XML 45 R13.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.25.0.1
Investments, Equity Method and Joint Ventures
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]  
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS
The Company applies the equity method of accounting for investments in ventures when it possesses significant influence over operational and financial decisions but lacks controlling interests. The Company records its proportionate share of net earnings or losses from these equity method investments under the "Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated entities" line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Investments not subject to the equity method are valued at fair market value with adjustments recognized in net income. If the fair value is not readily determinable, these investments are measured at cost minus impairment (if any), plus or minus changes reflecting observable price changes in orderly transactions for an identical or similar investment.
The Company has various equity method investments classified within other non-current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Although the Company holds certain governance rights, it lacks controlling financial or operational interests in these investments. Equity earnings or losses attributable to these investments are included in the financial results of the Title Group and Owned Brokerage Group reportable segments.
The Company's equity method investment balances at December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
December 31,
 20242023
Guaranteed Rate Affinity (a)$65 $67 
Title Insurance Underwriter Joint Venture (b)73 74 
Other equity method investments (c)44 37 
Total equity method investments$182 $178 
_______________
(a)Represents the Company's 49.9% minority-owned mortgage origination joint venture with Guaranteed Rate, Inc at Title Group which originates and markets its mortgage lending services to the Company's real estate brokerage as well as other real estate brokerage companies across the country.
(b)Represents the Company's 22% equity interest in the Title Insurance Underwriter Joint Venture at Title Group (see below under the header "Title Insurance Underwriter Joint Venture" for further discussion).
(c)Includes the Company's various other equity method investments at Title Group and Brokerage Group, including the Company's 50% owned unconsolidated real estate auction joint venture with Sotheby's which holds an 80% ownership stake in Sotheby's Concierge Auctions. The Company received $3 million in cash dividends related to these investments during the year ended December 31, 2024.
The Company recorded equity in (earnings) losses from its equity method investments as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
 202420232022
Guaranteed Rate Affinity$$— $22 
Title Insurance Underwriter Joint Venture(4)(6)
Other equity method investments
(10)(5)12 
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated entities$(7)$(9)$28 
Title Insurance Underwriter Joint Venture
In 2022, the Company sold its title insurance underwriter, Title Resources Guaranty Company, for $210 million and a 30% equity interest in a joint venture that owns the title insurance underwriter (the "Title Insurance Underwriter Joint Venture"). The sale resulted in a net gain of $131 million recorded in the Other income, net line on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During the second quarter of 2022, the Company sold a portion of its interest in the Title Insurance Underwriter Joint Venture, reducing its equity interest from 30% to 26% and resulting in a gain of $4 million. In 2023, the Company sold another portion, further reducing its equity interest from 26% to 25% and resulting in a gain of $1 million. In 2024, the Company's equity interest was further diluted to 22%.
During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company entered into a binding term sheet with a subsidiary of the Title Insurance Underwriter Joint Venture related to the sale of 10% of the preferred equity in entities containing the assets of certain of the Company's title and escrow entities for $18.8 million, with a right to purchase 100% of those entities at the same valuation used for the initial purchase. The transaction includes customary minority protections, is contingent on certain conditions, and remains subject to termination provisions outlined in the term sheet.