Here are three stocks with buy rank and strong momentum characteristics for investors to consider today, February 25:Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. (ATMU) : This filter manufacturing company has a Zacks Rank #1 and witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 5% over the last 60 days.Atmus Filtration Technologies' shares gained 27.6% over the last three months compared with the S&P 500’s decline of 0.7%. The company possesses a Momentum Score of A.Swedbank AB (publ) (S ...

Investors might want to bet on Radian (RDN) , as it has been recently upgraded to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). This rating change essentially reflects an upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices.A company's changing earnings picture is at the core of the Zacks rating. The system tracks the Zacks Consensus Estimate -- the consensus measure of EPS estimates from the sell-side analysts covering the stock -- for the current and following years.Since a changin ...

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]

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 ...

Core Insights - NMI Holdings, Inc. has appointed Renu Agrawal as an independent member of its Board of Directors, increasing the board size to ten members [1][2]. Group 1: Appointment Details - Renu Agrawal's appointment is effective immediately, and she brings a proven track record of executive leadership and extensive board experience [2]. - Agrawal currently serves on the boards of First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. and Sunrise Produce, and has previously held board positions at Luther Burbank Corporation and Woodruff Sawyer [2]. - She has over a decade of experience at Wells Fargo in senior executive roles, including Chief Operating Officer & EVP of the Financial Institutions Group [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - NMI Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of National Mortgage Insurance Corporation, which provides private mortgage insurance to enable low-down-payment borrowers to achieve home ownership [3]. - The company protects lenders and investors against losses related to borrower defaults [3].

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]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company reported record net income of $388.9 million, an increase of 8% compared to 2024 [4] - Diluted EPS reached $4.92, up 11% from 2024, with a return on equity of 16.2% [4][10] - Total revenue for the quarter was a record $180.7 million, compared to $166.5 million in Q4 2024, marking a 9% increase [10][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated $14.2 billion of new insurance written (NIW) in Q4, contributing to a total of $49 billion for the year [8][10] - The primary insurance in force grew to $221.4 billion, up 5.4% year-over-year [12] - The persistency rate was 83.4% in Q4, slightly down from 83.9% in Q3 [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total MI industry NIW volume exceeded $300 billion in 2025, demonstrating strength despite elevated rates [10][11] - The company activated 90 new lenders in 2025, ending the year with over 1,700 active accounts [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue focusing on customer service, value-added engagement, and technology leadership [5][6] - There is an emphasis on maintaining a disciplined approach to risk management while growing the insured portfolio [6][10] - The company is committed to building value for shareholders and delivering strong returns while prudently distributing excess capital [6][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the macro environment and housing market, noting broad resiliency and low unemployment [29] - There are concerns about consumer debt levels and confidence, but the overall outlook remains positive [29] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities in the private MI market, with expectations for continued strength in 2026 [11][46] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $31 million of common stock in Q4, with a total of $349 million repurchased since the buyback program began in 2022 [15][16] - New reinsurance treaties were secured, extending coverage through 2028 at an estimated 4% pre-tax cost of capital [16][50] Q&A Session Summary Question: Changes in the competitive landscape and core premium yield outlook for 2026 - Management noted a balanced and constructive environment, with expectations for core yield to remain stable [21][22] Question: Regulatory concerns regarding potential FHA premium reductions - Management highlighted the private MI industry's role and expressed skepticism about the need for FHA rate adjustments given existing challenges [23][24] Question: Health of the consumer and credit trends by region - Management reported continued resiliency in the macro environment, with no notable emerging issues in default experience by geography [28][31] Question: Outlook for persistency and quarterly runoff trends - Management acknowledged a decline in persistency but expects it to remain above historical trends [33][34] Question: Implications of different portfolio vintages on credit - Management discussed the potential for normalization in credit experience as older vintages run off, with a focus on maintaining strong credit characteristics [40][41] Question: NIW market share and outlook for 2026 - Management expressed satisfaction with performance and indicated a compelling opportunity for growth in 2026, contingent on stable rates [43][46] Question: Quota share and capital management in 2026 - Management confirmed plans for continued share buybacks at a pace of approximately $25 million per quarter, depending on market conditions [50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company reported record net income of $388.9 million, an increase of 8% compared to 2024 [4][10] - Diluted EPS reached $4.92, up 11% from 2024, with a return on equity of 16.2% [4][10] - Total revenue for Q4 was a record $180.7 million, compared to $166.5 million in Q4 2024, marking a 9% increase [10][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated $14.2 billion of new insurance written (NIW) in Q4, contributing to a total of $49 billion for the year [8][10] - The primary insurance in force grew to $221.4 billion, up 5.4% year-over-year [12][14] - The persistency rate was 83.4% in Q4, slightly down from 83.9% in Q3 [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total MI industry NIW volume exceeded $300 billion in 2025, demonstrating strength despite elevated rates [10][11] - The company activated 90 new lenders in 2025, ending the year with over 1,700 active accounts [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue focusing on customer service, value-added engagement, and technology leadership [5][6] - Plans to maintain discipline and risk responsibility while growing the insured portfolio [5] - The company is committed to building value for shareholders and delivering strong mid-teens returns [5][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the macro environment and housing market resilience, with expectations for continued strength in the private MI market [10][11] - There is a recognition of the unique role the private mortgage insurance industry plays in supporting borrowers [6][11] - Management noted potential risks, including consumer debt levels and labor market strains, while remaining optimistic about future opportunities [26][28] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $31 million of common stock in Q4, with a total of $349 million repurchased since the buyback program began in 2022 [14][15] - New reinsurance treaties were secured, extending coverage through 2028 at an estimated 4% pre-tax cost of capital [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Changes in the competitive landscape and core premium yield outlook for 2026 - Management noted a balanced and constructive environment, with expectations for core yield to remain generally stable [19][21] Question: Regulatory concerns regarding potential FHA premium reductions - Management highlighted the private MI industry's role and expressed skepticism about the need for FHA rate adjustments given existing challenges [22][23] Question: Health of the consumer and credit trends by state - Management reported broad resiliency in the macro environment, with no notable emerging issues in default experience across regions [26][30] Question: Outlook for persistency and quarterly runoff trends - Management acknowledged a decline in persistency but expects it to remain above historical trends moving forward [32][34] Question: Implications of different portfolio vintages on credit - Management discussed the potential for normalization in credit experience as older vintages run off, while newer vintages may have different characteristics [37][39] Question: NIW market share outlook for 2026 - Management expressed satisfaction with performance and indicated a compelling opportunity for growth in 2026 [41][44] Question: Future of quota share and capital management - Management confirmed plans for continued share buybacks and indicated a stable expense ratio target for 2026 [47][49]

Core Insights - NMI Holdings, Inc. reported a net income of $94.2 million for Q4 2025, a slight decrease from $96.0 million in Q3 2025 but an increase from $86.2 million in Q4 2024, with diluted earnings per share at $1.20 [1][5] - For the full year 2025, net income reached $388.9 million, up from $360.1 million in 2024, indicating strong annual growth [1][5] Financial Performance - The company achieved a return on equity of 16.2% in 2025, reflecting strong operational performance and a robust balance sheet [2] - Total revenue for Q4 2025 was $180.7 million, compared to $178.7 million in Q3 2025 and $166.5 million in Q4 2024, marking a year-over-year increase of 8.1% [5][24] - Net premiums earned were $152.5 million in Q4 2025, up 6% from $143.5 million in Q4 2024 [4][24] Insurance Metrics - Primary insurance-in-force at the end of Q4 2025 was $221.4 billion, a 5% increase from $210.2 billion in Q4 2024 [3][5] - New insurance written (NIW) for Q4 2025 was $14.2 billion, representing a 19% increase year-over-year [3][36] Expense and Claims Analysis - Insurance claims and claim expenses for Q4 2025 were $21.2 million, a 23% increase from $17.3 million in Q4 2024, resulting in a loss ratio of 13.9% [4][5] - Underwriting and operating expenses were $31.1 million, consistent with Q4 2024, leading to an expense ratio of 20.4% [5][6] Shareholder Value - Book value per share, excluding net unrealized gains and losses, increased to $34.58, up 16% from $29.80 in Q4 2024 [5][6] - Shareholders' equity at the end of Q4 2025 was $2.6 billion, reflecting a strong capital position [5][27]