Enact (US:ACT)2025-07-31 13:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted operating income of $174 million for Q2 2025, with adjusted earnings per diluted share at $1.15, down from $1.27 in the same period last year [14] - Adjusted return on equity was over 13% [6] - Insurance in force increased by 1% year over year to $270 billion, with new insurance written exceeding $13 billion [6][15] - Total net premiums earned were $245 million, flat sequentially and up modestly year over year [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New insurance written was $13 billion, up 35% sequentially but down 3% year over year, primarily due to seasonal mortgage origination trends [15] - Persistency rate was 82%, down two points sequentially and one point year over year [15] - The base premium rate was 39.8 basis points, down 0.3 basis points sequentially [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 7% of the insurance in force had mortgage rates at least 50 basis points above the average mortgage rate of 6.8% in June [8] - The risk-weighted average FICO score of the portfolio was 746, with a risk-weighted average loan-to-value ratio of 93% [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is increasing its expected capital returns for 2025 to approximately $400 million, reflecting strong performance and a commitment to shareholder value [5][22] - The company is focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet, investing in business growth, and returning excess capital to shareholders [10][22] - The company continues to engage with lending partners and regulatory bodies to adapt to any changes in the housing finance system [12][57] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the long-term health of the US housing market despite current uncertainties, including trade policy and affordability challenges [7][12] - The company noted strong demographic trends supporting first-time homebuyers, which is expected to bolster future performance [7] - Management highlighted the importance of prudent underwriting standards and effective loss mitigation efforts in maintaining strong credit performance [9][10] Other Important Information - The company reported a reserve release of $48 million, resulting in a loss ratio of 10% for the quarter [10][20] - Operating expenses were flat year over year, reflecting disciplined expense management despite inflationary pressures [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on seasoning of recent origination vintages and regional home price weakness - Management noted strong credit performance and resilience in the economy, with embedded home price appreciation supporting performance [29][30] Question: Addressable market and new insurance written trends - Management indicated that the MI market size for 2025 is expected to be similar to 2024, with mortgage rates impacting consumer affordability [39][40] Question: Delinquency outlook and housing credit changes - Management confirmed that consumer credit fundamentals remain strong, with no significant stress observed in borrowers despite regional home price declines [48][49] Question: Update on regulatory changes impacting the business - Management emphasized active engagement with regulatory bodies and strong relationships with GSEs to support well-qualified consumers [57][58]