The following discussion and analysis of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes for the three months endedMarch 31, 2022 and 2021, and our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes for the years endedDecember 31, 2021 and 2020 within our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year endingDecember 31, 2021 (the "Annual Report"). In addition to historical information, this discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from management's expectations. Factors that could cause such differences are discussed in the sections entitled "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" above and Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report and Part II, Item 1A "Risk Factors" in this Quarterly Report. Future results could differ significantly from the historical results presented in this section. References to EHI, Enact,Enact Holdings , the "Company," "we" or "our" herein are, unless the context otherwise requires, to EHI on a consolidated basis.
Key Factors Affecting Our Results
There have been no material changes to the factors affecting our results, as compared to those disclosed in the Annual Report, other than the impact of items as discussed below in "-Trends and Conditions".
Trends and Conditions
During the first quarter of 2022,the United States and global economies experienced new headwinds due to geopolitical uncertainty that increased global shortfalls in supplies of energy, food and raw materials. Combined with a renewed COVID-19 outbreak inChina and subsequent shutdowns across the country, inflationary pressures rose in the first quarter of 2022 with theBureau of Labor Statistics reporting in March that the Consumer Price Index increased by over a percentage point to 8.5% year-over-year. As a result, theFederal Reserve has indicated a more aggressive approach towards addressing inflation through rate increases and a reduction of its balance sheet and approved an interest rate increase of 0.25% in March of 2022. Financial markets have reacted with increased volatility and rates have increased across theTreasury yield curve. Mortgage origination activity declined during the first quarter of 2022 due to typical seasonal trends and in response to rising mortgage rates that specifically impacted the refinance market. This trend is likely to continue as theFederal Reserve has signaled that it expects to make additional interest rate increases throughout the remainder of 2022. Housing affordability declined nationally as ofFebruary 2022 compared to one year ago due to rising home prices and increasing interest rates modestly offset by rising median family income according to theNational Association of Realtors Housing Affordability Index . The unemployment rate has continued to decrease since the beginning of COVID-19 and was 3.6% inMarch 2022 . Unemployment is relatively in line with the pre-pandemic level of 3.5% inFebruary 2020 , and has steadily decreased from a peak of 14.8% inApril 2020 . After the continued recovery in the first quarter of 2022, the number of unemployed Americans stands at approximately 6 million, which is 0.3 million higher than inFebruary 2020 . Among the unemployed, those on temporary layoff continued to decrease to 0.8 million from a peak of 18 million inApril 2020 , and the number of permanent job losses decreased to approximately 1.4 million. In addition, the number of long term unemployed over 26 weeks has continued to decrease sinceMarch 2021 , falling to approximately 1.4 million inMarch 2022 . TheFederal Housing Finance Agency ("FHFA") and the GSEs are focused on increasing the accessibility and affordability of homeownership, in particular for low- and moderate-income borrowers and underserved minority communities. Among other things, FHFA directed the GSEs to submit Equitable Housing Plans by the end of 2021 to identify and address barriers to sustainable housing opportunities to 27 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
advance equity in housing finance. Any new practices or programs subsequently implemented under the GSEs' Equitable Housing Plans or other affordability initiatives may impact the fees, underwriting and servicing standards on mortgage loans purchased by the GSEs.
InJanuary 2022 , the FHFA introduced new upfront fees for some high-balance and second-home loans sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Upfront fees for high balance loans increased between 0.25% and 0.75%, tiered by loan-to-value ratio. For second home loans, the upfront fees increased between 1.125% and 3.875%, also tiered by loan-to-value ratio. The new pricing framework became effectiveApril 1, 2022 . We do not anticipate this will significantly impact the mortgage insurance market or our growth projections. For mortgages insured by the federal government (including those purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac), forbearance allows borrowers impacted by COVID-19 to temporarily suspend mortgage payments up to 18 months subject to certain limits. An initial forbearance period is typically up to six months and can be extended up to another six months if requested by the borrower to its mortgage servicer. For GSE loans in a COVID-19 forbearance plan as ofFebruary 28, 2021 , the maximum forbearance can be up to 18 months. Currently, the GSEs do not have a deadline for requesting an initial forbearance. Even though most foreclosure moratoriums expired at the end of 2021, federal laws and regulations continue to require servicers to discuss loss mitigation options with borrowers before proceeding with foreclosures. These requirements could further extend the foreclosure timeline, which could negatively impact the severity of loss on loans that go to claim. Although it is difficult to predict the future level of reported forbearance and how many of the policies in a forbearance plan that remain current on their monthly mortgage payment will go delinquent, servicer-reported forbearances have generally declined. At the end of the first quarter of 2022 approximately 2.0%, or 18,588, of our active primary policies were reported in a forbearance plan, of which approximately 41% were reported as delinquent. Total delinquencies decreased during the first quarter of 2022 as a result of cures outpacing new delinquencies, which increased modestly during the quarter. The first quarter 2022 new delinquency rate of 0.9% was in line with pre-pandemic levels.
Despite continued economic recovery, the full impact of COVID-19 and its ancillary economic effects on our future business results are difficult to predict. Given the maximum length of forbearance plans, the resolution of a delinquency in a plan may not be known for several quarters. We continue to monitor regulatory and government actions and the resolution of forbearance delinquencies. While the associated risks have moderated, it is possible that COVID-19 could have a significantly adverse impact on our future results of operations and financial condition.
Private mortgage insurance market penetration and eventual market size are affected in part by actions that impact housing or housing finance policy taken by the GSEs and theU.S. government, including but not limited to, theFederal Housing Administration ("FHA") and the FHFA. In the past, these actions have included announced changes, or potential changes, to underwriting standards, including changes to the GSEs' automated underwriting systems, FHA pricing, GSE guaranty fees, loan limits and alternative products. OnFebruary 25, 2022 , the FHFA finalized the rule for the Enterprise Capital Framework, which included technical corrections to theirDecember 17, 2020 rule. Higher GSE capital requirements could ultimately lead to increased costs to borrowers of GSE loans, which in turn could shift the market away from the GSEs to the FHA or lender portfolios. Such a shift could result in a smaller market for private mortgage insurance.
In conjunction with preparing to release the GSEs from conservatorship, on
28 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- with combined loan-to-value ("LTV") ratios above 90%. However, onSeptember 14, 2021 , theFHFA and Treasury Department suspended certain provisions of the amendments to the PSPAs, including the limit on the number of mortgages with two or more risk factors that the GSEs may acquire. Such suspensions terminate on the later of one year afterSeptember 14, 2021 , or six months after theTreasury Department notifies the GSEs of termination. The limit on the number of mortgages with two or more risk factors was based on the market size at the time, and we do not expect any material impact to the private mortgage market in the near term. New insurance written of$18.8 billion in the first quarter of 2022 decreased 25% compared to the first quarter of 2021 primarily due to a smaller estimated private mortgage insurance market which was primarily driven by a decline in refinance originations due to rising mortgage rates. Our primary persistency increased to 76% during the first quarter of 2022 compared to 56% during the first quarter of 2021 and is approaching historic levels of approximately 80%. The increase in persistency was primarily driven by a decline in the percentage of our in-force policies with mortgage rates above current mortgage rates. The increase in persistency has offset the decline in new insurance written in the first quarter of 2022, leading to an increase in insurance in-force ("IIF") of$5.3 billion sinceDecember 31, 2021 . Low persistency impacted business performance trends in 2021 in several ways including, but not limited to, accelerating the recognition of earned premiums due to single premium policy cancellations, accelerating the amortization of our existing reinsurance transactions, and shifting the concentration of our primary IIF to more recent years of policy origination. As ofMarch 31, 2022 , our primary IIF has approximately 4% concentration in 2014 and prior book years. In contrast, our 2021 book year represents 38% of our primary IIF concentration while our 2022 book year is 8% as ofMarch 31, 2022 . TheU.S. private mortgage insurance industry is highly competitive. Our market share is influenced by the execution of our go to market strategy, including but not limited to, pricing competitiveness relative to our peers and our selective participation in forward commitment transactions. We continue to manage the quality of new business through pricing and our underwriting guidelines, which are modified from time to time when circumstances warrant. We see the market and underwriting conditions, including the pricing environment, as being well within our risk-adjusted return appetite enabling us to write new business at attractive returns. Ultimately, we expect our new insurance written with its strong credit profile and attractive pricing to positively contribute to our future profitability and return on equity. Net earned premiums declined in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the first quarter of 2021 as a result of the continued lapse of older, higher priced policies, a decrease in single premium cancellations and higher ceded premiums as the use of credit risk transfer increased. This was partially offset by insurance in-force growth. The total number of delinquent loans has declined from the COVID-19 peak in the second quarter of 2020 as forbearance exits continue and new forbearances declined. During this time and consistent with prior years, servicers continued the practice of remitting premiums during the early stages of default. Additionally, we have a business practice of refunding the post-delinquent premiums to the insured party if the delinquent loan goes to claim. We record a liability and a reduction to net earned premiums for the post-delinquent premiums we expect to refund. The post-delinquent premium liability recorded since the beginning of COVID-19 in the second quarter of 2020 through the first quarter of 2022 was not significant to the change in earned premiums for those periods as a result of the high concentration of new delinquencies being subject to a servicer reported forbearance plan and the lower estimated rate at which delinquencies go to claim for these loans. Our loss ratio for the three months endedMarch 31, 2022 , was (4)% as compared to 22% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 . The decrease was largely from a$50 million reserve release during the quarter, primarily related to COVID-19 delinquencies from 2020 compared to$10 million of reserve strengthening on pre-COVID-19 delinquencies during the first quarter of 2021. During the peak of COVID-19, we experienced elevated new delinquencies subject to forbearance plans. Those delinquencies have been curing at levels above our reserve expectations, which led to the release of reserves in the first quarter of 2022. 29 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our loss reserves continue to be impacted by COVID-19 and remain subject to uncertainty. Borrowers who have experienced a financial hardship including, but not limited to, the loss of income due to the closing of a business or the loss of a job, continue to take advantage of available forbearance programs and payment deferral options. Loss reserves recorded on these new delinquencies have a high degree of estimation due to the level of uncertainty regarding whether delinquencies in forbearance will ultimately cure or result in claim payments. The severity of loss on loans that do go to claim may be negatively impacted by the extended forbearance and foreclosure timelines, the associated elevated expenses and the higher loan amount of the recent new delinquencies. These negative influences on loss severity could be mitigated, in part, by further home price appreciation. For loans insured on or afterOctober 1, 2014 , our mortgage insurance policies limit the number of months of unpaid interest and associated expenses that are included in the mortgage insurance claim amount to a maximum of 36 months. New delinquencies in the first quarter of 2022 declined compared to the first quarter of 2021. Current period primary delinquencies of 8,724 contributed$39 million of loss expense in the first quarter of 2022. We incurred$44 million of losses from 10,053 current period delinquencies in the first quarter of 2021 driven primarily by an increase in borrower forbearance as a result of COVID-19. In determining the loss expense estimate, considerations were given to forbearance and non-forbearance delinquencies, recent cure and claim experience, and the prevailing economic conditions. Approximately 27% of our primary new delinquencies in the first quarter of 2022 were subject to a forbearance plan as compared to 54% in the first quarter of 2021. As ofMarch 31, 2022 , EMICO's risk-to-capital ratio under the current regulatory framework as established underNorth Carolina law and enforced by theNorth Carolina Department of Insurance ("NCDOI"), EMICO's domestic insurance regulator, was approximately 12.2:1, compared with a risk-to-capital ratio of 12.3:1 and 11.9:1 as ofDecember 31, 2021 andMarch 31, 2021 , respectively. EMICO's risk-to-capital ratio remains below the NCDOI's maximum risk-to-capital ratio of 25:1.North Carolina's calculation of risk-to-capital excludes the risk-in-force for delinquent loans given the established loss reserves against all delinquencies. EMICO's ongoing risk-to-capital ratio will depend on the magnitude of future losses incurred by EMICO, the effectiveness of ongoing loss mitigation activities, new business volume and profitability, the amount of policy lapses and the amount of additional capital that is generated or distributed by the business or capital support provided.
Under PMIERs, we are subject to operational and financial requirements that private mortgage insurers must meet in order to remain eligible to insure loans that are purchased by the GSEs. Since 2020, the GSEs have issued several amendments to PMIERs, which implemented both permanent and temporary revisions.
For loans that became non-performing due to a COVID-19 hardship, PMIERs was temporarily amended with respect to each non-performing loan that (i) had an initial missed monthly payment occurring on or afterMarch 1, 2020 , and prior toApril 1, 2021 , or (ii) is subject to a forbearance plan granted in response to a financial hardship related to COVID-19, the terms of which are materially consistent with terms of forbearance plans offered by the GSEs. The risk-based required asset amount factor for the non-performing loan is the greater of (a) the applicable risk-based required asset amount factor for a performing loan were it not delinquent, and (b) the product of a 0.30 multiplier and the applicable risk-based required asset amount factor for a non-performing loan. In the case of (i) above, absent the loan being subject to a forbearance plan described in (ii) above, the 0.30 multiplier was applicable for no longer than three calendar months beginning with the month in which the loan became a non-performing loan due to having missed two monthly payments. Loans subject to a forbearance plan described in (ii) above include those that are either in a repayment plan or loan modification trial period following the forbearance plan unless reported to the approved insurer that the loan is no longer in such forbearance plan, repayment plan, or loan modification trial period. The PMIERs amendment datedJune 30, 2021 further allows loans that enter a forbearance plan due to a COVID-19 hardship on or afterApril 1, 2021 to remain eligible for extended application of the reduced PMIERs capital factor for as long as the 30 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
loan remains in forbearance. In addition, the PMIERs amendment imposed permanent revisions to the risk-based required asset amount factor for non-performing loans for properties located in future Federal Emergency Management Agency Declared Major Disaster Areas eligible for individual assistance.
InSeptember 2020 , subsequent to the issuance ofEnact Holdings' senior notes due in 2025, the GSEs imposed certain restrictions (the "GSE Restrictions") with respect to capital on our business. InMay 2021 , in connection with their conditional approval of the then potential partial sale ofEnact Holdings , the GSEs confirmed the GSE Restrictions will remain in effect until the following collective conditions ("GSE Conditions") are met: (a) EMICO obtains "BBB+"/"Baa1" (or higher) rating from S&P, Moody's orFitch Ratings, Inc. for two consecutive quarters and (b) Genworth achieves certain financial metrics. Prior to the satisfaction of the GSE Conditions, the GSE Restrictions require:
•EMICO to maintain 115% of PMIERs minimum required assets through 2021, 120% during 2022 and 125% thereafter;
•Enact Holdings to retain$300 million of net proceeds from the 2025 Senior Notes offering that can be drawn down exclusively for debt service of those notes or to contribute to EMICO to meet its regulatory capital needs including PMIERs; and
•written approval must be received from the GSEs prior to any additional debt
issuance by either EMICO or
Until the GSE Conditions imposed in connection with the GSE Restrictions are met,Enact Holdings' liquidity must not fall below 13.5% of its outstanding debt. In addition, Fannie Mae agreed to reconsider the GSE Restrictions if Genworth were to own 50% or less ofEnact Holdings at any point prior to their expiration. We understand that Genworth's current plans do not include a potential sale in which Genworth owns less than 80% ofEnact Holdings . The current balance of the 2025 Senior Notes proceeds required to be held by our holding company is approximately$228 million . As ofMarch 31, 2022 , we had estimated available assets of$5,222 million against$2,961 million net required assets under PMIERs compared to available assets of$5,077 million against$3,074 million net required assets as ofDecember 31, 2021 . The sufficiency ratio as ofMarch 31, 2022 , was 176%, or$2,261 million , above the published PMIERs requirements, compared to 165%, or$2,003 million , above the published PMIERs requirements as ofDecember 31, 2021 . PMIERs sufficiency is based on the published requirements applicable to private mortgage insurers and does not give effect to the GSE Restrictions imposed on our business. The increase in the PMIERs sufficiency was driven by the completion of two excess of loss ("XOL") reinsurance transactions in the first quarter of 2022, which added approximately$370 million of additional PMIERs capital credit as ofMarch 31, 2022 , as well as lapse, business cash flows and lower delinquencies, partially offset by NIW and amortization of existing reinsurance transactions. Our PMIERs required assets as ofMarch 31, 2022 , andDecember 31, 2021 , benefited from the application of a 0.30 multiplier applied to the risk-based required asset amount factor for certain non-performing loans. The application of the 0.30 multiplier to all eligible delinquencies provided$272 million of benefit to ourMarch 31, 2022 PMIERs required assets compared to$390 million of benefit as ofDecember 31, 2021 . These amounts are gross of any incremental reinsurance benefit from the elimination of the 0.30 multiplier. OnJanuary 27, 2022 , we executed an excess of loss reinsurance transaction with a panel of reinsurers, which provides up to$294 million of reinsurance coverage on a portion of current and expected new insurance written for the 2022 book year, effectiveJanuary 1, 2022 .
On
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mortgage insurance policies written from
OnApril 26, 2022 , Enact's Board of Directors approved the initiation of a dividend program under which the Company intends to pay a quarterly cash dividend. The inaugural quarterly dividend for the second quarter of 2022 will be$0.14 per share, payable onMay 26, 2022 , to common shareholders of record onMay 9, 2022 . Future dividend payments are subject to quarterly review and approval by our Board of Directors and Genworth, and will be targeted to be paid in the third month of each subsequent quarter. InApril 2022 , our primary mortgage insurance operating company, EMICO, completed a distribution to EHI that will support our ability to pay a quarterly dividend. We intend to use these proceeds and future EMICO distributions to fund the quarterly dividend as well as to bolster our financial flexibility at EHI and return additional capital to shareholders. Returning capital to shareholders, balanced with our growth and risk management priorities, remains a key commitment for Enact as we look to drive shareholder value through time. We believe the initiation of a quarterly dividend reflects meaningful progress towards that goal, and we continue to evaluate the most appropriate amount of total capital to return to shareholders for the remainder of 2022. We believe we have several options available to us to return capital to shareholders and will continue to evaluate our capital allocation options. Our ultimate view will be shaped by our capital prioritization framework: supporting our existing policyholders, growing our mortgage insurance business, funding attractive new business opportunities and returning capital to shareholders. Our total return of capital will also be based on our view of the prevailing and prospective macro-economic conditions, regulatory landscape and business performance. 32
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Results of Operations and Key Metrics
Results of Operations
Three months ended
The following table sets forth our consolidated results for the periods indicated: Increase (decrease) Three months ended and percentage March 31, change (Amounts in thousands) 2022 2021 2022 vs. 2021 Revenues: Premiums$ 234,279 $ 252,542 $ (18,263) (7) % Net investment income 35,146 35,259 (113) - % Net investment gains (losses) (339) (956) 617 (65) % Other income 502 1,738 (1,236) (71) % Total revenues 269,588 288,583 (18,995) (7) % Losses and expenses: Losses incurred (10,446) 55,374 (65,820) (119) % Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals 54,262 57,622 (3,360) (6) % Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles 3,090 3,838 (748) (19) % Interest expense 12,776 12,737 39 - % Total losses and expenses 59,682 129,571 (69,889) (54) % Income before income taxes 209,906 159,012 50,894 32 % Provision for income taxes 45,276 33,881 11,395 34 % Net income$ 164,630 $ 125,131 $ 39,499 32 % Loss ratio (1) (4) % 22 % Expense ratio (2) 24 % 24 % _______________ (1)Loss ratio is calculated by dividing losses incurred by net earned premiums. (2)Expense ratio is calculated by dividing acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals, plus amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles by net earned premiums.
Revenues
Premiums decreased mainly attributable to continued lapse of our in-force portfolio as older, higher priced policies continued to lapse, lower single premium cancellations, and higher ceded premiums as the use of credit risk transfer increased. This was partially offset by higher IIF.
Net investment income remained flat with an increase from higher average invested assets in the current year offset by lower income from bond calls. Portfolio investment yields remained flat.
Net investment losses in the first quarter of 2022 were primarily driven by realized losses from the sale of fixed maturity securities, while net investment losses from the first quarter of 2021 were driven by credit losses related toUnited States corporate fixed maturity securities and realized losses from sales.
Other income primarily includes underwriting fee revenue charged on a per-unit or per-diem basis, as defined in the underwriting agreement. Other income decreased primarily due to lower contract underwriting revenue.
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Losses and expenses
Losses incurred during the first quarter of 2022 decreased largely due to development related to performance of delinquencies from 2020, as we experienced better than expected cures on loans impacted by COVID-19, resulting in a$50 million reserve release. Current period primary delinquencies of 8,724 contributed$39 million of loss expense in the three months endedMarch 31, 2022 . This compares to$44 million of loss expense from 10,053 current period primary delinquencies in the first quarter of 2021. In the period year, we strengthened reserves on pre-COVID-19 delinquencies.
The following table shows incurred losses related to current and prior accident years for the three months ended March 31,:
(Amounts in thousands) 2022
2021
Losses and LAE incurred related to current accident year
10,321 Total incurred (1)$ (10,433) $ 55,385 _______________ (1)Excludes run-off business. Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals, decreased modestly in the three months endedMarch 31, 2022 , as a result of lower costs allocated by our Parent, partially offset by higher general and administrative expenses.
The expense ratio remained flat as premiums and expenses both declined slightly in the current quarter.
Interest expense relates to our 2025 Senior Notes. For additional details see
Note 7 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the
three months ended
Provision for income taxes
The effective tax rate was 21.6% and 21.3% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, consistent withthe United States corporate federal income tax rate. Use of Non-GAAP Measures We use a non-U.S. GAAP ("non-GAAP") financial measure entitled "adjusted operating income." This non-GAAP financial measure aligns with the way our business performance is evaluated by both management and by our Board of Directors. This measure has been established in order to increase transparency for the purposes of evaluating our core operating trends and enabling more meaningful comparisons with our peers. Although "adjusted operating income" is a non-GAAP financial measure, for the reasons discussed above we believe this measure aids in understanding the underlying performance of our operations. Our senior management, including our chief operating decision maker (who is our Chief Executive Officer), uses "adjusted operating income" as the primary measure to evaluate the fundamental financial performance of our business and to allocate resources. "Adjusted operating income" is defined asU.S. GAAP net income excluding the effects of (i) net investment gains (losses), (ii) change in fair value of unconsolidated affiliate and (iii) restructuring costs and infrequent or unusual non-operating items. (i)Net investment gains (losses)-The recognition of realized investment gains or losses can vary significantly across periods as the activity is highly discretionary based on the timing of individual securities sales due to such factors as market opportunities or exposure management. Trends in the profitability of our fundamental operating activities can be more clearly identified without the 34 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
fluctuations of these realized gains and losses. We do not view them to be indicative of our fundamental operating activities. Therefore, these items are excluded from our calculation of adjusted operating income.
(ii)Restructuring costs and infrequent or unusual non-operating items are also excluded from adjusted operating income if, in our opinion, they are not indicative of overall operating trends.
In reporting non-GAAP measures in the future, we may make other adjustments for expenses and gains we do not consider reflective of core operating performance in a particular period. We may disclose other non-GAAP operating measures if we believe that such a presentation would be helpful for investors to evaluate our operating condition by including additional information. Adjusted operating income is not a measure of total profitability, and therefore should not be considered in isolation or viewed as a substitute forU.S. GAAP net income. Our definition of adjusted operating income may not be comparable to similarly named measures reported by other companies, including our peers.
Adjustments to reconcile net income to adjusted operating income assume a 21% tax rate (unless otherwise indicated).
The following table includes a reconciliation of net income to adjusted operating income for the periods indicated:
Three months ended March 31, (Amounts in thousands) 2022 2021 Net income$ 164,630 $ 125,131 Adjustments to net income: Net investment (gains) losses 339 956 Costs associated with reorganization 222 - Taxes on adjustments (118) (201) Adjusted operating income$ 165,073 $ 125,886 Adjusted operating income increased for the three months endedMarch 31, 2022 , as compared toMarch 31, 2021 , primarily from decreased losses, partially offset by lower premiums. Key Metrics Management reviews the key metrics included within this section when analyzing the performance of our business. The metrics provided in this section exclude activity related to our run-off business, which is immaterial to our consolidated results. 35 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following table sets forth selected operating performance measures on a primary basis as of or for the three months ended March 31,:
(Dollar amounts in millions) 2022 2021 New insurance written
$18,823 $24,934 Primary insurance in-force(1)$231,853 $210,187 Primary risk in-force$58,295 $52,866 Persistency rate 76 % 56 % Policies in-force (count) 941,689 922,186 Delinquent loans (count) 22,571 41,332 Delinquency rate 2.40 % 4.48 % _______________
(1)Represents the aggregate unpaid principal balance for loans we insure. Original loan balances are primarily used to determine premiums.
New insurance written ("NIW")
NIW for the three months endedMarch 31, 2022 decreased 25% compared to the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , primarily due to lower mortgage refinancing originations in the current period. We manage the quality of new business through pricing and our underwriting guidelines, which we modify from time to time as circumstances warrant.
The following table presents NIW by product for the periods indicated:
Three months ended March 31, (Amounts in millions) 2022 2021 Primary$ 18,823 100 %$ 24,934 100 % Pool - - - - Total$ 18,823 100 %$ 24,934 100 % The following table presents primary NIW by underlying type of mortgage for the periods indicated: Three months ended March 31, (Amounts in millions) 2022 2021 Purchases$ 17,326 92 %$ 15,500 62 % Refinances 1,497 8 9,434 38 Total$ 18,823 100 %$ 24,934 100 % 36
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following table presents primary NIW by policy payment type for the periods indicated: Three months ended March 31, (Amounts in millions) 2022 2021 Monthly$ 17,071 91 %$ 23,358 94 % Single 1,690 9 1,446 6 Other 62 - 130 - Total$ 18,823 100 %$ 24,934 100 % The following table presents primary NIW by FICO score for the periods indicated: Three months ended March 31, (Amounts in millions) 2022 2021 Over 760$ 8,359 45 %$ 10,520 42 % 740-759 3,085 16 3,836 15 720-739 2,515 13 3,423 14 700-719 1,952 10 2,979 12 680-699 1,316 7 2,480 10 660-679 (1) 931 5 983 4 640-659 486 3 511 2 620-639 173 1 202 1 <620 6 - - - Total$ 18,823 100 %$ 24,934 100 % ______________
(1)Loans with unknown FICO scores are included in the 660-679 category.
LTV ratio is calculated by dividing the original loan amount, excluding financed premium, by the property's acquisition value or fair market value at the time of origination. The following table presents primary NIW by LTV ratio for the periods indicated: Three months ended March 31, (Amounts in millions) 2022 2021 95.01% and above$ 3,146 17 %$ 2,241 9 % 90.01% to 95.00% 6,682 35 9,453 38 85.01% to 90.00% 5,620 30 8,392 34 85.00% and below 3,375 18 4,848 19 Total$ 18,823 100 %$ 24,934 100 % 37
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DTI ratio is calculated by dividing the borrower's total monthly debt obligations by total monthly gross income. The following table presents primary NIW by DTI ratio for the periods indicated:
Three months ended March 31, (Amounts in millions) 2022 2021 45.01% and above$ 4,452 24 %$ 2,566 10 % 38.01% to 45.00% 6,361 34 8,746 35 38.00% and below 8,010 42 13,622 55 Total$ 18,823 100 %$ 24,934 100 %
Insurance in-force ("IIF") and Risk in-force ("RIF")
IIF increased as a result of NIW. Higher interest rates and the declining refinance market led to lower lapse and cancellations during the first quarter of 2022 driving increased persistency. Primary persistency was 76% and 56% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. RIF increased primarily as a result of higher IIF.
The following table sets forth IIF and RIF as of the dates indicated:
(Amounts in millions) March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 March 31, 2021 Primary IIF$ 231,853 100 %$ 226,514 100 %$ 210,187 100 % Pool IIF 600 - 641 - 841 - Total IIF$ 232,453 100 %$ 227,155 100 %$ 211,028 100 % Primary RIF$ 58,295 100 %$ 56,881 100 %$ 52,866 100 % Pool RIF 97 - 105 - 134 - Total RIF$ 58,392 100 %$ 56,986 100 %$ 53,000 100 % The following table sets forth primary IIF and primary RIF by origination as of the dates indicated: (Amounts in millions) March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 March 31, 2021 Purchases IIF$ 184,080 79 %$ 176,550 78 %$ 156,298 74 % Refinances IIF 47,773 21 49,964 22 53,889 26 Total IIF$ 231,853 100 %$ 226,514 100 %$ 210,187 100 % Purchases RIF$ 48,326 83 %$ 46,470 82 %$ 41,396 78 % Refinances RIF 9,969 17 10,411 18 11,470 22 Total RIF$ 58,295 100 %$ 56,881 100 %$ 52,866 100 % 38
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following table sets forth primary IIF and primary RIF by product as of the dates indicated: (Amounts in millions) March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 March 31, 2021 Monthly IIF$ 200,304 86 %$ 194,826 86 %$ 177,126 84 % Single IIF 29,198 13 29,205 13 29,653 14 Other IIF 2,351 1 2,483 1 3,408 2 Total IIF$ 231,853 100 %$ 226,514 100 %$ 210,187 100 % Monthly RIF$ 51,153 88 %$ 49,614 87 %$ 45,009 85 % Single RIF 6,561 11 6,658 12 7,049 13 Other RIF 581 1 609 1 808 2 Total RIF$ 58,295 100 %$ 56,881 100 %$ 52,866 100 % The following table sets forth primary IIF by policy year as of the dates indicated: (Amounts in millions) March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 March 31, 2021 2008 and prior$ 7,723 3 %$ 8,196 3 %$ 10,500 5 % 2009 to 2014 2,946 1 3,369 2 5,570 2 2015 3,960 2 4,488 2 6,729 3 2016 8,076 4 8,997 4 13,213 6 2017 8,023 4 8,962 4 13,817 7 2018 8,306 4 9,263 4 14,618 7 2019 19,609 8 21,730 10 33,430 16 2020 65,807 28 69,963 31 87,599 42 2021 88,757 38 91,546 40 24,711 12 2022 18,646 8 - 0 - - Total$ 231,853 100 %$ 226,514 100 %$ 210,187 100 % 39
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The following table sets forth primary RIF by policy year as of the dates indicated:
(Amounts in millions) March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 March 31, 2021 2008 and prior$ 1,991 3 % $ 2,112 3 %$ 2,705 5 % 2009 to 2014 788 1 904 2 1,510 3 2015 1,058 2 1,197 2 1,795 3 2016 2,147 4 2,388 4 3,503 7 2017 2,094 4 2,324 4 3,556 7 2018 2,092 4 2,330 4 3,671 7 2019 4,935 8 5,454 10 8,361 16 2020 16,606 28 17,574 31 21,787 41 2021 21,959 38 22,598 40 5,978 11 2022 4,625 8 - 0 - - Total$ 58,295 100 % $ 56,881 100 %$ 52,866 100 % The following table presents the development of primary IIF for the periods indicated: Three months ended March 31, (Amounts in millions) 2022 2021 Beginning balance$ 226,514 $ 207,947 NIW 18,823 24,934
Cancellations, principal repayments and other reductions (1) (13,484)
(22,694) Ending balance$ 231,853 $ 210,187 ______________
(1)Includes the estimated amortization of unpaid principal balance of covered loans
The following table sets forth primary IIF by LTV ratio at origination as of the dates indicated: (Amounts in millions) March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 March 31, 2021 95.01% and above$ 36,867 16 %$ 35,455 16 %$ 33,757 16 % 90.01% to 95.00% 96,419 42 95,149 42 92,124 44 85.01% to 90.00% 66,226 28 64,549 28 58,098 28 85.00% and below 32,341 14 31,361 14 26,208 12 Total$ 231,853 100 %$ 226,514 100 %$ 210,187 100 %
The following table sets forth primary RIF by LTV ratio at origination as of the dates indicated:
(Amounts in millions) March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 March 31, 2021 95.01% and above$ 10,379 18 % $ 9,907 17 %$ 9,151 17 % 90.01% to 95.00% 27,987 48 27,608 49 26,637 51 85.01% to 90.00% 16,082 27 15,644 27 13,997 26 85.00% and below 3,847 7 3,722 7 3,081 6 Total$ 58,295 100 % $ 56,881 100 %$ 52,866 100 % 40
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following table sets forth primary IIF by FICO score at origination as of the dates indicated: (Amounts in millions) March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 March 31, 2021 Over 760$ 93,222 40 %$ 89,982 40 %$ 79,285 38 % 740-759 36,821 16 35,874 16 33,607 16 720-739 32,363 14 31,730 14 30,295 14 700-719 27,620 12 27,359 12 26,309 13 680-699 21,259 9 21,270 9 20,777 10 660-679 (1) 10,805 5 10,549 5 10,001 5 640-659 6,188 3 6,124 3 5,981 3 620-639 2,774 1 2,783 1 2,893 1 <620 801 - 843 - 1,039 - Total$ 231,853 100 %$ 226,514 100 %$ 210,187 100 % ______________
(1)Loans with unknown FICO scores are included in the 660-679 category.
The following table sets forth primary RIF by FICO score at origination as of the dates indicated:
(Amounts in millions) March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 March 31, 2021 Over 760$ 23,326 40 % $ 22,489 40 %$ 19,829 37 % 740-759 9,267 16 9,009 16 8,442 16 720-739 8,224 14 8,055 14 7,715 15 700-719 6,974 12 6,907 12 6,678 13 680-699 5,334 9 5,334 9 5,231 10 660-679 (1) 2,715 5 2,638 5 2,484 5 640-659 1,550 3 1,530 3 1,485 3 620-639 699 1 702 1 734 1 <620 206 - 217 - 268 - Total$ 58,295 100 % $ 56,881 100 %$ 52,866 100 % ______________
(1)Loans with unknown FICO scores are included in the 660-679 category.
The following table sets forth primary IIF by DTI score at origination as of the dates indicated: (Amounts in millions) March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 March 31, 2021 45.01% and above$ 36,428 16 %$ 34,076 15 %$ 30,225 14 % 38.01% to 45.00% 80,741 35 79,147 35 74,674 36 38.00% and below 114,684 49 113,291 50 105,288 50 Total$ 231,853 100 %$ 226,514 100 %$ 210,187 100 %
The following table sets forth primary RIF by DTI score at origination as of the dates indicated:
(Amounts in millions) March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 March 31, 2021 45.01% and above$ 9,227 16 % $ 8,631 15 %$ 7,643 14 % 38.01% to 45.00% 20,392 35 19,974 35 18,888 36 38.00% and below 28,676 49 28,276 50 26,335 50 Total$ 58,295 100 % $ 56,881 100 %$ 52,866 100 % 41
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Delinquent loans and claims
Our delinquency management process begins with notification by the loan servicer of a delinquency on an insured loan. "Delinquency" is defined in our master policies as the borrower's failure to pay when due an amount equal to the scheduled monthly mortgage payment under the terms of the mortgage. Generally, the master policies require an insured to notify us of a delinquency if the borrower fails to make two consecutive monthly mortgage payments prior to the due date of the next mortgage payment. We generally consider a loan to be delinquent and establish required reserves after the insured notifies us that the borrower has failed to make two scheduled mortgage payments. Borrowers may cure delinquencies by making all of the delinquent loan payments, agreeing to a loan modification, or by selling the property in full satisfaction of all amounts due under the mortgage. In most cases, delinquencies that are not cured result in a claim under our policy.
The following table shows a roll forward of the number of primary loans in default for the periods indicated:
Three months endedMarch 31 , (Loan count) 2022
2021
Number of delinquencies, beginning of period 24,820 44,904 New defaults 8,724 10,053 Cures (10,860) (13,478) Claims paid (107) (134) Rescissions and claim denials (6) (13) Number of delinquencies, end of period 22,571
41,332
The following table sets forth changes in our direct primary case loss reserves for the periods indicated: Three months ended March 31, (Amounts in thousands) (1) 2022 2021 Loss reserves, beginning of period$ 606,102 $ 516,863 Claims paid (5,617) (5,933) Change in reserve (9,977) 53,278 Loss reserves, end of period$ 590,508 $ 564,208 ______________
(1)Direct primary case reserves exclude LAE, IBNR and reinsurance reserves.
The following tables set forth primary delinquencies, direct case reserves and RIF by aged missed payment status as of the dates indicated:
Direct case Risk Reserves as % (Dollar amounts in millions) Delinquencies reserves (1) in-force of risk in-force Payments in default: 3 payments or less 6,837 $ 38$ 359 11 % 4 - 11 payments 6,875 115 392 29 % 12 payments or more 8,859 438 515 85 % Total 22,571 $ 591$ 1,266 47 % 42
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December 31, 2021 Direct case Risk Reserves as % (Dollar amounts in millions) Delinquencies reserves (1) in-force of risk in-force Payments in default: 3 payments or less 6,586 $ 35$ 340 10 % 4 - 11 payments 7,360 111 426 26 % 12 payments or more 10,874 460 643 72 % Total 24,820 $ 606$ 1,409 43 % March 31, 2021 Direct case Risk Reserves as % (Dollar amounts in millions) Delinquencies reserves (1) in-force of risk in-force Payments in default: 3 payments or less 8,296 $ 40$ 436 9 % 4 - 11 payments 21,011 227 1,232 18 % 12 payments or more 12,025 297 724 41 % Total 41,332 $ 564$ 2,392 24 % ______________
(1)Direct primary case reserves exclude loss adjustment expenses, incurred but not reported and reinsurance reserves.
The total increase in reserves as a percentage of RIF as ofMarch 31, 2022 compared toDecember 31, 2021 was primarily driven by the decrease in delinquent RIF. Delinquent RIF decreased mainly due to lower total delinquencies as cures outpaced new delinquencies in the first three months of 2022, while reserves decreased due to our reserve release. While the number of loans that are delinquent for 12 months or more has decreased sinceDecember 31, 2021 , it remains elevated compared to pre-COVID-19 levels due, in large part, to borrowers entering a forbearance plan over a year ago driven by COVID-19. Resolution of a delinquency in a forbearance plan, whether it ultimately results in a cure or a claim, remains difficult to estimate and may not be known for several quarters, if not longer. In addition, due to foreclosure moratoriums and the uncertainty around the lack of progression through the foreclosure process there is still uncertainty around the likelihood and timing of delinquencies going to claim. Primary insurance delinquency rates differ from region to region inthe United States at any one time depending upon economic conditions and cyclical growth patterns. Delinquency rates are shown by region based upon the location of the underlying property, rather than the location of the lender. 43 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The table below sets forth our primary delinquency rates for the ten largest
states by our primary RIF as of
Percent of direct primary case Delinquency Percent of RIF reserves rate By State: California 11 % 11 % 2.75 % Texas 8 8 2.51 % Florida (1) 8 9 2.51 % New York 5 12 3.51 % Illinois 5 6 2.85 % Michigan 4 2 1.87 % Arizona 4 2 1.92 % North Carolina 3 2 1.96 % Pennsylvania 3 3 2.30 % Washington 3 4 2.68 % All other states (2) 46 41 2.25 % Total 100 % 100 % 2.40 % ______________
(1)Jurisdiction predominantly uses a judicial foreclosure process, which
generally increases the amount of time it takes for a foreclosure to be
completed.
(2)Includes the
The table below sets forth our primary delinquency rates for the ten largest
states by our primary RIF as of
Percent of direct primary case Delinquency Percent of RIF reserves rate By State: California 11 % 12 % 3.17 % Texas 8 8 2.89 % Florida (1) 7 9 2.97 % New York (1) 5 12 3.80 % Illinois (1) 5 6 3.09 % Michigan 4 2 1.87 % Arizona 4 2 2.31 % North Carolina (1) 3 2 2.18 % Pennsylvania 3 3 2.38 % Washington 3 3 2.98 % All other states (2) 47 41 2.46 % Total 100 % 100 % 2.65 % ______________
(1)Jurisdiction predominantly uses a judicial foreclosure process, which
generally increases the amount of time it takes for a foreclosure to be
completed.
(2)Includes the
44 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The table below sets forth our primary delinquency rates for the ten largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas ("MSA") or Metro Divisions ("MD") by our primary RIF as ofMarch 31, 2022 : Percent of direct Delinquency Percent of RIF primary case reserves rate By MSA or MD: Chicago-Naperville, IL MD 3 % 5 % 3.39 % Phoenix, AZ MSA 3 2 1.92 % New York, NY MD 3 8 4.68 % Atlanta, GA MSA 2 3 2.92 % Washington-Arlington, DC MD 2 2 2.50 % Houston, TX MSA 2 3 3.20 % Riverside-San Bernardino CA MSA 2 2 3.05 % Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA MD 2 3 3.22 % Dallas, TX MD 2 1 2.04 % Nassau County, NY MD 2 4 5.02 % All Other MSAs/MDs 77 67 2.23 % Total 100 % 100 % 2.40 %
The table below sets forth our primary delinquency rates for the ten largest
MSAs or MDs by our primary RIF as of
Percent of direct Delinquency Percent of RIF primary case reserves rate By MSA or MD: Chicago-Naperville, IL MD 3 % 4 % 3.68 % Phoenix, AZ MSA 3 2 2.36 % New York, NY MD 3 8 5.32 % Atlanta, GA MSA 2 3 3.28 % Washington-Arlington, DC MD 2 2 2.96 % Houston, TX MSA 2 3 3.61 % Riverside-San Bernardino CA MSA 2 2 3.42 % Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA MD 2 3 3.95 % Dallas, TX MD 2 2 2.31 % Nassau County, NY MD 2 4 5.55 % All Other MSAs/MDs 77 67 2.44 % Total 100 % 100 % 2.65 % The frequency of delinquencies may not correlate directly with the number of claims received because delinquencies may cure. The rate at which delinquencies cure is influenced by borrowers' financial resources and circumstances and regional economic differences. Whether a delinquency leads to a claim correlates highly with the borrower's equity at the time of delinquency, as it influences the borrower's willingness to continue to make payments, the borrower's or the insured's ability to sell the home for an amount sufficient to satisfy all amounts due under the mortgage loan and the borrower's financial ability to continue making payments. When we receive notice of a delinquency, we use our proprietary model to determine whether a delinquent loan is a candidate for a modification. When our model identifies such a candidate, our loan workout specialists prioritize cases for loss mitigation based upon the likelihood that the loan will result in a claim. Loss mitigation actions include loan modification, 45 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
extension of credit to bring a loan current, foreclosure forbearance, pre-foreclosure sale and deed-in-lieu. These loss mitigation efforts often are an effective way to reduce our claim exposure and ultimate payouts.
The following table sets forth the dispersion of primary RIF and direct primary
case reserves by policy year and delinquency rates as of
Percent of direct Cumulative Percent primary case Delinquency delinquency of RIF reserves rate rate (1) Policy Year: 2008 and prior 3 % 25 % 10.41 % 5.59 % 2009-2014 1 5 5.34 % 0.77 % 2015 2 5 4.06 % 0.92 % 2016 4 7 3.48 % 1.02 % 2017 4 10 4.43 % 1.34 % 2018 4 12 5.48 % 1.60 % 2019 8 17 3.44 % 1.37 % 2020 28 15 1.49 % 1.08 % 2021 38 4 0.58 % 0.55 % 2022 8 0 0.04 % 0.04 % Total portfolio 100 % 100 % 2.40 % 4.36 % ______________
(1)Calculated as the sum of the number of policies where claims were ever paid to date and number of policies for loans currently in default divided by policies ever in-force.
The following table sets forth the dispersion of primary RIF and loss reserves
by policy year and delinquency rates as of
Percent of direct Cumulative Percent primary case Delinquency delinquency of RIF reserves rate rate (1) Policy Year: 2008 and prior 3 % 24 % 10.54 % 5.59 % 2009 to 2013 1 2 5.54 % 0.74 % 2014 1 3 5.51 % 0.99 % 2015 2 5 4.24 % 1.04 % 2016 4 8 3.69 % 1.16 % 2017 4 10 4.78 % 1.56 % 2018 4 13 5.93 % 1.88 % 2019 10 19 3.89 % 1.68 % 2020 31 14 1.50 % 1.14 % 2021 40 2 0.37 % 0.36 % Total portfolio 100 % 100 % 2.65 % 4.42 % ______________
(1)Calculated as the sum of the number of policies where claims were ever paid to date and number of policies for loans currently in default divided by policies ever in-force.
46 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Loss reserves in policy years in 2008 and prior are outsized compared to their representation of RIF. The size of these policy years at origination combined with the significant decline in home prices led to significant losses in these policy years. Although uncertainty remains with respect to the ultimate losses we will experience on these policy years, they have become a smaller percentage of our total mortgage insurance portfolio. The largest portion of loss reserves has shifted to newer book years as a result of COVID-19 given their significant representation of RIF. As ofMarch 31, 2022 , our 2015 and newer policy years represented approximately 96% of our primary RIF and 70% of our total direct primary case reserves. Investment Portfolio Our investment portfolio is affected by factors described below, each of which in turn may be affected by COVID-19 as noted above in "-Trends and Conditions." Management of our investment portfolio has been delegated to our Parent's investment committee and chief investment officer. Our Parent's investment team, with oversight from our Board of Directors and our senior management team, is responsible for the execution of our investment strategy. Our investment portfolio is an important component of our consolidated financial results and represents our primary source of claims paying resources. Our investment portfolio primarily consists of a diverse mix of highly rated fixed income securities and is designed to achieve the following objectives:
•Meet policyholder obligations through maintenance of sufficient liquidity;
•Preserve capital;
•Generate investment income;
•Maximize statutory capital; and
•Increase shareholder value, among other objectives.
To achieve our portfolio objectives, our investment strategy focuses primarily on:
•Our business outlook, current and expected future investment conditions;
•Investments selection based on fundamental, research-driven strategies;
•Diversification across a mix of fixed income, low-volatility investments while actively pursuing strategies to enhance yield;
•Regular evaluation and optimization of our asset class mix;
•Continuous monitoring of investment quality, duration, and liquidity;
•Regulatory capital requirements; and
•Restriction of investments correlated to the residential mortgage market.
47 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fixed Maturity Securities Available-for-Sale
The following table presents the fair value of our fixed maturity securities available-for-sale as of the dates indicated:
March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 % of % of (Amounts in thousands) Fair value total Fair value total
$ 56,751 1 % $ 58,408 1 % State and political subdivisions 508,391 10 538,453 10 Non-U.S. government 21,529 - 22,416 0 U.S. corporate 2,882,497 57 2,945,303 56 Non-U.S. corporate 629,795 12 666,594 13 Other asset-backed 994,121 20 1,035,165 20 Total available-for-sale fixed maturity securities$ 5,093,084 100 %$ 5,266,339 100 %
Our investment portfolio did not include any direct residential real estate or
whole mortgage loans as of
As ofMarch 31, 2022 , andDecember 31, 2021 , 97% of our investment portfolio was rated investment grade, respectively. The following table presents the security ratings of our fixed maturity securities as of the dates indicated: March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 AAA 9 % 9 % AA 16 17 A 34 34 BBB 38 37 BB & below 3 3 Total 100 % 100 %
The table below presents the effective duration and investment yield on our investments available-for-sale, excluding cash and cash equivalents as of the dates indicated:
March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 Duration (in years) 3.8 3.9 Pre-tax yield (% of average investment portfolio assets) 2.7 % 2.7 %
We manage credit risk by analyzing issuers, transaction structures and any associated collateral. We also manage credit risk through country, industry, sector and issuer diversification and prudent asset allocation practices.
We primarily mitigate interest rate risk by employing a buy and hold investment philosophy that seeks to match fixed income maturities with expected liability cash flows in modestly adverse economic scenarios. 48 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our consolidated cash flows for the periods indicated: Three months ended March 31, (Amounts in thousands) 2022 2021 Net cash provided by (used in): Operating activities$ 160,800 $ 127,028 Investing activities (146,497) (148,487) Financing activities - -
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 29
-
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents$ 14,332
Our most significant source of operating cash flows is from premiums received from our insurance policies, while our most significant uses of operating cash flows are generally for claims paid on our insured policies and our operating expenses. Net cash from operating activities increased due to timing of tax payments made to our Parent and lower unearned premium declines from cancelled single premium policies. Investing activities are primarily related to purchases, sales, and maturities of our investment portfolio. Net cash used by investing activities decreased slightly as a result of lower net purchases of fixed maturity securities in the current year. There were no dividends paid or other financing activity during the three months endedMarch 31, 2022 . The amount and timing of future dividends is discussed within "-Trends and Conditions" as well as below.
Capital Resources and Financing Activities
We issued our 2025 Senior Notes in 2020 with interest payable semi-annually in arrears onFebruary 15 andAugust 15 of each year. The 2025 Senior Notes mature onAugust 15, 2025 . We may redeem the 2025 Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time prior toFebruary 15, 2025 , at our option, by paying a make-whole premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. At any time on or afterFebruary 15, 2025 , we may redeem the 2025 Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at our option, at 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The 2025 Senior Notes contain customary events of default, which subject to certain notice and cure conditions, can result in the acceleration of the principal and accrued interest on the outstanding 2025 Senior Notes if we breach the terms of the indenture.
Pursuant to the GSE Restrictions, we were required to retain
Restrictions on the Payment of Dividends
The ability of our regulated insurance operating subsidiaries to pay dividends and distributions to us is restricted by certain provisions ofNorth Carolina insurance laws. Our insurance subsidiaries may pay dividends only from unassigned surplus; payments made from sources other than unassigned surplus, such as paid-in and contributed surplus, are categorized as distributions. Notice of all dividends must be submitted to the Commissioner of the NCDOI (the "Commissioner") within 5 business days after declaration of the dividend or distribution, and at least 30 days before payment thereof. No dividend may 49 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- be paid until 30 days after the Commissioner has received notice of the declaration thereof and (i) has not within that period disapproved the payment or (ii) has approved the payment within the 30-day period. Any distribution, regardless of amount, requires that same 30-day notice to the Commissioner, but also requires the Commissioner's affirmative approval before being paid. Based on our estimated statutory results and in accordance with applicable dividend restrictions, EMICO has the capacity to pay dividends from unassigned surplus of$110 million as ofMarch 31, 2022 , with 30 day advance notice to the Commissioner of the intent to pay. In addition to dividends and distributions, alternative mechanisms, such as share repurchases, subject to any requisite regulatory approvals, may be utilized from time to time to upstream surplus. In addition, we review multiple other considerations in parallel to determine a prospective dividend strategy for our regulated insurance operating subsidiaries. Given the regulatory focus on the reasonableness of an insurer's surplus in relation to its outstanding liabilities and the adequacy of its surplus relative to its financial needs for any dividend, our insurance subsidiaries consider the minimum amount of policyholder surplus after giving effect to any contemplated future dividends. Regulatory minimum policyholder surplus is not codified inNorth Carolina law and limitations may vary based on prevailing business conditions including, but not limited to, the prevailing and future macroeconomic conditions. We estimate regulators would require a minimum policyholder surplus of approximately$300 million to meet their threshold standard. Given (i) we are subject to statutory accounting requirements that establish a contingency reserve of at least 50% of net earned premiums annually for ten years, after which time it is released into policyholder surplus and (ii) that no material 10-year contingency reserve releases are scheduled before 2024, we expect modest growth in policyholder surplus through 2024. As a result, minimum policyholder surplus could be a limitation on the future dividends of our regulated operating subsidiaries. Another consideration in the development of the dividend strategies for our regulated insurance operating subsidiaries is our expected level of compliance with PMIERs. Prior to the satisfaction of the GSE Conditions, the GSE Restrictions also require EMICO to maintain 120% of PMIERs Minimum Required Assets through 2022, and 125% thereafter. In addition, under PMIERs, EMICO is subject to other operational and financial requirements that approved insurers must meet in order to remain eligible to insure loans purchased by the GSEs. Refer to "-Trends and Conditions" for recent updates related to these requirements. Our regulated insurance operating subsidiaries are also subject to statutory "risk-to-capital" ("RTC") requirements that affect the dividend strategies of our regulated operating subsidiaries. EMICO's domiciliary regulator, the NCDOI, requires the maintenance of a statutory RTC ratio not to exceed 25:1. See "-Risk-to-Capital Ratio" for additional RTC trend analysis. We consider potential future dividends compared to the prior year statutory net income in the evaluation of dividend strategies for our regulated operating subsidiaries. We also consider the dividend payout ratio, or the ratio of potential future dividends compared to the estimatedU.S. GAAP net income, in the evaluation of our dividend strategies. In either case, we do not have prescribed target or maximum thresholds, but we do evaluate the reasonableness of a potential dividend relative to the actual or estimated income generated in the proceeding or preceding calendar year after giving consideration to prevailing business conditions including, but not limited to the prevailing and future macroeconomic conditions. In addition, the dividend strategies of our regulated operating subsidiaries are made in consultation with our Parent. InApril 2022 , EMICO completed a distribution of approximately$242 million to EHI that will support our ability to pay a quarterly dividend. We intend to use these proceeds and future EMICO distributions to fund a quarterly dividend as well as to bolster our financial flexibility at EHI and return additional capital to shareholders. All future dividends from EHI will be subject to Parent consent and EHI Board of Directors approval. 50 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risk-to-Capital Ratio
We compute our RTC ratio on a separate company statutory basis, as well as for our combined insurance operations. The RTC ratio is net RIF divided by policyholders' surplus plus statutory contingency reserve. Our net RIF represents RIF, net of reinsurance ceded, and excludes risk on policies that are currently delinquent and for which loss reserves have been established. Statutory capital consists primarily of statutory policyholders' surplus (which increases as a result of statutory net income and decreases as a result of statutory net loss and dividends paid), plus the statutory contingency reserve. The statutory contingency reserve is reported as a liability on the statutory balance sheet. Certain states have insurance laws or regulations that require a mortgage insurer to maintain a minimum amount of statutory capital (including the statutory contingency reserve) relative to its level of RIF in order for the mortgage insurer to continue to write new business. While formulations of minimum capital vary in certain states, the most common measure applied allows for a maximum permitted RTC ratio of 25:1.
The following table presents the calculation of our RTC ratio for our combined insurance subsidiaries as of the dates indicated:
(Dollar amounts in millions)
1,397 Contingency reserves 3,168 3,042 Combined statutory capital $ 4,606 $ 4,439 Adjusted RIF(1)$ 55,512 $ 54,201 Combined risk-to-capital ratio 12.1
12.2
______________
(1)Adjusted RIF for purposes of calculating combined statutory RTC differs from RIF presented elsewhere in this periodic report. In accordance with NCDOI requirements, adjusted RIF excludes delinquent policies.
The following table presents the calculation of our RTC ratio for our principal insurance company, EMICO, as of the dates indicated:
(Dollar amounts in millions)
1,346 Contingency reserves 3,167 3,041 EMICO statutory capital $ 4,553 $ 4,387 Adjusted RIF(1)$ 55,321 $ 54,033 EMICO risk-to-capital ratio 12.2 12.3 ______________ (1)Adjusted RIF for purposes of calculating EMICO statutory RTC differs from RIF presented elsewhere herein. In accordance with NCDOI requirements, adjusted RIF excludes delinquent policies.
Liquidity
As ofMarch 31, 2022 , we maintained liquidity in the form of cash and cash equivalents of$440 million compared to$426 million as ofDecember 31, 2021 , and we also held significant levels of investment-grade fixed maturity securities that can be monetized should our cash and cash equivalents be insufficient to meet our obligations. OnAugust 21, 2020 , we issued the 2025 Senior Notes. The GSE Restrictions required us to retain$300 million of the net 2025 Senior Notes proceeds that can be drawn down exclusively for our debt service or to contribute to EMICO to meet its regulatory capital needs including PMIERs, until the GSE Conditions are satisfied. See "-Trends and Conditions" for additional details. We distributed$437 million of the net proceeds to Genworth Holdings at the closing of the offering of our 2025 Senior Notes. The 2025 Senior Notes were issued to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in a private offering exempt from registration pursuant to Rule 144A under 51
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- the Securities Act and to non-U.S. persons outside ofthe United States in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The current balance of the 2025 Senior Notes proceeds required to be held by our holding company is approximately$228 million . The principal sources of liquidity in our business currently include insurance premiums, net investment income and cash flows from investment sales and maturities. We believe that the operating cash flows generated by our mortgage insurance subsidiary will provide the funds necessary to satisfy our claim payments, operating expenses and taxes. However, our subsidiaries are subject to regulatory and other capital restrictions with respect to the payment of dividends. As ofMarch 31, 2022 , the$300 million of the net proceeds of the 2025 Senior Notes offering retained by EHI comprises substantially all of the cash and cash equivalents held directly by EHI and initially available to pay interest on the 2025 Senior Notes. To the extent the remaining balance of the$300 million of net proceeds retained from the 2025 Senior Notes offering is used to provide capital support to EMICO, the GSEs and the NCDOI may seek to prevent EMICO from returning that capital to EHI in the form of a dividend, distribution or an intercompany loan. We currently have no material financing commitments, such as lines of credit or guarantees, that are expected to affect our liquidity over the next five years, other than the 2025 Senior Notes.
Financial Strength Ratings
The following EMICO financial strength ratings have been independently assigned by third-party rating organizations and represent our current ratings, which are subject to change. Name of Agency Rating Outlook Action Date of Rating Moody's Investor Service, Inc. Baa2 Stable Upgrade September 24, 2021 Fitch Ratings, Inc. BBB+ Stable Affirmed April 27, 2022 S&P Global Ratings BBB Positive Affirmed March 11, 2022
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
Our loss reserves are driven largely by delinquencies from borrower forbearance programs due to COVID-19. We expect a large portion of these delinquencies to cure before becoming an active claim; however, reserves recorded related to borrower forbearance have a high degree of estimation. Therefore, it is possible we could have higher contractual obligations related to these loss reserves if they do not cure as we expect. Other than the aforementioned loss reserves, there have been no material additions or changes to our contractual obligations or other off-balance sheet arrangements as compared to the amounts disclosed within our audited consolidated financial statements for the years endedDecember 31, 2021 and 2020.
Critical Accounting Estimates
As of the filing date of this report, there were no significant changes in our critical accounting estimates from those discussed in our Annual Report.
New Accounting Standards
Refer to Note 2 in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months endedMarch 31, 2022 and 2021, and in our audited consolidated financial statements for the years endedDecember 31, 2021 and 2020, for a discussion of recently adopted and not yet adopted accounting standards. 52
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