MGIC INVESTMENT CORP
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 26, 2025.
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FY2024 · Filed Feb 26, 2025
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Notes to consolidated financial statements
Note 1. Nature of Business
MGIC Investment Corporation is a holding company which, through Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation ("MGIC"), is principally engaged in the mortgage insurance business. We provide mortgage insurance to lenders throughout the United States and to government sponsored entities to protect against loss from defaults on low down payment residential mortgage loans. Primary mortgage insurance provides mortgage default protection on individual loans and covers a percentage of the unpaid loan principal, delinquent interest and certain expenses associated with the default and subsequent foreclosure or sale approved by us, of the underlying property. MGIC Assurance Corporation ("MAC") and MGIC Indemnity Corporation ("MIC"), insurance subsidiaries of MGIC, provide insurance for certain mortgages under Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the "GSEs") credit risk transfer programs. We operate as a single segment for the purposes of evaluating financial performance and allocating resources.
At December 31, 2024, our direct primary insurance in force ("IIF") was $295.4 billion, which represents the unpaid principal balance, either estimated by us or reported to us by mortgage servicers, for the loans we insure, and our direct primary risk in force ("RIF") was $78.8 billion, which represents the IIF multiplied by the insurance coverage percentage.
The substantial majority of our new insurance written ("NIW") is for loans purchased by the GSEs. The current private mortgage insurer eligibility requirements ("PMIERs") of the GSEs include financial requirements, as well as business, quality control and certain transactional approval requirements. The financial requirements of the PMIERs require a mortgage insurer’s "Available Assets" (generally only the most liquid assets of an insurer) to equal or exceed its "Minimum Required Assets" (which are based on an insurer's book of risk in force, calculated from tables of factors with several risk dimensions). Based on our application of the PMIERs, as of December 31, 2024, MGIC’s Available Assets are in excess of its Minimum Required Assets, and MGIC is in compliance with the PMIERs and eligible to insure loans purchased by the GSEs.
Note 2. Basis of Presentation
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), as codified in the Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"). Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MGIC Investment Corporation and its subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. In accordance with GAAP, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
We have considered subsequent events through the date of this filing.
Note 3. Significant Accounting Policies
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
We consider money market funds and investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
RESTRICTED CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Restricted cash and cash equivalents consists of cash and money market funds held in trusts for the benefit of contractual counterparties under reinsurance agreements or for other contractual restrictions.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
We carry certain financial instruments at fair value and disclose the fair value of all financial instruments. Our financial instruments carried at fair value are predominantly measured on a recurring basis. Financial instruments measured on a nonrecurring basis are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).
The fair value of an asset or liability is defined as the price that would be received upon a sale of an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is based on quoted market prices or inputs, where available. If prices or quotes are not available, fair value is based on valuation models or other valuation techniques that consider relevant transaction characteristics (such as maturity) and use as inputs observable or unobservable market parameters including yield curves, interest rates, volatilities, equity or debt prices, and credit curves. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value, as described below.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we did not elect to measure any financial instruments acquired, or issued, such as our outstanding debt obligations, at fair value for which the primary basis of accounting is not fair value.
Valuation process
We use independent pricing sources to determine the fair value of a substantial majority of our financial instruments, which primarily consist of assets in our investment portfolio, but also includes cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents. A variety of inputs are used; in approximate order of priority, they are benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, bids, offers, and reference data including market research publications.
Market indicators, industry, and economic events are also considered.
The inputs listed above are evaluated using a multidimensional pricing model. This model combines all inputs to arrive at a value assigned to each security. Quality controls are performed by the independent pricing sources throughout this process, which include reviewing tolerance reports, trading information, data changes, and directional moves compared to market moves.
On a quarterly basis, we perform quality controls over values received from the pricing sources which also include reviewing tolerance reports, data changes, and directional moves compared to market moves. We have not made any adjustments to the prices obtained from the independent pricing sources.
Valuation hierarchy
A three-level valuation hierarchy has been established under GAAP for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based on the transparency of inputs to the valuation of a financial instrument as of the measurement date. To determine the fair value of securities available-for-sale in Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, independent pricing sources, as described below, have been utilized. One price is provided per security based on observable market data. To ensure securities are appropriately classified in the fair value hierarchy, we review the pricing techniques and methodologies of the independent pricing sources and believe that their policies adequately consider market activity, either based on specific transactions for the issue valued or based on modeling of securities with similar credit quality, duration, yield and structure that were recently traded.
The three levels are defined as follows:
| è | Level 1 | Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets that we can access. Financial assets using Level 1 inputs primarily include U.S. Treasury securities, money market funds, treasury bills, and certain equity securities. |
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| è | Level 2 | Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets that we can access; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable in the marketplace for the instrument. The observable inputs are used in valuation models to calculate the fair value of the instruments. Financial assets using Level 2 inputs primarily include obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, most municipal bonds, and commercial paper.The independent pricing sources used for our Level 2 investments vary by type of investment. See Note 6 - "Fair Value Measurements" for further information. |
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| è | Level 3 | Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or value drivers are unobservable. The inputs used to derive the fair value of Level 3 securities reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability. Our non-financial assets that are classified as Level 3 securities consist of real estate acquired through claim settlement and embedded derivatives related to our Home Re Transactions. The fair value of real estate acquired is the lower of our acquisition cost or a percentage of the appraised value. The percentage applied to the appraised value is based upon our historical sales experience adjusted for current trends. The fair value of our embedded derivatives reflects the present value impact of the variation in investment income on the assets held by the reinsurance trusts and the contractual reference rate on Home Re Transactions used to calculate the reinsurance premiums we estimate we will pay over the estimated remaining life. |
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INVESTMENTS
Fixed income securities. Our fixed income securities are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value. Fixed income securities with original maturities less than one year and greater than three months are classified as short-term on our consolidated balance sheet. The related unrealized investment gains or losses are, after considering the related tax expense or benefit, recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders' equity. Realized investment gains and losses on fixed income securities are reported in income based upon specific identification of securities within "Net gains (losses) on investments and other financial instruments" on the consolidated statement of operations, along with any changes in the credit allowance.
Equity securities. Equity securities are reported at fair value, except for certain securities that are carried at cost. Equity securities carried at cost are reported as Other invested assets. Realized investment gains and losses on equity securities are reported in income based upon specific identification of securities sold within "Net gains (losses) on investments and other financial instruments" on the consolidated statement of operations, along with any changes in the fair value.
Other invested assets. Other invested assets are carried at cost. These assets represent our investment in Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago ("FHLB") stock, which due to restrictions, is required to be redeemed or sold only to the security issuer at par value.
Accrued Investment Income. We report accrued investment income separately from securities. Accrued investment income is written off through net realized investment gains (losses) if, and at the time, the issuer of the security defaults or is expected to default on payments.
Unrealized losses and allowance for credit losses
Each quarter we determine whether securities in an unrealized loss position are impaired by considering several factors including, but not limited to:
| è | our intent to sell the security or whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; |
|---|---|
| è | the present value of the discounted cash flows we expect to collect compared to the amortized cost basis of the security; |
| è | failure of the issuer to make scheduled interest or principal payments; |
| è | a change in rating to below investment grade; and |
| è | adverse conditions specifically related to the security, an industry, or a geographic area. |
Based on our evaluation, we will record an impairment on a security if we intend to sell, if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell it prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, or if the present value of the discounted cash flows we expect to collect is less than the amortized cost basis of the security.
When a security is considered to be impaired, but when a sale is not intended or is not likely, the loss is separated into the portion that represents the credit loss and the portion that is due to other factors. A credit loss is recorded, subject to reversal, in the consolidated statement of operations within "Net gains (losses) on investments and other financial instruments." The loss due to other factors is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes. A credit loss is determined to exist if the present value of the discounted cash flows, using the security’s original yield, expected to be collected from the security is less than the cost basis of the security.
HOME OFFICE AND EQUIPMENT
Home office and equipment is carried at cost, net of depreciation. For financial reporting purposes, depreciation is determined on a straight-line basis for the home office and equipment over estimated lives ranging from 3 to 45 years. For income tax purposes, we use accelerated depreciation methods.
Home office and equipment is shown net of accumulated depreciation of $61.2 million and $59.2 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $4.2 million, $4.6 million and $4.9 million, respectively.
DEFERRED INSURANCE POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS
Costs directly associated with the successful acquisition of mortgage insurance business, consisting of employee compensation and other policy issuance and underwriting expenses, are initially deferred and reported as deferred insurance policy acquisition costs ("DAC"). The deferred costs are reported net of any ceding commissions received associated with our reinsurance transactions. For each underwriting year of business, these costs are amortized to income in proportion to estimated gross profits over the estimated life of the policies. The estimates for each underwriting year are reviewed quarterly and updated when necessary to reflect actual experience and any changes to key variables such as persistency or loss development.
Loss reserves include case reserves, incurred but not reported ("IBNR") reserves, and loss adjustment expense ("LAE") reserves.
Case reserves and LAE reserves are established when notices of delinquency on insured mortgage loans are received. Such loans are referred to as being in our delinquency inventory. For reporting purposes, we consider a loan delinquent when it istwo or more payments past due and has not become current or resulted in a claim payment. Although the accounting standard, ASC 944, regarding accounting and reporting by insurance entities specifically excludes mortgage insurance from its guidance relating to loss reserves, we establish loss reserves using the general principles contained in the insurance standard. However, consistent with industry standards for mortgage insurers, we do not establish case reserves for future claims on insured loans that are not currently delinquent.
Case reserves are established by estimating the number of loans in our delinquency inventory that will result in a claim payment, which is referred to as the claim rate, and further estimating the amount of the claim payment, which is referred to as claim severity. Our case reserve estimates are primarily established based upon historical experience, including rescissions of policies, curtailments of claims, and loan modification activity. Adjustments to reserve estimates are reflected in the financial statements in the years in which the adjustments are made. Loss reserves for reinsurance assumed are based on information provided by the ceding companies.
IBNR reserves are established for delinquencies estimated to have occurred prior to the close of an accounting period, but have not yet been reported to us. Consistent with case reserves for reported delinquencies, IBNR reserves are also established using estimated claim rates and claim severities.
LAE reserves are established for the estimated costs of settling claims, including legal and other expenses, and general expenses of administering the claims settlement process.
Loss reserves are ceded to reinsurers under our reinsurance agreements. (See "Reinsurance" discussion below. Also see Note 8 – “Loss Reserves” and Note 9 – “Reinsurance.”)
PREMIUM DEFICIENCY RESERVE
After our loss reserves are established, we perform premium deficiency tests using our best estimate of future premium, losses and LAE paid. Premium deficiency reserves are established, if necessary, when the present value of expected future losses and LAE paid exceeds the present value of expected future premium, anticipated investment income, and already established loss reserves.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
We write policies which are guaranteed renewable at the insured's option on a monthly, single, or annual premium basis. We have no ability to re-underwrite or reprice these policies. Premiums written on monthly premium policies are earned as coverage is provided. Premiums written on single premium policies and annual premium policies are initially deferred as unearned premium reserve. Premiums written on annual premium policies are earned on a monthly pro rata basis. Premiums written on policies covering more than one year are amortized over the estimated policy life based on historical experience, which includes the anticipated incurred loss pattern. When a policy is cancelled for a reason other than rescission or claim payment, all premium that is non-refundable is immediately earned. Any refundable premium is returned to the servicer or borrower. When a policy is cancelled due to rescission, all previously collected premium is returned. When a policy is cancelled because a claim is paid, premium collected since the date of delinquency is returned.
The liability associated with our estimate of premium to be returned is accrued for separately and included in "Other liabilities" on our consolidated balance sheets. Changes in this liability, and the actual return of premiums for all periods, affect premiums written and earned.
We assess whether a credit loss allowance is required for our premium receivable. We consider collectability trends and industry development, among other things. Any estimated credit loss would be immediately recognized.
Fee income of our non-insurance subsidiaries is earned and recognized as the services are provided and the customer is obligated to pay. Fee income consists primarily of contract underwriting and related fee-based services provided to lenders and is included in “Other revenue” on the consolidated statements of operations.
INCOME TAXES
Deferred income taxes are provided under the liability method, which recognizes the future tax effects of temporary differences between amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the tax bases of these items. The estimated tax effects are computed at the enacted federal statutory income tax rate. Changes in tax laws, rates, regulations, and policies or the final determination of tax audits or examinations, could materially affect our estimates and can be significant to our operating results. We evaluate the realizability of the deferred tax assets based on the weight of all available positive and negative evidence. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
The recognition of a tax position is determined using a two-step approach. The first step applies a more-likely-than-not threshold for recognition and derecognition. The second step measures the tax position as the greatest amount of benefit that is cumulatively greater than 50% likely to be realized. When evaluating a tax position for recognition and measurement, we presume that the tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. We recognize interest accrued and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in our provision for income taxes.
Federal tax law permits mortgage guaranty insurance companies to deduct from taxable income, subject to certain limitations, the amounts added to contingency loss reserves that are recorded for regulatory purposes. The amounts we deduct must generally be included in taxable income in the tenth subsequent year. The deduction is allowed only to the extent that we purchase and hold U.S. government non-interest-bearing tax and loss bonds in an amount equal to the tax benefit attributable to the deduction. We account for these purchases as a payment of current federal income tax. (See"Note 12 - Income Taxes.")
BENEFIT PLANS
We have a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan, as well as a supplemental executive retirement plan, that covered eligible employees as of December 31, 2022, utilizing a cash balance formula. Effective January 1, 2023, these plans were frozen (no future benefits will be accrued for participants due to employment and no new participants will be added). Participants will continue to earn interest credits on their retirement benefits. We recognize the ongoing retirement benefit costs of these plans as they are incurred. Our policy is to fund pension costs as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
We also offer benefits for retired domestic employees, their eligible spouses and dependents under a postretirement benefit plan. Participation in this plan is limited to eligible employees that participated in the defined benefit pension plan. Eligibility for coverage is based on meeting certain years of service and retirement age qualifications. We accrue the estimated costs of the retiree benefits over the period during which employees render the service that qualifies them for benefits. (See Note 11 – “Benefit Plans.”)
REINSURANCE
We cede insurance risk through the use of quota share reinsurance transactions ("QSR") and excess of loss reinsurance transactions. We have excess of loss transactions executed through the traditional reinsurance market and with Home Re special purpose insurers. Premiums and losses incurred on our QSR Transactions are ceded pursuant to the terms of our reinsurance agreements. Reinsurance premiums ceded under our traditional reinsurance transactions are based off the remaining reinsured coverage levels. Reinsurance premiums ceded under our Home Re agreements are composed of coverage, initial expense and supplemental premiums. The coverage premiums are generally calculated as the difference between the amount of interest payable by the Home Re Entity on the remaining reinsurance coverage levels, and the investment income collected on the collateral assets held in the reinsurance trust account and used to collateralize the Home Re Entity's reinsurance obligation to MGIC.
Loss reserves are reported before taking credit for amounts ceded under reinsurance transactions. Ceded loss reserves are reflected as "Reinsurance recoverable on loss reserves." Amounts due from reinsurers on paid claims are reflected as “Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses.” Ceded premiums payable, net of ceding commission and profit commission are included in “Other liabilities.” Profit commissions are included with “Premiums written – Ceded” and ceding commissions are included with “Other underwriting and operating expenses, net.” We remain liable for all insurance ceded. (See Note 9 – “Reinsurance.”)
We assess whether a credit loss allowance is required for our reinsurance recoverables. In assessing whether a credit allowance should be established, we consider several factors including, but not limited to, the credit ratings of individual reinsurers, investor reports for our Home Re Transactions, collateral held in trust accounts in which MGIC is the sole beneficiary, and aging of outstanding reinsurance recoverable balances.
Assumed reinsurance is based on information received from the ceding company.
See Note 9 – “Reinsurance" for discussion of our variable interest entity ("VIE") policy on the Home Re Transactions.
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
We have certain share-based compensation plans. Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized over the service period which generally corresponds to the vesting period. Awards under our plans generally vest over periods ranging fromone tothree years, although awards to our non-employee directors vest immediately. Any forfeitures of awards are recognized as they occur. (See Note 15 – “Share-based Compensation Plans.”)
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Our "participating securities" are composed of vested restricted stock and restricted stock units ("RSUs") with non-forfeitable rights to dividends. Diluted EPS includes the components of basic EPS and also gives effect to dilutive common stock equivalents. We calculate diluted EPS using the treasury stock method and if-converted method. Under the treasury stock method, diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if our unvested restricted stock units result in the issuance of common stock. Prior to our redemption of the outstanding principal on our 9% debentures in 2023, we utilized the if-converted method, to calculate the potential dilution that could occur if our 9% Debentures were converted to common stock. The determination of potentially issuable shares did not consider the satisfaction of the conversion requirements and the shares were included in the determination of diluted EPS as of the beginning of the period, if dilutive. For purposes of calculating basic and diluted EPS, vested RSUs are considered outstanding. In 2023, under the terms of our 9% Debentures, we exercised our option to redeem the outstanding principal. (See Note 7 - “Debt”.)
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In 2024, 2023, and 2022 there wereno material related party transactions.
RECENT ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING DEVELOPMENTS
Accounting standards and laws and regulations effective in 2024 or early adopted, and relevant to our financial statements are described below:
Segment Reporting—Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures: ASU 2023-07
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07. The update expands annual and interim disclosure requirements for reportable segments, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The standard took effect for all public business entities for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods beginning after December 31, 2024. The Company adopted ASU 2023-07 during the year ended December 31, 2024. See Note 18 - "Segment Reporting" for our disclosures around ASU 2023-07.
PROSPECTIVE ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING DEVELOPMENTS
Relevant new amendments to accounting standards, which are not yet effective or adopted.
Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures: ASU 2023-09
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. Income tax disclosures will require consistent categories and greater disaggregations of information in the rate reconciliation and disclosure of income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 on a prospective basis. We have evaluated the impacts the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and determined that it will not have a material impact.
Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses: ASU 2024-03
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03 requiring additional disclosure of the nature of expenses included in the income statement. The new standard requires disclosures about specific expenses included in the expense captions presented on the face of the income statement as well as disclosures about selling expenses. ASU 2024-03 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. The requirements will be applied prospectively with the option for retrospective application. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impacts the adoption of this guidance will have on our disclosures, but do not expect it to have a material impact.
Note 4. Earnings Per Share
Table 4.1 reconciles basic and diluted EPS amounts:
| Earnings per share | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 4.1 | |||||
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||
| (In thousands, except per share data) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||
| Basic earnings per share: | ||||||
| Net income | $762,994 | $712,949 | $865,349 | |||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic | 261,684 | 283,605 | 305,847 | |||
| Basic earnings per share | $2.92 | $2.51 | $2.83 | |||
| Diluted earnings per share: | ||||||
| Net Income | $762,994 | $712,949 | $865,349 | |||
| Interest expense, net of tax (1): | ||||||
| 9% Debentures | — | 1,026 | 3,228 | |||
| Diluted income available to common shareholders | $762,994 | $713,975 | $868,577 | |||
| Weighted-average shares - basic | 261,684 | 283,605 | 305,847 | |||
| Effect of dilutive securities: | ||||||
| Unvested restricted stock units | 2,311 | 2,427 | 1,917 | |||
| 9% Debentures | — | 1,123 | 3,465 | |||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted | 263,995 | 287,155 | 311,229 | |||
| Diluted income per share | $2.89 | $2.49 | $2.79 | |||
(1) Interest expense has been tax effected at a rate of 21%.
Prior to our redemption of the outstanding principal on our 9% debentures in 2023, we utilized the if-converted method to calculate the potential dilution that could occur if our 9% Debentures were converted to common stock. Under this method, if dilutive, the common stock related to the outstanding 9% Debentures was assumed to be issued as of the beginning of the reporting period and the related interest expense, net of tax, was added back to earnings in calculating diluted EPS. In 2023, under the terms of our 9% Debentures, we exercised our option to redeem the outstanding principal. (See Note 7 - "Debt".)
Note 5. Investments
FIXED INCOME SECURITIES
Our fixed income securities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Details of fixed income investment securities by category as of December 31, 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table · 5.1a | ||||
| (In thousands) | Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value |
| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies | $265,349 | $231 | $(5,087) | $260,493 |
| Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions | 2,065,953 | 2,331 | (192,789) | 1,875,495 |
| Corporate debt securities | 2,857,627 | 12,593 | (112,839) | 2,757,381 |
| ABS | 155,594 | 2,157 | (1,234) | 156,517 |
| RMBS | 373,485 | 2,103 | (25,528) | 350,060 |
| CMBS | 243,840 | 21 | (7,990) | 235,871 |
| CLOs | 199,773 | 286 | — | 200,059 |
| Foreign government debt | 4,487 | — | (689) | 3,798 |
| Commercial paper | 12,015 | — | — | 12,015 |
| Total fixed income securities | $6,178,123 | $19,722 | $(346,156) | $5,851,689 |
| Details of fixed income investment securities by category as of December 31, 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table · 5.1b | ||||
| (In thousands) | Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value |
| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies | $167,995 | $51 | $(6,364) | $161,682 |
| Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions | 2,092,754 | 5,159 | (189,835) | 1,908,078 |
| Corporate debt securities | 2,626,401 | 17,391 | (128,211) | 2,515,581 |
| ABS | 173,256 | 1,292 | (3,275) | 171,273 |
| RMBS | 347,132 | 4,297 | (20,656) | 330,773 |
| CMBS | 293,204 | 5 | (15,752) | 277,457 |
| CLOs | 327,467 | 37 | (1,408) | 326,096 |
| Foreign government debt | 4,486 | — | (643) | 3,843 |
| Commercial paper | $28,327 | $3 | $— | $28,330 |
| Total fixed income securities | $6,061,022 | $28,235 | $(366,144) | $5,723,113 |
We had $12.2 million of investments at fair value on deposit with various states as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, in accordance with regulatory requirements of those state insurance departments.
In connection with our insurance and reinsurance activities within MAC and MIC, we are required to maintain assets in trusts for the benefit of contractual counterparties, which had investments at fair value of $199.9 million and $156.9 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase is primarily due to an increase in collateral required as the risk in force covered by these insurance and reinsurance activities has increased.
The amortized cost and fair values of fixed income securities at December 31, 2024, by contractual maturity, are shown in table 5.2 below. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Because most mortgage and asset-backed securities provide for periodic payments throughout their lives, they are listed in separate categories.
| Fixed income securities maturity schedule | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 5.2 | |||
| (In thousands) | Amortized Cost | Fair Value | ||
| Due in one year or less | $729,851 | $728,644 | ||
| Due after one year through five years | 1,669,360 | 1,631,156 | ||
| Due after five years through ten years | 1,771,814 | 1,656,007 | ||
| Due after ten years | 1,034,406 | 893,375 | ||
| 5,205,431 | 4,909,182 | |||
| ABS | 155,594 | 156,517 | ||
| RMBS | 373,485 | 350,060 | ||
| CMBS | 243,840 | 235,871 | ||
| CLOs | 199,773 | 200,059 | ||
| Total as of December 31, 2024 | $6,178,123 | $5,851,689 | ||
EQUITY SECURITIES
The cost and fair value of investments in equity securities as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 are shown in tables 5.3a and 5.3b below.
| Details of equity investment securities as of December 31, 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table · 5.3a | ||||
| (In thousands) | Cost | Fair value gains | Fair value losses | Fair Value |
| Equity securities | $16,146 | $8 | $(1,392) | $14,762 |
| Details of equity investment securities as of December 31, 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table · 5.3b | ||||
| (In thousands) | Cost | Fair value gains | Fair value losses | Fair Value |
| Equity securities | $16,025 | $5 | $(1,259) | $14,771 |
NET GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The net gains (losses) on investments and other financial instruments and the proceeds from the sale of fixed income securities classified as available-for-sale and equity securities are shown in table 5.4 below.
| Details of net gains (losses) on investments and other financial instruments | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 5.4 | ||||
| (in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||
| Fixed income securities: | |||||
| Gains on sales | $1,114 | $3,071 | $7,152 | ||
| Losses on sales | (8,045) | (17,620) | (15,477) | ||
| Impairments | — | — | (1,415) | ||
| Equity securities gains (losses): | |||||
| Gains (losses) on sales | — | — | (7) | ||
| Changes in fair value | (130) | 530 | (2,013) | ||
| Change in embedded derivative on Home Re Transactions (1) | (2,791) | (118) | 4,269 | ||
| Other: | |||||
| Gains (losses) on sales | 16 | (1) | 2 | ||
| Market adjustment | (10) | (3) | 26 | ||
| Net gains (losses) on investments and other financial instruments | $(9,846) | $(14,141) | $(7,463) | ||
| Proceeds from sales of fixed income securities | $45,087 | $375,788 | $397,553 | ||
| Proceeds from sales of equity securities | — | — | 97 | ||
(1) See Note 6 "Fair Value Measurements" for discussion of the embedded derivative on the Home Re Transactions.
OTHER INVESTED ASSETS
Our other invested assets balances includes an investment in Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") stock that is carried at cost, which due to its nature approximates fair value. Ownership of FHLB stock provides access to a secured lending facility.
UNREALIZED INVESTMENT LOSSES
Tables 5.5a and 5.5b below summarize, for all available-for-sale investments in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by the length of time those securities have been continuously in an unrealized loss position. The fair value amounts reported in tables 5.5a and 5.5b below are estimated using the process described in Note 6 - "Fair Value Measurements" to these consolidated financial statements.
| Unrealized loss aging for securities by type and length of time as of December 31, 2024 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table · 5.5a | ||||||
| Less Than 12 Months | 12 Months or Greater | Total | ||||
| (In thousands) | Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Unrealized Losses |
| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies | $37,017 | $(437) | $69,959 | $(4,650) | $106,976 | $(5,087) |
| Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions | 409,406 | (5,621) | 1,195,869 | (187,168) | 1,605,275 | (192,789) |
| Corporate debt securities | 852,752 | (10,334) | 1,051,862 | (102,505) | 1,904,614 | (112,839) |
| ABS | 20,090 | (184) | 49,640 | (1,050) | 69,730 | (1,234) |
| RMBS | 171,654 | (5,498) | 151,893 | (20,030) | 323,547 | (25,528) |
| CMBS | 77,567 | (1,774) | 151,188 | (6,216) | 228,755 | (7,990) |
| Foreign government debt | — | — | 3,798 | (689) | 3,798 | (689) |
| Total | $1,568,486 | $(23,848) | $2,674,209 | $(322,308) | $4,242,695 | $(346,156) |
| Unrealized loss aging for securities by type and length of time as of December 31, 2023 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table · 5.5b | ||||||
| Less Than 12 Months | 12 Months or Greater | Total | ||||
| (In thousands) | Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Unrealized Losses |
| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies | $26,550 | $(75) | $98,359 | $(6,289) | $124,909 | $(6,364) |
| Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions | 275,727 | (3,622) | 1,200,533 | (186,213) | 1,476,260 | (189,835) |
| Corporate debt securities | 270,956 | (6,060) | 1,604,021 | (122,151) | 1,874,977 | (128,211) |
| ABS | 41,549 | (1,234) | 62,611 | (2,041) | 104,160 | (3,275) |
| RMBS | 44,867 | (872) | 176,349 | (19,784) | 221,216 | (20,656) |
| CMBS | 35,249 | (391) | 244,216 | (15,361) | 279,465 | (15,752) |
| CLOs | — | — | 274,729 | (1,408) | 274,729 | (1,408) |
| Foreign government debt | — | — | 3,843 | (643) | 3,843 | (643) |
| Total | $694,898 | $(12,254) | $3,664,661 | $(353,890) | $4,359,559 | $(366,144) |
The change in net unrealized gains (losses) of investments is shown in table 5.6 below.
| Change in net unrealized gains (losses) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 5.6 | |||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||
| Fixed income securities | $11,481 | $179,174 | $(707,005) | |||
There were 1,020 and 1,021 securities in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Based on current facts and circumstances, we believe the unrealized losses as of December 31, 2024 presented in table 5.5a above are not indicative of the ultimate collectability of the par value of the securities. The unrealized losses in all categories of our investments were primarily caused by an increase in prevailing interest rates. We also rely upon estimates of several credit and non-credit factors in our review and evaluation of individual investments to determine whether a credit impairment exists. All of the securities in an unrealized loss position are current with respect to their interest obligations.
The source of net investment income is shown in table 5.7 below.
| Net investment income | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 5.7 | |||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||
| Fixed income securities | $230,524 | $202,655 | $166,306 | |||
| Equity securities | 624 | 529 | 437 | |||
| Cash equivalents | 18,498 | 16,111 | 5,049 | |||
| Other | 31 | 44 | 51 | |||
| Investment income | 249,677 | 219,339 | 171,843 | |||
| Investment expenses | (5,037) | (4,599) | (4,367) | |||
| Net investment income | $244,640 | $214,740 | $167,476 | |||
Note 6. Fair Value Measurements
Recurring fair value measurements
The following describes the valuation methodologies generally used by the independent pricing sources, or by us, to measure financial instruments at fair value, including the general classification of such financial instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Corporations and Agencies: Securities with valuations derived from quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets that we can access are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Securities valued by surveying the dealer community, obtaining relevant trade data, benchmark quotes and spreads and incorporating this information in the valuation process are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Corporate Debt Securitiesare valued by obtaining relevant trade data, benchmark quotes and spread, and broker/dealer quotes and incorporating this information into the valuation process. These securities are generally categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Obligations of U.S. States & Political Subdivisions are valued by tracking, capturing, and analyzing quotes for active issues and trades reported via the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board records. Daily briefings and reviews of current economic conditions, trading levels, spread relationships, and the slope of the yield curve provide further data for evaluation. These securities are generally categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities ("RMBS") are valued by monitoring interest rate movements, and other pertinent data daily. Incoming market data is enriched to derive spread, yield and/or price data as appropriate, enabling known data points to be extrapolated for valuation application across a range of related securities. These securities are generally categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities ("CMBS") are valued using techniques that reflect market participants’ assumptions and maximize the use of relevant observable inputs including quoted prices for similar assets, benchmark yield curves and market corroborated inputs. Evaluation uses regular reviews of the inputs for securities covered, including executed trades, broker quotes, credit information, collateral attributes and/or cash flow waterfall as applicable. These securities are generally categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Asset-Backed Securities ("ABS") are valued using spreads and other information solicited from market buy-and-sell-side sources, including primary and secondary dealers, portfolio managers, and research analysts. Cash flows are generated for each tranche, benchmark yields are determined, and deal collateral performance and tranche level attributes including trade activity, bids, and offers are applied, resulting in tranche specific prices. These securities are generally categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Collateralized loan obligations ("CLOs") are valued by evaluating manager rating, seniority in the capital structure, assumptions about prepayment, default and recovery and their impact on cash flow generation. Loan level net asset values are determined and aggregated for tranches and as a final step prices are checked against available recent trade activity. These securities are generally categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Foreign government debtis valued by surveying the dealer community, obtaining relevant trade data, benchmark quotes and spreads and incorporating this information into the valuation process. These securities are generally categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Commercial Paper, with an original maturity greater than 90 days, is valued using market data for comparable instruments of similar maturity and average yields. These securities are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Equity securities: Consist of actively traded, exchange-listed equity securities, including exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) and Bond Mutual Funds, with valuations derived from quoted prices for identical assets in active markets that we can access. These securities are valued in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Cash Equivalents: Consists of money market funds and treasury bills with valuations derived from quoted prices for identical assets in active markets that we can access. These securities are valued in level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Instruments in this category valued using market data for comparable instruments are classified as level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Assets measured at fair value, by hierarchy level, as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are shown in tables 6.1a and 6.1b below. The fair value of the assets is estimated using the process described above, and more fully in Note 3 - "Significant Accounting Policies" to the consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-K.
| Assets carried at fair value by hierarchy level as of December 31, 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Table · 6.1a | |||
| (In thousands) | Fair Value | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets(Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs(Level 2) |
| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies | $260,493 | $220,369 | $40,124 |
| Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions | 1,875,495 | — | 1,875,495 |
| Corporate debt securities | 2,757,381 | — | 2,757,381 |
| ABS | 156,517 | — | 156,517 |
| RMBS | 350,060 | — | 350,060 |
| CMBS | 235,871 | — | 235,871 |
| CLOs | 200,059 | — | 200,059 |
| Foreign government debt | 3,798 | — | 3,798 |
| Commercial paper | 12,015 | — | 12,015 |
| Total fixed income securities | 5,851,689 | 220,369 | 5,631,320 |
| Equity securities | 14,762 | 14,762 | — |
| Cash equivalents(1) | 230,156 | 219,943 | 10,213 |
| Total | $6,096,607 | $455,074 | $5,641,533 |
| Assets carried at fair value by hierarchy level as of December 31, 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Table · 6.1b | |||
| (In thousands) | Fair Value | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets(Level 1) | Significant OtherObservable Inputs(Level 2) |
| U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies | $161,682 | $95,828 | $65,854 |
| Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions | 1,908,078 | — | 1,908,078 |
| Corporate debt securities | 2,515,581 | — | 2,515,581 |
| ABS | 171,273 | — | 171,273 |
| RMBS | 330,773 | — | 330,773 |
| CMBS | 277,457 | — | 277,457 |
| CLOs | 326,096 | — | 326,096 |
| Foreign government debt | 3,843 | — | 3,843 |
| Commercial Paper | 28,330 | — | 28,330 |
| Total fixed income securities | 5,723,113 | 95,828 | 5,627,285 |
| Equity securities | 14,771 | 14,771 | — |
| Cash equivalents(1) | 367,517 | 367,301 | 216 |
| Total | $6,105,401 | $477,900 | $5,627,501 |
| (1) Includes restricted cash equivalents | |||
Certain financial instruments, including insurance contracts, are excluded from these fair value disclosure requirements. Additional fair value disclosures related to our investment portfolio are included in Note 5 - "Investments."
In addition to the assets carried at fair value discussed above, we have embedded derivatives carried at fair value related to our Home Re Transactions that are classified as Other liabilities or Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. The estimated fair value related to our embedded derivatives reflects the present value impact of the variation in investment income on the assets held by the reinsurance trusts and the contractual reference rate on the Home Re Transactions used to calculate the reinsurance premiums we estimate we will pay over the estimated remaining life. These liabilities or assets are categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the fair value of the embedded derivatives was a liability of $0.4 million and an asset of $2.4 million, respectively. (See Note 9 - "Reinsurance" for more information about our Home Re Transactions.)
Real estate acquired through claim settlement is carried at fair values and is reported in “Other assets” on the consolidated balance sheet. These assets are categorized as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Purchases of real estate acquired was $5.2 million and
$0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively. Sales of real estate acquired were $2.7 million and $3.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively.
FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES NOT MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE
Other invested assets include an investment in FHLB stock that is carried at cost, which due to restrictions that require it to be redeemed or sold only to the security issuer at par value, approximates fair value. The fair value of other invested assets is categorized as Level 2.
Financial liabilities include our outstanding debt obligation. The fair value of our 5.25% Notes is based on observable market prices. In all cases the fair values of the financial liabilities below are categorized as level 2.
Table 6.2 presents the carrying value and fair value of our financial assets and liabilities disclosed, but not carried, at fair value as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
| Financial assets and liabilities not carried at fair value | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 6.2 | ||||||
| December 31, 2024 · December 31, 2023 | |||||||
| (In thousands) | Carrying Value | Fair Value | Carrying Value | Fair Value | |||
| Financial assets | |||||||
| Other invested assets | $1,109 | $1,109 | $850 | $850 | |||
| Financial liabilities | |||||||
| 5.25% Notes | $644,667 | $636,883 | $643,196 | $634,498 | |||
Note 7. Debt
DEBT OBLIGATIONS
The aggregate carrying value of our 5.25% Senior Notes ("5.25% Notes") and the par value as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 is presented in table 7.1 below.
| Long-term debt obligation, carrying value | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 7.1 | |||
| December 31, | ||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | ||
| 5.25% Notes, due August 2028 (par value: $650 million) | $644,667 | $643,196 | ||
The 5.25% Senior Notes are an obligation of our holding company, MGIC Investment Corporation.
2023 Transactions
In the third quarter of 2023, under the terms of our 9% Debentures, we exercised our option to redeem the outstanding principal of $21.1 million. The 9% Debentures were convertible into shares of MGIC common stock at a rate of 77.9620 shares per $1,000 principal amount. Prior to the redemption date, substantially all holders elected to convert into shares of common stock. Under the terms of the 9% Debentures, we paid cash of $28.6 million in lieu of issuing shares of common stock. The conversion of our 9% Debentures resulted in a $5.3 million reduction in our shareholders’ equity, net of tax, and a reduction of 1.6 million potentially dilutive shares.
2022 Transactions
During 2022, we repurchased $89.1 million in aggregate principal of our 9% Debentures at a purchase price of $121.2 million plus accrued interest. The repurchase of our 9% Debentures resulted in a $32.1 million loss on debt extinguishment on our consolidated statement of operations and a reduction of 6.8 million potentially dilutive shares.
The Federal Home Loan Bank Advance (the “FHLB Advance”) was an obligation of MGIC. In 2022, we repaid the outstanding principal balance of the FHLB Advance at a prepayment price of $156.3 million, incurring a prepayment fee of $1.3 million.
In July 2022, we redeemed the outstanding principal balance of the 5.75% Senior Notes (“5.75% Notes”) through a make-whole price of $248.4 million plus accrued interest. The excess of the make-whole price over the carrying value, plus the write-off of unamortized issuance costs on the par value, resulted in a $6.8 million loss on debt extinguishment. The make-whole amount was calculated as the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest discounted at the treasury rate defined in the notes plus 50 basis points and accrued interest. The 5.75% Notes were an obligation of our holding company.
5.25% Notes
Interest on the 5.25% Notes is payable semi-annually on February 15 and August 15.
Until August 15, 2025, we may redeem the notes at 101.313% of principal; on or after August 15, 2025, we may redeem the notes at 100% of principal; in each case, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
The 5.25% Notes have covenants and events of default, which are customary for securities of this nature, and further provide that the trustee or holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 5.25% Notes may declare them immediately due and payable upon the occurrence of certain events of default after the expiration of the applicable grace period. In addition, in the case of an event of default arising from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization relating to the Company or any of its significant subsidiaries, the 5.25% Notes will become due and payable immediately. This description is not intended to be complete in all respects and is qualified in its entirety by the terms of the 5.25% Notes, including their covenants and events of default. We were in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2024.
INTEREST PAYMENTS
Interest payments were $34.1 million during 2024, $35.1 million during 2023 and $53.7 million during 2022.
Note 8. Loss Reserves
As described in Note 3 – “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Loss Reserves,” we establish case reserves and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") reserves on delinquent loans that were reported to us astwo or more payments past due and have not become current or resulted in a claim payment. Such loans are referred to as being in our delinquency inventory. Case reserves are established by estimating the number of loans in our delinquency inventory that will result in a claim payment, which is referred to as the claim rate, and further estimating the amount of the claim payment, which is referred to as claim severity.
IBNR reserves are established for estimated losses from delinquencies we estimate have occurred prior to the close of an accounting period, but have not yet been reported to us. IBNR reserves are also established using estimated claim rates and claim severities.
Estimation of losses is inherently judgmental. The conditions that affect the claim rate and claim severity include the current and future state of the domestic economy, including unemployment and the current and future strength of local housing markets; exposure on insured loans; the amount of time between delinquency and claim filing (all else being equal, the longer the period between delinquency and claim filing, the greater the severity); and curtailments and rescissions. The actual amount of the claim payments may be substantially different than our loss reserve estimates. Our estimates could be adversely affected by several factors, including a deterioration of regional or national economic conditions, including unemployment, leading to a reduction in borrowers’ income and thus their ability to make mortgage payments, the impact of past and future government initiatives and actions taken by the GSEs (including mortgage forbearance programs and foreclosure moratoriums), and a drop in housing values which may affect borrower willingness to continue to make mortgage payments when the value of the home is below the mortgage balance. Loss reserves in future periods will also be dependent on the number of loans reported to us as delinquent.
Changes to our estimates could result in a material impact to our consolidated statements of operations and financial position, even in a stable economic environment. Given the uncertainty of the macroeconomic environment, including the effectiveness of loss mitigation efforts, changes in home prices, and level of employment, our loss reserve estimates may continue to be impacted.
In considering the potential sensitivity of the factors underlying our estimate of loss reserves, it is possible that even a relatively small change in our estimated claim rate or claim severity could have a material impact on loss reserves and, correspondingly, on our consolidated statements of operations even in a stable economic environment. For example, as of December 31, 2024, assuming all other factors remain constant, a $1,000 increase/decrease in the average severity reserve factor would change the loss reserve amount by approximately +/- $7 million. A one percentage point increase/decrease in the average claim rate reserve factor would change the loss reserve amount by approximately +/- $18 million.
The “Losses incurred” section of table 8.1 below shows losses incurred on delinquencies that occurred in the current year and in prior years. The amount of losses incurred relating to delinquencies that occurred in the current year represents the estimated amount to be ultimately paid on such delinquencies. The amount of losses incurred relating to delinquencies that occurred in prior years represents the difference between the actual claim rate and claim severity associated with those delinquencies resolved in the current year compared to the estimated claim rate and claim severity at the prior year-end, as well as a re-estimation of amounts to be ultimately paid on delinquencies continuing from the end of the prior year. This re-estimation of the claim rate and claim severity is the result of our review of current trends in the delinquency inventory, such as percentages of delinquencies that have resulted in a claim, the amount of the claims relative to the average loan exposure, changes in the relative level of delinquencies by geography and changes in average loan exposure.
The “Losses paid” section of table 8.1 below shows the amount of losses paid on delinquencies received in the current year and losses paid on delinquencies that occurred in prior years.
Table 8.1 provides a reconciliation of beginning and ending loss reserves as of and for the past three years:
| Development of loss reserves | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 8.1 | |||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||
| Reserve at beginning of year | $505,379 | $557,988 | $883,522 | |||
| Less reinsurance recoverable | 33,302 | 28,240 | 66,905 | |||
| Net reserve at beginning of year | 472,077 | 529,748 | 816,617 | |||
| Losses incurred: | ||||||
| Losses and LAE incurred in respect of delinquent notices received in: | ||||||
| Current year | 197,615 | 187,658 | 149,565 | |||
| Prior years (1) | (212,476) | (208,514) | (404,130) | |||
| Total losses incurred | (14,861) | (20,856) | (254,565) | |||
| Losses paid: | ||||||
| Losses and LAE paid in respect of delinquent notices received in: | ||||||
| Current year | 946 | 566 | 362 | |||
| Prior years | 43,585 | 45,645 | 49,626 | |||
| Reinsurance terminations (2) | (2,696) | (9,396) | (17,684) | |||
| Total losses paid | 41,835 | 36,815 | 32,304 | |||
| Net reserve at end of year | 415,381 | 472,077 | 529,748 | |||
| Plus reinsurance recoverables | 47,281 | 33,302 | 28,240 | |||
| Reserve at end of year | $462,662 | $505,379 | $557,988 | |||
(1)A positive number for prior year loss development indicates a deficiency of prior year reserves. A negative number for prior year loss development indicates a redundancy of prior year loss reserves. See the following table for more information about prior year loss development.
(2)In a reinsurance termination, amounts for any incurred but unpaid losses are due to us from the reinsurers. As a result, the amount due from the reinsurers is reclassified from reinsurance recoverable on loss reserves to reinsurance recoverable on paid losses, resulting in no impact to losses incurred. (See Note 9 - "Reinsurance")
The increase in the current year losses incurred for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 is primarily due to an increase in estimated severity on current year delinquencies and an increase in new delinquencies reported, offset by a decrease in the ultimate claim rate on new delinquencies received as of December 31, 2024.
The favorable loss development on previously received delinquencies for the year ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 primarily resulted from a decrease in the expected claim rate on previously received delinquencies. Home price appreciation in recent years has allowed some borrowers to cure their delinquencies through the sale of their property.
The prior year loss reserve development for the past three years is reflected in table 8.2 below.
| Reserve development on previously received delinquencies | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 8.2 | |||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||
| Increase (decrease) in estimated claim rate on primary defaults | $(192,675) | $(200,983) | $(400,577) | |||
| Change in estimates related to severity on primary defaults, pool reserves, LAE reserves, reinsurance, and other | (19,801) | (7,531) | (3,553) | |||
| Total prior year loss development (1) | $(212,476) | $(208,514) | $(404,130) | |||
(1)A positive number for prior year loss development indicates a deficiency of prior year loss reserves. A negative number for prior year loss development indicates a redundancy of prior year loss reserves.
PREMIUM REFUNDS
Our estimate of premiums to be refunded on expected claim payments is accrued for separately in "Other liabilities" on our consolidated balance sheets and was $12.5 million and $21.1 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Note 9. Reinsurance
Our consolidated financial statements reflect the effects of assumed and ceded reinsurance transactions. Assumed reinsurance refers to the acceptance of certain insurance risks that other insurance companies have underwritten. Ceded reinsurance involves transferring certain insurance risks we have underwritten to other insurance companies who agree to share these risks. The purpose of ceded reinsurance is to protect us, at a cost, against losses arising from our mortgage guaranty policies covered by the agreement and to manage our capital requirements under PMIERs. Reinsurance is currently placed on a quota share and excess of loss basis.
Table 9.1 below shows the effect of all reinsurance agreements on premiums earned and losses incurred as reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.
| Reinsurance | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 9.1 | |||||
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||
| Premiums earned: | ||||||
| Direct | $1,138,245 | $1,142,412 | $1,154,728 | |||
| Assumed | 14,458 | 12,960 | 8,778 | |||
| Ceded: | ||||||
| Ceded - quota share reinsurance (1) | (115,306) | (123,955) | (86,435) | |||
| Ceded - excess-of-loss reinsurance | (66,590) | (78,866) | (69,938) | |||
| Total ceded | (181,896) | (202,821) | (156,373) | |||
| Net premiums earned | $970,807 | $952,551 | $1,007,133 | |||
| Losses incurred: | ||||||
| Direct | $5,714 | $(5,200) | $(274,072) | |||
| Assumed | 32 | (33) | (330) | |||
| Ceded - quota share reinsurance | (20,607) | (15,623) | 19,837 | |||
| Losses incurred, net | $(14,861) | $(20,856) | $(254,565) | |||
| Other Reinsurance Impacts: | ||||||
| Profit commission on quota share reinsurance (1) | $108,368 | $133,145 | $176,084 | |||
| Ceding commission on quota share reinsurance | 44,532 | 50,397 | 52,071 | |||
(1)Ceded premiums earned are shown net of profit commission.
QUOTA SHARE REINSURANCE
We have entered into QSR transactions with panels of third-party reinsurers to cede a fixed percentage of premiums earned and received and losses incurred on insurance covered by the transactions. We receive the benefit of a ceding commission equal to 20% of premiums ceded before profit commission. We also receive the benefit of a profit commission through a reduction of premiums we cede. The profit commission varies inversely with the level of losses on a “dollar for dollar” basis and can be eliminated at annual loss ratios higher than we have experienced on our QSR transactions. Ceded losses incurred are impacted by the delinquencies covered by our QSR Transactions, our estimates of payments that will be ultimately made on those delinquencies, and claim payments covered by our QSR Transactions.
Each of our QSR transactions typically have annual loss ratio caps of 300% and lifetime loss ratios of 200%.
Table 9.2 below provides additional detail regarding our QSR transactions in effect during 2024.
| Reinsurance | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 9.2 | ||||
| Quota Share Contract | Covered Policy Years | Quota Share % | Annual Loss Ratio to Exhaust Profit Commission (1) | Contractual Termination Date | |
| 2020 QSR and 2021 QSR | (2) | 2021 | 17.5% | 61.9% | 'December 31, 2036 |
| 2021 QSR and 2022 QSR | (3) | 2021 | 12.5% | 57.5% | 'December 31, 2036 |
| 2021 QSR and 2022 QSR | 2022 | 15.0% | 57.5% | December 31, 2033 | |
| 2022 QSR and 2023 QSR | 2022 | 15.0% | 62.0% | December 31, 2033 | |
| 2022 QSR and 2023 QSR | 2023 | 15.0% | 62.0% | December 31, 2034 | |
| 2023 QSR | 2023 | 10.0% | 58.5% | December 31, 2034 | |
| 2024 QSR | 2024 | 30.0% | 56.0% | 'December 31, 2035 | |
| Credit Union QSR | 2020-2025 | 65.0% | 50.0% | December 31, 2039 | |
(1)We will receive a profit commission provided the annual loss ratio on policies covered under the transaction remains below this ratio.
(2)Effective December 31, 2024, we agreed to amended terms with certain participants on our 2020 QSR and 2021 QSR Transaction covering policy year 2021 reducing the quota share cede rate to 14.8%. Under the amended terms we will generally receive an annual profit commission provided the annual loss ratio on loans covered under the transaction remain below 69%.
(3)Effective December 31, 2024, we agreed to amended terms with certain participants on our 2021 QSR and 2022 QSR Transaction covering policy year 2021 reducing the quota share cede rate to 11.1%. Under the amended terms we will generally receive an annual profit commission provided the annual loss ratio on loans covered under the transaction remain below 69%.
We executed a 40% QSR transaction with a group of unaffiliated reinsurers covering most of our new insurance written in 2025 and 2026. Generally, we will receive an annual profit commission provided the annual loss ratio on the loans covered under the transaction remains below 63.0% and 62.0% on 2025 and 2026 new insurance written, respectively.
We can elect to terminate the QSR Transactions under specified scenarios without penalty upon prior written notice, including if we will receive less than 90% (80% for the Credit Union QSR Transaction) of the full credit amount under the PMIERs, full financial statement credit or full credit under applicable regulatory capital requirements for the risk ceded in any required calculation period.
Table 9.3 provides additional detail regarding optional termination dates and optional reductions to our quota share percentage which can, in each case, be elected by us for a fee. Under the optional reduction to the quota share percentage, we may reduce our quota share percentage from the original percentage shown in table 9.2 to the percentage shown in 9.3.
| Reinsurance | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quota Share Contract | Covered Policy Years | Optional Termination Date (1) | Optional Quota Share % Reduction Date (2) | Optional Reduced Quota Share % |
| 2020 QSR and 2021 QSR (3) | 2021 | December 31, 2027 | January 1, 2028 | 12.3% or 10% |
| 2021 QSR and 2022 QSR (3) | 2021 | December 31, 2027 | January 1, 2028 | 9.4% or 7% |
| 2021 QSR and 2022 QSR | 2022 | July 1 , 2025 | January 1, 2025 | 12.5% or 10% |
| 2022 QSR and 2023 QSR | 2022 | July 1, 2025 | January 1, 2025 | 12.5% or 10% |
| 2022 QSR and 2023 QSR | 2023 | December 31, 2025 | January 1, 2025 | 12.5% or 10% |
| 2023 QSR | 2023 | December 31, 2025 | January 1, 2025 | 8% or 7% |
| 2024 QSR | 2024 | December 31, 2027 | December 31, 2027 | 23% or 15% |
(1) We can elect early termination of the QSR transaction beginning on this date, and bi-annually thereafter.
(2) We can elect to reduce the quota share percentage beginning on this date, and bi-annually thereafter.
(3) Terms of the agreement were amended effective December 31, 2024.
We incurred an early termination fee of $1.0 million for our 2021 QSR Transaction effective December 31, 2024 for reinsurers who did not participate in the amended agreement. We incurred an early termination fee of $5.1 million for our 2020 QSR Transaction effective December 31, 2023, and $2.2 million for the termination of our 2019 QSR Transaction effective December 31, 2022. We also terminated our 2015 QSR Transaction effective December 31, 2022. The reinsurance recoverable on paid losses due from reinsurers for loss and LAE reserves incurred at the time of termination includes $2.7 million as of December 31, 2024 for reinsurers who chose not to participate in the 2021 QSR Transaction amendment, $9.4 million as December 31, 2023 from reinsurers participating in the 2020 QSR Transaction and $17.7 million as of December 31, 2022 from reinsurers participating in the 2015 and 2019 QSR Transactions.
Under the terms of our QSR Transactions, ceded premiums, ceding commissions, profit commission, and ceded loss paid and LAE paid are settled net on a quarterly basis. The ceded premiums due after deducting the related ceding commission and profit commission is reported within "Other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets.
The reinsurance recoverable on loss reserves related to our QSR Transactions was $47.3 million as of December 31, 2024 and $33.3 million as of December 31, 2023. The reinsurance recoverable balance is secured by funds on deposit from the reinsurers (which does not include letters of credit), the minimum amount of which is based on the greater of 1) a reinsurer's funding requirements under PMIERs or 2) ceded reserves and unpaid losses. Each of the reinsurers under our quota share reinsurance agreements described above has an insurer financial strength rating of A- or better (or a comparable rating) by Standard and Poor's Rating Services, A.M. Best, Moody's, or a combination of the three. An allowance for credit losses was not required as of December 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023.
EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE
We have XOL Transactions with a panel of unaffiliated reinsurers executed through the traditional reinsurance market (“Traditional XOL Transactions”) and with unaffiliated special purpose insurers (“Home Re Transactions”).
For the policies covered under our Traditional XOL Transactions, we retain the first layer of the aggregate losses paid, and the reinsurers will then provide second layer coverage up to the outstanding reinsurance coverage amount. We retain losses paid in excess of the outstanding reinsurance coverage amount. The reinsurance coverage is subject to adjustment based on the risk characteristics of the covered loans until the initial excess of loss reinsurance coverage layer has been finalized.
We can elect to terminate our Traditional XOL Transactions under specified scenarios without penalty upon prior written notice, including if we will receive less than the full credit amount under the PMIERs, full financial statement credit or full credit under applicable regulatory capital requirements for the risk ceded in any required calculation period. The reinsurance premiums ceded under the Traditional XOL Transactions are based off the remaining reinsurance coverage levels. The reinsured coverage levels are secured by funds on deposit from reinsurers (which does not include letters of credit), the minimum amount of which is based on the greater of 1) a reinsurer's funding requirements under PMIERs or 2) ceded reserves and unpaid losses. Each of the reinsurers under our Traditional XOL Transactions has an insurer financial strength rating of A- or better (or a comparable rating) by Standard and Poor’s Rating Services, A.M. Best, Moody’s, or a combination of the three.
The Home Re Transactions are executed with unaffiliated special purpose insurers (“Home Re Entities”). For the reinsurance coverage periods, we retain the first layer of the respective aggregate losses paid, and a Home Re Entity will then provide second layer coverage up to the outstanding reinsurance coverage amount. We retain losses paid in excess of the outstanding reinsurance coverage amount. Subject to certain conditions, the reinsurance coverage decreases as the underlying covered mortgages amortize or are repaid, or mortgage insurance losses are paid.
The Home Re Entities financed the coverages by issuing mortgage insurance-linked notes (“ILNs”) to unaffiliated investors in an aggregate amount equal to the initial reinsurance coverage amounts. Each ILN is non-recourse to any assets of MGIC or affiliates. The proceeds of the ILNs, which were deposited into reinsurance trusts for the benefit of MGIC, will be the source of reinsurance claim payments to MGIC and principal repayments on the ILNs.
Payment of principal on the related insurance-linked notes will be suspended and the reinsurance coverage available to MGIC under the transactions will not be reduced by such principal payments until a target level of credit enhancement is obtained or if certain thresholds or “Trigger Events” are reached, as defined in the related insurance-linked notes transaction agreement. As of December 31, 2024, there were no "Trigger Events".
In 2024, we exercised our option to terminate the reinsurance agreement with Home Re 2020-1, Ltd. and Home Re 2018-1, Ltd. We also terminated our reinsurance agreement with Home Re 2019-1, Ltd. In connection with the terminations, the insurance linked notes issued by Home Re 2020-1 Ltd., Home Re 2019-1 Ltd, and Home Re 2018-1, Ltd. were redeemed in full.
Table 9.4a , 9.4b, and 9.4c provide a summary of our XOL Transactions as of December 31, 2024, December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
| Excess of Loss Reinsurance | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.4a | ||||
| ($ in thousands) | Issue Date | Policy In force Dates | Optional Call/ Termination Date (1) | Legal Maturity |
| 2024 Traditional XOL | April 1, 2024 | January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024 | January 1, 2030 | 10 years |
| 2023 Traditional XOL | April 1, 2023 | January 1, 2023 - December 29, 2023 | January 1, 2031 | 10 years |
| 2022 Traditional XOL | April 1, 2022 | January 1, 2022 - December 30, 2022 | January 1, 2030 | 10 years |
| Home Re 2023-1, Ltd. | October 23, 2023 | June 1, 2022 - August 31, 2023 | October 25, 2028 | 10 years |
| Home Re 2022-1, Ltd. | April 26, 2022 | May 29, 2021 - December 31, 2021 | April 25, 2028 | 12.5 years |
| Home Re 2021-2, Ltd. | August 3, 2021 | January 1, 2021 - May 28, 2021 | July 25, 2028 | 12.5 years |
| Home Re 2021-1, Ltd. | February 2, 2021 | August 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020 | January 25, 2028 | 12.5 years |
(1)We have the right to terminate the Home Re Transactions under certain circumstances, including an optional call feature that provides us the right to terminate if the outstanding principal balance of the related insurance-linked notes falls below 10% of the initial principal balance of the related insurance-linked notes, and on any payment date on or after the respective Optional Call Date. We can elect early termination of the Traditional XOL Transactions beginning on this date, and quarterly thereafter.
| Excess of Loss Reinsurance | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.4b | Remaining First Layer Retention | |||
| ($ in thousands) | Initial First Layer Retention | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 |
| 2024 Traditional XOL | $125,016 | $125,016 | $— | $— |
| 2023 Traditional XOL | 70,578 | 70,401 | 70,578 | — |
| 2022 Traditional XOL | 82,523 | 81,112 | 82,346 | 82,517 |
| Home Re 2023-1, Ltd. | 272,961 | 272,269 | 272,961 | — |
| Home Re 2022-1, Ltd. | 325,589 | 322,566 | 325,001 | 325,576 |
| Home Re 2021-2, Ltd. | 190,159 | 188,211 | 189,403 | 190,097 |
| Home Re 2021-1, Ltd. | 211,159 | 210,027 | 210,831 | 211,102 |
| 9.4c | Remaining Excess of Loss Reinsurance Coverage (1) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Initial Excess of Loss Reinsurance Coverage (1) | Initial Funding Percentage (2) | Funding Percentage at 12/31/2024 (2) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 |
| 2024 Traditional XOL | $187,220 | N/A | N/A | $187,220 | $— | $— |
| 2023 Traditional XOL | 96,942 | N/A | N/A | 91,404 | 96,942 | — |
| 2022 Traditional XOL | 142,642 | N/A | N/A | 124,344 | 142,642 | 142,642 |
| Home Re 2023-1, Ltd. | 330,277 | 97% | 97% | 299,325 | 330,277 | — |
| Home Re 2022-1, Ltd. | 473,575 | 100% | 100% | 305,639 | 420,731 | 473,575 |
| Home Re 2021-2, Ltd. (3) | 398,429 | 100% | 85% | 132,424 | 173,960 | 352,084 |
| Home Re 2021-1, Ltd. | 398,848 | 100% | 100% | 92,019 | 117,982 | 277,053 |
(1)The initial and remaining excess of loss reinsurance coverage is reduced by the applicable funding percentage.
(2)The funding percentage represents the aggregate outstanding note balances divided by the aggregate ending coverage amounts.
(3)The funding percentage on the 2021-2 was reduced from 100% after a tender offer was conducted in the fourth quarter of 2023.
The reinsurance premiums ceded to each Home Re Entity are composed of coverage, initial expense and supplemental premiums. The coverage premiums are generally calculated as the difference between the amount of interest payable by the Home Re Entity on the remaining reinsurance coverage levels, and the investment income collected on the collateral assets held in reinsurance trust account and used to collateralize the Home Re Entity's reinsurance obligation to MGIC. The amount of monthly reinsurance coverage premium ceded will fluctuate due to changes in the reference rate and changes in money market rates that affect investment income collected on the assets in the reinsurance trust. As a result, we concluded that each Home Re Transaction contains an embedded derivative that is accounted for separately as a freestanding derivative. The fair values of the derivatives at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, were not material to our consolidated balance sheet, and the change in fair values during the years ended December 31, 2024, December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were not material to our consolidated statements of operations. (see Note 5 - "Investments" and Note 6 - "Fair Value Measurements" ).
At the time the Home Re Transactions were entered into, we concluded that each Home Re Entity is a variable interest entity (“VIE”). A VIE is a legal entity that does not have sufficient equity at risk to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or is structured such that equity investors lack the ability to make sufficient decisions relating to the entity’s operations through voting rights or do not substantively participate in gains and losses of the entity. Given that MGIC (1) does not have the unilateral power to direct the activities that most significantly affect each Home Re Entity’s economic performance and (2) does not have the obligation, outside the terms of the reinsurance agreement, to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of each Home Re Entity that could be significant to the Home Re Entity, consolidation of the Home Re Entities is not required.
We are required to disclose our maximum exposure to loss, which we consider to be an amount that we could be required to record in our statements of operations, as a result of our involvement with the VIEs under our Home Re Transactions. As of December 31, 2024, December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we did not have material exposure to the VIEs as we have no investment in the VIEs and had no reinsurance claim payments due from the VIEs under our reinsurance transactions. We are unable to determine the timing or extent of claims from losses that are ceded under the reinsurance transactions. The VIE assets are deposited in reinsurance trusts for the benefit of MGIC that will be the source of reinsurance claim payments to MGIC. The purpose of the reinsurance trusts is to provide security to MGIC for the obligations of the VIEs under the reinsurance transactions. The trustee of the reinsurance trusts, a recognized provider of corporate trust services, has established segregated accounts within the reinsurance trusts for the benefit of MGIC, pursuant to the trust agreements. The trust agreements are governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York. If the trustee of the reinsurance trusts failed to distribute claim payments to us as provided in the reinsurance trusts, we would incur a loss related to our losses ceded under the reinsurance transactions and deemed unrecoverable. We are also unable to determine the impact such possible failure by the trustee to perform pursuant to the reinsurance trust agreements may have on our consolidated financial statements. As a result, we are unable to quantify our maximum exposure to loss related to our involvement with the VIEs. MGIC has certain termination rights under the reinsurance transactions should its claims not be paid. We consider our exposure to loss from our reinsurance transactions with the VIEs to be remote.
Table 9.5 presents the total assets of the Home Re Entities as of December 31, 2024 , December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
| Home Re Entities total assets | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 9.5 | |||
| (In thousands) | ||||
| Home Re Entity | Total VIE Assets | |||
| December 31, 2024 · December 31, 2023 · December 31, 2022 | ||||
| Home Re 2023-1 Ltd. | $303,733 | $330,277 | $— | |
| Home Re 2022-1 Ltd. | 313,229 | 427,279 | 473,575 | |
| Home Re 2021-2 Ltd. | 136,486 | 174,431 | 357,340 | |
| Home Re 2021-1 Ltd. | 97,373 | 118,043 | 285,039 | |
The reinsurance trust agreements provide that the trust assets may generally only be invested in certain money market funds that (1) invest at least 99.5% of their total assets in cash or direct U.S. federal government obligations, such as U.S. Treasury bills, as well as other short-term securities backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. federal government or issued by an agency of the U.S. federal government, (2) have a principal stability fund rating of “AAAm” by S&P or a money market fund rating of “Aaamf” by Moody’s as of the Closing Date and thereafter maintain any rating with either S&P or Moody’s, and (3) are permitted investments under the applicable credit for reinsurance laws and applicable PMIERs credit for reinsurance requirements.
The total calculated PMIERs credit for risk ceded under our XOL Transactions is generally based on the PMIERs requirement of the covered policies and the attachment and detachment points of the coverage, all of which fluctuate over time. (see Note 1 - "Nature of Business" and Note 2 - "Basis of Presentation" ).
Note 10. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The pretax components of our other comprehensive income (loss) and related income tax benefit (expense) for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 are included in table 10.1 below.
| Components of other comprehensive income (loss) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 10.1 | |||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||
| Net unrealized investment (losses) gains arising during the period | $11,481 | $179,174 | $(707,005) | |||
| Income tax benefit (expense) | (2,411) | (37,626) | 148,471 | |||
| Net of taxes | 9,070 | 141,548 | (558,534) | |||
| Net changes in benefit plan assets and obligations | 24,113 | 29,978 | (54,017) | |||
| Income tax benefit (expense) | (5,064) | (6,296) | 11,343 | |||
| Net of taxes | 19,049 | 23,682 | (42,674) | |||
| Total other comprehensive income (loss) | 35,594 | 209,152 | (761,022) | |||
| Total income tax benefit (expense) | (7,475) | (43,922) | 159,814 | |||
| Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | $28,119 | $165,230 | $(601,208) | |||
The pretax and related income tax benefit (expense) components of the amounts reclassified from our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ( "AOCI") to our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 are included in table 10.2 below.
| Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 10.2 | ||||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||
| Reclassification adjustment for net realized (losses) gains (1) | $(15,069) | $(27,100) | $(9,860) | ||||
| Income tax benefit (expense) | 3,164 | 5,691 | 2,070 | ||||
| Net of taxes | (11,905) | (21,409) | (7,790) | ||||
| Reclassification adjustment related to benefit plan assets and obligations (2) | (2,925) | (13,990) | (16,750) | ||||
| Income tax benefit (expense) | 614 | 2,938 | 3,518 | ||||
| Net of taxes | (2,311) | (11,052) | (13,232) | ||||
| Total reclassifications | (17,994) | (41,090) | (26,610) | ||||
| Income tax benefit (expense) | 3,778 | 8,629 | 5,588 | ||||
| Total reclassifications, net of tax | $(14,216) | $(32,461) | $(21,022) | ||||
(1)(Decreases) increases Net gains (losses) on investments and other financial instruments on the consolidated statements of operations.
(2)Decreases (increases) Other underwriting and operating expenses, net on the consolidated statements of operations.
A roll-forward of AOCI for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, including amounts reclassified from AOCI, is included in table 10.3 below.
| Roll-forward of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 10.3 | |||||
| (In thousands) | Net unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities | Net benefit plan assets and obligations recognized in shareholders' equity | Total AOCI | |||
| Balance, December 31, 2021, net of tax | $150,038 | $(30,341) | $119,697 | |||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | (566,324) | (55,906) | (622,230) | |||
| Less: Amounts reclassified from AOCI | (7,790) | (13,232) | (21,022) | |||
| Balance, December 31, 2022, net of tax | (408,496) | (73,015) | (481,511) | |||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 120,139 | 12,630 | 132,769 | |||
| Less: Amounts reclassified from AOCI | (21,409) | (11,052) | (32,461) | |||
| Balance, December 31, 2023, net of tax | (266,948) | (49,333) | (316,281) | |||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | (2,835) | 16,738 | 13,903 | |||
| Less: Amounts reclassified from AOCI | (11,905) | (2,311) | (14,216) | |||
| Balance, December 31, 2024, net of tax | $(257,878) | $(30,284) | $(288,162) | |||
Note 11. Benefit Plans
We have a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan, as well as a supplemental executive retirement plan, that covered eligible employees through December 31, 2022. Effective January 1, 2023, these plans were frozen (no future benefits will be accrued for participants due to employment and no new participants will be added). Participants in these plans were fully vested in their benefits as of December 31, 2022. We also offer benefits for retired domestic employees and their eligible spouses and dependents under a postretirement benefit plan. Participation in this plan is limited to eligible employees that participated in the defined benefit pension plan. The following tables 11.1, 11.2, and 11.3 provide the components of aggregate annual net periodic benefit cost for each of the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 and changes in the benefit obligation and the funded status of the pension, supplemental executive retirement and other postretirement benefit plans as recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
| Components of net periodic benefit cost | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 11.1 | ||||||||||
| Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans · Other Postretirement Benefits | |||||||||||
| (In thousands) | 12/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 | 12/31/2022 | 12/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 | 12/31/2022 | |||||
| Company Service Cost | $— | $— | $7,153 | $1,668 | $1,497 | $1,307 | |||||
| Interest Cost | 12,988 | 13,787 | 12,461 | 1,501 | 1,633 | 694 | |||||
| Expected Return on Plan Assets | (14,576) | (13,517) | (18,064) | (9,974) | (8,235) | (10,502) | |||||
| Amortization of: | |||||||||||
| Net Transition Obligation (Asset) | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||
| Prior Service Cost (Credit) | 345 | 345 | (163) | 1,813 | 1,861 | 489 | |||||
| Net Actuarial Losses (Gains) | 2,091 | 2,185 | 5,726 | (1,523) | (150) | (3,103) | |||||
| Cost of Settlements and Curtailments | 198 | 9,749 | 13,801 | — | — | — | |||||
| Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Benefit) | $1,046 | $12,549 | $20,914 | $(6,515) | $(3,394) | $(11,115) | |||||
| Development of funded status | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 11.2 | ||||||||
| Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans · Other Postretirement Benefits | |||||||||
| (In thousands) | 12/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 | 12/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 | |||||
| Actuarial Value of Benefit Obligations | |||||||||
| Measurement Date | 12/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 | 12/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 | |||||
| Accumulated Benefit Obligation | $242,253 | $261,330 | $23,383 | $30,238 | |||||
| Funded Status/Asset (Liability) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet | |||||||||
| Benefit Obligation | $(242,253) | $(261,330) | $(23,383) | $(30,238) | |||||
| Plan Assets at Fair Value | 240,216 | 235,612 | 156,604 | 134,371 | |||||
| Funded Status - Overfunded/Asset | N/A | N/A | $133,221 | $104,133 | |||||
| Funded Status - Underfunded/Liability | (2,037) | (25,718) | N/A | N/A | |||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 11.3 | ||||||
| Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans · Other Postretirement Benefits | |||||||
| (In thousands) | 12/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 | 12/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 | |||
| Net Actuarial Losses (Gains) | $78,240 | $79,309 | $(45,384) | $(30,804) | |||
| Prior Service Cost (Credit) | 2,555 | 2,900 | 2,923 | 11,041 | |||
| Net Transition Obligation (Asset) | — | — | — | — | |||
| Total at Year End | $80,795 | $82,209 | $(42,461) | $(19,763) | |||
The amortization of gains and losses resulting from differences in actual experience from expected experience, or changes in assumptions including discount rates, is included as a component of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Benefit) for the year. The gain or loss in excess of a 10% corridor is amortized by the average remaining life expectancy for the pension and supplemental executive retirement plans and by the average remaining service period of participating employees expected to receive benefits under the other postretirement benefits plan.
Table 11.4 shows the changes in the projected benefit obligation for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
| Change in projected benefit / accumulated benefit | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 11.4 | ||||||
| Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans · Other Postretirement Benefits | |||||||
| (In thousands) | 12/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 | 12/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 | |||
| Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year | $261,330 | $274,975 | $30,238 | $29,580 | |||
| Company Service Cost | — | — | 1,668 | 1,497 | |||
| Interest Cost | 12,988 | 13,787 | 1,501 | 1,633 | |||
| Plan Participants' Contributions | — | — | 240 | 311 | |||
| Net Actuarial Losses (Gains) | (8,637) | 16,995 | (379) | 1,294 | |||
| Benefit Payments from Fund | (13,985) | (13,549) | (3,296) | (3,439) | |||
| Benefit and Settlement Payments Paid Directly by Company | (313) | (384) | — | — | |||
| Plan Amendments | — | — | (6,305) | (346) | |||
| Settlement Payments from Fund (1) | (9,130) | (30,494) | — | — | |||
| Other Adjustment | — | — | (284) | (292) | |||
| Benefit Obligation at End of Year | $242,253 | $261,330 | $23,383 | $30,238 | |||
(1)Represents lump sum payments from our pension plan to eligible participants, who were former employees with vested benefits.
The change in the net actuarial losses (gains) on the benefit obligation from 2023 to 2024 is primarily due to changes in the discount rate used to calculate the benefit obligation. When the discount rate increases, the impact on the benefit obligation is a decrease, resulting in an actuarial gain. When the discount rate decreases, the impact on the benefit obligation is an increase, resulting in an actuarial loss. The discount rate increased to 5.70% at December 31, 2024 from 5.20% at December 31, 2023, compared to a decrease to 5.20% at December 31, 2023 from 5.60% at December 31, 2022. See Table 11.7 for the actuarial assumptions used to calculate the benefit obligations of our plans for 2024 and 2023.
Tables 11.5 and 11.6 shows the changes in the fair value of the net assets available for plan benefits and changes in other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
| Change in plan assets | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 11.5 | ||||||
| Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans · Other Postretirement Benefits | |||||||
| (In thousands) | 12/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 | 12/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 | |||
| Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year | $235,612 | $250,674 | $134,371 | $111,154 | |||
| Actual Return on Plan Assets | 4,719 | 28,981 | 25,699 | 26,703 | |||
| Company Contributions | 23,313 | 384 | — | — | |||
| Plan Participants' Contributions | — | — | 240 | 311 | |||
| Benefit Payments from Fund | (13,985) | (13,549) | (3,296) | (3,439) | |||
| Benefit and Settlement Payments Paid Directly by Company | (313) | (384) | — | — | |||
| Settlement Payments from Fund | (9,130) | (30,494) | — | — | |||
| Other Adjustment | — | — | (410) | (358) | |||
| Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year | $240,216 | $235,612 | $156,604 | $134,371 | |||
| Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") | |||||||
| Table | 11.6 | ||||||
| Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans · Other Postretirement Benefits | |||||||
| (In thousands) | 12/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 | 12/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 | |||
| AOCI in Prior Year | $82,209 | $92,956 | $(19,763) | $(532) | |||
| Increase (Decrease) in AOCI | |||||||
| Recognized during year - Prior Service (Cost) Credit | (345) | (345) | (1,813) | (1,861) | |||
| Recognized during year - Net Actuarial (Losses) Gains | (2,290) | (11,933) | 1,523 | 150 | |||
| Occurring during year - Prior Service Cost | — | — | (6,305) | (346) | |||
| Occurring during year - Net Actuarial Losses (Gains) | 1,221 | 1,531 | (16,103) | (17,174) | |||
| AOCI in Current Year | $80,795 | $82,209 | $(42,461) | $(19,763) | |||
The projected benefit obligations, net periodic benefit costs and accumulated benefit obligation for the plans were determined using the following weighted average assumptions.
| Actuarial assumptions | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 11.7 | ||||
| Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans · Other Postretirement Benefits | |||||
| 12/31/2024 · 12/31/2023 · 12/31/2024 · 12/31/2023 | |||||
| Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine | |||||
| Benefit Obligations at year end | |||||
| 1. Discount Rate | 5.70% | 5.20% | 5.65% | 5.20% | |
| 2. Rate of Compensation Increase | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| 3. Cash balance interest crediting rate | 4.78% | 4.03% | N/A | N/A | |
| Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine | |||||
| Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Year | |||||
| 1. Discount Rate | 5.20% | 5.50% | 5.20% | 5.60% | |
| 2. Expected Long-term Return on Plan Assets | 6.00% | 6.00% | 7.50% | 7.50% | |
| 3. Rate of Compensation Increase | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates at year end | |||||
| 1. Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed for Next Year | N/A | N/A | N/A | 6.75% | |
| 2. Rate to Which the Cost Trend Rate is Assumed to Decline (Ultimate Trend Rate) | N/A | N/A | N/A | 5.00% | |
| 3. Year That the Rate Reaches the Ultimate Trend Rate | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2031 | |
In selecting a discount rate, we performed a hypothetical cash flow bond matching exercise, matching our expected pension plan and postretirement medical plan cash flows, respectively, against a selected portfolio of high quality corporate bonds. The modeling was performed using a bond portfolio of noncallable bonds with at least $50 million outstanding. The average yield of these hypothetical bond portfolios was used as the benchmark for determining the discount rate. In selecting the expected long-term rate of return on assets, we considered the average rate of earnings expected on the classes of funds invested or to be invested to provide for the benefits of these plans. This included considering the trusts' targeted asset allocation for the year and the expected returns likely to be earned over the next 20 years.
The year-end asset allocations of the plans are shown in table 11.8 below.
| Plan assets | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 11.8 | ||||
| Pension Plan · Other Postretirement Benefits | |||||
| 12/31/2024 · 12/31/2023 · 12/31/2024 · 12/31/2023 | |||||
| Equity Securities | 21% | 21% | 100% | 100% | |
| Debt Securities | 79% | 79% | —% | —% | |
| Total | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
Fair value is disclosed using a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value as described in Note 6 - "Fair Value Measurements" and Note 3 - "Significant Accounting Policies".
The following describes the valuation methodologies used for pension plan and other postretirement benefits plan assets at fair value.
Domestic and International Mutual Funds: Securities are priced at the net asset value ("NAV"), which is the closing price published by the mutual fund on the reporting date. These financial assets are categorized as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
U.S. Government Securities: See Note 6 - "Fair Value Measurements" for a discussion of the valuation methodologies for U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Corporations and Agencies.
Corporate Debt Securities: See Note 6 - "Fair Value Measurements" for a discussion of the valuation methodologies for Corporate Debt.
Non-Government Foreign Debt Securities: These financial assets are represented by corporate debt securities issued by entities domiciled outside of the United States. See Note 6 - "Fair Value Measurements" for a discussion of the valuation methodologies for Corporate Debt.
Municipal Bonds: See Note 6 - "Fair Value Measurements" for a discussion of the valuation methodologies for Obligations of U.S. States & Political Subdivisions.
Pooled Equity Accounts: Pooled Equity Account assets are represented by the units held by the plan. The redemption value is determined based on the NAV of the underlying units. The NAV is derived from the aggregate fair value of the underlying investments less any liabilities as of the reporting date. These financial assets are categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
The pension plan assets and related accrued investment income at fair value, by hierarchy level, as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, are shown in tables 11.9a and 11.9b below. There were no securities valued using Level 3 inputs.
| Pension plan assets at fair value as of December 31, 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Table · 11.9a | |||
| (In thousands) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Total |
| Domestic mutual funds | $3,479 | $— | $3,479 |
| U.S. government securities | 22,355 | — | 22,355 |
| Corporate debt securities | |||
| Corporate debt securities and other | — | 135,739 | 135,739 |
| Non-government foreign debt securities | — | 20,665 | 20,665 |
| Municipal bonds | — | 11,607 | 11,607 |
| Pooled equity accounts | — | 46,371 | 46,371 |
| Total Assets at fair value | $25,834 | $214,382 | $240,216 |
| Pension plan assets at fair value as of December 31, 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Table · 11.9b | |||
| (In thousands) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Total |
| Domestic mutual funds | $2,836 | $— | $2,836 |
| U.S. government securities | 10,301 | — | 10,301 |
| Corporate debt Securities | |||
| Corporate debt securities and other | — | 145,908 | 145,908 |
| Non-government foreign debt securities | — | 21,843 | 21,843 |
| Municipal bonds | — | 9,220 | 9,220 |
| Pooled equity accounts | — | 45,504 | 45,504 |
| Total Assets at fair value | $13,137 | $222,475 | $235,612 |
The pension plan has implemented a strategy to reduce risk through the use of a targeted funded ratio. The liability driven component is key to the asset allocation. The liability driven component seeks to align the duration of the fixed income asset allocation with the expected duration of the plan liabilities or benefit payments. Overall asset allocation is dynamic and specifies target allocation weights and ranges based on the funded status.
An improvement in funded status results in the de-risking of the portfolio, allocating more funds to fixed income and less to equity. A decline in funded status would result in a higher allocation to equity. The maximum equity allocation is 40%.
The equity investments use combinations of mutual funds, ETFs, and pooled equity account structures focused on the following strategies:
| Strategy | Objective | Investment types | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Return seeking growth | Funded ratio improvement over the long term | ● | Global quality growth | |
| ● | Global low volatility | |||
| Return seeking bridge | Downside protection in the event of a declining equity market | ● | Enduring asset | |
| ● | Durable company | |||
The fixed income objective is to preserve capital and to provide monthly cash flows for the payment of plan liabilities. Fixed income investments can include government, government agency, corporate, mortgage-backed, asset-backed, and municipal securities, and other classes of bonds. The duration of the fixed income portfolio has an objective of being within one year of the duration of the accumulated benefit obligation. The fixed income investments have an objective of a weighted average credit of A3/A-/A- by Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch, respectively.
Tables 11.10a and 11.10b set forth the other postretirement benefits plan assets at fair value as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. All are Level 1 assets.
| Other postretirement benefits plan assets at fair value as of December 31, 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Table | 11.10a |
| (In thousands) | Level 1 |
| Domestic mutual funds | $130,586 |
| International mutual funds | 26,018 |
| Total Assets at fair value | $156,604 |
| Other postretirement benefits plan assets at fair value as of December 31, 2023 | |
|---|---|
| Table | 11.10b |
| (In thousands) | Level 1 |
| Domestic mutual funds | $109,575 |
| International mutual funds | 24,796 |
| Total Assets at fair value | $134,371 |
Our postretirement plan portfolio is designed to achieve the following objectives over each market cycle and for at least 5 years:
è Total return should exceed growth in the Consumer Price Index by 5.75% annually
è Achieve competitive investment results
The primary focus in developing asset allocation ranges for the portfolio is the assessment of the portfolio's investment objectives and the level of risk that is acceptable to obtain those objectives. To achieve these objectives the minimum and maximum allocation ranges for fixed income securities and equity securities are:
| Minimum | Maximum | |
|---|---|---|
| Equities (long only) | 70% | 100% |
| Real estate | 0% | 15% |
| Commodities | 0% | 10% |
| Fixed income/Cash | 0% | 10% |
Given the long term nature of this portfolio and the lack of any immediate need for significant cash flow, it is anticipated that the equity investments will consist of growth stocks and will typically be at the higher end of the allocation ranges above.
Investment in international mutual funds is limited to a maximum of 30% of the equity range. The allocation as of December 31, 2024 included 2% that was primarily invested in equity securities of emerging market countries and another 15% was invested in securities of companies primarily based in Europe and the Pacific Basin.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we contributed $23.3 million to the pension and supplemental executive retirement plans. We donot expect to make a contribution to the pension plan in 2025 and distributions from the supplemental executive retirement plan will be funded as incurred. We did not make a contribution to the other postretirement benefits plan in 2024 and we donot expect to make a contribution in 2025.
Expected future benefit payments from the plans are shown in Table 11.11 below.
| Expected future benefit payments | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 11.11 | ||
| Pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans · Other Postretirement Benefits | |||
| (In thousands) | 12/31/2024 | 12/31/2024 | |
| Current + 1 | 21,597 | 2,730 | |
| Current + 2 | 21,894 | 2,547 | |
| Current + 3 | 22,338 | 2,394 | |
| Current + 4 | 21,443 | 2,411 | |
| Current + 5 | 20,948 | 2,339 | |
| Current + 6 - 10 | 94,952 | 11,226 | |
PROFIT SHARING AND 401(K)
We have a profit sharing and 401(k) savings plan for employees. At the discretion of the Board of Directors, we may make a contribution to the plan of up to 5% of each participant's eligible compensation. We provide a matching 401(k) savings contribution for employees of 200% up to the first 2% contributed and 100% of the next 2% contributed. We recognized expenses related to these plans of $8.2 million in 2024, $9.5 million in 2023, and $7.6 million in 2022.
Note 12. Income Taxes
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) as reported on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are shown in table 12.1 below.
| Deferred tax assets and liabilities | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 12.1 | |||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Total deferred tax assets | $105,437 | $109,391 | ||
| Total deferred tax liabilities | (35,562) | (29,609) | ||
| Net deferred tax asset (liability) | $69,875 | $79,782 | ||
Table 12.2 includes the components of the net deferred tax asset (liability) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
| Deferred tax components | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 12.2 | |||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Unearned premium reserves | $11,111 | $13,862 | ||
| Benefit plans | (25,195) | (19,142) | ||
| Loss reserves | 2,291 | 1,921 | ||
| Unrealized losses on investments | 68,550 | 70,961 | ||
| Deferred policy acquisition cost | (2,456) | (3,064) | ||
| Deferred compensation | 7,878 | 7,466 | ||
| Research and experimental costs | 14,143 | 13,351 | ||
| Other, net | (6,447) | (5,573) | ||
| Net deferred tax asset (liability) | $69,875 | $79,782 | ||
We believe that all gross deferred tax assets at December 31, 2024 and 2023 are fully realizable and no valuation allowance has been established.
Table 12.3 summarizes the components of the provision for income taxes:
| Provision for (benefit from) income taxes | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 12.3 | |||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||
| Current federal | $199,090 | $187,246 | $228,259 | |||
| Deferred federal | 1,805 | 1,550 | (5,235) | |||
| Other | 4,820 | 484 | 1,661 | |||
| Provision for income taxes | $205,715 | $189,280 | $224,685 | |||
Current federal income tax payments were $181.8 million, $188.2 million, and $236.5 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Included in our 2024 current federal tax payments is $21.4 million for the purchase of transferable federal tax credits. At December 31, 2024 we owned $968.2 million of tax and loss bonds.
Table 12.4 reconciles the federal statutory income tax rate to our effective tax provision rate.
| Effective tax rate reconciliation | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 12.4 | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| Federal statutory income tax rate | 21.0% | 21.0% | 21.0% |
| Tax exempt municipal bond interest | (0.3)% | (0.5)% | (0.5)% |
| Other, net | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.1% |
| Effective tax rate | 21.2% | 21.0% | 20.6% |
We have not recorded any uncertain tax positions during 2024 and 2023 and haveno unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. We recognize interest accrued and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income taxes. The statute of limitations related to the consolidated federal income tax return is closed for all years prior to 2021.
Note 13. Shareholders' Equity
TREASURY STOCK
Prior to November 15, 2024, shares we repurchased were held in treasury stock unless they were reissued under the discretion of our Board of Directors. As of November 15, 2024, we retired all shares of our treasury stock, which resulted in an adjustment to retained earnings equal to the cumulative amount of repurchase price paid in excess of par value for treasury stock held as of that date. Subsequent to the retirement of the treasury stock, all shares of our common stock that we repurchase are immediately retired. Going forward, the amount of repurchase price paid in excess of par value for repurchased shares will be recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings.
SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAMS
Repurchases may be made from time to time on the open market (including through 10b5-1 plans) or through privately negotiated transactions. In 2024, we repurchased approximately 25.3 million shares of our common stock for $566.6 million, which included commissions. We may repurchase up to an additional $457.2 million of our common stock through December 31, 2026 under a share repurchase program approved by our Board of Directors in 2024. In the year to date period ended February 21, 2025 we repurchased approximately 5.8 million shares for $142.3 million, which included commissions.
In 2023, we repurchased approximately 21.7 million shares for$340.6 million, which included commissions.
CASH DIVIDENDS
In the first and second quarters of 2024, we paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.115 per share to shareholders which totaled $63.3 million. In the third and fourth quarters of 2024, we paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.13 per share which totaled $67.8 million. On January 28, 2025, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend to holders of the company's common stock of $0.13 per share payable on March 5, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 18, 2025.
Note 14. Statutory Information
STATUTORY ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
The statutory financial statements of our insurance companies are presented on the basis of accounting principles prescribed, or practices permitted, by the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Wisconsin (the "OCI"), which has adopted the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") Statements of Statutory Accounting Principles ("SSAP") as the basis of its statutory accounting principles, except as described below. In converting from statutory to GAAP, typical adjustments include deferral of policy acquisition costs, the inclusion of net unrealized holding gains or losses in shareholders' equity relating to fixed income securities, and the inclusion of statutory non-admitted assets.
In addition to the typical adjustments from statutory to GAAP, mortgage insurance companies are required to maintain contingency loss reserves equal to 50% of premiums earned under SSAP and principles prescribed by the OCI. Such amounts cannot be withdrawn for a period of ten years except as permitted by insurance regulations. With regulatory approval, a mortgage guaranty insurance company may make early withdrawals from the contingency reserve when incurred losses exceed 35% of premiums earned in a calendar year. Changes in contingency loss reserves impact the statutory statement of operations. Contingency loss reserves are not reflected as liabilities under GAAP and changes in contingency loss reserves do not impact the GAAP consolidated statements of operations.
As a mortgage guaranty insurer, we are eligible for a tax deduction, subject to certain limitations, under Section 832(e) of the IRC for amounts required by state law or regulation to be set aside in statutory contingency reserves. The deduction is allowed only to the extent that we purchase tax and loss bonds (“T&L Bonds”) in an amount equal to the tax benefit derived from deducting any portion of our statutory contingency reserves. Under statutory accounting practices, purchases of T&L Bonds are accounted for as investments. Under GAAP, purchases of T&L Bonds are accounted for as a payment of current taxes.
STATUTORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
The insurance laws of 16 jurisdictions, including Wisconsin, our domiciliary state, require a mortgage insurer to maintain a minimum amount of statutory capital relative to the RIF (or a similar measure) in order for the mortgage insurer to continue to write new business. We refer to these requirements as the “State Capital Requirements” and, together with the GSE Financial Requirements, the “Financial Requirements.” While they vary among jurisdictions, the most common State Capital Requirements allow for a maximum risk-to-capital ratio of 25 to 1. A risk-to-capital ratio will increase if (i) the percentage decrease in capital exceeds the percentage decrease in insured risk, or (ii) the percentage increase in capital is less than the percentage increase in insured risk. Wisconsin does not regulate capital by using a risk-to-capital measure but instead requires a minimum policyholder position ("MPP"). MGIC's “policyholder position” includes its net worth or surplus, and its contingency loss reserve. Our policyholders position was above the required MPP and our risk-to-capital ratio was below the maximum allowed by jurisdictions with State Capital Requirements at December 31, 2024.
In 2023, the NAIC adopted a revised Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Model Act. The updated Model Act includes requirements relating to, among other things: (i) capital and minimum capital requirements, and contingency reserves; (ii) restrictions on mortgage insurers’ investments in notes secured by mortgages; (iii) prudent underwriting standards and formal underwriting guidelines; (iv) the establishment of formal, internal “Mortgage Guaranty Quality Control Programs” with respect to in-force business; and (v) reinsurance and prohibitions on captive reinsurance arrangements. It is uncertain when the revised Model Act will be adopted in any jurisdiction. It is unknown whether any changes will be made by state legislatures prior to adoption, and the effect changes, if any, will have on the mortgage guaranty insurance market generally, or on our business. Wisconsin has begun the process to replace current mortgage insurance regulations with the Model Act, though it is expected that some changes will be made before formal adoption.
DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS
MGIC is subject to statutory regulations as to payment of dividends. The maximum amount of dividends that MGIC may pay in any twelve-month period without regulatory approval by the OCI is the lesser of adjusted statutory net income or 10% of statutory policyholders' surplus as of the preceding calendar year end. Adjusted statutory net income is defined for this purpose to be the greater of statutory net income, net of realized investment gains, for the calendar year preceding the date of the dividend or statutory net income, net of realized investment gains, for thethree calendar years preceding the date of the dividend less dividends paid within the firsttwo of the preceding three calendar years. The maximum dividend that could be paid, without regulatory approval, is reduced by dividends paid in the twelve months preceding the dividend payment date. Before making any dividend payments, we notify the OCI to ensure it does not object. In 2024, MGIC paid $750 million in dividends to the holding company.
STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The OCI recognizes only statutory accounting principles prescribed, or practices permitted, by the State of Wisconsin for determining and reporting the financial condition and results of operations of an insurance company. The OCI has adopted certain prescribed accounting practices that differ from those found in other states. Specifically, Wisconsin domiciled companies record changes in the contingency loss reserves through the income statement as a change in underwriting deduction. As a result, in periods in which MGIC is increasing contingency loss reserves, statutory net income is reduced.
The statutory net income, policyholders’ surplus, and contingency reserve liability of our insurance subsidiaries, including MGIC, are shown in table 14.1.
| Statutory financial information of insurance subsidiaries | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 14.1 | |||||
| As of and for the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||
| Statutory net income | $1,112,477 | $279,145 | $440,944 | |||
| Statutory policyholders' surplus | 976,756 | 639,878 | 924,977 | |||
| Contingency reserve | 4,897,284 | 5,199,405 | 4,669,724 | |||
The increase in statutory net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was primarily driven by the decrease in the contingency reserve in 2024 as compared to an increase in the contingency reserve for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in statutory policyholders' surplus for the year ended December 31, 2024 is primarily due to statutory net income, offset by dividend payments to MGIC Investment Corporation ("the holding company") (discussed below).
For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 there wereno contributions made to MGIC or distributions from other insurance subsidiaries to us. Dividends paid by MGIC are shown in table 14.2 below.
| Surplus contributions and dividends of insurance subsidiaries | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 14.2 | |||||
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||
| Dividends paid by MGIC to the holding company (1) | $750,000 | 600,000 | 800,000 | |||
(1) Dividends paid in cash and/or investment securities.
Note 15. Share-based Compensation Plans
We have certain share-based compensation plans. Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized over the service period which generally corresponds to the vesting period. Awards under our plans generally vest over periods ranging fromone tothree years, although awards to our non-employee directors vest immediately.
We have an omnibus incentive plan that was adopted on April 23, 2020. When the 2020 plan was adopted, no further awards could be made under our previous 2015 plan. The purpose of the 2020 plan is to motivate and incentivize performance by, and to retain the services of, key employees and non-employee directors through receipt of equity-based and other incentive awards under the plan. Awards issued under the plan that are subsequently forfeited will not count against the limit on the maximum number of shares that may be issued under the plan. The 2020 plan provides for the award of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units, as well as cash incentive awards. No awards may be granted after April 23, 2030 under the 2020 plan. The vesting provisions of options, restricted stock and restricted stock units are determined at the time of grant. At December 31, 2024,3.6 million shares were available for future grant under the 2020 plan.
The compensation cost that has been charged against income for share-based plans was $31.2 million, $31.5 million, and $24.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The related income tax benefit recognized for share-based plans was $2.4 million, $2.9 million, and $2.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. Table 15.1 summarizes restricted stock or restricted stock unit (collectively called “restricted stock”) activity during 2024.
| Restricted stock | ||
|---|---|---|
| Table | 15.1 | |
| Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Market Value | Shares | |
| Restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2023 | $13.89 | 3,182,791 |
| Granted (1) | 19.81 | 962,246 |
| Performance adjustment (2) | — | 935,093 |
| Vested | 13.20 | (2,193,536) |
| Forfeited | 16.97 | (58,793) |
| Restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2024 | $16.04 | 2,827,801 |
(1) Approximately 66% of the shares granted in 2024 are subject to performance conditions under which the target number of shares granted may vest from 0% to 200%.
(2) Amount represents the difference between the number of shares vested at settlement with performance conditions and the number of target shares at the grant date in 2021.
At December 31, 2024, the 2.8 million shares of restricted stock outstanding consisted of 2.1 million shares that are subject to performance conditions (“performance shares”),0.5 million shares that are subject only to service conditions (“time vested shares”), and 0.2 million shares related to non-employee director shares. The weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock granted during 2023 and 2022 was $14.17 and $15.45, respectively. The fair value of restricted stock granted is the closing price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of grant or previous trading day if the New York Stock Exchange is closed on the date of grant. The total fair value of restricted stock vested during 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $43.2 million, $17.3 million, and $23.3 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2024, the total unrecognized compensation cost for all of our outstanding share-based awards was $23.1 million. A portion of the unrecognized costs associated with the outstanding shares may or may not be recognized in future periods, depending upon whether or not the performance and/or service conditions are met. The cost associated with the outstanding share-based awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.
Note 16. Leases
We lease data processing equipment and vehicles under operating leases that expire during the next four years. Generally, rental payments are fixed.
Table 16.1 shows minimum the future operating lease payments as of December 31, 2024.
| Minimum future operating lease payments | ||
|---|---|---|
| Table | 16.1 | |
| (In thousands) | Amount | |
| 2025 | $1,076 | |
| 2026 | 536 | |
| 2027 | 188 | |
| 2028 | 13 | |
| 2029 and thereafter | — | |
| Total | $1,813 | |
Total lease expense under operating leases was $1.7 million in 2024, $1.6 million in 2023, and $1.2 million in 2022.
Note 17. Litigation and Contingencies
We operate in a highly regulated industry that is subject to the risk of litigation and regulatory proceedings, including related to our claims paying practices. From time to time, we are involved in disputes and legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. In our opinion, based on the facts known at this time, the ultimate resolution of these ordinary course disputes and legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
Under ASC 450-20, until a loss associated with settlement discussions or legal proceedings becomes probable and can be reasonably estimated we do not accrue an estimated loss. When we determine that a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated, we record our best estimate of our probable loss.
Note 18. Segment Reporting
We operate as a single reportable segment, which is defined as Mortgage Insurance. This segment generates revenue through mortgage insurance and reinsurance provided under the GSEs credit risk transfer programs. The results of our Mortgage Insurance segment are reported within our financial statements as the consolidated financial results for MGIC Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries. The accounting policies of the Mortgage Insurance segment are the same as those described in Note 3. Significant Accounting Policies.
The Senior Management Oversight Committee (“SMOC”), acts as the Company's chief operating decision maker (“CODM”). The CODM uses consolidated net income (loss) as the primary GAAP measure to evaluate actual financial performance versus planned financial performance and to allocate resources. The measure of segment assets is reported on the balance sheet as total consolidated assets.
The table below presents a disaggregation of significant segment expenses as monitored by our CODM:
| Significant segment expenses | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | 18.1 | |||||
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||
| Other underwriting and operating expenses net: | ||||||
| Employee costs | $157,937 | $176,682 | $170,914 | |||
| Outside services (1) | 32,667 | 36,099 | 55,612 | |||
| Premium taxes (2) | 21,547 | 21,523 | 21,469 | |||
| Depreciation expense | 4,179 | 4,626 | 4,938 | |||
| All other underwriting and operating (3) | (7,006) | (12,926) | (16,236) | |||
| Total other underwriting and operating expenses net | $209,324 | $226,004 | $236,697 | |||
(1)Outside services expense generally includes expenses related to outsourced IT services and consulting services.
(2)Premium taxes are taxes paid to states and municipalities based upon the amount of premiums written.
(3)All other underwriting and operating expenses include ceding commissions (a reduction to our underwriting expenses, see Note 9 - "Reinsurance"), computer hardware and software expenses, legal, audit, insurance, and general and administrative expenses.
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.