $271 million, or 14.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2013 from the 2012 period, with increases of $94 million in the Fidelity National Title Group segment, $8 million in the FNF Corporate and Other segment,$22 million from the Restaurant Group segment , $57 million from the Remy segment and $90 million in the Portfolio Company Corporate and Other segment. Personnel costs increased $295 million, or 18.8% for the year ended December 31, 2012 from the 2011 period, with an increase of $226 million in the Fidelity National Title Group segment, $13 million in the Portfolio Company Corporate and Other segment, and an additional $29 million and $43 million from the Remy and Restaurant Group segments, respectively. These increases were offset by a $16 million decrease in the FNF Corporate and Other segment. Personnel costs as a percentage of total revenues were 24.9%, 26.0%, and 32.7% for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Average employee count, excluding Remy and the Restaurant Group, was 19,722, 18,719 and 17,330 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. In 2012 there were 33,859 employees added with the consolidation of the Restaurant group and 6,631 employees added with the consolidation of Remy. As of December 31, 2013, average employee count was 6,602 at Remy and 33,389 at the Restaurant Group. Included in personnel costs is stock-based compensation expense of $35 million, $27 million, and $27 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The change in personnel costs is discussed in further detail at the segment level below.
Agent commissions represent the portion of premiums retained by agents pursuant to the terms of their respective agency contracts. The change in agent commissions is discussed in further detail at the segment level below.
Other operating expenses consist primarily of facilities expenses, title plant maintenance, premium taxes (which insurance underwriters are required to pay on title premiums in lieu of franchise and other state taxes), postage and courier services, computer services, professional services, travel expenses, general insurance, and trade and notes receivable allowances. Other operating expenses as a percentage of direct title insurance premiums and escrow, title-related and other fees were 37.3%, 37.8%, and 37.7% for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Other operating expenses increased $32 million or 2.5% in 2013 from 2012, reflecting increases of $34 million in the FNF Corporate and Other segment, $28 million in the Remy segment, and $8 million in the Portfolio Company Corporate and Other segment, offset by decreases of $32 million in the Fidelity National Title Group segment, and $6 million in the Restaurant Group segment. The increase in the FNF Corporate and Other segment is due mainly to a $20 million charge related to an employee litigation matter as well as $16 million in expenses related to the acquisition of LPS. The increase in the Remy segment is mainly due to the fact that 2013 is the first full year for which the results of Remy have been consolidated. The increase in the Portfolio Company Corporate and Other segment is mainly due to $11 million additional expenses related to Digital Insurance. In the Fidelity National Title Group segment, the decrease in other operating
expenses was due mainly to decreases in cost of sales, title plant maintenance and premium taxes. The decrease in the Restaurant Group is primarily related to a decrease in transaction and integration costs from 2012 to 2013. Other operating expenses increased $223 million or 21.0% in 2012 from 2011, reflecting increases of $122 million in the Fidelity National Title Group segment and $9 million in the FNF Corporate and Other segment, $3 million in the Portfolio Company Corporate and Other segment, as well as an additional $18 million from the Remy segment and $71 million from the Restaurant Group segment. In the Fidelity National Title Group segment, the increase was due mainly to increases in cost of sales, consistent with the increases in revenue. Other operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, included $1 million, $2 million and $1 million, respectively, in abandoned lease charges relating to office closures.
Cost of auto parts revenue includes cost of raw materials, payroll and related costs and expenses directly related to manufacturing, and overhead expenses allocated to the costs of production such as depreciation and amortization at Remy. Remy results of operations are discussed in further detail at the segment level below.
Cost of restaurant revenue includes cost of food and beverage, primarily the costs of beef, seafood, poultry, dairy and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages net of vendor discounts and rebates, payroll and related costs and expenses directly relating to restaurant level activities and restaurant operating costs including occupancy and other expenses at the restaurant level. The Restaurant Group results of operations are discussed in further detail at the segment level below.
Depreciation and amortization increased $33 million in 2013 from 2012, mainly due to additional expense of $21 million in the Remy and Restaurant group segments as 2013 includes a full year of depreciation and amortization for these segments. Depreciation and amortization increased $31 million in 2012 from 2011 mainly relating to the additional $36 million depreciation expense from our Remy and Restaurant Group segments added during the year, offset by a decrease due to older assets being fully depreciated.
The provision for title claim losses includes an estimate of anticipated title and title-related claims, and escrow losses. The provision for title claim losses is discussed in further detail below at the segment level.
Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $93 million, $74 million, and $57 million, respectively. The increase in 2013 from 2012 is due to additional expense of $14 million from the interest incurred on the 5.50% notes issued in August of 2012, as 2013 included a full year of interest on these notes. Also contributing to the increase was increased expense from Remy and the Restaurant Group of $15 million versus 2012, as 2013 was the first full year that we have consolidated these operations. This was offset by $9 million less in interest expense on the 5.25% notes that were paid during the third quarter of 2012. The increase in 2012 from 2011 is due to additional interest incurred on the 5.50% notes issued in August of 2012, as well as additional interest expense of $13 million from our Remy and Restaurant Group segments added during the year.
Income tax expense was $205 million, $245 million, and $131 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Income tax expense as a percentage of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 was 31.5%, 29.3%, and 32.4%, respectively. The fluctuation in income tax expense as a percentage of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes is attributable to our estimate of ultimate income tax liability and changes in the characteristics of net earnings year to year, such as the weighting of operating income versus investment income. The increase in the effective tax rate in 2013 from 2012 is due to the inclusion of a one-time tax benefit related to the bargain purchase gain on the O'Charley's acquisition and the consolidation of Remy in the 2012 rate.
Equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated affiliates was $(26) million, $10 million, and $10 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, and consisted of our equity in the net earnings (losses) of Ceridian, Remy prior to its consolidation in August 2012, and other investments in unconsolidated affiliates. The decrease in 2013 is due mainly to our share of the larger losses at Ceridian, which include $17 million in non-recurring costs relating to the write off of a deferred tax asset and debt extinguishment costs.
Segment Results of Operations
FNF Core Operations
Fidelity National Title Group
The following table presents certain financial data for the years indicated:
Total revenues in 2013 increased $308 million or 5.5% compared to 2012. Total revenues in 2012 increased $843 million or 17.8% compared to 2011.
The following table presents the percentages of title insurance premiums generated by our direct and agency operations:
In 2013, the proportion of agency premiums to direct premiums increased, with agency premiums comprising 56.6% of total premiums in 2013, compared with 54.8% in 2012. In 2012 the proportion of agency premiums to direct premiums decreased to 54.8% of total premiums, compared with 56.2% in 2011.
_______________________________________
(1) Percentages exclude consideration of an immaterial number of non-purchase and non-refinance orders.
The increase of $68 million in title premiums from direct operations in 2013 was primarily due to an increase in fee per file. In 2013, mortgage interest rates have remained consistent with the low levels experienced in 2012 and 2011. Closed order volumes were 1,708,000 and 1,867,000 in the years ending 2013 and 2012, respectively. The average fee per file in our direct operations was $1,660 and $1,487 in the years ending 2013 and 2012, respectively, with the increase reflecting a higher volume of purchase transactions, which have a higher fee per file, as well as a higher average fee per file on commercial transactions in 2013 versus the 2012 period. The increase of $305 million in title premiums from direct operations in 2012 compared to 2011 was due primarily to an increase in refinance orders and an increase in commercial transactions during the year. Closed order volumes were 1,867,000 and 1,514,000 in the years ending 2012 and 2011, respectively. The average fee per file in our direct operations was $1,487 and $1,489 in the years ending 2012 and 2011, respectively. The fee per file tends to change as the mix of refinance and purchase transactions changes, because purchase transactions generally involve the issuance of both a lender’s policy and an owner’s policy, resulting in higher fees, whereas refinance transactions typically only require a lender’s policy, resulting in lower fees. The fee per file will also increase as the proportion of commercial orders increases and as residential properties appreciate, which increases the value of the amount insured.
The increase of $251 million and $271 million in agency premiums in 2013 and 2012 is primarily the result of an increase in remitted agency premiums related to the mix of business. Our percentage of title premiums from agency operations compared to direct operations has increased due to our agency operations typically garnering a higher percentage of purchase transactions and a lower percentage of commercial and refinance transactions. The increase in 2013 and 2012 was primarily due to strengthening in the residential purchase market.
In the Fidelity National Title Group segment, escrow fees, which are more directly related to our direct operations, decreased $16 million, or 2.3%, in 2013 compared to 2012 primarily due to a decrease at a division of our ServiceLink business that handles default services. Escrow fees in the Fidelity National Title Group segment increased $148 million, or 26.4%, in 2012 compared to 2011 due to the increase in direct title premiums over the prior year. Other fees in the Fidelity National Title Group segment, excluding escrow fees, increased $128 million, or 16.5%, in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to an increase in revenues from refinance and commercial transactions as well as increases in our other title related businesses, consistent with the title operations.
Personnel costs include base salaries, commissions, benefits, stock-based compensation and bonuses paid to employees, and are one of our most significant operating expenses. In the Fidelity National Title Group segment the increase of $94 million in 2013 from 2012 is due to an increase in employee levels, higher bonuses and commissions, as well as an increase in average annualized personnel cost which correspond to increases in closed order counts and revenues. The increase in personnel costs of $226 million in 2012 from 2011 is due mainly to increases in open and closed order counts. Average employee count in the title segment increased to 19,722 in 2013 from 18,509 in 2012 and increased in 2012 from 17,036 in 2011. Personnel costs in the title segment as a percentage of total revenues from direct title premiums and escrow, title-related and other fees were 53.9%, 52.0% and 54.7% for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Agent commissions represent the portion of premiums retained by agents pursuant to the terms of their respective agency contracts. Agent commissions and the resulting percentage of agent premiums we retain vary according to regional differences in real estate closing practices and state regulations.
The following table illustrates the relationship of agent title premiums and agent commissions:
Net margin from agency title insurance premiums retained as a percentage of total agency premiums remained consistent with 2012. Net margin from agency title insurance premiums we retain as a percentage of total agency premiums increased from 22.9% in 2011 to 23.8% in 2012. The increase in 2012 is due primarily to the modification of various agency agreements since 2010 which resulted in an increase to our retained premium including our move to an 80%/20% split in New York.
The provision for title claim losses includes an estimate of anticipated title and title-related claims and escrow losses. The estimate of anticipated title and title-related claims is accrued as a percentage of title premium revenue based on our historical loss experience and other relevant factors. We monitor our claims loss experience on a continual basis and adjust the provision for title claim losses accordingly as new information becomes known, new loss patterns emerge, or as other contributing factors are considered and incorporated into the analysis of the reserve for claim losses. The claim loss provision for title insurance was $291 million, $279 million, and $222 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. These amounts reflected average claim loss provision rates of 7.0% for 2013 and 2012, and 6.8% of title premiums for 2011. The claim loss provision for 2012 also includes an $11 million impairment recorded on an asset previously recouped as part of a claim settlement. We will continue to monitor and evaluate our loss provision level, actual claims paid, and the loss reserve position.
FNF Corporate and Other
The FNF Corporate and Other segment consists of the operations of the parent holding company, certain other unallocated corporate overhead expenses, and other smaller real estate and insurance related operations. The FNF Corporate and Other segment generated revenues of $56 million, $45 million and $39 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Revenues increased $11 million, or 24.4%, and $6 million, or 15.4%, in 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Personnel costs were $37 million, $29 million, and $45 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
This segment generated pretax losses of $145 million, $107 million and $115 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The 2013 period includes a $20 million charge related to an employee litigation matter as well as $16 million in expenses related to the acquisition of LPS, and a $10 million executive separation charge.
Portfolio Company Investments
Remy
The results of this segment reflected in the year ended December 31, 2013, reflect results of Remy and subsidiaries which were initially consolidated on August 14, 2012.
The year ended December 31, 2013 is the first full twelve-month period for which operating results for Remy have been consolidated. Remy's 2013 revenues decreased due to decreased volume in the original equipment and hybrid divisions, partially offset by an increase in light vehicle aftermarket and favorable foreign currency effects. Remy's cost of sales remained flat at 84% of revenue. The results of the Remy segment for the year ending December 31, 2013 were negatively affected by $3 million in debt extinguishment charges, $4 million of restructuring charges and a $7 million charge to Personnel costs for a one-time executive separation payment made to Remy's former Chief Executive Officer. Prior to consolidation of Remy on August 14, 2012, we previously held a $179 million investment in Remy, which was included in Investments in unconsolidated affiliates on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As a result of the difference between our basis in these investments and the fair value at the time of consolidation, we recognized a $78 million realized gain during the year ended December 31, 2012. Results for the year ended December 31, 2012, were negatively affected by a one-time mark-to-market fair value adjustment to Remy's finished goods inventory recorded in the third quarter as a result of the purchase accounting related to the Remy acquisition, and $5 million of restructuring costs incurred during the year.
Restaurant Group
The year ended December 31, 2013 is the first full twelve-month period for which operating results for the Restaurant Group segment have been consolidated. The results for the year ended December 31, 2012 reflect results of O'Charley's Inc. and subsidiaries as of the date of acquisition, April 9, 2012 through December 31, 2012, the results of ABRH as of the date of merger with O'Charley's, May 11, 2012 through December 31, 2012, as well as the results of J. Alexander's as of the date of acquisition, September 26, 2012 through December 31, 2012.
During 2013, the Restaurant Group achieved moderate revenue growth from operating activities since 2012 including positive same store sales in the fourth quarter at O'Charley's for the first time since its acquisition. The Restaurant Group also completed their integration and began to see expense savings from synergies identified between the legacy ABRH and O'Charley's companies. Also included in the Restaurant Group's 2013 results were $7 million of transaction and integration costs included in Other operating expenses.
Prior to its consolidation on April 9, 2012, we held a $14 million investment in common stock of O'Charley's, Inc., which was included in Equity securities available for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and a $37 million investment in ABRH which was included in Investments in unconsolidated affiliates on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As a result of the difference between our basis in these investments and the fair value at the time of consolidation, we recognized a $73 million realized gain during the year ended December 31, 2012. We also recognized a $48 million bargain purchase gain relating to the acquisition of O'Charley's. See Note B in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion. Also included in the results of operations of the Restaurant Group for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $19 million of acquisition, transaction, and integration costs related to the O'Charley's tender offer and the subsequent merger with ABRH.
Portfolio Company Corporate and Other
The Portfolio Company Corporate and Other segment includes our share in the operations of certain equity investments, including Ceridian, Digital Insurance, Cascade Timberlands and other smaller operations. This segment also includes our Long Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP") established during 2012 which is tied to the fair value of certain of our Portfolio Company investments. The Portfolio Company Corporate and Other segment generated revenues of $90 million, $11 million, and $18 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Revenues increased $79 million in 2013 compared to 2012 and decreased $7 million in 2012 compared to 2011. The increase in 2013 was mainly attributable to the addition of Digital Insurance at the end of 2012, which contributed $69 million in revenue during 2013.
Personnel costs were $114 million in 2013, $24 million in 2012 and $11 million in 2011. Personnel costs in 2013 include a $54 million accrual for our LTIP. Also included in 2013 were $43 million of personnel costs at Digital Insurance. Personnel costs in 2012 include an $10 million accrual for the LTIP.
This segment generated pretax losses of $59 million, $25 million, and $1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The change in pretax earnings in all periods is primarily related to the additional LTIP expense. The 2012 period includes a $6 million impairment on land held at Cascade Timberlands.
Intercompany Eliminations
In our segment results, which are documented above, we have eliminated transactions between our operating segments which mainly relate to intercompany notes between Fidelity National Financial, Inc., the parent company, and subsidiaries which were entered into during 2012. The related interest has also been eliminated. For the year ending December 31, 2013, interest income on the FNF Corporate and Other segment of $7 million was eliminated against interest expense of $3 million, $1 million and $3 million on the Portfolio Company Corporate and Other, Remy and Restaurant Group segments, respectively. For the year ending December 31, 2012, interest income on the FNF Corporate and Other segment of $1 million was eliminated against interest expense of $1 million on Remy segments.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Requirements. Our current cash requirements include personnel costs, operating expenses, claim payments, taxes, payments of interest and principal on our debt, capital expenditures, business acquisitions, stock repurchases and dividends on our common stock. We paid dividends of $0.66 per share during 2013, or approximately $153 million. On January 28, 2014, our Board of Directors formally declared an $0.18 per share cash dividend that is payable on March 31, 2014 to stockholders of record as of March 17, 2014. There are no restrictions on our retained earnings regarding our ability to pay dividends to shareholders, although there are limits on the ability of certain subsidiaries to pay dividends to us, as described below. The declaration of any future dividends is at the discretion of our Board of Directors. Additional uses of cash flow are expected to include stock repurchases, acquisitions, and debt repayments.
We continually assess our capital allocation strategy, including decisions relating to the amount of our dividend, reducing debt, repurchasing our stock, and/or conserving cash. We believe that all anticipated cash requirements for current operations will be met from internally generated funds, through cash dividends from subsidiaries, cash generated by investment securities, potential sales of non-strategic assets, and borrowings on existing credit facilities. Our short-term and long-term liquidity requirements are monitored regularly to ensure that we can meet our cash requirements. We forecast the needs of all of our subsidiaries and periodically review their short-term and long-term projected sources and uses of funds, as well as the asset, liability, investment and cash flow assumptions underlying such forecasts.
Our insurance subsidiaries generate cash from premiums earned and their respective investment portfolios and these funds are adequate to satisfy the payments of claims and other liabilities. Due to the magnitude of our investment portfolio in relation to our claims loss reserves, we do not specifically match durations of our investments to the cash outflows required to pay claims, but do manage outflows on a shorter time frame.
Our two significant sources of internally generated funds are dividends and other payments from our subsidiaries. As a holding company, we receive cash from our subsidiaries in the form of dividends and as reimbursement for operating and other administrative expenses we incur. The reimbursements are paid within the guidelines of management agreements among us and our subsidiaries. Our insurance subsidiaries are restricted by state regulation in their ability to pay dividends and make distributions. Each state of domicile regulates the extent to which our title underwriters can pay dividends or make distributions. As of December 31, 2013, $1,909 million of our net assets were restricted from dividend payments without prior approval from the relevant departments of insurance. During 2014, our title insurance subsidiaries can pay or make distributions to us of approximately $308 million without prior regulatory approval. Our underwritten title companies and non-title insurance subsidiaries collect revenue and pay operating expenses. However, they are not regulated to the same extent as our insurance subsidiaries.
The maximum dividend permitted by law is not necessarily indicative of an insurer’s actual ability to pay dividends, which may be constrained by business and regulatory considerations, such as the impact of dividends on surplus, which could affect an insurer’s ratings or competitive position, the amount of premiums that can be written and the ability to pay future dividends. Further, depending on business and regulatory conditions, we may in the future need to retain cash in our underwriters or even contribute cash to one or more of them in order to maintain their ratings or their statutory capital position. Such a requirement could be the result of investment losses, reserve charges, adverse operating conditions in the current economic environment or changes in interpretation of statutory accounting requirements by regulators.
We are focused on evaluating our non-core assets and investments as potential vehicles for creating liquidity. Our intent is to use that liquidity for general corporate purposes, including payment of dividends as declared by the Board of Directors and potentially reducing debt, repurchasing shares of our stock, other strategic initiatives and/or conserving cash. On January 31, 2014, our Board of Directors approved a plan to create a tracking stock for our Portfolio Company Investments. We would contribute these Portfolio Company Investments into a new subsidiary, FNFV, and create and distribute a class of shares to FNF shareholders that tracks the performance of FNFV. The primary portfolio company investments that will be contributed to FNFV includes our equity interests in Remy, ABRH, J. Alexander's, Ceridian, and Digital Insurance. We also intend to provide $200 million in financial support to FNFV comprised of $100 million in cash and $100 million in an intercompany loan upon formation of the tracking
stock. All additional investments in existing portfolio companies and any new portfolio company investments will be funded and managed by FNFV. Cash flow from FNF's core operations will be used to reinvest in core operations, repay debt, pay dividends and repurchase stock. During 2011, we were able to increase our liquidity through the sale of our flood and at-risk insurance businesses, which generated approximately $120 million during 2011 and $195 million in 2012 in net cash proceeds. During 2011, we were able to create additional liquidity through the 2010 sale of our 32% interest in Sedgwick, which generated cash proceeds of approximately $32 million in 2011.
Our cash flows provided by operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 were $484 million, $620 million and $110 million, respectively. The decrease in cash provided by operations of $136 million from 2013 to 2012 is primarily due to $16 million in transaction costs related to the acquisition of LPS, a $20 million employee litigation payment, a $12 million increase in prepaid assets, a $7 million payment for an executive severance payment at Remy, a $14 million final payment on a legal settlement and the remainder is attributable to the decrease in operating earnings.The increase in cash provided by operations of $510 million from 2011 to 2012 is due primarily to increased earnings from continuing operations in 2012 as well as lower title claim payments in 2012 compared to 2011.
Capital Expenditures. Total capital expenditures for property and equipment and capitalized software were $145 million, $79 million and $36 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The increase from 2012 to 2013 is due to increased capital expenditures of $30 million in the Fidelity National Title Group segment, $10 million of which related to building a new headquarters building for our ServiceLink division during 2013 and $11 million of software development costs at our ServiceLink division in 2013. An additional $36 million of capital expenditures were made in our Remy and Restaurant Group segment, primarily related to remodeling efforts in our Restaurant Group and Remy's expansion of a manufacturing facility in China. The increase from 2011 to 2012 is mainly due to $36 million in additions from our Remy and Restaurant Group segments, including capital expenditures in our Restaurant Group segment to remodel existing locations.
Financing. For a description of our financing arrangements see Note J to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Report, which is incorporated by reference into this Part II, Item 7.
Seasonality. Historically, real estate transactions have produced seasonal revenue levels for the real estate industry including title insurers. The first calendar quarter is typically the weakest quarter in terms of revenue due to the generally low volume of home sales during January and February. The third calendar quarter has been typically the strongest in terms of revenue primarily due to a higher volume of home sales in the summer months and the fourth quarter is usually also strong due to commercial entities desiring to complete transactions by year-end. We have noted short term fluctuations through recent years in resale and refinance transactions as a result of changes in interest rates and the implementation and subsequent expiration of government programs designed to stimulate the real estate market. In 2013, we have seen seasonality trends return to historical patterns. During 2012 and 2013, we experienced an increase in existing home sales to the highest volume levels since 2007. We have also seen a decline in total housing inventory to the lowest levels since 2005.
In our Restaurant Group, average weekly sales per restaurant are typically higher in the first and fourth quarters, and we typically generate a disproportionate share of our earnings from operations in the first and fourth quarters. Holidays, severe weather and other disruptive conditions may impact sales volumes seasonally in some operating regions.
Contractual Obligations. Our long term contractual obligations generally include our loss reserves, our credit agreements and other debt facilities, operating lease payments on certain of our premises and equipment and purchase obligations of Remy and the Restaurant Group.
As of December 31, 2013, our required annual payments relating to these contractual obligations were as follows:
As of December 31, 2013, we had title insurance reserves of $1,636 million. The amounts and timing of these obligations are estimated and are not set contractually. While we believe that historical loss payments are a reasonable source for projecting future
claim payments, there is significant inherent uncertainty in this payment pattern estimate because of the potential impact of changes in:
•
future mortgage interest rates, which will affect the number of real estate and refinancing transactions and, therefore, the rate at which title insurance claims will emerge;
•
the legal environment whereby court decisions and reinterpretations of title insurance policy language to broaden coverage could increase total obligations and influence claim payout patterns;
•
events such as fraud, escrow theft, multiple property title defects, foreclosure rates and individual large loss events that can substantially and unexpectedly cause increases in both the amount and timing of estimated title insurance loss payments; and
•
loss cost trends whereby increases or decreases in inflationary factors (including the value of real estate) will influence the ultimate amount of title insurance loss payments.
Based on historical title insurance claim experience, we anticipate the above payment patterns. The uncertainty and variation in the timing and amount of claim payments could have a material impact on our cash flows from operations in a particular period.
The Restaurant Group has unconditional purchase obligations with various vendors. These purchase obligations are primarily food and beverage obligations with fixed commitments in regards to the time period of the contract and the quantities purchased with annual price adjustments that can fluctuate. We used both historical and projected volume and pricing as of December 31, 2013 to determine the amount of the obligations.
Remy has long-term customer obligations related to outstanding customer contracts. These contracts designate Remy to be the exclusive supplier to the respective customer, product line or distribution center and require Remy to compensate these customers over several years for store support. Remy has also entered into arrangements with certain customers under which cores, a key component in its remanufacturing operations, are purchased and held in inventory. Credits to be issued to these customers for these arrangements are recorded at net present value and are reflected as long-term customer obligations.
We sponsor multiple pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans. See Note O of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other contractual obligations include estimated future interest payments on our outstanding debt and an investment commitment entered into in 2013 for $35 million to be made in the future, of which $29 million is outstanding as of December 31, 2013.
The above table does not include the debt we incurred on January 2, 2014 in connection with the LPS acquisition, as described above in Note J of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Capital Stock Transactions. Subsequent to year end, on January 2, 2014 as part of the LPS Acquisition, we issued 25,920,078 shares of FNF common stock as consideration for the LPS Acquisition to the former shareholders of LPS.
On October 24, 2013, we offered 17,250,000 shares of our common stock at an offering price of $26.75 per share, pursuant to an effective registration statement previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase 2,587,500 additional shares at the offering price, which was subsequently exercised in full. A total of 19,837,500 shares were issued on October 30, 2013, for net proceeds of approximately $511 million. The net proceeds from this offering were used to pay a portion of the cash consideration for the LPS Acquisition on January 2, 2014.
On July 21, 2009, the Board of Directors approved a three-year stock repurchase program under which we could repurchase up to 15 million shares of our common stock through July 31, 2012. On January 27, 2011, our Board of Directors approved an additional 5 million shares that could be repurchased under the program. This program expired July 31, 2012, and we repurchased a total of 16,528,512 shares for $243 million, or an average of $14.73 per share under this program.
On July 21, 2012, our Board of Directors approved a three-year stock repurchase program, effective August 1, 2012, under which we can repurchase up to 15 million shares of our common stock through July 31, 2015. We may make repurchases from time to time in the open market, in block purchases or in privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions and other factors. In the year ended December 31, 2013, we repurchased a total of 1,400,000 shares for $34 million, or an average of $24.14 per share, under this program. Subsequent to year-end we did not repurchase any shares through market close on February 27, 2014. Since the original commencement of the plan adopted July 21, 2012, we have repurchased a total of 2,080,000 shares for $50 million, or an average of $23.90 per share, and there are 12,920,000 shares available to be repurchased under this program.
Equity Security and Preferred Stock Investments. Our equity security and preferred stock investments may be subject to significant volatility. Should the fair value of these investments fall below our cost basis and/or the financial condition or prospects of these companies deteriorate, we may determine in a future period that this decline in fair value is other-than-temporary, requiring that an impairment loss be recognized in the period such a determination is made.
The balance of equity securities includes an investment in FIS stock, which we purchased on October 1, 2009 pursuant to an investment agreement between us and FIS dated March 31, 2009 in connection with a merger between FIS and Metavante Technologies, Inc. During the fourth quarter of 2013, we sold 300,000 shares for a realized gain of $11 million. As of December 31, 2013, we owned 1,303,860 shares. The fair value of this investment was $70 million and $56 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. We do not engage in off-balance sheet activities other than facility and equipment leasing arrangements. On June 29, 2004 we entered into an off-balance sheet financing arrangement (commonly referred to as a “synthetic lease”). The owner/lessor in this arrangement acquired land and various real property improvements associated with new construction of an office building in Jacksonville, Florida, at our corporate campus and headquarters. The lessor financed the acquisition of the facilities through funding provided by third-party financial institutions. On June 27, 2011, we renewed and amended the synthetic lease for the facilities. The amended synthetic lease provides for a five year term ending June 27, 2016 and had an outstanding balance as of December 31, 2013 of $71 million. The amended lease includes guarantees by us of up to 83.0% of the outstanding lease balance, and options to purchase the facilities at the outstanding lease balance. The guarantee becomes effective if we decline to purchase the facilities at the end of the lease and also decline to renew the lease. The lessor is a third-party company and we have no affiliation or relationship with the lessor or any of its employees, directors or affiliates, and transactions with the lessor are limited to the operating lease agreements and the associated rent expense that have been included in Other operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. We do not believe the lessor is a variable interest entity, as defined in the FASB standard on consolidation of variable interest entities.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a description of recent accounting pronouncements, see Note S of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere herein.
Item 7A.
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk
In the normal course of business, we are routinely subject to a variety of risks, as described in the Risk Factors section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For example, we are exposed to the risk that decreased real estate activity, which depends in part on the level of interest rates, may reduce our title insurance revenues.
The risks related to our business also include certain market risks that may affect our debt and other financial instruments. At present, we face the market risks associated with our marketable equity securities subject to equity price volatility and with interest rate movements on our outstanding debt and fixed income investments.
We regularly assess these market risks and have established policies and business practices designed to protect against the adverse effects of these exposures.
At December 31, 2013, we had $1,323 million in long-term debt, of which $319 million bears interest at a floating rate. Our fixed maturity investments, certain preferred stocks and our floating rate debt are subject to an element of market risk from changes in interest rates. Increases and decreases in prevailing interest rates generally translate into decreases and increases in fair values of those instruments. Additionally, fair values of interest rate sensitive instruments may be affected by the creditworthiness of the issuer, prepayment options, relative values of alternative investments, the liquidity of the instrument and other general market conditions. We manage interest rate risk through a variety of measures. We monitor our interest rate risk and make investment decisions to manage the perceived risk. However, except for Remy as described below, we do not currently use derivative financial instruments to hedge these risks.
On March 27, 2013, Remy entered into a new undesignated interest rate swap agreement of $72 million of the outstanding principal loan balance under which Remy will swap a variable LIBOR rate with a floor of 1.25% to a fixed rate of 4.05% with an effective date of December 30, 2016 and expiration date of December 31, 2019. The notional value of this interest rate swap is $72 million. This interest rate swap is an undesignated hedge and changes in the fair value are recorded as Interest expense in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
On March 27, 2013, Remy also entered into a designated interest rate swap agreement for $72 million of the outstanding principal balance of its long term debt. Under the terms of the new interest rate swap agreement, Remy will swap a variable LIBOR rate with a floor of 1.25% to a fixed rate of 2.75% with an effective date of December 30, 2016 and expiration date of December 31, 2019. The notional value of this interest rate swap is $72 million. This interest rate swap has been designated as a cash flow hedging instrument.
The interest rate swaps reduce Remy's overall interest rate risk.
Remy production processes are dependent upon the supply of certain components whose raw materials are exposed to price fluctuations on the open market. The primary purpose of Remy's commodity price forward contract activity is to manage the volatility associated with forecasted purchases. Remy monitors commodity price risk exposures regularly to maximize the overall
effectiveness of commodity forward contracts. The principal raw material hedged is copper. Forward contracts are used to mitigate commodity price risk associated with raw materials, generally related to purchases forecast for up to twenty-four months in the future. Additionally, Remy purchases certain commodities during the normal course of business which result in physical delivery and are excluded from hedge accounting.
Remy had thirty-two commodity price hedge contracts outstanding at December 31, 2013, with combined notional quantities of 6,368 metric tons of copper. These contracts mature within the next eighteen months. These contracts were designated as cash flow hedging instruments.
Equity price risk is the risk that we will incur economic losses due to adverse changes in equity prices. In the past, our exposure to changes in equity prices primarily resulted from our holdings of equity securities. At December 31, 2013, we held $136 million in marketable equity securities (not including our investments in preferred stock of $151 million at December 31, 2013 and our Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, which amounted to $357 million at December 31, 2013). The carrying values of investments subject to equity price risks are based on quoted market prices as of the balance sheet date. Market prices are subject to fluctuation and, consequently, the amount realized in the subsequent sale of an investment may significantly differ from the reported market value. Fluctuation in the market price of a security may result from perceived changes in the underlying economic characteristics of the investee, the relative price of alternative investments and general market conditions. Furthermore, amounts realized in the sale of a particular security may be affected by the relative quantity of the security being sold.
In addition to our equity securities, fixed maturity investments and borrowings, we hold structured notes which were purchased during 2009 with a par value of $38 million and fair value of $41 million at December 31, 2013. These instruments are subject to market risks including commodity price risk. The fair value of these instruments represents exit prices obtained from a proprietary valuation model utilized by the trading desk of a broker-dealer. The fair value of the structured notes is subject to various assumptions utilized in the valuation model, including the underlying value of the relevant commodities index. The structured notes are held for general investment purposes and represent one percent of our total investment portfolio. In part because of the relatively small size of this investment, we do not believe that an adverse change in the relevant commodity prices, foreign exchange rates or interest rates on which the value of the notes depends would likely have a material effect on our financial position, and therefore we have not provided a sensitivity analysis for these instruments.
Financial instruments, which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk, consist primarily of accounts receivable and cash investments. We require placement of cash in financial institutions evaluated as highly creditworthy. Remy's customer base includes global light and commercial vehicle manufacturers and a large number of retailers, distributors and installers of automotive aftermarket parts. Remy evaluates the credit and the geographical dispersion of sales transactions to help mitigate credit risk concentration.
Remy manufactures and sells products primarily in North America, South America, Asia, Europe and Africa. As a result Remy's financial results could be significantly affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates or weak economic conditions in foreign markets in which we manufacture and sell our products. Remy generally uses natural hedges within its foreign currency activities, including the matching of revenues and costs, to minimize foreign currency risk. Where natural hedges are not in place, Remy considers managing certain aspects of its foreign currency activities through the use of foreign exchange contracts. Remy primarily utilizes forward exchange contracts with maturities generally within twenty-four months to hedge against currency rate fluctuations, some of which are designated as hedges. See Note E for further discussion.
For purposes of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we perform a sensitivity analysis to determine the effects that market risk exposures may have on the fair values of our debt and other financial instruments.
The financial instruments that are included in the sensitivity analysis with respect to interest rate risk include fixed maturity investments, preferred stock and notes payable. The financial instruments that are included in the sensitivity analysis with respect to equity price risk include marketable equity securities. With the exception of our equity method investments, it is not anticipated that there would be a significant change in the fair value of other long-term investments or short-term investments if there were a change in market conditions, based on the nature and duration of the financial instruments involved.
To perform the sensitivity analysis, we assess the risk of loss in fair values from the effect of hypothetical changes in interest rates and equity prices on market-sensitive instruments. The changes in fair values for interest rate risks are determined by estimating the present value of future cash flows using various models, primarily duration modeling. The changes in fair values for equity price risk are determined by comparing the market price of investments against their reported values as of the balance sheet date.
Information provided by the sensitivity analysis does not necessarily represent the actual changes in fair value that we would incur under normal market conditions because, due to practical limitations, all variables other than the specific market risk factor are held constant. For example, our reserve for title claim losses (representing 32.8% of total liabilities at December 31, 2013) is not included in the hypothetical effects.
We have no market risk sensitive instruments entered into for trading purposes; therefore, all of our market risk sensitive instruments were entered into for purposes other than trading. The results of the sensitivity analysis at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, are as follows:
Interest Rate Risk
At December 31, 2013, an increase (decrease) in the levels of interest rates of 100 basis points, with all other variables held constant, would result in a (decrease) increase in the fair value of our fixed maturity securities and certain of our investments in preferred stock which are tied to interest rates of $89 million as compared with a (decrease) increase of $111 million at December 31, 2012.
Additionally, for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, a decrease of 100 basis points in the levels of interest rates, with all other variables held constant, would result in no decrease in the interest expense on our average outstanding floating rate debt as the current LIBOR rate is less than 1%. An increase of 100 basis points in the levels of interest rates, with all other variables held constant, would result in an increase in the interest expense of our average outstanding floating rate debt of $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, which is consistent with the increase of $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Equity Price Risk
At December 31, 2013, a 20% increase (decrease) in market prices, with all other variables held constant, would result in an increase (decrease) in the fair value of our equity securities portfolio of $27 million, as compared with an increase (decrease) of $28 million at December 31, 2012.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO FINANCIAL INFORMATION
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Fidelity National Financial, Inc.:
We have audited Fidelity National Financial, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Fidelity National Financial, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Fidelity National Financial, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Fidelity National Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Comprehensive Earnings, Equity and Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013, and our report dated February 28, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion on those Consolidated Financial Statements.
/s/ KPMG LLP
February 28, 2014
Jacksonville, Florida
Certified Public Accountants
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Fidelity National Financial, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets of Fidelity National Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Comprehensive Earnings, Equity and Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013. These Consolidated Financial Statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these Consolidated Financial Statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the Consolidated Financial Statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Fidelity National Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Fidelity National Financial, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 28, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
////s/ KPMG LLP
February 28, 2014
Jacksonville, Florida
Certified Public Accountants
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note A.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The following describes the significant accounting policies of Fidelity National Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “we,” “us,” “our,” or “FNF”) which have been followed in preparing the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
Description of Business
We are a leading provider of title insurance, technology and transaction services to the real estate and mortgage industries. We are the nation’s largest title insurance company through our title insurance underwriters - Fidelity National Title, Chicago Title, Commonwealth Land Title and Alamo Title - that collectively issue more title insurance policies than any other title company in the United States. We also provide industry-leading mortgage technology solutions and transaction services, including MSP®, the leading residential mortgage servicing technology platform in the U.S., through our majority-owned subsidiaries, Black Knight Financial Services, LLC ("Black Knight") and ServiceLink Holdings, LLC ("ServiceLink"). In addition, we own majority and minority equity investment stakes in a number of entities, including American Blue Ribbon Holdings, LLC ("ABRH"), J. Alexander’s, LLC ("J. Alexander's"), Remy International, Inc. ("Remy"), Ceridian HCM, Inc., Comdata Inc. (collectively "Ceridian") and Digital Insurance, Inc. ("Digital Insurance").
As of December 31, 2013, we have five reporting segments as follows:
FNF Core Operations
•
Fidelity National Title Group. This segment consists of the operations of our title insurance underwriters and related businesses. This segment provides core title insurance and escrow and other title related services including collection and trust activities, trustee’s sales guarantees, recordings and reconveyances, and home warranty insurance.
•
FNF Corporate and Other. The FNF corporate and other segment consists of the operations of the parent holding company, certain other unallocated corporate overhead expenses, and other smaller real estate and insurance related operations.
Portfolio Investment Companies
•
Remy. This segment consists of the operations of Remy, in which we have a 51% ownership interest. Remy is a leading designer, manufacturer, remanufacturer, marketer and distributor of aftermarket and original equipment electrical components for automobiles, light trucks, heavy-duty trucks and other vehicles.
Restaurant Group. The Restaurant Group segment consists of the operations of ABRH, in which we have a 55% ownership interest. ABRH is the owner and operator of the O'Charley's, Ninety Nine Restaurants, Max & Erma's, Village Inn and Bakers Square. This segment also includes J. Alexander's, which includes the Stoney River Legendary Steaks ("Stoney River") concept.
•
Portfolio Company Corporate and Other. The Portfolio Company Corporate and Other segment primarily consists of our share in the operations of certain equity investments, including Ceridian, Digital Insurance and other smaller operations which are not title related.
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") and include our accounts as well as our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany profits, transactions and balances have been eliminated. Our investments in non-majority-owned partnerships and affiliates are accounted for using the equity method until such time that they become wholly or majority-owned. Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests are recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings relating to majority-owned subsidiaries with the appropriate noncontrolling interest that represents the portion of equity not related to our ownership interest recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in each period.
Recent Developments
On January 31, 2014 we announced our plans to form a new tracking stock for Fidelity National Financial Ventures (“FNFV”). As a result, we have decided to begin separately reporting the results of our core operations, which includes Fidelity National Title Group, Inc. (“FNT”), and the portfolio company investments which include Remy, the Restaurant Group, Digital Insurance and other smaller operations. The portfolio company investments will comprise FNFV in the future.
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
Discontinued Operations
The results from two closed J. Alexander's locations and a settlement services company closed in the second quarter of 2013 are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Total revenues included in discontinued operations were $8 million, $36 million, and $41 million for the years ending December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Pre-tax (loss) earnings included in discontinued operations were $(1) million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and $9 million for the years ending December 31, 2012, and 2011.
On May 1, 2012, we completed the sale of an 85% interest in our remaining subsidiaries that write personal lines insurance to WT Holdings, Inc. for $120 million. Accordingly, the results of this business through the date of sale (which we refer to as our "at-risk" insurance business) for all periods presented are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as discontinued operations. The at-risk insurance business sale resulted in a pre-tax loss of $15 million, which was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2011. Total revenues from the at-risk insurance business included in discontinued operations are $124 million, and $163 million for the years ending December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Pre-tax earnings (loss) from the at-risk insurance business included in discontinued operations are $10 million and $(24) million for the years ending December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
On October 31, 2011, we completed the sale of our flood insurance business to WRM America Holdings LLC (“WRM America”) for $135 million in cash and dividends, and a $75 million seller note. The seller note was paid in full during 2012. Accordingly, the results of this business through the date of sale for all periods presented are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as discontinued operations. The flood insurance business sale resulted in a pre-tax gain of approximately $154 million ($95 million after tax), which was recorded in 2011. Total revenues from the flood business included in discontinued operations was $151 million for the year ending December 31, 2011. Pre-tax earnings from the flood business included in discontinued operations was $29 million for the year ending December 31, 2011.
Investments
Fixed maturity securities are purchased to support our investment strategies, which are developed based on factors including rate of return, maturity, credit risk, duration, tax considerations and regulatory requirements. Fixed maturity securities which may be sold prior to maturity to support our investment strategies are carried at fair value and are classified as available for sale as of the balance sheet dates. Fair values for fixed maturity securities are principally a function of current market conditions and are valued based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or model inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly. Discount or premium is recorded for the difference between the purchase price and the principal amount. The discount or premium is amortized or accreted using the interest method and is recorded as an adjustment to interest and investment income. The interest method results in the recognition of a constant rate of return on the investment equal to the prevailing rate at the time of purchase or at the time of subsequent adjustments of book value. Changes in prepayment assumptions are accounted for retrospectively.
Equity securities and preferred stocks held are considered to be available for sale and carried at fair value as of the balance sheet dates. Our equity securities and certain preferred stocks are Level 1 financial assets and fair values are based on quoted prices in active markets. Other preferred stock holdings are Level 2 financial assets and are valued based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or model inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly.
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates are recorded using the equity method of accounting.
Other long-term investments consist of structured notes and various cost-method investments. The structured notes are carried at fair value as of the balance sheet dates. Fair values are based on exit prices obtained from a broker-dealer. The cost-method investments are carried at historical cost.
Short-term investments, which consist primarily of commercial paper and money market instruments, which have an original maturity of one year or less, are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of the cost of the specific investments sold and are credited or charged to income on a trade date basis. Unrealized gains or losses on securities which are classified as available for sale, net of applicable deferred income tax expenses (benefits), are excluded from earnings and credited or charged directly to a separate component of equity. If any unrealized losses on available for sale securities are determined to be other-than-temporary, such unrealized losses are recognized as realized losses. Unrealized losses are considered other-than-temporary if factors exist that cause us to believe that the value will not increase to a level sufficient to recover our cost basis. Some factors considered in evaluating whether or not a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary include: (i) our need and intent to sell the investment prior to a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in value; (ii) the duration and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost; and (iii) the financial condition and prospects of the issuer. Such reviews are inherently uncertain and the value of the investment may not fully recover or may decline in future periods resulting in a realized loss.
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Highly liquid instruments purchased as part of cash management with original maturities of three months or less are considered cash equivalents. The carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for these instruments approximate their fair value.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair values of financial instruments presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements are estimates of the fair values at a specific point in time using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and significant judgment in the interpretation of current market data. We do not necessarily intend to dispose of or liquidate such instruments prior to maturity.
Trade and Notes Receivables
The carrying values reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for trade and notes receivables approximate their fair value.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of identifiable net assets acquired and assumed in a business combination. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if circumstances indicate potential impairment, through a comparison of fair value to the carrying amount. In evaluating the recoverability of goodwill, we perform an annual goodwill impairment analysis based on a review of qualitative factors to determine if events and circumstances exist which will lead to a determination that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, prior to performing a full fair-value assessment.
We completed annual goodwill impairment analyses in the fourth quarter of each respective year using a September 30 measurement date and as a result no goodwill impairments have been recorded. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we determined there were no events or circumstances which indicated that the carrying value exceeded the fair value.
Other Intangible Assets
We have other intangible assets, not including goodwill, which consist primarily of customer relationships and contracts and trademarks which are generally recorded in connection with acquisitions at their fair value, and debt issuance costs relating to the issuance of our long-term notes payable. Intangible assets with estimable lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. In general, customer relationships are amortized over their estimated useful lives using an accelerated method which takes into consideration expected customer attrition rates. Contractual relationships are generally amortized over their contractual life. Trademarks are considered intangible assets with indefinite lives and are reviewed for impairment at least annually. Debt issuance costs are amortized on a straight line basis over the contractual life of the related debt instrument.
In our Remy segment, upon entering into new or extending existing contracts, we may be required to purchase certain cores and inventory from our customers at retail prices, or be obligated to provide certain agreed support. The excess of the prices paid for the cores and inventory over fair value, and the value of any agreed support, are recorded as contract intangibles and amortized as a reduction to auto parts revenue on a method to reflect the pattern of economic benefit consumed. Customer contract intangibles which are not paid to customers, are amortized and recorded in cost of auto parts revenue.
We recorded no impairment expense related to other intangible assets in 2013, 2012, or 2011.
Title Plants
Title plants are recorded at the cost incurred to construct or obtain and organize historical title information to the point it can be used to perform title searches. Costs incurred to maintain, update and operate title plants are expensed as incurred. Title plants are not amortized as they are considered to have an indefinite life if maintained. Sales of title plants are reported at the amount received net of the adjusted costs of the title plant sold. Sales of title plant copies are reported at the amount received. No cost is allocated to the sale of copies of title plants unless the carrying value of the title plant is diminished or impaired. Title plants are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. We reviewed title plants for impairment in the years ending December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 and identified and recorded impairment expense of $4 million, $13 million and $3 million, respectively.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost, less depreciation. Depreciation is computed primarily using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the related assets: twenty to thirty years for buildings and three to seven years for furniture, fixtures and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the term of
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
the applicable lease or the estimated useful lives of such assets. Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable.
Remy. Property and equipment within our Remy segment are recorded at cost, less depreciation. Major expenditures that significantly extend the useful life or enhance the usability of the property, plant or equipment are capitalized. Depreciation is calculated primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets (fifteen to forty years for buildings and 3 to 15 years for tooling, machinery and equipment). Capital leases and leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term or their estimated useful life.
Restaurant Group. Property and equipment within our Restaurant Group segment are recorded at cost, less depreciation. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over thirty years for buildings and improvements and three to twenty-five years for furniture, fixtures and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the asset’s estimated useful life or the expected lease term, inclusive of renewal periods not to exceed twenty years. Equipment under capitalized leases is amortized on a straight-line basis to its expected residual value at the end of the lease term. All direct external costs associated with obtaining the land, building and equipment for each new restaurant, as well as construction period interest are capitalized. Direct external costs associated with obtaining the dining room and kitchen equipment, signage and other assets and equipment are also capitalized. In addition, for each new restaurant and re-branded restaurant, a portion of the internal direct costs of its real estate and construction department are also capitalized.
Reserve for Title Claim Losses
Our reserve for title claim losses includes known claims as well as losses we expect to incur, net of recoupments. Each known claim is reserved based on our review as to the estimated amount of the claim and the costs required to settle the claim. Reserves for claims which are incurred but not reported are established at the time premium revenue is recognized based on historical loss experience and also take into consideration other factors, including industry trends, claim loss history, current legal environment, geographic considerations and the type of policy written.
The reserve for claim losses also includes reserves for losses arising from the escrow title-related and other fees relating to closing and disbursement functions due to fraud or operational error.
If a loss is related to a policy issued by an independent agent, we may proceed against the independent agent pursuant to the terms of the agency agreement. In any event, we may proceed against third parties who are responsible for any loss under the title insurance policy under rights of subrogation.
Secured Trust Deposits
In the state of Illinois, a trust company is permitted to commingle and invest customers’ assets with its own assets, pending completion of real estate transactions. Accordingly, our Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect a secured trust deposit liability of $588 million and $528 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, representing customers’ assets held by us and corresponding assets including cash and investments pledged as security for those trust balances.
Income Taxes
We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities and expected benefits of utilizing net operating loss and credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The impact on deferred taxes of changes in tax rates and laws, if any, is applied to the years during which temporary differences are expected to be settled and reflected in the financial statements in the period enacted.
Reinsurance
In a limited number of situations, we limit our maximum loss exposure by reinsuring certain risks with other insurers. We also earn a small amount of additional income, which is reflected in our direct premiums, by assuming reinsurance for certain risks of other insurers. We cede a portion of certain policy and other liabilities under agent fidelity, excess of loss and case-by-case reinsurance agreements. Reinsurance agreements provide that in the event of a loss (including costs, attorneys’ fees and expenses) exceeding the retained amounts, the reinsurer is liable for the excess amount assumed. However, the ceding company remains primarily liable in the event the reinsurer does not meet its contractual obligations.
Core Accounting
In our Remy segment, remanufacturing is the process where failed or used components, commonly known as cores, are disassembled into subcomponents, cleaned, inspected, tested, combined with new subcomponents and reassembled into salable, finished products. With many customers, a deposit is charged for the core. Upon return of a core, we grant the customer a credit based on the core deposit value. Core deposits are excluded from auto parts revenue. We record a liability for core returns based
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
on cores expected to be returned. This liability is recorded in Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The liability represents the difference between the core deposit value to be credited to the customer and the estimated core inventory value of the core to be returned. Revisions to these estimates are made periodically to consider current costs and customer return trends. Upon receipt of a core, we record inventory at lower of cost or fair market value. The value of a core declines over its estimated useful life (ranging from 4 to 30 years) and is devalued accordingly. Carrying value of the core inventory is evaluated by comparing current prices obtained from core brokers to carrying cost. The devaluation of core carrying value is reflected as a charge to Cost of auto parts revenue. Core inventory that is deemed to be obsolete or in excess of current and future projected demand is written down to the lower of cost or market and charged to Cost of auto parts revenue. Core inventories are classified as Prepaid expenses and other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
In our Remy segment, when we enter into arrangements to purchase certain cores held in a customer’s inventory or when the customer is not charged a deposit for the core, we have the right to receive a core from the customer in return for every exchange unit supplied to them. We classify such rights as “Core return rights” in Prepaid expenses and other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The core return rights are valued based on the underlying core inventory values. Devaluation of these rights is charged to Cost of auto parts revenue. On a periodic basis, we settle with customers for cores that have not been returned.
Research and Development
In our Remy segment, we conduct research and development programs that are expected to contribute to future earnings. Such costs are included in Other operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Customer-funded research and development expenses are recorded as an offset to research and development expense in Other operating expenses.
Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency for our foreign operations is either the U.S. Dollar or the local currency, with the exception of our Remy subsidiaries in Hungary for which the Euro is the functional currency, since substantially all of their purchases and sales are denominated in Euro. For foreign operations where the local currency is the functional currency, the translation of foreign currencies into U.S. Dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted average exchange rate during the period. The unrealized gains and losses resulting from the translation are included in Accumulated other comprehensive earnings in the Consolidated Financial Statements and are excluded from net earnings. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in Realized gains and losses, net and are insignificant in 2013, 2012, and 2011. We evaluate our foreign subsidiaries’ functional currency on an ongoing basis.
Derivative Financial Instruments
In our Remy segment, in the normal course of business, our operations are exposed to continuing fluctuations in foreign currency values, interest rates and commodity prices that can affect the cost of operating, investing and financing. Accordingly, we address a portion of these risks through a controlled program of risk management that includes the use of derivative financial instruments. We have historically used derivative financial instruments for the purpose of hedging currency, interest rate and commodity exposures, which exist as a part of ongoing business operations.
As a policy, we do not engage in speculative or leveraged transactions, nor do we hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Our objective for holding derivatives is to minimize risks using the most effective and cost-efficient methods available. Management routinely reviews the effectiveness of the use of derivative financial instruments.
We recognize all of our derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated, and is effective, as a hedge and further, on the type of hedging relationship. For those derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, we designate the hedging instrument, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a fair value hedge, cash flow hedge or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. Gains and losses related to a hedge are either recognized in earnings immediately to offset the gain or loss on the hedged item or are deferred and reported as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss) and subsequently recognized in earnings when the hedged item affects earnings. The change in fair value of the ineffective portion of a financial instrument that has been designated as a hedge, determined using the change in fair value method, is recognized in earnings immediately. The gain or loss related to derivative financial instruments that are not designated as hedges is recognized immediately in earnings.
Warranty
In our Remy segment, we provide certain warranties relating to quality and performance of our products. An allowance for the estimated future cost of product warranties and other defective product returns is based on management’s estimate of product failure rates and customer eligibility and is included in Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
Sheet. If these factors differ from management’s estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability may be required. The specific terms and conditions of the warranties vary depending upon the customer and the product sold.
Revenue Recognition
Fidelity National Title Group. Our direct title insurance premiums and escrow, title-related and other fees are recognized as revenue at the time of closing of the related transaction as the earnings process is then considered complete, whereas premium revenues from agency operations and agency commissions include an accrual based on estimates using historical information of the volume of transactions that have closed in a particular period for which premiums have not yet been reported to us. The accrual for agency premiums is necessary because of the lag between the closing of these transactions and the reporting of these policies to us by the agent. Historically, the time lag between the closing of these transactions by our agents and the reporting of these policies, or premiums, to us has been up to 15 months, with 70-80% reported within three months following closing, an additional 10-20% reported within the next three months and the remainder within seven to fifteen months. In addition to accruing these earned but unreported agency premiums, we also accrue agent commission expense, which was 76.1%, of agent premiums earned in 2013, 76.2% of agent premiums earned in 2012 and 77.1% of agent premiums earned in 2011. We also record a provision for claim losses at our average provision rate at the time we record the accrual for the premiums, which was 7.0% for 2013 and 2012 and 6.8% for 2011, and accruals for premium taxes and other expenses relating to our premium accrual. The resulting impact to pretax earnings in any period is less than 10% of the accrued premium amount. The impact of the change in the accrual for agency premiums and related expenses on our pretax earnings was a decrease of $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, less than $1 million for the year ended 2012 and an increase of $8 million for the year ended 2011. The amount due from our agents relating to this accrual, i.e., the agent premium less their contractual retained commission, was approximately $74 million and $90 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which represents agency premiums of approximately $364 million and $438 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and agent commissions of $290 million and $348 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Revenues from home warranty insurance policies are recognized over the life of the policy, which is one year. The unrecognized portion is recorded as deferred revenue in Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Remy. Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, ownership has transferred, the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Sales are recorded upon shipment of product to customers and transfer of title and risk of loss under standard commercial terms (typically, F.O.B. shipping point). We recognize shipping and handling costs as Costs of auto parts revenue with the related amounts billed to customers as sales. Accruals for sales returns, price protection and other allowances are provided at the time of shipment based upon past experience. Adjustments to such accruals are made as new information becomes available. We accrue for rebates, price protection and other customer sales allowances in accordance with specific customer arrangements. Such rebates are recorded as a reduction of Auto parts revenue.
Restaurant Group. Restaurant revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings consists of restaurant sales and, to a lesser extent, franchise revenue and other revenue. Restaurant sales include food and beverage sales and are net of applicable state and local sales taxes and discounts.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. In periods when earnings are positive, diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and the impact of assumed conversions of potentially dilutive securities. For periods when we recognize a net loss, diluted earnings per share is equal to basic earnings per share as the impact of assumed conversions of potentially dilutive securities is considered to be anti-dilutive. We have granted certain options, warrants, restricted stock, and convertible notes which have been treated as common share equivalents for purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share for periods in which positive earnings have been reported.
For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, options to purchase 1 million shares, 4 million shares and 8 million shares, respectively, of our common stock were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive.
Transactions with Related Parties
We have historically conducted business with Fidelity National Information Services ("FIS") and its subsidiaries.
A summary of the agreements that were in effect with FIS through December 31, 2013, is as follows:
•
Technology (“IT”) and data processing services from FIS. These agreements govern IT support services provided to us by FIS, primarily consisting of infrastructure support and data center management. Subject to certain early termination
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
provisions, the agreement expires on or about June 30, 2014 with an option to renew for one additional year. Certain subsidiaries of FIS have also provided technology consulting services to FNF during 2013.
•
Administrative corporate support and cost-sharing services to FIS.
A detail of net revenues and expenses between us and FIS that were included in our results of operations for the periods presented is as follows:
We believe the amounts we earned or were charged under each of the foregoing arrangements are fair and reasonable. The information technology infrastructure support and data center management services provided to us are priced within the range of prices that FIS offers to its unaffiliated third party customers for the same types of services. However, the amounts FNF earned or was charged under these arrangements were not negotiated at arm’s-length, and may not represent the terms that we might have obtained from an unrelated third party. The net amounts due to FIS as a result of these agreements were $3 million and $5 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we owned 1,303,860 and 1,603,860 shares of FIS common stock, respectively, which were purchased pursuant to an investment agreement between us and FIS dated March 31, 2009. During the fourth quarter of 2013, we sold 300,000 shares for a realized gain of $11 million. The fair value of this investment is $70 million and $56 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and is recorded in Equity securities available for sale. Changes in fair value of the FIS stock are recorded as other comprehensive earnings.
Also included in fixed maturities available for sale are FIS bonds with a fair value of $42 million and $53 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation Plans
We account for stock-based compensation plans using the fair value method. Using the fair value method of accounting, compensation cost is measured based on the fair value of the award at the grant date, using the Black-Scholes Model, and recognized over the service period.
Management Estimates
The preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Certain Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made in the 2012 and 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements to conform to classifications used in 2013.
Note B - Acquisitions
The results of operations and financial position of the entities acquired during any year are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements from and after the date of acquisition.
Acquisition and Merger with Lender Processing Services
On January 13, 2014, Remy announced that they acquired substantially all of the assets of United Starters and Alternators Industries, Inc. ("USA Industries") pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Asset Purchase Agreement, effective as of January 13, 2014. USA Industries is a leading worldwide distributor of premium quality re-manufactured and new alternators, starters, constant velocity axles and disc brake calipers for the light-duty aftermarket. Total consideration paid was $41 million.
On January 2, 2014, we completed the purchase of Lender Processing Services, Inc. ("LPS"). The purchase consideration paid was $37.14 per share, of which $28.10 per share was paid in cash and the remaining $9.04 was paid in FNF common shares. The purchase consideration represented an exchange ratio of 0.28742 per share of LPS common stock. Total consideration paid
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
for LPS was $3.4 billion, which consisted of $2,535 million in cash and $836 million in FNF common stock. In order to pay the stock component of the consideration, we issued 25,920,078 shares to the former LPS shareholders. We have not completed the initial purchase price allocation due to the timing of the acquisition. We plan to have the initial purchase price allocation recognized during the first quarter of 2014 and the final purchase price allocation completed during 2014.
Subsequent to our announcement of the LPS acquisition, we formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Black Knight Financial Services, Inc. (now known as Black Knight Holdings, Inc., "Black Knight"). Black Knight is the mortgage and finance industries' leading provider of integrated technology, data and analytics solutions, and transaction services. Black Knight has two operating segments, ServiceLink Holdings, LLC ("ServiceLink") and Black Knight Financial Services, LLC ("BKFS"). We retained a 65% ownership interest in each of the subsidiaries and issued the remaining 35% ownership interest to funds affiliated with Thomas H. Lee Partners, and certain related entities on January 3, 2014. Black Knight, through ServiceLink and BKFS, now owns and operates the former LPS businesses and our ServiceLink business. Fidelity National Title Group, BKFS and ServiceLink will be our core operating subsidiaries in the future.
Acquisition of Remy International, Inc.
During the third quarter of 2012, we acquired 1.5 million additional shares of Remy International, Inc. ("Remy"), increasing our ownership interest to 16.3 million shares or 51% of Remy's total outstanding common shares. As a result of this acquisition we began to consolidate the results of Remy effective August 14, 2012. We previously held a 47% ownership interest in Remy. Total consideration paid for the additional 1.5 million shares was $31 million and cash acquired upon consolidation of Remy was $95 million. Goodwill has been recorded based on the amount that the purchase price exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired. Our 47% equity method investment prior to consolidation of $179 million was included in Investments in unconsolidated affiliates on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. A realized gain of $79 million was recognized in 2012 for the difference between our basis in our equity method investment of Remy prior to consolidation and the fair value of our investment in Remy at August 14, 2012, the date we acquired control and began to consolidate its operations.
Acquisition of O'Charley's Inc. and Merger with ABRH
On April 9, 2012, we successfully closed a tender offer for the outstanding common stock of O'Charley's Inc. ("O'Charley's"). We have consolidated the results of O'Charley's as of April 9, 2012. On May 11, 2012, we merged O'Charley's with our investment in ABRH in exchange for an increase in our ownership position in ABRH from 45% to 55%. As of December 31, 2013, there were 312 company-owned restaurants in the O'Charley's group of companies and 214 company-owned restaurants in the ABRH group of companies. Total consideration paid was $122 million in cash, net of cash acquired of $35 million. Our investment in ABRH, prior to the merger, was $37 million and was included in Investments in unconsolidated affiliates on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Our investment in O'Charley's prior to the tender offer of $14 million was included in Equity securities available for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. We have consolidated the operations of ABRH with the O'Charley's group of companies, beginning on May 11, 2012.
A realized gain of $66 million, which is included in Realized gains and losses on the Consolidated Statement of Earnings, was recognized in 2012 for the difference between our basis in our equity method investment of ABRH prior to consolidation and the fair value of our investment in ABRH at the date of consolidation. The fair value of our investment in ABRH was estimated using relative market based comparable information. In regards to O'Charley's, we recognized a $48 million bargain purchase gain discussed further below, and a gain of $7 million for the difference in the basis of our holdings in O'Charley's common stock prior to consolidation and the fair value of O'Charley's common stock at the date of consolidation. As a result of the final valuation, we recognized and measured the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the O'Charley's purchase at fair value. Upon completion of the fair value process, the net assets of O'Charley's received by FNF exceeded the purchase price resulting in a bargain purchase gain of $48 million, which is included in Realized gains and losses on the Consolidated Statement of Earnings for 2012. The bargain purchase gain was due to the release of a valuation allowance on O'Charley's net deferred tax assets. O'Charley's previously had recorded a valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets, due to its history of net losses and the low probability of being able to utilize these assets. We also recorded a $11 million increase to our Additional paid-in capital during 2012, related to the fair value of the non-controlling interest portion of our ownership in O'Charley's.
Other Acquisitions
Digital Insurance, Inc.
On December 31, 2012, we acquired Digital Insurance, Inc. ("Digital Insurance"). Total consideration paid was $98 million in cash, net of cash acquired of $3 million. We consolidated the operations of Digital Insurance as of December 31, 2012. Digital Insurance is the nation's leading employee benefits platform specializing in health insurance distribution and benefits management for small and mid-sized businesses.
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
J. Alexander's Corporation
In September 2012, we successfully completed a tender offer for the outstanding common stock of J. Alexander's Corporation, which later became J. Alexander's LLC, for $14.50 per share. Total consideration paid was $72 million in cash, net of cash acquired of $7 million. We have consolidated the operations of J. Alexander's beginning September 26, 2012. J. Alexander's operates 30 J. Alexander's restaurants in 12 states. On February 25, 2013, we merged Stoney River Legendary Steaks into J. Alexander's.
Note C.
Fair Value Measurements
The fair value hierarchy established by the accounting standards on fair value measurements includes three levels which are based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure the financial instruments fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the categorization is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities that are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized based on the inputs to the valuation techniques as follows:
Level 1. Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that we have the ability to access.
Level 2. Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or model inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3. Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on model inputs that are unobservable.
The following table presents our fair value hierarchy for those assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively:
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
Our Level 2 fair value measures for fixed-maturities available for sale are provided by third-party pricing services. We utilize one firm for our taxable bond and preferred stock portfolio and another for our tax-exempt bond portfolio. These pricing services are leading global providers of financial market data, analytics and related services to financial institutions. We rely on one price for each instrument to determine the carrying amount of the assets on our balance sheet. The inputs utilized in these pricing methodologies include observable measures such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data including market research publications. We review the pricing methodologies for all of our Level 2 securities by obtaining an understanding of the valuation models and assumptions used by the third-party as well as independently comparing the resulting prices to other publicly available measures of fair value and internally developed models. The pricing methodologies used by the relevant third party pricing services are:
•
U.S. government and agencies: These securities are valued based on data obtained for similar securities in active markets and from inter-dealer brokers.
•
State and political subdivisions: These securities are valued based on data obtained for similar securities in active markets and from inter-dealer brokers. Factors considered include relevant trade information, dealer quotes and other relevant market data.
•
Corporate debt securities: These securities are valued based on dealer quotes and related market trading activity. Factors considered include the bond's yield, its terms and conditions, or any other feature which may influence its risk and thus marketability, as well as relative credit information and relevant sector news.
•
Foreign government bonds: These securities are valued based on a discounted cash flow model incorporating observable market inputs such as available broker quotes and yields of comparable securities.
•
Mortgage-backed/asset-backed securities: These securities are comprised of commercial mortgage-backed securities, agency mortgage-backed securities, collaterized mortgage obligations, and asset-backed securities. They are valued based on available trade information, dealer quotes, cash flows, relevant indices and market data for similar assets in active markets.
•
Preferred stock: Preferred stocks are valued by calculating the appropriate spread over a comparable US Treasury security. Inputs include benchmark quotes and other relevant market data.
Our Level 2 fair value measures for our interest rate swap, foreign exchange contracts, and commodity contracts are valued using the income approach. This approach uses techniques to convert future amounts to a single present value amount based upon market expectations (including present value techniques, option-pricing and excess earnings models).
Our Level 3 investments consist of structured notes that were purchased in the third quarter of 2009. The structured notes had a par value of $38 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012 and a fair value of $38 million and $41 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The structured notes are held for general investment purposes and represent one percent of our total
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
investment portfolio. The structured notes are classified as Other long-term investments and are measured in their entirety at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. The fair value of these instruments are the product of a proprietary valuation model utilized by the trading desk of the broker-dealer and contain assumptions relating to volatility, the level of interest rates, and the underlying value of the indexes, exchange-traded funds, and foreign currencies. We review the pricing methodologies for our Level 3 investments to ensure that they are reasonable and believe they represent an exit price as of December 31, 2013.
The following table presents the changes in our investments that are classified as Level 3 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in millions):
The carrying amounts of short-term investments, accounts receivable and notes receivable approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. The fair value of our notes payable is included in Note J.
Additional information regarding the fair value of our investment portfolio is included in Note D.
Note D.
Investments
The carrying amounts and fair values of our available for sale securities at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
The cost basis of fixed maturity securities available for sale includes an adjustment for amortized premium or discount since the date of purchase. At December 31, 2013 all of our mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are rated AAA or better by Moody's Investors Service. The mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are made up of $77 million of agency mortgage-backed securities, $27 million of collateralized mortgage obligations, and $5 million in asset-backed securities.
The change in net unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturities for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $(58) million, $33 million, and $(10) million, respectively.
The following table presents certain information regarding contractual maturities of our fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2013:
Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Included above in amounts subject to call are $1,209 million and $1,236 million in amortized cost and fair value, respectively, of fixed maturity securities with make-whole call provisions as of December 31, 2013.
Fixed maturity securities valued at approximately $129 million and $160 million were on deposit with various governmental authorities at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, as required by law.
Also included in fixed maturities available for sale are FIS bonds with a fair value of $42 million and $53 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Equity securities are carried at fair value. The balance of equity securities includes an investment in FIS stock, which we purchased on October 1, 2009 pursuant to an investment agreement between us and FIS dated March 31, 2009 in connection with a merger between FIS and Metavante Technologies, Inc. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we owned 1,303,860 and 1,603,860 shares of FIS common stock. During the fourth quarter of 2013, we sold 300,000 shares for a realized gain of $11 million. The fair value of this investment is $70 million and $56 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The change in unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was a net increase (decrease) of $30 million, $12 million, and $(2) million, respectively.
Our investments at December 31, 2013 and 2012 included investments in banks at a cost basis of $378 million and $409 million, respectively, and a fair value of $381 million and $433 million, respectively. There were no significant investments in trusts or insurance companies at December 31, 2013 or 2012.
Net unrealized losses on investment securities and the fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in millions):
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
A substantial portion of our unrealized losses relate to preferred stock. These unrealized losses were primarily caused by market volatility. We expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of our temporarily impaired preferred stock as we do not intend to sell these securities and we do not believe that we will be required to sell the preferred stock before recovery of the cost basis. For these reasons, we do not consider these securities other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2013. It is reasonably possible that declines in fair value below cost not considered other-than-temporary in the current period could be considered to be other-than-temporary in a future period and earnings would be reduced to the extent of the impairment.
During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we incurred impairment charges relating to investments that were determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired, which resulted in impairment charges of $1 million, $3 million and $17 million, respectively. Impairment charges during all three years, related to fixed maturity securities primarily related to our conclusion that the credit risk of these holdings was high and the ability of the issuer to pay the full amount of the principal outstanding was unlikely.
As of December 31, 2013 we held no securities for which other-than-temporary impairments had been previously recognized and in 2012, we held $7 million in investments for which an other-than-temporary impairment had been previously recognized; all of the impairments related to credit losses.
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
The following table presents realized gains and losses on investments and other assets and proceeds from the sale or maturity of investments and other assets for the years ending December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively:
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
Interest and investment income consists of the following:
Included in our other long-term investments are fixed-maturity structured notes purchased in the third quarter of 2009 and cost-method investments. The structured notes are carried at fair value (see Note C) and changes in the fair value of these structured notes are recorded as Realized gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The carrying value of the structured notes was $38 million and $41 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We recorded a loss of $3 million related to the structured notes in the year ended December 31, 2013, no gain or loss related to the structured notes in 2012, and a net loss of $4 million related to the structured notes in the 2011.
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates are recorded using the equity method of accounting and as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following (in millions):
During the year ended December 31, 2013, we purchased $31 million in Ceridian bonds which are included in Fixed maturity securities available for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and have a fair value of $36 million as of December 31, 2013.
During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, we recorded an aggregate of $(26) million, $10 million, and $10 million, respectively, in equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated affiliates. We account for our equity in Ceridian on a three-month lag. Accordingly, our net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2013, includes our equity in Ceridian’s earnings for the period from October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013 and our net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2012, includes our equity in Ceridian’s earnings for the period from October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012. In addition, we record our share of the other comprehensive earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates. As of December 31, 2013, included within the Consolidated Statements of Equity, we had recorded accumulated other comprehensive losses of $67 million related to our investment in Ceridian, and none related to our other investments in unconsolidated affiliates.
During the fourth quarter of 2013, Ceridian entered into a memorandum of understanding to resolve claims brought by a putative class of U.S. Fueling Merchants. Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding, which will need to be finalized in a definitive settlement agreement and approved by the Court, Ceridian has agreed to make a one-time cash payment of $100 million as part of a $130 million global settlement with other defendants in the lawsuit, and to provide certain prospective relief with respect to specific provisions in its merchant agreements. This settlement will provide Ceridian and affiliated companies with a broad release of claims and will limit their exposure to legal claims by merchants. We estimate our portion of the settlement to be approximately $32 million, which will be recorded by us in the first quarter of 2014 as a result of our three-month lag in accounting for the results of operations of Ceridian.
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
Summarized financial information for the periods included in our Consolidated Financial Statements for Ceridian is presented below:
Note E.
Remy Derivative Financial Instruments and Concentration of Risk
The following risks and derivative instruments were added as part of the consolidation of Remy on August 14, 2012.
Foreign Currency Risk
Remy manufactures and sells products primarily in North America, South America, Asia, Europe and Africa. As a result, financial results could be significantly affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates or weak economic conditions in foreign markets in which Remy manufactures and sells products. Remy generally tries to use natural hedges within its foreign currency activities, including the matching of revenues and costs, to minimize foreign currency risk. Where natural hedges are not in place, Remy considers managing certain aspects of its foreign currency activities through the use of foreign exchange contracts. Remy primarily utilizes forward exchange contracts with maturities generally within eighteen months to hedge against currency rate fluctuations, all of which are designated as hedges.
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, Remy had the following outstanding foreign currency contracts to hedge forecasted purchases and revenues (in millions):
Accumulated unrealized net gains of $2 million and $3 million were recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to these instruments. As of December 31, 2013, unrealized gains
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
related to these instruments of $3 million are expected to be reclassified to the Consolidated Statement of Earnings within the next 12 months. Any ineffectiveness during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was immaterial.
Interest rate risk
During 2010, Remy entered into an interest rate swap agreement in respect of 50% of the outstanding principal balance of its Term B Loan under which a variable LIBOR rate with a floor of 1.750% was swapped to a fixed rate of 3.345%. Due to the significant value of the terminated swaps which were rolled into this swap, this interest rate swap is an undesignated hedge and changes in the fair value are recorded as Interest expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Earnings.
On March 27, 2013, Remy terminated its undesignated Term B Loan interest rate swap and transferred the value into a new undesignated interest rate swap agreement of $72 million of the outstanding principal loan balance under which Remy will swap a variable LIBOR rate with a floor of 1.250% to a fixed rate of 4.050% with an effective date of December 30, 2016 and expiration date of December 31, 2019. The notional value of this interest rate swap is $72 million. Due to the significant value of the terminated swaps which were transferred into this new swap, this interest rate swap is an undesignated hedge and changes in the fair value are recorded as Interest expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
On March 27, 2013, Remy entered into a designated interest rate swap agreement for $72 million of the outstanding principal balance of its long term debt. Under the terms of the new interest rate swap agreement, Remy will swap a variable LIBOR rate with a floor of 1.250% to a fixed rate of 2.750% with an effective date of December 30, 2016 and expiration date of December 31, 2019. The notional value of this interest rate swap is $72 million. This interest rate swap has been designated as a cash flow hedging instrument. Accumulated unrealized net gains of $1 million, excluding the tax effect, were recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss) as of December 31, 2013, and there were none as of December 31, 2012. As of December 31, 2013, no gains are expected to be reclassified to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings within the next twelve months. Any ineffectiveness during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was immaterial.
The interest rate swaps reduce Remy's overall interest rate risk.
Commodity price risk
Remy production processes are dependent upon the supply of certain components whose raw materials are exposed to price fluctuations on the open market. The primary purpose of Remy's commodity price forward contract activity is to manage the volatility associated with forecasted purchases. Remy monitors commodity price risk exposures regularly to maximize the overall effectiveness of commodity forward contracts. The principal raw material hedged is copper. Forward contracts are used to mitigate commodity price risk associated with raw materials, generally related to purchases forecast for up to fifteen months in the future. Additionally, Remy purchases certain commodities during the normal course of business which result in physical delivery and are excluded from hedge accounting.
Remy had thirty-two commodity price hedge contracts outstanding at December 31, 2013, and thirty-six commodity price hedge contracts outstanding at December, 2012, with combined notional quantities of 6,368 and 6,566 metric tons of copper, respectively. These contracts mature within the next eighteen months. These contracts were designated as cash flow hedging instruments. Accumulated unrealized net losses of $1 million and less than $1 million, excluding the tax effect, were recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive earnings as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to these contracts. As of December 31, 2013, net unrealized losses related to these contracts of $1 million are expected to be reclassified to the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Earnings within the next 12 months. Hedging ineffectiveness during the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was immaterial.
Accounts receivable factoring arrangements
Remy has entered into factoring agreements with various domestic and European financial institutions to sell their accounts receivable under nonrecourse agreements. These are treated as a sale. The transactions are accounted for as a reduction in accounts receivable as the agreements transfer effective control over and risk related to the receivables to the buyers. Remy does not service any domestic accounts after the factoring has occurred. Remy does not have any servicing assets or liabilities. Remy utilizes factoring arrangements as an integral part of financing. The cost of factoring such accounts receivable is reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Earnings as Interest expense. The cost of factoring such accounts receivable for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $6 million and $2 million, respectively. Gross amounts factored under these facilities as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $241 million and $184 million, respectively.
Other
Remy's derivative positions and any related material collateral under master netting agreements are presented on a gross basis.
For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, changes in the time value are excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Unrealized gains and losses associated with ineffective hedges, determined using the change in fair value method,
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
are recognized in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Derivative gains and losses included in Accumulated other comprehensive earnings for effective hedges are reclassified into the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Earnings upon recognition of the hedged transaction.
Any derivative instrument designated initially, but no longer effective as a hedge, or initially not effective as a hedge, is recorded at fair value and the related gains and losses are recognized in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Remy's undesignated hedges are primarily foreign currency hedges as the entity with the derivative transaction does not bear the foreign currency risk, and Remy's interest rate swaps whose fair value at inception of the instrument due to the rollover of existing interest rate swaps resulted in ineffectiveness. All asset and liability derivatives are included in Prepaid expenses and other assets and Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following table discloses the fair values of Remy's derivative instruments (in millions):
Gains and losses on Remy's derivative instruments, which are reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (OCI) into earnings, are included in Cost of auto parts revenue for commodity and foreign currency contracts, and Interest expense for interest rate swap contracts on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The following table discloses the effect of Remy's derivative instruments for the year ended December 31, 2013 (in millions):
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
The following table discloses the effect of Remy's derivative instruments for the year ended December 31, 2012 (in millions):
Note F.
Property and Equipment
Depreciation expense on property and equipment was $117 million, $80 million, and $38 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Note G.
Goodwill
Goodwill consists of the following:
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
_____________________________________
(1) During 2012, we acquired a controlling interest in Remy and the Restaurant Group. We also acquired Digital Insurance in our Corporate and Other Segment. See Note B "Acquisitions".
(2) During 2013, we completed the final purchase price allocation for Digital Insurance, resulting in an adjustment to our purchased goodwill.
Note H.
Other Intangible Assets
Other intangible assets consist of the following:
Amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets, which consist primarily of customer relationships, was $73 million, $34 million, and $17 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Other intangible assets primarily represent non-amortizable intangible assets such as trademarks and licenses. Estimated amortization expense for the next five years for assets owned at December 31, 2013, is $66 million in 2014, $60 million in 2015, $54 million in 2016, $42 million in 2017 and $38 million in 2018.
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
Note I.
Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities consist of the following:
Note J.
Notes Payable
Notes payable consists of the following:
At December 31, 2013, the estimated fair value of our long-term debt was approximately $1,555 million or $232 million higher than its carrying value. The fair value of our long-term debt at December 31, 2012 was approximately $1,504 million or $160 million higher than its estimated carrying value. The fair value of our unsecured notes payable was $1,214 million and $1,139 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The fair values of our unsecured notes payable are based on established market prices for the securities on December 31, 2013 and 2012 and are considered Level 2 financial liabilities. The fair value of our Remy Term Loan was $267 million and $259 million, based on established market prices for the securities on December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and is considered a Level 2 financial liability. The fair value of our Restaurant Group Term Loan
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
was $53 million and $72 million, based on established market prices for the securities on December 31, 2013 and 2012 and is considered a Level 2 financial liability.
On January 2, 2014, as a result of the LPS acquisition, we acquired $600 million aggregate principal amount of 5.75% Senior Notes due 2023, initially offered by Black Knight Infoserv, LLC (formerly LPS, "Black Knight Infoserv") on October 12, 2012 (the "Black Knight Senior Notes"). The Black Knight Senior Notes were registered under the Securities Act of 1933, and as amended, carry an interest rate of 5.75% and will mature on April 15, 2023. Interest will be paid semi-annually on the 15th day of April and October beginning April 15, 2013. The Black Knight Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations and are guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries that were formerly subsidiaries of LPS (the "Subsidiary Guarantors"), and by us as of January 2, 2014. At any time and from time to time, prior to October 15, 2015, Black Knight Infoserv may redeem up to a maximum of 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Black Knight Senior Notes with the proceeds of one or more equity offerings, at a redemption price equal to 105.75% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date). Prior to October 15, 2017, Black Knight Infoserv may redeem some or all of the Black Knight Senior Notes by paying a “make-whole” premium based on U.S. Treasury rates. On or after October 15, 2017, Black Knight Infoserv may redeem some or all of the Black Knight Senior Notes at the redemption prices described in the Black Knight Senior Notes indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, if a change of control occurs, Black Knight Infoserv is required to offer to purchase all outstanding Black Knight Senior Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date).The Black Knight Senior Notes contain covenants that, among other things, limit Black Knight Infoserv's ability and the ability of certain of its subsidiaries (a) to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness or issue preferred stock, (b) to make certain restricted payments, including dividends or distributions on equity interests held by persons other than Black Knight Infoserv or certain subsidiaries, in excess of an amount generally equal to 50% of consolidated net income generated since July 1, 2008, (c) to create or incur certain liens, (d) to engage in sale and leaseback transactions, (e) to create restrictions that would prevent or limit the ability of certain subsidiaries to (i) pay dividends or other distributions to Black Knight Infoserv or certain other subsidiaries, (ii) repay any debt or make any loans or advances to Black Knight Infoserv or certain other subsidiaries or (iii) transfer any property or assets to Black Knight Infoserv or certain other subsidiaries, (f) to sell or dispose of assets of Black Knight Infoserv or any restricted subsidiary or enter into merger or consolidation transactions and (g) to engage in certain transactions with affiliates. As a result of our guarantee of the Black Knight Senior Notes on January 2, 2014, the notes became rated investment grade. The indenture provides that certain covenants are suspended while the Black Knight Senior Notes are rated investment grade. Currently covenants (a), (b), (c), (f) and (g) outlined above are suspended. These covenants will continue to be suspended as long as the notes are rated investment grade, as defined in the indenture. These covenants are subject to a number of exceptions, limitations and qualifications in the Black Knight Senior Notes indenture. Black Knight Infoserv has no independent assets or operations and the guarantees of the Subsidiary Guarantors are full and unconditional and joint and several. There are no significant restrictions on the ability of Black Knight Infoserv or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors to obtain funds from any of their subsidiaries. The Black Knight Senior Notes contain customary events of default, including failure of Black Knight Infoserv (i) to pay principal and interest when due and payable and breach of certain other covenants and (ii) to make an offer to purchase and pay for the Black Knight Senior Notes tendered as required by the Black Knight Senior Notes. Events of default also include cross defaults, with respect to any other debt of Black Knight Infoserv or debt of certain subsidiaries having an outstanding principal amount of $80 million or more in the aggregate for all such debt, arising from (i) failure to make a principal payment when due and such defaulted payment is not made, waived or extended within the applicable grace period or (ii) the occurrence of an event which results in such debt being due and payable prior to its scheduled maturity. Upon the occurrence of an event of default (other than a bankruptcy default with respect to Black Knight Infoserv or certain subsidiaries), the trustee or holders of at least 25% of the Black Knight Senior Notes then outstanding may accelerate the Black Knight Senior Notes by giving us appropriate notice. If, however, a bankruptcy default occurs with respect to the Black Knight Infoserv or certain subsidiaries, then the principal of and accrued interest on the Black Knight Senior Notes then outstanding will accelerate immediately without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or any holder. Subsequent to year end, on January 16, 2014, we issued an offer to purchase the Black Knight Senior Notes pursuant to the change of control provisions above at a purchase price of 101% of the principal amount plus accrued interest to the purchase date. The offer expired on February 18, 2014. As a result of the offer, bondholders tendered $5 million in principal of the Black Knight Senior Notes, which were subsequent purchased by us on February 24, 2014.
On October 24, 2013, we entered into a bridge loan commitment letter (the “Bridge Loan Commitment Letter”) with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Bank of America, N.A. (“Bank of America”), J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. The Bridge Loan Commitment Letter provides for up to an $800 million short-term loan facility (the “Bridge Facility”). The proceeds of the loans under the Bridge Facility were used to fund, in part, the cash consideration for the acquisition of LPS and pay certain costs, fees and expenses in connection with the LPS merger. Pursuant to the Bridge Loan Commitment Letter, we executed a promissory note in favor of the Bridge Facility lenders on the closing date of the Merger that
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
evidenced the terms of the Bridge Facility. The Bridge Facility matured on the second business day following the funding thereof and required scheduled amortization payments. Borrowings under the Bridge Facility bear interest at a rate equal to the highest of (i) the Bank of America prime rate, (ii) the federal fund effective rate from time to time plus 0.5% and (iii) the one month adjusted London interbank offered rate ("LIBOR") plus 1.0%. Other than as set forth in this paragraph, the terms of the Bridge Facility are be substantially the same as the terms of the Amended Term Loan Agreement discussed below. Subsequent to year end, as part of the acquisition of LPS on January 2, 2014, the Bridge Facility was funded and subsequently repaid the following day,
On July 11, 2013, we entered into a term loan credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “TL Administrative Agent”), the lenders party thereto and the other agents party thereto (the “Term Loan Agreement”). The Term Loan Agreement permits us to borrow up to $1.1 billion to fund the acquisition of LPS. The term loans under the Term Loan Agreement mature on the date that is five years from the funding date of the term loans under the Term Loan Agreement. Term loans under the Term Loan Agreement generally bear interest at a variable rate based on either (i) the base rate (which is the highest of (a) 0.5% in excess of the federal funds rate, (b) the TL Administrative Agent’s “prime rate”, or (c) the sum of 1.0% plus one-month LIBOR) plus a margin of between 50 basis points and 100 basis points depending on the senior unsecured long-term debt ratings of FNF or (ii) LIBOR plus a margin of between 150 basis points and 200 basis points depending on the senior unsecured long-term debt ratings of FNF. Based on our current Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s senior unsecured long-term debt ratings of Baa3/BBB-, respectively, the applicable margin for term loans subject to LIBOR is 175 basis points over LIBOR. In addition, we will pay an unused commitment fee of 25 basis points on the entire term loan facility until the earlier of the termination of the term loan commitments or the funding of the term loans. Under the Term Loan Agreement, we are subject to customary affirmative, negative and financial covenants, including, among other things, limits on the creation of liens, limits on the incurrence of indebtedness, restrictions on investments, dispositions and transactions with affiliates, limitations on dividends and other restricted payments, a minimum net worth and a maximum debt to capitalization ratio. The Term Loan Agreement also includes customary events of default for facilities of this type (with customary grace periods, as applicable) and provides that, if an event of default occurs and is continuing, the interest rate on all outstanding obligations may be increased, payments of all outstanding term loans may be accelerated and/or the lenders’ commitments may be terminated. In addition, upon the occurrence of certain insolvency or bankruptcy related events of default, all amounts payable under the Term Loan Agreement shall automatically become immediately due and payable, and the lenders’ commitments will automatically terminate. Under the Term Loan Agreement the financial covenants are the same as under the Restated Credit Agreement. On October 27, 2013, we amended the Term Loan Agreement to permit us to incur the indebtedness in respect of the Bridge Facility and incorporate other technical changes to describe the structure of the LPS merger. Subsequent to year end, as part of the acquisition of LPS on January 2, 2014,the Term Loan Agreement was fully funded.
On June 25, 2013, we entered into an agreement to amend and restate our existing $800 million second amended and restated credit agreement (the “Existing Credit Agreement”), dated as of April 16, 2012 with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”) and the other agents party thereto (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). Among other changes, the Revolving Credit Facility amends the Existing Credit Agreement to permit us to make a borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility to finance a portion of the acquisition of LPS on a “limited conditionality” basis, incorporates other technical changes to permit us to enter into the Acquisition and extends the maturity of the Existing Credit Agreement. The lenders under the Existing Credit Agreement have agreed to extend the maturity date of their commitments under the credit facility from April 16, 2016 to July 15, 2018 under the Revolving Credit Facility. Revolving loans under the credit facility generally bear interest at a variable rate based on either (i) the base rate (which is the highest of (a) one-half of one percent in excess of the federal funds rate, (b) the Administrative Agent's “prime rate”, or (c) the sum of one percent plus one-month LIBOR) plus a margin of between 32.5 and 60 basis points depending on the senior unsecured long-term debt ratings of FNF or (ii) LIBOR plus a margin of between 132.5 and 160 basis points depending on the senior unsecured long-term debt ratings of FNF. Based on our current Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s senior unsecured long-term debt ratings of Baa3/BBB-, respectively, the applicable margin for revolving loans subject to LIBOR is 145 basis points. In addition, we will pay an unused commitment fee of between 17.5 and 40 basis points on the entire facility, also depending on our senior unsecured long-term debt ratings. Under the Revolving Credit Facility, we are subject to customary affirmative, negative and financial covenants, including, among other things, limits on the creation of liens, limits on the incurrence of indebtedness, restrictions on investments, dispositions and transactions with affiliates, limitations on dividends and other restricted payments, a minimum net worth and a maximum debt to capitalization ratio. The Revolving Credit Facility also includes customary events of default for facilities of this type (with customary grace periods, as applicable) and provides that, if an event of default occurs and is continuing, the interest rate on all outstanding obligations may be increased, payments of all outstanding loans may be accelerated and/or the lenders' commitments may be terminated. These events of default include a cross-default provision that, subject to limited exceptions, permits the lenders to declare the Revolving Credit Facility in default if: (i) (a) we fail to make any payment after the applicable grace period under any indebtedness with a principal amount (including undrawn committed amounts) in excess of 3.0% of our net worth, as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility, or (b) we fail to perform any other term under any such indebtedness, or any other event occurs,
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
as a result of which the holders thereof may cause it to become due and payable prior to its maturity; or (ii) certain termination events occur under significant interest rate, equity or other swap contracts. In addition, upon the occurrence of certain insolvency or bankruptcy related events of default, all amounts payable under the Revolving Credit Facility shall automatically become immediately due and payable, and the lenders' commitments will automatically terminate. Under the Revolving Credit Facility the financial covenants remain essentially the same as under the Existing Credit Agreement, except that the total debt to total capitalization ratio limit of 35% will increase to 37.5% for a period of one year after the closing of the LPS acquisition and the net worth test was reset. As of December 31, 2013, there was no outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Facility.
Also on October 24, 2013, we entered into amendments to amend the revolving credit facility to permit us to incur the indebtedness in respect of the Bridge Facility and incorporate other technical changes to describe the structure of the LPS merger. Subsequent to year end, as part of the acquisition of LPS on January 2, 2014, we borrowed $300 million under the Revolving Credit Facility.
On March 5, 2013, Remy entered into a First Amendment to its existing five year Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility (the "Remy Credit Facility" and "Remy Credit Facility First Amendment") to extend the maturity date of the Remy Credit Facility from December 17, 2015 to September 5, 2018 and reduce the interest rate. The Remy Credit Facility now bears interest at a defined Base Rate plus 0.50%-1.00% per year or, at Remy's election, at an applicable LIBOR Rate plus 1.50%-2.00% per year and is paid monthly. The Remy Credit Facility First Amendment maintains the current maximum availability at $95 million, which may be increased, under certain circumstances, by $20 million, though the actual amount that may be borrowed is based on the amount of collateral. The Remy Credit Facility is secured by substantially all domestic accounts receivable and inventory held by Remy. Remy will incur an unused commitment fee of 0.375% on the unused amount of commitments under the Remy Credit Facility First Amendment. At December 31, 2013, the Remy Credit Facility balance was zero. Based upon the collateral supporting the Remy Credit Facility, the amount borrowed, and the outstanding letters of credit of $3 million, there was additional availability for borrowing of $73 million on December 31, 2013. The Remy Credit Facility contains various restrictive covenants, which include, among other things: (i) a maximum leverage ratio, decreasing over the term of the facility; (ii) a minimum interest coverage ratio, increasing over the term of the facility; (iii) mandatory prepayments upon certain asset sales and debt issuances; (iv) requirements for minimum liquidity; and (v) limitations on the payment of dividends in excess of a specified amount.
On March 5, 2013, Remy entered into a $300 million Amended and Restated Term B Loan Credit Agreement ("Term B Amendment") to refinance the existing $287 million Term B Loan, extend the maturity from December 17, 2016 to March 5, 2020, and reduce the interest rate. The Term B Amendment now bears interest at LIBOR (subject to a floor of 1.25%) plus 3% per year, with an original issue discount of approximately $1 million. The Term B Amendment also contains an option to increase the borrowing provided certain conditions are satisfied, including maintaining a maximum leverage ratio. The Term B Amendment is secured by a first priority lien on the stock of Remy's subsidiaries and substantially all domestic assets other than accounts receivable and inventory pledged to the Remy Credit Facility. Principal payments in the amount of approximately $1 million are due at the end of each calendar quarter with termination and final payment no later than March 5, 2020. The Term B Amendment also includes covenants and events of default customary for a facility of this type, including a cross-default provision under which the lenders may declare the loan in default if Remy (i) fails to make a payment when due under any debt having a principal amount greater than $5 million or (ii) breaches any other covenant in any such debt as a result of which the holders of such debt are permitted to accelerate its maturity. Remy is in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2013. The Term B Loan is subject to an excess cash calculation which may require the payment of additional principal on an annual basis. At December 31, 2013, the average borrowing rate, including the impact of the interest rate swaps, was 4.25%.
On August 28, 2012, we completed an offering of $400 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.50% notes due September 2022 (the "5.50% notes"), pursuant to an effective registration statement previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The notes were priced at 99.513% of par to yield 5.564% annual interest. As such we recorded a discount of $2 million, which is netted against the $400 million aggregate principal amount of the 5.50% notes. The discount is amortized to September 2022 when the 5.50% notes mature. The 5.50% notes will pay interest semi-annually on the 1st of March and September, beginning March 1, 2013. We received net proceeds of $396 million, after expenses, which were used to repay the $237 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 5.25% unsecured notes maturing in March 2013, the $50 million outstanding on our revolving credit facility, and the remainder is being held for general corporate purposes. These notes contain customary covenants and events of default for investment grade public debt. These events of default include a cross default provision, with respect to any other debt of the Company in an aggregate amount exceeding $100 million for all such debt, arising from (i) failure to make a principal payment when due or (ii) the occurrence of an event which results in such debt being due and payable prior to its scheduled maturity.
On September 28, 2012, we used $242 million of the net proceeds of the issuance of the 5.50% notes to fund the repayment of the $237 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 5.25% unsecured notes, including less than $1 million of unpaid interest and a $5 million make-whole call penalty, as the 5.25% unsecured notes had a stated maturity of March 2013.
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
On May 31, 2012, ABRH entered into a credit agreement (the “ABRH Credit Facility”) with Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC as administrative agent and swing lender (the “ABRH Administrative Lender”) and the other financial institutions party thereto. The ABRH Credit Facility provides for a maximum revolving loan of $80 million with a maturity date of May 31, 2017. Additionally, the ABRH Credit Facility provides for a maximum term loan ("Restaurant Group Term Loan") of $85 million with quarterly installment repayments through December 25, 2016 and a maturity date of May 31, 2017 for the outstanding unpaid principal balance and all accrued and unpaid interest. On May 31, 2012, ABRH borrowed the entire $85 million under such term loan. Pricing for the ABRH Credit Facility is based on an applicable margin between 300 basis points to 375 basis points over LIBOR. The ABRH Credit Facility is subject to affirmative, negative and financial covenants customary for financings of this type, including, among other things, limits on ABRH's creation of liens, sales of assets, incurrence of indebtedness, restricted payments, transactions with affiliates, and certain amendments. The covenants addressing restricted payments include certain limitations on the declaration or payment of dividends by ABRH to its parent, Fidelity Newport Holdings, LLC (“FNH”), and by FNH to its members, and one such limitation restricts the amount of dividends that ABRH can pay to its parent (and that FNH can in turn pay to its members) to $5 million in the aggregate (outside of certain other permitted dividend payments) in fiscal year 2012 (with varying amounts for subsequent years). The ABRH Credit Facility includes customary events of default for facilities of this type (with customary grace periods, as applicable), which include a cross-default provision whereby an event of default will be deemed to have occurred if (i) ABRH or any of its guarantors, which consists of FNH and certain of its subsidiaries, (together, the “Loan Parties”) or any of their subsidiaries default on any agreement with a third party of $2 million or more related to their indebtedness and such default (a) occurs at the final maturity of the obligations thereunder or (b) results in a right by such third party to accelerate such Loan Party's or its subsidiary's obligations or (ii) a default or an early termination occurs with respect to certain hedge agreements to which a Loan Party or its subsidiaries is a party involving an amount of $0.75 million or more. The ABRH Credit Facility provides that, upon the occurrence of an event of default, the ABRH Administrative Lender may (i) declare the principal of, and any and all accrued and unpaid interest and fees in respect of, the loans immediately due and payable, (ii) terminate loan commitments and (iii) exercise all other rights and remedies available to the ABRH Administrative Lender or the lenders under the loan documents. As of December 31, 2013, the balance of the term loan was $53 million and there was no outstanding balance on the revolving loan. ABRH had $18 million of outstanding letters of credit and $62 million of remaining borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2013.
On August 2, 2011, we completed an offering of $300 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.25% convertible senior notes due August 2018 (the "Notes") in an offering conducted in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Notes contain customary event-of-default provisions which, subject to certain notice and cure-period conditions, can result in the acceleration of the principal amount of, and accrued interest on, all outstanding Notes if we breach the terms of the Notes or the indenture pursuant to which the Notes were issued. The Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations and (i) rank senior in right of payment to any of our existing or future unsecured indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes; (ii) rank equal in right of payment to our existing and future unsecured indebtedness that is not so subordinated; (iii) are effectively subordinated in right of payment to any of our secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and (iv) are structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and liabilities of our subsidiaries. Interest is payable on the principal amount of the Notes, semi-annually in arrears in cash on February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing February 15, 2012. The Notes mature on August 15, 2018, unless earlier purchased by us or converted. The Notes were issued for cash at 100% of their principal amount. However, for financial reporting purposes, the notes were deemed to have been issued at 92.818% of par value, and as such we recorded a discount of $22 million to be amortized to August 2018, when the Notes mature. The Notes will be convertible into cash, shares of common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of common stock, at our election, based on an initial conversion rate, subject to adjustment, of 46.387 shares per $1,000 principal amount of the Notes (which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $21.56 per share), only in the following circumstances and to the following extent: (i) during any calendar quarter commencing after December 31, 2011, if, for each of at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during the 30 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, the last reported sale price per share of our common stock on such trading day is greater than or equal to 130% of the applicable conversion price on such trading day; (ii) during the five consecutive business day period immediately following any ten consecutive trading day period (the “measurement period”) in which, for each trading day of the measurement period, the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notes was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price per share of our common stock on such trading day and the applicable conversion rate on such trading day; (iii) upon the occurrence of specified corporate transactions; or (iv) at any time on and after May 15, 2018. However, in all cases, the Notes will cease to be convertible at the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. It is our intent and policy to settle conversions through “net-share settlement”. Generally, under “net-share settlement,” the conversion value is settled in cash, up to the principal amount being converted, and the conversion value in excess of the principal amount is settled in shares of our common stock. As of October 1, 2013, these notes were convertible under the 130% Sale Price Condition described above. To date, no bond holders have submitted their bonds for conversion.
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
In December 2010, Remy entered into a $300 million Term B Loan (“Term B”) facility. The Term B is secured by a first priority lien on the stock of Remy's subsidiaries and substantially all Remy domestic assets other than accounts receivable and inventory pledged to the Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility ("Remy Credit Facility"), as described below. The Term B bears an interest rate of LIBOR (subject to a floor of 1.75%) plus 4.5% per annum. The Term B matures on December 17, 2016. Principal payments in the amount of $0.8 million are due at the end of each calendar quarter with termination and final payment no later than December 17, 2016. The Term B facility is subject to an excess cash calculation which may require the payment of additional principal on an annual basis. The Term B also includes events of default customary for a facility of this type, including a cross-default provision under which the lenders may declare the loan in default if we (i) fail to make a payment when due under any debt having a principal amount greater than $5 million or (ii) breach any other covenant in any such debt as a result of which the holders of such debt are permitted to accelerate its maturity. This facility was replaced on March 5, 2013 by the Term B Amendment noted above.
Remy also has revolving credit facilities with four Korean banks with a total facility amount of approximately $17 million, of which $2 million is borrowed at average interest rates of 3.46% at December 31, 2013. In Hungary, there are two revolving credit facilities with two separate banks for a total facility amount of $4 million, of which nothing is borrowed at December 31, 2013.
On May 5, 2010, we completed an offering of $300 million in aggregate principal amount of our 6.60% notes due May 2017 (the "6.60% Notes"), pursuant to an effective registration statement previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The 6.60% Notes were priced at 99.897% of par to yield 6.61% annual interest. We received net proceeds of $297 million, after expenses, which were used to repay outstanding borrowings under our credit agreement. Interest is payable semi-annually. These notes contain customary covenants and events of default for investment grade public debt. These events of default include a cross default provision, with respect to any other debt of the Company in an aggregate amount exceeding $100 million for all such debt, arising from (i) failure to make a principal payment when due or (ii) the occurrence of an event which results in such debt being due and payable prior to its scheduled maturity.
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
Note K.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense (benefit) on continuing operations consists of the following:
Total income tax expense (benefit) was allocated as follows (in millions):
A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to our effective tax rate is as follows:
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012 consist of the following:
Our net deferred tax liability was $144 million and $123 million at December 31, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The significant changes in the deferred taxes are as follows: the deferred tax liability relating to insurance reserves decreased $16 million due primarily to a reduction in the claim reserves established for statutory and tax purposes. The deferred tax asset for Other investments increased by $22 million due to additional losses incurred by our investment in Ceridian. The deferred tax liability for investment securities decreased by $12 million due primarily to decreased unrealized investment gains. The deferred tax asset on pension plan decreased by $13 million due to minimum pension liability OCI adjustments. The deferred tax asset relating to net operating loss carryovers was reduced by $17 million due to net operating loss utilization by both FNF and Remy.
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012 we had a valuation allowance of $26 million and $27 million, respectively.
At December 31, 2013, we have net operating losses on a pretax basis of $248 million available to carryforward and offset future federal taxable income. Of the net operating losses $83 million are United States federal net operating losses arising from past acquisitions and are subject to an annual Internal Revenue Code Section 382 limitation. These losses will begin to expire in year 2025 and we fully anticipate utilizing these losses prior to expiration. Thus, no valuation allowance has been established. Of the net operating losses, $165 million relate to Remy, including $101 million of United States net operating losses and $64 million of non-United States net operating losses. These losses will begin to expire in year 2015 and we anticipate utilizing these losses prior to expiration after a valuation allowance of $7 million.
At December 31, 2013, we have $62 million of tax credits including $6 million of foreign tax credits, $40 million of general business credits from the O’Charley’s and J. Alexander’s acquisitions and $16 million of general business credits from Remy. We anticipate that these credits will be utilized prior to expiration after a valuation allowance of $3 million on the foreign tax credits, $10 million on the general business credits and $5 million on the Remy credits.
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
Tax benefits of $17 million, $31 million, and $6 million associated with the exercise of employee stock options and the vesting of restricted stock grants were allocated to equity for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Income taxes have not been presented for the difference between the tax basis and the financial statement carrying amount for our investment in Remy because the reported amount of the investment can be recovered tax-free.
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had approximately $15 million (including interest of $3 million) and $10 million (including interest of $2 million), respectively, of total gross unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect our income tax rate. These amounts are reported on a gross basis and do not reflect a federal tax benefit on state income taxes. We record interest and penalties related to income taxes as a component of income tax expense.
The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has selected us to participate in the Compliance Assurance Program that is a real-time audit. During 2013, the IRS completed its examination of the tax year ended 2012, which resulted in no additional tax. We are currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service for the 2013 and 2014 tax years. We file income tax returns in various foreign and US state jurisdictions.
Note L.
Summary of Reserve for Claim Losses
A summary of the reserve for claim losses follows:
_____________________________________
(1)
Included in the provision for title claim losses in the 2012 period is a $11 million impairment recorded on an asset previously recouped as part of a claim settlement.
We continually update loss reserve estimates as new information becomes known, new loss patterns emerge, or as other contributing factors are considered and incorporated into the analysis of reserve for claim losses. Estimating future title loss payments is difficult because of the complex nature of title claims, the long periods of time over which claims are paid, significantly varying dollar amounts of individual claims and other factors. Due to the uncertainty inherent in the process and to the judgment used by management, the ultimate liability may be greater or less than our current reserves. As a result of continued volatility experienced in claim development on policy years 2005 - 2008, we believe there is an increased level of uncertainty attributable to these policy years. If actual claims loss development is worse than currently expected and is not offset by other positive factors, it is reasonably possible that we may record additional reserve strengthening in future periods.
Note M.
Commitments and Contingencies
Legal and Regulatory Contingencies
In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various pending and threatened litigation matters related to our title operations, some of which include claims for punitive or exemplary damages. This customary litigation includes but is not limited to a wide variety of cases arising out of or related to title and escrow claims, for which we make provisions through our loss reserves. Additionally, like other insurance companies, our ordinary course litigation includes a number of class action and purported class action lawsuits, which make allegations related to aspects of our insurance operations. We believe that no actions, other than those discussed below, depart from customary litigation incidental to our insurance business.
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
Remy is a defendant from time to time in various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, including claims relating to commercial transactions, product liability, safety, health, taxes, environmental and other matters.
Our Restaurant Group companies are a defendant from time to time in various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, including claims relating to injury or wrongful death under “dram shop” laws, individual and purported class action claims alleging violation of federal and state wage and hour laws, and claims from guests or employees alleging illness, injury or other food quality, health or operational concerns.
We review lawsuits and other legal and regulatory matters (collectively “legal proceedings”) on an ongoing basis when making accrual and disclosure decisions. When assessing reasonably possible and probable outcomes, management bases its decision on its assessment of the ultimate outcome assuming all appeals have been exhausted. For legal proceedings where it has been determined that a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable, a liability based on known facts and which represents our best estimate has been recorded. None of the amounts we have currently recorded is considered to be individually or in the aggregate material to our financial condition. Actual losses may materially differ from the amounts recorded and the ultimate outcome of our pending cases is generally not yet determinable. While some of these matters could be material to our operating results or cash flows for any particular period if an unfavorable outcome results, at present we do not believe that the ultimate resolution of currently pending legal proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Two class action complaints titled Chultem v. Ticor Title Insurance Co., Chicago Title and Trust, Co., and Fidelity National Financial, Inc. and Colella v. Chicago Title Insurance Co. and Chicago Title and Trust Co. are pending in the Illinois state court against Chicago Title Insurance Company (“Chicago”), Ticor Title Insurance Company (“Ticor”), Chicago Title and Trust Company, and Fidelity National Financial, Inc., their parent, (collectively “the Companies”). The Plaintiffs represent certified classes of all borrowers and sellers of residential real estate in Illinois who paid a premium for title insurance to Chicago and Ticor which was split with attorney agents for services which were performed in issuing the policies. The complaint alleges the Companies violated the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) and by doing so violated the Illinois Title Insurance Act and the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act. The suit seeks compensatory damages in the amount of the premium split paid to the attorney agents, interest, punitive damages, a permanent injunction, attorney's fees and costs. Class certification was denied on May 26, 2009, but the plaintiffs appealed. The Court of Appeal reversed and the case was remanded to the trial court for certification and subsequent proceedings. During 2013 and continuing through February 2014, the case progressed. On February 7, 2014, the court entered an order in favor of us recognizing the U.S. Supreme Courts case Freeman v. Quicken Loans, which determined that if a person with whom fees were split performed any service then there was no RESPA violation. The Plaintiff will have an opportunity to appeal the Court's decision. We intend to vigorously defend this action. We do not believe this case will have a material adverse impact on our operations or financial condition.
From time to time we receive inquiries and requests for information from state insurance departments, attorneys general and other regulatory agencies about various matters relating to our business. Sometimes these take the form of civil investigative demands or subpoenas. We cooperate with all such inquiries and we have responded to or are currently responding to inquiries from multiple governmental agencies. Also, regulators and courts have been dealing with issues arising from foreclosures and related processes and documentation. Various governmental entities are studying the title insurance product, market, pricing, and business practices, and potential regulatory and legislative changes, which may materially affect our business and operations. From time to time, we are assessed fines for violations of regulations or other matters or enter into settlements with such authorities which may require us to pay fines or claims or take other actions.
Escrow Balances
In conducting our operations, we routinely hold customers’ assets in escrow, pending completion of real estate transactions. Certain of these amounts are maintained in segregated bank accounts and have not been included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. We have a contingent liability relating to proper disposition of these balances for our customers, which amounted to $8.8 billion at December 31, 2013. As a result of holding these customers’ assets in escrow, we have ongoing programs for realizing economic benefits during the year through favorable borrowing and vendor arrangements with various banks. There were no investments or loans outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 related to these arrangements.
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
Operating Leases
Rent expense incurred under operating leases during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $196 million, $159 million, and $123 million, respectively. Rent expense in 2013, 2012, and 2011 includes abandoned lease charges related to office closures of $1 million, $2 million, and $1 million, respectively.
On June 29, 2004 we entered into an off-balance sheet financing arrangement (commonly referred to as a “synthetic lease”). The owner/lessor in this arrangement acquired land and various real property improvements associated with new construction of an office building in Jacksonville, Florida, that are part of FNF’s corporate campus and headquarters. The lessor financed the acquisition of the facilities through funding provided by third-party financial institutions. On June 27, 2011, we renewed and amended the synthetic lease for the facilities. The amended lease provides for a five year term ending June 27, 2016 and had an outstanding balance as of December 31, 2013 of $71 million. The amended lease includes guarantees by us of up to 83.0% of the outstanding lease balance, and options to purchase the facilities at the outstanding lease balance. The guarantee becomes effective if we decline to purchase the facilities at the end of the lease and also decline to renew the lease. The lessor is a third-party company and we have no affiliation or relationship with the lessor or any of its employees, directors or affiliates, and transactions with the lessor are limited to the operating lease agreements and the associated rent expense that have been included in Other operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. We do not believe the lessor is a variable interest entity, as defined in the FASB standard on consolidation of variable interest entities.
Restaurant Group Purchase Obligations
The Restaurant Group has unconditional purchase obligations with various vendors. These purchase obligations are primarily food and beverage obligations with fixed commitments in regards to the time period of the contract and the quantities purchased with annual price adjustments that can fluctuate. We used both historical and projected volume and pricing as of December 31, 2013 to determine the amount of the obligations.
Purchase obligations of the Restaurant Group as of December 31, 2013 are as follows (in millions):
Note N.
Regulation and Equity
Our insurance subsidiaries, including title insurers, underwritten title companies and insurance agencies, are subject to extensive regulation under applicable state laws. Each of the insurance underwriters is subject to a holding company act in its state of domicile which regulates, among other matters, the ability to pay dividends and enter into transactions with affiliates. The laws of most states in which we transact business establish supervisory agencies with broad administrative powers relating to issuing and revoking licenses to transact business, regulating trade practices, licensing agents, approving policy forms, accounting practices, financial practices, establishing reserve and capital and surplus as regards policyholders (“capital and surplus”) requirements, defining suitable investments for reserves and capital and surplus and approving rate schedules.
Since we are governed by both state and federal governments and the applicable insurance laws and regulations are constantly subject to change, it is not possible to predict the potential effects on our insurance operations, particularly the Fidelity National
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
Title Group segment, of any laws or regulations that may become more restrictive in the future or if new restrictive laws will be enacted.
Pursuant to statutory accounting requirements of the various states in which our insurers are domiciled, these insurers must defer a portion of premiums earned as an unearned premium reserve for the protection of policyholders and must maintain qualified assets in an amount equal to the statutory requirements. The level of unearned premium reserve required to be maintained at any time is determined by statutory formula based upon either the age, number of policies and dollar amount of policy liabilities underwritten, or the age and dollar amount of statutory premiums written. As of December 31, 2013, the combined statutory unearned premium reserve required and reported for our title insurers was $1,734 million. In addition to statutory unearned premium reserves, each of our insurers maintains reserves for known claims and surplus funds for policyholder protection and business operations.
Each of our insurance subsidiaries is regulated by the insurance regulatory authority in its respective state of domicile, as well as that of each state in which it is licensed. The insurance commissioners of their respective states of domicile are the primary regulators of our title insurance subsidiaries. Each of the insurers is subject to periodic regulatory financial examination by regulatory authorities.
Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulations that restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other distributions of cash or property to their immediate parent company without prior approval from the Department of Insurance of their respective states of domicile. As of December 31, 2013, $1,909 million of our net assets are restricted from dividend payments without prior approval from the Departments of Insurance. During 2014, our title insurers can pay or make distributions to us of approximately $308 million, without prior approval.
The combined statutory capital and surplus of our title insurers was approximately $1,409 million and $1,381 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The combined statutory net earnings (losses) of our title insurance subsidiaries were $352 million, $281 million, and $151 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Statutory-basis financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the various state insurance regulatory authorities. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners' (“NAIC”) Accounting Practices and Procedures manual (“NAIC SAP”) has been adopted as a component of prescribed or permitted practices by each of the states that regulate us. Each of our states of domicile for our title insurance underwriter subsidiaries have adopted a material prescribed accounting practice that differs from that found in NAIC SAP. Specifically, in both years the timing of amounts released from the statutory unearned premium reserve under NAIC SAP differs from the states' required practice. Statutory surplus at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, was lower (higher) by approximately $205 million and $(4) million than if we had reported such amounts in accordance with NAIC SAP.
As a condition to continued authority to underwrite policies in the states in which our insurers conduct their business, the insurers are required to pay certain fees and file information regarding their officers, directors and financial condition. In addition, our escrow and trust business is subject to regulation by various state banking authorities.
Pursuant to statutory requirements of the various states in which our insurers are domiciled, such insurers must maintain certain levels of minimum capital and surplus. Required levels of minimum capital and surplus are not significant to the insurers individually or in the aggregate. Each of our insurers has complied with the minimum statutory requirements as of December 31, 2013.
Our underwritten title companies are also subject to certain regulation by insurance regulatory or banking authorities, primarily relating to minimum net worth. Minimum net worth requirements for each underwritten title company is less than $1 million. These companies were in compliance with their respective minimum net worth requirements at December 31, 2013.
There are no restrictions on our retained earnings regarding our ability to pay dividends to shareholders although there are limits on the ability of certain subsidiaries to pay dividends to us, as described above.
Subsequent to year end, on January 2, 2014 as part of the LPS Acquisition, 25,920,078 shares of FNF common stock as consideration for the LPS Acquisition to the former shareholders of LPS.
On October 24, 2013, we offered 17,250,000 shares of our common stock at an offering price of $26.75 per share, pursuant to an effective registration statement previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase 2,587,500 additional shares at the offering price, which was subsequently exercised in full. A total of 19,837,500 shares were issued on October 30, 2013, for net proceeds of approximately $511 million. The net proceeds from this offering were used to pay a portion of the cash consideration for the LPS Acquisition on January 2, 2014.
On July 21, 2009, the Board of Directors approved a three-year stock repurchase program under which we could repurchase up to 15 million shares of our common stock through July 31, 2012. On January 27, 2011, our Board of Directors approved an
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
additional 5 million shares that could have been repurchased under the program. This program expired July 31, 2012, and we repurchased a total of 16,528,512 shares for $243 million, or an average of $14.73 per share under this program.
On July 21, 2012, our Board of Directors approved a three-year stock repurchase program, effective August 1, 2012, under which we can repurchase up to 15 million shares of our common stock through July 31, 2015. We may make repurchases from time to time in the open market, in block purchases or in privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions and other factors. In the year ended December 31, 2013, we repurchased a total of 1,400,000 shares for $34 million, or an average of $24.14 per share under this program. Subsequent to year-end we did not repurchase any shares through market close on February 27, 2014. Since the original commencement of the plan adopted July 21, 2012, we have repurchased a total of 2,080,000 shares for $50 million, or an average of $23.90 per share, and there are 12,920,000 shares available to be repurchased under this program.
Note O.
Employee Benefit Plans
Stock Purchase Plan
During the three-year period ended December 31, 2013, our eligible employees could voluntarily participate in employee stock purchase plans (“ESPPs”) sponsored by us and our subsidiaries. Pursuant to the ESPPs, employees may contribute an amount between 3% and 15% of their base salary and certain commissions. We contribute varying amounts as specified in the ESPPs.
We contributed $17 million, $14 million, and $13 million to the ESPPs in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, in accordance with the employer’s matching contribution.
401(k) Profit Sharing Plan
During the three-year period ended December 31, 2013, we have offered our employees the opportunity to participate in our 401(k) profit sharing plans (the “401(k) Plans”), qualified voluntary contributory savings plans which are available to substantially all of our employees. Eligible employees may contribute up to 40% of their pretax annual compensation, up to the amount allowed pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code. There was no employer match for the year ended December 31, 2011. Beginning in 2012, we initiated an employer match on the 401(k) plan whereby we matched $0.25 on each $1.00 contributed up to the first 6% of eligible earnings contributed to the Plan. Effective April 1, 2013, we increased the employer match from $0.25 to $0.375 on each $1.00 contributed up to the first 6% of eligible earnings contributed to the Plan. The employer match for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $17 million and $11 million that was credited to the FNF Stock Fund in the FNF 401(k) Plan.
Stock Option Plans
In 2005, we established the FNT 2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”) authorizing the issuance of up to 8 million shares of common stock, subject to the terms of the Omnibus Plan. On October 23, 2006, the stockholders of FNF approved an amendment to increase the number of shares available for issuance under the Omnibus Plan by 16 million shares. The increase was in part to provide capacity for options and restricted stock to be issued to replace Old FNF options and restricted stock. On May 29, 2008 and May 25, 2011, the shareholders of FNF approved an amendment to increase the number of shares for issuance under the Omnibus Plan by 11 million shares and 6 million shares, respectively. The primary purpose of the increase was to assure that we had adequate means to provide equity incentive compensation to our employees on a going-forward basis. The Omnibus Plan provides for the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares, performance units, other cash and stock-based awards and dividend equivalents. As of December 31, 2013, there were 1,913,072 shares of restricted stock and 9,358,740 stock options outstanding under this plan. Awards granted are determined and approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Options vest over a 3 year period, and the exercise price for options granted equals the market price of the underlying stock on the grant date. Stock option grants of 3,712,416 shares, 769,693 shares, and 25,000 shares were made to various employees and directors in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, and vest according to certain time based and operating performance criteria.
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
Stock option transactions under the Omnibus Plan for 2011, 2012, and 2013 are as follows:
Restricted stock transactions under the Omnibus Plan in 2011, 2012, and 2013 are as follows:
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
The following table summarizes information related to stock options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2013:
We account for stock-based compensation plans in accordance with the FASB standard on share-based payments, which requires that compensation cost relating to share-based payments be recognized in the consolidated financial statements based on the fair value of each award. Using the fair value method of accounting, compensation cost is measured based on the fair value of the award at the grant date and recognized over the service period. Net earnings attributable to FNF Common Shareholders reflects stock-based compensation expense amounts of $30 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and $23 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, and 27 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, which are included in personnel costs in the reported financial results of each period.
The risk free interest rates used in the calculation of compensation cost are the rates that correspond to the weighted average expected life of an option. The volatility was estimated based on the historical volatility of FNF’s stock price over a term equal to the weighted average expected life of the options. For options granted in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, we used risk free interest rates of 1.1%, 0.6%, and 1.0%, respectively; volatility factors for the expected market price of the common stock of 26%, 50%, and 53%, respectively; expected dividend yields of 2.6%, 2.8%, and 3.1%, respectively; and weighted average expected lives of 4.4 years, 4.6 years, and 4.7 years, respectively. The weighted average fair value of each option granted in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, were $4.67, $7.58, and $5.56, respectively.
At December 31, 2013, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock option grants and restricted stock grants is $60 million, which is expected to be recognized in pre-tax income over a weighted average period of 1.70 years.
Pension Plans
In 2000, FNF merged with Chicago Title Corporation ("Chicago Title"). In connection with the merger, we assumed Chicago Title’s noncontributory defined contribution plan and noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (the “Pension Plan”). The Pension Plan covers certain Chicago Title employees. The benefits are based on years of service and the employee’s average monthly compensation in the highest 60 consecutive calendar months during the 120 months ending at retirement or termination. Effective December 31, 2000, the Pension Plan was frozen and there will be no future credit given for years of service or changes in salary. The accumulated benefit obligation is the same as the projected benefit obligation due to the pension plan being frozen as of December 31, 2000. Pursuant to the FASB standard on employers’ accounting for defined benefit pension and other post retirement plans, the measurement date is December 31.
The net pension asset (liability) included in Prepaid expenses and other assets and Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2013, and 2012 was $6 million and $(23) million, respectively. The discount rate used to determine the benefit obligation as of the years ending December 31, 2013 and 2012 was 4.12% and 3.24%, respectively. As of the years ending December 31, 2013 and 2012 the projected benefit obligation was $167 million and $185 million, respectively, and the fair value of plan assets was $173 million and $162 million, respectively. The net periodic expense included in the results of operations relating to these plans was $9 million, $10 million, and $9 million for the years ending December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Remy sponsors multiple defined benefit pension plans that cover a significant portion of their U.S. employees and certain U.K. and Korea employees. The plans for U.S. employees were frozen in 2006. The net pension liability for Remy included in Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $19 million and $32 million, respectively.
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
The discount rate used to determine the benefit obligation as of the year ending December 31, 2013 and 2012 was 4.73% and 3.85%, respectively, for the U.S. plan and 4.27% and 4.10%, respectively, for the non-U.S. plans. As of the year ending December 31, 2013 the projected benefit obligation was $79 million and the fair value of plan assets was $60 million. The net periodic expense included in the results of operations relating to these plans was $1 million for the year ending December 31, 2013.
Postretirement and Other Nonqualified Employee Benefit Plans
We assumed certain health care and life insurance benefits for retired Chicago Title employees in connection with the FNF merger with Chicago Title. Beginning on January 1, 2001, these benefits were offered to all employees who met specific eligibility requirements. Additionally, in connection with the acquisition of LandAmerica Financial Group's two principal title insurance underwriters, Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company and Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation, as well as United Capital Title Insurance Company (collectively, the "LFG Underwriters"), we assumed certain of the LFG Underwriters nonqualified benefit plans, which provide various postretirement benefits to certain executives and retirees. The costs of these benefit plans are accrued during the periods the employees render service. We are both self-insured and fully insured for postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plans, and the plans are not funded. The health care plans provide for insurance benefits after retirement and are generally contributory, with contributions adjusted annually. Postretirement life insurance benefits are primarily contributory, with coverage amounts declining with increases in a retiree’s age. The aggregate benefit obligation for these plans was $20 million and $24 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The net costs relating to these plans were immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011.
Note P.
Supplementary Cash Flow Information
The following supplemental cash flow information is provided with respect to interest and tax payments, as well as certain non-cash investing and financing activities.
Note Q. Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk and Concentration of Risk
Fidelity National Title Group
In the normal course of business we and certain of our subsidiaries enter into off-balance sheet credit arrangements associated with certain aspects of the title insurance business and other activities.
We generate a significant amount of title insurance premiums in California, Texas, New York and Florida. Title insurance premiums as a percentage of the total title insurance premiums written from those four states are detailed as follows:
Remy generates revenue in multiple geographic locations. Revenues are attributed to geographic locations based on the point of sale.
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
Information about our Auto parts revenue in our Remy segment by region was as follows:
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, short-term investments, and trade receivables.
We place cash equivalents and short-term investments with high credit quality financial institutions and, by policy, limit the amount of credit exposure with any one financial institution. Investments in commercial paper of industrial firms and financial institutions are rated investment grade by nationally recognized rating agencies.
Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited because a large number of geographically diverse customers make up our customer base, thus spreading the trade receivables credit risk. We control credit risk through monitoring procedures.
Remy
Financial instruments at Remy, which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk, consist primarily of accounts receivable and cash investments. We require placement of cash in financial institutions evaluated as highly creditworthy.
The Remy customer base includes global light and commercial vehicle manufacturers and a large number of retailers, distributors and installers of automotive aftermarket parts. Remy's credit evaluation process and the geographical dispersion of sales transactions help to mitigate credit risk concentration. Remy conducts a significant amount of business with General Motors Corporation (“GM”), Hyundai Motor Company ("Hyundai") and three large automotive parts retailers. Auto parts revenue from these customers in the aggregate represented 48.3% and 50.1% for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. GM represents Remy's largest customer and accounted for approximately 16.2% and 20.7% of Auto parts revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Auto parts revenue from Hyundai accounted for approximately 10.4% of Remy's net sales for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Note R. Segment Information
Summarized financial information concerning our reportable segments is shown in the following tables. During the fourth quarter of 2013, we determined that the Corporate and Other segment would be split in order to differentiate operations and costs related to the Fidelity National Title Group segment from those associated with our Portfolio Company Investments. As a result, we reorganized our reporting segments to reflect this change. We have also provided information regarding the elimination of transactions between our FNF Core segments and our Portfolio Company Investments.
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
As of and for the year ended December 31, 2013:
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
As of and for the year ended December 31, 2012:
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
As of and for the year ended December 31, 2011:
The activities of the reportable segments include the following:
FNF Core Operations
Fidelity National Title Group
This segment consists of the operations of our title insurance underwriters and related businesses. This segment provides core title insurance and escrow and other title related services including collection and trust activities, trustee’s sales guarantees, recordings and reconveyances, and home warranty insurance.
FNF Corporate and Other
The FNF Corporate and Other segment consists of the operations of the parent holding company, certain other unallocated corporate overhead expenses, other smaller real estate and insurance related operations.
Portfolio Company Investments
Remy
This segment consists of the operations of Remy, in which we have a 51% ownership interest. Remy is a leading designer, manufacturer, remanufacturer, marketer and distributor of aftermarket and original equipment electrical components for automobiles, light trucks, heavy-duty trucks and other vehicles.
Restaurant Group
The Restaurant Group segment consists of the operations of ABRH, in which we have a 55% ownership interest. ABRH is the owner and operator of the O'Charley's, Ninety Nine Restaurants, Max & Erma's, Village Inn and Bakers Square concepts. This segment also includes J. Alexander's, which includes the Stoney River Legendary Steaks concept.
Portfolio Company Corporate and Other
The Portfolio Company Corporate and Other segment primarily consists of our share in the operations of certain equity investments, including Ceridian, Digital Insurance and other smaller operations which are not title related.
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (continued)
Note S.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists to provide guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits. ASU 2013-11 requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward with certain limited exceptions. ASU 2013-11 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013 and interim periods within those annual periods with earlier adoption permitted. This guidance is effective January 1, 2014. ASU 2013-11 should be applied prospectively with retroactive application permitted. We will adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2014 and are currently evaluating the impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Item 9.
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the year covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that we file or submit under the Act is: (a) recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms; and (b) accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2013 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Management has adopted the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission 1992 framework (COSO). Based on our evaluation under this framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2013. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.
Item 9B.
Item 9B.
Other Information
None.
PART III
Items 10-14.
Within 120 days after the close of our fiscal year, we intend to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission the matters required by these items.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) (1) Financial Statements. The following is a list of the Consolidated Financial Statements of Fidelity National Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries included in Item 8 of Part II:
(a) (2) Financial Statement Schedules. The following is a list of financial statement schedules filed as part of this annual report on Form 10-K:
Schedule II: Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (Parent Company Financial Statements)
Schedule V: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or not required, or because the required information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.
(a) (3) The following exhibits are incorporated by reference or are set forth on pages to this Form 10-K:
(1)
A management or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this report pursuant to Item 15(c) of Form 10-K
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
By:
/s/ Raymond R. Quirk
Raymond R. Quirk
Chief Executive Officer
Date: February 28, 2014
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Fidelity National Financial, Inc.:
Under date of February 28, 2014, we reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Fidelity National Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Comprehensive Earnings, Equity and Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013, as contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year 2013. In connection with our audits of the aforementioned Consolidated Financial Statements, we also audited the related financial statement schedules as listed under Item 15(a)(2). These financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statement schedules based on our audits.
In our opinion, such financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic Consolidated Financial Statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
/s/ KPMG LLP
February 28, 2014
Jacksonville, Florida
Certified Public Accountants
SCHEDULE II
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC.
(Parent Company)
BALANCE SHEETS
See Notes to Financial Statements and
Accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
SCHEDULE II
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC.
(Parent Company)
STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND RETAINED EARNINGS
See Notes to Financial Statements and
Accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
SCHEDULE II
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC.
(Parent Company)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
See Notes to Financial Statements and
See Accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
SCHEDULE II
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC.
(Parent Company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Fidelity National Financial, Inc. transacts substantially all of its business through its subsidiaries. The Parent Company Financial Statements should be read in connection with the aforementioned Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere herein. Certain reclassifications have been made in the 2012 presentation to conform to the classifications used in 2013.
B.
Notes Payable
Notes payable consist of the following:
C.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
D.
Cash Dividends Received
We have received cash dividends from subsidiaries and affiliates of $0.1 billion, $0.2 billion, and $0.2 billion during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
See Accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
SCHEDULE V
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
____________________________
(1)
Represents payments of claim losses, net of recoupments.
(2)
Represents a decrease to the reserve for claim losses as a result of discontinued operations related to our agreement to sell our at-risk insurance business. See Note A under "Discontinued Operations".
See Accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
EXHIBIT INDEX
(1)
A management or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this report pursuant to Item 15(c) of Form 10-K