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Group 1 - Essent Group Ltd. announced the appointment of Martin Connor to its Board of Directors, highlighting his expertise in real estate and finance as valuable for the company's growth and shareholder value [1] - Martin Connor has extensive experience in the real estate sector, having served as Chief Financial Officer of Toll Brothers from 2010 to 2025 and currently as a senior advisor [1] - Connor's previous roles include leadership positions at Marcon Advisors LLC and O'Neill Properties, as well as over 20 years at Ernst & Young LLP, where he was a partner responsible for the real estate practice [1] Group 2 - Essent Group Ltd. is a Bermuda-based holding company that provides private mortgage insurance, reinsurance, and title insurance services to the housing finance industry [2] - The company operates through its subsidiaries and aims to serve the needs of the housing finance sector [2]

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (Mark One) ☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission file number 001-36157 ESSENT GROUP LTD. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Yes ☒ No ☐ (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation ...

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Performance was driven by positive credit trends and the benefit of higher interest rates on both persistency and investment income. Management attributes the 13% book value growth to a 'buy, manage, and distribute' model that prioritizes unit economics over volume. Persistency remains high at 86% because roughly 60% of the in-force portfolio has a note rate of 6% or lower, creating a 'lock-in' effect. The portfolio default rate increase is characterized as normal seasonality and the expected season ...

CFO David Weinstock said mortgage insurance in force ended the fourth quarter at $248.4 billion , down $452 million from Sept. 30 but up $4.7 billion (or 1.9% ) from Dec. 31, 2024. Persistency at Dec. 31, 2025 was 85.7% , compared with 86% at Sept. 30.Book value per share was $60.31 as of Dec. 31, up 13% year over year. Mortgage insurance in force totaled $248 billion at year-end, up 2% from a year earlier, with 12-month persistency at 86% . Casale noted persistency has been relatively flat over recent quar ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, the company reported net income of $155 million or $1.60 per diluted share, compared to $1.67 in the previous quarter and $1.58 in Q4 2024 [4][11] - Full year 2025 net income was $690 million or $6.90 per diluted share, with a return on average equity of 12% [4] - Book value per share increased by 13% year-over-year to $60.31 as of December 31 [5] - The mortgage insurance in force was $248 billion, reflecting a 2% increase year-over-year [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mortgage insurance segment ended Q4 2025 with insurance in force of $248.4 billion, a decrease of $452 million from Q3 2025 but an increase of $4.7 billion or 1.9% year-over-year [12] - Persistency for the mortgage insurance portfolio was 85.7% at the end of Q4 2025, down from 86% in Q3 2025 [12] - The average base premium rate for the mortgage insurance portfolio remained stable at 41 basis points, while the average net premium rate decreased by 1 basis point to 34 basis points [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The portfolio default rate increased to 2.5%, up 21 basis points from the previous quarter, reflecting normal seasonality and aging of the insurance in force [13] - The weighted average FICO score for the insurance in force was 747, with a weighted average original loan-to-value (LTV) of 93% [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a disciplined capital management strategy, returning nearly $700 million to shareholders in 2025 through dividends and share repurchases [10] - A 13% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.35 per share was approved, effective Q1 2026 [10] - The company is expanding into the Lloyd's market through Essent Re, aiming for diversification and capital efficiency without requiring additional capital [21][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the current housing market presents challenges, but the company is well-positioned for future growth as demographics favor homeownership [40] - The company anticipates modest growth in insurance in force due to current market conditions, but expects a potential spike in demand when more buyers enter the market [40][41] - Credit quality remains strong, and management is confident in the future cash flows, which supports ongoing share repurchases and dividends [48] Other Important Information - The consolidated cash and investments totaled $6.6 billion with an aggregate yield of 3.9% for the year [9] - Essent Re earned nearly $80 million in third-party net income for 2025, with $2.3 billion in risk at year-end [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why enter the Lloyd's market now? - Management indicated that the expansion into the Lloyd's market has been in process for a while, focusing on leveraging existing assets and capital efficiencies [21][22] Question: Is the decrease in new insurance written (NIW) a strategic decision? - Management clarified that the decrease in NIW is not a reflection of a strategic pullback but rather optimizing unit economics and focusing on shareholder returns [29][30] Question: What is the outlook for insurance in force growth? - Management expects growth to remain modest in the near term but believes that demographic trends will eventually lead to increased demand [40][41] Question: Are there differences in performance across different vintages? - Management reported no significant differences in defaults across vintages, indicating a stable credit environment [44][45] Question: What is the company's credit outlook? - Management emphasized that the current cautious approach is not a credit call but rather a focus on optimizing unit economics and shareholder value [57][58]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, the company reported net income of $155 million or $1.60 per diluted share, compared to $1.67 in the previous quarter and $1.58 in Q4 2024 [4][11] - For the full year 2025, net income was $690 million or $6.90 per diluted share, with a return on average equity of 12% [4][5] - Book value per share increased by 13% year-over-year to $60.31 as of December 31 [5] - The mortgage insurance in force was $248 billion, reflecting a 2% increase year-over-year [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mortgage insurance segment ended Q4 2025 with insurance in force of $248.4 billion, a decrease of $452 million from Q3 2025 but an increase of $4.7 billion or 1.9% year-over-year [12] - Persistency for the mortgage insurance portfolio was 85.7% at the end of Q4 2025, down from 86% in Q3 2025 [12] - The average base premium rate for the mortgage insurance portfolio remained stable at 41 basis points, while the average net premium rate decreased by 1 basis point to 34 basis points [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The portfolio default rate increased to 2.5%, up 21 basis points from the previous quarter, reflecting normal seasonality and aging of the insurance in force [13] - The weighted average FICO score of the insurance in force was 747, with a weighted average original loan-to-value (LTV) of 93% [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a disciplined capital management strategy, returning nearly $700 million to shareholders in 2025 through dividends and share repurchases [10] - A 13% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.35 per share was approved, effective Q1 2026 [10] - The company is expanding into the Lloyd's market as part of its strategy to diversify and leverage higher investment yields, with a focus on property and casualty (P&C) insurance [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the current housing market presents challenges, but the company remains well-positioned for future growth as demographics shift towards homeownership [40] - The credit quality of the portfolio remains strong, and management is optimistic about the potential for supplemental earnings from the P&C segment [27][28] - The company aims to optimize unit economics rather than focus solely on market share, indicating a long-term growth strategy [54][55] Other Important Information - The consolidated cash and investments totaled $6.6 billion, with an aggregate yield of 3.9% for the year [9] - The company has a strong liquidity position, including $1.3 billion in cash and investments at the holding companies [9][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why enter the Lloyd's market now? - Management explained that the decision is part of a long-term strategy to expand and leverage higher investment yields, with a focus on diversifying the business [21][22] Question: Is the decrease in insurance in force a strategic decision? - Management clarified that the decrease is not a reflection of a strategic pullback but rather a normal ebb and flow of the market [29] Question: What is the outlook for insurance in force growth? - Management expects modest growth in insurance in force, with potential for a spike when younger demographics enter the housing market [40][41] Question: How does the company view credit quality and defaults? - Management indicated that the current credit quality is strong, and while defaults are monitored, they are not overly concerned at this time [45][47] Question: What is the company's approach to pricing and market share? - Management emphasized a focus on optimizing unit economics rather than pursuing market share aggressively, indicating a preference for returning capital to shareholders [54][58]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, the company reported net income of $155 million or $1.60 per diluted share, compared to $1.67 in the previous quarter and $1.58 in Q4 2024 [4][11] - For the full year 2025, net income was $690 million or $6.90 per diluted share, with a return on average equity of 12% [4][10] - Book value per share increased by 13% year-over-year to $60.31 as of December 31 [5][10] - The company generated operating cash flow of $856 million for the full year 2025 [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mortgage insurance in force was $248 billion, a 2% increase year-over-year, but a decrease of $452 million from the previous quarter [5][12] - Persistency for the mortgage insurance portfolio was 86% as of December 31, reflecting a slight decrease from 86% in the previous quarter [5][12] - The average base premium rate for the mortgage insurance portfolio remained stable at 41 basis points, while the average net premium rate decreased by 1 basis point to 34 basis points [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The portfolio default rate increased modestly to 2.5%, up 21 basis points from the previous quarter [13] - The weighted average FICO score for the insurance in force was 747, with a weighted average original loan-to-value (LTV) of 93% [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a disciplined capital management strategy, returning nearly $700 million to shareholders in 2025 through dividends and share repurchases [10] - The company has entered the Lloyd's market to expand its reinsurance capabilities, viewing it as a strategic opportunity rather than a new line of business [20][22] - The company aims to optimize unit economics rather than prioritize market share, focusing on long-term growth in book value per share [56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the current housing market presents challenges, with modest growth expected in insurance in force due to high mortgage rates and limited supply [41] - The company believes that the embedded home equity in its portfolio will help mitigate future claims [6] - Management expressed confidence in the strength of the balance sheet and the ability to return capital to shareholders while maintaining a cautious outlook on credit [59] Other Important Information - The company repurchased nearly 10% of its shares outstanding at the end of 2024 and approved a 13% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.35 per share starting in Q1 2026 [10][16] - The consolidated cash and investments totaled $6.6 billion, with an aggregate yield of 3.9% for the year [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why enter the Lloyd's market now? - Management indicated that the decision was part of a long-term strategy to expand and leverage existing assets, with a focus on capital efficiency and diversification [20][22] Question: Is the decrease in insurance in force a strategic decision? - Management clarified that the decrease should not be over-interpreted, as it reflects market dynamics rather than a specific strategic pullback [30] Question: What is the outlook for insurance in force growth? - Management expects modest growth in insurance in force, with potential for a spike when younger demographics enter the homeownership market [41] Question: How does the company view credit risk? - Management stated that credit quality remains benign, and they are not currently making significant changes based on credit concerns [46][58]

February 13, 2026 ESSENT GROUP LTD. | NYSE: ESNT © 2026 Essent Group Ltd. All rights reserved. | essentgroup.com | 1 EARNINGS PRESENTATION 4Q25 ESSENT GROUP LTD. NYSE: ESNT Company Overview Recent Developments | | 3Q25 | 4Q25 | | --- | --- | --- | | Consolidated Financial Results | | | | Net Income ($M) | $164.2 | $155.0 | | Annualized ROE | 11.5% | 10.8% | | Shareholders' Equity ($B) | $5.7 | $5.8 | | Mortgage Insurance Portfolio | | | | Combined Ratio | 34.9% | 42.0% | | IIF ($B) | $248.8 | $248.4 | | NIW ...