Key Points
- Director William Jr. Corey purchased 2,000 STC shares at an average price of $46.82, investing $93,640 and increasing his direct ownership by 17.49% to 13,433 shares.
- Stewart Information Services reported quarterly EPS of $1.33, below the $1.50 analyst consensus, while revenue of $900.7 million was slightly under expectations. The stock opened at $43.00, near its 52-week low of $42.73.
- The company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.55 per share, or $2.20 annualized, representing a 5.1% yield. Analysts maintain a consensus “Hold” rating with a $75.75 target price.
Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE:STC - Get Free Report) Director William Jr. Corey bought 2,000 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 23rd. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $46.82 per share, with a total value of $93,640.00. Following the acquisition, the director directly owned 13,433 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $628,933.06. This trade represents a 17.49% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website.
Stewart Information Services Price Performance
Shares of NYSE STC opened at $43.00 on Tuesday. Stewart Information Services Corporation has a 52 week low of $42.73 and a 52 week high of $78.61. The business's 50 day moving average price is $60.20 and its 200 day moving average price is $65.20. The company has a quick ratio of 1.98, a current ratio of 1.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. The firm has a market cap of $1.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.78 and a beta of 1.04.
Stewart Information Services (NYSE:STC - Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 21st. The insurance provider reported $1.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of $1.50 by ($0.17). Stewart Information Services had a return on equity of 9.39% and a net margin of 3.58%. The business had revenue of $900.70 million for the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $903.67 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.64 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Stewart Information Services Corporation will post 4.89 earnings per share for the current year.
Stewart Information Services Increases Dividend
The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, September 30th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 15th were issued a $0.55 dividend. This is an increase from Stewart Information Services's previous quarterly dividend of $0.5250. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 15th. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.1%. Stewart Information Services's payout ratio is currently 55.14%.
Wall Street Analyst Weigh In
Several research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Weiss Ratings cut shares of Stewart Information Services from a "hold (c+)" rating to a "hold (c)" rating in a report on Monday, October 19th. Citizens Jmp lowered their price target on shares of Stewart Information Services from $80.00 to $75.00 and set a "market outperform" rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 12th. Benchmark initiated coverage on Stewart Information Services in a research report on Tuesday, July 21st. They set a "buy" rating and a $87.00 price target on the stock. Zacks Research cut Stewart Information Services from a "hold" rating to a "strong sell" rating in a report on Thursday, October 22nd. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut Stewart Information Services from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Saturday, July 25th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Stewart Information Services presently has a consensus rating of "Hold" and a consensus target price of $75.75.
View Our Latest Research Report on STC
Stewart Information Services News Summary
Here are the key news stories impacting Stewart Information Services this week:
- Positive Sentiment: Three directors collectively purchased 6,000 STC shares for approximately $283,700 on October 23. Clifford Bradley Jr., William S. Corey Jr., and Thomas G. Apel each bought 2,000 shares, increasing their respective holdings by about 8.0%, 17.5%, and 4.5%. Insider buying can support investor sentiment because it indicates that directors view the stock as undervalued or believe the long-term outlook remains attractive. Bradley SEC filing Corey SEC filing Apel SEC filing
- Neutral Sentiment: Dowling & Partners issued a fiscal 2027 earnings estimate for Stewart Information Services, but the available report does not provide the forecast figure or a specific change to expectations. FY2027 earnings estimate report
- Negative Sentiment: Stephens reduced its STC price target from $80 to $70, citing a lower valuation outlook, although it maintained an “overweight” rating. The revised target still implies substantial upside, but the cut may weigh on shares in the near term. Stephens stock recommendations
- Negative Sentiment: Recent quarterly results also remain an overhang: Stewart reported earnings of $1.33 per share versus the $1.50 analyst consensus, while revenue was slightly below expectations. Earnings declined from the prior-year quarter, reinforcing concerns about near-term profitability.
Hedge Funds Weigh In On Stewart Information Services
Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in STC. Caitlin John LLC acquired a new position in shares of Stewart Information Services in the 2nd quarter valued at $28,000. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC purchased a new stake in Stewart Information Services during the second quarter worth $42,000. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio purchased a new stake in Stewart Information Services during the second quarter worth $67,000. Kings Path Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Stewart Information Services during the third quarter valued at $52,000. Finally, Versant Capital Management Inc grew its position in Stewart Information Services by 93.6% during the third quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 1,152 shares of the insurance provider's stock valued at $57,000 after buying an additional 557 shares during the period. 96.90% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.
Stewart Information Services Company Profile
(
Get Free Report)
Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE: STC) is a global provider of title insurance and real estate transaction services. Through its Stewart Title operations, the company helps protect property owners, lenders and other participants from losses arising from defects in a property's title.
The company offers title searches and examinations, title insurance policies, escrow and closing services, settlement services, and related solutions for residential and commercial real estate transactions.
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