Title insurance underwriters reported improved pretax margins in the second quarter of 2025, with Stewart, First American, and Fidelity National Financial all seeing significant increases—630, 530, and 380 basis points, respectively. Despite these margin gains, overall sales remain weak due to low home purchase volumes, especially in the spring home buying season. Fidelity National Financial reported a $260 million net income for the quarter, up from $159 million the prior year, though its holding company net income dropped to $278 million from $306 million due to a $33 million year-over-year decline in its F&G life insurance business. First American Financial saw net income grow to $146.1 million, with open orders rising 179,500, though purchase revenue declined 3% due to lower demand for new homes. Stewart Information Services reported a $31.9 million net income, up from $17.3 million, with a 19% increase in title segment operating revenues driven by commercial refinancing and real estate investor activity. Old Republic's title segment saw a 76.9% year-over-year drop in underwriting income to $6.9 million, leading to a 47.2% decline in pretax operating income to $24.2 million. Open orders were down, though agency premiums rose 7%. Investors Title reported a 12.6% revenue increase to $73.6 million and a stronger pipeline of open orders compared to the same period last year, despite not disclosing order counts.

Willis Towers Watson (WTW) is expected to report a 1.3% decline in second-quarter 2025 revenues but a 3.9% year-over-year increase in earnings per share. The company's Zacks Rank is 3 (Hold), with an Earnings ESP of -3.20%, suggesting a lower-than-expected earnings outcome. Other stocks like AIG, Assurant, and ORI are highlighted for potential earnings beats based on their ESP and Zacks Rank.

The article highlights five financial companies with high dividend yields and strong Benzinga Edge Value scores, recommending them as late bull market plays for growth and income. These firms include Lincoln National Corp., Universal Insurance Holdings Inc., Old Republic International Corp., Jeffries Financial Group Inc., and The Hanover Insurance Group Inc., each with distinct financial metrics, market performance, and earnings reports.

Willis Towers Watson (WTW) is expected to report a 1.3% decline in second-quarter 2025 revenues but a 3.9% year-over-year increase in earnings. The company's Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is $2.23 billion, while earnings are projected at $2.65 per share. Factors include strong client retention, new business growth, and geographic expansion, though expenses are expected to rise due to increased incentives and professional liability claims.

The article discusses Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.'s expected second-quarter 2025 earnings results, including revenue and earnings estimates, Zacks Consensus Estimates, and Earnings ESP analysis. It also highlights other insurance stocks (AIG, AIZ, ORI) with potential earnings beat prospects based on Zacks Rank and ESP metrics.