First American Has Record Year

First American Financial Corp. posted record results for the fourth quarter and year.

The company, which provides real estate-related financial and information services, said net income for the fourth quarter increased 93% to $22.8 million, or $1.27 a share, from $11.8 million, or 67 cents a share, for the same period in 1996. Revenue climbed 30% to $552.4 million from $425.5 million.

Profit for 1997 totaled $64.7 million, or $3.64 a share, 21% higher than 1996 earnings of $53.6 million, or $3.09 a share. Revenue rose 19% to $1.9 billion from $1.6 billion.