While there has not been a lot to cheer about in the title insurance game, there is a slight glimmer of hope that should give officials in the space some hope that brighter days are ahead. The first positive sign are some government rescue measures that are on the way. But there are still other small, but positive signs to look to.

For instance, according to a recent published report, a number of title insurance companies also pay steady dividends. Those dividends have seen their yields go up as the share prices have dropped. First American and Fidelity National are two dividend payers who have branched out into other businesses. As a result of that, both firms have seen their first-half earnings rise ahead of their competitions.

First American closed Oct. 10 at $23.90, which is well off its 52-week high of $42; its 88-cent dividend gives it a yield of 3.6%. Fidelity National closed at $10.35, down from its year-high of $20.38; a $1.20 annual dividend makes for a yield of 11.3%. Once again, not the time to make that large purchase, but a sign that there is brighter days ahead.

Posted in General Discussion