NMI Q4 Earnings Call Highlights

Core Insights - The company reported a record total revenue of $180.7 million in Q4, with a GAAP net income of $94.2 million, translating to $1.20 per diluted share and a return on equity of 14.8% [1] - For the full year 2025, the company achieved a GAAP net income of $388.9 million, an 8% increase from 2024, and a diluted EPS of $4.92, up 11% [2][7] - The company ended 2025 with a total new insurance written (NIW) of $49 billion and a record $221.4 billion of primary insurance in force (IIF) [3][7] Financial Performance - In Q4, net premiums earned reached a record $152.5 million, compared to $151.3 million in Q3 and $143.5 million in the same quarter last year [8] - The company reported a default rate of 1.12% at year-end, with total defaults increasing to 7,661 from 7,093 in the previous quarter [10] - The expense ratio for the fourth quarter was 20.4%, with total expenses remaining unchanged at $31.1 million compared to Q4 2024 [18] Reinsurance and Capital Management - The company secured new quota-share and excess-loss treaties for new business through 2028 at an estimated 4% pre-tax cost of capital [6][15] - Since 2022, the company has repurchased $349 million of stock, with $226 million remaining under its buyback authorization [17] - At year-end, the company reported $3.5 billion of total available assets under PMIERs, with excess available assets of $1.4 billion [16] Industry Outlook - The company anticipates a constructive industry backdrop with an expected NIW volume of over $310 billion in 2025 and a similarly attractive environment in 2026 [5][20][21] - Management noted broad resiliency in the macro environment and housing market, despite some risks such as slower hiring and high consumer debt [12] - Conversations in Washington regarding the private mortgage insurance industry's role in supporting affordability remain active and constructive [22]